I took this picture and thought to myself GOD IS GOOD

WE HAD OUR SECOND MEETING OF THE WELL.
It was a great night and we talked about God's love. A lot of people don't realize that no matter what you do in life or how much you mess up God loves us unconditionally! Its never to late to turn to Him and lay all your "Stuff" at his feet.
I ran across this new verson of the "Footprints" story and I prayed that everyone I know and love can take this walk with God. I read it and got the best feeling. I am passed the zigzags of walking alone!



JUST READ IT!

FOOTPRINTS...A New Version

Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace.


But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling, His consistently.

You and Jesus are walking as true friends!

This seems perfect, but then an interes ting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps.
Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.

This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger.

Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.

This g oes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.

You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends. Now you pray:
"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You."

"That is correct."
"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely."

"Very good.. You have understood everything so far."
When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way."

"Precisely."
"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."

There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
"You didn't know? It was then that we danced!"

Supporting my friends

As you can tell I am such a supportive friend! My Best's Friend Kimy, whom I work with, shop with, hang out with, spend family gatherings with, cry with, laugh A LOT with, share secrets with and well, would give my right arm for. She'd have to give her left arm (She's left handed)and she would!
We think so much a like that we finish each other sentence. Our family history is so simular and well, we just scare ourselves on how much we have in common.

She and I act as if we are 12 yrs old and actually have been friends since we were 10 and 11. She is 1 yr older than me - had to put that in - but we have been through about the same things in life. Two failed marriages. Our first husbands we married out of high school and became mothers very early. (Both our 1st EX's names where Greg). Husband number 2 were alcholoics that were wrecker driver and business owner. (These were our bought with alcohol days) These were our try and fix them relationships, But, eventually knew we had to get ourselves and children out of such a toxic relationship. And get away from all the drinking.

I've been there and seen her two boys grow from babies to fine young men, I consider them my own kids. She's been there for the three of my kids. Thats their AUnt Kimy! We have just ALWAYS been there for each other in all phases of our lives. We can completely be OURSELVES 100% when we are together. (some times completely humiliating our children) We know things about each other our own mothers or husbands don't know. And our husbands just shake their head at us and know if we had to choose between the two - they'd be gone!ha So, they love that we love each other so much. (I think they really like the fact we bitch to each other about stuff instead of them!)

Okay so why the heck am I in her pants??? And whats the point here??? Well,when my friend Kimy lost some weight she was wearing these Gosh awful pants that were big enough for two people. So, I tell her to get rid of those pants, we are very honest with each other, they look like I can fit in there with her. She says "Get on in here then" SO I DO! Not to mention this is at our little sorority meeting where we are suppose to be fine young ladies of the community.....

Oh well, life is to short to not laugh and we do plenty of that (So, do the people around us) when we are together. Unless they don't know us and they just think we are crazy.

But, I really think one day she is going to be a minister to someone besides me. We talk about God a lot and how He put us in each others lives. I really truly believe He gave her to me. Now, I am working on her sharing her wonderful abilities to Minister to others. She has sooooo much to give others that I am willing to share her-nice of me huh?

With that being said, Our first meeting of "The Well" went really, really good. I see a place for her or anyone that needs friends like this in this group. I've not even asked Kim to come to a meeting. I'm still trying to even get her to come to Church. hint...hint... no, She is a very Spiritual woman that doesn't need my ways of worshipping to know she is defiantly a child of God. But, sense I share everything else in my life, I would love to share this with you too, Kimy?????

I just never thought that sense i had Kimy and Shannon (My other friends that I will blog about next)in my life, I didn't need any other friends. Boy was I wrong I have room for others....See I got to know these people in this Group "The Well" I realized their are different kinds of friendhsip and you learn and grow from all of them. I am truly blessed to have these people in my life. I've never felt so loved and have so much love for a wonderful group of people. If someone you know needs this kind of love, please let them know about this group that meets on Monday nights at 5:30. I already have one wonderful friend that I love dearly coming and would we have room for others.
You can always e-mail me at stephanieleighmarshall@yahoo.com if ever you want more info.

To all my friends - have a wonderful and blessed day!

Kimy, Don't kill me for blogging this, I love you!

One more thing to share

These are some of the people that are involved in "The Well". The picture that I am in, the red head, SPring has put her hard work, her heart, sweat and soul into this. I am so proud to call her my friend.
The lady holding the baby (her grandbaby) is my Mother Mentor, Kathy, I talk about and she has been such a blessing in my life! Can't say enough about her.
The guy in the middle of the group picture and the pretty lady in the red shirt with dark hair and glasses is my worship minister and his wife, Mark and Lisa. Lisa is Rylie's pre-school teacher as well. They are just wonderul people that I've been blessed with too.

I had one of my family members ask me, are you really okay? It being a very reasonable question-since two weekends ago I hit a hard depression for a couple of days. Then they read my blog and it sounds as if I have a perfect happy life.

I want any of you who read my blogs to know I AM HUMAN! I still have my battles and the devil works on me harder than ever. A lot of us that are leading this ministy have had some self doubt and feel like we are not adiquit to take on such a responsibilty. I mean we are messing with FRAGIL peoples lives here - we take this very seriously! But, after praying a lot about my "Breakdown" weekend Last Monday was my turn to give my testimony to the group on my past. After I did and I felt the love and understanding from the others and know they too still struggle, I KNEW this is going to be just as good for me as for others.
The main reason being - I have God to lean on now. As before I felt alone, scared, mad and hatetrid. Now when I go through my "Stuff" which I could be the Pope and still have "Stuff" its just so much better having God in my life and by my side. Thats all we want to do is share this with others. He CAN fix everything. But he won't! Thats just not how he works. He wants us to learn and grow.
Life will never be PERFECT for anyone. But, man God has made it so much easier.
The week I was refering to, I got to spend the weekend with my sister and neice. My Mentor Mother did every stitch of my laundry. My husband relaxed and lighten my load every way he could. My folks came to church to hear me sing. My kids gave me lovins and my life filled with joy once again. All I had to do was pray and spend some intimate time with God. Then I realised - God gives us these test so that we know that we have to get on our face before him. I did and probably wouldn't have in that way if my life was hunkie doory everyday.

Its been a while

If this video comes through - I hope it touches you like I've been touched!

I've realized that its been a while since I have blogged. This IS always therapeutic for ME. So, I should do it more often.

Lots of new things happening in mine and my family's life

Payton got Homecoming Maid and she is getting baptized Sunday SO BIG WEEKEND.

I will spend all day Sat. getting ready for the FBC Kaleo Fair where our praise team and choir will be singing. Its the 20th of Oct. and there will be a fun fest before we sing. Games, kiddy rides, prizes and holesom family fun. The "outdoors concert" willbe at 6:00. (Please come..hint hint)

My husband is looking forward fo basket ball season to get started.

I am getting ready and already envolved in a new Ministry. Its called "The Well" Recovery ministy. So far this group has allowed me to open up to others the struggles in my life. A group of us at Church are sharing our testimonies because the after the Kaleo fair on the 22nd of October we will be holding weekly meeting and Minister to people that are dealing with strong holds in there lives. We all have them - but others are really faced with some "stuff" From sexual abuse to drugs and alcohol to depression and eating disorders. We aren't certified counselors we are just people that have been in one of these awful cercomstances and has let God heal our hearts like he can do for others.
We just want to share what finding God can do with those struggles and to bring anyone out of these empty places. To let them know they are not alone. Its going to be a learning experience for me. Its also going to open up some old "stuff" that I've put to rest in my life. This scares me - but, in a good way. I want people to know I am human and I have sinned and God still loves me. We all need to know that. We all need to know that life can be so much easier with Him in it. I controlled MY life myself for many years. It didn't get me that far. I had hate, anger, depression, self destruction to show for trying to do things MY way. A year and a half ago I gave my life over to God and let me tell you.....I am at peace now. I NEVER thought I would be happy AND I AM! If only I could have put God in my life a lot sooner. But, I had to go through what I have gone through to get that. I know that, I know now that my spirituality and faith is sooooo much stronger today because I did endure some "stuff" in my life.(This blog is titled "Stephs Stuff") So, now I want to share with others what He can do for them.

I have made some wonderful friends through this ministry. Friends that I love so much and that would do ANYTHING for me and vice versa. I've learned that sowing seeds in other people lives is bring Harvest into mine. It just so awesome to see what God is doing in my life and to see what else he has in store for me and my family.

So, I am going to blog more - at least once or twice a month about this new ministry. Of course anything said in these meetings are strictly confidental - so you will never hear names and details but, to hear stories of what God is doing through us to others is going to be some good reading. So, if the whole 2 of you that read my blog wants to start sharing my blogs with others or if my blogging helps ONE person, I think its is worth my commitment to blog more and share the life I have been so graciously given!

I know there is curves in the road too. And I know God is with me now so, I won't ever be alone in what I am dealing with. Thats pretty dang cool.


I love you all!

Schools about to start!

Well here is a picture of 2 of my Bestest friends. We've known each other since 5th grade. I need to get a picture of my Best friend Kim on here too! Oh the times us girls have had together. We've been through it all. Depression, Addictions, marriages, divorces, babies being born, loosing a baby, raising kids. Changing underwear, husbands, jobs and our minds.
But, through thick and thin we are always there for each other. I couldn't imagine my life with out friends. Thats what I hope everyone can experience in their lives is one true friend. They are hard to find and impossible to replace.

So, my Payton is going to be a sophomore. My Zack is going into the 5th grade (same grade I was in when I moved here and met my life long friends) and Rylie will be going to Mother's Day Out at FBC. I am a little worried about the FBC thing. Not the program - NO that is why I am doing everything in my power to get him in. I WANT him to go no where else but there. I feel like this is something that will be wonderful for him. I just worry about the hours. They don't go with my hours here at work and two days a week he will not even go. They are only open from 8:30 to 2:30 Mond., Tues, and wed., Also, I just found out they don't provide lunch we do??? Hmmmm.
But, I am putting it in God's hand. You think I'm kidding - I still haven't got it worked out yet and school starts next week and Rylie's the week after. I just think it will snap the day I take him and work into this plan that God has made for this child to get to go and learn about Him!

Ryan (Coach Marshall) has started work at Clarksville now and he has been working from 8 to 8. Inservice all day. Volley ball pract. then Basket ball pract. after school. SO, Here we go!!!!! Zacks first football game is Sat. and kids start school next week. WOW!!!

I've been so busy. I'm trying to learn 4 songs before Sept. 5th. I sing at the Fair princess Beauty pageant for entertainment. Our Choir at church will be singing every sund. but one. during the month. I'm still singing (loving it) on the praise team. Small groups at church will start during the week, along with youth group and awanas. Ballgames, work, taking care of my home, kids and husband. Can anyone say CALGONE TAKE ME AWAY! HA

No, I love my life and thank God everyday for what I have! Thats why I type to this little screen all my STUFF. It does help to process things that are going on.

And my cousin Watchy is having her baby Friday-COngrats to her!

Processing

Since I've gotten back from my trip to IWI I have been doing a lot of thinking and processing. I've been quite and subdued lately. My husband wants to know whats wrong with me??? Nothing,he or anyone has done to me. I just went through a experience at IWI that I can't explain to others and its made me do some soulful thinking. To be honest I can't pin point my thoughts, I spent a whole week with such positive people that has this expiring love for life and the Lord. We literally praised God all week long. We sang to music that spoke to me in a profound way. The fellowship was wonderful. I come home to "The real world" as my mom has pointed out and I think why does the Real World have to be so negative and depressing? It really just sucks the life out of you. People that just don't get it. I used to be one of those people. Where everything was about ME and what can this world do for me. How can I be Rich, Famous, Gorgeous, PERFECT. Why can't I be happy?? To find out its not about ME. Thats why I wasn't happy. The sooner people figure that out the better this life will be for us.
So much depression going on, people getting divorces, people just living life day to day, going through the motions and not knowing what for. Getting up the next day to do it all over again. I rememeber saying that I am on Auto pilot because I get up and go to work, come home, laundry, cook, take care of kids and husband go to bed and start over again the next day. It doesn't have to be that way!

A couple of good friends of mine are starting a "Healing" ministry for people that are recovering from something that has a strong hold on them. Whether it be alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, gambling, sex...what ever. I have been trying to figure out what my role in this or if at all I have one. I went to a meeting at church last night and listened to what a great thing this will be for our community. Its for anyone that needs a healing hand in life. I know I've struggles with depression and feeling worthless and not knowing why on earth I am here. So, I feel like my calling to this ministry would be for the lost souls due to depression and life struggles that get you down. I said before I feel God is talking to me about some sort of ministry and maybe this is it???
So, I guess the reason why I have been so quite and reflecting is because I am trying to listen to what God is trying to tell me. I am listening!
I love my family and I love my life-I am in love with the Lord and I am fine, I am just processing things and trying to hear what I need to hear-that's all!

What is our Purpose here?

Well, I am back from a week with my worship team at the International Worship Institute in Grapevine, TX. Let me tell you I have never experienced anything like I did this week. The first picture is of our "Girlfriend Group" from left to right, Laura Murray, Ashley Morgan, me, Lisa Eddington, Kathy Hickey (Our mentor) and Spring Minette. The other picture is of all who went which include our Worship Minister, Mark, Joel Chan and Tonya Peaden. (The pict. is blurry-it was taken with Mark's new IPhone)
The key word here is purpose. God has a purpose. The invitation for us is to press violently into it. If you want to find purpose, you first have to find God. Without God, there is no purpose.
I could type 400 pages on what I got from this convention. But, in a nut shell, I realized that as a worship leader I am the middle man for ministering to others the word of God. We aren't up there to sing and perform and worry about what others think about "OUR" performance. Nope, its not about us. Not about if we hit the right notes and played the right keys. Its to mean the hymnals and lyrics we sing and fill the place with His glory! Its about God!
I saw what it was like to worship God like no one else is around. Like only He and I are present.
Bob Sorge says, We will be completely uninhibited in our worship when we get to heaven—nothing will hold us back! So why should we not be that way down here, now? Uninhibited worship does not take any specific outward form, but it will allow us to be as completely transparent before the Lord as we will be in heaven.
Who's Bob Sorge? Well, I thought he was a Sound Tech. Because as people where filling into the nightly worhsip meeting he was on stage saying, "Testing one two" - over and over. It got to be comical because this went on for over 15 min. Then he left the stage and Shane and Shane(the Christian artist that performed that night- AWESOME) sang and then they introduced a Pastor named Bob Sorge that has many other names. Like Pastor, Author, Worship Minister, Song writer....And this guy gets up on stage. Yep the Sound Tech.
Long story short-15 years ago he had something (Cancer I think) removed from his larynx and the Dr. Botched his vocal cord and he now talks in a low whisper and it is painful for him to talk long periods of time. Pressing his lips to the mic and speaking in a low whisper talked louder to me than I have ever heard!
That man gave a testimony that brought everyone in there to there knees in tears. It was so powerful I could only weep. I just can't explain the impact he had on people and the way the Holy Spirit filled that room of over 2,000 people that night.
Like I said I could go on for days...we had several GREAT speakers. We Sang in the Mass Choir one night for Tommy Walker and Friday night for Martha Munizzi The other pict.is us on stage, during a sound check, looking out at the room that would be filled with thousands of people. The woman in the long hair is Martha, a winner of Soul Train award, Dove's woman award, Christan female of the year, Blahh blahh...she is amazing. The other women (the black lady facing us) is our Choir Director Valerie. She was amazing.
I have so much more to talk about but I will end for now with these words of wisdom either quoted by our speakers or psalms.
Worship is the key to experiencing His presence, to knowing the indescribable joy of our salvation, and to reflecting His glory. Isaiah 56:7

he Creator of the Universe, the One who designed us in the first place, has planned something far greater for those who seek Him with all their hearts. He tells us that only in His presence is true happiness; only in His presence is complete fulfillment; and only in His presence is fullness of joy. (And, we don't have to wait until we get to heaven in order to taste this.) By learning to worship Him in the Spirit - not just on Sundays in church, but privately at home - every day, we will be able to experience the fulfillment and the joy that the world and everyone in it is so desperately searching for, but very few seem to have found.
Truly, private worship is the key to joy and happiness!