Twas the week before Christmas

Twas the week before Christmas and I’m running around,
Finding peace and quiet is not to be found.
I want to slow down, but there’s so much to do.
God, please help me to be willing to choose.

Do I need to bake four different cookies, or would just one do?
How about coffee and dessert, rather than a meal for twenty-two?
Should I keep shopping, or would a visit be a better gift?
Or maybe a date with my spouse would give him a lift.

What about the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus born in a manger,
Have I been thinking about this, or is God like a stranger?
If I want to remember the true meaning of Christmas,
I need to slow down, relax and throw out the lists.

This week before Christmas is a STOP-sign to me,
To choose what is really important and to set myself free.
Free to say, “I’m doing it different this year,”
I’m remembering with actions to make my desires clear.

What track are you on?

This past summer my husband and I biked many, many miles. We stopped in many quaint little towns and ate lunch in their local mom and pop restaurants. We sat on the edge of hill and watched a farmer's golden wheat field blowing ever so gently with the breeze. We stood quietly on a bridge looking down at a herd of cows below us waiting to hear them "moo". We walked our bikes through a misty dark tunnel with only a pinhole of light in front of us to be our guide. I could go on and on about the amazing sights and sounds that we experienced biking this summer, but I will save them for another time.

I want to share with you about our final bike ride of the summer. The sights and sounds of this trip will never be erased from my mind and heart. Take a look for yourself.



When I saw this train it immediately took me back to my childhood. My grandparents lived in the upstairs of a train depot in the UP of Michigan. We loved to visit them and hear the magical sound of the train clicking on the track. Every time a train would pass by I would wave at the conductor and he always waved back. I never knew who they were or where they were going. I often wondered where the tracks would lead me.

Do you ever wonder what track you are on now? Just like the train, life can take us many places. Sometimes the ride is smooth and other times it might feel rough, but the good part of the train of life is that God is the conductor. He knows exactly what track we are on. He knows how long it will take to get to our destination. We don't have to worry that we won't make it, because we will arrive right on time. We can trust our conductor.

The LORD will guide you always...
Isaiah 58:11a

On Eagles Wings

I woke up early this morning to post my blog. I had it all finished and then suddenly it disappeared. I am sorry this is so late, but my day passed by so quickly.



'On Eagles wings'. Have you heard that song? Have you ever seen an Eagle soaring through the air? It's the most peaceful and soothing sight you can imagine.

Dave and I returned on Saturday from a 10 day, 4100 mile trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks. It was truly amazing.

We were blessed to see two eagles less than a car's length from us. We stood there in amazement that we were able to be so close to them. We stood there for the longest time watching. The Eagle would move its head so slowly as he looked around. Then suddenly without warning, the trees began to move as another Eagle made its way out of the trees and flew off. (We were told that their wing span was seven feet.) He quickly flew out of the wooded area in within minutes began soaring across the river and out of sight.

The sight of the mighty Eagle brought and amazing peace to my heart.

The Bible talks about Eagles.

Isaiah 40:30-31

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Are you tired and weary? Put your hope in God and he can renew your strength. In no time you will be soaring like an Eagle.

How can we put our hope in God? By simply asking him to give you hope, to renew your strength and to build you up.

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak.

Let's ask God to help us to soar on wings like an Eagle.

Join us Monday morning, Sept. 20th for an exciting post!

What are you AFRAID of?

What are you AFRAID of? Did something come to your mind? Now think about it for a moment. Why are you AFRAID of this? What can you do about it?

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 God can erase the fear in your life, right now. How does he do this? When we speak to God, He speaks to us.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Psalm 46:1-3,7

God wants to rescue us from all our fears. Is it time to seek him?

The Flowers

Do you take time to stop and smell the roses?

My sister, River, walks every day. As she does, she takes pictures of the beautiful flowers that she sees along the way. Then she sends me pictures of them. Oh, my gosh, they are all so beautiful. It's hard for me to decide which one I like the best because they are all amazing.

God took the time to create all of those beautiful flowers for us to enjoy. Do we take the time to stop and enjoy them?

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

I encourage you this week to STOP and smell the roses. Take a walk and see how many beautiful flowers you will find. Send your pictures to me at robin@hesspeakingarewelistening.com and I will post them.

Let's enjoy God's creation today.

The RACE

This past weekend I went to the races. It was a perfect night for it. Now it had been many years since I had been to the races, so I was excited to be there.

First, there were the time trials. All the cars would race to find their time. Then the fastest cars would be in the front of the line when they actually raced.

Some of the cars had been very well taken care of, others looked pretty old, and sounded pretty loud. I remember one of the cars sounding so smooth. Someone had taken the time needed to put that car in perfect shape. As a result, this car did win at least one of the races.

As I watched the races, I thought about how much training and work was involved for just one car to enter the race. It takes a deep commitment to make it all happen. I'm sure it took years to get the car in shape, to find the driver, and to put together all the details involved with being a contestant in the race.

This all reminded me of the "race of life" for a Christian. We don't start our race knowing all the details of the Christian life. It takes training and work to build our love relationship with God. He has a plan for our lives. There comes a point when we need to make a commitment to get our Spiritual life in shape and allow God to be the driver in our lives.

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24

If you need help getting your Spiritual life ready for the race, contact us at robin@hesspeakingarewelistening.com or check out www.hesspeakingarewelistening.com

Peace like a river

I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river, I have peace like a river in my soul....oh oh. Do you remember the old song, Peace like a river? We all long for peace in our lives, but often the lives that we live rob us of our peace.


Life is filled with many challenges. They are different for each of us. What challenges are you facing today?

Maybe it's the loss of a loved one.
Maybe it's the news that we received from the Dr.
Maybe it's spouse that has been unfaithful.
Maybe you lost your job.
Maybe you are experiencing overwhelming debt issues.

What is your challenge today? ____________________________________________

Throughout my life I realized that I live with my challenges way too long. It's not until I get to the end of myself that I am ready to turn them over to God. He loves me and wants to handle everything in my life, but I need to let go, and let God do it.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Are you ready to find rest for your soul? Give that burden to God. Let go and let God do it.

How do you give your burden to God? It's simple. Take some time to STOP and talk to him. You could pray something like this.

Dear God,

My heart is so burdened with........... I give it all to you. Please take control of ............... and fill me with peace like a river.
Matthew 11:28

Be still and know that I am God

Is it hard for you to be still before God? I struggle with this all the time. Life is busy.

Yesterday I was busy running around doing many different things. You know how it is in the summer. There are so many wonderful things that we want to do. Well, in the midst of my running around I noticed an old Bible sitting on the counter in my office under a stack of papers. When I looked at it I thought, "When was the last time I looked at that Bible?"

Of course I was busy and I tried to continue what I was doing, but I was compelled to stop and open up that Bible. When I did I was so....blessed for doing it. When I opened the pages of that Bible and began reading it, the words spoke very clearly to my heart. I was encouraged. I sensed a clarity for my future. I felt so close to God. When I closed the book, I was so thankful for what had just happened.

I STOPPED WHAT I WAS DOING, to be still before God. Oh my gosh, I was so glad that I did. I continued my day with a new song in my heart. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psam 46:10

There is a LIGHT at the end of the tunnel

This past weekend, Dave and I went on a two-day biking trip to northern Wisconsin. We rode on the Elroy-Sparta Trail. We ended up going 44 miles in two days. It was challenging at the end of each day, but we made it and for the most part feel great.

The unique thing about this bike trail is that there are three tunnels that you go through. You are required to walk your bike through the tunnel because it is pitch black. All you can see is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. If you take your eyes off of the light, or try and get through by disobeying the rules and riding your bike (we tried this and it didn't work) this is when fear takes over. If you keep your eyes on that light and keep walking it gives you the courage to keep going. As you continue on the light gets bigger and bigger. Eventually the light is all you can see and you have made it to the end.

This biking trip reminded me of life. The dark tunnel reminds me of the things we are facing in our lives. The small light is Jesus in the midst of all we are going through, or the decisions that we might need to make.

We are often in the dark and do not know our way. We might see a tiny light at the end of whatever we are facing in our lives, but until we take a step toward that light our heart is filled with fear. When we keep our eyes on him, and slowly obey him, even though we might be in the dark, we are not afraid because we are keeping our eyes on Jesus. As we slowly walk toward the light it becomes clearer and eventually all we can see is the light. This is when joy appears in our lives.

What about you today? Are you in a fearful tunnel of life. If you are,look to the light of Jesus. He is there to help you with whatever you are facing. You are not alone. As you begin to walk toward Jesus by reading the Bible or praying, the light begins to grow, and the fear disappears.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Life-long Friends

Do you have a friend that you have known for a long time?

A few weeks ago I was privileged to attend a 90th birthday party for a dear friend of mine, Bea. We have been friends for over 30 years.

Titus 2:3-4
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Throughout my life Bea was been the older woman teaching me, the younger woman, about life. When Bea spoke, I listened. Her words dripped with wisdom and I wanted to learn as much as I could from her.

I believe everyone needs to have someone like Bea in their lives. Do you? If you do not have a person like Bea in your life, pray that God will bring someone to you.

National Prayer Day

Slowly I opened the door not knowing what or who I would see behind it. I had never been to this place before. When I took one step into the room, my heart was truly blessed at the next thing I noticed.

There were people all around the room talking to each other. In the back of the room I saw several people putting food on a serving table. There were many tables set up forming a U in the middle of the room with chairs all around it. As I looked down at it, there was a stack of papers at each place setting. I could see a picture of praying hands on the top of the stack. I knew I was in the right place.

It was National Prayer Day and I had decided to go to Brodhead, Wisconsin to join in the celebration. Brodhead is a rural small town in the heart of southern Wisconsin. I had never been to this town before, but the small town atmosphere warmed my heart. As I walked down the street to the local bank building where we would be meeting for National Prayer Day, the people were so friendly and helpful.

I was so impressed that the local bank had allowed this gathering to take place in their building. I met the local newspaper editor which was truly an honor for me. Before the program began we enjoyed a nice meal together. I sat next to several women who began telling me about some other NPD events that they had attended earlier this day in a small town close to Brodhead. We agreed that this is what our country needs. PRAYER. We needed to be on our knees praying for our country and our leaders.

After a nice luncheon, the program began. As we prayed together, I suddenly realized what was happening. There were clergy from the local non-denominational, Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic and I believe Congregational Churches leading this event. They had planned the program and as one would finish praying, the next one would get up and speak about something else and then we would pray about it. My heart was so touched that people from all denominations were praying TOGETHER for our country.

I believe God was smiling as he looked down on what was happening in Brodhead, Wisconsin. The people in this town were putting aside their denominations and were joining hands together in prayer for our country. My heart was so blessed having joined together on this day with this group of people.

Do you need a fun Makeover?

Life is so busy. There are so many things to do. Do we forget to take the time to have fun?

I have written a 6-day Journey with God called "Fun Makeover". I was inspired to write this because I came across so many people that did not even know HOW to have fun. The word fun does not even bring anything to their minds.

Honestly, we can become so busy, even doing good things, that we don't take the time to stop and refresh our souls by doing something fun.

Does having fun have to be expensive? No! I recently enjoyed a wonderful day of fun and it did not cost me a penny. I would like to share my day with you. (If you have a fun time to share, either post it with a comment, or e-mail me at robin@hesspeakingarewelistening.com)

Last week my friend and co-worker in the ministry, Deb, decided to have a day of fun to celebrate her birthday. We both like riding bikes. I live on the Capital City Bike Trail, so she came over to enjoy a day of biking.

Along the way we went over a brand new bike bridge crossing over Fish Hatchery Road in Fitchburg. We stopped to take a picture. Deb, who knows all about cameras, set her camera on the ledge of the large metal frame of the bridge, and then quickly ran to join me in a picture.

Further on down the trail we spotted a long train just sitting on the tracks. It looked like all the cars were empty. We stopped to look at it and Deb said, "Do you want to climb up on the train and take some pictures?" I am always ready to do something adventurous, so of course I replied, "Let's do it!"

Within minutes we had climbed up onto the train and we were posing for fun pictures. It was a beautiful day enjoying the beauty of nature with a friend. Our biking trip took us seven miles on this day, but we have plans to go on a long trip somewhere.

Having fun is a choice. We need to stop and just do it. It does not have to cost a penny and we might need to get creative with what we do, but I believe that we will always be glad that we stopped to put some fun into our lives.

What about you? Have you had some fun lately? If not, stop and do it today.

One day at a time

It was 5:30 am. The sudden ringing of my phone startled me. I thought, “Who could be calling so early in the morning?” As I picked up the phone, I heard the familiar voice of my husband, Dave. His words sent a chill up my spine. “I’m ok, but I just totaled my car.”

He began to explain what happened.

In the darkness of the early morning hours, he was driving down the interstate heading for Chicago. Suddenly he saw sparks flying on the opposite side of the road. A truck was driving without a tire on the driver’s side. The metal was hitting the pavement creating the sparks.

Suddenly without warning there was a huge tire coming straight at him. In seconds it pounded against the front of the car. Dave slammed on the brakes, and headed for the side of the road. He could see a glimpse of flames in the front of the car. He quickly got out of the car and watched the flames roar over the front of his car.

Dave walked away from this scene without a scratch. Together we praised God for going before him and protecting him.

We never know from one day to the next what life will hurl at us. Every day I pray for my family that God will go before them in their day. God was clearly going before Dave on this morning.

The man who took the car from the scene said to Dave, “You are a lucky man.” We know that it has nothing to do with luck. It is the powerful God of the universe going before us.

Dear God, thank you for going before me today and protecting me.

Prayer for Madison, WI

He's SPEAKING! Are we LISTENING? Ministry

would like to invite you to pray for our city of Madison, WI

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Who is praying for our city? Are you? Do you want to?

Life is busy. It is hard to find the time to do something else. This is why we are going to try something a little different. We will pray in one accord from wherever we are from 9:00-9:15 pm on the 1st Thursday of each month It could be at church, at home, at work, at school, in your car or anywhere. You can pray alone or with friends, co-workers, or small groups, or you can just get creative.

We will post a prayer and requests on our website: http://www.hesspeakingarewelistening.com/prayer.html

Let's unlease the power of God in Madison, WI and unite together to Pray for our City

God's Footprints in the Sand

I am in Destin, Florida. Over the years I have heard stories about the white sandy beaches, but have never seen them. Well, the beaches here in Destin are the most beautiful white sandy beaches. In the picture above I have a handful of the white sand. It truly is white. It felt so soft and cool in my hands. Having come here from Wisconsin where we see so much white snow, when I looked at the beaches, it reminded me of snow. It was so white, but it wasn't cold.

As I sat in the sand on the beach, digging my bare feet into the soft silky sand, it reminded me of a famous poem. This poem talks about life and how if we love God, we want to walk with him daily. Imagine two sets of footprints in the sand. Think of them as yours and Gods. Then it goes on to say that during the difficult times in our lives we might only see one set of footprints in the sand and we feel so alone. BUT WE ARE NOT. It is during those times in our lives that God will pick us up and carry us. Are you feeling alone today? Let God pick you up and carry you through whatever you are facing in your life.

Isaiah 63:9
In all their suffering he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.

Prayer Blankets

This afternoon we got together to make Prayer Blankets for our ministry. You might wonder, "What is a Prayer Blanket?"

A Prayer Blanket is a soft colorful blanket that is made by a group of people. While we are making it, we pray for whoever is going to need it. Then when we hear of someone who is going through a difficult time we will deliver it to them. We will let them know that we have been praying for them. There are many reasons why someone would want a Prayer Blanket. They are free to anyone who would like to be covered with prayer.

Today we sat around the table in our Office Center and made a Prayer blanket. It was red, black and white fleece print. As we were making the blanket we stopped and prayed for the person who would receive it. We will deliver it to them and pray that God would give us the words to be an encouragement to them.

We are trying to build up our stock of Prayer Blankets for anyone who might need one. We recently gave one to someone who was having surgery, and today the one we made was for a woman who will be having an extended stay in the hospital.

It is such a blessing to offer hope and encouragement to people as they go through difficult times.

If you know of anyone who might appreciate a Prayer Blanket, all you need to do is contact us and we will take care of delivering a Prayer Blanket to them.

If you are interested in helping us make a Prayer blanket we would be happy to have you join us.

deb@hesspeakingarewelistening.com

608-514-9000

Prayer Retreat: Praise God

A skit that was presented at the Retreat was about Mrs. Much to do about Nothing who tried spending time with God, but everything else kept her from doing it. What about you? What keeps you from spending time with God?


Psalm 118:28
You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

February 6, 2010

What a beautiful day it was. There were about 60 people, of all ages, who attended the Prayer Retreat. My heart was touched when a young lady came up to me and told me that this is just what she needed. When I looked at her, a young woman just begining her life who has a passion for prayer, I wondered, "What is God going to do in this young woman's life?" I did not remember having that passion for God at her age.

Let's all ask ourselves a question.
What does prayer look like in your life today?

A healthy prayer life begins with a choice. You must choose if you want a relationship with God. Once you choose God, and begin to commit to at least 5 minutes a day with him, a relationship with God is born. When we follow through and continue spending time with him, our prayer-life is transformed into a passion.

So let's ask ourselves another question.

What will your prayer life look like one year from today?
52 weeks, 365 days, 506,900 minutes, February 6, 2011

We at He's SPEAKING! Are we LISTENING? Ministry want to help you on your Journey.
(1) We help people to find and create their own LISTENING Room, where they can go and spend time with God.
(2) We have developed our Journeys with God to help you grow in your relationship with him. We believe that He's SPEAKING! BUT, Are we LISTENING?

Please contact us at 608-514-9000, 608-334-9971

robin@hesspeakingarewelistening.com

http://www.hesspeakingarewelistening.com/

Prayer Retreat-Listening Journey of Prayer

February 6, 2010

The Church, 2833 Raritan Road, in Fitchburg, where I used to work 8 years ago, has invited me to be the guest speaker for their Prayer Retreat called, Listening Journey of Prayer. It is so exciting to see a church ignited with a desire for prayer. I just received notice that 53 people are coming to this retreat. Praise God.

The focus of the retreat will be Listening to the voice of God.

We will be talking about 5 questions:

1. What is LISTENING in Prayer?
2. What prevents people from practicing LISTENING in Prayer?
3. What voices do we LISTEN to?
4. How do we respond to LISTENING in Prayer?
5. How can we make LISTENING in Prayer a Passion in our lives?

BREAKOUT Session

They have put together three breakout sessions where the people will learn different ways to spark enthusiasm into our prayer lives. He's SPEAKING! Are we LISTENING? Ministry team will be doing one breakout session. Myself, Marilyn Pientka and Carolyn Hook will be sharing about Listening to God, The LISTENING Room and guiding people on a Journey with God called, Power in Prayer.

The CHALLENGE will be.........................................................

What will Prayer look like in your life ONE YEAR FROM TODAY?
52 weeks…..365 days….525,600 minutes February 6, 2011

We are very excited about this opportunity to serve God. Tomorrow we will post pictures and share with you how God has worked in The church.

It is official: We received our non-profit papers

December 2009

The office space that we were in was rented out, so we had to move to the other end of the building. There was not a mailbox for our new office. We left a note at the other end of the building on our mailbox, but we began to realize that we were not getting mail. So....

January 15, 2010

My wonderful husband Dave, came to our office before he went to work and put up our own mailbox. Now all we needed to do was wait for our non-profit status papers to arrive.

January 20, 2010

Marilyn and I were at the office working. We were sitting at a table discussing the ministry. Suddenly we heard someone by our door. We turned to see who was there and it was the mail-person. It was the first mail we had received in our new mailbox. I quickly jumped to get the mail and as I got closer I thought the return address of the letter said IRS. Could it be what we had been waiting for?

As I picked the mail up I saw there were two letters from the IRS. Marilyn and I each began to open them up. We were so excited when we read the words that He's SPEAKING! Are we LISTENING? Ministry had been approved as a non-profit ministry. The postmark of approval was January 5, 2010. They had sent it to us, but it was returned because they couldn't find us. So we had two letters from the IRS and they arrived as our first mail in our new mailbox. PRAISE GOD!