Proud Moments...

Well we had one of those "big event" moments in the Gibbs household this week.  Our middle son, Jake, turned 13!  As a mom, that feels something like preparing to climb Mount Everest, enjoying a warm cup of coffee on a cold winter morning, and getting kicked in the stomach...all at once!  I am one of those parents who have enjoyed every stage of life my kids are in.  I love to be with them.  We laugh together, cry together.  We have deep conversations and dance in the front room.  They are all so precious to me. 

This year for Jake, we asked our closest friends and family to write him notes of encouragement.  Each of those notes were placed in their own balloon and he spent the day popping balloons and being encouraged by the people he loves and admires.  That really made me think.  I am so grateful for the people of character that my kids are so privileged to be surrounded by.  Coaches, teachers, aunts, uncles grandparents, siblings and friends...all people who would lend a helping hand in an instant and who would also encourage and not "step in" if that is what would be best for developing strength.  I thanked my God for this blessing.

Then I began to think about parenting and what a high calling that is.  For many years, I have been convinced that we must be purposeful in our parenting.  That strong, productive, spiritually powerful adults don't happen by accident, but are the outcome of influential people investing in them years prior.  I believe that we have to be diligent about being with our kids and spending not just quality time, but large quantities of time together as well.

This Tuesday night, as I stood and watched my son, a brand new teenager sleep...some things really struck my heart in tender places.  All of a sudden, in a new and profound way, I realized that I am the woman that God chose to teach this amazing young man how his own wife someday should treat him.  That I am the woman that God chose to teach him how a princess of the Most High should be adored and tended to.  That his dad will teach him to be a man of valor, honor and courage...to fight the good fight.  And as I stood there, to my knees I went.  I am honored to be that woman!

Here is Jake with the West Point wrestling coaches.

A few of the things I want my son to know:

• I want you to chase hard after Christ!  Don't you believe the lie that the life of a believer is boring or easy.  It is full of adventure and challenge and He has equipped you for every good work that He has prepared in advance for you!  You finish this life with dirt under your finger nails, sweat on your brow and trying to catch your breathe!  He is LIFE!  Go hard after Him!
• Be a strong man of great courage.  I want you to keep yourself pure and set apart for the wonderful bride God has chosen for you.  Don't give one piece of your warrior's heart to a girl who has nothing vested in it.  You, my son, are too valuable.  Your character and your hopes and dreams will come at a high cost to you.  You will lay down your life each day to follow Him on this great adventure.  Only one woman, one who is journeying the same kind of road, will be worthy of a piece of something with such a high cost.  She will have earned it when she stands beside my son and vows to fight hard as your life's partner.
• Be different.  You are a leader.  Be confident in who you are!
• You know that greatness thing?  You are called to it.  You can do all things through Christ who gives you strenth.  Change your world!  Win them to the Kingdom.
• You, son, are one of the greatest, most precious gifts I give to this world.  I am committed to you.  Not to be here to punish you when you make a mistake...though you will make some.  But to spend my energy, wisdom, emotion and prayers to partner with our Father and your dad to mold you into the mighty man I know you are created to be. 

As I tucked in a 12 year old and anticipated waking up a teenager...I treasured the thought of mid-night dates, having him lay his head in my lap while we watch a good movie, cheering like a crazy momma at sporting events, and peeking in on him as he spends time with the Lord early in the mornings...I was grateful and blessed.  Still felt like a little short of breathe like I'd been kicked in the stomach, but confident in the man He is becoming!

Thanks for letting me take a little detour today.  Blessings and love to you!

Managing emotion

One discussion that takes place in my home on a regular basis is time management.  Questions like...how can we fit that in?  Should we fit that in?  You go with Madi and I'll go with Jake.  Can you be home by 6:00 so I can leave by 6:15?  Can we attend that banquet?  We have a birthday party Friday night and Saturday afternoon.  Will we go to church Saturday night or Sunday morning?  When was the last time we talked about something other than our schedules and how tired  we are???

Maybe that sounds like a foreign language to you, but I can ask and answer most of those questions in my sleep they are so common in our home.  Tonight was one of those evenings, when I thought I must have "the mono" as one of my dear friends would say.  I sometimes get so tired and overwhelmed that even washing my face and putting on my pajamas can seem insurmountable.  How can I get it all done?

This evening as I spent several hours working on the long list of tasks that weren't yet checked off as of 7:00 pm...In the back of my mind, I was complaining yet again to the Father, "please help me manage my time." And then that still small voice that is so familiar, and particularly in those overwhelmingly busy times, is also too often out-shouted and over looked, pierced through my chaos, "Time management isn't the issue...managing the way you spend your emotion is."

That has rattled my cage.  Emotion management...as I have pondered that, it makes perfect sense.  His ways are not our ways and His thoughts aren't our thoughts.  They certainly aren't mine.  But when He speaks, He makes all things clear.  My time never increases or decrease, there is never more or less.  Always the same, 24 hours each day.  But the way I spend my emotion during those 24 hours changes every day. 

I think what the Lord may be speaking to me is that our time is so precious and valuable...that we must consider, what moments and with whom we will spend our emotion?  Today, for instance..I had breakfast with Jake and Madi.  Texted Tanner and Whitney and several friends, family and co-workers.  Spoke to my sister on the phone.  Attended the all A lunch with Jake and his friends.  Had lunch with a precious friend.  Laughed with my kids.  Cried in worship and listened to some incredible teaching via podcast.  Aside from those things, I did many task oriented duties and was somewhat productive.  As I write this blog now, I am tired...both body and spirit.

But my perspective has changed...

A few hours ago, I was overwhelmed to the point of tears because it seemed like there wasn't enough time in this day.  But after a simple statement from the Almighty, things shifted.   My day today moved quickly and there were items unchecked on my to-do list.  But I am very pleased with the way I spent my emotion...with people I love who make me laugh and keep me grounded.  With my God who multiplies all our resources, including our time, to accomplish His calling.

Tomorrow I will think less about my time and more about my emotion.  I intend to manage it and spend it wisely.  I pray the same for you.

Encouragement...

I am thrilled about our latest assignment from the Father!  I can't give you all the details, but if you ever doubt or fear the next generation and their spiritual foundations...you will be encouraged.  We are working with some amazing college students and I wanted to share an exchange with you.

Here is my post to them:
I hope you are having a great week! As soon as I type these questions, I am going into a prayer time for you! Praying that the Lord would give you favor and influence. That you would be reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit in you and that His Word will be alive and active in you. I know that many of you are looking into new possibilities. Some are looking for internships, looking to become a member of a cast and preparing to start your career. I am thankful that the Word tells us that He goes before and behind us. He makes the road rise up to meet us. I am praying that you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt where He is directing you. That He would give you perfect peace. Go get 'em!!

Okay, this week's question:
I am working with a high school student who is really struggling. She comes from a good family and has involved, precious parents. She is in a season of full on rebellion. She has been dating a high-school drop out, drug dealer who may have another girl pregnant...behind her parents' backs. He was arrested for drug possession and weapons. She still wants to be with him. Her parents are desperate. How do we reach her?

Here are a couple of their responses...WOW!
1) That's a rough situation, gosh I would hate to be going through some junk like that. If I were her parents this is how I would reach her ( I'm gonna write this as if I were her dad)... Honey I know you know that me and your mom love you more than anything in the world, we want you to be the happiest you could possibly be and we have all your best interest at heart! Now this decision your making by wanting to stay with this guy is not the one you want to make. Why would me and your family and everyone who loves you the most try to lead you down a path that would not be the absolute best for you! I can't sit here and support you in something that I know will hurt the most precious thing to my heart! I'll scream, cry and pray at and for you until you realize what your doing isn't gonna be good for you. Now i don't want to control you or make you do anything but if you keep thinking the way you are right now it's going to get very uncomfortable for you, I'm going to have to take away everything that could aid you in hurting yourself, whether it's your phone, car, or money I will no longer provide that for you as long as your heart is set the way it is. You are always welcome here where you will never get treated bad and will be provided for but your boyfriend is not allowed here. If you choose to go your own way I won't stop you from leaving and even though it would break every one's heart that truly does love you it doesn't mean that any time you ever want back you will be welcomed back with open arms. But please don't take that road that everyone who cares about you is promising you will lead to horrible horrible pain. I hope that you don't make any life changing choices that you can never get rid of. Please don't resent us for responding to your path you are choosing the way we have but you have to know that it is because we love you and want you to be the best and happiest you can be. Now read the story of the prodigal son and I want you to realize that I'm gonna be the same way to you as his dad was in the parable. I'm fighting as hard as I can for you but if you want to go eat with the pigs I'm so sorry for you but I'm here always and forever for you! I love you! And if you want more examples of people that have done what your choosing and regret it I can go on for days. Goodness I want you to be happy so bad I can't stand it!
Love dad

2) I wish I could say something that would be really helpful in this girls situation but me and my parents are in a similar situation with my sisters. I can tell you the two things I've learned one: the power of prayer always works! be SPECIFIC with Jesus. Make her your "sun stand still" (sun stand still comes from a book and its about Joshua asking God to make the sun stop in the middle of the sky and delay its going down for a full day. "There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a human being. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!") <---that's the power we have with the same prayers.
The next I would do is to tell the parents to cling to Psalm 34:18. 

I hope that encourages you...it certainly does me!  Thank you God that you are strong in our weakness and we want you to be Mighty among us!!!

You are CHOSEN!

I asked 15 college students the question, "If you had 15 minutes to speak to a group of middle school students,what would your topic be?"  Though they stated it in different ways, without exceptions they answered...their identity.  All of the college students described how insecurity about who they were designed to be and trying to "fit in" were their biggest struggles as middle school students.

Certainly, as I have interacted with this age group fairly extensively, I would agree 100%.  The ages  8 - 12 years are some of the most difficult in a person's lifetime.  We cannot escape our surroundings.  The name of the game in middle school is...make fun of someone before someone makes fun of you.  It is a hostile, dog eat dog environment. 

Strengthening our character is no different then strengthening our bodies.  It takes time, focus and dedication.  We start with light weight and increase the amount we can handle as we commit to the process and our body begins to respond.  The same process is necessary as we seek to strengthen our character. 

Several years ago, the Lord put on our hearts at CareNet the desire to strengthen the next generations of young people.  They are being eaten alive...drugs, alcohol, sex, bullying, technology, and the culture are literally overpowering them.  Overpowering Christian kids and unsaved kids alike.  Overpowering our kids who have the Spirit of Almighty God living on the inside of them.  The same Holy Spirit who parted the Red Sea and raised Jesus from the dead is theirs to give them direction, ways of escape and victory...yet, the culture, peer pressure and sin seems to be the tag line of the day.

What were we going to do about?  Not take it laying down, that's for sure!  We began offering several mentoring programs...one of which I am thrilled to introduce you to today!

CHOSEN is a Bible study curriculum for young ladies ages 8-12 years.  The curriculum is 26 lessons in all and is broken up into 4 sessions.  The curriculum comes with a Leader's guide which contains all the lessons, explanation of activities that help to bring each topic to life, and a letter to give to the girls' moms each week.  We want parents to know what the girls are learning so that they can have valuable discussion with their own girl about the different subjects.  Also, we have a journal for the girls to use throughout all 26 lessons.  The hope is that by the end of week 26, she will be having her own powerful and personal quiet time with the Father each day.  An amazing gift from the Father, are the 4 posters contained in the journal.  The posters are prints of four original paintings done by Ginger Nelson.  They are divinely inspired and covered literally in all of the scripture contained in each session!  The posters serve as reminders to the girls of all they have learned and accomplished.


The lessons are practical and on her level.  We talk about the character qualities that we should have as fruit of the Spirit living in us.  It is the Spirit that gives us the power we need to be more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  So, when you have a friend gossiping about you during lunch...how would the Father want you to respond?  Even at 10, we don't have to be ruled by our emotions.  We can be Spirit lead and that is the goal...to see these girls living lives that powerfully, boldly and lovingly reflect the face of our Great King!

We would love nothing more than for you to be connected and involved with us!  If you live in the Amarillo area and would like to sign your daughter or a young lady in your life up to participate in our next CHOSEN session...you can contact us by visiting our website www.youarechosen.org or calling our office at 806-354-2288.  We would love the opportunity to journey with her!  OR you can purchase the CHOSEN curriculum and lead your own sweet group of girls through the program.  It is easy to use and we are happy to help you in any way we can.  I believe that the next generation can change the world...but we must prepare them on purpose!  It won't happen by accident.

Please contact us today to sign your girl up or to start a group of your own.  Also, please let your friends know about the program.  I would love for you to follow us on twitter @CandyKGibbs and post us on your twitter or facebook account.  For all of you Pinterest addicted, you can pin us there too!

I am so thankful for the opportunity the Lord has given us with these precious girls...every time I stand in front of them and look out at their sweet, innocent faces...I am reminded that in our weakness, He is strong!!  Our enemy better look out, because oh the mighty warriors for the Kingdom that I serve!

All my love to you!! To you be all glory, King Jesus!

Contact us today and please spread the word!

Sanctity of Life Sunday 2012

Hello All! Happy New Year to you! I am so excited and encouraged about 2012! My prayer for you, for CareNet and for our families this year is that the Lord would make us strong: spiritually, emotionally, mentally, relationally and physically. I am asking the Lord to equip us to run the race He has laid out for each of us. That we will all stand in the place He has asked us to stand and together we will see miraculous advancement of His Kingdom.

This Sunday, January 22nd is Sanctity of Life Sunday. Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is a national day to raise awareness about the intrinsic value of human life and the fundamental right to life.

In 1983, President Reagan issued a proclamation creating this special day. It is held on the Sunday in January that falls closest to the day on which the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions were handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973.

I recently saw a quote from Christine Caine, "Once you know...you can't un-know."

Pretty profound statement and I think it has great application related to the subject of abortion. Years ago, we debated the issue of when life begins to determine whether or not we were even talking about a baby. Thanks to scientific advancement and ultrasound, we have a window into the sacred sanctuary of the womb and we know what we witness is the life of a baby yet to be born.

I have had the privilege of visiting with many, many women facing all of her options in unplanned pregnancy. As we approach the 2012 election, there are many people voicing their opinions about many issues, one of which being abortion. We hear things like: It's a woman's right. You can't legislate morality. It's her body. Talk about things that are important, like the economy.

I can assure you that when women come into CareNet and they are face to face with the life and death decision of abortion. Her reasons for considering that choice sound nothing like the arguments listed above. She says things like: I have no money and don't know how I will care for a baby. My parents will kick me out. My boyfriend will leave me. I was on my way to college. The fact is that there is "some - thing" making her feel as though abortion is her only option. It is our opinion, that the loving thing to do is to help her with that "thing" so that she can make a positive choice for herself and her child.

It takes courage to journey with and step into a difficult life situation with another. Especially when you may gain nothing...only offer a hand to hold as you gentle guide her to the garment of the gentle, Savior who holds her salvation and redemption.

Fact is we now "know"... it is a baby, we know abortion takes the life of an innocent child, that abortion scars a woman in the most intimate places, that it isn't an answer to a difficult situation but a quick fix that is only a band aid to the real issues and struggles.

If we now cannot "un-know" we are responsible to act.

There is beauty and hope all around us. As Christ-followers, may 2012 be a year when we approach situations and people with eyes wide open. A year that He allows us to see through the chaos and confusion to see the heart of the matter. That we would choose life. Choose hope. Choose Him and help others to do the same.

Bite Size Moments, Please

I am in the place of asking the Lord what He would like my focus to be for the next year.  I have made a practice of doing this each January and I am sure many of you do as well.  I think it is a great idea, to set time aside to seek Him for the whole of the next 12 months.  As I prepare to seek Him for the coming year, I looked back in my journal at what I was talking to him about last January.  I want to include a part of that here:

January 4, 2011
"Lord, I want to confess to you that I once again feel fickle and I am feeling dry and unprepared.  I want to apologize because often times my relationship with You seems somewhat based on circumstances.  I mean that when a situation or project arises I then, more intently, turn my focus toward You.  I spend much of my time regretting that I don't spend more time with You - instead of simply using that time to be with You.  Lord, I am praying that you would make me different, to change me.  I am deliberately turning my focus toward You - to intentionally and passionately seek You.  Please show me Lord how to move into a secure, fulfilled, and anointed place with You..."

If I had taken the same task of examining the upcoming 12 months on July 1, 2011...I confess that my entry for that day would have looked much like the one penned in January.  But I have learned something about myself.  I need to take things in smaller pieces.  The next twelve months, 10 years from now, our retirement account, world politics, the Pacific Ocean, the fate of charitable giving in the United States, the spouses my children will marry....all of those things are so vast and far in the distance, they are hard for me to grasp.  I have trouble gaining a clear perspective on them.  I am not saying that we should be uneducated or short sighted.  I am not saying that we shouldn't consider the big picture and make plans for the future.

But what the Lord has taught me over the last six months...is that He is the "I AM".  He is in this present moment.  He is with me today and today He holds all that I need.  I really can't predict where my relationship with Him will be in 6 months, but I can affect and know where it is today.  I don't know where CareNet or charitable giving with be in 6 months, but He is our provider today and in the months to come.  Today, we are well tended to and our clients receive the love, compassion and truth of Christ everyday.  I don't know who my ten and twelve year olds will marry, but I know the people they are today and the ones the Lord is shaping them into tomorrow.  I can't fathom the depths of the Pacific Ocean, but I felt the sands of the beach between my toes just weeks ago and I sensed His Presence. 

Bite sized moments, that's my focus for 2012.  My prayer is that I will ask Him everyday...what is He purpose for today, because His provision is for that purpose.  I am praying for all of us that we would focus on this moment and to fully experience the Great I Am.

I am praying for you what King David penned in Psalm 61.
"May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him." Psalm 61:7

Merry Christmas!

I want to wish you a memorable Christmas!  It is my prayer that you will experience every moment to its fullest.  That you will linger and hold on to each interaction.  Time seems to pass so quickly and we are so busy getting "ready" for Christmas, that we sit down to relax and enjoy just as the last few moments slip by.  Work less this week.  Require yourself to be less perfect and less prepared.  Enjoy the mess of cookie baking and gift wrapping.  Laugh more and plan less.  Listen more and talk less.  Stay up late and watch a good movie with a child snuggled in close.  Get up early and have a cup of coffee with your man.  Spend some time staring at the beauty of a lighted Christmas tree.  Read Luke 2 with new wonder of a Savior who became man to save us.  Enjoy!  I plan to.

Merry Christmas!  Happy Birthday Jesus!