I ain't got no business writing a book like this...

So, yesterday, several of you told me I really should consider writing my next book on the whole healthy eating topic. This makes me laugh for several reasons:

1. I am emotionally allergic to books on healthy eating.

2. I have never craved a carrot stick in my life.

3. I am not bouncy perky about giving up two of the greatest loves of my life- Cheez-its and from a box brownies. As a matter of fact, I think I will at some point add these back in my diet on a very small scale. Like on special occasions: a bad hair day for example.

And I could just totally see myself having one of those days, eating a small handful of Cheez-its and someone walking up to me and saying, "Aren't you the girl who wrote the book on healthy eating. Nice hair."

And honey, it just makes my toenails curl thinking of a scenario like that.

But God.

See, I also had to laugh because I do think God wants me to write this book I feel woefully inadequate to write. And God can be bossy. And he used several of you to boss me yesterday.

Hmmmffff.

So, what would you think of a book called, "When a Cheez-its and Chocolate Girl Gets Healthy" ???

And for the sake of my trembling little self, what would you want said book to contain?

The very next choice you make

Whenever anyone hears of my new eating plan, the first two questions they always ask are, “how did you do it?” And, “Is this something you can sustain?”

In other words, if I were to start on this healthy eating plan, what would I have to sacrifice? And, if I make that sacrifice for a season, can I eventually go back to eating whatever I want without gaining the weight back?

Both are very valid questions. Questions that I've asked my self about every healthy eating plan I've ever tried. Sacrificing for a season is not fun but, it is doable. It introduces us to the benefits of discipline.

Sacrificing until we no longer desire what has been given up, well that just takes discipline to a whole new level. A level where some will take a brief vacation but very few lay down permanent roots.

Recently, I had a fascinating discussion about discipline with three pastors. The question was thrown out, “Is discipline really sustainable?” One chuckled as he stuffed his second yeast roll in his mouth and said, “Obviously not for me.”

The second leaned back in his chair and expressed his doubt as well.

The third piped in with an absolute yes and gave Biblical support for his emphatic answer.

I never got to give my answer that day. Our schedule demanded our conversation come to an abrupt close and we were off to other tasks at hand.

But, had I been able to fit my answer in, it would have been this: no and yes.

No, I do not believe in our own strength that we can sustain a level of discipline that requires real sacrifice for a long period of time.

However, my answer is yes when you factor in a crucial spiritual truth.

It is good for God’s people to be put in a place of longing- wanting- and feeling the gap of slight desperation. The gap between our frail discipline capabilities and God’s available strength for us is bridged with nothing but a simple choice on our part.

Moment by moment we have the choice to live in our own strength and risk failure or to reach across the gap and grab hold of God’s unwavering strength. And the beautiful thing is, the more dependent we become on God’s strength, the less we are enamored with other choices.

A very wise man once challenged me with the reality of God’s holiness. “God tells us to be holy. So, be holy. He wouldn't have said it, if it wasn't possible.”

Food for thought I’d say. Food for thought, indeed.

So, how does one tap into God’s strength? Certainly prayer. Definitely reading the Bible. But there’s another part to it.

Getting to a place where our lack of strength disgusts us. It’s found at the bottom of our excuses and rationalizations. It’s found when our efforts fail time and time again. It’s found in the humility of admission, “I need God.”

One good choice later, we taste the empowerment of possibility and we start reaching forward from there.

One choice can lead to two- can lead to three- can lead to a thousand- can lead to the sweet place of utter dependence on God. A place worthy of more than brief vacations every now and then. A place our souls were made to call home.

A place of where discipline makes disciples who truly understand what it means to delight themselves in the Lord. For the Lord has been allowed to rewrite the desires of their heart. It’s a place not wrought with sacrifice but rather overflowing with blessings so pure and rich, they’d never trade it.

Not for anything.

Especially not for those things they once thought they could never live without.

So, is sustained discipline possible? You tell me. The answer lies within the very next choice you make.

Tabloids and Attitudes

Over the past couple of days I've received 3 e-mails about an acquaintance of mine that is on the cover of many tabloid magazines right now. This blog post is not meant to defend, offend, discuss, rehash, or remark about this woman I care about in any way.

This blog post is about you and me.

And those three e-mails.

The first e-mail I received used such hateful remarks, it hurt my head to read it. Seriously, I could have skipped my run for that day because reading that e-mail set my heart racing as much as a good cardio workout. It was dripping with judgement, condemnation, and venomous words like "shameful" and "hate."

Many of those words directed at me and my character.

The second e-mail I received was a 'Christian' call to action. It was strong and slightly demanding that I do something about this situation. You know, rain down a little hell fire and brimstone in an effort to correct the actions of this woman in question. All in Christian 'love,' of course.

The third e-mail was completely different. It still expressed concern and rightly so. However, in complete humility she said she's using this situation as a call to action to examine her own life and as a call to prayer for this woman's life.

She said as she watched this woman being featured on TV, she saw things that bothered her. So, she asked herself some very tough questions about her own life- her own marriage- her own attitude about the importance she places on God- and she found herself falling short.

With great honesty and courage, she set aside her judgements and got down on her knees.

If I could have jumped through cyber-space, I would have thrown my arms around the author of the third e-mail and hugged her.

Seriously, hugged her.

And I'm not even a huggy person.

But I would be today.

Sisters, I do believe with all my heart that there is a place for Christian accountability. I believe it is biblical and necessary. However, making judgemental remarks- rolling our eyes- belittling someone we don't personally know or do life with in the real world- and sending hateful e-mails is not biblical or necessary.

It's sin.

It's totally missing the mark of what God has called his girls to be and to do.

If the actions and attitudes of another person hurt our heart and rub our soul the wrong way, be it a neighbor or a woman on the cover of a tabloid, I pray we handle it with the grace and dignity Jesus enables us to have. "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment," (Phil. 1:9).

And may we always remember the person in question is loved by God. He may not love their actions and he most certainly doesn't love their sin. But the person, He loves.

They are loved.

She is Loved.

Totally and immensely, unfathomably and remarkably, beautifully and abundantly loved.

And that's all I have to say about that.

The end.

Stretched

Fifteen years ago, I gave birth to an amazing child. She burst into this world with a determined resolve to do something.

Over the years those somethings have changed.

As a baby, she was determined to let everyone in every restaurant we ever attempted to eat at, know that she was there. She delighted in shrieking at the top of her voice. Not crying. Not gibber jabbering baby talk. No, her self entertainment choice was baby yelling. She wanted the whole world to know where she was and how delightful it was that she'd found her own voice.

It made me sweat. And then show her the gentle art of human whispering.

Then as a toddler, she headed off to preschool, determined to do everything her own way. When it was time for the school parade, her class decided they would dress up like lady bugs. The teacher handed out 2 red poster board circles to each child and instructed everyone to glue black dots on each circle.

All of the other kids glued dots in a typical preschool willy-nilly fashion. Not Hope.

Her dots were placed exactly on purpose- one straight line of black dots on the front of her costume and one straight line of black dots on the back of her costume. Her lady bug would be nothing if it didn't get it's dots straight.

I made me sweat. And then it made me giggle that we are all truly wonderfully and fearfully unique.

Then one day I turned around and this baby squealing, straight dot adorning lady bug, had grown up. And I found her heart entangled in a love for missions. With that same veracious tenacity by which she's always demanded the most from life, she's now set her sights on Africa. People in a far away bush tribe whom she's never met, have seeped into the depths of her heart and birthed a desire that won't go away.

It's as if they are calling her to come close. And God has said yes, let her go.

It makes me sweat. And then cry tears of joy that my 15 year old daughter could be capable of such maturity at so young an age.

Now don't get me wrong, she is all of 15. Tell her to fold a load of laundry, walk down to the mailbox, or organize her closet and all sorts of excuses will be made. But call the girl to join a missionary family on their trip to a third world land without toilets or modern conveniences of any kind and she'll be moving heaven and earth to sign up.

And she'll be moving heaven and earth to talk her mama into asking her blog readers to please consider praying for her and supporting her.

I'll be honest, I paused when she first asked about this. I'm not great at asking people for financial support. But then I realized to Hope it's not as much about the money as the feeling that friends are going with her. Friends that will see this as an opportunity to serve a forgotten people through one young girl.

My girl.

My girl whom I love enough to let her run straight to the center of God's will and take part of my heart to the other side of the world.

I never knew the strings of a mother's heart could be stretched so far.

So, who is up for taking some of God's love and Hope's hope to Ethiopia this summer? Every prayer will be precious and every penny given priceless as it reminds my girl she's not alone.

If you are interested in financially or prayerfully supporting Hope, please e-mail Holly@Proverbs31.org today and I'll have Hope forward you all the necessary information.

And please don't be alarmed if you start lining up the black dots in your life in two straight lines. It will just be God's reminder to pray for Hope... and evidence that she's found her way into your heart as well.

Disappointment

The other day a friend asked me if I ever get disappointed.

I said yes and threw out a spiritually sound answer.

And then the next day happened.

The day where a really big disappointment whacked me upside the head and sent my heart sinking. I'd been asked to speak at a really big event- one of the biggest of my life- and then things fell apart.

Invited- thrilled- excited- honored-included-

turned into

Uninvited- bummed- sad- disillusioned- left out.

And while I still have solid spiritual perspectives to hold on to, my flesh just needs a minute to say, "stink!"

'Cause sometimes things do stink.

But right when I wanted say, "stink" a few more times I spotted a bowl that's been sitting on my dining room table for weeks now. Brooke found some caterpillars a while back, put them in a bowl, and has been holding them hostage ever since. I mean she's been lovingly admiring them underneath a layer of cellophane.

Wouldn't you know that those caterpillars formed cocoons inside that unlikely environment.

And then today, as I was muttering, "stink" I glanced across that bowl and sucked the word back down my throat.

The cocoons were empty.

Expecting glorious butterflies, I had to chuckle when I got right over the bowl and closely examined the product of my little girl's hopes for new life.

Moths.

I just had to chuckle. Yet another thing in my day that wasn't quite right.

Or was it?

When Brooke spotted the moths, she was beyond thrilled. Grabbing my hand, she led me outside, ripped off the plastic barrier, and watched the beauty of tiny wings beating- beating- beating and finally fluttering into flight.

Hmmmm.

As I watched Brooke's sheer delight with the rich evidence of life before her, she couldn't have cared less if it was a moth or butterfly. A creature that once only knew the dirt of the earth had just been given the gift of flight. Reaching- soaring-up- up- and away.

And with that, this simple creature pulled the corners of my mouth up into a smile.

Disappointment only stings as long as I let it.

An Open Letter to the Men of the World

Dear Men of the world,

I'm not sure if you watched the American Idol Finale last night, but I hope you'll at least check out the very end.

In the last few seconds of the show, something beautiful made the heart of every woman watching melt. Like butter. Like butter on a hot yeast roll. Except I'm not eating yeast rolls right now so let's say- like butter on a freshly steamed spear of broccoli.

Anyhow.

Where was I --- butter- melting- something beautiful- oh yes.

It's the way Kris held his wife when he found out he'd won. He hugged her. But then he held her.

And it was in those extra few seconds with his head tucked into her neck, that her heart felt completely safe.

Though thousands of girls were screaming for Kris' attention, he held her. Her. Only her. He turned his head and all his love from the screaming crowd and tucked it into his woman. His promise. His true love.

The one that loved him before--- the one that will love him for all the tomorrows to come.

You see, inside the heart of every woman there is a longing for those few extra seconds it takes to turn a hug into a hold. And if you take those extra few seconds, her heart will be yours forever.

And it would also be nice if you whispered that you have never thought her butt looks big and if you could replace the numbers on the scale with the word "perfect" you would. Yes, that would be nice as well.

Sincerely,

The heart of a woman

Honestly

I think we all get to a place sometimes in our life where we have to honestly assess, "how I am doing?"

It's not really a conversation I have with a friend or family member. It's one of those middle of night contemplations where there's no one to fool. There's no glossing over the realities staring me in the face.

I know certain things about myself need to change but it's easier to make excuses than tackle them head on.

Rationalizations are so appealing:

I'm good in every other area.

I make so many sacrifices already.

I need this comfort in this season of life- I'll deal with it later.

I just can't give this up.

The Bible doesn't specifically say this is wrong.

It's not really a problem, if I really wanted to make a change, I could--- I just don't want to right now.

Oh for heaven's sake, everyone has issues, so what if this is mine.

And on and on and on.

But excuses always get me no where fast. This is especially true with this whole healthy eating pursuit I've been chatting about lately. Even if that's not your issue, I suspect this same script of rationalization has played out in your mind over other things.

So, the cycle continues day after day, week after week, year after year. Until when?

A whole lifetime could be spent making excuses, giving in, feeling guilty, resolving to do better, mentally beating myself up for not sticking to my resolve, feeling like a failure, and then resigning that things can't change.

Then wishful thinking enters in.

Wishful thinking always has the same deceiving script, "You know Lysa... I've heard sometimes people just wake up and suddenly start craving healthy things and start losing weight unexplainably. You don't need to sacrifice--- just wait--- maybe today will be your lucky day."

Then a half bag of M&M's later, and the vicious cycle starts all over again.

Luck has nothing to do it. And I don't want to spend a life time in this cycle.

Nothing will change until I make the choice to change. I have to want it, spiritually, physically and mentally. The battle really is in all three areas.

Spiritually: In Colossians 3: 1-5 we are told to set our minds and our hearts on things above. In order to do this, we have to put to death whatever belongs to our earthly nature which sets itself up as an idol in my life.

Idolatry is trying to get my needs met outside the will of God.

Bingo. Can't deny it. This describes food for me at times. Again, it wasn't a huge problem where I was medically in danger. But, any idolatry, no matter how small- is a problem.

Physically: I recently heard that weight issues are 70% due to what we eat, 25% due to lack of exercise, and 5% due to genetics.

Bingo. Can't deny it. It DOES matter what I eat. My weight is a reflection of what I consume.

Mentally: Don't settle. Don't compromise. What happens when you cut the "com" off of the word compromise? You're left with "promise."

We were made for more than COMpromise. We were made for God's promises in all areas of our life.

Honestly. I am made for more than a vicious cycle of eating, gaining, stressing, eating, gaining, stressing...

I am made to rise up, do battle with my issues, and using the Lord's strength in me, defeat them- spiritually, physically, and mentally- to the glory of God.

And all God's girls said, Amen.

On a practical note:

The healthy eating I'm doing is a balanced protein carbohydrate plan where I'm learning correct portion sizes, food combining, when to eat and what to eat.

I still eat carbs but I'm limited in how much and what kind. I don't do any breads, milk, potatoes, rice, corn, pasta, or other starchy things. Mainly, I eat low-fat meats, small portions of veggies and a limited number of fruits. Because the foods I eat are things I can buy at my local grocery, my family can eat what I eat for the most part. However, they usually have larger portions with a starch on the side that I skip.

I posted what a typical day of eating looks like for me THIS POST.

Again, for me, it was crucial that I get the help of a natural health doctor to guide me through this process and pray! pray! pray! See if there is a doctor in your area that offers the Ultra-Lite program.

Please note, I am not endorsing this program or being compensated in any way to advertise. I'm simply one friend telling another, I'm doing this and it's a great natural way for me to get healthy.

I'd love for you to share what your struggle is so I can pray for you today. Even if you comment anonymously, I'll still pray! God knows your name~

Also, is your struggle more spiritual , physical, or mental?

I've got my prayer groove going right now, and can't wait to lift you up.

Weighing In

Great discussion and ideas yesterday with the whole reality discipline issue. Y'all are some really smart mama's and I'm glad to know you.

Speaking of reality discipline, I guess it's time to update you on the whole no sugar thing I've been doing. For the first three weeks, things went really well. I only struggled with being hungry the first week and a half. Then, things were smooth sailing until the start of week 4.

At that point, I think my body went through detox y'all.

I'm not kidding.

All systems where out of whack. I felt like I had the flu one day, severe allergies the next day, and then stomach issues for a week after that.

I might have thought I had the flu except I didn't. It was definitely my angry little self demanding I give my body some SUGAR NOW!

I felt awful. I could hardly exercise. I had to nap- and if you know me in real life you know what a shocker that is! And a part of me was seriously ready to throw in the towel and head to the boxed brownie aisle of the grocery story and ask if anyone knew how to hook up a direct IV line from that box to my body.

I cried. Cried y'all with tears- big tears and begged God for his help.

Then the day after my worst day, it all just vanished. Suddenly, I felt great. Like better than I have maybe ever. My body is strong. My emotions in check. And my energy level sky high.

Amazing.

Not to mention I've lost 15 pounds in 5 weeks. It feels so good to not dread getting dressed in the morning. It's a major perk in life to wear clothes that actually fit. Praise Jesus.

And while I've seen major physical benefits during these past 5 weeks, the mental and spiritual side of this whole adventure has been just as rewarding.

Honestly, I NEVER EVER thought I could really give up eating bread, pasta, rice, pizza, potatoes, brownies, Diet Coke, Starbucks, wheat of any kind, and all sugar.

I wanted to lose weight and get more healthy. I really did. But I didn't want to really do what it required me to do to make it happen. I just kept thinking things would change without me having to change.

And I had a little attitude about it all. I didn't want somebody or some paper to tell me what I could and could not eat.

Food was an extreme comfort to me.

But being unhealthy, feeling tired, and not fitting into my clothes was an extreme discomfort. So, something had to give.

Finally, I got to the place where I was willing to give up things I know I should so I could be freed up to reach for something so much better.

The tipping point for me was talking to a friend who was a couple months ahead of me in this journey and having her look at me across the table and say, "If you do this, it will work." Suddenly, something in me clicked and I was ready.

Maybe most of you will read this and totally not relate to the whole food struggle thing. I know it sounds crazy to people who simply view food as fuel and sort of a non-event.

But for the others of you, who know exactly what I'm talking about in this post, I want to be that friend sitting across from you today saying, "If you do this out of obedience to God, it will work."

Physically.

Emotionally.

And best of all, spiritually.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, IN ALL YOUR WAYS, acknowledge him and he will make your path straight," Proverbs 3: 5-6.

Here are some things to consider:

* I had to have the accountability of going to a Natural
Health doctor and getting on a regimented plan. And I have to go see her
once a week to weigh in. Her scales tell all by the way.

* Holly and I are doing this together. It was so much
better for me to do this with a friend then to try and fly solo. Also,
some of the gals at the P31 office are doing it as well- the more the
merrier!

* Exercise is also very important. However, before
starting on any kind of new eating or exercising plan, it is very important to
be examined by your doctor first.

* Planning is key. I have to plan out my meals and
keep healthy things within reach.

* Prayer is essential. Lots of prayer.
Sometimes moment by moment prayer. I am trying to replace my longings for
food with longings for the Lord. And in that, this whole journey is
beautiful.

A little more mommy guilt discussion

Congratulations to Amy who is the winner of 5 copies of 'What Happens When Women Walk in Faith' and a 30 minute Q & A over the phone! Contact Holly@Proverbs31.org to make arrangements.

Now here's a little more mommy guilt discussion---

Yesterday, I was quite annoyed by one of my kids being too rough with a laptop computer. I kept saying, please don't tilt the screen of the computer back so far. Patiently, I said it again and then again.

Then I said it one more time with a little sharpness in my voice.

Quickly, Art stepped in when he could tell my frustration reached a tipping point. He rephrased what I'd been trying to say, "It's going to be a costly mistake for you if you break that computer sweetheart."

And that's all it took.

No more rough treatment of the computer.

As we talk about mommy guilt- I think it's crucial we talk about the tipping point where we cross over from being able to calmly handle situations with our kids to becoming emotional basket cases.

Reality discipline is a beautiful thing to keep emotional yuck from spewing when our kids need correction. I've tried to make my motto: "I'm going to let the consequences scream so I don't have to."

Less screaming- yelling- emotional yuck... means less guilt and more productive parenting.

The key to reality discipline is to think about appropriate consequences for each child ahead of time. So, when they cross a line into disrespect or defiance, you simply give a consequence that will get their attention, deal with the heart issue, and modify the wrong behavior.

Reality discipline is incredibly empowering and guilt reducing for us moms.

Have you ever tried reality discipline? What are some of your reality consequences for kids of different ages?

Happy Monday y'all~

The Mommy Guilt Quiz

Mommy guilt.

I'm sure there are moms that somehow skate by without this struggle. But I'm not one of those moms and I suspect you aren't either. I've felt those pangs. And finally decided that it's just no way to live.

Living under constant guilt will cripple us at best- defeat us at worst. Not to mention how it diminishes our influence and negatively impacts our attititude.

So, how do we replace the guilt with something more positive and productive?

First, let's see how we're doing in this area of guilt. Rank yourself in each of the following questions 1-5.

1---> not at all

2---> every now and then

3---> yes, somewhat

4---> yes, I feel this way often

5---> yes, I feel this way every time this happens without exception

QUIZ:


1) When your child gets in trouble, do you feel it's your fault?

_______

2) When you go on a date with your husband, do you feel badly for leaving your kids?

_______

3) When you hear other moms planning activities for their children, do you feel inadequate?

_______

4) When you hear a parenting seminar or sermon, does it cripple you more than inspire you?

_______

5) When you plan an event for your child like a birthday party, do you feel like you don't measure up?

_______

6) When you tell your child no, do you struggle with sticking to that answer?

_______

Okay, now add up your numbers and use your total score to see how you did below:

24-30: Guilt is holding me back from being the mom I want to be and I didn't even realize how much. It's time to tackle this issue head on.

18-23: Guilt is a struggle in motherhood. I've known that but didn't know how to deal with it. It's time to learn.

12-17: Guilt is not something I struggle with often but could still benefit from getting tips on how to deal with it.

6- 11: Wow! Can you tell us your secret in the comments below? You are a guilt-free chick!

So, how did you do? If you feel comfortable, post your score or thoughts below. I'd love to pray for you if you are struggling or cheer you on if you're doing well right now.

On Monday, I'm going to give some more doable, practical ideas that you can start implementing right away.

But, I want to leave you with first big idea today...

Pinpoint one area of true struggle for you where improvement is needed. Instead of using your shortcomings to mentally beat yourself up, see this as a call to action in this one area.

It might be hard. It might take discipline. But it really will be possible for you to get to the root of the issue, replace resignation with truth, and be freed from the guilt.

Write out your call to action. Then look up Scripture verses that deal with this issue specifically.

Find wisdom verses about this issue in Proverbs.

Find promises within the Psalms.

Find inspirational teachings by Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Find challenge in Colossians.

Find Joy in Philippians.

Find accountability and mentoring in both books of Timothy.

Find that the battle is already won in Revelation.

And be sure to leave any insights you get from your verses in the comments below. We'll make this an on-going dialogue this weekend.

Have a happy, guilt-free day bloggy friends!

ps. You gals blew me away with over 1200 of you responding to my "Event" survey!!! If you are a women's ministry director, you will want to see the results to this eye-opening survey before you plan another event at your church!

Simply e-mail : Holly@Proverbs31.org and put "Event Survey" in the subject line of your e-mail. We'll send you the full report next week.

Fairy Letters and Mommy Guilt

Welcome to The Encouragement for Today Devotion Readers. I'm glad you've popped over for a visit. If you are here looking for the mommy guilt quiz, I am posting that tomorrow. I hope you'll stay to read the story below and come back tomorrow for the quiz. Thanks!

I was dog tired last night. I'm not even sure why passing out tired is called "dog tired" here in the south but it is. And I was.

But then little Brooke really, really, really wanted me to go look at her fairy house she'd built.

It was one of those moments where your mommy heart starts having an argument with your worn out brain. "Go outside!" vs. "It can wait!"

Pleading blue eyes, tilted head, quirky little smirk and then a wink. The wink. The one I can't resist. In that instant I knew the fairy house couldn't wait.

I should have known I had just been snookered when Brooke grabbed a flashlight to look at the fairy house "right beside the front door I promise."

You don't need a flashlight to look at something beside the well lit front door.

My brain was not happy when my heart made me keep following behind the gingerly placed little feet in front of us. Through the yard, into the woods, behind "the most amazing tree ever mommy. Like God made it just to become a fairy house I promise. Not much further. Under these branches and around the Jasmin."

My heart was tickled to pieces. My brain as tired as ever. Until we peaked down around the backside of the tangled tree trunks. Finally my brain caught up with my heart.

If it's possible for a scene in nature to smile, this one beamed.

Delicately placed flower petals arranged around nut shells, leaves, bark and other trinkets of nature.

"The fairies can sit here Mommy. And they can sleep here. Oh and look mommy, look... Do you think they'll love this?"

"Yes, sweetheart. They will love it."

"Perfect, 'cause if they really like it, they'll start sending me fairy letters every night. Some of the other girls in my class have been getting fairy letters and I can't wait to start getting some."

My tired mind glared at my sappy heart.

Fairy letters? Every night? Other girls are getting them?

Maybe those same fairies can sprinkle a little pixie dust on top of this dog tired mommy. And write their own letters for pity sake.

But just in case they don't, I'm going to let my blog readers help a sister out in a moment of desperate need.

If you were running a little low on fairy letter creativity and not wanting to deal with the mommy guilt of being the only mom in class who can't quite get it together in the fairy department, what would you write?

Please note I'm fairly certain the fairies that come to my house are the kind that like really short letters that are totally copied from my blog readers comments. Wink. Wink.

___________________________________________________________________
Thanks so much for the hundreds of you that filled out the survey yesterday. We got over 400 responses! My goal is to get 500 responses for the survey, so if you haven't taken it yet, please click here for details and the chance to win a prize package.

Happy Thursday y'all!

A favor and a bribe- I mean prize

Hello to my favorite bloggy friends ever.

Doesn't that sentence just beg you to ask, "Okay, what do you want from me Lysa?"

Well, I do have a favor to ask of you. Wait! Wait! It will only take a few seconds of your time and it will enter you to win a BIG prize!

Are you in?

Okay, just do two things:

Please note- This survey is now closed. Thank you for your interest.

<<>>

Then pop back over to this blog and leave a comment with your name letting me know you took the survey.

This will automatically enter you to win 5 copies of my book "What Happens When Women Walk in Faith." And if you do this study with a group of women, I'll arrange to do a 30 minute Q&A with your group over the phone.

This survey is for a report I'm working on for women's ministry leaders. If you would like to see a copy of the final report, e-mail Holly@Proverbs31.org and put "event survey" in the subject line of your e-mail.

Thanks so much!!!

The Slightest Trickle

One of my greatest passions is to encourage women to pursue a deep relationship with God. One where they hear his voice and respond with obedient trust.

Interestingly, hearing from God was a source of GREAT frustration to me for years.

My book, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God," came out of my own intensive journey to find the heart of God. I was desperate not to just know facts about him but to really know him.

I found something terribly wonderful in the crucible of trust. It was terrible because it required me to change- let go of- give up- and release. Hmffff… who likes that?

But it was wonderful because I finally understood that to be a person OF faith you have to be willing to live a life that actually REQUIRES faith. In studying Scriptures that described people of courageous faith in the Bible, I started feeling inklings of what might could be God.

It was like a little trickle that finally sprung forth in my hardened soul. Just a slight breech in the dam I'd so carefully constructed to keep everyone, even God at arms length. After all, keeping people at a slight distance meant they can't hurt you as much.

And I'd been hurt.

I'd been hurt by people and if I dare be brutally honest, I allowed my heart to believe I’d been hurt by God as well.

But God's love eventually wears down even the most rigid of souls. So, the slightest opening allowed the slightest trickle.

Instead of working myself into a fearful tizzy trying to patch the opening, I finally let it have its way. The glorious erosion that took place eventually caused my dam of resignation and hesitation to burst wide open.

If it can ever be said that a flood is good, the flood that ensued engulfed my parched soul in the best way.

So, if there is one bit of encouragement I could give to anyone desperately trying to hear the Lord, it would be to let it happen.

Don't try to manipulate it or fabricate it. Ask for the trickle and then let it have its full way until every reservation you've had about growing closer to God is drowned out by His undeniable voice.

It will be there.

Isaiah 30: 21-22, "Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left. Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, 'Good riddance!' "

Ripples

This morning on my way home from taking my mom to the airport, a woman called in to my local Christian station. She was giddy with excitement over something that had happened to her this weekend.

For weeks, this single mom of four had been making plans to take her kids to the beach over Mother's Day weekend. But then Friday came and her direct deposit paycheck had not cleared. This left her with very little money for their trip.

She got out what cash she had, bought all the food they'd need at the grocery and determined to pack simple inexpensive food that could be eaten out of the car. She then told her kids that they could eat one meal out while at the beach because she'd been saving a $25 certificate she'd been given for Olive Garden.

Off to the beach they went.

Not only was it Mother's Day weekend, it was also her birthday weekend. So, Saturday night, they went on their big excursion to the Olive Garden for a night of celebration. They ordered very sparingly but splurged on a happy birthday dessert.

Then the check came.

Total of their bill? $0.

The waiter asked the woman if she'd seen the young couple sitting behind them. The woman had seen them but never spoke to them. Well, it turns out this young couple felt compelled to pay for this family's food.

Then the woman felt compelled to share it on the radio this morning.

Then I felt compelled to share it on my blog.

And the ripples of inspiration and influence go on and on.

Amazing isn't it?

I wonder if we have any idea how far our ripples go when we simply make ourselves available to bless other people........

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I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Congratulations to the winners of my book giveaway from last week -

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God - Proverbs 27:19

The Bathtub Is Overflowing But I Feel Drained - Heather

Tears

Seven years ago I sat in my car and cried and shook and told God I couldn't do what he was obviously asking me to do.

I'd just picked up the standardized test results for my newly adopted African sons. According to the test, they needed to be in kindergarten.

You can't be placed in a kindergarten class when you are 13 and 14 years old. This left one option- homeschooling. To say I was overwhelmed and feeling under qualified doesn't even begin to describe the fearful dread that gripped my heart.

For two years, I could sometimes be found with a good attitude patiently covering the basics of elementary school. Other days I could be found with my crying face pressed into the very fibers of my carpet saying over and over, "I CAN'T DO THIS!"

And God was happy I'd finally reached a place where I needed him.

Really needed him. After all, how can I call myself a woman of faith if I live a life that doesn't really require any faith?

Now it's seven years later. Yesterday I sat in the high school media center amazed at what years of dependence on God can bring.

The superintendent of our county was there. Both the principal and vice-principal were there along with a teacher from each department, a few select students and their doting parents.

Jackson and I didn't really know why we were there except that he'd been nominated for some award. We had no idea what award or what the award meant.

The ceremony was certainly inspiring as students with amazing accomplishments and accolades were honored.

Finally, it was time for the last award. The principal stepped forward and explained that only one female and one male were chosen for the Administrator's Excelsior Award. The girl's name was called and a beautiful speech explained why she was this year's recipient.

Then the principal looked our direction. He called my son's name.

My son. My son who not too long ago was a forgotten orphan in a forgotten country. My amazing son whose grades are average and who has never stepped foot in an AP class. But my son who has beaten the odds and fought against labels. My son who will graduate, go to college, and become a man of dreams and success.

This is part of what the principal read as my son, Jackson, bent his head to accept a medal of honor being placed around his neck:

Many of you who know Jackson TerKeurst's background are aware that his time with us has been but a short chapter in a life full of challenges and experiences we can never understand. He has conquered all of these with a strong and persevering spirit.

He has become a model student and outstanding citizen whose excellent
manners display respect for all. He is an excellent example of what hard
work, a pure heart, and belief in one's self can bring in life. Whatever his path, he will be successful and a model for others to follow.

Congratulations on being an Excelsior Award recipient.

Afterwards, I sat in my car and cried. Only this time, they were tears of absolute joy. Joy of the purest kind. And I told God I was so thankful seven years ago I couldn't do what he was asking me to do.

Because then He did it. And that is simply indescribable.
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The winners of the books from this weeks giveaway will now be announced on Monday. Because y'all I'm so mushy I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to pick and might wind up bankrupting my ministry by giving hundreds and hundreds of free books.

And then I'd get fired.

And then I'd cry more tears.

And I've officially used up my tears for today.

The end. Happy Weekend~

Am I Messing Up My Kids?

So, sometimes it is necessary to retitle and repackage an author's book. I'd love to tell you it's because the publishers get in a redecorating mood. But that ain't it.

Usually it happens when the message is good but the sales aren't.

Which is the case of my motherhood book, "The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained."

The problem is the cover and maybe even the title makes people think it's a message just for mommies with little people. In reality, it's a book for all moms with kids of all ages.

And it's not a parenting book. It's a gut honest look at motherhood and the vast range of stressful emotions a mom can venture through while loving and raising her kids.

But I'm thinking it would not work to retitle the book, "A gut honest look at motherhood and the vast range of stressful emotions a mom can venture through while loving and raising her kids."

Hmmmm....

What to do, what to do.

I know! I know! Ask my bloggy friends. They are so smart. They are so witty. They are so creative. And they have them some opinions too! PERFECTO!!!

The publisher wants to not only redecorate my book and give it an upfitted cover- they also want me to do a DVD teaching series and Bible study. In other words- I BETTER GET THE NEW TITLE RIGHT!

So, I've had this title rattling around and bumping into the few brain cells I have left after my bird stress from earlier this week. Here it is:

"Am I Messing Up My Kids?... encouragement past this and other stressful questions moms ponder"

So, what do you think?

Leave a comment today and you'll have the chance to win 2 copies of my existing book, "The Bathtub is Overflowing But I Feel Drained." One for you and one for a friend!

Both the winner of today's books and yesterday's books will be announced tomorrow.

Release

Yesterday, I chatted with a friend about the day God asked me to give my treasured Bible away.

I must tell you that giving away my Bible was so hard. I honestly didn't want to do it- at all.

But I'm so thankful, I let go that day.

The minute I walked away from that man holding my Bible, something inside me released. Something I'd wished for, for a very long time, finally came to be... I fell in love with God.

Literally.

It unlocked the part of my heart I'd been holding back from him way too long. This rush of desire for complete obedience took over my heart- took over my mind- and my soul.

I've honestly never been the same since. And I don't say that lightly- it's true. So, so true.

Giving away my Bible was just the start of me becoming a woman who says yes to God. Since then, I've had to release many more things- attitudes- comfort zones- etc... But I can honestly say, I would never trade a thing I've given up for the deep and wonderful relationship I now have with God.

Experiencing Him is well worth whatever it costs you. Trust and you will see.

But don't go into this adventure having a preconceived notion of how you want God to bless your obedience. The blessings will come- but they will be in completely surprising ways. God ways.

And when it is all said and done, you will be so thankful that he only blesses you according to his plans--- God really does know best.

He just wants us to want Him more than anything else.

Why not make today the day you start saying yes to God?

Why not utter this prayer, "God before I even know what it might cost me or require of me, I choose to say yes to you." And then get up from praying and dare to look for God's amazing invitation for you to trust Him- for you to say yes.

And just so you know, no, I never got my Bible back. Many people hear me tell this story at my speaking engagements and ask me that question. But I must say, I don't want my Bible back.

Not yet.

The man I gave it to promised he'd one day do for someone else what I'd done for him that day.

So, I do have a dream. One day when I'm very old and can barely get on another plane to go do another speaking engagement, someone sitting next to me looks at me and smiles. Then they ask, "Ma'am, has anyone ever taken the time to share with you the greatest story ever told?"

Then they pull out a very worn, very passed around old Bible. Maybe on that day I'll get my Bible back. But before then, I don't want it.

If you'd like to win a 2 copies (one for you and one for your friend) of my book, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God," leave a comment below. I'll draw the winner on Thursday this week.

Why Thursday?

'Cause I'm giving away a couple more books tomorrow--- fun, fun!

For the birds

Last week I found a baby bird hopping around on the ground near my front door. Knowing well my sweet dogs' affinity for playing too rough with all things furry, I knew I had to do something.

I asked Art to get the ladder and put the baby bird back in the nest. I love a hero.

But my thrill of lifesaving was short lived. The baby bird wouldn't stay in the nest. It was absolutely determined to jump back to the ground.

I don't know if you've ever tried to converse with a baby bird, but they are feisty little things. I bossed him and bossed him to stay in his nest to no avail. So, it was time to kick my rescue efforts into high gear.

I walked in my house rubbing my temples saying, "think Lysa, think, think, think!"

I climbed up on a high shelf and retrieved a bird house meant only for decoration. With much finagling I got the baby bird scooped into this safe haven. Then I googled "bird woman" with my city name hoping I'd find some rescue lady for my feathery friend.

I found a number and with great excitement called. But while the person on the other end knew a lot about birds, he did not rescue them. His advice?

My bird needed to be fed.

Hunh?

Yes, fed.

Lunchables? Spaghettios? Chicken nuggets?

The kind gentleman on the other end of the line went into great detail on how mama birds eat and then regurgitate the food into their babies mouths. Just for a second I wondered if this might be my answer to eating a piece of chocolate cake on my no sugar plan.

Technically, if I never digest it, it won't count right? Mercy, do you see the lengths my taste buds are willing to go to try and trip me up?

Don't worry, I haven't cheated.

Another option was to dig up an earth worm, smush it up and feed small portions of it to the baby bird with tweezers.

Okie dokie. This is not exactly how I thought my morning was going to go.

So, I decided to improvise. I smushed up a piece of bread, soaked it in a drop of milk and tried my best to tell the bird that this was the next best thing to smushed worm.

He didn't go for it.

Right before the man hung up, he did give me one more number to try.

"Oh please, oh please, oh please, oh please," I repeated over and over while the phone just kept ringing. When an answering machine clicked on I formulated a most desperate message that would surely warrant my call the first to be returned.

But I never got a chance to leave my stellar message. For the machine instructed anyone who'd rescued a baby bird off the ground to go put it back. The mama bird would be looking for it. And not to worry if I'd touched the bird- the mama would still care for her young.

Apparently, it's all part of the learning to fly process. A baby bird matures to the point it hops out of the nest. It then must hop around on the ground for a week or so before it has the strength to fly. But not to worry, it would be under close supervision of its mama bird.

Oh dear.

I'm a bird kidnapper.

Quickly, I called the dogs inside. I walked outside announcing my deepest apologies to the wild world of birds. I went on and on justifying my kidnapping of the young bird because you see I'm a mama myself and I have a strong protective sense about me. I had nothing but good intentions and I'm so sorry if I'd worried some birdie parents slap to death.

After putting the baby bird back in the exact spot I'd found it, I offered up one last I'm so very sorry feeling certain the wind would carry my sincerity to the mama bird and make her feel better.

I then walked back inside and realized I'd been talking to birds all morning.

Y'all. I think this no sugar diet is messing with my head. And while I'm doing really well and seeing great results, I still miss some things terribly. Oh you just have no idea.

I won't list out the things I miss because maybe some of you are joining me and I don't want to make any suggestions that might lead you astray. But I will state for the record that the Double Tree Hotel has hands down the yummiest looking and smelling cookies you have ever encountered.

Ever!

And I had to look at the sweet check-in lady trying to hand me said cookie and say no thank you. That's what I said with my mouth.

My head was screaming, "Get behind me SATAN!"

I guess you could say, some days not allowing yourself to eat sugar, is for the birds. Literally.

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One quick announcement: Word has it, Antique Mommy is starting an on-line Bible Study today. And tickle me pink, she's using my book "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God." I know she'd love to have you join in. You can check it out here.