In "Other" Words Tuesday - The Heart of True Beauty

I love this quote, given to us by Nina, from Mama's *Little* Treasures.

“To possess true beauty, we must be willing to suffer . . . if Christ Himself was perfected through His sufferings, why would I believe that God would not do the same with me? Women who are stunningly beautiful are women who have had their hearts enlarged by suffering.”
(Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul” by John and Stasi Eldredge)

I was thinking about all that Job had gone through in his suffering. I know he's not a woman, but as he spoke to a woman, his wife, when she encouraged him to curse God and die for his suffering, "He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said." ~ Job 2:10 (NIV)

Just as Job did, we must be willing to accept the trouble, or suffering, in our lives. God can use these sufferings as opportunities for growth. He refines us during times of suffering.

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~ 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)

Simply put, when we are refined as fire, we have a choice. We have the potential to be broken and spent, scraping ourselves with clay shards and living life among the ashes. We also have the potential to become beautiful women for God's glory, setting an example for the world to see.

"For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver." ~ Psalm 66:10 (NIV)

Will we come out bitter or beautiful?


Infertilty looms; miscarriage follows.


Will we come out bitter or beautiful?


Cancer ravages our loved ones bodies (or our own).


Will we come out bitter or beautiful?


We lose a child, a sister, a brother, a parent, a friend.


Will we come out bitter or beautiful?


On and on it goes. Suffering is inevitable, and it truly does refine us.

We don't have to like the refining process. It's no fun going through the furnace or through the valley of the shadow of death. It's not a joy to suffer from chronic illnesses and it's hard to find happiness when we watch our loved ones suffer or even die. It hurts.

"For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God." ~ 1 Peter 2:19 (NIV)

The greek word for suffering used in this verse is paschō, which means:

1) to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo
a) in a good sense, to be well off, in good case
b) in a bad sense, to suffer sadly, be in a bad plight
1) of a sick person

Will you come out bitter or beautiful?

Just as He did for the Israelites, God longs to give us beauty for our ashes.

"To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory." ~ Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

Are you willing to become beautiful for Christ? He died to make you so, my friend, and true beauty comes from a heart enlarged by God.

Will you be bitter or beautiful....for Him?

B - Believe God has His best in mind for you.

E - Extend the beauty of your heart to others.

A - Accept that suffering is inevitable and know God will get you through it.

U - Understand that faith is the victory that gets you through the suffering.

T - Try to seek God in prayer with thanksgiving during times of suffering.

Y - Yield to Him, don't resist His refining process.

Please visit Nina, from Mama's *Little* Treasures for more In "Other" Words Tuesdays.

Steve and I went to see Fireproof tonight.

Wow.

Spoiler alert - stop reading if you haven't seen the movie! Hopefully the text below is light enough that you'll have to highlight it with your mouse to read. If not, I apologize, but I did warn you! Click and drag your mouse to highlight below.

Steve and I were amazed at the strength and wisdom of Caleb's (Kirk Cameron) father and mother, their encouragement, particularly that of his father, never to give up on your marriage.

Steve and I have hit some pretty rocky spots in our marriage before and all three times we were encouraged by both sets of parents to get out while the getting was good. This was no surprise, coming from my parents. My Mom stayed in her marriage to Daddy for nearly 35 years. They separated 3 times when I was growing up, once when I was in 5th grade, once in 8th, and once when I was a senior in high school. My Dad was of the opinion that if I left him, it needed to be for good and he would provide for me financially if I did. Steve and I separated 3 times, divorcing one of those times. God restored our marriage and we re-married. We were divorced less than a year and don't count it in our years of marriage. We've been married 17 years in the eyes of God and 17 years in ours as well.

Steve's parents have had a rock solid marriage for over 40 years, pushing 50, I would guess. They also encouraged our separations and divorce.

Separation and divorce are no longer in our vocabulary and haven't beeen since we remarried in 2003.

So now you know more about us. But this was not about that.

Date night was awesome! Fireproof is an excellent movie and I hope if you haven't seen it that you'll see it soon. It was very well made and the scenery was beautiful. Set in Albany, GA, the southern accents were great, and I could count the number of times they said "ya'll" on one hand, which is about 10 hands less than I say it in a day myself. Mississippi girl here!

Twinkle Mom of Sunflower Faith asked...What kind of blogger are you?

I took the quiz and here is my answer.

You Are a Life Blogger!

Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary. If it happens, you blog it. And you make it as entertaining as possible. You may be guilty of over-sharing a bit on your blog, but you can't help it. Your life is truly an open book. Or in this case, an open blog!

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

At the Well - Getting to Know You

I'm so glad you stopped by to visit me At the Well this morning! I'm running a bit late. Daddy had his first pacemaker appointment. They check it by phone and he wanted me to be there to help him. He handled it like a pro. Most pro's get a little anxious and overzealous, don't they? Hah! That being said, seriously, he could do this by himself next time but has asked me to come one more time, just in case. And, of course, I would go every time if he needed me.

My relationship with my earthly father doesn't mirror my relationship with my Heavenly Father at all. My earthly father was, and still can be, emotionally and verbally abusive. Our Heavenly Father is so loving and kind. Daddy has become a lot more kind since he stopped drinking. He did this about 5 years ago. Long after he had split our family apart. Mother took it for as long as she could, over 35 years, and decided that Jennifer, my youngest sister, didn't need to be raised in the home of an alcoholic. I'm so glad. Jennifer is a lot different than me. She came along late in life for them. Mother was 40 when Jenn was born, Daddy 50. I was almost 13. Jenn was 12 when they divorced. She had a strong attachment to Daddy, as we all did, but she was raised by Mother and had one thing I lacked growing up, stability and dependability.

I have a lot of resentment toward my father. He shows up just when I least expect him, at work, at home, through a cell phone call while I'm spending time with family....It's like I cannot get away from him. No peace. But I can't tell him that. It would have been nice for him to be there while I was growing up. Oh, he was physically there, loud and clear, just not in the kind-hearted way he is now. I have forgiven him but I can't exactly explain how I feel about him. I have a whole lot of love for him, but don't like him very much. I know that sounds awful. He's just not one of my favorite people to be around. That being said, I am around him often and am the first at his side when he's ill. September 8, just as I was finishing up an At the Well post, he called and said he needed me. Not those exact words, but he did. And I flew out of the office and was there for him. I never left his side until the next night. He had pacemaker surgery on my birthday and my mother put her foot down and sent me home to my husband. Well, actually she called my husband and told him to come get me, that I was exhausted and didn't have the sense to know it, hah hah! Mother and Daddy get along great for a couple who are divorced. Daddy was not a sickly man while I was growing up, except for a horrible case of the shingles in 1979, that ran through his optic nerve. Fast forward to when he was 69 - he had 2 knee replacements and Mother was there. Fast forward a few years later - he had an aortic aneuryism (I'm in too big of a hurry to do spell check) and she was there. Heart stints - she was there. Kidney cancer - ooh, that was a doozy - she was there. My mother is like the tide. She is dependable. She's steady. She's reliable. You need her, she's there. She spent a night at the hospital with my dad when he had his kidney removed because their oldest daughter wouldn't and I needed a break, physically and emotionally. Who would do this for a man who abused her emotionally and verbally and once physically that I saw? My Mom. I love her like crazy!

Relationships are what my life is built around.

My husband Steve and I have been married for 17 years. He came with a bonus - his daughter, Kristyn. He had custody of her and I was in love from the moment she, in her 5 year old wisdom, said, "Hi, my name is Kristyn, and my Daddy has had a million wrecks!" She captured my heart! We married when she was 6, which seems like yesterday. I wasn't able to have children (go here to read about that)

Interrupt - see? There he was. I left him not an hour ago and he just popped in to get me to read what I had written down this morning. ARRRGH!

Anyway....fast forward to now.

Who am I?

I am...

In total love with my Savior. My heart beats to serve Him and to do His will.

Not perfect. I am forgiven and try my best again every day.

A wife, bonus-mom, grandmother, daughter, aunt, niece, granddaughter, cousin, and friend.

Not spontaneous.

Black and white. I don't like shades of gray.

In love with blogging.

A big believer in punctuality. Both mine and the other persons.

One who works outside the home. I love my job, although it has been crazy busy lately.

Completely in love with my grandchildren.

One who dreams of writing - not for a living but for serving Christ. My dream is to write devotions, and through my blog, I realize I am living out my dream sometimes.

A dependable person.

One who suffers from 3 chronic illnesses. Depression is under control with meds, fibromyalgia flares up from time to time, and IBS flares up more often than not when I'm stressed or eat the wrong thing.

In crazy love with my husband. He's my best friend, my lover, my confidant. He is my knight in shining armor, and I don't mind the kinks in it. I sing his praises, not his faults. We work out our differences by communication. We are quick to apologize and don't go to bed angry. Yesterday morning we got in a tiff. He said some things, I bit my tongue until it hurt and then lashed back, but by 3:00 I asked him if he'd rather live on the corner of a roof than with me. He forgave me, LOL, and understood my disrespect. He said he had it coming, which he didn't.

One who obviously bites her tongue until it bleeds to keep from saying bad things, which occasionally pop out anyway. Then I go to the Father. But I'm getting better! I am trying to work on the words I speak. I am learning to be quiet and not say anything more often than not.

Not a cusser. I just don't cuss. Not too long ago, my husband lost his temper and I tried mimicking him in cussing. He told me I was not a good cusser and not to even try. It lightened the mood and made him laugh.

Friends with my bonus daughter's mother. We co-hosted a baby shower for her yesterday. We had the best time! It was so fun. Lots of her family came (we had them over in August for Baby Nolan's swim birthday party) and she was so sweet to invite my mother and sister and her baby.

Not a worrier. I will be doing a post on concern vs. worry soon!

Open to questions. You wanna know something? Ask me! I'll edit the post and answer below.

Let's have fun visiting other Women at the Well this morning as we get to know each other a little better. You've seen my warts, my faults and all. I hope you still love me! (cough, Approval Addiction Sufferer - almost in remission, though!)

Deanna, from The Lord, His Truth, and His Love, has tagged me. I love Friday's, don't you? It's kind of a laid back day just to play on our blogs sometimes.

15 Things I'm Not Afraid to Admit

1. I have 3 chronic illness - depression, fibromyalgia, and IBS.

2. When God handed out the "spontaneous" gene, I must have been chasing butterflies. I just don't have it.

3. I grew up in the home of an alcoholic father and was emotionally and verbally abused on a regular basis. Still am, sometimes, even though I'm married. He is one person I can procrastinate with but ultimately never say no to. (But I love my Daddy!)

4. I could read for hours and hours at a time.

5. My strength comes from God, although sometimes I seem to resist what He so desperately wants to give me. I think this comes from low self-esteem, but I'm working on it!

6. Blogging has helped me grow spiritually.

7. God saying no to my request to have children is something I'm totally okay with. Not that I don't like children. In fact, I love them! I was never bitter with it and He has rewarded me not only with a bonus daughter, but a son-in-law and 2 precious grandbabies that I love dearly, as well as a host of nieces and nephews and cousins. I'm surrounded by children!

8. I believe our generation will be the one that sees Christ return to rapture His church.

9. I will never be everything to everyone and although I have leftovers of approval addiction, I'm finding it easier to say, "No" more often.

10. I am a big girl, but I am comfortable in my own skin. God has given me this body for a reason and while the medications I have taken through the years and some I continue to take have contributed to the weight gain, I have a healthy "size-esteem."

11. I had pop-tarts for lunch today because nothing good was served in the cafeteria and I didn't want to go out for lunch.

12. Elephants scare me more than Satan himself.

13. I believe in punctuality, which is a blessing and a curse. I tend to get peeved when people are late for something.

14. I long to grow more like Christ each day. My heart beats for Him.

15. If I were head of the "food people", I would declare chocolate a food group.

In return I am tagging:

Cheryl at Hope for Each Day

Debra at Clothed With Scarlet

Kim at Homesteaders Heart

Denise at Shortybear's Place

Melanie at The Fruits of the Spirit

Ya'll, let's play! Let's get to know each other in a real way!

Be a Blessing to Someone Today

* Give a word of encouragement - "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. " ~ Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)

* Lend a helping hand - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

* Listen to others with your heart rather than distracted interest - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." ~ Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)

* Show genuine caring - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." ~ Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

* Share God's love with someone today - "Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NIV)

* Do your very best in all that you are given to do - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." ~ Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Welcome to Friday Funnies, hosted by Kim at Homesteaders Heart. Please be sure to visit her site to view more Friday Funnies!

Notes From an Inexperienced Chili Judge Named Frank

Recently I was honored to be selected as an Outstanding Famous Celebrity in my Community to be a judge at a chili cook-off because no one else wanted to do it. Also the original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table asking directions to the beer wagon when the call came. I was assured by the other two judges that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted this as being one of those burdens you endure when you're an blogger and therefore known and adored by all (four of your readers).

Here are the scorecards from the event:

Chili # 1: Mike's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili

JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.

JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor Very mild.

Frank: Holy smokes, what is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These people are crazy.

Chili # 2: Arthur's Afterburner Chili

JUDGE ONE: Smoky (barbecue?) with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.

JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.

Frank: Keep this out of reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. Shoved my way to the front of the beer line. The barmaid looks like a professional wrestler after a bad night. She was so irritated over my gagging sounds that the snake tattoo under her eye started to twitch. She has arms like Popeye and a face like Winston Churchill. I will NOT pick a fight with her.

Chili # 3: Fred's Famous Burn Down the Barn Chili

JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.

JUDGE TWO: A beanless chili, a bit salty, good use of red peppers.

Frank: This has got to be a joke. Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now and got out of my way so I could make it to the beer wagon. Barmaid pounded me on the back; now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. She said her friends call her "Sally." Probably behind her back they call her "Forklift."

Chili # 4: Bubba's Black Magic Chili

JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.

JUDGE TWO: A hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.

Frank: I felt something scraping across my tongue but was unable to taste it. Sally was standing behind me with fresh refills so I wouldn't have to dash over to see her. When she winked at me her snake sort of coiled and uncoiled--it's kinda cute.

Chili # 5: Linda's Legal Lip Remover

JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground adding considerable kick. Very impressive.

JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef; could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.

Frank: My ears are ringing and I can no longer focus my eyes. I belched and four people in front of me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed hurt when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue by pouring beer directly on it from a pitcher. Sort of irritates me that one of the other judges asked me to stop screaming.

Chili # 6: Vera's Very Vegetarian Variety

JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice and peppers.

JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, and garlic. Superb.

Frank: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except Sally. I asked if she wants to go dancing later.

Chili # 7: Susan's Screaming Sensation Chili

JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.

JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef threw in canned chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am a bit worried about Judge Number 3, he appears to be in a bit of distress.

Frank: You could put a hand grenade in my mouth and pull the pin and I wouldn't feel it. I've lost the sight in one eye and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My clothes are covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth at some point. Good! At the autopsy they'll know what killed me. Go Sally, save yourself before it's too late! Tell our children I'm sorry I was not there to conceive them. I've decided to stop breathing, it's too painful and I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air I'll just let it in through the four inch hole in my stomach. Call the X-Files people and tell them I've found a super nova on my tongue. If they want to cremate me after I die, they'll need an act of Congress to waive the EPA rules and to compensate everyone six counties downwind. Maybe they can bury me in an atomic bomb test site in Nevada.

Chili # 8: Helen's Mount Saint Chili

JUDGE ONE: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself.

JUDGE TWO: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.

Note: Judge # 3 is unable to report...he is on a stretcher awaiting transportation to the hospital, yelling, "Momma!"

Awards Day



Jennifer, of through the storms of life..., has blessed me with a beautiful award. I'm touched and humbled by it. I pray I continue to be "kreativ" and live up to the award! Please visit her blog - it's great! You'll definitely be blessed by her posts.

I'd like to share it with you.

Leave me a comment with a Bible verse that's spoken to you this week. Snag the award, and spread the love with "Kreativ Bloggers" in your life.

Much love,

Kim at Homesteaders Heart is hosting a giveaway, ya'll!

Gooseberry Patch Book Giveaway

Be sure to go on over and enter. Also, check out her blog. It's great. So full of encouragement, inspiration and laughter. I love it!

This week I'm thankful for being able to serve God with a whole heart and live my faith out loud.

Paul, in his desire to visit the Romans, penned these words...

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” Romans 1:8-10 (NIV - Emphasis, mine)

What does serving God with a whole heart, living our faith out loud, involve? Dying to self daily, and making our faith walk and talk.....

Please visit Laced With Grace to finish reading this devotion.

This is my first time to ever be asked to be a guest anywhere other than my own blog! I'm so very thankful for this opportunity, too.

Head on over to Iris' blog, the host of Thankful Thursday, to participate!

I just saw where Mr. Obama has 297 electoral votes at this time (10:07 p.m. CDT). Definitely a historical moment in our time here on earth.

While I'm not exactly thrilled with the outcome, I rejoice that I can wait on the Lord. No matter what happens in the next 4 to 8 years, God is still God, and I know His justice and compassion are here for us. I will praise the Lord in this time and be in prayer for our country and it's newly elected leaders. Won't you join me?

For more WFW, head on over to Amydeanne's blog by clicking on the button below and check things out. Be sure to participate! It's a great way to share God's Word along with a picture or graphic.

Welcome to In Other Words Tuesday. Our hostess today is Karen, from In Love W.I.T.H. Jesus. She has chosen the followin Scripture, appropriate for today, to write about. Please be sure to visit her blog, and see what she and the others have had to say about this topic. I encourage you to think about this Scripture and to write about it, too! Link up so we can read all about it. Here are my thoughts...

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”2 Corinthians 3:17 (NKJV).

Today is an important day - it's Election Day! Please pause and pray throughout the day for those who are voting. Just as your vote counts, so does theirs. Please pray that they follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit as they vote, and that they vote.

In the United States of America, we have the freedom to vote. It's a form of the liberty we live under according to the laws of this great country. And I believe it's not only a freedom, but a duty, and further, a privelege.

The Greek word for liberty used here is eleutheria, a rather hard word to pronounce, which means:

1) liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation
2) fancied liberty
a) licence, the liberty to do as one pleases
3) true liberty is living as we should not as we please

The third definition captured my attention: True liberty is living as we should, not as we please.

Do we live as we should, and not as we please? I think about the earthly pleasures we have at our disposal and realize that we are called to something higher. Indeed, it is to be our way of life as Christians. Paul wrote about this in his first letter to the Thessalonians.

"For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:7-12

Many of us are concerned about the outcome of the election. Indeed, some of us are distressed. As we live our lives in the way Christ intended, we will find the true Spirit of liberty. Not just regarding the election, but in other matters as well.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33 (NIV)

The Greek word for trouble in this verse is thlipsis, which means:

1) a pressing, pressing together, pressure
2) metaph. oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits,

Let's throw off the feelings of of discouragement and distress and proclaim the true Spirit of liberty in the way we live our lives. Let's live according to God's standards, pure, holy, in brotherly love, continuing on with our lives, doing the work God has called us to do. Let's lead our quiet lives, mind our own business, and continue to work with our hands, so that we can win the respect of outsiders with our lifestyle of love in Christ. Let's focus our dependence on Christ, not on the man elected as the President of this country.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior," ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIV)

While we are called to pray for those in authority, with prayer, intercession, even thanksgiving, let's continue to remember that whatever the outcome, remember, this world is not our home.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ," ~ Philippians 3:20 (NIV)

Whether or not we are at peace with the outcome of the election, let's rejoice in the liberty we have to vote, continue to live our lives in ways that are pleasing to God, and pray for our future President and others we are electing today.

Most of all, let's rest with the assurance God gave through the prophet Jeremiah.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13

Let's play some tag...

Jennifer, at through the storms of life, has tagged me! Let's have some fun!

These are the rules for tagging…

1) Link back to the person who tagged you and share the rules on your blog.

2) Share 7 facts about yourself

3) Tag seven people and list their links in your post

4) Tell those 7 people by commenting on their blog!

Seven Facts About Me:

(1) I am an avid reader. I read at least 2, sometimes 3, books a week. I usually have 3 or 4 books going at once. Right now I am reading Beyond Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury, Heaven by Grant Jeffrey, Big Girls Don't Whine by Jan Silvious, and The Shack by William P. Young. I'm also reading the Bible. And....I love to re-read books I have read before.

(2) I think my husband is Prince Charming. After 17 years of marriage, we are happier than we've ever been in our lives.

(3) My dream is to write devotions or articles that are published regarding the Christian walk and how it relates to the world we live intoday.

(4) I work outside the home for a large state agency. I love it. Most days. Today was not one of those days.

(5) When God handed out the spontaneous gene, I must have been off somewhere chasing butterflies. I am *not* spontaneous. Prince Charming doesn't mind (now). He gets me.

(6) I am in the process of learning to talk less and listen more.

(7) I have 3 chronic illnesses. I suffer from IBS, fibromyalgia, and depression. I have prayed that God would lift the depression since I was diagnosed at the age of 9. He has given me a firm, "No." I will be on medication the rest of my life for it. It's pretty much under control. I have accepted it and understand that His grace will see me through. Thankfully, it is under control with medication. The IBS and fibromyalgia flare up occasionally, IBS more so than the fibro. While I am still praying to be healed from those, I haven't gotten anything but, "I'm with you." yet. And that's fine with me. It's tough, but it's okay. With God in my life, I know He will see me through these illnesses. I also have Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is odd because I love winter. I prefer the cooler temps to the hot and humid days of summer, spring and fall. Because of SAD, this time of the year is very hard for me, but I am learning that Christ is my light in this dark world and the last 2 years haven't been as bad as they have in the past. That means I'm growing in Christ.

I'm breaking the rules of tagging. The first 7 people who leave me a comment - you're tagged!

Prayer Request for Steve

The University of Wisconsin has contacted Steve to fill out a survey regarding Tourette's Syndrome. They are conducting a study on deep brain stimulation.

DBS is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and other diseases and is relatively new to the field of the possiblity of helping those wtih Tourette's. It involves the surgical implantation of electrodes in the brain and pulse generators in the upper chest just beneath the collarbones. This would affect the chemicals and receptors that cause tics.

If it works, his quality of life regarding tics would be greatly affected for the better. If it doesn't work, well, I'm not sure if it can be undone - seems like it could, but I'm not sure how easily or at what cost, health-wise. As you can see, I still have lots of research to do on this. It's widely accepted as a treatment for Parkinson's, not so sure about TS.

If the University of Wisconsin accepts him, since this is a study, it would be free. Drawbacks include financial aspects of travel and of course, the effect it might have on the Tourette's. Sometimes we wonder if it's best to let sleeping dogs lie, but the possiblity of the improvement over the tics is encouraging.

Steve's Tourette's is not as severe as many patients, so he might not even be considered.

Either way, pray God's will be done in this and that we heed God's will to either do it, if he's accepted, or not do it, if it's something that will not be a change for the better. There are risks involved, of course.

Preparing a God-honoring Schedule with No Regrets

Our hostess this morning At the Well is Sunny, whose blog, A Damsel No Longer in Distress, is one of my favorites. Please be sure to visit her blog to join in the discussion on "Preparing a God-honoring Schedule with No Regrets".

Preparing a schedule that honor's God is something that I really have to pray about. I used to be quick to say "Yes" to any and every request made of me, and it took time away from my family and time I needed for myself. I neglected my husband and bonus daughter when I added things into my schedule because of the lack of emotional strength to say no. I was afraid that if I said no, I wouldn't be asked again, or that some might see me as selfish. I also ran myself down quickly.

Because of three chronic illnesses, I require downtime. This means that I have to schedule times to rest. I am not like the pink bunny who has tons of energy. I do in my mind, but not in my physical body. Just as the apostle Paul prayed, I have asked God to remove these infirmities. Two I haven't gotten an answer on, but one I have. I know it will be with me for the rest of my life, and I'm okay with that.

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)

Learning to say no required that I do three things.

1. Pray
2. Grow up emotionally
3. Think of my family and myself

In prayer, I learned that the Proverb below was true for me.

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." ~ Proverbs 19:21

I had to learn to pray about requests that needed a place on my schedule before I said yes. I hardly ever say an immediate yes or no to anything now. My first response is usually, "Let me get back to you." And I do, whether it is 5 minutes or a day later. I run all my plans by God first, then by my husband. If either has a no for me, I say no. And I don't always give a reason, other than, "I'm sorry, but I hope you'll think of me again in the future on this."

In growing up emotionally, I learned that as long as my no was not out of lack of compassion, it was okay to say no. If people didn't like me for saying no, then they must not know the real me. If they chose not to ask me again, it was their loss. I do not say that in a mean way. I believe although I might not be able to carry dinner to a couple when my bonus daughter needed me to help her with a leaf gathering project, or when I was in the middle of a flare-up, that the next week I could be counted on to make an even better meal than one I could have made when I was otherwise engaged. I had to learn to rely on the love of the Lord, rather than the love of man.

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you." ~ Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

We can always rely on the love of the Lord. It will never be shaken or removed. The love of others, if it hinges on a yes or no answer, is not really love at all.

Finally, I had to think of my family and myself. I covered this above. If I am not there for my family and if I let myself become run down, what good am I to anyone, especially God, who is at the center of all my scheduling?

I have no "list of priorities." I have no 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. God is at the center. Everything else surrounds God.

Amy Bayliss used a picture in a Bible study that I have adapted to define my priorities. When we have God as the center of our priority, all the things we schedule fall easily into place.

Sunny asks the questions:

Have you ever planned your day, week or month, then regretted making the commitments you’ve made, wondering if your plan was the right one?

I have. I am a planner by nature and love seeing things all written down nice and neatly. When I see it all written down and realize I have over-extended myself, I now call to cancel committments I have made. Since I have learned to pray about the committments I made, I find myself not writing them down so quickly and I have fewer regrets now. I don't have it all down yet, but I am learning!

Have you ever wondered if you should’ve said “yes” to one person and “no” to another and just weren’t sure what the best thing to do was?

Oh, absolutely! I learned to pray about it and seek my husband's counsel, also. That's helped immensely with my scheduling snafu's!

Who or what does your schedule represent? Does it represent you, your affinities, or your love for Christ?

I can confidently say that it represents my love for Christ. This hasn't always been true. Before I learned to pray, it represented "Laurie Ann". It was all about me! I had good intentions, but it represented my works, not the grace God offers. Now I try to pray about everything I schedule. And when decisions are made for me, such as schedules at the office that I don't have control over, I pray that God's grace will help me get through them. He always provides a way.

I encourage you to seek God before you plan or schedule anything. Whether you have to duck into a bathroom to pray over a committment you need to make at church or whether you need to spend a significant amount of time seeking Him before you write out your schedule for the next month, especially with the holiday's approaching, seek Him.

"My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek." ~ Psalm 27:8 (NIV)

The Hebrew word for seek used here is baqash. It means:

1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request
a) (Piel)
1) to seek to find
2) to seek to secure
3) to seek the face
4) to desire, demand
5) to require, exact
6) to ask, request
b) (Pual) to be sought

I honestly believe this is what God wants us to do, not only regarding our schedules, but our whole lives.

S - Submit your plans to God, then run them by your husband.

E - Equip yourself by reading God's Word.

E - Enable yourself to be able to say, "No," when it means you will be neglecting God, your family, yourself, or others who require you to be there for them first.

K - Keep in mind who your schedule represents - you or God?

Just for the fun of it... - got this from Amy's post at http://the160acrewoods.com/ - I'm going to bold the ones I've done....ya'll snag this and post your own comments when you have time. It's fun!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower - many times - my husband is an astronomy buff
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - does Disneyworld count? If not, unbold, cause I've not done that yet
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight - oh, these were fun!
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (blush)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run (softball, 10th grade, woo-hoo, bay-bee!)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - my satisfaction sure doesn't come from $$$$$$, LOL.
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (as a kid - loved it!)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check - I thought the ATM balance was the right one, so I erased my checkbook balance, because the bank guys couldn't be wrong, could they? I was 19. I had so much to learn.
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (x 3)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby (miscarried)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee (I'm highly allergic to yellow jackets and wasps. Yikes?)

For more Then Sings My Soul Saturday's, please visit Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.