Do you trust God?

Hand extended

Normally I don’t promote other people’s products – I want you on my site purchasing mine!  :D – and in fact, I have not even read the following book to even know whether to recommend it to you or not. 

BUT the video book trailer is what caught my eye tonight on my Google Reader.  I wanted to share it with you tonight.  Sheila Walsh does an excellent job with video, challenging us on whether we trust God.

Do you trust Him?

The precious women of God in our lives

Patty Bartlett, Beth Jones, Diane Bishop

Today was a long but good day.  This morning, my friends Patty Bartlett and Diane Bishop, the speakers for our Wash Over Me ladies’ retreat here in Butler, stopped by so we could pray about the retreat.

I laid out Ray’s grandmother’s antique china teacups on the dining table, lit a scented candle, put on some water to boil, and set out the honey and a variety of herbal teas for us to enjoy sipping as we chatted and prayed.  Here is a pic of the three of us, sitting in my dining room today.  Don’t ya just love the bathroom toilet as the right elegant touch for the photo’s background, LOL! 

After tea and prayer,  I met sweet friends Lois Graham and Kimberly Ehlers in my Prayer, Purpose, Passion webinar room at CWA to give them a “tour” of the room before our exciting Step Up! webinar on August 31. 

Oh, you should have joined us girls today – we had so much fun and laughs!  But the webinar will be even better.  If you have not already signed up for this event, be sure to sign up today as room is limited! It is going to be a blast!

This afternoon as I reflected on the day, I felt so thankful to Jesus for the wonderful women of God He has brought into my life. I had a poor relationship with my mother growing up as a child, and God has seen to it to bring many spiritual mothers and sisters across my path through the years to pray for me, encourage me, and impart His truth and wisdom into my life. I don’t know what I would do without these beautiful women of God who are such precious gifts to me.

What about you?  Who are the women in your life who are important and who help you to walk along in this journey of life?  Be sure to let them know how thankful you are for their presence in your life and how much you love and appreciate them!

PS:  Want to connect with women of God and make new friends?  Sign up for our Step Up! webinar here.

Step UP Webinar! Be an overcomer and fulfill your great purpose!

Woman stepping up

Are you fulfilling your great purpose right now, today?  Or are you struggling to just  get through the day?

Are you an overcomer – or are you overcome by the stress in your life?  Do you need an afternoon to relax and to be encouraged that God has a wonderful plan for your life and a great purpose? Then this webinar is just for you!

Join Lois Graham and Kimberly Ehlers at my third webinar, Step UP! You will LOVE these precious friends of mine. They are anointed women of God!

 There is no charge for this webinar, and you will receive bonus goodies just for coming.

To learn more, click here!

Videos of trip: Get away someplace new

Do you need to just get away someplace new for some relaxation?  This week Ray and I went to Osage Beach, MO, for his work conference.  We both really needed the time away from the daily routine. 

Maybe you can’t physically get away, but you can take a few minutes each day to just pull away and be with God for rest and refreshment.  Learn more here.

 Below are videos of our trip on the way there, at the Mexican restaurant, and of the lake with the cute ducks. Enjoy!

Vlog of cliffs on way to Ozarks

Vlog of unique church in Weaubleau, MO

Vlog of pretty lake on drive to Osage Beach

Vlog of jacuzzi and swimming pool

Vlog of Mexican restaurant – Ray ordered grouper (fish!) with chipotle!

Vlog of lake with cute ducks

Vlog of Bahama Bistro  – Ray ordered lobster bisque and delicious lemon cake, I ordered warm rolls and spinach-avocado dip spread

Vlog of decorative flowers in shop – for Heather

Face your fears: I went parasailing!

Tan-Tar-A resort

This week Ray and I went away alone for four days to Osage Beach, MO (Lake of the Ozarks) for his work conference. We had a great time in the air conditioned hotel room, relaxing, eating out Mexican or ordering room service, and spending some much needed time together. 

The Tan-Tar-A resort offers a variety of activities to do while there:  swimming in the pools or lake, having a nice soak in the jacuzzi, riding a wave runner on the lake, horseback riding on a trail, being pampered with a massage or facial in the salon, playing putt putt golf, and much more. The best part of all was that Ray’s work covered the expense of the hotel, gas,and his meals! 

I was able to pray for more direction from God while there, read, sleep in, shop, and just get away from the routine of dishes, laundry, and my work. I wanted to ride a wave runner but Ray thought I should go parasailing, something I did NOT want to do.

Ray has gone parasailing before and loved it.  Of course, working in the emergency field as a paramedic, firefighter, and policeman for over 25 years, he thrives off excitement – emergency workers are what some call “adrenaline junkies.”  People who work in the emergency fields often don’t feel “normal” without that adrenaline rush. 

He encouraged me to face my fears and said I would have fun, so I went for the first time in my life.  I should have known by the grin on his face as I was walking out the hotel room door NOT to believe him!   (This rule also applies to him telling you to “Try this” – candy, food, etc.  It will either be incredibly sour and make you want to spit it immediately out, or be so Cajun hot that you are running for water. Ask any number of family or friends, who he loves to see choking with watered eyes, while he is laughing hard!)

But he’s my husband, so I thought I should listen to him!  When I told the clerk at the marine desk that I was nervous and it was my first time, the captain who was nearby joked, “Oh, that’s ok.  It’s our first time doing this, too.”  :)  There was a boatful of first-timers, all of them teenagers.  They went before me and they all loved it!  This was reassuring as I was hooked on by the co-captain.

Have you ever been in a situation that you couldn’t get out of and it was a little too late?

As soon as the co-captain had me lifted high up in the air, I began to literally PANIC.  It was not the height that scared me, but that I was unable to physically hold onto the little black straps with my hands (see black straps in beginning of video below).  I didn’t have the physical strength in my hands and forearms to keep holding on.  Ok, ok, I need to start seriously PUMPING IRON!  If I let go of the straps, I could fall backward and fall OUT from an incredible height!

I was screaming, LET ME DOWN, LET ME DOWN, but nobody on the boat heard me. Instead, everyone in the boat was looking up at me, smiling and waving. People riding by in waverunners and other boats also would look up at me, wave, and smile.  Ray and our oldest daughter Heather thought this part was hilarious, and laughed and laughed. I’m glad I provide comic relief for our family!

I knew there was NOTHING I could do by now, so I just began to pray for peace (and for God to get me back on the boat ALIVE!) and told myself to JUST CALM DOWN! 

I improvised by wrapping my elbows and forearms around the black hand straps to hold on, and was finally able to look around and SEE the gorgeous view. Don’t let your fears keep you from seeing the beauty all around you!  Anyway, what else was there to do up there? (besides panic and wonder how I could get Ray back, lol!)

I’d told the captain that I wanted to be dipped “just a little” coming back down, so I got my feet wet. The “dip” is supposed to be the funnest part of the ride.  (I thought it was fun, probably because I knew it’d be over soon!)

Below are videos of me parasailing – going up high into the air, then the dip in the lake and getting back onto the boat, sharing with everyone how I panicked initially.  Ray said he is very proud of me and that it is an accomplishment. I will probably never parasail again, but I did overcome my fear.  I went parasailing! 

What fears do you need to face today?  What risks do you need to take?  God will be your help and your peace, and you will be more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8: 38)

Vlog of me just before parasailing

Vlog of me parasailing – apparently the co-captain got bored at times and would turn my Flip recorder sideways!

Vlog of me getting my feet dipped in water

More than Mrs.: Your true identity

Just married car

When you feel alone in your marriage, it is very important that you understand who you are in Christ. When a woman marries a man, typically she takes his last name, all joint property become legally theirs, and she gives her body to him to consummate the marriage. She becomes Mrs.  His wife, his helpmeet.

 But this woman was God’s before she was his!  You are more than Mrs. God your creator is your Husband, and you are also His royal daughter!  As you begin to learn and walk in your true, God-given identity and great destiny, you will be a powerful witness to and influence on your husband, your children, and all those around you.

God is with you and you are not alone – no matter how your husband is treating you right now!  Learn some practical tips to tap into and walk in that royal identity.

Just click here.

A getaway for just you two

Lake of the Ozarks

Do you and your husband need a getaway for just the two of you? It’s not always easy to take a family vacation or go out of town somewhere fun if your husband works a lot, if you have kids at home, or if your budget is tight.  There’s still a little bit of summer left, so maybe it’s time for a romantic getaway for just the two of you alone.

Your getaway doesn’t need to be expensive, jam-packed with activities, located overseas or far away in another state.  Look in your own town, city, or state for affordable places where you can spend some quality time alone.

If your budget doesn’t allow an entire week or weekend, take some time to just spending a day together at the park, window shopping, antiquing, or having a nice lunch or dinner (like at the Cheesecake Factory or Olive Garden).  Use that time alone to get to know each other again and to talk (deeper than surface talk – not about the kids misbehaving or bills!). 

If you haven’t been connecting lately, this is a good time to do so.  Lay aside the painful yesterdays, and receive God’s fresh new mercies and forgiveness for today.  If he has walls with you, pray for him.  He may be facing stress and pressures at work that you’re not aware of right now.

Study your spouse. Make a mental list of his (or her) good qualities, the ones that originally attracted you to him. Then tell him what you admire about him. Hold hands, take a walk, and breathe a sigh of relief that you have someone to walk this journey of life with you.

Ray and I are going away together (NO KIDS!) for a few days this week to Osage Beach, MO (near the Ozarks), for his work conference. It will be good to go someplace new and be together.  Take advantage of your husband’s work conferences like this to have a fun getaway for just the two of you.

Need some ideas for romantic getaways?  Click here.

Do you have the tools you need?

Pampered Chef dessert

Last night I went to my friend Genevieve’s Pampered Chef party. (No, I do not sell it!)  But I enjoyed watching the consultant Susan prepare the Cherry Cheesecake Trifle** dessert, and show us the cool gadgets to make life in the kitchen easier (some of us need all the help we can get!) 

The PC meat tenderizer, bamboo spoon, garlic press, and other tools  made me think about the different aspects of our lives:  marriage, parenting, at-home business, homeschooling, speaking, writing, etc.  Do you have the essential tools you need to succeed?

The right tool can make all the difference in the world.  When you are chopping vegetables for your fresh greens, salads or soups, you want a sharp knife, not a dull one. 

Another example is that the tool of effective, loving communication in marriage can result in closer intimacy with your husband.  On the other hand, blaming, interrupting someone, not listening, and being self-absorbed, are all destructive to good communication.

In homeschooling, choosing the right method of learning for your child, such as Charlotte Mason’s gentle ways, may mean much more joy in your children’s learning.  But insisting on using dry, dull textbooks and a rigid schedule only as the tools for your child’s education may result in frustration for both parent and child.

In your business, the powerful tool of God’s word, sincerely caring about your clients or customers and generously giving to them, and investing in knowledgeable coaches and mentors are incredible tools to achieve success.  On the other hand, being constantly disorganized or procrastinating, not backing up your computer data, and getting sucked into the Facebook black hole all day long are going to hinder your business growth and achievement.

What tools do you need to buy, invest in, or learn to be all that God created you to be and to see your dreams come true?  What essential tools do you need today to have what you truly desire in your marriage? Parenting?  Homeschooling? Your business, career, or ministry? Ask God to help you find and use the right tools for your fulfilling, successful, productive life.

**Cherry Cheesecake Trifle dessert recipe

Bottom layer…cubed angel food cake (1/2 large, round cake)

2nd layer, “light” cherry, strawberry, blueberry or other fruit filling (1 can)

3rd layer,  1/2 filling mixutre

Filling Mixture:

8 oz. Light Cool Whip

2 boxes sugar-free White Chocolate OR Cheesecake instant pudding

3 cups 1% milk

Mix milk & pudding. Fold in Cool Whip.

Directions:  Put cubed cake on bottom of glass dish, cover with pudding mixture. Scoop out fruit filling from can and pour on top of pudding mixture. 

Repeat layers, using large scoop. It looks like snowballs.

Second option:  Put pudding mixture in glass using scoop. Spoon cherry pie filling over the top, using no cake. Called “Cherries in the Snow.”  (You can also substitute strawberries or other fruit…delish!)

God’s Favor for the Ladies’ Retreat here

Wash Over Me ladies’ retreat – Woman under waterfall

Yesterday my friend Diane and I went around the town square to talk to local business owners about our September One Day Intensive ladies’ retreat, here in Butler. God gave us incredible favor from the businesses already, giving us some GREAT gifts for door prizes, and we are not even done yet!

Patty Bartlett (our other ANOINTED speaker!), Diane, and I are SO excited about this retreat. If you are not already signed up for this retreat, sign up today HERE as seating is limited. 

We will have praise and worship, Biblically-rich teaching, a “beautifying” preparation session on Friday, a tasty brunch on Saturday morning, and fellowship with other ladies. 

I can’t wait!  How about you?  Ready for some rest, relaxation, and fun?

Hope to see you there! 

“Your favor, O LORD, made me as secure as a mountain.” (Psalm 30: 7, NLT)

Marc and Chelsea: we want the fairy tale to be true

Marc and Chelsea wedding under chuppah

The frenzy has settled after Chelsea’s wedding to her orthodox Jewish boyfriend Marc Mezvinksy outdoors at Astor Courts in Rhinebeck, NY.  Many of the journalists’ (and my) questions have finally been answered. Among the most important:

• Chelsea wore a beautiful, elegant, white strapless gown designed by Vera Wang.
• Hillary wore a plum-colored, Oscar de la Renta dress.
• Flowers were purple-pink-blue roses and hydrangeas, corresponding with the bridesmaids’ plum-colored dresses. 
• The Rev. William Shillady and Rabbi James Ponet officiated, but did not give a formal sermon.
• In keeping with Jewish tradition, Marc broke a glass underfoot, and they stood beneath a large chuppah made of woven willow branches, white roses and hydrangeas.
• About 400 guests came to the wedding.   Guests had to wear special I.D. bracelets and ride a special bus to the wedding.
• There were about a dozen bridesmaids and about as many groomsmen.
• Oprah, Steven Spielberg, and Barbra Streisand were not there as rumored. (President Obama let people know he was NOT invited.)  The biggest celebrities were Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen. 
• The wedding was described as large and lavish, but one guest said:  “It felt like a family wedding. It didn’t feel like a big extravaganza.”
• And Bill Clinton apparently was quite proud to moonwalk at the reception.  The Washington Post said that he now feels like he is no longer “outnumbered” by the females in his family, but has a son-in-law “on his side.”   No comment!

  (All of the above info, other than “No comment,” from:  http://voices.washingtonpost.com/reliable-source/2010/08/chelsea_clinton_marc_mezvinsky.html)

Some people’s response to the secretive wedding that has saturated the U.S. news  is,  “Who cares?”

An amusing response to the article above was:

“The wedding is over, the guests have gone home. You don’t need to write about it anymore…quit calling the Clintons ‘royalty’.”

Let’s face it, America is fascinated with the lives of politicians, celebrities, and royalty abroad. Reality shows are the most popular t.v. shows, with American Idol, Survivor, and The Biggest Loser among the top three. 

One report shows that for girls ages 12 to 17 years old, 3 out of 4 of them said their favorite t.v. shows are reality shows. ( http://www.jobmonkey.com/realitytv/reality-tv-statistics.html)  I wonder at times if our focus on politicians, stars, reality shows, etc., is just our way of living vicariously through others – an escape from our own “normal” lives.  Just talk to women this week and find out how many are actually disappointed and saddened about the final ending of  The Bachelorette, because she picked a different man than the “perfect for her” man whom people thought she would.

America , especially women, seems especially fascinated with shows involving love, romance, and sex.  Women crave love and romance.  It is the way God made us, to long for love. 

We follow the lives of people like Marc and Chelsea, the stars of The Bachelorette, or someone like Princess Diana because we want to believe in the story of the prince and the princess living happily ever after; we desperately want to believe that fairy tales can come true.  And when the harsh reality comes crashing into our world that the prince would rather spend his time working extra hours for more money and leaving us alone a lot, playing xbox and not even noticing us, or even running off with another princess and breaking our hearts , we are shocked, dismayed, disillusioned.  This isn’t the way the story is supposed to go!

We can all pray for the best for Marc and Chelsea, and hope that the paparazzi will just leave them alone so they can have a nice honeymoon and concentrate on living their lives together.  We also can get back to paying attention to our own families whom God has blessed us with, and living our lives, instead of being absorbed with someone else’s.

 But most of all we can know, that we women have a God who is the Divine Romancer. Our Prince Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. He will love us always, He will cherish us forever. There is nothing you can do or say that will cause God to stop loving you.

I have a sign that I found at a thrift store:  “Every life is a fairy tale written by God’s fingers.”  This is because He is the One daily wooing us the Princess, His radiant Bride.

God says we are beautiful, and He loves the sound of our voice. He wants to hear us talk to Him. (Song of Solomon 2:14)  Come away today with your Prince, Jesus, and spend intimate time with Him.  Let the lyrics of Barlow Girl’s song Average Girl encourage you:

No more dating
I’m just waiting
Like sleeping beauty
My prince will come for me
No more dating I’m just waiting
‘Cause God is writing my love story.

Here is a video of Barlow Girl playing live:

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