For those of you who don’t know yet… I’m on the radio with my dear friend, Mercy Ministries founder and President, and now my radio co-host, Nancy Alcorn each Sunday morning for our live radio show, Mercy Multiplied, on SuperTalk 99.7 WTN. 9:00-10:00 AM CST. Middle Tennesseans can tune in to 99.7 FM but anyone can listen live from anywhere in the country at www.mercymultiplied.com. I’m having such a blast doing this radio gig and so far it has been an extraordinary journey!

This past Sunday Nancy and I had the pleasure of having one of our longstanding supporters of Mercy Ministries and Dove Award winning Christian singer/songwriter, Natalie Grant as a guest host. Natalie shares our passion for helping victims of sex trafficking and is committed to fighting for their freedom. In 2005 she formed The Home Foundation to educate communities, build shelters and orphanages, and provide medical equipment to those ministering to victims of this horrific crime.

Head here to Nancy’s blog for the rest of the story were I’m guest posting…

My sweet, dear, selfless friend, Linds asked me to guest blog to discuss pruning your relationships.  And, when Lindsey Nobles asks you to do something, well, you don’t hesitate!  None-the-less, after pondering the topic, I thought about the last time Lindsey shared my views about this exact subject right here, and honestly it was rather controversial.  And much to my chagrin, many folks frankly took what I was saying out of context.  So I decided this post would take a more positive point of view.  But first, I will respond to the naysayers from that last post: it’s NEVER EVER healthy to surround yourself with draining, negative people who bring you down and make you depressed – even if you’re a Christ follower.  However, we must graciously pray, love, forgive ALL people, including the crazies – but from a distance

Head here for the rest of the story…

Rachel was born to parents who never wanted her—and they told her so constantly. She grew up believing she was no more than a mistake, wondering what she did to deserve such abuse at the hands of those who should have protected her. These were her PARENTS!

When most girls turn 13, they’re giggling about boys and trying on lip-gloss. When Rachel turned 13, she was sold into sex trafficking by her own family, for less than $100, abandoned like trash on the side of the road.

Tormented by nightmares and tangled in a web of lies, Rachel never knew she had a way out. When she escaped this horrific trap and led to Mercy by a friend, Rachel met the God who was watching over her even in her darkest moments.

She began to change her thoughts, learning Jeremiah 29:11 by heart: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

It didn’t happen overnight, but gradually Rachel began to see herself as God saw her—loved, valuable, and chosen by name.

She found Mercy… She found Jesus…

Sarah was far too young to be a mother when she got pregnant—by her own biological father. To hide his sin from the rest of the family, Sarah’s father knew he couldn’t bring her to a doctor. He took matters into his own hands and used a coat hanger to kill the unborn child. This was her FATHER!

Sarah was locked up in shame and self-hatred when she arrived at Mercy. How could anyone look beyond her horrible past?

Sarah’s counselor told her to listen to Joyce Meyer’s teachings while here at Mercy, and as Joyce shared how her father abused her as a child as well, Sarah learned to hope again. After all, if God could rescue Joyce from that pit and use her story as inspiration to thousands of people across the globe, then maybe, just maybe, He could do that for Sarah, too.

When she realized that God had sent His son to redeem her long before she even existed, she slowly began to believe, “This is never what God wanted for my life. He loves me. My biological father may have hurt me, but I have a new heavenly Father who promises that nobody will ever take me from His hand again.”

Sarah found Mercy… She found Jesus…

Like many Mercy grads, Rachel and Sarah left the program with their lives transformed and their hearts anew. Many of Mercy’s grads have wonderful families of their own, loving the Lord, and some on the mission field – these young women are now thriving as productive members of society.

Since Mercy Ministries opened in 1983, girls like Sarah and Rachel have been set free from all forms of abuse: human sex trafficking, unplanned pregnancies often times due to incest or rape and life-controlling issues that include eating disorders, depression, self-harm and addictions. This FREE Christian residential counseling program offers help to girls 13-28, again at NO COST! There are homes all around the country in Nashville, TN; St. Louis, MO; Lincoln, CA; and Monroe, LA.

More than 2-thousand other young women have successfully completed the program. They, too, found Mercy…. They found Jesus…

For more information on Mercy Ministries, visit here.

I have the honor to sponsor a FREE lunch with the amazing leaders at Leading And Loving It and Cultivate Her. We’d love to meet you guys face to face and build community! So, join us for the FREE luncheon – hop over here for more details! Hope to see ya there!

I have some very exciting news to tell you about concerning my next chapter of ministry.  In one week I’ll be joining the team at Mercy Ministries.  I have the blessing of Pastor Pete and the entire Cross Point Leadership Team as they are supporting God’s next calling on my new journey!

For those who are not familiar – yet   Mercy Ministries  is a non-profit  Christian based rehabilitation center for girls ages 13-28 suffering from physical and sexual abuse, sex trafficking, unplanned pregnancies usually from rape or incest, and many other sad situations.  I start Aug. 18 on their Management Team as Church Relations Director.  I’m thrilled and joy-filled about my next ministry trek.

Although I’m extremely honored about this venture, I am quite sad to leave my CP staff family.  In addition,  I will certainly miss leading a terrific Family Experience Worship Service (FX LIVE) and working with my awesome volunteers on a daily basis!   I’ve been so humbled and privileged to take part in helping to teach the precious hearts of our children and helping to bring kids and parents together to worship God and learn about His word.  I will continue to participate as a volunteer leader for FX and fight for this mission that I’m still immensely passionate about.  Consequently, this is not good-bye to CP as I’ll continue to go wherever and do whatever they need.  In my heart, CP is the best church to serve on the planet   Charlie will continue to serve on the CP Elder Board for many more years. Additionally, he’ll continue to be the FX Host each month at our Bellevue campus, therefore, we get to serve together as a family which always makes my heart smile as Oharah would say!  

We’ve been at this wonderful community since day one and I plan to have that place hold my funeral  – 50 years from now!  In other words, CP  can’t get rid of me that easily

In the meantime, continue to lift me up in prayer during this transition.

Much love and many blessings to all!

Don’t you despise those types of girls?  Unfortunately, most women, maybe even you – probably have or still exhibit some of the above vices.  I honestly, could use many of those degrading descriptions to define myself in my early 20’s. Here’s an example: I was a 22-year-old punk and the year was – well, that’s not important I was pompous, arrogant and down right haughty. Some of you who know me are thinking,  “And you’ve changed how, Eve?”  Trust me, I’ve come a long way!

Visit Cultivate Her to continue to read the rest of the story…

I know… I blog for one year, then take a year off, but now I’m back for monthly contributions on this exciting new journey I’m taking  with a bunch of amazing and inspirational women via Cultivate Her!  This new adventure has been a huge blessing and has already made a profound impact in my life.   I hope you join me on this incredible ride and enjoy this new season along my-side…after all, it may only last a year

My dream once was to sing like my dear friend, Trisha Davis! But, that’s never going to come true…
In fact, I’ll never forget my singing solo debut in the 6th grade. Recital night, I followed the young girl performing Italian Opera. I sang a dramatic rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” My memory of this event is rather vivid.

Visit Cultivate Her to continue to read the rest of the story…

As all of you know, the effect of relationships in our lives simply cannot be overemphasized. When they are in a positive healthy state, tranquility is easy to find. When they go sour, stress, depression and even physical fatigue can result. Because it’s so important to foster our relationships with those with whom we care most about, our VIPs, we should purposely place a higher priority on them.

In The Five Love Languages author Gary Chapman makes a very pivotal point for relationships when he writes, “When your spouse’s emotional needs are met and he or she feels secure in your love, the whole world looks bright and your spouse will move out to reach his or her highest potential in life.” Right then, it hit me: It’s not just enough to think about how much I love my most valuable players in life, I have to make sure and tell them.  It’s a daily decision to put the needs of your spouse, children and best friends before your own. There’s a healthy way to love and be loved and to be intimate.  Quality relationships require patience, consistency and attention. Too many times, because the rest of life wears us out, we just don’t have the energy to put toward the commitment. In reality, you’re likely going to have to rearrange schedules, drop some activities and not commit to so many other things that keep you from putting your full energy into your family and other quality relationships. Studies have shown 85% of our joy is rooted through nourishing relationships.

Ask yourself this after a conversation with your loved one, “Did I make that person feel better or worse about themselves about their life?” After all, people are already besieged by doubt and surrounded by negativity that can incidentally be profoundly sobering. One of my top goals is to make certain that after every VIP conversation, the people I love, admire, and respect feel more confident about their situation – about their life. My husband’s program, the Life Barometer, is a great resource for growing healthy relationships.

Abraham Lincoln said it this way, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” So, let’s start putting some life back in YOUR years and love your VIPs with all of your heart and soul in 2009!

It occurred to me that my 4-year old daughter gets it.  Even Oharah’s teacher told us she’s often the class leader befriending everyone along the way.  She understands the key to great leadership; management via relationship – what I consider MOST IMPORTANT!  If you don’t put the people you lead before your purpose, you’re not leading to your fullest potential.  It took me a while to learn this vital lesson, after I failed, failed, and then failed some more.

When asked by a very successful businesswoman and volunteer coordinator at my recent Team Building workshop, “Why should I get to know my team members?  Aren’t I supposed to send out schedules, make reminder calls, and organize my teams, only?” This is a common misconception and a popular reaction.  We spent 20 minutes on this discussion, but to sum up my response, leaders can’t afford to get caught up in administrative tasks.  You’re most effective when you have time to encourage, support, shepherd, connect, vision-cast, and interact.  This builds trust, loyalty and community among those whom you’re leading and you.

It’s seems insignificant, maybe even unimportant, but it’s the best part of the job.  Recently, I had lunch with four of my female team leaders.  We never talked “shop.”  Instead, we had in-depth conversations about marriage, kids, faith and life’s challenges.  I want my teammates to know that I first care about them and choose to do life with them.  Completing tasks are easier when they know their existence means something to the organization and me.  Here’s great news – it’s the best part of the job.  Forced leadership is overrated; building authentic relationships is much more inspirational, rewarding and fun!

If you feel relational leadership is over-hyped because it’s too “nurturing” and “feel good” and leading shouldn’t be about popularity, than frankly, you’re missing the point.  Unbeknownst to you, without it, you may unintentionally discourage, deflate, and dispirit workers. Take time to spend time with them and let them know they’re more than just a means to an end result.  No matter how much money you earn, how much power you possess, or what job title you obtain, if you’re missing this mark, you’re not where you COULD be.

By the way, the inquisitive volunteer and Company VP recently contacted me.  She started using this philosophy in her business, enjoying the relational part of her volunteer duties most of all and feeling more “helpful and fulfilled!”  In other words, she can relate, now can you?

Let me explain, since that quick on-line gift, I’ve been Christmas shopping – purchasing a ton of presents for all of my family.  In fact, I refuse to even admit how much cash I’ve spent this year buying stuff. Honestly, the amount is obscene and an outright outrage.  Just to give you an idea, I purchased each of my kids three new pairs of shoes to go under the tree. I’m saddened when I really think of what I’ve done, in spite of the fact that I said I would NEVER conform to commercialism or searching for the “must have” toys.  Sure, each year my children have to choose three Christmas gifts to donate to charity.  Sure, years ago they reluctantly gave from their own toy stash, sometimes while holding back tears.  Now, much to my delight, they look forward, appreciate and enjoy the “giving” process. Sure, we throw Jesus a big birthday bash each Christmas morning and we read the Christmas Bible story.  Sure, they know Santa is just a fun, jolly character yet the focus is the birth of Christ – all in my effort to teach them the true reason for the season.  But, let’s face it, often times a ton of presents trump meaningful tradition.

I asked myself, “Why did I spend so much money on my precious children?”  My answer, “Because I love them with all of my being and want to bring them joy, happiness, security and give them ALL the desires of their heart.”  Oh brother, WHAT a load of crap!  A sense of entitlement is overrated and unhealthy!  Since when did material items equal LOVE?  Since when did showing my deepest gratitude for my two greatest blessings mean buying them everything they wish for and more?  Ahhhhh – NEVER!  I have news for you guys; God loves each and every one of us with all of His might – REGARDLESS.  He loves every single child born into the Free World or born in the muddy shacks of the 3rd World.  God knows every hair on every head and every tear we each shed apart from our socioeconomic destiny.   He cares about every child unequivocally  – those born into privilege, and those starving to death.  Therefore, American privilege doesn’t equal God’s unconditional love nor His promise for eternal perfection.

I challenge all of my readers to donate here today.  Join me as I head back on-line to help provide shoes for people, not so they have the perfect color and style to match their new dress in an effort to make the perfect fashion statement, rather to provide shoes to fit on their BARE FEET! Thank you Anne Jackson and the other Soles4Souls innovators for helping to keep our SOLES sturdily grounded and our SOULS truly deeply joy-filled.

If YOU will change, EVERYTHING will change for you… – Jim Rohn

I love that quote. First of all, it reminds me that I can’t sit and wait for the world around me to change first – I have to be the one to change my life. I can’t wait for my friends, my family, my boss, the government, my doctor or anyone else to make it better – I have to do it. If I want something different today than yesterday, I have to DO something differently…

I have to THINK differently

I have to TALK differently

I have to ACT differently

I have to DECIDE differently

If I don’t, then today will be much like yesterday… This quote also reminds me that I have much more control over my life than I sometimes give credit. Life is a gift (although I know it’s hard sometimes). I need to ask myself each morning, “What am I going to do with this gift today?” Asking that question alone can change your life…

Change – I accept it, embrace it, and thrive in it; all part of my personal long road to redemption… And, in order to have sustainable revolutionary change, you need to shut-up, listen, and take action. Step one, begin to implement and execute a call to action from the message at my incredibly amazing church, where we’re being challenged to put Christ back in X-mas by accepting and implementing His way of thinking:

Everybody’s Welcome

Nobody’s Perfect

Anything’s Possible

You see, sometimes our twisted point of view looks like this:

Everybody’s Welcome (as long as you’re my close friend)

Nobody’s Perfect (except for me of course)

Anything’s Possible (thanks to my ability, gifts and talents!)

Arrogant and inappropriate – obviously. Unacceptable and delusional – of course. A deceitful lie – most certainly, but, a temptation non-the-less. So, I’m gonna shut-up and listen now, and focus on changing my way of thinking!