In this little corner of the web, God uses this space to help me
breathe, reflect, and grow as I journey with the Lord.  I hope and pray
that you are encouraged as we walk together.  

I started this blog, Deep Breaths, on November 26th, 2011.  Only God knew that, exactly two years, after I started this blog we would be celebrating the finalization of our first adoption…our #4, our Strong One.

I have grieved out loud here as we waited and waited for our adoption to happen.

I have grown here as a blogger, a person, a wife, a mom, a friend. I have “met” some wonderful people through other blogs, and am so blessed and better because of them.

There are many reasons why I would love for this little blog to spread and grow…but one of the main ones is that I want to be an encouragement to others in giving.  Extending themselves to give a little, in order to make a big impact in this world.

That is why we highlight a new organization each month with Extension 26.  We pray that we would all give, with cheerful hearts and open hands, to these wonderful ministries that make such a difference.

For the month of March I am delighted to introduce you to Carrie Gaul and her husband Dennis.  I have mentioned Carrie several times on the blog, and the impact that she has had with her bible teaching.  Carrie is a biblical correspondent for Revive Our Hearts; which is under the larger ministry of Life Action Ministries.

Carrie is a bible teacher, conference speaker and author as well.  God has used Carrie in the lives of many to help them learn and apply biblical truth to their lives as they fall in love with Jesus more deeply.  She continually revives weary hearts with timely words to refresh souls.  I thank God for people like this…who help combat discouragement- washing us with the truth, and inspiring us to keep going, to not give up, but to live for His glory, as we await His return. 

Carrie was a contributor to the Intentional Mothering series here, and if you haven’t read her blog post her on True Woman, please do so right now- you won’t be the same.

Carrie and Dennis

There are many things I have gleaned from this dear woman, but one of the biggest is the life-giving, freeing reality, that “I AM APPROVED”.  And guess what?  All of us, in Christ, WE ARE APPROVED...not because of anything we have done, but through the blood of Jesus and what He did on the cross on our behalf.

So often I forget this key truth.  I get discouraged.  I lose heart, but then I remember.  Wait!  I don’t have to strive, to measure up, to feel inadequate or inferior, to despair…because I am accepted by the King of Kings.  I am His beloved.  I don’t have to run myself ragged, or frantically grasp…I belong to Him, His child, His daughter…I can rest in His love and that He has clothed me in His robe of righteousness. 

Let’s pause this month and show our thanks in a tangible way to those that continually pour themselves out, out of love for you and love for Jesus.  I would love nothing better than for the Gauls to be greatly blessed through us all this month.  Give any amount between now and March 26th to help support these dear ones as they serve the Lord through the ministry of Revive Our Heart and Life Action Ministries. 

Click here to be linked to the Gaul’s giving page.  They raise support in order to be able to serve the Body of Christ.


“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10

Thank you!