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May 18, 2012

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Consecrated!

January 30, 2012 By 3 Comments

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Oh Dear Jesus – we have had a wonderful weekend with our friend, and now family (the girls voted him in as family), Ryan Warren.  His 25 year old self has infused some awesome energy into what You have called us to.  Brainstorming a vision of something new was like watching a miracle unfold!  God is up to something really cool and I cant believe He has asked us to be part of it.

One year ago this month the Lord gave me this verse to memorize and dwell on.  Is. 42:9 “The former things have taken place and new things I declare; before they spring into being I will announce them to you!”  A year ago I thought it had solely to do with Speaking Thru Me Ministries, but now I see clearly it has so much more potential than that!

Here is what it says in the Biblical interpretation of the Message:

5-9God’s Message, 
   the God who created the cosmos, stretched out the skies, 
   laid out the earth and all that grows from it,
Who breathes life into earth’s people, 
   makes them alive with his own life:
“I am God. I have called you to live right and well. 
   I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe.
I have set you among my people to bind them to me, 
   and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,
To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light: 
   opening blind eyes, 
   releasing prisoners from dungeons, 
   emptying the dark prisons.
I am God. That’s my name. 
   I don’t franchise my glory, 
   don’t endorse the no-god idols.
Take note: The earlier predictions of judgment have been fulfilled. 
   I’m announcing the new salvation work.
Before it bursts on the scene, 
   I’m telling you all about it.”

Im so excited to talk freely of what God has laid on our hearts, but for now I hope and dream and write down like mad thoughts and inspirations!  I beg all those that happen upon this blog to pray for us.  Pray for boldness, for strength, stronger faith, for clearer vision, for humlity, for time, for ideas, for the favor of the Lord…….total dependence on Him!

God, we are ready to be used by You.  We are ready to go where You lead.  We are ready to be consecrated!!  We dont want to just be committed, but completely sold out and consecrated to this adventure!

Ryan reminded us last night in Acts that to see signs, wonders, and the miracles of God – which are not just possible, they will happen, it will take a complete sold out devotion, consecration of not just our hearts, but of everything!!!  ACTS 2:42-43

Lord Jesus, make us ready!!!  Father, I love you, i live for you, and I long to serve you……………consecrated!!

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Filed Under: believing God, devotion, family, husband, Illinois, Isaiah, ministry, Personal Faith, STMM
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Why would i want to share my gift of influence???

October 21, 2011 By 8 Comments

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I want to share YOU in my sphere of influence. I want to support you in ministry whether it is big or small. I want to give back as so many have given to me and helped me along the way. Are you interested in posting on my blog? Let me know!!

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Filed Under: Speaking, Video Tagged With: , , ,
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3-16-10 Side by Side

September 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

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Ever wondered what Speaking Thru Me Ministries is all about? Watch this video and you will get a better understanding. And then if you dont mind, you would please post this to your facebook or send in an email to others helping us to get the word out. Thank you so much!!! Shoulder to Shoulder!!
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Filed Under: Speaking, Video
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Pain Does Have an Answer

September 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Oh Lord – I cannot say enough about the incredible-ness of this past weekend in Washington.  WOW!!  As i showed you on facebook, they thought of everything!  It was again a church of much vision and passion and followers of Christ with guts to try!  I don’t see this kind of church everyday, but when I do it is like a taste of heaven.  It is almost one of those things that you have to be there to understand!  So next time, I will take you!!  

After serving at a church for a weekend I am always reminded of the hurting people.  I get the opportunity to speak and pray with all kinds of ladies that are going through things I cannot relate to, but can relay my Jesus to for hope and healing!  It is like I always carry the answer – we DO!!!  Jesus!  
In my devotion I came across a verse that offers so much encouragement and hope for anyone and everyone.  No matter if you are in the midst of a trial or just got out of one – another will be coming – this scripture will speak comfort in your heart!  
13-14 I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness
      in the exuberant earth.
   Stay with God!
      Take heart. Don’t quit.
   I’ll say it again:
      Stay with God.   Psalm 27:13-14 (Message)

Another translation

13 [a]I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the (A)goodness of the LORD
In the (B)land of the living.
14 (C)Wait for the LORD;
Be (D)strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.  (same scripture but NASB)

There is an answer for your pain – Stay with God!!!  The writer here must have just gone through a pain or trial and this is their final word on it – Stay with God!  Wait on the Lord.  

“Land of the living” or “exuberant earth” simply mean the day we live in today. The earth as we know it.  Here and Now.  

This you must hold on to not matter what the trial is – You may have to look hard especially if your mind’s eyes are clouded by depression or even frustration, but you will see the goodness of the Lord.  You may have to wait a bit longer if you are clouded for whatever reason, but take heart you will see His goodness!!  In the wait be strong and may your hope be encouraged knowing the visible goodness is coming!!!  Take heart!  

I don’t know about yall – but I needed to hear that!!  Pain does have an answer – or there is an answer for the pain – wait on the Lord – you will see!  

Today after I lift weights with my trainer girl – killer woman that I love – my daughter Sarahjane and I will take off for St. Louis for her appointment with the pediatric endocrinologist!  I am excited for this meeting to find out more!  Yall please pray for clarity and definite answers.  Either way – I know we will see the goodness of the Lord on this earth – even today.  I will wait on the Lord and be strong and have a courage heart.  Even if it takes longer than I want – I will wait on the Lord!!!  Amen Jesus – I love you!  
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Filed Under: ministry, psalms, Sarahjane, Speaking, trials
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Monday’s glance at the week

September 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Lord Jesus – you have given my family a very exciting and busy week ahead.  We have 3 baseball games this week alone.  That right there makes homework tough and all the other things that the girls want to do.  There are times it seems like Tucker’s events rules the house.  But the girlies are good about supporting him.

On Wednesday Emmajoy will be in a talent show at her school.  She is singing the Carrie Underwood version of I’ll Stand By You.  Yeah – that is what I thought too – cant you start with a tad bit easier song??  But actually she sings it pretty well.  She is feeling it!!  ha  (Mom, I will tape it and post it on here or Facebook.)  She also made student council this week.  Her daddy helped her write the speech and I helped with all the other crafty stuff!  I had so rather help with speech.  lol!

Sarahjane and Elleigh both have gymnastics and cheerleading this week as well.  We have to fit that in during the games.  I am thankful for my friend Nathalie that is so willing to help me out in a pinch!  There have been a lot of pinches since school has started!!

This weekend I’m traveling to Washington, In. to speak to a group.  I’m very excited.  It is a small group of 60-70 ladies, but that usually means a lot more fun and intimacy.  I will be speaking on “What Does God Require of Me” based on the scripture Micah 6:8.  One of my favorite messages.  It will be a weekend of having another stand in the gap for Clay and I.  He will be traveling home at the same time I am to be there.  It happens like that often, but we have some great sitters to help us out if need be!

Lots is going on with Speaking Thru Me Ministries.  This week I am fervently praying Ps 90:17 “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands – yes, establish the work of our hands.”  There is a really cool opportunity on the horizon and I want to know if this is something STMM is to be part and ask for the favor of the Lord to be all over it!  We shall see!

Lots of feelings and thoughts.  But this i know to be true – I am serving the Lord.  I love the Lord.  He loves me.  He is my judge.  He is weeding out my schedule to refine my “business”.  Lord, establish the work of my hands!

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Filed Under: kids, psalms, Speaking, STMM
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915 – R U ready?

November 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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Good morning – got a busy day and a busy week.  Definitely having ankle surgery on Dec. 8 and so I will not be walking like a real person for at least 6 weeks.  That means I must get some Christmas shopping done NOW!!!  But you know that really is OK – I like to get it all done and then relax!

Today Clay and I are heading over to Evansville.  He has a check up and I just thought I would tag along.  Makes me think of an older couple in retirement that goes too all their appointments together.  The future is so bright – i really do look forward to those days.

I spoke in Kenton, Tn. this weekend and had a blast.  I was able to take my 2 littlest with me.  They were wonderful.  We laughed and giggled so much!!  I love hanging out with them!  I want them to better understand what I do and feel more secure in knowing this is what God has called mommy to!

This event was not just bathed in prayer, it was smothered!!!  It was so wonderful!!  There was a group of young girls there as part of a signing team – INCREDIBLE!!!!  I loved having youth in the audience!!  But they were so awesome!!!  I hope to bring them to Illinois!!

This morning God reminded me of being ready!!  Acts 14:1 “…There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed!”  This past weekend I said something while i was speaking that was incorrect.  It was a terrible mistake and all was corrected, but it really “shook” me to the core!!!  One of the very reason I would walk away from speaking, even if it were disobedient, is the fear of portraying the Lord incorrectly or His Word in not a truthful manner!  It scares me greatly!!

I want and long to be an effective speaker!  I want to display the Word for the Truth and have His name made famous.  I want to bring glory to Him and speak in such a way that others are drawn to Him.  I want people to see Jesus working through me and His power made known!  I want to be ready and so effective that whether it is a planned engagement or a personal “street” encounter that He is made known!  PERIOD!!!

But to be ready and effective – you must prepare – I must prepare!!  And most of that preparing is on my knees through prayers!!!

God, thank you for your grace.  Thank you for the women that delivered grace and mercy to me that day when i spoke incorrectly!  Thank you for the one that showed my err.  Thank you for helping me and training me to be more effective!!!  Jesus, I want to do whatever and be available whenever!!!  Oh but Lord, help me to be effective in such a way that they BELIEVE!!!!!  I love you – amen!

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Filed Under: Acts, ministry, Speaking
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901 – Ruined, Overwhelmed…I’m Done

September 20, 2010 By 1 Comment

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Lord Jesus, how can I ever thank you enough.  The things You do in our lives each and every day drawing us to you – amazing!!  Working with the youth at our church I so often just want to put their lives on pause and so that they can mature and know that serving You is worth it and soooo very much more.  But it is the very life they are going through that enables their walk with you to grow and mature.  So often they can’t see the forest for the tree and want to give up!!!  It is then that I want to pause life and advance them to the point where they can rest in knowing God is faithful and trustworthy.  But life must go on.

Lord Jesus, I have seen so many miracles lately and I just don’t know if I can contain myself.  Just yesterday I went and spoke at Emmanuel United Methodist Church here in town, in Carmi.  I was briefly telling them how you have interwoven Micah 6:8 all through my life even when I was so unaware of what that verse actually says!  I then went on to tell about the most recent drop in my lap or STMM’s lap of Dolly, the infant from Liberia that was born with her intestine on the outside.  At the end of the service the pastor added some completely profound words imploring their congregation to miss going out for dinner on this day and giving to this cause.  I was overwhelmed – I was overcome – I was ruined!!

I could not contain the tears and just wanted to melt into a puddle of gracious exhaust!  Lord, those are your people.  Those are the ones you touched and told to give – they did!!!  Over $2600 was raised in that one day!  Again, my legs got weak and I was floored!!!  I wanted to run around the church singing the hallelujah chorus and at the same time drop to my knees and just be quieted by Your singing over me!  That was it – I could not handle anymore!!

Lord Jesus, thank you thank you thank you!!!  I can not express the thankfulness in my heart to EMUC for their generosity, but also for YOU allowing me to be this messenger and part of the plan to make a difference in this precious child’s life.  It matters to this one!!!

I love you Lord – thank you for ruining me with Your Love!!!  I love it!  I’m done!

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Filed Under: liberia, ministry, STMM
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900 – Nine Hundredth Post – Shouldn’t I do something…

September 17, 2010 By 5 Comments

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Hey yall – nothing real spiritual here, but I updated my calendar…  If you will go here you can see where I will be and how we can meet up!!!!  I love to meet up with people along the way!!!

So, any questions you have since it is my 900th post?  Whatever it is – I will answer….

If you ask a question and I can answer it I will put you in a drawing…………. for what – not sure yet!!

Ask away and let me know when we can meet up!!

Much love, Leigh

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Filed Under: calendar, ministry, Speaking
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895 – Starfish, It mattered to this one….

September 3, 2010 By 2 Comments

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Do you remember that parable about the man walking on the beach and finding a million or so washed up starfish. He begins picking up one by one and throwing them back in the ocean. All of a sudden a “naysayer” comes by and mocks his kindness by asking, “Man, there are thousands of starfish washed up. You are never going to get all of those thrown back in. What does it matter anyway?”

The patient, gentle man replied as he picked up another to toss it back in the ocean, “It mattered to that one.”
Friends – that is what we have going on at Speaking Thru Me Ministries. God has called us to find medical relief for a little girl that was born with her intestines and a few organs on the outside of her abdomen. Can we save the whole world with medical problems some have asked?????? No, but it mattered to this one! She is for today our Starfish Project!
Please read this letter below. We need your help desperately!!!! Hang in there!!! If you don’t want to read, but are ready to help and give go to our website and click on donate. It is all tax-deductible. Don’t assume that everyone else is helping……….we need YOU!!!!!

In June 2010, my ministry Speaking Thru Me was changed while leading a women’s conference in Liberia. By donating to STMM, you are providing life to a little girl, hope for her family and showing the love of Christ to a country.

Cecelia Dorbor was desperate for help when she traveled eight hours to attend the Christian women’s event held in Monrovia, Liberia. Her daughter, Darlene “Dolly” Grace Dorbor, was born with a giant omphalocele, which means her internal organs are on the outside of her body. Dolly had one corrective surgery performed at the J.F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia when she was five months old. However, she needs another surgery to ensure the best quality of life for her.

“When I saw Dolly with her mom, my heart broke,” said Ginger Moore, vice-president and co-founder of Speaking Thru Me Ministries. “Here was a mom who did not have any medical options for further surgery in Liberia. I knew that if her baby had only been born in the states – she would have been well by now.”

Once back in the United States, the conference team went to work finding someone to help Dolly. Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital has agreed to provide the surgery and post-operative care that Dolly needs, covering all medical expenses. Dolly will begin medical treatments on October 11, 2010 with her surgery on October 21, 2010. Her recovery time in the states will be three months.

My goal is to raise at least $12,000, which covers airfare from Liberia for the family, three months of housing, transportation, meals and living expenses while living in Nashville, TN for the surgery and recovery process, as well as cover school and food expenses for the 5 siblings who will remain in Liberia. Please help me reach that goal with your pledge. Your donation is tax deductible. If you wish, you may mail all or part of your payment amount today to Leigh Gray 845 Co Rd. 1350 N Carmi, Il. 62821 or you can make a donation on-line through our secure web site www.speakingthrume.com.


Please make your check payable to Speaking Thru Me Ministries. My deadline to get my pledges in is September 22, 2010. Following Dolly’s surgery, I will send out a brief recap of her health to all my sponsors.

Thank you in advance for your support. Please call me if you have any questions or comments about our efforts to help the Dorbor family. I can be reached at 618-383-4856.


Sincerely,

Leigh Gray
Pres. and Co-Founder
Speaking Thru Me Ministries
501 3 C non-profit


Thanks friends and family!!! I so look forward to hearing from you and watching the Lord come thru in a big way. Why – it mattered to this one!!

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Filed Under: liberia, ministry, missions, STMM
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www.speakingthrume.com – Plz go check it out!

August 23, 2010 By 1 Comment

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Speaking Thru Me Ministries has a new look and information! Please go take a look and give me your thoughts. Especially go take a look at the part about the little girl from Africa that we are raising funds to bring over for surgery. Vanderbilt is doing the surgery for free, but we have to pay for all travel and all expenses while here! Oh please pray for us and give too.

Thank you in advance for your support.
www.speakingthrume.com
Love to you all – Leigh
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Filed Under: Africa, ministry, Speaking
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