Sunday Sentiment...

"My Own Little World" - Matthew West

     In Luke 10: 25-37 we read about "The Good Samaritan".  Now, this is a story about a man that was beaten and robbed while traveling, and left for dead.  As it happened, this was a major route between cities, and so there were surely other travelers that would assist this man.  True to expectation, along came a Priest, who when seeing this beaten man chose to pass him on the other side of the road.  Likewise, a Levite when he arrived on the scene, looked and then kept walking.  But the story goes on to say that a certain Samaritan , as he journeyed, came to where this man was and had compassion.  

     What would you have done?  What do we do?  How many times do we see the needs of others in our lives, and like the Priest and Levite, we choose to look the other way and continue on about our business?  As you consider these difficult questions, I DO NOT want you to feel condemnation or pride.  I DO hope that today, we can consider the difference we are making in "Our Own Little World" and Purpose to Be Aware, Have Compassion, Be a Solution, Make a Difference!!  

     In Luke, Jesus was speaking to a group, and sharing this story about The Good Samaritan in response to the question, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life".  Upon completion, He asks the group in verses 36-37, "So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among thieves?"  "And he said, He who showed mercy on him!"  "Then Jesus said to them, Go and Do Likewise!" 

     This week, I will turn 40, and as I've been reflecting on my life, I felt led to start an "Initiative" inviting all of my friends and family to celebrate with me by Practicing one Act of Random Kindness each day for 40 days.  PARK Project was birthed with a vision to Inspire ALL who choose to participate to Be a Blessing by Being Others Minded as a way of life, rather than an event!

     I encourage you, and invite you to join me on this 40 day journey of Mercy and Grace beginning this Tuesday, 05/01/12!  Let us answer the call to Go and Do Likewise with boldness, passion and PURPOSE; and may you Be Blessed Abundantly as you do!!  :)

My Big But...

"So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth!"

- Revelation 3:16

     Along with having been the "Queen of Denial", I have grown a Big But!  Now, of course I am referring to the endless number of excuses I can generate, and/or the ease of validating bad habits and wrong thinking.  This Big But has become quite the obstacle, and distraction - to say the least!  When did I become so quick to  develop "But" responses, I don't even remember; but I do remember being quite good at it even as a Young Woman being asked to complete my Chores.  Here's the funny thing about my Big But...it is not a statement of Honor!  In Revelation, when Jesus was speaking about The Lukewarm Church, He was clearly Not Pleased by their indifference!!  My Big But places me in this category of Lukewarm Indifference.  When I throw out a Big But, I am neither choosing in or out, I am simply delaying the inevitable or looking for another option.  YUCK!!  

     As I've taken a Stand and made a New Commitment to my health, I have been reminded of just how many bad habits I have adopted to prevent me from Obtaining and Maintaining Health and Wellness!  Likewise, as I've sought wisdom about why I would settle for Lukewarm Indifference over Excellence, the Holy Spirit quickly brings to mind the Scripture in Colossians 3:23, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men!"  What a sweet reminder!  Additionally, I was shown the Lies of the Enemy that I have allowed to creep in and take hold that say; "I'm not good enough", "I don't deserve to be healthy", "It's not really worth it", "I'll never achieve the goals I set", "I'm destined to have High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and Cancer" - just to name a few.  It is at this point that I now have a choice to make.  I can either continue to walk in sin by giving the Adversary such Power in my life, OR I can rise up in the Authority God has given me as His daughter and take captive my thoughts and responses!!  Now, I realize that just by choosing to align with God's desires for my body and my life, does Not mean the Adversary will stop trying to plant such nonsense; it Does, however, mean that I no longer have to settle for less than God's Very Best! 

     Recently, Lysa Terkeurst from Proverbs 31 Ministries wrote a blog about this very topic entitled, "But God Verses".  In her post, she encourages us to follow every "But I" statement with a "But God" statement of truth to decrease the size of our Big But.  She provides a list of Scriptures that include "But God..." to add to our arsenal of tools.  I am grateful for her time and research, and commit to implement this practice immediately!  By acknowledging my "Big But", I find forgiveness and grace as I align with what God says about me rather than what the World would say or what the Adversary would like me to believe!  Likewise, I now have the opportunity to Choose as to the Lord in ALL areas of my life.  I am no longer bound by my Big But, I am, instead free to make wise choices about my health - again honoring the Powerful connection between my Body, Soul and Spirit!  As we begin this Lenten Season, I am inspired to lay down bad eating habits and replace them with The Word of God!  I invite you to join me in this quest towards a more Healthy Lifestyle, leaving our Big Buts Behind (pun intend...LOL)!  May God Richly Bless us as we surrender to Him and ALL that He has for us!!

Time to Address my BSS!

But those who wait on the Lord,

Shall RENEW their STRENGTH;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall Run and NOT be Weary,

They shall Walk and NOT Faint!

 - Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

     Do you ever get tired of your BSS?  I am!!  This awareness of my Body, Soul and Spirit is NOT new!!  In fact, this has been a consistent topic of consideration for most of my life.  I admit that in my early years, or "back in the day" when I was young in the Lord as well as my body; I did not think much on this Powerful Connection.  My body was in shape, I thought I practiced good self-control, and I thought I had good understanding in the ways of God...THOUGHT being the key!   22 years ago, however, I began a journey of realization, reality, and revelation!!  It all began when I gave my heart to my Beloved, who happens to be a Master Fitness Coach/Nutrition Expert.  This is a man who fully understands how to consistently operate with a High Level of Commitment, Courage, and Choice!!  His level of understanding about the Body, Soul, Spirit Connection challenged my complacency; and offered an opportunity for me to get real!!  It really wasn't until after our second daughter was born, however, that things became personal!!

     Shortly after her triumphant arrival, I began noticing a change in my body.  No longer could I consume large quantities of French Fries without gaining weight.  Likewise, once I had added pounds, it became Much more difficult to loose them!  That was nearly 20 years ago, and things went from bad to worse in regards to my Body.  To add perspective, I weighed 89 lbs when I was 5 months pregnant with our first daughter, and today I weigh in at 160 + or -.  

                        

                     10/1992

Today

  

     Needless to say, I have grown weary in my Body!!  As I continue to wonder who is the Large Woman in any photo of me, I have become the "Queen of Denial"!!  I have in-turn focused much of the past several years on my Spirit - strengthening and building my relationship with God, as well as addressing my Soul - emotions, mind and will.  I began spending time in God's word and studying under Wise Counsel about what God has to say in these two areas of my life; and as a result, have gained wisdom and understanding!  I have corrected some wrong thinking about my "heart condition" and have been able to align with God's word on Authority - Controlling my Emotions rather than Them controlling me!!  I have invested time in putting God's word in me, so that the overflow of my heart would bear good fruit.  All of this has served me and is Good, however without clearly heading the connection between Body, Soul and Spirit; I am clear that I cannot walk in the Fullness of God's Best for me and my life!  Darn-it!!  I had so hoped that as I strengthened my Soul and Spirit, my Body would somehow automatically follow - that I would wake one day without an addiction to sugar, that I would be filled with super-natural vitality, that pounds would easily fall off...this thinking proves my status as "Queen of Denial"!!  

     This May, I will be 40 years old; and lately, God has been profoundly dealing with me about my Body!  I began to see in reality rather than delusion.  I began to notice the fatigue, weird cycles, tighter fitting clothes.  As I open my heart to "Hear" what God says about our bodies, I am immediately drawn to 1 Corinthians 6:19 - "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are Not your own?"   So, either I believe that God IS or I don't; and given that I do...I feel empowered to step into a new season where I allow the Holy Spirit who is in me to move through me and heal my body!!  I declare today that I AM the one to break the generational curse of Obesity, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and Cancer in my family!  I choose to honor God by reforming my body as His temple!  I recognize the Urgent Need to make new choices so that I may be an example of Isaiah 40:31.

     This year, my husband and I have stepped into Destiny; and as Youth Ministers, I feel an added opportunity to practice what we preach!!  I have been convicted in calling our Youth to Rise Up, Dive In, and BE a Doer of the Word not only a Hearer!  THIS is my moment to join them in taking on a new level of commitment!  There can be NO more Excuses!!  I invite you to join me on this journey to better balance in my BSS, and ask that you hold me accountable!!  I know God loves me, because He gave me an added measure of support in my Beloved, and I am in gratitude for new seasons!!  I am excited to walk in the Peace of Surrender, and look forward to the challenge of Laying down my will so His can be done!!  To God be the Glory!!

 

The D.N.A. Domino Effect...

"By this ALL will know that You are My Disciples, 

if you have Love for One Another!"

 - John 13:35 NKJV

     This is a new season, and we are being called to Rise Up as Disciples N' Action (D.N.A.)!!  As we consider the enormity of this invitation, we are reminded that being a Disciple begins by being One Another minded!  I challenge you to join me in considering the domino effect your choices have.  What impact are you making in your world?  How are your relationships a reflection of your heart, your attitude and time?  Do you like what you see?  The D.N.A. Domino Effect is very much like The Law of the Harvest...you will reap what you sow.  If you want more joy in your life, BE joyful!  If you want more love, BE Loving!  If you want more grace, BE Graceful and Forgiving!  If you want more Peace, BE a Peacemaker!!  I know that when I actually consider the Domino Effect of my words, attitude and actions, I am Much more Purposeful!!  We serve a loving God who's very DNA enables new beginnings, second chances, restoration and healing!!  Let us purpose today to enter this Christmas Season with a heart of thanksgiving and praise as we Purposefully choose Plan BE!!

A MASTERPIECE...

"For we are God's Masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, 

so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

- Ephesians 2:10 NLT

As we enter this Season of Harvest and Thanksgiving, I invite you to pause with me and consider Yourself as God's Masterpiece. 

Courtesy of Bethany House Publisher, I received a copy of my Favorite Author's latest novel, the first in her new series set at The Belmont Mansion in Nashville, Tennessee.  Tamera Alexander continues to challenge and inspire me through her historically rich, romantic fiction novels, and A Lasting Impression is no exception!  In this post Civil War era, we are introduced to "a nation mending, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves-and each other-for who they truly are."

This eloquently written story reminds me of God's Grace, His ability to Forgive and Restore, and His desire to lead us into Second Chances - FULL of Abundant Blessings!  I wonder, how many times do we resist this progression in order to question our worthiness?  How often do we get stuck in our "doing for others" that we forget  whom we owe ALL of our ability and opportunity too?

I LOVE to meditate on what it means to "be God's Masterpiece...created to do good things He has planned for us long ago".  I am not an artist, but as I connect with Claire Laurent's passion to create, I become aware of the emotion and delicacy involved in the process.  I can imagine each brush stroke taken to design and blend the variety of colors into one beautiful masterpiece, and feel humbled considering God's love for me!!  I begin to see the Joy of the Lord as He painfully placed His signature on our hearts, and treasure the thought of being considered priceless!!

"A Lasting Impression" is Rich with sweet lessons of faith, forgiveness, courage, honor, restoration, trust, and love!!  I am blessed by the opportunity Tamera Alexander's writing gives me to not only enjoy a good story, gain some historical insights, but also to reflect and respond to my own heart condition!  In this moment, I am left with the challenge of considering the "Why" behind my actions, and equally important, the Lasting Impression I am creating.  May we be filled with Wisdom and Understanding as we continue to press forward in faith, and may you be blessed as God's Masterpiece!!! 

The Ultimate Blog Bash 2011

Today I am Joyfully Linking Up with other Bloggers at Women Living Well to introduce myself and get to know others better.  My name is Nanette,  and I am SO grateful to be a Daughter of God, a Wife in Love, and a Mother on Purpose!  I Love to sing and truly believe that life is one long musical.  I enjoy sharing my heart and home as I daily learn what is means to "Dance in the Rain".

I began blogging as a way to record my thoughts and experiences, and quickly realized the power of connecting with other like-minded women as we Inspire and Encourage one another.  I write with a heart to be transparent while glorifying God in all that He does in me and through me!!  I am passionate about growing my relationship with Him, and delight in the process of Pursuing Peace on Purpose...HA!  Likewise, my blog is full of examples of God's Grace!  I continue to marvel in the opportunity to regularly pause and consider my "Heart Condition" - to align (more accurately re-align) with Wisdom and Understanding, and reflect on valuable life lessons I learn as I strive to be a Woman of Godly Character, a Helpmate to my Beloved, and a Grace-filled Mother!  Please join me in this journey...I pray you find peace in knowing you are Not alone!  Likewise, I look forward in faith with great expectation to ALL that God has for us we strive to BE Relevant!!    

Happy Father's Day!!

Happy Father's Day, Men of Valor!!!

I am SO blessed to have a Godly Father!!  I am grateful for a Dad that sees me through Godly eyes, and loves me with a Godly heart!!

I am equally grateful to love a man that chooses to be a Godly Father to our children!!

I am also grateful for numerous Godly men that have spoken and continue to speak powerfully into my life!!

May you continue to be blessed as you lead our families as God has equipped you!

All My Love and Gratitude!!

Pruning Season

"For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect, and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches" 

Isaiah 18:5

Spring begins a season of pruning, where the objective is to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants.  According to the United States Department of Agriculture's guide, How to Prune Trees there are several reasons for pruning: safety, health, aesthetics, stimulating fruit production, and increasing value.  I suggest that much like plants and trees, we too need a pruning season.  

Reasons for Pruning

Pruning for Safety involves removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets or driveways, and removing branches that grow into utility lines.  I believe that we too can Prune for Safety by removing distractions from our lives!!  I would define a distraction as anything that changes our Heavenly focus to a Worldly perspective and gets in the way of our desires and dreams.  What activities and relationships do we allow in our lives that create worry vs. peace, frustration vs. joy, discouragement vs. hope, bondage vs. freedom?  Perhaps it is time to consider the cost vs. benefit in these areas.  Let's be bold as we honestly evaluate the reality, and courageously Prune for Safety.


Pruning for Health involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow and reduce some pest problems, and removing crossing and rubbing branches. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Removing broken or damaged limbs encourages wound closure.  What a great visual to apply in our lives.  As we aspire to create solid foundations in our lives, ones that can weather any storm, we can see the value of Pruning for Health.  I LOVE the value that is created when we remove broken or damaged limbs!  I see wound closure as a Really good thing!  I see this as a vital part of having a solid foundation!  We know that in this life there will be storms, it is wisdom that allows us to pick up the pieces and find peace and healing to move forward!  It is my experience that this is where forgiveness is vital.  Trusting the Atonement of our Savior to cover the offended, the offense, AND the offender - such an act of love!


Pruning for Aesthetics involves enhancing the natural form and character of trees or stimulating flower production.  How sweet to trust our Heavenly Father as the Master Gardener to enhance our nature as we develop Godly Character!  What can we do to ensure healthy fruit production?  Submit to the Pruning Process!! 


The USDA further suggests, To reduce the need for pruning it is best to consider a tree's natural form. It is very difficult to impose an unnatural form on a tree without a commitment to constant maintenance.  Just as vitally important it is for us then to understand and consider our nature as we prune.  I visualize the process of pruning looking slightly different for everyone.  A man will have different considerations than a woman,  adults different than children.  I think the greatest value of understanding this truth is that we enter a Season of Pruning with realistic expectation.  I tend to be very motivated by my emotions meaning I get excited easily.  This is great for getting me motivated, creating a plan, and following through until I achieve my desired result.  Good news for me, it does not however mean that my plan will work for my husband or children.  Inspiring a Season of Pruning for my family requires the heart of a Master Gardener.  First of all, I'm learning to let my Heavenly Father Prune my husband...what a peaceful and loving concept.  It is rarely my job to correct my sweetheart.  I am learning that it is far more effective for me to encourage and uplift him rather than correct....a lesson learned the hard way over and over again.  As for my children, it is a sweet thing to allow the Master Gardener to mentor me in the art of shaping and developing, and He is faithful to do so!  The moment I remember that the Covenant Relationship with God and my Husband is available to assist me in Pruning and Shaping the lives of those entrusted to us, the moment I can Prune according to my children's specific Godly Character.  This produces healthy fruit of more than one variety, rather than an orchard of exactness.


I am SO grateful for Pruning Season!  I am grateful for the process of letting go, as I continue to Trust God to shape me into the Godly Woman He designed.  I continue to practice the art of submission - laying down my agenda to that which serves the greatest good.  It is my desire and prayer that by understanding how, why, and when to prune I will produce strong, healthy, and attractive fruit,  Being Blessed to Be a Blessing!!

Happy Pruning!!

Love Language Week

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he"

Proverbs 23:7

About a month ago, Jeff & I began an amazing journey together, unified in our desire for greater depth and direction as parents. Little did we know at the time, the impact "Train Up A Parent" would have on our family!

Earlier this year, as a family, we began defining our Mission and Purpose. This powerful inquiry led us to passionately stand for Leadership Education as a lifestyle. Based on the principles of "A Thomas Jefferson Education", we boldly stepped into a journey of faith. We began seeking inspiration on what it means to "train up a child in the way they should go". Could it be that to train a child is to FIRST train the parent? And if so, how and where to begin - especially considering our season in life? This led us to the place where Jeff & I are beginning to understand what Godly Character is and how to instill this vital teaching into our hearts AND the hearts of our children.

I have come to know the truth of Proverbs 23:7 over the past couple of years in ways I could not have anticipated. What was in my heart defining my thoughts and therefore actions? What had I instilled in my children that would define their thoughts and actions? Had I instilled Godly Character? An uncomfortable inquiry has led me to a renewed sense of intention and purpose as a daughter of God and a mother!

Knowing that God is a God of Restoration and Healing, and realizing that it's never too late to align with Him; I am excited to parent today for what we want tomorrow. This perspective has been extremely profound for me! Godly Characteristics are instilled with love, patience, and consistency; and determine the level of success each of us will enjoy. What better place to focus my heart? This has been a time of "internal housekeeping" - identifying the habits and beliefs that exemplify Godly Character and dismissing everything else. I am finding this process requires daily alignment. I am also finding great joy in this journey!

We have gained several new tools to implement as a family which are producing results of greater peace, unity, and connection! I'll share more of these another time. As for this week, we are going to focus on Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages. Identifying each others primary Love Languages will assist us in communicating our love more effectively; which is certainly our intention. I am looking forward to rewarding Michelle and Anthony's ability to identify and apply each Love Language in various ways. I hope that by the end of this week we can be a multi-lingual family! I plan to introduce one Love Language each day and discuss it as part of our morning family devotion. It is my desire that these discussions will produce actions full of love!

I am SO grateful for my amazing family! I feel SO blessed to be a wife and mother surrounded by my greatest teachers! I am especially grateful for the wisdom and understanding of How to Train Up this parent such that I might Inspire my Children's Very Best!