You were CREATED to make a difference through the love of Jesus.

One of my most FAVORITE BOOKS is by author Max Lucado, "Out Live Your Life". This book puts things into perespective of who God created us to be. I  highly recommend it. Right now you can purchase  used copies through Amazon.com for only $4.05.

Take a minute or two to watch this quick video...

What do I know of Holy?

Music is SO powerful to me. As you know I grew up where music was and is every part of our families life. My Father was a musician from the age of 18. So it was in my blood as a young child. Music gives feeling to words. You can hear a song and instantly feel emotions from memories in the past or excitement about the future.

Below is one of my favorite songs. I hope you can take 4 minutes, to shut the door, push play and sing a long. The words are right there. I guarantee that you will have a new outlook on the day if you sing it to Jesus!

Also, a week ago from yesterday. We started a new summer ministry called LIFT (Ladies in Fellowship Together). LIFT brings women from different generations together to mentor one another. "Treat...older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with absolute purity" (1Timothy 5:2). We had 90 women from all ages (17-70+). It was an AMAZING night of fellowship. We were able to hear about God's unfailing love and redemption through Kelli Thomas' own story of struggle, heartache, hope and a love for Jesus who carried her every step of the way and who continues to walk with her hand in hand.

If you are interested in joining us you are welcome to join anytime. We will be meeting twice a month in the evening. You can check out our Olive Knolls Website, under "Calendar" to get a list of dates and more info. Invite a friend or family member for a summer of LIFT as we will continue to hear from women who have walked through life's toughest times. Who ultimately by God's grace and love have broken free of the bondage and are willing to share their story for someone else to do the same. For any questions you can contact: Lynn at  Bradshaw4@sbcglobal.net



Have a GREAT Day!
Blessings,
Lynn Bradshaw

Curls with NO heat!

So I think I'm going to try this...

Get your flip flops off the floor with this creative idea!

I am LOVING this cute idea from EPBOT!

Check out her blog and find out how to make this creative idea for hanging up your flip flops for summer! Click Here

(photo credit: EPBOT)

NEW Summer Session...you wont want to miss!

LIFT We have something very exciting starting at Olive Knolls over the summer! We are taking the fundamentals of MOPS and combining it with one of our ministries called LIFT (Ladies in Fellowship Together-which is the group of us women that meet at Kelli Thomas' house) to create a very unique summer experience that is going to connect the younger generation with the older generation. This year I've heard from many of you how hearing real women's stories- like Jenye Anderson and Danice Pyle really spoke to you at a whole new level. THIS IS OPEN TO ANY WOMAN, ANY AGE. We all can use a mentor in our life and if we allow God to use  us we could be a mentor to a younger generation.  Stop disqualifying yourself. God qualifies the called! Together as a church we have the greatest resources right in front of us. Our own life stories written by God himself. Life stories that give us a better understanding of who God is and how His mighty hand is at work in each of us if we allow Him. Stories that will give us hope, encouragement and inspiration in our own journey. We all come from different walks of life and walks of faith, but we are united by the same God who has a purpose and a plan for each of our lives. Your story matters and can make a difference in someone's life if you allow it. No matter what your age is you have the chance to be mentored to and also a chance to mentor to someone else. Let's BE the church and reconnect the different generations and start something great! Whether you have the best mom in the world and the greatest relationship or no relationship at all, we can all use a mentor in our lives. Join us for a summer of LIFT! Starting Monday June 13th. Hear the stories from women in our church who have traveled through life's storms but made it through by the grace of God. I guarantee you will be able to see your self in one of these amazing women's stories. Together we can gather hope, encouragement and support as we spend the summer together lifting each other up in faith.   Click Here for more INFO Please Register so we can save you a seat. There is  NO COST. =) Click HERE

A beautiful and abundant life waits for you...

I received this in my inbox today from Proverbs31. Take a minute and read this because it can relate to many areas in our life that satan holds us captive to.

Do You Want to Get Well? Wendy Blight

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’” John 5:8 (NIV)

Do you ever feel paralyzed by fear, despair, isolation, or self-pity?

Do you have a physical or emotional pain so deep that nothing can soothe the hurt?

If your heart cried “yes, that’s me!” as you read these questions, come meet the man on the mat found in John Chapter 5.

As the story opens, we find Jesus entering Jerusalem, walking towards a dirty, smelly pool of water. Every day the lame, weak, and sick gathered at this pool, believing an angel would come down, touch the water, and fill it with healing powers. Whoever entered the pool first received instant healing. As Jesus wandered through the crowd, His Father drew His eyes to an invalid lying on a mat.

Jesus looked deep into the man’s soul and asked, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6b, NIV)

“‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.’” (John 5:7, NIV)

Did you hear the man’s excuse? He remained on his mat because no one would help him.

Friends, I lived like that invalid for over a decade. In June 1986 at age 21, just days after my college graduation, I was raped by an armed, masked stranger hiding in my apartment.

I had enjoyed four incredible years at Baylor University where I pledged a sorority, dated and eventually became engaged to a wonderful man, was voted a Baylor Beauty and homecoming princess, graduated with honors, and had an amazing job waiting for me. After that day, those worldly blessings seemed meaningless. My attacker’s vile and cruel act stole my dignity…my worth…my security…my life. He forever shattered my hopes and my dreams.

I lived paralyzed on a mat of fear and despair. For years I could never stay alone. I suffered from panic attacks that often landed me in the emergency room.

Then I encountered Christ in this story. The words He spoke to the crippled man leapt off the page and into my heart. They literally pierced my soul. I was the man on the mat. I enjoyed being the victim. I had become accustomed to my place of sorrow. Worse, I was comfortable there.

Read Jesus’ next words to this man: “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” (John 5:8, NIV)

Through this story, I came to know the truth of Hebrews 4:12 (NIV): “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

I surrendered my heart and all that held it captive to God. He whispered in my ear, “Wendy, I have a most beautiful and abundant life for you, but you will never know that life until you have the courage to get up off your mat and walk.” God’s Wordcame alive. He spoke personally to me, and in that moment, I committed to take a first step off my mat.

Are you on a mat? Sweet friend, will you join me and take your first step off of your mat?

Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You, my Creator and my Savior. I love You and thank You that You love me with an everlasting and unconditional love. I give myself to You now, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I deeply desire for you to come into my heart, heal my hurt, and take away my pain. Remove anything in my life that hinders my relationship with You and keeps me from living the abundant life You have for me. Fill me with the fullness of Your Spirit. Enable me to take the first step off my mat. Show me the great plans You have for me. I ask this in the powerful name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Starbucks Happy Hour RETURNS!

Starbucks Happy Hour is coming back! This info was provided from their website where you an check out more. click here.

Frappuccino® blended beverage lovers, we heard you – and we are excited to announce the return of Happy Hour to Starbucks!

Starting May 6 and running through May 15, come into participating stores between 3-5 p.m. for a half-price Frappuccino® blended beverage of your choice.

This year we really want you to mix it up! Customize your drink to be just the way you want it. You can flavor it up with an old favorite like caramel, enjoy a new dynamic duo like our Mocha Coconut Frappuccino® blended beverage or make any combination of flavor offerings. Mix up your milk with 2%, nonfat or soy. Coffee it up with an extra pump of coffee or a shot of espresso. And don’t forget to top it off with a little bit of fun in the form of whipped cream, drizzles or sprinkles.

We hope to see you there. For a daily Happy Hour text message reminder, text MIXIT (standard text & data rates may apply) to 44264 (In Canada text MIXIT to 98075). Afternoons just got a little sweeter!