Destiny Driven

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Just a quick update... after much thought, I will be officially "ending" Destiny Driven"... I feel this blog has been fabulous and therapeutic in my life, but I feel the need for something fresh! So, I will be creating a new blog which will link to here. The url will be transferred.

I am in a new season and I feel the time for something fresh and new is upon me.... so, I'll catch you at the next blogstop!

His Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:08:00 +0000

About a month ago, we started having a time of intercession and worship on Saturday nights. An unrehearsed flow that ushers in the presence of the Lord. Though the motivation in doing so was to seek God and set the atmosphere for Sunday morning, I don't think any of us had an idea of what God was about to unleash in Christ Central Dallas, in us corporately and individually. The worship and prayer is raw, real, from the heart. Most nights it is rare to see anyone standing, they are face down on the floor or in a kneeling position. Children, youth, adults in an intimate time with Jesus.

This past weekend, the CCD worship team, Remnant led us in powerful worship woven with powerful intercession. The presence of God was so evident, so awesome, thick. And Sunday morning the same presence was there again, and we experienced such a powerful move of God initiated by our worship to Him. Matt and Brandon began to sing "Marked by Heaven" and something in heaven broke open. There is such an intense hunger and yearning for Jesus in our House.... and it is being carried outside the House... and drawing others in...

Some exciting things are happening and about to happen in and thrugh CCD in this season we are in... it is so muc bigger than any person or persons... it is His and His alone... we are only vessels... what a privilege and honor...

Greeting from Hiram, GA

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:46:00 +0000

I am back my friends. My computer has been in Chicago being fixed. There was an issue with the port in the back. And we finally got moved into Hiram, GA... YEA!!!! We are still doing some unpacking and settling and we'll be painting in the next few weeks but it is all coming together! And I need a fridge... ugh... I SOOO need a fridge! We're using a mini fridge right now and with seven people, it really isn't working out! Pray with us that we can find a used fridge at the right price in the next few days!

We are in project mode at Christ Central. Our offices are being overhauled for maximum use. I saw a design I liked at Free Chapel for desk space and then we incorporated it in two of the shared offices for our pastoral staff. In one of the offices that two people used to use, we will now be able to fit up to 6 or 7 if necessary, but generally it will be used by five. The other office will be used by three or four, as it is a little smaller.

The last few weeks have been so amazing at CCD. The more we seek Him and obey Him, the more we pray and worship... He just continues to show up and amaze us. The Lord has been speaking prophetically and opening doors that are impacting our community.

On the Sloanfront, the belles are loving being close to their Georgia peeps and I rarely have all five at once, and as of late have been having other belle-friends join us.

The three eldest belles will be headed to ROC Youth Camp in a couple weeks, and Craig will join them. He will be speaking one night at the camp. So, it will be just me and the little belles. We are planning on some belle-like fun! :)

I'll try to get some photos up tonight or tomorrow. Like I said, we are still transitioning!

Love to you all... it's good to be back in blogdom!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:41:00 +0000

I was beside myself. Izzie, our curly headed three year old had broken a rule, was disciplined and now she was missing.

I ran through the house, frantic and close to tears. Craig and Kaitlyn joined the search. We could not find her. Finally, out of desperation I stopped and cried out at the top of my lungs, "Iz-zie!!! Isabel-laaaa!" Suddenly the Holy Spirit spoke to me to check my bed where I had been packing a huge suitcase for Craig and I. Throwing back the flap of the case I saw a small lump under my comforter. Qickly I yanked the quilt back and found Izzie hiding with her hands covering her sweet little face.

As I gathered her in my arms and hugged her close to my chest she looked me in my eyes. "Are you mad at me Mommy? I'm sorry Mommy, I love you!"

Of course my heart melted and I quickly forgot and forgave whatever the wrong had been. My little girl was back in my arms!

Fast forward a day later. I was in an intimate time of worship with the Father. His presence was so heavy, thick. I could hear Him so clearly.

"Tara, do you remember yesterday when Isabella was missing?," He whispered in my ear.

"Yes Lord, I was so desperate to find her. Nothing else mattered except finding Isabella!," I replied.

"There was desperation, and emotion in your voice," He reminded me. "When you yelled her name, that was a testament of your genuine love for her."

"I do love her and I was so set on finding her even though she had disobeyed me," I said.

"Tara, there was a day that I was that desperate to find you," the Father said. "I looked past every wrong and I yelled your name in declaration that you were mine and I would hold you in My arms again."

Immediately, my heart overflowed with gratitude, my eyes spilling tears. In my spirit I saw the Father, at my lowest points in life, stand up and with everything He hadn yell my name at the top of His lungs. He was calling me back home.

That picture has stayed with me. It is one I cannot forget.

The Word tells us that He has redeemed us, He has called us by name, we are His! And no matter what wrong we've committed or discipline we require, His love is unconditional.He will always be desperate to hold us in His arms again.

Kris Allen... God of This City

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:52:00 +0000

Kris Allen Singing "God Of This City" {American Idol} from Rick Smith on Vimeo.

Prayer Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Fri, 22 May 2009 02:54:00 +0000

I felt the presence of God so strongly tonight during Hunger Night.
While praying for souls to come into the Kingdom, I was moved to pray that we would have the heartbeat of God. Personally, I have had such a burden for those who do not yet know the Lord. I find myself wondering if those I run into have the awesome privilege of knowing Christ. And that is when that burning passion
Begins and I begin to share my faith.
What an honor it is to share His love and life changing power.

Be Action Oriented!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Tue, 19 May 2009 06:33:00 +0000

L O V E this Q U O T E by Bill Hybels....

“Personally, I’ve never understood inactivity. Why a person would sit when he can soar, spectate when he can play, or atrophy when he can develop is beyond me. I feel sure Jesus felt the same way. A lot of adjectives might describe Jesus’ time here on planet Earth, but comatose would not be one of them. In the span of three years in “vocational” ministry he performed dozens of miracles, healed hundreds of people, catalyzed thousands of conversions, set the stage for the most ambitious church plant in history, and died for the sins of all humankind. He was the epotime of action oriented.”

Mother's Day @ Christ Central... It's a WRAP!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:45:00 +0000

My blogging has unfortunately remained sporadic over the last few months. As much as I don't like it, I have also decided to stop apologizing for it. I have 24 hours in a day and well, about 30 hours of work to do each day not counting sleep, so some things are being minimized for now!

Anywho.... MOTHER'S DAY!!! It was (as PD says) UH-MAZING! I am fully convinced and confident that Craig and I have some of, if not the MOST incredible people at Christ Central! These ladies BROUGHT IT! Not to mention that their efforts brought in over 30 new guests! We had a record crowd!

We had our ladies doing everything on Sunday! We celebrated WOMEN! They greeted, they ushered, they led worship, they danced, they performed drama and they ministered!

The theme was "The Real Housewives of CC: No Obstacle is Lethal Enough to Erase the Potential We Possess!" I wrote a 20 minute drama that portrayed a "reunion" special of a 'faux' reality show featuring CC housewives. It was awesome! And our graphics gal went ALL out with the video graphics... they were incredible!

I brought the Word following the drama, "No Obstacle is Lethal Enough to Erase the Potential We Possess,,, So ARISE!" and them we ended the day in the presence of God with salvations (woo hoo!!!!), healing, restoration and a fresh infilling. The ladies made a demand on the anointing and God showed up in a powerful way!

We also gave away movie tickets, a Cuisine Art Coffee Maker, I-pod, massage, manicure, facial, haircut and coffee. And every woman received a swag bag filled with makeup, hair care, perfume, and lotion samples, jazzercise lesson, pens, tissues, nail care items, candy, homemade fudge and cookies, and $50 in coupons and discounts!

I have been in such awe of what GOD is doing... it is HIM... and I feel humbled DAILY to be used by Him...

You can hear the drama and message here... and I have included a link to photos here and YouTube clips of the dance ministry and a little bit of worship as well... enjoy!

BTW- for those of you who have contacted me wanting a "how to" and the drama and message notes... give us some time to pull these together and in the meantime... email me at pastortarasloan@gmail.com with your email AND mailing address. We are full aware that there is nothing new under the sun and we would be thrilled to share!

Use Me Lord!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:27:00 +0000

I wanna be a vessel You work through... I wanna be more like You!

In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets—some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. 2 Timothy 2:20 (The Message)

A Peek at "The Real Housewives of CC"

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:03:00 +0000

He's So Mmm-Mmm Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:23:00 +0000

What a beautiful weekend it was at Christ Central in Dallas, Georgia! As Bishop Miller always says, "It is amazing what can happen when you just show up!" Show up we did, praying, expecting, believing and full of faith...

We had close to thirty guests... and ten responded to the altar for salvation and rededication and God is proving Himself in other areas as well... it was an awesome day in the House of God!

This week we will hit the ground running. We are planning a huge Mother's Day event where we will celebrate mothers and ALL women. Our theme, "The Real Housewives of CC..." will exhibit drama, a message, powerful worship and dance ministry... AND we're giving away a spa package!!!! And every woman will receive a swag bag with goodies! And yes, chocolate will be involved!

We're believing for a powerful move of God! I'll post a lot more throughout the week and after the event... but I'll tell you now... I am SO excited!

Believing Together

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:46:00 +0000

I am sitting here watching "Walk the Line" with Kaitlyn. Craig is out with the guys seeing the new Wolverine movie.Christy and I had our girls' day out today. We did a little window shopping, talking, laughing, lunch, and yummy dessert at Garfield's. It was such a fun day!

I came home to a spick and span house and Craig firing up the grill. Ah, what a treat!

I am so looking forward to this weekend at CCD. We are calling in ten souls a week... Join us in our prayer!

What are you believing for? Comment me here or email me at destinydrivendiva@gmail.com

Believing Together

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:46:00 +0000

Around My House...

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:54:00 +0000

The Rapture

There has been a lot of talk about the end times lately in our house. That and discussion on how to hear the voice of God. Needless to say, family devotions have been very interesting. Kelsea and Haley have been listening to Pastor Lonnie's three set CD series on Revelation. It has stirred up a spirit of evangelism in our home. They have all been sharing Christ at school more than they ever have before. This makes a mother proud and it also stirs my spirit.

I have always believed that a great spiritual awakening and worldwide revival is going to take place through young people. Watching such an awakening occurring in my home right now, I am looking for an extreme global outpouring to take place at any time.

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams" (Acts 2:17)

Ministry Stuff
Every week I try to sum up in words what God is doing... and well, there aren't enough words. In our home, family, community, church, ministry... He is moving. As the church, we have made it a priority to solve the problems nearest us, and as we have started to do this we are seeing increase. As a family, Craig and I make our girls and each other our first ministry... and we see increase... our relationship with Daddy God... priority... relationships with others... priority... and we see increase.

Personally
I wish I had an extra five hours per day... some days I just have to take a deep breath... whew...! I know it will get easier once we move to the Dallas-Hiram area. I just have to hold it together until then. Seriously, I have SO much to do... and 24 hours just ain't cutting it! BUT... as Bishop says, "TIME is something we're all given the same measure of daily..." So, I will make it work... just like everyone else!

And right now it it TIME to cook dinner....

Headed Out

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:44:00 +0000

I wanted to blog quickly before we head out for the weekend. Chances are I will not get a chance to sit down again before Monday, although I will try.

Kaitlyn and Kelsea are attending the Relentless ROC Student Ministries Retreat this weekend, we'll drop them off at the Kellum's lake house where close to 40 young people will encounter God over the next few days. They are so excited!

After we drop them off we are headed to Dallas, GA to stay the whole weekend. Haley and Lexi are going to the circus with Jacquline and Kyle.They have to leave early in the morning so we're just going to head over there tonight, especially since it is race weekend this weekend. If we don't leave tonight we'll be stuck in raceway traffic for hours. Tomorrow Craig and I will just have Izzie most of the day tomorrow. That hasn't happened in quite a while!

We are SO excited and ready for Sunday at Christ Central!God is continuing to move powerfully and we are declaring and believing for 10 souls a week!!! This past Thursday CCD stocked the pantry at the local elementary school I wrote about a few days ago. The pantry was down to a few loaves of bread and CCD rose to the occasion and lived the Gospel message through giving! We even have a plan to continue feeding the children through the summer!

I have to run now so I can finish packing the girls...

Love & Blessings,

Mother's Day @ Christ Central...

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Here's a hint about what I am working on for Mother's Day....
So busy on this project I don't have time to do lotsa blogging!!! Stay tuned!!!

F O C U S

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:55:00 +0000

“It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny.” (Anthony Robbins)

“Focus on your potential instead of your limitations” (Allan Loy McGinnis)

Making a Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Exhausted... that is what I am this morning. Absolutely e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d! But I would not trade it for the world! The last couple of days we have had very, very long days at the church office. The girls are on spring break so we've been able to pop up early, head to the office and knock out a full day of work. I have been double timing it working for my company and then doing work for the church in between, on breaks and after hours.

Yesterday Craig and Mike, our youth pastor went to connect with the area schools so we can set a game plan for reaching the families in our community. They came back from one of the local elementary schools with tear stained faces and full hearts.

This elementary school population is 68% below poverty level. Many of those children have their last hot meal when they leave school on Friday. So, the school administration and faculty has implemented a program called, "My Backpack." Basically, they fill a backpack with non-perishable grocery items that will feed these children when they are at home on the weekends or on breaks. For $75 we can feel 40 children for a month of weekends or you can bring in the designated items on the list provided. Craig and Mike were shown the pantry that currently houses the backpack items. Sadly, it was almost empty. Needless to say, Christ Central will become a part of this program. Last night a plan was already being implemented for our involvement. We are so excited about making a difference and touching these children!

So much more is developing as well. We are kicking off "Wired for Purpose" this Sunday.... and we are believing for souls and awakened potential!

What a Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:25:00 +0000

I have been a terrible blogger lately! But I have a really good reason! We have been so busy with our new assignment at Christ Central that I have had very little time. So, today, a wrap up of my weekend will have to suffice!

Friday was my birthday and let me tell you... it was so great! I spent my morning and afternoon with Christy having lunch and then heading to the salon for a pedicure... then I headed home to get ready for dinner out with Craig, Daniel, Christy, Denise, Randy, Alicia and Jeff (all of which are some of the AWESOME Christ Central Ministry Team!). I was disappointed that Michael and Sunshine (More AWESOME CC Team members!) couldn't make it but we'll catch them next time! We all headed to Olive Garden where we ate WAY too much and closed the place down! We had so much fun! Alicia even made a waitress drop a wineglass when she pointed out her "sexy man" ... that was quite funny! I think it was even funnier when the waitress started referring to all of husbands as our "sexy men" when she was giving instruction on who got what entree! "THAT sexy man gets the chicken alfredo, and THAT sexy man gets the seafood, and THAT sexy man gets the steak and THAT sexy man gets the pork..."

I had such a great time! And to top it all off... our wonderful church gave me a day at the spa and Craig and the girls treated me to some new clothes! All that and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of cards, emails, messages, texts, and calls from family, friends and co-workers all weekend. I went to bed feeling so blessed... truly... words really could not express my feelings.

Saturday was spent at the park for an egg hunt with the girls followed by my biweekly grocery shopping, nail appointment and preparation for Sunday service. We drive into Georgia for service so we lose an hour on the way there and once there we spend most of the day there (although we cancelled extra activities this week). My typical Saturday night preparation includes ironing, packing extra clothes for my little girls, packing Izzie's tote bag with wipes, snacks and juice boxes, extra shoes for me, any materials we need, Bibles, charged mobile phones, coffee pot set up, and any other last minute tasks that pop up! And generally the older girls have drama practice and we have pastoral staff meeting from 6-7. Getting home we actually gain an hour and we use it for sleep!

With that said, Easter Sunday was INCREDIBLE! We had a packed house! The Christ Central folks brought it by accepting the challenge to bring friends and family... and to top that... NINE came to Christ! Woo hoo!!!!
Craig and I are so proud of the Christ Central Team... they are hard workers with a spirit of excellence! Without NINE to Him!

Today we worked a full day from the office, not something we do every day. Some days we work from home since we have a drive to contend with right now, but we try to make it in at least three weekdays. We like to connect with the community and be available for meetings, planning and projects.

This week we are launching a new series, "Wired for Purpose"... I cannot tell you how excited we are about exposing purpose in the lives of people at Christ Central! All I can say is it is something that no CCD person should miss... and if you aren't connected to a local church and you are nearby... we'd love to have you too!

I am getting up early again tomorrow so I am going to turn in....

He's Not Good... He's GREAT!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Today finds me still pondering on God and His, well, I was going to say 'goodness' but I am going with GREATNESS... We had such an exciting weekend which led into Monday and Tuesday just flying by! And God has been in all of it...

Saturday was a great day of fun and fellowship, we all headed to White Oak Park where we picnic-ed and hunted eggs all afternoon with our fabulous church family and guests. Even the adults got in on the fun and yours truly won the cash prize egg worth $130! It was a great day and we all came away kissed by the sun as well. My face is still tinged with a little pink that I am hoping will give me a little tanned look. Generally I don't tan, I burn and peel... but we'll see.Sunday was off the chain. After a great time of praise and worship with Pastor Glenn and the team, Craig brought a timely Word, "Don't Die on the Threshold! followed by a powerful time of ministry at the altar. It was indeed a GREAT day in the house of God!
After church about forty of us headed to Steak and Shake for lunch before having to get the youth back for drama/dance practice. It was a glorious day!And I can't talk about the church without saying that we have some of the most (as my friend PD says) uh-may-zing people! Seriously! They are go getters... team players... leaders... we are SO blessed! I'll talk more about them in time to come and share about the gifts God has blessed Christ Central of Dallas with.Right now our days and nights in between are filled with meetings, planning, and dreaming. The girls have ROC Youth tonight with Pastors Mike and Jill... whom they love already so much.

Well, I guess my quick update will have to continue on a little later, I have some work to do and things to cross off my never ending to do list!

Don't Give Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:17:00 +0000

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal:
it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Brush Your Teeth!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:31:00 +0000

I recently was asked to try out Oral Bs newest toothbrush for children... my two youngest LOVE the size which is easy for them to hold and maneuver in their little mouths and the bristles are soft, not sharp. All that said, their favorite thing is the color and characters on the brushes... the pink had Disney Princesses, and the red had Disney's Cars.

Oral-B Stage 3 is for kids who have a full set of baby teeth. At this stage, permanent molars are beginning to grow in while some baby teeth are lost. The brush features cup-shaped bristles that surround each tooth and a Power Tip that easily reaches around and behind back teeth. The larger handle and non-slip grip will help your child improve dexterity and brushing technique. Oral-B Stages is the dental professional’s #1 recommended toothbrush brand for children.

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:19:00 +0000

I have been doing book reviews for a while now... and just recently started doing some product reviews through She Speaks and Houseparty.com... I get free product... they get my feedback and some free marketing... hey, works for me!

Well, this week I will be doing a Tasting Party for Haagan Dazs and their new line of ice cream, "Five." Every flavor, Milk Chocolate, Ginger, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Bean, Passion Fruit, Coffee, and Mint has only "five" natural ingredients...

So, I will report back how the tasting went so you all can run out and try it for yourselves! I've enclosed some photos of what came in the kit...

Another Reason I Think Perry Noble ROCKS!

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:47:00 +0000

Not that he needs my approval or accolades... but I was excited to see Perry's take on women in ministry....

Joyce Meyer - One Of Five Leaders I Would Love To Meet With

Posted: 31 Mar 2009 04:09 AM PDT

#2 - Joyce Meyer

I personally think that Joyce Meyer is one of the most gifted and generous leaders on the planet today…and there is much I could learn from her.

Seriously, every person I get around who knows her always seem to have the same two things to say…

Number One – she has integrity like no one has ever seen! (BTW…she was listed by congress as one of the people they were investigating in the religious world as someone who potentially mismanaged their income. THAT got a lot of attention! BUT…what didn’t get reported was that she was found to be innocent of any type of financial mishandlings…THAT wasn’t reported!)

Number Two – she is incredibly generous!

I think I could learn a lot from her and would love to know how she developed such a generous spirit…and how she continually walks in integrity.

I know, I know…some of you are FREAKING OUT right now and saying, “But Perry, she’s a woman in the ministry and I don’t agree with…”

Stop it!

AND…I need to say one thing before moving on…I know there are people from various church backgrounds that have a problem with my desire to learn from Joyce…they say women should always be silent in the church and have no right to lead in any capacity whatsoever—which I find incredibly hypocritical.

After all, if it were not for the WOMEN in the church the past 100 years…we would have been screwed. THEY taught Sunday school, THEY served countless hours, THEY did what no one else was willing to do…while most of the men sat on their “blessed assurance” and did nothing!

Whether you agree with her “calling” or her “theology”…one thing that you cannot disagree with is the fact that Jesus is using her to reach thousands of people…and anyone who is having Kingdom impact is someone I would like to learn from!

Open Doors

noreply@blogger.com (Tara Sloan) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:44:00 +0000

Over the last two weeks I have experienced almost every emotion known to man... or woman! Craig, the girls and I are embarking on an incredible journey. Ministry is anything but predictable, and well, recently that has proven itself to us again. However, God has opened this door to us and inside is opportunity, great people, and foundation, among other things. Our hearts are full and some days we look at each other in disbelief, but oddly enough, THAT is one of the things that has kept us on this path. We are without a doubt relying on the Lord for direction and the wisdom of those we are accountable to. And I have never been in a better place in my life. Last Sunday a confirming word was spoken to me VERBATIM of a prayer that I have prayed for a little over six months. As I heard the words spoken I found my own lips saying to the word in unison with the minister speaking. My husband is more at peace, and grounded... and the girls are lit up, excited and embracing our opportunity (btw- they are amazing!). It is time... I just keep hearing that in my spirit... it is time.

In the coming week (I hope), my blog will somewhat reflect the new place I am in... and I hope to impart some of the wisdom and direction I am gleaning through the words I write and experiences I go through.

Believing that the BEST is yet to come...