When I saw a post on my facebook this morning that Elaine from Peace for the Journey was going to post a give-away of my book You Are Beautiful In God's Eyes, on her blog, I was of course very appreciative as I have been for the support that many of my on-line friends have graciously provided but I have to confess that Elaine has been one of the women on-line whom I view as an incredible writer so I was deeply moved that she shared my book on her blog and when I read her post I have to confess I cried especially when I read:
Indeed, a message easily forgotten by me on days when I’m tempted by the enemy to focus solely on my imperfections. Each chapter in Lisa’s book rings with a clarion call to get back to the basics… back to the beginning when Father God sat with the idea of me on the front side of Genesis and called me very good. The idea of me when he walked his Son to a bloody grave. The idea of me when he walked his Son out from the grave and into the folds of heaven. The idea of me when he sent his Spirit to dwell in the hearts of his people. The idea of me when he tucked my life inside the safety of my mother’s womb. The idea of me some forty-five years later when it’s sometimes easy to forget that I’m still God’s very good idea… warts and all.
Please visit Elaine's blog and enter to win the give-away. She also has another give-away being offered that I know will bless you! Be sure to love on Elaine while you're there and check out her awesome book: Peace for the Journey!
I have been so incredibly touched by the power of God's Hand on my little book. You Are Beautiful In God's Eyes. He led me to write a short, sweet, to the point, conversational style book that would encourage, strengthen and bring hope and restoration to His Daughters. I pray that it has done just that unto His glory.
You got this! Yes you do. Yes, the wording is not necessarily the Queen's English but it's appropriate for making an effective point (smile). Whatever the this is that is standing before you right now that seems larger than life, larger than what you can handle and is attempting to limit you in ways that God has not permitted, you need to remind yourself that you got this! He has placed within you through Christ, all the spiritual, mental and physical power you need to take it on. Did you read that correctly? He has placed within you...that means the strength is not our own it's His. Isn't that reassuring?! Whatever the this is it can't hinder, distract or defeat you from doing whatever God has purposed you to do or from being all that God has purposed you to be...unless you allow it.
Yes, there will be some moments of fear, concerns, even some doubt or questions. There may be nay-sayers who will tell you that "this" is not what God has called you to do or that you should be something other than what you know in your spirit that you should be. At times your own thoughts will rise up and cause you to question if you are hearing God for your life.
Are you enjoying or enduring your life? That's an important question as we are into the beginning weeks of 2012. Yes, you know that you are blessed by the Best but are you living out that blessing to His glory and for the edification of others He places in your life? The Bible tells us that our gifts will make room for us. If we are using our gifts to His glory then it makes room for us. Sadly, we are often too afraid to move out on the gifting. We want validation and acceptance from people. We want to know for certain that we are moving in the right direction. We want signs, wonders, confirmation and then more confirmations before we make up our minds to say, Yes Lord. Nothing wrong with confirmations but there comes a time when we just have to say Yes Lord to what He is leading and stop making excuses for not doing it. Whether it is losing weight, writing a book, starting a business, homeschooling children, getting involved in your child's school, beginning or finishing your education, improving yourself in God to impact your marriage, being a great caregiver, doing volunteer work in your community, starting up a ministry, serving in a particular area of ministry, going on missions trips, opening ourselves to new friendships or having to say goodbye to relationships that are toxic. Time to say, Yes Lord.
Why do we so often need validation from people? Because often times regardless of how spiritually mature one is, we get scared. We don't want to fail God, our loves ones or ourselves. As women we are often defined by who loves us and by the roles that we walk in and whether or not we walk those roles perfectly. The world and even at times, the church world will define you by how well you do something or how good you look rather than just by who you are in Christ. That's why I love 1 Samuel 16:7 in the Amplified.Go check it out and then come on back and finish reading. I'll wait for you...
Wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, caregiver, minister, leader, business woman, homeschooler, PTA mom, soccer mom, student, retired, volunteer, etc. Whatever the role or the hat we so lovingly wear we want to know that we are doing a good job in that area. We want to please God and the people whom we care about and that's awesome but often times we beat up on ourselves when we don't feel we are making the mark or meeting the expectation. However, woman of God, daughter of the King-- you got this! With Abba Father's love, grace and covering, Jesus' love and help and the Holy Spirit's leading, you got this!
I'm not entirely certain where this message is coming from but it's live and in color today because it's coming out of my spirit. I want to share this with you, I ran into the new year with excitement and then a nasty stomach virus hit and set off some of the other internal issues I had from last year that still had not healed. I felt lousy for the last 9 days. I have been busting with excitement over the beautiful group of 28 women I've had the pleasure of teaching my Book and Companion Study Guide to on Wednesday nights. I've had the pleasure of other doors God is opening BUT in my mind I was feeling a bit discouraged. My body has lacked energy etc. and the enemy began to tell me, you'll have another sick year like last year and you'll be laid up for your birthday in February just like you were last year and don't even think about doing the things you say your God has purposed for you and your family so go sit down and stop getting excited! Oh yes he did! BUT, I had to cast down those negative thoughts and remind myself in Whom I believe and that GOD'S plan for me is great! I don't have the time to allow anything or anyone to set limits on me and neither do YOU dear one! In God we are limitless. Our boundaries are established by HIM for our life not by negative thoughts, worries, fears or circumstances.
I pray this encourages the person who needs it--you can do this because in Christ you got this! God has placed something awesome down inside of you that only you are in possession of! You are His workmanship -- His masterpiece! No one else has your DNA. Two thousand people on the earth could have the same gifting as you do and none of them will use the gift exactly the same way as you. Why? Because God made us all uniquely different and uniquely beautiful so it's time to get moving ladies! I love both the New Living Translation and Amplified version of Ephesians 2:10.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) 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 (AMP) For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
We are 17 days into 2012. What is it that you know you are supposed to be doing differently? What amazing thing has God purposed to do in and through you His amazing Daughter, to touch the world around you for the sake of Christ? And, what feelings of inadequacy is going on inside? What words are being rehearsed in your thoughts? Do those words align with God's plan for you?
Remember this, no person or no situation should define for you or for me who we can be or what we can do if God has purposed it for us. There will be earthly or what I call natural limits but we can overcome them in Christ to do whatever GOD has purposed for us to do and to be the best that we can be without beating ourselves up about it. We may experience some failures but we are NOT a failure! There's a difference! How can anyone who has been handcrafted by God be a failure! As they might say in the Military - "move out!" and as my Grandma used to say, "Go forth with courage and serve the Lord"!
Philippians 4:13 (AMP) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].
I am not certain who this is to minister to or perhaps it is just to speak back to myself a word of encouragement but if it is also for you then grab it and run into prayer. Talk with Abba Father about what is on your mind and heart. Review the questions I gave you above. He cares. He has called and equipped you in ways you have yet to comprehend or realize. I pray this will be your year! Remember, you got this! He put everything within you that you need. Trust and rely on Him and let us all give Him the glory!!!
Praying for you right now. Thank you for praying for me.
I don't often share on my Blog the other things I'm involved with and I'm not sure why I do that but this year I want to share those things because I believe God will encourage and strengthen people that He so desires to read or listen to those various things because what HE alone permits and graces all of us to do is for His glory and the blessing of His people so if you read or listen to anything below I pray it will bless your socks off in Jesus Name and draw you closer to Him! And don't forget to let me know what awesome things are going on in your life in Christ as well! Remember, you are His! Your life is in His Hand and that's awesome!
I had the pleasure of sharing my heart in the Lord on my precious friend Lisa Buffaloe's radio program: Living Joyfully Free Radio. Listen to our talk on prayer, pursuing God and knowing we are beautiful in His eyes and much more by clicking this LINK. What I love about Lisa is that she is a beautiful quiet storm for Christ online and speaking with her on her radio program felt like I was chatting with an old and dear friend! We will spend loads of time chatting in Heaven I'm sure :)!
I was honored to be asked to write for the Marriage Counter of the Internet Cafe. It's a beautiful place overseen by two beautiful woman of God, Lori and Jenifer who fully understand that Jesus is the Overseer. Love their hearts for HIM! I wrote my first post on the prayer that changed my marriage of over 21 years; long ago in the early season of our marriage, when I turned to God in prayer at a desperate time when I needed to be healed from my past in order to be the wife that I needed to be. GOD led me in how to pray for my husband and how to pray for myself when I turned to Him and cried out. He showed me that I was praying a bit off :) I hope you'll stop in HERE to read and be blessed!
Recently the Lord connected my heart with another special sister in Christ, TonyR from The Well Watered Woman who asked me to share my heart in the Lord on her radio program where I shared a message of hope and restoration in Christ. Jesus asks "Do you want to be made whole?" We have a decision to make. I also shared the one thing that I pray tenderly to hear God say to my heart when my day comes to be in His presence literally.
There are so many exciting things going on on-line and off-line for the Kingdom of God but the MOST important thing is staying in right relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I constantly pray over myself to keep the right focus as I never want to become consumed with the "doings" for the Kingdom and neglect just "being" in His precious and powerful presence. We can't effectively serve the LORD if we are not resting at His feet even more. Amen?! Amen!
Much love to all who stop in and may the Lord bless you and shower His favor and grace down on you in ways you can't contain and then, pour it out over all whom you come in contact with for the glory of God!
First, thanks to everyone who left such beautiful and warm comments on my "new blog name and design post" below. You blessed my soul. I've been out of sorts for 8 days with a bad stomach virus so please forgive my lack of blogging or visits. Getting back in the swing slowly. For those who knew about this on my FB thanks for praying for me! Wanted to share a message I wrote about Dr. King in 2010 on this the acknowledgment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day. I tweaked it a bit and I pray it blesses you.
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Remembering and praying....
Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Remembering the humility, honor and love of Christ and people that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. embraced and lived fully.
This was a man who believed we as a people should treat one another the way we desired to be treated. I am grateful that I was raised with the knowledge of Dr. King who was assassinated two years after my birth. In my upbringing things were NOT defined as black people and white people in my personal life. We were PEOPLE. In school I would hear people call one another ugly names and there was definitely separation and hostilities carried mainly from what they had been taught. I am grateful that I was colorless in my thinking. Dr. King stood for us to all be equal because we are made by the same Hand of GOD. We are to be judged by the content of our character not by the color of our skin. We've come a long way since Dr. King. Yes, sadly racism still exist to some degree and not subject to just one race of people however as Christians we are defined by our connection TO CHRIST not by the color of our skin. We are ALL one who believes in HIM. I have brothers and sisters in Christ of different races and I love it because that represents our LORD.
Dr. King was a man of humility never lifting himself up above others and never allowing anyone else to glory at his feet. We need more leaders like that today that do not esteem themselves over GOD or allow anyone else to. Dr. King's sole mission was to glorify GOD, help all people to live equally and never to glorify himself. His mission, I believe, was completed although he was taken from us too soon by the act of someone who had a hardened heart.
As I think today about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he meant to the generations of my family on a personal level as well as to so many others, I can't help but be grateful for the recent opportunity I was blessed with to meet and spend time with his loving and incredible niece, Dr. Alveda King, daughter of Rev. A.D. and Naomi King. Rev. A.D. King is the brother to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Alveda King is a caring and powerful voice for the voiceless as she continues to stand for the lives of the unborn. Those of you who know me well and who have visited my pro-life blog know my testimony and that I too stand for LIFE so you can imagine that it was an honor to meet Dr. Alveda King who has been a long time warrior for the Kingdom of GOD on earth especially with regards to affirming LIFE.
I posted a message and photos from the 2010 meeting with Dr. Alveda King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's niece, on my pro-life blog HERE so please pop in when you have a chance. In honor of LIFE and the message of peace and affirming life, please stand with me and pray with me that the entire Government and Nation will turn their lives fully toward GOD in their private and public lives for the WORD of the LORD says Psalm 33:11 "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance."
Thanks for stopping in and for praying with me. May the peace of God rest on you and all whom you love in Jesus Name! Amen!
This was a huge step for me. Sharing Life with Lisa has changed to You Are His as the Lord has led and I'm excited about it. It is always like God to transition you to the next phase in every area of your life and as such He did the same with my ministry blog. A lot of the struggles that we as women face are diminished the more we see ourselves through God's eyes and realize the truth and that is, we are indeed His! We don't belong to this world. We belong to God and we are precious in His sight!
As always I turned to my special friend Edie from Rich Gifts Graphics and Blog Design. She always does an incredible job and that's because she prays and follows God's leading. Edie is professional, courteous and always willing to work with me as I pray so that together we can hear God on the design. Edie offers graphics (buttons, enhancements to blog designs, etc) as well as book cover designs for both e-book and printed books. She also offers SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Analysis so pop on over to her site for details. She also offers free Scripture Tags and Desktop Wallpapers and a host of tips on her blog. She did not ask me to promote her but I believe in sharing the blessings and gifting of others when they are people who love God and desire to be a blessing to others and that's Edie!
I pray you like the new Ministry Blog Name and design. I love it! I will share a post in a day or so regarding what you can expect to read on You Are His and some other upcoming changes I'm excited about that begins January 26th. I will also share the "phrase" for my life for 2012. I'd love to hear your "word" or "phrase" if God has given one to you. If not, then feel free to share any direction I can pray for you as you walk this year with God! I'm excited for you!!
I pray that all of you have a wonderful new year and remember, you are HIS! I love you and I'm praying for you!
Praise the LORD!!!I shared something on my facebook yesterday that I wanted to share with each of you:
Get ready! Get ready! Get ready!! 2012 is almost upon us and I'm excited about all that our GOD is about to do! Are you prepared? Press in prayer and don't do a lot of talking but rather, even more listening to hear and receive His wisdom and direction for your life as you enter into 2012. I'm EXCITED!!! The LORD is GOOD!!! Link up close to Him and watch and see what He'll do within you and then, through you to touch the world around you!!! Get ready!!!!
Well family in Christ, it's here! It's a new year and that means new opportunities, blessings and even challenges but that's alright because our GOD is with us every step of the way. I have so much to share with you this year on my blog and changes are coming. I am also looking forward to visiting my Blog friends and making new on-line friends but most importantly I'm looking forward to deeper fellowship with GOD and life-changing, Christ-centered opportunities to be used by GOD in greater ways for the time is growing near when we will see that Day so let us make every day count for the Kingdom.
Let me leave you with our God's powerful Word:
Isaiah 43:19(AMP) Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Do you catch the theme word in these two passages of Scripture? New! Our GOD is about to do some new things in our lives are you ready? Is your heart (love-walk) and mind (our thoughts) prepared? Did you know that the hand-print of Almighty God is on your life and prepared to do great and mighty things in and through you? Get ready!
Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
I love you and thank you for being there for me in 2011 with your prayers, love, encouragement and support. I pray that you felt my love and prayers as well. Now, let us go forth with courage and serve our Lord in this new year. Much love!
