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

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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

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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.

unwrapping silence

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.

Let Out a Tarzan Yell

I just spent an incredible weekend with the girls of Springcreek Church. WOW! It was amazing. They were so friendly from the moment I arrived. Every detail was attended to and I was blessed beyond measure to be there and be a part of God’s work among that church.

Their retreat theme was “Remarkably Ordinary!” Definitely a subject after my own heart. As I spoke, I knew God was doing incredible things in the hearts of those girls. It was amazing to see God’s joy, peace, and truth fall upon everyone’s heart.

What I love about sharing God’s message is that it never returns void! I know this because my own life is always changed as well. As I left the retreat, I knew there were things God had spoken to me that needed to be acted upon. I was on cloud nine. I was dancing on the mountain top. And if you could have heard me you probably would have heard the famous Tarzan Yell resonating within my soul.

I was pumped. God had spoken. I felt empowered to step out. I was ready and the world had better watch out.

We all have moments when we feel fit for anything. Right? It’s like we are shouting, “Bring it on!” Those moments for me usually come when I’m on the mountain. Things just seem easy at that point. I’m renewed, refreshed, and recharged! Let’s go!!!!!

But somehow or another coming down off the mountain, it’s like stepping into a different world. An ordinary “gray” world compared to what was just experienced. The light, charge, and empowerment all seem to fade. I begin to think, "What was I thinking? God, what are you doing?"

I’m challenging myself this week to fight through and bring the standard of my ordinary, everyday life up to the standard that God placed before me on the mountain top. It might take a lot of Tarzan yells to keep it up, but I am going to fight through.

If God reveals a new light or truth on the mountain, then it is to be acted upon immediately. I need to act upon it.

I challenge you today to never change your decision from what you saw and experienced on the mountain top! What God revealed in the light is what He expects you to act upon.

Now, let’s let out a loud Tarzan yell and get to moving! (or would that be swinging?)

Love Story

Trying to meet some writing deadlines today, I found myself staring at a blank piece of paper with nothing to write, so I posted on Facebook “Where do I begin?”

As I sat there a little longer the melody to the theme from Love Story began to form in my mind. The next thing I knew I was singing it, but I had forgotten all the words. “Where do I begin? blah, blah, blah . . . great a love can be . . . doo doo doo deeee!”

Hallelujah for google! Looking it up - this is how really goes --

Where do I begin?

To tell the story of how great a love can be

The sweet love story that is older than the sea

The simple truth about the love he brings to me

Where do I start?

How do you begin to explain the greatest love story? Whether it is the love story of Christ (the best Valentine gift ever) or your hubby it is hard to explain. Especially because that line - “Where do I start?” doesn’t even rhyme with the rest of those lyrics and that totally throws me off.

However, as Valentine’s approaches everyone is singing love. But maybe, just maybe -- some of you out there are blinded - like I once was - by what real love is. I use to think it was fairytale like with a happily ever after ending every day!

Well, watch below. I soon realized or should have realized otherwise. This is where my love story started amazingly some 27 years ago.

Leave a comment and let me know how your love story began.

Pick ME, Pick ME

I picked up Cosmo
I read the print
I saw the pictures
I got their hint.

I’ll never be good enough
On my own
Because I'll need surgery, make-up
Men or money – I moan!

I read the surveys
And memorized the facts
I can quickly tell you
Of everything I lack.

I lack good thighs
I need fuller lips
My love life’s a disaster
But they’ve got ten great tips.

I read Glamour
I marveled at the pics
I want to look like a model
But I’ve got too much to fix.

There’s no hope
My mind screams today
In a still quiet whisper
I hear Someone say . . .

You are who you are, child
And I’m proud to say
I made you Myself
In a unique and special way.

Now, hold your head high
Look others straight in the eye
Be the best you can be, and
Quit listening to the world’s lies.

Cosmo, Glamour, and Seventeen
Are not the books to read
They’ll always leave you wanting more
Because of the lies they feed.

If you want to be a star
And shine, oh, so bright
Come to Me, my child
I’m the Way, the Truth, the Light!

Remember, I’m the Master Creator
And I’ve made no junk
Let go of the worlds’ expectations
To get out of your funk.

Put down the magazines
And pick up My Book
Then others will surely stop
And take a second look.

Yes, come to My Book
My dressing room
There you’ll find all you need
There love for yourself will bloom.

Loving Me is critical
Loving yourself is key
It’s Me you need and want, my child
Pick ME, pick ME.

What's Next, Papa?

Visiting with a friend recently, I was reminded of how our relationship with our earthly father is such a vital part of our life. We grow up with dads and our perception of that relationship all too often determines how we view our Heavenly Father.

If our dad was demeaning and overbearing in nature, we tend to view our Heavenly Father is the same light. To break the bonds of those feelings and thoughts it often takes time and a strong determination to retrain our minds to think of our Heavenly Father as loving, caring, and nurturing.

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. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him! (Romans 8:14-16 MSG)

You might not be able to relate to the photograph above because you weren’t afforded the opportunity to have a father figure you could trust or enjoy spending time with. But God wants to be near you today.

He wants to carry you on His shoulders to see new things and experience blessings He has waiting for you. He wants you to know you can trust him and that He thinks you are precious. My friend, don’t get bogged down in the past. Let it go and find your confidence and worth in your Heavenly Father.

Be adventurously expectant, hop on God’s shoulders and ask “What’s next, Papa?”

Newcomer Feature

During one of the most busy weeks of my life thus far, I was informed that Dirty Laundry Secrets - A Journey to Meet the Launderer was chosen as a Newcomer Feature at this years Women's Ministry and Bible Study Expo. I couldn't believe it. I have no idea how it came to be - but Hallelujah! God is so good to go before me, behind me and beside me.

Along with Jill Savage, Laurie Cole, Jen Hatmaker, Mindy Ferguson, Shaunti Feldhahn, and Lysa TerKeurst, I will get to share the "the rest of the story" -- how I wrote it, my vision for it and a bit about myself. If you are looking for your next study or you're leading a group in the Fall, you don't want to miss this Expo. I'm sure you will find just the study you are looking for.

I'd love for you to join me on this journey. You can hear my interview tomorrow at 2:45pm by logging online here or you can call-in to (646) 727-2510.

I'm totally amazed and stoked!

Think Big

Below is a post from a ministry partner, Leigh Gray at Speaking Thru Me Ministries. Awesome thoughts! Thanks Leigh for letting me share your thoughts here.



What is God asking you to do right now? I don't mean if God has ever asked you to do something, I mean right now He is asking something of you - Are you listening? God always wants to engage us in things that He is involved in. Are you willing to respond and think big?

The line of questioning above reminds me of the time Jesus asked the disciples to feed the 5000. On this occasion Jesus and his guys had been ministering all day and were ready to retreat. They asked Jesus to make the crowd go away. Jesus replied with an odd statement and probably very frustrating to the the disciples, "You give them something to eat." Jesus was not solving the problem, but giving the disciples even more to do. He was engaging them - big time!

Coming from Charlotte, NC we had every conference under the sun not only come to the city, but most of the conferences came to my big church. It was not uncommon at all for me to go to each and every event - I LOVED it. I would always come home with so much excitement and energy. But it was one of those things that unless you are there it was too difficult to explain. No matter how dramatic I got with Clay he just didn't feel it the way I did at that time. Bummer!

It was not long after moving to Southern Illinois that I began to thirst and starve for that kind of ministering again. And then the Lord asked something of me. I was at a Mark Schultz concert down in Marion and as I stood up to look around the Lord whispered in my heart, "Bring it here - men and women alike." Over time He revealed not just a music concert, but speakers and worship for both the man and woman at the same time. Not a marriage conference at all, but a worship/ministering conference for both of all ages. Something for the area of Southern Illinois that doesn't make us drive to St. Louis, Indy, Chicago, or Louisville. The impulse girl that I am said, "Sure thing Lord, I would love to do that." Then the fear began to set in.

As the disciples began to pass out all they had, 5 loaves and 2 fishes, I am sure the fear began to set in. "What happens when we get to the sixth person? What happens when I can not feed a baby? What happens when i run out? What if more people come up?" I think there was fear there as well even though they had seen Jesus work all the miracles not only that day, but throughout His ministry.

In verse 16 of Luke 9 Jesus gave thanks and then gave the food to the disciples to let them be engaged in the miracle happening. Jesus could have multiplied the food immediately, but instead He gave the food to them to see and feel with their own eyes and hands all He was doing. It was if He was saying, "Come on guys, take part, be engaged, think bigger, and trust Me."

After feeding everyone I believe it to be no coincidence that there was 12 baskets leftover for each of the disciple. When we give of everything, even a heart lacking in faith, He still faithfully provides filling us in unimaginable ways!

Speaking Thru Me Ministries has just been granted 501(c) tax exempt status. That means that we are able to take donations and give the donor a tax benefit. Yeah!! But having said that we have little to nothing in the pot to speak of. If you remember correctly our speakers take no kind of speaking fee. I would say we have even less than 5 loaves and 2 fish. Nevertheless God has given me this story today to encourage me that He will provide in abundance.

September 2009 I have rented the Marion Civic Center for a conference for men and women. I have already booked Curtis Jones, Beth Moore's son in law, to speak. I am working on the worship leader and a few more speakers. Priscilla Shirer has already gracefully declined. So I continue to reach my hand in the basket to pull out more and more loaves and fishes. Every time I begin to panic - will anyone show up - how will i ever pay for all this - what if my speakers cancel at the last minute - how is this different than anything else - I reach my hand once again in the basket and He provides...scripture, cards from friends, emails from family, holy nudges!!

So, what is it for you today? What is He calling for in your life that you should be engaged and think bigger? Can you hear Him? Have you taken the time to sit before Him today? Listen to the voice of the Savior! Keep digging for more loaves and fish!! It is there!!! He is there!

God is SO amazing!

Rejection - Ouch!

Rejection might as well be a four-letter word in my dictionary. It hurts. It stings. And it leaves whelps on the ol’ self-esteem and confidence. Ouch!

In my world of writing, I’m learning to keep the suave handy for the bumps and bruises. Just last week I got a couple more stings – rejections! Ouch again! Oh, they were nice rejections. They weren’t full of any four-letter words, even though it hurt like they were. But somehow even a nice rejection is still a reeee-ject-ion!

The silly thing is I actually got some great news for some incredible opportunities and even got a YES, but still all I could focus on was that rejection. I realize rejection will either make you better or it will make you bitter. Hummm? I get to choose. I do want to be better.

I want to be a better leader, a better writer, and a better communicator. All of which doesn’t happen over-night. Shucks!

John C. Maxwell writes in The 360 Leader, “The key to personal development is being more growth oriented than goal oriented."

Well, I’m certainly being forced into growing. A dear friend told me this week I should save all my rejection letters. Before I could shout “ARE YOU NUTS!” she reminded me that those are a true sign that I’m accomplishing something. I sighed - True?

Rejection is never easy. Even as a child I can remember certain instances when I felt so rejected that it still hurts to this day. Actually, some days I could just throw a big pity-party over what happened years ago.

When I let myself get to that place I’m always reminded of what true rejection is – it’s being charged with a crime you didn’t commit, while your best friends betray you. It’s being spit upon, being called names, being stripped naked and mocked in front of multitudes of people. It’s being beaten with many blows and then being hung on a cross to die.

We can learn a lot about true rejection from the life and death of Jesus!

That’s true reeee-ject-ion!

Amazing that I let a little rejection letter get me down.

There is a Point

Now for the rest of the story . . .

I’m nauseated and half of the boat is motion-sick and leaning over the boat heaving when the Captain announces, “Just nine more fish and we are at our limit.” WOO HOO

I hop up, grab my pole and start fishing again – I want to go home!

Within minutes we had caught our nine and were instructed to reel in again. I’m breathing easier and so thankful we caught our limit. This journey is soon to come to an end. Did I say WOO HOO?

We all take our places and the Captain fires up the boat. He announces over the PA that we need to sit securely for we'll be traveling out a little further to catch shark!

What?

Who wants shark? Besides, aren’t we over our limit?

Somebody help me!!! SOS

Arriving at the “perfect” spot for shark, we stop and some begin fishing. (Thankfully the seas were calming a bit.) This was a different kind of fishing. When we were fishing Red Snapper you put your hook down and viola you had a fish, sometimes two. As I watched these shark fishers I noticed they would put their hook down and wait and wait and wait . . . This wasn’t near as fun.

However there were a few exciting moments. Curt caught a shark. Then niece caught a shark. It’s the one thing she wanted to do and did.

Since I just wanted to go home, didn’t care about catching a shark, and was still nauseated this gave me a lot of time to sit and reflect on this “wonderful” experience. Thanks brother!!!

I realized fishing was much like me being a fisher of men as Jesus calls us to be. I enjoy meeting people, telling them about Jesus, studying together, seeing changes take place in their life, witnessing them come to know Jesus and begin their life trusting Him. I can see the progress. I can see that they get it. There is evidence of my work and time with them. It is exciting times. It is much like fishing for Red Snapper.

But fishing for shark is much different. Actually, I don’t care for it and in my spiritual life being a fisher of man when the process is slow is hard. I try to keep my focus. I keep my prayers focused. But still there is no progress to visually see that they are getting it. They put up a fight, they don’t understand and they question. It’s not as thrilling when I can’t see the results. I’ve got to be more mindful to not give up when the journey isn’t “fun” anymore. I need to be more patient when fishing for shark.

Hubby said, “I’m not a fisherman, I’m a catcher.” Great description – I do love the catch. The evidence of your fishing.

Jesus calls us to be fishermen.

All I have to do is keep throwing the hook “Jesus” out there and He’s responsible for the catch.

Amazing!

We topped off the weekend on a glorious note. We traveled to my brothers church to hear him preach and his daughter was baptized! It just doesn't get better than that!

Because You Say So Continued

Questions. Questions.

That’s all I had for awhile. OK – I still have some today. It seems the more I rely on Christ, the more questions I have.

When Speaking Thru Me Ministries (STMM) contacted me, I had begun studying Experiencing God again. I knew I wanted to experience God, claim Him as Jehovah-Jireh, and minister in a way that was authentic to me, my personality and my purpose. Leigh suggested I read The Barbarian Way by McManus. That book totally described the kind of faith I want to have – raw, untamed and unleashed. No more status quo.

I realized, STMM is a perfect fit for me. A ministry built on crazy faith! A ministry God has called to function in an unconventional way so He can move in extraordinary ways in others lives.

STMM provides churches of any size a professional speaker. STMM sees that those churches and organizations needing professional Christian speakers will be able to have them, regardless of their ability to pay. STMM is a free-speaker service.

Crazy? Barbaric? Insane? Right? However, it just fires me up! Imagine working with a team that is that sold out to what God is calling them to do – even when it doesn’t make sense. It’s going where God calls you, no matter the cost. Utterly amazing! It will be risky, adventurous, uncertain, and unlimited with possibilities.

As I continue to seek God’s direction about my purpose in light of this ministry, He is opening doors and providing resources needed. It’s nuts – but I love it!

Lives are being encouraged. Lives are being changed. I am truly experiencing God working in my life. He leaves me breathless. He certainly is Jehovah-Jireh!

It’s crazy!

But because You say so . . . Lord, I’m with You.
Because You say so . . . I will follow.
Because You say so . . . I will not question.
Because You say so . . . You will provide.
Because You say so . . . lives will be changed.

Lord, I’m totally amazed at Your amazing ways!

Beyond Expectation

I am totally in awe of how incredible our conference was this weekend. I woke up at 5am Saturday with such an excitement and expectancy. I just knew that God would show up BIG. The moment I walked into the church a chill ran through my very being that said this day would be something so powerful for so many women.

As the band opened up with “God is in the House” I couldn’t contain myself. God was in our house. He was reigning down and His praises were raising the roof. The energy, excitement and enthusiasm is beyond explanation.

Lives were changed, hearts were softened and women were reminded where their true beauty comes from. We serve an awesome God, an incredible Creator and a beautiful Sculptor.

I’m left breathless and blown away by an abundance of blessings!

Come check out Makeover Monday’s and have some fun with us. Invite your friends. The more the merrier!

Christ Point Volunteers - YOU ROCK!!!!!