We’re a sports family.  My husband and I were both athletes when we were younger (much younger!).  In having three sons the thump of bouncing balls, the swish of bats and basketball nets have been a constant in our home for almost two decades.  We love to watch our boys play in whatever sport each particular season brings.

What’s even more exciting is when our boys do something exceedingly well and get mentioned in the newspaper.  Each morning my husband peruses our local news.  If one of our boys gets mentioned, he’ll proudly exclaim at the breakfast table, “Hey, you got some ink!”  Fast hands begin clamoring for the newspaper and the boys react with, “where?”  Matt proudly shows them what he’s read and where their name appears.  It’s quite exciting for an early morning when most of our eyes are not yet fully opened.

Earlier today I was telling my husband that it’s quite exciting when a person gets to see their name in the newspaper, with the exception of obituaries and criminal records.  A positive plug in print does wonders for a person’s day!

In today’s society we’re so quick to draft up a quick retort when we’re displeased with a service we’ve experienced, such as bad food at a restaurant, rude associates at super stores or the high prices at the gas pump.  But what about when we experience good things in our life; are we as quick to report on that through social media and letters to the editor?  I know I don’t do this often enough.

March is right around the corner, almost time for March Madness in basketball.  What if we focused on and publically posted marvelous events, conversations, service, behavior or other in the month of March?  We could call it Marvelous Moments in March!  You could praise God, your husband, children, and workplace, whatever!  “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Let’s not only think about such things, but publically post them as well! You can get started now and leave a comment about something or someone you’d like to marvel about. We’ve got four days to get our minds ready.  Let’s be intentional and share our amazing, Marvelous Moments in March and recognize so many who deserve getting some positive ink!

Do you know who you are?  As women we juggle many roles and our roles may change depending on the season we’re in.  But I want us to look at who we are as God’s girls and the power, privileges and position that are ours as daughters of the King.

• Power – The same power that rose Jesus from the dead resides in us through the power of the holy spirit.  The Bible says that if we have faith as a mustard seed we’ll be able to move mountains.  Those mountains could be in relationships, finances, marriages or in parenting.  We need to live in the confidence and the assurance that we have the power to impact not only our own lives but the lives of those around us!  This doesn’t happen on our own or through ourselves, but from spending time with God each day in prayer and reading His holy Word.  We simply won’t be as effective (or as powerful) without it.
• Privileges – We are royalty!  We are children of the King of the universe.  He has adopted us into His family and we are His forever.  Are we acting like royalty?  Does our talk, walk and dress exemplify our royal position?  Can people see that we’re not the typical secular woman, but that we’re clearly different inside and out?  If we never spoke a word would those in our sphere realize that we exhibit Christ like joy and security?  I know I fail in this often, but the desire of my heart and my responsibility as God’s royalty is to shine brilliantly for Him.
• Position – Our position is the foundation for both the power and privileges we have.  We are princesses of God and no matter what we face; whether it’s pain from the past or fears of the future, our position is secure.  We can boldly face each day with the assurance that God has our hand in His and He will take care of every need.

So today thrive in the power, privileges and position you have as a daughter of the King most high.  Walk with certainty in the purpose He has for you and shine in your sphere of influence.  God adores His girls and He will never let you go!

I love food!  Fruits, veggies, meats, carbs, sugars, salads are all included in my tasty buds.  I enjoy most all foods, except spicy entrees. That’s where I draw the line.  Anything labeled ‘hot’ is not in my pantry.

As I get older I realize that this one body is all I get.  There are no ‘do overs’ and this side of heaven, this is the body I’ll have every moment.  I need to take care of it.  I’m not 19 anymore and what I put in this physical dwelling is what will fuel or drain me.

This Thursday, July 12th, I will have the extreme pleasure of being a guest on Marnie Swedberg’s radio show.  You can listen in at www.MarniesFriends.com.  The show will air at 1:00 p.m. PST.  The topic is Pray, Eat, Live.  Here are just a few highlights of what we will discuss.

• Pray – God designed food for our enjoyment.  Is it not the ‘forbidden fruit’ and we have to change our mindset from that of guilty indulgence to relishing our bites and being thankful for everyone of them.  So before you take that bite of whatever, stop, pause and thank God He has allowed you this nourishment and pleasure.
• Eat – Our bodies our designed to need food to refuel our bodies.  We are made to gain strength and energy from what we intake.  The key to eating is to make sure that we are giving ourselves plenty of food resources that will aid and support what we need to accomplish each day.  As busy women we need all the energy we can get!
• Live – It’s been said,  ‘eat to live, not live to eat.’  That comment has really been staying with me lately.  I desire to be healthy, but I also desire Oreos!  Moderation seems to be the key.

Today, fully enjoy the food you’ve been blessed with and be thankful to God too!  Savor and relish each bite, for it is the fuel we need to get things done. As God’s girls, He desires that we thrive, not merely survive.

I hope you’ll join Marnie and I on Thursday.  The segment will be recorded, so you can listen in later if you’d like.

I’d love for you to share your comments below.

Blessings,

Andrea

Today a revelation has been made.  After decades of research and billions of dollars spent, researchers have discovered that God had something to do with the formation of the universe and everything in it, including humans.  It’s called the “God Particle.”  A huge discovery for the science community!

Now, I have all the respect for scientists.  They are intelligent, passionate and gifted.  But as a scientist with all that amazing intelligence I simply cannot understand how they are so reluctant to embrace the simple message of creation in the Bible.  A Bible could have been purchased for approximately $30.00, thereby saving our government and others billions of taxpayer money.  Or they could have simply asked me.  I would have given them the facts for a free dinner and movie!  I could been heralded as the queen of conservativeness!

So, if you happen to know any scientists out there who need further information or facts about the creation of the universe or man, please let me know.  I’ll be happy to help!

As reported today by the Associated Press:

“This is as big as the, well, big bang theory: Scientists working at the world’s largest atom smasher say they have enough evidence of the long-sought-after Higgs boson.

To the layman, the Higgs boson is the “God particle” and a key puzzle piece in the scientific explanation of the origin of the universe. Physicists around the globe—and perhaps elsewhere, given the size of the universe—have invested billions of dollars in research and have been hunting for the Higgs boson for decades.

Researchers at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (or CERN) are expected to announce Wednesday that they have proof of its existence, reports The Associated Press.

The Higgs boson appeared 13.7 billion years ago in the chaos of the Big Bang and turned the flying debris into galaxies, stars and planets.

Its formal discovery, according to a broad scientific consensus, would be the greatest advance in knowledge of the universe in decades and a key to confirming the standard model of physics that explains what gives mass to matter and, by extension, how the universe was formed, according to the AP.

Rutgers University physicist Matt Strassler told Reuters that without the (God) particle, “nothing like human beings, or the earth we live on, could exist.”

There you have it.  Further proof that God is actually telling the truth of how He made everything!  For more God ‘particles’ read Genesis chapters 1 and 2 of the Bible.

We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat.”  Did you also know, you are what you think as well.

Numerous studies are beginning to show the correlation between our thoughts and our health.  The Bible teaches us to ‘take every thought captive.’  (2 Corinthians 10:5)  That’s not only solid advice, but life breathing instruction as well!

As women, we all struggle with our thoughts.  Negativity, fear, worry, and lack of self esteem creep in from all corners of our day.  The key to healthy living though is to recognize when our thoughts go south and to respond to them with a 180 degree change.

Think about it for a moment…how good do we feel when we’re thinking negatively?  Our postures began to slouch, our heart rate increases, sweat glands begin to react, our stomachs ache and our blood pressure rises. Reverse our thoughts to a positive mindset and our pulse slows down, shoulders begin to relax, blood pressure lowers and positive endorphins are released into our brains making us feel better, not only emotionally, but physically.

Happy thoughts = happy lives.  Today, try to be continually aware of where your mind is going.  If you begin to think harmful, depressing thoughts, take them captive and speak life giving thoughts instead.  You could begin to count your blessings and name them, praise God for another day, watch something funny on TV or the Internet.  Do whatever it is that helps you out of that emotional pit.

Women play so many roles and serve so many people.  We’ve got to be as healthy as possible for those in our sphere of influence, and it all begins with our minds.

I’d love to hear your comments! Please feel free to share.

Success is defined in numerous ways.  I saw this acronym for success and thought it had great, easily defined steps to take in implementing a successful day/life/career.  Hope you enjoy!

SUCCESS:

• See your goal
• Understand the obstacles
• Create a positive mental picture
• Clear your mind of self doubt
• Embrace the challenge
• Stay on track
• Show the world you can do it

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1

Many women have shared with me that when they want to pray they’re just not sure what to say.  When Jesus was on earth, He helped us by knowing how to pray.  I believe we can find tremendous treasures in The Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

We recognize supremacy in “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name,”

We submit our will to God’s in “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

We humbly request our daily needs to be met in “give us this day our daily bread, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

Christ’s final authority is exalted in “for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever.”

Amen (Which in Hebrew means ‘So Be It.’)

God never expects our prayers to be perfect.  We’re humans who have no clue as to His power and might.  God understands our limitations.  But what He does desire in our prayers is acknowledgement of His supremacy, our submission, a humble heart and recognition of who He is and the authority He has.

Today, be encouraged as you pray and trust that God will give you guidance as you earnestly seek Him.

How to Move Beyond Fear to the High Places with God

 Hannah Hurnard’s book Hinds Feet on High Places is one of my favorite books. The main character in the story is Much-Afraid, who belongs to the family of Fearlings. Fear has driven her life much as it did mine. I’ve read it at two pivotal points in my life—the death of my mother and the death of my father. The book is a beautiful allegory dramatizing Much-Afraid’s spiritual journey to the High Places, where she learns to overcome her tormenting fears with the help of the Good Shepherd. The story is perhaps most interesting because Much Afraid is lame, and to help her overcome her fears, the Shepherd challenges her to walk the High Places along the narrow edges of jagged cliffs and high mountainous terrain with the unwelcome companions of Sorrow and Suffering. As the Shepherd introduces her to her new companions, she is visibly shaken.

“I can’t go with them,” she gasped, “I can’t! I can’t O my Lord Shepherd, why do you do this to me? How can I travel in their company? It is more than I can bear. You tell me that the mountain way itself is so steep and difficult that I cannot climb it alone. Then why, oh why, must you make Sorrow and Suffering my companions? Couldn’t you have given Joy and Peace to go with me, to strengthen me and encourage me and help me on the difficult way? I never thought you would do this to me!” And she burst into tears.

A strange look passed over the Shepherd’s face as he listened to this outburst, then looking at the veiled figures as he spoke, he answered very gently, “Joy and Peace. Are those the companions you would choose for yourself? You remember your promise, to accept the helpers that I would give, because you believed that I would choose the very best possible guides for you. Will you still trust me Much-Afraid? Will you go with them, or do you wish to turn back to the Valley, and to all your Fearling relatives, to Craven Fear himself?”[1]

Risky Business

As I’ve read this story throughout the years, I’ve asked myself what in the world motivated Much-Afraid to continue the journey? I believe the answer is found in the willingness to risk. I have come to the conclusion that to face the difficult seasons in life, you must be willing to walk with the companions the Shepherd gives you, and you must desire for them to shape and mold your heart, even when it feels as if they are breaking it to pieces. If you’re not willing, you’ll choose to play it safe and stay stuck in the valley; there is no greater travesty.

Risking is scary business because our hearts are up for grabs. But if we, like Much-Afraid, will trust the Shepherd, even when it defies reason, he will turn sorrow and suffering into joy, and peace.

How do we step out and risk trusting God? The same way Much Afraid did—by getting to know the Shepherds heart. Here are a few ideas to begin:

• Spend time alone with God
• Identify your worst fear and ask yourself if it’s too big for God to handle
• Uncover any false beliefs you have about God—replace them with the truth
• Don’t humanize God. He isn’t like anyone else you know
• Watch what you tell yourself about your circumstances. Negative attitudes foster fear and unbelief
•  Practice the spiritual disciplines of silence, solitude, fasting and prayer
• Meditate on verses that speak about God’s unfailing love and goodness
• Do a study on the names of God

Much-Afraid made the journey to the High Places because she was willing to risk trusting the Shepherd with her life; even when she didn’t understand what he was doing. That took a knowing of the Shepherd’s heart through the power of intimate relationship. Once she was convinced his heart towards her was good—she was willing to risk.

How about you, what’s standing in the way of you trusting God today?  If it’s fear, surrender it to him just like Much Afraid did, and see if he doesn’t lead you to the High Places.

I receive Ericka D. Jackson’s newsletter.  She is a woman who loves God with all her heart and seeks to please Him daily.

In a recent newsletter she spoke of lessons that she experienced during a trying time.  I wanted to share those with you in hopes that you will be inspired like I was.

Check out Ericka’s website at www.erickajackson.com.

Here are a few of the lessons that she experienced as quoted by Ericka:

1. No matter how much work you do, it is nothing compared
   to what God can do for you in an instant.
2. As incredible as the internet is as a tool to reach His
   Kingdom-minded, true lovers and believers, God can lead
   the right people to you at the right time…with no internet,
   texting, emailing or computer.
3. You must truly rest in Him. Not to think you are resting,
   but to truly know that you know that if you believe and
   do not doubt in your heart, that it will be done for you.
4. There is plenty of time to get the things done the Lord is
   calling you to do. There is never enough time to get to the
   things you do outside of your calling and gifting.
5. His vision is coming to pass and you don’t have to worry
   or even anticipate tomorrow. The power is in being present
   right here and now.
6. Remain focused on Him and His purpose and nothing will
   frustrate you.
7. You cannot do a single thing without Him. You are limitless
   even to the things of the world with Him.
8. Trusting in the Lord enough to stop working and rest should
   not be a faith-move. It is a necessity to Him having the space
   to manifest His vision through you.

No matter what appears to be crashing in your life right now, know that all
things (even the crazy-looking things that feel awful and stretch you in HUGE
ways) work together for good to them that love God and are called according
to His purpose (Romans 8:28). As the Creator of everything, Your Heavenly
Father will use anything to move you into the good of His purpose.

Have you ever wondered what your gifts are? Do you know what talents you have that will be most effective in your personal life and career?

Derrick L. Miles from Milestone Motivation is an expert at helping companies find and utilize employees gifts to maximize their superhuman performance.  Check out his company at  http://milestonemotivation.com/

You can take your personal gift assessment at:

Gift of Administration

People with this gift:
- develop strategies or plans to reach identified goals

Gift of Compassion

People with this gift:
- address the needs of the lonely and forgotten

Gift of Craftsmanship

People with this gift:
- work with different kinds of tools and are skilled with their hands

Gift of Discernment

People with this gift:
- distinguish truth from error, right from wrong, pure motives from impure

Gift of Encouragement

People with this gift:
- come to the side of those who are discouraged to reassure them and give them hope

Gift of Faith

People with this gift:
- act in complete confidence of God’s ability to overcome obstacles

Gift of Giving

People with this gift:
- may have a special ability to make money so that they may use it to further God’s work.

Gift of Helps

People with this gift:
- serve behind the scenes whenever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others (without having to be asked)

Gift of Hospitality

People with this gift:
- provide an environment where people feel valued and cared for

Gift of Knowledge

People with this gift:
- organize information for teaching and practical use.

Gift of Leadership

People with this gift:
- motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities

Gift of Teaching

People with this gift:
- give attention to detail and accuracy

Gift of Wisdom

People with this gift:
- provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion

Gift of Writing

People with this gift:
- may be better at expressing their thoughts in written form than in verbal form

Discovering and utilizing your giftedness is imperative in living life fully.  Take the assessment and leave a comment here about your results.