The Sweet Spot

Announcements

2011-02-03T16:26:00.002-06:00

Swiss Dots Pink Baby Announcements

Shutterfly has personalized baby announcements.

View the entire collection of cards.

Had to make some more announcements... ran out of the first ones. Made them on Shutterfly this time! :)

God is Able

2010-05-25T10:44:00.004-05:00

Too often we come to God with limited requests because we think He’s limited in His abilities or resources. He’s not... HE IS ABLE.

Our dreams, desires, goals and passions are not a threat to God, nor do they intimidate Him. Don’t ask with wavering faith, but believe God at His word because... HE IS ABLE.

Do you truly know that God longs to fulfill your dreams and answer your cries? He is never shocked by your heart-felt prayers because... HE IS ABLE.

He wants us to come to Him with open hearts, being honest, and sharing our requests. I’m sure we’ve heard this verse before, but I’m looking at it from a new perspective:

“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16 NKJ

I was interested to know more about the word “fervent” so I looked it up and was thrilled:

Fervent:
1. hot; burning; glowing
2. having or showing great warmth of feeling; intensely devoted or earnest
3. Having or showing great emotion or zeal

When was the last time you prayed with HOT, BURNING emotion or zeal? You know, the prayer that moves you to tears and emotions, and moves heaven and hell!? My prayers often become mundane, rehearsed, and repetitive with little or no emotion. That’s NOT how God intends prayer to be. I encourage you (as I have encouraged myself) to change your mindset on prayer. Begin fervently praying, believing that God is able. How often do we miss the blessing because we don’t recognize that HE IS ABLE.

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV

“Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord...” Lamentations 2:19 NIV

I have so much to pour out to Him. And He is waiting. I want my fervent prayers to prevail. I want to be real with God. Because I know that HE IS ABLE.

Keeping my Mind "Stayed"

2010-04-05T14:36:00.004-05:00

Isaiah 26:3 ~ “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

This verse has a different meaning to me this week than it did last week. Last week was a tough week for me. I struggled with many things; worries, anger, sadness, depression... This verse in Isaiah popped in my head on Friday, and I’ve been thinking of it ever since. I realized that I so often left out a very important part of that verse. I used to think of it like this: “You will keep him in perfect peace.... because he trusts you.”

So, I used to think, “OK, God. I trust You. Where’s my peace?” But, it’s one thing to trust God, and it’s a different (and harder) thing to keep our minds focused on Him. Reading the verse again, I emphasize this: “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you...” That’s the key to our peace – keeping our mind “stayed” on Christ. I’d like to think that it’s when we keep our minds stayed on Christ, that we are actually proving to Him that we trust Him (like the second half of the verse says.) Because you see, it’s often easy to say we trust God. Many of us would say we do. But, I think being able to stay focused on God and not our circumstances, that is when we really prove that we trust Him.

During one of my “breakdowns” last week, I had a friend ask me a wonderful question (one I will continue to ask myself often). In the midst of my tears, she asked me, “Where has God been in all this?” Wow, what a novel concept. She obviously wasn’t asking as if to say “I can’t believe God abandoned you!” No, she was gently asking me, was there something on my part that I did to lose my focus on Him.

Just the week before, I had felt so close to God. I felt His presence so near. I was digging in the Word. Even though I had many unanswered prayers, I was committed to knowing Christ had a plan. Then, over the course of a few days, I started feeling more vulnerable to satan’s attacks. It was like I was hit from every side; work, friendships and relationships, personal struggles, etc. I had 2 people within a couple of days tell me that I looked “sad.” What was happening? So, when my friend asked “Where has God been?” it was eye-opening. I wondered, “How did I go from the high, to the low, in just a few days?!” The more and more I thought of it, I considered Isaiah 26:3 and I considered the part “whose mind is stayed on you.” That was it! My mind was NOT stayed on God, and I was not experiencing His peace. I realized that I so easily focused on the “troubles” and not God – the One who holds all things in His hand. I tried to take control of situations. I was easily frustrated. I wanted to change things in my own power and strength. And, it didn’t work. I was defeated. I was deflated. I was troubled.

Since Friday, I’ve been trying hard to keep my mind “stayed” on Him. It’s easier said than done, but I realize that I have many opportunities each day, to keep my eyes fixed on Him – if only I will take advantage of the occasion; through reading my Word, staying fervent in prayer, watching my words and actions, controlling my thoughts, changing the radio or tv when I feel the “nudge”. These tiny steps make a HUGE difference. As my focus shifts toward God again, I already see His blessings, love, and peace overflowing. What a good God.

So, I hope this verse encourages you like it did me. And if you are feeling defeated, deflated, or troubled, I ask you this... “Where has God been in all of it?”

A further look into the definition of "Stay":

• staying power; endurance
• to hold out or endure
• a stop, halt, or pause; a standstill
• to pause or wait
• to stand firm
• to hold back, detain, or restrain, as from going further
• to persevere; endure to completion

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” (Amplified Version)

What am I Complaining About?

2010-02-03T14:16:00.013-06:00

So often, I consider my list of "ailments" and pains; back pain, chest pain, coughing, etc. I'm quick to point out when I'm not feeling well. I'm quick to let the world know when I've been wronged or when I'm in a bad mood, or when someone else hurt me, or when I don't get my way.

Well, today - two things have inspired me to shut my mouth, quit complaining, and be THANKful! The first thing was Sundy's Blog Post about being thankful. An amazingly written post that I need to read over and over and over again. (And most of all, actually do what it says!

The second thing, and definitely the most moving, was this... I've had the privilege of helping Village of Hope (the organization I went to Uganda with), in the child sponsorships. I'm looking over a list of children right now that we hope to move to the new land in April (yay!) and my heart aches for them. This spreadsheet contains all sorts of information about the children, but the biggest thing that sticks out to me, is their "Health Problems." I mean, talk about a slap of reality. I think I have problems?!

(Now is the time for you to click the picture on the top of the blog to see a bigger version to read.)

Note the ages of some of these children... And keep in mind that the war has been "over" for almost 3 years, so you can go ahead and subtract 3 years from their age and just assume that's the latest the symptoms started. And well, actually, the war went on for over 20 years, so that covers the life-span of every child on this list. No telling what they had handed down to them, what they were born with, and what was just a matter of time for them.

So, I hope this is a reminder to all of us - to be thankful, to pray for those in need and distress, and to remember that the world does not revolve around you.

Love you all!

My "Spinning" is a Daily Struggle

2010-01-21T11:47:00.004-06:00

As you all know, I try to focus my blog on how to live your life to the fullest; how to pursue your dreams and live-out your God-given talents and abilities, all while bringing glory to Him.

So, today, instead of writing a post about that, I wanted to share someone else's post with you that was awesome and really spoke to me at this place in my life. Please take a moment to read it and decide that you will "spin" the right plates.

http://sundylane.blogspot.com/2010/01/spin-plates-you-want-to-spin.html

Spinning the "right" plates for me is a constant struggle, but it's a battle I'm willing to win. In winning that war, I feel like I once again, have a life of purpose and intention!

Love you all.

His Loving Kindness

2010-01-16T09:37:00.005-06:00

Have you ever held off on doing something you knew you really needed to do? I don't just mean things like laundry or cleaning. But, something deeper - more important. For example, picking up the 200 lb phone and making that long-dreaded call to have a heart-to-heart with someone you love, but don't really want to talk to about a certain, particular subject? (just for example!) :)

About a month ago, I ran across this verse: (BTW - yes, I have really been holding off on making that phone call for over a month!)

"...it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it." James 4:17

Ouch. That verse obviously gave me deep conviction about this certain thing that I was holding off on doing. However, it also did something else. It almost brought me to a place of being scared of God. To a place of thinking that because I wasn't obeying in this one area, then He was completely shutting me off in every other area; A fear that He wasn't going to hear my prayers (so why pray?); A fear that my devotion time would be void of hearing God's voice and receiving His direction for my life (so why bother getting up early and doing it?); A belief that I might as well not believe God for a healing, because He is still holding this other thing against me; The lie that there was no reason to necessarily get into the Word, because bottom line, I wasn't being "perfect" in this other area, so what was the use - God wasn't going to bless me or reveal His will for me anyway.

A few things have changed over the last week, and slowly, God has been pouring His love over me! Through many avenues (song, radio, sermons, the Bible), God is screaming out to me...

"Shanen: I will not let go of you that easily. You are mine and I love you!"

I've decided that being scared of God, is not what will lead us to repentance. Thinking that He is mad at us for not "performing" is a lie from satan. Now, don't get me wrong - I know there are definitely things, or a build-up of sins, that can separate us from intimacy with Christ. It is true, that at times of disobedience, God may choose to withhold His blessings, but it's not because He has turned from us - it's because we have turned from Him. However, even in that, God doesn't leave us so easily. We are His. He is a devoted father, and will fight hell for His children.

As the David Crowder song goes, "Oh How He Loves Us." It's this gentle reminder that leads me to repent... not the idea that God is mad at me or that He will turn His back on me if I don't "obey".

As the other song goes, "It's Your kindness, Lord, that leads us to repentance..."

I've missed you, Blogger

2010-01-11T15:33:00.004-06:00

I've really missed blogging. :(

I have notes and post ideas in my head and on pieces of paper in my purse, that are just waiting to be interpreted from scribbled notes and half-thoughts to real-life words on my page! I have so many thoughts, emotions, sermon nuggets - swirling, swirling - in my head. They don't want to stay on paper - they want to be written on my pretty little blog (courtesy of Penny Lane Designs [shout-out]).

Anyway, I noticed that it had been 5 weeks since my last post (boo) so I just wanted to make sure you were all aware that I am still alive, I want to blog, I need to blog, and I promise.... I'm coming back.

Just give me another couple days, or maybe a week. :)

Voila!!!!!!

2009-12-03T10:47:00.003-06:00

Have you seen anything cuter than this!?

Look at my new, super chic Blog design!!! This is of course courtesy of the Penny Lane Designs queen! This is a wonderful birthday present she created for me and I'm so happy about it. All I had to tell her was that I loved "damask" design and this is what she came up with. It is SO me and I LOVE the chandelier ~ great little touch!!!

If you need a Blog makeover (or other design work), visit Penny Lane Designs' website!!

Thanks, M!!! I love you. This is amazing!

Journey of Faith

2009-12-02T09:42:00.005-06:00

I know it's been forever!!! I have actually had so much to write about, but have just not had the time or energy to do it.

I'm still on a journey. My journey of faith. trusting. not knowing. faith. trusting. not knowing. That's really been the story of my life lately. I guess it's a good story to have - According to Hebrews 11, it put's me right up there with Abraham, so I will take that comparison.

I think in life we start to get unsettled when we can't see our next steps. When we don't know what to do, we tend to do nothing. We continue on the path we have been crawling on for so long because we can't see what's ahead. For a long time, God had me at a place of waiting. I did. I waited and waited. And I think I was waiting for Him to tell me what to do, however, when I look back, I realize that His plan was not that at all. In reality, His plan was to change my heart, fix unacceptable priorities in my life, and bring me to my knees where I would finally recognize that there's nowhere else to go besides to Him.

*Hebrews 11:1 - "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see..."

And this is the one that really stuck out to me this morning:

(vs. 8) "It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land... He went without knowing where he was going."

Wow! I love that. I don't need to know "where I'm going". I just need to know that God does know, and that when I'm OBEDIENT and I step out in FAITH, He will direct my path.

Yay for the New Shanen! :)

2009-08-31T15:27:00.009-05:00

So, I imagine, for those of you who don't know me (who only read about me via my blog), you think of me as an extremely emotional, serious, logical person. I am that ~ sorta. But, there's also a really fun side to me that unfortunately does not come out often enough. (except for random decisions like skydiving, which was a sport I thought only idiots would do!) But I'm working on that... and this weekend I took one step closer to coming out of my carefree, "I don't care what the world thinks of me" shell!

I did something that I have actually been planning for quite awhile. I finally went for it. And I am so glad I did... I didn't tell my family until it was OVER so that they couldn't try to talk me out of it. Then my parents asked me if I was drunk when I did it! haha. (ok, is the suspense killing you?!) I got a tattoo!!!

The thought of it started before my recent Africa trip. A couple friends and I had decided we would get tattoos when we returned from the trip, and I decided back in February that I was going to get an African Symbol, but I didn't know which one. There are so many African symbols, so I wanted to wait until after my trip to see what word stood out to me and summed up my experience the most.

I thought the word would be something like "HOPE", after all, I was going with The Village of HOPE! But, I waited to see. (And I'm glad I waited because the symbol for hope was a little too X-Rated - not sure I would be seen with that tattoo!)

Here his is part of an email I wrote to a friend that explains the words I chose for my tattoo:

"The whole time I was in Gulu, God had me reading II Sam. 22, and He assured me that He is the ultimate protector and defense and fortress for these kids. But there was such a sense of the need for safety and security in Uganda! The kids at Village of Hope have a large wall around the orphanage with glass shards at the top of the wall to keep the rebels out, should they return. The windows have bars on them, and then every night the kids lock every door in the house and let out a guard dog to roam the perimeter."

So - during and after my trip, I knew exactly what word stuck out to me the most. It was Safety, or Security. In Gulu especially, there is an eery feeling of "what if the rebels come back" and just a sense of wanting to move the kids to a safer place. I wanted to pack up the entire town of Gulu and move them somewhere safer!! (Thank God for Village of Hope, who is building new homes in a SAFER place for hundreds of children!)

So, I found an African symbol that means "Safety and Security" for a "House/Compound". Wow! Pretty much perfect, considering we call the Village of Hope a "safe house"!! So, I decided that's what I would get. I went back and forth on where I would get it and finally decided shoulder blade. My feet are ugly, so I didn't want it there. I hate shaving my legs, so I bypassed the ankle idea. I didn't want it anywhere where it would be noticeably visible at work. So, shoulder blade (hidden in a sleeveless shirt, but partially showing in a tank-top), was the perfect solution. Instead of the typical black/green tattoo, I knew I wanted one with color, but didn't know what. I thought maybe teal or a fun, cute color like that, but I wasn't sure. Plus, this tattoo wasn't necessarily for "fun" or "cuteness". I really wanted it to symbolize something dear to my heart that changed my life and so I just kept thinking about what color it would be. The night before I was going, I emailed my friend Trish (who is a fellow-tattooee) and told her what I was doing. After she screamed with excitement, she randomly threw out the color RED and said that she pictured it being red, and this is before I even told her that I was debating color choices! Well, I thought about it for a whole 2 seconds!!!... then decided that was perfect. To me, Red symbolizes the blood shed in Africa due to the 20 year war, and reminds me even more how much I need to pray for safety and protection over those people!

So, here's a couple blurry pics from my Blackberry. When Angel gets her pics sent to me, I'll post better ones. This is half-way through and then a close-up of the completed design!

...Yes, I LOVE AFRICA!!!

Click here to read 2 Samuel 22. I wanted to post it on here but it's really long, and I didn't want to chop it up. The entire chapter was really the inspiration behind the tattoo. While in Uganda, anytime I would start to fear for the children and people I grew to love, God would send me back to 2 Samuel 22. It's like he kept reminding me that He is God (not me!)! Nothing I can do will save them. And more importantly, He loves them more than I do. And He is their protector!

LET GO!!!

2009-08-24T13:07:00.004-05:00

Not much new to blog about... except to say, I am in the middle of a PEACE storm! I'm so used to all other storms (stress storms, grumpy storms, angry-at-life-and-circumstances storms, etc.), that this seems so strange to me!

I haven't even blogged about my feelings (which is unusual for me), because I don't know how to put it all in to words. All I can say, is that I feel peace and I feel content - even though I have no idea what the future holds.

I went to the Women of Faith conference this weekend and it was great! The nugget I left with was this verse:

PSalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

A speaker at the conference pointed out that "Be still" in Hebrew means "Let Go". So, that verse can also be written like this:

"LET GO and know that I am God!"

I love that so much! God is truly teaching me to let go! I have let go of so much already and am full of anticipation to see what God will have for my future!

No words to describe it...

2009-08-17T13:11:00.004-05:00

I’m having trouble finding the appropriate words to describe where I am in life right now. I’d throw out the words “bizarre, strange, or crazy”, but your first thought might be something negative. So, I will try these, “calm, joyous, relaxed.” These might not sound like anything exciting to you, but if you know me, or have read more than a few posts on my blog, then you understand that these particular words and I, have not had a meeting of the minds in quite awhile! If anything, I have been “fazzled, stressed and overwhelmed!” So, this is why I find it hard to explain the place I’m in – because I haven’t been here in quite awhile – and I haven’t felt this peaceful in many, many years.

All I know, is that everything I thought I had planned for myself – is no longer my plan. Sounds crazy.... but, all the thoughts I had about my life right now, what I’d be doing, when I’d have a baby, etc. have all changed. Don’t get me wrong, the dreams, desires and hopes around those particular things are still there, but the idea that it’s all about ME and MY timing has been crumbled. I’ve given EVERYTHING over to God and it has been so freeing!!!! I am so OKAY with whatever God has. Seriously. I had all these plans for myself and now, I have no idea what’s going to happen, or where I’m going to go, or when I might have a baby, and I have no problems with that.

I wish I could share more, but I am not at liberty to right now. (But, trust me – I can’t wait to blog about it when the timing is right). But – I know that the peace I have, and the things that God is starting to do, are amazing and can only be His doing. I’m so excited! I see God doing a work, and even though I don’t know much right now, I do know that that’s where I want to be. Right in the middle of His work!

"...clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ..." Rom. 13:14

Still Standing Here...

2009-08-07T13:25:00.004-05:00

So, I know it's been a week since I've written anything. I wish I had more time to write, but I just haven't, so sorry! But, the good news is, alot and yet, not much, has happened in the last week. I don't have anything to report on what direction I've taken or that God has given me some great sign, but I can gladly say, that for a full week, God has been revealing to me (in so many ways), that He has me where He wants me.

Pertaining to my last blog, I mentioned that God has me in a place of waiting. Not knowing what's ahead, but teaching me to be ok with that for once. For so long, I have grasped and grasped and hoped and hoped and I was so sure that I knew what I wanted (and what I assumed God was going to bless). And while that may still be the right direction, God has called a time-out. He has asked me to put all these things in His hands. So often, I see something I want, or that I want to do, and unless I feel God stopping me, I step out and do it. However, this has been a much different journey.

I see now, that all along, my focus on these things has been wrong. The journey was all about me. Even as my Blog heading explains, we were created for a purpose and we bring ultimate glory to God when we are walking in our gifts. However, in searching my heart, I realized that I wanted to pursue those gifts and talents for my own benefit. (Yes, there was a desire to want to bless others too, but I just kept looking to those things for my own happiness.)

My heart is changing. Slowly, but surely. For the last week or so, God has continued to confirm that this is where I need to be; my pastor spoke about how we feel God telling us something, and instead of obeying, we decide to do more righteous things to make up for our disobedience. For instance, I didn't want to lay everything down for an unknown amount of time, so I thought that if I read my Bible more, or prayed more, that God would overlook my disobedience to laying it all down! In a paraphrase, our pastor spoke about this: "God cares more about our hearts and our obedience, than He does our righteous acts." He also said something else I love: that we have this distorted view of God and we want to believe that His whole existence is to make us happy and for us to live out our wonderful lives in Joy. He so "gently" reminded us that in fact, that is not God's desire. His desire is for our hearts to be in the right place with Him. And ultimately, if our hearts are right, then the happiness will follow, regardless of the other circumstances. (For instance, Paul! He was imprisoned and tortured, yet he was happy, because his heart was in the right place with God.) I think most of all, God is bringing me to a place where NOTHING shakes me. Nothing wavers my faith. Nothing breaks me. I feel so far from this place, but I know God's grace will continue to lead me there.

While I'm not going to go into alot of details, I can say this - that I have put everything down! Everything I wanted, everything I am pursuing, is down. And I'm not holding back or picking it up until He tells me to. All the dreams, all the desires, all the things I wanted - I've given to Him. Because even though these are things that I want to use for God's glory, I am understanding that I am so far from God in my heart. So, even if God did redeem it all, and allow me to minister to others through disobedience in my life, He still wants my heart to be right too.

So, I totally feel like none of that made since. It's kind of a compilation of several, random thoughts in my head, so I hope you managed to follow-along.

Standing at the Fork

2009-07-31T11:04:00.003-05:00

So, if you recall, I have had trouble knowing “where to go from here” in life. I’ve been asking God to show me a clear-cut answer... To give me a definitive Yes or No. I know there are times in your life when you come to a fork in the road and God will bless either direction you take. But, in this case, I’ve been asking God to make the decision for me. Maybe it’s because I don’t trust my own judgment at this point (I tend to let my emotions get in the way), or maybe it’s because every time I take a step of faith in the direction I THINK I’m supposed to take – I hit a wall! Well, I don’t have any new news besides this – that I am still standing at the fork, with no definite decision on which path to take – BUT, I now know God’s plan for me while I’m standing here deciding.

Since my trip to Africa, part of me has felt lost. At times I have felt like my heart was being tugged in 500 different directions. I was feeling even more confused than before I left!!! But, last week I attended a Bible study luncheon that a friend of mine has started. And, during this lunch, God begin to reveal to me what His plan is for me in all this. The topic at lunch always encompasses being a Christian in the workplace and how we can apply it to our lives. During the discussion, Kat spoke about Happiness, and the source of it. I felt so convicted as I sat there and realized that all this time, I have looked to other things to give me happiness. While I was still praying and believing God, I realized that I was also putting an expectation on my job or my boss or everything else, to provide me with satisfaction and joy. Yesterday on my Facebook, I wrote something that God was speaking to me:

“God is the source of TRUE joy. When we look to anything else- our job, our family and friends, the material things around us - we will only be disappointed. And until we recognize God's desire to fill us with true joy, we will only exasperate ourselves looking for it in other things.” (S.W. Dreamer)

And I was just that – exasperated! In all honesty, I have neglected my first Love. The One who has brought me more happiness than anything else in this life! Last night I stayed up late looking at old journals from when I was in Bible college. I almost felt like I wasn’t even reading my own journal. The faith portrayed and the love for God that was exuberating from the pages, almost seemed foreign to me. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I love God and I love following Him – but I had neglected our relationship. I spent a couple hours pouring over these notebooks. Reading verses, quotes, and sermons that were life-changing. I realized that while my intentions all along have been good, God could still not bless my steps or ministry, unless my heart was right with Him first. I want to touch people’s lives and make a difference in this world, and all along I’ve thought, “If I only made more money, I could help the kids in Africa” and “If I could only do this and this, then I could bless these people over here”. I guess in reality, my motives were right, but my heart was not. Your ministry flows from what’s inside of you. If I haven’t been spending time in prayer and in the Word of God, then I’ve got nothing left to pour out of me. Regardless of what I’m doing in life, what amount of money I’m making, who I surround myself with... if I’ve got nothing on the inside (where it matters most), then I’ve really got nothing (of importance) to offer on the outside.

So, here I sit at the intersection of life. The “fork” of decision. But, I’m no longer looking for God to tell me where to go. I now know that His desire all along has been to bring me back to the basics. Back to a place of such rest and peace and trust in Him, that I’m not concerned about the future and what it holds, what I should do, and where I should go. He would rather that I find rest at His feet for awhile and soak Him in before I go any further. I am actually ok with this, because I know that only good things can come out of it. I miss Him. I miss time with Him. I miss the love and passion I had when I wrote those journals 10 years ago!

Sometimes, when we feel lost or removed from God, we want to ask Him “where have you gone?”, when in reality, WE are the ones that left.

Village of Hope Kids!

2009-07-24T10:15:00.013-05:00

There are so many things to write about in regards to my Africa trip! If I wrote it all at once, it would fill a book, and you would be overwhelmed and stop reading half way through. So I figured I would blog in bite-sized portions (which still might be a lot, but hang with me, people).

I thought it appropriate to start by talking about Village of Hope (VOH), since that is the organization I went with. The VOH safe house was started by Cindy Cunningham, who lives in Dallas, along with Rose (the house mom at the orphanage) who lives in Gulu. I won’t go in to Cindy’s story of how God called her to Gulu, but you can read it here on her Blog. (start at the bottom of the page and read up!) Cindy started VOH for orphans who were once abducted by the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army), which you can read more about the LRA here if you aren’t familiar. All the children at the VOH safe house were once former child soldiers, sex slaves, and made to commit horrible acts which we could never fathom. Rose has taken in what most would call the “worst of the worst”. Children who are most at-risk because of what they have been through, or what they will go through if they are not rescued. Children with no parents, who have been forced to take care of themselves and their siblings by any means necessary. There are 19 children in the safe house now and they are building on 100 acres to make room for hundreds more children - but that’s for another post.

Cindy with the kids

This is my compilation of multiple things that happened with the children at VOH within a 2 week period, but I’m trying to make it into one short story to keep it simple (and obviously, shorter).

So, I have to admit, that when I first pulled up to the safe house, I didn’t know what to expect. You find this cute, little house with bars on the windows, and high walls with glass pieces stuck to the top of the walls to “keep out intruders.” It’s nestled in the middle of a refugee camp, surrounded by mud huts, chickens running amuck, and half-dressed little children everywhere. Our van pulls up to the large metal doors, which also acts as a gate for cars that pull in. Suddenly, a sea of smiling faces bounce out of the gate and greet us as we exit the vehicle. Before I can say hello or ask their name, I am wrapped in their hugs and warm welcome – being swept through the gates of Village of Hope by 19 kids who are about to steal my heart. Our day with them consists of playing futbol (soccer) with the boys along the side of the house on a small stretch of cement (but they don’t notice or care); the girls help cook, read books or color, and play a jump-rope game with some string they tied together. Over the course of the day, they dance and sing, but there is none like the singing that happens at night. At first the songs are playful, with a few hand motions here and there... “a big, big table , with lots and lots of food” is a popular line! Some of the songs are in Acholi (their native language), but several of them are in English as well and we all sing along. After about 20 minutes of singing and dancing, their voices turn to worship. This is what gets you the most. The sound and feeling in the air as their sweet voices rise to heaven. Then, one by one, they slowly drop to their knees and the feeling of God’s presence overtakes the room. I sit on the couch and watch, almost ashamed that I too am not joining them in worship. I don’t know the words to the song, and I don’t speak Acholi, but I know through their actions that they are deeply in touch with God, their Redeemer, Protector and Provider. Tears stream down my face as I watch this beautiful sight. One child, Norman, is on his knees, pounding his chest in prayer to God as tears are running down his cheeks. Most of the kids are wiping tears from their eyes as they sing and you can’t help but wonder “what are they saying?!” Norman is asked to say a prayer and while I can barely hear the translation from Rose, I do catch a few things that make me realize that this 12 year old boy is spiritually more mature than many men I know! His heart-felt prayer lasts about 2 minutes and consists of him asking God to protect us and to send His Holy Spirit to guide us... the prayer continues as the mzungus (“white people” in Acholi) wipe our own tears at the beautiful scene in front of us.

(Left pic: The kids singing) (Righ pic: Norman Worshipping )

Later on in the day, the children all gather around to play Bingo. They love this game, especially because we play with M&Ms, and those are their favorite! After several games of Bingo, and more soccer, it is time for the children to go to bed. There’s no official bed-time routine of “change into your pajamas and brush your teeth.” They just simply go to their rooms and hop in their bunk bed. Of course, that isn’t before they lock all the doors in the house – including all the inside doors – living room to kitchen, hall to living room, and then each respective bedroom door. The guard dog is also let out, to roam the perimeter of the house during the late hours. This is how they live - every night. This is the system they have implemented to “protect” themselves. So, I tuck myself into a top bunk (a 3 level bunk bed), and fall asleep. Half way through the night I wake up and hear the sound of 9 precious girls sleeping –I hear deep breaths, some tossing and turning, and a couple of girls are snoring. What a beautiful melody – I wish I had had a tape recorder!

(Left pic: Playing futbol/soccer) (Right pic: Me leaving Norbert on our last day (and a note he wrote for me))

I wake up to the sound of children cleaning the floors, washing dishes, and playing soccer outside the window. The children here aren’t told what to do. They just see a need and meet it. If they are told what to do, I never see them complain. Walking out into the hall, I bump into Irene who diligently wipes down the hall floors. Clinton is smiling and swaying to a song in his head as he washes the dishes. Stella is outside helping prepare breakfast for 23 people, and as I turn the corner, I see Peter washing clothes in a bucket of water and soap. Gloria is throwing the clothes over the line to dry and Norbert is pushing a wheel barrel of water out of the gate to dump into a cornfield across the road. All this occurs with smiles on their faces and not a single moan. I even offered to help Moses with the dishes one day, and I think I got in the way more than I helped. So, this all made me realize something – that I’m taking my children to Africa if they ever complain about house chores!

(Left pic: Peter washing clothes) (Right pic: Clinton washing dishes )

This was definitely a shortened version of all that happened with the kids at Village of Hope, and there will be more stories in more posts... this is just the first, so please be patient as I try to sort through my thoughts and get it all into a post.

Me with most of the kids!

Dreams...

2009-07-21T10:00:00.001-05:00

Like I said in my previous blog, I’m not sure where to go from here, but I do know that I like this timely quote on my calendar...

“Dreams take time, patience, sustained effort, a willingness to fail, if they
are ever to be anything more than dreams.” Bryan Linkoski

Actions and Truth

2009-07-20T11:21:00.003-05:00

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue,
but in actions and truth.” ~ 1 John 3:18

I know I have a lot to write about and catch up on... and I can’t wait to blog about my amazing trip to Africa where God is doing incredible things. However, I do not have time to write all of that now. Instead, I wanted to start off with the Scripture above, which is what is heavy on my heart right now.

Since I’ve been home, I’ve been dealing with the “post-ministry letdown” syndrome that Cindy warned us about. The feeling of, “Ok, what’s next”, “How can I help?” I am burdened, happy, sad, rejoiceful... all at the same time. I keep staring at the faces in my pictures and remembering their smiles and laughs. I keep watching the videos of the kids dancing and singing. I’m haunted by the feeling that there are children in refugee camps scared everyday for their safety. It’s hard to explain all that I’m feeling. But all I know, is that I MUST do something. I’m not sure what the “something” is, or even the possible “somethings”, but I’m praying for direction and wisdom. I have a few ideas, but there is still this overwhelming feeling of “will it ever be enough?!” But, God is reminding me (AGAIN), that HE alone is God. I am not God, and it is not my job to BE God. It is only my duty to do what He leads me to do.

With that... let me introduce you to one of my favorite pictures from the trip. This little boy lives in a refugee camp in Gulu, Uganda. He was falling asleep in the middle of the crowd, and I motioned for him to come sit in my lap. He was so precious.

Pleas pray for me. That I will find my part in all this and that I will prove my love for these kids, my love for Village of Hope, and most of all, my love for the Lord, through “actions and truth.”

Headed to Uganda!

2009-06-27T18:05:00.002-05:00

Ok, well, tomorrow is the big day! I'm headed off to Africa to hug and kiss some amazing kids!

~I'll keep y'all posted when I return. You'll see lots of pics of my 2 and a half week journey!

I'll miss the blogging world. (sorta)

Whirlwind.of.Thoughts.I.Need.to.Share

2009-06-23T16:51:00.003-05:00

Lately, I have felt so overwhelmed. Not necessarily, physically or emotionally, but mentally. Mentally I am overwhelmed. I feel like I have a 100-thing to-do list in my head at all times... and the list keeps growing. I have notepads, receipts, pieces of paper, things everywhere, with little reminders and notes of things to do. There are times in my life when I’ve felt, “Man, I just have so much to do,” but, this seems different. It’s like there’s so many little things and big things to do, that I just want to run away and not do any of them. On my drive to work each day, I’m constantly thinking, “OH, and I have to do that, and that, and that, and that.” I feel like it will never stop. My brain is on overload... with things to do, and deep thoughts.

I don’t even think that it has anything to do with my up-coming Africa trip (I feel like that to-do list is pretty short in comparison!). And, it’s not even like my life is SO extremely busy either. It’s just that my mind won’t quit working, and I’m exhausted. My drive to work in the morning is about 50 minutes in stop-and-go traffic. And I almost fall asleep in the car, every day! Is it because I’m tired? Sometimes. Is it because I’m not looking forward to the work-day ahead? Probably. But, I really just feel like it’s because I’m mentally exhausted! My brain is always asking me to quit thinking!!!!

This is very frustrating for me, because there are so many things that I want to do with my life, and I want to do each of them well. I don’t want to be mediocre at my job. I don’t want to be a half-a** wife (pardon my French – but that’s exactly how I feel.) I want to be an amazing mother some day. Next week – I want to be an encouragement and blessing to hundreds of children in Africa who need my love and attention!!!!!! But, I suddenly feel inadequate in this area. These days, when I arrive home at night, I crash. I mean, of course, on my way home, my mind is racing with alllll the things I need to do once I get home, but then once I get there – it’s a different story. It’s like I’ve talked myself out of doing everything I know I need to do, and I just crash. I might pick one project (dinner) to do that night so that I don’t feel like a total waste. It’s so frustrating. I definitely don’t think of myself as a lazy person. I’ve always had a good work ethic. But things have changed it seems. I suddenly seem lazier than I used to be. I feel like a bad worker. I worry about how I am as a wife to my husband. And I worry about what kind of mother I will be one day! My husband seems to get my mental-leftovers. I’m not usually in the best mood when I get home. My husband is the hardest worker I know. Not only does he work his butt of for me and our future family, but he works hard for other people too. Last night he was at work until 1am helping one of the other guys finish a project. He doesn’t always work that late (most of the time he brings his work home and stays on his laptop until late), but he always does what’s necessary to get the job done. I wish I had this work ethic like I used to. I’m not the kind of gal that thinks women should do all the house-work and chores, but I know that my husband pulls his weight around the house and works his butt off at the office too. So, yes! I think that I should be able to come home at 6pm and put away clothes, unload and load the dishwasher, vacuum, or whatever else needs to be done. But, I don’t. I want to be a blessing to my husband, and instead, I feel like he gets the grumpy-pants version of what’s left of me mentally. Gr.

Anyway, I don’t know why I’m blogging about this. Maybe it’s because I have an old friend that I’ve been back in touch with, who is so good at sharing her thoughts and feelings, and it has spurred me to do the same? Although, those of you who read my blog, know that I have no problem saying what I feel, I just usually try to look at the bright side and be encouraging. I’m not sure if this is one of those blogs. I’m just sharing my true feelings for today. Like I told Trish, the “everything is fine and I’m happy”-mask is a little tiring sometimes.

So – there you have it, blogger world. Please pray that this trip to Africa will (please forgive me if this sounds selfish), also be a time of mental refreshing and relaxation. My Blackberry will stay in Texas - and halfway across the world from me for 14 days and 18 hours (yes, I am excited about this!) No emails from work. No phone calls from – well – work people. Just me, my 2 amazing girlfriends, the beautiful, African children, and most importantly, God!!!! Ah.Yes.God.

“Within each of us is a hidden store of determination. Determination to keep us
in the race when all seems lost.” ~ Roger Dawson

...so true for me! No matter what, I will not give up or give in!

....And...

2009-06-18T09:14:00.008-05:00

I know I already posted one blog today, but wanted to post another quick one.

Happy 56th Birthday, Toni Lee Davis, as you celebrate with Jesus, your Creator!

Your children LOVE you and MISS you, but God is good, He is faithful, He is loving... Just as you always said.

June 18, 1953 - June 16, 1995

Love, your daughter...

Village of Hope

2009-06-18T08:15:00.003-05:00

As I previously mentioned, I am going to Africa in less than 2 weeks!!!! [internal squeal!] Two girlfriends and I are going with an organization called Village of Hope. We will be doing many things; helping build houses, teaching and playing with the kids, feeding at the refugee camps, loving on people... wherever they need us!

So, I wanted to share with you the website for the Village of Hope (many of you have received information about VOH already, so this is for you followers who haven't!). I hope that if you are not aware of the attack that parts of Uganda have been under (for many many years), that you would read here to learn more.

The stories of these children are so amazing, and I KNOW that when I get back, their stories will be even more real to me. For now, I'll let you read up on it, and once I return, I'll be full of words to share!

I also wanted to share Cindy Cunningham's blog with you. Cindy is the director of Village of Hope, but she's so much more than that. Her heart and her passion for the children are truly amazing. You can read the story here of how she came up with the vision of VOH. I love to hear her talk about the kids, because it's as if they are her own children. She's a protective mother bear for sure. Please read her blog and pray blessings and protection over this amazing woman as she is truly in tune with the heart of God.

Here is her first blog post after coming back from her trip to Africa. This gives you a taste of what she first experienced:

Thursday, April 06, 2006

The Invisible Children of War in Uganda
Arriving in the town of Gulu (5 hour drive North of Kampala, the capital) we drove to a city of huts. They refer to them as "camps". Displaced families from north Uganda fled here. WHY?The rebels, who live in the bush, go from village to village, burning down huts, killing adults and abducting children. They take young girls and use them as prostitutes in the rebel camps. The boys are taken to be work slaves and taught to be rebels.So families run to Gulu for "safety". But there is no safety. The rebels still come to Gulu. In the night the raid the "camps" killing, stealing, burning, raping. So each night the moms say goodbye to their children and send them off to shelters (large one room tents) where the children spend the night...so they can be safe from the rebels.We walked the dark streets of Gulu to a shelter where we interviewed children who had been abducted by the rebels, but managed to escape. One 11 year old girl explained how the rebels came and killed her parents in front of her, and then abducted her...raped her... and then after 1 month let her go with these instructions: "Go back and tell everyone what we did to you and tell them, we will do the same to them."A 15 year old boy told about his 4 years of living in a rebel camp. He was abducted when he was 11. They kill you if you can't work or get sick. They put a machete in your hand and tell you to kill the weak child, and if you don't they have another child holding a machete, who will kill you. You don't have a choice. The rebels do this to desensitize the children.As we walked back to our lodging, the streets were dark, just 2 days before the rebels had come to this very place and abducted 48 children. It was hard not to look over my shoulder, fear was thick, my heart raced. How can people live in this type of fear day in and day out?A young boy came up to us as we ate breakfast and said, "I just escaped from a rebel camp, can I eat your leftovers?" We bought him breakfast. I took my bread from breakfast with me, wrapped in a napkin. As we drove to the next camp, I saw a boy along the road and handed him the bread. He wouldn't take it. So I asked them why? I was told that he can't take the bread because UN gives them food once a week (which will feed their family for 1 week) and they are not allowed to take food from anyone else.We walked through a maze of huts, hundreds and hundreds of them. This was one of the 18 camps in this city alone. Children sat on the ground, with flies all over them. They didn't swat them away; I guess they are used to them. A 12 year old boy came up to us crying. He stood in line to get water all morning. Once he did get his water, someone accidentally knocked it over and now he had no water to give his 3 orphan siblings. He is 12 years old, for goodness sake. He should be playing soccer, or watching TV, not looking for food for his family, not being the head of his household.UN doesn't give families run by orphans ANY FOOD. You have to be an adult to get a card which allows you to get food once a month. So the orphan run families have NOTHING!!!!!!!! The girls don't go to school, because they have to find food, and if they can't they will sell themselves into prostitution.The situation in Gulu is not getting better. This has been going on for 23 years. They are born in war and live each day of their lives in war.So who funds the rebels? It may not be P.C. to say, but it is the Arabs, the Muslims. They want to take over Southern Sudan and Northern Uganda. So they send in the L.R.A. (Lord's Resistant Army) or the rebels (same thing just different names) to destroy a people, to bring despair, destruction, to kill, rape and steal what little the people have. Who suffers? The innocent! The young! The helpless!I wish I were making all of this up, but I am not! I wish this was just a nightmare that I had and I could just wake up, but this is as real as it gets. Not a reality that most of us in America will EVER see, not a reality that makes us feel comfortable or good. But it is reality!Since I left Uganda, I have had nightmares each night. But thankfully I can wake up from my nightmares...these children will never wake up from their living nightmare."

I know there's alot of links on this page, but please take the time to read them so that you will understand more. I appreciate it so much!

What are we in it for?

2009-06-17T11:32:00.003-05:00

Ok, so it's been awhile. Sorry.

But, this is what's been on my mind lately, and after talking to another friend who is feeling the same, I decided I should blog about it.

Many of you know, I am going to Africa soon. In 11 day to be exact!!!!!!!!! Everyone keeps saying it will be life-changing, and that it will really put life in perspective, and that it will change the way I view the world, etc. etc. Well, I totally agree. But the thing is, God is already working on me in that area of my life. (Maybe it has to do with the upcoming trip, maybe it doesn't.)

But, I guess I look at my life and realize I am so Shanen-focused. My prayers sound like this:

"God, thank you I have life today." "Thank you that I have a wonderful husband and family." "Give me peace and mercy and joy today." While these aren't necessarily bad things to be thankful for and pray for, the consistent theme here is "I" and "me."

How often do I pray for those who are losing their lives? Do I passionately pray for the lost? Do I pray for widows and orphans and those who don't have wonderful husbands or any family? And what about that peace, mercy and joy? Am I using that to glorify God and bring others to Him? Or do I simply ask for those because they sure would make my day and life easier!?

Yes, my life is way too much about me, and not enough about my God. I long to be more kingdom-focused. I know this is only the beginning of God working in this area.

I know Africa will be a big part of the mind-change too. I can't wait!!! It's way overdue!

Matthew 21:43 (Amplified Bible)
"I tell you, for this reason the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce the fruits of it."

FEEDJIT

2009-06-08T09:15:00.004-05:00

Nothing life-changing to share today. But, I did find a fun widget I wanted to share.

I saw this on my friend Trischa's Blog and thought it looked fun. You can see where your Blog visitors are coming from (state, and what website.) Pretty cool!

FEEDJIT. There are a few free options you can enjoy, or you can pay $5.95 for advanced options... not quite sure what you get with that though. If you want to know what it looks like in action, check out the right hand side of my Blog to see the Live Feed!

Prove 'em Wrong

2009-06-04T13:56:00.005-05:00

"A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do." ~ Walter Bagehot

I like this quote (surprise, surprise). I like it mostly because I don’t understand why it is that people try to deflate our dreams? Is it because they think we're crazy for attempting them? Maybe it's because they want to protect us from getting hurt if our dreams don't come true? Maybe it's jealousy because they really don’t want us to achieve that really great thing... good or bad intentions, who really knows.

I heard someone on the radio the other day say that someone told this guy to “not get his hopes up.” He made a good point afterwards – what good is hope if you aren’t hoping for something good? Better to not hope at all, then to not get your hopes up.

So, this post is two part;

1. Don’t let others determine your destiny. Whether or not their intentions are good, they are not your Master. There is only One. One who desires that you live your best life, blessing others, and being all you were created to be. There will always be naysayers, or what I like to call “Sparkle Snuffers”, but I know that at the end of my life, I want to look back and know that I lived my life to its fullest and that I changed the world! (even if it’s a small portion of the world, my world!)

2. DREAM BIG!! (I feel like a broken record on this.) Life is too short and God is too good for us to not be doing something we are passionate about. Live in your Sweet Spot, Peeps. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read my Blog header.) God has created and designed us with special gifts, and He desires us to live our life to the fullest – in complete passion. Don’t lose hope!!! Dream big and expect!

Much love today to the blogger world today.

Ah, the life...

2009-06-02T11:31:00.001-05:00

I’m not sure that this is how I would describe success, but I do like the idea!!

“A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” (Bob Dylan)

How many of you are living your dream – and doing what you want to do with your life, from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed?!

DREAM BIG!

Quick one....

2009-05-28T11:17:00.003-05:00

"The Grand Essential of Happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." ~ Allan Chalmers

To sum it up in the words of Shanen: "Hope for something you love to do." or "Do something you love to hope for." or "Love what you hope to do." .... anyway, you get the point. :)

DREAM BIG!!

Amen and Amen!

2009-05-20T10:10:00.001-05:00

"Our comfort zones are for ourselves, but the dream, the calling God has on our lives ~ is for others. That is why we have to walk it out, go for it, because we never know whose life we are going to change with the dreams God has put in us. "

~ I would normally give credit where credit is due, but I do not know the author of this quote.

Oh, the goodness!

2009-05-19T15:05:00.001-05:00

I want you to read this. Please. Just as you start to skim the words and skip over its meaning, stop and actually read it. It gives me goose bumps!

"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, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are 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."
(The above speech by Nelson Mandela, but was originally written by Marianne Williamson)

Goodbye Mountains!

2009-05-15T11:55:00.002-05:00

I receive a lot of my inspiration from my amazing sister-in-law (Jenni) who sends me terrific emails that encourage me to grow in the Lord.

Case in point: this email that she sent back in February, and I had it marked to read again, but I forgot to, until now. I’m not sure who wrote this, but I love it. (I feel like I always say that!)

So here it is... I hope it encourages your spirit. Happy Friday.

"And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying
trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig
tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea,
it will be done" (Matthew 21:21, AMP).

Today's Word from Joel
We've all had seasons when the challenges of life feel overwhelming. During those
times, it's easy to be tempted to talk about how bad things are. Maybe you
received a bad medical report, or maybe you're facing a financial obstacle. But
the more you talk about something, the bigger it becomes in your mind. Instead,
you've got to dig your heels in and say, "No, I am not going to give life to
that defeat. I am not going to speak sickness over myself. I'm not going to
speak lack. I'm not going to speak fear. I'm choosing a different report. I
believe the report of the Lord which says I am blessed. I am favored. I am
prosperous. I am healthy. I am whole. I'm a victor, not a victim."Remember, even
if you don't see how things could ever work out, God does. You've got to speak
to those mountains in your life and declare favor over those situations. Instead
of talking to God about how big your problems are, talk to your problems about
how big your God is! As you speak to your mountains, they will be moved, and you
will move forward into the victory God has prepared for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word which is life to my
spirit. I receive Your strength today and choose to speak to the mountains, so I
can move forward in the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

Read it a couple times

2009-05-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

"The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen." ~ Frank Loyd Wright

I had to read this a couple times to finall get it. But once I did, it was an "aha" moment. :)

What are you really believing in?!!

Work-Life Balance

2009-05-13T09:52:00.004-05:00

I wanted to share an exceprt from a book I have. I’ve not actually read the book yet, but I am on the author’s email blast, and he emailed a part of it today.

I thought it would be good to post, especially, since I hear so many discussions about “work-life” balance. I like what he has to say about it. Now.... if only our bosses felt this way!

Find the Balance Between Work and Home

There’s no such thing as work-home balance.

That might be a strange way to start an article called “Find the Balance Between Work and Home,” but there really is no such thing.

I meet with corporate leaders every week, and I’m asked many of the same questions again and again. The CEOs want to know how to help their employees have more “work-home balance” because they think it’s a magic formula for increased productivity.

If you’re happy, are you going to be a better employee? Absolutely. Are you going to be better at being a dad or a mom or a friend? Of course. Does it have anything to do with punching a time clock, or the number of hours you work in a week? No way.

There’s no such thing as an artificially created “balance.” There isn’t some formula you can plug in that says you need to be at work for eight hours, then at home for ten before you can work another eight hours. It’d be nice if the real world was orderly that way, but we all know it isn’t.

In real life, you’re always either heading for a crisis or coming out of one. That’s just as true for a Fortune 500 company as it is for a family. My own family had to deal with health crises that included two blown-out knees and a broken back in a thirty-six-month period.

The balance that comes in The Good Life is more like the kind you use to ride a bike. You’re always pedaling, and if you start to tip a little bit to the left, you lean right to restore your equilibrium. If you overcorrect, then you need to lean a little more left to get back in balance.
If you let your work control you […] and if you keep saying to yourself, “I’m going to make just one more call, even though I said I’d be home before seven,” you’re losing sight of what the Good Life Is. If you committed to a big organizational meeting with your team at work, and you decide to play hooky so you can hang out with your son, you’ve also lost sight of what the Good Life is. Your job is not to work more hours nor is it to break your promises to the people in your professional life so that you can spend every moment at home. Your job is to get done what needs to be done—both at work and at home—with the time you have. It’s not a matter of finding more space on the schedule. It’s a matter of picking the right things to be on the schedule and having them on there at the right times.

This month’s article is an excerpt from my newest book, “The Good Life Rules,” which was released in January 2009 by McGraw-Hill. I can’t thank you enough for all the positive feedback that we have received from the book and for all the companies that have bought thousands of copies for their employees. If you haven’t read the book yet, go to my online store or any local book store. I promise you will not regret it.

The Good Life Rules! BY Bryan J. Dodge

Now, this guy is pretty crazy if you see him in person. The Lavender Lilly and I had the opportunity, er, uh, pleasure to sit in one of his meetings before. He’s a little quirky, but I liked what he said. (Even if it was hard to see past his wild enthusiasm.)

From the mouths of babes....

2009-05-12T13:31:00.001-05:00

This was on Ashton Kutcher's Twitter page today (what a "babe").

I had to share. I like it!!!!!!

“I think good things come to those who want something so bad they can't sit
still.” ~ Ashton Kutcher

Christ displaces worry - hooray!

2009-05-08T11:15:00.003-05:00

I don't have a lot of time to write, but I wanted to share this verse that encouraged me this morning. I was having a pretty bad day, and then a friend of mine posted this verse on his Facebook, and it once again, reminded me of the big picture.

Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message Bible)
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. "

Starbucks Inspiration #26

2009-05-06T11:18:00.008-05:00

Today I HAD to have coffee! I'm so tired all the time. Getting up for boot camp at 4:30 am, and keeping myself very busy until 11:00 at night, is really kicking my butt.

Anyway, so I thought I would give myself a boost to this blah day, by rewarding myself with a tall, fat-free caramel macchiatto from Starbucks. This time, however, I actually read, and enjoyed the quote on the back of the cup, and thought I would share:

"The Way I see it #26"

Failure's hard, but success is far more dangerous. If your'e successful at the wrong thing,
the mix of praise and money and opportunity can lock you in forever.

~ Po Bronson (Author of stories, screenplays and nonfiction,
including 'What Should I Do With My Life?')

Ah! What a great reminder to live in your sweet spot. (If you don't know what I mean by Sweet Spot, read the heading to my blog!) I have to remind myself not to look merely at money or praise, but at what brings my heart and soul satisfaction.

What is it that makes you tick and dream??!

Trials that Bring Joy!

2009-05-05T10:43:00.004-05:00

On the way to work this morning, I heard an encouraging word from Bruce Wilkinson, author of the Prayer of Jabez.

He was speaking on James 1:2-4; verses I’m sure we’ve heard many times. Typically, when I hear the words of these verses, I think “Yeh. Yeh, God. Easier said than done.” So, here’s the verse I’m talking about and consider your reaction afterwards...

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

I heard these verses in a new light today, and I hope it encourages you. Usually I read it and my heart stops listening at the end of verse 2. I’m thinking to myself, “consider it a joy when trials come my way? Whatever, God!” But, as Bruce pointed out this morning, there is an all-important word that connects verses 2 and 3... “because”. So there is a reason why I’m to consider it pure joy when trials come my way? Yes! “BECAUSE” of verses 3 and 4! First of all, it's because the testing of my faith develops perseverance. Before I go on, let me share the definition of perseverance:

per⋅se⋅ver⋅ance –noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose... in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Synonyms: doggedness, steadfastness. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity... these imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. Persistence implies unremitting (and sometimes annoying) perseverance. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on...

Isn’t that the reason our trials are so hard for us in the first place? Because we’ve lost our “perseverance, persistence, tenacity”? Our endurance is gone? We have no determination to hold on? Well, that is why I love the “because” of verse 3. Each trial we go through, God is building the core of perseverance, persistence, tenacity, and endurance in us. This is joyful news (referring to verse 2)! Why??? Because the next time we go through a fiery trial, we will be stronger than before! God is continually giving us the strength and endurance to make it through any trial, so that we will not find ourselves unprepared when the next battle comes. So, the second reason this is joyful is news is because of verse 4; we will be “lacking nothing.” (Nothing!!!!!) There is absolutely NOTHING we are lacking that won't get us through our current trial. No matter the circumstance!

We are not promised a life without difficulties, hardships, or trials. But, it brings joy to me knowing – that my faithful Father will never leave me unprepared or unequipped when it does come!

In true Shanen-style, here are a few more translations:

James 1:2-4 (The Message)
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

James 1:2-4 (Amplified Bible)
Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Much Love,

Believe for big things!

2009-05-04T09:21:00.002-05:00

I hope this encourages you today to believe God for BIG things in your life!

Ephesians 3:20
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."

Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message Bible)
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!"

Ephesians 3:20 (Amplified Bible) – I cut out some portions of this version for readability
"Now to Him Who, by the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]"

Could you imagine what our lives would look like if we really believed Him for this!?

How easily we forget...

2009-04-28T09:20:00.001-05:00

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." ~ Robert Byrne

Nixing Anxiety

2009-04-27T09:55:00.002-05:00

On the way to work this morning, I heard a great message by Jack Graham on The Word 100.7.

He talked about the source of anxiety in our lives, and even though he made several great statements, this is what stuck out to me the most.

When we are anxious in our hearts, it is because our eyes are on our own desires and not God’s will. When we are only focused on what WE want, then we begin to manipulate circumstances to try to get our way. This is futile. This manipulation will only bring about anxiety because we will spin our wheels and still not get our wish. Instead, when we focus on what God intends for our lives, we are filled with peace, knowing that He is working all things together for good.

Proverbs 12:25“An anxious heart weighs a man down...”

Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message Bible)

“Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.“

Think on this!

2009-04-22T09:51:00.003-05:00

"A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement. "
~ Bo Bennett

What dreams do you have? Are you taking action towards achieving them, or simply still dreaming?

DREAM BIG and then do something about it!!

Much love,

Who do I have to blame?

2009-04-20T10:58:00.001-05:00

"Life and successes are not about luck. They are about deliberate choices and
decisions." ~ Cecelia Stoll (ENVP Arbonne International)

I am where I am because of deliberate choices I have made. I have no one to blame but myself.

Come alive!

2009-04-16T09:28:00.000-05:00

I love this!!

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Howard Thurman

Personable God

2009-04-15T10:26:00.002-05:00

I love how our Father is such a personable God. I often think of Him as the One who sits “high and mighty” in the heavens. The One whose powerful voice spoke the world in to existence. The One whose strong hands formed the very bodies we inhabit. Yes, He is that. Yes, He is grand. So marvelous, wonderful, amazing, awe-inspiring, spectacular, and on and on I could go about how much of a “god”, God is. Yes, He commands and deserves our reverence. Yes, we should humble ourselves daily to Him. And one day we will even bow in full submission at His feet. However... when I read the verse below, I reminded of a loving, compassionate, caring Father who is close to us. Who loves us just where we are. A patient One, who despite all our flaws, loves us and delicately reveals Himself to us. I love this verse in The Message Bible. It reminds me that God is real. His love is real. His desire to show Himself to His children is real. The Author of this passage is having a very rough day, or maybe even a rough year. The poor guy just can’t catch a break. (Sound familiar?) Things are tough for this guy... He’s tired and he can’t quit see God in it all. And from the depths of his heart he is (humbly) asking God to cut him some slack.

Psalm 90:12-17 (The Message Bible)

Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!
Come back, God—how long do we have to wait?—
and treat your servants with kindness for a change.
Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we'll skip and dance all the day long.
Make up for the bad times with some good times;
we've seen enough evil to last a lifetime.
Let your servants see what you're best at—
the ways you rule and bless your children.
And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us,
confirming the work that we do.
Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!

Ah. What a great God! That He would desire for us to call out to Him from our depths - and ask for mercy. So often, I forget that He cares in that way. We don’t always have to be “spiritual” with God... Just honest. And He will lovingly accept us right where we are.

New Bible Study!!

2009-04-08T14:50:00.003-05:00

My sweet sis-in-law Brooke, suggested we start a Bible study. I have really missed having one, and am very excited to start up again. However, one thing has come to my attention – I am a Beth Moore snob. (Thanks to my other sis-in-law, Jenni). I’ve done the Beth Moore study “Believing God” and have forever been changed because of it. Now it’s hard for me to want to do any other (non-Beth Moore) study. Brooke recommended this book and I was like, “Oh, it’s not Beth Moore?” I really just said that in my head, but that's what I thought. But, this book looks really good too and God can use anyone to speak to me, not just the wonderful Beth. So – here’s the book we are going to do and I thought I would share it with you to see if anyone else has read this book, or read anything by this author before! I’d love to know what you think.

Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming A Woman of Faith and Confidence By Elyse Fitzpatrick

And click here to visit her website.

And just to let you know – I’m over being a snob about the whole thing. I'm really looking forward to it and really think there is a lot in my life that this book could relate to. =)

A New Look on Life

2009-03-27T16:14:00.003-05:00

Ok, I got this email from my sister-in-law and thought it was pretty neat. I hope it encourages all of you like it did me! Have a happy weekend!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life' author and pastor of Saddleback Church in California.

In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:

People ask me, What is the purpose of life?

And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me.

I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.

We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for..

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:

If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.

It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease..

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence.. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit... We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?

Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.

Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.

Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.

Painful moments, TRUST GOD.

Every moment, THANK GOD.

Changing Direction??

2009-03-25T09:10:00.003-05:00

So, lately I've really been struggling. Again... I know, I know. I'm sure you're all wondering when I will finaly get over this never-ending (or so it seems struggle.) I think it's all working out though, and in God's timing. I'm learning patience and I'm trying to bloom where I'm currently planted. Even though I feel like I'm just a little dead weed who can barely hold her stem up.

Here's a great quote that I can't stop thinking about:

"Unless we change the direction we are heading, we might end up where we are
going." ~ Chinese Proverb

I know. Pretty profound. :) But really, things need to change, and I needs God's guidance and wisdom and I need to obey His timing.

yummy

2009-03-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

This one is delicious. (Don’t ask why I chose that word to describe it. It just sort of popped out.)

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than
anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” ~ William James

Have a great weekend!!

Driving, driving, driving...

2009-03-18T11:40:00.002-05:00

Ok, I'm still moving in to my new house, so yes, I'm sticking with the "Inspirational quotes" theme for now. (Hey, it's better than nothing!)

"The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed."
~ Richard B. Sheridan

Climb that Mountain!

2009-03-16T08:45:00.002-05:00

“Victories in life come through our ability to work around and over the obstacles that cross our path. We grow stronger as we climb our own mountains.” ~ Marvin Ashton

Climb that Mountain!

2009-03-16T08:45:00.000-05:00

“Victories in life come through our ability to work around and over the obstacles that cross our path. We grow stronger as we climb our own mountains.” ~ Marvin Ashton

Sunday's Quote

2009-03-15T09:17:00.000-05:00

“A failure establishes only this, that our determination to succeed was
not strong enough.” ~ John Christian Bovee

Another Quote!

2009-03-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ~ Robert Collier

Quote...

2009-03-13T09:00:00.000-05:00

So, I'm moving in to my new house tomorrow (yay!), so I will not be able to blog much. Therefore, I thought I would use the handy-dandy "Scheduler" to automatically post some inspirational quotes while I'm off!

Here's your first one and I LOVE it!

“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man
who will win.” ~ Roger Bannister

There is power in the tongue!

2009-03-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

There is alot of power in your words. You can speak life over your dreams, or doom. I struggle with this at times, but I found 2 great quotes that are an instant reminder to bite my tongue and stay positive:

"Life and death are in the power of the tongue..."
~Proverbs 18:21...

"Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others."
~Robert Louis Stevenson

DREAM BIG, my Friends. And speak amazing, faith-filled things over your life. Then sit back with an expectant heart to see God fulfill them. Love you!

Inspirational Quote of the Day

2009-03-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

I love this one!

"Get excited and enthusiastic about your own dream. This excitement is like a
forest fire - you can smell it, taste it and see it from a mile away."

~ Denis Waitley

Jenni's Blog

2009-03-10T09:35:00.003-05:00

So, I'm a little behind in catching up on everyone's blogs. But, I read my sister-in-laws blog this morning (sorry, Jen. It's almost been a month since you posted it.) She had an amazing post that I thought was incredible and Holy-Spirit inspired. She's such an amazing woman, and I would like to ask y'all to read this and wrap yourselves in the love of Jesus!

http://passionate-jennifer.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-valentines-day.html

Whew! Back to Blogging!

2009-03-09T09:05:00.005-05:00

Sorry friends ~ I've been swamped. I figured I should at least write something since it has been so long, so here is a great quote from a new calendar I got this year. (You might be seeing alot of these quotes when I'm lacking new blog material.) But, I like the quotes, and many of them correlate to my blog's purpose of inspiring others to live their lives to the fullest and do what God has put in their hearts!!

"That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do. Not that the nature
of the thing is changed, but that our power to do it is increased."

~ Marcus Porcius Cato

Do I Practice What I Preach?

2009-01-15T14:15:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don’t. I mentioned in an earlier Blog that sometimes I feel like I have an increased amount of faith when believing God to do big things for others. And specifically in the area of healing. Man, I get fired up when I hear that someone is sick with cancer or some disease… especially when it’s family too! It gets me so mad at the devil! But, my problem… or should I say, lack of faith, comes when it’s me that’s sick.

Why do I struggle with believing for God to heal ME? I have so much faith to believe God for other things in my life, so why do I struggle with this? My body is definitely being attacked right now, and I have really been struggling with feeling discouraged. I’ve had back problems for the last 8 years – major pain and discomfort at times. For the last year I have had hip pain, to the point of limping! I have weird quirky things that happen all the time, which probably happen to everyone, but I always feel like I’m the one falling apart. I don’t know that I would consider myself a hypochondriac, but now I’m wondering if maybe I am! I’m 29 years old and I feel like I’m stuck in an 80 year olds body. My husband calls me his “little, fragile, china doll.”

This is what has happened now – on Saturday morning I woke up with a bad pain in my neck, which I quickly attributed to having slept in an awkward position. But, as soon as I rolled over to the other side, I had this throbbing pain in my neck – which led up to the front of my head – and it hurt so bad. I could literally feel the line from the back of my neck to the top of the left side of my head. It was weird. All day I had headaches off and on, but I just kept thinking I slept on my neck weird. Well, it’s day 6, and still, the headaches and neck ache continue. It’s not a typical sore, neck-muscle, it’s like a throbbing, hot, continuous pain. If I’ve been sitting down for awhile and then stand up, I get a horrible, throbbing pain on the left side of my head and part of me feels like I might pass out.

So – this is where I struggle, friends, and I ask for your prayers. First of all, I want to have the faith to believe God for a healing for myself. As my sweet friend, Lavender Lily said yesterday at lunch, I need to take authority over my body. (Thanks, friend!) And I need wisdom on whether or not I should go to the doctor. I feel like I’m always there, which I’m not always there for big stuff, but I’ve just always had good insurance and thought, “Might as well go”, even for small stuff. Well, now I worry that something might actually be wrong – I’m scared to go, and I think that others will think I’m overreacting if I’m at the doctor... again! And, I keep thinking that if I go, then my symptoms will stop anyways, and then I will have gone for nothing. Or, I will find out there’s nothing wrong and then I will just feel stupid.

So, please pray, my friends. I want to believe that God can, and wants, to heal me too!!!

Acts 3:16 "By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was
made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has
given this complete healing to him, as you can all see."

Wonderful and Tasteful Book

2008-12-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

This isn't the typical book that I write about... no thought-provoking words of wisdom. Well, maybe some. :)

For Christmas, I received this gift as a stocking stuffer from my sister-in-law. I did not take offense because of it's contents, and in fact, I am obsessed with this book. I highly recommend it!

It's called "Eat This, Not That" and was featured on an episode of The Biggest Loser. It highlights simple food "swaps" that can save you calories... and therefore pounds! I like it because it's not always the obvious "Eat grilled chicken, not pepperoni pizza." Some of them are a little surprising. For instance, it is better to have a 2-scoop Hot Fudge Sundae from Baskin Robbins, than 2 scoops French Vanilla and Peanut Butter on a sugar cone. (See, that's what I call a good swap!) The book contains the obvious categorizies: Restaurant, (the only restuarant that received an A+ is Chick-Fil-A, my favorite!), Best Foods, Worst Foods, Etc. But it has some fun, and surprising categories: The best and worst Salad Dressings, Cheeses, Breads, Beers, Crackers, Soups, Frozen Treats, Etc.

I like the shock factors: Did you know that "espresso has 35% less caffeine than a cup of brewed coffee." or that a "Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll has 813 calories, 32 grams of fat, and 117 grams of carbs"!!!!! I thought I loved those!!!

Anyway, it's an easy-to-read, and fun book. I'm a visual person, so when I'm walking through the grocery store, I mentally picture some foods on the right hand page of the book, and I automatically know, it's a "not that" item!!

I highly recommend that y'all pick it up!!

Thought of the Day

2008-12-29T11:47:00.003-06:00

I was listening to the Word 100.7 the other day. It’s a Christian, talk radio station and for the most part, I like it. It’s actually pretty controversial at times, and not your typical, extremely conservative station – which is probably why I enjoy it. You get the occasional person who calls in with their ultra-conservative view and sometimes there is an on-air fight.

Anyway, I was listening to it over the weekend, and even though I didn’t hear the preacher’s name, I did hear a little nugget that he threw out: “Compassion is kindness in Action.” Many of us have kindness in our hearts, but do we show compassion? He spoke about how we often “feel sorry” for someone, but rarely do anything about it. We see the little starving kids on tv and “feel sorry” enough for them that we usually change the channel to avoid taking action. We see a homeless person on the street and might “feel sorry” for them for a little while, but I’m willing to admit that my typical reaction is to reach down and make sure my door is locked, and then quickly pick up my phone to pretend I’m talking to someone so that I don’t have to make eye contact with them. Yes, I agree, that it may not always be safe to just roll down your window and give a desperate stranger money. But, do we can still do something. We can earnestly pray for their souls… that they would come in to relationship with Jesus Christ. That God would send someone along their path who isn’t scared to give them money, help them out, or show compassion by hugging and helping them. I’m as guilty as anyone.

Sometimes, we can’t physically do anything, but we can always do something… even if it’s little. And most importantly, even if it’s prayer.

Here's a great link I found to a word on Compassion.

An Easy Read

2008-12-21T21:22:00.009-06:00

This isn't my typical, long, heart-felt post. It's quite the opposite - I'm just sharing a little decorating idea that I stole from the Ritz-Carlton foyer while my husband and I were there for a Christmas Party. :)

Quick story though - This is the first year we haven't had a Christmas tree. I'm actually ok with it. We don't have alot of room for a tree, and honestly, I didn't want the mess. Plus, the money I would have spent on a tree, I instead spent on decorations. (So, next year, when I have a house, I will have the best of both worlds, a tree and great decorations.)

So - this is what I saw at the Ritz... and I thought it was such a cute idea. I wish I would have taken a pic of the whole table, because it was FULL of vases of different sizes.

So, this is what I came up with to put on my table. (Oddly enough, the marble on my table is almost exactly like the marble on their table). Next year, I would like to add more vases and sizes to the collection.

(Vases and fake flowers from Hobby Lobby for under $15 total. Most of the Christmas bulbs are from last year's tree.)

Not as fancy - and not real flowers, but I think when I add more to the collection, it will look really cool.

Can't wait for next year!!!!

Walking in Obedience

2008-12-10T11:16:00.004-06:00

So, I’ve decided that I need to walk in obedience more than I do. How often is someone else waiting on the other end of my decision to be obedient to God?

Last Friday was my husband’s work Christmas party – usually an exciting event, but since I was out of town for 2 weeks, and so sick that I couldn’t talk, I didn’t have a chance to go dress shopping until the night before the party. So, my shopping on Thursday turned out typical… nothing fit. Ok, well, actually they did fit, they just wouldn’t zip over particular assets (if you know what I mean.) Stuff like this is always so frustrating for me. So, on Friday, I decided to leave work a little early and try again. The party was 2 hours away – I was a little stressed. So, I attempt the Galleria – several stores; Banana Republic, Betsey Johnson, Katie (Kate?) Miller, Macy’s, the list goes on. No luck. I finally ran over to Terri Costa. They had lots of really cute dresses. They are pretty fancy though; wedding dresses, prom dresses, pageant dresses, but they also had some very cute, inexpensive dresses too. But still, no stinking luck.

In a last-ditch effort, I run over to a store that I have seen a few times, but never actually been in: Whatchamacalit Fashions. Weird name, but great store. I walked in and prayed that God would help me find a dress and that he would give me favor in that place. (Hey, God cares about the little things too.) Again, I found fancy dresses, but this time, very few of them were actually in my price range. (I mean, this is a one-night event, and even though it was at the Ritz-Carlton, I wasn’t planning on wearing this dress again). So, I’m in the back of the shop looking at the clearance dresses and I only find TWO in my price-range. Seriously? They had a $99 rack and there were 2 in my size – and guess what? They did NOT fit!!! By this time it is almost 5:30 (and we are leaving for the party at 7:00). I kept looking at my staticky hair sticking up in the mirror and I realize that I still had so much to do to get ready and I still didn’t have a dress. On top of that, I had been dealing with a major sinus infection and my voice was gone. The sweet little lady helping me saw me finally give up and I started walking out the front door. I heard her say something to the owner of the store, and she yelled for me to come back. The owner said, “Honey, your party is in an hour – we have to find you a dress!” With as much voice as I could muster up, I politely told her that I would just wear my dress from last year. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. So then I politely told her that I didn’t plan on spending much on a dress and that I was really fine wearing my dress from last year. She told me to come back in and she would “work with me” on the price. (I’m in sales, I know what “work with me” means.) I was a little disgruntled and panicked and impatient, but for some reason I agreed. I went in to the dressing room and the owner and associate proceede to start throwing me every dress in my size. I still had a hard time fitting some things in, but as I’m putting them on, I realize that the price tags say $300, $400, $500. I was thinking “NO WAY!” to myself. I finally opened the door with this amazing, long black dress on, that fit so perfectly (and it was long enough to wear heals with!) and it was so great for a fancy Christmas party. The owner of the store and sales associate loved it. I loved it too, but knew the price was too much. She said she would give me 50% off. Nice offer, but still not spending $150 on a dress. I told her my budget was more like $100 max and again, started to politely tell her that I was fine with wearing last year’s Christmas dress. She looked at me and said, “Ok. You can have it for $100.” I was like “What!?” No way. I felt so guilty and I almost didn’t want to accept it, but then she said, “You be blessed and you take it for $100.” I started crying. I looked at her and told her that she was obeying the Holy Spirit because I had prayed for favor in that place.” She grabbed my hand, and obviously knew exactly what I meant by my statement because while she was walking me to the register (squeezing me tight), she prayed over me! She prayed peace and joy over me and asked God to heal my sickness! She gave me a big hug and told me that she loved me and that God was watching out for me because I had asked for His favor.

It was so amazing. God knew my spirit needed lifted (and I needed a dress), and he provided for both. But, this lady’s obedience reminded me that so often, I ignore the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Sometimes I just think that it’s my own flesh thinking it and not Christ. But so what?! What’s the downside of blessing someone whether or not it’s really from God!? The end result is that they still get blessed.

Anyway, I wanted to share that story – not so that you will go to Whatchamacalit and try to cheat the owner out of money, but to tell you that the owner (and the associate who was saying “Yes, Jesus” all the way to the register), are amazing women of God and they deserve your business for your next event. Also, to remind you that God desires to bless His children and pour out His favor on our lives. I don’t deserve any good thing, but God still wants to give them to me. How amazing.

God Can Do What He Says He Can Do

2008-11-17T13:48:00.005-06:00

The key word here is “can”. Yes, He can do what He says He can do, but often, much to our dismay, and sometimes beyond reasons we may never know, He doesn’t do what He says He can do. This is the topic of my blogging today. How do we continue to have faith and believe God for miracles, and yet not be offended when He doesn’t answer the way that we know He can?

The following notes are from the “Believing God” Bible Study by Beth Moore. I highly recommend reading this book, and watching her study. I only wish I had the enthusiasm and conviction she did about this subject! Let me also preface by saying: This study came to me at a time when I needed it severely. In March of 2007, my step-mom found out she had cancer. By the time she was diagnosed, they gave her little time to live; her heart and lungs were surrounded and intertwined with tumors and it was grim. When I saw her in March, her hopes were high and so were mine. I had just started this Bible study, and I KNEW, beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was supposed to pray for her and believe God for a miraculous healing. My intentions were all pure… I wanted this lovely woman healed, but I also knew that God would be glorified and that this would bring my father and other family members to a deeper relationship with Him. So, during the hour-long ride to meet my step mom, my (amazing, woman-of-much-faith) sister-in-law and I talked and prayed and believed together, that this was going to be a miraculous night of healing… we FELT it. Deep inside of me, I FELT it. I was ready. I anticipated the best. I KNEW a miracle was going to occur. We prayed and believed – and then no healing. MY step-mom passed away only 3 months later. This definitely tested my faith. I wondered if I had heard wrong. But how could I hear wrong, when I know it’s God’s desire to bring healing and perform miracles?! Not only that, but how could I let my other family members down who were sitting there with me, possibly thinking I was crazy for this outrageous faith? How does this make God look to them!? My faith was partially devastated, especially the part where I was going to step out in faith and start believing God for healing miracles. In addition to this recent blow to my faith, in 1995 I had the experience of watching my mom believe God for an amazing healing of her cancer, and yet she passed away too. (That’s a short sentence to describe my mom’s battle, so read more about her story here.)

And so begins the purpose of my Blog. At the time my step-mom passed away, I had already begun the “Believing God” study, which was part of my confidence in praying for her healing in the first place. However, after she passed away, I was devastated, and God knew just what I needed for my diminished faith. The next Chapter in the series was called: “Believing God can Do What He Says He Can Do.” WOW! I needed this, and it was so life-changing and it was God speaking to me right where I was in my weakness. [He’s so good like that!]

So, everything below this paragraph, are pieces [literally, taken from here-and-there to piece together my point and encouragement to you] from Beth Moore’s study, and even though it’s long, I encourage you to read all of it, and let God speak to your spirit. Maybe it’s a crushed spirit He will be speaking to. Maybe it’s a confident and assured spirit. Either way, be encouraged, and soak in the goodness of our God.

Psalm 77:14: “You are the God Who performs miracles; You display your power
among the peoples.”

As supreme as they are, accreditation and glorification are not the only reasons why Christ performed miracles. Christ also performed miracles:

Because He saw Great faith;
Because He saw great need;
Because He was moved with compassion
Because God sovereignly appointed it;
For reasons beyond our understanding.

There other possible explanations as to why God chooses not to intervene with a miracle in an earnestly seeking Christian’s life. God often uses difficulty and suffering to complete His good work in us. We can clearly see the role of suffering in the New Testament from the Book of Matthew to the Book of Revelation. Don’t get the feeling that we signed up for suffering when we received Jesus. Beloved, we live in a fallen world where every human being suffers to some extent. The difference is that our suffering need never been in vain. As we allow God to minister to us in our fiery trials, He is glorified, the church is edified, and we are qualified for greater reward.

When believers think of miracles, our thoughts often turn to miracles of healing. When you consider the prevalence of sickness and disease, no wonder some our most fervent prayers are for physical healing. Although I pray that you and I will learn to think far more broadly than miracles of healing, I am very aware of our desperate hope in this area. The need is overwhelming, and the seasons are rare when I haven’t joined other believers in earnest intercession for God to heal someone physically.

[Beth goes on to shares the story of 3 different people (Rick, Belinda, and Becky) who were diagnosed with “incurable” diseases, only to be miraculously healed by God!] Each of these people believed that God is in the business of healing if it is His sovereign desire in a particular case. Each of the 3 would have testified to God’s love and faithfulness even if He had not granted physical healing. Each of them believed that God continued to compel them not to accept the diagnosis. Each of them was surrounded by numbers of others who were willing to pray big prayers and believe God would physically heal them until He said or proved otherwise. However, each of them still received the treatment prescribed to them by wise physicians.

In contrast to these healings, we see other great men of faith who did not receive what they prayed for. 2 Timothy 4:20 says, “Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.” Can you imagine how frustrated Paul must have been to leave Trophimus sick after he had seen so many others miraculously healed? Surely Paul prayed over him with all his might, and he certainly wasn’t short on faith!

In addition, take Moses and Elijah as described in James 5:14-18. These two men experienced our same feelings and passions. They also had insecurities, fears, disappointment… They were like us... Elijah was flesh and blood who chose to believe God. Because he did, many of his prayers were powerfully answered. Keep in mind that Moses and Elijah were tremendously used by God, but neither got everything he asked. Just the same, we are not likely going to get everything we ask. You will be hard pressed to find anyone in Scripture who did. Including Christ. Check out the Garden Gethsemane. What if these men of God hadn’t asked anything because they couldn’t have everything? Can you imagine the loss?

“We can’t let our fear that God may not affirmatively answer our prayer keep us from praying!”

Lastly, John’s lifelong devotion to God and his calling is unparalleled in Scripture… He poured out his life like a drink offering for one purpose: to prepare the way of the Lord. In many ways this partnership of sorts started well. In John 1:29-34, John was certain that Christ was the One for whom he prepared the way. From a windowless cell, however, things did not look nearly as clear. Imagine John’s predicament. If he had been wrong about Jesus, he had either sacrificed all for nothing or missed the real Messiah. And if he had been right? Then Jesus had the power to free him from prison and death. He simply wasn’t using it. Have you ever had a time when none of your multiple-choice answers were good options?

John experienced the most excruciating dilemma any devoted child of God ever faces. If I may pickpocket Edwards, surely no pain is like the searing of the heart when “your God has not lived up to your expectations.” Even writing these words makes me want to sob. I have loved my God so much. He has far exceeded the expectations of this simple-minded former pit-dweller that I can hardly bring up the subject. But I must. Why? Because all of us called to faith will have this knife-sharp experience in some form and at some point. I will not dare avoid this subject and insult some of you who have lost loved ones… to disease or accident, having pleaded with God to deliver them. I’d go so far as to suggest that the deeper we have loved God, the deeper the potential for devastation when He doesn’t intervene as we know He can.

However...

Matthew 11:6 says, “Blessed are you if you are not offended because of Me.”

Beloved, our God is a God of wonders. Will we not ask because we are afraid of being offended? Embarrassed? Disappointed? Or will we ask, knowing that He is able, but trusting that He is good even if He doesn’t act? Blessed are we if we are not offended with Jesus.

…In all honesty, we just do not know why God physically heals some and not others. But, we can know without a shadow of a doubt that the issue is not a lack of divine love or kindness. Many eternal factors are involved that we won’t understand until we see Christ face-to-face. Until then, we must not lack faith for the healing of many because we do not see the healing of all.

"His ways are beyond our ways, but they are always good, always right, and
always for the kingdom.”

I'm a winner - and so are some of you!

2008-11-13T21:32:00.003-06:00

I got a blog award from the very fabulous Penny Lane Designs! You can read the nice things she said about me here. She's family, and a best friend, so she had extra pressure to say something nice. :)

Here's a little about the award: The "UBER AMAZING BLOG AWARD" is given to blogs who: inspire you, make you laugh & smile, give amazing information, are a great read and/or have an amazing design.The rules of the award: Put the logo on your blog and/or post, nominate a minimum of 5 blogs, let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog, share some "link love" and link the post back to the person's blog that nominated you.

And now, my list of nominees {in no particular order}. Drum roll please.... and please forgive me, because I don't know a lot of bloggers yet.

1. Living in His Arms: This is my amazing, sister-in-laws blog. She is one of those tender-hearted people who is so in-tune to what God is speaking to her. I love reading what God is doing in her life. She is amazing and always knows just what to say to brighten my day. Thanks for always sharing your heart, Jenni!

2. Living in the "Nutt" House: This Blog belongs to an old friend from high-school and even though I must admit that we haven't really kept in touch since those days, I do enjoy catching up on her family outings and what God is doing in her life through her super cute blog.

3. The Purple Pea: The Purple Pea is a friend from work. I enjoy reading her blog and seeing how she has turned her great house into an even greater, chic home! If it wasn't for reading her blog, I wouldn't have fallen completely in love with the amazing show, "John and Kate Plus Eight."

4. Journey Josh: Also a friend from high school. I love reading Josh's blog because he always takes those everyday happenings, going to the gym, writing a paper, etc., and creates a parallel to our relationship with Christ. I always like to hear how these things correlate - very creative and very inspirational.

5. Ok, seriously - I only know 6 bloggers, and 2 of them have already been tagged, so I'm stuck at 4. Sorry!

Words of Love

2008-11-12T11:31:00.001-06:00

I came across a couple verses this morning while I was reading my Bible that really hit me where I am. I wanted to share them with you, and hope that they encourage you like they did me.

In true Shanen style, I’ve given them in a few different versions, and encourage you to read, and soak in, all three.

1 John 3:18-20

(New Living Translation)

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.

(The Message Translation)

My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

(Amplified Translation)

Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence, Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God's hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].

A few things I am learning about commitment…

2008-11-11T14:23:00.001-06:00

Here are a few quotes that I heard recently regarding “Commitment.” I think these are all important to remember in many areas of life; marriage, work, and personal goals/passions, just to name a few.

1. Commitment starts in your heart
2. Commitment is tested by action
3. Commitment always precedes achievement

I know these aren’t life-changing quotes, but they were really good for me to hear today.

Fun Idea!

2008-11-04T14:30:00.002-06:00

Ok, one of my friends directed me to this awesome website where you can get very creative with your pictures…Photofunia. You MUST check it out! I can’t quit playing with my pictures now!

My Verse of the Week (or maybe Month!)

2008-11-03T11:24:00.001-06:00

Ephesians 6:10-13 (New Living Translation)

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

I also love it in this translation:

Ephesians 6:10-13 (The Message)

A Fight to the Finish

10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

How Creative

2008-10-28T13:55:00.003-05:00

Well, well. I learned a little secret last night from modern eve. She's so cute, and one of those people that I look at and think, "I bet she has good advice for that." Sure enough. We were talking about Blogs (aka: B***). I was telling her about how I enjoy blogging, but don't have time at work, and quite frankly feel guilty for B***ging at work. She told me about "scheduling" a blog. I'm sure most of you knew about this option, but I never really put much thought to it. There are some days where I have more than one thing to blog about, but I want to spread it out over a couple days, but then I don't find the time to blog about it the next day. So... now I can write my blogs and schedule them to be posted on different days. (To do this, click "Post Option" as you are writing your post... simply choose the date and time you want it posted!)

Sounds so simple, and I hope I'm not letting out her secret... but I'm pretty excited about this. Hopefully I will be (seem like) a better blogger than I really am!
Thanks, modern eve!

The Quiz of Fours

2008-10-21T13:09:00.002-05:00

I was tagged by my sweet friend, The Lavender Lily to fill out these fun facts...

Four wishes:

1) That I lived closer to my family... They are so far away in Ohio! But if I moved to Ohio, then I would miss Sean's family, so I need either my family to move to Texas, or Sean's fam to move to Ohio. I'd be happy either way, but I'm not sure Sean would. ;)
2) That I was in a better mood more often than I am. (I'll leave it at that.)
3) That I was changing more lives and impacting more people in an amazing way; showing more grace and compassion and leading others to Christ by my actions. (Could you imagine? People "seeing your good works and glorifying your Father in Heaven" simply because of your holy lifestyle!?) I want to be better at this.
4) That I was living in my "Sweet Spot".

Four places I want to travel to:

1) Italy - I've heard it's "ah-mazing". Plus, I'd love to taste their wine.
2) Israel, Bethlehem (other Bible places) - I would love to walk the same streets Jesus did!!
3) Maui - We were on the island of O'ahu for our honeymoon and loved it so much. We have always wanted to check out Maui to see all the beautiful waterfalls!
4) New York - yes, I know I was just there, but I want to go back. I miss it already. I was going through my NY pics the other day and I really miss it.

Four careers I would like to be involved in:

1) Self-employed, entrepreneur doing something that I'm passionate about. Somewhere inside of me lives a person who loves to be her own boss and own her own company.
2) Real estate - well, I do have my real estate license, so I guess technically, I am "involved" in it. But, I wish I had time to be more involved. I really LOVED it and MISS it.
3) Some type of hospital or clinic where I can minister to people with cancer or other diseases. Somewhere where I can have hope for people who have lost theirs.
4) "Sweet Spot" career- (If you're not sure what I mean by this, then this must be the first time you've read my blog). I'm not sure what God has planned for me down the road, but I really want to be doing something that I feel is changing the lives of others.

Four things I would like God to say to me at the gates of Heaven:

1) Well done, my good and faithful servant.
2) Come, I have someone for you to see (my mommy)
3) I'm proud of you!
4) Look at all the lives that were saved and changed because of you.

Four people I tag to complete this quiz:
1) Living in His Arms
2) Journey Josh
3) Living in the "nutt" House
4) The Purple Pea

(Wow. that was hard thinking of 4 people to tag - I only have 3 readers!)

Leading Ladies

2008-10-21T10:14:00.013-05:00

Ok, so I like this… Thanks Penny Lane Designs for helping me think of a continuing theme to blog about. I like blogging, but usually need a pretty good theme (or book) to keep me blogging on a regular basis. (Oh, yes. And the time to blog!)

So, in continuation of What I’m Thankful For, I am blogging about 2 leading ladies in my life.

My first Leading Lady is my Grandma Gloria. It’s hard to put her in to words. She is crazy, fun-loving, compassionate, strong-willed, and silly (Yes, silly. She used to get on the floor and leg-wrestle with me!). When I was younger, I thought of her almost like a guardian angel. She tried to protect us grandkids from a lot of unnecessary things, and often she succeeded. The things that she wasn’t able to protect us from are the things that have made us stronger and more able to relate to those who have been through the same things. But, my grandma is one of those extra-special people in my life that I have seriously asked God to let her live forever. My mom was the only girl with three brothers, and I was the only girl with two brothers. So, my mom, grandma, and I were the “girls” in the family. The Three Generations. Now, with my mom gone, I feel like my grandma is such a part of her too, and we have this special bond because we have those memories of my mom and her life. We both carry the Toni-genes and are so close because of it. I can call my grandma and tell her anything, and she always has the right words to say - I can't explain it, but I guess it's just grandma-wisdom. I can’t imagine not having her and I am so thankful for her love. She has been through so, so much, and yet she is still the strongest, most loving, witty person that I know!

Leading Lady #2…. Sundy (Mana) Simmons. I met Sundy and her husband, Mike, when I was 12. (The picture below is the first pic of us together - I was 12 and shy and dorky - and barely knew Sundy). At the time I first met them, they were my youth pastors at a new church that my mom and I were attending. Over the course of 3 years – God would take our relationship to a level that we never would have imagined, or that any “man” would have been able to orchestrate. Sundy was one of my mom’s prayer warriors while she was battling cancer. Not only was she a spiritual warrior for my mom, but I know that many times, she was a warrior for me. At the age of 15, I was often confused, and immature, about the way I handled my mom’s sickness. You don’t receive a manual at birth called, “Read This When you’re 15 and Your Mom is Diagnosed with Cancer”, so many times, I reacted in the way that any typical 15 year old would; selfishly and stupid. During all this, Sundy was there for me – praying for me, believing with me for my mom’s healing, praying that mine and my mom’s relationship would grow during this time instead of dissipate. For several months my mom was in and out of the hospital, and I stayed with Mike and Sundy during this time. While my mom’s time in the hospital or Hospice became longer and longer, I found that more of my clothes and personal items ended up at Mike and Sundy’s house. Finally, there was a point where it became evident that this was not just a hospitable, “we’ll take care of Shanen while her mom’s in the hospital” type action. When you go through such an agonizing experience with people you care about and are so deeply, spiritually invested, it can only bring you closer. I mean, Mike and Sundy were the 2 people who KNEW and FELT my pain in a unique way. They drove me home from Hospice in Columbus every night while I laid in the backseat crying because my mom was dying! They saw me question God’s goodness and rebel against my authorities.

Finally, my mom was at a point where she felt like God was leading her to find a place for me to live if she passed away. She still believed for a healing, but also felt it would be diligent of her to find a place for me if she were to pass. At the same time, God had spoken to Mike and Sundy’s heart and they knew that I had already become a part of their family. Long story short, there was a phone call made, and the words weren’t even there to explain what either party was asking for – it was just the Holy Spirit and three people walking in obedience and being blessed with indescribable peace. My mom’s desire was that I would become a part of someone’s family since my brothers were both grown and had moved away. I can’t even tell you how true that is today (but their family is for another blog!) So, Sundy has been my “mana” (not manna), now for over 13 years. God has done a beautiful work in our relationship and I am so thankful for that. Most of all, I am so thankful that Sundy opened her house to a 15 year old – at first out of love for a teenager in her youth group, but then opened her family to me, out of love for her new daughter.

What I'm Thankful For... continued

2008-10-16T16:04:00.018-05:00

Tada!! The continuation of What I'm Thankful For.

Ok, so after God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, I am so very thankful for my family!! I have so much family that I can't name them all... but I want to mention 1 person in particular that I'm exceptionally thankful for. For those of you who know me, this will be of no surprise. I'm starting with Momma Toni (which is what I find myself referring to her as now that she's gone, but never when she was alive... not sure why.) Anyway - about her... She was amazing! There was a time in her life, when she was not walking with the Lord... and those are the times that I tend not to focus on too much. Instead, I choose to dwell on the happy, joyful, and loving mother that most importantly loved Jesus! (Although, she was always loving and happy, I think the true joy in her life was fulfilled in walking closely with Christ.) So - the JOYFUL, crazy-about-Jesus-Toni is who I want to remember her as, and who I long to be like. Even though she passed away 13 years ago when I was 15 - it seems like yesterday I was sitting next to her, talking with her, laughing with her. There aren't too many days that go by that I don't think of her. It's not a horrible, gut-wrenching feeling like it was when she first passed away. Instead, it's more of a slight smile and warmth that I get when a memory of her crosses my mind, or when I hear or see something that makes me think of her. I often wonder what she would be doing with her life if she were still alive. I think part of the reason I am such a stickler about being passionate about what you do in life, is because I saw my mom pass away without having fulfilled many of her dreams. She was so incredible and so creative, and I just wonder what she would have done had she had more time, resources, and faith to believe in herself. Don't get me wrong... she was a hard-worker and a strong woman of faith, but now that I'm "grown up" I often wonder what she would be now. I could see her as a model (yes, I'm bias), or a fashion designer (she loved clothes and accessories - yes, that's where I get it!), maybe an interior designer (she LOVED moving the furniture around all the time!!) Anyway, it's hard to go day-to-day and not think of someone who made such an impact on your life. I hear my friends talk about their moms, and how they call each other every day or once a week, how they went shopping with their moms, they stayed at their mom's house, etc. Yes, part of me is jealous - but not in a mean-spirited way. I'm SO glad that they have their moms, and I rejoice with them that they do. But I always think to myself, "I hope they know how blessed they are to be able to do that. I hope they cherish every single second that they have with their sweet mothers."

So, anyway, Momma Toni's faith was amazing. From the first moment she heard that she had cancer, she knew from that point, that Christ was her only hope - not just for healing, but for any hope! Through that 3-year battle, she became crazy about Jesus. I could go on and on about moments of faith that this woman displayed, but it would clog the blogger world! Let's just say that the biggest thing she instilled in me was to believe in our God for BIG things! When she first found out she had cancer, they said she had had it for 8-10 years (which would have made her 28-30 when she first got it) and they only gave her 6 months to live. She was basically covered in cancer; breast, leg, ribs, every vertebrae of her back! But you know what? She believed God for a healing. She believed, trusted, and hoped! After many months of chemotherapy and radiation, she had a check-up cat-scan and the doctors were astound to find that she had NO cancer in her body! None! They couldn't believe their eyes... they did another cat scan because they didn't believe the first one - they had NEVER seen anything like it before. The only answer for it was God! She KNEW that He had healed her completely! After about 2 years of being cancer-free, she went in for a routine check up, only to find out that the cancer was back. And in all the same places, except this time she also had a brain tumor. (Which made the experience so much different from the first, and so much worse.) So once again, she started her chemo, but continued to believe, hope, and trust God for healing. Her battle lasted for about 10 months, and then she did finally go home to be with her Jesus. But, I am confident in saying that during those 3 years (from when she found out she had cancer, to the time of her passing), she changed many lives and stretched many people to believe God for bigger things than they had ever seen. Because of this, I am changed. She has instilled in me the desire to pray for the sick and to believe God for healing. I feel so blessed, and I am so THANKFUL! Some people ask me why I think God healed her the first time she had cancer, but not the second. And, I can't speak for God - but I DO know that I had 3 more awesome, memory-filled years with my mom. She touched many more lives in 3 years with her testimony than she did with 1 year with cancer. My pastor, Matt Chandler, read a Scripture about 2 years ago (and even though I don't remember the exact sermon, this verse made me cry because it was God answering the question that so many people ask me.) He read from Hebrews 11 - the "Men and Women of Faith" chapter. Most people read the first 3/4 of that chapter and then stop. They read about all these men and women who believed God for miracles and they saw them come to pass. But, most people stop there. They don't read the last part of that chapter that talks about those who were beaten and persecuted, and never received the promise from God. This is where I pick it up:

Hebrews 11:39-40 (AMP): "And all of these, though they won divine approval by
means of their faith, did not receive the fulfillment of what was
promised, Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater
in view for us, so that they [these heroes and heroines of faith] should not
come to perfection apart from us..."

When I heard these words I almost fell out of my chair! God doesn't promise a life without pain or cancer... but I felt like when I read this, that God was reminding me that my mom’s faith was not in vain. My mom did not receive the "fulfillment of what was promised" because God had ME in mind. I feel like my mom's faith was imparted to me - the promise is for ME, for my kids, for THEIR kids. How amazing is that??!

What I'm Thankful For

2008-10-14T11:58:00.006-05:00

So... I was checking out my friends Blog, Penny Lane Designs... and she was reminding us that it is good to give thanks! (Although, we should always be mindful to give thanks, this is definitely the season that people stop to actually think about it.)

So, in honor of her "thankful" spirit, I thought I would make a little mini-series of the things that I am thankful for (also because I am hard-pressed for finding something to Blog about). So, I'm not trying to be cliche in choosing this first thing to be thankful for - but as I started thinking... that's what I thought of first!

So.. foremost, I am so thankful for God... and thankful that He has always been so faithful to me. Faithful has always been my one word to describe God in my life. I've always thought that my childhood story could be a Lifetime movie. The kind where you laugh, cry, cringe, and walk away thinking, "that surely didn't happen." I often look back on it and think the same thing! But, it's not because I'm so emotionally mighty or because I have super powers to forget what I've been through, or because I have the sad ability to surpress my feelings... it's because despite what I've been through - I've always served a faithful God. One who held me often, cried with me, and mourned with me many times. He was also one to send others to hold me, cry with me, and mourn with me when He knew that I longed for the comfort of someone's physical touch. He's been my daddy when I didn't have one, my best friend when I felt like mine had betrayed me, and my all-in-all when I looked to other things to fulfill me. He is so kind in reminding me that He is the One who has always been there and never let me down. Looking back now, I see where God had His handprint in my life... all the time... in every situation. Anytime I've been at the brink of a meltdown - there He is. Reminding me that He is still "Him". The "Him" that I have grown to love more and more. The "Him" that is good, that is loving, that is caring, and that is faithful. And that is why I'm so thankful for Him!!

I could go on and on about the people in my life that I am thankful for, but I feel like for now - I just want to give my shout out to my Father. (Friends, family, co-workers... keep your eyes on the look out as I attempt to write about the different things I am thankful for!)

Oh, and be sure to check it out... Penny Lane Desings is giving away an awesome Blog Makeover!

No More Dilema

2008-10-08T20:43:00.007-05:00

I am happy to report that I have FINALLY adjusted to my new Bible... if you don't know what I'm talking about, you can view my previous post, Bible Dilema.

I have on numerous occasions, happily, (but ever so carelfully), underlined passages and made notes on a few Scriptures. Right now I am studying something specific which I have enjoyed researching in my Bible... all the additional references and notes in this Bible are amazing!

Just wanted to let you all know, that I am now the proud owner of an amazing "Shanen Bible". :)

Bible Dilema

2008-10-03T10:58:00.004-05:00

This one’s kind of long, but I need some advice…

Well, I got a new Bible. It’s really kind of weird, because I’ve had it for 3 days, and after spending 3 hours (literally) picking out the “perfect Shanen Bible”, I am still not sure how I feel about it. This is why… In college I discovered the joy and intimacy with God that comes from digging in to His Word. I had an awesome Max Lucado Study Bible (my favorite author, as you can tell from looking at my Blog), that I literally tore to pieces from reading it so much. But now, it looks so sad; Isaiah is randomly placed in Psalms, Exodus lies between Obadiah and Jonah, Matthew follows the Book of Revelation – you get the point. So… as much as I love this Bible, I retired it when my parents blessed and surprised me with an Amplified Bible in 1999. Oh, how I’ve enjoyed this Bible too! I love how “amplified” it is; digging deeper into Scriptures to uncover the Greek or Hebrew meanings of specific words. So obviously, over the last 9 year, this became the new “Shanen Bible”… but once again I have torn it up (I promise I don’t do this on purpose.) Although each Chapter is still placed in the correct order as it should (unlike the other Bible), this one has still gone through the ringer; the paper binding has fallen off and is completely messed up. It looks like it was involved in a tug-of-war or run over by a car!

So, being a good steward of my favorite Bible, I did what I had to do - I took it to the Christian bookstore to have it re-bound… a nice pretty, leather-bound Bible with my name imprinted. I thought this would be perfect. Until, they called to let me know it would be over $100 to have this done. At first I thought, “I’ll pay any price. It’s my favorite Shanen Bible.” Then, I guess I realized that I could buy a new Bible (or a couple new ones!) for that same price, and I felt a little guilty for spending that much, even though it’s my favorite Bible, with all my favorite notes and references… So, while it’s been away at the Christian Bookstore I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. While I love the Amplified version, I realize also that it’s hard to follow along with in church, or with anyone who is reading Scripture. If you haven’t read anything from the Amplified version, it’s spectacular… but take this verse for instance, and imagine trying to read along with someone…

In a New King James Bible, Philippians 3:8 reads as this:

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ”

My Amplified version reads like this:

“Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One)”

From this verse, I hope you can see why I LOVE the Amplified so much (this is one of my favorite verses in that translation b/c that is so often how I feel, that knowing Jesus is a priceless privilege of surpassing worth, etc. etc.) But, you can probably also see how hard it would be to follow along with someone who is reading from the NKJ version, or almost any other version. (Many times when Erin and I are having our Bible study, I will read aloud, and I think it’s a distraction while I mentally skip over the brackets and parentheses.)

Anyway, this is how I found my self at an unexpected crossroad. Do I continue on and spend over $100 to have the Amplified Bible re-bound (I looked in to having the Max Lucado Bible rebound and it was even more than that because the entire spine needed re-threaded!), or do I find a new Bible for a new Chapter in my life? It was hard. Both of the other Bibles I have are filled with highlights, notes, quotes, and rhema from God. I love reading through them and seeing something that God spoke to me 4, 6, even 12 years ago!! I love thinking back to the exact moment that God spoke it to me – I can remember where I was, what I was doing, what was going on in my life. My Max Lucado Bible is over 12 years old and unfortunately the ink is bleeding through on some of the pages. So, while both of those Bibles hold unforgettable memories for me – I realized it was time for a [sturdy] Bible that I will have for a very, very long time. The others will always be there for me to refer back to and I hope to even pass them along to my children someday. (Of course, I would pay to have them fixed at that point.)

So, I gave myself a long pep-talk, I prayed, and the sweet employees at the Christian bookstore helped me look for 3 hours (no joke – I think I looked at EVERY Bible)... I mean, do you know how many different Bibles there are??! I looked at every Study, Inspirational, Devotional, and Worship Bible. Everyone’s Bible needs are different, but I’m definitely a Study Bible person; I love referencing things and connecting similar verses to each other, stuff like that. So, after so much pressure of finding the “Shanen Bible”, I finally walked away with a new one. It’s a nice, black leather one with a pretty design on it… but... it’s been an awkward transition for me. as I read this really amazing Study Bible, I catch myself thinking of my other Bibles, and I wonder if I have made the right decision. I haven’t been able to talk myself in to writing in it or making a note in it, because I still think, “What if this isn’t the perfect ‘Shanen Bible’ and I need to take it back?” Am I over-reacting??? This Bible has everything I was looking for; Scripture references, lots of study notes, Chronologies, (even online study material), etc., so why am I having such a hard time accepting this as my new Bible? Maybe it’s just that I’m not used to it yet?? It still seems so foreign, like I’m borrowing someone else’s Bible.

Let me know your thoughts… am I crazy?

Seek and ye shall find...

2008-09-08T15:20:00.003-05:00

Last week I received an email from our pastor (not a personal one, but the global church blast)... anyway, Matt asked these words of us, "are you guilty of asking but not seeking?" Sure, maybe it's a simple, self-explanatory question... but it really got me thinking. My prayers so often begin with "Lord, I ask for..." I'm always asking! You would think it would count for something, because the rest of the sentence usually ends with "...wisdom in this situation, favor, direction, etc. etc." Maybe not bad stuff to ask for, but I just think it's funny that when I looked back on my prayers, I immediately thought, "Yep. I sure do "ask" alot! So (there is a point here), I decided that I need to start seeking more. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad thing to ask of God. In fact, God tells us to ask!

John 16:23 "I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."
John 16:24 "...Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
John 14:13 "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father."
Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

...You get the point... But, we must maximize our asking with seeking. It's pretty funny that I've been asking God for wisdom in a particular area of my life for several months, and when I finally decided to seek, to crack my Bible open, the answers literally sprung at me from the pages!!!! In 2 instances, during the same sit-down, I was flipping around for another verse when several other verses jumped off the page, into my lap, and brought me the answers I had been asking for. Sometimes my answers require a little bit of digging on my end to find the answers, but I can imagine that sometimes God must be thinking, "If she would only open her Bible!!!"

It's not that God is so mysterious that He withholds answers from us... it's just that we are sometimes too lazy to find it in the Answer He has alreay given to us in His Word.

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "

Luke 11:9-10 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "

New Book = Same Inspiration!

2008-09-03T22:13:00.004-05:00

So, I'm reading a new book and I'm so excited about it. I know that my last book was the inspiration for this blog, however, this book is very complimentary to the one I was reading previously. And better yet, it goes along with the theme of my blog just fine.

Anyway... the name of the book is "Believing God" by Beth Moore. I've done the Bible study and now I want to read the book, because, well, I just can't get enough of Beth Moore. Plus, did you catch the title? It's not "Believing in God". It's BELIEVING GOD... that means believing Him at His word... that His promises are true for me... That I can stand on His Word in faith and watch expectantly for miracles to happen!! SO - I'm so excited.

Much love...

I'm back!

2008-08-29T10:45:00.002-05:00

I have not fallen off the face of the Blogger world! I was on vacation and then trying to catch up on everything! I finished my book "The Cure for the Common Life". Even though it was the thing that inspired me to start a blog, it was also very life-changing and therefore, will continue to inspire me in my bloggings.

Anywho - I'm working on another blog post now and will hopefully have it up today. I've missed you, friends.

Long Time No Blog...

2008-08-11T20:17:00.003-05:00

So, I actually have been reading my book, however, I have just been so busy and have not had a chance to update my Blog.

So here is a great nugget I have taken from my readings...

"Men and women must work. This is as certain as the sun. But we may work
grudgingly or we may work gratefully. We may work as people or machines. There is no work so rude that we may not exalt it; no work so impassive that we may not breathe a soul into it; no work so dull that we may not enliven it if we
understand that what we are doing is service for our Lord Jesus Christ."

"Let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us, confirming the work that we do. Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do." (Ps. 90:17 MSG)

"Let every detail in your lives - words, actions, whatever - be done in the name of the Master, Jesus." (Col. 3:17 MSG)

Chin up, Bloggers. Your hard work is not in vain.

Oprah Says it Best

2008-07-25T11:02:00.005-05:00

I couldn’t have said it any better… “Doing your best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” (Oprah)

It seems like lately, I have a daily, internal struggle with myself. I feel like there is an entirely different person on the inside of me, screaming to come out. I am battling feeling defeated and deflated. So what’s the problem? Well you see, I am a dreamer and I love to think big and imagine “what if” with my life. I can’t stand boring. I can’t stand stale. I can’t stand mediocrity. Most days, these questions run through my head: What if I really could achieve what no else believes I can? What if I really do beat the odds and make it? What if the unimaginable really is possible? I dare to ask myself these things, and I try, try, try hard to achieve them. But, I am constantly smacked in the face by the sometimes-ugly thing called REALITY. I’m not where I want to be yet. I have yet to achieve the crazy dreams that I have for myself. And that saddens my heart… Sometimes to the point of depression. Why? Because I KNOW I can do big things. I live for a God who WANTS me to believe for big things. I serve a Father who DELIGHTS in rewarding His children for their faith. But, time and time again, Reality leaves its ugly handprint on my face and says, “Hey, snap back – you are living in the here and now.”

So, what does this have to do with Oprah? I think her quote is very good in reminding me, that the place I am in right now is absolutely NECESSARY. The “here and now” is preparing me and molding me for that really crazy future I am believing God for. Looking back over my history of “occupations”, I see every position I have held has prepared me for the next. Each position has been a stepping stone. Luckily a stepping stone up… but still, those steps have not been without their downside. Being a receptionist or Customer Service rep was NOT my dream job. But they prepared me for my marketing position. Marketing prepared me for real estate. Real estate prepared me for Sales. And, God only knows what this Sales position is preparing me for. (Really, God only knows!) But, it’s nice to know that my work is not in vain. Doing my “best” at this moment is preparing me to be my “best” at the next moment. It’s easy for me to search for the next moment, and forget to live fully in the “now” moment.

Ok, so, you know me… I’m going to pull out the handy-dandy dictionary.

What is the definition of: Best

of the highest quality, excellence, or standing
the best effort that a person, group, or thing can make
in or to the highest degree

So, for this “moment” I need to put my best foot forward, give it my best effort, and be excellent. Yes, it’s hard. And No, I don’t want to do it. But, through perseverance, prayer, faith, Christ… I know that I will one day look back on my life and say,

“Ah! So that’s what that moment was for!”

Short and Sweet

2008-07-22T09:26:00.005-05:00

I have a short and sweet blog today... I won't take credit for this one, but I saw it on a friends Facebook page and I really liked it. I'm not sure if he is quoting it from somewhere, so I apologize I don't have a source (besides Facebook.) But, I thought it was a really neat statement. Keep God's word hidden in your heart, and use it during battle!

"Even when you don't understand the Word of God,
the demons do, and they tremble. "

I'll Take an Extra Portion of That, Please...

2008-07-21T15:05:00.004-05:00

So, maybe we’ve heard it said before in a song, or read a verse that says it… but what exactly does it mean when we say, “You are my portion.” I was listening to a song by Charlie Hall this morning and when I sang the part, “You are my portion”, I stopped and thought, “What am I really singing here?” So I decided to do a little research for those of you who are like me and often wonder, “What is the real meaning of that?!”

Before we get started… let’s look at a definition of the word.

Portion: (por·tion –noun)
1. a part of any whole, either separated from or integrated with it
2. an amount of food served for one person; serving; helping
3. the part of an estate that goes to an heir or a next of kin
4. Literary. something that is allotted to a person by God or fate
5. to furnish with a portion, as with an inheritance or a dowry

So, there are several things I can take from each of these definitions…

1. God COMPLETES me! Wow... that's pretty incredible to think about. How many of us try to complete ourselves? Or look to others to complete us? Pretty nice to know that I need to look no further than my heavenly Father.
2. He is my helping! (You know, like on Thanksgiving when you just can’t get enough of that really good casserole and you give yourself a huge helping of it? It’s kinda like that!)
3. I am an heir to the estate of Jesus! I will live forever in Christ’s kingdom, and enjoy the splendor of his majesty for all time!
4. Well, I could go on and on about this one… but consider all that has been “allotted” to us by God.
5. Think of our inheritance in Christ!! Really stop and think about it. (Did you really stop to think about it, or are you skipping ahead???)

Ok, now that you have REALLY stopped to think about it, I will wrap it all up with my opinion. I think that when we sing or read the words “You are my portion," we are saying this:

“God – YOU are my EVERYTHING. You make me whole and I can’t get enough of you! My inheritance is with you and I can’t wait until the day that I am face-to-face with you for eternity!”

Psalm 73:26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 119:57 "You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words."

Psalm 142:5 "I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

2008-07-18T14:06:00.003-05:00

Check out my new blog design! I LOVE it. It's so me! The color and design inspire to me Blog more often because now I enjoy going to my page... and hopefully that means others will too!

Thanks to Penny Lane Designs for this wonderful Birthday surprise. You did a great job and really took the essence of "me" and incorporated it into this vibrant, colorful design.

You have such a gift... and I'm so thankful that you are using it and living in your sweet spot!

Love you, Penny Lane Designs.

P.S. Look at my new "updated" signature!!

Check it out!

2008-07-18T13:59:00.007-05:00

Check out my new blog design! It's so me and I LOVE it! The whole thing inspires to me Blog more often because now I enjoy going to my Blog page... and hopefully that means others will too!

Thanks to Penny Lane Designs for this wonderful Birthday surprise. You did a great job and really took the essence of "me" and incorporated it into this vibrant, colorful design.

You have such a gift... I'm so thankful that you are using it and living in your Sweet Spot. Love you, Penny Lane Designs.

P.S. Look at my cute "updated" signature tag!

Baby Steps to Big Change

2008-07-16T13:34:00.001-05:00

So, I’m making some changes in my life. Small changes that I think will have a drastic affect. I’ve been reading a couple books that are speaking to me emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. One book talks about our attitudes and how if we make small changes in our lives, our attitudes will adjust. A suggestion in one of the books was a little hard for me to grasp, but after much thought, I see the point. They suggest that if you are depressed and down in the dumps, then quit watching so much depressing TV! What a novel idea… what goes in, must come out. I will admit, I am slightly (ok, overly) addicted to the TV, and not that I think it’s bad to watch the news or my entertainment shows (wink), but I am a sucker for the depressing stuff too. I love Tru TV (formerly Court TV). I watch all the suspenseful “who-killed-who” shows. I watch “To Catch a Predator”. I love “Crimes Caught on Camera”… you get the point. You could say, I sorta feed on doom and gloom. Anyway, I totally see how all this garbage and depression going in my spirit could bring me down! So, while I’m not banning TV 100% (baby steps, people), I am going to consciously knock out the unnecessary, and depressing shows that bring me down.

That was what one book suggested. The other book, my Max Lucado book (yay!), spoke on another note, but I when I tied them together… it made a pretty, little bow. (Meaning: it made sense.) Anyway, Max’s suggestion was that we fill our hearts and minds with worship. True worship is the laying down of our desires, wants, and emotions, handing them over to God to take control, while basking in His peaceful presence. So, the second challenge for myself will be to incorporate more worship into my life. Sorry, KISS FM and George Michael… you are going on the back burner for a while. I am in NEED of God’s presence! I am in desperate need of an attitude adjustment. And, I truly WANT Him to take over my life, my emotions, my desires… and most of all my heart.

I have no doubt that these small changes will make a big change in my attitude! And, I’m definitely looking forward to it!!!!!

Easier Said than Done

2008-07-02T10:21:00.003-05:00

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight…” (PS. 19:14)

Easier said than done, David! Day after day, I struggle with this. I mean, I really struggle. So often, I regret my words right as they are flying from my mouth. There are certain people that I really struggle to say nice things about… and this should not be. I need God to break my heart. (I feel He slowly is, because I am starting to be disgusted by myself.) Anyway, fellow Bloggers, please pray that God will do what He has to do inside of me so that I will begin to see others as He sees them. That the words I say about them will be words of love and blessing, not cursing or hatred. Pray that my heart will be filled with peace, even when I think of those who make me want to go mad!

Oh, I feel as if I’m going to go crazy sometimes! Like I’m going to go bonkers and scream. Like if I don’t get away, far away, I’m going to beat the crap out of something. Yep, that’s how I REALLY feel.

Anyway, please say a prayer dear friends. God has lots of work to do.

Blah Blah Blog

2008-07-01T16:19:00.002-05:00

AAGGH! I've had so much going on that I haven't read my book lately... my inspiration for the blog. Sorry peeps. I promise to be back on track soon.

Tribute to Toni

2008-06-16T14:08:00.010-05:00

Today is the 13th anniversary of my mom's passing. I thought I would post a story that I wrote during my senior year of high school. I know the grammar isn't the best, but it was all heart-felt... especially since at that point in my life, it had only been 3 years since she had passed away. I hope you enjoy the story, and most of all, that you are encouraged in knowing that your Creator is loving, and caring, and merciful, and beautiful.

Best Friend

Beth sits by the open window as the light, summer breeze waves through her long, blonde hair. The smells of medicine, peroxide, and fresh spring flowers seem to mix together in the small, stuffy room. She sits cushioned on the bedside of her best friend who is slowly passing away. With a gentle grip, Beth holds the delicate and almost lifeless hand in hers. She can’t help but want to take her pain away and hold on to her forever.

Beth stares at her friend who gazes mindlessly at the blank wall. She keeps a comforting smile on her face, but it masks the pit of sorrow that dwells in her heart. She gets up to leave and plants a soft kiss on the forehead of her weak friend. Beth has been to this place every day for the past four months. The time slowly drags on, and every time she leaves, she wonders if it will be the last time she will see her friend again… she always leaves hesitantly. Beth quietly walks over to the door and opens it. There are no words she can say to express her feelings and no need for a “goodbye” because it wouldn’t be heard. She gives one last look over her shoulder. Her friend doesn’t even notice that Beth has gotten up; her eyes are still fixed on the ivory colored walls.

Back at her home, Beth slowly rocks back and forth, as she thinks of the fond memories that her and her friend have shared. Tears fill her eyes as she thinks of the many years the two of them used to spend laughing and talking together. They didn’t keep much from each other... In fact, they shared everything: their thoughts, dreams, and hopes. Beth knew in her heart that she possessed a special friendship with this beautiful person. A tear falls on Beth’s hand and soon they all begin streaming down her face. She thinks of the many times she sat in the swing in the back yard and shared her dreams about her future with her friend. Beth had told her so much about her hopes of some day graduating high school, of getting married, and then eventually having a family. Her best friend had always sat there with her bright hazel eyes staring back intently. She had promised Beth she would be the kind of friend that would see her through to her dreams. She was always encouraging and assuring for Beth and it left her with comfort and peace inside.

For several minutes, the only sounds heard were the light squeak of the rocker and the muffle of Beth’s cry. She sat curled up in the rocker with her hands over her face. The tears continued to pour and deep agony ripped at her heart as she tried to imagine her life without her best friend. The house they had once shared was now a lonesome place since her friend had gone into the hospital. The sound of laughter had long been forgotten and a big, empty void had become somewhat of a permanent structure in the tiny house. Beth couldn’t imagine going through life without her friend, and with that thought she took her hands away from her face and in a faint whisper cried out to God. “Please don’t let her go through this pain anymore. As much as it her hurts to let her go, it hurts even more to see her suffer.” When Beth finally finished crying she leaned back in her chair and picked up her already-open Bible. She flipped to Romans 8:18, the verse that had been her strength through many sad and lonely nights, and she read aloud: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.” At that moment, tears of God’s comfort and strength began to trickle down her puffy cheeks. Beth knew that her friend would soon be a part of that “glory”. Her heart overlooked the sadness of losing her best friend and instead dwelt on the delight of the awesome place her friend would experience if she did pass away. She envisioned her entering heaven and coming face to face with her Creator and Lord whom she would have loved, honored, and obeyed up to that moment. Her caring Father would tenderly take her hand and walk down the streets of the celestial city with her. Beth’s heart jumped as she thought about how her friend would no longer live every moment in pain and worry. There would be no more medicine for her to take. No more needles poking into her veins. Her broken spirit, her physical wounds, and scars- they would all be healed. A huge smile engulfed Beth’s face as she pictured her friend walking again; she hadn’t been able to do that in so long. The pictures in her mind changed from her friend walking with God to her dancing with Him. She had heard her friend talk about this moment many times and knew that her friend had long awaited it, and deserved it. Through every bit of pain and torture that her earthly vessel endured, she had remained faithful to her Creator. Beth had held her friend through many bitter tears not knowing what the future held. She had assured Beth many times that no matter how hard she was being hit, she still knew God had a plan for her and that if He chose to heal her from this disease then He would. It was all up to Him. She knew God would do what He knew was best and He was going to do it all in His perfect timing. Beth had never met anyone who had gone through so much earthly torture, only to remain so strong and faithful to God. Beth knew how blessed she was to have such a beautiful and wonderful person be such a huge part of her life.

Suddenly, the phone rang and interrupted Beth’s thoughts. She tried to wipe her eyes and make herself appear calm as she let out a quiet, “Hello?” The man on the other end cleared his throat, “Hello, Beth? It’s Dr. Greene. I really hate to tell you this over the phone, but...she’s gone. She passed about twenty minutes ago. I’m really sorry...” Beth gasped and her hands trembled as she hung up the receiver without even saying goodbye. Her insides felt as if an explosion had just occurred. She stood up from the chair, only to fall face down on the floor. She wept tears of loss and tears of joy. Although she cried because she missed her friend already, she also cried tears of thankfulness. God has been faithful and answered Beth’s cry. He had taken her best friend, her mother, home with Him for eternity.

*** Toni Lee Rich Davis*** (June 18, 1953 - June 16, 1995)
"I'll come back and get you," he promised, "so you can live where I live." (John 14:3 MSG)

Note to Shanen: Life is not about YOU

2008-06-11T15:35:00.017-05:00

So… anyone who knows me, and knows me well, can vouch that I LOVE 80's music. And even more importantly, that I LOVE George Michael! (I know, I know… I’m not his type.)

Well, I know this has nothing to do with my usual Bloggings, but I came across an old song of his that I haven’t heard in sooo long. It reminded me of why I love George (His amazing voice that sucks you in to a trance… and because listening to his music brings back memories of my mom and I dancing to his WHAM! videos when I was a little girl.) Besides the fact that I love his amazing voice, the lyrics are another reminder to me that my life is not about ME. I shouldn't be living for me... but for God's glory. My "problems" are so small compared to what's going on in the rest of the world... the tornadoes, the earthquakes, the flooding, the hunger, the poverty... I mean, seriously. Everyday I make my way home from a comfortable job, in my reliable car, to my cozy apartment where I know I will enjoy air conditioning, a nice, healthy dinner, and a loving husband and precious puppy. These are things we so easily take for granted. And even though I don't completely agree with every word in this song, I think it's still a good reminder that our lives are not about US.

Anyway… I thought I would share the song, the words, and a little "explanation". Enjoy.

Click Here to Listen

Praying for Time
These are the days of the open hand
They might just be the last
Look around now
These are the days of the beggars and the choosers

This is the year of the hungry man
Whose place is in the past
Hand in hand with ignorance
And legitimate excuses

The rich declare themselves poor
And most of us are not sure
If we have too much
But we'll take our chances
'Cause God's stopped keeping score
I guess somewhere along the way
He must have let us all out to play
Turned his back and all God's children
Crept out the back door

And it's hard to love, there's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above say it's much too much too late
Well maybe we should all be praying for time

These are the days of the empty hand
Oh you hold on to what you can
And charity is a coat you wear twice a year

This is the year of the guilty man
Your television takes a stand
And you find that what was over there is over here

So you scream from behind your door
Say what's mine is mine and not yours
I may have too much but I'll take my chances
'Cause God's stopped keeping score
And you cling to the things they sold you
Did you cover your eyes when they told you
That he can't come back
'Cause he has no children to come back for

It's hard to love there's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope when there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above say it's much too late
So maybe we should all be praying for time

Here is a post from someone that explains the song in their own words. If you’re like me, I thought George’s voice was great, but wondered why he brought God in to the picture… So, I found someone else’s commentary that explains it very well. (I’ve cut out a few pieces to shorten it a bit.) And obviously, I have NO doubt that God IS indeed still with us!!!

[by Betterman on 05-24-2008 @ 02:45:47 AM]

Well, the song was a number one hit. But it's the nature of the song that might make one think. It sort of has its place, but it's not something you hear on the radio every day.

The song is, thankfully, not about a particular event, but sort of a commentary on the state of the world, the culture, and the media's effect on us. He says “this is the year of the guitly man, where the television takes its stand.” I may be wrong, but based off of what Michael said, as well as my own interpretation, I think it's about the media programming us to believe things are a certain way, and we are guilted in various ways - always as a way to get into our pockets, or make us go along with something.

He says “charity is a coat you wear twice a year.” Charity is a fashionable thing to do, and everyone will dress up for the occasion once or twice a year, but is change in their hearts? Do they truly care or understand the full gravity of the world's plight? Maybe what is “over there is also over here”, but they don't at all realize it. We are mesmerized and distracted, distracted by the things we must obtain before it's too late.We're hiding behind our possessions, our faux sense of security, so we “scream from behind our doors” with a defensive scream to the world outside. We “cling to the things they sold us”… It is as if we've made such a mess of everything, that God stopped keeping tabs on who's doing what. I don't think that he is criticizing God for anything, but rather, the lyric is meant to illustrate the state of mankind. That it would be a wonder if God were still with us.

2008-06-06T08:28:00.002-05:00

I love John Maxwell. His books are full of Godly wisdom and nuggets that always hit me where I'm at. Here is a cool quote from John that I was reminded of today... it follows along with the theme of my Blog. These are my Personal Goals too:

Knowing Your Purpose In Life
Growing To Your Maximum Potential
Sowing Seeds That Benefit Others

I pray this over y'all too!

I'm a Halley's Comet?!

2008-06-05T10:56:00.003-05:00

Psalm 33:13-15 says, “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.”

What an incredible thought, that every single person is a brand-new idea from the mind of God! That means, if you aren’t you; we don’t get you. The world misses out. You are heaven’s Halley’s comet; we have one shot at seeing you shine. You offer a gift to society that no one else brings.

“God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.” Phil. 4:9 MSG

[Excerpt from "The Cure for the Common Life" by Max Lucado]

It hit me right smack-dab in the face...!

2008-06-03T10:13:00.006-05:00

Everywhere I look, and everywhere I turn... God is reminding me of the same thing..."Live in the place that I have called you to be."

This morning when I was flipping through the channels I came across Joyce Meyers' show (Oh, I love her!) This series was called Living with Passionate Purpose - Get stirred up with unstoppable passion so you can live right smack-dab in the middle of God’s perfect purpose for your life.

Needless to say, I got sucked in. Here are a few snippets I wrote down that really ministered to me this morning:

* Faith means you are willing to even be wrong, if that is what it takes, to find out what the next step is that God has for you.

* Have a passion to help people enjoy the life that Jesus died to give them. With everything He went through to give it to you, and for you to stay miserable, is a tragedy!

Not only do I long to live my life "smack-dab" in the middle of God's purpose, but I long to have joy during the journey. Psalm 100:2 says, "Serve the Lord with GLADNESS..." No matter where I'm at, or what I'm doing, I am serving the Lord. Therefore, my servant heart needs to display GLADNESS.

Gladness means: feeling joy or pleasure; delighted; pleased; characterized by or showing cheerfulness, joy, or pleasure

How much cheerfulness and joy do I display? Probably not alot. Ok, not much at all lately. So, hold me accountable, friends, to have gladness in my life as I serve my Lord!

*When you have no joy, you have no strength. When you have no strength, you have no wisdom. Without wisdom, how can we be wise to what God is calling us to do?

To visit Joyce Meyers' website, and to hear or watch her sermons, click http://joycemeyer.com/

Sparkle Snuffers

2008-05-30T15:16:00.005-05:00

I came across this in my book last night, and actually thought it quite sad to read these statistics. I think it’s quite clear that many of us are not living in our Sweet Spot, or we are still struggling to find exactly what that spot is. Unfortunately, it appears that for many, someone or something, has stolen our sparkle.

In an epidemic of commonness… here are some statistics for you*:

1. Unhappiness on the job affects one-fourth of the American work force.
2. One-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.
3. Seven out of ten people are neither motivated not competent to perform the basics of their job.
4. Forty-three percent of employees feel anger toward their employers often or very often as a result of feeling overworked.

This makes me sad. Life is too short for so many people to be living in these statistics… day in and day out. Let’s take back our Sparkle, fellow Bloggers.
*Source: Cure for the Common Life, sources on Page 215.

2008-05-28T09:49:00.008-05:00

Hey, Y'all... check out my super cute new signature!! Isn't it beautiful (and so me?)

This was a beautiful creation by Penny Lane Designs... if you want a professionaly-made signature (or blog design) that matches your personality, then visit the Penny Lane Blog... she is amazing and so creative!

I LOVE IT!!!!

How Compelling...

2008-05-22T11:30:00.008-05:00

Compel. It’s such a strong word. When you wake up in the morning… what compels you? In the words of Webster’s Dictionary, what “forces and drives” you to a “course of action”? What “overpowers and influences” you to get out of bed and go about your day? I was lying in bed yesterday thinking of all I had to do. Thinking of the 7 page, To-Do List sitting on my desk at work. Thinking about how I want to be completely unpacked in my new apartment. Thinking about how I need to go on a diet. Thinking about all sorts of things… but especially, thinking about how all I want to do is live my life in my “sweet spot.” [If you don't know what I mean about Sweet Spot, read the rest of my Blog!] So... This verse came to mind…

“For the love of Christ compels us…” (2 Cor. 5:14)

I started thinking… Is it really Christ’s love that compels me? Is He really the “force” that drives me? Is His love in me the very thing that overpowers me to want to get up and out of bed? And most of all, is it His love that drives me to live in my “sweet spot”? Does Christ’s love in me give me the passion to love others and to want to help them and change their lives? Encouraging them to be the best they can be and live in their God-given destiny? Is it because of God’s love that I want to live in a place where I use the gifts He has given me to bring glory to His name? The answer most of the time… is No. It’s usually NOT God’s love that compels me. So many times, it’s my selfishness. The desire for MY life to be what I want it to be. To be able to do what I want to do and when I want to do it….

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit…” (Phil. 2:3)

In reading this verse, consider the definition of Ambition:

1. an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment
2. the object, state, or result desired or sought after

So often, it is my own selfish ambitions that get the best of me… my OWN “earnest desires for some type of achievement”. I'm not fooling myself in to thinking that it's always for "God's best interest" that I pursue the dreams in my life. I think it's ok that we have our own goals & hopes for our future, but my point is... to keep selfishness out!

When I consider the verse below… it makes me want to run far, far, far away… from my selfish ambitions, and instead seek Christ more so that His love will compel me in all things!!!

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16)

I know, I know!

2008-05-19T18:30:00.008-05:00

I've been bad at keeping up with the BLOG! My friend Erin helped me make a pretty page and I'm not even putting it to work. :) Now that I've finally rested from my move... I will start reading my book again, which of course, is the inspiration for this blog.

I promise to do better... so that the 2 people that actually keep up with my blog, won't be disappointed when they don't see any updates.

JOY!

2008-05-13T09:15:00.005-05:00

You know what? I'm tired of letting man steal my joy! The only reason he can do it, is because I've let him. My joy, my true inner peace and rest, comes from Christ. My joy is not based upon my circumstances or based upon how others treat me, or mistreat me. Friends will hurt you. Family will hurt you. Spouses will hurt you. Co-workers will hurt you. However, at the end of the day, my JOY remains, and I need to just get over it.

I am so blessed. God has provided for me in so many ways and given me such an amazing life – surrounded by fabulous people. Loving, healthy family, and friends. An awesome husband who adores me, and a sweet little puppy dog that adores me too. My life is amazing. Sure I've had my share of hard times, but God has been so good to me and so faithful, through every stinkin hard time!! He is the One that “infuses me with strength and makes my way perfect” (Ps. 18:32). My life and my dreams are in God’s hands… And everything is in His perfect timing…

Today...

2008-05-09T11:42:00.004-05:00

Today I need strength, and I'm asking God for an extra dose of it. For some reason, (well, actually for many reasons), this week has been hard for me. I have alot going on in my life right now, and I'm struggling to find joy, stability, and work/life balance. I'm asking God to take my emotions right now, and to tie them in a really tight knot - and then toss them out somewhere into a deep sea.

I am loooonging to live in my "sweet spot"... but I need patience. I need to "bloom where I'm planted" now. I need to be a light, and remain diligent and thankful........... BLAH!

Blogging...

2008-04-30T16:53:00.003-05:00

I’m not sure about this blog thing. I’m so Facebook and Myspaced-out, that I really wonder if I can keep up with one more, online, social thing! So, I’m going to give it a try. I could see this being a place that I could share thoughts and feelings that I probably wouldn’t share to the whole Facebook/Myspace world. So – we will see… I will test it out for a little while and see if anyone finally gets tired of hearing my rants and dreams. :)