Positively Alene

This Blog Has Moved

2012-02-17T16:33:00.001-06:00

This blog has moved. I hope you'll hop over and visit me at the link below.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but please if you subscribe in a reader or by email would you mind resubscribing over at PositivelyAlene.com.

You can sign up for new RSS feed HERE.

You can sign up for email subscription HERE.

This blog will be redirected within the next week. Thank you!

Change - It's Here

2012-02-06T17:20:00.001-06:00

I took the challenge. I changed - oh not in some significant earth-shattering way, but in a bloggy way. Read more about it HERE.

In short, I've got a new home. I hope you'll hop over and visit me there. I hope you'll find me just as easy to find and insightful at my new bloggy home.

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but please if you subscribe in a reader or by email would you mind resubscribing over at PositivelyAlene.com.

I would love your company, comments, and encouragement there.

When all is Silent Give Thanks

2012-02-03T05:28:00.000-06:00

Starting the week off sick made for a long, groggy, and bumpy seven days! While my body is recuperating and the silence still pulses through my soul, I’ve learned . . .

When you have no words or direction, just give thanks!

While I wait to hear or see evidence of the way ahead, I am thankful for you. You who come here day after day. You who leave comments. You who make me laugh! You who journey along side me on this path called life.

This week my favorites are YOU!

Here's to a few of you.

1. Beth in NC in response to my post Stop for the One Tuesday:

I can't link about it because of the person involved, but this morning I reached out to someone that a lot of Christians are afraid to approach because she is so wounded (and ticked off at Christians). She was overwhelmed and overjoyed that I called her.   She has a long road to freedom, but needs a lot of prayer and holy intervention.   Bless you! 

Thank you, Beth. May we all have the boldness to do the right thing even when it might not be what others would do. Your kindness just helped this person step further down that road of healing.

2. Anna at www.mylifeandkids.com in response to an old repost If God Created S-E-X

Hey Alene, Your post was one of the top 5 most popular at last week's #findingthefunny! We're featuring you tomorrow - hope to see you then! 

Anna, you crack me up! You all need to check her out. She runs a post on Wednesday's about funny life stories. So I reposted a 2 year old post If God Created S-E-X. Still to this day the comments are what crack me up. Check them out - you'll probably get some good ideas too! Plus, I have to say I'm so thankful I can laugh at this story now.

3. Amy at Make Me a Mary sent me this email: "I want you to know how glad I am that you recommended this book to me. I would love to know more about your ministry in the inner city. How did that evolve? How does one even begin to help? Are there opportunities to come down there and help in the summer? Or do you know of opportunities like that elsewhere? I would love to take my kids on a mission trip, but I can't afford overseas for all of us. (I live just outside of Fort Worth.) These books I've been reading are really messing with me. First it was Kisses from Katie, and now I'm reading Interrupted on my Kindle and I'm listening to Radical in audiobook form. Oh, my. I've wasted my entire life thus far. I'm ready to get busy!"

Talk about some encouraging words to be thankful for. You all need to stop by Amy's and while your hopping about stop by Amazon and get those books she listed. THEY WILL MESS YOU UP! And what I'm learning in the silence of my soul - we all need to be messed up. Our hearts need to be stirred. We need to feel the urgency as Amy says, "to get busy!"

4. And there is nothing better than when I ran across this video on my soon-to-be daughter’s Facebook page. An incredible video of my son leading worship in front of thousands of youth. Can you see this momma smiling, crying, singing? Oh my, this is just what the Great Physician ordered.

When all is silent give thanks, praise and worship.

Linking up with Rachel at Finding Joy for Friday Favorite Things.

When Seeking Leads to Silence

2012-02-02T06:20:00.000-06:00

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I am totally thrilled to be sharing over at Heather's Raining Silence today. I have to tell you - this post comes at a fitting time because a still quiet silence has permeated my soul. There are no words. No completed thoughts. And even my tears drop in silence. I seek and search and yet silence. So as I've done before, I get out my trusty, truthful, and tried journal and still a silence invades my soul. I long for a word from God and more silence.

Have you been there? You seek and search for meaning, but yet every page you turn or door you open leads to silence.

So as the world seems silent at the moment, it is my choice to either live in this silence or keep writing so the silence doesn't overtake me. Please join me over at Heather's today.

Here's a little snippet of what I shared about "the silence of a page":

I opened my new colorful bound journal and sat staring. All I could see were lined blank pages looking back at me. The pages beckoned me to write. The pages held so much promise. Yet, the pages were silent. . .

for the rest go HERE.

If you are experiencing silence too, just remember as found in Job 34:29 MSG, "If God is silent, what's that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he's there."

In the silence, whether written or in your soul, He's there!

Linking with the community over at Bonnie's, click on over.

Take a Day to Reflect and Smile

2012-02-01T05:12:00.000-06:00

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One thing about living life as Positively Alene is the fact that I wake up each morning knowing it is going to be crazy! And then somewhere amid my seeking, searching, and serving to be positively myself in the moment, I see little snippets of love from God.

God knows I doubt, question, fret, and even feel clueless about this life He has given me. Yes, I've been known to argue too. You see, I want it all to make sense and for every piece to fit together nice and neatly. I long to be a perfectly completed 1000 piece puzzle, but I'm more of a mosaic -- jagged chipped edges and all.

So, here I am. . .
one month into a new year
still . . .
seeking
searching
serving . . .
begging for clarity

Forgive me, but today I just need to take time to reflect on who God is and smile.

He is the God who called me to an inner city church where I question what I have to offer.
He is the God who sent me to the substance abuse treatment facility with a word to share.
He is the God who made me with crazy curly hair.
He is the God who gave me this mind that does silly and humorous things without thinking.
He is the God who says it's OK to lighten up and have fun.
He is the God who let me share with Leigh at Speaking Thru Me yesterday.
He is the God who took an old post and put it in the top five to be re-featured HERE.
He is the God who made me with personal space issues! Yep, read it here.
He is the God who will continue to guide me this year as I step out and make changes.

Changes are coming. I'll be sharing some of those soon. (need all those pieces in place)

But first, maybe today is a day we just need to sit back and reflect on God's love and smile!

Reflecting, I'd love to know what you see?

Joining up with Walk with Him Wednesdays.

Stop for the One Tuesday {The Pay Off by a Homeless Friend}

2012-01-31T00:40:00.002-06:00

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I hope you stopped by last week and had a chance to meet my friend Rick. He lives on the streets serving Christ by helping those who need help. He shared his heart last week HERE, and now today I post the rest of his story.

When I first started ministering to those on the streets, I had just been laid off my job, lost my truck and my home. Then I lost my temper. I was mad at myself for not being prepared and mad at God for letting this happen.

I soon found myself at the Salvation Army looking around and really upset because I had let this happen again. I had been here before due to my addiction. This time it was just dumb luck or so I thought.

I was in line to eat when I asked God, "What do you want!!!" He very calmy replied "I want you to help people." Really!!! "Look around God they all need help," was my foolish reply. But then I did something that changed my life forever. I told God if He brought them to me I would stop and help them.

A couple of days after I had told God what I would do if He did what He was supposed to do, He sent someone my way! His name was John and talk about needing help, Whew!! He was 24 years old and had the mentality of a 12 year old. He was HIV positive and sick with bronchitis.

His brother that he had been living with had gone to prison, and the girlfriend just shipped him off to Texas from Tennese. His other brother was receiving his SSI benifits and he wasn't seeing any of that money. He was as gullable and naive as a person can get and definitely did not need to be on the streets. I was perplexed to say the least.

I felt God nudge me to take John to the county hospital where he could talk to a social worker. After explaining the situation to her, the social worker informed me that because he had left the hospital he would have to go through the whole process again, this can take 18 hours and up. Then she said to wait a minute she wanted to talk to her supervisor.

She returned with a smile on her face and music to my ears. She said "I got him, and got a great place for him." That's when the tears came and my first brushing up against God's love overcame me.

I had done so little and God had done so much with it. I told her that if anything happened to please call and under no circumstances put John on the streets that I would come and get him.

Later that night I was just about to get in my bunk for the night when my phone rang. It was the social worker. She siad that the plans fell through and I would have to come and get John. What? She then laughed and said she was joking. She just wanted to tell me she had found a better place for John. A place where he would be with people his own age and very well taken care of. They would even help him get all his benifits back!

She paused and then asked, "Why does a homeless guy like you, do what you do?" I told her it was all for God and to give Him all the glory, as I enjoyed the "pay off."

Why do you stop to bless others? Is it for the "pay off" that Rick writes about? Or maybe it's because you are more blessed when you give than when you receive? Stopping for someone else blesses the one who stops abundantly! Who will you stop for today?

It's amazing what God can do when we just stop and serve. I am taking guest posts for this series. If you'd like to submit, please email me at alenesnodgrass (@) gmail (dot) com for specifics. I'd love to hear your story, so link up and share away!

Joy Dare {needing to count}

2012-01-30T10:23:00.000-06:00

While I find myself sick, huddled under heavy covers, and coughing like crazy I feel the need to count. Yes, the world spins on and my deadlines are being rolled back. And no, I don't like these still quite moments I'm forced to take while my body fights the virus. But all the while none of that seems to matter at the moment - only counting does.

Remembering all I have to be thankful for seems to brighten up this dreary day.

51. a warm bed
52. NyQuil
53. my hubby who heats me up something to eat
54. a cup of steaming hot soup
55. two daughters who come to hang out on my bed
56. a ray of sunshine peeping through
57. bloggy friends who ask you to quest post - thanks, Leah at The Point
58. friends that let me be me
59. friends that stretch me beyond where I am
60. mentoring others in this thing called "ministry" even when I don't have it all figured out
61. an afternoon to cook
62. trying a new dish

63. tomatoes - I heart tomatoes
64. giving others a voice
65. singing an old hymn "what can wash away my sin?" with 17 girls at the SATF
66. the words "can you stay longer?"
67. seeing someone step out of their comfort zone never gets old
68. when words flow freely
69. worship that brings a tear and touches the core of your heart
70. a crisp apple
71. dinner with friends
72. a reminder to persevere, never quit
73. the sound of birds chirping
74. reading how others are encouraged by hand-written cards
75. give-aways and
76. the winner Laura at The Pruning Princess (I'll email her with $20 code)

There is much to be thankful for even while you are down. Remembering to count has sure lifted my spirits. Thank you Ann for the challenge to stop and remember my blessings; they are bountiful.

Stop by A Holy Experience today and count. Stop and reflect on YOUR blessings. You will find they are everywhere, even in the dreariest of days!

It was Almost Like Christmas and a Give Away

2012-01-26T16:09:00.001-06:00

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I opened the mail and there it was a huge box of "Simply Marvelous" cards and a beautiful card box for storing and sorting cards. My heart soared, as I remembered how I love cards! When (in)courage asked if I'd like the opportunity to blog about DaySpring cards in exchange for some -- I jumped at it. I mean, pounced! It was almost like Christmas.

As I sat there with all these cards, my mind began to reflect back. I tried to recall when the last time was I received a hand-written note. Not a text, facebook post, or message, but a real hand-penned note.

How about you, when was the last time you received a handwritten card in the mail? Come on, do tell? Was it a blessing to your day?

Chances are, it's been awhile since we are all so internet savy now. And I think we'll all agree that when those hand-written cards come these days they are sure treasures. I don't know about you, but I keep most of my cards in a huge Blessing Box I have. Love to reread them ever so often.

But as I sat staring at the cards wondering who to write and if a little card would make a difference, I wondered who needed encouragement, a prayer note, or just a note to let them know I was thinking of them. Oh my, the names quickly out grew my cards. . . my friend who just went through a divorce, a friend whose daddy just went to walk with Jesus, a friend struggling, and a friend who just conquered a milestone. Yes, everyone needs encouragement!

I was so blessed to receive this collection free in exchange for my honest review, but I want to bless you too. For every comment, facebook share or retweet (make sure you mention @alenesnodgrass) of this post (in)courage and DaySpring are offering one of YOU $20 off a DaySpring order of $20 or more. Yes, we're doing a Give Away!!!!

A random drawing will be held on Monday, January 30th (4 days from now) and the winner posted. The winner then will be contacted via email with the $20 gift code from DaySpring. When using the code, the winner will be responsible for shipping charges. The code expires on 12/31/2012 so you have almost a year to use it.

Do you love receiving cards in the mail?
What has been the best encouraging card you've received?

Oh yes, do tell!

When You Want to Quit - Don't {a legacy in the making}

2012-01-25T07:57:00.000-06:00

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I have the honor of guest posting over at Leah's The Point today. When Leah asked me to share in her Legacy series, I didn't really know what to write. To tell you the truth, I wasn't really sure I had one. . . you know, a legacy! I'm guessing maybe you'd think the same, if I asked --

Are you leaving a legacy?

We think legacy's are for Mother Teresa, Corrie Ten Boom or Rosa Parks, and we don't ever stop to consider that legacies are being made by me and you too. For years I never gave much attention to this topic, however; you and I are leaving a legacy, little footprints of ourselves, every moment of every day. So, whether we think we are leaving a legacy or not -- we are! Footprints here. Footprints there. A legacy.

Every action or little thing you do and say, leaves a footprint forever in the course of time. And those actions you so effortlessly do leave a finely woven legacy over time. With that thought, I cry out

"I want my actions to bless and not tear down. I want to lift others up and not myself.

I want to have others smile when they remember me. Oh yeah, I want them to smile big!"

But recently, I really didn't care -- I didn't care who smiled or if they did. I was tired and lonely and I wanted to give it all up. I wanted not to care for others. I wanted my own way of life. I wanted to quit.

You might find yourself somewhere in this story, as you hop over to . . .

read the rest at The Point.

As I urge you to never, ever quit - please join me over to Leah's and give her a shout out for such an incredible series on leaving a Legacy, based on her Bible study From the Trash Pile to the Treasure Chest: Creating a Godly Legacy. Leah is one of my blogging buddies that I've been fortunate enough to meet in real life. She is just as she is in the blogosphere: warm, loving, truthful and sincere. Hop on over and you'll soon see!

Stop for the One Tuesday {Why Do You Do It by a Homeless Friend}

2012-01-24T00:13:00.001-06:00

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As we remember to stop for someone today, I want you to meet my friend Rick. He lives on the streets serving Christ by helping those who need help. As he shares his heart, notice the resemblance of how God works in your own life.

Years ago I had an addiction problem. It was severe and kept me in bondage for way too long. But the high and euphoria were the pay off and consequences were irrelevant.

My addiction to drugs and alcohol cost me dearly and the pay off was not even close to being worth it. Addiction is a vicious cycle of extreme highs and rock bottom lows. Talk about being bi-polar and depression comes swiflty when the money runs out.

Today, I serve God with all my heart. Helping the kind of people I used to be just like.

Homeless, helpless and with an outlook on life that would cripple anyone. God took my past and used it for good. His good.

He takes my knowledge of being in that position and my love for Him and turns it into a passion for people that are the modern day lepers. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade! I now try to stop and help people that I used to not care about at all. I thought the same way a lot of people think today, "Those people are the scourge of the earth and the world would be a better place if they would just all disappear. They're lazy and don't want to work, they're filthy and don't want to clean up, they're lost and don't want to be found. They don't care, why should I?"

It is thankless and very frustrating to STOP and serve others. I don't do it for money. I don't do it for recognition. I don't do it for prestige. In fact, I ask myself why do I do it?

Do you know why you do it? Why you stop or don't stop to help others? Have you noticed how God has taken your past mess and turned it into the very message you are to share with others? Please share and send Rick some comment love.

Rick will share The Pay Off next week as he gives us a perfect example of what stopping for someone else looks like. It's amazing what God can do when we just stop and serve. I am taking guest posts for this series. If you'd like to submit, please email me at alenesnodgrass (@) gmail (dot) com for specifics. I'd love to hear your story, so link up and share away!

Joy Dare {gifts unaware}

2012-01-23T11:36:00.001-06:00

Trying to keep my eyes open this week to counting the blessings all around me. It seems I'm learning that in the busy chaotic moments of my day it's hard to see those gifts. It's hard to remember to count. The gifts are there, but they slip through my fingers because I am unaware.

Trying to be aware in the moment, I capture some of the most precious gifts.

26. a hug from a stranger
27. the call to pray for a friend
28. connecting with friends via the internet
29. blogging-buddies
30. a friend who knows about WordPress
31. a church I love dearly (Westside Story HERE)

32. self-confidence raised in a friend
33. an acceptance letter of an article
34. a rejection letter of an article (trying to see blessings in struggles)
35. lunch with my daughters
36. iced tea
37. a spontaneous gathering with my mom and sister
38. my hearing and speech (met a man who could only communicate via written word)
39. twelve hour Sunday's at a church I adore
40. Sunday afternoon football with my daughter
41. teaching those that are hungry for Jesus (proof HERE)
42. warm, sunny weather
43. a cold bottle of water in the heat of the day
44. 50 volunteers showing up to Adopt the Block around our church

45. the words "will you mentor me"
46. a warm bed to crawl into at night
47. my hubby who gases up my car
48. a smile from a child

49. seeing a new church begin
50. my journal

The blessings abound. I'm trying to remain aware!

Is it hard for you to count or remain aware of the blessings that surround you daily?

You can find me over at A Holy Experience today . . . counting 1000 gifts.

The Purpose to Thrill to God's Word More

2012-01-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

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I loved all the personal emails yesterday. Obviously the struggle with "more" hit a nerve. Most of you were asking, how do you balance it all? Well, as a sojourner in this life with you - I'm still struggling and trying to figure that out. To get caught up on what we are referring to read THE BATTLE OF TWO PURPOSES and ECONOMY OF MORE PURPOSE.

Have you set some pretty high goals for yourself this 2012 year?
Have you put a plan in motion and ran with it these first 20 days of January?
Are you questioning what you are doing?
Are you wondering how God can fit into this new purpose of yours?

Right now, it may seem like a foggy, blurry picture. It feels like nothing is getting clear and you can't figure out how to make it all work. Maybe you long for a vivid picture, a clear path and direction? Well, the good news is clarity will come as you seek to have and do it all, while you keep God as the thrill of your life. Is it easy, NO! But can it can be done? YES!

Psalm 1 of The Message starts off by saying in a nutshell (that means Alene's paraphrase), "How well God likes you -- because you don't do this, and you don't do that." We can all list those things we don't do, right? We list them easily, because we are proud we have conquered them. But then the scripture says,

INSTEAD you thrill to God's Word,

you chew on Scripture day and night.

What I felt God whispering to me was, "I have given you your strengths, desires, and purposes. I want you to live them out and learn to bring me the excellence of those gifts. I am so proud of you when you don't get hung up on your goals, but yet still make time to THRILL TO ME AND MY WORD."

Even in the midst of running after our "more" -- goals, dreams, success, excellence -- if we don't remember to thrill to God's word daily then we've missed our true purpose. And whatever our heart "thrills" to most of the time, becomes our God.

Are the goals to be more and reach more bad? NO, when we remember to keep God our ultimate number one thought and thrill! The more we thrill to His word the more vivid the path becomes.

What are you thrilling to this year?

Find us over at Gypsy Mama's today for Five Minute Friday.

The Economy of More Purpose

2012-01-19T08:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, we took at look at the ways two purposes can battle within our soul. And oh, there seems to be a battle universal! Loving the comments, please keep them coming as we encourage one another in our fight.

Your battle might not look exactly like mine, but the quarrel within our soul that we all experience can stop us in our pursuit if we are not careful. At the beginning of the year as I took a good look at my life, I thought I was doing pretty good. (not good thinking on my part!) Well, that was until God's word got a hold of me one morning.

Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.

"More, more."
I have God's more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day.

The Message 4:6-7

Something about those words, "more, more, more, more", shook my heart. And a battle begin to rage at the very core. My initial thinking was:

"God, seriously! Why are these words lingering? I've slayed (for the most part) the will within me that wants more clothes, bigger house, jewelry, bigger, better, and more, more, more possessions. I've worked hard at that. Worldly riches aren't what I crave."

And then somewhere out of nowhere (don't you love how God does that) in the quiet still of my heart He said:

"You deceive yourself. You are hungry for MORE. You might think you have conquered the purpose of more possessions, but what about the crave that stirs within. For more friends, comments, follows, pins, speaking engagements, roles, assignments, and writing contributions. You continually focus on MORE!"

Ouch. Waaah. Tears. Conviction. MORE tears!

Spending weeks digesting this war of more within, I think I have come to a peace -- a JOY. It all has to do with realizing I have God's more-than-enough, as the scripture states. Sometimes I get lost in the "striving for more so I can bring God an excellent gift" mode. Not bad, unless you forget about God and the economy of His riches along the way.

Tomorrow we'll see how to stay focused on that.

Is it possible to have and do-it-all and become better while not getting wrapped up in the economy of more?

Linking up at Faith Barista today.

The Battle of Two Purposes

2012-01-18T00:25:00.004-06:00

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Who am I? What am I suppose to be doing? Which path do I take? Whose team am I on?

If you've visited this blog much you know we look at these questions often, as it seems to be a way of life for me. As Positively Alene was born, I was seeking and searching to know the answers to those questions, and the meaning of my life. And here I am today wondering, if . . .

Any one else is asking those same questions?

After years of important questions racing through my mind --

who am I
what am I supposed to do
what am I good at
do I have a specific purpose

-- it seems the battle still rages on. The battle between my purpose and the Lord's purpose.

There's the purpose that wants to seek the Lord wholeheartedly and be about His business, not caring what others might think. That purpose wants to be so assured that what it does will make a difference for the Kingdom. That purpose longs to give it all up and serve others. But then . . .

Oh wait, there's that purpose that seeks success, big numbers (counts, followers, friends), lots of money and a name for itself. That purpose that gets lost in the you can have it all and do it all mode of thinking. That purpose that wants it to be all about me. me. me. me.

I'm sure the Lord is asking me, "Whose team are you on, girl?"

So, as the battle rages on, I'm learning a few things. We'll talk more tomorrow.

For now, how about you? Do you feel a battle raging?
What are your thoughts about the quarrel of two purposes?
Please do tell me I'm not the only crazy one!

Practicing Walking with God over at A Holy Experience today. Do come visit!

Stop for the One Tuesday {a moment in time}

2012-01-17T00:45:00.001-06:00

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For those of you with small children this will make no sense. But for those of us who have children grown and on their own stopping is so important.

In the midst of a busy work day this week, my phone vibrated. I looked down and it was a message from my oldest daughter. I love getting messages from the kids. As I opened it up, it read:

Maj, let's have spaghetti tonight!

My first instinct was Seriously, tonight! Can we get a raincheck?

It's that stopping thing. When I'm in the zone and accomplishing much it's like my brain doesn't want to depart from there. But this was an invitation from my daughter. But an invitation that required planning, shopping, and stopping.

As I debated over whether to STOP - I knew I had to, after all it is my focus for this year. I quickly made a list and got the ingredients. We set up a time and because I stopped and said yes to an invitation for spaghetti, my daughter invited the whole family. It was a nice evening - the family, laughter, chats, and food.

As I rolled into bed, I was so thankful I quit what I was doing to focus on the important - my kids. No matter how old our children are - they still love home-cooked meals and fun times with the family.

It was just a moment in time, I almost missed. Yikes!

If you have a story to tell about how you STOPPED to serve or encourage another I'd love to hear about it. You can link up here.

Linking up at Moments that Define Life, here are a few other Listable Life mommy moments that I am proud to say I didn't miss:

1. It's the Last - Last Day

2. Mom, Please Don't

3. The Engagement {if I could keep you little}

4. Unashamed!

5. Blessed from the Most Unlikely

Joy Dare {challenged to count}

2012-01-16T12:38:00.001-06:00

I've watched from a distance as others counted. I've read the counts. I've admired the lists. For 257 days I've been in awe as others counted. And I prayed "Lord, teach me to count!"

I've learned to count silently, in my head or rather in my journal. I lay my secret lists out before the Lord in thanksgiving. Daily I celebrate the Lord's goodness. But then God grabbed my heart through the Psalmist David.

I'm thanking you, God from a full heart.
I'm writing the book on your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy,
I'm singing your song, High God.
Psalm 9 MSG

If I'm writing a book on the wonders of God, then what good is it if the book is not shared. A book unopened can't make a difference in the world. A silent book is of no good. And by the way, whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy over all you have to be thankful for are better when shared with a friend. The goodness becomes magnified!

So while I've watched others count and counted myself silently, God has stirred my heart to count a loud this year with Ann at A Holy Experience. Joining the Joy Dare, To count out loud, to document, to write a book of my blessings. There are many and how dare I take them for granted and not give thanks.

2012 holds many blessings and I hope to capture 1000 of them, right here in this book of God's wonders.

1. the blessing of saying Happy New Year with family and friends
2. an automatic coffee pot
3. friends who speak truth into your life
4. celebrating the engagement journey with my son and his finance'
5. a church that minsters to the broken, lonely, and homeless
6. my Canon camera
7. my daughter's 24th birthday
8. a hot shower
9. an open door to have Bible study in the County Jail Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
10. open, authentic hearts
11. a fresh Word that penetrates the very being of my heart
12. the book "A Tale of Three Kings"
13. the words "you have such a way of relating to people"
14. my planner
15. the homeless man I get to worship beside
16. hugs and smiles from new friends
17. the voices of 12 girls raised in worship at the Annex
18. the warmth of the sun
19. my new wall art inscribed with the words of Mr. Bobby, a homeless so-journer
20. a quiet day to reflect and read
21. siting by my husband and daughter in service
22. ice-cream cake
23. friends who journey with you in good times and bad
24. a song that draws me into the still with God
25. the SITS girls who are helping me learn more

You'll Never Know What's on the Other Side

2012-01-12T00:13:00.001-06:00

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Were you challenged to open the door in yesterday's post? Did you open it? I hope so. (if not, read)

The craziest thing about those doors we are to open is that we really don't know what's on the other side of them, until we are on the other side. For example, maybe you have a goal, resolution, or nudging to start writing this year. You don't know why, you just know you are suppose to write.

You stand at the door or sit with your journal. You question and ask why. You ask, write about what? But then you decide. You remembered you had dedicated that nudge to the Lord, so you open the door. Then you step through that door very hesitantly at first, which grows to sporadically daily. Your unsure steps soon ignite the habit of writing and you become more passionate about it. Soon a common theme comes pouring out of your writings. Those themes develop into a book and out of nowhere, while you are still new to this door, another door opens for you to publish your works.

That's an example, and true life story, of what happens when we dare to open those doors that we had so longed just stood beside. Friend, that is how my first book Dirty Laundry Secrets ~ a Journey to Meet the Launderer came to be. (click the link for info) An open door, then just one small step a day. I had no idea what was on the other side -- speaking, teaching, mentoring.

I can not urge you enough to open that door. It's the 12th of January and there are some still some of us standing on this side of that door and that goal was scribbled down January 1st. So right now, 12 days later, open the door and take a peak.

Remember, you'll never know what's on the other side until you are on the other side!

Exclusively for blog readers and subscribers, NOW you can get Dirty Laundry Secrets eBook for $4.99.

Open the Door, for Cryin' Out loud

2012-01-11T00:17:00.009-06:00

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Here we are. The 11th day of 2012. Those resolutions, goals, and dreams are they still burning bright. Have you adjusted to a new schedule and new habit as you've walked through the door to accomplish that goal? Or maybe you're still standing outside the door saying, "Here I am again, a New Year, and no luck."

What is that dream? Name that door you want to walk through. That goal or resolution of a better education, a more flexible body, seeing your ideal weight, a more intimate relationship with Christ, better communication with your children or beginning your own business or ministry? What is it? Name it. Or are you too afraid to name it for fear you'll only fail again?

Friend, I've had my share of doors I've left unopened. Regrets. Disappointments. I've had situations when I was afraid to walk through and times yet when I flat out didn't want to walk through. READ HERE.

As you approach today, now is the time to decide, dedicate and determine your plans and goals to accomplish that dream. Don't be afraid. Don't feel like you've failed. Just pull up a chair and sit with God and gaze at the door their in your midst. Spend time in prayer to decide what His goals are for you. For He alone knows the plans He has for you (Jeremiah 29:11). He knows what doors are supposed to open. Ask Him. Listen. Hear the vision, the dream. Write it down. OBEY.

Dedicate this years goals to the Lord. As you dedicate them, determine each and every day to live your life by those goals. Walk through that day. Open the door and walk through it. Open the door over and over, if you must, but open it. Be not afraid, begin each day praying, “Lord, today, I dedicate my __________________ to you. Help me open the door and walk through. ” In your urgency to accomplish, this is not a once a year prayer, but yet a prayer to be recited each new day of 2012.

Can you hear yourself praying that prayer every day?
Can you see yourself opening the door and walking through?

(wait) I hear the Father beckoning, "Open the door, for cryin' out loud!"

Tomorrow we'll look at what's on the other side of that open door.

Stop by Ann's at A Holy Experience as we look at new practices on Wednesday's in 2012.

Stop for the One Tuesday {phone interruptions}

2012-01-10T00:02:00.002-06:00

Do you ever get so caught up in what you are doing that when somebody walks in the room you blow them off to keep steady at your task? Or maybe the phone rings and you just let voicemail pick it up?

I confess, I have gotten in to the habit of letting voicemail pick up those calls that don't register on my caller ID. My number is out on quite a few ministry materials so calls from those I don't know come almost daily. So, after months of being interrupted by those I didn't know, I slipped into the habit of just letting modern-day technology meet the callers initial need.

As I've been trying to keep my eyes open for the One who might need help, you would think I would be sensitive in this area. You would think I would have viewed those phone calls as such an opportunity. But, NO! The phone rang AGAIN. I was busy and didn't recognize the caller ID. I thought, they can leave a message and I'll call back. That thought had no more than formulated in my thought processes when the word "STOP" flooded into my mind. I thought, seriously! And there it was again, "STOP."

I reached down, picked up the phone and heard a man's voice on the other end. He was homeless and had had his sleeping bag stolen. We had a great conversation as we worked out his situation. In the end, he ended up encouraging me by the time we hung up.

Trying to be more mindful of this word STOP and how that included me stopping to answer the phone, even when I don't know who is on the other end of the line, the phone rings again. This time it's a woman whose son has just been sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was struggling and needing someone to talk to and pray with. Once again, I was blessed by the conversation and learned more about the heart of this woman.

I don't know if you struggle with this, but man, why is it so hard for me to just STOP? Why am I so set on my days to-do list and the work that needs to get done that I can't be bothered to answer a phone call from someone I don't know? Who knew stopping could be so hard?

Stopping to answer the phone and giving up my time was nothing. So why the hesitation? Why couldn't I see my phone as a tool God uses to connect me with people. I was so thankful to see God's truth ring forth though as He blessed me tremendously through that simple act of obedience.

Are phone calls from unknown caller ID's hard for you to stop and answer?

Do you see phone calls as interruptions to your day?

If you stopped this week to reach out to another, even if it was such the simple act of answering a phone call please link up. I'd love to hear your story!

Linked up my one word STOP with Stefanie at My One Word Wednesday.

1-2-3 Jump!

2012-01-08T18:53:00.000-06:00

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." James 2:17-18

James reminds us that shouting we have faith is not enough. The world needs to see us jump out of the boat, just as Peter did (Matthew 14), and show our faith by what we do. In other words, we need to interrupt our regular routines and step out into the unknown to experience God anew.

Once we jump out in faith and out of our comfort zones, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Learning from Peter, we certainly don't want to look down and begin to sink.

Today, walk away from the routine and show your unbelievable faith in God. It’s time to jump out of the boat to accomplish those new goals! You will prove you trust the Lord by the leaps of faith you take.

1-2-3 . . . jump!

Linking up with Barbie at Fresh Brewed Sunday.

Happy Birthday Courtney - 24 things I love about you

2012-01-07T10:55:00.000-06:00

Popping in today to wish my daughter a Happy 24th Birthday! I hope you'll wish her some fabulous wishes too.

24 Things I Love about You. Courtney

1. I love your smile.
2. I love that you love people.
3. I love that you are mean, I meant, loving to your sister.

4. I love that you admire your brother.
5. I love that you respect your dad.
6. I love the way you make fun of your mom, that would be ME.
7. I love the way you laugh.
8. I love the way you make others laugh.
9. I love how you love family.
10. I love to watch you dance. (You all will too - watch here.)

11. I love how you like to sport your style.
12. I love how you like to help me sport a style. Really, I do. Thanks!
13. I love your dog, Zep -- well, kind of!
14. I love that you are a fighter.
15. I love how you persevere.
16. I love your heart for God.
17. I love how you are so sentimental.
18. I love how you always invite me to lunch -- probably so I can pay, but I love it.
19. I love how you make time for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
20. I love how you like to look tough with a gun!

21. I love how you've always felt comfortable bringing people home.
22. I love how you've always felt free to invite others to supper. (I miss those huge pots of spaghetti)
23. I love how you look out for those who are down and out.
24. I love you, just because you are YOU.

Wanna Be a Mayan and More

2012-01-06T00:38:00.003-06:00

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I thought I'd have a little fun today, because girls just wanna have fun! Today is Friday's Favorite Things over at Finding Joy and I have some favorites to share and be thankful for.

1. My son is crazy talented and creative! I can't explain it. Don't know where he gets it from, but his crazy whelms are always a hoot-and-a-half to witness. With that said, you have got to watch this video. It's my son and his best-man (to-be in May) -- can you just imagine the wedding? It is the Mayan year in 2012 and they have a rap about it. You just might want to be a Mayan before it's all over! Or maybe not?

2. Below is one of my favorite bowls. Not necessarily because it matches anything in my home any more, but because it symbolizes our family. Well, there's a huge problem. I got this just months before I found out I was expecting our third child, Lindsey. So after 18 years I figured surely I can find someone to paint me a baby Lindsey on here so it will be up-to-date, well kind of. Any takers? Any suggestions?

3. I'm loving my new necklace from DaySpring. It's all about Grace and I'm going to need A LOT in 2012 I'm sure! I love the scripture engraved on the back "by the grace of God, I am what I am." (1 Cor. 15:10) What a great reminder to not compare ourselves, our journeys, our strengths, our callings -- by the Grace of God he has made each of us unique. (if you'd like a reminder DaySpring is having great sales - CLICK below and check them out.)

Make sure you find some favorites to be thankful for today!

Whatever You Do will Rock Your World

2012-01-05T00:29:00.001-06:00

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Years ago, a woman I barely knew was sent to prison and asked for me to come visit her. It totally took me by surprise. What was this lady thinking? I remember asking, “Why me, Lord? Why me? Please don’t rock my world like this!”

I had no idea the journey I was fixing to begin. You see, I’d never been to a prison and I didn’t want to go now! In my prayer and quiet time I felt God continually nudging me to go. I kicked and screamed, but finally submitted.

As the day came I was in a panic. What was I suppose to say to this lady? What would the prison be like? All I could envision was the slamming of the prison doors behind me as I walked in. And to be honest – this freaked me out!

I began begging God to let me out of this assignment, but He didn’t relent. He confirmed every step of the way that He was going with me, but that didn’t make this journey any easier. Arriving at the prison a guard confronted me. I had arrived at the wrong time. I had entered the wrong way. He was a gruff man and scared me to death. He finally said, “Lady, you need to come back in a few hours.”

As I headed back to my car (actually, I was stomping like a two-year old) I was thinking, “God, this is crazy! I am not coming back here.” And once again He snatched my heart and said, “Yes you are, child!” Being the sweet argumentative one that I am, I told God he had a few hours to prove to me that I should go as I headed to a fast-food restaurant to get a drink and read my Bible.

Once there, flipping through scripture I came across Matthew 25:37-40 NIV:

“Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'”

As I read that you would think that this would have convinced me, but, I once again begin to argue with God. “OK Lord, you say the things we DO are as if we are doing them for You. But if I just don’t do it, if I don’t go to the prison then what does it hurt. I just haven’t done anything for anybody. Right?” Like God was going to confirm that nonsense. Instead He said, “Child, keep reading.”

"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'” (Matt. 25:44-45 NIV)

You can imagine how my heart quickened and my spirit wept when I read the words, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” I begged the Lord for forgiveness as I made my way back to the prison that day.

You can already guess. I traipsed myself back to that prison. This was definitely a jail house rock experience for me. God came through in unexpected ways and rocked my way of thinking. I learned that using your gifts, talents, finances, and time for Christ and His cause to reach others will come in ways you least expect it.

My job is to keep my eyes open to how I can unselfishly become the hands and feet of Christ and serve the least of these – the broken, hurting, imprisoned, hungry, grieving, impoverished, abused, addicted, lonely . . .

A journey with that focus will definitely rock your world!

Have you obeyed recently and had God rock your world?

Wake Up that Sleepy Little Town in You

2012-01-04T00:14:00.014-06:00

My mom lives in a sleepy little town in south-central Texas. You can go to visit and it's quiet. I mean, you can hear the birds singing, the crickets chirping, and the cows mooing. We laugh and tease a lot because there is only one stop-light in the small town. It's definitely a nice get-away from the busy city. It is so relaxing and you can always count on there not being a line at a restaurant, gas station, or grocery store. That was until . . .

the sleepy little town woke up!

A few years ago the Eagle Ford Shale formation was found right under that little town. Can you imagine? A treasure of oil right there. Right under that sleepy little town. Since the discovery oil rigs have been erected, 18-wheelers have hit the roads, and hundreds of people have moved in. With all the buzz that sleepy little town now is loud, noisy, blowing, and going. Needless to say, that sleepy little town has come to life. Hotels are popping up and restaurants have lines out the door at lunch time. All great things for business owners and those previously looking for work. It's interesting how in a few months time that sleepy little town has found a true treasure and capitalized on it. And the crazy thing is . . . the Eagle Ford Shale was underneath the surface the whole time, unnoticed and untapped.

As I visited the not-so-sleepy little town over the holidays I had to wonder -- what happened to bring this town to life? There's life, excitement, and movement in that town now. And then I asked . . .

What do I have lying dormant in me underneath the surface that is just waiting to be discovered and then thrive in full action? Or even, what do you have within you that has gone unnoticed long enough? What in you is waiting to spring forth just as a new oil well being tapped?

Maybe it's time to put into practice the ritual of pinching ourselves daily and saying, "wake up!"

Waking up can be scary, though. It means we have to realize we have more in us than we think. It means it's time to do something. It means we recognize it's time, as I like to say, we put on our big girl panties and step out of our comfort zones. Oh, it's scary alright. Being awakened can even feel awkward. What if others don't like us when we are awakened? What if others judge our awakened state? All those "what if" questions paralyze us from truly living awake and so we live with much needed resources lying just under our surface -- untapped, unused, and unnoticed.

But what if we awoke? What if we ignored all the "what if's" that paralyze us?

I think then the stirring of our inward soul couldn't help but notice that sleepy little town within us. That little town reminding us it's time to call forth every gift, talent, strength, experience, and passion and awake with purpose. Awake to live. Awake to life. Awake to be all the buzz that God created us to be.

Oh yes, let's put into practice the measure of truly waking up to all we were called to be.

Stop for the One Tuesday {keyword STOP}

2012-01-03T00:16:00.021-06:00

I've been reading some blogs where some of you were choosing a word for the new year. To be honest I didn't really want a "word." I'd done that before and I always got words like "discipline"- ouch! Or "focus"- seriously! One year I even got a phrase "no sloppy living."

But this year as I was insistent I didn't want a word or phrase God began to speak a word into my soul that wouldn't leave. The particular word being STOP. Stop was everywhere and I couldn't run from it.

Stop. What? Maybe it was drinking too many cups of coffee or being on the internet too much?

As that word continued to stir within me, God had something different planned. It had nothing to do with what I shouldn't be doing, but yet what I should be doing for others. He wanted me to STOP and love those around me. Step out of my routine and see who I could help.

I've realized I've become too use to this crazy routine I have and maybe you are there too. I get up to an alarm with the automatic coffee already brewing, head to my Bible and books for morning devotions, then straight to the computer to check emails, the calendar, and of course, cyberspace to see what all you are doing. Then it's off to meetings, groceries, errands, lunches, more time on the computer writing, emailing, editing and then back out for evening meetings. You get the picture. It's a crazy routine and we all have one. Can you relate? Some days I think we've all gone mad in this world of busy!

And so God continued to say STOP. Stop long enough to see the ONE who needs help whether that is your child, a spouse, a friend, a man on a street corner, a mom who needs a sitter, a teen who needs prayer, or a family who needs food. God continually reminded me that I can't see those in need as long as I'm focused on myself. While running my own race with blinders on, like a race-horse, I can stay the course and accomplish more, but maybe I miss what God is wanting me to see.

I desperately want to see what God has for me, so starting this week I'm beginning a 52 week challenge called Stop for the One. A challenge to help me be mindful to step out of my half-crazed routine and serve another. I hope you'll join me and learn to STOP.

Join me on this journey and let's see what God sees. Each Tuesday this coming year we'll write about how over the last week we were able to STOP and break out of our routines to serve someone else. I think we will all find this inspiring and a call to be more of who God called us to be -- His hands and feet serving one another. Christ always noticed the ONE. He always STOPPED.

Will you join in? If so, please link below. I'd love to visit your bloggy world, pray for you and those you might reach as we start the year. Plus you have to admit there is great encouragement in community. If you have any great ideas for stopping and serving another - please do share!

Can't wait to read about your adventures and the God you'll see as you Stop for One!