How to handle a bad day...

Have you ever had a rough day? You know, one of those days that isn't necessarily a bad day, but cannot, by any means, be called a good day.

I had one of those today. Let me tell you, quite a few parts of my day went really "south". Some of the mayhem was my own doing, but, a great deal of it was completely out of my control. The day's events just seemed to plummet moment by moment until my (spiritual and physical) fatigue gave way to a sense of heaviness.

At that point, I realized it was time for God to lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. So, the laundry had to wait,my little boy's long leisurely bath was swapped for a quickie shower and instead of trying to prepare two dinners; I opted for one. That's when I ran. I ran from the stress of the day and right into a place of rest.

I ran straight to the arms of Jesus.

I turned on Selah and their velvety melodies of praise reminded of my Lord's power with "How Great Thou Art." Suddenly, I saw my right hand fly up in praise! Then it hit me. What a blessing to be able to lift my hand. Some people wish they could do that. I praised God for what the old people used to call "the activity of my limbs". Thank you, Jesus.

Then, for a moment, I thought about how I wished my husband was home to hold me.
That was when I listened and meditated on the song "His eye is on the sparrow". It hit me God's eye is on me, just like its on that sparrow and before long my husband would be home and I could find my place in God's heavenly arms. There, I can find peace, love and acceptance no heavenly arms could ever impart. All the same, I praised the Lord for answering the prayers of a lonely single mom (for 13 years) and sending me a blessing in my husband. But, know his love for me pales in comparison to Jesus'.

After all that, I began praising God for my wonderful son, Ben, and the joy he has brought me every single day he has been alive. God is indeed good. I couldn't forget to praise Him for my mommie and my brother, Donnie. The list is endless!

Oh yes, my downtrodden disposition swiftly transformed into a celebration of praise that excluded petition, whining or discontent. It was 100 percent praise and adoration to my heavenly
Father.

So, the best way to manage a "rough" day - or any day for that matter-is to think of the many blessings God has "kissed" you with today and figure out real and meaningful days to praise Him, love Him, serve Him and extol Him for His wonderful grace, His endless mercy and His matchless strength. You, and I, are truly blessed, GodsyGirl.

No "bad" day can compare to what God gives us eternally.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you

in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again

praise him, my salvation and my God.

Psalms 43:5

How not to say the wrong thing..at work or anywhere!

Be a blessing at work

Not long ago, I started working outside the home. I was quite blessed to find an opportunity that fits my skills and interest somewhat well. However, being part of the “real” world has it’s challenges.
For instance, a few weeks ago, I was laughing with a colleague (a fellow Christian) about how easy it is to be “saved” when you work from home. Alone at home, working in front of a computer, one isn’t often tested with issues like forgiveness, or anger or negative conversations. But, in the workplace it’s a very different world. I had forgotten how

You wiggle off the alter?

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, 

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing 

to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

Picture of me and cousins and brother, Eric
 ...compliments of my "big" cousin Tim.

I grew up pretty shy and withdrawn. I was tormented with fear of people thought of me; I feared whether or not they would like me or accept me. The result is I often said nothing in an effort to be liked.

God's Perfect Work
For years, God worked on me; challenged me; called me to do "hard" things in an effort to transition my confidence from humans toward Him and His strength in me. He showed me time and time again that I was of little use to Him if I could not muster the courage to share my faith, my testimony and yes....my, at times, my opinions.

It has been a long, difficult journey toward the limited liberty I now enjoy in Jesus. I have a long way to go, but one thing I am rarely accused of being is  timid. I praise God wholeheartedly because deliverance was expensive.  It cost me everything, but, it was  well worth it.

The most important word

The most important word

Today our church choir sang a song that simply said "in response we say Yes". Sure they sung it beautifully, but mere talent rarely moves me. What moves me is Biblical truth and the anointing of God. That song dripped with both.

I contend to say the most important word in the Christian faith is the word "yes". In scripture, God asked time and time again for His people to chose Him - to choose His path, His laws, His ways. He beckons us to to obey and submit...regardless of the cost.

He's asking you this very second, "Are you willing to follow me, not knowing where I will lead you?"

"Are you willing to show kindness to a hateful neighbor, colleague or mate?" Proverb 25:21-22

"Will you chose to silence the world and spend time with the Lord? No TV, no driving...just with Him?" Psalm 42:1

Will your response be "Yes?" Yep, that is one of the most crucial...and costly words in the Christian experience. The very cornerstone of maturity it is. So, I''ll ask you again....will you say "yes"?

Sent from my iPad

Praise God!

I had the distinct honor of sharing an evening with women from Sheffield Family Life Center in Kansas City, Missouri.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship, praise and worship. May I always stay "amazed" by God's awesome greatness.

Many thanks to First Lady Annette Westlake, my dear friend Brenda Lax and the entire Women's Ministry leadership team for letting me come home for a bit.

Also, much gratitude to all my friends, sisters, family and babies from Macedonia Baptist Church in Kansas City. Your support and love humble me. You're living proof of God's grace, love and care.

Ok. As promised, here's the PowerPoint: click here to download the link.  Remember, being a woman of "excellence" starts, ends and concludes with "prompt, whole-hearted action, obedience, and submission to God’s direction, timing, plans, commandments and methodology."

It's all about Him, Amen?

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Living Before an Audience of One

Note: I wrote this post for "GodsyGirl - Pastors Wives", but it'll bless you too!

Yesterday, I was blessed to be on a radio show that focused on the manifold challenges woman married to pastors manage. Let me tell you, it was one of the most exhilarating conversations I've had the privilege of participating in. The conversation included the host (a former minister's wife), the pastor's wife of my youth and myself.

The dialogue was open, honest and the only limitation on the candor was that of time.

One thing I had hoped to convey and I strive do daily is to perform my life for an audience of One. You know who that One is. :)

In our role it is incredibly easy to fall prey to the "spotlight" and live our lives for other people. We can live for their praise, acknowledgement, validation and recognition. What a huge mistake!

God has called you to serve Him and Him only. It's all about Him- about Him only! Even our outreach and ministry to others is to please our Father. Our spiritual performance is because of and a humble sacrifice to Him. So, keep your eyes and expectations locked on the Lord and His Kingdom.

Sis, everything you do, wear, say and give is for His glory and honor. His eyes are the only ones that matter.

GodsyGirl on the Radio

Tomorrow, August 27, 2011, I'll be on one of my favorite new radio shows! Join me on KGGN 890AM with Marsha Young at 12:30 p.m.

A Woman Among Women...
One of my all-time favorite people will also join us. Ilene Coolidge was a fixture on the landscape of my most spiritually developmental years. Her former husband pastored Quindaro Church of God in Christ in Kansas. God proved His faithfulness in her life time and time again. Her Christian witness is and has been steadfast, consistent and visible proof of God's power of restoration, grace and love. If you missed her last week, don't miss this week!

"Buckle up, its going to be a bumpy ride"
Tomorrow, we will discuss some common pitfalls of today's *single* Christian woman. Nowadays, being a successful single Christian is tricky as "wrong" masquerades as "right".

We'll also discuss some of my latest rants (on GodsyGirl.com) about weak, compromising clergy and what that does to the body of Christ. Again, sure, we're all human, but to whom much is given, much is required.

Controversial? Yep, but I don't care. It's time to stop shrouding and swallowing compromise and be heard! The world must know Christians are here, REAL and not be intimidated by society. Amen?

Listen online at http://www.kggnam.com/. Put it in your cell calendar and check it out.