Choosing the Path Before Me

I made a decision yesterday. I have known of God's calling in my life to write, but have been dragging my heels when it came to actively writing. Of course I've been busy with things that have to do with writing, but I was afraid to actually start the process. That fear of failure and unknown was plaguing my thoughts and consuming me.

Yesterday I decided to take the plunge and trust that God was going to be there, and you know what? He showed up! I shouldn't have been surprised. I know He always has my best interest at heart.

So I have chosen to take the path that God has set before me. I pray that it will eventually lead to publication, so that others can read the story He has given me. But for this day, I choose to walk in the way before me by faithfully completing my characterization charts and then moving on to the actual writing process. I choose to follow His will for my life.

Carry the Light

My husband just sent me an email with this link to a video from 1987. Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3af9US_D0Is 
I guess this video dates me, since I remember it quite well. It came out the year I graduated from college and got married! :) It was a music video of various Christian artists at the time. Even though the hairstyles are a bit outdated, the words of the song written by Twila Paris still ring true.

Verse 1
In this world of darkness
We are given light
Hope for all the dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And He died to save them

Chorus
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and tell the children
They are precious in His sight
Carry the Light
Carry the Light
Go and preach the gospel
'Til there is no more night
In the name of Jesus Christ
Carry the Light

Verse 2
Count them by the millions
Blinded slaves to sin
Inside they are dying
How will they know
How will they know
That Jesus loves them
And His heart is breaking

Ending
Go ye into all the world
Go ye into all the world
And carry the Light the Light
Carry the Light

Each of us who are Christians have this commission to carry God's light to those that we meet. Perhaps that is why the idea of being a 'keeper of the light' has reverberated in my own heart. We are called to let our lights shine before men and not to hide them under a basket! How are you doing today with boldly letting your light shine for Him?

A Call to Prayer

I listened to a Christian radio station this morning on my way to my podiatrist appointment. On the 'Haven Today' program they mentioned that Joni Eareckson Tada, who has been a quadriplegic for 43 years, is now facing breast cancer. On Monday she will undergo surgery to have her breast removed.

So today I decided to do something a little different for my blog post. I am asking each of you to be in prayer for Joni over the next few days. If you would like to write a prayer in the comments, I'll make sure that it is forwarded to her in some way or other. Also here is the link to her website if you are interested. http://www.joniandfriends.org

Storms of Life

A rip snorting storm blazed through our area this afternoon. I had a dear friend over for lunch today and we were surprised when the sky darkened and opened up relentlessly. Thunder boomed and lightning flashed as buckets of water seemed to be poured from heaven. In it's wake we have been blessed with cooler temperatures, but still high humidity.

When my friend arrived the sun was shining brightly, but shortly afterward it was a different story. Now again as I write this, the sun is warming the earth. It amazes me how quickly things can change with the weather and with life too.

Perhaps you feel you are smooth sailing and then you get that phone call that changes everything, or you hear unwanted news from the doctor, or some other myriad of problems. It's when we are in the midst of those storms that we need to make sure we have a secure anchor in the Lord. Only He can help us through situations that we face. He is our solid rock and firm foundation. I pray that whatever you are facing today, you will rest in the assurance that you have a Heavenly Father that cares for you and loves you deeply.

Fill My Cup Lord

Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more--
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!


I'm not exactly sure who wrote this chorus. I thought of it today after meeting a dear friend for lunch. Even though it was hot outside, we sat in the shade, and there was a breeze blowing. We ate our packed lunches and caught up on what has been happening in our lives the past week or so. We try and meet together once a week if we are able. She works at the local college, which is just minutes from my home. It provides a nice break for me to be able to meet together. I find she is a real blessing in my life.


Our time of sharing and conversation reminded me of the different ways that God fills our cup. Sometimes it can be from a conversation with a friend, it could be through a phone call, spending time with the Lord, reading a book, soaking in a tub, a hug,  or a smile. There are many ways and situations that God uses in my life to give me a glimpse of Him.


I praise God for this dear woman that in some ways is just a few steps ahead of me on this path that I am treading. I appreciate her wisdom and encouragement and those times when she can relate to me even in the midst of crazy hormones and schedules. I find her friendship is one that I was needing even when I didn't recognize that I did. But God knew! I thank God for those friends in my life who regularly help to 'fill my cup.'

Who is the friend or friends in your life that do this? I am extremely blessed to have several friends that fulfill this role. One of them lives here in the same town that I do. My other dear friend lives in Georgia. We regularly keep in contact each week through phone calls and time in prayer together. She is my biggest prayer supporter and encourager. I praise God for these two women.


There are other friends I appreciate too. Some of them I don't see as often, but we still connect when we are together. I am regularly blessed by my Perfect Harmony girls. They are a real treasure. Whenever we have been together, I come home with sore face muscles from all of our times of laughter. There also have been times of tears and times of drawing our hearts together through prayer for each other. I praise God for the friendships that He has brought into my life. My friend in Georgia commented that I have become 'the social butterfly.' :) It's funny, a year ago I would never have pictured that of me!

Cleaning Out the Clutter - Blessing in Disguise

This past weekend we were blessed to have our roof replaced for us, free of charge. Before the work on the roof began, a dumpster was delivered to our home. The workers were able to throw all the old shingles, rotted boards, nails, debris, etc into it. When the last worker was leaving, he commented that we have until this Thursday to have the dumpster. There was quite a bit of room remaining inside of it. He encouraged us to feel free to fill it up and utilize it.

So this week finds my husband and I busily working on our house. I admit, I didn't get much accomplished yesterday. I had a wonderful time meeting with a friend in the morning, and by afternoon I was feeling pretty tired and my feet were hurting. My dear husband spent several hours pulling things out of the attic yesterday. He sorted, cleaned and trashed things that had been accumulating up there for years. I'm sure there still is a bit to accomplish, but he started making a dent up there.

Today found me working hard as well. I sorted through all of my clothes and then dropped off unwanted items at a local charity. Next I sifted through accumulations in my hope chest. Most of the items were things that I still desired to keep, but I did manage to part with some items there as well.

As I sort and clean up our home, I am continually reminded of the importance of making sure that my heart is right with God - that there are no hidden areas from Him. Just as we are exposing some of the hidden areas in our home (the hope chest, attic, etc.) and desiring to clean them up, so too I desire for God to clear out any sin or cobwebs of doubt that may be trying to roost in my heart. I pray that this dumpster will be a blessing in disguise - perhaps in more ways than one!

A Circle of Giving

Today was day two of the roof replacement on our home. Temperatures were predicted to be in the 90's with high humidity, so the guys decided to start work at 6 AM again. They had hoped to have the job completed by supper time. As the morning rolled around, more and more guys (and some ladies) appeared, eager and willing to help.

By 11:30 AM they were finishing up the capping at the peak of the roof. Shortly afterwards, we all gathered for prayer and lunch. My husband and I expressed our deep appreciation for all they have each done to help us. It has been an overwhelming blessing. As the guys filed through the line, my husband and I were rearranging chairs so they would be in the shade instead of sunlight.

To our surprise, a young man came up to us and thanked us for the opportunity to serve. He shared how he had been in a similar situation where he and his wife needed help, and the church had provided for them. Now he was blessed to be one of the individuals serving and giving. It made me think of how much it must please God when He sees us reaching out and helping others. Perhaps that is when we are the biggest blessing, when we are going beyond ourselves.

Living Out the Servant Life

Jesus spoke many times about the importance of being a servant. Jesus' life was an example of this. I can't help but think about this today. I realize that there are two ends to the story - we can be the one serving and helping, or at times we are the ones on the receiving end. Both positions are humbling.

I guess if I had the choice, I would prefer serving others. But today (and tomorrow) finds our family on the receiving end. Over a year ago, when my husband experienced his pelvis fracture and months without work, we also had a leaky roof at the same time. There were no funds to replace it. We were blessed to have some individuals come and patch it for us as a temporary fix. Funds continue to be tight, so we were overwhelmed that a local church has raised the money to replace our roof. Individuals are giving up a vacation day so they can tear off the roof today. Tomorrow the new shingles will be installed.

I continue to be amazed at how God provides for our needs in ways we least expect it. It is extremely humbling to be on the receiving end. I know we feel incredibly blessed by the situation. I pray that those working on our roof will also be blessed in the process of serving. Today I am seeing Jesus lived out in the lives of those giving up their time for us. I pray that when the roles are reversed, I will be faithful as well.

How Bright Is Your Light?

"Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." Philippians 2:14-15

In the early 1800's, a Frenchman invented what is now known as the Fresnel lens. These lenses were installed in lighthouses. They are made out of a series of prisms. Quite a few lighthouses still have this unique and irreplaceable lens.

Special care was needed to keep the lens working smoothly. Lighthouse keepers would carefully clean each individual prism several times a week, removing dirt and debris. The intensity of sunlight shining through the prisms was capable of starting fires, so lighthouse keepers often would cover the lens during daylight hours.

I thought of these facts as I read this verse this morning. We are to be shining like bright lights to the world around us. We can only do this when our glass is clear and clean. When we have dirt smudges (sin) in our life, it affects the light that shines out of us.

I pray that my light (Christ in me) shines brightly for all to see.

Words...Set a Guard on My Lips Lord!

"Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;
       keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3


"He who guards his lips guards his life,
       but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3

I like words. I guess that's because I love to write. I recently signed up to receive a 'word a day' in my inbox from dictionary.com. It's a way to help me learn new words, but also refresh my rusty memory of words I may have learned years ago and since forgotten.

I typically do better with the written word versus the spoken word. The words flow on paper, but seem to get stuck when I open my mouth. I try to be careful in the things I say - both written and spoken. But there are times when I mess up. Perhaps I write something that I think means one thing, but it is taken another way, or I say something that is meant to be funny, but instead is hurtful. Don't you hate when that happens? When I was younger we called it, "Open mouth, insert foot disease."

I pray that in all I do, say and write that God will put a guard on my lips. May His love, hope and forgiveness shine through me. May I follow admonishing of James 1:19-20. "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

Help Me Up!

"Two are better than one,
       because they have a good return for their work:

  If one falls down,
       his friend can help him up.
       But pity the man who falls
       and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I love the word picture associated with these two verses. It talks about the value of friendship. Today has been one of those days that I have been blessed by the friendships in my life, and I am extremely thankful. Sometimes situations and circumstances seem overwhelming and downright discouraging. We look around wondering if there is any relief in sight.

Then on the horizon a friend appears. She has a smile on her face and encourages you to keep on and not to get overwhelmed. Perhaps another one says, "I've been through this, and I know you can do it too! I feel your pain and can relate to you." They say something that make us smile. Before we know it, a chuckle can be heard. What has appeared as gray, dismal skies, now has a bright streak of sunlight streaming through - giving hope and encouragement.

I considered myself blessed by the friends that reach out when I need it the most. I praise God that I have friends that help me up when I fall. I pray that I can be sensitive to do the same for them, whenever they need me.

Check This Out!

Be sure to check out my friend Lysa's new website.

http://lysaterkeurst.com/

Lysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministry and has written eleven books. She reaches out to women through her down-to-earth candor. Lysa and her ministry has had a tremendous influence and blessing in my life. I praise God for her. Stop by her site and leave a comment for an opportunity to win a $25 gift card from Target for you and a friend.

So Many Books, So Little Time

There are so many things that I would like to be doing all at once. I desire to work on my house, but I tend to only seem to have so much energy to work on it each day. I don't know if that's because I'm getting old or what. I have a lot of things that I want to work on in regards to my writing. That includes researching for different items I'm working on as well as reading writing books.

Then there is all those other books I want to be reading. I have gotten back into the habit of reading a bit of fiction lately, trying to get a feel of what is currently on the market. As much as I'm enjoying reading the stories, I also feel like I'm doing research as I analyze what is popular, or how other authors handle writing in the genre.

Of course there also is the nonfiction reading that I enjoy too. I also have been having fun looking through and learning more with the American Christian Fiction Writer's website where I recently became a member. They have various previous workshops posted on their site. It is fun being able to have access to some writing courses that focus on the genre in which I desire to write.

Have you ever felt this way? So many things that you want to be working on all at the same time. I have never been one to just sit around and be bored. I love having the freedom to be at home each day. I am by nature a homebody. This week I had several days where I was able to be home and had nowhere to go. It was such a blessing. Even with being alone and having a lot of time on my hands, I can always find something to fill the day. There always is something that I would enjoy doing - usually multiple things.

What is difficult is being able to juggle and balance what is most important to get accomplished first. I think that is my biggest struggle at the moment. What should take precedence and priority? With all that I desire to work on and do, what is the most important. So I guess I need to keep praying for wisdom and insight from the Lord. Each day I need to seek His wisdom for what He wants me to accomplish that day. Each day may I choose to follow Him.

When the Answer Is Wait

Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Today I had a return appointment with the podiatrist. I have been struggling with foot issues for quite some time now. Last time I saw the doctor he felt that I'm a likely candidate for surgery to deal with the tendon issues in my left foot. So today I went in, ready to say, "Let's do it." I have been frustrated in that I haven't been able to walk anymore, and I still experience pain. I want to start the path of recovery, even if it means surgery. I have bought the expensive shoes to hopefully help and have not noticed much difference.

Well, today I was all ready to say, "Let's schedule surgery," but the doctor had other plans. This time I was given a steroid shot in each foot. Ouch! (Both of my feet/tendons have been having issues). He told me he could give as many as three shots per foot. Oh joy! All right - not joy at all! So now we wait two more weeks to see how I respond to this series of shots. Next step could be specially made inserts, and potential physical therapy, and then still potential surgery. I'd rather bypass it all and jump into surgery, so I can start healing and hopefully walking regularly again.

I know that patience is a virtue - but it is one that I often struggle with in my life - just ask my husband and kids! :) Sometimes I do really well, other times, not so well. Right now I'm frustrated because there are so many things I want to do this summer that require being on my feet. One of the biggest desires is working on the house and getting back into walking. I also plan to write as well, but I can sit down for that one!

Sigh! So here I am, learning to deal with the 'wait' answer that I was given. I know that God isn't surprised by this situation. I know that even though I am frustrated by it (at the moment -all right, sometimes longer than the moment), I realize that God has me here for a reason. I can't tell you what that is right now, but I trust that God knows what is best for me. For now, I ask for His peace to reign in my heart. For now I choose to rest in my Daddy's arms. 

Ten Struggles Christian Women Face - Preview

Yesterday I started once again to work on compiling all of the surveys that I have collected to see what are the top ten struggles that we face as Christian women. This continues to be a hot topic and search. I have multiple hits a day from women across America and around the world who are interested in knowing what these struggles are.

If you haven't had the opportunity to list your top ten struggles, feel free to leave a comment or email me privately. Which ever you prefer. I welcome the additional research.

Although the information is not completed with my research I thought I would at least give you a teaser of what the top struggle has been with predominantly most women. Drum roll please.......

The top struggle we experience as Christian women is our relationship with God. Many women wrote that they have a difficulty having consistent time alone with God. I have been thinking about this and wondering what I could say on the topic that could perhaps help someone.

Would you go an entire day without talking to your children (if they still live at home); speaking with your spouse (if you are married) or perhaps with a close friend or coworker? I think that we need to treat God in a similar fashion. Ultimately He should have first place in our lives. But if we thought of Him as a friend, or beloved family member, I think we would perhaps do better with making sure that we spend time with Him.

The more time you spend with God through prayer and reading His word, the more you get to know Him. You learn His attributes. You become secure in His loving care for you. In order to get to know and become friends with someone, you need to spend a significant amount of time together. He eagerly awaits you to come into His presence. Won't you make sure that you talk with your Heavenly Father today?

The Work Has Begun

I'm tired out as I write this, but finally feel like I am making some progress. I have had a slow start with working on the house and my writing. Today I made some major headway in the master bedroom. There still is quite a bit that needs accomplished, but I am pleased with the progress so far.

I manged to finish a writing assignment this morning and send it on its way. Now I actually am working on recording research on the top ten struggles that Christian women face. It's been quite a while since I have taken the opportunity to work on this. I hope to plow through a few pages before I take a break for the day.

Tomorrow will find me once again working on our bedroom. I hope to actually do some brainstorming for my lighthouse book too. I think it is time to get back into developing my characterization for my story.

Sorry no earthshattering news today or deep spiritual revelations. Today is just a day of being faithful to what God has called me to do. Hope you are having a productive day as well.

Tea Drinking Friends

Last night was our last 'official' Bible study of the season. It was bittersweet as we finished discussing Lysa TerKeurst's book Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Our times together the past several months have been opportunities for growth and sweet fellowship.

I am looking forward to the break of having to prepare lessons as a leader. I am excited that we still plan for times to get together over the summer months. These ladies have become a group of real encouragers for me and I praise God for each of them. There has been many times when God has used them to lift my spirits.

One thing has characterized our time together - drinking hot tea. We experienced a variety of flavors each time we met. I couldn't help but think about this most of today. Last night one of the girls shared The Tea Lover's Devotional by Emilie Barnes with each of us.

For me, tea drinking friends (or coffee for those who prefer it) are ones that take time to really get to know who you are and still appreciate you! :) They are the ones that cheer you on when you get discouraged. When you feel overwhelmed, they tell you that 'you can do it.' When you are tempted to put yourself down, they are there to build you up. They are with you through the highs and lows of life. Most importantly they spur you on in your relationship with Christ.

I am blessed to have several of these 'tea drinking friends' in my life. I praise God for each and every one of you.

Beginning Tomorrow...

"There is a time for everything,
       and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Beginning tomorrow, I'm turning off my email. All right, not quite that drastic, but close. Today is a catch up day, but tomorrow I plan to get started with my summer schedule of writing most days, as well as concentrating on getting the house clean. One of the ways I plan to do this is by having a consistent time of day that I check and respond to email.

I find that once the computer is on in the morning, it is so easy to get bogged down and attached to it. Checking email, checking to see if library books have come in that were placed on hold, checking out a website, etc. So I plan to do something drastic this summer - an experiment of sorts.

Tuesday morning will find me working on my house and writing. I still plan to keep up with my blogs, but will have specific times that I write them, and stick to it. I also plan to only check email twice a day and that's it. I want to be more disciplined and intentional with my activities, so I am able to get more accomplished. I'm looking forward to the opportunities. I'll keep you updated on how things are going with this decision.

Feet of Peace

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:13-15

I thought of these verses this morning as I went to the podiatrist to pick up my specially ordered sneakers. I have a few days to try them out to see how they fit, before I need to pay the $115 to purchase them. A dear friend commented that for the price, they should glow in the dark, count calories, and all sorts of things. :) Unfortunately, that is not the case. They are just a pair of shoes. Hopefully they will help to ease the pain and discomfort I have been experiencing with the tendon in my left foot. We'll see how it goes!

I like the phrase - "feel fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." It reminds me of my month long retreat I had in February, when I concentrated on God's attributes of peace. I believe that true peace can only be found in my Heavenly Father. Peace is something that we all desire to some degree or another. Only when I am actively seeking God do I experience this peace.

The more I learned about peace, the more I felt God preparing me for the call that He has placed upon my life. As I continue to let go of things and rest in His presence, He begins to whisper into my heart. Perhaps that is what this section of scripture means. We first need to admit that true peace can only be found in Him, and ask Him to show us how to experience His peace. As our hearts our open, they become ready to do His bidding.

Even with having sore feet right now, I take comfort in the fact that God is making me ready for the things He has in store for me. I desire to be in the center of what He has for me. Right now having peaceful feet sounds great! :)

Cleaning Out the Debris

Sweeping, straightening, and catching up has been my existence today. I slowly am making plans for how to attack the cleaning up of my house. I've been reading a book The House That Cleans Itself by Mindy Starns Clark. She recommends figuring out how many zones you have in your house, and then number them in the order to work on each area. I started that yesterday. Next week I will officially 'attack the house.'

I decided this morning to work on a zone that I hadn't even included on my floor plan - our front porch. It was in serious need of sweeping and some straightening. I also wanted to move my house plants out on the porch for the summer. They seem to thrive so much better when they are out there. But in order to move them, I first needed to address the disarray of the porch.

It's finished now and looks much better than before. The plants are moved too. I even went a step further and swept the sidewalk, since my son had just mowed the grass this afternoon. Everything looks fresh and clean.

It wasn't that much work to move everything off the porch, so I could sweep it. I admit, I worked up a sweat on this exceptionally warm spring day. But now I am enjoying being in our air-conditioned home, drinking some sweet tea, and writing this blog entry. I have the satisfaction of knowing the porch is finished, and I'm pleased with the results.

As I swept and cleaned, I thought about how we need to ask Jesus to sweep the dust and cobwebs out of our hearts. Perhaps we have become a little lax on our time with him each day. Or maybe you are harboring hurt feelings from something your spouse said. Maybe there is bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness that needs to be addressed.

I never have been much for the traditional 'spring cleaning.' I don't know if that makes me domestically challenged or what?! :) I do desire to get my house clean and in order. But above that desire, is one that supersedes everything else. That is, to wholeheartedly follow the Lord each day of my life - to walk in His will. I pray that my relationship with Him is open and fresh, so that 'debris' is not able to accumulate. May I have a fresh, clean heart each day.

"Thanks for Talking To Me"

"I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." Mark 9:41

I couldn't help but think of this verse this morning. My son and I were in Wal-Mart doing some last minute shopping before he heads to camp on Sunday. We happened to be in the bike section, just looking, when we were interrupted by an elderly gentleman. He only spoke for a few minutes and shared how he used to like riding his bike. He explained that he had a stroke and no longer is able to do that, since he can't ride straight.

My son and I listened and made a few comments in return. As we parted ways he said, "Thank you for talking to me. Most people won't respond to an old man like me. Someday they are going to get old too..." His words caused me to pause. We corresponded for only a few moments, but in that time, God gave me a glimpse of a lonely, old man. We made his day special by just stopping to listen.

How many other hurting individuals do we come in contact with each day? Perhaps all they need to cheer them is a kind word, a gentle touch, a smile, or just taking a few minutes to listen. Maybe that's what Jesus meant when He said these words written above. Many times I miss those opportunities. Today I am thankful that God used me to touch an old man's heart, just by being available.

Planning Week

I guess you could say our summer schedule has officially started. Yesterday my husband and I dropped our oldest son off at the camp where he will be serving the next couple months. My youngest son will be heading out to camp this coming Sunday. While the boys are gone, my husband and I have big plans of what we hope to accomplish during that time.

This week will be our planning week. We both have a desire to do some major tackling of the house - cleaning up, etc. There also are some minor repairs that need accomplished too. We need to replace our shower, as well as some other projects. We plan to go room by room and make a list of what we each want to improve. Then we will come up with a plan of attack. I know it is a huge job ahead of us, but I look forward to getting things in a better semblance of order.

Along with the cleaning, I also plan to have time each day for working on my various writing projects. I am eager to get started. My planning, organizing, and schedule this summer, will help me to know how to better order things for this fall when I get back to homeschooling my son again. I am excited about what God has before us.

There also are some unknowns. It is a good possibility that I will be facing surgery on my foot. I know I will be able to walk on it the next day, but don't know how the recovery process will look. Then there also are some unknowns with my husband as well. God continues to keep us relying upon Him for each day and situation. I rest in the fact that He loves me and is always there for me! What more could I desire?!