Missing You

Hi sweet friends. I have missed writing, but so much is going on right now with the release of my book that it is hard to sit down and find time to put my thoughts together.

This past week I have been so overwhelmed at the goodness of God and His faithfulness to Redeem and Restore! Each day He reminds me of where I was many years ago in deep pain, doubting His Love, and doubting His Power. He then follows it with a magnificent display of what He has done to redeem that pain, shower me with His Love, and fill me with His Power. The sense of His plan and purpose in my life is marvelous yet intimidating...not knowing what the days hold from here. I am so thankful that although I do not know what my days hold, I do know the One who holds my days!!

This past weekend, I spoke at a women's conferenece in Kinston, NC held at the GATE. Margaret Smith hosted me while I was there, and I spent the weekend with her precious daughter Lauren and her sister Robin as well. They opened their hearts to me, and I LOVED the time we shared together. The event was amazing...so many beautiful women. I heard many stories of God's goodness and was able to share my own story of God's hope and healing. I felt so full as I drove home...so thankful God allowed me the opportunity to spend time with these women.

Please pray for me as I have my first radio interviews this week and my book signing Thursday night in Charlotte. If you live in Charlotte, please stop by; I would love to meet you! The book signing is from 5:30-7:00 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at South Park Mall.

God is so good to provide me opportunities to get the word out about Hidden Joy, but it is a bit overwhelming and intimidating. I know He will be present with me every time I open my mouth, filling it with what listeners need to hear.

Blessings to each of you,

TRUSTING GOD

Blogging is new to me, and I have been blessed beyond measure by your sweet comments and e-mails. Yes, those that encourage me, but more so those that have shared your journeys, your thoughts, and the lessons God has taught you.

But, it has also been hard for me, especially as I have received e-mails that break my heart. The pain, sorrow, and despair that pours forth from your hearts touches me deep in my soul. How I want to reach out and hug each one of you, sit with you on the couch, and share how GOD truly is the ONE AND ONLY answer to despair.

I think many of us, and this included me until a few years ago, believe that if we lead a good life and do good things, life should be relatively easy. We wonder why we are not happier or more content. We question why bad things happen. There is a powerful truth I want to share with you...

GOD NEVER INTENDED FOR US TO HAVE AN EASY LIFE!!!! HE WANTS OUR LIVES TO HAVE MEANING AND PURPOSE ON THIS EARTH!!

Life hurts. People in this world make choices that shatter all we know to be good and true. Sometimes we ourselves make choices that have devastating consequences from which we believe we will never recover. This is real life, friends. This is what living in a fallen world is about. God tells us in His Word:

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

Consider it pure joy, my [sisters] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything!! James 1:2-4

Once we understand that death, pain, sickness, hurt, and evil are a part of living in this fallen world, we can stop asking God why and start asking God what He wants to do in and through it. Don't you know that if you have pleaded with Your Father in Heaven from the depths of your heart to do something and He says "no," that He must have GREAT PURPOSE in His answer. There comes a time when we must TRUST GOD simply because of Who He is. We examine the whole counsel of God and Trust His character based upon that. He is worthy.

God is writing a story with our lives, a beautiful story, intended to honor and glorify Him every step of the way. But it is only when we surrender it to Him...our hurts, our infirmities, our despair, our anger, our bitterness, our unforgiveness, our doubt...only then will we live out that beautiful story.

When you come to that trust, you will be in the perfect place to be used by God. Remember He is your Strength and your Shield, your Portion Forever. He is your All in All. Whatever it is that is holding you back in your relationship with God, surrender it to Him now!! He will be faithful to take it and keep it...never giving it back.

Let me pray for us:

Heavenly Father, King of kings and Lord of Lords, Lover of our Souls, Restorer of broken hearts, Healer of our wounds, and Deliver from all our fears. We come before you now and lay down our doubts and our questions at the foot of the Cross. We ask that You root out every ounce of doubt, fear, and uncertaintly that rests upon us. Lord, come in and take over, fill us full of Your Holy Spirit from the top of our heads to the tips of our toes. May we know the depths of Your incredible and unconditional love. Give us Christ's confidence to battle the enemy who seeks to keep us from living the full and beautiful life you have for us. And we thank You that greater are You that live in us than he, Satan, who lives in this world, who seeks to destroy our joy and steal our peace. Lord, remind us that we can do all things though Christ Who strengthens us!!! I remind You of Your promise that You reward those who earnestly seek You. We ask all this in the powerful Name of Your Son Jesus. AMEN

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done: Intermission

My friend, Renee Swope, invited me to post a story on her blog that would encourage mothers on their journey with God. If you are visiting my blog today because you read my story, I am so glad you stopped by! And for my sweet blogging friends who visit so faithfully, you can find my story posted below.

Renee and I work together at Proverbs 31 Ministries and serve together on the Proverbs 31 Speaker Team. Renee is doing this series in preparation for an event she will be speaking at in September in Dallas, Texas (my second home - we moved here from Dallas 10 years ago). It is the D6 Conference for Parents. To learn more, please visit Renee's blog at http://www.reneeswope.blogspot.com/.

If you have been following my blog the last few days, God's timing is perfect. The truths in the story I sent to Renee speak directly to my last post (and the post to come) on the power and authority of standing on and praying God's Word. The story testifies to the Truth that the power of prayer and the authority of God's Word not only can but will change hearts, yours and those of your children.

Never forget our God is a God of change. Although He is unchanging, He desires change for us. His plan is for us to become more and more like Him. It is His promise that when we submit our hearts, our homes, and our families to Him, lives will be changed. We will find rest, peace, and contentment. We will become the mothers He desires for us to be.

Enjoy my story below...and if you know me and my sweet Lauren you know God has changed us much! All praise, glory, and honor to God!!

Do you need an extra measure of Patience today? Do you need Peace in the midst of your hectic routine? Do you need Kindness because your tongue speaks otherwise?

One day after church our family took a drive to the lake. Moments into our ride, my two children (Lauren and Bo) morphed into creatures I did not recognize. It began as simple bickering that exploded into an all out brawl. As the volume increased, the distance between the creatures decreased, and they began to push and shove each other.

When the female (older by four years) flicked the male creature, my husband completely lost his patience. He gave the female creature one and only one opportunity to apologize and forbid her from speaking another word until we arrived at our destination. She, of course, would not apologize and began to whine and complain why everything was not her fault.

With no warning he pulled to the side of the road and ordered her out of the car. I thanked the Lord we were on a deserted road, near the top of a mountain, away from any other human life.As I saw what was going on between them escalate, I prayed. At that moment, John 10:10 came to me: "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

I jumped from the car and asked my husband if I could take a walk with Lauren. He reluctantly acquiesced.We walked over to a swing overlooking the lake. I began to share with her the verse God had given me. I spoke of Satan’s name, “Diablos,” meaning divider. I explained how Satan desires to divide families, and he commits his life to bringing all out assaults against families who love God and seek to make Him the center of their homes.

I did not want to frighten her, but I warned her how Satan goes after those who love God. I shared how I believed at this moment he was going after her. But then I spoke Truth to her. I shared that her heart belonged to God and had since the moment she accepted Christ as her Savior. I began to pray, praising God for who He is and for our family, standing in the authority we had in Jesus’ name and rebuking Satan and His power in Jesus’ name. As I was praying, I opened my eyes and saw the anger and pride pouring out of my daughter. Her stiff-necked, arched-back body went limp as tears cascaded in a continuous flow down her cheeks. She was broken, humble, and tender. Before my eyes, she morphed back into the beautiful young woman I knew.It was an incredible moment in our relationship.

How did this happen? ABIDING. I had recently committed my mothering to God. I had spent significant time in His Word, praying and studying, claiming promises and claiming Truths. As I invited Him into our family, my mothering changed. I was truly able to speak Truth in Love into situations without raising my voice, without “losing it.” Our home, our family began to change because God first changed me.

Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, Part 1

Growing up Catholic, I have recited the Lord's Prayer more times than I can count! As a young child and even as a young adult, I never really understood these words:

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

As I have studied God's Word, the meaning of these powerful words has come alive.

God's Word tells us that we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. We are children of the King. As children of the King, we are citizens of His Kingdom. But what is His Kingdom? God has His heavenly kingdom, where one day we will live with Him for eternity. But He also has His earthly Kingdom...the Kingdom to which He sent His Son Jesus to live.

Until we enter into His heavenly Kingdom, we are citizens of His earthly Kingdom. We are children of God living on His earth to carry out His Kingdom work. What does this mean? It means that through the power of His Holy Spirit and in the authority of His Name, we are to influence this world in which we live. We are God's voice, His heart, His hands, and His feet. We are partners with God in His mission to bring His heavenly Kingdom down to this earthly Kingdom. One author writes, "What He is, He is through us; what He does, He does through us."

Stated another way, God appoints each one of us to influence our culture...our neighborhoods, our schools, our workplaces, our cities, our nation, and our world...with His Love and His Power. We are to bring His heavenly Kingdom to this earth...to spread His life and love everywhere on this earth, to leave changed lives wherever we go!!

How do we do this? We do this by walking in the authority that has been given to us by God as children of God. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us:

...you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

First, we are chosen. As believers in Jesus, we are set apart by God, identified by God as daughters of the most High God. We are sealed by His Holy Spirit and empowered by that Spirit to impact our world for God.

Second, we are a royal. Scripture tells us we are seated with Christ on His throne. As royalty, we have the same rights and authority as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us in Galatians 4:7:

So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. What does being a co-heir mean? In Matthew 28:18 Christ says,

All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth. We as children of God, as co-heirs with Christ, through God's grace share in what is His. When we pray and when we act, we have His power and authority. We have kingdom authority to release kingdom power. Jesus said to His disciples just before He goes to the cross,

I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whaever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

How many of us believe this? How many of us actually pray in this authority?

Join me in my next post as we explore how to pray in this incredible God-given authority that is ours in Christ Jesus.

Blessings to you today,

Show Me Your Glory

Do you begin your day with an expectant heart? Do your purpose your heart to see God at work in your midst?

Or do you begin your day focused on your "to do list," wondering how you will ever get it all done?

I confess that quite often I jump out of bed with a quick verse and a prayer, never inviting God into my day...never expecting Him to reveal Himself , never expecting Him to intervene in my circumstances.

I encourage you to join me this week inviting the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Great I AM to show Himself to you!! Moses asked God in Exodus 33:18,

Now show me your glory.

I want to see His glory in my life!!!

If you have circumstances that seem impossible, remember Your God promises, all things are possible! Luke 18:27. Invite Him to do the impossible!

If you feel over committed and exhausted...so tired you cannot take another step, remember your God promises, come to Me, and I will give you rest! Matthew 11:28-30. Invite Him to fill you with His peace and give you rest.

If you feel unloved and unworthy, remember Your God promises, I love you with an everlasting love; you are the apple of my eye. Jeremiah 31:3, Zechariah 2:8. Invite God to show you how wide and high and deep and long is His love.

If you feel lost and confused, not knowing what direction to take, remember your God promises, you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart; I know the plans I have for you...plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope; He will direct your steps. Jeremiah 29:11, 13; Proverbs 3:5-6. Invite God to reveal His will and trust what you hear.

If you have tasks to accomplish that seem too great or beyond your strength, remember your God promises, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! Philippians 4:13. Invite Him to fill you with the fullness of His Holy Spirit to help you accomplish your tasks.

If you hold tightly to things from your past, things you cannot forgive (yourself or others), remember your God promises, I forgive you! 1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1. Receive God's forgiveness and invite Him to empower you to forgive.

If you are worried and anxious about many things, remember your God tells you, do not be anxious for anything and cast all your cares upon me! Philippians 4:6, 1 Peter 5:7. Invite Him to actively intervene in your circumstances and bring you the peace that passes all understanding to guard your heart and mind.

If you feel alone, remember your God promises, I will never leave you or forsake you! Hebrews 13:5. Invite Him to show you in real and concrete ways the reality of His Love and Presence in your life!

Heavenly Father, forgive us for not inviting You into our lives each and every day. I ask that this week for every women drawn to my blog that You will do a mighty work in her life. Lord will You show up in very personal ways, ways that each woman will KNOW that it is You. Big and small ways show Yourself. Help her to know in the depths of her heart that You love her and care about her. Help her to trust You in her circumstances even if she cannot see it at this time. Give her a word, a touch, a whisper, anything she needs to hear Your voice. Thank You for Your promise that when we see You with all our hearts, we will find You. Today we claim that promise and invite You to show up BIG. Thank You that You will do great and mighty works in our midst. I ask all this in Jesus' powerful Name. AMEN

Share with me your stories of experiencing and seeing God's glory this week!

Thank You!

Friends, thank you for the amazing words of encouragement you sent in comments and e-mails throughout the day. My heart is so full as I write. God is so good to show me that He is using the many lessons He taught me in my darkness to now bless and encourage others, some of you in your own darkness...He is performing His Word as spoken in Romans 8:28.

Others of you shared your stories of victory, and I praise God with you!!!

I am new to the blogging world, but never before have I seen God's Hand at work in such a powerful way than since I started this blog...women all across the country joining together, some sharing their hearts and testifying to God's goodness, others reaching out in their pain and seeking God's voice. And our God is so faithful to meet each one of us!!!

This day will be a day to remember, and I thank each one of you for stopping by and sharing your stories, words of encouragement, and beautiful prayers.

The winner of the copy of Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner is Lisa Smith. Congratulations, Lisa. Thank you again to all of you for blessing my day yesterday.

I will give my book away periodically, so please come and visit my blog again.

With gratitude,

Celebrate!

Friends, have you ever walked through a fiery trial wondering what God was doing and if it would ever end? Then have you come out the other side and seen that God had a plan all along...a wonderful plan more beautiful than you ever could have imagined?

That is where I sit today, and I want to celebrate God!!

February 1, 2009, will be a day I will never forget. God's faithfulness washed over me all throughout the day.

It has been twenty-three years since I was sexually assaulted as a 21 year old just a few days after my college graduation. Through that long and arduous journey, God has taught me one great lesson...HE IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES. All those years ago, He promised me in Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Yesterday God brought that promise to fruition.

The verse you see at the top of my blog is Isaiah 55:11

So is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Again God has been faithful to this promise.

Due to circumstances that only God could orchestrate, Moody publishing released my book, Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's
Story, http://shopp31.com/hiddenjoyinadarkcorner.aspx. Yes, it is a wonderful dream and blessing to have a book published. But more meaningful to me is to know God's Word will go forth to bring Hope and healing into painful and hurting places in women's lives. Every day that I sat down to write, I prayed that God would direct my steps and fill the pages with His Word because only He knew who would read the final product.

Tuesday, February 3rd, Proverbs 31 Ministries will publish a devotional I wrote on fear. Fear was one of the greatest battles I fought along my journey...one that God faithfully brought me through. I encourage you to visit the Proverbs 31 web site, http://www.proverbs31.org/, and read the devotional. Then come back and visit my blog.


Please share your thoughts in the comment section, and you will be included in a give-away to receive a copy of my book. Click on the "comments" below. Please include your e-mail so I can get in touch with you if you win. I would also love to know where you live.