'Hearts at Home'

March 13 & 14, 2009 was the Hearts at Home National Conference in Normal, IL. The theme this year was, "Real Moms, Real Lives, Real Stories." Keynote Speakers were Jill Savage, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts at Home and Dr. Kevin Leman, internationally known psychologist, author and speaker.

It was a joy to serve as a conference volunteer both days and be a 'fly on the wall' and observe so many aspects of why Hearts at Home is such an encouragement to moms nationwide and internationally.

Hearts at Home is an organization that is committed to "Encouraging Moms in Every State of Motherhood". It is a Christ-centered organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood by offering events such as the National Conference and offering resources to encourage moms all year long like eNews letter, Website, Books, and HeartBeat radio spots.

What started out as a small group of moms gathering in Jill's living room grew to a large, church sponsored mom's group, which dared to dream about the concept of encouraging more moms through a conference with speakers and workshops. The dream was ordained and blessed by God, and has since grown to what happens today, all year long.

My first exposure to Hearts At Home was when Steve & Greg were in grade school. I was absolutely overwhelmed by my first conference, as I sat in the ISU Braden Auditorium (pictured above) with over 2,000 other moms. I realized that no matter what age you were, what age your children were, what 'social strata' you were part of, or what church on the corner you attended (if you attended)...a mom is really a mom. We all have common joys, frustrations, concerns, and goals. Most of all, to see in a new way what a gift motherhood really is, and to worship together with thousands of women the true Giver of Life was the ultimate highlight for me. I left my first conference forever changed. I also left my first conference determined that as much as I might have needed encouragement, there will always be other moms that need encouragement. Since then I have served on the staff of Hearts at Home full time, and now just during conferences...since working full time at our church office. I am also a Hearts At Home Ambassador and Prayer & Promote Partner. My passion to see the work of Hearts at Home advance is as strong as ever...so that drives my efforts each year to work behind the scenes so moms can be encouraged. The 'payback' is the knowledge that as women leave the conferences, lives are changed and perspectives have been enlarged for the good.

This year's conference did not disappoint! The Keynote talks by both Jill and Dr. Leman were warmly and enthusiastically received by the women. The many workshops were also well attended and blessed the attendees as they learned more about parenting, marriage, spiritual growth, and family management. They allow moms to spend time hearing from talented speakers and presenters about the issues that matter most to them at this stage of their life.

Hearts At Home ultimately points each and every attendee to each one's need for a Savior - Jesus Christ. Motherhood drives moms to their knees...and Jesus is faithful to provide wisdom, strength, endurance, patience and love in all those experiences of mothering. I praise God for the Hearts at Home organization, and my connection with it.

Invest in a mother...Influence a family...Improve a community...Impact the world!

Birthdays

Today is Steve’s 24th Birthday! We hope to make a special evening of it for him by taking him to one of his favorite restaurants, Dos Reales in Champaign. Randy and Steve visit it often, so it should be fun to have the wait staff sing Happy Birthday…or whatever they sing in Spanish…to him tonight. Maybe he’ll even get a big sombrero placed on his head, too!

We celebrate Steve’s birthday in a bittersweet way. Of course today would have been Greg’s 24th birthday as well. Each year, especially today, my mind dares to think about things above all human understanding. I think specifically about eternity and if time is marked in heaven as it is here on earth. Is Greg aware that his twin brother is 24? Is Greg forever 17? Is Greg actually at a ‘perfect age’ to someday go with his ‘perfect body’?

The promise of heaven and eternal life is a comfort like none other. But the mysteries of those things are equally vast in their scope. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

I am thankful that ultimately God remains in control for the very reason that He is GOD. There is a strange comfort that comes knowing that I do not have to understand…nor am I even expected to understand these things. It is mine to trust alone in God alone.

However, if time is marked in heaven, and if we can prepare a celebratory meal and cake in heaven, I look forward to again hosting a Birthday party for both my sons again…no matter what age they will be.

I Hear 'Voices'

Above is the introduction to the MMA presentation, VOICES. Randy & Steve were scheduled to present at the Chicago area LEAD conference this past weekend. However, the best laid plans are subject to change. Steve took 'sick' on the way up to Chicago, so he ended up enduring the flu in a hotel room while Randy & I set up and presented the show to over 700 Middle and High School students Saturday evening. I sat in the front row and shot this video with my camera.

As you can hear from the opening segment, the kids had a great time watching the presentation. At the end, Randy briefly told them 'why' we would give up a weekend evening to travel and work hard (set up/tear down) to present to them. Randy talked about how the presentation, especially the safe driving segments, are personal to us because of Greg's death and Steve's continuing struggle with brain injury due to their crash. The room went silent. He encourged them to step up, make wise choices in all areas of their lives and to lead by example. Brief message but a powerful VOICE of experience and wisdom for their young hearts and minds.

We all have VOICES talking to us even as adults, each day. Family, friends, co-workers, speak words of direction, encouragement or challenge into our hearts and minds. And likewise, we too, are among the voices they hear back. So, daily we have a choice on many levels: Who to really listen to and who to encourage with our voice.

The ultimate VOICE we have the choice to listen to and follow is God's.

" You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him." Deuteronomy 13:4

We hope and pray that the presentations that Randy & Steve show at schools and conferences to young people will cause them to consider the impact their VOICE and the VOICES of those around them can ultimately have in the direction of their lives. And, we hope that they will seek out God's Awesome VOICE to provide life to them.