Mom Genes (not to be confused with mom jeans)

Be the best Mum you can be
The gate agent brought a little girl down for early boarding on our flight out of Tucson last week. I’ll call her Elsa since she was really into the movie Frozen.  #LetItGo Elsa had lots of Frozen gear: the back pack, the suitcase and the sweatshirt.
I was the number 1or lead flight attendant  #nohorntooting There’s really no glory in it. It just means you are responsible if something goes wrong :-/
So as the number 1, the gate agent handed me the UM (unaccompanied minor) paperwork for Elsa. I asked, “You seated her next to women?”
“Um, I’m not sure. Maybe.”
I had a hundred and one things going on up front with boarding to get us out on time as all the flight attendants do.
I asked the other FA to verify the little brown haired, green eyed freckled cutie pie
was seated in a safe place.

See we had a horrible incident with a UM on a summer flight. The man molested a girl and she was too scared to say anything during the flight. A flight attendant thought something was off and moved her but it was too late. As I read about it, I knew I would watch over any little ones that were placed on my flights more carefully. I know how those types of situations can alter sexuality when awakened too soon. Now that I follow my Father’s heart, I was NOT going to let it happen on my watch.
The flight attendant came back up to help me. I asked her about Elsa. She moved her to the back row to be closest to the galley with the other flight attendants. She said Elsa was still seated next to a guy. I called the male flight attendant in the back and he said she liked her seat on the aisle next to the guy. I said she needed to be moved. He explained he didn’t see any open seats but would try to find one.  #wewereallbusy
I poked my head into the Captain, “Cabin secure. Okay to close boarding door?” He said “Not yet. Hold off. I want to re-check the weight and balances.”

An unusual interruption at departure time with pressure to close the door on time. I remembered my little UM so I left my post at the front with the gate agent and hurried down the aisle to the back of the aircraft where Elsa was seated. The 30-something guy was chatting her up and she was all smiles and giggles. I said, “Honey, we are going to move you.”
“No, I like it here.”  #poutyface
I walked up several rows before I found a single open seat. A Christmas miracle being the week of the holiday. The seat was perfect-next to two 70 + year old grandmother type women.
I would hide little Elsa there.
I asked the two ladies if it was okay and could they watch her and take her to the bathroom if needed?
They nodded and an older man on the opposite aisle chimed in, “We are grandparents. We will keep her safe.” He was on the opposite aisle (a miracle that he hadn’t moved next to his wife in the open seat. #divineplan)
I went back and told Elsa “We’re moving.” She fussed a bit, “But he’s nice” pointing to the duck tailed young man next to her. “Let’s go.” Nothing against the guy but I wasn’t taking chances with my precious cargo.
“Sorry, sweetie.” I grabbed her bag and thankfully she followed me.
I walked back up to the front in time to hear that we were clear to close the boarding door. I asked the gate agent to pretty please sit UM’s only next to females in the future and she said she would.
I felt peaceful doing everything within my power to keep Elsa in a safe place.
Some may have felt I was being mean to “duck tail” dude but honestly he’s fine. Not a good position for him to be in either.
Or maybe I was making much ado about nothing. The other flight attendants weren’t really concerned.  #hypervigilant I’m okay with that. #safetyfirst
Some may say, pray have faith. Of course, that comes first but try telling that to a mama bear when she gets wind of danger or watch a bird over her nest.
God gives YOU AND I the wisdom, discernment and authority to bring His kingdom to this earth. To protect the weak. Look at the Holocaust - Irene Sendler.  http://www.irenasendler.org She didn’t JUST say a prayer for the Jews. She rescued over 2500 Jewish children. She loved in action even at her own peril. I’m not claiming to be an Irene Sendler by any means. I was basically doing my job by finding the safest place I could for Elsa. #judgmentcall
Moral of the story:

1 Obedience
We have to move when God says move even if we don’t understand it or don’t want to like Elsa. How many times have I NOT listened to that voice of wisdom when it came to men, friendships, situations, decisions. I did what I thought was right and what made me happy.  Making my my own way helped me feel in control of my life. Sometimes it’s not about being free or happy, it’s about God’s loving protection.
We have to trust being obedient to God is because He doesn't want to control us but to protect and love us. No safer place to be than in God’s will.

2 Mom genes (not to be confused with Mom Jeans ;)
Lisa Bevere said something along the following lines:  be the woman to the younger generation that you needed at that age.  Mother defintion verb: bearing a relation like that of a mother, as in being the origin, source, or protector. Assume as one's own. To care for or protect like a mother; act maternally toward.We don’t take place of or supersede natural mother’s but if God has placed young ‘uns or even older girls in our hands or path, we can love, protect, provide wisdom or  care for them. Do our part. Protect the weakest. Be the best Mum you can be<3 p="">

Hanging with the Oaks-Life in the slow lane

Sitting on my back porch in our rental house and looking at a yard full of dead leaves. #transition The more I learn about oak trees, the more I am astounded at what they teach me.

-Trees live life in the slow lane and don't get in a hurry #rest #peace

-Their growth is imperceptible, yet, it continues year after year

-The tightest rings in a year of their life show the smallest growth but actually are the most dense and strong. Lean times produce strength

-When one tree experiences trauma or is sick they send help through their roots or a network of fungus that links them together. They will share what they have stored.

-Oaks drop acorns and have babies that surround them

-Oak tress make their acorns in order to reproduce after they come of age but not before #Godstiming

-The oak trees in my yard offer shelter and a covering.  I noticed how they grew until their crowns touched and then started growing a different direction to not interfere with the neighbor trees #boundaries #connectionwithoutharm

-When trees are thirsty or even pruned, they send a sound wave through them like a scream. The screams can warn others of a drought. Pruning hurts but it can help them not be spread thin or go where it's harmful

-In winter, the oak tree drops all its leaves. They play dead so interlopers won't seek a home in it and destroy it. When it's not safe outside, they go internal.  They look dead but their roots are growing deeper.

God's creation is so amazing. He's all around us speaking. I pray he shows you something special through His creation today. The clouds... a beautiful flower...true colors in the changing leaves or even through all the dead leaves littering your yard. Nature is speaking if we will get in the slow lane and listen, watch and learn.  Selah.

I took this picture while laying on my back in all the dirt and leaves. Felt a little like a kid again. #childlikewonder #lifewithnofilter

CALLED TO "PEOPLE"

I was about to slide into a private spot in the busy food court at ORD airport but this dude took my spot.  #ladiesfirst #everheardofit #rude

The only other open seat was at a community table.  A boy sitting catty corner to me.  He looked like my youngest son.  I reluctantly took my seat and made sure to keep my headphones in.  After dealing with 320 people on the airplane already for the day, I wasn’t interested in “people-ing” at the moment.  #leavemebe #needtobreathe

I made a mental note of the large gold bling on the kid’s neck. An intricate and what looked to be handmade gold cross.  It hung out from his sweater and even over his parka.  Either he was a rapper or he loved Jesus… #saltandpeppashere #washethesalt #aJesuslover #orboth

Was this a divine appointment?

I asked the Lord, “How do you see this young man?”

-Frontiersman  

-John Wayne 

-Lead the way

-Independent

-Doesn’t need a lot of anything or anyone

-Lonely

Sigh.  I guess God wanted me to “people” again today.  

I pulled the earphones out.  

Everyone within earshot got up and left like I had cut one but the air was still fresh.  Should I say something? I felt a God nod. 

I started with something we might have in common.

“Nice necklace.”

Synopsis of the convo that followed:  

-student from Czechoslovakia traveling home (hard to spell #notphonetic #squigglyredlineswontgoaway)  

-not a Jesus lover

-He was not, in fact, a rapper OR the white meat of a salt & peppa band.  

-necklace was a gift from his great grandmother to her grandchildren before she passed away at the ripe old age of 90.   His father had pulled a re-gift and given it to him.

CG (Czech guy) told a fascinating story about the gift giver.  His Great Grandmother lived through the Holocaust!  She was German but she married a Czechoslovakian solder (his great grandfather).  She wasn’t Jewish.  She betrayed her country by marrying a soldier of the enemy so the Nazis arrested her.  She went to a concentration camp called Theresienstadt (he spelled it 4 times for me and i still couldn’t get it. why don’t Czech’s do phonetic spelling?)  Miraculously she lived and had the tattooed numbers on her arm to prove her imprisonment. Her husband lived and hence the necklace to the grandchildren.  

My version of what happened next: 

Me after story:  Okay so she was a Christian

CG:  Maybe. I don’t know.  Maybe she was catholic or something

Me:  Well, do you think that’s why she gave your dad a necklace of the cross… Because she loved Jesus?

CG Religion in Europe is not like in the United States.  People in Europe don't really believe in God. 

Basically saying he didn’t believe in God.

I could have put a placid look on my face, “That’s nice.” #peaceout #earphonesbackin #yay #idonthavetopeopleanymore

However, I DID NOT take the subtle hint that he wasn’t picking up what I was putting down.  I didn’t feel like I was forcing it though- and there is a difference.  Pushers are annoying.  Go to downtown fort worth and see the street preachers grabbing sinners by their collars or Westboro Baptist picket line towards the gays or anyone else they don’t agree with.  #ineffective #wasteoftime #idonotliketowastetime #wehavetobeledbytheSpirit #ledbylove

I mean that should have been a conversation ender but I kept on trucking in the convo with an ever so slight small speed bump with his unbelief.

So I could not believe how bold I got in that moment.  I felt love and concern spurring me on.  Fueled by the fact that this young man may not ever have another moment like this.  If I had gone on to Heaven and one of my children’s children was sitting with a believer,  I would be watching from Heaven begging them DON’T STOP.   PLEASE do not leave until you say what God sent you to say.  To give my future generations a chance no matter how far they had wandered from the path of truth.  Then let them decide.  I could not squander this moment.   Grandma was watching!  

I didn’t beat around the bush.

Me:  Well, sometimes God sends me to people whose relatives have gone on to Heaven and they want their family to know that God is real.  They want them to be in Heaven with them one day.    I felt like I heard something for you.  How God sees you.  Would it be okay if I shared that?

CG:  (awkward pause) Um. Okay.  

( I would have respected his no.  BUT I would have really loved an enthusiastic YES PLEASE. okay would work though) 

I shared the John Wayne/frontiersman/lead the way stuff.  Maybe it’s wishful thinking but he seemed to relate and absorb it.   I continued:

God is real.  I think your Great Grandmother would want you to know that.  He brought her through the Holocaust or you wouldn’t be here sitting with me.

Him:  I don’t know.  I don’t know if He is real.

He sounded like he was searching. Just hadn’t met God for himself.

Me: Thank you for being honest with me.  I’m not trying to push anything on you.  

But He is real.  The proof is hanging right around your neck.

I pointed at his chain. I paused.  It was getting awkward.  Let’s lighten it up.

Me:  Hey, I don’t even know your name.  I’m Jennifer.  

We shook hands.

CG: My name is Jacob or Yakov in my country

Me:  After the Jacob in the bible?

CG:  Really?  This is how little I know about God…I had no idea my name was in the bible.

I told him the story of Jacob being a twin, the younger brother, but being the leader. God chose the second born to lead.  I’m not sure  what this meant to him but it seemed like this story might mean something to him.  Maybe he was a twin?  I don’t know.  The story of Jacob reminded me of the word from God that he was to “lead the way”

I felt a release.  Like I said what needed to be said and now it was up to God to do what only He could do.  Love was delivered.  #gottabounce

I scooted my chair back.  “It’s been a pleasure to talk with you but I have to go now.   Either I'm just some crazy lady you met at an airport or I'm bringing you a really important message.  Keep your eyes open because if they are showing a John Wayne picture on the airplane or you see some confirmation of what I said, then you need to consider that God is real and He’s talking to you, Jacob.”  

Headed to my next flight to end my 12 hr day. As I walked, I talked to God.  Not sure how all that went but to please confirm things for Jacob.  Cover my mistakes.  Let him hear what he needed to hear and send more people to talk about Jesus on Jacob’s path (will you agree with me in that prayer?)  

I put my headphones in.  A song by Mark Schultz cycled on immediately as I walked.  I hadn’t heard it in ages. The song is about someone who had gone on before and wanted to be remembered still.  “I remember you.  Will you remember me?  Remember me in a bible cracked and faded… child of wonder child of God. I remember you. Will you remember me?”  These words sang out into my ears.  A confirmation. 

If we don’t deliver the messages of love and truth, who will? We might be tired.  Tired of “people-ing” We might not get the response that makes us feel warm and fuzzy.  But God calls us to His “people.”  It could be the difference between life and death.   Will you say yes?  Be on the lookout for opportunities and be brave! 

On the House

Divine appointments. I love them! I was eating breakfast.  A lady walked past me and it was like a lightbulb went off #HolySpiritHighlighter I  felt like I had a word for her.  I heard some jumbled stuff but what finally formed in my brain was "How to with Hope" and "house" I was a little nervous to deliver because well what if it confused her?  It didn't make much sense to me.  Or what if I was way off base but I asked God to create an opportunity and that would be my cue that it was indeed for her. I forgot my lid for my drink and she was standing right beside them so I asked her if I could give her a word. She said stone faced "I'm listening" (see God needs them to be open and she said she was listening #Hedoesntpushorforce) Her name was Regina. She shared that she had a non profit for homeless people. She had been homeless for two years and fed the homeless but now she had tried - been trying for a while - to create a system where others would "house" the homeless. Do background checks, let people know what they were getting into and then, if willing, they would offer an extra room in their home to a homeless person for 90 days to get back on their feet. Her link is www.OTHfeedsthehungry.wordpress.com (OTH stands for on the HOUSE LOL which is the word God gave her) I just love being Gods fed ex delivery girl. I believe that I delivered a big old box of "How to"  instructions with a package of HOPE! #Godadventures#Bebraveanddeliveryourownheavenlypackagetoday

You Okay?

You okay?  

Tanner was just a wee little pooh bear (there’s a double meaning in that poo/pooh;)  and he struggled with asthma. We had inhalers, breathing treatments, lots of doctor appointments, etc.  I would go up at night and put my hand on his chest to make sure he was breathing okay.  #obsessivecompusive That week he had been wheezing, stuffy, fever and the asthma was flaring up again so we went to the doctor.  More bronchitis.  We picked up another round of antibiotics at the pharmacy.  

I didn’t want him to go to his dad’s that weekend but alas it wasn’t my choice. One of the many yucky things associated with divorce.  Stressed about his health but I sent him off with his gallon zip log baggie carefully labeled with specific instructions for the medication.  

I texted him to remind him to take one of the prescriptions.  Of course I feigned the text was saying hi.

-Hey pooh, how’s it going?  all good?  don’t forget to take your meds :) you have your inhaler, right? love, mom

Tan:

-good. I don’t have my medicine here.

MY heart came to a screeching halt.  WHAT????  What if he had an asthma attack? trying to remain calm.

-i’m at the apartment of one of my dad’s girlfriends neighbors.  they went out. it’s so cool.  we are babysitting.  

-we? who’s we?

-another girl is helping me babysit her baby brother.  don’t worry, she’s 12.  

Hold the phone.  I mean does this sound like a good idea to you?  To anyone?  A twelve year old girl and an eleven year old boy who is sick…who just met and are now BABYSITTING a toddler?

-What apartments?  What is the friends name? What if you need your inhaler??  Youre 11.  You can’t babsit.  Where is your dad?

NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Thankful I had an open line of communication through his phone to make sure he was okay but then the texts suddenly stopped.  I was beside myself.  I called.  Repeatedly.  It went directly to voicemail.  No communication.  No connection.  My mind went to the worst case scenario and he didn’t have his inhaler.  

I knew a little bit about the girlfriend. I got in my car and started driving the hour and 15 minutes in her direction.  I had no plan but I knew I had to be closer to my son.   I ended up at the Waxahachie police station.  I knocked on the window until a dispatcher peeked around the corner.  She called a cop who impolitely told me what my ex did on his own time was not my concern.  He got another call and had to leave. 

I sat in the chair of the empty waiting room of the police station with my head in my hands.   I wasn’t crying.  I was waiting, praying, strategizing how to find Tanner. Finally a guy walked through the door who had a couple more stripes on his shoulders than the first cop.  

“Can I help you?”

“I hope so.”  I explained. He listened.  Really listened.

“I’m a parent and I can’t imagine how scary this must be for you.  I don’t think there’s much I can do for you though.”  It was 1 a.m. 

“I’m worried he might be sick and need his inhaler. I have to know he is okay.” I knew there would be no sleep for me until I heard his little raspy voice.

“Alright. Give me all the information you have and I will see what I can do.”

He came back a few minutes later.  He would send an officer to do a welfare check on him at the address they had.  Within 30 minutes my son called me back from an officer’s phone.  "You okay?" He wasn’t wheezing and gasping for a breath as I feared. I got to hear his voice on the phone.  It was such a sweet sound.  He was safe. I cried then.  

I remember when I was out literally raising hell just a short few years before this incident…but then my heart was awakened to Jesus.  So the same kids I was now so protective of, I had left at my mom’s while I partied…. so you know there’s no stones being thrown or self righteous attitude towards my ex in this.  

The Father's Love pursues us like this.  I truly JUST wanted to know my son was okay and I wouldn’t rest until I knew.    That’s how God advocates for you. How protective He is.   Instead of feeling out of control or full of "fears" God is “fierce.”   He is fighting to get to us to set us free from anything that keeps us from Him.  He will have no rest until He finds us. He is waiting on that bench just like I was and like a mother or father would be who couldn’t get in touch with their child.  

Pooh Bear, My little buckethead

Even if we turn our back on him, he is demanding that the enemy not go too far.  Whether someone else has put us in a bad situation or we’ve done it to ourselves, we’ve been tricked by the enemy, it doesn't matter. God will come for us through His people to bring comfort and rescue.  He’s sending his own “police,” people who carry His authority and concern, in to our hell so He can do a welfare check. He sent a woman to me when I was going through yet ANOTHER divorce.  She gave me a devotional that I promptly threw in the backseat of my car but that seed planted started growing until I opened my heart to Him. 

Sometimes we picture God as cold, emotionless, uncaring, uninvolved but I know differently.  The heart that beats now in my chest that made me so desperate to re-establish communication with my son is His.    So question:  Are you okay? Have you talked to God today?  Give him a call.  It would mean the world to Him to hear your voice.   #justtalktoHim #itssosimple #dontcomplicate

Who Will Speak for the Weakest?

On an unexpected layover in Jacksonville, Fl.  I was 30 minutes shy of finishing up my standby time at DFW when my phone blurted out the special and quite annoying ring of Crew Scheduling.  Sigh.  “Flight attendant Weiss, we have a trip for you.”  *&%@ growl.  (I love Jesus but I cuss a little bit ;) I was so close.  One foot out the door as it happens.  After over 5 hours of sitting and then I receive a trip.  Really…that means a bed wouldn’t come until about 3:00 am.   I encouraged myself in the Lord (with a few grumbles) I guess it wasn’t a bad trip-one leg to Jacksonville and then one back the following evening.  I didn’t even have to work the leg back.  I could sit in a passenger seat and read my book.  Still, it was my hubby’s birthday so I called Crew Scheduling.  Can I get an earlier flight tomorrow. “No we aren’t releasing anyone right now.”  Fine.  Insert frowny face.

I decided to make the most of it.  *My husband’s Grandfather, Glover, owned a radio shop many moons ago in downtown Jacksonville so I set off trying to find it.  I found the old storefront of Glover’s shop and said a little prayer honoring them.

Directly across the street was a coffee shop.  I popped in.  A fully tatted girl took my order. (everything but her very pretty face was covered with tattoo flair)  I’ll call her Amy (she looked JUST LIKE AMY WINEHOUSE 4 realz)  I thought about asking her if I could do a tattoo interpretation.  

What, you might ask, is a tattoo interpretation?  It’s really easy.  I ask the Holy Spirit to tell me the meaning behind their tattoos.  I LOVE doing this and meeting people where they are.  Most have an idea about the spiritual realm but they just haven’t met anyone who would tell them about the Holy Spirit and that God loves them.  Those tattoos have spiritual meanings behind them and God wants to reveal His heart.  

*So I thought about it but it was busy in the tiny little shop and that wasn’t ideal.  *The music blared as I tried to shout my order…The singer crooned, “Don’t go down to the water’s edge.  I didn’t do it but I saw who did.  This ain’t no f-ing game…”  Not really a good time to do a tattoo interpretation.

A friend of mine made some little pieces of prophetic artwork for an event.  I had extras so I had stuffed them in the side pocket of my bag before my trip “just in case” I needed an emergency prophetic word ;)    I took one of those out and asked God what He wanted to say.  I wrote out what I felt He was saying and gave it to her.  *Later she smiled and waived but didn’t come chat.  I think I probably freaked her out.  She was clearly not the church going type of girl (which I happen to love :) #missioncomplete

I was starving so I went to a cool restaurant inside a museum.  It was yummy.  I love food so I’ve included a picture of my blackened Mahi Mahi with fresh corn off the cob and flash fried collard greens :) OMG God was blessing my obedience HAHA but I digress (writing about this is making me hungry all over again) #melovesfood 

My waitress just so happened to be named Faith (named by God).  I pulled out another one of my emergency prophetic art words and left her the following word about perseverance.  After I left, I felt like God shared something with me.  Both of these women were or would soon be pregnant and they would be considering terminating their babies lives.  I reread the pic of my card and saw that it said “THE HOPE INSIDE HER”  This was her child.  I pray she decides to keep her and names her Hope! (will you agree with me on that prayer?) I believe these words as simple as they were written on a piece of paper will IMPART the power to save both them and their unborn.  BTW,  I am the last person that should be sent with this message having two abortions myself.  Why would He choose me?  Because the bible says He chooses the weak things of this world to confound the wise.  You know what the enemy stole from me too and I now know that and have been fully forgiven and made right with God through my Jesus’s precious blood that covers me.  He sees my beauty and not my sin and I get to do that for others!  

I asked for a confirmation that this was, in fact, about little babies.   Was God sending a message through me and giving a voice to their unborn children? He brought back to memory that an Amber Alert went off while I was in the restaurant.  Everyone's phones started emitting their emergency tone.  There was a lost child in the Jacksonville area.  Yes, these babies were sending out a distress signal.  Help me!   I was walking and I passed a street and it was named Laura.  Not only was the name of the street Laura but it had these little pillars with the name Laura on them.  JUST YESTERDAY, I was at a coffee shop and had written a word for the barista.  I started the word in bold print MOTHER’S HEART.  I gave it to her and she readily received it and introduced herself.  She shared her name Laura meant victory :) So I looked at the little pillar on the INTERSECTING CORNER of BOTH the coffee shop and the restaurant was a sign from God that these women indeed had Mother’s Hearts but they felt alone and lost.  I pray the words written to their heart strengthened them.  Whether they decide to have the baby or not, God loves and cherishes them and will hear them any time they call.

Things to remember when following the Holy Spirit and being His post(wo)man delivering messages: 

• I believe I had the authority to pray for these women in Jacksonville because the generations before me had walked the streets and paved the way for me to have an authority there that I might not normally have.  I had an “eviction notice” for the enemy if he tried to stop me from delivering these words

* adjust and be respectful of others considering them.  If I tried to do a tattoo interpretation and she was working it would not have gone well.  Don’t have an agenda just flow like a river.

• you may not get a confirmation or response but trust that if you give an encouraging word then you’ve refreshed them with His love.  That is the law of love DO NO  HARM and you haven’t!
• If I get offended by cuss words, R&R music, tattoos of devils or appearances then I won’t do much good for God’s kingdom because He’s sending us to the lost ones. Jude 1:22-23 Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. Another version says “you can snatch burning sticks out of the fire” so that means you can go to hell and rescue those hurting.  He gives us some bathroom spray and/or a gas mask so we can withstand some potty words ;)  

I pray that you would give strength and boldness to everyone who reads this and desires to deliver a message only they can carry.  #bebrave #Heissendingyou #nooneelsehasyourstory

Learning to Walk

How many of you still have dreams you would like to accomplish?  ME TOO!  I’m a good “starter” thriving on passion but when it gets boring and I’ve run out of “passion” gas, I stall out.  I’ve been working on a book for 2 years and I am having trouble focusing when there’s no immediate reward.  No one’s reading it.  It’s not like a blog where I get to write and finish it quickly and get to hit “publish.”  There’s no immediate reward and I lack the motivation and FOCUS to keep going much of the time.  It’s a marathon and I prefer to sprint :) 

Below are a few steps we can take to cross the finish line and see our desires fulfilled.  I’m mainly preaching to myself and encouraging myself to stay focused and finish this part of my race (aka my book)  Speaking of finish lines, I’ll use the acronym “WALK” to help us remember.  I chose WALK because it’s do-able.  Maybe it’s your personality to RUN.  Great!  Borrowing some lyrics here: “I don’t care how you get there just get there if you can!”

W…Write it down.  Every book started with one SINGLE word.  An author has to get that first word down.  A law is just a series of words written down…but there’s an authority and power to enforce them. Habakkuk said, “write the vision down.”  He understood that there is a FAITH when you get that goal out of you and onto paper.   God acts on faith…so do that RIGHT/WRITE NOW.  Write down a single goal.   It can be anything: great or small.  There is no wrong answer.

A…Action.  Do one action every day to move towards your goal….something… anything.  One thing, no matter how small, each day.  It might be googling a word associated with your goal. If you want to be a professional pilot on day 1 look up local flight schools, the following day find out how many hours it takes to become a professional pilot, begin a book about a famous pilot.   A single penny dropped daily in a piggy bank will eventually fill it.  A single step in a marathon will lead to you eventually crossing the finish line.  Don’t despise humble beginnings. 

L… Link arms with someone.  Life is just better TOGETHER.  We can encourage each other.  Make sure it is someone who BELIEVES in you and your dream and you can do the same for them.  Eccl. 4:9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

K…and this is the most cruicial aspect of completing your goal.  KEEP GOING.  If you run out of gas, do you just leave your car there forever?  No, it’s too valuable.  You fill it up and you continue on your journey.  So just simply BEGIN again.  Your dreams are valuable not only to you but to the WORLD!  The world has need of all the creativity and goodness inside of you.  So Keep Going.

Ways to achieve your goals:

WALK

W-Write it down

A-action every day

L-Link Arms

K-Keep going

Let’s pray for each other:  God, we know that it’s not by might not by power BUT BY YOUR SPIRIT that we accomplish anything.  You want us to succeed and our dreams be fulfilled even more than we do.  You planted these dreams in our hearts JUST FOR US before you laid the foundations of the earth, you had us and your dreams for us in mind.  Lord, would you bring it to pass?  We want to cooperate and partner with you in this world.  Help us to be obedient even when we don’t feel like it.  Be our strength and the wind to help us soar to new heights.  We will only sing your praise. People are not our answer.  You are.  Fulfill what you have promised.  Love you, God. 

Attracting Frogs

Manipulation attracts frogs….and these are not the kind of frogs that turn into a prince. Manipulation laces the fruit we eat with poison. Every good gift that God gives us will be tainted if we think we have to use manipulation to get it wink emoticon many of us came from an atmosphere where thats how we got what we wanted and needed. as women, we don’t need that tool in our shed anymore. ‪#‎getridofit‬ ‪#‎weareworthy‬ Love, the God kind, is attracted to truth. ‪#‎Heisyourprince‬ be direct, be honest, be free to be you! ‪#‎womenofintegrity‬ ‪#‎saywhatyoumean‬ ‪#‎liveinthelight‬ ‪#‎truthtellers‬‪#‎loveotherswithoutstrings‬ ‪#‎listentotheheart‬ ‪#‎learningthismyself‬

When it Hurts to Trust God

A girlfriend and I decided to do a “vision board” Think New Years resolutions church-ed up. I prayed about what I wanted to accomplish for the year. What dreams did I have in my heart? What plans did God have for me and my family? #dreamingwithGod

One of the items that made the cut from my heavenly CEO for 2015:

“GIVE MORE THAN EVER”

fine print: (I also heard “simplify” but that didn’t sound like fun so He might not have said it;)

I typed up my list and created a vision board. I proudly displayed it so I could look at it every day and stay focused! That goal meant our income would stay steady or increase to allow us to GIVE MORE THAN EVER. Yay, God! Woo hoo!

It must have been opposite year because that.did.not.happen. In 2015, our funds dried up. The bulk of our income flowed from oil and gas wells. Instead of gusher oil wells, we had drippers…slow slow drippers and dry holes. Accounting adjustments were made NOT in our favor.

A lot of our months, were truly in the red if you took the $ we lost or borrowed to meet our bills. Still when we received our paychecks, we would give our pittance of a tithe, give to the orphans, giving to end human trafficking.

Some little miracle would always come through but it wasn’t a divine rescue, it was selling something, a loan or credit card advance which brought us further into debt. My husband sold guns and his super cool truck, we put the kids on an extreme budget, forget about shopping. #couponclipping We could not continue to borrow. The B word came to my mind… and not the one people use to describe kindly assertive women ;) What if it came to that? No but what else could we do with the mounting debts…but hang on another month and be obedient to God.

In previous years, our accountant would remark how much we gave away: You guys are really generous. I have a few charities if you need some names.… ;) Now, we couldn’t even pay him :(

Like the Israelites at the Red Sea with Egyptians bankers on our back, we begged the Red Sea to part so we wouldn’t drown in the debt…

I encouraged myself and gave thanks. This process brought my husband and I closer than ever and what we’ve lost: it’s just stuff! my family WAS doing so well relationally and healthwise. I lived in a trailer when I was little so I knew we would be all right no matter what #everythingisagiftfromGod #praiseHimandfindjoy

I looked at my vision board. There was undeniable fruit on some of the items listed:

Friendships: Check

Family unity: Leaps and bounds growth

Organized mind and house: yup!

Thank you, God!

I came to GIVE MORE THAN EVER

Had we failed? Had God? Were we disobedient? Was there some open door for the enemy to steal from us? Did God really even want that on my vision board? This is NOT the abundant life.

I busted out crying.

We had given LESS $ than we ever had in years past and we would finish out the year without the breakthrough we had been hoping and praying for.

I went into my closet and laid on my face before God and sobbed. I’m so sorry. I let you down or maybe you let me down or maybe we made bad decisions. I just don’t understand. I finally quieted and asked God what He had to say. He answered me immediately. He said: You gave all you had…even when it hurt to give, you gave. In the past, you gave out of your abundance. This year you have GIVEN MORE THAN EVER. This year giving cost you something.

I was like hey, i think that's actually in the bible somewhere #thankGodforgoogle:  

Mark 12:44 Jesus sat down near the collection box…Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, HAS GIVEN EVERYTHING she had to live on.”

David said that he would not present the Lord offerings that cost him nothing. (2Sam.24:24)

We have in no way suffered as some have for their faith! But this is a small testimony of how things aren’t always as they seem when we do struggle and suffer or when our reality doesn’t always line up as we THINK it should. It looks like we are failing or losing, when we are, in fact, winning and right in the center of God’s will. HE’S WORTH IT. I wouldn’t trade this season for the perspective I gained.

For the sick: your faith is being grown so His resurrection power flows through you.

If you are waiting year after year for your spouse, God has a love story unlike any other for YOU!

If you are waiting for a child, God will send you a little Samuel (or Samantha;) who will hear the voice of God clearly(1Sam.1)

If you are serving others and seem to be passed over for promotion, you are a Joseph type leader in the making (Gen.41).

Whatever promise you are waiting to see fulfilled: God’s kingdom means our FAITH MUST BE TESTED BEFORE WE RECEIVE THE PROMISE. The only thing that can keep you from your promise is if you turn your back on God and GIVE UP. DON’T! LOOK TO HIM ALONE AND NOT OTHERS AS YOUR ANSWER! Pour your heart out to Him-cry, shout, yell at Him. Be authentic but stay connected to God. Keep fighting the good fight of faith.

James 1:12  Happy is the person who can hold up under the trials of life. At the right time, he’ll know God’s sweet approval and will be crowned with life. As God has promised, the crown awaits all who love Him.