Closing down Xanga

I will be updating through facebook, and will be closing down this xanga site within the next few weeks.  Look me up on facebook! www.facebook.com

                                                              HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!!!

Today is Jon Neiger’s  25^th Birthday!! J  (if you click on his name...you can wish him a "Happy Birthday!")

Jon has been an incredible blessing to me, I couldn’t have asked for a better 25 year old brother!

His love for God and His people is outstanding, and Jon is totally devoted to serving the Lord.

I have been challenged by his life to continue on the "straight and narrow" and I’m so grateful God has given him to our family.

Love you lots Jon!! J

A few thoughts

Yesterday at church, these things were said during Sunday School, and have been running around in my head ever since.

"Everytime we open our mouths we are loving somebody, whether it's ourselves, others or God."
Wow did that hit home or what??  What in interesting thought - am I loving others and God like I ought to, or am I loving myself?

"If you truly love God, you will get up as early as necessary to meet Him and spend time with Him."
This is one thing the Lord has really impressed on me especially as my schedule gets busier, and yes, I truly love God - and will do whatever it takes to be with Him daily.

"A good thing is a bad thing if it's not the best thing."
The Lord has reminded me of this concept several times throughout the past 8 years...just never heard it said quite like that before.

Journey to the Heart

Hello Everyone!

Yes, I'm still alive (thankfully-don't wanna break "rule #1")!  I've had a busy month and a half, but now I'm home again with my family!!

I returned from a Journey to the Heart retreat at the Northwoods on this past Monday.  It was 10 days of incredible refreshment, encouragement, and challenge in the Lord, at the Northwoods Conference Center in Watersmeet, Michigan.  God taught me so much - and refilled my cup while I was there.  I had a busy month (see my previous posts), and really needed time alone with the Lord!  Usually after long trips, I go home exhausted and spiritually drained, but this time, I'm somewhat physically tired, but spiritually ready to go!!  God is so good.

As I said in a letter I sent out to some prayer warriors who faithfully prayed for me and the team while we were gone - with every mountain top, there is a valley.  I feel like the Lord has prepared me for the upcoming valley through this time of seeking Him alone.  Not only has He prepared me, but He promises to walk through it with me!

Overall - it was the BEST week of my life.

I have some pictures from our time up there:

Umm...this one's kinda embarrassing   I was actually starting to slip on the snow/ice or whatever that stuff is called.

This is my GREAT friend (adopted little sister) Erika!  She is one incredible girl that's going to do GREAT things for the Lord!!

This is one of the many beautiful sunsets the Lord painted for us!  (the snow out there is iced over lake)

These are two sweet ladies who were on our team - Heidi and Michelle! 

This is during one of our study times - here is my friend Lauren - what a tender heart she has for the Lord!

This is the last one - this is me and Erika in our Northwoods sweatshirts - they are our favorite!  You should buy one if you go to the NW! (ok done with the commercial)

I wish I had pictures of the whole group - if I get them I will post them later. 

God is good!  Keep trusting Him - it's so worth it!

~Heather

What have I been up to?

 Ok, after some encouragement from a great sister of mine ... who I really miss (I miss them all) - I decided I would post a little bit of what I'm up to, and maybe my most recent "Consultants Corner."

Since I've been away from home, I've had lots of time in the books, but also lots of time with the Lord.  He has been so good to me.

I've been to HQ, Indy, Missouri, and now back at HQ getting ready to head up to Michigan.  Yes, life is exciting here...but I'm enjoying it (aside from missing my people at home).  Next week I'll be going to the Northwoods for Journey to the Heart...I'm really looking forward to getting alone with the Lord some more.

Here are some pictures I took while in Missouri...my trip was a little longer than planned, but it worked out OK - thankfully my FC office is portable!

Above is me and one of my good friends Erika - at a basketball game.  She's one incredible girl!!

This is me and "Carly friend" as I call her - she is such a sweety!!  I miss her too - she has so much enthusiasm and energy!

This is me and my girls at the Mississippi River...it was cold - but we had a great time!   Their mom was such an encouragement to me - she is so down to earth!  They have a great family!

Ok now for my Consultants Corner - this is what the Lord's doing in my life lately...

This month has been a time busy with travel, but also a time of drawing close to the Savior.  God brought some disappointments my way, but also some incredible blessings.

As I talked to the Lord recently, I was comforted by the fact that He wants the very best for me; so whatever happens in my life as I walk in His will, is from His hand.  He, the great Shepherd, is the lover of my soul, my shield, protector, my fortress and hiding place; but most importantly, He is my closest friend.

A friend of mine pointed out a verse to me just today. “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things” Psalm 72:18. How true that is!  Everything He does is wondrous, whether it’s something we want or not, or if it goes along with our plans hopes and dreams—or not.  He only does wondrous things and He wants the best for us, far more than we do!  What a peace He offers as we lay aside our will, and ask for His alone.

May you find rest in knowing that, whatever comes your way, God’s loving hand is there to guide you.  He is in control of everything!

Blessings!

~Me