Snap INTO it!
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: June 28, 2011
War is horrific but it’s definable. The troops are sent to where the enemy is (at least in theory) and battle plans are drawn based on previous attacks and mission objectives. What if the enemy turned the tables on us? What if, while we’re expecting strife and attacks, we’re just simply left alone to enjoy life? Pretty sweet deal, huh? Actually, that’s when the real trouble begins.
The enemy of our soul has a battle plan for our lives but it doesn’t necessarily involve artillery or complete destruction. His favorite “go to” strategy when it comes to defeating us is simply to distract us from our God given mission. When we get busy with the gifts and stop worshiping the Giver, our door is wide open for the most subtle of attacks.
Now, let’s be clear: I’m not saying that in order to be a true follower of Christ you have to be in turmoil or disaster all the time. That couldn’t be further from the Truth! What we simply need to remember is that when we take our eyes off Jesus and put them on the anything or anyone else, the enemy hangs a sign up that says “mission accomplished.” There’s no need to destroy when he can merely distract and get the same effect.
You’ve heard someone say “Snap out of it!” when you’re in a bad mood or some other dismal condition. Well, here’s my little spin on that – SNAP INTO IT! Let’s take our emotions, actions, and gifts off of auto pilot and engage into the mission God has created us for. You’re not here by accident. Where you live, work, play, go to school, socialize… everything is part of YOUR mission field.
Go get ‘em, God’s girl!
Loving Life?
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: May 25, 2011
My friend Elsa, A very wise and funny woman, shared her insight recently on why everyone (whether they express it or not) loves life. She said that no matter what grueling circumstances we may be going through, we acknowledge that not being alive would be worse. Oh sure, as Christians we know that to live is Christ and to die is gain – we just haven’t experienced that truth for ourselves so we tend to want to cling to this life – after all, it’s what we know. If that wasn’t so, our emails, church bulletins and Facebook walls wouldn’t be filled with prayer requests for healing. It’s not bad or wrong to want to cling to this life. It’s the way God made us.
Does that mean we don’t believe God’s promises of eternal life are true? Not at all! It just means that we tend to want to be in what we know. Whether it’s working to stay healthy or accepting the eternal life God offers, God wants us to choose life every time!
This concept of clinging to what we know holds true in other parts of our lives as well. It’s based on instinct much like the desire to keep breathing. These instincts, however, have been learned over time and usually as a result of life’s hard knocks. Sometimes it’s easier to stick with the familiar yet not so good than to stick our neck out and get our hope up as we creep into unknown territory.
As a career “Neck sticker Outer” I’m here to tell you that – regardless of your success or failure – you owe it to yourself to take the risk! When we take a risk to expand the territory in our lives, we stretch our mental boundaries as well. Once you begin to set bigger goals for yourself and believe bigger dreams for your future, you’ll never be able to fit inside your “safe” box ever again – and that’s a good thing!
Have you ever really thought about some of the people we read about in God’s word? Once they had an encounter with the living God, they were never able to simply return to fishing – or farming – or sheep herding… Their safe box was blown into smithereens! Have you had an encounter with the living God? How stretched out has your safe box become as a result? Don’t just cling to life – love it! Don’t just walk on the road that’s safe – take a step of faith and check out the wondrous road less traveled – God’s adventure road!
Choices…
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: May 16, 2011
In my life’s dreams, I never imagined a scenario in which I would become a Mary Kay Sales Consultant. (This is not a Mary Kay commercial… stick with me). Yet that one single choice of signing my consultant agreement set my path towards achieving so much of what I knew I want to do in life.
Let me back up a moment and give you a better picture.
Ever since I remember, I’ve really enjoyed doing two things – encouraging people & making them laugh. Neither of these two traits ever appeared in help wanted ads so I figured I’d have to make a living doing whatever and do what I love in my spare time. My humor is a gift God has given me. I know that because there are times when I’m alone and God cracks me up so much I simply marvel at His comedic genius & timing. Having even a speck of that is a gift I treasure because laughter is such great medicine. God deals with me in humor all the time – even in times where no one would imagine seeing anything funny in the situation, He knows how I’m wired (He did the wiring, after all) so He knows how best to comfort & console me.
As I’ve grown older I’ve felt the need to marry my passion for doing the things I love and my need to earn a living. What I’ve wanted to do more than anything is to be an inspirational speaker at women’s conferences and to write – books, magazine articles, newspaper columns, you name it! If it can bring God glory and others joy, I want to do it.
When the opportunity to be a Mary Kay Sales Consultant presented itself, I was working in a great job with excellent pay and looooong hours – extensive travel included. I know I was encouraging people in my life (my employees, clients, etc.) but the joy just wasn’t there anymore in that position. I first said yes to the MK opportunity because it seemed like a great way to meet quality people and enjoy some girly time! My current job was filled with conference rooms and spreadsheets – nothing girly about that. It seemed like a great way to add to my life. After a while, I realized it could add something else to my life… a financial resource to allow me to design the life I really want.
Everyone at my Mary Kay parties will hear that I’ve chosen MK as the financial vehicle to design the life I love. As a result of making this one small choice, I’ve been able to leave my former job, take part in women’s conferences & events, further develop my “God’s Girl” ministry, begin writing my first devotional book, and serve as contributing author to “Spirit Rising” – A Christian magazine for women. My Mary Kay business also helps me get in front of women that need encouragement and a little fun in their lives. It’s been the perfect marriage of ministry and provision for me. I can’t wait to see what else is around the corner.
Choices are like that – big or small, they arrive almost imperceptibly and dare you to make one. Each choice has a path and a consequence. Sometimes we stall because we have no idea what the best choice would be. Let me remind you, however, that by not making a choice, you’ve made your choice not choose. That too has its consequence.
The odds are you have a choice to make right now. Some may seem huge – career, relationship, University, etc. Others may seem trivial – a purchase, vacation, whom to go out with Friday night. Each choice, big or small, has a consequence. The right choices for you will reap rewards beyond measure so ask for wisdom from the God who wired you and let Him guide you to what’s best in this season of your life. Let God’s peace be your guide in your decision making. Trust that still small voice – and that feeling at the pit of your stomach. You know the one.
Time to choose…
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15
The GOOD Life!
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: March 8, 2011
What’s your definition of “The GOOD Life?”
1 Corinthians 2:6-10 says “We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it’s not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don’t find it lying around on the surface. It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven’t a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn’t have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That’s why we have this Scripture text:
No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this,
Never so much as imagined anything quite like it—
What God has arranged for those who love him.” – The Message
Paul wouldn’t have referred to us as more than conquerors through Christ if there wasn’t anything to conquer in life. It’s not the easy life that points to an obedient heart. It’s the life that overcomes – keeps going – seeks help and counsel – THAT life achieves the only success that matters.
Seek God’s wisdom today and start living the GOOD life! 
What right do you have?
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: March 8, 2011
Today is International Women’s Day. The focus of the celebrations ranges from celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women’s economic, political and social achievements. It’s hard to imagine living in a time when women were not respected and cherished for all we offer in every area of life. I’m grateful for the brave souls who didn’t shrink back – who stood up and made a difference so that I can enjoy the amazing opportunities I have as a woman today.
When you think of a pioneer in the movement to validate a woman’s role, Jesus may not be the first person that comes to mind. He did, however, revolutionize the world by the way he treated the gentler sex. Jesus’ honor and respect was not reserved simply for his mother. It was extended to all women—an attitude largely unexpected and unknown in his culture and time. Jesus, unlike the men of his generation and culture, taught that women were equal to men in the sight of God. Women could receive God’s forgiveness and grace. Women, as well as men, could be among Christ’s personal followers. Women could be full participants in the kingdom of God. Jesus offered full discipleship to women.
These were revolutionary ideas. Many of his contemporaries, including his disciples, were shocked. Women were overjoyed and grateful, of course, and many dedicated their lives to his service. I count myself among these and I thank God every day for the privilege of being His.
Ladies: Enjoy being cherished by a God who fully knows you, deeply loves you, and has placed a high calling on your life.
Guys: Guess what? You get to enjoy the very same thing! Now THOSE are equal rights!
Happy International Women’s Day!
My First Valentine
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: February 14, 2011
My first valentine was NOT the boy I had a crush on when I was 13. He wasn’t even supposed to know I liked him. Some loose lipped “friend” informed him of this the day before Valentine’s and I walked into the room just in time to hear him say “of course Mercy likes me – all the ugly ones like me.” (Love is blind – and apparently so was he.)
I had nowhere near the God infused self confidence I do now, so… I held on to that phrase like a teenage ninja drama queen. My world as I knew it was over. (The fact that I can’t remember this kid’s last name should give some hope to teenage girls everywhere currently going through some similar drama.)
That day I got home and spilled all the sordid details to my mom who listened attentively, while at work dealing with REAL problems, but she never let me feel my stuff was trivial. The mother of the year award goes to… My Mommy! But that’s another blog…
No, my first valentine was my very reluctant brother. Evidently, Mom had “shared” my trauma with him and “suggested” he make me feel better. Yep, that’s exactly what a 20 year old guy wants to do – give his bratty sister a pep talk. He was a champ, however. He walked into my room on Valentine’s eve and threw some stuff down on my bed.
* A stuffed “Ziggy” (remember him? My favorite cartoon EVER)
* A box of chocolates
* A super sappy card
The only thing that made me understand all this was truly from Victor was what he wrote on the card – “Mom made me do this… Vic”
This loving gesture also included his version of an encouraging chat. He said “look all guys are jerks. Your job is to find the least jerky of the bunch and learn to deal with him.” Ah… the stuff that fairy tales are made of. He made me cry. Not because of the grim romantic future he painted but because he loved me enough to do it. After that, Valentine’s Day took on a different meaning for me.
For me, this chocolate filled holiday is not about romantic love at all. Don’t get me wrong – I love mushy cards and anything that comes in tiny velvet boxes – but that’s not what Valentine’s is for me. It’s about showing TRUE love. The love of true (close lipped) friends, family, and most importantly… The love of God who SO LOVED this world, that He gave his only son as a ransom for our sin.
John 3:16-18 – The Message version says it like this:
“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.”
Several years ago my friend, Gigi Rodriguez, and I started a ministry of love during this holiday. We delivered gifts to people we felt God had laid on our hearts that needed a tangible reminder of His love for them. The gift was just a token but we prayed that each recipient would accept this tiny reminder of the fact that God SO LOVES them.
For a while now I’ve been praying for God to reveal His mission for me – HIS purpose for me which will draw others to Christ – and He has been so very faithful in allowing me to uncover it as He leads the way. I know He called me to be an encourager and as He leads, I will follow.
He wants to lead you too. He wants to show you exactly what your divine purpose is. Tiny acts can cause huge ripples in this universe. My first reluctant valentine birthed in me a desire to show others how genuine love can change them. What will your choices and actions do to make a difference in this world?
Happy TRUE LOVE Day!
Enjoy!
Graveside Perspective
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: February 9, 2011
Every Wednesday I take my Mom to visit my brother’s grave. We remove the withered flowers and add a fresh bunch. We make sure the area is free of debris. Then we just stand there for a few minutes – each lost in our own private thoughts.
We know he’s not there. We know that he met his Maker on October 18th. I think more than anything, it’s a mother’s way to still care for her son in some small way and a sister’s way of trying to do the right thing – a concept that was cemented in my family’s DNA.
Ive noticed several things on my weekly trips to Victor’s graveside.
- Death comes at any age. The headstones surrounding my brother’s tell of people as old as 92 and as young as 13. According to God’s Word, it’s appointed unto a man once to die… there’s no guarantee as to the length of our days. What we CAN control is the depth of our days. We can live purposefully. We can dedicate each day to squeezing all God has for us from it. We can turn off the auto pilot mode and make each moment count. That doesn’t have to mean you quit your job, sell your house, and give away all your possessions. It can simply mean being more alert to what’s happening around you. Who is trying to get your attention? What will bring you LIFE more abundantly?
- Many graves are adorned with plastic flowers. I can certainly understand that. The desire to have some representation of remembrance but not being able to face frequent trips to this place makes perfect sense to me. It may be an issue of time, of regret, of not being able to face this blunt truth of separation. Everyone grieves differently. Each person has their own time line. Every heart will react uniquely to loss. It’s not wrong – it’s just different. There’s no judgment here.
- Every week there are more grave markers added. Fresh graves are the norm. As i said in a previous blog, life is fatal. No other place is this more evident than here. We’re not getting out of this world alive so let’s not cheat ourselves out of living while we still have breath. God designed every day of your life. You have a divine purpose. Don’t know what it is yet? Ask your Creator. He won’t leave you wondering.
- This place is not our destination. I often picture my brother watching me stand at his graveside and asking me “what are you doing here?” He would not want me to spend time visiting him in a place where he is not. His legacy lives on in the lives that he touched so connecting with him is not why we come here.
My Wednesday visits offer graveside perspective. I honor Victor’s memory by living my life God’s way. As I walk back to my car after each Wednesday visit, I know that – for whatever time I have left on this earth – I have a mission. I continually ask God for wisdom and courage to live out this life in His name and for His glory.
Our God is alive and well and has a specific purpose for YOUR life. So… walk back to the car with me and let’s start living.
Enjoy the journey!
Well, with my luck…
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: February 2, 2008
What usually follows when someone starts a sentence like that? From my experience it’s not a very positive comment.- “With my luck I’ll run out of gas before I get there.”
- “With my luck whichever lane I get in will have the slowest cashier.”
- “With my luck all the cute stuff will be gone by the time I get to the sale.”
I heard one of these phrases come out of a God-following friend recently and it just sounded so wrong I had to stop her. I asked her just what type of “luck” she was referring to? She confessed she says that so often she really hadn’t stopped to think about it.
That’s what blogs are for, right? So let’s stop and think about it.
Without getting into “positive thinking” theories, I do admit that I’m a firm believer in being aware of the feelings and emotions I allow into my brain space. If you’ve read the book “The Secret” you are familiar with the concept of guarding your feelings regarding things because what you feel is what you attract. It’s really no hidden secret at all. The Bible has it there for us in plain sight…
In his letter to the Philippians Paul writes:
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. – Philippians 4:6-8
If you recall reading the gospel of Matthew chapter 12, Jesus himself was not too happy with the religious leaders of the day. As an explanation for their evil deeds he says this at the end of verse 34 – “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”
So basically whatever we’re thinking and feeling will eventually become what we say and do. Yikes…
Back to my friend and her accidental confession… I had her think for a moment of what she would say if she knew that the outcome of her circumstance depended on what came out of her mouth. She laughed but we came up with some good ones.
- With my luck I’ll do great on this weight loss plan and fit into my skinny jeans in time for summer.
- With my luck I’ll have more than enough time to do the things I need to get done today.
- With my luck I’ll be able to save enough money to have an even better vacation than we planned!
It’s not a matter of whether you believe in luck or not. It’s a matter of being aware of the stuff that comes out of our mouths. If you belong to the family of God, you’re “luck” is automatically the best there is so say it like you mean it!
If you haven’t yet joined God’s family, there’s room around the table just for you. Email me, call me, reach out and ask. I’ll be happy to introduce you to the Life Changer.
With my luck this little blog has made a big difference in someone’s life today. Woo hoo!
Defining my role…
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: February 2, 2008
Recently I was promoted at work and, apparently I haven’t gotten used to my new role and all it entails. In the passed two weeks my new boss has had to remind me several times that my new title affords me priveliges I need to get used to (what do you mean – no one has to approve my vacation? You mean I’m responsible enough to schedule my time off and make sure all bases are covered?) I also have responsibilities that didn’t exist in my earlier job role (seriously… I’m responsible for coordinating and forecasting the training needs of over 2,000 employees? I’m going to need some kind of cake…) My reactions to my new level of career freedom and responsibility reminds me of another role I’ve had trouble getting used to… how do you get your mind around being a child of THE King?
You may have that same question and not even know it.
So… the creator of the universe thought I was worth putting His Son through hell (quite literally) so He can enjoy the pleasure of my company for eternity.
And… the same God that held the sea back so His people could go forth to safety is ready willing and able to provide for every single one of my needs.
When I take even half a moment to ponder on this incredible role God has granted me, I confess I fall short daily of understanding my true position in Him.
With privilige comes responsibility.
This is probably the point where you expect the list of “must do’s” that undoubtedly come with being the King’s kid. I’m very pleased to disappoint you.
His challenge to us is that we live a life worthy of being called His. How would you live today if you knew that each action is being viewed as an action God’s offspring is taking? Would others be able to view the peace that reigns in your heart because you are very aware of whose you are? Would God’s love and infectious joy govern your thoughts and actions?
If your answers are all in the affirmative, then great for you! Me? I fail daily and sometimes more often. 
The good news is I get to keep trying and some days I’m quite good at it for a while. After all, I’m a daughter of the king and that means I’m forgiven royalty. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the greatest accomplishment of all.
Picture Perfect
Posted by: godsgirl423 on: January 18, 2008
A picture is a funny thing… you take it to remember a happy time, a celebration, a memory you want to keep alive forever. The moment you lay eyes on a picture from the past you’re transported to that exact moment. You can usually remember exactly what was happening, how you were feeling, whom you were with and other fun details that make the story worth telling.
If only we had the foresight to take pictures during the worst moments of our lives.
- The tumor is malignant – you have cancer… CLICK
- I love you but I’m just not in love with you… CLICK
- But I’ve worked for this company for 15 years… CLICK
- It will grow out! It’s just hair… CLICK
- Your mother and I just can’t be together any more but it has nothing to do with you… CLICK
When you think about it, these are the times we should want to document with an 8X10 glossy. These are the split seconds that shape our lives forever. These character building, emotion destroying, reality crashing moments are what have molded us into the people we are today. If you take a good look at yourself you’ll notice that the self proclaimed WORST moments of your life can be attributed with netting you the most benefit in the growth department.
So take a picture of your worst moments – engrave them in your brain. These are the memories you’ll reach for time and again when you need the strength that only comes with knowing you’ve survived worse. There is also a very important positive to remembering the bad times with clarity… it makes it that much easier to recognize and be thankful for the good times. J
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