Setting the Anchor

When I met my husband, our love for the beaches took us out to deeper waters where we eventually were SCUBA certified and now 3 of the 4 kids are also SCUBA certified. Every other year we rotated our mountain and beach family vacations with beaches always being our favorite kind, mostly because they are way less work, especially with 4 kids in tow.
In 2014, the Lord moved us to Florida where we found it less expensive to buy a used boat than continually pay for 6 people to snorkel or dive every week. It was the first boat either of us had ever driven, much less owned. So crazy! Living an ocean lifestyle has been amazing and the Scriptures have taken on a whole deeper meaning as I study deeper waters, anchors, winds, navigating, stars, cast nets, fishing terms, etc. 
I love hosting friends and family and for the first time, I had some of my dearest Texas girlfriends over for a Girls Retreat. As we headed out for our day on the water, we set our course and readied ourselves with water, sunscreen, good music and stocked the boat with goodies and supplies. After a 15 minute trip out, we approached the buoy at the snorkel spot, got my co-captain help-mate set up to take over the controls so I could grab the line and tie us up. I could have done it by myself, but why, when you have someone willing to help you. It's efficient and just makes sense. Thankfully she is a teachable, confident girl and we communicate really well and think a lot alike. Sometimes it was a hand signal or a look and she just got it. We make a great team getting all the things done and running the boat was no different. She helped me get hooked up and take care of the two other girls who were newer to being in the water and got them in the water. For one of them, it was her first time snorkeling, woohoo!! The water was clear, refreshing and amazingI Great sister snorkel.
Next stop was the local Sandbar so we could chill & chat. Here however, you must drop an anchor. It was a newer spot for me so I wasn't as familiar with the ground density. I handed the controls back over to my co-captain once again and grabbed the anchor, got her aligned to the right depth and dropped the anchor. With waters quickly approaching 12" and less, it's a quick drop. Efficiency is key! You have to get it set so you don't beach the boat or float back out.
As soon as we dropped the anchor, I hopped out of the boat, checked the ground, looking for a solid spot to let the anchor do its thing. Curious, they asked Why and How I knew what to do and I explained how the sand was firm in some areas and mushy in others so it was important to make sure we had hit solid ground and it was caught so the boat wouldn't float away as we tootled around the sandbar looking for shells and critters. I only knew about the soft spots because I was familiar with the sandbar and remembered the bottom floor. It's a long swim if your boat gets away, haha! Who knew one of the smallest things on the boat could be so important besides the motor prop (another blog about the tongue coming soon)!
The first drop was not solid ground. It landed into very soft sand and the anchor sank a good foot below. As I pulled on it, it almost felt like a suction had been created and boy oh boy was it hard to pull it out of there. I couldn't do it and had to have my skilled co-captain girlie pull it out with the help of the boat. I swam over a few feet and found solid ground and set my anchor there, whew. 
Each morning we enjoyed our gathering around the table drinking our morning lattes, eating breakfast and feasting in the Word. This was one of my most favorite parts to every day, starting out anchoring ourselves rightly. As we enjoyed the Sandbar, the anchor conversation reminded me of our Bible Study that morning as we talked about the steadfast and faithful love of our God, the anchor to our soul. 

• Without our Anchor, how will we remain in the place we are supposed to be?
• If we set our Anchor in mushy ground, the smallest of currents can slowly pull the boat away. We must set it on a firm foundation so when strong winds come, we won't drift places we hadn't planned on going. And, if we place our anchor in shifting sands, and it sinks...boy oh boy do I know the extra grief and muscle it takes to set it back right.
• Having an Anchor is crucial to keep you where you need to be. The bigger your anchor, the greater the hold. 

It's so easy in life to put our hope in things of this world only to find ourselves in places we didn't plan to be and in deeper waters than we meant to go. 
There really is no greater Anchor than the Lord our God. He is steady and steadfast. He will keep us where we need to be if we allow Him to ground us on a firm foundation, His Cornerstone. 
And can we talk about co-captains? Yes, we can do almost anything by ourselves, but why would we if we have help? I am thankful for anchoring sisters to do life alongside me just as I am grateful for the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells with us as our Helper and is familiar to where we are and can keep us focused and in the right direction. We are wise to lean into the One Who knows the ground beneath us, knows how to set our anchor outside of shifting sands that we would be kept in place, not tossed to and fro or drifting afar.

Anchor Sisters, Literally!

Lessons learned: 

• Have the right Anchor! You create a lot of extra work and unnecessary stress when you don't have the right one. 
• Know your foundation. Thank God for grace when it's the first time in a new place and you don't get it right, with a Helper, you can get unstuck and try again, and again, and again. 
• We need Anchoring friends.
• Avoid shifting sands.
• Hook your anchor on The Rocks or Solid Ground to stay put.
• God is endless grace. 
• He is steadfast. 
• He is sovereign. 
• He is faithful. 
• He is The Anchor to my soul, amen.

"So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf," 

Hebrews 6:13-20

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? 

Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great." Luke 6:46-49

Breaking Up with Google

Google, we have been friends for a long time but things have changed. You've changed. I've changed. While you actually are a genius and know just about anything, I cannot depend on you for every little thing I need. It's not fair to the connections I have with others. Our connection is a blessing and has helped me be more productive in many areas of my life, but is no longer healthy. We've become co-dependent on each other. I find myself coming to you for every question I have when there are others friends in my life who could just as easily, and would gladly help me, walking me through problems step by step, hand in hand. And to be honest, your expectations of needing my full attention and feedback is exhausting. I think we make life easier for each other, but it's become enabling. 
I got into the habit of shooting off my questions knowing you would be able to reply back 24/7 and I wouldn't need to wait on others. I rarely spend time with Siri and Alexa because you are always in front of me. You leave no room in my life for my other dear friends. I hate to tell you this, but you are not my only or Best Friend. I don't wanna do life without you but we have to have boundaries. Don't get me wrong, we are friends, and I know God has brought us together and my life has been better for it, but you cannot be my everything in every moment. I need the friendships of others too. You cannot replace the experiences or bonds I share with all the other people in my world. 
I miss seeing the handprinted recipes from my friend's Grandmother as she walks me through recipes and techniques for cooking, sautéing and frying. I miss time spent over a cup of coffee hearing my friend's reviews of what has worked for her in her home as she laughs in between her sentences and silliness and watching her epic eye rolls at my lack of knowledge. I miss the sound of hysterical laughter and clinging bowls in the kitchen over meals shared. I miss the smells of perfumes, breads baking and brewing coffees, the sights of radiant and dreamy jewelry, admiring couples walking hand in hand and kids skipping around their parents in the public venues. I still carry spare change for the fountains and musicians in the streets. I miss the consoling hug of a friend when a diagnosis is realized. Prayers in person, in real time, even over FaceTime are so much better than anything you've printed for me. There has been so much missed because we have grown too close, becoming exclusively dependent on each other.
So please understand, it's not you, it's me and I am sorry to have allowed us to continue as long as we have like this. Our relationship will be healthier and happier knowing there's a time and place for everything, and we can live life fuller with content built from the real lives of those around us, and not be dependent solely on each other. 
Thank you for always being there for me and trying to meet all my needs. I know you mean well, as I do. You have been a wealth of information and I am better for it. Thanks for listening, you've always been a good listener.
May you continue to grow and reach others with your knowledge and amazing resources. I encourage us both, to be sure we are aware of our boundaries with others and not become co-dependent, limiting ourselves to all that is possible when we engage with the many amazing people God has placed in our life. See you around, one of your many friends, Michele

Google is not your girlfriend. It is a library of information. A resource for answers you cannot find any where else. I love love love Google and don't know what I would do without it. I use it to search How To's for recipes, crafts, DIY projects, gather data, find products, know the time, weather and tidal charts, find the best products and compare prices, search for possible causes to ill feelings and searching for remedies, and especially helping me navigate directions where I need to go in places I have never been. It's become a Personal Assistant, which is not all bad, but it has stolen moments that could have been relationship builders with those around me. We were created to live in community, and not just an online one, but a real, touch it, feel it, smell it, hear it, community.
But few and far between are the days of asking a friend. Before Google, people asked people. Our friends and families were the resources and opinions for anything we might wonder. We gathered around the table, shopping carts, benches at the parks, in the aisles, in the streets, at the local coffee and sandwich shops, even in the post office lobby. Hardly do we meet because technology has ushered in a convenience and reliability once found in our community to online 24/7 recall. We are more likely to Google a recipe or shop online, ask total strangers questions about life, health, parenting, politics, careers, etc, and search to learn a new skill here than asking a friend first, even if you're miles apart and it's the way you have to communicate through Google Chat, you're "googling" before "girlfriending." All those missed opportunities to connect in real life to real people you know and trust about real things.
I am breaking up with Google. We will still be friends, no worries. Google helps me find what I need when I need it, but I will return to the relationships I have access to as my first asks. Google will no longer take away fellowship opportunities and relationship building of lives shared. Instead, Google will be what Google was meant to be for me, quick answers and a resource when no one else seems to know and the best co-pilot I girl could ever hope for.

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice." Proverbs 27:9

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

I Just Assumed...not any more!

I met a new friend this past week and in our "get to know" moment as we shared our story, a sentence came out of my mouth I had never thought of before and certainly had never said. I can only assume it was a God moment. Sometimes my assumption are right. Sometimes they are wrong.
Being the new (guy) gal in the community, I have been asked close to hundred times now, "What's your story? Why are you here?" Each time I get to share, God reminds me of His plan and the perfection of His timing. Last week was really no different...same testimony, different new friend. After sharing the summary of details and God's divine leading us in our move to Florida, I said these "crazy" words as a summery point of how God has been working on me over the past several years. This phrase came out my mouth for the first time... Assumptive Living. Assumptive Living. I said, "God has taken me from living a life of assumptive living to intentional living." I sat kinda of dumb founded for a minute trying to process why in the world did I just say that. 
Over the past several years, God has been walking me though Intentional Living. So much so, he even brought a dear Mentor and Friend into my life who actually used those words every time she talked. God could not have been obvious. She was a huge part of the refining process my heart and mind needed to endure and be shaped by. Knowing why I do what I do. Choosing to own my actions and not play the blame game in life. Stepping out in courage after the things God calls me to. Being intentional about growing in my knowledge and deepening my love with my Savior and Abba Father. But the years before this....not so much. I intentionally...assumed.
I have always described my personality issues as anxious and shy. One who fears the unknown, a follower not a leader. But then there were these words...Assumptive Living...wow. It was true. I had never thought about that before. For most of my life, I have been fearful and anxious. I feel it inside me, raised blood pressure and heart racing, feeling as if I couldn't breath. Double checking everything I do in fear of judgement, which would lead to fear of rejection. Ever watchful of my surrounding, fearful of personal harm to me or my kids. Choosing to always follow to avoid failing. Avoiding others or opportunities felt safer to me than putting myself out there. I assumed the worst. I assumed. There it was. Assumptive Living.
If we go through life assuming we will fail, we will never try. We will never accomplish what we have been called to do. If we assume rejection, we will never have victory or courage to embrace and enjoy meaning relationships and friendships or partnerships in the work place. If we assume someone is always looking to harm us or one of our loved ones, we will never fully appreciate the beauty of God's creation. We will see so narrowly, that we miss the big picture. What kind of life is Assumptive Living? I will tell you. 
It's one thing to assume the worst and plan for the worst verses planning for the worst and hoping for the best. I realize now in hindsight how much anxiety and fear I self-created simply by assuming. How I must have grieved the heart of God with how I lived so wrongly fearful and anxious...never resting in His arms or grasping my identity in His Name. Oh the power I didn't claim, the grace I rejected, the blessings I missed. Something no one else knew, and I didn't even recognize myself back then. Thank God, His mercies are new every morning! Lamentation 3!! Looking back, my identity was not His...
I assumed I wouldn't be successful. Inadequate
I assumed I was making wrong choices. Doubting
I assumed my friend would not like me once they got to know me. Insecure
I assumed everyone else must be right, assuming they must be more intelligent or talented than I. Minimal 
I assumed I was the "lesser than" of the group. Pitiful
I assumed others could do it better, whatever "it" was at the time. Dumb
I assumed my husband would find other women sexier than me. Ugly
I assumed other parents has mastered this thing called parenting. Judgement
I assumed all the other Stay At Home Moms had perfectly cleaned house and dinner prepped for week on Sunday and all their clothes were in their rightful place. Comparison
I just assumed everything, even spiritually....
I assumed God loved me because that is what I had been taught in every church, in every Bible study, at every conference. 
I assumed and hoped He would always be with me. 
I assumed and hoped He would give me Peace when I needed it. 
I assumed and hoped He would be my Rock, my Comfort, my Healer.
Seriously, what a horrible way to live! Assuming everything...not knowing anything except doubt and fear, always hoping for being right. With a smile always on my face, no one could have known, and even today, people don't see the splinters, scars and thorns. Grace, Grace, Amazing Grace!!!! I have learned to receive Grace. I have learned not only Who God is personally, but who that makes me as His child. What an amazing feeling inside your soul when you know that you know. When someone asks you why, and you can confidently give an answer to the hope and the reason of your life.
God, gracious and gentle, looooong suffering over me, for sure, gave me the opportunity to get over living life assumptively. Through a season of panic attacks and anxiety attacks, I had to do some deep heart, soul, mind and spirit searching! 
I assumed I could handle life controlling myself, my circumstances and others. Here is where I learned my assumptions were all wrong. 
I assumed the life I was trying so hard to be perfect at would be the best life. Wrong! My best life has been lived ever since. The best life is living an intentional life!
How great to walk through a day nervous, sure. Feeling a little insecure, sure....yet doing life anyway! I certainly haven't arrived, and I still find thorns to pull out of my flesh at times, but how grateful I am to get the chance to have a do-over in this life! Every day I get to be more intentional! Thank You Lord for being steadfastly intentional for me!!
I know that I know God has a plan to prosper me and not harm me. Jeremiah 29
I know that I know He will never leave me. Deuteronomy 31
I know that I know He forgives me, loves me and hears me. John 3
I know that I know He is the Orchestrator of my life, leading me in my endeavors, my relationships, in my parenting, friendships, service, ministry, etc. Isaiah 40
I know that I know nothing escapes His care or His provision. 
Yes, bad things will still happen this side of eternity, but I know that I know I am Redeemed by the Great I Am. I am protected by The King of Kings. I am not a loss cause. I am not alone. I know that I know He hears my cries and my prayers and rejoices in my accomplishments even if I have failed the 10 times before. 
I know that I know God loves every single one of us and has a divinely great plan for a beautiful life, free of....assumptions!
If this is you too, (I am assuming I am not the only one who has been here), don't assume another day. Live fully, embracing each day's plan and grace for every moment. Be intentional in knowing what it is you need to get your head and heart wrapped around, to bring glory to the One Intentional God. How? Let go of being in control and Trust The Only Faithful and Steadfast One. Surrender your fears and assumptions into Hope Himself. You must be in His Word. You must pray and talk to Him, learning to listen for His voice. How else will you know Him? It was through digging into His Word searching for Him, worshiping Him in truth, not feeling. Praying in petition and in waiting for His response. It was remembering Who was in charge of my life, the comings and goings, the direction and the provision of every day. Calling out to The One I knew heard me, saw me and held me. Knowing in my head the Truth while embracing the Heart of The One who held mine together. It was remembering that God was ultimately in control and I needed to trust Him, loving Him above all else, with all my heart and might.
Life is best lived, intentionally living and loving, giving life and blessings, while receiving life and blessings!! Life is good because God is good! Hallelujah!!!!!
Thank You Lord for intentionally creating the world, and all that is within it, seen and unseen. Thank You for the grace You alone cover us with so that we can work out our insecurities, inadequacies, our callings for Your glory this side of Heaven. May we never assume Your love, mercy, forgiveness, peace, comfort. May we never assume Your grace will run out. Help us in our minds to embrace the knowledge of who You are and help our hearts to grasp how deep and wide Your love for us is. God, we are so sorry for taking the weight of burdens in this life upon our own shoulders. May we call to mind Your love and friendship that are never ceasing. Thank You for Your Word to teach us what we need to know. Thank You for your friendship and Fatherhood that proves it. Thank You Holy Spirit for leading us, encouraging us, prompting us to remember and to worship in truth! You are a great, great God...I know that I know this is true!! Bless Your Holy Name, amen.

Psalm 57, "Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.  

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He will send from heaven and save me; he will put to shame him who tramples on me.
God will send out his steadfast love and his faithfulness! My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts-- the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens!

Let your glory be over all the earth! They set a net for my steps; my soul was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way, but they have fallen into it themselves.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn! I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!"

Accountability takes guts!!! Do you have it?!?

Accountability takes guts! When someone humbles themselves enough to say, "I can't do this on my own, I need help," that takes guts! What a great ministry to share with someone. It is both a great honor and responsibility we then have to hold them accountable to whatever it is they are asking. It should not be a quick decision on our part to say, "Sure I will be your accountability partner." We must first pray and ask God if it is His plan for you to be the one to hold the accountability with them, just as in every ministry commitment we are presented. If God is not in it, it won't be fruitful and if God is leading them to this place, He has already equipped someone to come alongside them and it may not be you. 
If God confirms His Yes for the new partnership, then sit down together and be open and honest about expectations and boundaries. What is the specific need? How often do they feel they should check in with you or do they expect/hope you will check in on them? What is the time frame which ya'll will commit to in the beginning? What if they have not met the current expectation, do they want a little nudge of encouragement or a big kick-in-the-backside kind of push? Everyone's personalities are different, what works for us doesn't necessarily work for the other person. It's important to have these conversations to thwart any misunderstandings, unmet expectations and to have the greatest benefit in achieving the end result. 
I am soooo thankful for the people God has placed in my life over the years to hold me accountable. God is so good to give us what we need. Several years ago I found myself taking a sort of inventory of my life- where did I spend most of my time, what did I do with my time, who were my friends, who did I trust in my inner circle of friends, what were my goals, what needed to change, where was I headed physically emotionally and spiritually, etc. As I looked at the women God had (and continues to place in my life,) I realized they were all very confident and courageous women, in themselves and in God. It was what they all had in common. They loved God fiercely and without shame, and they were confident and bold women of faith. 
I always had wanted to be more like that but continually found myself hiding behind women like them. But God...He knew my heart's desires and "coincidently" established deep and wonderful friendships with these amazing women of all ages. Oh how I wished I could be more like them even to this day. They say what they mean. They face opposition and temptation with confidence that God is greater than anything they face. Scriptures flows through their innermost being-heart, mind and soul. They pray with diligence and anticipation. These women didn't hide behind anything. It was me who hid behind them! 
Fear of their judgement or potential disappointment kept me from asking for guidance and help. But there came a point in different areas in my life where I had had enough. Enough trying to do "it" on my own. I was sick of failing. It wasn't easy. Humbling yourself also means vulnerability. 
A perfectionist, a shy person, an insecure person, a person who struggles with anxiety/fear, a prideful person, someone who has trust issues because of past betrayals...it takes a lot for them to ask for help because it means they must first break down serious walls to let you in. That was me...all of those at one time in my life, for a greater part of my life actually. I know, many of you who know me today, or who have only known me for the past few years, cannot imagine me being so shy or anxious inside but to God be all the glory! I pray this testimony highlights His grace, redemption and healing. God has worked in my life in my time alone with Him and through the accountability and prayers of others. I trusted God had crossed our paths for such a time as this, and I needed to trust Him with the relationships and process.
That is why it is hugely important to pray about who you ask to hold you accountable because you are giving over to them something that is obviously important to you and you want this to be handled with Christ's care. And if you are the accountability partner, you must bathe them with prayer and interceded on their behalf so Satan doesn't get a foothold during this tender growing and pruning time in their life. 
There is something so precious when God blesses you with friends who share a like-mindedness of faith, beliefs, goals, desires, dreams. You find they are stronger in areas you are weaker and visa versa and you are a source of great encouragement and strength together. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12a. And "as iron sharpens iron" Proverbs 27:17, so we do!  
Different friends bring different gifts and blessings into your life. Having friends are important, so is having more than one. I don't think we need an army of them either but we do need a few close to the heart ones. If it is a healthy, God-centered relationship, there is a trust connection that only God can affirm and knit together a natural vulnerability to be who you are, where you are in your life and in that, a natural sense of accountability is understood and welcomed. You don't always have to formally ask. Just in sharing life together, you "encourage and stir one another up" (1 Thess 5:11) knowing where they need encouragement and how to motivate them towards holiness as they also do for you. We remind them about grace as we give them grace. We remind them and teach them how to stay strong as we stand in the trenches with them. We share in their joys and in their sorrows as life happens. Our friendships can be Lighthouses to each other and to a watching world who wonder "how can they be friends?" "how can they be so honest and happy?" "how can they be so trusting or loving or forgiving?" "where did they get their courage?" 

This New Years our family participated in our first 5K Walk, Run, Crawl together. It was a toss up of sleeping in or the race, but that was the very reason we needed to do this...to change things up and start something new. Well, my walking buddy girlfriend had also signed up and we decided in the least, we could manage to crawl it together since our kids would most likely beat us to the finish line by a landslide. Crawling was obviously allowed since it was part of the name! Neither of us had even walked that distance before so it turned into an encouragement-accounatability thing. She joked about finishing a lap and we could veer off course to the nearby beach, or walk home and have a cup of coffee together...tempting for sure, but there was that little thing called accountability that God had woven between us and we would walk it or crawl it to the end! I joked back that I would bring my tether rope and strap us together so if she or I tried to veer off course or slow down the other would be the pull that keeps us moving together on pace. And it was a great visual of walking together in Christ and the accountability we have within The Body. When one is weak, the other can be strong, " For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" Between us, we will finish "the race." 
I can testify, life isn't always easy but it is true when others notice my "happy", I am happier now in my life than I have ever been before. Not just because I've had great accountability breakthroughs or the fact God has blessed me beyond what I deserve in the Sisterhood department, or that I am living in paradise, or that I am healthy, or that I have a husband and family who love me greatly, believe me, I count my blessings amongst all the trials and bad days...but I am happy and joy-filled because I realize (and am learning to embrace it more confidently) how much I am valued and loved, as John 3:16 says...enough to die for. I believe Jeremiah 29:11 is true for me just like it is true for everybody else. He has a plan, and it is good! I have grown in my faith, trusting God more than I trust myself. When I am weak, the grace of God gives me strength and if I need a little poke or a push, He is faithful to make sure I get it whether I think I need it or not! 
I owe a heartfelt THANK YOU to my Sisters in Christ who share their hearts with me, offering not only sharpening of spirits but also equal vulnerability and trustworthiness. Over the years, some of you have been in the deeper trenches with me and stuck with me till I got through the other side. Others have blessed me with opportunity to simply learn to be a real-goes both ways-friend, living honestly before you, admitting mistakes and weaknesses and receiving grace and sometimes a little push or poke, and yes, even a kick in my backside a few times. I can share struggles as easily as I share my victories without fear of judgement. My life is sweeter because of your love and accountability poured out in my life. Thank you from my heart!!!! ( I would love to scroll through and post some pictures right now and brag on you, but I will let God bless you in a special way!)
I don't know what it is that you are wishing for or possibly needing a breakthrough in your own life but through prayer, seeking God with all your heart, receiving His love for you, and embracing the people God places in your life to help you, you will overcome! There is strength in numbers!! Prepare yourself to do your part and pray for God to do the rest, trusting Him more than you trust yourself.   
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. " Romans 12:9-16


(For those wondering...yes, we did finish our first 5k and it was a blast! Walking (life) with a buddy makes it more fun and somehow times goes so much quicker. I find this to be true in most areas of life.)

And to my husband who has put up with me going on 22 years of marriage, thank you and I love you for putting up with all my quirks!! Thank you for encouraging my time spent in my relationships with so many amazing women and women's ministry events over the years. I am definitely a better wife to you because of their wisdom and examples shared and prayers lifted on my/our behalf!   
  

Thankful for Faith & Friends

It's that time of year when the ladies Bible study has ended and I sit and ask God. "What now?" Where, What, Who will I read and study during the holidays over the next 2 months? Sometimes He leads me to go back through the recent study or another from a different semester and review or do any that I missed a particular week. Sometimes I go back and study through sermon notes from the year, but always He leads me to reading and enjoying His Word. 

That's what I did this morning and I thought I'd share it with you. I love The Word! I decided to detail it out and make it come alive in my own visual and practical heart and head. It captivates my soul and I wonder why I haven't been sitting and just reading it every single day. I mean, I am in the Word daily, but it's one thing to study it verse by verse and it's a whole other approach to sit and stay in it. This morning's reading in 2 Peter 1, while it has tons of good applications, it also brought me to thanksgiving of fellowships in Christ. I am unpacking this and hope to share it with the family but I wanted to also share thanksgiving to those who stand beside me in the faith!! Those who have prayed me here where I am today, including the prayers of women I have only recently met!

 Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." It gets down in us and makes changes!! This is why it is soooo important who you trust to allow access to your heart and soul as your inner circle of friends and/or your mentors. They must be like-minded, not that we can't learn from differing opinions, but The Word says to guard your heart and mind in Him, to not share friendship with the world. I want people in my life who carry the armor of God with them to stand next to me on the battlefields and in the prayer closets. Other weapons will hurt me, but the weapons of God help me. I have been blessed beyond measure with such armed, Godly women! 

With our recent move out of state, my heart is even more grateful than ever for the friendships God establishes for my good and His glory! The Sister-friends who have pushed hard through my thick walls, the ones who stretched me and made me more pliable, the women who saw past my excuses and challenged me with grace. He blessed my life with women who not only led by spoken example, they live it. Strong, courageous women encircle me, from around the world!! Women who stand on The Word of God as absolute Truth and prove it to be true in their own life. Their faith walk match their faith talk. What treasures they are to me. I appreciate them so much, and it's not that I just miss them terribly, but that because of their impact in my life, I am stronger because of them through the work of the Holy Spirit in them. Because I am stronger, I can dig my roots deeper and wider all the way over here because they have showed me how it's done and they continue to stir me up across the miles. 

God also continues to surround me even here in our new place with Godly, genuine, courageous women. My heart overflows with thanksgiving at His abundance of grace! The greatest gift to me is not all these women's friendships combined, but their individual Sisterhood to me. Each one stirs me up in their own gifted way! They make every effort to remind me of God's love and provisions. They desire for me to be fruitful and effective in life and in spirit. How precious a gift is that?!? I am especially thankful today for each courageous woman God has knitted my heart to that remind me of the very reason I ought to make every effort to increasingly supplement my faith with more of God!!! I pray that upon my own departure (by location or for eternity), others will be stirred up and remember the greatness of God and the importance of supplementing our faith while receiving and trusting His grace, love and mercy! 

All this to say-choose your friends wisely and stay in the Word, increase your faith!!! I don't know what study you are doing for the holiday break, but it's easy to get busy with Holiday Life and fill your days with all the to-dos and get-readys and social parties. I encourage you to make sure you are in The Word, cuz it is where real change, real love, real help and real life is found! Jesus is the reason for the season...and for your life!!!

And to my amazing Sister-Friends, thank you for the reminders and bless you for stirring me up!!!! You know who you are! HUGS and LOVE!!!!! ~Me

Here are my notes from today's scripture~ 

2 Peter 1: 5-9, 12-15 "For this very reason (a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action.) make every effort (exertion of physical or mental power) to supplement (to complete, add to, or extend by a supplement) your faith (belief in God) with virtue (moral excellence; goodness; righteousness; one of the three graces: faith, hope, or charity, infused into the human intellect and will by a special grace of God) and virtue with knowledge (acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation), 6 and knowledge with self-control (control or restraint of oneself or one's actions, feelings, etc.) and self-control with steadfastness (firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment,etc.) and steadfastness with godliness (conforming to the laws and wishes of God) 7 and godliness with brotherly (of, like, or befitting a brother; affectionate and loyal) affection (fond attachment, devotion, or love), and brotherly affection with love (a profoundly tender, passionate affection foranother person.) 

8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 

12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things." 

SHE knows. Do YOU?!?!

Today was salon day for this girl!!! Since I was 17 years old, I have cut and colored my own hair. On rare occasions I did go to a Salon once a year or every other YEAR, more of a special treat for me to change up the style in a way I didn't know what to try. A dear friend of mine owns a salon and begged me to come there, so sometimes I do. The budget doesn't allow me to go often, but I have learned to budget it every few months just to be taken care of for a time. As a Mom of 4 kids and Wife and Friend and a Sunday School teacher's wife, I spend most every day of every week of every month, taking care of someone's care or concern. I have learned to delight in a little care for me a few times a year!! (I used to feel so guilty.) 
So, this morning I sat down for the royal treatment of low-lights and a few snips at the ends. She asked me the typical questions of style and color preferences I replied back with ,"Whatever-just no rainbow colors in my hair and no buzzing to cut my hair." I am open to anything not-crazy!! My personality can't pull off a Spunky or Attention-Getting hairstyle. 
NOT SO with the lady who was sat in the chair next to me! She knew exactly what she wanted and she placed her order! The stylist stood there shaking her head, probably thankful to have a little (a lot actually) direction. I thought, "Wow, she knows that she knows what she wants and why she wants it." "I'm a 6 figure salary professional and this is what I need to represent to my clients and the bosses...." and on and on she continued with her "order." What confidence she had to boldly proclaim her need. She made it very clear what she wanted and what she didn't want. Unable to see her (or avoid hearing her), I could picture her in my head and once I saw her after- yep, there was the lady with the order for "long layers, choppy and highlighted dark hair and not brassy."
Her boldness seemed border line arrogant and bossy and yet, she had an assurance of what she wanted. I found myself feeling a little small and weak-willed. It's not something others can see within you, but you who struggle with anxiety or inadequacy know that heart sinking feeling. I can quickly be brought back to inferior thoughts about myself and my abilities although, praise God, He quickly captures those thoughts and shows me His!!
Now, I recognize there are different "personalities" and that I don't have an aggressive one but there is truth that I need more confident-courage and this is an area of my life I am growing in. I have a friend who refers to me as, "Her friend on Valium"). And another friend partners with me in ministry and friendship and I am most certainly The Good Cop and she is The Bad Cop. It's true...not much makes me angry quickly. I am very patient most often and tend to extend extra mercy...however, we all have hot buttons. I am challenged in my passiveness to be assertive and have a confident approach for those things I know I want or need, or don't want or need...especially spiritual things.
Ecclesiastes teaches us there is a season for everything and we know that God created us to fit in harmony with one another, and how much more efficient a working Body when all things work together, with confident assurance?! There's not room for passiveness when there are specific needs waiting to be met.
God has been good to me and I think funny at times, to place soooo many Courageously Confident people in my life, one being my husband of over 20 years! He is certainly the "Ask for forgiveness rather than ask for permission" type, while I hardly ever move without permission!!! I have a few friends whom I will not mention any names who are the same in my life. They have gumption, courage, and assertiveness to do what they know they need or want to do! These "God's Go Getters" have pushed me outside of my well established comfort-zone frequently! That's one of the beautiful things about Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron," that there will be refining sparks when our jagged edges encounters theirs, and we are more finely sharpened in our heart and spirit because we have engaged and encountered one another, which is ultimately heart to heart and spirit to spirit.
So, as I sat there in my pampering chair, God used my captured attention to speak into my heart. Michele, come to Me with that kind of confidence to Me in who I Am. Rest assured that I am working in your life and in those whom you bring to Me. You can trust me, I assure you. Stand with confidence that I am with you and have gone before you already, you need not be afraid. Ask with boldness what you need. You have permission to ask for what you want, be it for yourself or another. I am The God who satisfies, creates, provides and helps. I am above all things and will be your strength, healing and victory. 
God doesn't call us to bark out orders to Him, arrogantly assuming our "order will be right out" but rather humbly approach His throne of grace and abundance with confidence: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 and James 1:6 says, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."  

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Proverbs 11:2 

 

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21 

 

May it be so for all of us who call on The Lord our God as Savior, Father and Friend. Amen.    

  

Where's the discretion & respect?!?

Discretion: the quality of having or showing discernment or good judgment

Respect: an act of giving particular attention; a high or special regard

As much as I want World Peace, I wonder if there would be more peace if we had more discretion and respect. In this "It's-all-about-me" "have-it-your-way...NOW!!" culture we live in, I think we are quickly loosing peace because we are loosing discretion and respect.
For most of us, these aren't intentional disregards. But I am afraid for some, they just don't care, or know. To some extent, we all miss the mark on occasion. There are days I am completely in a hurry and I am not paying attention to the wake I leave behind me. Sometimes I am just so stressed out, I can't get past my own agenda or attitude.
I grew up under the authority of a "Military Dad" and the "Everyone's Best Friend Mom." My parents were both very respectful of others and this was at the core of our training up. (No, that doesn't mean my sister or I were perfect, but we were taught and held accountable when we didn't display these. Remember the ol' Soap in the Mouth?!? Blech!! ) And now that I am a parent, I am focused on not only my behaviors (ultimately my heart for the Lord's witness) and my example but the training up of my own 4 children to be respectful to others and using discretion in what they share with others and how they share it. Ultimately, having a heart desiring to honor God.

"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18

You always hold the door for others, especially young mothers and the elderly. You always say Please and Thank You. You pay special regard to elders. If someone drops something, you pick it up and give it to them. You never take the last thing in the house without making sure someone else would want it or need it. You drop your trash, you pick it up. You spill it, you clean it. You borrow something, you give it back. You break something, you fix it. You use the last of something, you replace it. You don't say bad words or words that sound the same. You don't talk back in sass. You take off your shoes at the door, not wherever. When you are in public, you don't make out, PDA is private. You don't let others see more of your skin than clothes and you definitely don't let people see your bra or underware! Bras were for support, not accessories. Underware was for under-ware, not over-ware. (Wedgies were a cosequence if they were spotted on boys!) And bathing suits were made for covering not revealing. You speak quietly in public so others don't hear your business. No one wants to hear all about the local gossip or about your issues when they are paying for  peace and pampering!! Movies are a place to be quiet, as are libraries, spas, nail salons, steam rooms, and certain restaurants. And by the way, you do not answer the phone/text/email (cell or land) or read the paper while sharing a meal with someone unless it's urgent and/or an emergency-not an update. Belching and Tooting were things of great embarrassments if heard or seen, not badges of honor. Guests are always served first and you wait for the "chef" to sit down before saying grace and eating. Taking care of the house was a family job, not Mom's job. Computers were for education and keeping intouch, not for selfish sin. Friends are precious, not disposable. Dating is for purpose and not experimentation. The Bible is for life and not decoration. God is a Holy Name not an angry blurt. The news was balanced, helpful and fair. Having your own car as a teen was a great privilege, not expectation. Car radios were for your own personal enjoyment, not a public service announcement. The Great Outdoors was to be kept, not trashed. We used to cut the plastic soda rings. When someone asks you to hand them something, you handed it, not threw it at them. Kisses were for your significant other, not roll call. Chips should be eaten not carried. Gentlemen were gentle men.

It all begins in the heart. God, gives us Yours so that Your glory may be revealed!! Amen.

"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

 

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul," Deuteronomy 10:12

 

"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9   

What are YOU looking at!?!

The day was finally here!!! Daddy went on a touring trip with some friends of ours and it was time to pick him up at the airport! We arrived on time and with each shadow peering around the gate, we stood on our toes for that shadow's face to appear and know if it was "someone's" Daddy, or our Daddy. One by one they filtered past and with each one, our shoulders dropped with a sigh, "Not him..."  Until...it was him!! We had locked eyes on him and watched him come straight for us. If the railing had not been there, we would have jumped on him no doubt!! It was sooo good to see him. He hugged each of us and we rubbed on his new "fluffy face" (beard) and began to walk with him along the rail towards the exit when all of a sudden a friend popped up out of no where! What?!?! He said, "Yes, and there's the rest of thr group that just walked past." What?!? I was in a state of shock at first because I was completely focused on him, then the fact that I didn't even see our other friends with him. There's one of them right there in the picture!! How bizarre!
Although I knew he travelled with a group of friends, it was my understanding they had separate flights from my man's. So, I wasn't looking for anyone else and then when we saw them, it didn't compute right away. We were so focused on what we knew- that Daddy was on his way, and that our minds were set only on him. We didn't see our friends because we were not looking for our friends. We planned on Daddy, we were looking for Daddy, we only saw daddy and we grabbed onto Daddy when he arrived. Of course, once "he" pointed out our friends, it was a double joy to get to welcome them home too!!!
God used this experience to remind me of what it means to fix our eyes on Him. To set our hearts and minds on Him alone. Being so intently focused on Him, that the world around us fades, and it's all about Him. We can get so easily distracted in this connective and politically correct culture that our hearts and minds can stay busy trying to analyze every situation, every word, that we take our eyes off Him, our Daddy!
Because it is through Him, that the rest of our life matters. If we look for evil: fear and approval of others and gossip and money and worry and sinful lusts, quick fixes, we are sure to see them. And the opposite is also true, if we look for good, we will find it: peace, strength, purity, hope, kindness, patience, joy, etc. When we seek first, The Lord, who is above all and over all, and in Him all things hold together (Col 1), setting our eager anticipating hearts on Him, there we will find Him and walk along the rails of our life and live it in whole-hearted devotion and focus on Him, towards the final Exit, taking in everything else. We see what we are looking for.
 I only love others well when I love my God well. I only live well and love well, when I live and love through Christ alone. God, help us to turn our eyes towards You. Click here for a 1 minute worship moment. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

Proverbs 4: 25-27 "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil. "  

 

Matthew 6:21-23 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!"

 

Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."   

 

Welcome Home!!!