Sunday Sentiment...

Ephesians 6:18

     Today, it is my honor to Pray for Others as I PARK (Practice Acts of Random Kindness)!!  I LOVE to pray!!  It is one of my favorite things - getting to spend time with My Daddy; especially when we get to visit about you!  I invite you to review my PARK Project post and add any requests you may have as we look to the One who Loves Completely, Provides for Abundantly and Cherishes Constantly!!

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!!  :)

Sunday Sentiment...

"Life is NOT about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!!"

 - Vivian Green

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!!

 

Wisemen STILL Seek Him!!

     Do you consider yourself to be wise?  How would we know?  Long ago, wise men were identified by their elaborate clothing/tunics, their abundant provisions, and their purposeful decisions.  What, then, sets us apart today as Wise?  

     2 years ago, I posted some thoughts on "where your treasure is, there your heart will also be" and challenged us to be found as the Wise Men of old - Seeking, Worshipping, and Giving!  As I now, revisit this idea that Wise Men Still Seek Him, I wonder - Do they?

     When you consider the word "wise", who do you envision?  I think of my Grandfather, and Pastors - men, who walk with Godly Character.  I also connect wisdom to my husband, who faithfully seeks to lead our family according to the Word/Will of God!  I think of Donald Trump and Bill Gates - men who have achieved great financial abundance; and I also consider women like Joyce Meyers and Marilyn Hickey whose passion for a God-Honoring life has positioned them among those of influence.  A common characteristic among these and the countless other "Wise" people, is Purpose!!  As an adjective, "Wise" is defined as follows: having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgement.  Wisdom, then is the quality or state of Being wise!

     Likewise, let's also consider again what it means to "seek".  The Greek define "seek" as pursuing a continued direction with determination.  "Seek", then, is a verb - it requires action!  Based on this information, it stands to reason that we would then desire to Be Wise in our Seeking!!  Let's get real now, and identify who or what are we seeking?  Are we seeking validation from our peers?  Are we seeking financial riches regardless of the costs?  Are we seeking love?  Are we seeking peace?  Perhaps, more importantly, are we wisely seeking?  

     The more I come to know and understand the nature of God (his DNA), the easier I can identify His Divine ability and desire to meet ALL of my needs according to His riches in Glory!  Therefore, it is Wise to "Seek First the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness" knowing that "ALL these things shall be added to us!" - Matthew 6:33 NKJV  This is Amazing news!!  I love the simplicity and power of this promise!!!  

     What then sets us apart today as Wise?  Based on this information, Wise Men and Women Still Seek Him - thee One who Loves first!!  I invite you to join us this year as we PURPOSE to BE Wise in SEEKING Him First!!  

Merry CHRISTmas!

 Love, The Baker Bunch

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!!

Normal is NOT Enough...

"go and make disciples..."

- Matthew 28:19 NKJV

     "Are you ready?  Ready for total surrender and complete availability to God?  Standing up against the devil has to start with laying down our will to God's."  (excerpt from the ATF Leader's Pre-Event Curriculum)

     This weekend, Jeff and I get to take 25 youth to Acquire the Fire, to consider these very things!!  I am SO excited!!  Not only do we get to spend time with Amazing Youth and Leaders, we also get to be filled with Powerful, Challenging Teaching Word, and Uplifting, Loud Music (fav)!!  As we prepare for this action-packed 30 hours; we have been praying for wisdom and understanding; revelation and knowledge; and an Encounter with God that would be FULL of Unforgettable Power!
     We are passionate about raising up youth that are filled with abundant life and an ability to lead others in love.  I am confident that one of the first steps in the process requires total surrender to God.  Does this mean that we give up our ability to reason or choose?  NO!  The act of surrender is merely an act of faith, honor, humility, and love.  It means we obey even when we don't understand.  It looks like considering the promptings of the Holy Spirit before our own thoughts or feelings.  Surrender requires us to line up our choices to the Word of God.  This can sometimes be a one time decision - remaining sober or celibate (before marriage), etc. OR it can be a moment by moment choice - responding in love and forgiveness rather than reacting in anger...either way will require a great amount of commitment and awareness!  Surrender is a verb, and invites us to actively align our will to that of Father God.  This seems to be a lifelong pursuit...one that bears good fruit along the way!!  Once you understand and commit to total surrender, you must consider your availability to God.  Do you "seek first His kingdom and righteousness"?  These choices are NOT for the weak!
     Have you ever noticed how taking a Stand for Something can be followed by great opposition?  The Adversary is not interested in the Norm, the lazy, the lukewarm Christians who are more interested in how they look than how they relate.  These many are easy for "him"...they are no threat!  BUT, the few who choose to follow hard after God put the Adversary on alert!!  If "he" can distract, confuse or manipulate us; "he" can kill, steal, and destroy us.  When, however, we choose to Stand Up and be counted; we invite ALL of heaven to move with us, and We are no match for the devil..."he" is a defeated foe!!!
     The Bible is FULL of stories where One took a stand, and His-Story was forever changed!!  David, Joseph, Esther, Mary (the mother of Jesus) - just to name a few.  Notice that in many cases, God choose the Youth to Be the Change in the World...not just their bedroom, school, team or community; but the World!!!  YOU are just as they!!  Chosen for "such a time as this", armed for battle, equipped for greatness, and certainly NOT the Norm!!!
     It is time, our moment is Now!!  This is a New Season and therefore, a New Opportunity to Rise Up and Be Counted!!  I Challenge you to join us as we dig deeper into God's plans for our lives, knowing they are good - that we Will prosper and succeed!!  Rise Up and Be Counted as a Disciple N' Action - God's very D.N.A.!!      

A Plentiful Harvest...

Then He said to His Disciples, 

"The Harvest truly is Plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest  to send out laborers into His harvest."

- Matthew 9:37-38 NKJV

     Wikipedia describes Harvest as follows:  "the process of gathering mature crops from the fields.  The harvest marks the end of the growing season, or growing cycle for a particular crop.  On smaller farms with minimal mechanization, harvesting is the most labor-intensive activity of the growing season."

     Although I have yet to know the privilege of Agriculture Life, based on the last sentence of Wikipedia's definition, my imagination visualizes something similar to the photo above (courtesy of Google Images).  I read a lot of Historical Fiction which generally is based in an Agriculture Era; where the lifestyle was centered around seasons, and families intimately knew the process of labor-intensive sowing and reaping.  

Sowing - Courtesy of Google Images

     How does this process relate to our Information Age Lifestyle?  What does it mean to sow?  Let's be clear it has nothing to do with fabric and thread.  "Sowing is the process of planting seeds."  Does this only apply to corn, grain, herbs, etc.?  The bible is full of reverences to the process of sowing; and in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, we are reminded that "he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."  I wonder then, what am I sowing?  Last year, I wrote a blog titled, A New Season which left me with a renewed sense of purpose and accountability about this important season.  I was also reminded of the vital next step which is to wait.  It takes time for seeds to grow, amen?  This is where we learn to practice patience...yeah!  Have you ever picked a piece of fruit too soon?  In my experience, unripened fruit is usually inedible, sour, and upsetting to my stomach.  So it is with us, if we are sowing seeds of love, expecting to harvest love, and we grow impatient; not only will we destroy that which we've planted, but the harvest will be minimal and less than expected.  If, however, you practice patience, then it is right to expect a plentiful harvest!!

Reaping - Courtesy of Google Images

     I have been able to apply this principle of sowing and reaping to many areas of my life.  For example, we choose to tithe 10%, knowing that in Malachi 3:10 we are promised that as we do, "the Lord of hosts will open the windows of heaven and pour out such a blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it."  Likewise, in my relationship with my Sweetheart, when I am feeling unnoticed, unappreciated, unloved, unworthy (etc.); if I focus on sowing seeds of love, appreciation, attention, and value into Him, I can expect a bountiful harvest.  This is one application I wish I had learned earlier in our 22 years of marriage.  I spent too much time sowing seeds of bitterness, judgement, and disrespect all the while complaining about the above listed feelings.  I am also very aware of this principal as it applies to my body.  If I choose to consume sugar-filled foods, french fries, and soda (just to name a few); I can expect to harvest weight, diabetes, and fatigue.  If, however, I choose to consume clean sources of protein, veggies, and water; I will harvest health and vitality.      

A Plentiful Harvest - Courtesy of Google Images

     So, now that we better understand the process of sowing and reaping, I am redirected to Matt: 9:37-38.  We have spent many years in ministry, both as volunteers and paid staff, however, it wasn't until Very recently that I began to meditate on this particular verse more fervently.  Likewise, we have spent many years growing in our walk with God, and gaining wisdom and understanding about His nature and His word. A few years ago, we applied for a full-time position as the directors of children's ministry at a newly opened satellite campus of our church.  During the application process, we were able to see how the Law of the Harvest applies to our talents and spiritual gifts as well.  Our Pastor, in his wisdom, noticed that although we were filled with passion and some experience, we still had more growing to do in order to really be used to our full potential.  He also reminded us that if we tried to harvest too soon, our fruit would be weak and probably end in overwhelm.  At the time, we felt ready to serve in this full-time capacity, and SO desired to meet the call for laborers...we believed that we were ready.  Thankfully, our Pastor's wise counsel gave us a moment to pause and continue growing.  There is a known saying, "You can't give what you don't have", which we can apply to this principal.  As the Lord raises us up for Harvest, we get to trust Him as the Master Gardener and wait for our due season.  So, although we were a bit disappointed, we moved forward in faith that God would accomplish in us that which He began; and we continued to feel called to full-time Pastoral Ministry.  As we proceeded in faith, we continued to seek knowledge, truth, wisdom, and understanding; and simultaneously, we gained valuable experience in many areas of ministry.  So it is then, when a position for Full-time Youth Pastors presented itself recently, we were able to prayerfully ask if we were ready to harvest.  With great favor, and anticipation, we are excited to enter into this new season!!  Our heart's desire is to not only hear the call to labor, but to respond with preparation and passion!  We know that building a Strong and Successful Youth Ministry requires continued sowing, and we also look forward with great anticipation to the joy of reaping!!  

     This year, we have MUCH to be Thankful for!!  I continue to be in gratitude for a loving and grace-filled Father in Heaven!  I am equally grateful for the loving sacrifice of a Savior that I might be in relationship with them!  I am grateful for the spiritual gifts and talents that have been instilled in me and the opportunities I have to continue to grow and develop them!  I am grateful for a loving husband that honors me in His relationship with our Father God!  I am grateful to be a Mother, and to be blessed with four Amazing, Gifted, and Healthy children!  I am grateful to be called and equipped to serve alongside my Sweetheart in this season of my life!  May we each be filled with renewed peace as we relish in whatever season we find ourselves in, and may we enjoy the journey as we faithfully expect the promise of A Plentiful Harvest!!

Happy Thanksgiving from my heart to yours!!

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!!    

Join me At the Well as we Replenish our Souls!!

Live With A Thankful Heart

"And let the Peace of God rule in your hearts, and Be Thankful."

- Colossians 3:15 (Paraphrased by Nanette)

I LOVE this time of year!!  It is a season of harvest, celebration, and generally filled with joy.  As I enter a new season, I cherish the time to reflect and consider my "Heart Condition".  Recently, I have felt the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit challenging me to consider what it means to have a Thankful Heart, and how this leads to joy.  I have spent a large portion of my life relating to "Being Content" as a passive decision I had to make.  What I have noticed is that, as a result of this limited perspective, I have spent most of my life Enduring rather than Enjoying.  

This week, a fellow blogger, and new friend, Grace Full Mama wrote a post on Battling Discontent with Thankfulness.  This So touched my heart as a key to breaking through the cycle of Enduring!!  Joy (Grace Full Mama) records,  "The one thing I have learned is that it is extremely difficult to be discontent when I am actively thankful."  As I continue to ponder the nature of my Heavenly Father; believing that God is Good - ALL the time, and wants nothing less for us than to walk in Joy, Peace, Grace, and Love; I am left with only one emotion...Thankfulness!!  It is in this place of thankfulness that I find Peace, Joy, Grace, and Love!!

So it is with renewed Intention and Purpose that I boldly step in this new Season with a Thankful Heart!!  I invite you to join me in one of favorite traditions - GRATITUESDAY!!  Each Tuesday, I take time to post things I am grateful for on Facebook.  This is a fun way for me to pause and consider the little things that make big differences.  It is also a quick opportunity to align my Thankful Heart and recognize ALL that I have to be in gratitude of.  Many times I list things like Toilet Paper and Double Stuffed Vanilla Oreos, which then leads me to consider things like Healthy Kids with Happy Hearts and Quiet Moments with My Sweetheart.

It is my prayer and challenge that throughout this Season, we will choose to Live With A Thankful Heart!

A New Season...

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven"

-Ecclesiastes 3:1

I just LOVE this time of year...Summer turns into Autumn, the weather begins to cool, and cherished time outside becomes our daily goal!!  I am equally grateful for the reminder that Everything has a season and purpose!!  

Recently, our family began a new season as well!!  It is a time of reflecting and acknowledging the great things God has done in us and is doing through us!  As I study the Law of the Harvest, I am beginning to understand the connection between reaping and expectation.  A wise farmer knows that just planting a seed alone is not enough.  He must nurture the seed and then patiently expect it to grow after it's own kind - wheat seeds produce wheat, corn seeds produce corn; wheat seeds will never produce corn!  So it is with us, we plant seeds of love, forgiveness, favor, etc. and then we get to patiently expect them to grow and produce a bountiful harvest!!  Likewise, if we are sowing seeds of worry, discouragement, and fear we will only produce a bountiful harvest of yuck!  

There are many lessons we can apply from this reminder, however, the two major thoughts I'm pondering is:

1. What kind of seeds am I sowing?
2. Do I really expect a harvest?  

Once we get our hearts around the truth of the Law of the Harvest - that we Do reap what we sow; we can begin to be aware of what we're sowing, nurturing, and expecting to produce?  We can also become aware of our ability to walk in faithful expectation.  Part of the process is a season of waiting, knowing it takes time for something to grow and produce.  I wonder if in our "Fast Food Mentality" we've forgotten how to patiently wait for something?  Have we missed out on a harvest because we walked away discouraged that our expected result was not happening fast enough?

I know the pain of reaping a harvest of judgement, lack, and selfishness.  I also know the joy of reaping a harvest of love, forgiveness, and joy!!  I am grateful for the master gardener who lovingly nurtures me, faithfully expecting a bountiful harvest!!  Likewise I am grateful for a new perspective and opportunity to see our children through His eyes and trust that the seeds of Love, Trust, Encouragement, and Joy I sow today will not return void!  

I invite you to join me in considering how the Law of the Harvest is showing up in your life.  Are you reaping what you desire?  If not, begin sowing new seeds today!!  I testify to you that God willingly extends mercy, grace, forgiveness and great love!  I firmly believe that it is Never too late to change our crop!!   Likewise, be encouraged you as you faithfully expect a harvest knowing that God is faithful!  May we be a people on Purpose, sowing seeds with Intention, and always walking in great expectation for the good things of God!!

HONOR

 

Honor is defined as a mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction. 

Today, I am honored to have been set apart by one of my dear friends.  Ramblings of a TJEd Mother has listed me as one of her favorite blogs to read!!  To God be the glory!!  I blog as a way to reflect, and illuminate.  It is my desire to share how God is moving through me, and to express my joy of the journey!  What I've noticed is the abundance of encouragement we share with each other!!  I am blessed by Ranee's example of being Other's Minded, truly a woman of honor!

By request, I am happy to share 7 things about me...

1. I LOVE music!!  I Love to sing and play piano!!  I Love to train up others in the art of music!!  I would love to write music!
2. I have been married for more than half of my life to an AMAZING man of valor and my very best friend!
3. After years of practice, I make a mean Baked Ziti pasta dish (including sauce from scratch, of course!)
4. Tamara Alexander and Janette Oke are two of my favorite authors.
5. I Love French Fries!!
6. I am passionate about Leadership Education, and enjoy a life based on the principles of "A Thomas Jefferson Education"!
7. I LOVE Living Word Bible Church!!  I am SO blessed by the outpouring of wisdom and understanding, along with the shared desire to glorify God in all things!!  

Now then, I'd like to honor a few of the blogs I follow that uplift, inspire, and encourage me!!  I know you'll be blessed by them also!!

• The Martineau Crew
• Women Living Well
• A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
• Heart of the Matter
• Homestead Revival
• Chef Tess Bakeresse
• Taking a Minute

Authors, I'd love for you to respond to honor by passing it along!  Step 1: Gratitude, thank the person who honored you.  Step 2: Share, write 7 things about you.  Step 3: Honor, pass this along to some of the blogs you follow.

Thank you all for being a part of my journey!!  I am blessed by your stories, examples, and wisdom from it all!!  May we continue to walk in Honor as we Rise Up For Such a Time as This!!

Grace!!!

"Count it ALL Joy!!!"

James 1:2-3

Today, I am SO grateful for the lessons I've learned - especially those I've learned the hard way!!  I choose to believe that God works ALL things together for good for those who love Him, and I continue to experience His grace and mercy in ALL I do!!  I KNOW that God forgives and restores!!  I have learned to trust Him as I continue to step forward with courage!!  To God be the Glory for ALL that He does and May Our Light So Shine!!

Take Off Your Shoes and Show Me Your Soul...

"Do not draw near this place.  Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground."

- Exodus 3:5

Recently, I decided to pause and consider the life and legacy of Moses; and to my delight, I am learning MUCH about my life and the legacy I choose to leave.  

One moment that has had a profound effect on me is Moses' encounter with God in a burning bush.  First of all, I can totally imagine Moses' surprise and wonder as he happens upon a burning bush while going about his business.  I can recall several times in my life when I too, have been so focused on "MY" business that God has had to intervene in a magnificent way in order to get my attention (how loving and willing He is to do just that if need be!!!).  Secondly, I consider God's intent to share His vision for Moses, yet before He outlines His plan, He instructs Moses to remove his sandals.  Now, one could easily argue the significance of removing his sandals as a sign of respect for God.  One could even suggest that the necessity for Moses to remove his sandals was to maximize his ability to connect with and draw on the power of God's presence.  I would agree with both of these thoughts, however, let's consider another.  

Why do we where shoes?  To protect our feet as we walk through life.  Is it safe to suggest then, that our shoes could represent our past, and all that we've journeyed through?  Likewise, why does God refer to the spot where Moses stood as Holy Ground?  Webster defines Holy as "exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness".  Not only was Moses standing before the most Holy God, he was about to receive a word of knowledge that would be worthy of complete devotion.  Therefore, let us also consider that God requested Moses remove his sandals as a means of letting go of his past so he could most effectively move into his future.  

Several years ago, I encountered a "burning bush" moment in my life.  An opportunity to let go of my past and move forward into ALL that God had for me.  Perhaps had I considered this lesson sooner, the process of letting go might have been as easy as removing a pair of sandals.  I, however, chose the longer more painful journey - more like the people of Egypt.  In all of this internal battle to let go, I have noticed that as I surrender my will to God's, I find my heart and soul.  This exposure enables an open and teachable heart - isn't that all God asks and desires of us?  How faithful God is to fill us with His love, peace and joy as we choose to be vulnerable.  Not once does God say this process would be easy, however, He does promise it will be worth it!!  I am beginning to notice just how true this promise is.  I am also clear that in many ways, this process is a journey, not a destination.  I am also beginning to notice that the longer I choose to walk by faith, the more comfortable I am on Holy Ground.  

I am confident that God's plan and vision for our life is worthy of complete devotion!  I am grateful for God's invitation to Take Off Our Shoes and Show Him Our Souls!! I encourage you to join me in this walk with bare feet and open hearts.  May we be like Moses as we let go of the past (including all fear and doubt) and enter into a life of walking by faith, I pray in Jesus' Name, Amen!!