Go & Make Disciples

Yesterday was a great day! My kids have recently introduced themselves to our backyard neighbor and decided he will be their "friend." They love going out back to play and talk to this new friend, Mr. Jack, as he rebuilds his worn down tiki hut. They talk through the fence and bring out candy to bless him. 

I decided to go out back too, as I watched my middle son climbing the tree higher in order to engage in conversation with Mr. Jack. Introducing myself to our neighbor, I just listened to his story. A story we all have, but different in the details. A life story. One that tells who we are, where we have been, and what is important to us.

As I listened, he shared of his son who worked for Apple and passed away five years ago. Of his own life and how he ended up in Naples. He asked how we wound up in Naples, and I shared our story. 

He brightened my day as he told me about his first encounter with my kiddos. My youngest, through the fence, had asked if Mr. Jack had a Bible or if he knew God. Our neighbor shared that he was curious what our family was all about. So yesterday I got to share with him about the ministry God has called our family to in planting a church. As I talked, my kids came running out with candy galore to share with our neighbor as they ate a few pieces too! 

Afterwards, I walked back inside so revived and renewed in heart. My kids are getting it. It's all about Jesus and how we can spur on those around us to knowing Him. Some days I question what fruit there is in their lives- as they fight like cats and dogs- and then, the Lord blesses me with a little conversation with our neighbor that reminds me it's all worth it. They are getting it, little by little, each day. And putting it into practice as they love our neighbor with candy and conversation.

What a good lesson for me to slow down, and see those people beyond the fence - that HE has strategically placed in my life to hear Truth. He wants me (and my kiddos) to be the vessel in which they experience His love. 

What a great day! What a great time of encouragement! They are getting it! They are impacting others! One day at a time! Be patient, friend, as you invest into their little lives! 

What is one way your family could bless your neighbors this week? Baking? Bringing up their garbage cans? Engaging in conversations with them? These all lead to sharing Truth! 

 The Lord has a great plan for Mr. Jack...and your kiddos too!

As we make disciples - our kids will be as well. How cool, right!

Answering His Call

The phone call started out something like this, “Honey, I just did something very stupid, and you have every right to be upset with me. But we are all fine, and I really felt the Lord was calling me to do it.” Never a good way to start out a conversation, but I knew how bad my story was going to sound to my husband. Gotta love how Rick calmly just asked what happened, despite what was probably running through his mind after my abrupt confession.



I had just run out to the grocery store to grab a few sale items, and as we were leaving, a woman walked up to the minivan in front of me and struck up an animated conversation with the driver. I patiently waited for several minutes until cars began pulling up behind me, when I gently tapped on my horn to get things moving. The van pulled away, and I politely waved to the woman in a ‘no hard feelings’ kind of way. She looked very troubled and began talking to me through the window.




She asked for directions to a nearby intersection, and I pointed out how she was to get there. She then explained that she was pregnant (which was clear to see) and had fallen asleep on the bus and missed her stop. It was about 90 degrees out, and her stop was 2 miles away. She asked for a ride and then said something along the lines of “Lord, Jesus, please give me some help”.


Here is where I do something rather unwise and completely out of character. I looked in the backseat at my girls, back at the cars lining up behind me, and then back at the woman. I knew I wasn’t going to say no, despite the risks -which my husband would later lovingly warn me of as he walked through possible scenarios of how this could have gone down. This woman needed help, called upon the Lord for it, and He gave my heart a very clear direction that this is what I was supposed to do. (I will be honest that I sized her up and decided I could take her, if it came to that.) I almost could not believe the words coming out of my mouth as I said “Okay, get in.” Even as I leaned over and unlocked the door, I had this urge to be like "Ummm... nevermind!" and drive away pedal to the metal.




As we drove the 2 miles to Lucy’s destination, she began talking to me about her life, the difficulties with the baby’s father, the surprise of this pregnancy, etc. I listened (and watched her hands very carefully, ready to go into attacking mother bear mode at any moment) and prayed silently about what the Lord would have me share with this woman.... and that He would keep us safe... and that my husband would not freak on me when I told him about this later.




Once we arrived, I asked her if I could pray with her. She was very thankful and said yes. I began praying and found myself saying something like “Lord, may Lucy only put into her body what would nourish this baby”. I was horrified at my own words! I certainly had not planned or thought to say that, and I was immediately concerned at how she would react to what could have been taken as an accusation that she was doing drugs. After I closed the prayer, I looked up into her eyes, and she began to cry and say thank you over and over. She told me I had no idea how much she needed that specific prayer. (Thank you Father for your Holy Spirit!)



We parted ways, and I thanked the Lord for His protection and for allowing me to be used by Him and not miss out on this opportunity to be His servant. He gave me a divine appointment where He called me to be obedient, place the protection of my family in His hands, and be used in this woman’s life. And while I gave my husband my word I would never give a stranger a ride again, we both realized through this experience that the Lord still calls us from time to time to step out of our comfort zones and wants us to serve Him beyond our roles as wife and mommy. I desire to keep my eyes, mind, and heart open to serving Him whenever He calls and set an example for my children to do the same.



Prayer- Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to always be ready to obey and to serve you, realizing that every time I step outside of my door, you may have a divine appointment waiting for me. In the midst of my busy day, please help me to look for opportunities to help a neighbor in need and set a godly example for my children. Please place your hand of protection upon my family that my focus may be on you and your will knowing that you go before me and surround me. May I be a tool in your hands. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.


For Meditation and Action:
Has the Lord called you to step out of your comfort zone and help a stranger in need?
How can you practically and safely get your children involved in serving the community around you?
Begin to look for ways to serve Him outside of your home and model for your children what it looks like to love your neighbor.

Why Parakaleo?

Our blog would be incomplete if we didn't share the history of how Parakaleo came about. A few months ago the Lord birthed the idea to start a Christian blog for moms. He encouraged 7 women to come on a journey and take a leap of faith. Most of who knew nothing about blogging, but there is something organic about that. Each woman blogs one day per week and brings something totally unique to the table. God hand picked each mom and we are humbled to serve together on this team. Be sure to check out the BIOS section at the bottom of the page to meet our group of ladies. Our prayer is that the Lord uses His word, His spirit, and our experiences to minister to your heart as we walk through this season of being a mom together.
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Hi, my name is Kate. I have lived in south Florida my whole life...yep a Floridian! Four years ago I left the teaching profession to go into full-time ministry...being a mommy. What a blessing! Life is busy but wonderful. I have two wonderful little boys, James (4) and Jack Jack (2), who love to explore! The Lord is continually using my sons to teach me lessons. They are fun and so very opposite of each other. It is challenging at times... but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Seven years ago I married my best friend, James...he is truly a gift from the Lord. Every day the Lord uses our marriage to refine me as we walk together in ministry. I pray the following blog encourages to you today.


Love is a Battlefield
“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” – Luke 10:27

Everyone wants to feel loved and accepted. Life is hard and we desire friends who will stand by and encourage us. God wired us this way. I was reminded of this truth a few weeks ago as the boys and I ventured out one rainy morning to an inflatable kids play arena. We had the whole place to ourselves! It was wonderful! We enjoyed exploring and expending all the energy we had built up due to the crazy weather. Suddenly the atmosphere changed as the Lord put into motion a lesson He wanted my family to learn.

A group of older boys came running in. And I, being the over-protective mom, watched closely their interaction with my boys. Each time my son, James, tried to play with them they just ignored him and shooed him away. My son persisted and followed the boys through a tunnel which lead to a secluded area. I saw lots of movement and no response as I called his name. After a few moments, James managed to get out. He explained that the boys were kicking him after he accidentally fell on one of the them. My heart broke. I knew physically, he was beaten down but I also realized that emotionally he hurt as well. James just wanted to be accepted. Don’t we all.

It saddened me to watch my son hunger for friendship that wouldn't be offered. That must be how God feels as He watches us do the same to those in our path who so desperately need a friend yet we keep "playing." Whether four or thirty-four, we all want friends who will invite us into their "tunnel" of life. I experienced this when I first got married. I cried (literally) out to the Lord asking for some good Christian girlfriends. I was sad and felt so alone. Within a few weeks the Lord surprised me by allowing me to meet some sweet women who supported and encouraged me. The compassion shown by those women has never been forgotten. I remember their compassion for me and it has caused my heart to seek out those in need of a friend. There is something beautiful about having friends, in the same season of life, who understand and love you.

Was I friendly today? How did I love my neighbor? Did Christ shine through me to the woman at the park with kids, that co-worker, or cashier at the local grocer? Did I take time to share His love and offer peace to someone in need of a friend? So often, being consumed with my own agenda, I easily pass right by HIS. Our world is broken and hurting. We have something exciting to give them...the love of Christ. Invite them into your "tunnel" of life. So thankful each new day holds fresh opportunities to shine for Jesus.

Challenge: Pray and ask the Lord for an opportunity to reach out to someone who may need a friend. Or if you, like my son James, are in need of a friend cry out to Jesus and ask Him for one. Then, keep your eyes wide open because He might just surprise you and shake up your routine a little! HE wants to do great things in and through you today!