Morgan Johnson, 17-year-old Victim of Suicide Remembered With Love

Since Tuesday when the news of 17-year-old Morgan Johnson's suicide first scrolled across Facebook, I feel as if I carried a ton of bricks.  Almost unable to move with the sadness of this young woman's death.  I didn't know Morgan but my husband taught at her school.  I've wanted so much to do something for this GEM of a young lady, for ALL young ladies ARE GEMS.  Rare and highly valued, as all persons are, I'm reminded that in a dark world such as ours, we need to hear the good news of our "gem-ness." At times we all fear that we aren't worth much.

Community gathered at the L&N Depot, Etowah, Tennessee

I gathered with some spiritual people last night (Thursday) and we spoke of Morgan.  We spoke of our responsibility to love each other, to bear one another's burdens, to do it without expectation of anything in return.  We felt downcast for we were thinking that we are terrible failures at loving this way.  We spoke of the most loving person who ever lived and how our favorite book about him tells us he gave up heaven for us.  HE GAVE UP HEAVEN FOR US.  Because, for him, us knowing him, us knowing his father, WAS what he lived and died and rose again to realize!  His love for us never fails!  He will fill us to over- flowing with love for each other.  We need only look to him!


On Morgan's Facebook page, she says she knows this One Who Loves her most.  Someone had to tell her that.  Someone shared that good news of a hero!  I went to a candlelight vigil for Morgan to represent the One Who Loves. He has a plan in all this.  He works all things together for good for those who know him.  You and I are invited to know Him!

I've wanted so much to do something for this GEM of a young lady, for ALL young ladies ARE GEMS.

Haley Martin, friend of Morgan's and coordinator of the candle light vigil met with me after the event.  I was grateful for her willingness to do something in honor of Morgan.   


We need only look on the One Who Loves to be filled with love...  Let us rest, gazing upon him!  He will be our strength.  He will never leave us nor forsake us, not even in death!  

Three Little Acts to Change the Future for Better!

Vision Casting Tomorrow, February 4th.  Athens Alive 2035 Event

1.  Attend Athens Alive 2035 tomorrow from 10 AM to 2PM.


Tomorrow, we are invited to the Athens Middle School auditorium, to share our hopes for the future!  I've shared on the air that, "this side of heaven, there is no "heaven"" and that's true.  But until Christ returns, it is our work to redeem the relationships of people to God, and then to be ambassadors of God's love to his creation! 

 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15


Which is why, when Athens Public Works Director, Athens' own Young-Man-of-the-Year and friend Shawn Lindsey wrote the email below, I wanted to share it with you!


2.  Listen for INSPIRATION

"Dear Friends:I was in grade school when my teacher talked to us about the concept of utopia.  I was fascinated with the idea of a perfect place.  It consumed my thoughts and I wanted to learn more and more about it and I have pursued it my entire life and still to this day the idea of utopia keeps me up nights.  For those that may not know what Utopia is Wikipedia defines it as: 

Utopia (/juːˈtoʊpiə/) is an ideal community or society possessing a perfect socio-politico-legal system. The word was imported from Greek by Sir Thomas More for his 1516 book Utopia, describing a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean. The term has been used to describe both intentional communities that attempt to create an ideal society, and fictional societies portrayed in literature. It has spawned other concepts, most prominentlydystopia.

 I later read books like Don Quixote by Cervantes who told us a story of a man who decided to see the world as it should be instead of how it was.  I admire this kind of crazy.  I like the fact that there are those among who have the attitudes, the belief in themselves and those around them, as well as the courage to change the world for the better.  Now it seems to me as if we all have that chance this Saturday.   I hope to see you at the Middle School and to be ready to decide the future of the community we all love and the faith to make it happen.  I think it is the time and the place to begin brining an Abundant Life to those we will leave this community to in 2035.  I can’t wait for the journey between now and then and to see the path laid before us as this process is completed.

Please look at the attached and share with your fellow Athenians at work, school, church, and with your civic clubs.

 Sincerely,

Shawn Lindsey

Public Works Director

City of Athens

phone: 423 744-2746

Isn't Mr. Lindsey a great writer?!  You can see why I wanted to share this email.  We thank God for The Lindsey Family and the blessing they are to Mc Minn County!
Tomorrow, our family will not be present for this event.  Our dear Uncle Clarence Croft, who used humor & engineering to redeem many an awkward situation will be laid to rest in Madisonville.  Please remember Uncle Clarence's family in your prayers.
3.  Share your hopes for the future of Athens!

Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

Rachel Wrote a Song About Joy and I LOVE IT! *Album release today!

One of my favorite authors, Francis Chan, has five kids.  Francis writes about God's crazy outpouring of love for people.  So when his daughter Rachel wrote a song about the unconditional joy through Jesus Christ,   I wanted to hear it!
(For Rachel's song, EVEN HERE, go to 24:00.)

Francis' preaching is full of hope and awe.  Many preach, but few love God.  Francis loves God and I want what he has in his relationship with God!  Rachel's song helps bring it home to my heart...
Rachel's website
Her album just happens to release today, January 10, 2012!  If you download it or pick it up, let me know what you think!  Or read more about Rachel, her family and her music here.
Thanks and Happy New Year :)
Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

Waiting For A Miracle At Christmas

For thirteen years, we didn’t speak.  The wounds were so deep, so raw.  All through my childhood and teen years, I tried to get my dad to be who I needed him to be.  There’s nothing that can replace the relationship with one’s father.  I needed a miracle.

Fast forward to the present.  Half-awake, my nine year-old-son started to cry as he stumbled into the living room..  “Where’s Dad?  You said he’d be here.”  (My baby’s daddy was already at work for the day.)  He longs for his daddy as I longed for mine.  We’ll see him tonight.

As I approach a day full of "miracles needed", I reached for the Book of Promises, the Bible, and opened to John 1.

            …To all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, he gave the right to be called the sons of God. John 1:12

For thirteen years, I journeyed through grief and hope, seeking reconciliation with my father.  All along the way, the one perfect Father, was with me, calling me his own, providing my every need with graciousness and kindness.  

So when I saw my father after thirteen years, I was compelled to do what God-the-father does for me.  I ran toward him.  “DAD!”  I called his name.  In front of a plaza full of hot-dog diners, we sobbed and hugged.  He met my husband and our children, his grandchildren.  My husband later confessed that he didn’t know what to do, whether he should punch him or hug him!  I’m glad there were no punches.

My father apologized, naming offenses right then and there.  I did the same, apologizing for demanding what he couldn’t give.

It’s been two years since dad and I reconnected.  He emails me almost every day.  Even though I didn’t grow up with him, we have the same sense of humor.  It’s amazing to resemble someone I don’t know very well…

It’s a miracle to be reconciled with my dad.  It brings me great joy.

There are other miracles that, like anyone, I’m waiting to see realized.  When God sent his Son, Christ, into the world, the most awesome miracle of all occurred. To all who did receive Him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to be called the sons of God. John 1:12

May we receive the gift of God’s love and share it with others, moment by moment.  He is a good father.  He knows what’s best. 

Hoping for a miraculous Christmas…xoxo

~Katie

Share Your "Miracle" Story!

Tis the Season of Miracles! 


If you have a "miracle story" we want to hear it!  And share it, to encourage others!
Email or call the office: KatieSmithRadioCommunityConnection@Gmail.com or call 423-746-2655 and leave a message! 
Thanks so much and Happy Holidays!

Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

God is DRIVEN Toward US: Day 3; The Purpose Driven Life

Yeah, I was driven tonight!  The five things we're not supposed to be driven by...I think I had them all.
Here's a snap shot, my latest FB post:

I didn't say a word. But I silently, rapidly flew around the house to get the kids ready for bed...Then I stayed in a bad mood until I read a bit on FB (that picks me up)...Now I'm noticing that despite being exhausted, my husband has been reading to our children for quite a while. And I remember when he didn't used to do that. And how glad I am that I didn't yell or give up before this moment.


Rick Warren (RW) had so many great things to say about negatives and positives that are driving forces in our lives.  It made me think that if I could just balance or get more "goods" on the scale than "bads", that all would be well.  Then my husband, who  is my favorite theologian, said something like this:


"God is driven for us.  He is weaving together all these things and he's saying, "get in the front row and let me teach you!"


I need to be taught.  I need a teacher who will get in my face and say, "NOW, DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION??  GOOD!"

And then go on to say,  "I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU,  I LOVE YOU!  You cannot outrun my love.  You can have your way about it, but I will still be here to love you!" 


I know that's how God loves us.  Lord forgive me for all the stuff, all the bad moods and false loves that I let get in between responding to your love and loving your creation.


Rest in his love for you.  God is Driven for you!

We're Not An "Accident" Day 2; The Purpose Driven Life

You are not an accident.  Do you believe that?  I've wrestled with that!
My parents divorced when I was around three years old.  I have been tempted to think, "maybe they only married because of me, etc..."
Or, what about the 15 years-young woman who, just yesterday, was rescued from a cellar in New Jersey where she was imprisoned... Is her life a mistake; falling in love with a captor?  Or what about her captors?  They have imprisoned at least four people who were mentally ill and there is evidence of more victims.  Does God call people that sick "accidents"?

In Day 2 of The Purpose Driven Life,  many scriptures assure us that God planned every detail of our lives, taking into account "mistakes" and sin. (pg. 23)  The further we get from God's purpose, the further into the pit of hell.  What is hell?  Life apart from the goodness of God, his design, his mercy, his love; life apart from God himself.
I want to say to that newly-freed young woman, "You are loved!  You are of value!  There is redemption in this!"
Who knows how many more would have been brutally mistreated if she had not been lured, then sought after by authorities.  As for her captors, God has a plan for them, too.  I thank God that there is some semblance of justice in our country and that these people will not be allowed to hurt others as they have.  I pray that they get what they need.  And I actively trust the truths below.  Because today is a hard day for living in a world full of brokenness.

I am your Creator.  You were in my care even before you were born.  ~Isaiah 44:2a (CEV)


God doesn't play dice. ~Albert Einstein


The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 138:8a (NIV)


You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something." Psalm 139:15 (Msg)


You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe.  Every day was recorded in your book! Psalm 139:16 (LB)


He planned it all for his purpose. pg. 23


From one man he made every nation, . . . and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 4 Acts 17:26 (NIV)


Nothing in your life is arbitrary.  It's all for a purpose. pg. 23


While there are illegitimate parents, there are no illegitimate children.  Many children are unplanned by their parents, but they are not unplanned by God. pg. 23


Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love. pg. 24


God is love.  (must look up reference...9, 10, from the book- sorry...)


"I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth.  Even when you are old, I wil be the same.  Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you.  I made you and will take care of you. 10


The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us." Romans 12:3 The Message


I am your Creator.  You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2 (CEV)

Question from the Day's reading:  "I know God created me.  Is there something about me that I am struggling to accept??"

• For counseling regarding unplanned pregnancy, click here: http://www.fullcirclepregnancy.com/
• For the story of the cellar prison, click here:  http://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-florida-girl-linked-philadelphia-basement-dungeon/story?id=14761933

OUR CAUSE?! Interview with New York Times Best Selling Author Matthew Barnett

"Can you hear me now?"  So many say it in jest, or at least they did before cell towers graced every horizon!  Many more have called out sincerely in need and desperation.  God is listening.  Are we listening?

Pastor and Best-Selling author of The Cause Within You,  Pastor Matthew Barnett, called-in to affirm the weary. YES!  God is indeed listening and speaking.

But what is God saying?  What can you do with your weariness?  What about the tired and needy around us?  What can they do?

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus Christ, in the book of Matthew 11:28-30, said we are to rest in Him and his faithfulness!  Jesus Christ also said,  “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Sounds like a story of redemption!

Pastor Matthew shares his own experience resting in God's promises to guide and provide!  His Dream Center in Los Angeles houses 700+ of the most needy.  It’s a dream from Matthew’s past come true; one that has changed the “City of Angeles”!

You and I have a role in “change”.  The “rest” Jesus offers is to know by faith that we are saved! And that faith without those good works is worthless, dead. 

So I ask, “have we heard from God?”  Are we forgiven our lack of perfection before a perfect God?  If we answered yes, then Jesus says come and die to your dreams, I’ve got something better!  Take up my cross, my plans for this broken, cursed world!  Be about what I am doing!  Then you will truly live!

We are to be about knowing God, and telling, caring for the needy and the marginalized.  I hope this interview breathes new life into old dreams, and new visions for the once-blind!  God has a "work" perfectly suited to you and to me!  Pastor Matthew's book and interview will help us SEE OUR CAUSE WITHIN!

Soli Deo Gloria! K. De La Cruz

NY TIMES #15 Best-Seller List!

THE CAUSE WITHIN YOU Resources

The Katie De La Cruz Show, Fridays at 3:05PM

WYXI Radio, 1390 AM, Athens, Tennessee

Part 1: Thinking About, (Or Running From) Homeschooling! Philosophy and Practically

If you know me, you know I'm passionate about education for all children!  In a correspondence with a dear friend, I share about why, how and the beauty and terror! of educating at home!  Please share how you decided to homeschool by posting comments!  Thank you!  I can't wait to hear your story!


...As for homeschooling, I wanted to quit after 2 1/2 weeks! Then I discovered a very wise educator, christian mother and she changed how I thought about education theory at all stages. Her name is Carole Joy Seid and you can listen to an interview online for free at www.carolejoyseid.com. I think the fear of homeschooling for most moms is that we think we have to do at home what is done in a classroom at school. That method isn't homeschooling. It's school-at-home and there is a huge difference. One of my favorite movies-to help illustrate-is Sense and Sensibility. In that movie, there is a scene where the youngest daughter is sitting at a table next to a fire. Her mother is doing needle point and her eldest sister is beside them at the table, tutoring her younger sister in French. The younger is reading a French book aloud, the family corrects as needed. Now you may be thinking "I don't speak French" the activity isn't the point. The family is learning and exchanging ideas together. They are bonded together. It is a very natural picture of family relating. Not forced, or rushed, or even wealthy, in monetary terms... But what a wealth they have as they live shoulder-to-shoulder! So the baby interrupts. So shorten the lessons. Make them 10 minutes in length. Feed the baby, change her, etc then put her in a pack in play with some books and stacking blocks. Set the timer for 10 minutes. Get out your math facts flashcards and practice with the kids until the timer goes off. If the baby cries during that time, tell her you'll be with her when the timer goes off. Then as soon as the timer goes off, get her and hug her and praise her for being so patient and self controlled-her her you're delighted that God is giving her his grace at such a young age! Then go back to the kids-who have been taking a break on the swings while you tended to baby. Tell them how proud you are that they use their bodies to honor the Lord! You get the picture. It's possible. There will be a learning curve. You'll have to change and reorient your expectations and so will your family. If God is calling you to do this, and it sounds like he is, he will give you what you need to honor the calling. It wont be perfect, but then again nothing this side of heaven is. But you will be faithfully parenting your children, preparing them for eternity and for life in union wit Christ and his people. Nothing matters as much!
The Case For Classical Christian Education is a book by Douglas Wilson. In my humble opinion, every parent should read the first 5 chapters.
Know that the Lord NEVER calls us to do something that we can not do IN HIS STRENGTH. He wants us to delight in our dependence on Him, to thank him for it! That behavior of dependence on Christ produces freedom and joy in our hearts. It's a paradox but it's true!
I love you and will be praying for you! It's never to late or too insignificant to homeschool. For more compelling arguments, call (a teacher) after a day teaching in the classroom!
You are precious and in His hands and so is your family! Please let me know what other thoughts you have! Thank you for helping me to recall so many empowering and hopeful thoughts about the work we're doing! Come over any time. We'd love to have you! But I have to let you know that we are sacrificing to do this and it shows. But we have what we need!
Test God on his promises to take care of you in all ways and see if he isn't trustworthy!
I can't wait to rejoice with you!


Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

Encouragement For The Adoption Journey

I've wanted to adopt since I knew there were orphans!  So this idea goes way back.  But with varying routines of life this summer, I've fallen off the wagon, you could say...  Or could you?  I have been a bit demotivated by circumstances.  In effort to restart the ole' adoption train, (which is the initial paperwork,) I borrowed a book called Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman.  I don't usually read books by people married to somewhat famous people or about famous people unless it's a historical figure.  (She's married to singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman.) But I identify so much with this particular author-and the story, oh, the story...

Summary:  perfectionist mom (like me) comes to terms with the world-wide orphan crisis, (yes, keep going) adopts three girls from China.  In circumstances that could happen anywhere, her teenage-son, while driving in the family's driveway, doesn't see the five-year-old sister (oh, no!) as she runs up to the moving car (no, don't say it!) and parishes.  (Silence.) AND God's healing grace invades the family history over and over again, showcasing God's unimaginable ability to bring beauty from ashes.  (WOW!)

I know, right?  Makes you want to read it, doesn't it?!

I'm always looking for a redemptive thread to carry on the vision of The Katie De La Cruz Show...  Maybe Mary Beth will come talk to me on my show about adoptive families...  It's worth hoping for!
If you have an adoption or other redemption story, I'd be honored if you would share it with me!  Leave your comments below! Thank you!

Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

Brad Smith, Singer, Rocks With Katie De La Cruz!

Sitting in the audience, I could feel my seat rattle!  Brad was singing bass. I didn’t think Nashville had earthquakes, which, as a Southern Californian, was my first guess!  To be honest, at the age of 19, I’d never heard a quartet.  I quickly realized I was hearing a legend, one I’ve come to admire very much.  His love for music is equaled only by his love and loyalty to all the people in his life!

Brad Smith has been singing since he could speak!  He tours with The Songfellows and will be in concert in East Tennessee on August 5^th & 6^th.  His low-notes and tenor lines are the finest I’ve heard!  He has the stamina of an athlete, the voice of legend and the heart of a hero.  During the next Katie De La Cruz Show, Brad will take us on a journey, conversation-style as I learned of why he sings, the miracles of his wife and son, and his adoption into the Hopi Indian Tribe. 

Listen to Brad Smith on The Katie De La Cruz Show, 3:05 Friday, July 22^nd.  WYXI Radio Athens, 1390 AM. 

Brad's Website!!! (It's really cool!)

Brad's Facebook Fan Page (It's cool, too!)

Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

Christian Regretting Motherhood? My Response to This Motherhood Post: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank#.Tiht6q53jzs.facebook

I didn’t have to read the entire article to clarify something for myself and… just in case anyone is looking, for them, too.

I am a mom.  It is the hardest thing I’ve ever accepted.  The cross my husband and I carry is that we are called to parent our children.  One must be present to parent…  So, I don’t have a career.  I have an itty-bitty radio show that I excel at the on-air stuff but drop behind-the-scenes stuff.  A lot.  Just ask my station owners...  And I wish I didn’t.  I hate not being perfect-especially in front of others.  But my priorities dictate that a few balls can drop.  Just not my husband, son #1 or son #2.  Not the family.  I've been doing this "christian motherhood, wife gig" for 11.5 years and I'm beginning, BABY STEPS  to understand what and who and how.  I heard this excellent thought last night,  "You can't be about the Big Picture when you are consumed with the needs in front of you."  So, who is our faith really in?  Christ has already promised to take care of our needs.  That reality should free us up to raise our kids with "big picture" perspective!  I pray that it does!

We drive old cars, borrowed cars and any car that will go, because our ministry tithe to our family is very, very high!   I'm not bragging about that.  We live in a once-upon-a-time cute house that-is-no-more.  (Use your imagination, lol.)   Because you may be struggling with your calling, I share this reality to encourage you,  really!

I have a radio show and for the summer, while the kids are with Dad, I get to put more than 10 hours a week into it; because motherhood is my first cross, my first act of obedience each day.  I couldn't do the show as much as I am without my husband.  My husband is called to teach, coach and preach and has the summer off from teaching.  But his first calling is as my husband.  And I am called to motherhood.  So he teaches and delivers pizza and is the kids' teacher for the summer.    Because I’m called to motherhood, because we're called to parenthood.

Sure, I hope my radio show will be a commercial-success.  It would be great to have money left at the end of the month.  But if it isn’t, I have pleased the One who matters most, the one who obeyed His Father and died for me.

Soli Deo Gloria! ~K. De La Cruz

The Great Father On Father's Day

I use Facebook quite a bit and with the advent of Father's Day, there is an unusual amount of father-kid pictures.  I love to see them.  But it stings a bit, too.  I hurt for my friends who's fathers have not been fatherly.  And that's a very sanitized way of putting it.  There is one Father, God-the-Father who is great!  He knows just what his kids need.

In the book of Phillipians, chapter 4, we read:



 ⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.


 ⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ⁹ Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you...

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ,^[c] who gives me strength. ¹⁴ Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.


As our Father has given all good things to us, let us also share every good thing especially with those in need!

Prayerfully yours!
K. DeLaCruz

Adoption, Hope and the Party to Come!

I'm four days-out from visiting an orphanage in Guatemala.  The children, orphans are in my mind throughout the day now.  I've never been to an orphanage before but have always wanted to adopt.  There are so many reasons why I shouldn't adopt right now.  It will cost more money than I have, for one.  I have other children who need my attention.  I should wait until my radio show is making money.  And the list goes on.  But before I go all "Debbie Downer" on you, let me say that I shouldn't have gone to Guatemala for all those same reasons.  Yet the money came in, my kids joined in the fundraising and travel, and my radio show is steadily gaining both an audience and advertisers.

There are two reasons why I must choose to see the need for adoption.

Number One:  God loves me, father's me and sent his only son to die for me.  I'm adopted.  I'm his daughter.  He paid my ransom.  I am the spiritual orphan.  He made his son, Jesus Christ poor so that I will live and have riches in him.

Number Two:  Hearing this awesome news of my adoption, hearing how God-The-Father loves to bring spiritual orphans into his house, how can I ignore the state of poverty that orphans live in?  How can I not adopt, really?

I've started the research.  There's a local organization called "Hearts4Ghana" that has just been established to bring children "home" from an orphanage with as little Red Tape as possible.  Today, I plan to contact them.

A friend of mine, Wendy Twit said to me, "adoption is God's Plan A."

You don't have to believe in God to know that children need a home.  I will have to trust in God to make a home and grow our family.  And the promise I can rest in is that He is preparing a place for those who trust in him, and there will be a great party celebrating the homecoming of all God's adopted children!  As we walk by faith, our hope is not in vain.