YWAM - Becky's June Update

Here is the latest update from my niece, Becky! So inspiring is the story of a young woman who, through Christ, overcame the bondage of shame and guilt. Her story is definitely one worth reading! Enjoy!!

They're on a mission... a mission... from GOD!

Here is Becky's May update! Thanks, everyone, for all of your prayers for her and her team!

Prayer Is a Powerful Thing

Hello readers! Typically I use this forum to display photos, but not today. I come before you, humbly, to introduce you to a person near and dear to my heart... My niece Rebekah. Currently Becky is in New Zealand completing her three month training as a Youth With a Mission (YWAM) group leader. After her training is complete she will lead a missions group to South East Asia to witness for our God. I can't even begin to tell you how my heart bursts with pride! But along with that pride comes trepidation... Her co-leader, Adrian has been faced with some serious financial obstacles. Without additional funding, Adrian will not be able to make the trip with Becky to SE Asia. Although I have every confidence that my resilient niece will succeed in leading her group to minister to others about the grace of Christ, it goes without saying that as an aunt I fear for her safety "going-it-alone." Check out her latest newsletter, and if you feel the Spirit leading you, please donate to Adrian's fund (or to Becky's) by visiting the link below the blog. Many thanks!!!

For Donations please visit: www.ywamoxford.org

(1) Click on the "Pay Online" tab on the upper right part of the page

(2) Scroll to the bottom of the page and from the drop down menu select "Donation"

(3) Fill in your donation amount and under the "Purpose" section enter either the name Adrian Corpus or Becky Schulz. 

(4) If you have any trouble making your donation, e-mail me and I'll walk you through it!! 

stacey_mntx@yahoo.com

GOD BLESS!!

God Works In Mysterious Ways

Most people who know me, know that I am loath to brag. My cheeks flush at the mere hint of a complement. At a very young age it was instilled in me that being braggadocios was very unseemly. That being said, God has seen fit to bless me with somewhat of an eye for photography and a desire to develop and improve on my skill (There... that's as close to bragging as I'm gonna get!). In an effort to further develop my portfolio I volunteered my services as a door prize for my MOMs group at church. What started out as an opportunity to practice my picture taking abilities turned in to a reflection on, and appreciation of, just how much my MOMs group has done for me.

Moms that make the choice to leave their careers rejoice in many things... The lack of stress caused by calling your boss to tell him/her you won't be in due to a sick child, the absence of a horrendous commute in bumper to bumper traffic, the opportunity to devote 100% of your time to your family... just to name a few. 

But then there are the things you don't hear about that aren't so, well... celebratory. The total abolition of "alone time", the absence of a paycheck (Put those new shoes back on the shelf, girl!), the sniggers among the working moms as you step inside the grocery store at 5pm in your sweatpants (and unwashed hair), and yes, the expectation that you will now devote 100% of your time to your family.

Sometimes we moms just need a break from being a mom. A place where we can go to gather with other moms that understand. But not just that... As a S.A.H.M., I find one of the other things I miss about working outside the home were the opportunities for growth that just, kind-of fell into my lap as an employee. I'm not really the best at seeking out enrichment for myself, but I enjoy learning. I also, despite my somewhat recluse nature, enjoy congregating with other like-minded, soul-searching individuals from time to time. I crave quiet time almost as much as a piece of Dulce de Leche cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (Can I get an Amen??). I have found all of these things in the MOMs group at Chase Oaks Church. I can't imagine my time as a SAHM without it... The support, the opportunity to grow, a span of two hours where I can just be me... Not Mom, not the maid or the cook or the grand master of all things household... Just Stacey.

This set of photos isn't about just developing a portfolio. It's about giving back to a group that has made a tremendous imprint on my spirit. Please enjoy these pictures of the beautiful Marshall and Sparks families and know that the opportunity to take their portraits was truly an honor.

Texas Bluebonnets

As the warm breezes start to blow across the Lone Star State, moms and dads alike start scrambling for the chance to plunk their children down in the middle of a bluebonnet field for pictures. When I first moved to Texas 12 years ago I remember my first sight of one such occurrence on my way to work. I couldn't imagine what these people were thinking, pulling over on a busy freeway and allowing their children to run amok so close to the road. Fast forward 10 years and I found myself on a steep hillside right along Spring Creek Parkway in Plano making goofy faces at my girls while my photographer friend (Whitney Pacheco) snapped away pictures one after another. 

This year, I was fortunate enough to receive a tip on a much safer and absolutely stunning field of bluebonnets (Thanks, Jodi!). In front of JC Penny Headquarters off of Legacy Drive in Plano is the most breathtaking display of these tiny marvels that I have ever seen. The scent of them "en masse" is a mixture of citrus, lilac and grape, and was truly intoxicating. 

I made three trips out to this field this spring and found myself giddy with anticipation each time. You see... It's quite difficult to be unhappy doing something you love while surrounded by such splendor.  Enjoy!

Giraffe Photobomb

If you haven't heard of the term "photobomb" it refers to the spoiling of an otherwise perfectly posed photo by an outside individual who inserts themselves into the photo at the last minute. If you google photobombing you're sure to find several hilarious, although somewhat inappropriate examples that illustrate this term well. As for me, I'd like to share my "g" rated version of a personal encounter this past weekend at the Dallas Zoo. I knew I loved giraffes, but a giraffe with a sense of humor? Doesn't get much better than that, my friends!!

Fairy Tales Do Come True...

I met Sheridan a little over a year ago when she hired on at the school I was working at. From the start you couldn't help but be captured by her smile. She was going through a rough time then, but little did she know that in just a few short months her fairy tale was going to find her. I remember the way she talked about Daniel when they first started dating... The glint in her eye when she described him as her soul mate was a beautiful thing. I met Daniel when he brought flowers to work to surprise Sheridan one day. Lo and behold, there was that glint again. The way he looked at her then (and still does... BTW) can be described as nothing but adoration. Flash forward to present day and we see that this oh-so-in-love couple has given us one more thing to "ooohhh" and "aaaaahhh" over... Allow me to introduce you to the Beck Family: Daniel, Sheridan and Jett.