100 Days of Summer 55 - 73/100

08.13.19.  Some look forward to summer as a break from the norm adding vacations and extra outdoor dinners and quick weekend excursions. Some take a laid back approach to summer opting for more relaxed time to pursue the latest read or binge-watch a series on Netflix.

Our summer schedule has included all the above and, then some.

This year we launched a non-profit while continuing to press forward with the ministry. My weeks are full leading fitness classes and preparing for fitness classes. Together, Terry and I try to find opportunities to open our home and gather around our table. We live an abundant life full of God's blessing. We don't live large, but our hearts our large to live out the blessings and to make His name known. We pray for miracles. We see miracles. We encourage and receive encouragement. 

Encouragement. The bible speaks of just-right words being spoken at the just-right

time as a beautiful piece of museum worthy art, fine jewelry and a welcome change of weather. (Read Psalm 25:11-13.) This reflects how my spirit has received the 73 devotionals in the EMBRACED book, this summer. 

Each day, Lysa TerKeurst sets a table with nourishment welcoming me to slow down, sit and open my spirit to God's encouragement and, sometimes, rebuke. His rebuke is gentle, because it is savored with love. As I take it in, I'm both corrected and cherished knowing He won't abandon nor punish me with sullenness.

So, as a catch-up of exhortation, I offer standout Lysa-statements from my past very-busy-non-blogging days:

[God] can handle your honesty. 

Disappointment only stings as long as I let it. 

We must process our hurts through the filter of God's love, not through the tangled places of our hearts. 

Grace given when it feels least deserved is the only antidote for bitterness.

Healed people, heal people. 

In this set-apart place, God will give you much-needed special wisdom for the assignment ahead.

The voices of shame and rejection can come at you, but they don't have to reside in you. 

A depleted girl can quickly become a defeated girl when she lets emotions dictate her reactions.

Live from the abundant place, where you are loved and you won't find yourself begging others for scraps of love.

Are you doing this because you are loved or so that you'll be loved?

Proximity and activity don't always equal connectivity.

Do I walk into situations prepared with the fullness of God in me, free to look for ways to bless others?

If we give [a short-term setback] the power to refine [and not define] us, the hurt will give way to healing.

Isn't it comforting to know God isn't ever broken? He isn't ever caught off guard, taken by surprise or shocked by what happens next.

To dwell on hard things keeps us in hard spots and only serves to depend our feelings of emotional emptiness.

Wisdom will help us not repeat the mistakes we've made but rather grow stronger through them.

Our souls were formed to recognize and respond to the calm assurance of Jesus and truth.

Now, after that meal I can recline, pat my tummy and declare myself, "Full to the brim!" Until, tomorrow.

Soul Feed

Weigh her soul.


Under nourished. 


What does she want?


She wants the burden lifted. She wants flight. 


Binging on empty calories from hours of social media and bubblegum books have left her sluggish. Not all, but some songs are sprinkled with sour lyrics and saucy themes. With too much salt, those seemingly tasty television series do little, but increase her thirst for that something she cannot quite figure out. Movies! Now, that's the dish to order! She's hungry and takes two...no, three slices with extra cheese!

Her insides want to escape the current mood which has attached itself from too much bad news and sad tales and of worldwide need. But, what does she need?

She needs to feast on the good and the whole and the sustaining. But, this soul is too weak, too numb, too groggy from the recent greasy, carb-load and, finally, succumbs to sleep.

Deep thirst awakens her soul. With focus, she is intentional to quench it with the writings of

others' books and blogs who, too, unwittingly starved their souls and are back to wholesome choices. Her soul drains the entire glass until the need for breath forces her to gasp and take search for sustenance. Ahhh.

"Taste and see." Mmmm, there it is! Soul food! She is satisfied with simple fare perfectly seasoned. Resolve is strengthened with this whole grain goodness of the Word. Desire for study with community is iron-fortified. Her soul is joyfully satiated! This soul feed is lasting, yet, resets the appetite for truth and prudence and living water.

The Dessert Menu: (suggested books & media & resources)
"A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash." -Proverbs 15:14 NLT
"An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies." -Proverbs 15:14 MSG
"But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." -John 4:14 NLT

If this post resonates with your soul, please comment, below. I sure would like to hear from you.

Charlie Rose

It's dark and raining, today. My heart is a little sad.

While planning goals that would serve as a map for my new year, I did not intend to start it with an emotional blog post.

My husband and I attended a funeral, this afternoon.

Charlie Rose: Lifelong farmer, deer hunter and fisherman. My down-the-road neighbor. His hayfield lays out across the country road from my century old farmhouse. He waved from his tractor or silver truck every time he spotted me outside. I bought sweet potatoes from him on my front porch. We alerted him when rascally kids went 4-wheeling through his field at night. A little socially awkward, he thrust his arm in front of me so I could touch where that prize winning pig had left a tooth! I imagine he would lend his help if ever we would've called. But, we did not. We would've been there for him, if he would've called. But, he did not.

Now, many in this farming countryside ask that all too often unanswered question, "Why?"

Hopeless despair is a dark prison isolating its captives while the key is in their pocket. 

Perhaps, the new mommy can't place a finger on why she's so blue. That big guy may be too embarrassed about his emotions. Maybe, it's a new season in one's life where he or she feels lost and no longer needed. There are people who suffer clinical imbalance, temporary or long-term, requiring the intervention of a qualified counselor. There's nothing wrong with that. With the grey, shorter days of winter settling in, many battle seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The despairing smile to our faces and wave from their tractors, but go home and close the door to their prison cell.

Do this one thing: Check on your neighbors. The dumb thing to say is "I don't know them," and do nothing. You -and I- may be a ray of hope piercing their darkness while there's still time.

The Dessert Menu: (suggested books and media)
God Will Make a Way by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
Website: https://store.cloudtownsend.com/special-interests.html

Book Review: Think Differently, Live Differently

Think Differently, Live Differently: Keys to a Life of Freedom

by Bob Hamp
Thinking Differently Press, 2010
Thomas Nelson, 2011







While surfing the internet, one evening, and looking for new reads by Robert Morris, author of A Blessed Life, I happened on Bob Hamp's book being released that very evening. If memory serves, he was in countdown mode to its release. I opted-in figuring anyone who is on staff at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and has forewords by Pastor Robert Morris and Kari Jobe must be a pretty good fella! He's just gotta be! He and I exchanged tweets during the downloading process.

The story of a child adopted by farmers and who, later, discovers his biological family wrangled my heart reminding some part of my younger self 's memories that I was made for more. I wish I had this book when I was a young adult.

Bob Hamp, a professional counselor, mentor to leaders and executive pastor, provides a casual approach to sensitive life-issues many people have buried deep in their soul, yet it affects their present behavior often chaining them from experiencing the real life they desire. 

What is lasting freedom? Is it attainable? How comfortable are you with being alone with yourself? What are counterfeits to freedom? Do I constantly question myself?

Reading this book must surely be like what it is to spend an hour having coffee with your best friend, Bob, as he pours truth (spiritual and knowledge) into your spirit offering hope from bondage and brokenness. If you feel "stuck and getting stucker," I encourage you to download or order this easy-to-understand resource.

Bob Hamp has written a new leadership book, Think Differently, Lead Differently, I cannot wait to dive into!

Visit Bob Hamp's website for more resources including the study guide and an audio book if you find listening to your book proves easier with your busy lifestyle.

Adding Value

While social media tends to pander our self-regard with everything from mundane to once-in-a-lifetime events, let's consider shifting the focus toward others. I am just as indulgent as the next vegetarian in sharing what was on my all-day menu for #MeatlessMonday.

Hey, Jack, what's wrong with posting innumerable pix of cute puppies and baby elephants? Nothing, I say! Absolutely nothing!

I'm issuing a challenge -of sorts- to all you bloggers, Facebookers, Instagramers, Tweeters, Viners, Tumblr-ites and YouTubertarians to add value to your followers. Make it for a day. Make it for a week. Make it your next big milestone post!

What does that look like?

Welpst...it looks like encouraging with words and photos, "likes," asking questions, offering helpful hints and posting about something that benefits the locals or those with similar interests. Avoid cutting remarks or even responding to negativity with negativity where all of social media can see. 

Remember, emotion and voice inflection do not carry through posts, unless you use "!!!" and ALL CAPS!!!! Typically a person will read a response using their own filter. If I have a cynical disposition, chances are I will read a post viewed through my pessimistic filter. 

People struggle on a daily basis with everyday stuff. Let's, You & I, not subtract from our online friends' esteem. Instead, let's be the bright spot elevating them and adding value to their lives. You don't have to be a know-it-all, simply defer to another.

Whether we have 20 or 200,000 followers, we can add value with our platforms.

Here's to #sharingselfies! Join me?