A little red flag

The other day, Holly and I were standing at the end of her very long street. It was mid-morning. Everyone was well underway with their busy days.

Holly placed a letter in her mailbox and pulled up the red flag.

The postman would soon be there.

As we chatted my eyes followed the long line of black mailboxes along her street. And suddenly it hit me. Not one other red flag was up.

All those people. With all those loved ones. And not one other person was sending a letter that day. Since Holly and I run together most mornings, I started making it a habit to check for red flags in the days that followed.

Now granted, there are other ways to mail letters than just from our home mailboxes. But I have a suspicion old fashioned letters are becoming a dying form of expressing our love.

Weeks went by and I didn't see a single other red flag.

So, I came home, dusted off my own stack of good intentions and wrote a letter.

It felt so personal. I brushed my hand across my little note and prayed God would use my simple words to touch this person in a tender place of their heart.

Now, I've made letter writing part of my devotion time with God. I don't write one everyday. Maybe one or two a week. But since I've told God I'm willing, He's been faithful to put people on my heart.

And each time I pull up that little red flag, I smile and secretly hope it will inspire other letter writers as well.

What might happen if your red flag started going up on a more regular basis? I dare you to see. Who is willing to take my challenge and just write one letter today?
___________________________________________________________________

Here are the five winners of the on-line "A Woman Inspired Conference." Remember, if you didn't win, today is the last day to get tickets for only $12.95--- what a deal!

Angie (Blessed as a mess)

Martie

Mags01

Jenn

Lindsay

Embracing who I am

Ten years ago I sat in a seminar listening to a very organized mom talking about how she parented her kids.

She was amazing.

A super-mom in my eyes.

I held up my feeble efforts with my three toddlers and determined I stunk as a mother. I thought that maybe if I went home and imitated her, I could enter into the world of super moms.

I mentally listed out what I discerned must be her secret to success and set about to be just like her.

But it didn't take long to become absolutely miserable. I mentally beat myself up for not having what it obviously took to be a great mom. What was wrong with me?

I begged God to make me just like her- that really good Mom.

And then one day in Bible study I read the story of Mary, the teenage mother of Jesus. My heart beat fast as I realized she didn't meet the standard of super mom I'd set for myself.

Somehow, just as she was, God chose her to be Jesus' mother. And the only qualification that she seemed to have was her willingness.

I made the choice to try and let go of all those expectations I had for myself as a mom. I let go of the comparisons to other moms. I laid down the measuring stick of perfection. And I simply bowed my head and gave God my willingness.

Nothing more.

Slowly, I started to see my own unique qualities as a mom instead of always focusing on the places I felt I fell so short.

I may not be the most organized mom, but I'm a fun mom willing to drop my to do list in the name of spontaneity.

I may not do sit down devotions with my kids every morning, but I'm good at helping my kids see God working in situations all throughout our days.

I may not sew a lick, but I know where to find an alterationist that is the bomb.

I may not always keep my cool in the everyday aggravations of life, but throw something big at me and somehow I'll be the most calm person in the room.

Sure, I have a lot of room for growth in my mothering. God and I work on things daily. But over the past ten years I've learned how to embrace who I am and the beauty of living fully as me.

And while I still fall short at times, I've finally learned that being fully me is so much better than an imitation version of someone else.

I have the exact qualities God knew my kids would need in a mother. So, each day I hold up my willingness and ask God to make me the best version of me I can be.

Have you ever struggled with this? Whether it's in the arena of motherhood or your workplace or one of the many places we unfairly compare ourselves to others- realize your great qualities and be fully you.

Oh and speaking of tossing aside my to do list to be very spontaneous--- well, there was plenty of that this weekend and the winners of the "A Woman Inspired" tickets, didn't get chosen.

I'll post the five winners tomorrow, pinky promise!

Like whatever--- and WINNERS!

Okay, I totally thought my kids would think yesterday's post was funny. So, I made them sit down at the kitchen table as I read it allowed.

They just sat their and stared at me.

Seriously, not even a snicker.

After a few seconds one of my girls quipped, "I don't get why people think that's funny."

So you know what I did?!?

I ROLLED MY EYES and said, "WHATEVER!" And then I broke out into a hysteria of laughter. Oh yes I did. That's how us mature mamas roll. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.... and then beat 'em at their own game y'all.

I love when my bloggy sisters say, "Me too!" "Amen sister." "Preach it girl." "I'm printing this on off and putting it on my fridge."

But I'm warning you- your kids won't think I'm funny. Not at all. Not in the least. They will say, "That lady is not right."

Then you will smile and ROLL YOUR EYES while saying, "Whatever!" It will feel so good.

Yesterday, after my little hysterical laughing fit, my kids acted like angels shining their halos the rest of the day. I think they are afraid they have finally driven me to the place where I am one fry short of a happy meal.

And maybe that's where most of are living. That's why we women need each other. It's so comforting to share those crazy things we think about and have another person of the female variety "get us."

So, if you like this kind of bonding, you'll love the "A Woman Inspired Conference" coming up in just a couple of weeks!

I'll be speaking on "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God," and I'll try to be a little more serious than I have been this week on the ol' blog. But I'll warn you, my craziness runs deep and is sure to sneak out some time during my seminar.

Many of you told me this week on my conference post that location and cost were big factors when determining whether or not you could attend a conference. Well, between now and April 1st, tickets to A Woman Inspired are only $12.95 !!! And the location couldn't be more convenient--- your computer!

That's right. You can even wear your pj's and have three day old hair if you'd like. Does it get any better than that?

Five of you have already won tickets... but guess what I'm giving 5 MORE TICKETS AWAY from today's comments.

So, a total of ten of you are attending free. Last I checked, you can't get a better deal than that!

Here are the five winners from earlier this week:

MP

Leebird

Kimberly

Grace and Peace

Refresh Mom

Congrats! Now, are you ready for your chance to win? Leave a comment OR ask a question about the conference in my comments below and you'll be entered to win--- FIVE MORE CHANCES!

I'll announce the winners on Monday.

But, between now and then Amy and Amy will be hanging out around my blog today and through the weekend to answer any all questions you have about this live audio feed conference that will come straight to your computer.

I can't wait to chat live with you soon!

For the sake of a mighty fine tastebud

Dear children of the world,

You are loved. You are absolutely adored. You are one of the best gifts God ever thought of!

All that said, please listen carefully to the following instructions lest you send your mama to the crazy house:

1. It's never okay to wipe the treasures you dig from the depths of your nostrils on anything other than a tissue headed in the direction of a trashcan.

2. When you need your mama, get up out of your chair and quietly go find her.

Screaming "MAMA! MAMA! MAMA! MAMAAAAAA!" will make her blood pressure rise to the point of no return for like an hour. And when she finally lays her sweet little bulging eyes on your sweet little self, there better be something bleeding.

3. If your mama ever asks if anything about her body looks big, say no. Just say no. Let's practice. "No mama."

4. When your mama stands in her hot little kitchen, to cook a hot little meal for your hot little tummy- do not tell her you'd rather have mac and cheese.

Nope. Do not do that. Don't even utter the word mac. It will make her want to sit down in the middle of the kitchen and scream. Really loud. Loudly. You get the point.

5. Your eyeballs are beautiful. Yes they are. But if they roll at the wrong time, they will be your greatest downfall. Oh yes they will. Especially if said eye roll occurs while you simultaneously mumble the word "whatever."

Ewww, that might be a really bad moment of your life.

We mama's don't like bad moments.

We like happy moments. Kodak moments actually. The more of these you give us, the less our hair will gray, the less our skin will wrinkle and the less potato chips and chocolate we'll consume.

Then the less cellulite we'll have.

And it will be very bad for you if cellulite starts to take over our bodies because we'll strip the kitchen of everything that tastes good and replace it with fiber and no fat everything.

So, for the sake of your taste buds- be nice to your mama.

Thank you and have a nice day.

And in the year 2040...

Last night Brooke and I settled in my bed to watch American Idol together. Much to her dismay, the president's speech interrupted us. At first she was greatly disturbed.

Then she seemed to be completely interested in all things political. She watched intently for a few minutes and then suddenly she wanted to discuss some matters.

Brooke: Mommy, has there ever been a girl president?

Me: Nope.

Brooke: What! Are you serious? NEVER?!?!

Me: Never.

Brooke: Well that's just a shame because I think girls are better than boys and a girl president would be good.

Me: Why?

Brooke: Because girls can wear skirts and skorts and dresses and all sorts of outfits that are just so much better than the boring pants men wear all the time.

Me: Oh, that's a good point.

Brooke: Also, I personally think that girls are smarter than boys. And girls live longer than boys because they have two whatchamacallits and boys only have one.

Me: (Spitting out my water) What?!

Brooke: You know, when God made Adam he had to take something out of Adam's body to make the woman--- so, women have more whatchamacallits.

Me: Ribs?

Brooke: Yes, and I also think that a girl would make a better president because I am a girl. And, I think I would like to do that job one day.

And on that note, she hopped off the bed. She'd had enough of politics. For now.

Based on her playground economic strategies, I'd vote for her. You'll remember she saw an opportunity to make money off all those kids whose parents pack carrot sticks and apple slices. So, she gathered up all our sugar snacks and set up shop on the playground.

And she made a profit.

Personally, I think the current president should consider having Brooke take a look at the new proposed budget because unlike the politicians currently involved:

* Brooke has no hidden agenda.

* She shoots straight without trying to put a spin on things.

* She understands that you can't spend money you don't have.

* She would surely wear an outfit that would keep us all talking for days.

* And let's not forget she has two whatchamacallits.

What draws people to a conference?

So, yesterday I had some thinking time.

That's what happens when you are required to be a patient, patient because the doctor makes you wait an hour. You think about stuff.

Ashley was thinking about hairlines. She lifted my bangs up and became very concerned that I had no widow's peak like her.

"Does Daddy have a widow's peak?"

Ummm. Ummm. Hunh?

"He better," she quipped, "or I'm not really y'alls child. It's a dominant inherited trait. That's the way genetics work Mom."

Suddenly, I realized my girl has surpassed my knowledge. She knows stuff.

Which brings me to what I was thinking about during that very long hour. My blog readers know stuff. So, I should ask them the question I've been wondering about- What draws people to a conference?

I've been asked to contribute an article to the Christian Publisher's Association Newsletter on this topic and I'd like to ask the smartest people I know. You!

So, that's what I'm asking today.

And, just to give you a little (incentive) (bribe) love gift, I am giving away 5 tickets to the A Woman Inspired On-line conference to five lucky commenters today. That's all you have to do. Leave a comment to this post and you'll be entered.

I'll post more about when I'll be speaking at A Woman Inspired again very soon. Oh, it will be a very fun day of connecting face to face via the computer. I can't wait.

See that cute little button over here about it-------->>>

But back to my need for your ever so honest comments.

Educate me.

When you hear a conference is coming to your area, what would make you interested in attending?

How are you most likely to hear of an event coming to your area--- radio ads, a friend, billboard, e-mail, flier sent through the mail, ads in your church bulletin, a poster hanging in a place you frequent, or some other way?

What price point is realistic for you for a one day conference?

Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking just a moment and sharing your insights with me. I'll announce the 5 winners of the Inspired Woman tickets later this week.

So, post away, post away, post away all.

I'm off to see if Art has a widow's peak.

The great gift of disappointment

Disappointment is sometimes a great gift.

Great reflection happens in the shadow of disappointment.

The purest form of opportunity beckons in the shadow of disappointment.

And a great choice dances in and out of the shadows of disappointment.

The Christian Book Expo of 2009 was not at all what I hoped it would be. Or was it? My prayer is always that I will remember to look on the fringe of my carefully planned days to recognize God's unexpected appointments.

And boy were they abundant this weekend.

Our waitress named Petra who hugged me and thanked me for calling her by name. Her arms were frail, her face drawn, and her heart in need of being noticed.

Tom, the doorman, who couldn't wait to show me the Bible he carries in his back pocket. The back cover was chewed apart by his beloved dog. He likes the book of John.

The lady named Jenna whose car was damaged in a recent hit and run. She'd prayed about getting extra hours at work this week and got more hours than she's ever gotten. She couldn't wait to share this news with someone, anyone.

And Jason, the barista, who'd just been laid off from his career as a buyer for a high end department store. I dont' know what he thought of me telling him I'd be praying for him, but I do know he seemed eager to talk about something other than a coffee order.

Had there been the expected crowds of people at CBE '09, I probably would have missed out on some or all of these conversations. And that would have been the more tragic of endings.

If disappointment, makes me think less of myself and more of God- more of others, than I choose to see it as a fine gift. A gift worthy to be enjoyed, celebrated, and embraced.

So, when I walked on stage on Friday night and saw 300 people sitting in a sea of 5,000 chairs, I didn't feel the emptiness. I didn't hear the echo. I wasn't distracted by the disappointment. For I knew in my heart that this was such a small part of a day already filled to the brim with assignments from God.

And that made me smile.

Oh yes, and for those of you who read here regularly you'll be happy to know I didn't tee tee when I met Henry.

I hugged him and thanked him for teaching me how to experience God.

She Speaks Scholarship Contest for Bloggers

If you are here looking for the verses promised in my "Encouragement for Today" devotion, click here and read the comments at the bottom of the post.

Hi Sweet Blogging sisters.

First, congrats to Kim Whitton . She is the randomly drawn winner of Real Moms- Real Jesus~ Thank you to all who left comments- you touched my heart.

I've e-mailed the CBE ticket winners but don't let not winning keep you away. I would so love to meet you this weekend in Dallas!

Finally---

I am excited to announce that the 2009 She Speaks conference is already half -full!

And hello, have you heard about our bloggy speakers this year?

I am so excited because heaven's knows I need to be learning me some stuff about blogging! We will get to learn from Big Mama, Boo Mama, Chatting at the Sky, Barefoot Blogs, the Nester, and Musings of a Housewife.

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.

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. 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 She Speaks Scholarship Contest:

1. You must have a blog. You must link back to this post.

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 .

4. Have your post up by Friday, March 27th, 2009.

5. Enter to win by linking below. *** VERY IMPORTANT***Please be sure to link the specific page that your entry post is on. Our team of judges will be reviewing the entries and I will post the winner on Friday, April 3, 2009.

6. The winner of this contest will be awarded a scholarship for the cost of one person’s registration for the 2009 She Speaks conference.

The value of this scholarship is $550 which includes your conference materials, 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, Chatting at the Sky, Barefoot Blogs, The Nester, Musings of a Housewife, and all of us at a conference--- and you know there will be some serious fun!

I can't wait to see your entries. And, I can't wait to show all of your blogs off to my team of judges!

To find out more about registering for the 2009 She Speaks conference, visit the conference website by clicking here.

Great Verses and My book signing phobia

Welcome Proverbs 31 "Encouragement for Today" readers. The whole topic of watching our words with our husbands is something near and dear to my heart. I have messed up with this more time than I care to count.

But one thing that has helped me tremendously is filling up my mind with God's truth. For a list of wonderfully helpful Scripture verses to help stop careless words, click here, scroll to the bottom and read the comments from this post.

On a completely different note, I'll be speaking at the Christian Book Expo this weekend in Dallas. Yes, remember that little concern I had about needing a Depends when I meet--- pause- breathe-- Henry Blackaby.

Yes, well, I have another concern.

I have book signing phobia.

I'm not kidding.

It's just plain awful y'all.

At one of my first book signings ever, I got all excited that a person actually got in my line. Well, I say "line"--- it was anything but.

This friend of mine was the only one who picked up on my desperate signals for SOMEONE TO WANT MY BOOK- PLEASE!

Too bad I was a sad disappointment when I actually went to sign my sweet friend's book. I meant to write, "I am so glad you are my friend."

But something got lost in translation from my brain to my hand. So, what I actually scribbled in permanent ink across the first page of her book was, "Aren't you so glad you're my friend."

Have mercy.

Doesn't that make you want to come to one of my book signings so you can place bets on what kind of craziness might be scribbled on your book?

Well, for the two of you interested and who happen to be close to Dallas, today is your lucky day. I have two sets of Christian Book Expo tickets to give away.

Just let me know in the comments and I'll pick two winners and e-mail you today.

For the rest of you, please pray that I will be able to hold both my thoughts and my bladder together this weekend.

What have I done wrong?

*** Don't miss today's give away! Just leave a comment today and you'll be entered!

Have you ever had this thought tug at the corners of your mind: "What have I done wrong?"

I've had two in depth conversations this week with friends and the same theme wove throughout both conversations. Our kids sometimes struggle and when they do, often our first thought is what have I done wrong as a mother?

Maybe a lot of us moms have this thought.

And certainly good can come from a healthy assessment of how we're doing in our crucial role as moms. However, when the question comes in the form of a personal assault rather than a call to action over a specific area of improvement- it's not healthy.

It's paralyzing. It's draining. It's defeating.

It's evidence of a hole in the spiritual filter of our mind.

Holly and I have been doing something since the beginning of the year that has become an absolute delight to my day. I've been determined to fill my mind with the truth. I figure the more truth I have crowded into that tiny little space I call my mind, the more untruths will get crowded out.

So, we've been taking a book of the Bible and going through it slowly- reading one chapter a day. Then we discuss what jumped out to us and spoke to us the most.

We've been through the book of Hebrews and now we're on the book of John.

The other day, before my conversation with one of my friends, I read John 9. One verse jumped out at me and seemed to swirl in my thoughts constantly. John 9: 3, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

The way this verse kept bumping into my conscious thoughts let me know it was crucial that I think on it- pray through it- and let it seep into some deep places needing this truth.

Then when I was talking with my friend, there were little hints of that question- "What have I done wrong as a mother?"

What a delight it was to have that verse right on the top of my mind. Like a healing balm, I soothed my friend with the truth that what her son is going through right now has nothing to do with her mistakes or even his for that matter.



God is helping her son work through some fears that will eventually be a mighty display of spiritual depth in his life.

Sweet sister, have you caught yourself asking lately "What have I done wrong as a mother?" Maybe, some adjustments do need to made.

Or maybe, this line of thinking should be redirected with a different question- "How might God work in this situation so that his work can be displayed in my child's life or in my life?"

If this is something you've struggled with, I'd love to recommend a resource that is sure to help encourage and equip moms with truth for their motherhood journey. It's by my friend, Jill Savage and it's called Real Moms, Real Jesus.

As a matter of fact, I'm giving away a signed copy today--- all you have to do is leave a comment below and sit back and cross your fingers and toes. I'll randomly pick a winner and announce it on Friday.

Here's Jill to tell us a little more about her book:

Tell us about your newest book Real Moms...Real Jesus?

Real Moms…Real Jesus is a book designed to help moms understand that when Jesus lived on this earth he was fully God, yet fully man.

We don’t often think about the fact that he was a human being and he lived the full human experience: pain, hunger, fatigue, frustration, betrayal, disappointment. He experienced it all!

There’s one verse in the Bible about Jesus that simply says “large crowds followed him everywhere he went.” Well, isn’t that the life of a mom? Large crowds follow her to the bathroom. They follow her to the kitchen. To the grocery store. She’s in high demand! And when Jesus lived on this earth, He was in high demand, too.

Why did you want to write this book?

Most of us long for a friend who understands. Yes, we need girlfriends who understand what our life is like. But we also need to understand that we have a friend who understands in Jesus.

Too many of us think of God as being distant and unable to relate to our daily struggles. But nothing could be further from the truth! He understands and he wants us to build our friendship with Him. He wants to not only be our Savior, but also our Friend.

What do you hope your readers will gain from this book?

I hope that readers will gain a new perspective about their relationship with Jesus. I also hope to weave God’s truth into the daily life of a mom.

Any closing thoughts?

I am very excited about this book! I believe that if a mom can strengthen her relationship with Jesus Christ, she will feel more equipped to be the mom she wants to be. I’m also offering an online book discussion on my blog beginning Tuesday, April 7.

If you’d like to join us, you can subscribe to my blog at www.jillsavage.org.

I’d love to hear a reader’s thoughts after they read the book, too! You can connect to me through my blog at www.jillsavage.org.

Thanks, Jill, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your real mom, real Jesus moments with us.

You can purchase your own copy of Real Moms…Real Jesus by clicking here.

And be sure to check out Hearts at Home, their conferences for moms, and all their online resources here.

Rain, Beautiful Rain

This is Tuesday's post coming a little early in case some of you still want to capture some of this glorious rainy day...

Sometimes rainy days are the best days.

They remind me of my sister Haley who would have been 21 years old this year. A young woman who will forever look like that precious 16 month old we lost way too soon. The rain drops feel like God's tear drops, letting me know he feels our loss. Still. He remembers too.

I like that about God.

Rainy days also remind me to slow down. So, I surprised my youngest daughter by jumping into the tub with her. We splashed and giggled and made the best rainy day memory yet. I then quietly cleaned up the puddles left behind. I smiled at this precious evidence of life and God's amazing ability to restore joy in the most surprising ways.

I like that about God.

Rain splashes down, falling from a heavenly storehouse. It's released by a divine whisper sent to soak the thirsty ground below. The earth grabs the moisture and pulls as much as it can toward desperate roots. Then new life sprouts and blossoms and becomes the colorful delight of the dark brown earth. So much like God's word- falling fresh, giving life, and helping dark souls become fertile ground for truth.

I like that about God.

So, I won't carry an umbrella outside today. I'll just carry a simple smile and welcome the soaking gift.

Instead of complaining and avoiding the rain, I think I'll embrace the memories, promptings and reflections that come. And I'll catch some of those raindrops and press them against my heart- pure love dropped down from what might be God Himself. How very close He is today.

I like that about God.

Indeed, rainy days might be some of the best days ever.

When your day hands you life with a twist

Well, Holly and I had a fantastic weekend with some beautiful sisters in Arkansas.

ARKANSAS!!!

Do ya'll know about my huge affinity for the Walmart? What a joy to be in the fine state that started that whole thing. Close to 30 people put their faith in Christ this weekend and I just couldn't stop smiling until I got home yesterday.

One of the first things that greeted me when I walked into the homestead was a stack of fliers.

The youngest of my brood has decided to start another business. She is an entrepreneurial sprite if there ever was one. And I love that little fire in her.

But the business of her choice this time deals with watching other people's pets. Pets that these other people love. Pets that they would like to remain alive. And well, we're sort of on a slight bad streak as a family with keeping creatures alive while in our care.

Remember, we are the only family in the history of our little Christian school to be deemed unfit for watching the class guinea pig.

So, what possessed my child to start a pet watching business, I have no idea. Y'all the stress--- the stress--- the stress of this situation is making want to eat my weight in chocolate and salty nachos.

Speaking of salty nachos and chocolate- you may have noticed a lack in "weather" (weight) reports lately. Without going into too much detail, things have been a little stormy. So much so that I have found myself particularly drawn to infomercials lately.

One in particular promises the reason so many of us are a bit fluffy is due to the lack of muscle confusion within our workouts.

So, though I have personally banned myself from buying anything else from infomercials, I am feeling so tempted I can hardly stand it.

Maybe, I can help Brooke with her pet sitting business and earn enough money to purchase this program destined to confuse my muscles.

Has anyone else heard of this new workout trend?

Now if any of you have any extra prayers you're in the mood to pray today, I'd so appreciate some being lifted up for live pets, confused muscles, and some of the most precious new sisters in Christ from Arkansas.

Happy Monday my dear bloggy sisters.

God's Provision- Part 3

First of all, thank you for taking time to post all those wonderful verses in yesterday's post. Wow!

I was talking with my friend, Esther, the other day regarding these discussions about God's provision. She was so excited to share a recent experience she'd had at a Starbucks drive-thru.

When she got to the window, the barista informed her the person in front of her had paid for her coffee. Touched by this act of kindness, Esther decided to pass the blessing on to the person behind her.

And then that person did it for the next person.... who did it for the next person... who did it for the next person... who did it for the next person.

Esther is friends with the manager of that Starbucks who later told her 52 cars in a row kept the blessing going.

52 cars y'all!

A silver lining in the midst of tough economic times. And it's not the coffee they bought that encourages me. It's people's hearts made tender in the midst of brokenness.

Sometimes WE are God's provision.

So, how about this- look to say yes to His invitation this weekend.

Despite what you're going through.

Despite your own lack.

Despite your own distractions.

Say yes to God by giving someone else a little of your time, your emotion or your finances. Then watch God working through you and in you.

Wait... don't stress. You won't have to try to figure out or manipulate something into being with this. God will make all the arrangements. Just live this weekend in great expectation of experiencing Him.

Be His provision~

God's provision- part 2

Yesterday's post on God's provision seemed to strike two different chords with people. For some it resonated and reassured. For others it caused a clashing and clanging that invited honest reactions to bubble to the surface.

As my mama would say, "Well, Lysa, you sure rocked the boat with that one."

But those who know me best would be quick to say I'm never afraid of making some waves especially when it produces healthy conversations about God. So, grab your Dramamine and hold on tight.

Like I said, God and I have had to have some serious conversations about all this. It is hard when you know God could provide but doesn't seem to be.

Anonymous wrote, "I am sorry to say that today I am in agreement with Joyful and "Anonymous." Lysa, the rest of the verse you quoted - 1 Tim 6:17 - says God provides us with all things FOR OUR ENJOYMENT. I understand that His ways are not our ways, but I have to confess that I am struggling (that sounds like such a mild little word - it's more like full-body-contact wrestling) to understand how He is providing EVERYTHING FOR OUR ENJOYMENT when some of His very own children don't have what they need just for LIFE - food, jobs, safety, even a home sometimes. I doubt any of them are enjoying it. I am way-hard struggling with this one."

Oh, anonymous, I hear you and understand that wrestling.

That's why I have made the choice- and it is a choice- to park my mind with the truth no matter what.

Easy?

Nope.

Necessary?

Absolutely.

Listen to how the Message finishes out that same passage:

1 Timothy 6:17-19, "Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."

So many times in my life, I've discovered God's provision in packages that are way different than I think I need, want or expect.

Let me give you a recent example of this.

Many of you know the story of our adopted son, Mark. If I were choosing Mark's provision, it would come in a package complete with good grades, a college degree, and a professional job insuring he could provide for his one day family. These things speak of success in my limited scope.

However, it's not Mark's reality. No matter how much I have prayed and begged God to work a miracle with Mark's learning disabilities, at this point, college is not going to be in his future.

But listen to what happened yesterday. I was sitting at my kitchen table pouring over an application Mark is filling out hoping to get a summer camp job. To be honest I was beyond discouraged at his misspelled words and misunderstanding of some of the essay questions. The application was a disaster.

Suddenly the phone rang. The lady on the other end was a mom from another student at Mark's high school. Apparently, her son was jumped by a boy in the school parking lot yesterday. Many students stood around and watched her son get pummeled by this angry student. Out of nowhere Mark ran and pulled the boy off her son and settled the situation down.

With a catch in her throat, she was calling to thank me and assure me of what a fine young man Mark is.

Y'all I wouldn't trade the depth of character in my son that phone called revealed for all the A's and perfect SAT scores in the world.

Is God providing for Mark?

Yes.

I just have to change my definition of success to match what I know to be true about God.

And then in God's timing- according to His plan- with His truth firmly planted in my mind- I can see this verse coming to life...

"Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage—to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."

Now, here's your part today. Will you look up a verse about God's provision- promises- or care for us- and post it in the comments below? I can't wait to read and study your verses.

Then, join me tomorrow for the third and final (for now) post looking at God's provision. It's the most exciting one yet.

God's Provision

It seems you can hardly turn anywhere today without seeing reminders of economic hardships.

Just last week the news reported we are experiencing the highest unemployment rate our country has seen in 60 years. Friends and family members are suffering due to the loss of jobs, investments gone bad, and cutbacks that seem to be everywhere.

I have a friend who has owned a thriving car dealership for over 30 years. This man and his family have been pillars in their community who are known for their generosity and kind Christian spirits.

This week he declared bankruptcy and has literally lost everything- including their cars. If that isn't cruel irony, I don’t know what is.

So, I've had to have some discussions with God about the absolute heartbreak of this situation. I know God is the great provider, so why isn't He providing for my friend? God is a miracle worker, so why isn't He working a miracle for my friend?

These are fair questions about what seems like a terribly unfair situation.

Whenever I face situations I am having a hard time understanding, I have to park my mind with what I know to be true. Keeping my mind saturated with truth, keeps Satan from being able to whisper dangerous assumptions, false accusations, and faith-eroding perspectives.

So, what is true?

God is a good provider.

1 Timothy 6:17 says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God who richly provides us with everything…”

This is true. This is where I must park my mind. This is the reality that must saturate my thoughts. This truth rises above our troubling circumstances and calls us to see life from a perspective outside our screaming realities.

God richly provides us with everything we need. Therefore, I must trust that God is providing for my friend.

What is in front of my friend is God’s provision. God hasn't stopped providing just because my friend is in financial turmoil. This situation hasn't caught God off guard. God has not somehow run out of resources to help my friend.

Part of God’s perfect provision for my friend is to walk through this. I may not like it. I may not understand it. And I have a responsibility to ask God how I might help. But, because my friend knows and loves God, I have peace that he will make it through this.

The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8-9 that if we think on what is true, the peace of God will be with us. And ultimately, isn't peace what we want?

That’s what I really want for my friend. I want this precious man and his family to have peace more than I want their dealership to be saved, their finances restored, and their old life to suddenly come back and settle into place.

Praise God, his peace is but an utterance of truth away.

So, sweet sister, park your mind with his truth today. And watch God’s perfect provision of peace flood whatever dry and lacking ache you are experiencing right now.

Speaking of provision- I'll keep you posted with the on going story of Emily and her new blue shirt. To say she was thrilled is an understatement. I think her reaction will keep me smiling for days.

Oh and she wants a copy of one of my books. Yippeee! Keep praying.

One last thing--- word has it Sharon from Joy in the truth has a little (BIG) giveaway going on today. Click here to join in the fun.

The craziness called my brain

So, for the three of you who have yet to call me crazy, today will be the day.

I have another book due in October.

I know.

I feel a little like a newly wed who announces she’s pregnant with her second baby before her second anniversary. Come to think of it I was a newly wed who was pregnant with her second child before her second anniversary.

But then I figured out how all that was happening and we celebrated our third anniversary pregnant free.

Glory be.

So, back to the book.

I have 1,432 ideas rushing through my brain, bumping into one another, and slightly stressing me out. I just can’t seem to land on a definite theme for this next book- much less a title.

I sort of toyed with the idea of writing “The experts guide to raising Hamsters.” But then when two of these precious creatures died within a month of living in my care, I started feeling a little hypocritical.

I then played around with something like “Raising kids who never get in a lick of trouble.” But then we had a slight streak of visitations with the principal that caused me to think I should shelve that idea too.

Finally, I really thought I was on to something when I started pondering, “The ultimate guide to keeping the flames of your marriage burning hotter than Hades.” Catchy, I know.

But then I heard my husband talking on his cell phone with a guy from his work the other day. He was unloading treasures he’d gotten at the Sam’s Warehouse Club when he quipped, “Yes, I think the ultimate sign of lasting love is going to the store and bringing your wife home two jumbo boxes of tampons.”

I choked. Literally. Call me high school but I hate that word. Nothing throws a cold dose of reality on hot burning flames more than the word- tampon.

So.

I’m just kinda- sorta- wondering if any of you blog readers have read anything I have written lately and thought to yourself- now that would make a good book.

Possibly--- "The Wild Emotions of a Woman" OR "One Day Completely with Jesus" ???

And I totally know it’s hard to think about me writing anything of value when we have just jumped from hamsters- to the principal’s office -to flames -to tampons.

Remember I warned you- that’s what happens when you have 1, 432 ideas dancing about your brain. On that note, I'm off to deliver a blue shirt y'all.

Divine Whispers in the Midst of Unruly Eyebrows

I am convinced within each new day, there hides a gift of possible connection. An interaction with someone else that will seem quite random- but in reality is not happen chance at all.

It’s divine.

If we’ll make the choice to unwrap this gift and really listen to those we come in contact with, we’ll hear whispers from God. These are invitations to hear what people need and connect that need with your love of Jesus.

It happened to me the other day when talking with the lady waxing my unruly eyebrows. You know, the ones I make a habit to pluck in the carpool line whilst entertaining all the other moms? Yes, those.

Anyhow, I was having some plucking issues and decided it was time to call in the expert at my local Lovely Nails and Tan.

That’s where I met Emily.

A precious woman who I once feared was making fun of my lack of plucking professionalism when she spoke in a language much more exotic than English. But, somewhere over the wax and in between broken lines of communication, we bonded over the shirt I was wearing.

She love it. She love it much. She love it much in blue.

I told her I got the shirt at Steinmart and attempted to move our conversation back to my need to better understand the ancient Chinese secrets of eyebrow shaping.

But Emily would have nothing of my eyebrows inquisition. She wanted to tell me about how hard it is to have small children and take them shopping. She has wanted to go to the Steinmart store I’ve referred to many times. But for one reason or another, it just never worked out.

Plus, it’s not really in their budget for her to get new clothes when the kids have so many needs.

It would have been so easy for me to just listen, agree that taking kids shopping is hard, and make a comment or two about the difficulties this economy is having on a lot of household budgets.

But my love of Jesus could not skip past her need.

It’s not that she really needs a shirt like mine. However, she does need my Jesus. And if me going to get her a blue shirt helps make a connection that eventually leads to me to earn the right to tell her about my Jesus- then why not.

Interestingly enough, when I got to Steinmart they only had one shirt left in Emily’s size. And though the shirt came in four different colors, the small one was the exact blue sweet Emily wanted.

I can’t wait to take this shirt to her tomorrow. And I can’t wait to see what God does with this. Maybe I’ll give her the shirt and that will be that.

Or maybe, I’ll give her the shirt and one day get to see all of eternity shift in her life.

What a thrill it is to listen for God’s amazing divine whispers.

Melissa's Mom

If you missed yesterday's post or you are coming over here from the Proverbs31 "Encouragement for Today" Devotion, you'll want to click here first.

Yesterday, I posted about my friend's mom who is in stage 4 cancer. My friend is Melissa Taylor.

All day yesterday Melissa and her mom were on my mind and my heart. So, I got to thinking what a comfort it would be to fill Melissa's blog comment box with hundreds of prayers and notes of love.

But I'll need your help to do this.

Would you take a minute to pop over to Melissa's blog and love on her and her mom? You can get there by clicking here.

Don't get stressed about trying to say the perfect thing. When someone is in a life and death situation, any words with Jesus' love behind them will touch and comfort deep places of the heart.

I am closing my comments today, hoping to bless my sweet friend with more comments than she has time to read in one day.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me love on my friend.

When all else is stripped away

Last night I received an e-mail from a friend whose mom has an advanced stage of cancer.

There really aren't any words to describe the pain that seeped through the words in her e-mail. It broke my heart.

If you are here today from reading my devotion on Women Judging Women, welcome. If you are a regular blog reader, you might remember this post from a couple of weeks ago.

I wrote the post on women judging women because I think it's a problem that causes such unnecessary and senseless hurt. And really, isn't there enough hurt in this world without turning on each other and causing more?

We women need each other.

We were made to love, encourage, support, and befriend one another.

Which is why it is doubly painful when women do the exact opposite to one another. All for what? The cheap thrill of a piece of gossip? Making ourselves feel a little superior when tearing down someone else? Proving that our way of doing something really is the right way?

Oh sweet sister- don't pull back from these words.

In sometimes subtle and not so subtle ways, we can all find ourselves getting pulled into judging. I'm preaching to myself here as well. And this message seems even more urgent in the light of my friend's e-mail.

So, this is what I wrote back:

I wish I was sitting right beside you tonight--- holding your hand and reading Scriptures of hope and promise together.

If I were you, I would get some 3x5 cards and write down every verse you can find about God's love for your mom. Insert her name into the verses and encourage her to fill her mind with God's truth.

The more truth of His love that's in her heart and mind, the more she'll be protected from fear and doubt.

You are so loved by so many. And any time you get scared, close your eyes and see your band of sisters right there with you.

This world has plenty of things that can make a sister afraid. And that's what we should all see when we get scared- a band of trustworthy sisters right there with us.

So why not be the kind of person whose face is one of the first a friend sees when she closes her eyes in a time like this. The more we are this kind of friend, the more of these kinds of friends we'll attract.

And when all else is stripped away- it's our friendships that breathe life- reminders of truth- hope- and real help- back into our world.

Will you join me in making a commitment to stop judging and start loving each other more fully? If so, write your commitment in the comment section below.

Lest you think I have nothing to offer the Rodent World

I thought it only appropriate to share a more redeeming rodent experience seeing as two hamsters have recently expired while in my care.

When I was a child, my family was in the newspaper. We were called heroes. My mom, my sister and I saved a brood of baby possums from the side of a road and nursed them back to health with the aid of an eyedropper and warmed milk.

I'm assuming we got lucky and hit the editor's desk on a slow news day as the story was on the front page.

It started a legacy of sorts.

Years later, I was out for a jog by myself when I came across a rather tragic situation. Another mama possum had encountered a rapidly moving vehicle in a most unfortunate manner. A few of her babies had crawled from her pouch and were just aimlessly wandering about in the street.

I stopped traffic and picked up the babies gently tucking each one into my upturned t-shirt. But then I heard some sort of clicking sound inside the dead mama. Note that word "inside" y'all and decide carefully if you'd like to keep on reading.

Remember, I have been known to do some redneck things.

So, some sort of maternal instinct did override the last bit of sense in my head as I reached inside the dead mama and dug out the remaining live baby possums.

I know.

Blame it on the skewed view of possum saving from my childhood- but I truly thought the reporters would be eagerly awaiting my arrival at home. Instead, I was greeted by a bewildered husband who:

a. told me he'd never been prouder to be married to a woman unafraid to reach inside road kill to save some babies in peril.

b. offered to help me nurse them with an eyedropper like my mama had done when I was a child.

c. gagged and ordered me out of the house- for heaven's sake what were you thinking.

This is what you call a cliff hanger as I will leave his reaction a complete mystery.

But I will tell you that in my town lives a woman known as the "Possum Lady" who was beyond thrilled to raise these creatures until they could be released back into the wild.

I do life with the prim, proper, and most pristine members of society. Including 7 possums who delight people nightly as they dig through their trash, cause their dogs bark incessantly, and make even upstanding citizens want to kill the very rodents I once saved.

Here's where I take a bow.

The end.

Making Progress

Oh my.

I have something to share that might make you want to break up with me.

Seriously.

It makes me want to break up with me.

Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.

If you normally read this blog aloud to your children- stop. Or else they will really want to break up with me. I can handle the rejection of big people somewhat, but I can not handle it from little people.

Sigh again.

Y'all- Cheddar is now playing with Cupcake in the sweet by and by known as Hamster heaven.

I can't even get into all the details except to say that Cheddar was well loved and will be missed.

And before I could even put my foot down that we are ABSOLUTELY not a rodent pet family and we will not have another hamster, Mark came walking in like a hero carrying "Snow White."

She is up in a high place with reinforced protective surroundings.

But the shame of our family's hamster debacles has brought upon us a lowly label. We are the only family at our small Christian School that has been deemed unfit to watch the class guinea pig.

Thus the letter I received from the Principal's office. Let me give you a brief recap:

...it might be best if Moo (the beloved class guinea pig) didn't go home with Brooke this weekend.

...the children would be devastated if something happened to him.

...and accidents can definitely happen.

...I hope you understand what I mean, and I am not being judgmental, just realistic.

Ya'll I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

So, I made the choice to laugh. This is great progress for me. And isn't that what life is about? Step by step, day by day, choice by choice making progress.

Now, if I can just keep a rodent alive for longer than a month I will really start to feel quite swanky.

Monday Advice

It's Monday morning.

And y'all as thankful as I am for this glorious day, sometimes sweet ol' Monday overwhelms me.

There are meals to be thought of, a grocery store trip begging to be taken, laundry piled high, schedules to be worked out, and a mad dash of things the weekend was too lazy to remember.

So, I'm coming to you and asking for your best Monday advice.

How do you kick start your week and what things to you make sure to accomplish on Monday? Do you have some tricks up your sleeve that make Mondays more manageable? more fun?

Here are a few of my Monday tips:

* Pray and ask God to show me something to be thankful about with each task.

* Do what I don't want to do most, first.

* Allow myself a little treat after I accomplish that dreaded task--- read an extra blog or two, have an extra cup of coffee, or sit down to read a few pages of a book that I just simply enjoy.

Y'all are just about the smartest bloggy friends in the world and I can't wait to read all your good advice.

Happy Monday.