I DON’T LIKE THE FACT THAT MOVING IS SO MUCH A PART OF THE AMERICAN CULTURE!

When I moved to Charlotte my world came to and end. My heart broke and I really wondered if I had it in me to step out – AGAIN, to make friends, to do ministry, to live, to even communicate with God. I was not happy with Him for having moved me – AGAIN.

That was 10 years ago!

Fast forward –

Tonight I celebrated a dear friend’s 50 th birthday. I met her 9 years ago though a wonderful ministry – Moms In Touch. The middle school my son attended had a group of mothers who met once a week to pray for their children. IT just so happened that this group of women all had sons – lots of sons. We bonded and our sons did too!

God is so good when we obey Him.

Our little band of praying moms has stayed together. Tonight four of us – between us we have 12 boys- came together to celebrate another 50th birthday. Now we are all 50 and counting. I am the oldest!

How does this fit into moving, you ask?

Three years ago Kim moved away. It seemed our band of praying mothers would break up. But, you know what? I have been blessed to have had some fun times with Kim this year – three times we have been together for extended days and now – tonight, after she drove 12 hours, we came together to celebrate her! My husband prepared our dinner. We sat around the table- prayed, talked, laughed, shed a few tears, and smiled at the future. She opened funny gifts – presents to herlp her grow old gracefully. Our singing cards had us all up and dancing to Pretty Woman. Then we took pictures. We all agreed – and so did my husband, that we looked pretty good to be 50 and counting! We wondered if a magazine wouldn’t like to have our picture to publish us older ladies. We’re looking to see if there is a magazine out there that thinks we are hot women.

Who would have known – 10 years ago God moved me to Charlotte, I didn’t think I would ever find a friend like those I left behind in Wisconsin.

But God, He knows my greatest need. I live, breathe, adore girlfriends and He sent me the best. We came together over a common thread- our sons and prayer. Friendship has no greater bond than children and God.

I thought I had lost my shine 10 years ago when I sat up and took inventory after unpacking all my boxes, but God – He brought shine back into my life.

He’ll do that if we obey.

Shine!

I DON’T LIKE THE FACT THAT MOVING IS SO MUCH A PART OF THE AMERICAN CULTURE!

When I moved to Charlotte my world came to and end. My heart broke and I really wondered if I had it in me to step out – AGAIN, to make friends, to do ministry, to live, to even communicate with God. I was not happy with Him for having moved me – AGAIN.

That was 10 years ago!

Fast forward –

Tonight I celebrated a dear friend’s 50 th birthday. I met her 9 years ago though a wonderful ministry – Moms In Touch. The middle school my son attended had a group of mothers who met once a week to pray for their children. IT just so happened that this group of women all had sons – lots of sons. We bonded and our sons did too!

God is so good when we obey Him.

Our little band of praying moms has stayed together. Tonight four of us – between us we have 12 boys- came together to celebrate another 50th birthday. Now we are all 50 and counting. I am the oldest!

How does this fit into moving, you ask?

Three years ago Kim moved away. It seemed our band of praying mothers would break up. But, you know what? I have been blessed to have had some fun times with Kim this year – three times we have been together for extended days and now – tonight, after she drove 12 hours, we came together to celebrate her! My husband prepared our dinner. We sat around the table- prayed, talked, laughed, shed a few tears, and smiled at the future. She opened funny gifts – presents to herlp her grow old gracefully. Our singing cards had us all up and dancing to Pretty Woman. Then we took pictures. We all agreed – and so did my husband, that we looked pretty good to be 50 and counting! We wondered if a magazine wouldn’t like to have our picture to publish us older ladies. We’re looking to see if there is a magazine out there that thinks we are hot women.

Who would have known – 10 years ago God moved me to Charlotte, I didn’t think I would ever find a friend like those I left behind in Wisconsin.

But God, He knows my greatest need. I live, breathe, adore girlfriends and He sent me the best. We came together over a common thread- our sons and prayer. Friendship has no greater bond than children and God.

I thought I had lost my shine 10 years ago when I sat up and took inventory after unpacking all my boxes, but God – He brought shine back into my life.

He’ll do that if we obey.

Shine!

I DON’T LIKE THE FACT THAT MOVING IS SO MUCH A PART OF THE AMERICAN CULTURE!

When I moved to Charlotte my world came to and end. My heart broke and I really wondered if I had it in me to step out – AGAIN, to make friends, to do ministry, to live, to even communicate with God. I was not happy with Him for having moved me – AGAIN.

That was 10 years ago!

Fast forward –

Tonight I celebrated a dear friend’s 50 th birthday. I met her 9 years ago though a wonderful ministry – Moms In Touch. The middle school my son attended had a group of mothers who met once a week to pray for their children. IT just so happened that this group of women all had sons – lots of sons. We bonded and our sons did too!

God is so good when we obey Him.

Our little band of praying moms has stayed together. Tonight four of us – between us we have 12 boys- came together to celebrate another 50th birthday. Now we are all 50 and counting. I am the oldest!

How does this fit into moving, you ask?

Three years ago Kim moved away. It seemed our band of praying mothers would break up. But, you know what? I have been blessed to have had some fun times with Kim this year – three times we have been together for extended days and now – tonight, after she drove 12 hours, we came together to celebrate her! My husband prepared our dinner. We sat around the table- prayed, talked, laughed, shed a few tears, and smiled at the future. She opened funny gifts – presents to herlp her grow old gracefully. Our singing cards had us all up and dancing to Pretty Woman. Then we took pictures. We all agreed – and so did my husband, that we looked pretty good to be 50 and counting! We wondered if a magazine wouldn’t like to have our picture to publish us older ladies. We’re looking to see if there is a magazine out there that thinks we are hot women.

Who would have known – 10 years ago God moved me to Charlotte, I didn’t think I would ever find a friend like those I left behind in Wisconsin.

But God, He knows my greatest need. I live, breathe, adore girlfriends and He sent me the best. We came together over a common thread- our sons and prayer. Friendship has no greater bond than children and God.

I thought I had lost my shine 10 years ago when I sat up and took inventory after unpacking all my boxes, but God – He brought shine back into my life.

He’ll do that if we obey.

Shine!

Soaring or Stumbling in the Wait - You Choose

I just stepped in from a little get away time by the pool where I found myself listening to a mix of oldies – actually my very own - OLD collection of oldies.

Last week while Suzie and I entertained ourselves I pulled out a little red box filled with 45 RPM records. For those of you who don’t know what I'm talkin’ about – that is what I listened to almost 45 years ago. We walked down memory lane as we pulled out – one by one- the little not-much-bigger-than-CD’s disks. We read each title to a song, sang a few words, talked about how much we liked the song, what it meant to us, and why. Slowly happily moving on to the next song - right down memory lane.

Then- quietly my gifts-of-service husband looked through the records and downloaded music for me. Now I have my favorite mix of oldies that take me back many many years.

I write all this to say that, while exercising in the water and sitting by the pool, a song drifted in and out of my ears.

The song? “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” By B.J. Thomas
The lyrics amazed me!

I am in a state of wait. Those of you who have kept up with my Wait Management blog might remember the Bible study that referred to King Hezekiah’s wait ~ While he waited He praised God. You know, when the wait of the world is on your shoulders it is not easy to praise God – but my favorite king did. He taught me to praise God in the wait. I learned – it works. I mean, my spirits lift to the heavenlies and for a few moments I take my mind and heart off the wait of the world and believe God carries my wait on his shoulders. That is OK by me. The thing is – I take it back.

Right now my WAIT is that I am waiting until next week at She Speaks to present my book proposal – AGAIN. This will be the third, or fourth, year I have spoken to editors about my book! I am getting weary… if you know what I mean. But for some reason I can’t give it up just yet.

And so just a few moments ago I heard this song and decided-

“I’ll never stop the rain by complaining… But there's one thing I know: The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me. It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me…”


So like the author of this song – I may be met with no-news (sometimes bad-news) raindrops – but with God’s help, I’ll just keep pitching my proposal until one day – happiness will step up to greet me!


Here are the lyrics to an age old song, that I think has lots of truth in it:


Raindrops keep falling on my head...

And just like the guy whose feet are too big for his bed, nothing seems to fit. Those raindrops are falling on my head, they keep falling.

So I just did me some talking to the sun. And I said I didn't like the way, he got things done... sleeping on the job...

But there's one thing I know: The blues they send to meet me won't defeat me. It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me.

falling on my head, they keep falling.

Raindrops keep falling on my head but that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turning red. Crying's not for me cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining. Because I'm free. Nothing's worrying me.

It won't be long till happiness steps up to greet me.

Raindrops keep falling on my head but that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turning red. Crying's not for me cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining. Because I'm free. Nothing's worrying meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.


Meanwhile picture me puttin’ up my umbrella so those raindrops won’t defeat me! I've got a proposal to perfect!


Shine!

Moving day!

No I am not moving, but I AM on the move – so much to do!

On the move emotionally:

Woke up this AM to the reality that Precious Son has gone. HE had been home for two weeks, but had to return to his college town to earn some money before school starts. He too is on the move – moving closer to the beach. He is a senior now, fulfilling one of many dreams. Three years ago we moved him to the dorm – oooooooooo what a move for all involved and what challenge! Then he moved into a house with a bunch of boys and dogs. Yuk - became a double yuk. What an education THAT was – almost as important – maybe more important actually, than his classes. NOW he is moving to the beach – lucky guy. My prayer for him is that he continue to dream and accomplish his dreams.

On the move relationally:

Building a deeper relationship with my girlfriend and my God!

My wonderful girlfriend has been with me for a week. We have not been together since she married almost two years ago. We have had a time of catching up, sharing, praying, and Bible study. Each day we have watched two Beth Moore lessons on Esther. After the video we discuss what we have learned. I really like being involved in a Bible Study at church where I get together with a group of women to build lives on the firm foundation of God’s Word. But ---- this: two girlfriends, just two of us studying God’s Word together – how rich a retreat can two girls have!

On the move in ministry:

In less that two weeks SHE SPEAKS comes to town, Yipppeeeeeee. IT is a highlight in my life and in the life of others. I have communicated with my evaluation group – 11 ladies who will sit around my hotel suite and develop their craft of communication. I can’t wait to meet each one. I remember the first She Speaks I attended. How I praise and thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in this capacity.

On the move spiritually:

As always God has me in a place where I am faced with TRUST issues. God invites ne to trust him with all my issues- ministry, friends, family, sons, daughter-in-law, choices, marriage… you name it. God wants me to put it ALL in His hands so I can get into the business of serving Him with shine.

Speaking of my spiritual move- This morning as I became more deeply acquainted with Jesus I read about the temptations He faced. I read Satan’s words, quoted from the Psalms. Turning to Psalm 91:11-12 I realized why I have such a deep need to trust my Lord.
1- Satan is a deceiver
2- God is my protector.



He will orrder his angels to protect and guard me and they will hold me up with their hands.



Those – my dear friends, are the words I have packed into my heart today – good words to teach me, and you, to trust God, while we move.

.
Shine!

But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. Romans 8:25 (NASB)

Last night I drove to the hospital to visit a friend and her mother. I am amazed I made the trip for, you see, I don’t make sick room visits. Sickness is out of my comfort zone. Hospitals are scary and sad places for me. But I went.

Driving through town-- up the tree lined streets, took me back to a time I spent too many days and nights waiting for my son to recover from a very difficult illness.

I struggled as I waited and when I struggled I cried out to God, asking Him to hurry up. I learned God was using this opportunity to teach me perseverance.

I wondered, ” how can I practice perseverance.”

After soul searching, questioning, and turning to the Bible I began to learn.

If you are waiting, questioning, and have your life on hold --try practicing perseverance...

it is as easy as A- B- C:

- A
Abide in Him. John 15:1-11- Grow with the Lord, allowing him to become a real part of who you are.

- B
Be on the alert. Ephesians 6:10-18 (esp. 10, 11, 18)-
Shield yourself, standing firm against whatever storms or battles or tribulations come your way.

- C
Convinced that He is able to accomplish all things. (Psalm 57:1) God is gracious. He is our refuge. He is our safe keeper.

If you find yourself waiting, try practicing perseverance. You will please your heavenly Father in the process and grow more confident in your Christian walk.

Shine!

WHY DOES GOD MOVE US?

I believe God moves us to get our attention.

When God told Adam and Eve to pack up and move out of the Garden of Eden, I bet it got their attention.

Why do you think they had to move? We all know. They disobeyed. God needed to get their attention. Once out of the garden, whatcha’ wanna’ bet? They longed like they had never longed before – to get back into His presence.

God has moved me to remind me that obedience is key to my relationship with Him. I long to live close to Him.

When all the builders joined to build the Tower of Babel and God saw their intentions, He sent them packing to the four corners of the earth confusing their communication.

God has moved me to remind me that He is higher than I will ever be.

When the next generations became wicked and God moved Noah and his family into the ark, telling them to shut the door and set sail, He did so to remove wickedness.

God has moved me to separate me from sinful behavior. He gave me a second chance.

I could keep commenting - continuing with Abraham and Sarah’s moves, charting Biblical history through the entire Old Testament- all the way to John’s move to Patmos where he received a vision of heaven.

God has moved me to remind me that life is all about moving and one day I will move to the house of the Lord – Forever!

God has moved me to get my attention and He succeeded. I know my last move will be an attention getter – can you imagine pulling up to heaven’s gates, unpackin', movin’ in to never move on again!

Maybe you are not like me and all the corporate move-hers, missionaries, or military personnel who have had to pick up stakes and move often. One thing is for sure - we are all on the move - either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. If you are on the move emotionally I pray it is toward stability and maturity. I deeply hope you are on the move spiritually - always on the move toward an enduring relationship with Jesus who moved to earth in order to invite us to move in with Him!

Until that move, I set my eyes on the Prize and let my light...

Shine,

Hello home. Hello friends, Hello life…

I took a little trip to the garden - you know time away to put myself back together again. For me "the garden" is my mother’s home on the lake and my in law’s home where a southern back yard patio garden always bekons.

Now I am back – in the jungle, but ready for more of life’s regular routine.

Although I stayed busy, I gave myself a treat- I didn’t blog for three weeks. I missed communicating with the world but just realizing I could say no to something and could resume at some future time was a great gift I gave myself.

Now --- I’m back!

I’ve been away and I have enjoyed time with family – my in laws, my mother, her friends, and a couple my husband and I have known since we began our careers 30 + years ago. What refreshment – to take time away, drinking in others' wisdom, point of view, and experiences. In return I heard that I blessed them with my presence and time - give and take- back and forth, like a swing in the breeze on a front porch, a hammock hanging between two trees spotted by dapples of sunlight and shade, or a rocker, quietly offering peace in its regular motion. And I might add I did- enjoy a swing, a hammock, and a rocker while in the garden!

So, although I took a brief vacation from the routine- blogging included, I doesn’t mean I wasn’t busy! But it was a good kind of busy.

I helped my mother with some little chores around her home- like cleaning and staining the deck on the boat dock, like removing the rust from the iron tea cart my daddy made 50 years ago, like helping her with an exciting presentation she will give the ladies of her church in September. Together my mother and I created a power point delivery. She is so excited about sharing her story – an adventure she had with my sister a year ago when the two of them traveled to Ecuador to visit the land of the Auca and the holy place where 5 fearless men sacrificed their lives so others would come to know the One True God. The story is an amazing one and if you are looking for some intriguing summer reading with your children I would suggest you trot over to the bookstore or the library and find some of these books for some lazy hot day entertainment.

I recommend Through Gates of Splendor

Oh- and then follow it up with the movie!

Now- it’s my turn to be blessed by others: Over the next three weeks I will have three sets of visitors- YIPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE. My dear friend from Wisconsin is coming for a week. I haven’t seen in in over two years! Another friend who moved away several years ago is coming to visit so we – all her special girlfriends in Charlotte can celebrate her 50th with her...

AND then some of my special, special friends – fellow speakers with the P31 team will come to stay as we ready ourselves for the event of the year-

SHE SPEAKS 2009

I hope you will be joining us. IT is an event every Christian woman should add to her bucket list. So let me encourage you- look forward to next year. Start saving and praying. I can’t wait to meet you if you are coming this year or possibly next year if you feel God’s tug on your heart to enter into a time of training so you might touch women who long to hear His Truth.