Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 18

Valentine's Day Giveaway - It Takes Courage To Make It !

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.


In honor of NATIONAL MARRIAGE Week  (Feb. 7th -14th)  I'm hosting a giveaway featuring a copy of the new movie COURAGEOUS along with a few other goodies!

Here's what you have to do for a chance to win this Valentine's Day Giveaway package:   


Simply answer one of the questions at the end of this devotional on 'Courage', and I'll choose a Winner on February 9th and announce it on this Blog.  Don't forget to write your answer in the "Post a Comment" box (below) and check back for the winner.  I'll be mailing out the gift package right away!

   The gift package will include the movie COURAGEOUS on DVD, microwave popcorn, a few Valentine goodies , and a copy of my paperback book MISSION POSSIBLE. 




"Courage" is showcased in the Bible 

In Joshua Chapter 1 God told Joshua to be courageous before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land.  He commanded him to exhibit courage three separate times. Gideon was also extolled to be courageous in the book of Judges, as was Zerubbabel in the book of Haggai. 

There are also several women in the Bible who were courageous . Three of my favorite examples are Sarah, Moses' mother, and Eunice.  

In Genesis 12 we find Sarai (Sarah) following Abram to Egypt during a time of famine in Canaan.  He convinced her to tell the Egyptians that she was his sister, and not his wife, for fear of losing his life. It took great courage for her to agree to the plan, one in which God Himself intervened.  

Exodus Chapter 2 gives us the story of Moses' mother, who going against orders from the King of Egypt, hid her young son in the bulrushes and trusted God to protect him from harm.  Her courage and obedience led the way for Moses to become the leader of his people, and an instrument of God against Pharaoh.

II Timothy Chapter 1:5 tells us that the Apostle Paul reminded young Timothy of his family heritage, including the fact that his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were instrumental in his spiritual upbringing.  I conclude that Eunice was courageous in her instruction and example of raising her son as a Jewish believer, while it is widely accepted that Timothy's father was a Greek.

The movie COURAGEOUS is a wonderful story of redemption, renewal and re-commitment to family values and leadership within the home. It's a "feel good" flick for men and women alike. Living in a spiritually mismatched marriage presents its own set of challenges and hurdles to overcome.  This film will minister to both sexes as it helps to define biblical roles within the family unit - especially as it pertains to fathers and husbands.  

Our society has diminished a man's role in his family by often portraying them in a negative light in movies, TV, and commercials.  Hollywood stereotypes and role models have left many longing for the "days of old" when it comes to men and their true worth.  The movie COURAGEOUS  brings a sense of hope and encouragement to families that have struggled with life's twists and turns, and gives men a godly example to emulate.

On of my favorite Bible verses regarding courage is this:  "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!"  (Psalm 27:13-14)

 
Question:
We know it takes COURAGE to live in a spiritually uneven marriage.   

What would you say has been the most courageous thing you have done in your 
marriage with regards to your unsaved spouse?     

                                                                   or

 How does the Lord give you the courage to stay committed to your spouse in your unequally-yoked marriage?

Don't forget to leave your answer in the "Post a Comment" box (below) for a chance to win the Valentine's Day Giveaway package.









Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit
http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Welcome Guest Blogger and Author Amanda Beth

Amanda is a wife of 15 years,  mother of 4 children (ages 2 to 10), and the author of   YOU CAN HAVE A HAPPY FAMILY - Steps to Enjoying Your Marriage and Children.
Amanda is sharing a blog post with us today titled - 
FleeFrom Adultery
Myhusband is a straight forward, tell you like it is, man. I've always admiredthat about him. There is no sugar coating with him. If you are doing somethingwrong, he'll tell you.
Recently, my husband's co-worker, who is married, showed my husband an explicitemail he received from his ex-girlfriend. His co-worker proudly showed it off,implying: "Isn't that cool?"

Of course, my husband didn't hold back his opinion. "Are you crazy?" my husband yelled, while reminding him abouthis wife and children.

A few days later, my husband overheard his co-worker whispering on the phone athis desk. My husband knew he was talking to that woman. So he started sendinghim warning messages that popped up on his computer.

"Run!" he wrote. "Flee from it!" he warned. "Don't throw away your family" hereminded him. My husband then wrote a message illustrating this man's family asthe light and the girl as the darkness, while admonishing him to choose thelight.

After the man got off the phone, he came up to my husband and thanked him, withgratitude, for snapping him back to reality. This man is a non-believer, but hesurprisingly acknowledged Jesus in my husband for showing him the light.

Later that evening, my husband received a call from his co-worker's wife.Though she wasn't too happy with her husband, she was thankful my husbandstopped him. She was grateful my husband didn't sit back and silently watch herhusband as he was led astray by the seductive words of his ex-girlfriend.

"With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smoothtalk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like adeer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird dartinginto a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life."  —Proverbs7:21-23
I am so proud of my husband for not keeping silent. I praise him for using godlywisdom and fighting for that family.

"Brothers,if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore himgently."  —Galatians 6:1

Ifyou are "flirting" around with temptation today, flee from it! Runand don't look back! The more this man "flirted" with the temptation,the more it blinded him from reality. If God hadn't used my husband to be thevoice of reason, I'm sure he would have fallen into the deadly trap that wouldhave cost him his family.

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins man commits are outsidethe body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."  —1Corinthians 6:18

Here is an excerpt   from her book "You Can Have A Happy Family" - Chapter Three  (The Real Enemy – Out to Destroy YourFamily)
We're not perfect. God will always make a way outwhen we fall. There may be consequences for what we've done, but God is able towork them out for the good of our families if we turn to Him. Psalm 103:10 saysthat God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to ouriniquities.
God can take the consequences that come from thewrong choices we make and use those to teach us. When we allow God to teach usthrough our consequences, we learn and grow from our mistakes. God uses theconsequences to open our eyes and lead us to where we need to be. Like I saidearlier, in my marriage, God used my consequences to open my eyes to see I wassearching in the wrong direction. It was not where I wanted to go. 

I praise God He was imploring me to turn to Himinstead of abandoning me in my mess. I know I deserved more consequences than Ireceived. I praise God I didn't turn away from His warnings because I know Iwould be in a heap of a mess today. Instead, I am set free from sin and have atransformed family. 

Amanda Beth is the author of You Can Have a Happy Family – Steps toEnjoying Your Marriage and Children (available at: Amazon & Barnes & Noble ). Shehas experienced a transformation in her life and marriage since she surrenderedher heart to Christ ten years ago. She now passionately desires to help otherindividuals and families find healing in Christ. Her teachings on marriage andspiritual growth can be found on her website (amandabeth.net) and her blog (sharingtruths.com).







Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visithttp://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Guest Author Kitty Morse and her book "A Biblical Feast"

Please join me in welcoming author Kitty Morse for a mouth-watering peek at her new cookbook A Biblical Feast.

My review:
A BiblicalFeast: Ancient Mediterranean Flavors for Today's Table, by Kitty Morse, is a delightful and mouth-wateringexperience for the soul; a banquet for the follower of Jesus Christ.  Kitty's unique experiences and family historybring a new twist to ancient culinary delights. Her book is full of breathtaking photos and taste tantalizing recipesfor today's kitchens.  She fascinates herreaders with Biblical history and Scriptures applicable to each food group anddish, as she presents the "how to" for the preparer. This is a cookbook that Iwill delight in using often and referring to others.  I highly recommend A Biblical Feast as acooking companion you'll utilize over and over again.
Here is Kitty's Bio ~
Kitty Morse was born in Casablancaof a French mother and British father, and emigrated to the United States in1964.  She is the author of ninecookbooks, five of them on the cuisine of Morocco and North Africa, including Cookingat the Kasbah: Recipes from my Moroccan Kitchen (Chronicle Books), and The Scent of Orange Blossoms. She is the author/publisher of the second editionof A Biblical Feast: Ancient Mediterranean Flavors for Today's Table. Her forthcoming book is titled Mint Teaand Minarets: Chronicles from the Kasbah. 
Kitty's career as a food writer,cooking teacher, and lecturer, spans more than twenty-five years. Her articleshave appeared in a number of national publications. She has lectured on NorthAfrican cuisine and culture at The Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., the Chicago Departmentof Cultural Affairs, and for TheCulinary Historians of Southern California.One of the highlights of her career was cooking alongside Julia Child tobenefit the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). She hasappeared on the Food TV Network, CNN, the Discovery Channel, as well as onBritish, Mexican, and Moroccan television. From 1983 to 2007, she organized andled an annual culinary tour to Morocco that included cooking demonstrations inher family home south of Casablanca.  
What inspired you to write your book?
Listeningto an Easter sermon during a church service held at the Anglican church inCasablanca, and realizing that the manner in which Jesus and His disciples ateresembled the dining style of the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. Later, while perusing cookbooks in a second hand store, I cameacross one purporting to give recipes from biblical times. Many recipesincluded ingredients early Christians had no access to, such as tomatoes,potatoes, citrus, or peppers, all New World ingredients. That's when theinspiration hit me: why not write recipes based SOLELY on the 84 foodstuffsmentioned in the Old and New Testaments.
Inresearching the book, I consulted with experts in biblical foods in the US andabroad. I was able to reproduce Ezekiel's Bread, strictly from the ingredientsmentioned in Ezekiel 4:9. 

Whatkinds of reactions has the book generated thus far?

Verypositive. Indeed, this is a second edition. The first, published by Ten SpeedPress, sold 15,000 copies. Book clubs and Bible study groups often use it toprepare a biblical meal. 
What'sthe main message that you'd like readers to take away from it?Returningto a simpler lifestyle, and to a diet based upon seasonal ingredients availablelocally, is the most spiritually satisfying.  What'snext for you?
I am atpresent putting the finishing touches on my 10tth book, Mint Tea andMinarets, a memoir of Morocco with recipes  
Anyfinal thoughts you'd like to share?
This lovely verse:Be not forgetful to entertainstrangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.Hebrews 13:2
How canour readers learn more about you and contact you directly?
Pleasepost a message on my website, http://www.Kittymorse.com .  I answer mymessages and I love to get feedback. 
You can also visit   A Biblical Feast   or purchase here on   Amazon

** This is a wonderful book for a gift or for your own kitchen's cookbook collection!  I bought two copies for Christmas gifts and I have my copy displayed prominently on my kitchen counter!







Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Get Me Off Of This Hamster Wheel - Please!

Are you frazzled?   Did the start of the New Year bring anxietyor dread?   Are you over-committed? Do youfeel like you're running faster and faster to just keep up with everything?      Well – you're notalone! 
This year in particularI'm feeling a sense that God wants me to re-evaluate my day-to-day schedule andgeneral life purpose.  In preparation forthis – I'm asking Him to validate and confirm His plans for me in the weeks andmonths ahead through His Word, His people, and His Spirit.  There are even some private family matters thatare stealing some of my time, energy and emotional stamina.  All themore reason for me to press into God, and seek the mind of Christ in thismatter.
I am putting thesethoughts on paper (as well as in this post) for a reason:  Writing things down brings a level ofcommitment that in turn helps us meet our goals.  It's an accountability method that God usedwith the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk. The Lord told him to, "Write thevision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it"  (Hab.2:2).  Habakkuk needed to deliberatelycast the vision before the people as a catalyst for their obedience.  God assured him that though the vision may be delayedfar into the future, God would surely bring it to pass.  God's timing is not our timing.  His ways are not our ways.  If your plans are God-inspired, God ordained,and God led, they will come to fruition.
These are the four areasHe is clearly speaking to me:
Prepare        Plan       Prioritize        Pursue
PREPAREThis step involves quietness before the Lord. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, andknow that I am God".  Prayer andspending time in God's Word helps our Spirit prepare for what He has to say to us regarding ourindividual lives and service to Him.  However,beware of choosing your own destiny. Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heartplans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."  God's inspiration is often the medium used tobind the project spiritually to Him.  HisSpirit bears witness with your Spirit as you begin to walk in His willconcerning your endeavors.
 PLANThis is a two-step process:  1. Count the cost   2. Give your agenda to God Counting the cost ishelpful in determining your supply line and tools necessary to complete theventure.  Jesus said in Luke 14:28-30, "…for which of you, intending to build atower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough tofinish it – lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finishit, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and wasnot able to finish."  Of course, Hewas talking about what it would take to become one of His disciples – but theprinciple still applies to your level of follow-through and commitment.
Jesus will be the ultimate"supply line" and He will gift you for what He calls you to do. You may need toevaluate the time required, family obligations, health concerns, or othervariables in order to say "yes" at this time in your life.
Giving your agenda to God involves believing in the trustworthiness of His Sovereignty, and in knowing that He is thearchitect and builder of your blueprints. Psalm 33:10 says, "He [The Lord]makes the plans of the people of no effect."  In other words, when God interrupts ourwell-ordered and designed map for our life, we need to recognize and welcome itas an opportunity – not a hindrance. God's route to the finish line will most likely not be what youhad in mind.  
PRIORITIZEThis is ultimately the most effective way tobring about your plans in a smooth and stress-free manner.  As Christians, God gives us spiritual purposeand direction.  His love "compels us" to live for Him and serveHim in a way that bring Him glory. 
How do we effectivelyprioritize all that we have to do? How do we determine in what order we should pursue ourobligations and dreams?  Much of learninghow to prioritize is learning to focus on the necessary tasks.  There are many things competing for yourattention and time. Learning to listen to theLord's voice and the prompt of His Spirit is imperative to setting up yourpriorities. Not every good thing is a God thing.
Remember - when we submitto and honor our spouses, parents, employers and church leaders – we are doingit unto the Lord Himself.  We need to usewisdom and spiritual sensitivity as we arrange our schedules and assignments.  It's okay to not say "Yes" to every invitation andministry opportunity. Will you make the right decision every time?  No! Just remember, "…all things worktogether for good to those who love God, to those who are the called accordingto His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
PURSUEThis step involves the volition of thewill.  We need to "go after" our dream,project or ministry with a genuine determination to lift Christ up and stay inthe background as John the Baptist did. He boldly proclaimed, "He mustincrease, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). 
The Apostle Paul told thechurch at Colosse, "And whatever you do,do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23).  Bless the Lord by pursuing your duties andprojects with an attitude of gratitude – not a sour disposition.  Do your personal best and rely on Hisstrength, grace and gifting to provide the desired results.  God wants your availability – not yourability. 
To sum it all up – thisyear is my year for action.  Not to runout and get ahead of God – but to fall in line behind Him – walking in His footsteps as we journey forward inlife together I'mgetting rather dizzy on that hamster wheel - and not getting anywhere either…






Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com
 

Great Resources for Marital Help

Since this is the start of a new year, I wanted to highlight some great reading material for marriages.   Whether you're in a Christian marriage or in a spiritually unequal marriage, these books have some great insight and wisdom from God's perspective.


For Women Only
This book was originally released in 2004.  Shaunti Feldhahn wrote  For Women Only, which became a best seller and conversation starter in many households. Then in 2006 she and Wanda King, under the guidance of LifeWay Christian Resources, developed the Bible Study For Women Only as a life-changing tool.

This is a statement from the author herself -  "Ladies, I know we're at different places as we start our journey together. Some of you are in great relationships, others in very difficult ones, and still others in no particular romantic relationship right now. Some women may find these revelations fun, fascinating, or convicting; while others of you may find them very hard to hear and even harder to accept."

I thoroughly enjoyed doing this study at our church and found it to be eye-opening and convicting.  I highly recommend it!  You can find it on Amazon and other online retailers.



Winning Him Without Words
Next on my list is a new book released in 2011 from my friends Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller.  Winning Him Without Words is a unique and God inspired book for women living in a spiritually unequal marriage. They are both married to unbelieving husbands, and their desire is for you to thrive, not just survive in your marriage.  It is based on the Bible passage in I Peter 3.

This is from the Introduction in their book - "Each of the 10 chapters provides a key principle to thriving in your spiritually mismatched marriage. Near the end of each chapter, we have included discovery questions designed to help move you closer to Christ and discover practical steps to grow in your marriage. We know it won't be easy to look deeply into places that have lived in darkness for perhaps years, but the promise of freedom awaits."

I am still making my way through this incredible book. All I can say is, "Wow!"  I certainly recommend reading this one!  You can purchase it on  Amazon and many Christian retailers.



How to be the Happy Wife of an Unsaved Husband
This little book was one of the first ones I read when I gave my life to Jesus back in 1989.  At that time, there were few books that addressed living in a spiritually mismatched marriage.  Linda Davis wrote  How to be the Happy Wife of an Unsaved Husband in response to a definite prompting - a divine burden (as she puts it).

The Christian wife of an unsaved husband has a special ministry that no one else can fulfill. Linda Davis explains how to minister to your husband while living a rewarding life both spiritually and personally. Drawing from personal experience and biblical wisdom, she describes how you can be happy in spite of your circumstances.
This book gave me great insight into God's perspective on marriage, and how the wife in an unequally-yoked marriage can model Christ to her husband in the midst of their struggles.  This is a classic and one you might want to read for yourself.   You can purchase it on  Amazon here.


Mission Possible - Spiritual Covering
Last, but not least, is my book  Mission Possible -Spiritual Covering was written nearly 10 years prior to its publication in 2009.  The book was a labor of love for me and great care was taken in expressing the heart of God in its message to women who love Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  I have added Bible study questions and self-reflection questions at the end of each chapter for personal benefit and growth.

Here is an excerpt from Mission Possible - Chapter 4  Painful Reality

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). How confident I was that soon "all would be well with my house."  Little did I know that years would go by with little change. My husband was a good moral man: he loved his family and was deeply devoted; he loved and cared for his parents; he loved and respected his in-laws; he was a hard worker, responsible, didn't drink, smoke or chase women.  "What a great Christian he'll make", I thought..."

You can purchase it from my website at Spiritually Uneven Marriage or on Amazon .


What are some of your favorite books on marriage or living in a spiritually mismatched marriage?   Please share with me your comments and recommendations!

New Year's Resolutions for a Happy Anniversary!

It's a brand new year and the start of a new decade inour marriage.  We are celebrating our 30thwedding anniversary today – January 2nd, 2012.    
I must preface it by saying this is my 2ndmarriage.  I got married right out of high school and was divorced 4yrs. later.  I remarried at the age of 26, and 7 years into our marriage I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
As I look back over our marital journey, I recognize theups and downs, the good, bad and ugly, and the day to day struggles that formthe bond of commitment we still share today. I pledged to the Lord that this year I would write out a list of "30Things I Love Most About My Husband" and include it in his anniversarycard.  That's one good character trait orquality for every year of marriage!
When I met the Lord Jesus personally, it changed my lifeforever.  Since that time I have grown inmy faith and have learned that my personal happiness is rooted and grounded in thelove of Christ.  I've come to realize thatmy husband cannot meet all of my needs and expectations.  Only Jesus Christ can bring true joy andcontentment in life.  I choose not todwell on the negative – but rather focus on the positive.
I Peter 3:1-4 says, "Likewise you wives, be submissive toyour own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without aword, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaseconduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your beauty be that outward adorning ofarranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let itbe the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentleand quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."
Now for the good stuff! I hereby celebrate my husband of thirty years with this list of the         "30Things I Love Most About My Husband" FunnyRomanticGenerous            CarefulSacrificialOrganizedMindfulHard-workingDescentHonestWisePunctualDevotedConsiderateDependableLovingCourageousDiligentSteadyGivingHelpfulTrustworthyOptimisticTidy HumbleCompassionateHonorableWiseDeterminedIntelligent  This was a photo of us while on a cruise last year in Europe - a once in a lifetime memory!









Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Happy New Year! A Fresh Start...

The New Year is almost here!  A chance to START OVER and begin anew!
The Apostle Paulstates in Philippians verse 13-14, "but one thing Ido, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to thosethings which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upwardcall of God in Christ Jesus." 

In order to move forward - we must remain unencumbered. No baggage allowed!   

Satan will do his best to remind us of the past, but we need to remind him of his future!
Here are a few Bible verses that can encourage us as we prepare to forge ahead in 2012:
Isaiah43:18-19 says, "Do not remember theformer things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth;shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers inthe desert."  
Romans 8:1 declares, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, go give you a future and a hope."
Psalm 25:4-5 says, "Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day." Isaiah 54:17 states, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord."



FrancesRidley Havergal wrote the hymn AnotherYear Is Dawning in 1860 as a celebration of New Year's Eve and lookingforward in faith to God's blessings.  Enjoy!

Another Year Is Dawning

Another year isdawning: Dear Father,let it be,In working orin waiting, Another yearwith Thee;Another year ofprogress, Another year ofpraise,Another year ofproving Thy presence allthe days.
Another year ofmercies, Of faithfulnessand grace;Another year ofgladness, In the shiningof Thy face;Another year ofleaning, Upon Thy lovingbreast;Another year oftrusting, Of quiet, happyrest.
Another year ofservice, Of witness for Thylove;Another year oftraining, For holier workabove.Another year isdawning: Dear Father,let it be,On earth orelse in heaven, Another yearfor Thee.








Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Extreme Makeover - Earthly Edition

I'm sure most of you have seen the ABC hit "Extreme Makeover - Home Edition" on Sunday nights at one time or another.  An eligible contestant is chosen based upon their inspiring story and financial inability to fix-up or remodel their own home. Often it is someone in the community that has a public outreach, NGO, or ministry. 

Many times the structure is completely demolished and then rebuilt from the ground up.  A local builder and hundreds of volunteers help make the dream come true for the deserving family.  Companies donate materials, appliances, furniture and decor items for the entire house, often including specially designed upgrades. 

The exciting part is when Ty yells out to the waiting crowd, "Move that bus!"  Then the family and all of the onlookers get to see the "new house" for the first time. What a sight to behold!

There's something even more incredible, and that's an Extreme Makeover - Earthly Edition! When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior - you become a "new" dwelling place for God's Spirit.  The Apostle Paul says in II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

Demolition can be painful and messy - but it ultimately gives way to bigger and better! 

We're not just talking about a remodeling job here - we're talking NEW from the inside-out!  You now have a new foundation - and Jesus Christ Himself is the Chief Cornerstone.  Your spirit man is made incorruptible - no longer subject to decay and ruin (I Corinthians 15:53). Your mind is renewed (Romans 12:2) and you exhibit new behaviors (Galatians 5:22).  You begin to see life differently...

Although construction often interrupts day to day activity, DO allow Jesus to continue His work in you!  The prophet Isaiah tells us, "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" (Isaiah 43:19).  God has an Extreme agenda for us that includes an "out of the box" experience. We must embrace our rebirth and walk in the newness of life!

On the show, watching that huge bus move is exhilarating - but even more so, is seeing the NEW you!   Paul declares, "we have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..." (Colossians 3:10).

The New Year is quickly approaching!  Make sure you're a NEW Extreme Edition, and not the old dilapidated one. Your spouse is observing the ongoing mess and construction.  Be sure to remind them you're a "WORK IN PROGRESS"...









Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com  

Christmas is for the kids (at heart)

Do you hear what I hear?
This whimsical portrait of the night the Savior was born is precious! Maybe it's because I love baby animals - baby anything! 

What is especially endearing is the Babe in the manger - the little Lord Jesus - asleep in the hay.  Were there really that many onlookers at the Babe's birth?

One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Do You Hear What I Hear?"  Enjoy the lovely voice of Carrie Underwood as she sings...







If you have little ones at home - children or grandchildren - read this darling song together, making sure to use different voices for the animals. 

The Friendly Beasts
Jesus our brother, strong and good,Was humbly born in a stable rude;And the friendly beasts around Him stood,Jesus our brother, strong and good.
"I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown,"I carried His mother up hill and down;I carried her safely to Bethlehem town,I," said the donkey, shaggy and brown.
"I," said the cow, all white and red,"I gave Him my manger for His bed;I gave Him my hay to pillow His head,I," said the cow, all white and red.
"I," said the sheep with the curly horn,"I gave Him my wool for His blanket warm.He wore my coat on Christmas morn,I," said the sheep with the curly horn.
"I," said the dove from rafters high,"I cooed Him to sleep so He would not cry,We cooed Him to sleep, my mate and I;I," said the dove from rafters high.
And every beast, by some good spell,In the stable dark was glad to tell,Of the gift He gave Emmanuel,The gift He gave Emmanuel.
[Traditional children's Christmas carol dating from the twelfth century.]

Merry Christmas to all...







Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Christmas – What Gift Do You Bring Him?

If you are in aspiritually uneven marriage, the holiday season can be stressful anduncertain. 

However, thePrince of Peace wants you to focus on Him.  Jesus desires yourlove, devotion and obedience.  But we also have to recognize His Deity, asdid the wise men of old.  The customary Christmasstory in Matthew chapter 2 is set in the hill country of Judea, about fivemiles southwest of Jerusalem in the area surrounding the town ofBethlehem.   
Micah 5:2 refers to Bethlehemas "…little among the thousands of Judah,Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be ruler in Israel, Whosegoings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."

Matthew 2:1-2 recordsdetails of the magi's visit from the East to pay homage to the newborn King asfollows:  Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod theking, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is Hewho has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East andhave come to worship Him."
Traditionally we celebratethe magi's worship of our Lord – otherwise known as Epiphany – in January, but I wanted to highlight it during thisseason of giving.  The three giftsoffered represent Jesus Christ as our King, Priest and Prophet.  Scripture references are Daniel9:24-27, Deuteronomy 18:15, and Psalm 110:4.  
Some church historians,particularly in the West, have named the three magi in Scripture as: Melchior,a king of Arabia who most likely was the oldest of the kings; Balthasar, a kingfrom Saba (present day Yemen); and Caspar, a king from Tarsus (present daysouthern Turkey).
Their unusual and highlyvalued presents were Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  Gold was a giftbefitting a king. In the book of Exodus, the tabernacle in which God Himselfdwelt housed various items which were either crafted from solid gold oroverlaid in gold.  Gold itself is symbolicof royalty and wealth, and is representative of heaven's grandeur on thestreets of gold mentioned in the bookof Revelation. 
Frankincense was a chiefingredient in the incense which was to be burned continually in thetabernacle.  In the book of Revelationthe prayers of the saints are rising to God's throne as burning incense. 

Myrrh was a chief ingredientin the anointing oil used in ceremonial rituals to dedicate kings and prophetsto the Lord's service. It was also used in the burial process along with otherherbs and spices to preserve the body as mentioned in John 19:39.

Matthew 2:11 states, "And when they (magi) had come into thehouse, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down andworshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented giftsto Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh."
You say, "What can I bringJesus?"  I'm not royalty… I've nottraveled thousands of miles to see Him… I don't have an extravagant gift tohand Him.  Ah – but you do. His desire isto have your heart this Christmas season…
We often sing the more popularstanzas in Christmas hymns and omit the others. Read the entire hymn below to get a deeper glimpse into the wonderfulsentiments of the author.

We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are; Bearing gifts we traverse afar,Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
O star ofwonder, star of night, Star withroyal beauty bright,Westwardleading, still proceeding, Guide us tothy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,King forever, ceasing never,  Over us all to reign.
Frankincense to offer have I; Incense owns a Deity nigh;Prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.
Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume, Breathes a life of gathering gloom:Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice;Alleluia, Alleluia!  Sounds through the earth and skies.
~ John Henry Hopkins, Jr.  (1820-1891)







 Deborah is theauthor of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the LordJesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader toembrace God's promises for their spouse and future together. Visit Spiritually Uneven Marriage