Running This Thing Called Life

Risk rejection...

2014-03-05T20:50:00.000-06:00

It's been one of those days.

Where everything had to be done...like now.

I have rushed kids to the rink, packed bags, counted tights and bought new makeup.

I have signed them up for practice ice and looked over their events for the

weekend a thousand times now.

The first competition of the season and I have stomach full of butterflies.

Then there is the new blog... And the E-book.

And it feels like I gave birth to twins.

I am a bit of a wreck over it all.

I have re-written my about you page at least twenty times

and to this day I have no idea if I am setting up my newsletter correctly.

I secured my new site so well, I couldn't get into it.

And plugins... oh my where do I start.

I re-sized the e-book and it mashed up two of the pages together.

I feel like a new mom.

And my mind won't stop asking...

Will people like the new blog?

Will they laugh at my e-book?

Will I be considered a real writer
or will I be looked at as someone who should really just not write.

So- instead of what I want to do- hide and quit- I am launching the new site on Monday!!!

I'll see you Monday over at:

Jennpeterson.org

Linking up with the beautiful Amy Sullivan
and other risk takers.

*** I want to thank you friends for all the love and support you have all given me. LOVE YOU***

Keep up the good work mama...

2014-03-04T12:42:00.004-06:00

Dear mama- (and dad)

I lead your daughter in a small group.

I am blessed that each week I can spend a small amount of time with her.

I am blessed that she has allowed me to be a part of her life.

You may not always see what I see, we all know our kids are different at home.

So I want to tell you, what I see-

I see how she stretches out her hands to help others.

The way she did when the new girl in group- house burnt down.

She did that all on their own.

And from her heart.

I see her go out of her way to make others feel included.
She will see a girl being left out, she will go over and invite her to our group.

She hugs and holds her hand when your daughter can tell she is nervous to talk in group.

I see her support her friends when something tragic happens.

Like a break up.

And how she celebrates all the good.

She makes sure she is there early on Sunday to see one of her friends get baptized.

I see her answering tough questions about God and faith and how to love each other well.

I see her get excited to cut up jeans and make shoes for kids that she will never met.

I see her wanting to know how to study the Bible.

And setting her phone to remind her to read the Word everyday.

I see the posts and texts she sends to someone who is hurting.

And mama I want you to know this is because of- you.

She sees you love others well.

She sees you say your sorry.

She sees you reach out.

She sees you study the Bible

and want to know more.

She sees you answering those tough questions.

And having the faith to trust during the hard times.

All the things you think you're messing up.

You aren't.

Instead- I see a mama that shows her daughter how to move forward.

I see a mama show her daughter how to receive God's grace and extend God's grace.

I see a mama that loves her daughter well.

And mama (and dad).

Keep up the good work.

You've got a great daughter.

**And I can see her being great leader one day.**

Delight

2014-03-04T08:57:00.001-06:00

All I need is a run, I said to him when he wrapped his arms around me.

Rejection had hit me hard that week and there was no other direction I could
turn to look.
But to look it square in the face.

He agreed that a run would be good for me. To clear my head and my heart.

Because sometimes- there are layers in your heart that are so raw that you
can't describe them with words.

I have seen rejection before- it shows up like uninvited guest.
Uninvited for a reason.
I don't like the way it feels.
It feels like an itchy wool coat in the middle of a blizzard and all you can do
bear with it until spring.

As I ran, my feet could barely
keep up with all my heart was saying.

I ran, until my breath was no longer.

I don't know how long I sat on that rickety table
starring at the trees blowing in the wind.
But I know he came and spoke gently to the tender places...

My daughter, I don't delight in you the way the world
delights in you.
The world delights in your performance.

I delight in you coming to me empty.
With your hands out stretched ready to receive my love.
I delight in what I can do for you.

I rejoice and shout with joy- that we will spend eternity together.

You are my beloved.

I have loved you with a love like no other.
Let me renew you with my love.

I slowly walked home.
It took me a few weeks to let all God was saying to me really soak in.
To let my heart wrap around His truth.

And friend, maybe your going through the same situation.
Can I encourage you to spend sometime alone, doing whatever it is
that helps you clear your heart.
This world can make us weary and make us feel unworthy
but friend reflect on what God says about you.

Remember friend:
You are loved. God delights in you.
He rejoices that you will spend eternity with Him.
Zephaniah 3:17

Linking up with the beautiful Jennifer over at Finding Heaven Today.

moments

2014-02-28T11:40:00.004-06:00

One by one I collect them.

Ever so gentle with how I handle them.

I walk down the sandy shores the water crashing into my ankles.

My hands full of shells.

Spotting one right in front of me, it's okay- I think.

Looks like the rest but never the less I pick it up

and add it to the collection.

My treasure.

I call them my blessings.

Then one over there catches my eye.

A beautiful one.

These are the kinda of shells you see in the stores.

It's big with a pinkish tint to it.

The shape of it speaks of adventures.

When you hold it to your ear you can hear the

waves crashing.

Your mind can go wild wondering how it got here.

At this beach at this moment.

It was meant for me right?

But there is a little girl standing in front of me.

Eyes wides and a heart full of love.

Life is full of moments.

Treasured moments are the ones

that come in your life

and you open your hands and give them away.

Even the moments you dreamed of.

Wished for and prayed for.

It's painfully looking and choosing if it is really right for you.

As hard as that is- because we all want those

big moments.
We all want that gift- that talent.

But rather than holding onto a moment

that will collect dust in our treasure box.

We give it away to someone that will use it to bring glory to Him.

Because life isn't about collecting

but giving.

****

Liking up with Beautiful Lisa-Jo
and other beautiful friends we would love for you to join us.

Wonderstruck

2014-02-24T13:10:00.002-06:00

When the air is bitter and the wind howls

you hunker down and

you make the best out of the situation.

We watched movies and read books.

We stayed in pajamas and pigged out on all kinds of foods-

the one you know you'll have to run a few extra miles to burn off.

Played games, we hadn't had the time for and miss.

We did science experiments, blowing bubbles and throwing hot water in the air.

It seemed winter break was never going to end.

If you know me at all, winter, is my least favorite season.

I complain when the first snow flakes drop

until the first flower emerges.

That afternoon I was in the basement cleaning up, keeping busy to not go out of my mind.

When little voices called down to me

"mom there is a rainbow in the sky".

Their excitement to show me had me running up the stairs.

A rainbow? In the middle of a polar vortex?

Really? That can't be possible. Or can it?

I could hardly get to the top of the stair and they are dragging me to the window.

Little fingers pointing.

Eyes lighting up to the marvelous wonder.

Then -right in the middle of the season I would rather not be in.

I see the most beautiful sun dogs.

The whole sky filled with beauty.

We stood there, all five of us noses pushed up on the glass- wonderstruck.

The very next day- the air just as cold.
Still the season I would rather not be in.
The wind howling just as hard.
Night fell and we sat wonderstruck
at the beauty.

We didn't try and figure it all out.

Instead we breathed deep-God's wonder.
Letting it fill our souls.

The celestial realms announce God’s glory;
the skies testify of His hands’ great work. Psalm 19:1

A memory.

2014-02-20T14:01:00.007-06:00

It's been over thirty years since I have seen my dad.

And I have always remember this memory of him.

Maybe it is the little girl in me that doesn't want to forget.

Because as time goes by I forget how he looked and how he talked and how he smelled.

Sometimes it feels as if I have lived two lives.

One with him. And the one without him.

I will always remember it was our weekend.

And my mom dropped me off at the little house down the road.

Where big oak trees shaded the sidewalks.

And inside the house was a light that would light up when the door bell rang.

And the brown t.v. with the rabbit ears

didn't sound but words flashed at the bottom of the screen.

The carpet was surely from the eighties.

Lush and tan and just gross.

It was the house of my grandparents.

Both deaf at young ages.

The kitchen was in the back and my dad would fry us up egg sandwiches as he watched MTV.

I didn't realize it at the time but my dad- he was young.

Looking back he couldn't have been much past twenty.

I can see him frying up eggs with his long brown hair and his eyes green as mine.

Smiling at me and telling me we needed to run to Venture.

(Remember those stores)?

I don't remember why we had to go.

I don't remember what car we took or how it looked.

But I remember when we got there.

I saw it. Hanging so beautiful. Something a princess would wear.

A white dress coat with a puffy muff.

The muff laced with fuzzy soft fur.

I wanted that coat so much.

He must have seen me looking at it

because he bought it without me knowing.

It was the only thing I remember my dad buying me.

(Written for a writing group I am in- a mini-memoir)

Like a child

2014-02-19T09:11:00.004-06:00

They squeal and shriek as they run out the backdoor.
Their excitement couldn't be bottled up.

It took them a good half hour to bundle up.
Hats and gloves sprawled out all over the kitchen floor.

We filled water bottles with food coloring.
They couldn't wait to get out there and paint.
The backyard their canvas.

They dragged out the snowboards because there was six feet
drifts just waiting to be jumped off.

The fact that they had homework and rooms to clean
didn't seem to bother them.

As I watched them play and enjoy life.
Their hearts full of joy.

I wonder when did I- when did we-
let our never ending to do list
guilt us into this lie that we can't enjoy life?

When did we start believing that it was selfish to
pick up a book, watch a movie or go to the park when
there are dirty dishes on the counter?

When did we stop enjoying life like a child-
full of joy?

From the beginning, the enemy has been lying to us.
And we have been believing his lies.

God gives grace- the enemy gives guilt.
God gives joy- the enemy gives grief.
God gives peace- the enemy gives strife.
God says we are enough- the enemy says we aren't.

It is when we believe that
we aren't enough
that we stop enjoying life.

Today friend. Let's live like a child.
Full of joy.
Let's stop and enjoy all God has given us.
Grab a meal with a love one.
Call a friend.
Go on a run.
Read a book.
Live full of joy- knowing that you are enough.

Linking up with the beautiful Holley

And the beautiful Jennifer

And the beautiful Beth

Garden

2014-02-14T09:36:00.005-06:00

Every spring when the air gets warm
and the snow disappears into the ground.
We pile in the truck and head over to the local nursery.
The truck isn't even parked and we run out in different directions.
We have a plan and a mission.
Looking for vegetables and fruits.
Or for that fragrant herb that will make our beloved pesto.
Once at home we dig and toil under the sun.
We bend low to clear rocks and plant seeds.
We almost always forget sunscreen.
The sun wins and
shows it's victory on the bridges of our noses.

Planting a garden is always hard work.

It breaks your back. Your knees are embedded with dirt.
For weeks your nails are proof- of your hard work.

It is love that causes you to bend low.

And there is a group of us that our lives are loving teens.
We plant and cry and pray for teens that are broken.

We often have to remind ourselves we are just the seed planters.

Someone else along the way may water it.
God grows it.
We may never see the harvest.

And I ask myself do I stop gardening?
Do I stop giving hope to a dying world?

Because only through seeds can a plant grow.
Can a garden grow.
Can a garden be harvest.

It is love that keeps us seeding.

We are all gardeners.
And there is a world waiting to be planted.

It is through our seeding and planting of gardens
- that the world sees God's love.

My beautiful friend Lisa-Jo
is inviting all of us to help
her grow a garden.

We would love for you to join us in planting a garden.
Click here to know more.

Valentine's Day cards that change lives.

2014-02-13T09:48:00.003-06:00

Valentine's Day is tomorrow.

And what if instead of buying roses.
Buying chocolates and going out to eat.

We sent cards that impacted the lives of others.

11 million children live in the slums of Uganda.

World Help is building Rescue Homes

which provides 10 orphans long term care.

We are in phase 2.

Praise God!!

World helps says it beautifully when they say-

We’re partnering to rescue and restore children in Uganda by building on the legacy of love.
Every brick of the Rescue Homes project will be an outpouring of hundreds of voices saying, “I love you.”

We would love for you to join us in-
saying I love you to the children in Uganda.

Click here to send a Valentine's Day E-card.
By donating any amount to Rescue Homes.

Writer

2014-02-07T09:39:00.004-06:00

It was just a thought that flashed through your head on day.

A thought that sparked the dream deep inside you.

The dream you pushed to the corner of your heart.

Where it sat all these years. Collecting dust and spider webs.

Your mind and heart wrestled long into the night.

They battled until the sun showed off its glory.

Your heart was victorious.

Words bloomed in your soul and you typed late into the night.

You wrote how

God breathed life into your dying bones.

You wrote how you died small mole hills

and climbed huge mountains.

And you celebrated life and grieved loss.

You shared with the world how you struggle

making other feel they weren't alone.

And how God was moving you from one place to another
in your heart and how He miraculously still parts seas.
Giving Hope to those who are hopeless.

You released the pain that you held onto for years.
God healed your broken heart with every stroke of the key board.
It's the raw hard real stories that make you hands shake and your heart rejoice.

And I know it is the bravest thing you do writer.

Write.

(And we need your story, keep writing my friends.)

Linking up with the beautiful Lisa-Jo
And other beautiful writers. Join us?

On hard days

2014-02-05T10:23:00.000-06:00

Sometimes trials we go through make the weeks hard
and the days even harder.

It can feel like a never ending winter.
Waiting for spring to appear.

We lose sight of all God is doing.
We wonder where He is.
And if He can hear our prayers.

Somedays are just hard.
And we become weary and faint at heart.

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.
Romans 8:28- The Voice

Not everything that happens to us is- good.
We live in a broken fallen world.
Sometimes there are trials that come into
our lives that we can't understand why.

But we have this hope-
knowing whatever comes into our lives God will make good.

Friend- no matter what your going through.
No matter how hard the day,
the week, month or year.
Remember God is turning it into something.
Beautiful.

Linking up with the beautiful
Holley and the beautiful Beth
Join us?

Steps to a healthier you.

2014-02-03T10:09:00.002-06:00

Exercise.

It is the hardest step.

It takes time that most of us don't have.

But friend I love you to much to beat around the bush.

Eating healthy is not enough.

Drinking water is not enough.

You have to work out.

You have to take the time.

You must take the time

and only YOU can do that.

Only you can tell yourself-I will work out today.

And friend it won't be easy.

Nope, there will be days when your sick or the kids are sick.

There will be days unexpected events come up.

But mostly there are days your not going to want to workout.

Your going to have to look past that

and see how worthy you are.

You are worthy.

Say it out loud- I am worthy.

You are so worthy that Christ died on the cross for you.

It is not selfish to take time for you to work out.

That is a lie and one as mamas and wives we believe.

We have to stop believing that lie.

It is literally killing us.

In fact working out makes you a better:

Friend.

Mom.

Wife.

We know there are so many benefits of working out.

But how do we get into a workout routine?

Your going to have to look at your week and schedule it in.

And guard that time.

Guard that time like your life depends on it.

And it does.

Are you just starting to work out?

Don't rush into it. That is a sure way to burn out.

Do two days a week, for ten minutes.

Then move to three days, twenty minutes.

Try to do one day cardio and one day strength training.

Just like planning meals, take time this month to

schedule your workouts.

Hero

2014-01-31T09:38:00.004-06:00

I saw how you knew that something wasn't just right.

When you saw your child with other kids their age.

You just knew but you couldn't put your finger on it.

I saw how brave you were, when you made the appointments

and tests were scheduled.

And how your hands shook when the Dr called asking you to come in and talk about the results.

I saw how you didn't eat because of the enormous pit in your stomach.

I saw how you had the courage when the Dr whispered the words- you already knew.

Instead of dying that day - you came alive.

Instead of feeling it was a death sentence you saw it as another chance to live.

I have seen the hours of teaching and guiding.

I see how patient you are.

I have seen the hours of tears and the banging of your hands on the counter

and tears flowing crying out "I can't do it."

And I have seen you turn to the One and lean on Him.

Instead of blaming Him you ran to Him.

I see how you rely on Him for your strength.

And mama the world sees too.

I have heard the whispered prayers.

I have seen you gently and graciously,

through a broken heart

explain to other children the reason why your child is different.

And sadly I have seen you, in love, have to explain it, cruel adults.

I have seen you late night when everyone is in bed- researching.

And the bags under your eyes.

I have seen your pins on Pinterest.

And the articles you post.

Looking for ways to help your child.

I have seen you carry a kicking and screaming child into the van

to take them to another specialist.

I have seen the hours you spend in waiting rooms.

I have seen you do this all with a smile.

I have seen the way you reach out to others. Never thinking of yourself.

I have seen the way you love with your words and your actions.

I have seen the joy in your eyes, you never look at life half empty.

I have seen the pain that others have put there and I have seen you take it make it into something good.

I have seen you look past all the stupid comments and dumb advice your friends say and give-

because you know they love you.

You, my friend, are my hero!

And I love you.

Linking up with Lisa-Jo and other amazing writers I am blessed to call my friends.

Join us?

Risk Rejection {E-book}

2014-01-29T22:18:00.005-06:00

I haven't written all week.

Partly because my oldest is sick.
Her asthma flared up over the weekend.

Which means round the clock treatments and a mama that worries.

But mostly because I have cried at the computer.

I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up.
I cried because I had no idea what I was doing.
I cried because I was feeling like a failure.

It all started last week, I was so excited to make a E-book cover.

I researched and watched videos.
The more I watched videos the more lost I was getting.
My lack of knowledge was letting
my insecurities bubble to the surface.

By the weekend I was feeling hopeless.
And the tears came fast and furious.

I had asked my dear fellow risk takers to pray for me.

And their support encouraged my heart beyond words.
They gave me ideas, they offered help.

I had realized that I was making this E-book cover harder
than it needed to be.
I was trying to get it all done in one huge step.
But it was all the little steps that made it come together.

Here is how I made my E-book cover:

First step: Find a picture. This is harder than it seems.
You can pay for a picture or use one of your own.
I used one of my own.

Second step: Send over your favorite pictures to a friend
and get their option.
I firmly believe this is the most important step.

Third step: Use a photo editing program (Adobe, Picmonkey)
to add the title and author.

Fourth Step: Forget trying to measure it all out.
Forget downloading all the templates.
Forget all the videos that lead you to cry and use:
My Ecover Maker- bonus sign up for free and pay 5.00 for each cover you want to make.
Easy Peasy.

Linking up with other amazing risk takers
over at the beautiful Amy's join us?

This is not our home

2014-01-24T08:45:00.009-06:00

All week I have been on meditating on the verse 1 Peter 2:11-

Friends, this world is not our home, so don't make yourself cozy in it.

(The Message)

The streets are lined with quaint little shops.

Rows upon rows of charm.

There is an antique store, and a five and dime.
And a library. Millions of stone steps lead to the front door.

In the center of town sits a clock. And every hour on the hour it sings out a melody.
A park with benches and old oak trees surround the clock.

The old oak trees never selfish always loving as they stand tall.
Using their branches to cover the sun's heat.

I imagine spending hours there, reading, being lost in words.

Or having a picnic with my love, laying on a large blanket.
Filling our bellies with cheese and grapes.
And our heart's with, dreams.

This little town exhales history.

I soak in all I can.

We head to the only restaurant in town.
Run by ma and pa.
Where they fry up eggs in real butter and make homemade pancakes.
You never leave hungry.
Their warm smiles let you know they love you.
It's a place where everyone knows your name and treats you like family.

He sees in my eyes I don't want to leave.
I've fallen in love with it's charm, it's history.
He takes me ever so gently in his arms.
He leans in close so I can see his eyes, his love for me
and whispers
we have to go,
we are merely just visiting
this is not our home.

Linking up with Lisa-Jo and amazing other brave writers.
Where on Friday's we write for five minutes about a prompt word.
It's brave because there is no editing. No back tracking.
No wrong just writing.
Join us?

Risk rejection {e-book}

2014-01-22T20:25:00.008-06:00

I failed to mention last week that one of the reasons I love Open Office is that
it makes your book into a PDF file. With no hassle.
I know that you can make an E-book with Microsoft words, but I am not sure if you can turn it into a PDF file.

I had spent time pouring my heart onto paper.
I formatted and stay up nights writing my book.
I knew the next step to creating my e-book was to.
Get that baby edited.
And not just by my family.
But by who?
A google search helped me.
But I didn't know who to hire.
Or who to trust.

I have been so blessed to have a friend not only offer.
But edit my book.

The risky part:
Sending my book to be edited.

It feels like standing in front of a plastic surgeon- NAKED.

This is where I needed humble myself, and put my pride away.
To have an open heart to learn.
It wasn't easy for her to edit it and send it back.

I am so glad my friend edited for me.
She has taught me so much.
About how to format.
(I thought formatting was going to be the death of me.)
About how to edit.
Pretty much about everything.

She has been a huge blessing.

God opened-door number two.

Join us over at Amy's were we are taking risks
and embracing rejection.

Trusting the Healer.

2014-01-22T10:23:00.006-06:00

Saute for fifteen minutes or until soften.

I read it again.

And then again.

I have made some recipes in my life time, and

I really wasn't sure why the recipe had called to saute

the vegetables for so long, but it did.

Earlier little hands had helped me chop the celery and onions.

The oldest had peeled and sliced carrots.

It was a cold wintry day. And soup was the answer.

They all snuggled under blankets on the couch.

Waiting for dinner to be done.

And little eyes were looking at me,
with bellies longing to be filled.
Just a little longer -I called out.

But I knew it was going to take longer.
I knew I had to take the time.
I could not rush the cooking process.
The more I stirred- the more soft the hard vegetables became.
The less raw they were.
And a sweet aroma arose from the pot and filled the house.

The more I stirred the more I realized my heart
was like these vegetables.

How I long for the raw parts of my heart to be healed.
The grieving parts to be healed faster.
I'm impatient.

Grief, it does that to you.
It makes you want to grab whatever you can cling to
that makes you feel better.
But it is only for a short time until you feel raw again.

Grief comes in many forms.

The loss of a job.
The loss of a loved one.
The loss of a relationship.
The loss of your home.
The loss of a wondering child.
The loss of a dream.
The loss of your health.
You just want to wake up one morning and not hurt.
You'll do anything to swallow without pain.

We can want to rush it, but it won't taste good.
Our souls won't savor it.

We can try and fill our longing to heal another way.
But we will always leave the table hungry.

It is time that heals.

Not just anytime.

But time with the Healer.

And only when I have opened my hands and released my grief.

And when I trust in the perfect timing of the Healer.

That His loving hand turns my broken heart into a sweet aroma.

Linking up with the beautiful Jennifer over at Finding Heaven TodayAnd the beautiful Beth over at Simply Beth

Steps to a healthier you.

2014-01-20T11:13:00.007-06:00

What we put into our bodies is so important to our health.
We all know that we need to be eating more fruits and vegetables.
And less process junk foods.
We all feel better when we are eating right.

Let food be thy Medicine and

Medicine thy food-

Hippocrates.

But why is it so hard to eat healthy?
When life throws us a curve ball.
When we are sad, lonely, and hurting.
We all want immediate comfort.
What do we do when our weeks seem off and unexpected circumstances come our way.

I think the next step to a healthy life is:
Planning and being prepared.
Having a healthy eating plan can help us
from not falling into temptations.
Preparing before hand can stop against
the urges to use food for comfort.

Planning meals and snacks can help
when those unexpected circumstances come into our weeks.
Like sick kids and late meetings,
which can lead to eating fast food.
If we are prepared.
Dinner can be made up later without much stress.
Having healthy snacks prepared ahead of time.
Can save us from late afternoon down falls.
Preparing and planning ahead of time save us time and money.
But most importantly it saves us from blowing it.

Take a peek at your week and plan all your meals and snacks.

Once you look at your week's activities plan your meals.

Click here to print
(Download to print.)

When your week is crazy:
Buy fruit and vegetables that are cut up.
One word-crockpot.
Hard boiled eggs make a great snack or lunch.
Lara Bars are great for an easy portable snack.
Buy bottled water for those- rush out the door moments.

When eating out:
Order fish or chicken and have it grilled-most chiefs won't mind.
Eat a salad- oder it with a vinaigrette or dressing on the side.
Drink water with lemon slices.
For sides- ask for extra grilled vegetables.
Order fruit for a dessert.

And don't forget to plan to celebrate.
Have a piece of cake when celebrating a birthday.
Have that latte with a friend.

Risk Rejection {E-Book}

2014-01-16T13:35:00.001-06:00

Where do I go with this post?

I've been thinking about it all day.

I know for some, taking a blog post series and making it into

an e-book is not that hard.

But writing in general is hard for this former hair stylist.

Making a book seems impossible.

I've been excited and terrified all at once.

I have learned so much about writing and how to write.

I have met wonderful friends, and they have helped me so much.

I'm still learning, and that excites me.

But when the insecurities and fear creep in

I am terrified.

Ask me anything about how you should cut and color your hair

but ask me to write a book and I might laugh.

Which I did.

I can't tell you how many times I have wanted to quit writing.

How I read my post and thought that was awful.

I write like a junior higher.

And every single time this thought ran through my mind

God in His grace gave me encouragement.

This whole e-book idea came when friends (you) encouraged me

to take my 31 days series and make it into an e-book.

I felt God nudging me to go forward.

This is just terrified me.

He wouldn't relent with His nudging until

I prayed-"Lord I'll take the first steps, but your going to have to open the doors".

The first step in setting up an e-book is.

Setting it up.

A friend had recommended some programs that set it up.

And it did all the work for you.

But you had to pay for it.

And this being the first time making an e-book

I didn't want to spend money on any programs yet.

My husband suggested that I search You-Tube

for videos: On how to make an e-book.

That is where I found the program

Open Office.

The best part.
The program is free.

One door opened!

Join us- mover and shakers?
Learn more here

Love beyond measure.

2014-01-15T11:30:00.003-06:00

Friend,

Your heart has been battered.

Bruised.

Others have pushed you aside,

and they have made it look so easy.

You've done that one thing, you hate to do.

It is one thing that keeps you thinking

God can't forgive you.

I understand some of the words that others have said.

The words, you play them over and over in your head,

and have you wondering if they are true.

All you can feel is that you are unworthy of love.

I understand -I've been there.

Measuring my worthiness.

We have all felt that we have fallen to far.

We've been rejected too many times.

For a love.

But friend,

Look to the cross.

The cross shows-that you are loved.

Beyond your sins and failures.

Beyond a rejection.

Beyond damaging words.

Beyond what you measure as worthy.

Take a moment.

Soak in the love He has for you.

Open your hands.

And let His love pour down.

The cross.

It shows that you are loved beyond measure.

Linking up with:

the beautiful Jennifer-with the Soli Deo Gloria Party

and the beautiful Holley -with Coffee for you heart.

and the beautiful Beth -with Three words Wednesday.

Be a pool filter.

2014-01-13T10:18:00.003-06:00

Can we take a moment and think about our days?

How much do we let in without much filtering?

Think about what we listen to?

What we read?

Who our friends are?

What we mindlessly eat?

The second step in becoming healthier.

I believe is being a filter.

Like a pool filters out the debris in the water-
so we need to be filtering out debris in our lives.

Ask yourself are you listening to music that is peaceful and
encouraging?
Does the music you listen to bring comfort to your soul?
Or is it depressing?

Ask yourself what are you letting in your mind?
You know those lies, they often sound like this, you can't do it.
Your not good enough. You have failed before.
Just give up.
How do we combat those lies?

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, what is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

When Jesus was being tempted in the desert-
He overcame temptation by scripture.

How do we overcome temptations and listen to truth?
Ask yourself, do you spending more time reading
blogs, facebook, twitter and self help articles than Scripture?

Are your friends bringing you down?
Are they encouraging you along the way?
Are they loving you and cheering for you?
I'm not saying you should de-friend someone.
If that they are not meeting your needs, you walk away.
If you know me at all, I am not into throwing away friends.

But we all have those friends that bring us down.
They are negative and maybe complaining is their only language.
So instead of just, not being friends, pray that God would bring you a cheerleader.
And limit your time with those who bring you down.

Which leads me to- food.
We all know that eating healthy food, makes you healthy.
Can we all just agree, we know what to eat.

But I believe that if we are not filtering what we allow into
our minds and into our souls it can lead us to eating unhealthy food-mindless eating.
We use food as comfort.

How do we combat mindless eating?
By filtering what we allow in.

I challenge you and myself,
to filter what we allow in- for the next thirty days.
Let us make wise choices in what we listen to, what we watch,
what we read, and how we spend our time.

Next week- I'll talk about food and practical steps you can take to eat healthy.

Risk Rejection

2014-01-09T09:07:00.002-06:00

I knew I should have never opened that e-mail.

But I love my friend, Amy.

And I love hearing from her.

But after reading the e-mail and without processing much of what
I had just read.

I e-mailed back, of course I am in.

Then I felt sick.

What had I just said yes too?

And why did she e-mail me?

Apparently, she thinks I am a mover and shaker.

I still laugh at that.

She came up with this idea, which by the way I think is brilliant,
to be risky and embrace rejection.
Read her first post here and join us - you mover and shaker.
Yes! I am talking to you.

All week I have been struggling with this post and thinking what I am doing that is risky?
Nothing came to mind. And I really stressed about this.
I mean like really stressed.

That is, until this morning.
And I got a message from a sweet friend.
And her messaged reminded me of something that I am doing that
is risky.
An e-book.

Over the next few weeks, I'll share how God has opened this door
to a dream, I never dreamed for myself.
And how risky it can feel to put yourself out there.

Wear blinders.

2014-01-08T10:17:00.003-06:00

The last few days we have been home bound.

The snow and freezing temperatures have forced us to stay in.

As a result of the countless hours being stuck

we have watched our fair share of movies.
And eaten plenty of snacks.

Yesterday, we watched, Saige, have you seen it?

Saige, is about a girl who wants to save the arts program at her

school.
It really is a beautiful dream.

She and her friends convince the principal to let them

do a fundraiser, to fund the arts program.

Of course the fundraiser is huge and a success.

It is a movie after all.
This doesn't happen in real life or does it?

But there was something else in the movie.

Fear.

Saige was to start the fundraiser by leading the parade on her horse. Do some tricks on the horse, get the towns people excited to see the show and donate money.
Sounds great doesn't it?
Only there is one problem- fear.
Or her stage fright.

In hopes to help Saige get over her stage fright,
her horse trainer explains how
horses wear blinders on the side of their eyes to keep
focused straight ahead.
Horses vision let's them see not only in front of them but also to the side of them.
Which can cause them to get distracted and they can easy be lead astray.
So horse riders put blinders on the sides of the horses eyes.
The blinders help the horses follow the riders commands.
The blinders keep the horses looking forward, to the designation.

He gave her the advice to wear blinders over her fears to
follow her dream.

And as silly as this sounds, I think it is really good advice.

Friend, I know you have this dream.
It's a really good dream.
I can see the way your eyes light up when you write about it.
When you talk about it.
When you pray about it.

This dream was given to you by God.
Whispered into your heart by Him.
He created you-for it.

But you let the fear of failure.
Or fear of yesterday's failures hold you back.

You let what others may think or wounding words of others,
keep you from putting a foot in front of the other.

You let your lack of's and lies the enemy shouts
keep you frozen in fear.

My friend put blinders over those fears and charge ahead.
It's going to be a great year for you.
I just know it.

Linking up with Holley Gerth and Jennifer Ferguson
Join us??

Steps to a healthier you.

2014-01-06T10:06:00.000-06:00

I believe that your health depends on your relationship with God.

The number one step you can take to be healthier is getting closer to God.

But having said that I don't want you my friend to read this and think that nothing bad will ever happen.

That we will walk around fit, buff, tan and free from sickness.
Or free from heartache and trials.
We know that is not true, God never promises a life free from heartache and trouble.
In fact He promises that we will have trouble.

John 16:33-
I have told you theses things so that you may have peace.
In this world, you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world!

So why would anyone in their right mind want to get close to God if He is promising trouble?
Did you catch the first part?
I told you these things so that you may have peace.
He told us.
He leaves us peace with His Words.
His Words are the Bible.
He speaks to us through the Bible.
How can we have peace and take heart if we aren't in the Word?

We can't stand on God's promises if we don't know them.

Have you ever had a night where you tossed and turned,
stress and worry kept you up all night?
How did the next day go?
For me, awful.
I was crabby with my kids, angry at our situation.
My husband and I argued.
I tried to take matters into my own hands, only to make it worse.
I lost all joy and happiness.

Instead- I could have spent time in God's Word and prayed about it.
The situation would have still been, the company was still not doing well but maybe I would have gotten some sleep , not argued with my husband, been patient with the kids and I could have leaned on God's promises- that He takes care of us.
I threw away my joy because my number one thing wasn't my relationship with God, it was how do I fix this?

So friend ask yourself.
Are you spending time daily with God and His word?
And are you spending time in prayer?

If not,
I challenge you for the next thirty days,
to spend ten minutes in the bible and prayer.

Wondering where to start or how to begin? Here are some easy ways:

1. Set you alarm ten minutes earlier than you normally get up.

Set out your bible, journal, devotional.
Have it all ready so your not stumbling around wasting time.
Set the coffee maker on a timer.

2. Get a bible app (like this one) for your phone. There are many reading plans available on it,
read it on the train headed to work, on the bus headed to school ( the girls in my small group do this) or on your lunch break.

3. Do a daily reading plan. Our church has a daily reading plan you can follow, Click here

4. Do an online bible study like Good Morning Girls.

5. Get a simple notebook and write down your prayers.

And friend, if you miss a day, don't give up, just start back up the next day.

Fight

2014-01-03T10:11:00.003-06:00

The words came across the screen,

right between late afternoon and dinner,

my mind kept telling me to stop reading.

Not only could I not stop, I read them twice.

And then I starred at them.

Right in my kitchen as my girls were upstairs taking showers as dinner baked, I sat there stunned.

Why did they write such hurtful words?

What have I ever done to them?

Did they know the affects of their words and how in a single second they would slash my heart open?

Did they not care?

Words- they can kill you.

My heart was crushed but my mind was getting ready for battle.

I was gearing up for a fight- to defend myself.

I had to stand up for myself and prove my worth.

I am no stranger to this battlefield.

I have been known to die on some mole hills, maybe even some ant hills.

I let my emotions get the best of me.

( In which I am not proud of!).

God in His amazing grace, urged me to walk away from the computer, and to not respond with my emotions.

Instead of lashing out I spent some time in prayer.

Asking God how to respond, listening to Him.

And His answer was not one I wanted to hear,

I wanted Him to say fight girl.

But instead He whispered.

You don't need to fight this battle.

I have already won this battle for you when I died for you on the cross.

****

Joining other amazing writers that I am blessed to call friends

where on Fridays we write for five minutes on a prompt word, no editing, no back tracking, no second guessing, just writing from our hearts,

join us over at Lisa-Jo Baker