Today my baby is wearing mascara

If you are a man cub, you will not get today's post. So, go read here. Seriously--- I'm warning you. You will be sad if you venture on down this page.

To my girl cub readers- you will so understand. Especially my friend Renee. Some of the following info is what helped us become the friends we are today.

Today is a big day.

I am officially celebrating 14 years of motherhood.

Which technically means that it is my oldest daughter's birthday. She will be celebrated plenty from the minute her mascara covered eyelashes open to the minute she stops texting and falls asleep tonight. Yes, it is her day.

But secretly in my heart, I am having a little party for myself as well. You see 14 years ago, I did not think I would actually survive this motherhood thing.

If I could go back and talk to myself 14 years ago here is what I would say to my sweet young self:

1. Do not take your skinny jeans to the hospital thinking that they will fit once you birth the baby. You gained 55 pounds and the baby will weigh in at a mere 7 pounds. You do the math.

2. When the doctor tells you that dry heat will help heal an a-peez-eee-owchie-me do not take the shade off the Winnie the Pooh lamp and think that will work just fine. You will get the worst inner- thigh sunburn you've ever had- ever!

3. When you decide to lose weight by going to aerobics, wait until after you have finished nursing. There are no nursing pads that can handle a lactating, overweight, bouncing mommy. Seriously, it will be one of the most embarrassing hours of your life.

4. Babies who are bald for the first two years of their life will eventually do their mommy's pregnancy heartburn proud. She will grow to have the most beautiful hair ever. But it will take her 13 years to appreciate it. So, love her through tangles and frizzies and tearful exclamations, "I hate my hair." Eventually, enough other people will tell her it's beautiful that she'll believe it.

5. You'll go through a season where you think she'll never get the potty thing. She will take off her diaper in public places and humiliate you. Especially when the next unsuspecting sock wearing lady comes in to use your dressing room behind you. She will think you spilled your water bottle. You will know differently and run like mad out of that store.

6. When she grows into her early teens you will have a chance to get her back. MC Hammer your way through the kitchen during her birthday party. This will get all kinds of "like Mom you are like totally not like cool and you need to like go back to your like room and watch like Wheel of Fortune or like something." But the slight way she smiles as she says this you know she's secretly impressed with your moves.

7. Savor every time she says, "hold you me mommy" in the sweetest toddler voice ever. She will eventually stop saying it but she will not stop wanting it.

And Hope if you are reading this and are completely horrified that I used words like a-peez-eee-owchie-me, lactating, bald, and MC Hammer in your birthday post--- just wait another 14 years sweet heart. Age does strange and wonderful things to your perspective. Happy Birthday. I love you. Like totally.

Linger just a moment longer

Breath in every moment of your day today.

Recognize what a gift today is.

Grab someone you love and let your embrace linger just a moment longer.

Take mental pictures of the toothless grin of your baby, the tousled hair of your toddler, the crooked smile of your teenager.

Hold your husband's hand.

Look past the dirty dishes in the sink, the laundry piled high, the stuff the kids left out and see the beauty entangled in all this evidence of life.

And thank God for it all. Right now, in this second, see the blessing.

I guess I am in a reflective mood this week because I sat beside a family that so unexpectedly is having to say goodbye to their Dad, her husband. One minute the mom and daughters rushed past him giggling their way to the mall. I imagine the typical quick, "Love ya, see ya'." And then the next minute he was gone.

On Monday, they came over to my house and we walked to the edge of my property to the place where he was struck by the car. And then we walked over and sat in a circle and prayed at the place where his body was found. Holly held onto his wife. I held onto the daughters.

So many questions. So many tears.

As we sat in the circle surrounded by broken bicycle parts, pressed down grass, and police paint marks- it all just seemed so unbelievable. Holly and I prayed and hoped that somehow through our fragile words that the peace of Jesus would fill the gaping holes in their hearts.

The thing that seemed to bring them the most comfort was knowing that we never left the scene of the accident. The minute we realized there was a cyclist involved, we started praying. We realized this was not just a victim--- this was someone's Daddy. Someone's husband. Someone's friend. We were there when they pronounced him dead on the scene. We stayed until the accident was cleared and the coroner came and took his body. He was never alone. Not so much because we were there because Jesus was there. I pray they know this.

Isn't this what every soul needs to know.

The very last words of Jesus that the gospel of Matthew records is, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

I have no idea what I might face, today, tomorrow, next week, next year. No idea. Experiencing something like this forces you to see the stark reality of the brevity of life.

So, I will breath in every moment of my day today.

I will recognize what a gift today is.

I will grab those I love and let my embrace linger just a moment longer.


I will take mental pictures.


I will hold my husband's hand.


And I will thank my Jesus for the gift of one more day.
_______________________________________________________
If you want to post a short prayer for the Rau family, leave it in the comments sections below. I will print these off and when the time is right I will give these to them.

Win a Scholarship to She Speaks 2008

Hi Sweet Blogging sisters.

I am excited to announce that today is the first official day of registrations for the 2008 She Speaks conference. And I am offering an opportunity to WIN A SCHOLARSHIP! I'll get to the specifics about the contest at the end of this post. First, let me tell you a little more about She Speaks and why you should consider attending this year.

I am very passionate about this conference for speakers, writers and women’s ministry leaders because I’ve experienced first hand the amazing things God does with the ladies that attend.

For Speakers: Whether you are ready to take the main stage and start speaking at conferences and retreats or whether you want to learn how to more effectively teach a ladies’ Bible Study- this track is for you. After attending this conference you will be equipped to:

• Know how to develop a message from start to finish
• Understand what keeps an audience engaged and how to make your message memorable
• Deliver your message in such a way that not only inspires your audience but motivates them to make life changes
• Increase your number of booked speaking engagements by using proven marketing strategies.

For Writers: You have had a passion for writing and have even had people encourage you to write a book, but have never known how to get started on the pathway to publication. You will have the chance to attend sessions taught by some of the top Christian publishers and make appointments to pitch your book proposal.

Or maybe you are a blogger and just want to learn how to more effectively connect with your readers and increase the impact of your blog. What better way than to sit in sessions taught by three of the most widely read blog authors: Boo Mama, Big Mama, and Rocks in My Dryer.

Whatever the case may be, after attending this conference you will:

• Discover your unique writing voice and the mechanics of effective writing


• Understand what publishers are looking for and how to write proposals that get their attention


• Better understand how to build your writing portfolio by getting published in magazines


• Know how to write a book that will impact your reader from start to finish

For Women’s Ministry Leaders:
You know first hand the unique opportunities and challenges that present themselves when you lead a ministry in your church for women. You give and serve all year long--- now is your chance to get filled back up with encouragement and training. You’ll have the opportunity to attend a Pre-Conference Intensive as well as the women’s ministry leadership track where you’ll learn how to:

• Build a dream team of ministry partners


• Cast your vision for ministry in a way others will catch it


• Distinguish God's direction for your ministry with confidence.


• Celebrate milestones of your ministry's effectiveness and keep your team inspired.

We also have a track for middle school and high school girls called The Next Generation. This track is specifically designed for girls who have the desire to speak, write, or be a stronger leader for Christ in their sphere of influence.

Now--- Here are the rules for the Scholarship Contest:

1. You must have a blog.

2. Write a post on your blog that tells others a little about the She Speaks Conference and why you would like to win a scholarship.

3. If you want to post the She Speaks button on your site, that would be great! But it is not a requirement. We do request that you include a link both to this scholarship opportunity post as well the She Speaks Conference website as well.

4. Have your post up by Friday February 1st.

5. Enter to win by linking below. Please be sure to link the specific page that your entry post is on. Our team of judges will be reviewing the entries this weekend and I will post the winner on Monday, February 4th, 2008.

6. The winner of this contest will be awarded a scholarship for the cost of one person’s registration for the 2008 She Speaks conference. The value of this scholarship is $525 which includes your conference registration, 2 nights at the conference hotel and meals associated with the conference. Please note it does not include any travel expenses. Also, you will be assigned a room mate or you have the option to pay the extra charge for a private room. This scholarship is non-transferable and can not be traded for cash.

So, best of luck to you sweet friend! I hope to see many of you at She Speaks this year. Can you just imagine the great time that we will have? I mean seriously, you get Boo Mama, Big Mama, Rocks in My Dryer, and all of us at a conference--- and you know there will be some serious fun! I can't wait to see your entries.

To find out more about registering for the 2008 She Speaks conference visit the conference website by clicking here.

Life is Short

***This post has been updated below.

Yesterday a State Trooper pulled up to someone's home to let them know their lives had changed forever.

I don't know who answered the door of that home.

It might have been a mother.

It might have been a young bride.

It might have been a mom surrounded by kids.

It might have been a sister.

But to someone, it was a day that changed, redefined, and tragically altered life as they knew it.

My daughter Hope came home and journaled what we experienced yesterday and asked if I would post her journal on my blog. So, here is the story--- straight from a 13 year old's perspective.

Hope: "3:45 on January 27, 2008 will be a day I will never forget.

The phone rang like any normal call that we would have received. I was sitting on the couch doing homework and my mom was in the kitchen working on the computer. It was no normal call; it was a call of life or death. On the other line was my mom’s friend Mrs. Holly.

She was terrified! She was standing at the end of our driveway. A lady had fallen asleep and hit our rather large brick mailbox mailbox head on. The whole front of the car was demolished! There was a crack in the window where the lady’s head gashed through it. As soon as my mom got of the phone, without any questions we ran down our driveway. I was wondering the whole time how bad could it be.

When we finally reached the scene there were cars backed up on both sides of the street because the police would not let anyone through. There were fire trucks, lots of fireman, police cars, and ambulances. This was no little accident!

I felt bad for that lady and quickly got my phone out. I wanted people to pray so texted some pictures to a lot of my closest friends.

The E.R. people got the lady out. She was almost in tears because of how much pain she was in. I mean the car was wrapped around the mailbox!! She must have it really hard! When she passed by you could see some remains of her windshield in her forehead! Her face was bleeding and the E.R. people had put a cast on her foot where she thought she might have broken it. My heart just sank for her. As she was passing she said thank you to Mr. Dan for calling 911. And we quickly said, “We will be praying for you!”

Now she was gone.

Then the most tragic thing of all happened!

One of the fire department guys, had his three young sons with him. They were playing around in a ditch covered by tall grass many yards from our mailbox. They saw something that crushed me. They started screaming for their dad. The fire guys rushed over.

The Lady had hit a cyclist before she hit our mailbox. But nobody had seen the cyclist and the lady had no clue she'd hit him. She just knew she was sleepy one minute and hit our mailbox the next. This biker was just out on his bike and he got hit.

They pronounced him dead at the scene. He died! O my gosh I cried and cried. My heart not only was crushed for the lady but now for the guy and his family! I was kind of mad at the lady for falling asleep and hitting an innocent guy. The fire department people said he was young. Early 30’s. I cant even describe how bad I feel.

If this guy had had kids, their dreams and hopes for the future….crushed.
If he had a little girl, her dreams of walking down the aisle with her daddy….gone!
If he had a wife, her husband…. Dead!

I will never let this incident out of my heart. I feel for that family that will or have heard the news of this tragic story. Please pray for them."

Sweet blogging sisters of mine. Please do pray for everyone involved in the tragic accident. But I also see it as a wake up call to each of us. Life is short. That's why the Bible defines love with this in mind---
"Love is patient. Love is kind--- Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love always perseveres."

God, help me to be ever mindful that each day life is a gift to be treasured and should be lived with no regrets.

*** Update: We just found out that the cyclist was one of Holly's neighbors. Please pray for his wife and two daughters.

A little more fight please

Hope has been preparing for a big debate she'll participate in school tomorrow on Freewill vs. Predestination. So, for the past week she has been working hard on gathering facts and having me ask every friend I know where they stand on this issue and why.

She has become so passionate about where she stands on this issue that I am in awe. Here is a 13 year old girl whose brain in usually filled with 13 year old things now pondering how she can fight for what she believes in.

It has clued me into a crucial fact about teenagers. They want to fight for something.

If we can channel that desire towards making them fight for their faith rather than against it, amazing things just might happen in their heart.

This challenges me to think I've been too careful with trying to instill Biblical principles in my kids. I don't want them just to have a memorized list of do's and don'ts. Principles are important but passion and personal convictions are crucial.

I want them to have a burning love for Jesus. I want them to pursue holiness not out of habit but out of desire. I want them to take a stand against the junk this world throws at them not because Mom and Dad guilt them into but because personal convictions have carved a deep path through their heart and affect their decision making processes.

God, give me the wisdom I need and the circumstances that are necessary to make this happen.

I Hope You'll Dance

Many times throughout Brooke's childhood, I've come to realize the importance of my mother's touch to her especially. All of my kids like a hug, a pat on the shoulder, a hand of comfort on their back, but to Brooke these gentle touches seem to be a lifeline.

Recently, she had a performance with her praise dance team from school. All the girls looked especially beautiful dressed in all white, their hair pull gently back from their faces, and an extra measure of grace in each of their steps. I couldn't wait to see Brooke perform these dances she'd been working on and talking about for weeks.

She loves getting up on a stage so I expected her to be full of smiles and giggles. But just a few minutes before the performance was about to begin a very distraught Brooke made her way to the audience to find me. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she explained that the teacher had moved her from the front row to the back row and she didn't know the back row's part. I assured her everything would be fine. I whispered, "Honey just get up there and watch the other girls for cues and follow in step. You know this dance Brooke. You'll be fine."

She sobbed back, "I won’t be fine if I mess up and I know I'm going to mess up."

That's when it occurred to me. She would need my touch to get through this. But she and I both knew that it would not be possible for my arm to reach all the way up to the stage. So, I quickly whispered, "Brooke, lock your eyes with mine and mommy will touch you with my smile. Don’t look at anyone or anything else. Don’t even look at the other girls dancing. It doesn't matter if you mess up. What matters is that you keep your eyes on me the whole time. We'll do this together."

Quietly she asked, "The whole time, Mommy?"

"The whole time Brooke," I replied as I watched my brave girl walk away to take her place in line.

Several times during the dance, Brooke fell out of step. Her arms would go down when the rest of the back row lifted theirs up. She would go left and bump into the others headed right. She knew her steps weren't perfect so her eyes brimmed with tears. However, the tears never fell. With her eyes perfectly locked on my smiling face, she danced. She danced when the steps came easy. She danced when her steps got jumbled. She danced even when her emotions begged her to quit. She danced the whole way through. She danced and I smiled.

I smiled when her steps were right on track. I smiled when they weren't. My smile was not based on her performance. My smile was born out of an incredible love for this precious, courageous, little girl. As she kept her attention focused solely on my smile and the touch of my gaze, it was as if the world slowly faded away and we were the only ones in the room.

This is the way God wants me to dance through life.

Though I can't physically see Him, my soul pictures it so clearly. In my mind's eye He is there.

The touch of His gaze wraps about me, comforts me, assures me, and makes the world seem so strangely dim. As long as my gaze is locked on His, I dance and He smiles. The snickers and jeers of others fade in the strangest way. Though I hear their razor sharp intentions, they are unable to pierce my heart and distract my focus. Even my own stumblings don't cause the same feelings of defeat. My steps so often betray the desire of my heart. But it is not my perfect performance that captures His attention. Rather my complete dependence on Him.

He then whispers, “Hold on to Me and what I say about you,” He says. “For my words are the truth of who you are and the essence of what you were created to be.” I then imagine Him pausing and, with tears in His eyes and a crack in His voice, He adds, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

His truth frees you from the chains of doubt and despair. His truth frees me from feeling too unable and inadequate to try and pursue God in an all out way. His truth washes over me as I tentatively whisper, I want to be a woman who says yes to God.

And in that moment, with my eyes locked on His, I am.

_________________________________________________________________

Today's post is taken from my latest book and Bible Study, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God."

Blue Light Special: Cellulite and Hissy Fits, Aisle 4

I struggle with both.

I have a favorite verse that deals specifically with cellulite and hissy fits. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever," (Psalm 73:26).

I have done good keeping my new year's resolutions to lose weight and have less hissy fits.

Although yesterday I failed miserably in one of the two departments. My kids begged me to make them chocolate chip muffins. So I opened up the box, mixed, and stirred said muffins. I baked said muffins. I smelled said muffins. I wanted said muffins. I watched them all eat said muffins. I walked by left-over said muffins. And I never touched said muffins.

But the lack of said muffins made me in a bad mood.

How crazy is that?

So, later I walked in the laundry room only to discover that someone had taken a load of clean clothes out of the dryer, tossed them haphazardly onto the floor and mixed them in with dirty, smelly, sweaty clothes. I was miffed. Miffed in a mighty way.

I reasoned that my peeps have no appreciation for what sacrifice it takes to be the mom. For Heaven's sake I spent my day making muffins I can't eat and washing clothes that I don't wear.

So, I did what any rational woman who had smelled muffins all day but couldn't have one would do.

Yes, ma'am I announced to my muffin eating crew that the laundry room was now off limits to everyone. I taped the door shut with a very endearing love note attached that read, "DO NOT ENTER!" Then as my grand finale I told them all that if they felt the need for clean clothes, they could go to the creek behind our house and wash their clothes themselves.

Then, that verse popped into my mind. The one I mentioned before that deals with cellulite and hissy fits. I got all convicted.

So, as my head collapsed onto my pillow I prayed that overnight Jesus would make a creek form in my back yard somewhere. One with scrubbing rocks so my peeps wouldn't have to suffer so much while trying to clean their clothes. One that was close to a window in my house. So I could sit and watch them wash their clothes in the creek--- while I enjoy one of those muffins. I'm all mature like that you know.

__________________________________________________

And the winners from yesterday's FUN FASHION GIVE AWAY by Shari are:

Madi's mommy

Wrinkled Shirt

Alyce

Bridget

I know there are 4 instead of 3 because Shari is all nice like that. She must have eaten a muffin yesterday.

So, pop over to her sight by clicking here--- she has announced her winners, and get instructions on what to do next.

Oh and about all the fabulous questions that you all asked yesterday? She has promised to have answers for you all in the coming weeks. So, keep checking in with her!

Sweet Blessings! I'm off to go check on the Jesus creek that might have formed in my back yard.

If someone doesn't tell me what to wear, I'm going out----

---with white hose on???

---sporting my high wasted pants???

----wearing my favorite Cracker Barrel sweater???

Oh left to my own devices I can fall victim to some serious fashionista faux pas. If you've ever heard me speak you know some of my favorite little mishaps. White Walmart pumps in the dead of winter while speaking in front of hundreds- need I say more?

The Proverbs 31 woman was dressed in fine linen and purple. This tells me she did put a little thought into the threads that covered her J Lo. I know she did not have the jello problem because it also clearly states in Proverbs 31 that her arms were strong for the task. Yes, ma'am she did adult gymnastics too. I'm sure of it.

She also knew what colors to wear. She must have had her a little color analysis meeting with someone like my friend Shari. There has never been any help to my many fashion dilemmas better than the Preppy Handbook and my friend Shari.

But since my 80's version of the Preppy Handbook is full of suggestions the require things like pink and green Izods, Pappagallo button purses, and whale belt buckles--- I must now just rely solely on Shari- the official "What Not to Wear Fashionista Police for church ladies everywhere."

And I've teamed up with Shari to do a little MAKEOVER GIVEAWAY TODAY!!!!

Here's what Shari offers:
~ How to build a realistic wardrobe that makes you look and feel great

~ Dress in a way that compliments your natural figure. Modest is always hottest- that's one of her slogans. Vicki will be so proud to read that!

~ Tricks of the trade to make you look 10 pounds thinner without ever having to hit the gym

~ My personal favorite- You are most beautiful when you are closest to the way God created you. Learn how to enhance your look by knowing what colors really do look best on you.

So, without further ado--- Here's Shari to tell you more:

----Hi everyone! I am very excited to offer today's give away. In case you don't know me, my name is Shari Braendel and I am part of the Proverbs 31 Speaker team. I speak and write about What Not to Wear and What TO Wear!

I am grateful that God also allows me to teach our younger generation about modesty through my "Modest is Hottest" Fashion Shows and Events. I am a wife to Dave (amazing cook!) and the mother of a thirteen year old son, Luke, and triplet 23 year old step-daughters.

I have found out through years of being in the fashion and beauty industry that women everywhere just don't have a lot of confidence putting their own wardrobes together. Also, most women feel guilty spending time on themselves regarding their outer beauty. Soooo, God has graciously seen fit to allow me to minister to women everywhere to help them see themselves in a whole new, beautiful light...AND learn how to dress to make the most of what they've got!

After brainstorming with Lysa on what to give away, we decided since it's a new year, then I will help you create a NEW YOU!

There will be 6 winners, 3 from Lysa's blog and 3 from my blog. The winners will all receive my new E-book on wardrobing AND will be invited to join me on a 2 hour conference call with all 6 winners! The 6 winners will be given the opportunity to e-mail ahead of time the questions you most want to have answered so it will be a fun time for all...and informative.

Here's what you've gotta do to win: On Lysa's blog, post a comment about your biggest fashion question or beauty dilemma. You know she'll love to hear those...it'll give her lots of material to blog about!

Then, jump over here to my blog and vote on your favorite title for my new book due out January 2009...let's see if we can get the publisher to choose the title YOU pick! Can't wait to meet you! Big blessings to you, Shari

Thanks Shari! I hope this is a fun little Wednesday pick me up for all. Have fun! We'll announce the winners on both of our blogs tomorrow~

Watch it Wiggle, See it Jiggle

*** This post has been updated with more deeply intellectual thoughts

I am a firm believer in stepping outside of one's comfort zone. That's why when Ashley's Russian gymnastic's coach challenged me to take an adult gymnastics class I made myself do it.

Adventurous I am. Athletic I am not.

But I just had to see if I really am not athletic or if maybe my parents never quite figured out how to bring out my athleticism. Maybe I secretly have Olympic qualities but because I never took the right class with the right instructor, it was never discovered.

I've been taking adult gymnastics for 3 years now. No big athletic discoveries have been made--- I can assure you. In this photo you will see: for Jackie it is a walk in the park. Next you have Chris mentally making out her shopping list. And then there's me. It is quite an effort to hold up all the junk in my trunk. Let's just say J Lo has nothing on me. Or maybe that should say JellLo. Remember that commercial, "Watch it wiggle, See it jiggle?" And it has been 3 years of this people!

I'll be back in a little while to post more photos of my adventures with God into the world of Athletics. Skinny girl is looking at the clock and telling me it's time to go meet Holly in the freezing temperatures for a run.

I have the same look on my face right now as in this lovely photo. Beauty in its finest form. That's the kind of athlete I am. See you in a bit.

Okay, I'm back. I just checked the scale. I even took my pony tail holder out just in case that was the very thing holding the needle back from dropping slightly. Don't you think it would only be fair to see a slight downward movement of the scale if you go out and exercise? I mean I know that's not the way it works. But a girl can dream right?

This is our fearless leader--- with the stop watch in her hand--- does anyone know how to rig a stop watch to make the seconds tick faster?

These are my young and skinny classmates. When they run I am often behind them. I'm sure if you were to observe it would resemble young gazelles being chased through the African plains by Pumba.

These are my friends Carolyn and Sharon. I love them to pieces because they suffer through class with me.

My friend Jackie does not suffer through class. Those are her real legs y'all.

Those are my real legs too. Aren't you proud to be my friend?

So, just for your fun and absolute entertainment I present to you: Lumilla's Adult Gymnastics (torture session) class. We meet every Monday and Friday from 8:45am- 10am if you would like to (suffer) join us.

Oh My Stars!

I wish I could have a marching band coming in right about now.

Oh I can think of some great 80's tunes for them to play.

I could even do a little MC Hammer Dancing for you- you would be impressed. Especially if I threw my hair up in a side pony tail and sported my parachute pants--with matching jelly shoes and jelly bracelets of course! Like Totally~

Okay you gals are some mighty fine writers! I have been tickled, encouraged, challenged, and very blessed by visiting so many of your blogs this weekend. I had no idea so many of my bloggy friends would enter this little contest--- so picking just one proved impossible. After many discussions and e-mails flying back and forth between my team members, we finally decided to pick three winners and four honorable mentions.

And the Winners are:

Jesus at McDonalds by Carol Hatcher

The Determined Life by Amy Brooke

A Cup of Encouragement by Miss Sandy

The 3 winners will appear in our P31 Magazine. Glynnis will be contacting you to get your article scheduled. Please leave a comment over at Glynnis' blog with your e-mail address.

And the Honorable Mentions Are:

The Masterpiece by Sumi

No More Tears for Fears - Marriage as a Three-cord Strand by Linda

Graceful by DeeDee

Laying Down by Jess

The honorable mentions will be published in some facet of Proverbs 31 Ministries. Again, please leave a comment on Glynnis' blog with your personal e-mail address so she can connect with you.

And you may want to check out Glynnis Whitwer's blog today. After reading some many of your wonderful blog entries, she has some helpful hints and tips for turning your blog post into articles that are ready to be published. I think you'll find her information very helpful~

And again--- a Big thank you to Lisa B for all her help this weekend getting things linked and organized. So, she is the winner of the "For the Write Reason" book by Marybeth Whalen.

Now for the NEXT BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Here was my clue to you: "The Biggest Rock went boom when it hit me as I spoke loudly to my girls."

The biggest- Melanie from Big Mama

Rock- Shannon from Rocks in my Dryer

went boom- and Sophie from Boo Mama

hit me- surprised me that they are coming to and teaching at

as I spoke loudly- the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference

to my girls- to help teach us all about blogging!!!

Did you catch that? Wow!!! Not only will we have great sessions this year at She Speaks on speaking, writing, and leadership BUT we will also have a couple of classes on blogging too! These three ladies are 3 of the top Christian bloggers. Just imagine how fun it will be to hang out with these 3 top bloggers and learn from them. Not to mention how fun it will be to meet each other face to face.

So, will you pray about coming to our conference? Many of you have been to She Speaks in years past. Why don't you post a little about your experience.

If you've never heard about She Speaks, click here to read more about it. It will be held just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina the weekend of June 20th- the 22nd 2008.

It is a great time for personal revival and training. Plus some of the top Christian Publishers will be there to meet with potential writers. Each year, we rejoice with women who get book contracts as a result of their appointments with publishers at She Speaks!

Registrations will open up this Friday. And you will need to register early as we sell out every year. Last year we had 405 women from 37 different states that attended. So, think about it--- pray about it---- talk to your family and friends---- and get ready to register starting this Friday.

For the most up to date information on the She Speaks conference, pricing, location, and contact information to reach our staff at Proverbs 31 Ministries click here.

Oh I do hope to see many of you this summer!

Happy Monday~

A little of this and a little of that

Happy Sunday Bloggy friends!

Here are some updates and tidbits from this week.

* Though skinny girl made Holly and I run in frozen elements this weekend, and I got a non-fat, no sugar latte at Starbucks, the number is still 149. Sigh. Yes, it will take time. Yes, I am committing this to the Lord. And Yes, I'm in it for health reasons and I shouldn't focus so much on the numbers. But I'm having romantic notions of my husband picking me up and swinging me around while on his little business getting away- Like they do in the movies y'all. And, well, if he tried that right now, he'd wind up in the hospital in traction. So see, the numbers do matter a wee bit.

Oh and I must say I got completely tickled by your comments on my "weight" post. Especially my sweet friend who said I inspire her with my "obsience." I'm thinking it was a typo and was maybe supposed to say "obedience." But obsience was quite appropriate and made me laugh hard- out loud.

* Thank you so much for praying for Ashley's gym meet. She was competing with a bum knee but was determined to give it her all. While I am thankful she stayed safe and that I didn't have a heart attack, it was a rough meet. Keep praying for her and her team mates. They all head to Orlando next weekend to try again.

See evidence for said heart attack to the left. Yes ma'am that's my baby.

* Though the big snow of 2008 turned out to be but a slight dusting- my kids were quite determined with their great snowman ambitions.

Have you ever seen a cuter snow man ever??? I think the electric blue hair adds a nice touch with the carrot stick nose don't think? Not bad for two little southern snow bunnies hunh?

And last but certainly least, I have so enjoyed reading all of the entries for the publishing contest. I must give a quick shout out to Lisa B who painstakingly gathered all of the entries that were linked to blog posts and compiled them into this nice list. I can't imagine how much time to took to do this. Thank you Lisa B so much for making it easier on all of us to see what posts were entered. If you are in the reading mood this weekend, post a comment about one or two that you read and like. How I'm ever going to narrow this down to just one is beyond me. There are many, many good entries.

1. God Loves Wrinkled Shirts by Paula Gresham


2. MrsProverbs31 {Many articles}


3. Mothers Trapped in a Dark Prison by Heather Cox


4. Listening + Obeying + Doing = His Supernatural Blessing by Rachael


5. Believe Big, Believe Him by Monica


6. Madly, Deeply by Monica


7. If I Sat With You Today by Monica


8. Gifts to the Future by Mary


9. Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound by Laura


10. Pretty in Pink by Krista


11. Passing It On


12. Cinderella Should THANK Her Stepmother by Amie


13. Potty Prayers: A Mother's Saving Grace by Lisa B


14. Frozen by Fear - Freed by the Father by Christie Todd


15. Addie, Our Pet Rock by Celly B


16. Celebration of Life by Amy


17. Everyday Blessings


18. A Lesson in Humility by Tina Vega


19. Giving Your Children the Gift of Music by Sarah


20. Are Pantylines a Sign of Godliness or Can Christian Women Wear a Thong?


21. Time Management 101 by Melissa


22. Just One Way by Daiquiri


23. Bring God Your Brokenheart by Sue


24. Pillar of Cloud by Luanne


25. Pick-Up Sticks


26. Adventures in Pet Sitting by Carol


27. Help by Carrien


28. Building a man by Cindy Beall


29. Searching for Home in a World on the Move by Lauren Caldwell


30. Jesus at McDonalds by Carol


31. Wild Ride by Gerry Blumberg


32. When the Quest Becomes the Idol by Beth


33. Harvesting Hope from a Heartache by Jennifer Saake


34. Plain Jane, Somber Sally and Superficial Sue by Jennifer Saake


35. Faulty Mirror by Holly


36. Those Not-So-Still Small Voices by Starr


37. Insecure vs Secure In by Cheryl


38. Beat Up? by Angela


39. Small Tasks, Big Impact by Amy


40. Miracle of the Moment by Kim Chewning


41. Recovering All by Kelli


42. Lesson Learned by Jeanne


43. Goosebumps and Tears by Jennifer


44. Coffee Grounds and Wafer Crumbs by Jennifer


45. Alphabet Songs by Sally


46. Share Your Prayers by Beccagirl


47. In Pursuit of New Skills by Rachel


48. Thoughts for the Season by Vickie


49. Consumerism vs. Contentment by Angie


50. Worship Journal - The Power of Pure Praise by Stephanie


51. Meeting God in the Whispers by Samantha Roberts


52. Digging for the Nugget by Steph


53. Weeds by Sanya


54. The Masterpiece by Sumi


55. No More Tears for Fears - Marriage as a Three-cord Strand by Linda


56. When Your Husband has a Bad Day by Shelly Burke


57. A Tribute to My Aunt by Denitra


58. The Determined Life by Amy Brooke


59. The Nativity Set by Denitra's daughter


60. Crumbs from the Table by Sumi


61. I See You by Athena


62. You Glow Girl by Athena


63. A Portrait of Love by Karen


64. Graceful by DeeDee


65. The Friendship Counsel by Dina


66. When Words Don't Come Easy by Tami Boesiger


67. Not Just Any God, Not Just Any Girl by Elaine Johnson


68. Finding My Voice by Lisa Roszler


69. Idolatry in Marriage by Becca


70. He Reads to Me by Mandy Thompson


71. Spiritual Moodiness by Mandy Thompson


72. He Didn't Blame God, but He Sure Did Pitch a Holy Fit


73. Pink Petunias by Dawn Ward


74. Women are Trees? by Amy


75. Two Reflections One Life by Chris


76. Remove the Scum by Shonda


77. Filling the Dumpster by Lisa


78. Laying Down by Jess


79. My Security by Tam


80. Lessons I am Learning by Rachel


81. Great Expectations by Missy


82. Hidden Treasure by Susan


83. Venezuela Trip - Parts I - IV


84. Blessings from Venezuela


85. The Turning Point ...


86. Lessons from the Left Field Wall by Lisa


87. Seek with all Your Heart


88. Pictures and Prayers at the Kitchen Sink by Amy O.


89. Viewfinder Faith by Elisa


90. Oh I Wish I were an Oscar Meyer Weiner by Amy Wyatt


91. A Multiplicity of Patches by Kelly


92. Companions in the Race by Terri


93. Learning to Trust


94. When We're Unsure About Our Ability To Go by Heather


95. That's Life ...


96. Good Cooker by Lelia Chealey


97. Dream Her Very Own Dreams by Alyssa Avant


98. Interactions with the Aging by Valerie


99. The Gift in You! by Mariel


100. Risky by Heidi


101. Breaking the Contract by Kathy


102. Soaring by Joyful


103. A Cup of Encouragement by Sandy


104. Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing by Kara Akins


105. Love the One You Are With by Jai


106. I saw God Today by Julie


107. Trust and Obey by Amy


108. There is No Greater Thrill by Amy


109. God's Unexpected Plans by Carlyn


110. Burnt Dinner Rolls by MrsJoeB

Weight Just a Minute

118

138

189

155

163

138

154

149

And that's pretty much my history over the last twenty years.

It's a shame when you have such fabulous taste buds but not the metabolism to handle them.

I like to eat healthy- kind of- at least for breakfast. But I also like quantities that are too large- no let's not use that blessed word- healthy in size. And then there is this one hour of the day that is a serious threat to even my best of intentions.

It's like I have two people living inside of my head fighting for the rights to my taste buds.

It's a battle I tell you. MaryLu described it so well here. Yes, an absolute battle between my inner fat girl and inner skinny girl.

My Fat girl loves turtle brownies and chocolate chip cookies and chips and salsa.

Skinny girl, she is a very freaky girl now--- (but that was the theme song for yesterday's post--- and one day of that song is simply enough. ) Skinny girl wants a carrot stick, some celery with a slight dab of hummus, and when she completely throws caution to the wind, a rice cake.

My fat girl wants to lounge in the morning.

But skinny girl makes us get up and run.

My fat girl wants to keep M&M's in her purse in case of an emotional emergency.

But skinny girl says just chew a piece of sugarless gum.

My fat girl wants soda in massive quantities.

But skinny girl makes us drink water. Oh but for a complete thrill she'll let us put a lemon on the side.

My fat girl will choose a salad every now and then but has to cover every leaf in the most fattening dressing.

But skinny girl says to spritz it with some no taste, pretend it's good, colored watery stuff.

My fat girl loves, I mean with the truest part of her heart, fried things.

But skinny girl says--- tsst, tsst--- we'll order baked.

My fat girl likes to go out with the four major food groups: Italian, Mexican, Down Home Southern, and Outback.

But skinny girl likes to stay home and eat frozen lean cuisines.

Some days I love skinny girl. If I happen to be in a vegetable induced coma that is.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you all for participating in this week's writing Q& A all about writing. And thank you for the amazing response of article entries sent in for the contest. I think I will be reading all weekend--- while eating carrot sticks if skinny girl wins--- or brownies if my beloved fat girl wins.

Oh hold me accountable people! I have somewhere I have to go to in February that requires the last number to be 142. If I plan to wear clothes that is.

I'll announce on Monday who won yesterday's book give away. Along with my OTHER VERY EXCITING THING!!!!!!! I posted a little riddle in the comments section on Wednesday if you have nothing better to do than tire your brain out trying to win.

Oh and one more thing- my sweet Ashley is competing in a gymnastics meet today. Will you pray for her to be safe and to do her best. And pray that my heart doesn't give out watching my baby flip and fly and do things on a 4 inch beam that most humans won't even try on the ground.

Oh dear--- I feel the desire for a brownie coming on. Happy weekend.

Writer and A Bad Mamma Jamma Rocker- that's what I am

Amazing writers who will keep me and my team reading all weekend, I have some great- probably more than you ever wanted to know- info for you today. I'll get to it in just a minute.

First, for the "I'm not interested in all this book stuff" -people, I have a little funny for you.

This was a conversation that took place this week in my kitchen. I know it's sad for the writers to be on strike out in Hollywood but seriously, the shows could continue with just a little input from us moms- don't you think?

Jackson: "Mom, I think I have commitment issues."

Me: "Son, you're in high school."

Jackson: "I know but I just can't seem to like the same girl for very long."

Me: "And the problem with that is?"

Jackson: "I mean I liked this one girl but then I started thinking she's a very freaky girl."

Me (In my stellar rocker voice): "The kind you don't bring home to mothahhhhh(mother) ."

Jackson: "What are you singing?"

Me: "That song you just quoted- (once again in my bad mamma jamma voice)- She's a very freaky girl now, the kind you don't bring home to mothahhhhh (mother). She's a super freak, super freak- she's super freaky yowwwwwwahhhhh."

Jackson: "Wasn't that song like from the 50's?"

Me: "The FIFTIES!!! How old do you think I am?"

My body language now reflects the fact that I'm about to bust out with some break dance moves that are so past the fifties!

Jackson: "It's okay mom- don't feel bad you're from the Kennedy era."

Me: "I am so not the Kennedy era dude! I am 38 years old for Pete's sake. I wasn't even around in the Kennedy era."

And then the sad thing is I had to google "Kennedy" to make sure. Sigh---
____________________________________________________________
Okay- back to the "so you want to write a book" discussions.

I have a wealth of insights for you today through a few friends who know the in's and out's of the Christian Publishing world.

First- I want to tell you about a discussion I had with the one of the Vice-Presidents from Harvest House Publishers. I asked her the question several of you have asked, "What kind of books are publishers looking for today?"

Barb told me that most publishers are looking for authors who are living their lives and experiencing the message they want to write about. She encourages authors to address your passion. Chances are you are not alone in your passion. Find a niche where enough other people are interested in what you are eager to address and that's your book.

Great advice. I would add that you have to be very interested in what you are writing about to keep it interesting to your reader. If you get bored writing it, chances are they will get bored reading it. My goal whenever I write anything is to have a highlight worthy statement on every page. If I re-read a page and there is nothing on it that would motivate me to get up and grab a highlighter--- I rewrite the page.

Now, you will want to take the time to go look at three people's insights posted on their blogs for the answers to most of the rest of the questions you all asked.

Marybeth Whalen- Mom of six and author does a Q&A about balacing motherhood and writing.

Lisa Whittle- Addresses how she got published with a top publisher with no platform.

Mary DeMuth- A widely regarded author of both fiction and non-fiction. She's just developed a blog with tons of great information, from writing query letters to book proposals and much more.

Now, for those of you dedicated enough to make it to the end of this loooong post. If you'll leave a comment today about something you learned from visiting one of their sites, I'll register you to win a copy of Marybeth Whalen's book, "For the Write Reason, 31 publishers, agents, and authors tell their story about publishing." It's not only a great book chocked full of information--- like how to write a book proposal that will catch a publisher's attention- but it also has a Bible Study that any budding writer should go through.

Happy Writing~ I'm off to play in the light dusting of snow we got last night. Pray I don't break a hip or something. I'm old you know. Like from the Kennedy era.

A Chance for You to Get Published

Oh my stars- oh my stars.

That's what I say when I'm excited. And I'm really, really, excited.

I mean so much so I'm having a hard time waiting to announce something that I have to wait to announce until next Monday. But it is hard to wait. I desperately want to give you a clue- a hint- a little something. But I can't. Just know that you will be so excited about what I will announce next week. At least I think you'll be excited. If you are not, just pretend you are.

Because friends do that you know. Like when they open an obviously regifted item- but we covered that yesterday so let's move on. Did I mention that I'm excited?

Okay- breathe. I am also excited about something we have going on today too! You have a chance to enter a contest to be published in the P31 Woman Magazine. This is a great step for any writer as our magazine is not only read by over 6,000 women each month but is also read by publishers! Last year one of our writers celebrated having a book published by Harvest House Publishers because of an article she wrote in the P31 woman Magazine.

So, here is what you should do:

* Leave a link to your blog in the comments section below. Also, put in your comment one sentence that describes what your article is about. Then post your article by Friday. We'll have a team of people reading your blogs this weekend to pick the winner. Not only will you have a chance to get published but it will probably drive extra traffic to your site if others are interested in your topic!

* Now, before you run off to start writing, or pulling your favorite blog post out and reposting it because it is one of the most favorite things you've ever written (which is perfectly fine and probably what I'd do)--- you must first read the writer's guidelines over here at Glynnis' blogsite. And leave her a comment too~

* Now, what if you don't have a blog on which to post your writing masterpiece? Go ahead and post in the comments below- the title of your article, a few sentences explaining what it's about, and an e-mail or website address by which we could easily contact you. If the topic and description is one that catches the publishing team's attention, we'll contact you.

We'll announce the winner on Monday. Along with my other very exciting thing--- that I'm very excited about--- but I think I might have mentioned that already.

And I'm sure you are wondering who the winner is from yesterday's book giveaway??? This was done in the most official, random method, I can assure you. The winner is--- Mel from Mel's World Blog- this girl seriously loves books! Hey, Mel let me know which one of my books you'd like to add to your collection.

Happy Writing!

Book Writing with a Bonus Regifted Birthday Present

I'll get to the book stuff in just a second but first I must share a conversation that Brooke and I had this weekend- And for those of you not interested in book writing- can you weigh in on how you solve the emergency birthday gift dilemma? I obviously need help.

Brooke: "Mom do you have friend girl's birthday present- the party is today."

Me: Oh shoot a turkey and it's not even Thanksgiving, "Well, not exactly."

Brooke" "Mom! No gift?"

Me: Listen up Buster Brown it's not like I've been sitten' around this week pickin' at my feet okay? "I'm sorry sweetie- we'll figure something out."

Brooke: "Let's get her a Teddy Bear from the grocery store."

Me: "Now that would just be embarrassing Brooke. I mean friend girl would be shopping for cheetos this week and she and her mom would pass by the teddy bears conveniently placed with the kid snacks and we'd be busted. They'd be all like, 'Oh those TerKeursts buy their birthday gifts from the grocery. A classic sign of ultimate disorganization. Tsst. Tsst.' No, I have a Starbucks card in my purse- we can give her that."

Brooke: "She's 9! You don't give a 9 year old a Starbucks card."

Me: "I'd love to get a Starbucks card."

Brooke: "Yeah, but you're old."

Me: Back off sister- you're treading on shaky ground filled with cellulite and wrinkles. "Okay fine, well then take your young little self upstairs to your young little room and go grab one of your webkins that still has a tag on it. I can replace yours later."

Brooke: "Mine! Mine! I could never give one of MY webkins!"

Me: As she throws her head on the counter, I make a note that she has entirely too much stuff. No more stuff. For Pete's sake, who gets all emotional about stuff. (Ahem- camera Lysa.) Just say no. Yes, every trip to every store this week I will only speak one word to my kids--- NO! "Well then we can regift something you're not so attached to."

Brooke: "You mean give her something I haven't opened from my birthday party? Mom- if I haven't played with it, it's because it doesn't seem fun."

Me: "Friend Girl will love it."

Brooke: "No she won't."

Me: "Okay then you can't go to the party."

Brooke: "Fine- I'll give her the reject gift---whatever."

After the party----

Me: "So, did friend girl love the sparkly no purpose regift?"

Brooke: "Yeah! Friend Girl said--- 'How cool- don't you have one of these?' "

Me: Gulp.

Like I said--- I obviously need help.

Now for the book writing stuff---

Wow! Gals, I am absolutely blown away by your many great ideas for wonderful books. When you do get published, you have to promise to send me a copy~

So, here's what is in store for my book writing friends today. How do I write a book?

For me, it comes down to a numbers thing. A typical trade paper back book that I write is about 50,000 words. These books typically range between 50,000 to 75,000 words.

I like my readers to be able to read a whole chapter in one potty sitting- so mine are a little shorter. Do I know my audience or what? (Multi-tasking, bathroom hiding, need to feel like I accomplished something today- readers! I love them~)

Anyhow, if my book is going to be 50,000 words, then I will usually have 25 chapters. Which means I will write 2,000 words for each chapter- 1500 words will make up the text of the chapter and 500 words will be reserved for a Bible Study at the end of a chapter. So, if you do the math, 25 x 2000 = 50,000 words.

Now, some people like longer chapters so they may do 10 chapters with 5,000 words in each. If you do this, I would break the chapter up into sections with little subtitles throughout.

Either way, it is important to keep your chapter lengths consistent throughout.

Breaking it down to bite size pieces like this makes what seems like a daunting task, much more realistic and manageable. Much like a lot of life- right? Maybe I need to apply this principle to my birthday gift dilemma!

Hey, leave a comment today and I'll register you to win one of my books--- I'll let you pick which one. Sweet Blessings sisters!

Writing a Book- answers part one

Several of you have asked about the platform aspect of getting a book published. So, I think we should start here with this discussion on writing a book and getting it published.

The reality is that ultimately, most publishers decide on whether or not to publish a book based on a formula that involves numbers. It is a business decision that combines their editorial, marketing, and acquisitions departments in meetings often referred to as PubCo--- or publishing committee.

Publishers like to find authors who have some type of platform- meaning they have an avenue by which they can help get the message out about the book and thus hopefully help sell it. A platform that publishers find attractive usually consists of the author doing a number of speaking engagements a year, writing for magazines on a very consistent basis, or someone who works for an established ministry that has a good size constituency. Just this past Friday, I talked with a vice president of a large publishing company and she said she thinks that blogs with high amounts of traffic can also be considered a good platform.

Platforms are tricky things that beg a few questions:

Which comes first- the platform or the book?
Wouldn't having a book published first, help create opportunities to speak and write for magazines?

Usually, a platform created by the authors own hard work has to come before the book. Now, there are exceptions to this. Sometimes, a writer's idea is so fantastic that the publisher feels there is a market for the book based on the title and subject matter alone. But most of the time someone who wants to be an author needs to lay some groundwork first. Here are some things you can do to help build a platform:

* Pray and ask God what message might be inside of you that is something you feel passionate about and that could add value to other people's lives.

* Look for opportunities to share this message in both the spoken and written form.

* Start in your own home church. Talk with your pastor and or women's ministry leader about what is stirring in your heart and how you might be used to fill a need in your church.

* If your message is Biblical in nature- lead a Bible study in your home for your friends and neighbors.

* Build your blog. Shannon over at Rocks in My Dryer has some great advice on this here.

* Be willing to invest in going to conference that can help clarify your calling and give you the tools you need for speaking and or writing. There are several conferences you can consider of this nature. But I am a little biased toward the Proverbs 31 conference called "She Speaks." I'll be posting more about this later this week- so stay tuned.

* Don't get discouraged about starting small. I started small. Very small. But over time small can grow. For me, writing and speaking has been a whole lot more about what God needed to do in me rather than through me. He would never let the size of my opportunity be bigger than what my spiritual maturity could handle. And I praise Him for that.

* Each day, ask for your assignment from God. Today, your assignment might not look like it is accomplishing much toward your goal of writing a book. But if you ask God and follow His lead, His assignment is the exact right thing for you. I've said it and lived it for years--- "God's shortest route to His richest blessing is paved with one obedience decision after another."

I hope this is helpful for you. I'll post more answers tomorrow. And I'll have some pretty cool experts weighing in on some of your questions too. Some well- known publishers, agents, and other published authors will be joining in our discussions here this week--- so stay tuned!

For the comments today--- why don't you post the topic of what you are interested in writing about. It will be a fun way for us to encourage one another.

Have you ever thought about writing a book?

Hi Friends~

Maybe you've thought about writing a book. Maybe you've even quipped, "One day I really should do this." Maybe you've had others tell you that they've been waiting for your book. Or, maybe you are just curious about the process of getting a book published.

Whatever the case may be- I've had enough of you to contact me personally with questions that I thought it might be fun to have an open discussion for a few days about book writing and publishing.

I remember before I got my first book contract, I had so many questions. I promised myself that if I ever got published that I would help others. So, 11 books later--- I'd love to share what I know. Ask away by posting your questions in the comments section below.

And a quick update for those of you following my saga last week--- the camera that was once lost has now been found!!! It turned up two days later in the lost and found in the Atlanta airport. Oh, did I ever do a serious jig and have a praisin' Jesus jam fest!!! I should get it back by the end of this week. So, I promise you cool photos soon!!!

One Day Completely with God

Why do I often want to settle for less than what God has for me? What if I truly lived today completely obedient to God's word and in tune with His voice? What if before every choice I make today, I held up my options to the Lord and chose obedience over convenience- righteousness over my rights.

God has never asked me to do great things for him. All He has ever required of me is to allow His greatness to enter me, change things around in me, and be revealed through me. Not to do for Him, but rather to simply be with Him.

So, just for today I will live this way. Just for today, I am making the choice to not settle. Just for today, I will not let the subtle influences of pride, what is best for me, what is easiest for me, and what I want overshadow my desire for more of God in my life.

Today, I will believe with absolute certainty. Today, I will obey with complete surrender. Today, I will seek with complete abandon. For today, I want God to find in me a haven in which to rest.

Isaiah 66: 1-2 (NASB) says, "Thus says the LORD, 'Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,' declares the LORD. 'But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.' "

My soul jumps at God's question, "Where is the house you could build for me--- where is a place that I may rest?" He is the God of the Universe- so big and so mighty and so capable. Yet, asking almost a vulnerable question to a completely unworthy human- "Can I abide with you today?" It's like the president of the United States asking a woman in the projects, "Can I come and stay for a while. Can I sit and find rest with you today?"

Unimaginable. Uncontainable. Unfathomable. Yet completely true.

There are no great people in the kingdom of God. Just simple people. But every now and then a simple person makes a great choice. Oh God, let me make that choice today. Even if it is just for a day- how I long for it to be more- but even if it is just for today, may it be completely so.

For one day completely with You, is better than a thousand elsewhere.

Losing Stuff

Good Morning bloggy friends.

We made it back safe and sound. But not without a little heart break. I have a few pictures to show you from our trip--- but only a few. You will notice that there are not any pictures of us skiing.

I had planned to show you lots of fun photos of our amazing adventure. However, my camera is missing.


I had taken some pictures of the beautiful sunset I saw out the window of the plane last night and that's the last time I saw it. When I opened up my purse to get the camera out when we got home--- it was gone. Art feels very confident that someone found it on the plane, will turn it into lost and found, and that we'll get it back. I am praying that is the case. I went to bed crying about this last night but am having a better perspective this morning.

Here are some sweet perspectives that God is teaching me through this situation.

1. Keep it in perspective. Ultimately, the camera and the photos are just stuff. Many other people are waking up this morning with situations so far beyond this. So, I'm making the choice to be thankful for the memories, hopeful for the return of the camera, but settled if we never get it back. I do have these few pictures that were taken with a different camera. Aren't my friends Dean and Suzy cute???

2. I am called to abide with God, not just visit with Him. To abide means to realize that God loves me and will work good from this, even if I never know what that good is. To truly abide means to press in and embrace what God can teach me through every situation. If I'm merely a visitor of God and not an abider, I resist what I need to learn from this and see it as nothing more than a reason to be frustrated and angry.

3. Lastly--- Hopefully, I will learn a lesson through this that will serve a bigger purpose in the future and protect me from experiencing something even worse.

No matter what happens, I am choosing to praise God this morning for the whole trip and asking Him to burn the memories deep in my head and heart. That way, with or without pictures, I can remember and smile. I have no idea if any of this resonates with you or a situation you are facing, but if so take heart and know you are not alone.

NOW FOR THE BIG "Acquire Cup" announcement. It was the most narrow victory we have ever had in any Acquire Tournament. Yesterday, Dean came in fourth and I came in first for the last round. That made us tied in the overall standings. So, we added up the cash total and the picture below explains the rest.

Congrats Dean! We'll be sending the trophy your way!

And the Acquire Cup is Hereby Presented to:

Well, this announcement is a little tricky. You see we've officially got one more game to play. We'd planned on finishing up our big tournament on the ferry ride as we head back to Long Island to catch our flight. Here are the standings thus far and keep in mind that the lowest score wins~

Dean- 18
Art- 21
Lysa- 21
Suzy- 24

So, in order for either me or Art to win and retain the amazing Acquire cup, Dean has to come in last place last during this final round which would give him 4 points. Either me or Art has to come in first which would only add 1 point to our score thus the reason we'd be singing, "We are the champions of the world," but for only a brief moment. Now for you mathematicians out there, you have seen and are ready to state, "But that will make a tie if you or Art scored one point and Dean 4." Oh yes, you see this is the tricky part!

Should this dilemma be handled in the Biblical manner, the king would tell us to cut the trophy in half. A man player would have no problem with this. But a woman, especially one with PMS, would get all emotional about the trophy having to endure being cut in half and well if trophies had feelings well then this would just simply be horrific and mean and cruel. And, and, and sniff sniff. So, she would dramatically concede and lose the trophy to protect it.

But in a twist of Biblical wisdom, the king would then see who really deserved the trophy and instead of cutting it in half--- give it to the emotional human and that my friends is how PMS would make me a champion!

But in reality, if there is a tie scored today, we would add up the cash totals of all the previous games played and the one with the most cash would be crowned the winner. And Dean has dominated with his cash totals. So, the winner will be Dean. And if anyone else stops to think about this, we probably won't play the final round.

But forever, in my heart, I will smile and know a little secret about how truly close to being the champion I really was--- not that I'm competitive and not that I'm looking for a way to justify PMS. Ahem.

So, our vacation ends today. And as you can imagine, we have done some laughing. My soul feels refreshed and full. I have loved on and been loved by some amazing friends and one fantastically patient and handsome husband (who by the way is still wearing black anklet socks- sigh.) I had a poem that I plan to print off and put it in my scrapbook written for me. (If you didn't read Lelia's poem in my comments from yesterday- you must- it is a classic.) I have done some serious meetings with Jesus. I have experienced God. I lost a silly game.

But in the end we all feel like we won--- because in the game of life--- it's not who has the most at the end that wins but rather those that loved and laughed all the way through.

We interrupt this vacation to bring you--- PMS

Because sometimes a girl has questions, and she knows her bloggy friends will have answers, I am coming to you in need!

What is the deal with PMS?

Sometimes I get PMS me the week before you know what. Sometimes it is the week after. Sometimes it is the week of. Sometimes it is all three. So then, I know I can only bank on one guaranteed week of no PMS. This is that week. But when I got emotional over a board game last night, and I think I have it this week too!

I'm starting to wonder if it is really PMS or just me. I mean really anytime I get a little dramatic or emotional I just quip- "well, you know I'm PMS-ing." Maybe I need to diversify and sometimes blame PMS and sometimes change to Pre-menopausal. Either way, a cure people, a cure is what I'm in need of!

So, last night I got a little emotional about a board game. It is a highly intense board game being played by four very competitive people. Each time Art and I get together with Dean and Suzy we play this PMS inducing game called "Acquire." With this trip we will play 9 rounds over 5 days. We keep a running tally of the scores and when all is said and done the winner gets to proudly display the Acquire Cup at their house until we play again. And as a side note, the cup has been at our house for two years. Ahem and Ahem again.

So, the stakes are high! I am tied with Art for 2nd place at the current moment. Dean is winning. Him winning would be a tragedy. Now, I wouldn't want you to pray for me to win a silly game or anything but if you feel so inclined I guess I really can't stop you. But please do remember I have PMS--- like for weeks on end--- and a girl like that just needs to win.

Advice and prayers gladly accepted.

Wide Open White Spaces- part two

There is something amazing that happens to a soul when quiet majesty is observed.

Today I rode to the top of Straton Mountain. When I got off the gondola and took in the scene around me, my soul quickened at the obvious hand of God. It was amazing to see some of God's most glorious handiwork. Every tree, the vast blue sky, the swirled mix of sunshine and clouds, the rise of the mountain, and the slope down to the valley all placed by the hand of God. As I took in the scene I imagined God asking, "Who will notice Me in all of this today? Who will stop for just a moment and see me? Who will let their soul linger ever so slightly and simply utter an acknowledgement of Me?"

Oh God, the rocks surely do cry out great evidence of You.

May I do the same.

And not just on days when I am on vacation.

Everyday God is there. Everyday we have an opportunity to notice and acknowledge and see and rejoice. Even when the world is crazy around me, I can still make the choice to see God.

Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

It doesn't say, "blessed is the perfect person."
It doesn't say, "blessed is the woman who has perfect Biblical knowledge."
It doesn't say, "blessed is the one who never misplaces library books."
It doesn't say, "blessed is the mom who never messes up with her kids."

Nope. It says blessed is that woman whose heart is pure. In other words, "blessed is that woman who lives in expectation of seeing God- who looks for and acknowledges Him- whose greatest desire is to see God--- for she certainly will."

So whether your scenery today consists of beautiful mountains or mountains of laundry--- look for Him--- make the choice to acknowledge Him- choose to see Him--- and then you will.

Wide Open White Spaces- Part One

When I was fresh out of college (Furman University), I moved to North Carolina to be close to the boy I thought I was going to marry. And then he broke my heart by breaking up with me.

On my birthday.

On the day I was convinced I was getting the ring.

Had my friends and family on speed dial for the big announcement.

It was because of another woman.

Who he'd spent too much time with and money on.

I not only had to endure horrible dinner but had to pay for it as well.

And then he had the audacity to ask me to put gas in his car for the ride back to her.

I was in shock.

Otherwise I would have called him a name that rhymes with gas.

That name is also in the Bible but that's sort of irrelevant.

I went back to my apartment, unplugged the phone, and stayed in bed until my hair was so greasy that it literally stuck to my pillow- with a little help of the vast amounts of tears and snot that occurs when there is heaving and weeping.

One day I decided to wash my hair and go back out into the world.

I met two of my best friends in the whole wide world that very day.

A boy named Dean. A girl named Suzy.

We clicked and laughed and did life together in the most fun of ways.

Dean was the brother I never had. And he hated every boy I tried to date.

Until one day he called me with a shocking announcement.

He said he'd played golf with the man I was going to marry.

And he was right.

By the way, mean- birthday dumping- gas boy called about this time and wanted me back.

Oh the joy of saying no! Glorious, glorious no!

So I could say yes to something so, so much better!

When I started spending lots of time with Art--- Dean and Suzy fell in love.

They were married a year after me and Art.

(Fade to black, roll the names, play that happy song- as the wise Hannah Montana would say or sing as the case may be.)

Now 15 years, 7 kids (our 5- their 2), and homes that are many states away from one another later, we are still amazingly close friends.

And this week we are with them- skiing- without the 7 kids.

But first I had to take a photo of my hubby yesterday on the plane. Handsome he is, fashonista he is not. I laughed so hard at his choice of socks yesterday! I mean we are supposed to be setting the stage for romance this weekend! And he wore tan pants, brown shoes and BLACK ANKLE SOCKS!

And it made me love him even more.

Thank you God for frequent flier miles and friends who have a house close to wide open white spaces.

And for black ankle socks too- which reminds me of a very funny little song- I'll change the words to make them fit----

He's too sexy for his socks.

Coming Clean and Keeping It Real

I can birth babies.

I can write books.

I can run a ministry called Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I can bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan.

But ask me to keep up with library book due dates, or a shopping list, or keeping my drawers (the kind you pull out, not the kind you put on) organized, well--- let's just call it a situation.

Look, I will come clean in this here post. God called me to Proverbs 31 Ministries almost 14 years ago when I was still a very, very green Christian and an overwhelmed new mom. Seriously, I was with the ministry for a few months before it dawned on me to actually read Proverbs chapter 31 for the first time.


Speaking of dawn and green--- Sometimes it is good to send the husband to the store. He came home with a name brand dish washing liquid and can I just say I have never enjoyed washing dishes so much in my whole life! This stuff just smells so good! It is the apple antibacterial Dawn. They are not paying me to say this.

Oh my stars, I love this smell. Does anyone know what might happen if I used it in a bubble bath? To wash my hair? I know better than to use it in my dishwasher--- been there done, done that, got the T-shirt, sold it on eBay. Just kidding. I don't know how to do eBay either.

If you hate to wash dishes- splurge on this and your heart will sing. If you like apple smells that is.


I also struggle in the kitchen. But I am getting better. For the most part. Do you know what has inspired me to enjoy cooking more? Having an organized drawer where I keep my mixing bowls and measuring cups/ spoons. This will not impress those of you who are naturally organized but for anyone who can bring home the bacon but gets stuck with trying to find the pan- you know my pain. So, this drawer is a complete thrill to me. Sometimes I just open it up and stare at it with glee. And then I make my very fancy Hamburger Helper boxed dinner and I just feel so very accomplished!

So this silly little post is a little about coming clean, a little about keeping it real, and little because sometimes a girl knows where to turn with these kinds of questions- and these are some serious questions. I'm about to go search for my overdue library books, wash my hair, and look at my drawer one more time.

But I'm not in the mood to live in a hut-

Yes, sometimes it is very scary to say we want to follow after God completely. For the minute we do this- little scenes of possibilities start flashing before us. A dirt hut. A life of poverty. Some kind of horrible tragedy to test us. A health crises that pushes us to the brink. Loss. Pain. Extreme sacrifice.

Satan says, "Look at all you'll have to give up. And there is no guarantee that Jesus will come through for you. None at all. Don't take this Jesus thing to seriously- lighten up.

Jesus says, "Look at all you have to gain. My love for you is so completely consuming, I can only have your best interest in mind. Make me the the center of your heart- and you will light up the world."

It's kind of like a little seed in a seed packet. The little seed likes living in the seed packet. The seed packet is safe and relatively nice- a little plain but nice nonetheless.

Then one day the farmer comes and plucks the seed out of the seed packet. Suddenly, it is pushed down into the deep, dark messy place. The seed cries out, "Why have you done this? I like being a seed in a seed packet. I don't want to leave the other seeds in the seed packet. Why do they get to stay in the seed packet. This is not fair. This is horrible. My life is bad."

Then horror of all horrors, the farmer pours water over the deep, dark, messy place. So much so that the seed starts to break apart and life as he knew it slowly slips away. The seed cries out again and again but the farmer seems cruel and silent. "Why? Why me?" seems to be the only thing the seed can utter over and over again.

But then one day this green shoot burst forth from the ruins of the seed and pushes up through the deep, dark, messy place and into the glorious light. It grows and blooms and becomes all that it had the potential to become.

Now, think about that farmer. Was he mean and cruel? Or was his love for that seed so consuming that he could only have the seed's best interest in mind?

I would love to be so amazingly smart as to be able to pontificate the deep truths of Scripture while wielding about the Greek, Hebrew, genealogies and eschatology. But alas I am a simple country girl sitting on 12 acres of land with a husband that I love most days, 5 kids that make my heart swell with joy one minute and make me feel like throwing dishes across the kitchen the next, and 2 dogs that can do no wrong.

I am not a theologian, psychologist, or doctorate of any kind. I am a simple, often silly woman, who has fallen madly in love with Jesus. I am a woman who dared to utter one simple little word that shifted my heart and set my soul on the adventure I was designed to live---"Yes."

All I have when looking to show the world that Jesus works is my one little "yes" and a story of what happened when an ordinary woman dared to utter it. And it has been enough. "God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe," (1 Corinthians). Somehow, it has been enough.

So back to that hut and pain and loss and all those things we fear so much when contemplating complete surrender to God. There have been sacrifices for me. But the blessings of experiencing God have so far outweighed any thing I have given up.

I am still fully me. Silly. Goofy. Loving 80's music and doing the MC Hammer much to the complete and utter embarrassment of my children- me. Just a more settled and joyous and fearless and abundantly satisfied me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of comments from my New Year's Day post. I am blessed, challenged, encouraged and thrilled to see how God is obviously moving in so many hearts. As I write this new book, I'd love to have your comments woven throughout. But I would never do this without your permission. If you have a blog linked to your comment, then I can easily contact you when you post something I'd like to use. But if you don't have a blog, then will you put your e-mail address in your comment?

And don't let this paralyze you into trying to craft just the right comment. Speaking honestly from your heart is the best kind of comment there is! I am so excited about taking this writing journey with you. Oh, and we'll certainly make plenty of pit stops for silly fun along the way. You just never know what you are going to get when you open up my blog~

The Song of My Rag Tag Soul

God has had me on such an amazing journey for the past seven years.

You see it was 7 years ago that I knelt beside my bed in a hotel room and told God that I wanted to live a life completely and utterly surrendered to Him. Through my tears I asked Him to reveal to me what He required of me? His reply, "Radical Obedience."

I had been obedient but only to a certain point. I was good but I was not holy. I had faith but had no desire to be put in a position to really have to practice it.

So, I pulled out my Bible and read it with fresh eyes. Eyes that desired to see more than just words. Eyes that desired to see God Himself. I wanted to walk, breathe, live, and maybe even have parts of me die in order to get past just being a good Bible study girl. I was so full of knowledge and yet completely starved of experiencing God Himself.

Francis Frangipane, one of my favorite authors, wrote about this condition, "Right knowledge is vital, but we want more than just knowledge. We want the Presence of the Almighty to fill the vacuum of our doctrines with substance, the very substance of Himself."

So, the adventure started. I started praying the dangerous prayers and asking the unsafe questions. I shifted from bless me to expose me. I admitted my ugliness and confessed my unwillingness. And I dared to admit that I was not a woman of faith. For if I was completely honest, I lived a life that required no faith at all. I cried. I hurt. Finally, finally the Lysa that so desperately wanted the world's acceptance, accolades, ease, answers, cover-ups, and half-hearted faith, died.

And for the first time ever I tasted life. God himself was there. And the more I saw Him, the more I was compelled to give Him everything. Francis F. also says, "The more we see God as He is, the more compelled we are to give Him our all."

My friends, giving my all has found me many days in the very fibers of my carpet crying puddles of tears while asking, "Are you sure God? I am scared. I am so not capable. If I were You, I'm not sure I would trust me with this assignment."

Passionately pursuing God in absolute obedience led me to pull away from some friendships. It led me to be questioned and condemned. It led me to a fast from TV for over 2 years. It led me to come to know about a war torn nation full of crying orphans. It led me to hearing "mom" said with an African accent. It led me to locking myself in the bathroom after screaming at my five kids telling God that I had just proven- I can't do this. It led me to deep places of questioning. It led me to be on the Oprah show. It led me to endure some of the harshest criticism I've ever known by people who don't understand. It led me Hollywood. It led me to have a chance to speak to the world. It led me to understand that even having a national platform is very empty in and of itself. It led me to a place of desperation for God.

Now after seven years of radical obedience I wish I could give myself an A on this lesson and move on. But I must be honest.

I find myself in the midst of God's sweet presence once again saying, "I have been obedient but only to a certain point. I have been good but I am not holy. I have faith but still struggle with the desire to be put in a position to really have to practice it."

And so the journey continues.

If any part of this resonates with you, will you post and let me know? I am supposed to be writing another book this year and I'd love for your participation in the writing of it. I have no idea what it will be called. I have begged God to tell me--- so, we'll see.

But one thing I do know is this--- a few years ago the world was asking is Jesus true. That's not the question any longer. I'm convinced the question the world now asks is, "Does Jesus work?" Oh God, that my life could answer this question with a resounding yes, is the very beat of my fragile heart and the song of my rag tag soul.