A lot of fabulous new things have been growing inside of the Haas' view over the last few months! We can't wait to share all God has been doing from this view!
We've been asked frequently of the details of why we have began a new focus of developing new leaders and how it all got started! Many have wanted to sit and "dig in" to our experience of what it's been like to grow new leaders with Freedom House Kids and with our team at Freedom House!
We are excited to share that over the next few weeks, we are going to share a few of our "lessons learned" in our adventure! We'll share a few of the challenges, the celebrations, a few of our "misses" and the practical tools and wisdom we were able to apply. It's truly been an honor to walk thru the last 5 months with this core team of new leaders and be able to watch God deposit and grow such vast promises in each of them!
Stay tuned for more coming this week as we share a few of the FHkids team organizational ideas' we've navigated, leadership resources that we have dove deep in to learn and apply ... and more!
We look forward to hearing of how you are growing leaders around you as well!
Dig deep! Plant well! Enjoy the Harvest!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
What Are You Reading?
I've been on a reading frenzy lately, seeking and finding some great resources for families!
Here are a few of my favorite new finds and resources that have impacted my life and my family!
Here ya go!
Over the last two months I've been watching with a front row view God's fresh Word affect me and my family. Let me remind you ... Leaders are readers!
What are you reading that has impacted you?
Here are a few of my favorite new finds and resources that have impacted my life and my family!
Here ya go!
- The Sacred Echo - Margaret Fienberg
- A Young Man After God's Own Heart - Jim George
- Jesus Calling For Kids - Sarah Young
Over the last two months I've been watching with a front row view God's fresh Word affect me and my family. Let me remind you ... Leaders are readers!
What are you reading that has impacted you?
Monday, June 4, 2012
It's Summer Time!
It's Summer Time!
This summer I want to turn the sprinklers on for my kids and run through them with them.
This summer I want to let them have ice cream for morning snack.
This summer I want to stop more, play more, and listen more.
This summer I want to play dress up with my girl and let her glam me with glitter and pearls!
This summer I want to slow down and watch my kids have a blast in our home.
This summer I want to take morning walks with my kids.
This summer I want to take them to the park more often - even if it's hot, humid and buggy!
This summer I want to make berry shortcake with whipped cream for dinner.
This summer I want to make a batch of homemade lemonade and sit on the deck it with my family.
This summer I want to create memories of laughter with my family!
This summer I want to make sure that those little times, those pedals and pushes, and late afternoon hours playing together before a muggy thunderstorm rolls in really matters - in fact, really happens.
After all, look at them. Growing up.
Right in front of me. First they crawl, and then the walk, then they run, then they ride their bikes, and scooter, and on and on growing. Every day. One step older, one more moment of letting go.
This summer I want to take a bike ride next to them.
This summer I want to play catch in the backyard.
This summer I want to surprise them with really cool trips - beach, sand, fishing, fun!
This summer I want to remember to slow down.
This summer I will push through and try to understand that video game he really likes!
But, if you are like me, we lose track of that thought. We get stuck in the short sight - all we need to accomplish (that ever growing TO DO list!) or finish, or what they're not doing right or what needs to change or what we're making for dinner - that stuff. And we lose the idea that this day, this moment, this scooter ride down the hill and back, this matters.
Yes, we absolutely have to do all the short every day to day stuff, there's no way around it - the dishes, the TO DO list, the cleaning, the working, the laundry folding, etc - it's just part of life. But, we could get stuck only doing the to-do list and missing those moments that we'll want to remember. Are we really wanting to look back and remember that we got all those dishes done or the laundry was perfectly caught up or we sent that perfect tweet for this summer of 2012?
This summer I want to pay attention to the mom watch my cool trick moments.
This summer I want to look with wonder at that bee in the flowers.
This summer I want to look at both my kids in the eyes and tell them how much I love them.
This summer I want to take my oldest to see a late midnight movie.
This summer I want to rest in the grass and look for cloud shapes with my seven year old.
This summer I want to take them camping, real camping - in a tent on a cool mountain top.
This summer I want to worry less about the dirt and more about the heart.
It's too easy to race through the day, being busy, and than get to the end of the day when our little people need to go to bed and to realize that less then ten minutes of time was really spent with them. Summer, despite the lazy hazy days of summer line has the tendency to actually race by with it's own form of busy. And, if we're not intentional the summer could pass, this summer, without accomplishing many of the things in our hearts that we want to do.
Make a list, my friends, make a list. Sit down, take ten minutes, and ponder what you really want to do, what would matter to your family, to others this summer.
This summer I want to surprise my husband with fabulous date nights, where I listen!
This summer I want to value our days and cherish every moment of his love for me!
This summer I will speak his love language and value every day we have been given!
This summer I will find creative ways to show how I appreciate all he gives to our home!
You've got your to-do lists. Now, add a this summer list. I've shared with you a bit of my list in progress throughout the post. Will you check everything off? Probably not. Will it make you more intentional? Definitely yes. Before you know it this summer will be gone - summer has a way of doing that - grab this time, this summer - and really intentionally live capturing those moments that matter and that you want to remember.
This summer I want to turn the sprinklers on for my kids and run through them with them.
This summer I want to let them have ice cream for morning snack.
This summer I want to stop more, play more, and listen more.
This summer I want to play dress up with my girl and let her glam me with glitter and pearls!
This summer I want to slow down and watch my kids have a blast in our home.
This summer I want to take morning walks with my kids.
This summer I want to take them to the park more often - even if it's hot, humid and buggy!
This summer I want to make berry shortcake with whipped cream for dinner.
This summer I want to make a batch of homemade lemonade and sit on the deck it with my family.
This summer I want to create memories of laughter with my family!
This summer I want to make sure that those little times, those pedals and pushes, and late afternoon hours playing together before a muggy thunderstorm rolls in really matters - in fact, really happens.
After all, look at them. Growing up.
Right in front of me. First they crawl, and then the walk, then they run, then they ride their bikes, and scooter, and on and on growing. Every day. One step older, one more moment of letting go.
This summer I want to take a bike ride next to them.
This summer I want to play catch in the backyard.
This summer I want to surprise them with really cool trips - beach, sand, fishing, fun!
This summer I want to remember to slow down.
This summer I will push through and try to understand that video game he really likes!
But, if you are like me, we lose track of that thought. We get stuck in the short sight - all we need to accomplish (that ever growing TO DO list!) or finish, or what they're not doing right or what needs to change or what we're making for dinner - that stuff. And we lose the idea that this day, this moment, this scooter ride down the hill and back, this matters.
Yes, we absolutely have to do all the short every day to day stuff, there's no way around it - the dishes, the TO DO list, the cleaning, the working, the laundry folding, etc - it's just part of life. But, we could get stuck only doing the to-do list and missing those moments that we'll want to remember. Are we really wanting to look back and remember that we got all those dishes done or the laundry was perfectly caught up or we sent that perfect tweet for this summer of 2012?
This summer I want to pay attention to the mom watch my cool trick moments.
This summer I want to look with wonder at that bee in the flowers.
This summer I want to look at both my kids in the eyes and tell them how much I love them.
This summer I want to take my oldest to see a late midnight movie.
This summer I want to rest in the grass and look for cloud shapes with my seven year old.
This summer I want to take them camping, real camping - in a tent on a cool mountain top.
This summer I want to worry less about the dirt and more about the heart.
It's too easy to race through the day, being busy, and than get to the end of the day when our little people need to go to bed and to realize that less then ten minutes of time was really spent with them. Summer, despite the lazy hazy days of summer line has the tendency to actually race by with it's own form of busy. And, if we're not intentional the summer could pass, this summer, without accomplishing many of the things in our hearts that we want to do.
Make a list, my friends, make a list. Sit down, take ten minutes, and ponder what you really want to do, what would matter to your family, to others this summer.
This summer I want to surprise my husband with fabulous date nights, where I listen!
This summer I want to value our days and cherish every moment of his love for me!
This summer I will speak his love language and value every day we have been given!
This summer I will find creative ways to show how I appreciate all he gives to our home!
You've got your to-do lists. Now, add a this summer list. I've shared with you a bit of my list in progress throughout the post. Will you check everything off? Probably not. Will it make you more intentional? Definitely yes. Before you know it this summer will be gone - summer has a way of doing that - grab this time, this summer - and really intentionally live capturing those moments that matter and that you want to remember.
Friday, November 18, 2011
My Song
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
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I wish I had more of the creative, artistic ability to write a song from our part of the story from these last few weeks. Until I can employ or implore someone to help me write a song from this journey, I'll keep on singing LOUD in my own special, creative, "can't carry a tune in a bucket" kind of way! I can't keep quiet so I hope you will enjoy the tunes with me!
On September 30th we began a journey of watching first hand being established on a different level of God's peace and authority! A level that has propelled us into a greater understanding of God's love, His protection, His power to heal and the power He gives to us as His children to withstand whatever the enemy may try to throw at you! Earlier in the year we knew we had heard a specific instruction in our prayer time of a promise God had for the Haas family in 2011! We have had a front row seat watching God's Word become living and active over our lives!
Here's the story ...
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Chris had to have an emergency gall bladder removal on Friday, September 30th. What would normally be a routine surgery ended up resulting in a 24 day luxurious stay in the hospital and continuing in week 4 of his continued miraculous healing at home! The gall bladder removal had resulted in a bile duct rupture/leak that was not found until 6 days post surgery, causing his organ function to take a nose dive and begin to fail.
It was Thursday, October 6th and after 4 days of no sleep, I still strongly remember the doctors remarks of, "We are not sure Chris is going to be ok. He is in organ failure and multiple blood clots have been found in both lungs. We are going to do all that we can to help him and make him comfortable at this time. We will keep you posted". I saw their fear. I smelled the angst of enemy's tactics to try to take him out. I wasn't afraid of the doctor's expression or their uncontrolled fear. I can confidently shout that I was never afraid that Chris would die. I was tired yes, but I never feared for his life. I felt God's peace protecting every part of he and I - our minds, our physical bodies and our spirit. I knew God's promise to us would be seen! We needed a miracle and we knew we could depend on Him to show up!
The following weeks Chris had to have 3 drainage ports to help remove the bile off the organs. As every day passed, we began to see an increase of health in every organ! Each blood draw would confirm that every organ was getting stronger and stronger. Healing was happening!
Chris had not eaten ANYTHING for 2 and half weeks. He had lost over 25 lbs in since being admitted to the hospital! (His commentary, "It was the most expensive and difficult weight loss plan ever! Never do it! P90X is best!) We celebrated every step of healing - 1st ice chips eaten, 1st sips of clear fluids, 1st soft foods, then holy smokes - His 1st steps on a lovely walk with me! We were beyond thankful for the many calls, coffee deliveries (I'm still recovering from detox from the many Starbuck's cups consumed), meal deliveries for our family, fun care for our kids, and the many visitors and prayer partners around the world that has shown such love for us and many who stood firm for this miracle! We love you all so much and thank God for you!
Chris had not eaten ANYTHING for 2 and half weeks. He had lost over 25 lbs in since being admitted to the hospital! (His commentary, "It was the most expensive and difficult weight loss plan ever! Never do it! P90X is best!) We celebrated every step of healing - 1st ice chips eaten, 1st sips of clear fluids, 1st soft foods, then holy smokes - His 1st steps on a lovely walk with me! We were beyond thankful for the many calls, coffee deliveries (I'm still recovering from detox from the many Starbuck's cups consumed), meal deliveries for our family, fun care for our kids, and the many visitors and prayer partners around the world that has shown such love for us and many who stood firm for this miracle! We love you all so much and thank God for you!
It's just like the enemy to try to take down another if he can't take down the initial rebel. We know how his tactics work to bring torment, confusion and destruction. Just so you know... he doesn't win!
Here's the rest of the story that many don't know... I had an intestinal illness that began to hit me on October 17th. A CT scan the following day showed great concern to the doctor. "We have found a 1/2" renal cell carcinoma on your left kidney. We see that there is a cancer spot on your left kidney Mrs. Haas. It is a great concern to us. You will need to see a specialist in 3 days". Yes, I said they found cancer in me! I remember sitting there in shock! Thinking to myself and saying loudly, "What! You have got to be kidding! There is no way! Really? What!". Imagine my confusion and issue of listening to this report after we just walked through Chris' attack? Can you imagine my emotions at that point - Having to go back upstairs, to room 2219 - to tell my husband, who by the way - almost died just 2 weeks ago, that I have been diagnosed with a type of cancer!
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I am sure you could have seen the visible transition on my countenance as I had cried from being tired, confused, sleep deprived after a 21 day stay, getting healed up from stomach stuff to.. EXTREMELY MAD! I got violently mad, angry and yes ... a little more than mad. "You've messed with the wrong people this time! You have no idea who or what you are dealing with"! Something rose up in us that had never before. A resounding - ENOUGH! Back Off! A strength and confidence in God's power in us that could take any of the enemy's demon's - head on. Bring on your ugly self, we know how this ends, kind of mad! Chris and I declared against the gates of hell that this was FINISHED. We fasted. We prayed. We took communion there in the hospital room. We knew God could heal me! We had already seen a miracle of restoration in Chris' body! We knew almost every continent, friends in every timezone, friends across every continent was agreeing scriptures over us for healing! God would do what He promised!
We've kept this close to our hearts, not allowing doubt to creep in. We worshiped bigger. We gave greater in our love, our serving, our trust, our obedience. We trusted a God who would be seen! We chose that day how to "take it to a whole 'notha level" (as Pastor Troy would say!) in our spiritual authority!
We've kept this close to our hearts, not allowing doubt to creep in. We worshiped bigger. We gave greater in our love, our serving, our trust, our obedience. We trusted a God who would be seen! We chose that day how to "take it to a whole 'notha level" (as Pastor Troy would say!) in our spiritual authority!
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Here's the continuing love story... Chris was able to come home on October 21st! He has been continuing to heal, rest and get a little "back to normal" with enjoying his favorites - reading, journaling, History Channel and laughing hysterically with the kids. His organ function is off the charts compared to where they were 3 weeks ago and he is gaining more and more strength each day. The doctors are amazed at his body healing so well! He can't wait to be fully back into action!
Here is the awesome, incredible, make you wanna shout news received this week! Yesterday, I received MRI results from last week's scan. Per the doctor, "Nickie your spot that "looked to be there", is inconclusive. It's so much smaller than a few weeks ago. This is not cancer. This is nothing that is of concern. Again, Nickie this is shrinking and it's not cancer. I'm not sure how all this happened so quickly. I don't want to see you again till April". People I tell you - God heals! This chick is cancer FREE!
Eliana said this in the car one night after visiting her Daddy at the hospital, "The devil is stupid and comes to only steal, kill and destroy stuff. I'm tired of him trying to do this to my family. I want to kick him in the crotch!". Yes... that's our girl! To help clarify to her, of course I had to explain to her how we "kick him where it hurts" when the enemy tries to devour our lives.
Our Fighting Terms!
1. We worship bigger than we ever have! We press in. We did not allow circumstances to determine our level of adoration!
2. We surround our lives with the living Word! We were protective of allowing any doubt to creep in. We kept God's promises in the forefront of our lives and surrounded ourselves with those we knew would bombard the gates of hell with us with no doubt of watching God's healing be a part of our story.
3. We pray & STAND! Agreeing with God's Word! Standing is not passive. It's active and sometimes takes more stamina and strength that taking that first step of a run. We stood and refused to be denied this miracle.
Psalm 138:3 The Message (MSG) The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.
Psalm 57:7 My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!"
Psalm 118:6 The Message (MSG) God's now at my side and I'm not afraid; who would dare lay a hand on me?
Isaiah 41:9 New Living Translation (NLT) I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away.
John 16:33 Amplified Bible (AMP) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Psalm 91:2 New Living Translation (NLT) This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
Isaiah 53:4-5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stipes we ARE healed.
2 Chronicles 20:17 New Living Translation (NLT) But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord is with you!”
Joshua 21:25 Not one of all the Lord's good promises failed; every one was fulfilled!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
5 Of My Favorites!
I had to write a post this month about a few of my favorite things!
I'm a pretty busy Mom, Wife and Friend! I love being busy and love doing all that I get to do. I sincerely enjoy my life! I don't know how many can really say that, but I really love each part I get to play!
I have a few major things I'm a part of in this season and I love finding resources that keep me organized, encouraged and productive. A few of these roles include serving on staff at an amazing church in Children's Ministries, volunteering as Director for an annual non-profit fundraising 5K & Family Walk, homeschooling my 6th grade son and partnering monthly with our local YMCA to host monthly community prayer groups. I love all I get to do and it's truly an adventure! I love it!
With all of these roles I have in addition to being wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend -I need tools to help keep me organized & focused! My strong sanguine fun girl tends to come out strong when I am not surrounded by organizational tools while balanced with fun resources!
Here are my recent TOP 5 favorites!
1. Staples Apprentice Rotating Desk Organizer
http://www.staples.com/Staples-The-Desk-Apprentice-Rotating-Desk-Organizer/product_597003
I love how I have so much space to store files, projects, supplies and all my favorite office tools! With all the many things I work on ... this was perfect for my desktop space! I love how it spins! Fun for this chick too!
2. Frixion Erasable Pens - I enjoy knowing I can erase in my lesson planning notes, as well as any calendar updates or meeting notes! Colorful & clean! Much better than those old models!
3. Social Media - I stay connected with so many industry trends with all I am a part of through social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and also through many blog subscriptions! It's a great way to stay up to date with current trends in homeschool, ministry, family life, leadership and so much more! We have so much on our phones too to learn with! There is absolutely NO REASON to be out of the loop with current industry trends, news and updates with whatever you are a part of! www.facebook.com
www.linkedin.com
4. iMom.comOne of my favorite new found resources is iMom.com! What a wealth of tips, fun ideas and resources for any family!
Check it out at www.imom.com
5. Bible app for my Droid!
I love knowing that I've got this with me wherever I go! Stopped at Sbucks Drive Thru - need a word? Got it! With a friend over lunch - need a word? Got it! Want that quiet moment late at night when you can't sleep - need a word? Got it! I love the Life Journal Reading plan and continue to write out my journaling notes, savoring the specific things God speaks during my quiet moments.
Don't get me wrong, I love the printed pages of my hot pink Bible still just as much! But there's nothing like having this with me!
I'm off to spin my "apprentice organizer" happily!
What are you using to keep things organized with the various roles you play?
Monday, June 6, 2011
Here's the deal ...
I was in an online conversation a few weeks back and after confronting a situation that was dishonoring to another, the person asked me "So it was YOUR place to publicly tell me I was dishonoring?" ... my reply to this "friend" was, "YES"! God placed me in this conversation to SPEAK. Not to yell, attack, belittle or slander - but to SPEAK. I have a voice. I'm on this journey of learning to love my voice like my Father loves my voice. To see that my voice brings value, grace and even restoration in the middle of a confrontation.
It got me thinking and stirred me to really reflect on what God's design was for me in this season. You see, in the past I'd been quiet on some things that I really should've brought a greater (not louder) voice to. Oh sure, I have shared my "two cents" a few times when given the chance or welcome. I'm not talking about joining in on the ranting and public disagreements that may be seen on street corner protests. I'm speaking of the inner quiet voice, many times in the private settings of conversation and friendship, when God challenges you to SPEAK. That kind of challenge may be to speak up on the behalf of someone who may be lowly in spirit. The challenge to speak up to bring honor back to a life or a place. The challenge to ask friends hard questions when lives seem to be going in a little different direction. The challenge to speak up when your loyalty to vision is questioned. The voice had not spoken many times due to fear and insecurity. Speaking up can sometimes bring correction, then healing - in me just as much as others. Speaking up is the reflection of God's heart.
In this season, I'm more aware and reminded that God has given me a voice. A voice that can listen to when my Father wants me to speak, with the voice He wants me to speak. I have a voice - to speak, to ask, to share, to relate, to love. I'm learning to love my voice!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Captivated!
Anyone who knows me, knows I like to be busy, active, engaged and captivated by life. I love every part of living and don't want to miss a thing! This has been a busy season for me, and I must declare to the world that I am loving each & every moment. In all that I get to be a part of, I really count it an honor to serve in the many areas that I have the chance to be connected to!
I am honored that God has given me an incredible husband and children to get to share this most sacred life with! I get to be a wife and Mom! Both childhood dreams that God has made happen! I get to serve God's house, God's people and connect others to His vision for freedom at Freedom House Church! I get to be a part of some incredible organizations who are impacting lives for restoration and healing like Mercy Ministries! I am surrounded by such loving, passionate people that I get to learn from, share life with and be on this adventure not isolated in a silo! I have long time devoted family & friends who I know love me and "have my back"!
It is such an honor to have this life. My life. I get to live this life! I get to live this life! I'm especially thankful for the crazy days, busy schedules, sibling arguments, burned dinners, wrinkled laundry - it's all mine! It means I'm living. I'm here. I'm captivated!
Tonight's blog may not be a bright lights, big "to-do" to you, but this heart is thankful, honored and captivated by God's love that He would think of me to be a part of this story!
I am honored that God has given me an incredible husband and children to get to share this most sacred life with! I get to be a wife and Mom! Both childhood dreams that God has made happen! I get to serve God's house, God's people and connect others to His vision for freedom at Freedom House Church! I get to be a part of some incredible organizations who are impacting lives for restoration and healing like Mercy Ministries! I am surrounded by such loving, passionate people that I get to learn from, share life with and be on this adventure not isolated in a silo! I have long time devoted family & friends who I know love me and "have my back"!
It is such an honor to have this life. My life. I get to live this life! I get to live this life! I'm especially thankful for the crazy days, busy schedules, sibling arguments, burned dinners, wrinkled laundry - it's all mine! It means I'm living. I'm here. I'm captivated!
Tonight's blog may not be a bright lights, big "to-do" to you, but this heart is thankful, honored and captivated by God's love that He would think of me to be a part of this story!
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