I am stirred up today!! In this song, Zach Williams challenges us to "Testify"...So, let me tell you about my friend, Thee Chain Breaker. 20 years ago, I was reintroduced to the one who would offer grace, mercy, forgiveness, love and freedom to me. I say reintroduced, because I knew of Him my whole life, but didn't really "know" Him. As many of you know, I grew up in a home where faith was our foundation. My parents shared a conviction for their chosen religion that our family culture was based on. I witnessed miracles growing up and established great faith in God as a Father, Jesus as a Savior and the Holy Ghost as a Guide. But, it wasn't until right before I turned 25 that I really encountered the presence and power of Love.
Ironically, my first encounter with this Freedom was based on high-energy, life-giving music at a Church service rather than an experience of Love and Presence. I was moved by the passion and joy I experienced, but it wasn't until the second week that I really encountered the Love of a Savior, thee Chain Breaker! Fast forward a few years, after I had made some really dumb decisions that would impact my family for years to come, that I REALLY experienced His ability to bring Freedom. I had lost sight of His plans for my life, and had become self-centered, self-motivated, and just plain selfish. I had forgotten that joy and peace were found not in my works, but in what Jesus had already accomplished for me on the Cross. I had gotten so caught up in trying and doing that I lost touch with the one who had already done and accomplished. In my focus on self, I forgot how to connect with others, which cost me as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, etc.
Just as Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, I had to learn how to Trust in the Lord with my Whole heart, lean Not on my Own understanding, and seek His will in ALL I do, believing that He would show me which path to take. I can now testify that "there's a better life" than the selfish road I had been walking! The very moment I opened my heart to Him, I experienced HIS peace, which led to breakthrough and deliverance. He is thee Chain Breaker!! Be encouraged today as you ReTurn to Him!!
Today, I am blogging about Take 25 at PARK Project, and want to use this forum to open up and be candid with You,
my precious support!!
Five years ago, I wish I had seen a sign like this bright yellow one to alert me of what lay ahead! Looking back, I'm sure there were signs along the way, however, I was Walking UnAware!! The things I am about to share with you are that of an incredibly vulnerable nature, and I ask that you proceed with an Open Heart of Grace! It is only by the Holy Spirit's prompting that I choose now to open this window and share a glimpse of the path we have traveled. One that has brought me the greatest heartache, and the greatest hope!
Although, I developed a relationship with the Savior at a young age, my family's religious beliefs prevented me from walking passionately with Him for many years; and even, as an adult, I found myself content with a relationship of encounters rather than constant communion. My adult life has been one of great extremes! I have experienced the highs of Passionate Love and Financial Abundance along with the lows of Chronic Illness and Poverty. I spent many years trying to grow up with the attitude that "everything was under control" even when I was desperate for something more. Without realizing it, I had become the "Queen of Denial" and quite accustomed to wallowing in "Victim Village". During a low point, I walked away from my husband, and began trusting another. Little did I know that this emotional and somewhat rash decision would send our family in a downward spiral that would nearly cost us everything!
In "Unmask the Predators", Lisa Cherry and her daughter, Kalyn Cherry Waller not only share a similar story, but statistics that should shock and alarm All of us!! Part of Walking UnAware is lack of information, another part is denial!! Unfortunately, I experienced both!! I watched our family go from happy, unified and Spirit-led to disconnected, miserable and weak! More devastatingly, I watched our oldest Daughters (14 and 12 years old at the time) go from Respectful, Secure and Safe to Belligerent, Confused and Vulnerable.
Walking UnAware is much like the the cliche, "Ignorance is Bliss"! There is a sense of confidence in that you don't know that you don't know!! The result of my choices led our entire family down a path, that previously had seemed foreign and unthinkable! We began to experience things that seemed surreal as if happening only in my worst nightmare!! Walking UnAware led me toward a masked predator who, unlike me, was Completely Aware and prepared to groom our Daughters as His prey!!
It was a cold December morning when I received a call that our Daughters, who had been sleeping over at a friend's home while I prepared for our move, were gone. There were foot prints in the snow leading from a basement window to the street where tire tracks led away. Within an hour, the girls called, apologizing, saying they had reacted out of fear, not wanting to move, but that the friend who had picked them up was bringing them back. Now, there are years of choices that led up to this moment, but suffice it to say for now, Walking UnAware was about to get very dark and ugly!! It was on this cold December morning that I learned our Daughters had spent the previous six months building a relationship with a 37 year old married man whom they'd been sexually involved with, both individually and altogether. By His careful planning, they were in love and prepared to fight for their freedom, so that they could be with Him. I cannot even begin to describe the rage and heartache that came as a result of Walking UnAware!! As we began to Unmask this Predator, what we learned was considered "classic". The grooming that had taken place, included extensive brain-washing; and changed the hearts of our Daughters!! Not only had our Daughters lost their innocence, we were loosing our Daughters. Let me warn you, that the the journey between Walking UnAware and Being Aware has been thee most painful journey to walk! This is NOT like being on a fast and furious roller coaster that you can simply jump off after a few minutes to stand on solid ground; no, this is more like finding yourself in a very deep and dark pit with no ladder!
Another cost of Walking UnAware was that without thinking, I had walked away from God and ran right into Sin! Fortunately, during this darkest season, God had NOT walked away from me; and in this my darkest hour, He reached out and quite literally plucked me out of my sin and lack of awareness!! Almost immediately, He began restoring! Although things seemed to go from bad to worse, by laying down my attachment to Walking UnAware, I found great comfort in the Grace and Mercy of an Omnipotent Father! I found love and forgiveness in the arms of my Beloved, whom I had also walked away from; and I found great Peace in the Only One who could and already had intervened on my behalf!
5 years later, we continue to experience God's healing and restoration! There are still days when the enemy tries to take what He intended for evil and remind me of it; however, there are many more days that I am reminded that God has purposed this for His glory!! I am humbled by His goodness and marvel in His grace, and I am continually uplifted by His Word!!
Friends, I commit to continue sharing our story as led by the Spirit, but suffice it to say, This day I encourage you to consider your own walk. I challenge you to become informed as you Unmask the Predators in your world, and I invite you to Take 25!! I pray that our journey through this very dark place, may shed light for you and that you Never find your child's name listed with The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children!! May you choose to Walk Aware today and always as we stand equipped in the battle to protect our children; and may you also know the Grace and Peace of our Loving Heavenly Father!!
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 showedmercy 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!! :)
When you think of Grace and Greatness, what images come to mind? Do you hear Classical Music playing in the background or "Eye of the Tiger"? Do you imagine a person or people that embody these qualities? Do you notice your thoughts being limited by your experience and/or level of understanding? Do thoughts of these words bring feelings of peace and hope? As we prepare for Easter Celebrations this week, these words are in the forefront of my heart and mind!!
Recently, my amazing Husband and I were invited to consider the relevance and application of Grace and Greatness through the context of becoming Ambassadors for Family Matters, a "non-profit ministry whose goal is to see families transformed by God's Grace into instruments of restoration and reformation by equipping families for every age and stage of life". As a result, we have experienced the power of both! We have been encouraged and challenged as we consider our family dynamic; and have found great hope in applying the principles of Grace as we equip our Children to walk in Greatness!!
I am excited to Announce that we are now in position to facilitate events where we get to share this message of hope with families searching for wisdom on Raising Kids for True Greatness and Grace Based Parenting! We look forward to scheduling events that are FULL of wisdom, as we pursue our family relationships on purpose, based on principle and passion! Join us as we step into this new season of service by prayerfully considering how we might support you, your church, small group or community organization in being better equipped for success! Likewise, I challenge you to take time this week to consider the impact Grace has in your life and whether or not your are walking in the fullness of Greatness God has called you to. May you be blessed as you open your heart and home to the Hope-filled message of Grace; the power of redemption; and the joy of Abundant Life!!
"Give and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be put in your lap. For with the same measure that you use it, it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38 (NKJV)
As I continue seeking God's Perfect Will for my life (NOT just His Permissible Will); this book was suggested to me on several occasions. Thank God for a Spirit-Led Husband and good friends who know my heart, and love me enough to point me in a Divine Direction! So, it was after prayerful petition that I dove into this Wisdom Packed study; and how Greatly Blessed I am for it!! There is MUCH to be said about Obtaining and Maintaining a Blessed Life, and I am just beginning to get a grasp on the power! Along with seeking God's Perfect Will, I have been led to consider my Heart Condition.
Now, if you follow my posts, you'll see that I have taken a Stand for my Health this year; but this kind of Heart Examine has gone beyond my physical body and into the Supernatural Realm. I have begun to notice the impact my attitude has on every choice I make, and more importantly on my results. Another Scripture that has been on my heart lately is found in Colossians 3:23 - "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and Not to men". Notice, it does not say "and SOME of what you do" or to do it "sort of"; it says WHATEVER you do, do it HEARTILY - which means sincerely, without restraint. What wise counsel!! I began imagining what my life would be like if I did EVERYTHING Heartily as to the Lord, and I felt joy and peace in new and exciting ways. I even began to consider that if I approached my Fitness and Nutrition "as to the Lord" the burden of my flesh may be replaced by worship.
This week, I have purposed to do everything as an Act of Worship as to the Lord; and have been blessed with new energy, peace, and joy! I have been filled with a new vitality, even in the little things - like not drinking soda or consuming large amounts of sugar. I've also found this same vitality as I sow into my family's "Love Tanks", and I've experienced the abundance that is promised in Luke 6!!! I am clear that I have more work to do in this area, but I am certainly grateful for a new opportunity to Give and Live On Purpose!! Please join me in continuing to Dive Deeper into The Blessed Life!!
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!!
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!!
"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!!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
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!!
"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!
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- John 3:16
Are you weary in Running YOUR Race? Are there days when you feel overwhelmed and unable? Be encouraged today, knowing that you are Never alone!!
There have been times in my life when I have forgotten the promise that "I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me Strength"!! I have tried to DO my life as if I was on my own, and it was in these moments that I have felt overwhelmed and unable. It is also in these moments that I have made poor decisions - never my finest moments!! It has only been by the Grace of God that I "Run and Not grow weary, Walk and Not faint"!! It is also through this Grace that I find strength, wisdom, and ability to BE about my Father's business!!
So, today as you consider your journey; may you run with the ease of being carried by the One who loves you most, and Rest in His loving, gracious, and very capable arms!!
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!!
