Tuesday, December 09, 2008

666 - Why I Smile

Wow - it just thundered and lightninged....  I didn't know that was suppose to happen in the winter!  Yes, today is my birthday as so many of you have wished sweet things on my facebook or email.  Thank you thank you thank you!  36 - uh oh - closer to 40!!!  

But today I wanted to give YOU something...  I have 2 books to give away and then I want to give you all an explanation of why I do what I do!!!  What do I do???  I don't know either!  

The first book is called "God in the Whirlwind;  Stories of Grace from the Tornado at Union University" by Tim Ellsworth.  My husband and I both went to school with Tim and he is also a fellow Illini or whatever you call someone from Illinois.  This is a book that my husband and myself could not put down.  It is account after account of how God brought each student or faculty through that night when the monster storm ripped through Jackson, Tn.  I would recommend this book to a believer that just wants to be reminded of God's protection and grace, but I would also recommend this book to a non-believer, one that might be struggling to know if God is for real.  You see Him all over the pages of this book!  You DO NOT have to be a Unionite to enjoy and truly experience this book to read it!  Wow - it blew me away - no pun intended!  

The second book is called "Pull Up A Chair;  You, Me, and the Gospel of John"  by Lorie Looney Keene.  I was able to meet this author down at the Women's Forum in Nashville a few weeks ago.  What a neat lady!  She made me feel extra special in that she is so calming and does not come across as better than or "I have arrived" that I feel so often from speakers and authors.  (Let me add that it is most likely not that they come across that way, but that I am so intimidated or insecure that I allow that feeling to overtake me.)  This is truly a wonderful book and very down to earth much like I found the author.  Anyone could pull up a chair and feel like Lorie was right across from you taking you through the book of John.  The book is very interactive.  You might even find yourself carrying on a conversation with yourself - in a good way though.  

I am not sure if you noticed, but today is my 666th post.  For that reason I wanted to talk about what my Jesus means to me!!!  That number has such bad connotations and because of that I wanted to do nothing more than make sure my focus was all about Him.  So that is what I have done on my video blog today.  It is long - i am sorry - in advance, but how can you be short about Jesus!  You might have to come back later today and see the video - maybe because of the rain it is having a hard time uploading, but please come back and find out what my Jesus means to me.  

Ok - for the giveaways - if you will leave a comment of any kind I will put your name in a pile for the giveaway!  There will be 2 winners since there are 2 books.  Spread the love -K?K!  

Love you all - thanks again!  


27 comments:

vicki said...

Good morning and Happy Birthday

Am looking forward to your video even though it is obvious of your love for Jesus. If we all procalimed it as much as you did, how glorified He would be!

Luv to you
vicki

Norma Bowers said...

Hey Leigh! Great books, would love to have one of them! Again, I will wish you a happy, happy birthday! Don't be talking about 40...that's me tomorrow! It isn't so bad...yet! Ha! Love you and look forward to watching your video when I get in from work!

Unknown said...

Thanks for living out the Joy of Jesus! I am striving to do the same thing..and love the encouragement you bring

Unknown said...

Hi Leigh - thanks for living out the joy of Jesus! I am striving to do just that, and your blog always encourages!

Leah Adams said...

Happy Birthday, Leigh!!

Hope your day is awesome!!

Leah

Sallye said...

Good Morning Birthday Girl. You can just see your love for Jesus shining off your face. I love you girl and am so humbled that God allows me to pray for you. I believe that God has great things in store for you over the next 365 days.

Blessings,
Sallye

Victoria said...

What an awesome start to a happy birthday! Seeing and sharing how our Lord is that very happiness has to be the best celebration there is on earth! You had me in tears in a joyous way! I love your heart for the Lord!

Enjoy the day and keep letting Him shine,
Victoria

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

girls - i just realized it looks like i might be asking for birthday wishes by asking you to leave a comment to be eliglbe for the giveaway............ ugh - that is not what i purposed.... Sorry for it looking that way... oh well - i guess it is too late now.

Anyway - thanks for all the well wishes!!

Love, Leigh

fuzzytop said...

Happy Birthday Leigh!

Hugs,
Adrienne

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday!

Hey, I have a question. What exercise suggestions do you have for someone who has no access to a gym or exercise videos?

Thanks. :)
Dana

Anonymous said...

First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Leigh! I would love to be entered to win one of the books you are offering. Love & Peace - Shannon

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

oh gosh Dana - you are asking a question that seems very easy to answer - to one that lives in the US. I would just tell someone in that case to hit the pavement... Walk, run, jog, turn on the TV and find an exercise show, etc.... But in your case have no idea what to tell you. If i tell you to hit the pavement will you run into a lion if you go too far, will you run into "people" danger, is that not even possible because your husband is away at times.... I have no idea what to tell you except that we can all reduce what we eat... Girl - i can say that I have never been called to live like you are. I have no idea what it is like to not know if there will be power from moment to moment - and to totally be fine with that life.... I am so in awe of you missionaries. I guess in your home - sit ups are good, push ups are good. Can you swim anywhere? you can do leg lifts, you can jog around your house, or can you? Girl - I just pray right now that God will show you what you are to do. I pray for your attitude there and your resources as well. I pray He will provide in ways you never thought. I pray He blesses you in a awesome way that you have no option, but to get on your face before Him - then you can do a push up on the way back up! ha ha!! just had to add that!
I am in awe of you. My... the thoughts the Lord must have toward you - He called you to that - He knew you all would say yes!!! He is so proud of you all! and so am I!
I know i didn't answer your question, but hopefully you got uplifted and maybe some ideas!! much love from here in this comfy world that i don't deserve!! love, Leigh

Anonymous said...

Thanks Leigh! I know you're a workout buff so I was just curious about what I could do at home. I know I can reduce what I eat but I'm not overweight. I'm not trying to lose weight or anything but you seem to just have an energy and zest for life and I figure exercise has something to do with it. Of course nursing a baby is taking a lot of my resources right now but... I guess I'll try to do some basic exercises and home and then walk as much as possible. Of course my pavement is dirt but that works anyway - haha... Thanks for the encouragement. I'm having a hard day so it's uplifting to hear your words and your prayer especially.

God bless! Good luck figuring out the validity of those emails from India and Africa!

Dana

Toknowhim said...

I loved the video... One human can never truly express how much he/she loves Jesus... what a hard thing to do... That said, I did see your passion and love for Jesus shine through on the video :)

Happy Birthday!!! I just turned 38... I am a bit closer to 40 than you are, but I have decided that 40 is wonderful, and young still :)

Please enter me in your giveaway as well.

Blessings Sweet one... Maybe one day we can meet up since we live pretty close.

Kim

~Tracy~ said...

Leigh,

That was awesome!

I was actually leaving a comment to tell you that I spent many summers in Palestine, Texas... Too funny and a small world!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday lady! Hope your day is great! I think I need to win one of the books- my birthday is tomorrow! Norma can win the other one! Ha ha
Great blog thanks for sharing for heart with us.
Christina

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Hope your day is great! I vote Norma and I win the books as it is also my birthday tomorrow! Ha ha Thanks for sharing your heart! Christina

Anonymous said...

opps, Leigh please don't post both my comments I am a little tec challenged and wrote a second because I thought I did something wrong. Just saw that you have to approve posts before they are displayed! Sorry christina

Lindsee said...

Came to tell you Happy Birthday (even thought I already did on FB) and saw that you were doing a giveaway! :) FUN!

Happy Birthday, Leigh. I hope you have a very blessed day!

Also, I am doing my first giveaway! I'm giving away a plate. Even though you already have one, feel free to enter if you want one!

Much love your way today!

Linds

Unknown said...

Looking forward to see who wins.

SherylDean

Tim Ellsworth said...

Hi Leigh,

Thanks so much for the kind words about the book. I'm glad you and Clay enjoyed it, and I hope it will be a blessing to others. It was good seeing you last month on campus.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!!! Glad to have you join us old "36" year olds. haha
I really enjoy your blogs and words. Thanks for sharing and have a great day.

Misseegale said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! I am 36 as well, and yes looming over the big 4-0. Thanks for sharing these books on your birthday. Would love to have either of them.

Melissa Akers

Christie said...

Have I missed the giveaway? I'm leaving this comment a couple of days later. :) Just wandered over to your blog from FB tonight and I'm glad I did! I'm expecting a baby at any moment and have been trying to distract myself from the contractions I've been having on and off over the last week!! :) I have heard good things about Tim's book, but I haven't had a chance to see it yet! It was so wild to see our campus on the Today show from here in the Charlotte area!!!

It's good to see your "While I Smile" explanation. :)It's good to see that...years later...you're still smiling like this! God is truly good and so faithful!!!

Have a great weekend! Christie (Irvin) Cook

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Hi Leigh! Am I too late to be added to the list for a chance for one of the books? I hope not, so please add me!
Thanks!

Also, Happy Birthday, a few days late!! Mine was 11/30!! And I have a "few" years on you! ^0^
~Beth

ange said...

You are beautiful inside and out! Continue to shine!!!
ange

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

Sheryl - you have won the book God in the Whirlwind!

Kim - TOKNOWHIM - you have won Pull Up A Chair!

Girls - let me know your addresses and I will get these in the mail!

THank you and congrats!