There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin

I hope you all had an amazing day just to know He loved you that much.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

What Gift Can You Give?

Our hearts ache for those in need, but we don’t give. We feel sorry for those who cannot read well, but we don’t help them learn. We want children in a bad family situation, or lack of family to change their course in life, but we don’t mentor. We talk about our love for Christ, but we aren’t passing it on. Do we have a right then to talk about how bad things are? Didn’t God call us for such a time as this? Where is your heart? Perhaps its time we search and find where it is God wants to use us for HIS glory.
As we celebrate Easter and his gift to us is it possible that we ask him to show us what gift we can offer to others? It doesn’t have to be money, time is a very valuable gift!

Happy Easter my Sweet Friends,
Margaret

Have you heard Natalie Grant's song "Perfect People"? Its from her Album Relentless. It is amazing. This song is so true. Here are the lyrics....

Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

Chorus

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again

Chorus

Who lived and died to give new life
To heal our imperfections
So look up and see out let grace be enough

Have a great week.

Sweet Blessings
Margaret

Something to Say, Words to Write, Called to Lead?

Do you ever feel you have something to say, but don’t know how to say it?
Something to write, but cannot find the words? You want to lead women to the heart of God, but need more direction? If so She Speaks Conference is a great opportunity to learn a better way to do all of the above.
Here is my reason for the interest and confidence in this conference:

Everyone needs to pursue their passion in life in order to fulfill Gods plan for them. My passion is sharing Jesus with others, primarily women. Why? Because I do not know how anyone can survive life without him. I certainly wouldn’t be here if it were not for Him.
Over the past several years I have attended many conferences that featured a P31 speaker sharing their story and teaching the Word of God. It has been what God has primarily used to give me the courage to begin to share my story as well. You see, I have been, and to be honest still am to some degree, guilty of wearing that famous mask that so many women tend to do. You know the mask right? The mask that allows everyone to look at you and say, “Wow she certainly has it all together”. What a sinful nature, it’s prideful, not humbling. Using our “story” is what allows us to live out one of God’s greatest promises to us in Romans 8:28, that “He will use all things together for the good…..” This means even the dirt we tend to sweep under the rug so no one can see it.
I have felt Gods calling on my life for quite awhile now, a stirring in my heart that He wants to use me. I have had all intentions of going to She Speaks for the last few years. The first year I had scheduling conflicts, the second year my business was not doing well and I couldn’t get a way, the third year I had health issues and had to have surgery (I had already sent in my money and had to cancel my registration). I believe this is the year!It would be great if it was with this scholorship. As I continue to hear God’s call on my life, perhaps its time I quit ignoring that call and pursue my passion, perhaps even more importantly HIS passion for me.
I have seen God use many of my sweet friends from P31 to minister to women. I have seen lives changed through this ministry. I cannot think of another organization that I would rather have to help me learn a better way to tell my story, learn the words to write it, or the direction to lead. I plan to do that July 30th-August 1st.

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Because He Says its for Girls: This is For Him...

What You Didn’t Have To Do
There are many fathers
Some are even great
But our story is much different
My youngest was almost eight

Your children were much older
You thought this part was done
Then in your life walk my three
I’m surprised you didn’t run

I know it hasn’t always been easy
Although they were really cute
A few slammed doors
Not helping with chores
Many a broken heart
And then there is always your favorite
The comments a little too smart

There are many things you didn’t have to do
But let me see if I can name just a certain few
Sharing your chair
complaints over hair
Wiping tears, consoling fears
Throwing parties bigger than expected
Vacations with great memories collected
Buying clothes, buying a car
Wow your beginning to sound like a super star

This is a short list
Over the years you’ve done much more
None of this compares to what really lies at the core
Its something unexpected you didn’t have to do
You have loved them like they're a part of you
Hardly what I call a step-father
God ordered an extra daddy this we know to be true
And I love you even more for what you didn’t have to do.

for my sweet husband, my best friend.

If you are a single mom considering a special someone I hope that God allows them to be someone that is an "extra dad" for your children as well not just a "stepdad".

Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Scars

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I was spending it with my cousin. I was only eight years old, but remember it quite well. You see, the fun came to a sudden end when she ran over me with her bicycle! It was only an accident of course. I think I was skipping on the sidewalk and she came up behind me just a little too quickly. I still have a scar on my knee from the little accident. Perhaps that’s why I have always remembered what would have otherwise been a normal Saturday in the life of an eight year old. I had a scar to remind me.
We all have scars. Some are just visible to the eye while others are not. While I boast the scar on me knee that reminds me of that little mishap, I also have scars that you cannot see that reminds me of other wounding in my life. The essential thing is what I use that scar for, that reminder. Romans 8:28 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I can choose to use my scars to harbor grudges, self-pity, fear, and much more negative; or I can utilize them for the good. My scars can perhaps help someone that has been wounded in much the same way, allowing God to bring healing to that individual’s life, or perhaps those scars will only be used for my sake. Either way, we know God can use them for good if we allow him to. When Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus what was it that allowed him to believe? Yes, of course, the scars. In John 20:26 Thomas said “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” of course further down in verse 27 Jesus has appeared to the disciples and he says to Thomas “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.” Jesus used his nail scared hands and side to help Thomas believe.
Do you have a scar that needs to have the bandage removed? Sometimes that is when the greatest healing takes place. Allow God to be your healer. Perhaps you in turn will be used by God to aid in the healing of others with a similar wound.

Who Is A Woman of Vision...

Where We Went....



Who We Are....





....This was Why We Went
What an indescribable three days. We laughed, we cried, we became more educated on important issues, and we grew closer.

We took on Capital Hill!

It sounds like we had a successful day from the information we have gotten back. We met with Senator Richard Burr and Congressman Walter B Davis's Aide. They listened and they agreed. It would be difficult not to agree with Bills on Child Trafficking, and Women and Children's health issues.

The speakers were awesome. The theme of the conference was "Every Woman Has a Story". Many of them shared theirs. I will share more of my personal story from the trip in a later post. This one was long enough with the pictures.
God was so good to give us beautiful weather, and a safe trip. I left not knowing what to expect, and I came home in awe of 8 great women who I now call close friends,of the pain in the world that God can so miraculously turn to good using ordinary women to help,and of how so many give of their life so selflessly. I also learned about so much more pain and sorrow in this world than what I thought was possible.
If you are interested in learning more about who Women of Vision is or how you too can become part of Women of Vision log on to www.womenofvision.org or leave me a note and I would love to share with you.

Sweet Blessings my friends,
Margaret
ps thank you Laury for taking pictures and sharing them