Surrendering the Secret

The Great Thing About Sisterhood

2011-12-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

Post by National Trainer Katy Flood...

What happens when a Hollywood actress, a few national speakers, writers and bloggers, a drilling engineering tech, a pastor’s wife, a women’s ministry director, a master’s degree student, all travel to the Rocky Mountains to seek God?

Amazing things!

We came from all over the country with a common passion – post-abortion healing. I only knew three of women when I arrived, and I didn’t even know them all that well. What unfolded was absolutely beautiful and as breath-taking as the mountain views.

I am fascinated by the fact that when sisters in Christ get together, there is an instant bond. It is a bond that defies human logic. Logically, it takes a long time to build a friendship. You don’t share deep, personal stuff with women you just meet. You guard yourself and your thoughts until you know someone better. But every time I get together with sisters in Christ, we let our walls down and we take off our masks. Only Christ has the ability to pull that off – to gather a bunch of women, plop them in a mountain home and watch as they share, cry and worship Him – all as sisters.

In John Chapter 17, Jesus is talking to His Father and saying “that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:23 ESV)

Jesus says it in more detail in The Message. “So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me…So they’ll be unified and together as we are- I in them and you in me. Then they’ll be mature in this oneness, and give the godless world evidence that you’ve sent me and love them in the same way you’ve loved me.”

It is Jesus’ desire that we become one. That we bond. That we are unified. Because when we are unified, that is when we show the world that there is a God and He sent His son to die for us.

Unity is so important in the body of Christ. It is our unity, our love for each other, that causes people to see Jesus.

I don’t know about you, but I want people to see Jesus. I want people to see something different in me. And I want that difference to point them right to Him.

I know that our Father was pleased with what He saw this past week in that mountain home. Nine sisters, with one purpose: to glorify God with our lives. Our common denominator wasn’t that we all had abortions in our past, because some of us hadn’t. Our common denominator was that we all were women who have been rescued and restored by the One who came to seek and save the lost.

Lost women now found. One in Christ. Sisters forever. Beautiful.

Here are the AMAZING 8 women I spent four days with in the Colorado Rockies. The National Trainers for “Surrendering the Secret.”

To connect with Katy visit her blog: www.katyflood.net

Greetings from a Certified Leader in Michigan

2011-11-15T06:58:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday, My hubby and I went down to the Life International office, which was formally the abortion clinic, where I aborted my very own daughter many years ago.

I went there anxious not knowing what to expect, or how I would handle my return. I couldn't help being nervous about memories that might come rushing back....along with shame and guilt and self torment......

As I walked in, I realized very quickly that the entire presence and atmosphere of that building had changed--but more importantly, I have changed.

Years ago it was dark and gloomy--now there is light and peace and warmth.

As I walked down the hall, I remembered the thoughts of the unbelief in my heart of what I was about to do. I remembered the darkness that lay within my soul, and the heaviness that filled my heart so long ago.

This time, through the PURE protection of God, all those feelings didn't over take me and make me feel that same. It was hard and many memories surfaced, but those feelings didn't make me feel horrible in my heart .

I then walked to the prayer room...which was amazingly beautiful. THis was the same place I cried uncontrollable about the horrible decision I just had made. This was my first moment of realizing that I could NEVER take back what I just had done. The first place I decided I hated myself for what I had just done, and so did God. The first place I thought I was going to Hell, and nothing could ever redeem me.

But yet, this time, there was a peace within me...no sorrow, no hate....only His Love enveloping those of us who have made such a destructive decision and took our babies lives.

Even the bathroom had memories of changing out of my "gown" and into my regular clothes as blood dripped down my legs. Yet, God still continued to shield me with compassion and protection.....Then came the procedure room. I left it for last on purpose....not knowing what to expect. I walked in and remembered first the window to the left. It was the only place I could look during the entire procedure, because if I looked anywhere else, I had to watch the blood being sucked into the tubes of the suction machine. That is by far, the most difficult memory I have. Between the "noise" of the machine and the blood that filled the tubes and jars, and the horrible cramping that coincided with it all...... that is the memories that hurts the worst, and still remains as real as though it happened yesterday. That room is the realness of what choice I made that day. But that window...that was my "safe place"....it was my "numbing spot"...where I tried to tune the world out. It is where I told myself, "Just hang on, it will be over in a minute and you never have to think about it again. I can forget about it all and move on with my life...." It was the window, that I could out at and not look down at Dr. Gordon and not hate him, or at the nurse who was unemotional herself. The window is something I have never forgotten, because it was my ONLY "escape" that day of my surroundings.

Now, walking into that room, I still stood by the bed and told my Kassandra how much I loved and missed her and how sorry I was.I reminded her, and myself that I will see her in Heaven one day. That mommy doesn't hate herself anymore for the choice I made, but that doesn't mean that I don't regret the choice I made. That I wished she could be here with her little brother and sister, Landyn and Ezeraya. But she is up in Heaven with God, and she is so safe in His Arms! I missed her so much in that moment...yet with Love as a mother should, not with guilt and shame.

Thanks to Surrendering the Secret and God's healing love, I have finally laid guilt and shame at the Cross.

God truly has healed me from my abortion and has showed me so much Grace, that words can not describe what He has done in my heart over the past few years.

I left there feeling "finished".

I don't have to go back to the person I used to be, that I am new in Christ and I am His daughter NO MATTER what my past choices are. That I am complete in Him! And I am Loved by Him!

The last thing my hubby said to me as he hugged me, was "do you want to go home and hug our kids now?" You know what???...that is exactly what I wanted to do! It was such a true inner-peace of the Holy Spirit, that I didn't feel like I didn't "deserve" to have my kids, that I was not worthy of my two precious ones here on earth, because of my past abortion. I had finally overcome the feeling/thought of thinking, "I am not allowed to be a mommy".

It felt free and victorious!!!

Only God can save us in that pure, precious and Graceful way. The Blood of Christ cannot be disturbed or taken away by anything the enemy tries to destroy, kill, or take from us!

God Bless each of you and THANK YOU for your ministry in the pro-life Kingdom! 

Denise Kooiker

Grand Rapids, Mi

What Does God Say About Abortion?

2011-09-07T06:05:00.000-04:00

Article

What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?

by Nigel Cameron

The intentional taking of life before birth is not new. Though adoption of “abortion rights” as a progressive political cause in Western societies is recent, abortion has been practiced in every culture from ancient times. Indeed, one of the signal achievements of the spread of the gospel in the Greco-Roman world was to push this practice and its close sibling, infanticide, to the margins of society. In classical paganism, while it was sometimes controversial, abortion (like euthanasia) was common and widely approved. The ancient physicians who took the Hippocratic oath, whose medical vision was powered by saving life and not taking it, were swimming upstream. It was the church of Jesus Christ that swept through the later Roman world as the great pro-life movement, setting standards in medicine, culture, and public policy that still condition the thinking of fractured Christendom in the twenty-first century.

Readers who seek abortion in a concordance are unlikely to find it, and as a result believers have sometimes suggested that Scripture is silent on the subject and that therefore we may do as we please. Such a conclusion depends on some serious misunderstandings. The biblical foundations of a comprehensive prohibition on induced abortion lie deep, in the doctrines of creation and incarnation.

The starting point for a biblical understanding of human nature is the truth that human beings are created in God’s image. It is clear from Genesis 1:26–27 that this applies to all those who are members of the human species. Homo sapiens is distinguished from all other “kinds” by our bearing the likeness of our Maker. The image is specifically stated to have been given to women as well as men and to remain after the fall (Gn 9:6). And it applies to Jew and Gentile, religious and irreligious, young and old, those in the flower of human ability as well as the disabled and sick. The imago Dei is what makes us the beings we are and it is in place wherever there are members of our species. The question of which beings bear the image is one of species membership and therefore genetics.

While extraordinarily difficult issues are raised by the prospect of human-animal hybrids (and also, perhaps, humanoid robots), the issue here is simple. If someone is a member of the human species, that person bears the divine image. Therefore, his or her life is sacred. With this single recognition, we find the basis of biblical bioethics and immediate answers to many of the most pressing questions in contemporary medicine and bioscience. It provides a straightforward response to the issue of induced abortion, since the commandment “Do not murder” (Ex 20:13) therefore applies to all human beings, from the beginning of life to its end. And this command is explicitly rooted in the bearing of the divine image in Genesis 9:6, in the ironic context of the provision for capital punishment: “Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood shall be shed by man, for God made man in His image.”

This species principle is of central importance to debate about human embryos, as researchers have developed techniques using in vitro fertilization and cloning, making it possible to use embryos for destructive research. The biblical position is unambiguous: those who are part of the species, made in the divine image, should not be murdered.

The second foundation lies in the doctrine of the incarnation. As if to illustrate this creation principle of the species-wide bearing of the image, in His incarnation the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity, took human form and did so from the beginning of human biological existence. When in the “sixth month” (Lk 1:36, a reference not to the calendar but to the advanced state of her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy) Mary was told by the angel that she would conceive by a miracle, the human life of the Son of God began. Shortly afterward she visited Elizabeth, and we witness John the Baptist’s first testimony to his kinsman and his Lord as a sixmonth fetus leaped in his mother’s womb at the presence of the days-old embryonic Jesus (Lk 1:39–45).

In light of these basic theological affirmations, the many incidental references to unborn life in the OT—in the prophets, Job, and especially Psalms—take on powerful significance (for example, Ps 139:13 and the following verses).

The one biblical text sometimes offered as a counterargument is in Exodus 21:22 and following, which refers to the appropriate punishment to be applied if men, while fighting, accidentally hit a woman and cause her to miscarry. There are varying translations of the passage, but it has no relevance to the debate about deliberate abortion, since it refers to manslaughter of the unborn child and not to deliberate killing.^[1]

^[1] Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J., & Powell, D. (2007). The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (908–909). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Meet Kellie Dillard

2011-08-30T16:15:00.000-04:00

Hello Sweet Sisters, We are sharing a video today of Kellie as she tells what she discovered as she surrendered the secret of past abortions.

A Surrendered Sister Shares

2011-08-29T13:06:00.001-04:00

This sweet story came in to our Face Book Account yesterday

Tiffany Alred von Hiltgen 9:33pm Aug 28
Pat, my name is Tiffany Von Hiltgen and I went through the Surrender the Secret Bible Study with Anne Reed this past year. I just wanted to write to tell you thank you for your diligence and your obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ for all your hard work in creating this Bible Study. I don't know where my life would have turned if I had not gone through this Bible study. I feel so blessed and free now and finally have peace after 18 years!!! God is so good!!! I feel so blessed to be able to now co-lead a group in Surrendering the Secret! Amazing to see God transform women right before our eyes through this. God has been using Anne, myself, and a few other of our Surrendered Sisters here in Mississippi trying to help get Ammendment 26 passed to help end aborption. This is a personhood ammendment that is trying to get passed in November. I have been so excited to see how God has used our testimonies so far and all for His Glory!! It would be a pleasure to meet you one day!!! Thank you again for your love for our Lord Pat!!! Your love for our Lord has been a huge inspiration in my life. God bless you and your Family!!! Love in Christ, Tiffany Von Hiltgen

Join us on Facebook will you?

www.facebook.com/surrenderingthesecret

Another Sister Shares Her Story...

2011-08-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

My letter to opening hearts…

We are made for God to love us. But I forgot that while I was busy punishing myself for having chosen abortion. I had chosen abortion the first time as the alternative to being trapped in a violent relationship. I didn’t want the abuser to know I was vulnerable. I didn't know to tell anyone that I was being abused. But in exchange for the termination of a life I did not want to think about, I began to value my own life even less.

Instead of getting counseling or seeking help from a church leader, I pushed the shame and pain down. It was easy to do since everyone including the medical establishment was comfortable with me not talking about the effects of choosing abortion. By avoiding examination of the choices that led to my first abortion, I missed the opportunity to heal from a dangerous relationship. I ended up in one more violent relationship before I hit that rock bottom place where I knew it was time to give up the desire to “control my life” and go back to a place of being obedient to the plan God has for me.

His plan is to restore my spirit and heal my heart. That was all I knew when I walked into the Pregnancy Resource Center last fall and asked for help to heal from abortions in my past. I had received support from the PRC when I was pregnant with my last child, but I didn’t think to tell them about my children whose lives ended before they began. I had never been in a place where people were trained to hear personal stories about abortion and respond with a healing ministry. I have now.

The bible study began one-on-one. I committed to the eight-week program and began to explore the ways abortion had affected my life. The discovery of who I was underneath the layers of ego and suffering was so revealing that I felt I could not exclude my life partner. By the third session, I asked my fiancé to come with me. We had been blessed with a baby girl, but that came after having lost other pregnancies. Doing the study as a couple allowed God’s healing force to permeate our new family unit while we faced other trials that could have been divisive and destructive.

Each session we opened in prayer. We shared the ways God had spoken to us through lessons and love by testing the limits of our faith since our last meeting. It was a refreshing experience to disclose my hearts deepest sorrow and not be judged. The practice of being transparent about how I was affected by the abortions while in the room with my fiancé strengthened the bond we share. He reciprocated by telling me his deepest pains from his past that were still haunting his present. Together with our group leader, our lives became more open to God’s healing grace. It’s funny that grace didn’t show up like a bouquet of roses, but rather a box of tissues.

There was another aspect of the healing that I didn’t see coming. Because I had come from two relationships with people who were violent toward me, I never gave myself permission to feel angry or express anger. I was afraid of being retaliated against. But during one of the sessions, I was given permission to be angry at an “indestructible” object and the release led me to find out what pain I had been hiding from myself. That self-discovery revealed to me truths about the areas in my life where I still felt I was a victim. I found new words being spoken in my heart during prayer that would help me also be released from the violence and assault in my past that still gripped me in fear.

God wants to be in our lives, and He will not settle for just part of us. His love pursues and transforms every part of our being. He knows we cry for the lives of the children we have lost, and He is with us now, encouraging us to share our experiences as a way to end the silent suffering of our hearts that keeps us from knowing his blessings.

It is okay to ask for help to restore your life after abortion. If you have had an abortion in your past, allow yourself support in recovering from the loss. One termination, multiple terminations, God doesn’t keep count. Nor does He count us out of his Kingdom. We do that by denying ourselves the opportunity to be forgiven for our mistakes, to receive salvation. My sisters, God wants us healed so we can know His love and share His love. The mountain is yours for the taking and your journey shall no longer be alone.

Joyce Alegra del Rosario

Eagle River, Alaska

In response my Mother sent me this poem she had written the same night, without knowing that I was writing the letter above

The fish swims beneath the surface of the lake;
as the lake reflects darkening clouds,
It cannot avoid the downpour anymore than the fish.
Enlarged, the lake better reflects before hidden blue-sky

As the fish awaits a fly.

The sky-reflection hid the fish beneath the lake

After the downpour had hatched the fly;

It could not avoid the breeze nor yet know of fish.

The fish leapt for the fly into the clutch of a hawk,

Mastering the breeze as it watched for the fish.

Surrendering the Secret Rocked it at Heaven Fest!

2011-08-11T12:37:00.004-04:00

What a blessing to have a booth in Colorado at Heaven Fest this summer! The day was hot- (98 degrees), the traffic was constant (32,900 people attended the festival), and we were delighted to meet so many men and women and share Surrendering the Secret with them. As we had asked the Lord, connections were made with Churches, CPC's, current STS leaders, like-minded ministries, ministry leaders, women's shelters, and individuals. This picture is Christi M., Surrender Sister, and Susan Sorenson- Colorado National Trainer.

Thank you for your prayers! We ask you to continue to pray the harvest in- we are eager to follow up on the connections made.

My heart is always squeezed whenever I am blessed with the chance to serve for STS. Heaven Fest was no different. As I see the courage displayed by those willing to identify with the heartache of abortion- and then proclaim the truth about Jesus and his healing power, I am humbled. While I will never know each Surrender Sister individually this side of heaven, I want you to know that I am proud of you! I thank you for pressing on and telling your story- trusting the Lord to "cause all things to work together for good", and living life abundant- for His glory.

Upcoming Events/Trainings

2011-08-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy year of travel for Surrendering the Secret and by our schedule you'll see it's going to stay that way for the rest of the year. We are so honored by all God is doing through this ministry and are so thankful for all of you who have partnered with us.

Here's whats coming up:

August 6, 2011
Escondido, California
Trainer: Pat Layton
Registration online here

September 19, 2011
Cincinnati, OH
Trainer: Pat Layton
Registration online here

October 15, 2011
Littleton, CO
Trainer: Susan Sorenson
Registration online here

October 19, 2011
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Trainer: Pat Layton
Registration online here

October 22, 2011
Boston, MA
Trainer: Pat Layton
Registration online here

November 7, 2011
Lutz, Florida
Trainer: Pat Layton
Registration online here

Surrendering the Secret is reaching out in Colorado

2011-07-27T15:17:00.003-04:00

What a blessing Surrendering the Secret has been to countless who have been touched by abortion in their lives! We give our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, all the glory and thanks for His redeeming love. It is our desire to spread the word to the post abortive- "You are not alone!" and to the church- "You can reach the post abortive people in your church for Jesus, and for life abundant- free from the pain and shame from the abortion."

This coming Saturday, July 30th, we have a wonderful opportunity to reach out in this way. We will be represented at Heaven Fest- a large Christian music festival- here in the front range of Colorado, with a booth in the Vendor Village.

Heaven Fest is one of the largest gatherings like this in our area and will reach out to many surrounding States. The heart of Heaven Fest is to reach the world for Jesus, and they have donated one million dollars in tickets to unbelievers. They also sell the admission tickets for "whatever you can afford". 100% The profit from ticket sales and parking revenue will also be donated to help the poor, exploited, and orphaned. As you can see, this is a wonderful opportunity for STS to share our vision.

If you are a Certified Leader that will be offering STS, you have the opportunity to include your information at the table. To do this, just email us at sorenson65@msn.com with the important information as to how you can be reached. As we are approached at the table, we will share information for groups available.

Finally, would you pray for us as we share our hearts with the attendees of Heaven Fest? We are praying for the Lord's blessing and a harvest for His glory!

If you would like more information about Heaven Fest you can learn more at www.heavenfest.com. If you will be there- stop by and say hello!

Couples OnLine STS Bible Study

2011-07-27T11:16:00.000-04:00

We are so excited to announce our first ever online STS Bible Study for Couples. This is a new adventure and we can't wait to see how God works through this. Jennifer and Anthony Baros have come forward to lead this study and we are so thankful for their hearts and their obedience to God. Please read the post below from Anthony and Jen and if you believe God is calling you to start this group contact us to get registered!

We are all wounded, scared, and affected by things that happen to us and the choices we make. No one in this life goes unscathed. For me, an abortion was my greatest wound. And I needed someone to come and provide comfort, assistance, and guidance… but for several years I didn’t even know it. I didn’t know it because those wounds were hidden; covered up by facades, masks, fake smiles, and my favorite: not talking about it. After my then girlfriend, now wife, and I walked out of the abortion clinic, we did not even whisper the word “abortion.” And for nine years there was silence on the issue.

I was convinced that praying and asking God to forgive me was all I needed to do. Yet, I felt like God was distant. The abortion didn’t only affect my relationship with God, but also with my wife. God created men and women for oneness in marriage. A closeness, an intimacy, a relationship so familiar that you feel like you are one; but for us, the exact opposite happened. There was a wedge placed between us. This separation led to other problems, and resulted in further distance and disconnection. All the while, I failed to realize that some of this stemmed from the unresolved issue, the elephant in the room, the “secret” in our lives and marriage. It has been said that “the sin that nobody deals with is the sin that everybody deals with.”[1] And like many, I found myself not dealing with it, avoiding it, shifting the responsibility to her, and even justifying it.

There are issues which stem from an abortion that need to be addressed. It is like allowing a grenade to blow up in your hand, and then saying it hasn’t affected you. There were wounds in our lives we had have never healed from. What God wanted for us, he wants for you, which is to see you restored, renewed and transformed. God does forgive, but God also wants to bring healing to the wounds that your past sins have caused.

By the grace of God, Jen went through STS which opened up the dialogue of the abortion between Jen and me. Eventually, my wonderful and loving wife led me though STS. God initially used STS as the starting block to bring us closer to Him and to each other. Several years have passed, and as a result I can proclaim: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Cor 1:3-4, NLT). Our desire is to walk with Him and others in their journey.

If you and your spouse would like to take part in the healing process together, then we would like to invite you to join us for an online walkthrough of STS starting August 18, 2011. We will be meeting weekly via Skype. Please email me and Jen at barospack@gmail.com or email Jennifer Kittredge at the STS national office at jkittredeg@awpm.net to register.

Anthony and Jen Baros

[1] Author unknown, from http://www.thegracetabernacle.org/quotes/Sin-Denial.htm

VICTORY!!!

2011-07-22T14:09:00.000-04:00

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y that's the STS battle cry!
Let’s gooo…. Let’s gooo…. Let’s gooo….
Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!!

That’s the cheer resounding in my head and heart after the blessing of meeting and training 10 more wonderful warrior women in Grand Prairie, TX! Women that have heard the battle cry for FREEDOM. Women who were obedient to follow the sound of the Savior’s voice – calling them to lead others into FREEDOM. Women now armed with the tools to lead other women to hope and healing. Women who know the power of the One who WILL triumph over the enemy and therefore, from deep in their souls cry, they cry “VICTORY!”

In the midst of pain, nagging thoughts of self-worth and crippling fears of failure post-abortive women often believe that they will never know true victory. Yet, one by one, as “Surrendering the Secret” groups share the message of healing and hope that Jesus offers, truth is embraced throughout our land and across the seas, and these precious women begin to walk in victory. Then, when those victorious women are filled with the desire to share their stories and help other women experience the same victory…the cries of the “Victory” cheer are heard once again! Adding a crescendo to the chant of V-I-C-T-O-R-Y are the voices of the women who don’t have abortion in their past, yet are filled with compassion to minister to those who do.

This is the picture of the women that gathered for a day of training in Grand Prairie, TX. Women that have been healed and restored joining their voices with women that have a passion for all women to have healing in their hearts…united in their desire for women to walk in VICTORY! From Utah, Louisiana and Texas, these women became valiant warriors by the time the day was over. They embarked on the training at different levels of experience: having led an STS group or two, being somewhat familiar with the material but not having led a group, knowing the sweet freedom of walking as a healed post-abortive woman, non-post abortive women compelled to journey with those who have abortion in their past, and those ready to personally walk through STS in order to lead others to VICTORY! What a GLORIOUS group of warriors that only God can call together!!!

Echoing Tricia, another STS National Trainer in Texas, God IS raising up an army! Trainings like this are going on around the country and expanding the territory for VICTORY! The STS National Trainers stand ready to encourage and support the troops! We are in this together!

For those that are looking for a place to be equipped for this battle, click on the “Events” tab of the STS website for the next STS training or contact the home office to set up a NEW training in YOUR area! Take the plunge…DO IT…commit to what He is calling you to! NOW is the time…for such a time is THIS!

For those that have recently gone through training, press on. When God calls you, He not only equips you but also provides your place of service, at the appointed time. Begin now praying for the women that will join your groups in the days and months ahead. Be diligent to prepare…don’t lose heart…don’t be overwhelmed…and don’t buy into the enemy’s lies of fear, doubt, or worthlessness! With a VICTORIOUS shout we can remind the enemy that because our Savior IS WORTHY and His blood covers us, we ARE worthy to share His truth of grace, forgiveness and freedom!

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!! Let’s go!!

Submitted by: National Trainer Carrie Bond Weatherford, TX

Let Freedom Ring!

2011-07-04T11:18:00.005-04:00

Today is 4^th of July. Freedom Day.

A day that our country has set aside for giving thanks for our natural Freedom.

A day to acknowledge and honor those who sacrificed to make that freedom a reality.

That is easy for me to do.

My husband Mike, served as a Marine in Vietnam.

He doesn’t talk much about the things he did and saw during his 13 months of what he calls the “longest, hottest days and the coldest nights” of his life. He does talk about trudging through rice paddies carrying an 85 pound pack filled with sea rations, his radio and ammunition that he prayed not to need, through the high 90’s heat of the day. At night, he and his battalion slept on the wet ground, sometimes in actual mud puddles, in 60-degree cold night air. Fatigues became pajamas and explosions of warfare the nightlight of death in the distance.

His job as a Forward Artillery Observer, sometimes required him to go FIRST, ahead of his comrades, friends and even leaders, to scope out enemy activity and send information back to the troops.

He is my hero and we owe him, as well as many other brave soldiers, the safety of our land.

However, Mike would be the first to give all glory to Christ who was Mikes’ Forward Artillery Observer. Jesus went first for our freedom, our eternal life, both here and in heaven.

As I think of this day, my heart is full for you all as well as you serve in one of today's bloodiest battles and hold a similar strategic position on behalf of the Sanctity of all Human Life, specifically on behalf of those injured and maimed by abortion.

You are heroes of today, of this culture, you fight a silent but deadly battle against the enemy of all LIFE.

War is raging in our nation, blood is being shed daily.

There is very little noise in the room of an abortion clinic.

No explosions.

No fireworks.

No scream in defense and warning of enemy attack. There are no cannons or tanks or bombs.

Only the shame filled sob coming from a desperate, heartbroken mother, the drone of a vacuum cleaner and the clanking of instruments of death.

Just the same...lives are depending upon you to GO AHEAD!

As part of a quiet army, we are proud and excited to watch our ground forces grow. We are blessed by your continued connection and reports.

We are praying for you as we fight this fight together.

I want to tell you about a few exciting new things that are happening here at STS INTERNATIONAL office.

Yes-International.

If you haven’t looked at our website lately, check out you fellow soldiers on our website under leaders!

After only 2 ½ years of training Leaders, we have 593 “Certified STS Leaders” (those who have taken our one day training) in 39 States. You will see that we have only a few states with no CL’s. Although we are certain STS is being used in those areas.

I am traveling holding 2 New England Trainings in the Fall (Yep-THAT was strategic on MY part J--Fall Leaves in New England-Duh!)

October 18, Pennsylvania

October 20, 21 Boston

I would LOVE to see you there!

I have an event in Nevada in February and will hold an STS training there.

Anybody have contacts in South Dakota??

I want to tell you about 2 VERY IMPORTANT Things!!

First, I have a publishing contract for a new Chapter Book version of STS. The manuscript is due to the publisher on September 15^th and I need YOU!! Particularly YOU or YOUR MEN! The new book will be incorporating stories from MEN and COUPLES who have been healed and restored from the heartbreak of abortion.

PLEASE, PLEASE Send us your contact information TODAY if you would like to be a part of the book. We will send you a questionnaire that you will complete for us to share your story.

Next, due to the success of our One-Day training and the number of requests we receive, we are expanding our National Trainer Team. Our desire is to fill the Nation with STS National Trainers. If you feel that God has placed the ministry of post abortion recovery, using STS, on your heart, PLEASE contact us today for an information pack. NOTE!!! We have updated our plan so if you have done this before, please reconnect with us for the current plan.

We are excited about these upcoming trainings:

July 25 Charlotte, NC

August 6 San Diego, Ca

Sept 16,17 Cincinnati, Oh

Oct 18 Pa

Oct 21,22 Boston, Ma

If you would like to Host an STS Certified Leader Training in your area, please contact us for the WHO-WHAT-WHEN-WHERE.

My Assistant Jennifer Kittredge and I are available to help you!

My love and blessings,

Pat

Grace Family Church

2011-06-30T15:35:00.000-04:00

Pat and I were beyond blessed this weekend by our HOME church, Grace Family Church in Tampa, Florida. Pat spoke with Pastor Craig at all four services and my testimony was shared as well. GFC provided the video below so that we could share it with all of you...You can also access the video by clicking HERE and watching it directly on the GFC website...while you are there take a peek around see why we LOVE our church so much!

Upcoming Trainings

2011-06-28T15:32:00.000-04:00

Upcoming Ministry Events:

Radio Interview with OnPoint Radio July 5^th at 8:40am listen live HERE

Certified Leader Training July 25, 2011 Charlotte, NC

Certified Leader Training August 6, 2011 Fallbrook, CA

Certified Leader Training September 19^th, 2011 Cincinnati, OH

Imagine Me…Set Free Women’s Conference October 7-8, 2011 Grand Rapids, MI

Certified Leader Training October 19^th, 2011 Ephrata, PE

25^th Anniversary Light of Life Gala November 3rd, 2011 Tampa, Florida

We are also working on a Certified Leader training in Tampa this Fall…stay tuned for a date!

Sowing Seeds

2011-06-27T14:26:00.000-04:00

Sowing Seeds

On an ordinary January day in 2008, I was driving home from work with my car and my brain on “cruise control”. Suddenly, I was jolted to attention by a woman talking on the radio. This woman was talking about her past abortion and how it had affected her life.

I had never heard a woman talk about her abortion before. Now, I have heard lots of women argue about abortion – the right to choose vs. the right to life – but never had I heard a woman talk about her own abortion, much less, her aborted child. I could not stop listening. I could not believe what I was hearing. It was like she was talking about me, telling of things that I had shared with no one. Tears flowed as I listened.

That January day was a turning point for me. I don’t know the name of the woman on the radio that day, but I do know that she sowed seeds into my life that changed me forever.

Psalm 126:5-6 NIV

Those who sow with tears,

will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them.

We need to remember that every time we share our abortion story we are sowing seeds into the hearts of women (and men) that will turn into something – something for the glory of God.

Just recently I was lamenting to my summer Bible study group that even though I have given my testimony several times – some at a very public level – it seems that no women are coming to me to go through the healing journey of Surrendering the Secret. One of the ladies in my group sweetly reminded me of my own journey that began in my car listening to someone on the radio. That woman on the radio has no idea how her testimony changed my life.

I think it so easy for me to get caught up in the numbers game. Like, somehow my worthiness is determined by how many women I have led through Surrendering the Secret. Like I get some kind of extra credit in heaven for each woman who comes to me for help, or maybe there is a prize when I reach a certain number of women.

It really comes down to me trusting God. God doesn’t need me to lead women to Him. God wants me to trust Him by doing what He asks me to do and trusting Him to do the rest. My success is in the peace I feel when I am in the perfect will of God. Picking up the cross of abortion recovery sounds like a heavy load to bear, but it is not. Because this ministry is God’s will for my life.

For my yoke is easy and by burden is light.

Matthew 11:30 NIV

Jesus said:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves

and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

I believe Jesus is telling me that while I am doing this abortion recovery ministry, I need to be following His lead, not trying to anticipate what to do next. I am not the leader, I am the follower. Christ is the head. I don’t need to worry about how many women go through my class. I just need to trust and follow my Lord.

Oh Heavenly Father,

Empower me to continue to sow seeds about abortion recovery into the hearts of the women and men who cross my path. Grow my faith and my trust in Your perfect plan.

In the precious name of Your Son – Jesus

Amen

Deb Marshall

STS National Trainer

June 23, 2011

Starbuck's Memorial Service

2011-06-23T12:58:00.000-04:00

Starbuck's is a bit of a challenging place to have an intimate ceremony. (But you are talking to one who's Journey of Surrendering my Secret started at a Starbuck's in Franklin, TN, confessing to my daughter.) Is there a table outside, maybe, or one in a somewhat private corner of the room? This is a special session, You are reading your letter to your unborn child, bringing a flower to represent them and sharing what God has given in an intimate time with Him this week. Is there a park or room at a church, or pregnancy center you could use? Just asking....
God can work anywhere, so I do not want to say it cannot be done....so I will try to work with you.
You can arrive early and scout out the most private place. Put a pretty (..i.e. a clear vase with a colored ribbon....simple and beautiful) vase on the table and candle if possible. You might have a pretty cloth napkin or something you could use to make the table pretty but not call a lot of attention from other Starbuck's customers. In this session, we have started with Communion (Bread and Grape juice)...and/or a song that reminds us of God's love. ( i.e. "Your Love Will Never Change...Dave Barnes from Brother Bring the Sun) Then we take turns reading the scriptures on pgs 105 & 106 in Member Book...such as, Pr 3:5-6, Isaiah 53: 4-5, and in unison Ps 103: 2-4, 11-13.
After that we read aloud, our letter, song or poem that God has given for our unborn child/children.
And then put our flower in a vase and explain how or why that particular flower was chosen...
We have used the baby doll here and have the one who's just read hold the baby doll while answering the questions in your leader guide on pg.....116 . Each one takes a turn. I have had women say they could not do this and then when it came their turn, they always did...even though I said, "You do not have to if you do not want to." God is so good and does such a sweet work in this session! You can end with that suggested vs Jn 14:1-6...(pg 114 in LG and 105 in MB).
Another possibility with a "one on one class", we did a balloon release to end the evening. We wrote our children's names on them, went outside in my backyard and released them to Heaven.
If you are planning to watch the video for this one, You can decide what fits the two of you best. I thought it best at the end , but feels a bit awkward to do all this Memorial type exercises and then watch a video,,,,But? I had one leader suggest we watch the video first thing, because of what they share. That way if anyone is thinking maybe their's is odd (poem , song, or nothing at all) they are set at ease BEFORE the share time, because there are those in the video who received visions and those who "got nothing" so far.

Glad to share in this ministry with you.
"The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it." (sanctify you through and through...in you, through you, and out to others as a channel of living water!) 1 Thess 5:24

Stephanie Shares her poem

2011-06-20T15:32:00.000-04:00

If I’d Only…

If I’d only known how quickly you grew,

I’d never have been able to let go of you.

Your little eyes and your beating heart,

Would surely have kept me from falling apart.

If I’d only been braver I’d have taken the time,

To research my choices before making up my mind.

I would have talked to others who knew,

Just how hard my life would be without you.

Women whose choices were the one I had made;

Who knew of the lie that your memory would fade.

If I’d only been stronger I’d have listened inside,

To what my heart said, but I believed those who lied.

You weren’t a baby; you weren’t even alive,

My life would be easier; I’d move beyond this and thrive.

I’d forget all about you, my beautiful Grace.

They assured me my heartache would be left in that place.

If I’d only realized the power of God,

I would have thought clearly, not been in a fog.

I would have known of His love for me,

And I would have seen how you’d come to be.

They told me your life began with your first breath.

This ignorance on my part led to your death.

A big part of me died with you that day.

I pray I’ll see you again and will be able to say…

My sweet, little Gracie, I love you so.

I’m sorry I gave up the chance to watch you grow.

I know you’ve been happy and safe in God’s embrace.

I hope you’ll forgive me for the choices I’ve made.

I used my mistakes to try to make change,

To save other women from feeling such pain.

To help people realize life is a gift,

That begins in God’s heart…

One that shouldn’t be missed.

So, you see little one that your mom’s learned a lot,

And there wasn’t a moment in which I forgot you.

If I’d only known what I do now,

I would have saved us both that day.

And if I had only known how,

I would have found some time to pray.

I’m sure God would have seen me through,

And I’d have spent my life with you.

Anita shares a Poem

2011-06-13T11:28:00.002-04:00

Mother’s Day

There’s another kind of mother in the church on mother’s day.
She sits there quietly watching as you bow your head to pray.
She knows that you would judge her if she ever told the truth,
But God cries she’s forgiven - the cross is all the proof.
She whispers softly in her heart
“Dear Lord I am so sorry for this thing that I have done.
As my children gather round me you know I’m missing one.”

Her heart is full of sorrow; her mind is full of grief.
How innocence was lost in a time of unbelief.
Precious child up there in heaven how she wishes you were here,
If only she had wanted you on mother’s day that year.
The music starts
The speaker speaks
She brushes back a tear.
She holds her secret tightly
Cause she knows just what you’d say
If you knew the truth about her this year on mother’s day.
But if you are that girl, or lady or friend
This isn’t the way it has to end.
For those who know God’s saving grace
Will never deny you a warm embrace.
Just keep your eyes upon the cross
And let the Redeemer redeem your loss.

God is love ~
Anita

Leigh Shares Her Story...

2011-06-09T08:49:00.000-04:00

I wrote this poem after I went through STS. I had hidden my secret from everyone, including my husband of 10 years. I did reveal this hidden part of me to my husband before I went through the study. My experience was similar to many women who are post-abortive. I had become very active in my church. I was joining and often leading many church events, just trying to show God my love for him. I felt I could never do enough to show my gratitude for the fact that he was willing to forgive me for all of my sin...even the ones I felt were the ugliest. If the church doors were open, I was present. I would carry my five children all over town in an effort to be the best super mom I could. Afterall, my first opportunity to be a mother, I had stolen from myself. I never wanted to be in my home. There I was smothered with clutter from the hoarding that I suffered from due to the abortion. I was afraid that my children would not realize I loved them if I get rid of their things. I latched on to every piece of their childhood because my first child was not with me. I attributed all of this to disorganization.

I recently moved to a new state. This meant I would be dealing with the mountainous pile of toys, tiny clothing, and scraps of paper that I had conveniently stacked in my garage, out of sight. I was amazed at the pile that reached across half of the two-car garage, and towered all the way to the ceiling. This pile was for donation. The other pile of similar size sat on the curb, waiting for garbage day to arrive. I texted a picture of each pile to my mom with tears of gratitude in my eyes. I was so thankful to God for healing. I never dreamed that the packrat in me would disappear once I had surrendered my secret to my Heavenly Father. What I had thought was one of my short-comings, was actually a symptom of being post-abortive. My mom texted back, "I'm proud of all of that trash sitting on your curb". I knew what she meant. I was leaving a lot more than the physical trash in that town. I was leaving spiritual trash that had no good purpose in my life.

The following poem was inspired by the verse: Luke 10:27 "...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..." About six years ago, I was in a Bible study where we were discussing this verse. The question was, "What is the key word in this verse?" The majority answered "Love". I answered "All". The leader pondered my answer. She said she had never thought of the verse that way, but she was excited to explore that idea. From that moment on, God would find opportunities to whisper "all" into my ear. I would nod and promise to try harder. I thought he wanted me more involved in church, spending more quiet time with him, working harder for him. One day, I heard of a group who was teaching "Surrendering the Secret". I didn't even know healing was available! My experience was that abortion was the unspeakable "A-word". After all, the clinic had told me that I never had to mention this choice, so why would there be a whole Bible study about it? Still, I heard a very clear "ALL" this time. I realized that over the years, I had misunderstood what God wanted when he told me he wanted all. I thought he wanted more effort. What he wanted was to do a work in me and for me to trust him with my "secret". Oh how healing it was when I gave this over to God! He has offered healing, but also the ability to share my testimony with others so that they might be able to heal from whatever sin they have hidden in their heart as well.

Poetry

"Digging in the Dirt"

I prepared my gift with eagerness, wrapped with a bow of green.
I lowered my head and placed it at the feet of the King of Kings.
He inspected it and smiled a smile that made my spirit sing.
"Lift your head," He told me, "I'm pleased to say, I love your offering."
"Yet, this gift does not contain the thing I've requested of your heart.
Keep digging, seeking, listening for the message I've told you from the start."
I walked away, and with a nod, decided to try harder still.
I joined some studies, lead a class, because surely this was His will.

I gathered my works, so excited to approach His throne that day.
This time the bow was royal blue, and the wrapping a silvery-gray.
He lofted it up onto His lap and looked at me with love.
"My daughter, you've worked very hard for this-but it was not inspired from above."
"Go back and listen carefully, your holiness depends not on your works.
As a matter of fact, belief in that is where the enemy lurks."
"I've placed a stamp upon you that contains one word: 'Purpose'.
But, you've got to find it, it's well beneath this pretty, landscaped surface."

I got an idea, and began to dig for this beautiful buried treasure.
The thing my Father spoke of that would bring Him glory and bring Him pleasure.
I dug with such excitement, what could be buried far below?
The thing God wanted most surely had the biggest, nicest bow!
The excitement left as the digging continued, how buried could this thing be?
With exhausted tears, I raised my head and cried out from there on my knees.
"It's not here, God! This beautiful treasure you're asking me to seek!
It's not in me, and now I feel so frustrated and so weak!"

He wiped my tears and comforted me, then gently said, "Open your eyes".
I looked where I had been digging, "God, you don't want that.", I cried.
"Give it to me, trust me." He said from His holy seat.
So I picked it up and hesitated, but then laid it at His feet.
There it sat, a gloopy, gloppy, stinky bubbling mess.
I wanted to run, I wanted to hide!
How could this possibly be my best?

He scooped it up into His arms and began to do a work.
He removed the things not usable.
He washed off the mud and murk.
Then there before me, cupped in His hand, was a diamond.
How it shined!
Breathless, I gazed at my healing Father.
He said, "My Love, it was there all the time."

written by: Leigh Ramsey

Kelli shares her story...

2011-06-07T08:47:00.002-04:00

Deserving You

By: Kelli Zink

She thinks of you now, how you may have cuddled and snored gently when you slept; you deserved to be wrapped in a mother’s warm arms.

You may have stumbled when you walked, and cried a little when things hurt; you deserved to be lifted up by a mother’s gentle hand.

You may have sung and laughed out loud; you deserved to be heard by a mother’s ear.

You may have been scared, afraid of the dark, and you deserved a mother’s soothing voice.

You may have grown weary from a hard day of play; you deserved the comfort of a mother’s lap.

She sees something was wrong… but it wasn’t you, little one-

It was always her…

She was broken-

Lost without truth;

It was never your price to pay…

She has stopped running, and she sees you now, child

It’s with your help that she’ll heal.

Yes, the roles are reversed, and it should not have been this way-

But you now have what she doesn’t deserve… the spirit of a child, rescued and restored.

Will you let your mercy and love abound?

She knows now, all the things you never were, the things she never let you be…

She knows you were precious, created uniquely by God, and you deserved a mother’s heart…

You were dependant and unknowing, and so sweet by design,

You deserved her protection- her devotion- her care.

She praises the Lord, for He has healed your wounds and dried every tear she caused you to cry.

But it’s still your forgiveness she seek- and your presence she craves- and your embrace she will await ‘til you meet.

She grieves, for she feels the love that was missing that day,

She promises that it will not be absent one day longer-

Because, unborn baby, it is the very least that you deserve.

Cheli Shares Her Story...

2011-06-03T13:50:00.000-04:00

I was married at 19, had 2 children by age 21. When I was 22 I was pregnant again. We were struggling, money was tight and we didn’t think we could afford to raise another child. My husband and I decided I should have an abortion (on a weekend). I went to work on Monday and never told anyone. My husband and I never discussed it again. I was divorced 3 years later. I re-married when I was 28. I never thought about my abortion until I was reading a book about a woman who had an abortion and found forgiveness from her child. God had allowed her to see her daughter in dreams. It was then I realized what I had done and I knew God had my baby and was taking care of her. I couldn’t believe what I had done. My husband came home and found me crying. I had to tell him what was wrong. I never told him about my abortion. He held me. I also told my mother. I had kept the secret all to myself. It all came back to me what I had done to my baby. I didn’t speak of it again, for years. I was too ashamed. Years later I found a friend I could share my story with. And she shared with me. We never told anyone. It was our secret. TODAY, I am so glad God is my Father and He loves me. He has held me and cried with me many times. Through time, He has brought healing and freedom in my life. I think of my little girl, Elizabeth “Betty”, often. I miss her but I have joy in knowing I will be with her one day. At age 23 I received an abnormal pap smear report. I went in for a procedure and had my tubes tied at the same time. I was telling myself I didn’t want anymore children with my husband. That was a lie from satan. The truth was I was afraid I’d have another abortion if I got pregnant again – this was revealed to me recently. Satan tells us so many lies – you’re unworthy, you’re not a good mother, you are the only one who has had an abortion, etc. But I know God loves me and has set me free!!!!! I’ve been forgiven. God has freed me so that I can share my story with other women and let them know they’re not alone. Men/husbands suffer with guilt also. We can’t be silent about this or people will continue living in bondage and buying into satan’s lies, and having no hope. Just an FYI - I'll be starting my second Bible Study in March. God has been so faithful. I've been asked to share my ministry and story three times in the last few months and two more are coming up. Thanks for all you do.

Lynn Coles Testimony

2011-05-31T09:27:00.000-04:00

Anglea shares her story

2011-05-27T14:34:00.002-04:00

I never thought of myself as being worthy of going to church. I couldn't stand who I was and didn't expect that God could either. I wanted to go so bad, but I felt so unworthy and condemned.

I would go to the church some Sundays and sit in the parking lot and cry because I was afraid to go in. The shame and guilt surrounding the events that lead up to my abortions and the abortions themselves was a heavy burden. How dare I consider walking my horrible self into Gods house? Look what all he does for me, and look what I did to Him! I had 3 abortions. I remember seeing another church down the street with big signs out front saying Abortion is Murder and Abortion kills. I think that alone kept me from church for years. The enemy used our own church against me. The abortions were just a small part of the life I led. In my mind, I was no good and not worth forgiving.

I finally decided that if I can’t save myself, I can at least save my children, so that got me in the doors of Northern Hills, and we went. But still, I wouldnt talk to anybody, I'd go to church and go home.

One day they started talking about Surrendering the Secret. I tried to forget they even mentioned it. But, the Lord was pushing me hard and He wasn't going to let me walk away. I emailed the woman in charge and she tried to talk me into going, but I was still scared so she had someone else email me and between these two women, they convinced me to go. I sure do love those women now.

I was so ashamed of myself that I went to that study sick to my stomach. It took everything I had to not get up and leave. The enemy wreaked havoc on my life during that time, and anything that could go horribly wrong did. It was only by God giving me the strength to go through it that I continued to go. His grace amazes me.

I can look back now there is no doubt in my mind that God led me by the hand and walked me in the door every single week. I couldn’t have done it any other way.

I’d sit there staring at all of these women who shared the same shame I did. I mean after all, they were church going ladies and they just don't do that. But the truth is that bad things happen to very good people. These women were just like me.

The relief from the guilt and shame is enormous. I no longer feel ruined and I know God loves me and forgives me.

This study was an answer to prayers for relief and help. I wish I could give every post abortive women the gift I’ve been given. I want people to hear my story.

Testimonies

2011-05-25T14:59:00.000-04:00

Many of you have emailed regarding the testimonies that were sent in for our contest. I am going to begin posting one a week to share with all of you.

Our first testimony is from our 1st place winner Suzie DiTommaso.

The Secret

The test is positive it couldn’t be, not me, this can’t be true,

I’m not the kind of girl who does what other girls would do

Panic is immediate I can’t walk down this road

Who is there to help me, I can’t bear this heavy load.

The thoughts are all consuming, there’s nowhere to run and hide

I can’t cope with the thought of this life I have inside

I’ve heard about a choice, where no one asks your name

I’ve heard of a couple of girls say they had done the same.

It has to happen soon because people will start to know

And I can’t let this go any further, I cannot let her grow

She’s just a blob of flesh, it wouldn’t be a sin

The life has not yet begun, it’s only the potential that’s within

The clinic was so cold and death was all around

I don’t think I’ll ever get over that haunting suction sound

It’s over now and I survived the sound is finally gone

I’m helped into the elevator and told to just go on

I’m told my womb will bleed, it’s normal just ignore it

If I get a fever it’s normal too and take some aspirin for it

So, bleeding and feverish I lay in bed and bury deep my sin

That girl I was these first few years will not be seen again.

Starvation would be next in my self destruction plan

Suicide would soon join in… the two go hand in hand

The secret festers just below as I teeter on the wire

The secret that burns in my soul a silent, destructive fire

I know the Lord, He’s in my heart, He was there that awful day

I can never speak to Him again. There is nothing I could say.

He watched in silence as the violence happened deep inside

I know that as He watched my sin all of heaven cried.

His mercy that I did not know, was covering me daily

His grace and the blood of His son was never ever failing

A husband created just for me walked up and said hello.

His warm heart and capacity for love I thought I’d never know.

Although my womb was sealed perhaps to self preserve

The Lord gave us a perfect son I know I didn’t deserve

Then He opened the hearts of women to help me in my healing

Brave women who recognized just what the enemy was stealing.

These women had the same secret hidden deep inside

These women who held me as I confessed my sin and cried.

We shared our twisted thoughts and found we weren’t alone.

We shared our secret openly inside that warm, safe room.

We cried and looked quite deeply at what we lost that day.

We spoke those words out loud, for years we couldn’t say.

The pain was indescribable as our sin we did reveal

But there was something else in that room that the enemy couldn’t steal.

In the middle of the room the secrets all were placed

We cried an endless river as together our sins were faced

The light was shone so brightly as we held our wombs and cried

The Lord was shining down so bright and darkness could not hide.

1.3 million babies a year, that’s what they estimate

That’s 35,000 babies lives lost a day calculated at that rate

70,000 parents lose their children daily to the lie that lives within

The lie, the secret, the “choice” that we aren’t allowed to say is sin.

For the Lord has our babies all safe and sound up there

The enemy has no victory over babies in God’s safe care

But God’s earthly children feel beaten, broken and cheated

And He will not allow His beloved own to be defeated.

The Lord will allow his bride, battered and bruised no more

He know His plans for us and has wonderful things in store.

Beauty for ashes He promises at no cost

Redeeming every portion that you thought forever lost.

Fear and shame must go in Jesus precious name

Come forth and claim your healing and be forever changed

10/12/10

Suzie DiTommaso

Building an Army...by National Trainer Tricia Heflin

2011-05-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

MORE ARE JOINING THE ARMY! God is working!
I never dreamed that as HE tugged on my heart and started me on a path of Surrender, that HE was tugging on hundreds of other hearts as well. What a privilege to see the faces of those hearts He's been leading and equipping to lead! Like you said to us Pat, in the Leader Guide, "HE told me you were coming." And here they (we) come:
3 Trainings in 3 weeks! Awesome!
2 in Texas of Course (Texas is a REALLY big state!)
Awesome, exciting and humbling.
I believed God when I heard His whisper, "They are all around you. You are not the only woman in the church with abortion in her past. In fact, they are next to you in church, on comittees, in Bible study, all around you, in mass numbers! Shame is responsible for the silence!"
My heart tug is still for the church. I was introduced to "Post abortion healing" in the PCC World. But immediatley knew this was missing from a very important place; the church!! I see at the StheS Trainings these two worlds coming together in a new way. Words that are comfortable and common for the Pregnancy Care Center people (like "post abortive") are unfamiliar and somewhat uncomfortable for those representing only the church. Surrendering the Secret is healing not only post abortive (and non) women (and men) but it is healing the church!!! Giving the church an incredible tool, a voice, to reach, teach, and understand.... To SEE that "post" as Tracy (on the video) says. The men and women who have chosen abortion and are now silent in shame, hiding. That which has been overlooked as "out there somewhere" is coming to unavoidable light that it is HERE in the church. It really is YOU too! Me too! Him too! I thank God for churches that are hosting Surrendering the Secret Trainings and I pray that the healing begins in the Pastors, staff, and members as they see God's people stepping out.....Surrendering and sharing our own stories and serving for the healing of others! Privilege! Calling! Thank You, LORD! " The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it!
1Thes 5:24

Free! Free! Free!!

2011-04-10T16:27:00.004-04:00

We are excited about lots of upcoming FREE training opportunities for Surrendering the Secret.

Check this out-----

1) Enter Here at the Lifeway All Access Blog to win a Free KIT and a FREE Training.

2) Follow us and mention us on TWITTER @STSsister and be registered for a FREE training anywhere in the US! Follow/Mention me, @patricialayton to be entered TWICE!! and @freedomwknd for 3 chances at a FREE STS Training Day!

3) Apply for a FREE/Scholarship to the STS Training in Artesia, New Mexico on Monday May 2nd! Email below!

4) Attend Lifeway "You Lead" on Thursday April 14th and 15 and Come to a FREE STS Training on April 15th!

Contact Jennifer at jkittredge@awpm.net for details

John 10:10!! Abundant Life means FREE!

Drawing Winners Announced!!

2011-03-23T12:31:00.001-04:00

FINALLY!!!!

It's the moment you've been waiting for....

Please know that each testimony was such a blessing to us. You moved our team to tears....We didn't want to pick a winner....however, the drawing called for it...

Please watch the video below....

Here we go.....

If you are one of our winners please email your address to Jennifer at Jkittredge@awpm.net.

Thank you!

Meet the NEWEST member of our Team

2011-03-16T14:11:00.002-04:00

If you have been a part of this ministry for the past 3 years, you have watched Surrendering the Secret experience amazing growth. We are very excited to see new ministry groups spreading in churches and PRC's across the nation. Our hearts desire is to be sure that we are meeting all of your needs. In effort to serve you at our highest level, in the beginning of 2011 we opened up our application process for National Trainer positions.

We have been thrilled and honored by the response. If you have an application pending and have not heard from us, PLEASE follow-up. One of our requirements is a rather detailed application that we realize takes a whole lot of effort to complete. Our National Training team represents the mission and vision of STS to see the heartbreak of abortion come to an end through the healing and restoration of hearts and VOICES!!

Our team is the way we stay connected to your local efforts and help your ministry succeed.

In light of that we are thrilled to introduce Deb Marshall.....the newest member of our National Training Team!

Deb lives in Ohio. After Deb placed her faith in Jesus Christ she became very involved with the Women’s Ministry at her church and passionate about the Word of God. The Word began to work in her heart and she knew that the Lord was calling her to deal with a secret she had kept for 33 years. The secret was her past abortion. Deb knew that she was forgiven, but she also knew that she needed to heal. Deb was led to “Surrendering the Secret” through a LifeWay catalogue. Since her personal healing she has gone on to help other women recover and heal from the sorrow of abortion. Deb leads women through the Surrendering the Secret Healing Journey at her church and at a local crisis pregnancy center. She is grateful to be called to this ministry. It is her great joy to lead women out of the darkness of the secret of abortion into the healing Light of our Lord Jesus.

Along with our 5 other National Trainers, Deb will join us in sharing the message and heart of Surrendering the Secret.

If you live in the Northeastern part of the US, deb is your STS partner and friend. Send her an email and let her know what you are doing.

Also, if you are interested in becoming a National Trainer for STS, please contact Jennifer at the National office to receive an application.

We love and appreciate our Certified Leaders and STS sisters and LOVE hearing from you anytime.

Blessings,

Pat

Walk with US!

2011-03-10T16:24:00.000-05:00

Walk a Mile Around the World

Will you Walk with Us?

It is our hearts desire to provide

Surrendering the Secret
scholarships to individuals who want to attend our trainings,
but due to financial circumstances, they are unable to do so.
It is also our heart's desire to offer
Surrendering the Secret
trainings all over the WORLD free of charge!

You can help us achieve these goals by partnering with us and participating in

Walk a Mile Around the World.

We are hosting our first ever "Virtual" walk

and are so excited to share this with you. We know that we have STS

partners all over the world who want to help!

Walk a Mile Around the World is a fundraiser that you can partner

with in any location and on your own time!

How's that for flexible?!

YOU pick the date, YOU pick the location and YOU choose your distance!

It's that simple!

Here is what you can earn for your support!

- A FREE STS member book for every $100 raised.

-An STS group SKYPE with Pat for every $500 raised.

-A FREE Kit for every $1,000 raised.

-FREE Admission to an STS Training event for

each months highest amount raised ($1500.00 min).

The Walk Around the World will be a year-long event, so please plan

to join us during YOUR best Walking Weather! Simply Register and

let us know we can count on your support below.

Certified Leaders, this is your chance to invite your past

STS participants and friends

and do this thing together!

Register HERE to Walk With US!

Contest Extended!

2011-03-03T15:27:00.001-05:00

The testimonies have been coming in at such a great pace that we have

decided to keep the contest going for another two weeks!

For those of you who didn't get your story in to us,

YOU NOW HAVE TIME!!

Thank you for sharing your hearts with us.

We have been so blessed by your words of restoration and

healing and want to hear from more of you!
Email your stories to Jennifer @ jkittredge@awpm.net

We are extending the contest until March 15.

After that time we will pick our winners from

all the stories that we have gathered and

announce the winners via VLOG.

We also wanted to update you on some upcoming trainings.

Our next stop is Little Rock, Arkansas on April 18th.

We would love to have your join us!

If you can't meet us in Little Rock join us in New Mexico!

We will be in Artesia, New Mexico on May 2.

If you are unable to join us at either of these check out our events page and join us somewhere!

"I delight greatly in the LORD;
   my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
   and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
   and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
For as the soil makes the sprout come up
   and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness
   and praise spring up before all nations."

Isaiah 61:10-11

Share your story and WIN Continues...

2011-02-22T12:18:00.000-05:00

We want to encourage you to continue to share your stories with us! We have received many stories from sisters across the nation and will be ready to announce the winner at the beginning of next month.

Get your story in!!!

We LOVE hearing from you!

Share Your Story and Win, Win, Win! (updated prizes)

Revelation 12:11 says:

We overcome(conquer) (the enemy) by the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus), the word of our testimony and giving our own life for others. (paraphrase)

Surrendering the Secret is all about being set free from the heartbreak of a past abortion so that you can be free to embrace the abundant life (John 10:10) that Jesus died to provide and so that you are free to minister to others with the healing and restoration God gives you.

(2 Corinth 1:4)

As we approach the 35th Anniversary of legalized abortion in America, our passion builds for every woman and man who have endured the heartbreak of a past abortion. They need to hear the story of those of us who have been comforted and restored through God's Word and God's people.

Are you one of "those"?

If you will share your story with us, we will get it to others who need to be healed.

For the rest of the month of January, we will be finishing a project we started a while back of gathering stories from men and women who have been healed from a past abortion,through STS and other programs, to be published in a new book coming out later this year.

It is easy for you to be a part:

Send your 500 Words or less story by email attachment to jkittredge@awpm.net

BEFORE March 1 and be entered in a drawing to receive one of our great appreciation gifts:

GRAND PRIZE for The story that wins the heart of our National team

$100. Lifeway Christian Resources Gift Card!

Second--- A FREE Registration to one of our STS Certified Leader training events or Fall Conference.

Third Prize=A FREE Surrendering the Secret Video Kit for your church or PRC

Fourth and Fifth Prizes=$ 25.00 Coupons for STS Product

Jenn and I will share the Grand Prize winner and draw names right before your eyes on a video blog the first week of March.

Others need to hear your story, will you share it with us??

Lifeway Women Webcast--Join Us and WIN!

2011-02-03T21:08:00.002-05:00

LifeWay Women Live Webcast
featuring
Surrendering the Secret
with Pat Layton
Feb. 8, 2011
12:00pm-1:00pm (central time)

Join Chris Adams, Senior Lead Women's Ministry Specialist, Paige Greene, Director of LifeWay Women Training and Events, and Pam Case, Director of LifeWay Women,
12 Noon-1:00 PM CST as they host:
LifeWay Women Live: Surrendering the Secret

With Pat Layton

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 @
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Central Time)

For more information click HERE
Without question abortion can be one of the most sensitive and divisive topics facing the church today. After 37 years and over 55 million reported lives lost, statistics reveal that as many as 1 out of 3 women in our church families are hiding the heartbreak of a past abortion. Join host Chris Adams, Pam Case, and Paige Greene along with Pat Layton, Author of Lifeway's "Surrendering the Secret, Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion" as they discuss this Bible study and the opportunities available for women's ministry leaders, pastors and Christian counselors for leading women to restoration and hope.

Twittering?
Please use
#LWLive.
Sign Up
HERE
For a Reminder Email

Share the word on Facebook, Twitter or Blog--Link back here, and be entered to win a Surrendering the Secret DVD Kit for your church or PRC!

FREE Lifeway Women/STS Live Webcast--Join us!!

2011-01-26T00:57:00.002-05:00

LifeWay Women Live: Surrendering the Secret

Tuesday, February 8, 2011
@ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Central Time)

Post Abortion Ministry with author and speaker Pat Layton

Without question abortion can be one of the most sensitive and divisive topics facing the church today. After 37 years and over 55 million reported lives lost, statistics reveal that as many as 1 out of 3 women in our church families are hiding the heartbreak of a past abortion. Join host Chris Adams, Pam Case, and Paige Greene along with Pat Layton, Author of Lifeway’s “Surrendering the Secret, Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion” as they discuss this Bible study and the opportunities available for women’s ministry leaders, pastors and Christian counselors for leading women to restoration and hope.

Because of You....I did it!

2011-01-25T14:24:00.000-05:00

This is a sweet email from a precious sister who has given us permission to share this on our blog!

Dear Pat ... Thank you for your ministry. Because of you and prompting from God I gave my testimony via video to all 3 services at our church yesterday, SOHLS. Our Pastor Richie Rhea told the congregation he'd been praying for some time that a woman who'd had an abortion would come forward & share. Many thanked me for sharing and a few confessed to me they'd had an abortion. The one who touched me the most was the mother who said she'd never forgiven her daughter for having an abortion without talking to her first. She was going home to call her daughter (who lives in another state) and tell her how sorry she is for being unforgiving for so long. Thank YOU JESUS!!! Thank you, Pat, for your wonderful Bible Study and your willingness to share with so many of us. Hugs, Toni Castor - Troy, Missouri

Isn't that something?

Don't forget about our share your story contest!!
Keep those stories coming......

Guest Post by Lysa Terkeurst

2011-01-23T19:11:00.000-05:00

Please visit Pat's personal blog www.patlayton.net for a wonderful guest post from Lysa Terkeurst.

These Boots are Made for Alaska!

2011-01-19T10:56:00.000-05:00

Well, Pat left for Alaska yesterday!

We are so excited about all that God is doing through this state.

Here is as VLOG we did right before she left!

We would appreciate your prayers over the next week covering this event!

Share Your Story and Win, Win, Win! (updated prizes)

2011-01-06T19:48:00.013-05:00

Revelation 12:11 says:

We overcome(conquer) (the enemy) by the Blood of the Lamb (Jesus), the word of our testimony and giving our own life for others. (paraphrase)

(2 Corinth 1:4)

Are you one of "those"?

If you will share your story with us, we will get it to others who need to be healed.

It is easy for you to be a part:

Send your 500 Words or less story by email attachment to jkittredge@awpm.net

BEFORE March 1 and be entered in a drawing to receive one of our great appreciation gifts:

GRAND PRIZE for The story that wins the heart of our National team

$100. Lifeway Christian Resources Gift Card!

Second--- A FREE Registration to one of our STS Certified Leader training events or Fall Conference.

Third Prize=A FREE Surrendering the Secret Video Kit for your church or PRC

Fourth and Fifth Prizes=$ 25.00 Coupons for STS Product

Jenn and I will share the Grand Prize winner and draw names right before your eyes on a video blog the first week of March.

Others need to hear your story, will you share it with us??

I would be honored,

Pat

Video Blog from Pat

2011-01-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

Greetings Sisters!

It is a NEW Day, a NEW year and you are about to experience a NEW adventure here on the STS Blog!!

Our very first V-LOG :) aka-Video Blog!

Jenn and I have been talking about ways to better connect with you this year. We long to build real community amongst the team God is building for post abortion recovery through Surrendering the Secret. We want to love on you, support you, encourage you, equip you and pray for you.

Remember, this is our first shot so thanks for your grace. We have learned so much already---NO airplanes and stand closer to the mic.

Let us know what you would like to hear on the blog and how we can best use this cool tool to serve you!

Here goes!

Be gentle.

The Mountain

2010-12-30T10:21:00.000-05:00

This post is from our National Trainer, Carrie Bond, from Texas.....

As many "Surrendering the Secret" groups are coming to a close, while some groups are still in full swing and yet others have thoughts of what direction new groups will take in the New Year, my prayer is that these words will encourage you. Further, may the passage out of Ezekiel 34 lift your hearts....being reminded that HE is in complete control!

When your heart feels weak and weary from the battle, stand in Him.

"Therefore, my dear brothers (sisters), STAND FIRM. LET NOTHING MOVE YOU. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" 1 Cor 15:58
The "stand firm" let me to review Eph. 6:10-17...you know the spiritual warfare passage. Ephesians 6:14 says "stand firm"...but how?? You do it by keeping the Word tightly buckled around your waist....immerse yourself/saturate yourself/fasten yourself to the foundation of your support...THEN put on the rest of your armor so you can STAND amidst the attacks of the enemy (the discouragement, worry, doubt, etc).

When you ask, "But where will the women come from?" "How do we find them?"

God says "I Myself" will search for the sheep, look after them, rescue them, bring them out of the nations & into their own land, pasture them in their own land, tend them & have them lie down. He pastures them on the mountain. Ezekiel 34:13-14

When your eyes only see mountains as obstacles, learn to see mountains from his perspective-as places of blessing.

"But you, O mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Isreal, for THEY WILL SOON COME HOME. I AM CONCERNED FOR YOU AND WILL LOOK ON YOU WITH FAVOR; you will be plowed and sown (what has been & is going on right now in preparation for future sessions of STS), and I will (it is HIS power and might) MULTIPLY the number of people upon you, even the whole house of Israel. The towns will be INHABITED and the ruins REBUILT. I will INCREASE THE NUMBER of men and animals upon you, they will be fruitful and numerous. I will SETTLE people on you as in teh past and I will make you prosper more than before. THEY YOU WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD." Ezekiel 36:8-11
Renew your mind-"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. They you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
The mountain of the Lord is GOOD...like when Moses met God on the mountain...not the mountain of obstacle. Change your perspective!!

When you wonder about God's fulfillment for the future healing of sisters across our land?

" I will bless them and the places surrounding MY HILL. I will send down showers in season, there will be showers of blessing...They will know that I am the Lord...Then you will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Lord. You my sheep, my sheep of My pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign (I AM in charge with the master plan...and don't forget it!) Ezekiel 36:26, 30-31

Rejoicing with you over ALL the Lord has done through STS is 2010

...as we STAND on the mountain of the LORD together!!

Would you save just one?

2010-12-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Would You Save Just One?

Kris S - December 14, 2010

Post by Pat Layton

If my "Prayer Chair" could talk it might tell you some pretty soapy secrets about my life. It's true isn't it? If you are like me, a look back at my prayer journal reveals the real condition of my heart on any given day, during any given season. Psalms 139 says that God knows everything about us anyway. He not only knows the heart condition, He even knows the overflow of the heart--the words we are going to speak before we speak them. God knows our secrets and He sometimes calls us to share them for the life of another.

Sharing my most shameful life secret is part of the ministry of "testimony" God has called me into through my Lifeway Bible Study "Surrendering the Secret". Over the past 3 years God has opened doors for me to share with hundreds of churches across the US and thousands of women who carry the heartbreak of a past abortion.

I was recently asked to help verify a few of the often-quoted statistics about abortion:

43% of American women of childbearing age have experienced an abortion.

Nearly ½ of all pregnancies are "unplanned" and 4 out of 10 end in abortion.

Since abortion was legalized and estimated 55 million lives have been lost.

The statistics are difficult to prove since the main organizations following abortion are those whose goal is to justify it's legality.

A few mornings ago I read Genesis 18 and 19 where Abraham is pleading before God for the protection of the few righteous men and women living in Sodom and Gomorrah, specifically his own family. I was reminded of my search and my prayers asking God to reveal the truth about how many women, and men, are being held in bondage over this devastating lie about freedom and choice.

Are you aware of how many family and friends around you who are hiding the secret heartbreak and shame of a past abortion?

Are there a Hundred? Fifty? Twenty? Ten? One?

Regardless of statistics, my question is much like Abraham's...Does it really matter if there are millions, which I fully believe there are, or would it be worth our ministry and prayers, if it was just one? One woman who on one very tragic day, made one very tragic decision to have her own son or daughter ripped from her life thereby stepping into a dark pit of secrecy and shame that she would always feel she deserved until someone came along to tell her about God's immeasurable grace and unfailing love.

Would you do it for one?

If so, I will be offering a Post Abortion Recovery Leadership Training January 22, 2011 in Eagle River, AK. I would love to tell you how.

Contact me about how you can come for free!
patlayton@mac.com
We are currently establishing our Surrendering the Secret Certified Leader Training schedule for 2011 as well as "Imagine Me, Set Free" Women's Conference Dates.
www.surrenderingthesecret.com

COMING SOON: FREE Webcast
LifeWay Women Live: Surrendering the Secret
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
@ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Central Time)

Category: Bible studies Events Testimonies

Round, Round, Get Around, We Get Around...lalalala

2010-12-08T19:21:00.006-05:00

Did I just date myself??? Horrors :)

2010 has been another amazing year for Surrendering the Secret. My, oh my. We have had ANOTHER Ephesians 3:20 year. Our God is full of mercy and desires all to be saved and set free.

I just this Monday completed our 12th and last Certified Leader training of the year!! WhooHoo!!

Thank you National Trainer, Tricia Heflin and Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Precious Karen blessed our socks off and makes a dynamite Key Lime Tart to boot. We are thrilled to see our FAMILY of leaders climb to 450 Wild and Wonderful Women and a few Great men.

Certified Leaders for Surrendering the Secret Bible Studies are now serving in 36 states through over 400 churches!

Next year I celebrate my 25 Year Anniversary of being in Full Time ministry.

Will you help us reach our goal of having at LEAST one Certified STS ministry leader in every state?

We only have 14 to go :)

Alaska is booked for January...brrrr..... but, if you have ministry friends in the Northeast, we NEED your help!

RI, CT, NH, MA, VT, NJ, Del....Those little states are so cute. I think we can gather them all in one fun spot, whatcha think??

SD, IA, MO.....We are praying your way.

Oooops, I forgot HAWAII. Can you say Aloha?? I KNOW I can. LOL!!

Let me know if you have a contact in one of those great states or ARE someone who wants to be used by God to make things happen for STS.

BTW...If you are not on our email list please contact Jenn at our National office here in Tampa TODAY! You don't want to miss our upcoming newsletter that will be sharing some cool new things happening in 2011 at STS.

Things like this.....

Online Training's

New National Trainer Positions opening in January

A Certified Leader Conference next Fall

Ways to earn FREE product for your church

New Products coming next year

and a secret that MUST be shared!!

Stay with us, we love you.

Pat

Thank you for your visits to the STS Blog, our Facebook page and for Following us on Twitter.

Sanctity of Human Life

2010-12-03T14:29:00.000-05:00

Sanctity of Human Life is January 23, 2011. This day celebrates the value of life. For many women, it's a day of unwanted memories. A day when women (and men) come face to face with their choice of abortion. They sit in our churches, listening to the messages about life, squirming in their seats because they have not told anyone their secret. This is such an important day. Not only is it a day to celebrate life but it is also a day to reach out to the men and women who made a different choice about life. The men and women who chose abortion. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus. We need to love them and bring them to the hope and healing that only He can give.

There are many great resources for this day. CareNet has wonderful resources on their website and Life International has provided a great video which can be used to promote this day.

Life: love it. protect it. from LIFE International on Vimeo.

How will you be a part of Sanctity of Human Life?

Question?

2010-11-29T13:33:00.000-05:00

What does Surrendering the Secret mean to you?

For me, Surrendering the Secret means so many different things. First, it means healing. I am healed because of this study and my past no longer binds me. Second, it means a closer relationship with God. Before this study my relationship with God remained on the surface. I didn't want to really let him in to far because I was afraid of rejection...which of course is a lie from the enemy. Third, it means freedom. Freedom to live a life with God and the path and purpose He has planned for me...Freedom to help other women overcome and heal from their past abortion(s) and freedom to not let the world judge me based on my past. I am healed, whole, and FREE....

So I ask you, what does Surrendering the Secret mean to you?

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed in pure water"
Hebrews 10:19-22

The Power of a Testimony

2010-11-19T12:56:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a bit of Pat's testimony from our trip to Wadsworth, Ohio.

Becoming Unbreakable

2010-11-10T14:12:00.000-05:00

This is a great post from our National Trainer Carrie in Texas!!

Can you say with the writer of “It Is Well with My Soul”…“WHATEVER my lot, Thou has TAUGHT me to say, EVEN SO it is well with my soul."?

In the midst of LIFE – STS groups beginning, new experiences with leading STS, personal struggles, seasons of waiting, etc – we are called to be unbreakable. It is a command…and yet, it is our CHOICE to obey. There are some steps that God has been showing me about what it means to become unbreakable. Will you join me??

1. Stand - NO MATTER WHAT. I’m to check my excuses at the door!

§ Ephesians 6:11, 13-14

2. Reject the lies. Refuse to let your past failures define today’s steadfastness

§ 2 Corinthians 10:5

3. Hold onto Jesus’ truths. He will give us strength to stand and He will never leave you or forsake you

§ Isaiah 26:3-4, John 8:31-32

4. Choose to walk on - even when the feeling isn’t there. We can’t rely on our heart to give us stamina

§ Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 43:5, Philippians 2:13

5. Stay focused - no matter what is to the left or right. Take hold of Christ’s purposes for you and follow His agenda

§ Isaiah 30:21, Joshua 1:7-9

6. Pray for strength to resist temptation. Temptations refine us. Provide opportunity for us to CHOOSE if we will stand or not

§ Hebrews 4:15, 1 Corinthians 10:13

7. Review your spiritual markers. Remember what God has done and know that He can do it again!

§ Joshua 4:20-24

8. Know WHOSE you are. Possess the righteousness that comes from God. Live authentically.

§ Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 10:29-31/Luke 12:6, Ephesians 1:11-14, Romans 8:15-17

9. Walk the journey together. We need the support other Christian women

§ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

10. Press on with the prize in mind. Christ Himself is our gain - even when it costs everything. Focus on Christ – not your circumstances

§ Philippians 3:12-14, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Colossians 3:1-2

11. Endure…keep your confidence. Following Christ is a marathon, not a 100-yard dash

§ Hebrews 10:32-39, Hebrews 12:1-3

12. And after you’ve done everything…STAND! …in His strength

§ Jude 24

YOU GIVE AND TAKE AWAY, YOU GIVE AND TAKE AWAY, MY HEART WILL CHOOSE TO SAY, BLESSED BE YOUR NAME

Recommended for Further Study:

Arthur, Kay. Living Victoriously in Difficult Times. Colorado Springs: WaterBrook Press, 2004

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Determined: Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1992.

Becoming Unbreakable

2010-11-10T14:07:00.000-05:00

This is a great post from our National Trainer Carrie in Texas!!

Can you say with the writer of “It Is Well with My Soul”…“WHATEVER my lot, Thou has TAUGHT me to say, EVEN SO it is well with my soul."?

1. Stand - NO MATTER WHAT. I’m to check my excuses at the door!

§ Ephesians 6:11, 13-14

2. Reject the lies. Refuse to let your past failures define today’s steadfastness

§ 2 Corinthians 10:5

3. Hold onto Jesus’ truths. He will give us strength to stand and He will never leave you or forsake you

§ Isaiah 26:3-4, John 8:31-32

4. Choose to walk on - even when the feeling isn’t there. We can’t rely on our heart to give us stamina

§ Jeremiah 17:9, Psalm 43:5, Philippians 2:13

5. Stay focused - no matter what is to the left or right. Take hold of Christ’s purposes for you and follow His agenda

§ Isaiah 30:21, Joshua 1:7-9

6. Pray for strength to resist temptation. Temptations refine us. Provide opportunity for us to CHOOSE if we will stand or not

§ Hebrews 4:15, 1 Corinthians 10:13

7. Review your spiritual markers. Remember what God has done and know that He can do it again!

§ Joshua 4:20-24

8. Know WHOSE you are. Possess the righteousness that comes from God. Live authentically.

§ Psalm 139:14, Ephesians 2:10, Matthew 10:29-31/Luke 12:6, Ephesians 1:11-14, Romans 8:15-17

9. Walk the journey together. We need the support other Christian women

§ Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

10. Press on with the prize in mind. Christ Himself is our gain - even when it costs everything. Focus on Christ – not your circumstances

§ Philippians 3:12-14, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Colossians 3:1-2

11. Endure…keep your confidence. Following Christ is a marathon, not a 100-yard dash

§ Hebrews 10:32-39, Hebrews 12:1-3

12. And after you’ve done everything…STAND! …in His strength

§ Jude 24

“You give and take away - You give and take away

My heart will CHOOSE to say - Lord, blessed be Your name”

Recommended for Further Study:

Arthur, Kay. Living Victoriously in Difficult Times. Colorado Springs: WaterBrook Press, 2004

Wiersbe, Warren W. Be Determined: Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1992.

The Power of a Testimony

2010-11-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

Your story has power.

Did you know that?

The road you have walked has not been in vain.

God is using it to reach other women and men who have walked the road of abortion.

He is using your story to reach other women who need healing.

He doesn't want you to keep your story a secret.

He wants you to share it.

He wants you to let others know where you have been and where He has brought you.

He wants the healing you have received shared with others who need it.

So I ask you, are your sharing your secret?

Teamwork

2010-10-27T15:36:00.000-04:00

Our ministry is getting ready to host our annual GALA on November 4, 2010. Needless to say, our team is hard at work, preparing for this event. Our team is pretty fabulous, if I do say so myself and I feel blessed to be able to work with each one of them. We all bring something different to the table, God’s table, but He uses each one of our parts to make our team work as a whole. Just like HE does for our Surrendering the Secret team. We have over 500 leaders trained throughout the nation and each one of us brings something different to the ministry of post-abortion healing, but we have two things in common. Our love of Christ and the passion HE puts in our hearts to see women healed from their past abortion or abortions. I’ve had the privilege of meeting a few of you, men and women who are fighting this fight, standing in the gap and helping men and women heal so that God can then use and equip them. I’m always amazed that He took the worst part of me and has turned it around for HIS good. It’s truly something only God can do.

So I pray you continue to walk this journey…. we here at STS headquarters continually pray for all of you. We love hearing your stories and updates so keep them coming!

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” Hebrews 12: 1-2

STS Happenings!

2010-10-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

Hello Sisters! (and brothers)!! We have some men who became certified leaders!!

STS has been busy the last few months with trainings in 3 different states. The end of August found us in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO where we trained 18 new leaders. September we were in Dallas where we held two trainings and trained 52 new leaders! WHEW! And then we moved up to Ohio at the beginning of October where we trained 24 new leaders!! That’s a total of 94 new leaders!!! It has been a busy few months but we are enjoying every part of it. God is moving through post-abortion recovery. He is wanting His girls healed and whole. He wants them to know the truth of who He is and experience His grace, love and mercy.

We are so thankful to all of you for partnering with us in this ministry! We couldn’t do it without you.

We have two trainings coming up:

Tampa, FL

November 15, 2010

Van Dyke Church

Birmingham, AL

December 6, 2010

Shades Mountain Baptist

We hope to see many of you there and would appreciate you spreading the word for us!

Blessings!

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” 2 Cor 1:21-22

Fanning the Flame!

2010-10-07T17:29:00.002-04:00

This feels awkward to me. I'm not a big fan of "blogging" I love reading and sharing blogs but "to blog" is a challenge.

This entry is awkward also because I feel as though I don't have much in particular to say. If you know me, you know that is highly unusual! I have made an agreement, though, to regularly contribute to this precious blog and so I'm placing my uneasiness aside to share with you that...

There is nothing particularly exciting happening in my church with Surrendering the Secret during this season. (Gasp!) Since we began STS in the summer of 2008 we have regularly had groups meeting, particularly when there are other Bible study options for the women in my church. We have been blessed with over 40 women participating in STS and we boast a proud 6 certified leaders and a handful of other leaders that regularly attend our church and lead our groups.

I find myself asking the Lord nearly every day, "What's going on? Is this OK with you? Am I doing something wrong?" This past week He has given me a lesson that I'm going to share with you with hope that when you find yourself in a similar season, you will be encouraged.

I am currently engaged with my Bible study sisters in learning about the building of the Tabernacle. In the past week we have honed in on the altar of sacrifice which was placed in the tabernacle courtyard. This was the holy furniture that God's chosen people would place their offerings for atonement of their sins. The altar's fire was initially lit by God himself, and one of the priest's duties was to keep that fire burning.

"The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it." Leviticus 6:12-13

Many times as I've thanked the Lord for his son, Jesus, and his final sacrifice for the atonement of our sins. Recently, however, the duty of keeping God's holy fire burning has been a beautiful picture of what those of us who are leading STS groups do. Most of us are unable to continually offer STS for Bible study. Seasons, responsibilities, and availabilities change and sometimes that means taking a break. I have experienced God's wonderful provision during my breaks. It is during that time that He shows me what I've learned and how it applies to other parts of my life. He will heal me, restore me, and reassign me. It is my prayer that this is the purpose for our hiatus at Northern Hills Church. Through my studies, though, I am reminded that we must fan the flames. There are those who have come through STS that may need an invitation to coffee, a hug at the grocery store, a note from their sister, and a reminder that what they learned and experienced was indeed significant. I'm reminded to identify the places where God met me. I'm reminded to call them out, thank Him for them, and expect nothing less for my future. When I do remember and agree, I feel His holy fire, even if it has diminished to an ember, roaring in my heart again.

Whatever season you are in this fall- whether knee deep in the STS journey, frustrated with unanswered invitations, or in a season of "be still" as we are- let me encourage you to fan those flames. Begin in your heart, reach out to those you've served and puff a little their direction, and never cease to ask your Lord "What's next?"

One last thought about holy fire- The Word tells us in Hebrews 12:29 "For our God is a consuming fire." This fire is the fire that will test our works in the end. Some of what we do will withstand this test, and come forth as a lasting offering to our King. My prayer is that whatever I do in His name will be done with a heart to give Him a lasting offering- even when it seems I'm not doing much...but waiting, and taking a break.

Blessings to you, courageous leader!

Blessed!

2010-09-20T16:16:00.009-04:00

I am so excited to see the winners of our Cute Fall Purse contest! We had the very BEST response and have learned that PURSES are the way to a girls heart. We WILL do it again so be on the lookout.

Congratulations Sally and Lisa!!

I wanted to share some pictures of our last few months. God is so good to us and is allowing STS to travel the WORLD!!!

Take a look at some of our new SISTERS!!

Colorado Springs, Colorado August 26 with National Trainer Susan Sorenson (with the Blue STS Shirt in the middle).

Sponsored by Brenda Schuler, Bridges of Hope @ Life Network, Colorado

Next Stop--The Carenet Conference at Gaylord Palms Hotel in Dallas, Tx

New STS friends were added all over the WORLD as 1300 people gathered to seek God together for the Sanctity and Protection of all human life. We were literally all on our faces at one point, asking for EXPANDED TERRITORY with Bruce Wilkerson.

It was awesome.

National Trainer, Carrie Bond (left) and my amazing Assistant/STS Program Manager, Jennifer Kittredge in Dallas, Tx

Next stop: Downtown Dallas.

Thank you STS friend Tracy Patterson and her wonderful Pastor husband, James, for our training at FBC Dallas!

What a busy couple of weeks but I am so blessed to be a part of this awesome group of women and a few brave men!!

Contest Winners!!

2010-09-20T12:07:00.000-04:00

HELLO Blog Friends!! We have missed you! Surrendering the Secret has been quite busy over the past few weeks traveling the country and training new STS leaders! God is doing some amazing work and we feel so blessed to have you as part of our team!

The end of August found us in beautiful Colorado Springs, CO where we had 24 new leaders trained!!!

We then moved to Dallas where we had two events! We spent 4 days at the CareNet conference and we had a BLAST!! We met so many men and women who have a heart for post-abortion recovery. At this conference we had 30 MEN and women trained!!

Our second event in Dallas was just as wonderful as we had 25 new leaders trained!

WELCOME to all of our new certified leaders and THANK YOU for joining our team!!

God is moving through this mission field and we are excited about all HE is doing!!

We have two winners for our Blog Contest!

Sally Sipperley & Lisa Smith!!!

Congratulations ladies!!

Please email me your home address so I can mail your purse!!
jkittredge@awpm.net

14 Days until Cute Purse Giveaway!

2010-09-02T07:36:00.004-04:00

Welcome to our brand new Denver Certified Leaders. We are thrilled to have you on the team. Not to mention that I had a COOL BLAST hanging out in your beautiful state.

Thank you to our beautiful National Trainer, Susan Sorenson for her hard work and to our Hostess Brenda and her team at Life Network in Colorado Springs!

We are prepping now for a whole slew of Texas team members. Over 50 registered at CARENET, our first Dallas training spot and 25 and growing at the second, First Baptist Dallas.

Check out the STS website to register and join us for an EXTRA chance to win!!

The drawing for our cute Fall purses will be held on the 15 of September so visit us at one of these two spots or leave a comment below and be entered.

What we want to know:

Does your church offer a Post Abortion Recovery Ministry for the 43% of the women attending who have had a past abortion??

If so, what is it and how is it going???

If not, can we help you get one started???

Holding Out the Word of Life!!!

Phil 2:16

Pat

Itching to Bless

2010-08-10T20:18:00.006-04:00

Hi sweet sisters,

I haven't written on this blog for a while and I have missed you.

I do my best to keep up with Living Free, my personal webblog, my Facebook and my Twitter along with writing two new books and a magazine article here and there (whew). If you are a social networking geek like me, I hope you will check in on one of those now and again. I LOVE being cyber friends :).

If you are HERE, at Surrendering the Secret as a "Living Free" friend, welcome. I am honored that you would take the time to see what STS is all about. Please take a minute to watch the 3 minute promo video on the main website.

My Assistant Jennifer and I, along with our beautiful National Training Team, have been busy as bees this summer, updating, planning, training, emailing, shipping, and just all around doing our very best to serve you in ANY way we can think of. We have LOTS of new ideas running around in our brains!

Post Abortion Recovery is a tough ministry but one that close to half of our girlfriends, sisters and daughters need (even some of YOUR Mom's).

We want to bless you every chance we get and help you help them.

Our last post let you know of some of our next training sites. If you live anywhere near where we are going, please stop by and visit. We love to love on our Surrendered Sisters. If you need any information about Surrendering the Secret OR ANY SUPPORT with another curriculum we are here to help. We do not care what tool you use as long as there is a voice for those suffer from the heartbreak of abortion.

In the mean time, we are doing EVERYTHING we can to stay connected--to encourage your ministry, to support you and to help you solve any problem we can-- so here is our latest attempt:

What do you think?? Cute huh??

Jenn and I offered a purse like this last month at an event and the ladies LOVED it. I found these on sale and just had to have them for some sweet sister. All you have to do for your chance to win one of these cute Fall colored Fossil's is enter a comment below telling us:

1) How your STS group is going,

2) If you do NOT have post abortion recovery as a regular Bible Study in your church or PRC and would like to hear more about how you can help make a connection for us.

3) If YOU are a "Surrendered Sister" and would like help growing your speaking, writing of healing ministry

4) Any ideas that you have that would open doors for us in your church or community.

5) that you have followed STS on Twitter or Facebook!!

IMPORTANT!!! If you do not have a blog for me to contact you back--PLEASE LEAVE WHERE YOU ARE FROM AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN CASE YOU WIN!!

After ANY ONE or ALL :) of those, your name will go into our September 15th drawing!!

We also have some book giveaways going on our newsletter. Email us your request if you are not on our mailing list now.

We love you. We thank God for you and are honored to serve Him with you!!

Pat, Jennifer, Carrie, Sheri, Trisha,, Susan and Chrissy!!

Key Dates!

2010-08-03T10:20:00.000-04:00

Here are a few important dates for happenings with Surrendering the Secret:

Certified Leader Trainings:

August 26-Colorado Springs, CO
September 13-Dallas, TX
October 11-Wadsworth, OH
December 6-Birmingham, AL

We would love to have you join us or help us spread the word!

Don't forget to meet us on Facebook, Yahoo groups, Twitter, our blog and our website.

If you need an invite to our yahoo group please email me at jkittredge@awpm.net

Follow us on Twitter: @STSsister

STS Testimony

2010-07-22T10:08:00.000-04:00

Please welcome Treva! She is sharing her testimony with us!
Thank you Treva for your beautiful words and for continuing to walk with women who need healing!

Surrendering The Secret...My Testimony

Ok so I am going to give this a shot. Not sure if I will push the publish post button but I will try.

Last year I asked for prayer from my friends and family that I may be able to complete a new bible study. Not sure what I was going for or didn't think I even needed it. But I had a calling to go.

Let me go back almost 12 years ago....February 18th, 1998, it was a good friend of mines 18th bday. As he was celebrating his life of 18 years I was ending the life of a baby growing inside of me. I walked into the clinic on Coffee Rd in Modesto and had an abortion. To many this is no secret. To some that may read this it will be. I had lost my virginity a month earlier and shortly after discovered I was pregnant. Not knowing what to do I cried to my mother and we both decided this was the right choice at the time. I was not ready to graduate from high school 6 months pregnant. As me and my mom went to the clinic there were protestors outside yelling at me to not shatter my babies blood. To me, I was only a few weeks along so I didn't think there would be any blood to shatter. I remember a woman walking intp the office with a camera around her neck. I guess that was suppose to scare us. When it was my time, my nurse gave me an ultrasound, which of course I did not watch. They said that because I was only a few weeks along I would have to go back to make sure they "got it all"! I don't remember any part of it because I was knocked out. Around a month or so later I watched a video at school on a cowboy becoming a Christian. I prayed right along with him and asked God for forgiveness. That was that and I never looked back. On the anniversary of my abortion, February 18, I would sometimes remember what I had done but that was about it. God had forgiven me for my sin and it was time to move on.

I guess for 11 years my abortion was numb to me. I was prochoice. How could I not be? I couldn't possilby be a hypocrite. I knew it was not the Christian thing to do but God was a forgiving God. In January 2009 I went to church with Patrick. The sermon was on abortion. And it was AWFUL! I wanted to walk out. He said such terrible things; that I was a murderer, that I shattered my babies blood, that God had this purpose for the baby but since God gives us free will I ended the life. I wasn't ready to be a mother but once that baby was inside of me I already was. I wanted to walk out and never go back to that church. But I certainly didn't want people looking at me. There was a lady to email or call if I was interested in joining a bible study on healing. I told her I was soooo angry! God had forgiven me so why was I angry and upset? For a few weeks abortion was all around me! I just couldn't get away from it. Was I suppose to be in this bible study?

By September the signs had stopped coming. The class was starting and I was really thinking of not going. But then I went on the pier in Morro Bay. Just as I was thinking about it I saw a prolife sticker!! Bam! Ok God! I hear you like I never have before! So I walked through The Altar doors at Big Valley Grace church and started my journey. For weeks I didn't know why I had come. There were two other girls and two leaders. The poor girls would sometimes just cry there hearts out but to me there was a wall. I told my leader I was angry at her when she brought baby sized models of each month and the different types of aboritons there were. I already knew all that. I didn't need to hear it. This was something me and my mom had talked about, how I would see this stuff and not need to go through it. But I continued to go.

It wasn't until the last 3 weeks of the bible study or so that I began to realize why I was there. I felt that God had forgiven me but that I had a baby that truly existed who I didn't ask for forgivness. I had always called it an "it". That "it" was too small, "it" was nothing. I walked out of this study with a son named Levi. A son who is waiting for me in Heaven. We had given our babies a memorial service with candles and flowers. We had shared gifts and poems with each other. I was healed from the pain and hurt I never knew I had. I had met four incredible women that will always have a special place in my heart!

In December I shared this with Norma's bible study. They were very supportive and it felt good to start sharing it. That maybe I could make a difference in another womans life.

Two weeks ago was Sanctity of Life week. Along with other women from previous studies we stood up at all services in front of thousands and showed the women out there that we were there for them. That they didn't have to go through this alone. I was really sick to my stomach that morning. But I was able to stand up with the other girls. I am hoping that other women looked at me and thought "If she can do it so can I!" Only a few women joined us afterwards but I think we got several phone calls and emails. Which was just how I started a year ago. (A wonderful thank you to Danae who came for support for me xoxoxo)

I don't know where I go with this now. Maybe it was just for my healing. Maybe it was to help other women as well. I would like to continue with the ministry. Maybe one day I will be able to be an assistant leader. There are 1 in 4 woman who have had an abortion. That is a lot. I want them all to know that there is healing. That there is a child waiting to meet their Mommy. What will they look like or be like? That is just one of the joys I think about.

For those of you that read this that may be a shock, please do not judge me. I have shared this with you for a reason. If you are not a christian then maybe you don't understand all of this. Maybe you can show someone you know who has had an abortion my story. Thank you for reading my testimony! And thank you to Chrissy and CC who I couldnt have done this without them!

You can learn more about Treva here.

STS Testimonies

2010-07-20T10:10:00.003-04:00

I'd like to try something a little bit different this week and for the weeks to come. I'm looking for your STS stories. I would like to post different testimonies from women who have walked through STS, led STS or had any involvement in STS. I feel very strongly that these stories will remind us of why we are here, fighting this fight. I know this mission field is often very hard. The opposition is tough. But God has placed us here, to do this work and to help set women free. Most of us have been there. We know the pain, the guilt, and the shame that women are carrying around with them due to their past abortions, we have walked that road ourselves. But, we have also walked the road to healing and freedom. We have set our abortions down at the foot of the cross and Jesus has them now. He has taken them from us so that we can be FREE!! Free to tell our stories and the healing power of Jesus. Free to walk with other women through their healing journey. Free to speak up about the hurt that abortion causes. To encourage one another to press on and not give up on this fight.

Please send me your stories via email jkittredge@awpm.net I will start posting later this week. I already have my first story from a fellow blogger and I can't wait to share it with you!

“ And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint” Galatians 6:9

HE IS.....

2010-07-13T10:26:00.001-04:00

I’ve been reading through many emails over the last week and I have found a running theme. It’s not a theme that I like, however, it’s there running rampant. It seems that many of our sweet sisters are under attack. I’ve realized over the years that I have been involved with STS that this theme is ongoing. The enemy does not want women healed from their past abortions. He would love it if they remained where they are and never received healing. He attacks us from all sides and his hits are pretty hard. From our marriage, to our children, to our work, and definitely our insecurities he preys on us however he can.

This morning in our prayer time, before we started the day at work, we were talking about how God is bigger than all of our problems. He is BIGGER ladies! Bigger than any attack that the enemy can throw at us. Bigger than any abortion story we have walked through or perhaps heard. HE IS BIG ENOUGH.

I would like to encourage each and every one of you to keep pressing on. The enemy would like nothing more than to have us throw our hands up in the air and say “I give up”. He would love for us to walk away from this ministry and not be a voice to so many women who are still suffering silently.

God doesn’t want that. God wants us to press in and keep moving. He wants us to continue to use our stories to reach out to those women who are still hurting. He wants to work through us to reach out to hurting women all over the nation.
I would like to give you some encouragement today.

These words are from Priscilla Shirer from the Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed study she did with Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. Let the words sink in, let them penetrate your soul and let them comfort you enough to keep moving forward because of WHO HE IS!!!

HE is...

The First and the Last

The Beginning and the end

The keeper of creation

The creator of all

He's the architect of the universe

And the manager of all time

He always was, always is and always will be.

Unmoved, unchanged, undefeated and never undone

He was bruised but brought healing,

He was pierced but eased pain,

He was persecuted but brought freedom

He was dead and brings life

He is risen to bring power

And he reigns to bring peace

The world can't understand Him

Armies can't defeat Him

Schools can't explain Him

And leaders they can't ignore Him

Harod couldn't kill Him

Nero couldn't crush Him

The new age can not replace Him

And Oprah can not explain Him away

You remind yourself that

He IS Life,

HE IS Love,

HE IS Longevity and He IS The LORD

HE IS Goodness, kindness, faithfulness

And HE IS GOD

HE IS holy and righteous

and powerful and pure

His ways are right,

His word eternal

His will unchanging

And His mind is on us

He is our savior, our guide,

Our peace, our joy, our comfort

Our Lord and He rules our lives,

I serve Him because His bond is love

His yoke is easy His burden is light

And His goal for us is abundant life.

I follow Him because,

He Is the wisdom of the wise

The power of the powerful

The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,

The leader of all leaders,

His goal is a relationship with me

He will never leave you, never forsake you

Never mislead you, never forget you,

Never overlook you and

Never cancel your appointment is His appointment book.

When you fall He'll lift you up,

When you fail He will forgive you.

When your weak He's strong,

When your lost He's your way

When your afraid He is your courage,

When you stumble He will steady you,

When your hurt He Is going to heal you,

When your broken He will mend you,

When your blind He will lead you,

When your hungry He will feed you,

When you face trials He Is with you,

When I face persecution He shields me,

When I face problems He will comfort me,

When I face loss He will provide for me,

And when we face death

He will carry us all home to meet Him.

He is everything for everybody,

everywhere ,every time,

And in every way.

He is your God

and that sister's is who you belong to.

Where Have You Come From?

2010-07-09T11:51:00.003-04:00

I have been thinking about where I have come from in regards to my healing through Surrendering the Secret. I was lost for a very long time although at that time I didn't know I needed healing from my past abortion. You see I had given my life to Christ years earlier and figured my abortion was healed through that. Well, I found out that wasn't the case. Little by little God was dropping subtle hints in regards to my abortion. At first, I didn't quite get it but one morning I was driving my then 10 year old son to school and I heard, "you could have aborted him too". I immediately started crying, while trying to hide my tears from my son, and couldn't imagine why that thought came to me. Was it true? Yes, it was. I found myself pregnant again at the age of 23 wondering what on earth I was going to do. I knew in my heart of hearts that if I went through with another abortion I wouldn't survive. We decided we were going to parent this child so we got married and the rest is history..... not quite.

The day I heard those words, I went home and spent a long time with God. I couldn't imagine why this was coming up over and over again. I kept hearing "it's time". Now, I did not think it was time. I did NOT want to go back to that dark place. I wanted to stay where I was and never look back. However, that was not God's plan for me. He wanted me to go back and deal with the pain. He wanted me to completely surrender to Him. So in January of 2009, I joined a Surrendering the Secret group and I thank God every day for the healing that has come through it. There are no words to explain how different I am because of this study. I am FREE. I couldn't say that before. But now I am FREE from the chains that held me down for so long. Free from the underlying pain that I didn't even realize was there.

Since that group, God ignited a fire deep within my heart. A fire that has only grown with each passing day.

I want other women to have the freedom that I do. I want other women to know what's it's like to release their burden of abortion and give it to the only one who can handle it.
The only one who wants it.
Jesus.

So I wonder, where have you come from? Have you surrendered? Are you free?

I would love to hear your story!

"to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor"
Isaiah 61:3-4

And the Winner Is....

2010-07-07T16:50:00.004-04:00

Heidi Reihing!!!!

Congratulations Heidi!

Heidi's name was chosen out of all of our entries for the

"who do you say we are" contest.

Heidi's words, "Using Gods truth to break free from the pain of abortion"
is what STS is all about.

We believe God is reaching out to post-abortive women

through this study to bring them the healing they so desperately need.

Only God can do that.

Only He is BIG enough to break the
chains of abortion and set his girls free!

"He brought them out of the darkness and the deepest gloom
and broke away their chains" Psalm 107:14

We become women of truth and our identity becomes who we are in Christ,
not who were once were or what we once did.
Christ now defines us!

*Heidi please email me your contact information so I can mail your winnings! jkittredge@awpm.net

Who do you say that we are??

2010-06-20T20:31:00.007-04:00

Hi sisters. I pray that you are all doing well and finding a bit of time this summer for some R&R.

Hey, I have one announcement and one question.

The announcement is that we have a new STS Staff member on our team. Jennifer Kittredge is now a FULL TIME Program Manager for Surrendering the Secret. She has recently joined our team and is very excited about serving you, answering your questions, filling your orders and making plans to visit your city!!

Although Jenn is new to the STS Staff, she is not new to STS. She is a Certified Leader here in Tampa and has been leading groups for over a year.

Please welcome Jenn to our team and send her a greeting!

This is Jenn, on the right, at her first STS event...Giving a Purse away! How fun is that! We LOVE to give stuff away!

Secondly. I am in the final stages of writing the soon to be published Trade version of STS and I have a question for you.....

If you had to describe what STS means to women, in other words, the PURPOSE of STS, in one sentence, how would you describe this ministry?

Emails or Comments left here over the few days (I am on deadline!!), will be entered into a drawing for 5 FREE Member Books!!

Hey...

Have you joined us on our Yahoo or Facebook?? We will enter our facebook FRIENDS Twice!!

Find us here: Surrendering The Secret/Facebook

I would love to see you there. Contact Jenn for the "How To's"

Happy Summer!!

Pat

BY the Way...I am still looking for "A Few Good Men".

Email me if you know of any. (see the post below for details!

Looking for a Few Good Men who like to write!

2010-05-31T15:28:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day Greetings STS friends.

I am deep into the writing of our STS trade book and am ready for some testimonies from men.

If you know of CHRISTIAN men who would like to share their healing journey through post abortion recovery, please have them email me.

I would also appreciate your prayers as I complete THIS next step of the journey!!

Blessings!!

Pat

A fun snapshot of our last 3 Certified Leader Training events

2010-05-30T12:18:00.005-04:00

We started a fun run of training's in Tucson, Arizona in March and have not slowed down since. We have trained close to 200 leaders so far this year!!

ARE YOU NEXT???

I have a few dates open for the late Summer and early Fall and am looking for a few host churches to finish the year.

Is it YOU????

Please email me if God is drawing you to partner with us!

In the meantime, please join us as we thank and praise Him for all He has done!!

Free slideshow design generated with Smilebox

We have FILLED the Map!!

2010-05-29T11:07:00.005-04:00

Check this out!

Dear ClustrMaps user,

Many thanks for being a loyal ClustrMaps user for the past year. Now that a year has elapsed since your account http://www.surrenderingthesecret.blogspot.com was registered or archived, we are writing just to let you know that an annual automatic 'archive' of your red dots has taken place, meaning that all your 'other' (previous) red dots are safely stored in the Maps Archive, which you'll find by clicking on the Maps Archive link immediately above your large full-size world map.

Although the map archive has already happened, your existing map will stay displayed until the NEXT update of your map. This helps to avoid displaying a totally empty map until there are fresh dots to show.

We know that people always like to have ever-more-dots, but the regular archive is the only way we can avoid having the maps turn into a 'giant red smear', and continue delivering the scalable service that everyone has come to expect.

In the meantime, here is wishing you all the best, and thanks again for using ClustrMaps!

-The ClustrMaps Team

4,255 visits from ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!

If you want to know more about why that blesses my heart, read my blog post today at:

www.patlayton.net

I will be back on Monday to share the highlights of our last 3 training events!!

A Word of Welcome to our New Certified Leaders in Texas and while we are here, How about a few FREE Member Books to help your ministry along?

2010-05-06T23:49:00.010-04:00

It is ALWAYS a great blessing for me to be part of a training day for new Surrendering the Secret Leaders. My time in San Antonio was no different.

National Trainer, Trisha had them at HELLO! She took us from tears to laughter with her stories of ministry and all that she has seen God do for women who are willing to Surrender All!!

Welcome new Texas leaders.

Stay the Course. Go with God and Tell us all about it will ya???

Send me some ministry stories in the COMMENT section BELOW and I will send out a few new books to keep more Freedom stories coming your way!

I love you all dearly and pray for you constantly!
Pat

You’re NOT Immune!

2010-04-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday morning I received a call from my oldest son’s teacher, who informed me that my son had red spots scattered across his body & was itching. “Could it be Chicken Pox?” his teacher asked. “Nooo!” I adamantly replied. “He’s had 2 vaccines against that!” So, we treated it as an allergic reaction - administered allergy medicine & cream, and moved on….until I got another phone call later that afternoon. This time his teacher told me that my son (with the spots & itch) was asleep on his desk…something was definitely wrong! I picked him up and headed straight to the doctor. One look from the trained eyes of our physician and I heard, “He’s got Chicken Pox.” I was in shock! “But he’s had not 1, but 2 vaccines against that!” I reminded his doctor. Much to my surprise and dismay, our physician told me that just because my son had been vaccinated against Chicken Pox (even twice) it still didn’t mean that he was 100% immune.
The message is the same from The Great Physician. While we ARE protected and sealed forever by the blood of the Lamb when we enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (praise the Lord!), as followers of Christ we are NOT immune to struggles, battles and issues of life. In John 16:33, Jesus told His disciples, “In this world you WILL have trouble.”

Wooohooo! Anybody else want to celebrate? No, I didn’t think so! Jesus told us up front the cold, hard truth: as followers of Christ you will NOT be immune to problems, struggles or battles with the enemy.

Hold on, though…there IS reason to celebrate! Jesus didn’t stop with the warning about immunity. ”BUT take heart! I have OVERCOME the world.” (John 16:33) Now THAT is wonderful news!!

So, what’s the connection between this truth & Surrendering the Secret?

Once we’ve surrendered our secret and embarked on the journey of healing, we have a tendency to feel that we have immunity to struggles. Like me with my son’s chicken pox, we may even deny the possibility of an issue existing – “invincible.” Unfortunately, that’s just where the enemy wants us…right where he can blindside us!

We MUST be prepared as we walk through the journey of healing (both as leaders & sweet sisters participating) – FULLY armed with our spiritual battle attire. Then, and only then, will the fact that we’re NOT immune become a non-issue because we’ll be walking the road - prepared in our Father’s armor! Further, when we’re clothed in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) we’re able to STAND “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12)

We may not be immune but we HAVE HIS POWER…”because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Bring on the chicken pox!

(Submitted by Carrie Bond, STS National Trainer from Dallas, TX)

STS News & Updates...

2010-03-15T13:59:00.007-04:00

2010 “Training Season” Kicks Off!
Tampa Training Event — A Wonderful Success
Our first-ever “pre-training kick off” event was an absolute blast! Twelve fun loving
Certified Leaders joined the ‘video girls’ & Pat for a very special evening in Tampa — a delicious & elegantly catered dinner full of laughs, sharing & fellowship. Our CLs were blessed by their time spent with Jayne, Christy, Iris, Tracy, Sheri & Natalie and the video girls were visibly touched by the reception that they received from our leaders. When we filmed the Study, we could only dream about what God would do with our part of it… it is so humbling to hear your stories and testimonies of how He has used ours.
(Iris, Christy & Natalie with some of the group!)

(New friend Dana from Michigan chats with Jayne from the video over dinner)

(Enjoying dessert in the 'theatre' watching the STS promo video on the BIG screen!)
The next day we welcomed 27 new Certified Leaders at the training and enjoyed a lively session of Q&A with these special ladies. Pat and I were so happy to meet all of you, your passion for the ministry and your enthusiasm was such a blessing to us!

(Pat sharing her testimony & the "God story" behind STS)
Surrendering the Secret can be led by any woman who has a heart for post-abortive women… but having the opportunity to be taught and prepared by the author herself is an awesome opportunity! Those of you who have been able to attend an STS training know that Pat Layton offers wonderful, personal insight to the study and extra ‘nuggets’ that she has learned along the way since it was published. They are always a lot of fun & filled with her great sense of humor too!
Our trainings also provide a valuable forum for questions & answers on the study – to receive answers not just from Pat, but from other women leaders ‘in the trenches’ with you. It’s a chance to share ideas, testimonies, and fellowship with other women who share your heart – whether you are post-abortive or not there is so much to learn from the experiences of your sisters who are leading and/or participating in STS.
I hope you will pray about joining Pat Layton & Your National Trainers at one of these upcoming events! For a complete list of locations and to register, click on ‘Events’ above and then ‘STS Training Schedules’. And remember… if you are a current Certified Leader… you are welcome to join us for a “refresher” course & to meet new leaders in your area – at no cost to you! (Plus, if you register with a new friend you’ll get a special gift at the training, ask for details!!)

Special STS Training Offer -- Join us in sunny Orlando, Florida!!
Tuesday, May 18th
Inconjunction with Heartbeat International’s Annual Conference, Pat will be hosting a training at a very special, discounted price if you register through the conference. Anyone interested can register with Heartbeat online at:
http://heartbeatservices.org/index.php/training/conference/pre-conference-opportunities for the "Abortion Recovery Outreach" Pre-conference Day Training.
The cost is only $95!

At STS ‘HQ’ we are working hard to meet the needs of our partners...
We have updated the ‘Resources’ page to include items to help you promote your STS group, and PDFs of materials you may like to use in your group broken down by Session. There is also a wonderful suggested song list for you that National Trainer Carrie Bond developed – thank you Carrie! She found songs whose lyrics were especially appropriate for each Session. They are great songs by Christian artists - many of us have them downloaded to our iPods.
We’d love to hear your ideas of how you personalize your STS study - Certified Leaders, be sure to join the STS YahooGroup and let us know!
Thank you too, to National Trainers Susan Sorenson and Tricia Heflin for sharing such powerfully insightful Blogs. If you haven’t read them… check 'em out below… they will definitely bless you!!

Coming soon… We are working on a way to track the number of STS studies going on throughout the year. Think how exciting it would be to be able to report that in 2010, _______(hundred?thousand?) hurting, post-abortive women were healed by God through Surrendering the Secret??

Finally... a very special “Thank You!” to those of you who sent Pat testimony letters from your Pastors! They made an important impact at her recent presentation. If you haven’t sent one yet we would still love to have it!

God’s Blessings and Favor be yours,
Linda

STS Week 4- Pat is right...

2010-03-09T21:23:00.004-05:00

Week 4 of STS is a challenge for me. In fact, it's such a challenge that rarely do the groups I'm studying with get through the step of anger in one week. If you're studying with me, it's gonna take two- I wish I knew exactly why! The same held true with this current group of Surrender Sisters. I felt as though I'd tripped everyone up, yet again.

When I led and participated in my very first STS group I was intimidated by the prospect of getting angry at Bible study. I wasn't sure how we would address the anger but I WAS sure we weren't going to be swinging any bats or punching any couches. We worked through the study and for the first handful of groups we read out letters, shredded or tore them up, took a baggy of rocks, and headed home. God taught us all in those instances. He is always faithful!

Once I took the Certified Leader's Training and heard Pat encourage us to offer our participants a safe way to express their anger I agreed to try to use a bat the next group I led. Other leaders from our church had good experiences with physically expressing anger in anger week, I thought I was ready to give it a try.

So what do we do when a woman comes and simply refuses to participate? Whether intentional or not, she is usually there in my group. This woman may be familiar to you. Many times this lack of participation takes on behaviours such as-
- Not writing a letter about her abortion.
- Claiming that the only person she's angry with is herself.
- Believing that all the anger she had felt was "forgiven" or "surrendered" in the past and now she is fine.
- Feeling as though she is unable to be angry at anyone- everyone was ignorant who was involved- it's really no one's "fault", just a terrible mistake.

Is she familiar to you? This last time I thought, "If she won't even write a letter about her anger, how do I expect her to smack this bean bag with this bat?" My heart broke and the group and I shared all we learned about righteous anger and the bitter root that anger will lend to if it is not acknowledged. We went home- with our rocks- and a fresh challenge to dig a little deeper, get more specific, be obedient.

It dawned on me somewhere in that week following our first anger meeting that the reason I have such an issue with expressing anger is not that I don't have any- it's that I have just as many pretenses. Pretenses are simply pieces of make-believe. I have learned that I would much prefer to be ladylike, in control, "together" than to appear angry- especially angry enough to throw a punch. I know, this is the point of learning about anger, right?!

Anger week is a challenge because it's the first time we get personal with our STS journeys. What's more personal than sharing abortion stories? I would argue that sharing our present feelings- including anger- is more personal. We can't speak only in the past- of that girl or woman we scarcely recognize. To address anger, we have to do it in the present- in the woman we are today. It gets personal and to many of us, it makes us react with a bit of anger.

This is where the bat comes in. In the second week of anger study I brought the bat again. I handed it to the first brave woman who had just read her letter and she gave our bean bag a whack. What happened next is something I can not explain and do it any justice. I watched the pretending end. I watched as the Holy Spirit defined anger that she had not even begun to acknowledge. I watched tears shed through my own blurred vision and I watched a woman behave obediently and get angry about her abortion! I then watched as she sat down and through her sobs said, "Now I know what I need to forgive."

I've been amazed time and again at how engaging in this journey leads you from one healing step to the next. Once anger is addressed, we know what we need to forgive, to exchange, to grieve, and to surrender. Anger sinfully expressed or stuffed is our stronghold and will keep us stuck on the side of the mountain. Once we begin to work through the anger, it gets personal and that is what will heal our person!

So, we all worked through some anger and this week we are on to forgiveness. Pat was right. I have to say- it felt awkward to all of us to use the bat. We began out of wanting the most from the journey and being obedient and we ended hearing from the Holy Spirit!

Just one last thought on the pretending- it's addressed in scripture in a few places. I was touched by the Word in Jeremiah-

Jeremiah 17:9-10 The Message
"The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be."

Wow, in the STS journey He gets to the heart of things, doesn't He? Be encouraged! He sees us as we really are! We need not pretend with our Lord. Now grab that bat and work out that anger- there is a healthy heart to be had.

The Peace of Release

2010-03-02T17:11:00.004-05:00

Comfort, Joy, Completion through THE GREAT EXCHANGE: Isaiah 61

Who would ever think peace would come from looking straight into the face of yesterday's regret, yesterday's pain, yesterday's sorrow!?

Too many years spent wishing I could go back, and make one different choice, erase one day of my life, get just one "do over".

Over 30 years ago, one fateful mistake, caving to sexual pressure, led to pregnancy, led to fear, panic, and new identity; ....."Unwed Mother", unwanted label....."Crisis Pregnancy", and busted fairy tale....."Shotgun Wedding."

Fear is never a good counselor.....Fear's solution: Abortion. ......After all, it IS legal. And who knows when life really begins? This will be better for everyone. Think of what everyone will go through because of this! What will people say, think and do about an 18 year old pregnant, unmarried, CHRISTIAN girl?

Decision made, deed is done....secrecy and shame begin. LIFE; never the same!

Freedom traded for hiding. Plans traded for confusion. Life traded for death!

"You can't change yesterday", they say. True. But our timeless God can change yesterday's meaning, it's affect on our lives, and it's ultimate impact on us and the world.

In Isaiah 61 we read of the anointing of the Lord Himself, to change my life, your life, all of our lives; those who will accept the change. I read in these passages that the Lord had some "insteads" He was not only willing to give, but had been PURPOSED to give. With trembling hands and heart I decided to trust these words and bring to HIM those great losses of my life from my choice of abortion, and make the trade HE offered.

I give you my sorrow Lord. What, YOU give me joy? I give you my imprisoning, dark secret. YOU give freedom! I give you the ruins, broken dreams and a broken "mother's heart." YOU restore, rebuild and heal! I give you my debilitating SHAME and You, Oh precious Lord , give blessing..double blessing! Who needs a double portion of blessing more than a woman hiding in shame? More than a Mother who aches to change her choice against her own innocent unborn child? YOU knew Lord, you knew! You knew I would turn to you and you held for me beautiful blessings only a Savior could give. You knew eventually this pain would be more than most of us could hold inside, so you made a way when there seemed to be no way. To all who come to You God, we find through Jesus Christ that we can renounce the lie that we are rejected, unloved, dirty, or shameful. In Christ, we are God's child, we are forgiven, we are complete!

What an exchange! YOU seem to be the shortchanged one, Lord. But You got exactly what you were after......me, your beloved child.

Thank You, I accept, and trust YOU for the rest of the journey!

Aaah, truth...

2010-02-26T00:11:00.006-05:00

The prophet Isaiah described a people that I relate to very much. Jesus saw value in Isaiah's summery and used it to teach his disciples in Matthew. I wonder if you will recognize us in His words.

"Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing.

Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing.

The people are blockheads!

They stick their fingers in their ears so they won't have to listen;

They screw their eyes shut so they won't have to look,

so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face

and let me heal them."
Matthew 13:15 The Message.

We tell many women who join us in STS Bible study that the questions that their hearts cry out are important to their freedom. When they say "Who was that? How could I have? Where was God? Why didn't He stop me?" We encourage them to ask Him- to trust Him to answer- to believe that these questions that have served to haunt them indeed have answers. God knows the answers... when He answers them, He heals them.

The third week of STS is meant to offer participants a safe place to learn the truth about abortion. It's a tall task for a leader. We must rely so completely on the Holy Spirit to make the place safe, to open the hearts of the participants to learn the truth, and to apply that truth to each of their stories. We use pamphlets, websites, fetal models, our books, ultrasounds, music- we sure come with an artillery, don't we? In the end, though, it all falls on the individuals heart. Will she look at the truth? Will she receive it as truth? Or, will she stick her fingers in her ears and screw her eyes shut- as she is tempted to do- even if she does so out of protection?

It is the very behaviour that we fight in truth week that led us to our sinful choices. In essence, with our crisis, we screwed our closed our eyes, plugged our ears, and believed what we were told because we were desperate. In so many ways, truth is where the rubber meets the road.

It is many times in this part of the journey that the participants will realize that they could answer the questions correctly, participate in the exercises in a self-protecting way, and leave the study nearly the same as they entered it. I've seen it resonate on their faces that the risk of protecting themselves from the truth and never having freedom is real indeed. Please know, I'm not disregarding the heartache and utter fear that accompanies learning the truth. I acknowledge that just as surely as I believe that God will heal to a greater degree.

As Isaiah, and then Jesus- tell us. It is purposing against doing it again. It's being willing to come face to face with the truth and with our Lord. When we do that- He heals us. It really is that simple.

As we go to our session 3's, let's always remember Who does this work. I've felt so convicted and challenged by Jesus' words in Matthew that it has taken me nearly 2 weeks to post this blog. I'm doing so today out of obedience. I relate to those kind of people, do you? Perhaps our understanding of this scripture is the very reason God has assigned us the task of walking our sisters through truth week.

When we are obedient- He heals us. The thrill for an STS leader is that we are blessed to see it happen time and again! Let's open those eyes, open our ears, come face to face with Jesus. Health for the nation- how sweet it could be.

I'm Hacked!

2010-02-16T15:33:00.003-05:00

Week 2- Sharing The Secret

I came home last week and I was furious. I couldn't put my finger on it. The week 2 meeting had gone beautifully- or at least as well as I had expected. Everyone came, everyone had completed homework, and everyone shared some of their story. We prayed together, cried together, and savored that sweet fragrance of truth setting us free.

So why was I so angry? I thought for awhile it was about the mess the babysitter left, or the frustration of one of the children still feeling ill- even though he'd been on antibiotics for a few days. No, maybe it was that the three oldest would be out of school tomorrow for a teacher work day...

My husband called, "How did it go dear?" I answered impatiently- "Oh just great. They felt safe, they shared their sad stories..."

There it was- the sad stories.

I don't think I will ever, as long as I live, be able to sit and hear such sad stories without a reaction straight from my gut. For awhile I worried that it may be judgemental ism on my part- was I behaving as that person that could hurt so many? I spent some time in prayer- confession even- so that I could sort it all out. That is when the Lord led me to His word.

Philippians 4: 4- Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Me- "Rejoice? Now? After what I just heard?" In my heart- "Yes, daughter, rejoice- and read on..."

Philippians 4:5-7 (5) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. (6) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (7) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

It didn't take me long to realize that after what I have learned- indeed what we taught at Bible study that night, I was in desperate need of knowing where my peace lies.

We spend a good amount of time on week 2 learning that we have an enemy, he has an agenda, he hates us, and he will use whatever he can to destroy us. After that, we learn the importance of telling our stories- the freedom that will come through that difficult obedience. Then, we jump off a cliff into obedience and tell our stories.

As leaders, I pray these stories always effect us in our hearts. We know that if we do not possess love for our sisters, we are simply noise in their lives. Sitting and hearing their stories is one of the first ways we love them. We must, however, keep in mind that our mighty Lord is ready and able to guard our hearts for us. We have a place to take our anxieties, our petitions, our broken hearts and we will do good to remember to do just that. When we re-tell our sister's stories to our Lord- lifting them up to Him for understanding and healing- then He gives us peace in exchange for our anxieties. In this way- He's guarding our hearts as they swell and break open for our sisters and their losses.

There are 5 post abortive women in our group. There are 13 children represented among us. I'm certain this group is typical for many STS Bible study groups.

It's a sad, sad story. It makes me mad. No, I'm not mad- I'm hacked! I'm also so thankful that I know that my redeemer lives. I know where to confide and in Whom I will find my peace. We need a hero, girls. We have a hard job to do-leading STS studies. God wants His children living free from the damage of these sad stories. Let's remember to go to Him and have it out when we need to. It' s only then that we can move on to share the next week's assignment with our groups- Walking in Truth! Oh, it just makes me ready for anger week! You to?!

The rejoicing part of the Word? I'm convinced, after some time, that I am able to be obedient here also. As I watch these women engage in the journey with brave and broken hearts, I see God's faithfulness to them. I see that one woman has the freedom and grace to stay in this week's lesson for some more time while another woman has run on ahead in the journey- following the Lord's lead. It's for His evident hand in our journey that I rejoice! Paul told us- "The Lord is near" Philippians 4:5b He is indeed near, guarding our hearts- just like a hero.

Surrendering the Secret- Week 1- Grace and Salt

2010-02-08T22:36:00.004-05:00

“The glory of God is man fully alive.” – St. Irenaeus

Wow, what a quote. Fully alive! Me, you- that is the glory of God! (?) We'll see, won't we? I believe it is, or could be, but seriously- me? Her? Him? We are God's glory if we are "fully alive?" Isn't that what we are aiming to achieve through STS - Women and men fully alive, living life abundant- set free in Christ!

I have been leading STS before I knew how to. For the past 19 months I have gone from a surrendered secret in my living room to full blown ministry on steroids. In the beginning my prayer was something like "Dear Lord, please don't allow me to hurt my girlfriends with my ignorance." It then progressed to "Wow, Lord! Look at what You're doing in spite of me." From there, "Lord, teach me how to do this." And now-"Thank you for taking me along." I've talked to so many of us who have similar experiences. It's because of our similarities that I've decided to share a bit of what I'm learning about leading an STS Bible study as I walk the journey once again with a new group of women.

We shared an invitation to Bible study at church over the past 6 weeks. The phone calls, emails, phone tag games, and nervous first conversations finally came to a head. We are ready to go! They've received their books and completed a week of homework and come to Bible study! There they were- walking through the door. This time they were relieved they didn't know one another and the conversation seemed easy. There was some nervous giggles and everyone was careful to choose the perfect seat and then it happened. We introduced ourselves, my fearless co-lead and I, and we shared our own stories of redemption and redefinition in Christ. It is there that the Lord has kept me for a few days. It is in that conversation that He reapplied a lesson of grace and salt.

Paul tells us in Colossi ans 4:6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

I was given that Word a few weeks ago for instruction on how I am to handle my conversations. I was so pleased when He led me back there again in preparation for my new girlfriends. You see, I worry about my conversation when I lead STS. I'm not post abortive and I watch women who are wrap themselves with an invisible cloak of protection- or skepticism- when I share that with them. What on earth do we have in common then? Well, I'm still learning all we have in common- which is more than we'd ever imagine! The most important thing we have in common, though, is grace. Grace defined is unmerited favor. I heard it said this last week that people can find love in the world but they can not find grace anywhere but in Jesus and his church. Jesus extended grace while hanging on the cross- first to the thief and then to us all. As His children, redeemed by His blood, we must extend grace. We just may be the only place some will find grace. Unmerited favor- it makes me choke to realize again how unmerited mine is.

Finally, there is the seasoning salt. We all know that salt is an unwelcome guest to an opened wound. Left to do it's work, though, salt can cleanse a wound and promote healing. We understand as believers that our salt is the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel where we see grace extended in it's fullness. Paul reminds us to keep our priorities in order- 1.Grace 2.Salt. I have the image of a crock pot full of salt to the brim with a jerky stick somewhere in the middle. Left unchecked by grace our Bible studies could be very unappetising indeed!

As my co-lead and I worked to keep our excitement in check for the ladies that wouldn't yet understand our eagerness, the lesson of grace kept our priorities in line. I watched in amazement as the ladies shared their scores from the connecting exercise about post abortion trauma (PAT) . I watched the chains break- I heard the collective sigh of relief as they realized, they weren't alone. They tasted freedom with the truth that abortion is traumatic and their symptoms of PAT are valid. The evening was seasoned perfectly. Because of His grace, they were able to endure a bit of salt meant to cleanse their wounds. It was beautiful! It was healing!

So, we have 7 weeks and a whole spice cabinet of salt coming our way. I'm a little anxious for them and for us but I vow to keep this lesson at the forefront. 1.) Grace-(unmerited favor). 2.) Salt (truth)for seasoning. The truth can not season or heal unless the foundation of grace has been established. Indeed, that is what established the safety in our groups, friends. Grace for the women who participate! With these priorities God promises that we will have answers! Praise His name!

I DON'T ALWAYS AGREE WITH PAT...

2010-02-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

I have known Pat for more than 10 years now – we have enjoyed a relationship as friends, ministry partners and currently as employee/boss!

I’ve served as a crisis counselor, special event planner, envelope stuffer – whatever hat she & the ministry needed me to wear! So when the exciting news came about LifeWay publishing the STS study, complete with professional videos shot at beautiful Grandfather Mountain – I was ALL IN! I told her I would carry her luggage, whatever, I was coming with her! I remember the day she called and said that she felt God leading her to include a panel of aborted women to share their stories… which, was a wonderful idea – but, uh, Pat you know I’m not doing it, right? (Though I completed the study, I still hadn’t shared my story with my two sons.) She laughed, said she understood and told me to pray about it and ‘we’ll see’… Whatever Pat, I’m not doing it, I said boldly and confidently! I didn’t even bring nice clothes to wear to ensure there’s no way I’d let myself be filmed!

As He often does, God had other plans – He spoke clearly and powerfully to my heart and I knew deep down that I’d regret it forever if I didn’t join this team of remarkable & brave women in sharing their abortion experiences and their healing journey – to the glory of God and to truly help heartbroken women. This experience was one of the greatest of my life… (although I wish I had a cuter outfit on! Haha! My pastel blue shirt does NOT match the sloppy, hang-around capris I’d packed for mountain hiking! And the makeup lady kept having to pull my shirt up because it was a tad bit low cut, I finally had to borrow one of Pat’s camisoles… anyway, I digress!)
So… now I knew I had to for sure tell my sons about my abortion… and since the Study was released two years ago I’ve prayed and ‘stewed’ about it… and I still didn’t do it. Pat is lovingly adamant about the importance of this step in the healing process, that we need to share with our children. But I have lovingly disagreed & argued that my kids are too young, I don’t want to hurt them, they won’t understand… Her passionate plea is that there are thousands of women, bound by secret abortions sitting in our churches (our friends, our neighbors) that could be set free by our sharing our story. I do understand that if we take our healing and then just ‘sit on it’ then we aren’t helping/giving back to anyone. And knowing that I was doing that feels selfish and hurts. But Lord, how do I start that conversation with my sons? I’ve prayed for perfect timing and an obvious ‘door’ that God would please push me through…

Well last week as I was reviewing my notes to speak at church for Sanctity of Life Sunday, my oldest son Christian (16 yrs.) hugged me and said that he was proud of me for “stepping up and helping girls and telling people about abortion”…

God doesn’t always show us the perfect time or the obvious door – but the thing is, the door is always there! What He does give us is TRUTH and a MOUTH for our healed hearts to speak through! And in that moment with my precious son, I realized an important truth:

I WASN’T BOUND ANYMORE… BUT MY TESTIMONY WAS!!!

I could ‘help girls’ and talk about abortion all day, but if I didn’t share my powerful story of God’s restoration and healing in my life then part of me was still bound. A very important part – the “word of my testimony”.

“They overcame him (the accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” Revelation 12:11

So… I opened my mouth and spoke. No ‘magical moment’, no ‘perfect’. Definite ‘butterflies’ I’ll admit… but I spoke. “Christian, do you ever wonder why I’m so passionate about this ministry…?” And God gave me the rest.

And guess what Christian said? “Mom, I’m so proud of you…”

Wow… and we worry about that, don’t we?? Sigh… like the Mighty God I trust my children’s eternal souls to can’t be trusted to perfectly deliver my abortion secret to their hearts??

This is my story… if you haven’t shared your testimony of healing then I want to encourage you… I understand, just pray about it and we’ll see… :)
Oh, and my speaking engagement the next morning? Well, it cranked up a notch and I felt free to speak boldly... and the Pastor said there’s a woman there who wants to call me to talk…

Okay Pat… so maybe you were a little right?

Blessings friends,
Linda

And a quick bit of business –

The winner of January’s Blog contest is Glenda Waters. Congratulations! Please contact us with your mailing information.

February’s contest – we’d like to increase our STS blog ‘community’, so this month’s contest is to encourage you to “bring a friend”! Send a friend over to check us out and join us with a comment, and then tell us who sent them! If they put down your name, we’ll put you in a drawing for a surprise gift! Can’t wait to welcome new visitors!

Healing for Grandparents, Siblings and Men

2010-01-31T15:33:00.002-05:00

A recent discussion has been going around amongst our National Trainers and some of our Certified Leaders about how to help heal the broken heart of Men/Fathers, Grandparents, children and siblings who have experienced abortion.

The truth is, we all know that the statistics that claim 1.5 million abortions each year in the US does not even begin to address the ripple effect of this devastating choice.

Abortion breaks hearts at every turn.

I just want to let you all know that I have used STS with Men, Grandmothers and siblings and have found great success.

When I have been contacted by women involved in abortion for ministry--mothers, sisters, aunts, friends--I have simply added them to an existing group by telling the other members the particular situation. Who they are and why they will join the group.

I have found God to do amazing things using Grandmothers or siblings to work both ways in ministry from one situation to another in the group. i.e.--the women vicariously interface through the healing process with a Mom substitute, or a sister.

As for men, although I had not led a group of men, I have had my husband, as well as Pastors, lead men using STS. It is not so feminized as to not be successful. Several men have contacted me to tell me about going through the Bible Study after, or with, their wives and having amazing results.

God is the Healer!! His desire is to heal and restore and He will use ANY tool and any willing vessel to get it done!!

The fact is the healing process is the same for all---share your story, hear truth, address anger, apply forgiveness, receive God's exchange, TELL someone!!!

I have seen tremendous results from giving each one the ability to better understand the role and the heart of the other.

I encourage you all to try without hesitation. Again, this study belongs to God!! He alone is the great physician! He WANTS this to work and THAT my friends, is all we need!

Also, remember one on one works beautifully when no group is available.

My one strong non-negotiable. Men need to work with Men!! I do not recommend women leading Men through STS unless you are very experienced and another woman or man is present. Let's be wise and not even place ourselves in questionable situations.

Great discussion ladies!!

My love to you,

A lesson from last week-

2010-01-27T00:09:00.002-05:00

Hey Sisters!
I posted this vial an email group and thought I was posting it here. That's embarassing enough, I let it go. Well, I've had a nagging feeling that I should follow through. I hope it blesses you- even in hindsight.

January 22, 2010
Oh, it happened again. 4:00 am and I'm wide awake. When I say wide awake I mean tired. I mean I'm awake and my body is screaming for sleep. I roll over, I ask God to settle me, it doesn't happen. Call it women's intuition but I knew there was no more sleep in the picture for me this morning. Thank you Lord, for getting me UP! (yawn) Thank you for Sumatra blend coffee...

I'm a women's ministry leader at my church. I'm a Surrendering the Secret Certified Leader and one of the National Trainers for the same ministry. I've had a tough week, I had 2 days of homework on a study about living beyond myself to complete before 9 am this morning. I've done this study before. In Fact, it was foundational to the growth of my relationship with Christ. There were many reasons for me to get up and to get "busy". Little did I know that it was an appointment that my Father had made with me and He wasn't going to allow rest until it was kept.

We have a big weekend ahead of us, don't we? Sanctity of Human Life Sunday will be observed by churches across the nation this Sunday, January 24th. My Surrendering the Secret team and pastors have been praying and preparing for our part in this observation this for months. In 48 hours we will be extending an invitation at our services for women to come and join us for Bible study concerning their abortions. (GULP!) 37 years of legalized abortion- (This week marks the 37th anniversary of Roe Vs. Wade) we have multitudes of women to extend this invitation to. We also have an enemy that is pleased with the headway he has made at damaging Christ's Bride- the Church- with regard to the sanctity of human's lives. So my question has been "What will it take to revive us to a healthy relationship with God? With our brothers and sisters in Christ?"

In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God answered that question for me this morning. "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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (emphasis mine)

That's what it's going to take. It's going to take His people. That's you. That's me. Whether woman or man, post abortive or not, pro-life, pro-choice, or undecided. It's going to take believers- humbled, seeking God's face about our personal wicked ways, and turning away from said wickedness so that He can use us as He heals our land.

That's the beginning and I'd bet it's familiar to you- as it was to me. It was, however, awhile before I could move on to the next part of His lesson for me. You see, I'm not post abortive and I have a heart that is wicked. It takes some time on a daily basis for me to humble myself- get out of myself- agree with His definition of me in spite of me- to move on. I did my best- this is what He taught me.

His children- those who are functioning through the Holy Spirit have a gift to judge things that come from the Spirit with wisdom and discernment. This does not mean judging the heart of men or women, it means looking at our circumstances and judging them through His eyes.
(I Corinthians 2:14- "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment."

We must make judgments, with God's Word as our guide, about the sanctity of human life. The enemy confused my own heart on this issue for years and I avoided the conversation about abortion for fear of being or appearing judgmental. God has taught me through teaching Surrendering the Secret over the past 19 months that I must make judgments about what is happening. I must make judgments about what I will do to allow Him to use me while healing the heartbreak of women and men who have been touched by abortion. Not only am I obligated but I can do it without judging the heart of my sisters and brothers. When true, Biblical judgments are made, by God's people who have humbled themselves- He speaks. When God speaks to us- He heals us.

So this Sunday we will extend an invitation to the women in our church family to join us for Bible study. It has been an exhausting process to prepare for that day. It has also been an exhausting process to register women for the study, to prepare for the study, to shore up the leaders- really the list goes on and on. God spoke to me this morning on the issue of my weariness in Galatians 6:9-10- "Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Also, He reminded me what to do as I wait for this harvest- Wait on Him, not the event!
Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Praise the Lord, He's using us all to heal His Bride! I hope that you are encouraged by the Word to observe Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, to continue on in your calling to offer Surrendering the Secret to the women God puts in your life, and to run this race and not grow weary!

All For Him,
Susan- Denver CO

STS Leader Help!! Needed....

2010-01-26T14:05:00.002-05:00

Greetings STS Sisters!!

I pray that your Sanctity of Human Life weekend services were successful and a blessing to you and your church family.

We (here in Tampa) had the privilege of being represented in 8 Tampa churches to share about STS and what God is doing around the Nation.

I have 2 IMPORTANT Messages today.

The first is a BIG REQUEST!!

I have been invited to make a very important presentation regarding STS and the effect that offering post abortion education and recovery has had on your church from a PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE.

I would be personally grateful to get a letter or Email from any of your church or community Pastors who have seen the ministry of STS (or another Post Abortion Recovery Program) advance personal healing and/or a deeper understanding of the pain and heartbreak caused by an abortion.

I need to receive these emails NO LATER THAN Monday Feb. 8th!!

All those who submit and letter will be entered TWICE into our Feb. FREE Product drawing…….

Which leads me to the Second Reason I am writing!!
We are DAYS away from our 2010 FREE MONTHLY PRODUCT DRAWING!! Deadline is January 31 for this month's free product!!

We will draw names from the contacts made to our STS National Office through ALL of our many communication tools.

Simply send us a message through COMMENTS on the STS BLOG,
Facebook Group or Yahoo Group!!

CONTACT Jennifer Palmer, STS Administrative Assistant at jpalmer@awpm.net or Linda Cooper, our National Training Director at lcooper@awpm.net if you need help getting to any of these!!

Lots of ways to stay in touch and lots of FREE Ministry to be shared!

Linda and I, along with all of our National Trainers are praying for you!!

Send us your prayer requests through the above networks!

We are here to serve you!!
My love and blessings,
Pat

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

2010-01-19T09:48:00.005-05:00

This past Sunday, my church celebrated Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (nationally recognized on January 24th). My pastor had asked me to speak briefly about Life Impact Network (our local ministry) and about my testimony. I agreed, excited for the opportunity to share the hope and truth about healing after an abortion, but also anxious about public speaking. As the day drew closer I began to write my speech, focusing mainly on the ministry and throwing in a little about how it had touched me. Saturday night the Lord really impressed upon my heart that I needed to share MY story. Typically, that wouldn't be a big deal. I've shared my story with the youth and with groups of other people from my church when it was appropriate, but I had never stood before the entire congregation to talk about my experiences with abortion. It was particularly nerve-wracking because my family has gone to this fairly small church for generations. Most everybody knew my grandparents, many know my parents, and some had known me since I was a small child. Still, I knew that it was what I was supposed to do and there was no going back. So I sat down Saturday night and re-wrote my testimony and speech. On Sunday I got up to speak, anxious but sure that I was following in obedience. I shared my testimony and then spoke about the different departments of Life Impact Network. I spoke at both the early morning service and the second service. It went smoothly and I really feel like it made an impact on the congregation. People began to open up to me about how they have been affected by the Sanctity of Human Life - either through adoption or abortion or some other means. It was extremely encouraging and rewarding, and it has opened up a door for me to begin a Surrendering the Secret study at my church. I am so thankful that the Lord gave me the strength and courage to speak and that I was given an opportunity to bring words of truth and life to my friends and family!

Let this be an encouragement to you if you have an opportunity to speak at your church or to another group. The spoken testimony is a powerful tool that the Lord uses to open many doors...and though it may take you out of your comfort zone for a few minutes, it is well worth it!

Please share with us about your experiences giving your testimony or speaking about the Sanctity of Human Life. We'd love to hear about it!