Well it is official, I have wrestled with God over this step big time! However I have to be obediant even when it makes no sense to me... I am now a Missionary. Those five little words... I cannot begin to tell you the effect they have on me. I can assure you that I never imagined that I would ever in my life make such a statement. However it is true. I am a missionary. I have been accepted by an organization called Yeilded Evangelical Servants also know as Y.E.S.
If you are interested you can go to their website and view my Missionary page. It can be found at www.yeservants.org/missionaries/Green.htm just click on this link or cut and paste into the address bar on your browser.
I do appreciate all that you do to keep me upheld in prayer, as well as the outpouring of your love and support.
May you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! may you see and feel Gods presence with you as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior! May God shower you with blessings in the New Year and guide and direct you path throughout 2009.
Blessings my friends,
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My testimony
Recently I was asked to provide my testimony. After praying about it and asking God to help me share but not write a novel because to share all that God has done in my life truly would be a novel. I felt lead to post this here for others to see just how amazing our God is! if you have questions please contact me, I would love to share a conversation with you about how you can also have this kind of an amazing change in your life. To experience a relationship that will be the most amazing relationship of your life.
At the age of 16 at a Fall Youth Retreat, with my local church, the Evangelical Covenant Church in Royal Palm Beach Florida and through the ministry of a College group called Heart Song, from North Park College, and a drama production they did at that retreat, I came to realize in a very real way that it was my sins that helped nail Jesus to the cross.
I also understood that He allowed it and did this willingly because of His love for me and because He desired a relationship with me that was impossible due to the sin that separated me from a perfect and holy God. I was undone by this knowledge that I (because of my sins) was just as guilty of His death as the Roman Centurions who nailed his hands and feet to the cross and stabbed him in the side to hasten his death. I understood King David’s cry to God that it was against Him and Him only that he had sinned. (although it would me many years before I would ever read that verse, i fully understood the concept) I spent time that evening with one of the youth workers. Through prayer, I confessed my sins to God and repented by making a decision to change my behavior and lifestyle to make God the LORD of my life. I wanted to become a follower of His. For many years after, I did not have the discipleship necessary to become the women God had created me to be. I also struggled with who was going to be in control of my life, me or God. God in His relentless pursuit of me finally helped me to understand just how much He Loved me, that He was trustworthy, and truly wanted only the best for me. I learned that He desired that I take my relationship with Him to a much deeper level and now through that process, and the lessons I am still learning from Him, He has placed in my heart a passion to share with women the lessons He has taught me. Like Titus 2: 3-5 says to teach the younger women. So I feel God’s call to teach, mentor and encourage those who may profit from all that Christ has taught me about His Love and provision for his daughters. There is no doubt in my mind that God has called me to do this. I know I would never choose the difficult task of encouraging those who truly find themselves and their children in desperate situations and without hope. However, when I am actively engaged with one of these young moms, or even with a teenage young women trying to figure out what now? I come away from those encounters energized and full of Praise for My God who delights in his daughters and has made extravagant promises to them to protect and provide. He has even mapped out a future full of Hope and purpose for them and their children. When I see one of them, though a series of activities and answered prayer, where the Holy Spirit brings them to an understanding of what that purpose is and then they start taking steps to become all that God created them to be. Then I find myself standing in amazement of my God, and find it is a privilege to walk along side these women and watch God draw them close to Himself and do amazing things in their lives!
At the age of 16 at a Fall Youth Retreat, with my local church, the Evangelical Covenant Church in Royal Palm Beach Florida and through the ministry of a College group called Heart Song, from North Park College, and a drama production they did at that retreat, I came to realize in a very real way that it was my sins that helped nail Jesus to the cross.
I also understood that He allowed it and did this willingly because of His love for me and because He desired a relationship with me that was impossible due to the sin that separated me from a perfect and holy God. I was undone by this knowledge that I (because of my sins) was just as guilty of His death as the Roman Centurions who nailed his hands and feet to the cross and stabbed him in the side to hasten his death. I understood King David’s cry to God that it was against Him and Him only that he had sinned. (although it would me many years before I would ever read that verse, i fully understood the concept) I spent time that evening with one of the youth workers. Through prayer, I confessed my sins to God and repented by making a decision to change my behavior and lifestyle to make God the LORD of my life. I wanted to become a follower of His. For many years after, I did not have the discipleship necessary to become the women God had created me to be. I also struggled with who was going to be in control of my life, me or God. God in His relentless pursuit of me finally helped me to understand just how much He Loved me, that He was trustworthy, and truly wanted only the best for me. I learned that He desired that I take my relationship with Him to a much deeper level and now through that process, and the lessons I am still learning from Him, He has placed in my heart a passion to share with women the lessons He has taught me. Like Titus 2: 3-5 says to teach the younger women. So I feel God’s call to teach, mentor and encourage those who may profit from all that Christ has taught me about His Love and provision for his daughters. There is no doubt in my mind that God has called me to do this. I know I would never choose the difficult task of encouraging those who truly find themselves and their children in desperate situations and without hope. However, when I am actively engaged with one of these young moms, or even with a teenage young women trying to figure out what now? I come away from those encounters energized and full of Praise for My God who delights in his daughters and has made extravagant promises to them to protect and provide. He has even mapped out a future full of Hope and purpose for them and their children. When I see one of them, though a series of activities and answered prayer, where the Holy Spirit brings them to an understanding of what that purpose is and then they start taking steps to become all that God created them to be. Then I find myself standing in amazement of my God, and find it is a privilege to walk along side these women and watch God draw them close to Himself and do amazing things in their lives!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Who me?
Here is a quote I would love for you to ready and then think about for a few minutes... I recently read this and was amazed at how this impacted me.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson
Ok, so I don't know about you, but this did something pretty amazing to me. I felt as if it was giving me permission to become all that God wants me to become. To take a few risks, to be willing to jump when God says jump and not even think about how it will impact me or others. Wow! don't you just LOVE how this makes you feel?
Let me know your thoughts... Did it have the same kind of effect on you as it did me?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~ Marianne Williamson
Ok, so I don't know about you, but this did something pretty amazing to me. I felt as if it was giving me permission to become all that God wants me to become. To take a few risks, to be willing to jump when God says jump and not even think about how it will impact me or others. Wow! don't you just LOVE how this makes you feel?
Let me know your thoughts... Did it have the same kind of effect on you as it did me?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Long Overdue Update
I will not try to offer excuses. I will however tell you I have been unbelievably busy and I wish I had posted before now. For that I apologize.
I cannot believe all that has happened in the past two months. To hit a few highlights, I am still not smoking! I pray I never will again! I no longer need any dental work done! I still have one more visit to the dentist chair on January 16th to finalize everything however no more drills or needles! Praise God what an ordeal! God is so awesome to allow me this opportunity! I am still so amazed at all the ways He has and continues to show His love and provision for me! I am humbled and try to understand why He has chosen me...
I have enjoyed the first "vacation" in years. during my few days away. I had the oppertunity to be a small part in preparing a couple for a missions trip to St. Lucia. I was able to help them prepare materials for the conference and coordinate the presentation pieces and prepare a blessing for the women they would be ministering to. Then was able to spend a couple of days enjoying some time on the beach! God arranged for me to have free use of a beachside condo for a couple of days where I was able to spend some time praying, and writing, and making some decisions regarding my future ministry direction. These were decisions made as I believe God is leading. I still am not sure of details however, I started working on materials for a teen girls program. a few days later received a call from an area director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Osceola County who would like to meet with me to discuss working with the teens at the local center. If this happens it would be a pilot project for this county that would possibly be taken state wide or even nationally. Please keep this in your prayers. I also need prayer to finish my website. I know what look and feel I am wanting however need help in making that a reality.
lots more going on however, once again running out of time. Please keep me in your prayers. I still have some pretty big decisions to make and so desperately want to be in the center of God's will for my life and this ministry He has called me to.
Blessings to all of you!
I cannot believe all that has happened in the past two months. To hit a few highlights, I am still not smoking! I pray I never will again! I no longer need any dental work done! I still have one more visit to the dentist chair on January 16th to finalize everything however no more drills or needles! Praise God what an ordeal! God is so awesome to allow me this opportunity! I am still so amazed at all the ways He has and continues to show His love and provision for me! I am humbled and try to understand why He has chosen me...
I have enjoyed the first "vacation" in years. during my few days away. I had the oppertunity to be a small part in preparing a couple for a missions trip to St. Lucia. I was able to help them prepare materials for the conference and coordinate the presentation pieces and prepare a blessing for the women they would be ministering to. Then was able to spend a couple of days enjoying some time on the beach! God arranged for me to have free use of a beachside condo for a couple of days where I was able to spend some time praying, and writing, and making some decisions regarding my future ministry direction. These were decisions made as I believe God is leading. I still am not sure of details however, I started working on materials for a teen girls program. a few days later received a call from an area director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Osceola County who would like to meet with me to discuss working with the teens at the local center. If this happens it would be a pilot project for this county that would possibly be taken state wide or even nationally. Please keep this in your prayers. I also need prayer to finish my website. I know what look and feel I am wanting however need help in making that a reality.
lots more going on however, once again running out of time. Please keep me in your prayers. I still have some pretty big decisions to make and so desperately want to be in the center of God's will for my life and this ministry He has called me to.
Blessings to all of you!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Coincidence? God's Plan? Ya, I thought so...
Have you ever had a moment when you literally can almost see the lightbulb go on over your head as you realize something profound? Maybe your profound moment is when you realize something about the nature of God and how He has been working in your life in a way you had not noticed before.
I had one of those moments just a few minutes ago and had to sit down and write about it! I was trying to put together a timeline of my life. For those of you who know me well, you know first how difficult this is for me on an emotional level, however I am also finding out this morning how difficult it is for me on a physical level. (the memory is not what it used to be!) LOL Anyway due to the memory skipping a few beats I went to the kitchen to pull a magnet off the fridge to see if there was a date on it. I was attempting to remember what year I was first involved with the Women's ministry at my church. we hosted a ladies retreat that year for all the churches in the Southeast Conference of the Conservative Baptist Association. I suggested the theme and our supporting scripture reference for that weekend retreat. When I pulled it down off the fridge I did not find a date, however I admired the handiwork and the beauty of this item and finally i allowed my eyes to read the verse, I had so carefully chosen to represent the theme of our weekend so many years ago. ( when I figure that out i will let you know) As I read the words of this scripture I caught my breath, and was stunned! then I started to laugh hysterically! I could not help it, My God has such amazing ways of showing us somethings. OK, stay with me here. like I said I was at the end of a very difficult and emotionally charged couple of hours of putting into outline form a timeline of my life showing all the significant things that I have lived through... well when I went to the kitchen and found this magnet on my fridge the scripture on it was... are you ready for this... Ephesians 2:10 from the NLT it reads, "For we are God's masterpieces. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I was overwhelmed. here for the past several hours I have emotionally relived some pretty awful stuff. I found myself wondering why it was all necessary? Why did God allow it? I know that alot of it was poor decisions on my part but a lot of what led up to that was not. There were alot of things that were out of my control. I believe in the Sovereignty of God I believe He is fully in control. He either causes things to happen in our lives or He allows them to happen. Either way He is in complete control. So that left me wondering why. I know that he had His reasons and I know that without those things happening I might not have made the decisions I made and I would not be who I am today, with the ministry He has given me and the amazing story of His love and grace. Although He does not have to share anything with me, He in his love for me allowed me to forget the date and year we did that retreat and caused me to remember this possible place of information. I believe that this verse was His way of reminding me that he loves me and He has a plan for my life. something I desperately need to be reminded of just then. It was almost like a great big hug from my Heavenly Father!
This is a real life example of Romans 8:28... "for we know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."
How awesome is my God to Love me so much. That He wants to remind me of who I am and who He is and that He has plans for me, good Plans!
I had one of those moments just a few minutes ago and had to sit down and write about it! I was trying to put together a timeline of my life. For those of you who know me well, you know first how difficult this is for me on an emotional level, however I am also finding out this morning how difficult it is for me on a physical level. (the memory is not what it used to be!) LOL Anyway due to the memory skipping a few beats I went to the kitchen to pull a magnet off the fridge to see if there was a date on it. I was attempting to remember what year I was first involved with the Women's ministry at my church. we hosted a ladies retreat that year for all the churches in the Southeast Conference of the Conservative Baptist Association. I suggested the theme and our supporting scripture reference for that weekend retreat. When I pulled it down off the fridge I did not find a date, however I admired the handiwork and the beauty of this item and finally i allowed my eyes to read the verse, I had so carefully chosen to represent the theme of our weekend so many years ago. ( when I figure that out i will let you know) As I read the words of this scripture I caught my breath, and was stunned! then I started to laugh hysterically! I could not help it, My God has such amazing ways of showing us somethings. OK, stay with me here. like I said I was at the end of a very difficult and emotionally charged couple of hours of putting into outline form a timeline of my life showing all the significant things that I have lived through... well when I went to the kitchen and found this magnet on my fridge the scripture on it was... are you ready for this... Ephesians 2:10 from the NLT it reads, "For we are God's masterpieces. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
I was overwhelmed. here for the past several hours I have emotionally relived some pretty awful stuff. I found myself wondering why it was all necessary? Why did God allow it? I know that alot of it was poor decisions on my part but a lot of what led up to that was not. There were alot of things that were out of my control. I believe in the Sovereignty of God I believe He is fully in control. He either causes things to happen in our lives or He allows them to happen. Either way He is in complete control. So that left me wondering why. I know that he had His reasons and I know that without those things happening I might not have made the decisions I made and I would not be who I am today, with the ministry He has given me and the amazing story of His love and grace. Although He does not have to share anything with me, He in his love for me allowed me to forget the date and year we did that retreat and caused me to remember this possible place of information. I believe that this verse was His way of reminding me that he loves me and He has a plan for my life. something I desperately need to be reminded of just then. It was almost like a great big hug from my Heavenly Father!
This is a real life example of Romans 8:28... "for we know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."
How awesome is my God to Love me so much. That He wants to remind me of who I am and who He is and that He has plans for me, good Plans!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Oh how He Loves you and me...
I readthe caption below this morning and I cannot stop rereading it in my mind... I will let it speak for itself. See if you can easily forget this image. I hope not, my friends.
Love ya,
Dan Haseltine, of Jars of Clay, wrote in Relevant magazine, "Look at the marriage of Jesus… the one with the bride who sleeps around, never listens, disowns, scorns, dishonors, runs away, intentionally proves to be more interested in anything but her husband, is selfish and bears the children of every affair and the scent of every escapade. It was a marriage that killed Jesus. And it was the Gospel that brought Him back to life to love once more."
Love ya,
Dan Haseltine, of Jars of Clay, wrote in Relevant magazine, "Look at the marriage of Jesus… the one with the bride who sleeps around, never listens, disowns, scorns, dishonors, runs away, intentionally proves to be more interested in anything but her husband, is selfish and bears the children of every affair and the scent of every escapade. It was a marriage that killed Jesus. And it was the Gospel that brought Him back to life to love once more."
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Transformation
Philippians 3:12-21 is about pressing on towards the goal to acheive what?
...who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies...
Romans 12:2 transforming what? How?
Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...
2 Corinthians 3:18 transformed into what? how?
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Ok, so I know that God used lots of different parables and exaqmples to try to convey to us a concept. I also know that somethings in the Bible are meant to be taken as an example or concept and some things are to be taken literaly. I believe that even in the examples though that there is a literal translation that can be gleened from it. like in these verses. I know that in the Philippines verses there is the concept of training for and winning the race. resulting in a transformed body, is an example used to describe the transformation that takes place in us when we practice living the Christian lifestyle God wants us to live, when we spend time in the spiritual disiplins we become more like him. Which leads to the verses in Romans where it is saying do not do like the heathens do if you refrain from that and instead think of the things of god and fill our minds with His words it is mentaly and emotionally change our thinking, and all of that will bring us to the Corinthins verses where it shares it will be a changing or ever-increasing transformation to be more like Him. However the principals are all correct when used out of context if you physically change to start training you will see your body change physically. (loosing weight... fat... and gaining muscle) and if you hang around with people who think differently and spend all your time listening to them and their thoughts within a short time you will start thinking like them. actually beliving what they believe and liking the things they like. God designed us this way so that He could transform us, He knew we would need a transformation in our lives.
So all of that to say Although I said at the beginning of this year that this would be the year I got healthy, I don't know if I really expected it to happen. kind of like the new years resolution that 90% of the people forget about or quit by the 13th of January. However God does not forget. He allowed me to drag my feet about it for the first 6 months of the year and now is kicking my butt into high gear! I am still smoke free! five weeks no cigarettes... I am looking forward to the day I can say 5 years no cigarettes! God is so AMAZING!
This week I get serious about some other things the physical appearance things in my life. I have started the first processed yesterday, Hugh hurdle overcome in a huge fight between me and the enemy... he really did not want me to take that step and tried several things to derail me. Praise God for His love and compassion and provision of exactly what I needed when I needed it, so I could take that step. There wil be one more step before the week is done. Then the process of that area will be well under way. I also realize that I need to make plans for the other changes. I know that I want this even if I cm scared of and dreading the process. Please just keep me in your prayers. this journey is is a wild one!
blessings everyone!
...who by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies...
Romans 12:2 transforming what? How?
Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...
2 Corinthians 3:18 transformed into what? how?
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Ok, so I know that God used lots of different parables and exaqmples to try to convey to us a concept. I also know that somethings in the Bible are meant to be taken as an example or concept and some things are to be taken literaly. I believe that even in the examples though that there is a literal translation that can be gleened from it. like in these verses. I know that in the Philippines verses there is the concept of training for and winning the race. resulting in a transformed body, is an example used to describe the transformation that takes place in us when we practice living the Christian lifestyle God wants us to live, when we spend time in the spiritual disiplins we become more like him. Which leads to the verses in Romans where it is saying do not do like the heathens do if you refrain from that and instead think of the things of god and fill our minds with His words it is mentaly and emotionally change our thinking, and all of that will bring us to the Corinthins verses where it shares it will be a changing or ever-increasing transformation to be more like Him. However the principals are all correct when used out of context if you physically change to start training you will see your body change physically. (loosing weight... fat... and gaining muscle) and if you hang around with people who think differently and spend all your time listening to them and their thoughts within a short time you will start thinking like them. actually beliving what they believe and liking the things they like. God designed us this way so that He could transform us, He knew we would need a transformation in our lives.
So all of that to say Although I said at the beginning of this year that this would be the year I got healthy, I don't know if I really expected it to happen. kind of like the new years resolution that 90% of the people forget about or quit by the 13th of January. However God does not forget. He allowed me to drag my feet about it for the first 6 months of the year and now is kicking my butt into high gear! I am still smoke free! five weeks no cigarettes... I am looking forward to the day I can say 5 years no cigarettes! God is so AMAZING!
This week I get serious about some other things the physical appearance things in my life. I have started the first processed yesterday, Hugh hurdle overcome in a huge fight between me and the enemy... he really did not want me to take that step and tried several things to derail me. Praise God for His love and compassion and provision of exactly what I needed when I needed it, so I could take that step. There wil be one more step before the week is done. Then the process of that area will be well under way. I also realize that I need to make plans for the other changes. I know that I want this even if I cm scared of and dreading the process. Please just keep me in your prayers. this journey is is a wild one!
blessings everyone!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
A day to celebrate!
I just wanted to share a couple of things this morning as I sit here praising God and celebrating my one month anniversary of not smoking! That is right no cigarettes for a full month! God is so awesome! I know and have known since the beginning of this amazing journey that I could not do this. It is only by the grace of God and Him intervening in my life in such amazing ways that this would ever be possible. The truth is this journey did not start a month ago but many years ago. God is still in the business of transforming lives. (some of us just need lots more work than other and take a lot longer!) As most of you know about 2 1/2 years ago God turned up the speed on that process in my life and things have pretty much been on a much accelerated program since then. Well for those of you who I have not spoken to or shared with in a while things are pretty much moving at warp speed (or so it seems to me) right now. God is just so amazing and is so faithful to complete His work in us. I praise Him for being the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That no matter how much we want to change we do not have it within us to do so. It is only though the power of Jesus Christ that we can truly be transformed. Praise God with me today. Send up a word of thanks and praise to Him today for what He is still doing in the lives of those who love Him! God does have a plan and a purpose for each of us and He is faithful to bring us to the place we can and will be able to complete it.
I also wanted to share with you one of the things that I believe is truly making a difference in this part of my journey right now. There is an amazing website that has kept me in the word of God, that has kept me accountable during this process and has encouraged me and established a mentor in my life to walk along side of me. The web site address is
www.settingcaptivesfree.com
this website has many online classes available these classes deal with just about every kind of addictive problem out there. From Drug and alcohol abuse to sexual immorality, pornography, gambling, smoking, and gluttony. They even offer some of the courses in other languages. I just felt that God wanted me to share that with others. It may be that you or someone you know that is in need of this very ministry. They also may feel that they are living in a state of captivity and truly desire a way out. Please share this with others as well.
blessings to each of you!
I also wanted to share with you one of the things that I believe is truly making a difference in this part of my journey right now. There is an amazing website that has kept me in the word of God, that has kept me accountable during this process and has encouraged me and established a mentor in my life to walk along side of me. The web site address is
www.settingcaptivesfree.com
this website has many online classes available these classes deal with just about every kind of addictive problem out there. From Drug and alcohol abuse to sexual immorality, pornography, gambling, smoking, and gluttony. They even offer some of the courses in other languages. I just felt that God wanted me to share that with others. It may be that you or someone you know that is in need of this very ministry. They also may feel that they are living in a state of captivity and truly desire a way out. Please share this with others as well.
blessings to each of you!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
God's Plans vs Our Plans
I just love it when you can see God's hand at work in peoples lives. I was having a conversation last night where we were discussing how awesome it is when we have confirmation in our lives and the lives of others that our God is Alive, and Actively involved in the lives of His people. I work in a global company and have opportunity to interact with many people from around the world who have different beliefs and even worship other gods. What to me is so sad is that they cannot make the same statement about their god. Only the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. the God who created the heavens and the earth, the one who sent his son Jesus to earth to become a perfect sacrifice for our sins, allowing us to have an intimate relationship with the Living Loving God is active and alive in the lives of His people.
Well to make a long story not so long... I just finished a conversation with someone that God has recently brought into my life. I always get excited when god brings new people into my life becasue I know He is up to something. I know that there are no mistakes, this person is in my life for a reason. Well during this conversation I got the strongest impression that this person is going to play a big part in my future. I asked a few leading questions to see if what I was thinking was something that might fit in with what God was leading in this other persons life. Was I surprised when that was confirmed? No of course not! I committed to be in prayer about her future plans and that God would guide and direct and at the same time committed to myself to be in prayer about all that God was doing in my life right now. It may just be that God is up to something big here. So my point is two fold. I am so overwhelmed by my God that He would look to me and see something of value to Himself and His plans for us His creation is just mind boggling. Then to know He takes that further by wanting to spend time with me to share His plans and to ask me to be a part of them. To serve as His ambassador to my circle of influance, to know that He is expanding that circle of influance... I am so humbled and amazed.
Oh, that the whole world would know My God and discover the wonder of His love!
Well to make a long story not so long... I just finished a conversation with someone that God has recently brought into my life. I always get excited when god brings new people into my life becasue I know He is up to something. I know that there are no mistakes, this person is in my life for a reason. Well during this conversation I got the strongest impression that this person is going to play a big part in my future. I asked a few leading questions to see if what I was thinking was something that might fit in with what God was leading in this other persons life. Was I surprised when that was confirmed? No of course not! I committed to be in prayer about her future plans and that God would guide and direct and at the same time committed to myself to be in prayer about all that God was doing in my life right now. It may just be that God is up to something big here. So my point is two fold. I am so overwhelmed by my God that He would look to me and see something of value to Himself and His plans for us His creation is just mind boggling. Then to know He takes that further by wanting to spend time with me to share His plans and to ask me to be a part of them. To serve as His ambassador to my circle of influance, to know that He is expanding that circle of influance... I am so humbled and amazed.
Oh, that the whole world would know My God and discover the wonder of His love!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
unexpected appointments
I just love it when God blesses me with an unexpected appointment. Especially if it is with a friend.
Yesterday was just such a day. I had to make an unexpected trip to Tampa. It was a trip over, stay 20 minutes to deliver something and then back. When I found out I would need to make this trip. That very morning... I was sitting at a table full of women from my church at our monthly Ladies Prayer Breakfast. I leaned over to the one on my left and wrote a quick note asking her if I needed to make the trip over would she be able to go with me to keep me company and more importantly keep me accountable as this would be my first road trip without my faithful companion of cigarettes. And well, quite frankly, I had been having a very challenging day the day before. I had not given into temptation. However, I felt this might be my undoing. so.... Thankfully she did not hesitate she immediately said yes,
Well God has a way of helping us sort things out in our minds by being able to share with a friend and provides just the right friend at the right time when we need to get completely honest and just spill our guts. Well... that is what happened on the ride over. I was able to share with this precious friend not only the events that have been happening in my life but also my fears and my discoveries and my challenges. It was an amazing hour and a half that flew by as she listened and questioned me and caused me to dig deep into my heart to find some of the answers. I just love it when my heavenly Father knows just what we need even when we don't.
So what are the things making you restless, and frustrated and unsure of your next steps in your journey of faith? cry out to God and ask Him to show you the best person and the best time to share these things with that person. And do not be surprised when He provides it in the most unusual person, place and time!
Yesterday was just such a day. I had to make an unexpected trip to Tampa. It was a trip over, stay 20 minutes to deliver something and then back. When I found out I would need to make this trip. That very morning... I was sitting at a table full of women from my church at our monthly Ladies Prayer Breakfast. I leaned over to the one on my left and wrote a quick note asking her if I needed to make the trip over would she be able to go with me to keep me company and more importantly keep me accountable as this would be my first road trip without my faithful companion of cigarettes. And well, quite frankly, I had been having a very challenging day the day before. I had not given into temptation. However, I felt this might be my undoing. so.... Thankfully she did not hesitate she immediately said yes,
Well God has a way of helping us sort things out in our minds by being able to share with a friend and provides just the right friend at the right time when we need to get completely honest and just spill our guts. Well... that is what happened on the ride over. I was able to share with this precious friend not only the events that have been happening in my life but also my fears and my discoveries and my challenges. It was an amazing hour and a half that flew by as she listened and questioned me and caused me to dig deep into my heart to find some of the answers. I just love it when my heavenly Father knows just what we need even when we don't.
So what are the things making you restless, and frustrated and unsure of your next steps in your journey of faith? cry out to God and ask Him to show you the best person and the best time to share these things with that person. And do not be surprised when He provides it in the most unusual person, place and time!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
update and a spiritual principal
First a quick update... I am still cigarette free! God is so good! The past week has been for many reasons one of the most stressful weeks I have had in years. Yet though even that God has been faithful to uphold me and keep me from even experiencing major craving. So I am praising Him for His faithfulness and stand in awe of the truth "when the Lord sets you free you are free indeed"!
Now for my thoughts on a spiritual principal or truth that I had not understood before and to be honest never even gave thought to... for the past several days there has been, like I mentioned above, a lot of additional stress in my life due to a specific incident that transpired last week. the other day when driving home from work and praying about this and in the course of my conversation with God I was mulling this all over I realized something that was quit shocking. Now several days later I realize it should not be shocking to me but it was. I realized that what was happening was part of a larger spiritual battle that was taking place and in one fell swoop it had transformed from just the spiritual to a physical manifestation of a real life incident where "my enemies" were all clearly tipping their hands in a huge way. Now let me clarify here that these are individuals none of whom are Christians and who I have always seen more as a thorn in my side. you know the kind who just always seems to be on the other side of almost every issue and just tend to rub you the wrong way. But nevertheless I had never put the label of "enemy" on them. Until now. Now, through this, I truly see them for what they are according to scripture. I also see God's hand of protection through this situation. So my question was in that moment of enlightenment, is there some principle of God's love and protection at work in my life? Does God really do that? you know the vanquishing the foe thing? isn't that what He does when they stand before Him in the day of judgement? Is not the promises of vengeance reserved for after the great battle in revelations? I was more than a little "in fear of the Lord" that evening as I tried to come to grips with this. I even made a few calls to "Godly men of Wisdom" asking them about this spiritual principal theory. It was interesting though that as I tried to explain to them what I was seeing or thought I was seeing that it was almost like they had blinders on and did not hear or see what I was talking about. I love these men and hold them in high regard and value their council yet I hung up from the calls and surrendered to God and said OK, this is between us isn't it... you are not allowing me to articulate to them so they have understanding of this are you? I realized there was more than one principal of my faith playing out before me now. God has me in a very real spiritual training program that is the most amazing thing. I could not have even imagined such a thing before... I want to shout from the roof tops and write it all down so I never forget. yet every time I try to put it to words it just comes out garbled and not making sense... So I would ask that you keep me in prayer. That I be open to and willing to listen and learn. to keep my eyes and ears wide open so I don't miss anything God is tryin to teach me.
Psalm 34:4-7 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
hummmmm well I don't know about you, but this pretty much answered my question... God is so awesome! It truly is better than any princess fairy tale of the knight in shinning armor come to rescue his princess from the evil forces. Do you ever wonder where those stories got started? LOL.
Now for my thoughts on a spiritual principal or truth that I had not understood before and to be honest never even gave thought to... for the past several days there has been, like I mentioned above, a lot of additional stress in my life due to a specific incident that transpired last week. the other day when driving home from work and praying about this and in the course of my conversation with God I was mulling this all over I realized something that was quit shocking. Now several days later I realize it should not be shocking to me but it was. I realized that what was happening was part of a larger spiritual battle that was taking place and in one fell swoop it had transformed from just the spiritual to a physical manifestation of a real life incident where "my enemies" were all clearly tipping their hands in a huge way. Now let me clarify here that these are individuals none of whom are Christians and who I have always seen more as a thorn in my side. you know the kind who just always seems to be on the other side of almost every issue and just tend to rub you the wrong way. But nevertheless I had never put the label of "enemy" on them. Until now. Now, through this, I truly see them for what they are according to scripture. I also see God's hand of protection through this situation. So my question was in that moment of enlightenment, is there some principle of God's love and protection at work in my life? Does God really do that? you know the vanquishing the foe thing? isn't that what He does when they stand before Him in the day of judgement? Is not the promises of vengeance reserved for after the great battle in revelations? I was more than a little "in fear of the Lord" that evening as I tried to come to grips with this. I even made a few calls to "Godly men of Wisdom" asking them about this spiritual principal theory. It was interesting though that as I tried to explain to them what I was seeing or thought I was seeing that it was almost like they had blinders on and did not hear or see what I was talking about. I love these men and hold them in high regard and value their council yet I hung up from the calls and surrendered to God and said OK, this is between us isn't it... you are not allowing me to articulate to them so they have understanding of this are you? I realized there was more than one principal of my faith playing out before me now. God has me in a very real spiritual training program that is the most amazing thing. I could not have even imagined such a thing before... I want to shout from the roof tops and write it all down so I never forget. yet every time I try to put it to words it just comes out garbled and not making sense... So I would ask that you keep me in prayer. That I be open to and willing to listen and learn. to keep my eyes and ears wide open so I don't miss anything God is tryin to teach me.
Psalm 34:4-7 I sought the Lord, and he answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
hummmmm well I don't know about you, but this pretty much answered my question... God is so awesome! It truly is better than any princess fairy tale of the knight in shinning armor come to rescue his princess from the evil forces. Do you ever wonder where those stories got started? LOL.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
A New Day and a New Way
Where do I start... Well lets just say that although I have not been posting much lately. It is not because things are not happening. Just the opposite is true. God has been very busy in my life. The biggest news is that I am no longer a smoker. I knew that God has been pushing me here for a long time. Yet Gods timing is always perfect. God has always known my heart in regards to this. I have been a smoker since I was 11 years old. I knew there was no way I could stop on my own. I still know that I know that each day, each hour, each minute I am not smoking is all because of God. I have learned that He is sufficiant to meet ALL my needs. I have taken alot of things I knew in my head and have finally been able to allow God to move them to my heart. Kind of like what He did for me in February of "06". The best way i can describe it is He took me from being someone who knows to someone who believes. OK so huge news huh,! I cannot begin to tell you how greatful to God I am for what He is doing in my life. I am just humbled that He would even consider me... but instead He tells me that He delights in me! Honest.... I just this morning have started using a new 4 part Journal I have developed for Ready Set Bloom and when I got to the part in the Spiritual section about listening to God... well you all know how difficult I find it to listen instead of talking... anyway I opened my bible up determined to listen to Him. The pages fell open to Isaiah 42: 1-9. You have to read them all but here are a few of the things that jumped out at me.
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4He will not grow faint or be discouraged[a]
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
5Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
6"I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness;
I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
8I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.
9Behold, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them
Now please understand that I know "in context" this is not talking about me. Yet God has used the words of the scripture to share with me some truths, Truths I needed to be reminded of.
Things like He will uphold me, He has chosen me, He delights in me, He has put His Spirit upon me, I will not grow faint or be discouraged, He will take me by the hand and keep me, He has given me a message to share with others, my past is no more it is over and He has declared new things for me!
So much love He showered on me this morning! GOD IS SO AWESOME!!!
Celebrate Him with me today!!!!!!! If you are interested in seeing or using the new journal God has given to me... just let me know. I will be happy to share.
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my Spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3a bruised reed he will not break,
and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4He will not grow faint or be discouraged[a]
till he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his law.
5Thus says God, the LORD,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people on it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
6"I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness;
I will take you by the hand and keep you;
I will give you as a covenant for the people,
a light for the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
8I am the LORD; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to carved idols.
9Behold, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
I tell you of them
Now please understand that I know "in context" this is not talking about me. Yet God has used the words of the scripture to share with me some truths, Truths I needed to be reminded of.
Things like He will uphold me, He has chosen me, He delights in me, He has put His Spirit upon me, I will not grow faint or be discouraged, He will take me by the hand and keep me, He has given me a message to share with others, my past is no more it is over and He has declared new things for me!
So much love He showered on me this morning! GOD IS SO AWESOME!!!
Celebrate Him with me today!!!!!!! If you are interested in seeing or using the new journal God has given to me... just let me know. I will be happy to share.
Monday, June 9, 2008
I received this today from a dear friend and wanted to share... make sure you read to the bottom for a personal note from me. I promise you will be glad you did!
Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call, I will answer" This story was written by a doctor who worked in South AfricaOne night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle , it h ad burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways."All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother h ad diedDuring pr ayer t ime, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God" she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon."While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say,"Amen". I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I liv ed on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend Then, as I put m y hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I gr asped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!"Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon.""Before they call, I will answer" (Isaiah 65:24)
I do not know if the story above is true or not. I do know that God's promises in scripture are! I also have seen this happen in my own life. I had made a decision recently to step out in faith about something. I did not have all that I needed to make that happen so I sent an e-mail to several friends asking them to say a prayer for me that God would provide for the need. 10 minutes later I received an e-mail from one of the men who told me he was laughing because his wife had told him several days before that she had a dream that she was providing me this same something so I could go do something God needed me to do. He told me to move forward in confidence that they would provide as God had instructed them to through her dream.
This is one of those breathtaking moments when I realized God had answered even before I prayed or asked others to pray. God is sooooooooo AWESOME!!!!
Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call, I will answer" This story was written by a doctor who worked in South AfricaOne night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an incubator).We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in.Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle , it h ad burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways."All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother h ad diedDuring pr ayer t ime, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God" she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon."While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?"As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say,"Amen". I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I liv ed on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door.By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the weekend Then, as I put m y hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be? I gr asped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!"Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon.""Before they call, I will answer" (Isaiah 65:24)
I do not know if the story above is true or not. I do know that God's promises in scripture are! I also have seen this happen in my own life. I had made a decision recently to step out in faith about something. I did not have all that I needed to make that happen so I sent an e-mail to several friends asking them to say a prayer for me that God would provide for the need. 10 minutes later I received an e-mail from one of the men who told me he was laughing because his wife had told him several days before that she had a dream that she was providing me this same something so I could go do something God needed me to do. He told me to move forward in confidence that they would provide as God had instructed them to through her dream.
This is one of those breathtaking moments when I realized God had answered even before I prayed or asked others to pray. God is sooooooooo AWESOME!!!!
Friday, May 16, 2008
A new Website and e-mail address
I am very excited to let you know that I have registered my domain of readysetbloom.com and as of today I have what I am calling my temproary site up and running. This is not what the finished site will look like however it allowed me to get something up right away using a pre-made template the hosting company had available.
you can check out my site at www.readysetbloom.com and my new e-mail address to go along with that is kathy@readysetbloom.com
Both are big steps forward to getting this all wrapped up and ready to go!
Please keep praying. I still have a few legal things to take care of and then I hope to be open for business by the end of the month.
Wow... when I think of all that has happened since the beginning of April... Well I feel my head spinning!
Keep living each day on purpose... knowing that you will never be able to go back and capture that time. Make sure you keep making choices, and realize that to not make a decision to change is to make the decision to stay the same.
Love ya!
you can check out my site at www.readysetbloom.com and my new e-mail address to go along with that is kathy@readysetbloom.com
Both are big steps forward to getting this all wrapped up and ready to go!
Please keep praying. I still have a few legal things to take care of and then I hope to be open for business by the end of the month.
Wow... when I think of all that has happened since the beginning of April... Well I feel my head spinning!
Keep living each day on purpose... knowing that you will never be able to go back and capture that time. Make sure you keep making choices, and realize that to not make a decision to change is to make the decision to stay the same.
Love ya!
Monday, May 5, 2008
A Logo!
Take a look at the new Logo just below and to the right.
Please leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!
Thanks!
I want to take this time to thank all that prayed for the Ladies Retreat last weekend. What a blessing it was to me and to the Ladies that went. God honored your prayers and we had a wonderful weekend! God was present and with us from the moment we left. All of the Ladies that went told me what a wonderful time they had and how much it meant to them to take the time to spend with God in drawing closer to Him and leaving behind all that was troubling them, and distracting them from worshiping Him.
OK so the chocolate was amazing as well. LOL
I also want to thank all that stepped up to help lead this event. From those who spoke, led worship, helped with an activity or was a table leader. All of you did a phenomenal job and made this event what it was! Without you I never could have pulled it off. You all were AMAZING!
Thanks again!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
A Retreat
Be Still and Know that I am God...
This verse is one that has made a huge impact on my life over the past 8 years. It is one that at first seemed to haunt me. I continuously would hear it in my mind. Yes, I think God was trying to tell me something and I still do. this is a verse that we all seem to want, yet have no idea of how to accomplish it. How do we "be still" in this day and age where everything moves at the speed of light? How can we "be still" with so much to do? How can we "be still" when everyone needs something from us and, well, needs it NOW!
And let's face it even if... and that is a big IF... we find some time to "be still" how does that help us Know that He is God? I mean really, let's get serious... can anyone know that He is God? isn't He God? Well, after much contemplation on this verse for the past 8 years, I think I may have a clue what this means. I have started to wake up early, and although I have always thought that getting up early must mean you have a serious problem, I am beginning to truly enjoy that time of day when the earth starts to wake up. when God gently nudges the sun over the horizon. I sit on the back porch when most sane people are still in bed dreaming and am learning how to "be Still" and what I have found is that in the stillness and quietness of the early morning, I am beginning to know that He is God. This time has become like a mini retreat. It is a time of refreshing, and sitting in the stillness and knowing that the day is new with no mistakes yet. I am new and have made no mistakes yet.
Tomorrow morning I will not have much time to enjoy the stillness of the morning and I am already missing it. yet I will be spending that day and the next taking time to taste and see that the Lord is good at the FBCK annual Ladies Retreat. This year is going to be different, for many reasons. yet, I am looking forward to this retreat more than many others, I believe that it is there away from the day to day routines, when we set aside time to spend with Him that we can truly "be Still and Know that He is God" Join me even if for an hour this week to take time, make time, to "be still and know that I am God"
Say a prayer for us, ask God to prepare our hearts to receive Him and His blessings this weekend!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Certification
This morning when I reached for my blackberry to make sure there were no major crisis taking place in the world - that I would need to respond to immediately, I found an e-mail that took my breath away and made my heart skip a beat.... and then resume at a frantic pace. I knew immediately that my world had just shifted a bit and life would never be the same...
There was the e-mail that I had hoped for, arriving much sooner than expected. Yet just like God, knowing that waiting is not my strongest trait. My eyes scanned the words and then again making sure I had read them correctly. my eyes started to fill and make it difficult to read them a third time... yes my certification was done and would be mailed to me later this week!
As with all endings there is a beginning. The circle of life continues. The training, at least for now, was complete and it is now time to move forward and really start this!
I have just this minute decided that I need to host a launch party to celebrate and officially "launch" this Ministry. I am thinking May 25th. This is a very special day for me. It was my Father's Birthday. and I can think of no better way to honor the man who was my earthly Father and believed in me without reservations and who in his final days told me he knew I would be OK and do OK because I had a firm knowledge of God as my Heavenly Father and I was willing to allow Him to guide and direct me. I also want to Honor the one who is my Heavenly Father for being faithful to not only guide and direct me but also to provide for me and love me beyond measure. The one who has gently coaxed me to this place and given me the confidence to be all He created me to be.
So May 25th will be the official launch of Ready Set Bloom Ministries. I hope you will join me for this celebration. Watch for your official invite!
Love ya,
Monday, April 28, 2008
It is Finished! or is it Just Beginning?
Well...
This morning I sent in the final documents and requirements for my Level one training. If all is OK, I will be receiving word of my certification as a life purpose coach within the next few days!
I also today registered a domain name for my personal web site which A friend is helping me develop. the URL will be readysetbloom.com
So big steps and lots happening! stay tuned I hope to have some big news soon!
Please keep me in prayer as I finalize all the details for the FBCK Ladies Retreat this weekend. We leave Friday morning and will return Saturday evening. God is amazing in how He once again is pulling everything together!
Thanks!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Moving forward two big steps
Well, here I am over the biggest hurdle (well at least the one in my mind) I had my photo shoot last night and now I feel like I am moving forward! That really had me down a bit as that for me was the most difficult task of all. As of today, April 18th I am finished with the "classes" and have submitted all the info, evaluations, quizzes etc. for certification. I still have some housekeeping things to finish like the web page, my final two sessions with my life coach, and I still need to finish my pro-bono sessions. That is ok though, I am meeting with my coach this afternoon, and I have one pro-bono scheduled for tonight and I am trying to schedule the other for tomorrow. Sunday at the latest. I will need to get a one paragraph testimonial from them to submit and then I believe I will have completed all of the necessary requirements for certification! Yahoo! almost there.
My wonderful friend who is working on the logo has been doing a wonderful job! I think we have just about nailed that down too!
Getting closer....
It feels soooooo good to be in the center of God's will for my life!
Monday, April 14, 2008
The voice of God
Well tonight I find myself in an unusual place I am not typically prone to musings yet tonight that is how I feel. It has been a day of contrasts, new beginnings and endings, joy and sadness, laughter and tears. I am struggling a bit to find my balance as the pendulum swings strongly back and forth between the extremes.
The past two days have been emotional ones. A lot of people I know and love are hurting, emotionally right now. So I will take this time and space to share a few thoughts with those of you who are in that place. (you know who you are.. and I love you and I dedicate today's blog to you)
We sometimes allow ourselves to go to places in our minds that we believe, or think or feel is the right path. We pray about these things but often pray that God reveal to us that we are right or please God convince others that we are right and they are wrong. We often use our feelings as a gauge as to what we believe or the path we should take. We tend to not dig deeply into the right places and think things through in the right way. we tend to see things as black or white our way or the highway. This kind of thinking can be dangerous and more times than not faulty. Mostly because it is not Gods way of seeing things. We forget that scripture tells us that Gods ways are not our ways and Gods thoughts are not our thoughts. It is easy to get caught up in our feelings or the way we see something and forget that God sees everything, the beginning and the end all at the same time. He sees things that we cannot see. He knows things we cannot know. Most importantly we forget God is faithful. He is faithful to Love us in spite of ourselves, He is faithful to guide and direct us into the paths that He knows are best for us, He is faithful to help us to grow into the people He wants us to become. No matter what that takes. That is the part that catches us up. we don't understand why He would allow some things to happen in our lives. instead of crying why, we should be crying out what. not why God are you allowing this, but rather What God would you have me learn through this. Not easy when we are hurting. If we could just step back for a moment and let our anger, and disappointments and feelings fade into the background and ask the right questions we would have much more peace in our hearts as we surrender to God those things that are Gods.
Gods word tells us that we were never meant to understand but to trust even when we do not understand. I loved the words to a popular song that starts off ... "I'm not skilled to understand, what Gods has willed what God has planned" What a truth. One we need to remind ourselves of often. God spoke to us through this Sunday morning, Did you catch it? Did you hear God's voice in the voices of the children? I was reminded of the verse that says and a child shall lead them.
Love ya!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A Logo!
I am so excited today! Not only do I have class tonight which puts me one step closer to my goal, but a dear friend Theresa who recently moved to NC has so very graciously agreed to help me create a logo! She e-mailed some beautiful designs within just hours of my request. I am so blessed that God has put so many wonderful people in my life. It is just like God has handpicked so many of you to bless me and bless me you have! I remember a dear lady from my church many years ago told me that friends were like flowers and God creates for each of us a beautiful bouquet. God sure has picked a huge beautiful one for me! and He filled it with some of the sweetest most beautiful flowers/friends!
Once I have the completed logo I will be able to get the business cards and stationary. I am working on some marketing materials and letters to have ready to send out to local churches once I get the stationary. All of this is so exciting.
I was talking to one of my classmates this morning she is a director at a pregnancy center that has decided to change their counseling format to a life coaching format. She is a pretty amazing women whom will be presenting this concept at a national conference soon. She is so excited about how this will change and hopefully redirect the lives of so many of these young women who come to them for help. It is amazing to me all the ways God is using this type of ministry to help out so many other already existing ministries to expand their services and disciple so many. I realize this is truly a discipleship ministry this walking along beside someone and seeing Gods purpose for their lives unfold is an amazing privilege.
Well thanks for reading! I hope you are having an awesome day full of Gods blessings!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Two more classes...
Well last night was class night... And that means that there are only two more classes till I finish! I am so enjoying this class and all that I am learning. last night we did several case studies and went over things that can and will cause a disconnect between us and a client, as well as some of the common types of character traits that we will see in clients. It has given me a new way of looking at things. I am also gaining insites into my own behavior and thoughts... pretty cool. The really cool thing is that everything is brought back to God's word. What is the truth about how God loves us and how does God see us? and Why does God allow things into our lives? and How does God want us to respond or react to things, and to the world as a whole? I love that they have us redirect everything back to God!
I also love the fact that my kids are truly interested in this whole process. Mandie and even Shawn keep asking me questions about my classes and about the whole process of setting this ministry up. The very best part however is they way I am able to share with them how God is working things out for us. The amazing ways he is providing, and to be able to reinforce His faithfulness in all things. That is just the most wonderful blessing to me at this point. I know that God has plans for this ministry to bless people and to guide and direct them. However the way He is using it to bless me and my children... well I once again find myself standing in AWE of MY GOD! I can clearly see how He is being faithful to the promise in His word to be my husband and a father to my children... to not only provide for us but to teach them life lessons that only He can. So if this ministry were to never do anything more than that I know that every moment and every dollar invested has already been worth it. However, I praise God that it will not stop there. This is not just lessons learned for me and my family. God has revealed too much for me to even consider that would be His only purpose, and isn't that wast this is truly all about, Him revealing purpose to us? oooh Ya! Praise God!!! I hope you all have an awesome day! Watch for the Blessings they are blooming all around us!
I also love the fact that my kids are truly interested in this whole process. Mandie and even Shawn keep asking me questions about my classes and about the whole process of setting this ministry up. The very best part however is they way I am able to share with them how God is working things out for us. The amazing ways he is providing, and to be able to reinforce His faithfulness in all things. That is just the most wonderful blessing to me at this point. I know that God has plans for this ministry to bless people and to guide and direct them. However the way He is using it to bless me and my children... well I once again find myself standing in AWE of MY GOD! I can clearly see how He is being faithful to the promise in His word to be my husband and a father to my children... to not only provide for us but to teach them life lessons that only He can. So if this ministry were to never do anything more than that I know that every moment and every dollar invested has already been worth it. However, I praise God that it will not stop there. This is not just lessons learned for me and my family. God has revealed too much for me to even consider that would be His only purpose, and isn't that wast this is truly all about, Him revealing purpose to us? oooh Ya! Praise God!!! I hope you all have an awesome day! Watch for the Blessings they are blooming all around us!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
In the beginning
Welcome everyone! Thanks for joining me on this amazing journey.
This is hopefully going to be the best place to keep up with all that is going on with Ready... Set... Bloom! I will bring you up to speed here and please please please feel free to leave me comments, concerns, ask questions etc. I will be happy to reply as best as I am able. I also promise to take your comments and seriously consider them. One thing I am committed to with the start of this ministry is to be open to God's leading. so I promise to give serious thought and prayer on all suggestions.
Where I am now... I have chosen, along with the help of my awesome friend Sue the name for the ministry as Ready... Set... Bloom! I have checked the State of Florida Database and this name is available. So I just need to file the necessary forms and I am on my way. I am initially setting this up as a DBA. This will most likely change but for now this should be sufficient. (and a whole lot less expensive!)
I am enrolled in Level One training at Life Purpose Coaching Centers Intl. With the completing of this program within the next few weeks I expect to finalize all the requirements and become a certified life purpose coach! I am praying about and ask you to join me in prayer about moving forward to level 2 and possibly level 3 training. I believe that this would be beneficial. I am not sure however if God feels it would be necessary. So please join me in prayer about God's will in this area. I also do not have the finances available to cover the training costs so if God wants me to move forward that would also be something I would need Him to provide for.
I am working on the marketing materials now and have put out some feelers to have a logo created and a web site as well. This is going to be necessary for many reasons and needs to be completed prior to any printed materials even business cards are done. The content and types of materials I am able to create, so that is the part I am working on.
For the start up I will be running things from my home. Initially using my home office to conduct coaching sessions. I do hope to in the future finish off the "garage space" to allow for actual group sessions or "classes" This would require some modification to complete. And I would also need to consider as well the fact that Shawn has pretty much made this his own space. except when his sister is visiting and then he looses all rights as she takes over! LOL So this may be awhile down the road.
Well that is all for now. I know that these few paragraphs do not seem like much, however with my current schedule and with the training in full swing and lots of homework... well all in God's timing. I am trying very hard to walk that fine line of not getting ahead of God and not dragging my feet. So that would be my final prayer request is that I walk this journey in God's timing and not my own.
Love ya all!
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