Positively Alene

Stop for the One Tuesday {The Pay Off by a Homeless Friend}

2012-01-31T00:40:00.002-06:00

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I hope you stopped by last week and had a chance to meet my friend Rick. He lives on the streets serving Christ by helping those who need help. He shared his heart last week HERE, and now today I post the rest of his story.

When I first started ministering to those on the streets, I had just been laid off my job, lost my truck and my home. Then I lost my temper. I was mad at myself for not being prepared and mad at God for letting this happen.

I soon found myself at the Salvation Army looking around and really upset because I had let this happen again. I had been here before due to my addiction. This time it was just dumb luck or so I thought.

I was in line to eat when I asked God, "What do you want!!!" He very calmy replied "I want you to help people." Really!!! "Look around God they all need help," was my foolish reply. But then I did something that changed my life forever. I told God if He brought them to me I would stop and help them.

A couple of days after I had told God what I would do if He did what He was supposed to do, He sent someone my way! His name was John and talk about needing help, Whew!! He was 24 years old and had the mentality of a 12 year old. He was HIV positive and sick with bronchitis.

His brother that he had been living with had gone to prison, and the girlfriend just shipped him off to Texas from Tennese. His other brother was receiving his SSI benifits and he wasn't seeing any of that money. He was as gullable and naive as a person can get and definitely did not need to be on the streets. I was perplexed to say the least.

John asked me to take him to the county hospital where he could talk to a social worker. After explaining the situation to her the social worker informed me that because he had left the hospital he would have to go through the whole process again, this can take 18 hours and up. Then she said to wait a minute she wanted to talk to her supervisor.

She returned with a smile on her face and music to my ears. She said "I got him, and got a great place for him." That's when the tears came and my first brushing up against God's love overcame me.

I had done so little and God had done so much with it. I told her that if anything happened to please call and under no circumstances put John on the streets that I would come and get him.

Later that night I was just about to get in my bunk for the night when my phone rang. It was the social worker. She siad that the plans fell through and I would have to come and get John. What? She then laughed and said she was joking. She just wanted to tell me she had found a better place for John. A place where he would be with people his own age and very well taken care of. They would even help him get all his benifits back!

She paused and then asked, "Why does a homeless guy like you, do what you do?" I told her it was all for God and to give Him all the glory, as I enjoyed the "pay off."

Why do you stop to bless others? Is it for the "pay off" that Rick writes about? Or maybe it's because you are more blessed when you give than when you receive? Stopping for someone else blesses the one who stops abundantly! Who will you stop for today?

It's amazing what God can do when we just stop and serve. I am taking guest posts for this series. If you'd like to submit, please email me at alenesnodgrass (@) gmail (dot) com for specifics. I'd love to hear your story, so link up and share away!

Joy Dare {needing to count}

2012-01-30T10:23:00.000-06:00

While I find myself sick, huddled under heavy covers, and coughing like crazy I feel the need to count. Yes, the world spins on and my deadlines are being rolled back. And no, I don't like these still quite moments I'm forced to take while my body fights the virus. But all the while none of that seems to matter at the moment - only counting does.

Remembering all I have to be thankful for seems to brighten up this dreary day.

51. a warm bed
52. NyQuil
53. my hubby who heats me up something to eat
54. a cup of steaming hot soup
55. two daughters who come to hang out on my bed
56. a ray of sunshine peeping through
57. bloggy friends who ask you to quest post - thanks, Leah at The Point
58. friends that let me be me
59. friends that stretch me beyond where I am
60. mentoring others in this thing called "ministry" even when I don't have it all figured out
61. an afternoon to cook
62. trying a new dish

63. tomatoes - I heart tomatoes
64. giving others a voice
65. singing an old hymn "what can wash away my sin?" with 17 girls at the SATF
66. the words "can you stay longer?"
67. seeing someone step out of their comfort zone never gets old
68. when words flow freely
69. worship that brings a tear and touches the core of your heart
70. a crisp apple
71. dinner with friends
72. a reminder to persevere, never quit
73. the sound of birds chirping
74. reading how others are encouraged by hand-written cards
75. give-aways and
76. the winner Laura at The Pruning Princess (I'll email her with $20 code)

There is much to be thankful for even while you are down. Remembering to count has sure lifted my spirits. Thank you Ann for the challenge to stop and remember my blessings; they are bountiful.

Stop by A Holy Experience today and count. Stop and reflect on YOUR blessings. You will find they are everywhere, even in the dreariest of days!

It was Almost Like Christmas and a Give Away

2012-01-26T16:09:00.001-06:00

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I opened the mail and there it was a huge box of "Simply Marvelous" cards and a beautiful card box for storing and sorting cards. My heart soared, as I remembered how I love cards! When (in)courage asked if I'd like the opportunity to blog about DaySpring cards in exchange for some -- I jumped at it. I mean, pounced! It was almost like Christmas.

As I sat there with all these cards, my mind began to reflect back. I tried to recall when the last time was I received a hand-written note. Not a text, facebook post, or message, but a real hand-penned note.

How about you, when was the last time you received a handwritten card in the mail? Come on, do tell? Was it a blessing to your day?

Chances are, it's been awhile since we are all so internet savy now. And I think we'll all agree that when those hand-written cards come these days they are sure treasures. I don't know about you, but I keep most of my cards in a huge Blessing Box I have. Love to reread them ever so often.

But as I sat staring at the cards wondering who to write and if a little card would make a difference, I wondered who needed encouragement, a prayer note, or just a note to let them know I was thinking of them. Oh my, the names quickly out grew my cards. . . my friend who just went through a divorce, a friend whose daddy just went to walk with Jesus, a friend struggling, and a friend who just conquered a milestone. Yes, everyone needs encouragement!

I was so blessed to receive this collection free in exchange for my honest review, but I want to bless you too. For every comment, facebook share or retweet (make sure you mention @alenesnodgrass) of this post (in)courage and DaySpring are offering one of YOU $20 off a DaySpring order of $20 or more. Yes, we're doing a Give Away!!!!

A random drawing will be held on Monday, January 30th (4 days from now) and the winner posted. The winner then will be contacted via email with the $20 gift code from DaySpring. When using the code, the winner will be responsible for shipping charges. The code expires on 12/31/2012 so you have almost a year to use it.

Do you love receiving cards in the mail?
What has been the best encouraging card you've received?

Oh yes, do tell!

When You Want to Quit - Don't {a legacy in the making}

2012-01-25T07:57:00.000-06:00

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I have the honor of guest posting over at Leah's The Point today. When Leah asked me to share in her Legacy series, I didn't really know what to write. To tell you the truth, I wasn't really sure I had one. . . you know, a legacy! I'm guessing maybe you'd think the same, if I asked --

Are you leaving a legacy?

We think legacy's are for Mother Teresa, Corrie Ten Boom or Rosa Parks, and we don't ever stop to consider that legacies are being made by me and you too. For years I never gave much attention to this topic, however; you and I are leaving a legacy, little footprints of ourselves, every moment of every day. So, whether we think we are leaving a legacy or not -- we are! Footprints here. Footprints there. A legacy.

Every action or little thing you do and say, leaves a footprint forever in the course of time. And those actions you so effortlessly do leave a finely woven legacy over time. With that thought, I cry out

"I want my actions to bless and not tear down. I want to lift others up and not myself.

I want to have others smile when they remember me. Oh yeah, I want them to smile big!"

But recently, I really didn't care -- I didn't care who smiled or if they did. I was tired and lonely and I wanted to give it all up. I wanted not to care for others. I wanted my own way of life. I wanted to quit.

You might find yourself somewhere in this story, as you hop over to . . .

read the rest at The Point.

As I urge you to never, ever quit - please join me over to Leah's and give her a shout out for such an incredible series on leaving a Legacy, based on her Bible study From the Trash Pile to the Treasure Chest: Creating a Godly Legacy. Leah is one of my blogging buddies that I've been fortunate enough to meet in real life. She is just as she is in the blogosphere: warm, loving, truthful and sincere. Hop on over and you'll soon see!

Stop for the One Tuesday {Why Do You Do It by a Homeless Friend}

2012-01-24T00:13:00.001-06:00

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As we remember to stop for someone today, I want you to meet my friend Rick. He lives on the streets serving Christ by helping those who need help. As he shares his heart, notice the resemblance of how God works in your own life.

Years ago I had an addiction problem. It was severe and kept me in bondage for way too long. But the high and euphoria were the pay off and consequences were irrelevant.

My addiction to drugs and alcohol cost me dearly and the pay off was not even close to being worth it. Addiction is a vicious cycle of extreme highs and rock bottom lows. Talk about being bi-polar and depression comes swiflty when the money runs out.

Today, I serve God with all my heart. Helping the kind of people I used to be just like.

Homeless, helpless and with an outlook on life that would cripple anyone. God took my past and used it for good. His good.

He takes my knowledge of being in that position and my love for Him and turns it into a passion for people that are the modern day lepers. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade! I now try to stop and help people that I used to not care about at all. I thought the same way a lot of people think today, "Those people are the scourge of the earth and the world would be a better place if they would just all disappear. They're lazy and don't want to work, they're filthy and don't want to clean up, they're lost and don't want to be found. They don't care, why should I?"

It is thankless and very frustrating to STOP and serve others. I don't do it for money. I don't do it for recognition. I don't do it for prestige. In fact, I ask myself why do I do it?

Do you know why you do it? Why you stop or don't stop to help others? Have you noticed how God has taken your past mess and turned it into the very message you are to share with others? Please share and send Rick some comment love.

Rick will share The Pay Off next week as he gives us a perfect example of what stopping for someone else looks like. It's amazing what God can do when we just stop and serve. I am taking guest posts for this series. If you'd like to submit, please email me at alenesnodgrass (@) gmail (dot) com for specifics. I'd love to hear your story, so link up and share away!

Joy Dare {gifts unaware}

2012-01-23T11:36:00.001-06:00

Trying to keep my eyes open this week to counting the blessings all around me. It seems I'm learning that in the busy chaotic moments of my day it's hard to see those gifts. It's hard to remember to count. The gifts are there, but they slip through my fingers because I am unaware.

Trying to be aware in the moment, I capture some of the most precious gifts.

26. a hug from a stranger
27. the call to pray for a friend
28. connecting with friends via the internet
29. blogging-buddies
30. a friend who knows about WordPress
31. a church I love dearly (Westside Story HERE)

32. self-confidence raised in a friend
33. an acceptance letter of an article
34. a rejection letter of an article (trying to see blessings in struggles)
35. lunch with my daughters
36. iced tea
37. a spontaneous gathering with my mom and sister
38. my hearing and speech (met a man who could only communicate via written word)
39. twelve hour Sunday's at a church I adore
40. Sunday afternoon football with my daughter
41. teaching those that are hungry for Jesus (proof HERE)
42. warm, sunny weather
43. a cold bottle of water in the heat of the day
44. 50 volunteers showing up to Adopt the Block around our church

45. the words "will you mentor me"
46. a warm bed to crawl into at night
47. my hubby who gases up my car
48. a smile from a child

49. seeing a new church begin
50. my journal

The blessings abound. I'm trying to remain aware!

Is it hard for you to count or remain aware of the blessings that surround you daily?

You can find me over at A Holy Experience today . . . counting 1000 gifts.

The Purpose to Thrill to God's Word More

2012-01-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

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I loved all the personal emails yesterday. Obviously the struggle with "more" hit a nerve. Most of you were asking, how do you balance it all? Well, as a sojourner in this life with you - I'm still struggling and trying to figure that out. To get caught up on what we are referring to read THE BATTLE OF TWO PURPOSES and ECONOMY OF MORE PURPOSE.

Have you set some pretty high goals for yourself this 2012 year?
Have you put a plan in motion and ran with it these first 20 days of January?
Are you questioning what you are doing?
Are you wondering how God can fit into this new purpose of yours?

Right now, it may seem like a foggy, blurry picture. It feels like nothing is getting clear and you can't figure out how to make it all work. Maybe you long for a vivid picture, a clear path and direction? Well, the good news is clarity will come as you seek to have and do it all, while you keep God as the thrill of your life. Is it easy, NO! But can it can be done? YES!

Psalm 1 of The Message starts off by saying in a nutshell (that means Alene's paraphrase), "How well God likes you -- because you don't do this, and you don't do that." We can all list those things we don't do, right? We list them easily, because we are proud we have conquered them. But then the scripture says,

INSTEAD you thrill to God's Word,

you chew on Scripture day and night.

What I felt God whispering to me was, "I have given you your strengths, desires, and purposes. I want you to live them out and learn to bring me the excellence of those gifts. I am so proud of you when you don't get hung up on your goals, but yet still make time to THRILL TO ME AND MY WORD."

Even in the midst of running after our "more" -- goals, dreams, success, excellence -- if we don't remember to thrill to God's word daily then we've missed our true purpose. And whatever our heart "thrills" to most of the time, becomes our God.

Are the goals to be more and reach more bad? NO, when we remember to keep God our ultimate number one thought and thrill! The more we thrill to His word the more vivid the path becomes.

What are you thrilling to this year?

Find us over at Gypsy Mama's today for Five Minute Friday.

The Economy of More Purpose

2012-01-19T08:28:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, we took at look at the ways two purposes can battle within our soul. And oh, there seems to be a battle universal! Loving the comments, please keep them coming as we encourage one another in our fight.

Your battle might not look exactly like mine, but the quarrel within our soul that we all experience can stop us in our pursuit if we are not careful. At the beginning of the year as I took a good look at my life, I thought I was doing pretty good. (not good thinking on my part!) Well, that was until God's word got a hold of me one morning.

Why is everyone hungry for more? "More, more," they say.

"More, more."
I have God's more-than-enough, More joy in one ordinary day.

The Message 4:6-7

Something about those words, "more, more, more, more", shook my heart. And a battle begin to rage at the very core. My initial thinking was:

"God, seriously! Why are these words lingering? I've slayed (for the most part) the will within me that wants more clothes, bigger house, jewelry, bigger, better, and more, more, more possessions. I've worked hard at that. Worldly riches aren't what I crave."

And then somewhere out of nowhere (don't you love how God does that) in the quiet still of my heart He said:

"You deceive yourself. You are hungry for MORE. You might think you have conquered the purpose of more possessions, but what about the crave that stirs within. For more friends, comments, follows, pins, speaking engagements, roles, assignments, and writing contributions. You continually focus on MORE!"

Ouch. Waaah. Tears. Conviction. MORE tears!

Spending weeks digesting this war of more within, I think I have come to a peace -- a JOY. It all has to do with realizing I have God's more-than-enough, as the scripture states. Sometimes I get lost in the "striving for more so I can bring God an excellent gift" mode. Not bad, unless you forget about God and the economy of His riches along the way.

Tomorrow we'll see how to stay focused on that.

Is it possible to have and do-it-all and become better while not getting wrapped up in the economy of more?

Linking up at Faith Barista today.

The Battle of Two Purposes

2012-01-18T00:25:00.004-06:00

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Who am I? What am I suppose to be doing? Which path do I take? Whose team am I on?

If you've visited this blog much you know we look at these questions often, as it seems to be a way of life for me. As Positively Alene was born, I was seeking and searching to know the answers to those questions, and the meaning of my life. And here I am today wondering, if . . .

Any one else is asking those same questions?

After years of important questions racing through my mind --

who am I
what am I supposed to do
what am I good at
do I have a specific purpose

-- it seems the battle still rages on. The battle between my purpose and the Lord's purpose.

There's the purpose that wants to seek the Lord wholeheartedly and be about His business, not caring what others might think. That purpose wants to be so assured that what it does will make a difference for the Kingdom. That purpose longs to give it all up and serve others. But then . . .

Oh wait, there's that purpose that seeks success, big numbers (counts, followers, friends), lots of money and a name for itself. That purpose that gets lost in the you can have it all and do it all mode of thinking. That purpose that wants it to be all about me. me. me. me.

I'm sure the Lord is asking me, "Whose team are you on, girl?"

So, as the battle rages on, I'm learning a few things. We'll talk more tomorrow.

For now, how about you? Do you feel a battle raging?
What are your thoughts about the quarrel of two purposes?
Please do tell me I'm not the only crazy one!

Practicing Walking with God over at A Holy Experience today. Do come visit!

Stop for the One Tuesday {a moment in time}

2012-01-17T00:45:00.001-06:00

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For those of you with small children this will make no sense. But for those of us who have children grown and on their own stopping is so important.

In the midst of a busy work day this week, my phone vibrated. I looked down and it was a message from my oldest daughter. I love getting messages from the kids. As I opened it up, it read:

Maj, let's have spaghetti tonight!

My first instinct was Seriously, tonight! Can we get a raincheck?

It's that stopping thing. When I'm in the zone and accomplishing much it's like my brain doesn't want to depart from there. But this was an invitation from my daughter. But an invitation that required planning, shopping, and stopping.

As I debated over whether to STOP - I knew I had to, after all it is my focus for this year. I quickly made a list and got the ingredients. We set up a time and because I stopped and said yes to an invitation for spaghetti, my daughter invited the whole family. It was a nice evening - the family, laughter, chats, and food.

As I rolled into bed, I was so thankful I quit what I was doing to focus on the important - my kids. No matter how old our children are - they still love home-cooked meals and fun times with the family.

It was just a moment in time, I almost missed. Yikes!

If you have a story to tell about how you STOPPED to serve or encourage another I'd love to hear about it. You can link up here.

Linking up at Moments that Define Life, here are a few other Listable Life mommy moments that I am proud to say I didn't miss:

1. It's the Last - Last Day

2. Mom, Please Don't

3. The Engagement {if I could keep you little}

4. Unashamed!

5. Blessed from the Most Unlikely

Joy Dare {challenged to count}

2012-01-16T12:38:00.001-06:00

I've watched from a distance as others counted. I've read the counts. I've admired the lists. For 257 days I've been in awe as others counted. And I prayed "Lord, teach me to count!"

I've learned to count silently, in my head or rather in my journal. I lay my secret lists out before the Lord in thanksgiving. Daily I celebrate the Lord's goodness. But then God grabbed my heart through the Psalmist David.

I'm thanking you, God from a full heart.
I'm writing the book on your wonders.
I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy,
I'm singing your song, High God.
Psalm 9 MSG

If I'm writing a book on the wonders of God, then what good is it if the book is not shared. A book unopened can't make a difference in the world. A silent book is of no good. And by the way, whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy over all you have to be thankful for are better when shared with a friend. The goodness becomes magnified!

So while I've watched others count and counted myself silently, God has stirred my heart to count a loud this year with Ann at A Holy Experience. Joining the Joy Dare, To count out loud, to document, to write a book of my blessings. There are many and how dare I take them for granted and not give thanks.

2012 holds many blessings and I hope to capture 1000 of them, right here in this book of God's wonders.

1. the blessing of saying Happy New Year with family and friends
2. an automatic coffee pot
3. friends who speak truth into your life
4. celebrating the engagement journey with my son and his finance'
5. a church that minsters to the broken, lonely, and homeless
6. my Canon camera
7. my daughter's 24th birthday
8. a hot shower
9. an open door to have Bible study in the County Jail Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
10. open, authentic hearts
11. a fresh Word that penetrates the very being of my heart
12. the book "A Tale of Three Kings"
13. the words "you have such a way of relating to people"
14. my planner
15. the homeless man I get to worship beside
16. hugs and smiles from new friends
17. the voices of 12 girls raised in worship at the Annex
18. the warmth of the sun
19. my new wall art inscribed with the words of Mr. Bobby, a homeless so-journer
20. a quiet day to reflect and read
21. siting by my husband and daughter in service
22. ice-cream cake
23. friends who journey with you in good times and bad
24. a song that draws me into the still with God
25. the SITS girls who are helping me learn more

You'll Never Know What's on the Other Side

2012-01-12T00:13:00.001-06:00

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Were you challenged to open the door in yesterday's post? Did you open it? I hope so. (if not, read)

The craziest thing about those doors we are to open is that we really don't know what's on the other side of them, until we are on the other side. For example, maybe you have a goal, resolution, or nudging to start writing this year. You don't know why, you just know you are suppose to write.

You stand at the door or sit with your journal. You question and ask why. You ask, write about what? But then you decide. You remembered you had dedicated that nudge to the Lord, so you open the door. Then you step through that door very hesitantly at first, which grows to sporadically daily. Your unsure steps soon ignite the habit of writing and you become more passionate about it. Soon a common theme comes pouring out of your writings. Those themes develop into a book and out of nowhere, while you are still new to this door, another door opens for you to publish your works.

That's an example, and true life story, of what happens when we dare to open those doors that we had so longed just stood beside. Friend, that is how my first book Dirty Laundry Secrets ~ a Journey to Meet the Launderer came to be. (click the link for info) An open door, then just one small step a day. I had no idea what was on the other side -- speaking, teaching, mentoring.

I can not urge you enough to open that door. It's the 12th of January and there are some still some of us standing on this side of that door and that goal was scribbled down January 1st. So right now, 12 days later, open the door and take a peak.

Remember, you'll never know what's on the other side until you are on the other side!

Exclusively for blog readers and subscribers, NOW you can get Dirty Laundry Secrets eBook for $4.99.

Open the Door, for Cryin' Out loud

2012-01-11T00:17:00.009-06:00

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Here we are. The 11th day of 2012. Those resolutions, goals, and dreams are they still burning bright. Have you adjusted to a new schedule and new habit as you've walked through the door to accomplish that goal? Or maybe you're still standing outside the door saying, "Here I am again, a New Year, and no luck."

What is that dream? Name that door you want to walk through. That goal or resolution of a better education, a more flexible body, seeing your ideal weight, a more intimate relationship with Christ, better communication with your children or beginning your own business or ministry? What is it? Name it. Or are you too afraid to name it for fear you'll only fail again?

Friend, I've had my share of doors I've left unopened. Regrets. Disappointments. I've had situations when I was afraid to walk through and times yet when I flat out didn't want to walk through. READ HERE.

As you approach today, now is the time to decide, dedicate and determine your plans and goals to accomplish that dream. Don't be afraid. Don't feel like you've failed. Just pull up a chair and sit with God and gaze at the door their in your midst. Spend time in prayer to decide what His goals are for you. For He alone knows the plans He has for you (Jeremiah 29:11). He knows what doors are supposed to open. Ask Him. Listen. Hear the vision, the dream. Write it down. OBEY.

Dedicate this years goals to the Lord. As you dedicate them, determine each and every day to live your life by those goals. Walk through that day. Open the door and walk through it. Open the door over and over, if you must, but open it. Be not afraid, begin each day praying, “Lord, today, I dedicate my __________________ to you. Help me open the door and walk through. ” In your urgency to accomplish, this is not a once a year prayer, but yet a prayer to be recited each new day of 2012.

Can you hear yourself praying that prayer every day?
Can you see yourself opening the door and walking through?

(wait) I hear the Father beckoning, "Open the door, for cryin' out loud!"

Tomorrow we'll look at what's on the other side of that open door.

Stop by Ann's at A Holy Experience as we look at new practices on Wednesday's in 2012.

Stop for the One Tuesday {phone interruptions}

2012-01-10T00:02:00.002-06:00

Do you ever get so caught up in what you are doing that when somebody walks in the room you blow them off to keep steady at your task? Or maybe the phone rings and you just let voicemail pick it up?

I confess, I have gotten in to the habit of letting voicemail pick up those calls that don't register on my caller ID. My number is out on quite a few ministry materials so calls from those I don't know come almost daily. So, after months of being interrupted by those I didn't know, I slipped into the habit of just letting modern-day technology meet the callers initial need.

As I've been trying to keep my eyes open for the One who might need help, you would think I would be sensitive in this area. You would think I would have viewed those phone calls as such an opportunity. But, NO! The phone rang AGAIN. I was busy and didn't recognize the caller ID. I thought, they can leave a message and I'll call back. That thought had no more than formulated in my thought processes when the word "STOP" flooded into my mind. I thought, seriously! And there it was again, "STOP."

I reached down, picked up the phone and heard a man's voice on the other end. He was homeless and had had his sleeping bag stolen. We had a great conversation as we worked out his situation. In the end, he ended up encouraging me by the time we hung up.

Trying to be more mindful of this word STOP and how that included me stopping to answer the phone, even when I don't know who is on the other end of the line, the phone rings again. This time it's a woman whose son has just been sentenced to 10 years in prison. She was struggling and needing someone to talk to and pray with. Once again, I was blessed by the conversation and learned more about the heart of this woman.

I don't know if you struggle with this, but man, why is it so hard for me to just STOP? Why am I so set on my days to-do list and the work that needs to get done that I can't be bothered to answer a phone call from someone I don't know? Who knew stopping could be so hard?

Stopping to answer the phone and giving up my time was nothing. So why the hesitation? Why couldn't I see my phone as a tool God uses to connect me with people. I was so thankful to see God's truth ring forth though as He blessed me tremendously through that simple act of obedience.

Are phone calls from unknown caller ID's hard for you to stop and answer?

Do you see phone calls as interruptions to your day?

If you stopped this week to reach out to another, even if it was such the simple act of answering a phone call please link up. I'd love to hear your story!

Linked up my one word STOP with Stefanie at My One Word Wednesday.

1-2-3 Jump!

2012-01-08T18:53:00.000-06:00

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." James 2:17-18

James reminds us that shouting we have faith is not enough. The world needs to see us jump out of the boat, just as Peter did (Matthew 14), and show our faith by what we do. In other words, we need to interrupt our regular routines and step out into the unknown to experience God anew.

Once we jump out in faith and out of our comfort zones, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Learning from Peter, we certainly don't want to look down and begin to sink.

Today, walk away from the routine and show your unbelievable faith in God. It’s time to jump out of the boat to accomplish those new goals! You will prove you trust the Lord by the leaps of faith you take.

1-2-3 . . . jump!

Linking up with Barbie at Fresh Brewed Sunday.

Happy Birthday Courtney - 24 things I love about you

2012-01-07T10:55:00.000-06:00

Popping in today to wish my daughter a Happy 24th Birthday! I hope you'll wish her some fabulous wishes too.

24 Things I Love about You. Courtney

1. I love your smile.
2. I love that you love people.
3. I love that you are mean, I meant, loving to your sister.

4. I love that you admire your brother.
5. I love that you respect your dad.
6. I love the way you make fun of your mom, that would be ME.
7. I love the way you laugh.
8. I love the way you make others laugh.
9. I love how you love family.
10. I love to watch you dance. (You all will too - watch here.)

11. I love how you like to sport your style.
12. I love how you like to help me sport a style. Really, I do. Thanks!
13. I love your dog, Zep -- well, kind of!
14. I love that you are a fighter.
15. I love how you persevere.
16. I love your heart for God.
17. I love how you are so sentimental.
18. I love how you always invite me to lunch -- probably so I can pay, but I love it.
19. I love how you make time for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
20. I love how you like to look tough with a gun!

21. I love how you've always felt comfortable bringing people home.
22. I love how you've always felt free to invite others to supper. (I miss those huge pots of spaghetti)
23. I love how you look out for those who are down and out.
24. I love you, just because you are YOU.

Wanna Be a Mayan and More

2012-01-06T00:38:00.003-06:00

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I thought I'd have a little fun today, because girls just wanna have fun! Today is Friday's Favorite Things over at Finding Joy and I have some favorites to share and be thankful for.

1. My son is crazy talented and creative! I can't explain it. Don't know where he gets it from, but his crazy whelms are always a hoot-and-a-half to witness. With that said, you have got to watch this video. It's my son and his best-man (to-be in May) -- can you just imagine the wedding? It is the Mayan year in 2012 and they have a rap about it. You just might want to be a Mayan before it's all over! Or maybe not?

2. Below is one of my favorite bowls. Not necessarily because it matches anything in my home any more, but because it symbolizes our family. Well, there's a huge problem. I got this just months before I found out I was expecting our third child, Lindsey. So after 18 years I figured surely I can find someone to paint me a baby Lindsey on here so it will be up-to-date, well kind of. Any takers? Any suggestions?

3. I'm loving my new necklace from DaySpring. It's all about Grace and I'm going to need A LOT in 2012 I'm sure! I love the scripture engraved on the back "by the grace of God, I am what I am." (1 Cor. 15:10) What a great reminder to not compare ourselves, our journeys, our strengths, our callings -- by the Grace of God he has made each of us unique. (if you'd like a reminder DaySpring is having great sales - CLICK below and check them out.)

Make sure you find some favorites to be thankful for today!

Whatever You Do will Rock Your World

2012-01-05T00:29:00.001-06:00

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Years ago, a woman I barely knew was sent to prison and asked for me to come visit her. It totally took me by surprise. What was this lady thinking? I remember asking, “Why me, Lord? Why me? Please don’t rock my world like this!”

I had no idea the journey I was fixing to begin. You see, I’d never been to a prison and I didn’t want to go now! In my prayer and quiet time I felt God continually nudging me to go. I kicked and screamed, but finally submitted.

As the day came I was in a panic. What was I suppose to say to this lady? What would the prison be like? All I could envision was the slamming of the prison doors behind me as I walked in. And to be honest – this freaked me out!

I began begging God to let me out of this assignment, but He didn’t relent. He confirmed every step of the way that He was going with me, but that didn’t make this journey any easier. Arriving at the prison a guard confronted me. I had arrived at the wrong time. I had entered the wrong way. He was a gruff man and scared me to death. He finally said, “Lady, you need to come back in a few hours.”

As I headed back to my car (actually, I was stomping like a two-year old) I was thinking, “God, this is crazy! I am not coming back here.” And once again He snatched my heart and said, “Yes you are, child!” Being the sweet argumentative one that I am, I told God he had a few hours to prove to me that I should go as I headed to a fast-food restaurant to get a drink and read my Bible.

Once there, flipping through scripture I came across Matthew 25:37-40 NIV:

“Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'”

As I read that you would think that this would have convinced me, but, I once again begin to argue with God. “OK Lord, you say the things we DO are as if we are doing them for You. But if I just don’t do it, if I don’t go to the prison then what does it hurt. I just haven’t done anything for anybody. Right?” Like God was going to confirm that nonsense. Instead He said, “Child, keep reading.”

"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'” (Matt. 25:44-45 NIV)

You can imagine how my heart quickened and my spirit wept when I read the words, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” I begged the Lord for forgiveness as I made my way back to the prison that day.

You can already guess. I traipsed myself back to that prison. This was definitely a jail house rock experience for me. God came through in unexpected ways and rocked my way of thinking. I learned that using your gifts, talents, finances, and time for Christ and His cause to reach others will come in ways you least expect it.

My job is to keep my eyes open to how I can unselfishly become the hands and feet of Christ and serve the least of these – the broken, hurting, imprisoned, hungry, grieving, impoverished, abused, addicted, lonely . . .

A journey with that focus will definitely rock your world!

Have you obeyed recently and had God rock your world?

Wake Up that Sleepy Little Town in You

2012-01-04T00:14:00.014-06:00

My mom lives in a sleepy little town in south-central Texas. You can go to visit and it's quiet. I mean, you can hear the birds singing, the crickets chirping, and the cows mooing. We laugh and tease a lot because there is only one stop-light in the small town. It's definitely a nice get-away from the busy city. It is so relaxing and you can always count on there not being a line at a restaurant, gas station, or grocery store. That was until . . .

the sleepy little town woke up!

A few years ago the Eagle Ford Shale formation was found right under that little town. Can you imagine? A treasure of oil right there. Right under that sleepy little town. Since the discovery oil rigs have been erected, 18-wheelers have hit the roads, and hundreds of people have moved in. With all the buzz that sleepy little town now is loud, noisy, blowing, and going. Needless to say, that sleepy little town has come to life. Hotels are popping up and restaurants have lines out the door at lunch time. All great things for business owners and those previously looking for work. It's interesting how in a few months time that sleepy little town has found a true treasure and capitalized on it. And the crazy thing is . . . the Eagle Ford Shale was underneath the surface the whole time, unnoticed and untapped.

As I visited the not-so-sleepy little town over the holidays I had to wonder -- what happened to bring this town to life? There's life, excitement, and movement in that town now. And then I asked . . .

What do I have lying dormant in me underneath the surface that is just waiting to be discovered and then thrive in full action? Or even, what do you have within you that has gone unnoticed long enough? What in you is waiting to spring forth just as a new oil well being tapped?

Maybe it's time to put into practice the ritual of pinching ourselves daily and saying, "wake up!"

Waking up can be scary, though. It means we have to realize we have more in us than we think. It means it's time to do something. It means we recognize it's time, as I like to say, we put on our big girl panties and step out of our comfort zones. Oh, it's scary alright. Being awakened can even feel awkward. What if others don't like us when we are awakened? What if others judge our awakened state? All those "what if" questions paralyze us from truly living awake and so we live with much needed resources lying just under our surface -- untapped, unused, and unnoticed.

But what if we awoke? What if we ignored all the "what if's" that paralyze us?

I think then the stirring of our inward soul couldn't help but notice that sleepy little town within us. That little town reminding us it's time to call forth every gift, talent, strength, experience, and passion and awake with purpose. Awake to live. Awake to life. Awake to be all the buzz that God created us to be.

Oh yes, let's put into practice the measure of truly waking up to all we were called to be.

Stop for the One Tuesday {keyword STOP}

2012-01-03T00:16:00.021-06:00

I've been reading some blogs where some of you were choosing a word for the new year. To be honest I didn't really want a "word." I'd done that before and I always got words like "discipline"- ouch! Or "focus"- seriously! One year I even got a phrase "no sloppy living."

But this year as I was insistent I didn't want a word or phrase God began to speak a word into my soul that wouldn't leave. The particular word being STOP. Stop was everywhere and I couldn't run from it.

Stop. What? Maybe it was drinking too many cups of coffee or being on the internet too much?

As that word continued to stir within me, God had something different planned. It had nothing to do with what I shouldn't be doing, but yet what I should be doing for others. He wanted me to STOP and love those around me. Step out of my routine and see who I could help.

I've realized I've become too use to this crazy routine I have and maybe you are there too. I get up to an alarm with the automatic coffee already brewing, head to my Bible and books for morning devotions, then straight to the computer to check emails, the calendar, and of course, cyberspace to see what all you are doing. Then it's off to meetings, groceries, errands, lunches, more time on the computer writing, emailing, editing and then back out for evening meetings. You get the picture. It's a crazy routine and we all have one. Can you relate? Some days I think we've all gone mad in this world of busy!

And so God continued to say STOP. Stop long enough to see the ONE who needs help whether that is your child, a spouse, a friend, a man on a street corner, a mom who needs a sitter, a teen who needs prayer, or a family who needs food. God continually reminded me that I can't see those in need as long as I'm focused on myself. While running my own race with blinders on, like a race-horse, I can stay the course and accomplish more, but maybe I miss what God is wanting me to see.

I desperately want to see what God has for me, so starting this week I'm beginning a 52 week challenge called Stop for the One. A challenge to help me be mindful to step out of my half-crazed routine and serve another. I hope you'll join me and learn to STOP.

Join me on this journey and let's see what God sees. Each Tuesday this coming year we'll write about how over the last week we were able to STOP and break out of our routines to serve someone else. I think we will all find this inspiring and a call to be more of who God called us to be -- His hands and feet serving one another. Christ always noticed the ONE. He always STOPPED.

Will you join in? If so, please link below. I'd love to visit your bloggy world, pray for you and those you might reach as we start the year. Plus you have to admit there is great encouragement in community. If you have any great ideas for stopping and serving another - please do share!

Can't wait to read about your adventures and the God you'll see as you Stop for One!

Through Your Ever so Small Beginnings He Can do Great Things

2012-01-01T00:25:00.002-06:00

After a trip to moms where plates of fried cabbage and bowls of black-eyed peas were served to ensure our health and prosperity for the New Year (yes, I live in the south), I now sit here as the New Year rolls in.

A new year.
A beginning.
A fresh start.
A do-over.
A challenge.

There's something about the excitement of the new, though also a fear that rings. After weeks and days of praying, seeking, and searching for direction and goals to run toward this 2012 year, I'm left wondering.

Are these my goals?
Are they the Lord's?
Are they attainable?
Are they reasonable?
Are they real?

As I make decisions spurring me on to be the leader that God has set within me, there's an awakening. An awakening where at the core there's anticipation. And through the anticipation there's still a deeper question.

A question I seem to continue to throw back at God continually.
And just maybe it is a question you are asking too . . .

Am I capable?

It's then through the noisy fireworks, the laughter, and the countdown of the last 2011 day that I'm reminded that God speaks in the smallest of voices as He whispered to me a few days ago, "Ask Me." And so all those questions that haunted me, that slowed me, and have frustrated me I laid before Him.

Then in that still small voice (that inward voice that grips your soul) through Zechariah 4 I heard the Lord say, "The place where I'm calling you will not be entered by force, nor by strength, BUT by my loving Spirit. You are not to despise these small beginnings, but STOP and rejoice that you have opportunity to begin. Through your beginnings I can do great things. Begin and then give it to Me."

As we enter 2012, are you feeling incapable of the goals you've set forth for the new year? Oh my heart feels you.

If you're still left questioning, wondering, and really wanting to back down, I think, just maybe, the Lord is whispering to you too. Please treasure and borrow the precious whispers the Lord gave me and remember . . .

Through your ever so small beginnings He can do great things.

A Great Deal to Bless Others and Yourself

2011-12-29T14:59:00.007-06:00

I read an old post this morning from a dear friend, Barbie, at My Freshly Brewed Life. While she might have written it months ago, it struck such a chord in my heart today. If you are a blogger I challenge you to jump over there and read it. It's titled Building Community. With the conviction of her heart-felt words I will be dedicating tomorrow for centered prayer covering this blog. There have been so many questions weighing on my shoulders lately. Do you have bloggy dilemma's that weigh you down? If so, you can relate I'm sure.

With that said, I will be taking the rest of the year off from blogging. I need time to gain clarity around what my voice has to say and how I can better encourage you to be Positively You -- the person that God created. Plus, I'm going to spend some extra time with family and friends, and work on those yearly goals. Time to etch those goals down and start living my days accordingly. How about you?

.

How are your goals for 2012 coming along? Mine are getting there and one of the things I want to be more mindful of next year is blessing others. Here is a great find if you are in need of a little gift to show your appreciation to someone.

WHOA magazinehas gone national and has great features from Lisa Osteen Comes and Dolly Parton (just to mention a few) coming this year. This magazine is a MUST read. There is a Christmas special going while you subscribe you get a friends subscription half off. CHECK IT OUT HERE.

Here's to blessing yourself and someone else.

As 2011 rolls by I want to thank each of you for stopping by, visiting this site, living life with me, and always offering an encouraging comment. I wish I could see all of your faces, but for now I'll live off your comment love.

I look forward to doing 2012 with you. There will be changes coming, as well as more seeking, searching, and serving. Blessings friend, for your journey ahead.

I hate it when my blog and I don't get along. Sorry for the spaces and empty areas. I can't get it to correct. Urgh!!

Books I Read in 2011

2011-12-28T20:49:00.000-06:00

When The Nester asked "what books have you read in 2011" it took me by surprise. Not in the way of "oh my goodness, I haven't read that" but in the way of "wow, how can I remember what I've read?"

While I reflected back on what I had read or what I could remember I had read, I was also challenged. I now claim it here, this 2012 year I will keep track of all the books I read. Whether we take the time to realize it or not - what we put in to our minds is crucial to who we will become! Books change lives.

I loved the Nester's book list. I think I might have coveted it, actually! But while her list looks so fun, I was reminded that those books reflect her. As she states "you can learn a lot about a person by what books are on their bookshelf" I wondered what do my books say about me.

Books I've read the last 12 months:
Awakening (awesome read for January)
Fasting
Girls Gone Wise
Lioness Arising (a must read)
7 Practices of Effective Ministry
Weird
Sun Stand Still
The Cause Within You (totally rocked my heart)
The Church that Never Sleeps
Next Generation Leader (every leader needs to read this book)

Audiobooks:
Same Kind of Different as Me (stirred my heart beyond words)
w{hole} (if you question your story, you. need. this. book)

Reading Now:
Enemies of the Heart (can't wait to co-teach this book in January with my Pastor)
One Thousand Gifts
The Thank You Economy
Not a Fan.

Up Next:
Grace for the Good Girl
Barefoot Church
7 (I read Interrupted a few years ago, it wrecked my world. I can already sense 7 will do the same.)

If you'd like to check out more good reads, go to the Nester's. Do you keep track of what you read? I'd love to hear about it.

Best Blog Posts of 2011 {for some reason or another}

2011-12-27T11:48:00.000-06:00

What are you doing this week before the kick-off of 2012?

For the most part I am slowing down and reflecting as I sip multiple cups of coffee. Reflecting on where I've been, what was accomplished in 2011, and how I met or didn't meet those goals I set just 365 days ago. But at the same time there's much prayer, planning, and preparing for 2012 which is JUST 4 DAYS AWAY!

I have to tell you I am waiting with much anticipation on 2012. I know God is going to move BIG! I can feel it. I can sense it. And I hope you to do.

But before I begin the 2012 race. Here's just a few of my favorite posts of 2011. You will see each are for different reasons, but with a point. Grab a cup of coffee, hop around and enjoy!

January - Jump Out in Faith
While this post resonated with friends out in cyberspace, I want to ALWAYS challenge myself to be brave enough to JUMP out. That's when we see the miracles and blessings.

February - It's the Last - Last Day
This is totally for the moms out there. Our babies grow up so fast and while we run wholeheartedly in 2012 let's not forget our family. 2012 will bring more last days and first days. Enjoy them all!

March - We'll Rebuild this City with the Rock and Rolls
A fun post of how I love being out on the streets in our city, loving on people, and rebuilding the city

April - What's Your Story
After meeting a homeless man at church, my life was changed. My heart was opened and laid bare as I heard him say "I have a story to tell and no one to tell it to!" In 2012 I want to be more in the moment and be aware of others hearts.

May - The Gift of Encouragement
ALWAYS encourage, encourage, encourage. May I NEVER forget.

June - Blessed from the Most Unlikely
As my girls and I were stranded with car trouble we were blessed by a man we'll probably never see again. I think of that man often and want to live my life like that -- blessing others when least expected.

July - Are You a Cracked Pot?
A reminder that when we grow, we will crack our outer pots. Sometimes it is painful, but so worth it.

August - He Loves Us
Hearing my name out on the street was the best feeling ever. Realizing that after a few months of being faithful about going out and loving on people, they will remember you. God shows his love in so many unique ways.

September - What do You want to Be?
While struggling with this question, God gave me the answer. BE HOLY. So I decided to take up some painting and create something. For starters, I didn't do so bad. Well, that's my perspective anyways.

October - 31 Days of LIving with Purpose {why am I here}
I have to tell you October was a month of growth for me. I grew in purpose. I grew in discipline as I set out to write for 31 days straight. I grew with conviction that so many of you out there struggle with the same questions I do. You live life seeking, searching, and wondering 'why am I here'. I didn't meet the 31 day challenge as my daddy passed away on the 24th and with that I learned about grief in a whole new way. What a month of learning to persevere! You can check out the series HERE if you are wondering why are you here?

November - That Time of Year {who am I}
After years of knowing where I'm called and feeling secure in living out my purpose that question "who am I" crept back in. While it threw me for a loop, it also captured the most readers. I continually get the most blog hits when I refer to this subject, as well as when I write about "a prayer for safety."

December - I Want to See
December was crazy in my household. From my son getting engaged, to my daughter being in the hospital for 4 days, to having no Christmas decor up until the 22nd - everything seemed askew. Somewhere in there Christmas didn't seem like Christmas. My heart continually craved to see God's hand and boy did I. As I craved to breath and see, Christ came to give me a new PERSPECTIVE.

When Christmas Finally Came

2011-12-24T10:50:00.000-06:00

Ever have one of those years when the spirit of Christmas never dwelled within your heart? Or try as you may with gifts and decorations, the season never settled in your home? Well, let's just say that has been my Christmas season this year.

I'm not sure why the disconnect. I guess it could be a number of things:

- first Christmas without my daddy
- first time in a decade I didn't go on a three-day shopping spree after Thanksgiving
- circumstances didn't allow my house to be decorated by Dec. 1st
- my son got engaged and I had to plan a celebration
- or maybe the fact that my daughter spent 4 days in the hospital

Whatever the reason and why Mr. Grinch stole the Christmas spirit from me is still a mystery. But as of December 20th I still had no decorated tree, nor a present in site. But somewhere in these last 4 days - Christmas happened.

It didn't happen in the form of packages, boxes or bags. It happened in the realm of giving to children, men and women. It didn't happen because my house finally got decorated and the boxes neatly wrapped. (neither happened) No, it happened when I was out loving on those who wondered if Christmas would even come or if family would even remember them with a note or a call.

Christmas came when my church hosted a children's movie night "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and gave 300+ presents to children from the community. Christmas came in the form of hugs from children, sticky candy on the floor, and smiles as big as Texas from those receiving gifts. Christmas came alright and it came big!

Christmas came as I visited the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility a few days before Christmas and my church provided 120 meals for the men and women residents there. Christmas came as I led the prayer before the meal for the women. Christmas came when the women cheered that we would be coming every Sunday beginning in January for studies and worship. Christmas came as they hugged me and thanked me with the sincerest of hearts as we left. Christmas came alright and it came big!

Christmas came and it had nothing to do with packages, boxes or bags.
Christmas came and it had nothing to do with me, myself or I.
Christmas came when I was loving on those who needed Christmas love this year.

Oh yes, Christmas finally came and it came big!

Merry Christmas!

Tell me about your Christmas experience this year. When did Christmas finally come to you?

{Unwrapping Jesus} did Mary ever feel guilty

2011-12-23T09:47:00.000-06:00

Well, we are on the final countdown to December 25th. It's been a December to remember as everything has been out of sorts. Can anyone else relate with me here? One circumstance after another has left my heart screaming SIMPLIFY! But as my heart screams, my inner voice repeatedly says I feel so guilty for doing so.

Guilty because the house is not adorned, as usual. We finally put up one little Christmas tree with lights and bare minimal ornaments. There's no garland, poinsettia's, or ribbon -- just three stockings awkwardly hung over the fireplace. (Yes my children are young adults, but they still wait on Santa!) And while my children laugh and chuckle at how different this December is, part of my soul feels guilty.

Shouldn't there be lights, garland and Christmas bows galore?
Shouldn't Christmas music sweetly fall upon every moment in this house?
Shouldn't the gifts be wrapped and under the tree?
Shouldn't the kids have surprise after surprise?
Shouldn't things be the same as usual?

During my guilt-ridden pity party of sorts, I began to wonder if Mary ever felt guilty.

Did Mary feel guilty knowing she was carrying the Savior of the world and nothing went right?
Did she feel guilty being on the road and not having a home to birth the Christ child in?
Did she feel guilty that the pregnancy wasn't perfect and people were talking?
Did she feel guilty the KIng wanted to kill her first born?
Did she feel guilty when the Messiah had to be born in a dirty, filthy manger?

Oh I wonder, did Mary feel guilty? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The Engagement {part 4 - babblings from the morning of}

2011-12-22T01:21:00.008-06:00

It's here! It's the morning of the BIG proposal and there are a gazillion thoughts and emotions running through this teary-eyed sappy momma's mind.

While the day will be busy getting all the final preparations made and setting up for the surprise celebration, my thoughts wander.

How did he grow up so fast?
Is he ready for marriage?
What will the future bring?
Where will their life together lead them?

And while I don't know the answers to those questions, I do know I have to trust. Trust HIM!

But I have to tell you that having a gazillion questions, doesn't negate how excited I am. Seriously, excited! Like WOW.

My little boy is getting engaged!
We love his girl!
She's already part of our family.
Now we get to make it official.
I admire the love I see in them for each other.
I LOVE how they seek God in all they do.
I adore the fact that she compliments my son in all he does.

Yep, I'm babbling away because I'm too stinkin' excited!

Some of you might possibly think I'm crazy. But I could use some words of advice. Anyone want to share? Memories? What to be mindful of now that we're planning a wedding?

I gotta go get ready for the big surprize.
I'll be so glad when we can talk about this. It's awkward holding stuff this good in.

And even more awkward that by the time I post this it will be old news. :(

Engagement Part 1 - if I could keep him little
Engagement Part 2 - the ring
Engagement Part 3 - keeping the secret

The Engagement {part 3 - keeping the secret}

2011-12-21T05:34:00.001-06:00

"Mom, I need you to keep this ring and hide it!"

As my son handed me the gift bag with the ring in it, more emotions lept from my heart. I think on the inside I was screaming, "NO. You know I'm not that responsible. I can't find things I use every day, much less hide something and find it a month later." But on the outside once again, I was glad I got to be a part of such a special event.

But you have to know -- this secret -- it's killing me.

While I secretly write here to capture the moment, I'm ready for the secret to be revealed. I'm tired of avoiding my boy's girl for fear I'm going to blow the secret.

Are you a good secret keeper? You've probably guessed it, I'm not.

How are you doing with all those Christmas secrets? Are you having to avoid certain people so you don't spoil the surprise?

Don't you just love all those awkward moments that happen while you're trying to keep sweet, special secrets?

The Engagement {part 2 - the ring}

2011-12-20T05:12:00.003-06:00

Read The Engagement {part 1 - if I could keep you little}.

My mind was trying to wrap around the fact that my "boy" was turning into a man and had marriage deep in his heart. When he first brought up the subject, I figured I had about a year to prepare my heart and mind for this big step. After all, he doesn't graduate college until May 2012.

However, my boy wasn't worried about mom's time table. He was ready NOW.

One of the next conversations we had was about setting up a date for him and me to go look at rings. I couldn't believe he asked me to go with him. I can not even put into words how honored I felt to even be asked, much less get to be there for such an important decision on his part.

The engagement is a surprise, so naturally his girl couldn't go. And the ring was to be a surprise too, so thankfully he wanted a women's point on view on rings and I got asked.

We ventured out. I think his girl might have wondered what was up when we set out on our "mother/son date." She was texting the whole time we are out, so we decided to tell her we were going to eat. We surely didn't want to keep fabricating these lies. (forgive us, Lord!)

Arriving at the jewelry store, it's hard to describe all the emotions I was feeling -- honored, excited, sad, anxious, privileged, and totally in awe of this ~~little boy~~ young man. We lingered at the counter, my son wanted my reaction on a ring he had spotted earlier so I had to turn around. Then I finally heard,

"Mom, you can turn around."

Oh. My. Word! The brilliance, shine, beauty, and sparkle -- all from one ring! It's as if that ring were highlighted from Above as my son put it in front of me. But I think deep down what was shining more was the love that this symbol represents. I'm still tearing up writing this, excuse me. There are not dictionary words to describe the beauty.

The beauty of my son's heart.
The beauty of his girl -- inside and out.
And the beauty of the ring that will symbolize their undying love.

There is something so special about a wedding ring. Do you remember the thoughts you had when you received yours? What does your ring symbolize to you?

Linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped. This is our last Tuesday and one in which I am so thankful for boys, their girls, love, engagements, and rings.

The Engagement {if I could keep you little}

2011-12-19T01:18:00.011-06:00

I wrote these posts in advance to chronicle the days of this mom's little boy getting engaged. The engagement was a surprise, so I'll be posting this week what led up to the big moment. It was a special journey! However, itt seems like yesterday we were capturing his growth on his bedroom wall (HERE).

Snips and snails
and puppy dog tails
. . . that's what little boys are made of.

If I could keep my son little . . . somedays I would, others day I wouldn't trade watching him grow into a man for nothing. And since keeping him little is not going to happen, I have to tell you . . .

My son and I photographed a wedding together one evening. We had a good hours drive on the way home and it was a great night for visiting, if I could keep my eyes open. After a moment of silence he began, "Mom, that's the kind of wedding my girl and I are going to have."

Blurry eyed I turned towards him, "What?"

And there begin the first of many conversations about the engagement and marriage of my little boy. I'm thankful he wanted to share the journey with me. That way it gives this poor mom's emotions time to sink in. Maybe if I cry a lot now, I won't cry on the big day. Well, maybe?

I'm not sure how all this works. This young man is the first of my three to get engaged or married. I need suggestions. I need advice. I need help! Anybody want to share?

The journey will be exciting. I love his girl. They compliment each other perfectly. It's just that . . .

Somewhere along this journey my little boy has grown in to . . . a man!

Joining up with Lowercase Letters for Miscellany Monday. Thank you, Carissa.

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Home for the Holidays

2011-12-16T00:57:00.003-06:00

Can you remember what it was like before cell phones, computers, internet, and texting? I know some of you reading can't, but I can. There's one vivid memory I have.

It was Christmas. My first Christmas as a wife, a military wife at that. My first Christmas in a foreign country and my first Christmas not to be at home. Although it was all so new and exciting, my heart ached and my soul cried "there's no place like home for the holidays."

Subscribers click here to watch the video. Seriously you have to click and watch. This is the most amazing video! Applause to T-Mobile for this creative video surprising mall-goers at the Chicagoland area Woodfield Mall.

My first Christmas away from home was 30 years ago and way before the techno age. We woke up early that morning. It was freezing cold in Germany and I was disappointed it wasn't a white Christmas. This would be a special Christmas as it was our first as a married couple, but it wasn't the same not being home. We eventually dressed and headed to a friends to place our call home. The phone lines were busy most of the day.

It was $3 a minute to phone Texas from Germany. Finally late in the afternoon, our call went through and then it was the waiting game waiting for the operator to call back with a connection. After hours of waiting, the awaited long distance call finally came.

It was mom and dad's voice. The tears began to flow, but I tried to keep a happy tone in my voice as I told them about our day. We just got deep into conversation when the phone went silent. We had been disconnected. Oh. how. the tears poured then.

We never got reconnected that day. It was the most bittersweet Christmas I had had because there truly is no place like home for the holidays. If you've ever been away from family and friends at Christmas, you know. That reminds me, I'd love to hear your story about being away at Christmas.

I am so thankful for my cell phone, the internet, and all the technology we have. It makes days like Christmas so much easier to connect with loved ones if we can't be home for Christmas.

For the holidays you can't beat home. sweet. home!

This post is sponsored by T-Mobile.

Join me at Five Minute Friday.

{Unwrapping Jesus} when the light fades

2011-12-15T05:47:00.005-06:00

I did it! I finally got my tree up. I know, I'm running just a little behind this year. But it was a great moment. I could breathe and I think I actually saw the stress fall off my shoulders. We sat the tree up properly, plugged in the lights and . . . urgh! I sense the stress wanting to jump right back on my shoulder.

Two strands of the lights on the tree didn't work. I wondered if it was that noticeable. Maybe if we plugged and unplugged. Maybe if we switched some bulbs. Maybe . . .

How could they not work? They were plugged in to the outlet. We fiddled and faddled with the strands. We twisted and turned the bulbs. Nothing! All I wanted was my tree up and beautifully adorned with bright lights. I wanted to feel the peace of Christmas, not this stress that sat on my shoulder.

I was frustrated. Oh I tried not to be, but I was!

Amid the struggle of trying not to be frustrated and more stressed, it hit me that there was a big difference between being plugged into the outlet or being plugged in to the power source. Recently, I've lived my life plugged into the outlet.

I get up. Start my routine. Work my plan. Plan my work. And as my light fades I realize I'm exhausted and frustrated. It's because I wasn't plugged in to the power source, Jesus. Even though I was doing His work, I had forgot to plug in to His word and Truths.

How can I shine bright for Him, if I'm not even plugged in? It's amazing how we can even let Jesus' work pull us away from the true power source. When our lights begin to fade, we are not very useful in the Kingdom. People don't see our light, they see the weight of the stress on our shoulders.

Do you struggle to stay plugged in to the true power source?

Don't let your lights fade, plug in to the Word to receive power so your light will shine brightly!

I'm unwrapping Jesus over at Faith Barista today. Hop on over and check out the awesome blogs.

The Lowly Babe Came for the Lowly

2011-12-14T08:08:00.001-06:00

Infant holy. Infant lowly.

As the bright lights twinkle this holiday season, my mind keeps going to the stable. A stable unprepared to meet a King. Not that a stable is ever ready to welcome a King, but a stable that was a last minute birthing unit for the King of kings because the Inn was full.

I raised lambs, horses, and cattle growing up. The sounds, the smells, the filth all flood my memory. I would have never taken someone there to impress them. But yet it was that environment where we find the lowly babe, our Savior, being born.

Can you envision that? Our King didn't come to impress us, but came to free us, the oppressed. He never once thought about how his lowly birth would look or what others would think. He simply wanted to implore our hearts, change a world, and offer us grace.

Looking at the lowly babe there in the stinky, smelly, dirty stable I'm reminded that he came for me.

The lowly . . .

the broken
the hard-hearted
the shameful
the unforgiven
the angry
the prideful
the lustful
the abandoned
the quiet
the loud

Hallelujah, the Lord's favor came to the lowly stable that night. A stable not worthy of a King's entrance. Yet I'm reminded that the lowly babe came for me in the most humblest of ways.

I pray earnestly that I can learn from the babe to be humble and reach out to the lowly -- the broken and downcast.

Linking up at Word Filled Wednesdays and A Holy Experience.

Tuesdays Unwrapped {i want to see}

2011-12-13T06:29:00.017-06:00

I peer out the window of my soul. I can see God all around. It is evident He is here. I see His hand everywhere -- the creation, the color, and the beauty. But yet the silence is deafening.

If you are here God, I want to see.

I want to see your hand mightily in my life.
I want to see you majestically make yourself known.
I want to see answered prayers.
I want to see lives change.

I'm watching and waiting . . . I want to see.

I want to see YOU.

Linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped as we celebrate the moment of today.

what's so special about a birthday

2011-12-12T09:34:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year where we all focus on the birth of Jesus. We marvel at the silent night (which I don't think it was) and the baby born in a manger (can you imagine the smell and sounds). We are thankful the Christ babe was born.

It is a beautiful picture.

But have you ever thought about the birthday's of the Christ-child growing up? What were they like? Did Mary throw a big party? Did they gather with pointy hats and rams horns? Did He asks for gifts? Did Jesus consider each year he was here a gift?

I have a special friend, DeeDee Sharon, who knows very well the blessings of having another birthday. Diagnosed with cancer in 2008 she became a fighter. A fighter who was an inspiration to many as she journeyed those dark and lonely days of chemo.

DeeDee wrestled with grace and strength that could only come from the Lord. She continued to work, lead ministry and sing with the worship team wholeheartedly. She was a shining example to me to remember that every moment is precious and to be used passionately. Hallelujah, we can rejoice that DeeDee is cancer free today.

While it's the season to celebrate Christ's birthday, I'm also celebrating along with the American Cancer Society the many birthdays that have taken place since. May we all remember that each year we are here on this sphere we know as Earth, we are blessed with life to love and serve others!

This post is sponsored by American Cancer Society.

unwrapping the journey

2011-12-09T08:54:00.000-06:00

"Where are we going?" We've probably said it, and if you have children I'm sure you've heard it. It's a question we dismiss quite often. But as I reflected after I sat in a meeting with an awesome leader, I need to ask, "Where are you going? Where am I going?"

The answer is simple.

Show me who you are listening to and I'll show you where you're going.
Show me who you are hanging around and I'll show you where you'll end up.
Show me what you are thinking and I'll show you the journey.

Yet while the answer is so simple, we dismiss it as we run through our daily routines. However, planning and pondering over my journey is one of my favorite things. Have you thought about it?

Do you want to know where you'll be by the end of 2012? Take a look at who you are listening to, who you are hanging around, and what you are studying and in 365 days you will be well on your way to being more like them.

Want to change the destination of where you are headed?

Change who you hang around.
Change who and what you listen to.
Change your thoughts.
Change what you study.

Today, I'm taking note of where I'm headed and what I need to change.

How is your journey? Do you know where you are headed? Is course correction needed?

Next year will be an amazing adventure. Chart your course now and let that be one of your favorite things.

Joining Rachel this morning recounting favorite things at Finding Joy.

Tuesdays Unwrapped {unwrapping freedom}

2011-12-06T08:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday as I headed out in the brisk cool December air for jury duty, something hit me about what an honor it was to serve. Maybe I was trying to pump myself up for the day as I've never been chosen, which reminds me of the horrible feelings of middle school. Well, OK - I was chosen then, just always as the last one on the team. Can you feel my pain?

But yesterday morning, I wanted to be thankful. With the craziness of the season here my tendency was to panic. My house is still adorned with Fall decorations (seriously!), I haven't bought a single gift yet, and there are many Christmas activities to get planned. But instead of anxiousness what I was feeling was the honor of serving.

Our freedom isn't cheap. It cost us and usually at the worst possible time. A scene from Braveheart is coming to mind "FREEDOM!"

Our country's freedom came at a price too. It cost the lives of many men and women and I'm sure their service came at the most inappropriate time too.

Those freedoms ring true this holiday season, as well.

Think about it. Look what the Christ child gave up for our freedom:
He gave up a heavenly home for a manger.
He gave up Abba Father God for imperfect parents.
He gave up eternal living for death on a cross.

Are you longing to be free today? If so, then unwrap what it will cost and step into that freedom.

Are you longing to live in a free country? Then step out and serve your community.
Are you longing to be debt free? Then pay down the bills and don't use that charge card this Christmas.
Are you longing for a better marriage? Plan time to spend with your spouse.
Are you wanting to be free of your emotional stress? Figure out what you need to lay down at the manger of the Christ Child and do it.

Unwrapping freedom is so worth the cost! I'm ready to pay it, how about you?

Joining up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky today for Tuesdays Unwrapped.

unwrapping silence

2011-12-05T06:09:00.003-06:00

Have you ever had those seasons where you felt God was silent? Maybe you are there now, right along with me. You seek and search, yet no answer. You might feel Him stirring and moving your heart, but no real breakthrough.

Silence is Oh. So. Awkward.

As we unwrap the Christmas season and take a look at silence, our minds are immediately drawn to:

Silent Night, Holy Night,

All is Calm, All is Bright

I’m not sure how silent, holy, calm and bright those days were leading up to Christ’s birth. When you reflect on the years before the night our Savior was born, you learn:

-Christ was born after a period of silence! 400 years of silence. God was silent as the world waited for the Messiah.

-As the world awaited a Savior, the silence resonated of new beginnings, new life, and yet something unfamiliar fixing to happen.

-Before the silence was broken with the birth of Jesus, he was there. Although unseen he was there – moving, speaking, stirring, and preparing.

As we sense silence in our lives, we just have to know that God is fixing to do a new and incredible thing in our lives. We need to hold on, stay in His presence, and prepare.

Although, I’m not confortable with my specific season of silence I will hang on to the fact that God speaks in the quietest of whispers. And for me to hear the softest of whispers of God, I need silence. Mother Teresa captures the importance of unwrapping silence so perfectly:

"See how nature - trees, flowers, grass - grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence...we need silence to be able to touch souls."

Lord, unwrap the silence within each of us -- we want to touch souls for You!

I'm joining in with Carissa at Lowercase Letters today for Miscellany Monday - random musings to help make the mundane interesting. Y'all hop over and give her a shout out.

unwrapping tired

2011-12-02T06:41:00.000-06:00

I'm joining in over at Five Minute Friday. The goal is to write for five minutes over a specific word given topic. Tired.

GO

It was late last night. I was driving home from our church campus. It had been a long day filled with meetings, photo shoots, and serving others in our GED program.

I knew I was exhausted, but I wasn't expecting the wave of tears that over took me. Where did those come from?

As I reflected back over the day, I realized it was an emotional tiredness taking over my very being. Raw emotions of living a life out-loud for Christ.

As I began to unwrap the feeling pouring out of me, I realized the range of emotions were oozing from each end of the spectrum:

Blessings from hearing that words that I had written had made a profound life change in another.
Accomplishment as organization was worked through with a new ministry leader.
Frustration stirred watching leaders step down from serving.
Celebration as I shared with my own children incredible life steps along their journey.
And much sadness as the realization hit once again -- God can't change anyone until they want to change for themselves.

Emotionally tired - I was.

Remedy. I downloaded David Nevue's song The Gift that you can hear anytime at A Holy Experience.

Peaceful.
Calming.
Restful.

STOP

{unwrapping Jesus} I Will Not Panic

2011-12-01T09:00:00.001-06:00

As I turned the page in my daily calendar, it revealed December 1^st. Immediately, I could feel the panic, hustle and bustle weighing in on me. How was I going to fit anything else into my already busy schedule?

Don't get me wrong -- I love this time of year; there is something magical and precious about it. The season beckons family, friends, baking, parties and extracurricular activities, all of which sound dreamy and inviting -- until you and your family can no longer function due to holiday stress. And let's face it: when you are stressed out, chances are your husband and children are stressed too.

Does this sound familiar? If so, read my article I'm Dreaming of PEACEful Holidays.

It all too well describes my every December 1st. But this year, I want the stress, hustle and bustle to roll off me. I want to focus on the Christ-child. The ordinary Babe who came into this world in such non-peaceful circumstances, yet He came to bring PEACE.

I want that PEACE. I find myself longing for that peace.

Are you longing for that peace this season? Are you dreading the full schedules and chaotic days ahead?

It's alright to admit it, it is then we can do something about it. This year I want to unwrap Jesus daily, in every moment. I want to breath His very being and presence.

Joining up with Faith Barista for Unwrapping Jesus Thursdays.

Go Lower

2011-11-30T09:57:00.001-06:00

I woke up Monday with such a yearning in my soul for more of Jesus. I lingered in His presence. I journaled until my tired hand cramped. I sat. I pondered. I reflected.

Then I pulled out that handy-dandy 2012 list of goals I've been working on. It's that time of the year, remember? Who am I?

As I jotted down a few steps to conquering what I thought God was laying on my heart, I felt a sense of accomplishment. OK NOW, I'm getting clearer steps to these goals. Goals for writing. Goals for serving. Goals for leading. Goals for "personal stuff." The steps were coming together and I was excited, because I'm not a fine details kind-of-gal.

I closed my journal feeling like I had made some head-way. I got up ready to conquer the day feeling like I had already done a days work. Reflecting is hard! It was then that I heard it. That still small voice in the pit of my soul. The whisper.

Go Lower

There's no way to describe the moment. I stopped. Paused. Tried to catch my breath. I went back to my journal, pulling out my reflections and goals. There is was again, the whisper.

None of this matters. Go Lower.

Putting down my journal, I walked away in total confusion. What, Lord? Lower?

I made my way to my computer to get busy on the days work of answering emails and meeting deadlines when I saw a notice that one of my friends had mentioned me in a tweet. Curious, I clicked wondering what the post said.

I can only say it was a total confirmation of that still small whisper that I heard. I might have even gasped out loud.

The message is a must read. Read the post Climb Like Jesus here. Thank you, Kendra! (BTW - if you are looking to up your capacity in 2012 Kendra's Peak Start sessions are a must!)

I have to admit, going lower and climbing like Jesus goes against my gut. I've been taught set those goals, strive for more, climb that ladder, reach for the top. And Jesus makes it so simple . . .

Go Lower

Tuesdays Unwrapped {budding plants}

2011-11-29T05:02:00.003-06:00

I'm joining in over at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped. Come join in, link up, and let's unwrap the lovely, messy, and unexpected.

I had just got off the phone from the third person in one day contemplating quitting and giving up on their leadership roles in ministry. But this call was different. There were many questions. Many heart-hurts laying beneath the surface. A true new awareness that maybe they were a leader and it was frightening.

I couldn't help myself so I retreated to my computer. I needed to clarify some of my words. I needed to encourage once more as I clicked on email. What could I say that would help? What would I say that might make a difference?

And I started . . .

"I would never speak for you for I don't know your hearts struggles. But what you expressed today - looking from the outside - I see someone who needs to spend a multitude of time with God, not instead of ministry, but because of ministry. You are a leader. You have much to offer. You always have, you just don't see it.

You are a fighter. You are called. To move on and become who you were MEANT TO BE. Yes, it will be a struggle. So, just take some days to breath, to rest in God. To let Him heal those places that need healing. Let God reaffirm those promises He has spoken to the still of your soul.
You are but a budding new plant bursting out of the soil. I always wonder how that must hurt - a small fragile green stem pushing up the weight of dry soil. I ponder over the strength of that little plant as it grows through the hard thick places of dark dirt. At each new season, we are but budding plants. Today, you are budding. You can burst forth, if you so chose."

The gift is we are resillient. God made us just as strong as the budding plant that can push through the hard crusty clods of dirt, if we hang on long enough and keep striving. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it's uncomfortable. Yes, it is beautiful!

Maybe you need an extra push today to keep on. Maybe you need encouragement. Maybe you need the gift of budding plant. I pray you find the strength to spring forth here.

writing on the wall

2011-11-28T09:12:00.000-06:00

I got up ready and eager for my quiet time with God. I needed a Word, a breath of fresh air, a filling of my soul. As I dug into the book of Daniel all the sudden I came across a story that had me laughing. Seriously, it was something like out of Bed-knobs and Broomsticks or even Matilda.

The King had invited 1000 nobles for a feast. They were having a par.tay! They were wining and dining when all the sudden the fingers of a human hand appeared and began writing on the wall. You can't make this stuff up. Check it out in Daniel 5.

Of course, the King can't solve the written riddle on the wall. He longs for others to solve it. The Queen suggests they get Daniel and the story continues. But my mind was back at the finger writing on the wall.

The hand of God had written the message.
Where were the interpreters?
How would they know what it meant or what to do?

Those were the questions I was asking myself. God has written a message upon my heart. A new message. I can't interpret it or make it out. I long for clarification. I want to know. I want to see. But yet, all I sense is the message has been written and has YET to be unlocked.

That's the stirring within. That's the yearning for more of Him and His word. For the message upon my heart to be solved. Then I'd know where to go, what to do, or even what not to do.

Psalm 119:123 describes my longing:

My eyes strain to see your rescue,
to see the truth of your promise fulfilled.

I long to see the riddle written upon my heart fulfilled. I long to be rescued from my questions. Doubts. Fears. I long for more of Him while I wait.

I'm reminded that my journey with God is all about the writing on the wall.

What has God written on the wall of your heart lately?
Are you longing for interpretation?

That Time of Year {we know who we are}

2011-11-22T05:17:00.000-06:00

As I shared yesterday when God whispered "You are my child. Follow Me." a hush came over me. It was comforting. Warming. Calming. The questions quieted.

Why do I complicate it so? God answered it plain and simple. I'm HIS child. The visual of a parent saying "follow me" to their child floods my mind. A parent who leads their child to only the best for them. A parent who expects their child to have faith in them. A parent who longs for their child to listen to them and not their friends or the world. A parent who is honored by the obedience of their child.

But the questions still came. If I'm to follow walking, obeying, and listening to Him and not the world then why does my heart stray? Could it be because I look at your journey and it looks more appealing? Your writing is more captivating? Your ministry is more productive? And still yet, could it be I'm tired of my own course? If I'm really following God would my heart be asking all these questions every 300 days?

And yet more? Do I need a planned direction? Should I pursue to enrich myself and hone the gifts He gave me? If I'm to follow Him, then why does setting goals, looking back or looking ahead make any difference? Does planning mean I'm following my own path and not His?

As I yearned for more of God and His direction I was made aware in God Calling that I'm asking the wrong question. Maybe instead of "who am I", I should be asking "Lord, who are you?"

"Do not try to find answers to the mysteries of the world. Learn to know Me more and more, and in that knowledge you will have all the answers you need here, and when you see Me face to face, in that purely spiritual world, you will find no need to ask. There again all your answers will be in me." God Calling

If I'm asking, "Lord, who are you", then all of my answers will be in Him. As I wake up each morning and seek Him I will get the answers as how to best follow Him. And what I'm experiencing is God only answers with directions for that day. He will give you a days worth of marching orders. Maybe some days those orders to follow Him will be inline with your planned goals and dreams, while others days He might send you on an adventure to something He needs accomplished. The verse in Romans 8:15 MSG says it perfectly:

"This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children."

Does living on purpose matter? YES! As long as it's God's purpose.

Does setting goals make a difference? YES! But don't lose track of God in the pursuit of them.

Is it alright to ask "who am I?" YES! But it's more important to ask, "Lord, who are you?"

Will we have all our questions answered? No! But we know who we are!

I am sorry for the blank spaces of white and changed font. Blogger and I are not getting along today.

But that's OK because I know who I am!

That Time of Year {who am I}

2011-11-21T08:30:00.001-06:00

I sat at my desk. Making notes. Looking back on old goals. Looking ahead. My soul itching. An ember of hope flickering. Yet, I found myself scratching my head thinking Here I am again, it must be that time of year.

At least I can notice it now. With every November/December time frame comes a stirring in my soul. Look back where I've been, then look ahead to where I'm going. It's all part of setting goals and forging ahead. But this time there was frustration mounting. The fire burning within me was wavering. I could feel it. Then out of my mouth the words slipped in a quiet whisper,

"Oh Lord, who am I?"

Those quiet words took me back. I chuckled. Louder and louder. How many times am I going to ask myself that? I thought.

For days that scene baffled me. Who am I? Seriously! You would think at forty blah, blah, blah years of age I'd know that answer. Am I a writer, author, teacher, mother, daughter, wife, friend, ministry leader? Who am I, Lord? Who? What do You want me to focus on?

Not knowing whether to laugh or cry over the seriousness of those whispered words I began to dig in deeper to God's word and His message to me. Finally in a quiet moment I felt the still whisper of God (which was much more comforting that my whisper!).

You are my child. Follow Me.

part 2 here.

Friday Favorite Things

2011-11-18T08:19:00.002-06:00

I'm linking up with Finding Joy and Bigger Picture Blogs today to talk about my week's favorite things. If you want to join in or read about some favorite things to be thankful for, click the pic or link and head over there now.

Yes, it was an incredible a week! That was written with the tone of "wow, it was awesome!"

There are many favorites for this week, but these top the list:

I've watched a young mom fight through multiple challenges for a year and a half now. Sunday I witnessed that mom step into her role as our churches new Children's Ministry Director. God is working miracles in this girls life. I am so proud of you, Jessica!

Another person I've been watching grow is my son. Getting to go on a "mom and son" date Tuesday was the best. We haven't done that in awhile. It gave us time to talk about the future and his upcoming graduation from college in May. Why do little boys grow up so fast?

Another favorite was watching a class full of GED students come together and celebrate Thanksgiving. I loved the laughter. I loved the smiles. I love watching their self-confidence grow every week.

It was a great week. A favorite week.

How was yours? I want to hear about it.

Living Thankful {my camera}

2011-11-17T08:41:00.000-06:00

Do you have a hobby, interest, or special talent? Is it something that causes you to get lost in time?

I have such a thing. It's photography.

I love my camera. Yes, I use it for work, but my favorite all time is to just go out and capture nature, people, things randomly and let them speak to me.

Sometimes seeing the beauty of God's creation is what my heart yearns to capture. (as seen HERE)

Other times the personality of an expression captures my mind and makes me think.

And then there are the snapshots of something that remind me of a life lesson. (HERE or HERE)

Yes, all these precious things make my heart scream capture this!

I am so thankful for my camera and lenses. (thank you God for the way you provide with my camera)

What special interest do you have that makes your heart scream?

Living Thankful {trust}

2011-11-16T08:06:00.003-06:00

Trust. It's a five-letter word, but it is HUGE!

Have you ever had someone break the trust you had given them?
*boyfriend
*friend
*pastor
*confidant
*child
*mentor
*husband

We've probably all experienced that at one point or another in our lives. It hurts. It stings. It bites.

There's no easy bandage or fix. It takes time to repair and mend that break.

Trust is only earned or rebuilt over time.

When I first began teaching at the Westside campus, I was continually met with these stares that I couldn't figure out. They were not glares like they were upset with me, it was just a look that confused me. After weeks of praying about what the looks were all about, God revealed it was because the class didn't trust me.

That made such sense. Why should they trust me? Most of them never had one person who was consistently trustworthy in their lives. Now here I was saying, "trust God, trust me, trust, trust, trust!"

After a month of studies together a girl and I were in deep conversation one day and she said it, "I don't trust you!" She wasn't mad. She wasn't ugly. She was just stating the fact.

I assured her that she could, but I knew that trust would have to be earned over time. Fast forward one year. I get a phone call from that same "I can't trust you" girl and she was needing counsel and advice. She started off our conversation, "Alene, I'm calling you because you are the only one I can trust."

Earning someone's trust is worth the wait. It's worth the loyalty. It's worth the time.

Trust is so valuable. Without it, our words and actions have no impact on others.

If you are just joining in, you will find all the Living Thankful posts HERE.

Living Thankful {veterans}

2011-11-15T04:21:00.001-06:00

If you missed yesterday's post about my church and my new friend, you must read the first of the story HERE.

As the service ended, I sat praying, praying, praying for my new friend who claimed to be pagan. I was praying something in the message touched his heart. That God could speak through and give some answers to what my new friend seemed to be seeking.

We ended the service with announcements and they acknowledged our Veterans because it was Veteran's Day weekend. And then I heard from the stage "I'd like to personally acknowledge our visitor, my new friend, today. Sir, could you please stand up? We want to thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for the wars you fought, your bravery as a POW, and your dedication to our country."

The church erupted in cheers and a standing ovation for my friend. It was so moving! As the service ended I made my way back to visit with him, but I had to wait in a long line of people waiting to personally thank him. He graciously said thank you and shook everyone's hands. I continued to pray as I watched this incredible moment unfold.

As everyone cleared, I walked up to him and said "Thank you, sir! I'm so thankful you came to visit today." He answered, "I needed to be here. I have such a past . . . "

"But sir, we all have pasts. That's why we need God and Jesus' redemption," I answered back.

He was adamant, "No, you don't understand. I've killed people. I've killed children. I've fought battles and done things I'm not proud of."

With tears filling my eyes I looked him square in the eyes and said, "And because of your bravery and dedication to this country we are free to worship here in this place today. We are a free people! Thank you."

I am so thankful for our veterans and the fact that because of their service we live in a free country. There are not words enough to express the thankfulness. I can not imagine what many men and women go through out there fighting for our freedom, but from the bottom of my heart my soul screams "Thank you!"

Living Thankful {my church}

2011-11-14T09:46:00.000-06:00

As I pulled up to my church early yesterday morning, I was quickly reminded of how much I love my church. I know we all have great churches, but when God called me specifically to Bay Area Fellowship Westside campus a year and a half ago I had no idea how much my life was fixing to change.

The sun was shining bright and it was a cool crisp morning. I got out of my car and lingered for a moment as just about that time a few men were arriving. They were first time guests there. People greeted them and made them feel welcomed. They answered their questions "what do I do with my backpack" or "where can I leave my dog?" I was taken back for the moment of how much I love worshipping and serving along side the homeless of our community.

As I made my way up the sidewalk from the parking lot and beyond "Lilly" our guest Chihuahua tied up out front there was a man waiting for me. He was older, clean cut, and had a cap on decorated with many veteran awards. I made my way to him and welcomed him. We visited for a moment and he asked what time our services started. I gave him the times and invited him to go ahead and come on in. He politely said he'd be back for the 10am service. (my heart sank at that moment because I've heard "I'll be back" so many times and they don't return)

However, my new friend wasn't done visiting. He told me about his family and he had just moved within walking distance of our church. He told me he was a veteran and a POW. He told me he could speak Japanese. When I said I lived in Germany, he began speaking German, which I could not understand. Then he told me he was a pagan.

A PAGAN. (my heart sank AGAIN)

He went his way. I went on into church praying a fervent prayer for the next hour that God would work a miracle and bring my new friend back to church where he could experience and hear of God. I got the feeling he was searching for more in life. As it drew close to the 10am service I went to see if by chance God had answered my prayer.

HE DID! HE DID! God answered my prayer.

There in the hallway was my new friend. Others were welcoming him and he was smiling. He made his way into the sanctuary. He sat on the very back row as not to be noticed. BUT I noticed. I prayed. I prayed. I prayed.

Tomorrow I'll finish this incredible story of my new friend.

Living Thankful {words}

2011-11-10T16:17:00.000-06:00

After yesterday's post on Me & My Blog, I got to thinking about all the incredible ways I've been able to encouarage and uplift others through this little ol' blog of mine. God has touched people's hearts here, despite my limited knowledge of English, grammar, or blogging. But the unique thing though is none of this would be possible if it were not for words.

Words written.
Ideas expressed.
Thoughts captured.
Challenges given.

Just plain words. We are born with a voice and we begin to vocalize at a early age. Then when we begin school without much thought we learn to write those words. It's sad we don't give our words more attention, but we take them mostly for granted.

However, words are powerful.

Words encourage or destroy.
Words give life or death.
Words are small or BIG.
Words inspire or deflate.
Words challenge or suffocate.
Words are loud or soft.
Words are loving or hateful.

I want to live determined to leave behind words that give life, encouragement and blessings.

I'm thankful I have words to write and express that can become blessings others.

Living Thankful {me & my blog}

2011-11-09T19:16:00.000-06:00

Strolling through bloggy land the other evening, I ran across a blog that captivated me from the moment it began to download. There was something so inviting about it and then the words You & Your Blog peeped through. My heart quickened. Don't ask me to describe why that blog caught my heart - maybe it was because it was all about Finding Joy. Well, I don't know. You just go check it out HERE!

As I read the post about her blog, it sent me on a journey of remembering my own blogging experience. Why hadn't I captured glimpses of it over the years? Why had I taken many days for granted? Why? Why? Why?

So, I took the challenge and linked up with Finding Joy and many others to capture our blogs in this moment, in this time, for a snap-shot of what life is like now.

As I think back to the first blogging day ever, {i'm addicted}, I have such mixed emotions. I remember the words. I remember how scared I was to post something for EVERYONE to read. I remember the first comment was from my hubby and it was so corny that I deleted. {hubby - if I'd have known then what I know now I WOULD HAVE LEFT IT} But what I don't remember what was that first blog looked liked. It was a template. I had many templates. Then I remember the first blog design I had, it was like buying a new home. So refreshing. So proud. But I don't remember the actual look of it. :(

A lot has happened since August of 2007 when this blog began. I've written a lot. I've laughed a lot. I've cried. I've been frustrated. I've graduated three children. I've traveled. I've spoke out. I've published two books, co-authored a few, written for magazines, took on a 31 Day challenge to write in which my daddy passed away on Day 24, and I've pondered a lot, BUT nothing beats just sitting here writing my thoughts out to be absorbed into my own bloggy world and sphere. My hearts cries. My hearts desires. My hearts dreams. My souls words. Right here. Down on this digital paper. Down in history. Uploaded for all.

I never dreamed in 2007 what this place would come to mean to me. I couldn't have imagined the friends I'd meet in bloggy land and then be privileged to meet in person {leah adams of living thankful being one}. The challenges of personal growth and discipline that I've learned here are tremendous. And most importantly now I see how moments of my family's lives are now captured here through words, feelings, and pictures.

Today, I am so thankful for Positively Alene and all she has taught me. (obviously she hasn't taught me how to fix these darn extra white spaces here)

If you're a blogger, I encourage you to share your story and capture your blog along with the rest of us at You & Your Blog.

Living Thankful {breakthroughs}

2011-11-08T04:02:00.001-06:00

Do you ever have those days -- OK, let's get real -- maybe weeks or months where you feel as if you're living in a black fog? Nothing seems to click. There seems to be no light. You feel you're lost in outer-space somewhere.

You pray. Nothing.
You seek. Nothing.
You search. Nothing.

Then out of nowhere it seems that the fog begins to lift and the light begins to shine through again. Your mind thinks clearer. Your day seems organized. You feel full of energy. Everything seems right.

So, what happened?

I wish I had an answer, but I don't know. If you know, give me a shout out.

Today, I'm so thankful for breakthroughs where out of them I feel alive and full of energy again.

Living Thankful {retreat}

2011-11-07T05:43:00.002-06:00

Withdrawal.

Escape.

Quiet.

Peace.

Alone.

Rest.

Privacy.

Pull back.

Away.

It's funny how we can't even hear the continual noise that our life produces until we step away from it for awhile. This past week I had the pleasure of retreating. I knew I was due a rest. I could feel it in my body, but I had no idea how back I needed to retreat.

After 24 hours of no demands, appointments, calls, computer, or due dates my body began to appreciate the retreat. It took those first 24 hours to detox myself from the busy, crazy, chaotic schedule my life had cerated. I began to feel the peace fill my inner-life after 48 hours away. At 72 hours I was content to rest, escape, pull back, and enjoy the quiet.

I am thankful for the renewed peace.

I am thankful for my friend who let me retreat to her property for rest.

Is it time for you to retreat? Make time to escape, withdrawal, and pull back so that you can enjoy living a quiet, peaceful life.

Living Thankful {authentic hearts}

2011-11-03T10:02:00.000-05:00

For years I sat in Bible studies with a smile on my face, and yet a huge crack in my heart. Every girl there seemed so together. Every woman seemed to have her life put together. All was in order. Perfect kids. Great marriage. Perfect!

When you feel like you're living in a "perfect" world, it's hard to let you guard down and be authentic and real. You are constantly bombarded with the thoughts "what will they think" "what if they find out" or "why can't I be like them" running through your head. So your world becomes pretty superficial.

Others ask, "How are you doing?" And you respond smiling "FINE!"

Over the years of me teaching, I have been determined that I will never teach a class where I perpetuate the superficial environment I came to loath years ago. What I've learned is that if I'm real and authentic as a teacher, then I give others around me permission to share their true hearts.

Finishing up class last night, I was taken back by the true authentic hearts represented in the room. No one was there to pretend, yet everyone was there to encourage one another. The girls felt free to share their struggles. Girls felt free to encourage one another. Girls felt called to pray for each other.

I'm so thankful for the freedom that comes from true authentic hearts and relationships!

Living Thankful {life is like a box of colored pencils}

2011-11-02T08:31:00.001-05:00

This month I will be partnering up with my friend Leah Adams at The Point to focus on Living Thankful. Living with a heart full of thankfulness does not come naturally, it is a choice. Join me and let's count our blessings and remind ourselves of how awesome God is as He blesses above and beyond what we can fathom.

Have you ever examined all the colored pencils in a box? They are all useful and yet full of different emotions and response. Such is our life. I'm learning to be thankful for each emotion and color in my life. They might not all be my favorite, but they each serve a purpose.

Guess my favorite color? When my day is colored for me and I'm living in my sweet spot I feel like a fuchsia pencil. It's those days that I can say beyond a doubt "this is why I was created!"
Guess the best color for outlining? A black pencil is definitely not my favorite, but so essential to completing the perfect picture. Just as the black, dreary days of our live are not our favorite, but they are essential to our perseverance. It is during those dark days that we come to know God as our Jehovah Jireh and can feel His presence is such a new way.

Guess the importance of the brown, tan, and yellow pencils? They provide an incredible warmth and welcoming environment to any picture or home. They are the people, circumstances, and blessings that keep us grounded and moving forward.

Guess which color seems the most useless, but isn't? That crazy white colored pencil. It always seemed silly to color with white, however I was amazed at just how much brighter the object appeared once a little white was added. When God's bright spirit is added into our lives, the tapestry He has painted for each of us becomes brighter and more radiant. Totally not useless, but USEFUL!

God is such the Master Artist. I'm thankful that life is like a box of colored pencils.

What's your favorite color?

The Footprints I See

2011-11-01T07:55:00.001-05:00

I have seen and read the poem "Footprints in the Sand" numerous times. But I can say, this week, I finally understood what the author was trying to convey. It was a week ago today that my daddy went to walk the streets of gold with Jesus. While daddy left great footprints here on this earth, the sadness, pain, and tears following his departure have left me numb.

A numbness unfamiliar to me. A emptiness that paralyzes.

For some reason I remembered this poem and the comfort it has brought has been tremendous. While I don't feel connected to Jesus, while I can't sense His presence, and while I long to know He is there I was reminded through these words that He is.

"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me." The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."...Mary Stevenson

I'm so thankful that Jesus is not only there but He is the one carrying me through these days. Are you struggling or going through trials? If so, remember Jesus has you. He is carrying you. He is loving you. He is watching over you. He promises to never leave you or forsake you!

I'm so thankful those are Jesus' footprints that I see!

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 31 ~ never quit}

2011-10-31T16:41:00.000-05:00

If you are just joining in, I have just finished a 31 day series on Living with Purpose.

You can join in from day one HERE.

Here we are. October 31st. The challenge for me this month was to stay on purpose and write about it. I can honestly say, I have experienced a myriad of emotions this month while trying to stay focused. I didn't meet my 31 day goal, but the knowledge I gained was invaluable.

We all ask those questions of why am I here, what purpose can I serve, or even why can't I be like someone else. But I've learned our purpose is more than questions, it's about resting in God's presence realizing that even little things make a difference when we give our everyday lives to Him in worship.

Hopefully, you have spent some time thinking about your strengths, talents, and what makes you cry your eyes out or bang your fists on the table. I hope the posts this month have challenged you to say no to somethings, so you can say yes to those things most important. Remember, you are not superwoman or superman.

What has become ever more clear along this 31 day journey as my daddy breathed his last breath on the 24th, is that your purpose will be lived out each moment. There will be divine appointments along the way, as well as interruptions.

But when you decide to fill a need, you'll realize there's only ONE PURPOSE. And to that purpose . . .

you must never, never, never quit!

This is the last day in a 31 day series, start here to catch up from the beginning. Also, if you'd like some great reads, check out these other 31 Day-ers! Great ideas, how-to's, and thoughts.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 25 ~ life's a breath}

2011-10-25T15:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a sad day for me, but an amazing day for my daddy. He has gone to walk the streets of gold with Jesus. This day has made me realize the importance of living my life to the fullest and on purpose.

Our lives are but a breath and there’s no greater reminder of that than the loss of a loved one. My daddy worked diligently. He loved his family to the fullest. He served God. And he laughed and played hard. He was the most generous man you’d ever meet. And he always made you feel like you could do anything and you were the most important person in the world. He truly was a great example of a life lived on purpose.

Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 sums up the way my daddy saw life:

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him.

Life's but a breath, live out every moment with purpose, passion, joy, generosity and laughter.

Thank you, Daddy, for all the sweet lessons about life that you taught me.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 24 ~ fill a need}

2011-10-24T08:30:00.002-05:00

If you are just joining in, we are in the middle of a 31 day series on Living with Purpose.

You can join in from day one HERE.

Chasing after that all illusive "purpose" is a gut-wrenching process, especially if you are focused on the wrong thing. We complicate it. We want it to be big. We want it to be grand. We want to make a huge impact. While all that might not be bad, if that is our sole focus we once again are missing the point.

We've talked about the little things a few times throughout our 31 days and clarifying our purpose through the use of our strengths, but many times God just needs us to step out and help where needed. There is purpose in helping others by filling a need. Maybe that need is not your life-long passion, but in that moment doing what seems like the smallest insignificant thing by helping someone else, is huge.

Don't waste your moments sitting around trying to "find" your purpose, instead live on purpose. Live to fill a need. Step up and help a single dad trying to figure out how to juggle his four kids. Step into the children's ministry room at church and see if there is something you can do. Ask your boss if there is anything you can do for him. Provide a sandwich for someone on the street. Needs are all around you. Fill one.

God honors our actions. He wants us serving his people. Find a need and fill it, then watch how God will move and direct you. God can't move an immovable person. Once we get moving then He can direct our movements.

According to Newton's First Law:

An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.This law is often called
"the law of inertia".

Once you step out and fill a need, God can then begin steering you to your place of purpose.

What need do you see today that needs to be filled? Maybe God is waiting on you to step in and fill it.

This is Day 24 in a 31 day series, start here to catch up from the beginning. Also, if you'd like some great reads, check out these other 31 Day-ers! Great ideas, how-to's, and thoughts.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 23 ~ one purpose}

2011-10-23T07:35:00.003-05:00

If you are just joining in, we are in the middle of a 31 day series on Living with Purpose.

You can join in from day one HERE.

In case you haven't understood the underlying theme through each post over the course of the last 23 days, here's your one purpose . . . WORSHIP!

And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever. (Jeremiah 32:39)

Spend some time today worshipping our Lord and Savior. Your purpose is Him and all for Him!

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 22 ~ you're not superwoman}

2011-10-22T08:35:00.001-05:00

If you are just joining in, we are in the middle of a 31 day series on Living with Purpose.
You can join in from day one HERE.

Coming to terms with the fact that I was not superwoman was a shock!

Realizing that God didn't need me to be superwoman was even a bigger shock!

When God called me to step out and go to a new campus that my church, Bay Area Fellowship (BAF), was opening, I obeyed. Boy, you would have been proud of me (well, not so much). I heard God. I listened. I obeyed. I moved.

I was thrilled. I was doing it all. I was superwoman. I was the Bible study coordinator of the women's ministries at BAF and I loved it! I taught women's studies and met with incredible women weekly. My kids attended there and served. It was a great season of life getting to watch my children, young adults, serve. I was in heaven. Great church. Great kids. Great ministry. Great calling.

But after a few months of "doing it all" at both campuses, God got a hold of my heart one day. I was in my morning devotion time and I felt like I was living on the mountain top. Then somewhere on top of that mountain God tugged at my heart. He did it through the scripture Matthew 19:16-22.

Quick paraphrase: The rich young man asks Jesus what he needs to do to be saved. He had kept all the commandments and so Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The story tells us that the man went away sad.

What tugged at my heart that day was that the rich man wanted it both ways. He wanted to be superman! He wanted to keep his comfortable life and when Jesus called him to a new way of life he walked away sad. What God spoke to my heart had nothing to do with riches - it had everything to do with obedience.

The man asked Jesus "what do I need to do?" Does that sound familiar? Have you prayed "what is my purpose? where do you want me to go? how shall I serve you? We can all testify we've asked! But when Jesus gives his answer, sadness came. The rich man wanted to do what Jesus wanted and keep his old familiar life too.

That's where I was when God knocked on my heart. I wanted my "old" familiar life. It was a blessing. It was convenient. It was me! I wanted to go where God called, but I wanted to leave one foot in that comfortable place. Yes, I thought I could do it all. Shoot, I was doing it all! I was superwoman. But that day I had to meet with my leader and explain my disobedience. I cried through it all. I was sad realizing God doesn't want superwomen. He wants obedience and I was disobedient.

Yes, more than anything God wants obedient people, not comfortable people. He wants growth and new creations, not old convenient routines. He wants us to trust Him, that just maybe somewhere outside of that comfort zone, that there is a whole new way of life waiting for us. Something grander than we can imagine.

Are you trying to be superwoman? superman?

Has God called you to do something, but you're still trying to keep one foot in the comfort zone?

Your purpose waits on the other side of you stepping out in obedience. Trust Him.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 21 ~ just say no}

2011-10-21T07:33:00.000-05:00

If you are just joining in, we are in the middle of a 31 day series on Living with Purpose.
You can join in from day one HERE.

Let's just chat about a subject that's eating at me right now. It's one I'm struggling with and one I know God is saying "girl, you need to take a look at this." How do I know that? Because everywhere I turn -- devotionals, friends, pastors, blogs -- the topic is the same "just say no."

About this time every year I begin laying out my goals, dreams, and purposes for the upcoming year. So, I'm already thinking about my 2012 calendar. Are you? I'm praying through what needs to stay, what needs to go, and how it all lines up with my purpose. As I look at where I'm headed, it is overwhelming. I think that's why God is stirring up the "just say no, Alene" within me.

Do you wonder how you can live on purpose if you're saying no to great things? Do you think you have to say yes all the time to live life to the fullest? Well, saying "NO" is a more productive answer for us to live on purpose. Just because something seems good, doesn't mean it is our "yes". Maybe it's meant for somebody else's purposeful "yes."

Are there times when we need to say "yes"? Yes! When those interruptions come that we've talked about the last few days, sometimes friends and family need our YES right then and there to get through the situation. However, I don't think those are the Yes's that throw us off our purpose. It's those yes's we throw around so freely that get us off track.

When we don't take the time to think through what we are saying yes too, we then become overwhelmed by our yes'. So maybe what we consider interruptions sometimes are just the stresses of us saying yes to things that weren't meant for us.

When we become more conscience of saying "NO", then we begin to live life on purpose.

Check out the other 31 Dayers HERE.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 20 ~ divine appointment}

2011-10-20T08:54:00.000-05:00

If you are just joining in, we are in the middle of a 31 day series on Living with Purpose. You can join in from day one HERE.

Day 20 - is anybody out there still with me? I am feeling the burn, but so enjoying the journey.

Yesterday we talked about life's interruptions getting in the way and throwing us off the path of our purpose. Today, I want to look at the same thought but in a different light.

What if those interruptions are there for a purpose?
What if those real life frustrations were God's way of putting us back on His path?
What if we missed a divine appointment because we viewed it as an interruption?

"Even in the great decisions of life accept and welcome My Will. Try to see in each interruption, each task, however small, the same fulfillment of Divine intent." God Calling October 20

When we begin to see every aspect of our lives as purposeful, our minds are open to seeing distractions and interruptions as divine appointments. Looking through scripture, isn't that what we see?

Mary is engaged to Joseph and things are great . . . then she conceives Jesus by the spirit.
Mary and Joseph are traveling and ready to get home . . . they realize Jesus is missing.
5000 people are hungry, traveling, and looking for their next meal . . . and Jesus says sit down.
Saul is a bold leader persecuting Christians . . . he is blinded by the light on the road to Damascus.
Mary and Martha are visiting . . . Jesus and his traveling buddies show up and need a meal.

Take a moment to read through some New Testament stories and you'll realize each one contains an "interruption." It's in that moment that we see Jesus and the miracle.

Lord, forgive me for taking my eyes off you and being frustrated by interruptions. Help me realize those moments are divine appointments you have arranged for me to help others, listen to a hurting friend, hug a grieving soul, or just pray. Help me see that those interruptions are your way of putting me back on the path of Your Purpose. Amen.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 19 ~ BAM interrupted by real life}

2011-10-19T09:13:00.004-05:00

If you are just joining in, we are in the middle of a 31 day series on Living with Purpose. You can join in from day one HERE.

Do you ever set goals and then
BAM interruptions out of the ordinary happen to throw you off course?

Have you ever stepped out into the fear of the unknown to accomplish something and then
BAM interruptions out of nowhere happen to make you stop and doubt?

Have you ever sat down to write out your goals and then
BAM your mind is interrupted by a fear that invades your thought processes?

Living with purpose is not for the faint of heart. Interruptions continually happen.
Living with purpose is not for those who have their act together. Interruptions create chaos.
Living with purpose is not a walk in the park. Interruptions are bumps in the road.

Living with purpose takes focus every minute of every day!

Are you having a week of being hit with BAM, BAM, BAM? Be determined to stay the path.

Declare, I might be interrupted for a moment, but not for a lifetime.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 18 ~ discover your talents}

2011-10-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

If you are just joining in, we are in the middle of a 31 day series on Living with Purpose. You can join in from day one HERE.

Yesterday we visited about discovering your strengths. If you did not read the post, please hop over and read it now. There is something so valuable and affirming about knowing your strengths and God-given talents. Once again, I urge you to get any one of the StrengthsFinder assessments and take it.

Does your life ever feel like a blur? You aren't sure where you're suppose to be or what you should be doing. Well, bringing focus to what we are gifted to do or what our talents are helps us know the path on which we should step out.

So many times when we talk of talents, we think only of athletic, music, writing, or even artistic talent. But that's not the case. Each of us are talented. Talents come in many forms and fashions.

Is it easy for you to talk to others?
Do you love working with children?
Can you organize and plan well?
Are you great with numbers and spreadsheets?
Do you enjoying writing encouragement cards or letters to others?
Do you love the nitty-gritty details of a project?
Can you feel the emotions of another person when you visit with them?
Do you continually encourage and inspire others?

If you answered yes to any of the above, that's a talent. We are not all wired the same way by our Heavenly Father. And remember -- talents don't just come in big packages, they come even in the littlest of sizes. If you still aren't sure then read little isn't little from Day 12. Nope, if it's your talent and you are faithfully using it then it is huge!

Spend time examining yourself and getting to know your strengths and talents. It is so freeing when someone asks what your strengths are and you can actually answer. I know because I was in such a situation last week . . .

I was sitting in a meeting and out of the blue we were asked to name our top two strengths. Now before I would have gagged and thought Seriously, I don't have any. But last week I was able to say aloud and describe my top two strengths. Did it feel awkward? YES! Was it freeing? YES!

Spend some time getting to know yourself and your strenths. Write them down. Claim them.

It is so freeing!

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 17 ~ discover your strengths}

2011-10-17T09:02:00.001-05:00

If I were to ask you to name your strengths, could you do it?

Years ago, if you would have asked me to do the same, I would have hemmmmmed and hawwwwed around and would have been speechless. Then I would have proceeded to give you a list of all my weaknesses. Can you relate? Ooooh, I knew them well.

We all focus on our weaknesses. We try to strengthen our weakness. We let our weaknesses tell us we can't do something and feel inferior. Our weaknesses hinder us from stepping into our purpose.

But what if, just what if, we only focused on our strengths? What if we worked on strengthening our strengths and becoming better at them? What if we recognized those strengths and realized they are so important to our purpose?

My life changed when I read Now, Discover Your Strengths. You have got to get this book or any in the StrengthsFinder series. The newest one out is StrengthsFinder 2.0. Each book comes with a test that will reveal your strengths. This information is invaluable! Let me just say this, your strengths are your strengths. I've read every book and taken every test and guess what.....my strengths are still the same.

Note: Buy a new book. The book has a code you will need to take a computerized test. The timed test takes about 20 or so minutes. Make sure you have some quiet time to complete it. (I read the beginning of the book until it tells you to test, then take the test. After that the test will reveal your top 5 strengths, then I only read about those. These books give invaluable information about your strengths. If you get the StrengthsFinder 2.0 it will also send you an email with information about your strengths.)

I can't express enough how this revelation changed my life. First, I was floored that the test was so accurate. Second, I was excited to know I had strengths. (silly, I know!) And third, I was amazed that what I thought were weaknesses in my life were actually strengths; I was just looking at them wrong.

Knowing those strengths has helped me realize that I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139) with strengths and weaknesses. And when I focus on those strengths and move toward areas where I can use them more freely then I know I'm living more on-purpose.

Are you ready to know your strengths?

Get the book, take the test, and then let me know your top 5 strengths.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 16 ~ resting, really I am}

2011-10-16T06:49:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that we are half-way through our 31 Days of Living with Purpose. I've never written this many consecutive days on this blog. It's been a challenge. It's been fun hearing from all of you. But mostly, it's been inspiring to actually live my life on-purpose daily!

After an incredible weekend of celebrating 200 volunteers that made this day possible, today I am resting. I'm actually going to take my advice from day 2 (not to mention the urging from my pastor) and rest. Are you wondering, why rest? Read this post.

This is Day 16 in a 31 day series, start here to catch up from the beginning. Also, if you'd like some great reads, check out these other 31 Day-ers! Great ideas, how-to's, and thoughts.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 15 ~ why the tears}

2011-10-15T04:54:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been where you are so caught up in the moment of what you are doing that all your emotion, passion, and soul feel like one and you begin to tear up? That moment. That piece of time. That emotion. Priceless.

You aren't quite sure where that tear came from, but there is no denying that something is stirring within your soul.

That full watery tear says so much.

It says . . . this is a moment I'll never forget.
It says . . . there is something to this that resonates with my soul.
It says . . . this thing I'm doing touches the very core of my heart.
It says . . . this is where I want to be.
It says . . . this is what I'm called to do.
It says . . . THIS is my purpose.

My pastor has a saying,

"What ever makes you cry your eyes out or bang your fists on the table, that thing, that is what you are called to do."

What makes you tear up? Do you know why?

Is it some injustice being done? Is it the sadness you feel someone experiencing? Is it children playing? Is it the elderly? Is it the pain strippers experience in clubs? (see my friends ministry Simply Beautiful here - she knows why she has tears and set out to do something about it)

So, why the tears?

Chatting at the Sky has an awesome post about how our tears can be messengers. I love that thought because it is so true. Her post is totally worth the read. Touched my heart and stirred many emotions within me.

I'd love to hear what makes you cry your eyes out or bang your fists on tables.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 14 ~ the sweet spot}

2011-10-14T03:25:00.003-05:00

If you aren't following this blog, please do HERE. Great Christmas surprises coming soon.

Are you still longing to see and know your purpose?

Where is it?
What is it?
Where will you find it?

Well, let me ask you this:

What are you gifted to do?
What are your talents?
What do others say you do well?
What would you love to do, if time or money wasn't a constraint?
What legacy would you love to leave?
What do you dream of doing?

There is something so precious about all those answers. They begin to explain and reveal the purpose of your uniqueness, your call. If you've never taken time to examine and know yourself deep down to the core, take some moments - days - or weeks to do that. There are plenty of scriptures that ask us to search, examine and know our hearts. Get a journal and start with the questions above. I think God is honored when we view our lives important enough in His eyes to search ourselves and learn about our strengths and purpose.

If those questions seem vague and you want to see more clarity of purpose, then ask yourself "what do I consider my sweet spot?"

Your sweet spot is a place in time where all your gifts, talents, and emotions come together to stir your heart. There can be laughter, tears (which we'll talk about tomorrow) or a righteous anger that builds up within when you are in that place. It's that moment when you stop yourself and say "this is what I was made for."

There is nothing more exhilarating than that sweet spot. Your heart quickens, your soul longs for more time there, and your mind continues to dwell in that place. Your life converges as a whole and you just know "this is it!" Yes, this is what I'm called to do. Ah, that is an incredible feeling and place to be. If you have ever to experience that feeling, you know that you know -- this is it!

We talked about life being an ooey-gooey chocolate cake on Day 7. The sweet spot is found when we become aware of those precious ingredients in our life that are unique to us and begin living our life intentionally in that place.

I'd love to hear about your sweet spot.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 13 ~ self-help junkie}

2011-10-13T07:45:00.012-05:00

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If the little things in our lives aren't little (see Day 12), then how do we come to see them as big things and purpose? The answer is so simple that we all brush it off and say "yeah, yeah, I know that but really what do I need to do to live a purposeful life?"

Hello, my name is Alene and I'm a self-help addict! I've mentioned before, for years I struggled with finding that "one purpose" I was made for. If you are a "self-help" junkie like me, you are probably living in that section at the book store like I did for years. I couldn't get enough learning about personalities, strengths, leadership, passions and so on. I read furiously everything I could get my hands on and my mind around, YET I was still frustrated.

Yep, I learned a lot about myself in the process (that was a good thing), but walked away still empty. still longing. still wanting. It was one day when I was crying out to God trying to put all my frustrations into a prayer that He impressed on my heart to go read Hebrews 4:12. After much nudging from Him I went and got my Bible.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Those 9 words - for the word of God is living and active - caught me off guard that day. My mind dwelled on them and I felt God impress upon my heart "You'll never have the peace and fulfilling purpose that you want until you turn to ME. What you are looking for will not be found in all the other books you are reading, but only through ME. Come read what I have to say and I'll teach you."

You betcha'! That day I got my Bible out and started digging in. I was amazed at what a fresh light He shined into my heart and life when I started viewing my everyday ordinary life in light of HIS TRUTH! It was then that the little things began to become bigger. As I looked at Christ's life, everything He stood for was ordinary, yet HUGE.

He sought God is such ordinary ways -- in the morning, by the lake, on the mountain. And He served others with ordinary things in huge ways -- towels, mud, spit, rocks, thorns.

Through the course of that journey, God revealed to me two things you must do to find that peaceful purpose you are looking for:

1. Seek God everyday-- only He can reveal your purpose in each moment.
2. Serve Others with everything you have.

Come back tomorrow and w'ell talk about what happens when you begin to seek God with everything you have and serve others. Can you keep a secret? It's all about the sweet spot!

Let me hear from all you "self-help junkies" out there.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 12 ~ little isn't little}

2011-10-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

If your purpose isn't about you and you shouldn't look to others to find your purpose, are you wondering how you'll ever find it?

Your purpose will be found mostly in the everyday, as we've mentioned before. From the moment your eyes pop-open in the morning to the moment you crawl back in bed - there is purpose waiting for you.

For all of us that purpose is different. So many times our season of life -- college age, young married, young parents, employed, unemployed, healthy, sick, aged -- will guide us into the area of purpose God wants us pursuing at the moment.

If we don't live our everyday lives with responsibility and with Godly stewardship of our time, then how can we expect God to open doors for us to pursue something bigger for Him. Take it from one who got caught up in this rut for years. I spent so much time complaining to God about my everyday ordinary life that I'm sure He wanted to smack me one!

Be faithful in the little things of life and He will give you more as your obedience increases.

By. The. Way. What constitutes a little thing?

Why do we consider aspects of our life "little"?

If you're going to college -- that's HUGE as it opens doors for tomorrow.
If you are home raising young children -- that's HUGE as you're raising Godly leaders.
If you're caring for the elderly -- that's HUGE as you minister and love on them.
If you're caught up in a low paying job -- that's HUGE as you have a job and can move up from there.

Who dictates what "little" is?

Lord, forgive me for seeing the everyday routines as "little". They are certainly HUGE! They are where you can use me. They are your moments and each of those are HUGE! Thank you for making the little things not so little, but HUGE.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 11 ~ comparison kills}

2011-10-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

Curiosity did not kill the cat, comparison did!

I don't know about you, but I've spent many a moment on my journey to living with purpose comparing myself to others. What I've FINALLY realized is that I lose out on being me when I'm trying to be somebody else.

There will always be somebody whose purpose looks better, funner, prettier, messier, busier, and even more important-er. :) But we aren't to waste our life by comparing ourselves to others. We are instead called to live our lives serving others.

Our purpose is to please God, not people. 1 Thess. 2:4 NLT

That's it! Please God. Not people. Not our friends, family, co-workers, ministry partners. Just God!

When we waste our precious moments comparing what we have or don't have to others, we miss out on the opportunity to use our gifts and talents. When are eyes are on others purposes, we have no time to step out into our own future to grow our own gifts and talents. Put your eyes on God. He'll reveal that purpose as you seek Him and look to serve others.

Your purpose lies within you. Your purpose awaits you.

Rule for purposeful living: Quit comparing yourself to others, it kills the growth of your purpose.

Do you struggle with comparing your purpose in life to others life journey's?

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 10 ~ it's not about you}

2011-10-10T09:41:00.001-05:00

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I believe that many of us get so caught up in pursuing and finding our purpose - that we miss our purpose!

We set out to seek that grand thing where we can leave a mark here on this earth. We tell ourselves:

I want to leave a legacy. I want to make a difference. I want to be known. I want to influence millions. I will dig into books on purpose and meaning to find my purpose. I will find my purpose one way or another. I know I was born for something bigger and better. I am called, but to what. . .

Look how many I's are in the above paragraph. The first rule of thought about your purpose to remember:

Your purpose will NEVER be about you!

Your purpose will be found is serving others.

So, what is that burning desire within you? Find a way for it to serve others and meet their needs.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 9 ~ Everyday Worship}

2011-10-09T06:59:00.000-05:00

If you are just popping over here, you can catch up in this series of 31 Days of Living with Purpose here. I am on a journey of living the next 31 Days with meaningful purpose behind each thought and action. I'm telling you, at Day 9 this. is. getting. hard.

The first 8 days we've looked at how to live our ordinary moments on purpose in every little thing we do through rest, entertaining, keeping balance, and celebrating. Today, we'll look at worship.

Years ago when I began having a "who am I" and "what am I here for" crisis, God brought to new light a scripture that I've always loved. The new life was breathed into me through The Message version of the Bible.

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. (Romans 12:1)

To live purposefully as a living sacrifice is to take your everyday, ordinary life and give it to God as worship. I remember thinking WHOA . . . worship isn't just about one hour on Sunday! When you sleep, eat, walk, play, work, change a diaper, confront a friend, sing a song, plan a meal, or even run carpool -- it is worship to God. No mundane task or ordinary skill goes unnoticed by the Lord of Lords.

Now that we've laid the ground work that every day, moment, and minute have purpose, tomorrow we dig in a little deeper.

Are you having a "who am I" crisis?

Can you begin to see that everything - big and small - has purpose, meaning, and should be your everyday worship and offering to God?

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31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 8 ~ Celebrate!}

2011-10-08T08:56:00.000-05:00

There's a party goin' on right here
A celebration to last throughout the years
So bring your good times, and your laughter too
We gonna celebrate your party with you

Celebrate Good Times ---- YEAH!

Living a life with purpose means you stop and celebrate those special moments. Today, we celebrate my hubby's 50th birthday. He deserves to be celebrated. Each blessed day we live is reason to thank God for and celebrate. But even if there isn't a family birthday, please find something and celebrate along with us.

Our celebration was a family gathering at Brewster's downtown. We had a scrumptious meal and then topped it off with a concert by the Spazmatics. Totally 80's. Totally like "Revenge of the Nerds". Totally family FUN and Celebratory!

Today, I also celebrate I've conquered 8 days of the 31 challenge. I celebrate and give shouts out to those I serve beside in ministry. I give accolades to my children and props to my friends.

Yes, every day let's celebrate. There's a party going on, what will you celebrate?

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31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 7 ~ It's About Chocolate Cake}

2011-10-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

If life is a balancing act, why am I so clumsy? Does that questions strike a nerve somewhere within your soul?

Well, it does mine! For years people have said, "you need to make sure you are keeping your priorities straight . . . God, kids, hubby, family, work, ministry . . . and the list goes on and on." But the thing is, I'm not a juggler. Nor am I good at balancing balls, plates, or life. I'm just your everyday ordinary girl trying to live my life full of purpose.

So, where is that balance everyone is talking about? How do those priorities measure up? Truthfully, some days I think I have it. Other days, I feel like a failure. A few years ago I read a book by Christine Caine "Can I Have and Do it All, Please?" It was just the answer I needed. She gave me permission not to balance. I didn't have to set priorities. I could have it all!

The secret: Live your life out like a ooey-gooey chocolate cake!

You see, we've been taught for years to prioritize our lives. When we do that we set our priorities up to complete with one another. Which really is crazy! Why should my hubby have to compete with God or my kids with my hubby. That's the pie mentality. There are only so many slices to pie and who is going to get them. Who is going to lose out today?

But the ooey-gooey chocolate cake, think about all those scrumptious ingredients that go into making it. Each one of those ingredients are like elements in our lives: God, hubby, children, church, work, ministry, volunteer work, education, and finances. As we put all ingredients into the mixing bowl and work them together then eventually we get to taste and savor the ooey-gooey chocolate cake.

Our lives are like chocolate cake. There will be days when hubby gets more attention than kids, or ministry gets more attention than family, or our education gets more attention than voluteering. But in the end if we focus on those things that we are passionate about, we will savor our ooey-gooey purpose-filled life.

Living life on purpose is not a balancing act, it is the sum total of your purpose-filled days.

It's all about the chocolate cake! Yum.

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 6 ~ entertaining strangers}

2011-10-06T00:19:00.002-05:00

I've always had a fascination with this incredible thought provoking verse:

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV

I've pondered about bringing strangers into my house, but I could always come up with a million reasons and excuses why I didn't do just that.

But recently, I've realized that to entertain strangers doesn't always mean you bring them into your home. The definition of entertain is "to take into consideration or to maintain a thought". So, we can also entertain strangers by paying attention to them, keeping them in our thoughts, or caring for them.

Meet Mr. B. I met him months ago as I ran into him at church. Luckily it was a day when I was "in the moment." I wasn't rushing from one thing that needed to be done to the next, I was taking in every word, person, and thing happening. After one of our services, Mr. B stopped me to thank me for serving at church. It was his first time at our church and it was my honor to meet him.

As the months went by, I looked for Mr. B every Sunday. I wanted to know he was alright. I wanted to know if he needed anything. I needed to see him there. We had great conversations. I grew to treasure our short visits each Sunday.

Last Sunday, when I went to church, I found out Mr. B had moved. He is hours away from our church now. I can't explain the sadness in my heart knowing I won't get to see him each Sunday. Late that evening as I was thinking about Mr. B and how I would miss him, I was brought back to the verse in Hebrews.

I entertained, considered, and thought of Mr. B. He was a stranger when we first met. Now looking back, I truly believe he was an angel sent from above to open my eyes to so much.

What does this have to do with your purpose?

You need to live in the moment and slow down enough where you can open your eyes to the strangers around you. You never know, they just might be angels from above!

Positively Alene

Stop for the One Tuesday {The Pay Off by a Homeless Friend}

Joy Dare {needing to count}

It was Almost Like Christmas and a Give Away

When You Want to Quit - Don't {a legacy in the making}

Stop for the One Tuesday {Why Do You Do It by a Homeless Friend}

Joy Dare {gifts unaware}

The Purpose to Thrill to God's Word More

The Economy of More Purpose

The Battle of Two Purposes

Stop for the One Tuesday {a moment in time}

Joy Dare {challenged to count}

You'll Never Know What's on the Other Side

Open the Door, for Cryin' Out loud

Stop for the One Tuesday {phone interruptions}

1-2-3 Jump!

Happy Birthday Courtney - 24 things I love about you

Wanna Be a Mayan and More

Whatever You Do will Rock Your World

Wake Up that Sleepy Little Town in You

Stop for the One Tuesday {keyword STOP}

Through Your Ever so Small Beginnings He Can do Great Things

A Great Deal to Bless Others and Yourself

Books I Read in 2011

Best Blog Posts of 2011 {for some reason or another}

When Christmas Finally Came

{Unwrapping Jesus} did Mary ever feel guilty

The Engagement {part 4 - babblings from the morning of}

The Engagement {part 3 - keeping the secret}

The Engagement {part 2 - the ring}

The Engagement {if I could keep you little}

Home for the Holidays

{Unwrapping Jesus} when the light fades

The Lowly Babe Came for the Lowly

Tuesdays Unwrapped {i want to see}

what's so special about a birthday

unwrapping the journey

Tuesdays Unwrapped {unwrapping freedom}

unwrapping silence

unwrapping tired

{unwrapping Jesus} I Will Not Panic

Go Lower

Tuesdays Unwrapped {budding plants}

writing on the wall

That Time of Year {we know who we are}

That Time of Year {who am I}

Friday Favorite Things

Living Thankful {my camera}

Living Thankful {trust}

Living Thankful {veterans}

Living Thankful {my church}

Living Thankful {words}

Living Thankful {me & my blog}

Living Thankful {breakthroughs}

Living Thankful {retreat}

Living Thankful {authentic hearts}

Living Thankful {life is like a box of colored pencils}

The Footprints I See

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 31 ~ never quit}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 25 ~ life's a breath}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 24 ~ fill a need}

An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.This law is often called "the law of inertia".

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 23 ~ one purpose}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 22 ~ you're not superwoman}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 21 ~ just say no}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 20 ~ divine appointment}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 19 ~ BAM interrupted by real life}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 18 ~ discover your talents}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 17 ~ discover your strengths}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 16 ~ resting, really I am}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 15 ~ why the tears}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 14 ~ the sweet spot}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 13 ~ self-help junkie}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 12 ~ little isn't little}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 11 ~ comparison kills}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 10 ~ it's not about you}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 9 ~ Everyday Worship}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 8 ~ Celebrate!}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 7 ~ It's About Chocolate Cake}

31 Days of Living with Purpose {day 6 ~ entertaining strangers}

An object at rest will remain at rest unless acted on by an unbalanced force. An object in motion continues in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.This law is often called
"the law of inertia".