Monday Motivation - YIELD!

Now, do not be stiff-necked, as your Fathers were, but YIELD yourselves to the Lord;

- 2 Chronicles 30:8

I have SO missed our weekly fellowship here, and have recently been convicted to begin again.  We are about to embark on a new season as a family which I am SO eager to share...one that is requiring great flexibility and most of all that we YIELD! I had never really thought about what it means to be yielded, and yet I am beginning to realize the power of purposefully doing so. This song/dance absolutely communicates my heart...I pray that you are blessed and motivated...

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

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!!

ILUMN8

"Let my light so shine before men, that they will see my good works, and glorify my Father in Heaven!"

- Matt 5:16 Confession

As I began to consider a theme for this season of "Sunshine Singers", God almost immediately laid on my heart "ILLUMINATE".  How awesome to spend time really considering the Legacy I'm Leaving, the Path I'm Paving, and the Choices I'm Making!  I invite you to join us as we embrace this new season, and consider what are you doing to ILUMN8?

Abundant Blessings,

Nanette

And Her Children Shall Rise Up and Call Her Blessed...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

I am SO blessed to be a mother!!  I cherish this season of growing and learning together with my amazing children!!  It is my deep desire to leave a legacy of love that will bring honor to God and my mother!  So, remember to tell that one, You Are Loved!!!

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!!

A Season of Reflection and Preparation

Yesterday was "Ash Wednesday", typically a Catholic tradition which begins a season of reflection called Lent; and, although I am not Catholic, I can relate to the value of reflecting on the life I'm leading and how it may or may not reflect the life of the Savior and draw me closer to Him. Traditionally, this time of Lent begins a 40 day journey, ending with the celebration of Easter. For many, this is a time of letting go of habits that distract us. Again, I know and understand the value of letting go of bad habits and distractions!! Often times, this is also a season of fasting, prayer, and study; a time to remember the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior. What a great idea!!! I've noticed in my life, the times when I've recognized a bad habit or distraction, the Only way to let go is by invoking the powers of heaven to assist me! I am grateful to know that God IS Faithful! I have also come to know Jesus as my Savior, Intercessor, and Friend. He is my best friend who knows Everything about me, and SO desires for me to succeed in Every area of my life! He is the one I am totally transparent with, who loves me in spite of myself! He is the one whom I can trust to always see me through the loving eyes of our Father. He knows my heart and He knows where my distractions are, He also knows an easier way!

I was thinking of my other Very Best Friend and Sweetheart, Jeff. We have been married now for more than half of my life. He knows me intimately, and often times can recognize things about me that I just don't see. He also loves me enough to be open and honest in his feedback. Now, for many years I resented this fact! I spent a lot of time hearing his loving support as critical judgments, Totally unfounded in truth. I found myself being defensive, defiant, disrespectful, disgusted, and eventually disloyal. What a dangerous road to choose!!! In my self-righteous pride, I had taken the love and support offered me and watered it down to the point of holding No value. On top of that, I found myself complaining that I didn't feel loved. I then decided to wallow in self-pity and even enrolled others to join me. I was quite the hostess at this incredible Pity Party!! I had spared no expense! I found myself feeling alone, empty, and hurting; when in reality, I was being offered abundant love and support. How had I gotten so confused? Why would I resist such an offer? It took me a Long time of reflecting and letting go to see this resistance as a distraction, one of the Adversary's greatest tactics. If Satan can get us distracted and believing the lies He tells, then He wins! The Scriptures are full of wise counsel to stay focused, and on purpose!! I am grateful for Love that corrects and forgives! I am grateful for the power of Grace, Mercy, and Redemption!!! I am grateful for new beginnings!! This time of year also happens during Spring, a time of new beginnings! A time when the earth wakes up, dusts itself off, and starts all over again! Isn't it exciting that we too have this opportunity? I invite you to spend this next 40 days reflecting. I encourage you to be willing to be open and honest about where you might be distracted. Where have you replaced love and support with food, medication, etc.? Where has your self-righteous pride interfered with relationships and blessings? I even dare you to consider your own relationship with Jesus Christ.

I can promise you that this journey, however uncomfortable it may be, will be worth it! I KNOW and have experienced the power of receiving the grace and mercy to let go, and redemption to to begin again! You can start fresh, with new wisdom, new habits, new choices. God wants to bless you with Peace, Joy, Prosperity, Health, Wisdom, Understanding, Forgiveness and Love. Let this be the year when you decide to break free from the distractions of this world and set your sights on the Savior!! Be ferocious in your quest for freedom! Be Unwavering in your faith! Be Bold in moving forward!! Be Open to receive ALL that you desire and deserve!! Be Courageous in seeking Salvation.

I believe that God has Great things in store for those that love and trust Him!! I know that We choose if will be our Best of Times or Worst of Times! Please don't be like me and waist precious time wallowing! I am passionate about the joy of letting go, and being on purpose!! I know God will do miraculous things with our willing hearts!! This season, I pray that we choose to "Let our Lifesong Sing"!!

Blessings,

Nanette