On every Sunday, I will share a quick summary of my progress toward accomplishing a life transformation in 2013. My original goal list is HERE. Now it’s time for my update.

Week 19

Here’s my list of goals (in no particular order) and the summary of the progress I made:

1. I am going to host my first retreat in 2013. I found the location. The contract is submitted. I am unable to express in words the way I feel right now. The only thing I can say is…I’m so blessed and I thank God for every door He has opened (and closed) to bring me to this place. I have a long road ahead. Stay tuned for the details.

2. I am going to finish writing a book in 2013. I am almost 10,000 words. This week I am setting new deadlines for myself to jump start this goal.

3. I am going to outline the entire bible. 

4. I am going to train for a 2014 marathon. I have registered for my first marathon on January 1, 2014. Yay!!!!!

5. I am going to finish reading 12 non-fiction books this year.

Book #1: Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine by Max Lucado.

Book #2: Live Visioning by Michael Bernard Beckwith.

Book #3: Hour That Changes the World, The: A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer by Dick Eastman

Book #4: The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis

Book #5: Born to Win Find Your Success Code by Zig Ziglar

Book #6: Knowing God Intimately by Joyce Meyer

Book #7: Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic

6. I am going to knit a folk shawl. I am still practicing. I have started ordering yarns to test for the shawl.

7. I am going to have monthly one-on-one dates with my husband, son, daughter and best friend. This is one of the best goals on my list. It has been extremely hard to get with everyone one-on-one monthly. But it has been worth the effort.

My last “date” with my husband we went on a wonderful sunset boat cruise. It was amazing!!! My son and I have enjoyed one-on-one time while taking walks. It’s been truly exceptional.

My next “date” is with my daughter for a Mother Daughter Tea. My next “date” with my bestie is to visit some local health food stores and brunch.

8. I am going to actively mentor one woman. The mentoring program is waiting for the green light. I attended a meeting a few weeks ago and plan to let time reveal whether it will work or not. In the meantime, I’m still writing Midwife Minutes to over 35 people (the list is slowly growing). I am also personally mentoring a couple of women.

I have made so much progress. It is amazing to me to write and share. Keep me in your prayers and I’ll do the same for you. God bless!

Question

What do you plan to do THIS WEEK to make your dream a reality?

Then this short “series” is for you. At least, I hope it will give you a little guidance. We started with “Make Room for Your Blessing” now for Power Move #2…

Decide What You Want

This step may seem a little off since I have you deciding before praying (Power Move #3…coming next week). Stick with me here. I believe we should decide what we want in this particular case because many of us know what we are to do. We know the desires that linger in our hearts. We know every excuse we have fabricated to keep us from taking the next step.

For many of us it is not…what we want…but why we have allowed excuses…hard times…doubt…to keep us from our best selves.

Am I barking up the right tree?

What do you want? Really want?

Spilling your guts is not necessary. You don’t have to create the master of all master plans. But you must decide. MUST.

Failure to decide will leave were you are now…lost.
Change will never happen when people lack the ability and courage to see themselves for who they are. – Bryant H. McGill

REFLECTION

Grab your journal and write out what you want for your life. If that’s too much to consider, instead write what would your ideal day.

I have. Recently my prayer for clarity brought me to remove myself from anything and everything I thought to be a distraction. For over a month I limited my internet interactions. And I attended only those meetings and events that required my presence.

In this place of limited distractions I prayed. I sought God’s direction. Relaxed. Slept (yes…your girl was tired!). I called people instead of waiting for a Facebook update. I shared private moments of encouragement instead of posting on Twitter.

In the beginning it was hard. Extremely hard. But now after finding myself “back” for a month I miss the quiet space I had.

I saw a glimpse of what I want more of…

Power moves are moves loosely defined as relying on speed, momentum, and acrobatic elements for performance. – Wikipedia

Power Move…

It’s time to make a power move. A move which will cause me to shift my life from where I am to where I want to be.

During my hiatus, I could see the vision in those quiet moments. It was clear. And having those moments made staying put impossible. My soul just can’t fathom staying still with what I know to be true.

However, with this reality comes knowing I have a lot of work to do.

As a fan of Zig Ziglar, I can hear him say “Plan. Prepare. Expect.” And Mr. Ziglar (in my head) that is exactly what I’ll do.

I plan to share my journey with you all. This makes me a little hesitant. Because I’m like you in that “What ifs” can cause me to second guess…halt my progress…and oh heck….

I make excuses.

There I said it.

Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. – James 1:17 MSG

Make Room for Your Blessing

Are you with me?

Do you have a dream, a passion, a desire that you’d like to live right here, right now in your life?

Let’s begin by making room in our lives for the blessing. This means if…

…You want to write a book.

You have to clear space in your schedule to write.  You may need to coordinate with your spouse or a sitter. You may need to scout a coffee house to write. You may need to buy a book or two on the process. You may want to find a coach.

…You want to live your healthiest life.

You need to find a workout plan. You may need to reevaluate your eating. You may need to find a buddy or two to keep you accountable. You may need to step on that scale to see where you’re starting (so you can make plans for where you are going).

…You want to grow closer to God.

You have to make room for God in your day-to-day life. You may need to dust off your bible and seek Him in the Word. You may need to start journaling. You may want to go on a retreat. You may want to increase your time in prayer.

As you can see, there are always options but to begin you have to begin.

…to realize your purpose you have to begin… – Dana Pittman

Reflection

What will you do today to realize your purpose?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. – Genesis 1:1

All that we are. All that we were created to be. All that is to come.

Now, I know “all” is not actually shared in the written words. But what is meant for me to know will be revealed. But I must seek it.

Seek His face.

Seek His wisdom.

Seek His counsel.

Then I must obey.

Borrowed Faith

What is “borrowed faith”? Well, it’s when you see others around you growing in their faith. As you look on you see God’s favor. Whether it’s a healing, financial blessing, peace, joy or any type of breakthroughs you can attribute to his or her faith in God. And as you eagerly look on you begin to believe “if God did it for her then He can do it for me”.

Now witnessing this is amazing. It helps us to learn more and more about our Father. However, wagering on the breakthroughs and answered prayers of others can only take us but so far.

At some point we have to look at our own walk. Or the perceived power behind that blessing loses its appeal.

Does this mean that God is not good? No, He’s still good.

Does this mean that the blessing is less real? No, it is very real. However, I’d like to believe that the power in it is much more real to the direct recipient than a spectator. “Yes He Is” moments are the ones that get us through the tough times.

“Yes He Is” Moments

For example, as a child I loved the congregational song that said…”I know God is a good God…” and the church would sing “Yes He is.” This would go on and on. Tambourines clanging. Clapping hands. Tapping toes. Rocking bodies. All attesting to the goodness of God.

My heart would like to believe that each person as they sing has a story in mind. A time that God showed His goodness. And their hearts are racing at that recall which gives the rise of their voice its melodic tone.

As a child I sat next to my grandmother, with her soft soprano voice not missing a beat. But I had no story. No memories that I could recall.

To me it was a song. A good song that I still love but at that time I had no memories to draw upon. Thus, as time went on and I really needed to have the faith to believe in the goodness of God I would draw a blank.

I had my grandmother’s words. I heard sermons from pastors. I had heard testimony after testimony. But I, Dana, had no “Yes He Is” moment.

Beloved, those “Yes He Is” moments are the ones that get us through the tough times.

When we have more bills than money.

When our children are on our last nerves.

When our hearts are broken.

When we are waiting for God to show us His goodness…once again.

You see, as we wait our past “Yes He Is” moments is what sustains us. And borrowed faith just won’t do.

I am still reading the book anticipating all that the authors will share. As I read, I think of my “Yes He Is” moments and how I began to accumulate them to help me when hope was all I had. Hope…that God would once again show up and show me His goodness. And borrowed faith just won’t do.

Beloved, this is why I mentor women. This is way I teach. This is why I write. This is why I can tap my toe and sing “Yes He Is”. Because I know…KNOW…God is good. I tried Him. I know Him. I would not want to spend a single day without Him.

I pray you can say the same. And if not…let me know.

Photo Credit Anissat.

Reflection

Do you journal your “Yes He Is” moments? If so, how is it helpful? If not, give it a try. And if you’re stuck…visit your bible and search for moments when God told someone to build an altar. 

Can’t see the video? Click here to view online.

About the Book

Newlywed Melody Podell gives up everything she has ever known to follow her husband, a soldier in the US Army, across the country to his duty station at Fort Bragg, NC. Army life is not what she expected and she struggles to adapt to it and its constant call on her husband’s time. Soon after giving birth to their first child and dealing with her husband s deployment to a dangerous part of the world, tragedy strikes forcing Melody to travel back to home. Walking back into the lives of her old friends in Crossing, Oregon, is the last thing Melody wants to do, but could she be missing something? Melody must decide if God is trustworthy even when she doesn’t like His plan. Is He really in control? Does He have a plan and a family for Melody in Fort Bragg?

My Rating

About the Author

Over the years, God rewrote Carrie s dreams to include being a stay-at-home mom and a writer. Originally writing weekly devotions as a way to share what she learned with women from various military bases, Carrie decided to enroll in the Christian Writer s Guild. While there, seeds were planted and cultivated. After almost ten years in the military, Carrie s husband medically retired and they now live in central North Carolina with their three children. She stays busy with homeschooling all three and driving them to field trips and extra-curricular activities. Besides writing fiction novels, Carrie works part time in her church’s office and volunteers within two military ministries.

For more information visit www.carriedaws.com.

When We Feel…

I am reminded of Hagar, a woman in a love triangle. A woman subjected to mistreatment and decided to run. I’m sure she felt hurt. Betrayed. Maybe even unloved. Yet she was told “go back and submit to her” (Genesis 16:9).

Then the angel of the LORD said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority." – Genesis 16:9

Submit to her…submit to the source of her discomfort. Submit to potentially what she feared most, what many of us fear most…rejection. And so she ran. Yet she was told to return to that which she sought refuge from.

Do you know that God’s promise is greater than our discomfort, our feelings, our plans? I pray you see the hope in this story. Because the story does not end with Hagar hiding in the desert. Oh no. Hagar was sent back not empty handed but armed with a promise and an encounter with the Lord.

…Continue Reading on Encouragement Cafe…

Read the Full Devotional

This is an excerpt from a devotional I have available on Encouragement Cafe. I am always blessed to write for them and I hope you’ll hop over and read the full post. Oh…and don’t forget to leave a comment. Thank you!

About Encouragement Cafe

Stirring the spirit one cup at a time through laughter, love and stories, Encouragement Cafe is a pick-me-up for the soul and fuel for a weary heart. It’s a community inspiring you with the encouraging hope of Jesus Christ.

For more information visit www.encouragementcafe.com.

During the interview they stated more than 100 million people watched.

100 million people!!!

WOW…

I watched the series but found myself a bit distracted by missing stories and trying to decide whether I thought they had done the bible justice. Lord forgive me. My heart so wanted them to get it right. But how could they. How can you attempt to cram the Bible into 10 hours?

It reminds me of those Cliff Notes books. I tried it once (or maybe twice…youth). My friend and I waited to the last minute to read Uncle Tom’s Cabin. I still haven’t read that book. Anyway, we decided to go and buy the little yellow and black book to save our lazy behinds. LOL!

Needless to say, we read it but reading the summary is never as good as the book. The synopsis tells what the publisher deems “good” and it does not always align with what you believe is “good”.

After nearly failing the test I vowed…”never again”. I’m sure that was not totally true. I’d like to say “I learned my lesson”. But…

In that light, I now realize there is no way they could have met the expectations of every viewer. However, when we look at this as an opportunity for the gospel to be shared it takes on a new light. Its not just entertainment.

The Gallup Poll said 77% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. (See it here.) I believe that number seem pretty high. I’ll use it for the sake of an illustration. Using that number this means there was a potential of 23 million unbelievers watching in the US.

Again…WOW!

But the Book is Better

Movie aside can you image what would happen if that 77% read the bible and shared the gospel? If we, as believers, read the Word of God, believed the Word of God, and lived according to the Word of God?

What would our lives be like? How would our world change?

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4 NASB

Here’s Your Chance

Today we are starting Part 2 of our bible reading journey. We are going to read the bible over the next 39 weeks. I’d love for you to join us.

Will you?

Sign Up to Read with Us

QUESTION

Did you watch The Bible TV miniseries? What did you enjoy the most?

Can’t see the video? Click here to view online.

About the Book

 The KEY to winning is as simple as ABC-Accelerated Bible Concept. Losing is not an option when you are playing for keeps! There is a KEY that unlocks the door between Heaven and earth. The Bible is a supernatural KEY and it unlocks the door that leads us to where God wants us to be! Discover your purpose and God’s plan for you in HEAVEN RULES. The Accelerated Bible Concept is a specific method for gaining access to the KEY and finding God’s favor in an unprecedented manner! It is possible to experience the amazing power and real results of ABC in less than 90 days. The KEY and ABC offers a remarkable advantage to people of all ages who are searching for miraculous changes in their lives! Read now and see how others have been affected by ABC!

Read more details on Amazon.

My Brief Review

I was contacted by the author and asked to review this title. I believe she contacted me because I mentor women as they read through the bible in 90 days. I quickly jumped at the chance to read this book. In this brief review I will share a pro and con from the book:

PRO: As I state below, I found her personal experience put to words what I have learned when I read the bible in a short period of time.

CON: I felt like some of the information was repetitive and full of quotes from outside sources.

This type of book, in my opinion, is hard to give a “rating” because this is her personal account, which gave the book a memoir feel. I don’t find that bad its just wasn’t what I fully expected. I thought it would have a little of her story and share a bit more about “The KEY” and “ABC”. But the concepts covered were general and many of the details came from outside quotes.

In the end I enjoyed the book.

Quotes from the Book

The completion of the ABC-Accelerated Bible Concept process led me to a place in the spirit that I refer to as a place of God's favor. – (p. 33)

The Bible is like a holy compass, having a supernatural ability to point us in the right direction wherever we read it and live according to God's laws documented in His Holy Word. – (p. 54)

Secondary relationships have the ability to work because of the Jesus-first relationship! – (p. 88)

Once I embraced faith, God proceeded to teach me like a child in kindergarten. – (p. 96)

Faith is not intellectual understanding; faith is a deliberate commitment to Jesus Christ, even when we cannot see the way we are going. – (p. 97)

My Rating

About the Author

Faye Aldridge is the author of A Fax From Heaven and Real Messages From Heaven. She is a speaker and businesswoman living in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Faye may be contacted at www.davisjacksonpublishers.com.

This plan is 39 weeks. Participating readers will receive the assigned reading weekly. I plan to also include resources by book of the bible and periodic videos.

Again, readers can select their preferred version of the bible, whether print or electronic. I plan to use YouVersion app and The New Inductive Study Bible.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105 NASB

Introduction

Can’t see the video? Click here to view it online.

Materials Needed

• Bible
• Reading schedule

Materials Suggested

• Binder and Notebook Paper or Spiral
• Index Cards
• Pencils/Pens, Highlighter, and/or color pencils

Join Us

Reflection

Do you read your bible daily? If so, what are some tips you can share with other readers for staying the course?