I stepped out of the shower into an inch of water on the bathroom floor. I made a water-wake, as I sloshed my way to the plugged sink where the water was gently cascading onto the floor. I quickly unplugged the sink and all the electrical cords.  The drawer under the sink was full of water with toothbrush, dental floss, and other hygiene items floating about.

I had turned the water on hot and plugged the sink to warm up my nasal rinse. (I know, too much information!) I then turned on the shower, forgetting about the running water in the sink, thus the flood that ensued while I obviously showered for 15 minutes or so.

Under the sink, items were soaked through with labels rippling on bathroom cleaner bottles, ace bandages soaked, travel kits drenched, and the like. This, of course, was my husband’s sink, not mine.

Water was now seeping into the bedroom carpet outside the bath. I used every towel I could to sop up the water but they hardly made a difference. I frantically ran out to my bedroom to get more towels from a laundry basket, when I realized I was still stark naked with hair dripping wet. Hoping my boys wouldn’t catch me naked and in a panic, I ran back into the bathroom and threw more towels at the mass of water on the floor.

Suddenly I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and began to laugh. It wasn’t a giggle but a full-out laugh that I couldn’t stop. A crying laugh. I just kept sopping, laughing, and pulling out items from under the sink, until I realized all the towels were really wet and heavy. I knew I couldn’t carry them through the house to the laundry room. They weighed a ton, soaked in 15 minutes worth of running water!

I rationalized that I needed to get dressed and recruit some help.  We were a couple of hours from leaving town for spring break and my Love was out doing some banking. I wanted to sop up as much water as possible before he discovered the damage! After dressing, I desperately pleaded with my son to help me wring towels before we drug them to the washing machine. This is the only successful photo I took that frantic morning. I’m so thankful for a strong young son. He enjoyed laughing right along with me!

But when my Love returned, he didn’t see the humor in the situation. He discovered the water had seeped under the wall into his office, so he had to tear off some floor boards and get some heavy-duty fans running. He, however, was very gracious.

This was not our first experience with water damage, as we had just recovered from broken water heater damage causing us to replace flooring throughout common areas of our home (again, right before a trip that had to be cancelled). Fortunately, this instance was on a tile floor! We’ve also suffered water damage from a hurricane, causing us to lose the east side of our roof with thousands of dollars worth of water damage.

After my mini flood, we were able to go off and enjoy our spring break. But the day before this happened I shared with a group of young moms how I had been through some major trials, including two trying home refurbishments. God had given me the verse in Proverbs 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” I shared how God showed me that no matter what I face, He will always be with me, he clothes me with strength and dignity as I go through it, and I can even laugh at the days to come.

Little did I know, I would be living out that verse the very next day! The floor boards have not been replaced yet, so every day I’m reminded, “I can laugh at the days to come.” No matter what you, my friend, are facing today, God is with you, he clothes you with strength and dignity, and he enables you to laugh at the days to come.

Be blessed, friend. Be blessed.

The She Speaks Conference is about women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God, as He leads their hearts to serve Him and His daughters. Oh, this is my hope and prayer through this blog. You can have the opportunity to win a scholarship to this event through Ann Voskamp’s website A Holy Experience, so you too can connect the hearts of women to the heart of God.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

As I sat in my car on a cold downtown street, emergency lights flashing, heater running, business people moving about in the cold weather, I watched a woman sitting at a bus stop obviously shivering from the cold. I was waiting on a friend to come out from a high-rise building so we could eat a nice lunch.  I observed and realized the woman had a baby haltered to her body who was bundled up. The woman, now a young mother in my recognition, had a winter coat on with her hands scrunched up inside the arms of the coat.

SHE had no gloves.

I continued to watch as she bounced her leg with the baby swaddled close to her, shivering, looking for the bus. My hands were cold but not near as cold as hers. I began to put my gloves on and then I heard a still small voice say,

“Give her your gloves.”

Compassion welled up within me. I HAD to give her my gloves! I knew I couldn’t drive off without doing so or her image would haunt me. Just then my friend came out of her building and hopped in my car. I told her I was going to drive up a few yards and asked her to jump out and give the young mother my gloves. As she did, the woman was immediately grateful. We told her to stay safe and warm and said, “God bless you.” We sat at the light and I peripherally watched as the young mom quickly put the gloves on, looking relieved and warmer.

I don’t know that young mother’s story, except that SHE had no gloves and no car. But she had a young baby at a very cold bus stop of whom she was shielding and protecting… Some of her needs were very obvious, most of them were not.

There are moms in need all around us. Some single, some teens, some married, some widowed. I recently interviewed a mom who is helping women in need out of her own brokenness.

Cheri Riggle Jakovich founded SHE Organization and this is our interview:

Cheri, tell me briefly about your ministry and your bio?

I created SHE Organization for single moms, out of my own personal journey. I became a single mother at the age of 36 with three kids. I never thought this particular way of life would ever be something I would personally experience. I came from a solid family with parents who are still married today–a preacher’s home. Divorce just didn’t exist and suddenly my world, as I knew it, would be completely altered. The steps for this part of the journey where extremely unfamiliar and very difficult to navigate. I began to realize the severe need for support and encouragement, for sadly, half of the families in our society. Being a single mom, although difficult at times, has enabled my journey to discover deep strength and strong compassion for the women who are raising our next generation. SHE was developed for every women, but with special emphasis on the single ladies surviving divorce, and raising a family. If you know a single mom, if you are a single mom, or if you have a single mom, be a part of a community seeking to join with these ladies as we attempt to provide encouragement and meet the needs along the way of this challenging journey.

What stirs righteous anger in you?
Judgement in the church! I completely believe in the Word and the Biblical guidelines God has so graciously given us. But I truly believe that extending His love through our actions of grace and mercy allows the complete healing of the Almighty God. Sometimes we just need to love the person and get out-of-the-way. I am amazed daily of God’s grace.

What brings you joy?
What truly brings me joy is to watch a broken person receive the amazing gift of healing–to observe someone shattered and torn, with no hope, come to find purpose and freedom. I have observed so many, even from a distance, learn how to live through their pain and allow the act of worship to wash the inside of their soul. This truly describes the word joy.

What are your spiritual gifts?
My spiritual gifts, I believe, are compassion, speaking, creative writing, and leading.

What past experiences, both good and bad, have shown you about your purpose in life?
Through the tragic events of divorce, God truly began to give me compassion for women who find themselves facing this difficult journey. He gave me the ability to relate, understand, and have compassion for these women.

I discovered my ability to creatively write and my desire to speak to as many women as I can to encourage them to continue on. Also, to help them realize that although life might not look the way they pictured it, God still has a plan (a BIG plan) for every woman, single or married, rich or poor, with children or without. There is a lot of my experience I would never want to walk again, but as the scripture says, “God makes everything work together for good.” I would never change the person he has made me through every experience.

If you had to write a purpose statement, what would it be?
My purpose is to give women hope–hope that each day God gives us the opportunity to make an incredible impact on every person He places in our life–that every woman has divine purpose that is uniquely defined for her individual journey.

What scripture verse do you cling to?
Psalms 18 (I love the entire chapter but verse 6 speaks on a daily basis), “In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God, He heard my voice from His temple. And my cry came before Him even to His ears.”

How can I pray for you, as you fulfill your purpose?
I would ask for prayer of covering and for His hand to creatively move in this ministry, as it often has great pain and suffering. For wisdom and strategy and for generous funds for provision. I have written a book that was literally God-breathed. I would like prayer for clear instructions on what to do with these words that have been penned.

What are some needs of SHE?
Our primary need, right now, is funding. Being a single mom myself, the funding is very important. We are trying to get our non-profit status, which would allow for donations.

You can see one of SHE Organization‘s projects here.

Although this is another “You Rock Mom” story of a mom making an impact in her world, it is not told only to inspire, but to encourage you to give away your gloves, whatever your gloves may be–time, talent, finances, help… Respond to the still small voice that says, “Give her your gloves” and maybe your scarf too.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

I met an angel whose faith is contagious and whose presence is awe-inspiring. Angel Shahrestani is one of the most faith-filled “You Rock Moms” I’ve ever met. While serving as a Field Leader with MOPS International (Mothers of Preschoolers), I met Angel as she helped train Field Leaders and share her faith experiences.

Although Angel lives on the West Coast and I’m in SE Texas, I follow her on Facebook, stalking to see what faith adventure she’s on next. Angel helped start a Prison MOPS in her community, among several other ministries, but the one I interviewed her about is a ministry she’s co-founded named Cargo of Dreams. Here’s how the interview went:

Angel, Tell me briefly about your ministry.

Cargo of Dreams is a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to transforming impoverished communities worldwide by converting standard shipping containers into schools, shelter/housing – really anything that the mind can conceive to improve quality of life for another. We set the containers in a highly public here in the States–whether a church parking lot, university campus, commercial lot and then everyday people give of their time, talent, and treasure to build it out and complete the facility. Once completed, it feels like you are in a schoolroom or health clinic here. The converted containers have drywall, electrical, plumbing, fully functional kitchens, restrooms and more. It is not shipping a resource box filled with goods, it is shipping a completed building! The beauty is that the shipping containers can simply be shipped anywhere around the world. In addition, it is a mission project in one’s own backyard here – yet you are impacting others thousands of miles away in South Africa, Nepal, etc. For a better understanding – and to watch some of our archived videos go to www.CargoofDreams.org.

What stirs righteous anger in you?

-Complacency – as if being a follower of Jesus Christ is a passive spectator sport. True discipleship is an ongoing, engaged growth process.
-Injustice
-Watered-down doctrine/theology
-Hypocrisy

What brings you joy?

Truly my calling in ministry and relationship with Jesus. In my younger years I lived and operated in the “big lie” where I thought there were more pleasures found in sin than pleasures found in God. Simply isn’t true – God rocks!

Also, definitely my sons, and children in general bring great joy. Aren’t they great?!? Plus people, people, people – relationships matter.

In addition, nature, giggles, bare feet in grass or babbling brook, rope swings, swimming holes, flutterbys (should be their rightful name), holidays, fireworks, fields of flowers, couples kissing, newborn cry, a puppy’s paws, a kitten’s yawn, someone with hiccups, coffee with a dear friend, heart-to-heart talks…I could go on and on.

What are your spiritual gifts?

Communication gift is main – Prophecy/Teaching – Leadership/Administration – Pastor/Shepherding and Faith.

What past experiences, both good and bad, have shown you about your purpose in life?

Wow – to really answer this would take up pages, but there are a few things that I discovered through prayer and fasting that ultimately drive my decisions when doors of opportunity beckon. As a natural plate spinner, and a ministry consultant who likes to engage in multiple projects, plus a woman God clearly called to full-time vocational ministry in my mid-20’s, I found myself several years ago on a journey with the Lord to discover that answer, “Lord, what is it that you are truly calling me to do?” It was a time where there were nine doors of opportunity open in front of me simultaneously and I was prayerfully considering which ones (if any at all) He was asking me to walk through. Long story short, through that prayerful process of being still, silent, and seeking His will, I finally landed on a few things that I hang my hat and drive every decision; Ministry must be the bottom line – not money, not marketing, not my own ulterior motive, etc.
I want to run with people who WALK it, not just talk it. Spiritual maturity in partnerships (both parties) is key.

I am not willing to walk onto a field with a slingshot and stones without my BIG God. I dare not step onto a field that He has not called me to or, clearly, I will fail.

Lastly, I do not need my name known in the arenas and venues of this world, but you better believe I want my name known in the hallways of heaven. What does that look like? It was shortly after this time of prayer and fasting in 2006 that the Lord orchestrated an encounter between me and Mars van der Colff – who is now my ministry partner with Cargo of Dreams. Such a powerful time of vision, affirmations, and clear calling. Shortly thereafter, we co-founded Cargo of Dreams.

If you have a purpose statement or had to write one, what would it be?

Off the cuff but close to my heart: Out of the depth of my gratitude for grace, live a life abandoned, immersed in my passion and calling to bring Him glory, honor, praise, and expand His kingdom.

How can I pray for you, as you fulfill your purpose?

-Clarity and strength to see through God’s eyes.

-That he supply our every need.

-We are faithful and good stewards of that which He has entrusted us.

-Others grasp and join the mission.

-Holy Spirit’s anointing on us as we communicate and engage with other ministries, people groups, areas of need.

So there you can see, I met an Angel and she truly is a “You Rock Mom” who inspires others to make a difference in our world.

One reason I started this blog is to feature moms who rock their world! I am personally inspired by moms (and dads–more on that later) who see a need around them and step out in faith to meet that need through means bigger than themselves. They respond out of passion because it’s a God-given passion, or often times, the response is personal because of something they’ve experienced. For example, the scripture in Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” In other words, God wastes nothing–the good, the bad, the ugly. And the things we wish never would have happened “God works for the good…”

I have started interviewing these types of moms who are just like you and me but have stepped out in faith to rock their world. I can’t wait to share their stories with you. If you are looking to reach out to a need this holiday season, I think you will find that need here. In fact, my Life Group, in our church, will be reaching out to one of these needs. Read on for inspiration and details on how you might meet a need yourself.

Today I will start with Jenn Simpson, Executive Director of Cypress Calling Ministries.

Jenn, tell me briefly about your ministry.

Cypress Calling Ministries is a non-profit organization that helps mothers in need through charitable and religious venues. We focus on teens and first time moms that have found themselves in crisis pregnancies. We equip and empower these women to focus on the positives in their life and encourage them to turn around a negative situation. Our most important goal is to prevent a subsequent crisis pregnancy. Our main avenue is through a support group where the women meet other women in the same situation, but we also have mentors to help them through their crisis and begin planning for their future. Mentors give each woman hope and love while teaching them to have faith. It is our mission to Share God’s faith, hope, and love to women in need.

Cypress Calling Ministries was birthed in the Spring of 2008, during a woman’s weekly Bible Study. As we prepared a basket full of baby goodies for a friend adopting a Chinese baby, we decided to also create a basket for a woman in need. Just a few months later, we hosted our first shower at a Crisis Pregnancy Center. Each shower thereafter helped us gain insight on how we wanted to run on our ministry and who the clients would be. In the Summer of 2009, we launched our first young mom support group. By the beginning of 2010, our support group was named Hopeful Choices and we focused on giving these young moms hope and teaching them they had choices.

It is our dream to create a safe haven for young moms in need. This dream includes helping each young woman with their past, present, and future. Through our support group we teach forgiveness, faith, and grace to help them move out of the crisis emotionally. We will also help them by providing a place to live, if needed, and having them work toward life’s necessities, as they are able. Lastly we will help them plan for their future by teaching them job skills that include finding the right job or school. We believe that by helping each woman in this way, we can prevent another crisis pregnancy.

What stirs righteous anger in you?

When people say they don’t have time to serve the Lord. I am the mother of three kids, three years old and under, with a husband who travels and I run a ministry… It mind boggles me when people can’t or won’t give a few hours a month to serve the Lord.

What brings you joy?

Gosh, there are so many things. People bring me the most joy. I am a people person. I love my husband and my kids more than I ever thought possible. I am overcome by joy watching my children interact with each other. Aside from that, entertaining and leading people brings a great amount of joy and with what little free time I have…scrapbooking brings me joy! Nothing quite like reliving the past through creatively placing pictures to paper!

What are your spiritual gifts?

About six or seven years ago, I was obsessed trying to figure this out…but God has made them very clear and put them to great use! I would say my gifts are leading women through Bible study and support groups. I am also an organized thinker and speaker. I think my creativity is put to good use in the ministry as well as my enjoyment of entertaining others!

What past experiences, both good and bad, have shown you about your purpose in life?

I was a teacher and I really did not like it. But, now I can see why God had me follow that path for a short time. It gave me the tools to create lessons and teach the young moms in my ministry and I LOVE doing that. I really had no idea that all I did (student council, elementary school teaching, preschool ministry and women’s Bible study) would equip me to successfully run a ministry. They were just stepping-stones.

Also, even though I work with girls in crisis pregnancies, I think my experience with infertility has given me a softer heart for these women. I am not angry at all that I struggled to get pregnant and they did not. I understand what it is like to want something and be thrown something completely different your way… It turns you to God and that is a beautiful thing!

If you had to write a purpose statement, what would it be?

Wow…I have never thought about this. I think I would have two… a personal one that involves my family and a professional one that involves my work for the Lord, but they sort of intertwine, so here it goes: I wish to be a faithful and obedient servant of the Lord as a wife and mother. I want to encourage and support my husband and children in all they aspire to do. I want to share my deep love and faith with all those around me so they can have as fulfilling of a life as I do.

What is a scripture verse that you cling to?

Philippians 4:6 is my favorite verse because through all the struggles of infertility, it was my Savior. I have found myself quoting it to others often! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

How can I pray for you, as you fulfill your purpose?

I always need prayers for balance. Being a wife, a mother, and a ministry leader pulls at me all the time. Pray that I find the time to effectively do all three with the Lord’s help. Pray for patience and peace about the future.

And lastly, what are your needs?

Cypress Calling Ministries is looking for givers to bless a family this Christmas. Our teen moms and their children are in need of new clothes, jackets, shoes, pajamas, books, and dinners. Contact Staci Dauphine, Associate Director, if you want more information on how to bless these families: [email protected].

Also, we would like a place to call our own someday. It would need to have at least three rooms. One room would be an office and an incentive area. We would love a place where we can organize all of the donations we receive in a way that our clients could easily view their options of incentives. Attendance to our support group is crucial in helping these women, so it is important they are able to work toward incentive items by attending group support meetings. They can work toward those items for their babies, themselves, or their family.  The other two rooms would be used for support meetings. The young moms would meet in one room, while their children are cared for in the other room.

So there you have it! A mom who definitely rocks her world.  I hope this interview inspired you to take action on a dream of your own and/or it encourages you to help with the needs of Cypress Calling Ministries. Thank you Jenn Simpson! You Rock Mom!

Jenn is 34-year-old wife of her favorite person in the world who flies around the continent for a living. They have a very intelligent, but sweet and caring almost four-year old girl and the most different and unique set of nine month old boy and girl twins. She spent many years of her life doing things she did not really enjoy and then met a wonderful group of women who helped her start a ministry. She has enjoyed the challenge that the ministry has created and finds working for the Lord to be very rewarding. When she is not caring for children or working for the ministry, you will most likely find her in her craft room. She loves all kinds of arts and crafts, but scrapbooking is her favorite! She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, camping, baking, and of course sharing her love for arts and crafts. She feels she has truly been blessed over the years and she looks forward to many more.

The Savvy Source website will be featuring a weekly deal scheduled to kick off in Houston on Monday, Sept. 20 targeting deals for family friendly fun, in addition to other cities across the country.

It’s a lot like Groupon where you just sign-up with your email and in turn you get a weekly email telling you about their weekly deal. If you want to take advantage of the deal that week, great! If not, no big deal! By signing up you are not saying you will buy anything. It’s just to read about the deals. This is the link to sign up for the weekly deals across the nation: http://www.savvysource.com/psn/web/localSavings/index/group_referrer/EHB

The cool part about the Affiliate Program though is you can earn 3% of all purchases (forever!) from a referral link…

Each week, when Savvy Source offers parents significant savings on a fun, family friendly activity, you can earn 3% of all purchases from your affiliate link… They donate 5% of each purchase to a preschool of the purchaser’s choice as well as 5% of each purchase to a scholarship fund created to help parents afford preschool for their children.

I plan to use all of my proceeds to help with my expenses towards a Summer 2011 missions trip to Zambia with Family Legacy Missions (www.legacymissions.org).