Lead Me

I remember my daddy teaching me how to dance as I was growing up. We would pick the best music (my kids would probably gasp as the kind of music I learned to dance to) and put on the album (there were no iPod's back then either). As I tried to get the hang of the different steps, my dad would have me put my feet on top of his old worn out boots so I could feel the steps and motions. I remember his firm grasp and the comfort of his hands as he'd lead me in a beautiful dance. OK - it wasn't quite beautiful yet -- I was just learning.

To this day when my hubby and I dance, there is such a comfort having him hold me firmly by the hand as he leads me. His hands grasp me tightly and I feel such security. There are no cares or worries, I know he has me with his firm but gentle grasp. I can get lost in the moment because I'm being led. I know when to step right, left, forward and even backwards. And as the grip of his hand changes I know it's time for a twirl. (my favorite!)

There is so much we can learn by the firm grasp of someone's hand. As I visit with women daily I'm continually amazed that underneath all of our toughness, dysfunction and the chaos of life women just want to be led. We want to know we are loved, cherished, and protected. We want to be led by strong arms through the dangers and craziness that each day brings. We long to feel secure and are crying out on the inside "Someone, please lead me, protect me, love me!"

While many did not grow up with a daddy to lead them or today don't have a hubby to hold them firmly while navigating the cares of the world there is still one that we should cry out "lead me" to and that's the Father of all.

As we grasp our Heavenly Father's hand through a deep relationship in His Word we'll surrender our dance to His leading. We then will gain a sense of His love, protection, and guidance. While we allow Him to lead we feel comforted even among the dysfunction and hardships of life.

Cry out to your Heavenly Father "Lead Me!" You'll soon feel Him swoop you up, place you on His path and a beautiful - peaceful - adventurous dance will begin to take place.

Follow Blindly

For years I’ve asked God for a little glance into the difference I might be making. For years, He has been silent regarding this question. So, I continually wondered “Am I even making a difference?”

Of course, you would have thought I would have learned that it is not about seeing the difference you are making - it is instead about being obedient to whatever God asks you to do. I get that - seriously I do. But yet, why do I still need the confirmation that what I say and do does make a difference? Can anyone else relate?
Maybe it is my lack of faith. Yes, me of little faith who needs to see those mysterious ways God works. However, having faith in any area means you will not see. That’s faith. You are hoping, but you are not seeing. You are following God’s direction, but you feel like you are wandering. The book of Hebrews puts it pretty clearly!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

I wrote HERE that I was struggling to be obedient in writing. I wasn’t just struggling, I was bickering and groaning. It’s a wonder God didn’t snatch me bald-headed and take me out to the woodshed. But instead, get this . . . He actually gave me a glimpse into how my writing was making a difference.

Last week I received so many confirming emails from gals who had read those articles or my Bible study and they actually shared personally how those Words had impacted them. I cried like a baby. Once again I was begging for forgiveness for complaining about the gifts God had given me to glorify Him and serve others. I cried because I was so touched by each email and the journey these gals had been or were on. I thanked God for the sweetness of each word as I felt God sweetly whispering, “Alene, get over yourself and get on with MY business. I’ve given you the glimpse you’ve asked to see. Now, move on, share, and love my people!”

God is so amazing! He is definitely doing a work in me (any many others) at the moment. I am growing my mustard seed of faith, following HIM blindly and wondering “What’s Next, Papa?”

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.

Makeover Monday's

I have to admit that I took this test.

I swore the last time I took a personality test, I wouldn’t take anymore. I have taken almost every test out there and I'm still the same ol' me. But a friend sent me this link and I just HAD to take it. I couldn't resist!

In case you are wondering, I'm still the same me. Shucks - I so wanted to be something or someone different. Remember Popeye's catchphrase "I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam?" Yes, I am what I am, by the grace of God. You are who you are, by the grace of God.

However, like me, are you left wanting something different, something you don’t have? Maybe you wish for someone else’s personality, clothes, house, job, ministry or attitude.

What I'm learning through this process is that wanting what I do not have leaves me empty every time.

Paul learned how to be content with his circumstances, his past, his finances, his ministry and his personality. Philippians 4 The Message puts it this way:

I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Lord, make me over today. Let me be content with my past, my present and all that I am. In You, I yam what I yam. Amen.

Mr. Fashion

Our son, Blake, came in from school yesterday pronouncing that he was voted by his senior class “Mr. Fashion.”

If you knew Blake, you’d just have to chuckle. He is definitely a cutie. He has always had his own style, but fashion???

Even Blake said, “Wow, I must have some really cool t-shirts and shoes because I wear the same jeans everyday.” He speaks the truth. :)

The thought that Mr. Fashion is the best dressed leaves me chuckling. I think what sells his “fashion statement” is that he knows who he is. He knows what he likes and is not easily swayed by peers.

As I continually learn who I am, I’m realizing there are many out there who are trying to find themselves just like I am. We all want to be something we are not. How frustrating?

We should probably all take lessons from Blake. Be who we are 24/7, dress how we want, and continue to be secure in our own skin.

We can take that fashion statement to heart.

Do you have any fashion stories you’d like to share?
I’d love to hear them.

Signing off ~ Mr. Fashion’s mom

It's Official

We have our women’s conference coming up this Saturday. I can’t wait. Check it out here. If you are in the Corpus area, come join us. Our theme is “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – I Can’t Afford to Go to the Mall.” We will be talking about how the world, TV, magazines, and even other people influence how we feel about ourselves.

As I was searching the web for some information and statistics related to women’s perceptions of themselves, I was led to a site that has totally got me perplexed.

By their standards it’s official – I’m OL!

This great site had a lot of information about fashion, style and make-up. However, as I read I began to feel a wave of depression come over me. The site said “If you wear foundation, don’t. That’s so old lady. OL.” “Never wear powder, this is out and definitely OL.” “If you don’t wear brown shades of eye shadow; you’re OL. If you don’t do your eye brows a certain way; you’re OL. If your eyeliner looks like this; you’re OL.” I'm doomed!

I knew the day would come when I’d be OL; I just didn’t think it would be today. tear, tear

All joking aside, the site I found proves the point of our conference. Can we agree it is too easy for the world to influence the way we feel about ourselves?