The Hope Choice

Bravehearts Mentoring Group

2012-02-17T14:13:00.001-06:00

Jerry Little

The goal of BraveHearts mentoring group for guys is to encourage and support young men in their quest to be men of purity, strength and direction. GODLY, Men of Honor! Hopefully, their father will join us in this effort, but we have many Uncles and older brothers who come along-side the young men in this quest. Fathers, your son would love for you to spend this weekend with him. As the Chaplain for The Youth Center of The High Plains, I talk to a lot of youth that don't think their dad cares. I can't tell you how many times I've heard "He doesn't have time for me". Please hear me, when I say, you don't have anything more important than this time with your son, as we help him realize "He has what it takes."

“It's not a question. It's THE question, the one every boy and man is longing to ask. Do I have what it takes?” John Eldredge, Wild at Heart

We all need to know we have what it takes. Have you seen the commercial with the little boy throwing a ball in the air while he says, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world”? He swings and strike one, he misses the ball. He picks up the ball again, throws it up in the air and says, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world”. Strike two. He picks up the ball the third time, turns his hat around backwards and says, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world.” Strike three. He then looks down at the ball, and with a huge smile on his face he says, “I’m the greatest pitcher in the world”!

We all need to know we have what it takes and we all need to know our Father knows we have what is takes. “You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22

I would also like to invite you (father and son) to join us for Thursday Night Thunder as we become Gate Takers. Matthew 16:18 says, “…and on this rock I will build MY church and the gates of hades will not prevail against it.” We meet with the BraveHearts group and discuss the war we are in; Revelations 12 talks about how the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her offspring who keep the commandments of GOD and have the testimony of JESUS CHRIST. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your advisory the devil walks about the earth like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”1Peter5:7-9 Satan is at war with us.

We meet on these Thursday nights to empower the BraveHearts to "be strong in the LORD and the power of HIS might. Put on the whole armor of God, that they may be able to stand against firm Ephesians 6:10-11 so we can be on the offense and help the Gate Takers kick down the gates of hades and bind Satan with the keys of the kingdom given to us by our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Matthew 16:19

Our goal is to use TNT to bring the BraveHearts back together on a monthly basis, in order to encourage them to stand together in their schools as a "Band of Brothers" as "Gate Takers" for Jesus Christ. So they realize they’re not alone. They do have like minded friends going through the same battles they are. We will award the attendee's with a "Wheeler Peek Expedition" in the summer.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD Your GOD is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

I challenge you to bring your son and join us as, "God shows us great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

Jerry "Gramps" Little

You are Chosen!

2012-02-08T15:13:00.000-06:00

Candy Gibbs

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!

Mentoring Programs

2012-01-25T10:32:00.000-06:00

Cathy Reyna

I was introduced to CareNet in 2005 when my daughter completed the first Pearls class, the initial mentoring program began by Candy Gibbs. That 10 weeks of study and focus for my child impacted our entire family. We were a Christian family but we were struggling…a blended household, stepchildren, both parents working full-time stressful jobs and the busyness of sports, academic and teen social activities of our kids. It seems in all that chaos that 24 hours could hold we were losing true vision of what was actually valuable in our lives. The Pearls class and the banquet that followed centered us once again on His vision for us, His plan and His power to change chaos into calm.

Colossians 3: 15 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

We were indeed thankful and in turn I looked for a way to share that with others. As you continue to read on in Colossians 3:16 the answer was obvious, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…” It was time to pass on what Christ had done for us to other teens, other families; I could not walk on and not look back to help others as they struggled.

That’s how I became a mentor. I had seen what was possible through God and through this program at CareNet. I wanted to see it continue and grow; to reach lives and encourage young people to see Jesus and His plan for them. Titus 2: 3-5 tells me to “teach what is good and train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be pure, self-controlled and kind.” Through the mentoring programs we can bring these principles to life and become a part of these kids’ everyday existence at school, with friends and at home. God’s Word is not just something read at church or on special occasions, but a tool to be used daily to guide and to comfort. Satan’s temptations are everywhere, crying out for satisfaction and heard in every situation; we as Christians should be right there toe-to-toe speaking God’s truth and instilling in young people the “bread of life” spoken about in John 6.

As years went by I continued to mentor with the Pearls program and even to ask God if He had a bigger plan growing in that direction. I am an RN and have loved serving both patients and coworkers in that capacity. But as time went by I continued to feel the call of Jesus pulling me towards serving Him and an even bigger commitment of my time and energy. Last January I stepped out in faith and joined the CareNet staff as fulltime Abstinence Director. I now see the path that the Lord has laid before me through the years of education, experience and “mothering” to serve in a new capacity. It is full of challenges, joy and growth.

The very best part of mentoring however has everything to do with the relationships you make. Seeing the future unfold in the lives of these you’ve invested time and prayer over; hearing the joy in a mom’s voice as she calls out to you at the store that her daughter is doing great and leading a Bible study for her peers. Watching young mentors you work along-side have their own families and develop new ideas to encourage and reach out to those they teach. It is a rich reward of seed planted and getting to see the harvest that the Lord brings forth. It spurs us on to continue working! Join us in the adventure. It is never boring!

Thankfully the mentoring programs for kids ages 8-19 are continuing to grow at CareNet. Men teach 8-12 year old boys at SQUIRES what their purpose in the Lord is and how they can serve Him; always encouraging dads to participate. The girls class, CHOSEN, is for preteen girls and currently has the largest group of participants. They joyfully worship, make new friends and study God’s Word every spring and fall over a six-week time period with Mom’s serving as mentors. The teen boys have three opportunities a year to join in on active weekend retreats with Christian men at BRAVEHEARTS to examine what a man of God looks like and how to grow into that; making unforgettable memories alongside their fathers.

PEARLS continues to reach out to teen girls and enrich Godly relationships in their lives and discover what true purity is. Both PEARLS and BRAVEHEARTS who have completed classes meet also monthly to encourage spiritual growth and friendships among believing students. Our latest endeavor is to offer an apologetics course, TRUE-U, for older high school students and college-age to strengthen them for the confrontational style of college professors who may not share their faith.

Let me encourage you as readers to step out of your comfort zone and join us on the front lines of spiritual battle. Put Your life experience,

Your loving heart and Your Godly wisdom into action as a mentor in CareNet’s youth outreach!

Cathy Reyna, RN, Abstinence Director

CareNet

Sanctity of Life Sunday 2012

2012-01-16T08:44:00.005-06:00

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.

Candy Gibbs
Executive Director

The Gift of a Lifetime

2012-01-11T11:19:00.000-06:00

Stacy Willis

The Gift of a Lifetime! Have you ever thought of what that really means? First, I have to think about what it would be like for my family, what would life be like for them without me in their life? You see I was a gift given to them by a precious lady who carried me for 42 weeks and then placed me as a gift for adoption. Because of her gift to my family I was given a mother, father, brother, two sisters, and numerous extended family members.
I always knew I was special because of how my family made me feel and I loved being adopted. At least I loved being adopted until a wounded person in my life told me that my own mother didnt want me. Those words were so hurtful they caused years of damage to my heart. They made me begin to doubt my own self worth. It was not until my early 30’s that believed I really did have a purpose and God had a plan for my life. I was introduced to Psalm 139:13-18,

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts. O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.”

I read that scripture that day and fireworks went off! I was not a mistake. God had a plan for me all along. Wow a plan for me! I think I reread and reread that scripture several times just to make sure I really understood what it was saying. Tears ran down my face. I really was meant to be I really was a gift to my family. Satan had used that one thing for years to destroy my worth, and I let him. After seeing the truth written in His word I was healed. I knew from that day forward I wanted everyone else to know they also were meant to be they had a plan a purpose in this life.

God has given me a lot of wonderful gifts in my life too many to name them all. But one gift I am happy to have been given was CareNet Pregnancy Centers. I had attended some crisis pregnancy banquets in the past. I had heard a director talk at those banquets and at a church. I then had heard Candy Gibbs and her dad speak at a meeting I had attended with a friend at another church. I sat there the whole time thinking how happy I was my birth mother gave me the gift of adoption. I thought how cool would it be to get to work at a place like CareNet and help others in crisis situations.

Wow! Here I am working for CareNet Pregnancy Centers. I am getting to share Psalm 139 and other scripture with many people. This fall we started a post adoption bible study and had two ladies who came and shared their hearts of a precious gift they carried and placed with a family. I am so proud of them. I can’t even imagine the smile on God’s face toward their sacrifice of love that was given to such a precious gift. We also had to precious volunteers help to teach the class that have also been involved with adoption. They have a heart to share their experience with adoption with ladies that take the class. I am so excited for them to share their stories and help the ladies find healing in their hearts upon giving a family an incredible gift. This first class was awesome! If you know someone who has placed a baby in adoption please tell them to call us at CareNet. We would love to be a support to them.

Thank you to all the birthmothers who make a choice to give a gift of a lifetime to others. God is incredible and He blows me away with all He does in my life! I hope He does the same to you!

Relax

2011-12-12T14:08:00.000-06:00

Sharon Perkins

All who know me very well know that I Love to swim!! When we were children Mother would take us swimming often, (probably to get us out of her hair). We took swimming lessons enough to know how not to drown (ha) and we spent hours at the pool.

When Dalon (my husband) and I moved to Amarillo from Shamrock, we were led to a church that had a wonderful

young married couples class. Some of the women in the class decided to go to the YWCA and take swim lessons and although I already knew how, I decided to go along with them. It would be a good time of fellowship and I could get away for a while.

Our instructor was the most graceful swimmer I’d ever seen (other than Esther Williams). I was so inspired by her graceful strokes and when she dove in the water there was hardly a ripple. She looked like a beautiful swan. It didn’t take me long to realize, truly all I knew about swimming, was how to fight the water and get across the pool. There was no grace about it. We could swim under the water well but that was hard on breathing. My sister Sandra was especially good about underwater swimming. She was always disappearing under the water. We’d begin to worry about her and about that time she’d come up for air.

I never missed a class, I learned to really, really enjoy my swim. I didn’t fight the water

Anymore. Now, it is the most relaxing exercise and enjoyable times I have and it is all due to learning the proper strokes and breathing techniques.

My dear friends, I often think of the Christian Life this way. As we learn to trust Christ in the way I learned to trust the water to hold me up, we quit fighting His leading and relax! Have you ever tried, on purpose, to get to the bottom of the pool? It is hard to do. The Lord holds us up the same way. It is “Christ living in us” that holds us up. We can fight against His leading, or follow His leading. The most relaxing is the latter. Follow wherever He leads and He will give us rest. MATT. 11:28-30

I started teaching swimming after I learned the proper technique. And that’s exactly how I felt when I finally learned the mystery of the “Normal Christian Life". Col. 1:27 “Christ in you the Hope of Glory”. The life Christ wants us to enjoy, how he sees us, why he came, he says in John 10;10….. “I am come that you might live life to the fullest.” I realize so many Christians are like I was, struggling to live the Life after accepting Jesus as savior. Knowing we are going to heaven but not enjoying the journey on the way there. After I came to the end of my struggling self, knowing there had to be more, a better way, things weren’t consistent. On one hand I saw faithful Christians that were just grinning and bearing their life (so to speak) and on the other hand I heard preachers that spoke of living life to the fullest. I knew there was something I was missing. I began diligently seeking Him and God, brought many books and people into my life to show me the way. One book was “The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee. Another book that was very instrumental was, “The Saving Life of Christ” by Major Ian Thomas. When I learned these truths I had to teach it. I didn’t want others to have to struggle, and fail. When I was approached to teach a Bible study at Carenet many years ago I knew what the Lord would have me teach. And to this day I’m still sharing the things I’ve learned to the classes at the end of childbirth sessions. If only I had been more aware at that age and time in life. But it’s never, never too late to learn and of course we would all be better Moms by enjoying our Christian life instead of constantly struggling.

This class is known as Victorious Christian Living. I always look forward to teaching this to any class, anytime, because it keeps me in the Word and is a reminder to me, of where I came from. It was a hard lesson to learn, but now I never want to go back to wilderness living. Oh yes, I find myself there sometimes but at least I recognize the problem and quickly run to Jesus and His word. Wilderness living is not what God wants for us. Praise God! Thank God for Carenet and the opportunity to serve the Lord in this wonderful place.

Healing from Abortion

2011-12-02T10:55:00.000-06:00

Carol Phillips

Seven years ago, I would not have imagined that I would be so blessed to participate in the CareNet ministry. In fact, I was not even open to any kind of ministry. I attended church, did a few little feel-good services at church and then went about my empty life doing only what I thought at the time was making me happy. God certainly had another plan and knowing me better than I knew myself, decided it was time to bring me to my knees, a place I had not been in a very long time.

My journey started with a phone call from a friend asking my husband and me to join them for the CareNet banquet. After attending the banquet, I felt like this would be another great feel-good ministry for me. I went in for the interview for volunteer training and that’s when God put the first kink in my plan. I was told that because of something I had done in my past, I would not be allowed to volunteer before an additional class was added, along with volunteer training. What was this “thing” that I had pushed out of my mind for so many years? I had an abortion when I was in college. It happened over 30 years ago and I was sure it had no effect on me, but if those were the rules, and I signed up for New Dawn Post Abortion Forgiveness Bible study.

With a heart that wasn’t really into it, I started going to the New Dawn study. I was halfway through the study when God must have decided enough was enough. We were on the chapter that was about God revealing the name of our aborted baby. I had only written down one name because that was all I could think of. There on a handout just given to us, in bold letters, was the name I had written down in my study book. I turned white and was having trouble breathing. From that moment on, I knew Christ was in control and he had my full attention. He showed me that I had lived a life of short-term relationships, multiple marriages and very bad decisions because I knew in my heart that I was not worthy or deserving of any better. I had killed my child and what mother does that to her baby? God had thrown me a life-line with New Dawn. From the moment I asked, accepted and believed His forgiveness, I started pulling myself away from the grasp of Satan and into a life that I love now more than ever.

Right after I started volunteering here, the Sonogram coordinator position opened. I wasn’t sure I was ready for that kind of commitment, but if God opened the door, there must be a reason. It was not long before I knew what it was. Most of the pregnant girls want a sonogram and some are considering an abortion. He wanted me to share with others the downward spirals your life will take if a mother chooses to abort her baby. I was scared and nervous the first few times and afraid of not saying the right words. Now I say a prayer that Christ helps me find the right words. He is always in that room with all of us as we work as a team to give the gift of life to the unborn.

Today life is completely different than seven years ago and I thank God every day for that. If God hadn’t loved me enough to change me from the self serving person I had been, then I would have never known the real joy of life and being a servant of God and loving every minute of it. CareNet was my lifeline and we all see that it is for so many clients. We pray God brings them to their knees so they will reach up and take the precious gift that He is offering if only you will reach to Him!!

From Pinterest to Praise

2011-11-14T10:44:00.002-06:00

Amy sharing a giant coat with her Grandpa

Recently I’ve gotten into something that might borderline on an addiction. I’m talking about “pinning.” Have you heard of Pinterest? It’s an online way to explore, save and search for any idea you could imagine. It’s like the best magazine I’ve ever looked through. If you struggle with Facebook addictions and you enjoy Hobby Lobby, I would caution you. Many of my friends and coworkers have begun to be absorbed with it as well and I've noticed how often it has started to come up in conversation.

Doesn’t it seem like when you are learning something it seems to come up everywhere? One day, while feeding this growing habit (of pinterest), I see a “pin” of a decorative sign that says, “What if the only things you had today were the things you thanked God for yesterday.” This got me thinking of the things I was so thankful for, and there are many! I am very thankful to my family especially (see the pic of fun times with my Grandpa above) Soon after seeing that sign, at church and in several podcast sermons I listened to, I heard sermons on worship and more specific on praise.

One of the verses consistently ringing in my head during my devotional time is,”Enter his gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” Psalm 100:4. Praise and thanksgiving certainly do seem related and important to God; perhaps because of their profound effect on us. While I am beginning to notice these things, my relationship with the Lord is seeming a little lackluster and in a slump. For a few days I ease off of my never ending list of requests, petitions, and the like. Instead, I just really praised Him, and guess what – the lackluster, seemed to have a little more shine and I felt the renewal that I’d been looking for.

Soon after, I hear another sermon that took this a little further. There was a story of a man with a rebellious daughter that had left home. The heartsick dad was asked, “Aren’t you just beside yourself with worry?” He says “No, I don’t worry, I worship.” Wow, what faith and knowledge of who really has the power to change our situation. I’ve always thought that worry is stewing without doing, so it made sense to me that you can take all of the negative emotion and give it the outlet of worship to transform all those negative feelings into something that truly does have the power to change. There is a powerful story of the Lord acting on behalf of His people in 2 Chronicles 20:21-22.

21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever." 22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

Wow, what a God that fights on our behalf, I love that one of His attributes is a warrior. Because I know without Him I make a pretty lousy one! I’m so glad when the Lord reminds me of the most basic things like praise and worship that really do make such a profound difference our lives. And how timely with Thanksgiving right around the corner!

Amy Thompson, Director of Operations

Hinds Feet on High Places

2011-11-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

Melody Havlick

I have recently started reading a book that I totally identify with; “Hinds Feet on High Places” by Hannah Hurnard. I relate to this story through the main character Much Afraid. She is desperately trying to get from the Valley of Humiliation to the High Places. Along her travels she will encounter other characters including Cousin Pride, Mrs. Valiant, Mercy, and Peace. The one she will meet and learn to depend upon the most throughout her journey will be the ever-caring Shepherd.

I have been Much Afraid for a huge part of my life and I still see her in the mirror on many days. I remember the first time I heard about CareNet and instantly felt a longing in my heart to volunteer. Candy Gibbs had come to our church to speak on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and I was captivated by what she had to say. The thought that God could use me to volunteer was instantly doused by doubts and whispers of, “You could never do that”, “I don’t have a story to share and I get flustered when I get nervous,” “What if I say the wrong thing and I lead someone the wrong direction?” on and on the lies from my Family of Fears went. The louder they whispered though the more the longing in my heart grew and the journey out of the Valley of Humiliation began.

I called my Mom sometime later and invited her to go with me to volunteer training and she agreed. She began volunteering right away, but I continued to allow any and every excuse to keep me from entering through these doors. Much Afraid was staring me down every time I turned around and my Family of Fears had me paralyzed. My Aunt volunteered in Canyon and finally one day convinced me to come and volunteer when she would be at the Center. I prayed about it and Mercy and Peace walked with me through these doors. Little did I know that day that I entered this house what the Good Shepherd had in store for me, Much Afraid, all along.

I have now been the secretary at CareNet in Canyon going on my fourth year beginning in December. There are still days when I feel like I get everything wrong and fear sets in. I have to remember what I learned in volunteer training and that is that God equips those He calls. Praise the Lord! It has never been about me, but always about HIM! The moment I heard about CareNet for the first time My Shepherd planted a seed deep in my heart that began to grow and it continues still. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this ministry. I still may have days that I wander in the Valley of Humiliation, but Praise God I belong to the Good Shepherd! He not only holds my hand but He has set my feet on High Places.

“The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:19

A Call to Passion and Purpose

2011-10-20T17:38:00.001-05:00

Terri Powell

This fall marks my 16^th year in pregnancy center ministry. As I reflect on all that God has done in me and through me, I can’t help but stand in awe. I still remember where I was when the Lord called me to join this ministry. It was early fall, and training for new volunteers was being promoted in my church. Our Sunday school teacher read the notice, and started teaching, but all I could hear was my heart pounding as God spoke to my heart: “This is it Terri. This is the good that can come from the pain. This is where the healing can begin, and you can help someone else as they walk where you’ve already been.”

My first thought was, “Yes, Lord, I will. But I don’t need healing—I’ve already given all that to You.” Looking back at that moment now, I can picture God smiling and shaking His head. As I went through the training, memories long shoved back into a corner of my mind came flooding back. I was 18 when an emergency room doctor told me I was pregnant. I was six months along and scared to death—the father was no longer in the picture. I still remember the doctor asking me if I was going to do something stupid, like trying to get rid of the baby. I remember being horrified at the thought, but at the same time feeling cornered with no way out. My parents responded with love and reassurance, and the young man I was seeing at the time stayed by my side—my gift from God for life. However, my self-esteem, already low, suffered a huge blow.

I got better as the years went on, and thought everything was okay—until the volunteer training. The Lord used that to help me deal with things I had tucked away in my heart. As I learned about this ministry, I couldn’t help but think how different things might have been for me had they been around when I was 18. As God sent divine appointments to me, and I began to share with them the love, forgiveness, and restoration of Christ, I found the peace I’d been seeking. I love seeing God at work in the lives of our clients. It is such a blessing to see lives being changed through the power of the Lord. I manage the Baby Safety Class, a 2 hour class on newborn care and car seat safety. Participants receive a new car seat to take their baby home in when they leave the hospital. And I have a daughter and granddaughter involved with Chosen. It blesses my heart to hear all that they are doing and learning.

The ministry of CareNet has grown over the years, but the message is still the same: God loves you, and He cares about every detail of your life. There is life in Him. We can choose that hope, and we can share it with others with passion and purpose.

Blessings!
Terri Powell

Are You Your Husbands Opponent?

2011-10-10T14:18:00.000-05:00

Veronica and Stephen Flowers

Looking back a few years in my marriage, I wanted only one thing. I wanted my husband to change! So I picked up my Power of the Praying Wife book by Stormie Omartian and started to read about how I could pray for him to change, but in bold black letters the words said, “change ME Lord”. Oh how I did not want to read that. I couldn’t believe it! My husband is the one who needs to change not me! I do recommend this book to any wife. It has been a key part of my journey as a wife. This was the beginning of a long term process of God changing me. I say long term because I still need Him to change me. I will say that at that time in our marriage, we both needed some changing, but God needed me to be willing to do the changing first. God had a plan, he just needed me to be on the same page with Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” I needed to learn that God cared about me so much that He wanted to give me the desires of my heart. He wanted me to go to Him first with any problems, so that He could begin working. 1 Peter 5:6-7 “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and in his good time He will honor you.” For so long I was focused on what my husband didn’t do or what he was doing wrong that I became my husband’s opponent. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you. That was so powerful for me. I found myself spending more time with God in His word and prayer. I had no doubt that God would change me and my husband for the better. I felt such great love from God. I knew God wanted victory for me. One of the things God immediately showed me was that I needed to change my heart attitude. My husband’s career had brought such excitement into our lives, but at the same time the long hours brought resentment into my heart. I wanted to change things by nagging and complaining to my husband.

I had been teaching in a small Christian School in Abilene, Tx when God spoke clearly to me. My second grade students were in line to leave the classroom when I had to teach them that any issues they had with each other, they needed to bring to my attention. I was their teacher, who cared about them and wanted to help them. I told them that if they tried to change situations on their own, they might make it worse. God gently reminded me right there in my classroom, I heard His gentle voice say, “Veronica if you have a problem with Steven, come to me and don’t nag him. I am here to protect you and help you. Don’t try to fix this on your own because you will only make it worse.” God wanted me to put Him first and complain to Him. Steven was His child too. God wanted to fill a part of life that only He could. THAT was a big revelation to me. My husband was God’s child too. He cared about Him too. If there would be any changes they would only be by God. Ecclesiates 3:14 “Whatever God does it shall be forever.” If my husband needed to change, God would have to be the one to show him, not me. I reached a peace in my life. I knew God cared and I knew He was working on me and for me. I had such a confidence in God’s love for me that I started to pray in a different way for my husband. I became my husband’s “cheerleader” and interceded for my husband. God showed me that I had been my husband’s opponent, a defensive Christian and now it was time to be on the same team. If I wanted victory, I would gain it through praying for my husband. Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Praying for my husband allowed me to walk in love. This was God’s entrance into my husband’s heart.

Eph 3:20 “Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.” So God did what He said in Eph. 3:20. I had become so involved in praying for my husband to be blessed and succeed that my resentment had disappeared. Prayer had produced a love that I cannot explain. God began to show my husband where he had erred and began to fall more in love with God. No matter where you are in life, it is the same from God. He desires a relationship with you every day. Start with him and things will change. I didn’t’ get where I am today over night and my husband did not either. A commitment to use God is what it takes to make changes. 1 Cor. 15:10 “But whatever I am now it is all because God poured out his special favor on me and not without results.” God wants those who diligently seek Him to success, so that others will be drawn to Him. So give Him a try.

Veronica Flowers, CareNet Branch Director

Young Moms

2011-09-21T14:57:00.000-05:00

Through a set of circumstances of how I saw myself and responding likewise by a series of bad choices I found myself alone and pregnant. From struggling as a single mom, it did not take me long to realize I needed something other than my self sufficiency. Along the way, I found God to be my provider when there was no work. Periodically, groceries at my door and money in my mail box anonymously appeared. God was my comforter in times of uncertainty, like the first year of my son's life when he was in the hospital three times. God was my rock during his rebellious teen-age years. And, God was my "Perfect Husband" during times of loneliness. Even in my frailties as a mom, God showed Himself to be faithful to both me and my son. The gospel was presented to me of the Free Gift of Salvation, I humbly received Jesus Christ as my Savior, began relinquishing control, submitting to HIM, and accept all that He had to offer! He in essence became "The Perfect One for me" who is worthy of praise, for He has never lied, betrayed, rejected, abused or abandoned me.

As the years passed, so did a transformation begin in me, through the power of His Holy Spirit, life as I knew it began to change. From chaos there could be order, emotional disarray could emerge into harmony and balance, confusion was exchanged for peace and instead of insecurity I am now secure in Christ. I went from doing anything to prove I could be loved, to discovering indescribable, un-conditional love from the Father in Heaven. I switched from co-dependency to dependence upon God. The Lord showed me the deception of low self-esteem and revealed to me the truth of being highly esteemed as seen through His eyes. Then, as if that wasn't enough... the revelation that changed everything in my life. Through God's word I began to see His truths and promises which spoke of who I really was! I discovered that my past, what was done to me, or my lifestyle was not what defined me. I did not have to live trying to please others. I didn't have to work at gaining acceptance and approval. I no longer needed to hang my head in shame and instead, could hold my head high, looking to the ONE who washed me clean by HIS Blood! In short, "Identity in Christ" broke all the bondage's that served to destroy me and was replaced by experiencing Freedom In Christ because of WHO HE IS, not by what I could do to gain such freedom!!!

It would therefore, stand to reason that the Lord would burden my heart, (along with other ladies) to share this good news to others. Hence, my involvement with the Young Mom's class at CareNet Pregnancy Centers. The purpose of this class is to acquaint ones with where their true identity lay, thus seeing themselves in a "Whole New Light. In addition, teaching principles and applications which would serve to equip these young ladies in leading productive lives, and raising healthy children,

through classroom discussion, encouragement and workshops. The good news is Jesus Christ is available to all and meets you right where you are. The identity connection of who you really are, is Jesus Christ. With the world's mis-conception that you have to clean-up before you can approach Jesus, we dispel that right from the start with the truths and promises of scripture. As the Lord has shown me His mighty grace, mercy and forgiveness, so He calls me to extend the same toward others thereby reflecting Christ-likeness so that He may be glorified!

As a final note allow me to share an example of what a false perception of self can generate. In no particular order, three failed marriages, left at the alter once (then he committed suicide), an unplanned pregnancy, single motherhood and all by the time I was in my early thirties!! Needless to say, because of what Jesus Christ did on my behalf, and how He has saved me from myself, restored and redeemed me, there is no need to ever look back. The moral of His love story in all of us, is..........

What Christ did on our behalf, far exceeds what was ever done to us, or what we could ever do and therefore, we can live the victorious freedom filled life in Him which is His desire for us! Now that's good news in a world run amuck!

Connie Ralston-Starnes

2011-08-29T12:36:00.000-05:00

The first day of school, my daughter set her alarm for 6:30a.m., laid out all of her clothing for the next day and of course the backpack was ready by the door. The alarm goes off, which she never hears by the way, since she literally could sleep through a bomb. I however, do hear the alarm. I have a hard time sorting out what is being said on the morning show commentary but as I get closer I hear them interviewing another party and they are laughing and cursing and my eyes open a bit wider. Before I can turn off the alarm they begin to play the song the interviewee has written. It is a song, a letter really, he has written to his private part. Now, I am wide awake. I let my daughter know she will have to find another station. I even tell her about the content of the song to which her response is "eewww".

Fast forward, the first day goes off without a hitch and as we prepare for bed again that night, I remind her to make sure she has changed the station and she informs me that this station doesn't normally play "that" kind of music. She suggests that, maybe if she just turns it waaay down... NO. Then she says; "really mom, you just cannot predict when a station is going to play a curse word or something you may be offended by". She rationalizes in her mind that it's not a big deal. It doesn't affect her the way it affects me. I explain that I certainly can predict that we won't hear it and will not be affected by it because it will not be on. The night ends with her in tears and me down the hall thinking, Good, I want you to cry. I want you to mourn this moment so you can deal with it and we can move on. I think of what a weird thing it is for a parent to want their child to cry. It's not that I want her to be upset. It's that I want her to be able to let go.

The God alarm in my head says, "ahem". I begin to think of all the potential times God has thought these same exact thoughts towards me. Like, Christy, I want you to stop beating your head against this same wall when my answer isn't going to change. Stop rationalizing, justifying... I want you to mourn it so you can deal with it and move on. Unforgiveness, bitterness, and so much more. James 4:9msg says, "Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet."
What is curious to me is that my daughter doesn't even like the kind of music I asked her to turn off. She would tell you so herself. But in the moment she was obsessed with the restriction. She was focused on not being able to do something instead of realising the freedom that exists in not having to deal with the mind pollution that would exist otherwise. Can't we all relate? Today, let's get perspective. Let's realise that God's boundaries are not intended to restrict but to protect and provide freedom. James 4:4msg, "You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get..." For now, my 11 year old may not be able to filter the deeper meaning behind my house rules and that's OK. For now I am her filter. It's my job to help her hold on to pure thoughts even if she doesn't understand the importance of it. And more than that, in all the areas that God requires my own obedience even in moments I cannot wrap my mind completely around the why, I am going to choose be submissive as well because that is a Hope Choice.

Christy Hilbert

The Feasts of Trumpets

2011-06-17T11:52:00.000-05:00

Candy Gibbs

Happy summer! I love this time of year…schedules don’t appear to be slowing but I love that it seems we have more time together as a family. I am praying that you are able to cook out with family and friends while your kids jump on the trampoline or sip iced tea in the shade, poolside. Time is a precious commodity and I pray that we are spending it in a way that breeds life-long memories.

This spring our Chosen class studied the significance of the Feasts of the Lord (the Jewish Feasts). If you have never personally spent time learning about the significance and the symbolism that the Feasts, established by the Father, hold…you should. It is like flipping on a light and there is rich nourishment for your soul. The girls and I compared it to playing hide and seek with Jesus and as you delve into these Feasts, you will see the face of your Savior peeking around every corner!

I am including a piece of our Chosen lesson on the Feast of Trumpets which occurs each year in the fall (this year in September). The Feast of Trumpets is representative of the rapture of the church and the message the Lord is sending us in this celebration brings tears to my eyes and great anticipation in my heart. Enjoy!

The Feast of Trumpets is the fifth feast. Four feast precede it: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits and Pentecost, all of which have been fulfilled in Christ. This is the first Feast each year that has not yet been fully revealed. In other words, this is the one we anticipate, the one we are waiting on.

The Feast of Trumpets centers around the blowing of the Shofar, a horn made from a ram’s horn.Silver trumpets and the Shofar are a part of many Jewish celebrations, but there are two times in scripture when God Himself blows the Shofar. In Exodus 19:18-20, when His Shekinah glory descended on the mountain when He met with Moses and He will again blow the trumpet (Zechariah 9:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) when the Messiah comes to Rapture His church. Wow! What a sound that will be!

Trumpets in Israel had 3 major uses:

· Trumpets gathered an assembly before the Lord (Num. 10:2-4)

· Trumpets sounded a battle alarm (Numbers 10:9)

· Announced the coronation of a new king. (1 Kings 1:34,39)

The last trumpet of GOD will:

v Gather an assembly to the Lord – the Rapture of the Church

v Sound God’s battle alarm – against Satan

v Announce the coming and soon coronation of a new King – the Messiah (Isaiah 2:17)

Let’s pray that we would all turn our focus toward the Kingdom and the great anticipation that must be taking place in the heavenlies. As God the Father lays out His plan for us, those standing in His presence know that the next thing to happen will be for Him to reach for the Shofar and call His family home! Pray that that same anticipation would burn in our hearts and that we would be hard at work, running the race, so that when He calls us home we will have sweat on brows and dirt under our finger nails…that we would have been about His business. Luke 21:28

2011-01-25T13:12:00.003-06:00

Candy Gibbs - Executive Director

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge…”Psalm 144:1-2

“Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being praise His Name. Praise the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits – “ Psalm 103:1-2

Happy New Year!! I am anxious to see all the Lord has in store for us in 2011. I am excited about the plans the Lord has for my family, for your family and for CareNet. The faithfulness and tenderness of the Father renew my hope and my strength and I pray the same for you.

I want you to know as we begin 2011, the Lord has been so faithful to the ministry of CareNet. I know beyond doubt it is because the true desire of our hearts is to share the gospel of Christ and Him crucified and to bring glory to Him. Last year, we served over 8,500 people and 130 people made a profession of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. There were 133 women who came into CareNet with their hearts set on abortion, of those women, 130 chose to give life to their children. We praise God for all He has accomplished and all that He intends to accomplish in and through CareNet.

I had the privilege of attending a conference in the fall in which Bruce Wilkinson, author of “The Prayer of Jabez”, was a speaker. I had the high honor of participating in a small group discussion with Dr. Wilkinson. It was an experience that I won’t forget and changed my way of thinking. He asked us the question, “How many times in your life can you say beyond doubt, I KNOW that the Lord did that…I know He showed up in that situation?” Everyone in the room said, probably 5-10 times in our lives could we say beyond doubt, the Lord showed up. His response rocked my world…”I believe it is the heart of God to show Himself to you miraculously on a daily basis.”

Wow! The God of all the universe wants to interact with me on a regular basis? If that is true, can we even fathom what that would mean?

Because of the miraculous work of the Lord in my own life and through CareNet in 2010, I have recently pondered a verse that we have all heard many times…

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen!” Ephesians 3:20

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine… that is the part of the verse I have really chewed on. If He is able to do MORE that we can ask or imagine…why is that I spend so much time asking Him for the things I want and imagining all that I think He can do? I decided that since I cannot ask or imagine all that He can, that it was high time for me to start asking Him what HE would like to do and get on board with that!

We, in my family and at CareNet, have put that thinking into practice. We have seen things like the divine, miraculous financial provision of the Father, favor with organizations in our community, opportunities to speak in places we have not had opportunity, friends whom we have prayed for have accepted Christ, people we love have been healed. Praise the LORD!

My prayer for you in 2011 is that you would ask the Lord specifically to show Himself in your situation. Ask Him what His plan is for you and your family. When you hear from Him, you begin to speak it, to pray for it and watch as He once again becomes alive and active in you!