Her blog

I'LL TAKE A PLATE OF INSECURITY WITH A SIDE OF JEALOUSY

Heather Palacios — Tue, 17 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

OK, I'll 'fess...I've let myself order insecurity with a side of jealousy. It makes me sick & sad that it's a part of bad-Heather. But I gotta tell ya...I'm glad I've identified it. I would hate for the world to see this in me & me not see it in myself. How could God EVER deliver me from this nasty entree of destruction if I don't see it? The whole freakin' nation could be fasting & praying for my jealousy--but if I don't see it, I won't get rid of it. It's twisted, but I think we like to admit certain sins, as if they're glamorous--but jealousy isn't one of them. It's a rare day that I'll call someone & say, "Hey, FYI, I'm jealous of you." So if it's an ugly sin to confess, IMAGINE how liberating it is...when we do. If we're jealous, let's confess it & get that gunk outta our hearts & give God more space to shine!

Thanksgiving in May?

Heather Palacios — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

About 10 years ago, I started thanking God for stuff before asking for stuff. I felt bad that I'd jump right into my daily quiet time with a list of "gimme's." Admittedly, it's sometimes hard to find thanks--like days when I wake up sad or fearful. But it's on those days that I need to give thanks all the more. Here's some things I've thanked God for this month in May: 1) the personal lessons God is teaching me regarding courage 2) that I haven't been in the hospital in over 2 years for my lungs 3) my better whole, Raul, & my 2 healthy boys 4) Church by the Glades. "Thanks" is good for Thanksgiving, but giving thanks shouldn't be reserved for it. What's something you're thankful for today? This day in May?

CHICKEN SALAD & GRAPE LAFFY TAFFY BARF!

Heather Palacios — Sun, 15 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

When I was in college, my roommate & I hit the town one night. On our way home, my roomie (feeling the repercussions of a long night of bevaraging) lost control & projected vomit all over my dashboard, my passenger window & passenger door. But wait, there's more. She had just pigged out on chicken salad & grape laffy-taffy. NAAAAAASTY! We got back to the dorm &--too tired to clean my car--left it. The next morning, I opened my car door & got bull-dozed by the most atrocious odor ever! Whats my point? It stinks when people barf all over. When I was young & stupid, I thought "strong friendships" meant barfing every single honkin' drama all over my friends. I've learned better. People will never rid the odor, or clean the "barf" like Jesus does. Jesus said, "Come to ME when you are weary" (Matt 11:28) Perhaps the best thing we can do for ourselves is give ALL the barf to Christ before barfing on each other. After all, He's God, He can handle it. :)

WHO CHEERS FOR YOU?

Heather Palacios — Thu, 12 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

We are all running a race. Some of us are pacing ourselves quite well. Some of us are barely making it around the bend. Some of us are sprinting with no comprehension of the fatigue that awaits. But ALL of us have one consistent, faithful, devoted, die-hard fan in the stands. GOD. He cheers for you when you don't hear the cheers of others. He stands up for you when you are falling down. He can't wait to see you make it. He is yelling, "You can do it!" When you think no one is cheering for you--think again. You have all you need in your stadium. You have your #1 Savior and He won't stop cheering until you finish racing.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR PAST?

Heather Palacios — Wed, 11 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Today I got to thinking about my past. How awful it can be to live there. Especially if you have a jacked-up one like mine. And that's when I got inspired with this one-liner. I take no credit--it was God speaking--but it was so encouraging that I thought I'd share it with you:

"STOP GRIPPING YOUR JACKED-UP PAST

SO YOU CAN HUG YOUR PROMISING FUTURE!"

And you know what goes along perfectly with that one-liner? What Paul said in Philippians 3:13 when he said, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." I hope this encourages someone today. :)

WHEN I CAN'T HEAR GOD.

Heather Palacios — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Generally speaking, my heart always believes God is near. But sometimes my EARS doubt it 'cause it seems like He's coming in thru a tin-can on a distant planet. So what do we do when we feel God is near but we can't hear him very well? What we don't do is pray for God to come in more clearly. He's God. He ALWAYS comes in clearly. What we do do is pray that our ears pick up better reception. And God will answer. God will come in as clearly as we are willing to let Him in and listen. He's never as far away as our ears think He is. I hope this encourages someone today.

WHERE DOES MY STRENGTH COME FROM, ANYWAY?

Heather Palacios — Mon, 09 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Let me answer where my strength comes from by putting Psalm 73:26 under a microscope and dissecting it for you: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." In other words...

your marriage may fail,
your kids may fail,
your job may fail,
your health may fail,
your finances may fail,
your desire to live may fail,
but God is the axis of you when your world spins out of control.
God is the anchor of you when waves torment your voyage.
God is the solid-oak root of you when wind snaps your branches.
If your strength can't make it, don't worry, God's can.

IF YOU'RE BROKEN, YOU'RE STILL A MASTERPIECE

Heather Palacios — Sun, 08 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Several years ago, my grandma, an artist, sculpted a beautiful scuplture of a man & a woman.

It was an engagement gift for Raul and I. But when it shipped, it arrived broken.

But even broken, it was still a masterpiece.

Because it's sentimentality hadn't changed.

The attention to detail was still in tact.

You could still decipher the beautiful vision the artist had for what she created.

It was just broken...not destroyed

I've often likened that story to you and me and God.

We are his masterpieces. And sometimes, we break.

But we're still a wonderfully-made creation filled with wonderful potential.

Because our brokenness does not effect our masterpiece-ness!

for more on this, read Psalm 139

HAPPY MOM'S DAY: A LOVE-NOTE TO MY BOYS

Heather Palacios — Fri, 06 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Dear Boys,
You've probably figured this out by now, but I can't always be where you are--
it's a tough reality every mommy has to accept.
Each day you grow up, you grow out of a need for me
& grow into a greater need for Jesus. And that makes my heart glad.
I know when I pray each & every day that God's watchful eyes be on you
that they are the same watchful eyes that have been on me.
I couldn't ask for anything better. And thankfully, God wouldn't give anything less.
Love you as you grow up & praying as you go on,
Mommy

BYE BYE DRAMA QUEEN. HOW 'BOUT YOU?

Heather Palacios — Wed, 04 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Confession: I've had drama-queen tendencies. This is embarassing; and I'm still in recovery for it. But I've lived with myself long enough that I can officially put my drama into 2 categories: Old-Drama-Queen Heather - she made a bigger deal out of the crisis than was needed. She told more people than cared to know or needed to know. She often brought the crisis on herself. She stunted her potential because she delayed her progress by the drama. New-Drama Heather - strives to make something out of a crisis with GOD FIRST. Proceeds to tell only a few people (who can handle it cause they know her well). She EXPECTS a speedy recovery. She stays quieter only because she desperately wants to hear God's whisper. These days, I am constantly aiming toward "New-Drama Heather," & hope the old drama queen's days are over. How 'bout you?

MY THOUGHTS ON NAKEDNESS

Heather Palacios — Tue, 03 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

When I started blogging, God & I wrestled with what parts of my life I would share & what parts I would keep between Him and I. Because getting naked with others doesn't mean baring all the gory details of your life. When we talk about getting naked, I think the best example was Jesus. Jesus was WHO HE WAS, ALL THE TIME. He put on no airs; He wasn't a loud-mouth divulger; He wasn't mysterious; He wasn't fake. He was 100% discerned-Jesus, every day of His life. Getting naked with you at LeadHership is me being the me who Jesus wants me to be on here. And as I am, I hope others are drawn to the Light that is easily seen thru something cracked & broken.

MY SON & HIS MATCHBOX CARS

Heather Palacios — Mon, 02 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

A few years back, my son, DJ, was smashing (& destroying) his lil race car...the one that he proclaimed, "doesn't go fast anymore." I motherly explained to him that some boys don't have any race cars & they'd be grateful to have just one. After this heartfelt chat, we briefly thought of how the slow race cars could be mailed to other children. But that was that & I went back in the house. The next morning, I noticed the red flag was up on the mailbox which was odd because neither Raul or I had done that. When I opened the mailbox, I found not 1, but 3 race cars, waiting to be mailed (see pic). DJ had done this. Ya know, when our children have precious lil moments like these they melt me--not just as a mom, but as the kid of a Father who I know desires to have precious lil moments with us too.

I BELIEVE IN YOU, DO YOU?

Heather Palacios — Mon, 02 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

We ALL need someone to believe in us. We ALL need someone to be God's arm on our shoulder letting us know we can and God's hands applauding us after we did. Here's a lil diddy I wrote awhile back just for...YOU!

Today YOU will make a difference in the world by being YOU.
God says He knew YOU before YOU were born.
He has a plan for YOUR life.
If YOU were to die today, nobody else could be YOU.
there are no more YOU's.
YOU are not a clone, YOU are not a mistake, YOU are not another,
YOU never have been, YOU never will be.
YOU have to be YOU to make YOUR difference in this world.
Don't hope someone else will; don't think someone else can.
So roll YOUR shoulders back & lift YOUR head up.
Before YOU walk away from YOUR computer to be YOU for today,
ask God to give YOU the confidence to do it.
And then go out there & make YOUR difference...
YOU'RE the only one who can.

WHEREVER YOU ARE...PRAY FROM THERE

Heather Palacios — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

In the desert? Pray for a stream.

In the dark? Pray for a light.

In the pit? Pray for a ladder.

In the storm? Pray for a shelter.

I never want to think that any perilous place I'm in is permanent. And I never want to think that any crisis I'm in is unnoticed by God. There is ALWAYS a way when I pray. Wherever you are...PRAY for your way out. The "who" you are praying to is the only one to lead you there.

IF I COULD SHOOT AN EMAIL TO GOD...

Heather Palacios — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Dear God,
There have been people you put into our lives, to which we are so honored to have.
There are many blessings you give us, to which we are speechless.
There are prayers you answered, to which we are grateful.
There are things you have done that we didn't even notice, to which we are relieved.
God, we're just sheep--moving in one direction, but at different paces.
But you kept pace with all of us, making sure we made it back.
We may have fallen behind or fallen down, but you never let us give up.
We may have caused another lamb to fall, or followed one down the wrong path,
but you always put both lambs back in the right direction.
God, we aren't bad sheep, we're just dependent. And we need you.
This tribute's for you.
Beyond words,
one of the flock

Feelin Stressed? Pray Like Jonah

Heather Palacios — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

I've been thinking about some of my friends who are in Jonah-times right now. They feel like they're in the depth of somewhere; overcome by something. In his dire straits, this is what Jonah prayed, "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry...The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head...But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple."

Let's pray THRU our stress and you better believe that our prayers are gonna rise to God--who WILL bring us out of it.

CRAPPY DAYS

Heather Palacios — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

I've come to the conclusion that life's gonna be hard. As long as we are living on this spinning globe, it just is. We are gonna have crappy days, crappy seasons. It is because perfection can't exist where sin is rampant. So if I realize it's gonna be hard--then I realize I need help. Swirling around me may be crappy days--but swirling within me is Jesus Christ: my resiliency, perseverance, patience, tenacity and a will to not give up. And if He's your Savior--this is swirling around in you too. So if you're having a crappy day, don't look at your day, look at what's within. All you need is within you. All you need to do is tap into it. You can do this!

FOR THE GUYS ONLY (But Girls, You Can Peek)

Heather Palacios — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Thought I'd send a shout-out to the guys today. A nice, concise list of 4 things that I ran past my hubs. All starting with the letter "P"...
1. POTTY - Many of you read when you potty. I'd like to recommend a good read for such times: the bible. It's more fulfilling than Sports Illustrated. And if you have to have pictures, get a picture bible! :)
2. PROMISES - You are so incredibly blessed! God's chosen YOU to be in charge in this world. But with high privilege comes high expectation. That said...if you break a promise at work, a deal busts. But if you break a promise at home, a heart breaks.
3. PORN - Don't, period. "But I made an agreement with my eyes not to look with desire at a girl." Job 31:1
4. PALACIOS - I asked my pastor-hubs for one piece of advice he'd give guys. He said, "Live below your means!" (but I'll bet that was his way of subliminally reminding me)

WHY IS GOOD FRIDAY GOOD TO ME?

Heather Palacios — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Today we remember that Jesus died.
Sunday we celebrate that Jesus lives.
And Jesus lives in my heart. By simple math, that means what has died in me can live again too. When things have died in me, I've needed nothing less than a Savior to resurrect them. When my joy from depression died, Jesus resurrected it. When my hope for my marriage died, Jesus resurrected it. When my confidence in myself died, Jesus resurrected it. What is dying in you? If you know Jesus, Friday is a good day to recall what that is.
And Sunday is a good day to believe it can be resurrected!

JUST FOR THE WOMEN.

Heather Palacios — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

A woman's heart
should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first
to find her.

-Maya Angelou

THE DARKEST HOUR...EVER.

Heather Palacios — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Jesus endured humanity's darkest hour & when he did, he prayed: "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." And then the bible says he was in so much agony that his sweat fell like drops of blood. The one attribute of Christ I'm most sold-out on is that He's been where we are. There are lots of "gods," but my God put on skin & endured the darkest hour. My darkest hour was when I got put in a psych ward in 2000. It really sucked. Do you know that I lied in a cell all night long & didn't give up because Jesus didn't give up in his darkest hour? Apart from knowing this, I would have. That's why we need to invite people to church this weekend. For anyone in their darkest hour, it's on Easter where they can know they aren't the only one; where Christ's darkest hour will be remembered; and where His rising from it...will be celebrated.

PRAYERS FOR A FRIEND RECENTLY DIAGNOSED

Heather Palacios — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

This week, my friend Sonia, who I haven't seen since 6th grade (!!!) connected with me on Facebook. God bless Facebook--it's a blessing how God allows paths to cross that haven't in years. Sonia asked a favor--if I'd pray for her--because she was just diagnosed with breast cancer. My heart bittersweetly filled. Sweet at the honor to be one of the praying people in Sonia's life. Bitter for her unexpected news. But Sonia is already shining--she told me she believes this is all for God's purpose--rendering me speechless. I got her OK to share this--with hopes of rallying us to come together in prayer. And if you (or someone you know) has battled cancer, might you leave an encouraging word for Sonia? In the coming days, I know it will be greatly needed & greatly appreciated.

I LOST A TREASURE ON EARTH

Heather Palacios — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

I waited awhile to write about this. Any sooner & you would've picked up on my frustration. Waiting allowed me to pray, forgive, ask for forgiveness & find closure. Now, I hope you only get encouraged...
Several years ago, when we said, "Yes!" to church-employment, we said "Bye, bye" to our boat. We sold our 38-ft Bertram to a family-friend. Well, we got stiffed. Never got one penny. I'll be honest, it took me awhile to get to the place where I could let go of it. I had to really, really pray about it. I had to find verses on forgiveness. I had to press through the pain of being robbed & labor to get to the other side of it. But on the other side was a powerful lesson: He has our boat that I can't take away. But I have a treasure in Heaven that he can never take away. :)

DO YOU GET HEADACHES?

Heather Palacios — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

No matter our leadership role, when the stress is high, so is the probability for a headache. A few years ago, my oldest, DJ, got his first headache. You can see here he conjured up his own remedy: strapping on a pair of tight, tinted goggles. When I asked if it helped, he looked at me (with a lil Cuban attitude) and said, "My headache's already gone!" So there you have it. Maybe instead of popping Advil left and right, I should just strap on a pair of goggles. Not sure if you get headaches from stress, but if you do, start with a remedy of a "time-out" (we give time-out's to our kids but we never give them to ourselves) and add an Rx of prayer cause God's in everything...even our stresses & headaches.

SOME LEADHERSHIP HOUSEKEEPING

Heather Palacios — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Hello! Nice-n-light post today. Just wanted to share a few ways we can connect.

At the top of my homepage (under my big head) is "HER NETWORKS." If you click on that, it gives you options to 1) follow me on Twitter 2) email me and 3) friend me on Facebook

Also, if you would like to get my Mon-Fri posts delievered to your inbox, enter your email address in the box at the top of my homepage next to, "Get Email Updates" then follow the directions. (after you enter your email addy, it will prompt you to enter which blog you'd like to get email updates from, that's where you'd insert "leadhership.net")

Look forward to connecting with you on many levels! I SO appreciate you and am grateful for the relationship "LeadHership" has allowed us to cultivate! WhooHoo!! :)

ANSWERING SOME OF THE STRUGGLES

Heather Palacios — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

All of us have weaknesses. But did you ever notice they change over time? Here's a broad look at my weaknesses over the course of my life:
-->Elementary - too impressionable-->Teens - peer pressure-->College - addictions-->Young Adult - low self esteem-->Adult - anxiety/insecurity

I look at this and it exhausts me. I realize that for ALL of my life, I've struggled, fought, lost & won against weaknesses of all shapes and sizes. Maybe you have too. Two encouraging thoughts...

One, we are in this together. You and me, standing shoulder-to-shoulder (& sometimes needing to lean on each other's shoulders). We are in our weaknesses but we are not alone. Two, nobody said it better than our Savior when He exhorted Paul to say to us all, "My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." What are you struggling with? Take heart. I'm struggling too; we are in this together & we have HIS strength on our side!

WHAT'S YOUR STRUGGLE?

Heather Palacios — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

I could use your help. As I prepare for future writings, it would really help to know what kinds of things you think people are struggling with. I know it's a somewhat difficult question to answer, but keep in mind, we ALL struggle with something. I'll jump in, first. If you leave a comment, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

BOOGERS & WRONG NAMES

Heather Palacios — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

I am totally embarrassed, still. Hours after this took place, I still feel blushed. The boys and I were at the grocery store, when we turned down the aisle and ran into someone I've known for over 10 years, but haven't seen in a long time. So aloud (in my Heather-sort-of-way) I proclaimed, "Hi Allen!!!!" We had a brief, exchange & went our separate ways. Moments later, I realized two things. One, is name isn't Allen (it's David). Two, I had a booger in my nose. So how stupid do I feel seeing someone I haven't seen in years, getting his name wrong and having an obstruction in my left nostril?? Here's the simple lesson: the embarrassing moment gave me a great reason to laugh. I'm in a season with a lot of stress around me & if I'm not careful the stress will become me. Laughter, joy, smiling--these human functions keep it real & keeps the body healthy. I hope you are laughing. Cause if you are, you are really, truly living.

MY "DRUGS" AS I GET OLDER

Heather Palacios — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Yep, I'm getting older & with that comes 1) acceptance! But also a few "drugs" that I thought I'd share with you, in case you're getting older too. :) In the pic, here, is my Yogi Stress Relief tea. I carry it with me in my purse & sip it at night on days that are, well, stressful. Another drug I take is a real Rx for depression. It's called Abilify (not pic'ed here). Lastly, the BioSil you see here is something I started taking about 4 years ago. It is for Hair, Skin & Nails. These capsules have done a good job of helping me with these 3 areas, as I get crustier (uh, older). All this to say that it goes back to my #1--acceptance. We can not stop getting older so just roll into it & enjoy!

Got Bit By a Dog Today Going for a Walk

Heather Palacios — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMT

There I was, going for my walk, minding my biz, listening to Joyce Meyer on my iPod when BAM! 3 dogs came charging at me and one of them (a little one) bit my leg! I stood there and took the abuse, frozen on the outside (as I screamed to myself on the inside, "Do something, stupid! Think! Quick!"). Sometimes this happens in life. We get ambushed, blind-sighted & we freeze--griped by uncertainty, paralyzed by confusion. But we (or I'll just speak for me), I need to know that EVEN IN THOSE KINDS OF MOMENTS, God is STILL on His throne--God does not get taken by surprise when we do. So when life blindsights--by dogs or by people, we 9-1-1 Him. And He takes over. Just like He did today. I prayed--he helped. Two women came to me & one was a nurse. Go Rescue-God!