Spirit Led Woman

What woman my age (still  holding on to the 30's, thank you) doesn't remember "The Facts of Life" on TV?  Didn't you wish you were right there living with Blair and Tootie?  Most of you know that (Blair) Lisa Whelchel grew up to be a minister's wife and major supporter of homeschooling and Christian parenting.  What you may not know is that she went through a major life journey a few years ago.  Turns out the picture perfect life we saw on TV was not reality for Lisa or the other girls on the show. Friendship for GrownUps is the story she wrote about her struggle to discover both why she kept her friends at a distance and how to tear down the wall she kept around herself to make true connections with other women.  I absolutely loved this book and saw myself and other women that are and have been a part of my life reflected in her story. I would recommend this book to women without reservations.     

"God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them."  Hebrews 6:10 As a woman who has spent all of my adult years in the ministry, I sometimes think about all of the people and places I have poured my life into.  To be honest, that's a whole lot of energy.  At times, the human side of me wants to know what I have to show for it.  Living far from home as my parents are aging is not fun.  Holidays and weekends others are spending with family can be let downs.  Then there are all of the times you put yourself out there for people and they absolutely let you down.  One common thread I hear at every ministers wives group, book and lecture is how to deal with hurtful people.  I think a big part of this is the fact we minister to hurting people.  Hurting people hurt others and who is a safer whipping boy than those who don't fight back? Unjust? Yup Do you...

I  look around and see people filled with potential. Their eyes light up with dreams of greatness. Their mouth speaks of destiny.     but they  are waiting. Waiting for something big to happen       that big break that will somehow launch them into the future and let them know they have arrived. So in the meantime they do nothing. They have not yet learned that victory comes through the journey. God's requirement of faithfulness has not been replaced by talent or charisma.  Victory comes through the pressing, pushing and pursuing. Pressing towards the mark faithfully Pushing every day past discouragements, disappointments and pain Pursuing God and His call on your life in spite of the temptation to quit. Even when life is hard. It is in these choices that we prove God faithful and that we honor Him.

The newest book I received from Thomas Nelson Publishers to review was  How Then Should a Christian Live.   It is part of a series from Next Generation devotional books.  I think the idea is awesome. What parent hasn't struggled to find a way to feed their child the Word in a way they can understand and digest? The book comes with a section of the Bible on MP3 (in this case 1 Corinthians through Philemon).  The Bible is read by young Christian actors.  The devotional book itself is easy for young teens to digest and even break down into small increments. The concepts taught are very basic and easy to follow.  Several other titles are available and easy to recommend to you! 

"There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will capture your heart. Pursue those" What are you passionate about? What captures your heart?  What do you want to be known for at the end of your life? What happens in your life daily that you are proud of when you lay your head on your pillow at night? "Be sure to do what you should,  for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well." Galatians 6:4 Each of us has a personal touch.  Remember when you moved away from home and came back for a visit. You take a big sniff in the air and smell.......home!  We should be like that to the world.  There is something about each of us that is unique.  I was created to offer an aroma to those around me that no one else can.  I am passionate about touching people and making a difference in their lives.  I want my children to go to bed at night feeling loved. I want those around me to kno...

One of the things I have learned to appreciate about working fulltime in the public is the opportunity to work day in and day out with people.  I think this is something that I lost sight of during my years as a pastor's wife, student, part-time and odd-job worker. I have developed a new appreciation for the people I work with.  We really do share in each others lives in a way that I had forgotten about.  As a Christian, you are more vulnerable because your coworkers see you on a daily basis.  They see you on the days you would rather be sleeping in and they watch how you handle that irate caller on the phone. A few weeks ago, I went through the first anniversary of my sister's death.  My coworkers were awesome.  They got me a card and were extra caring that day.  They listen when I talk about my sister and I am so appreciative of the opportunity to build relationships with them. I can see them watching when I handle sticky situations and am begi...