Scripture:
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. -- Romans 4:19-21 MSG
Prayer:
As we enter into a new decade, may we like Abraham focus on Your Promises...for Your Promises are Sure and Steadfast. The past decade has been one of transition...I pray the next decade is one of position. May we keep the faith the next 10 years...may it be counted to us as righteousness! Plunging into Your Promises we go...coming up Strong! ♥
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Morning Manna
Scripture:
"...We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better." -- Colossians 1:9-10 NLT
Prayer:
You have created me a Learner, so I desire to deeply know You...to learn of You, Your Will for my life and that of my family...I desire You. May knowing You more bring forth new and lasting fruit. May growing in You bring learning that lingers. Vertical vs. horizontal learning...this is my focus. ♥
"...We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better." -- Colossians 1:9-10 NLT
Prayer:
You have created me a Learner, so I desire to deeply know You...to learn of You, Your Will for my life and that of my family...I desire You. May knowing You more bring forth new and lasting fruit. May growing in You bring learning that lingers. Vertical vs. horizontal learning...this is my focus. ♥
Monday, December 28, 2009
Morning Manna
Scripture:
"If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought." -- James 1:5 - 6 MSG
Prayer:
"Boldly asking You for wisdom for 2010, Lord. I'm asking You, the One who consistently provides more than I could ever ask or think. I'd love for You to blow my mind! Your ways are unconventional, this I know...so, my part is to believe and receive...open hands, open heart. Returning to You. ♥"
"If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought." -- James 1:5 - 6 MSG
Prayer:
"Boldly asking You for wisdom for 2010, Lord. I'm asking You, the One who consistently provides more than I could ever ask or think. I'd love for You to blow my mind! Your ways are unconventional, this I know...so, my part is to believe and receive...open hands, open heart. Returning to You. ♥"
Monday, June 29, 2009
Do You Know Your Story?
I didn't know I had a story. I was living life - one day at a time - not really paying attention to a whole lot. My plan for the day included: wake up, go to work, come home, go to sleep. Of course, there were a few things in between like family and church stuff, but not much else. Life was a daily blur.
In September 2005, I accepted what would be this biggest challenge of my life. I joined a women's mentoring group. You have to understand just how huge this was for me. I hated women. No, I abhorred them. So, to become a part of a women's mentoring group was VERY unlike me. I "told" God that I didn't want anything to do with women, much less women's mentoring or ministry. Absolutely NO WAY!! I'm sure you can imagine the Lord chuckling at my demands.
As you can guess, I was thrown in head first. Around the table the questions came, "Why are you here?" and "What do you want to gain from our time together?" Huh? I had no idea how to answer those plus a few more! All I knew was that I intensely disliked the woman that I had become...bitter, angry, hot-headed, and downright mean!
It was time. It was time for me to totally surrender. I surrendered my will, my time, and my preconceived ideas of the ladies around the room. I surrendered my life to the One who loves me most. Into His hands I submitted my heart and soul.
During my second year of the two-year program, we were assigned to tell our stories. Me? What story? I don't want to look back on my life? All of the ugly things that I had done and things that were done to me. NO!!
After reading the book for the month - To Be Told by Dr. Dan Allender - my heart was changed. I realized there were wounds left untouched. There were wounds still festering from my past. So, I obeyed my mentor and poured out the memories of my past. It was painful. It was beautiful. It was for my benefit.
Do you know YOUR story? Somebody needs to hear it.
"Much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay." -- The Shack
Today I met with an acquaintance whom I believe will turn into a friend. She needed to hear my story. No, not all of it...no gory details today...just bite-size pieces. It was painful. It was beautiful.
Do you know YOUR story? I pray you will revisit your past. Why? To remember and celebrate what God has brought you through.
Pen away my friend...pen away.
In September 2005, I accepted what would be this biggest challenge of my life. I joined a women's mentoring group. You have to understand just how huge this was for me. I hated women. No, I abhorred them. So, to become a part of a women's mentoring group was VERY unlike me. I "told" God that I didn't want anything to do with women, much less women's mentoring or ministry. Absolutely NO WAY!! I'm sure you can imagine the Lord chuckling at my demands.
As you can guess, I was thrown in head first. Around the table the questions came, "Why are you here?" and "What do you want to gain from our time together?" Huh? I had no idea how to answer those plus a few more! All I knew was that I intensely disliked the woman that I had become...bitter, angry, hot-headed, and downright mean!
It was time. It was time for me to totally surrender. I surrendered my will, my time, and my preconceived ideas of the ladies around the room. I surrendered my life to the One who loves me most. Into His hands I submitted my heart and soul.
During my second year of the two-year program, we were assigned to tell our stories. Me? What story? I don't want to look back on my life? All of the ugly things that I had done and things that were done to me. NO!!
After reading the book for the month - To Be Told by Dr. Dan Allender - my heart was changed. I realized there were wounds left untouched. There were wounds still festering from my past. So, I obeyed my mentor and poured out the memories of my past. It was painful. It was beautiful. It was for my benefit.
Do you know YOUR story? Somebody needs to hear it.
"Much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay." -- The Shack
Today I met with an acquaintance whom I believe will turn into a friend. She needed to hear my story. No, not all of it...no gory details today...just bite-size pieces. It was painful. It was beautiful.
Do you know YOUR story? I pray you will revisit your past. Why? To remember and celebrate what God has brought you through.
Pen away my friend...pen away.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Change Formula
Church was great this morning! Well, actually, it always is, but I just had to say it!
Our pastor has been sharing on transition the last few weeks; however, today, he began a new series entitled, "Seasons". My curiosity was at a level high because transitions, seasons, and change have all been swimming around in my head for a while. So with pen and journal in hand, I poised myself to listen and learn!
Our pastor gave us this formula...I encourage you to chew on it for a minute:
Change of Place + Change of Pace = Change of Perspective
Now, say it aloud. Say it again. Say it real slow.
I could relate immediately on so many platforms. I'll give you a simple one...
In November 2007, we moved from the "City of Hills" to the "City of Rivers". There was an immediate change of place...it was obvious.
With the move came an immediate sense of relief. We had been driving quite a distance for work and church. With our move, the gas bill, toll expenses, and drive time decreased considerably. We were so thankful!
Our change of place (hills to rivers) + our change of pace (drive time, tolls, & gas) = our change of perspective.
The change in perspective has been HUGE! I have learned so much living here...about the goodness of the Lord, about nature, about rest. There's a great sense of Shalom peace that comes when you know you're at the right place at the right time...His right plan for our family.
Regardless of where you are positioned in the change formula, change IS good because God IS good!
I've never had a greater yearning in my heart to "go with the flow". This is unusual for me because I am a planner. I need framework. I need visual aids. I need something solid OR ELSE!
Be still and rest...the Psalms have been a great reminder to commit, trust, and lean into my Great Shepherd. Change is inevitable. Change is necessary. Change is the formula for the greater plan...His plan for our lives.
This summer has been a season of rest, but change is around the corner. New place, new pace, and new perspective...I can't wait!
Our pastor has been sharing on transition the last few weeks; however, today, he began a new series entitled, "Seasons". My curiosity was at a level high because transitions, seasons, and change have all been swimming around in my head for a while. So with pen and journal in hand, I poised myself to listen and learn!
Our pastor gave us this formula...I encourage you to chew on it for a minute:
Change of Place + Change of Pace = Change of Perspective
Now, say it aloud. Say it again. Say it real slow.
I could relate immediately on so many platforms. I'll give you a simple one...
In November 2007, we moved from the "City of Hills" to the "City of Rivers". There was an immediate change of place...it was obvious.
With the move came an immediate sense of relief. We had been driving quite a distance for work and church. With our move, the gas bill, toll expenses, and drive time decreased considerably. We were so thankful!
Our change of place (hills to rivers) + our change of pace (drive time, tolls, & gas) = our change of perspective.
The change in perspective has been HUGE! I have learned so much living here...about the goodness of the Lord, about nature, about rest. There's a great sense of Shalom peace that comes when you know you're at the right place at the right time...His right plan for our family.
Regardless of where you are positioned in the change formula, change IS good because God IS good!
I've never had a greater yearning in my heart to "go with the flow". This is unusual for me because I am a planner. I need framework. I need visual aids. I need something solid OR ELSE!
Be still and rest...the Psalms have been a great reminder to commit, trust, and lean into my Great Shepherd. Change is inevitable. Change is necessary. Change is the formula for the greater plan...His plan for our lives.
This summer has been a season of rest, but change is around the corner. New place, new pace, and new perspective...I can't wait!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A Sad Day
I'm saddened today by the death of two icons - Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Both passed away on June 25, 2009...one expected and the other unexpected.
I was an avid fan of Charlie's Angels. My family - consisting of my dad, mom, and I - would gather together weekly to watch Charlie's Angels. I imagined myself in a polyester leisure suit, a long-sleeved satin blouse with fluffy bow around the neck, and high leather boots. I even had a poster of Charlie's three beauties in my closet posed with gun in hand. My mom was a hair stylist, so you can imagine the feathered nest on my head as I attempted Farrah's iconic hair style! Treasured memories...I chuckle just thinking about it.
Michael Jackson brings more memories. My best friend lived two houses to the left in the cul-de-sac...San Anselmo Lane to be exact. She had two older brothers who were huge MJ fans, so needless to say, there were records, posters, calendars, etc. piled all over their rooms. I specifically remember the album, Off The Wall. We played that album day after day after day. Treasured BFF moments.
I'm saddened today. I'm saddened that the symbols of a time fondly remembered have passed.
For me, I'll remember Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson for the connection and camaraderie they brought to my family and friends.
- I'll remember Farrah Fawcett for joining my family together on Friday nights and for providing my mom with one more hair style experiment.
- I'll remember Michael Jackson for providing the lyrics, beat, dance steps, and videos that forever influenced music history.
I pray that in their very last breath, they cried out to their Savior...
Romans 10:13, KJV, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
I was an avid fan of Charlie's Angels. My family - consisting of my dad, mom, and I - would gather together weekly to watch Charlie's Angels. I imagined myself in a polyester leisure suit, a long-sleeved satin blouse with fluffy bow around the neck, and high leather boots. I even had a poster of Charlie's three beauties in my closet posed with gun in hand. My mom was a hair stylist, so you can imagine the feathered nest on my head as I attempted Farrah's iconic hair style! Treasured memories...I chuckle just thinking about it.
Michael Jackson brings more memories. My best friend lived two houses to the left in the cul-de-sac...San Anselmo Lane to be exact. She had two older brothers who were huge MJ fans, so needless to say, there were records, posters, calendars, etc. piled all over their rooms. I specifically remember the album, Off The Wall. We played that album day after day after day. Treasured BFF moments.
I'm saddened today. I'm saddened that the symbols of a time fondly remembered have passed.
For me, I'll remember Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson for the connection and camaraderie they brought to my family and friends.
- I'll remember Farrah Fawcett for joining my family together on Friday nights and for providing my mom with one more hair style experiment.
- I'll remember Michael Jackson for providing the lyrics, beat, dance steps, and videos that forever influenced music history.
I pray that in their very last breath, they cried out to their Savior...
Romans 10:13, KJV, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tribes - We Need YOU to Lead Us -- Seth Godin
I love to read. I love to read books that motivate, challenge, and encourage me.
My newest book is, "Tribes - We Need You to Lead Us," by Seth Godin. It's a small book. Only 151 pages with no chapters. It is a book that I find completely unorthodox -- a NEW way of thinking, viewing, living, and leading. This book is chock-full of inspiration!
To list the quotes that provoked me would take years of blogs. However, one particular section of Tribes was entitled, "The F Word", (p. 42). F is for Fear.
This portion of the book really stopped me in my tracks because fear had been an obstacle for me since childhood. In the past, fear stopped me from accomplishing many things and diverted me from many opportunities to lead.
Godin shares that the industry does not suffer from a lack of ideas. It suffers from a lack of folks without fear. Fear stops us from sharing our ideas and initiating change.
This quote was HUGE for me, "The only short-cut in this book, the only technique or how-to or inside info is this: the levers are here. The proof is here. The power is here. The only thing holding you back is your own fear. Not easy to admit, but essential to understand."
Ok, that hit me right in between the eyes!
- When will I actually use the tools (i.e., books, sermons, blogs, etc.) in my belt?
- When will I apply what I am learning?
- When will I grasp that the world needs my leadership?
Godin paraphrases The Peter Principle by saying, "In every organization everyone rises to the level at which they become paralyzed by fear."
During a recent conversation with an acquaintance, it became clear that their parenting style catered to the "F" word = Fear. Scheduling, activities, meals, and life in general were all maneuvered around fear. I walked away from that discussion with a deep sense in my heart that the Lord was saying to me, "Don't cater to fear." Catering to fear is not a healthy way to live and is a surefire way to miss a divine moment.
The world is changing at a constant rate. It is either changing with me or without me, but it IS changing. I can either flow with or resist its circular motion.
Fear may be a factor, but it does not have to fester. Awareness is the key to making progress.
My newest book is, "Tribes - We Need You to Lead Us," by Seth Godin. It's a small book. Only 151 pages with no chapters. It is a book that I find completely unorthodox -- a NEW way of thinking, viewing, living, and leading. This book is chock-full of inspiration!
To list the quotes that provoked me would take years of blogs. However, one particular section of Tribes was entitled, "The F Word", (p. 42). F is for Fear.
This portion of the book really stopped me in my tracks because fear had been an obstacle for me since childhood. In the past, fear stopped me from accomplishing many things and diverted me from many opportunities to lead.
Godin shares that the industry does not suffer from a lack of ideas. It suffers from a lack of folks without fear. Fear stops us from sharing our ideas and initiating change.
This quote was HUGE for me, "The only short-cut in this book, the only technique or how-to or inside info is this: the levers are here. The proof is here. The power is here. The only thing holding you back is your own fear. Not easy to admit, but essential to understand."
Ok, that hit me right in between the eyes!
- When will I actually use the tools (i.e., books, sermons, blogs, etc.) in my belt?
- When will I apply what I am learning?
- When will I grasp that the world needs my leadership?
Godin paraphrases The Peter Principle by saying, "In every organization everyone rises to the level at which they become paralyzed by fear."
During a recent conversation with an acquaintance, it became clear that their parenting style catered to the "F" word = Fear. Scheduling, activities, meals, and life in general were all maneuvered around fear. I walked away from that discussion with a deep sense in my heart that the Lord was saying to me, "Don't cater to fear." Catering to fear is not a healthy way to live and is a surefire way to miss a divine moment.
The world is changing at a constant rate. It is either changing with me or without me, but it IS changing. I can either flow with or resist its circular motion.
Fear may be a factor, but it does not have to fester. Awareness is the key to making progress.
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