Oh Well Days

07.11.19.  The past two days have been Oh Well days. Today is sizing up as another.

Oh well.

It's not for a lack of faith nor for a lack of motivation that I don't resolve to seize the day with my usual zeal. My faith is still in tack. My "want to" is simmering just below the dark circles under my watery eyes. I've succumbed to my humanity...I have a cough, laryngitis and overall feeling of weakness. 

Another day chalked up to "Oh well, I gave it a shot. I'll feel better, tomorrow."

So, I cancel fitness classes, let the laundry stay in the dryer, pray, read, rest, and watch historical stories on Netflix until sleep claims me, once again. 

Remember those books called Chicken Soup for the Soul? Each story warmed your heart and lifted your spirit like the chicken noodle soup my hubby brought home from Chick-fil-A, last night. That's how I feel about the last couple of EMBRACED devos where Lysa TerKeurst serves biblical principles with personal experiences.

Because my noggin feels off-kilter and the pillow is calling through a fog slowly rolling in, I feel the need to quickly pass along some truth sparked from these daily devotions.

Celebrate small daily victories. Like battles won in a war, each victory is claiming ground for the territory of our souls. When we practice 2 Peter 1:5-9, we are strengthening our faith. How so? We add to or supplement our faith with things that we can work on, like choosing to do the right thing because it's the right thing (morals). Exercising self-control over whatever tends to trip us, builds our spiritual faith muscle. We are overcomers and our lives are a living testimony of God's mercy, grace and strength. People notice and are drawn to an overcoming life! 

Change the way you think. In Romans 12:1-2, we are encouraged to renew our process of living by renewing our minds. Actively engaging God's best as truth, by default we are automatically replacing negative thought patterns and defeating lies. It's like filling up on something so nourishingly fresh so that there is no room for the old, stale stuff. Keep returning to the table and your very taste changes for that fresh flavor. Our minds are transformed to recognize and respond to His truth. What is that truth? The last line of Romans 8:38-39 encapsulates it: nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Do you see how one fuels the other? We feed our minds on God's best stuff and, then, live it out victoriously and, then, celebrate with a grateful heart bringing us back to the feast, again! 

So, while today may be another Oh, Well day for my body, I'm filling up and getting stronger in my soul!

Soul-Satiating

07.02.19.  Truth. Trust. Provision. Seeking. Soul-satiating.

Terry, my hubby, knows me inside-out. Terry sees me doing all the things and filling up the daily schedule and, when having been totally spent, he sees me fall into bed. Terry knows I love to travel and store up memories to recall, later. He may have planned this weekend to be a birthday trip to East Tennessee, but it was so much more. 

Soul-satiating space that could not be interrupted by the demands of schedule nor a cell signal. 

Soul-satiating pace with the perfect rhythm for Terry and I to walk hand-in-hand and to talk face-to-face about something or nothing in particular and to sing silly songs.

Soul-satiating place perfectly situated with water and bluffs and wildlife and a canoe for two to explore the good things of our living and loving Heavenly Father. Did I mention I'm a 7w8 on the Enneagram?

Soul-satiating grace. That's what grace feels like to me. 

It runs deeply to care for the things we keep buried, because they hurt too deeply. It soothes

and fills the dry, cracked, calloused areas exposed and desensitized by overuse. Soul-satiating grace is that soft

place to fall back and unclench our spirits to trust Truth. It is the provision of spiritual nutrients we are lacking, because we have gone too long unaware of being depleted and weakened.

Why and how do I allow myself to become empty? When does it happen? It's not penciled into my planner with a set date.

After I was full-up, again, I believe I caught a clue.

An intimate, soul-satiating relationship with God is not accidental. It is intentional.

Even though I plan daily devotions and attend Sunday worship service, my mind can fire a dozen different directions without fully being in those moments with Him. If I am not intentionally listening and not purposefully positioning myself to have my soul satisfied to the fullest measure, I will be back at that place -again- wondering why and how and when did empty happen?

Singer-Song Writer and worship leader, Jason Upton, raises his voice in lyrical prayer in Wild and Free with this one line that makes my soul agree - "Lord, fill my heart till it's full on hunger."

That deserves a two-hands-raised-in-praise!

I'm thankful for spotting the EMBRACED book by Lysa TerKeurst at a ladies' conference. I'm thankful for her devotions sparking my spirit for these 32 days, because the devotions have pointed to what is good and necessary and soul-satiating -- a deeper, intentional relationship with the One who loves me.

Grace: Tolerance or Love?

06.04.19.  I confess I don't find all scripture uplifting.

Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are the reasons my goal for reading through the year isn't well, yearly. The other reason is the Children of Israel frustrate me. Why couldn't they just remember all the amazing feats God provided? Miracle after miracle! Why did they keep messing up? 

I would much rather read practical Christianity tips in Ephesians and Romans. But, I chose for this year to be a read-through year and I'm in Judges. <sigh>

Pushing myself through these scriptures, I hear an annoying sound that reaches through to my brain making its way to my one, last nerve and bounces on it. It sounded like someone trying to start their car, but it just won't crank. It keeps on and on and on. 

mee-mee-mee-mee-me.  mee-mee-mee-mee-me.  mee-mee-mee-mee-me.

I look around to see if my neighbor is having car issues. Nothing. The sound stops. I turn back to the nagging failures of the tribes of Israel. 

mee-mee-mee-mee-me.  mee-mee-mee-mee-me.  mee-mee-mee-mee-me.

Once again, I look around for the irritating source. And, once again, the sounds stops.

Off and on for a couple of hours this noise filters through my focus as I work on the computer until focus cracks and I whip around to seek and destroy ...only to see absolutely nothing.

In Day 4 of Lysa TerKeurst's EMBRACE book of 100 devos, she writes about her quiet time with God each morning as a preparation and an invitation. This time spent with Him prepares her for the day at the invitation of Jesus "to do life with Him" and "to look for His activity" throughout the day as she redirects frustration to replace it with grace.

Grace looks like God's tolerance to me. I roll my eyes each time a verse begins with "The Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord's sight." He could have crushed them into the

sand they wandered around and complained in for 40 years. But, He did not, because they were His chosen children. With all the moaning and disobedience, He still chose them.

Grace looks like love to God. With all the moaning and disobedience, He still chose to love them and wanted them to choose Him. 

He still chooses to look at me with those same eyes of grace and love when I am frustrating and disobedient. My soul is deeply thankful Jesus is the rose-colored filter covering my sin and shame. 

"Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with Him and to be His holy and innocent and loving people. God was loving and kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. God was very kind to us because of the Son He dearly loves and so we should praise God." (Ephesians 1:4-6 CEV)

My hubby walked into the office about the same time I caught sight of a gigantic fly buzz in and circle around the office. Once I saw him, I knew the source of my frustrating noise, but it flew out the door before it could be silenced forever. 

If you need God to look at you through eyes of grace, I would love to invite to you consider a relationship with His Son, Jesus. If you have already experienced this love, say so, below.

The Pineapple Connection

06.02.19.  For a sometimes-blogger who would rather blog about recipes, I've already asked myself if I plan to post for 100 days. 

In case you missed it, you are invited to join me for #100DaysofSummer praying and listening to God as we read through Lysa TerKeurst's EMBRACED: 100 Devotions to Know God is Holding You Close.

Umm, as for posting for 100 days? That decision would be... 
Let's see... What's the right word?
Got it! 
That decision to post for 100 days would be crazy! 
C-R-A-Yto-theZ.

Maybe not crazy for Lysa TerKeurst and not crazy for you, but for me that's one big, crazy challenge and could even fall under the "Read to Fall Asleep" tab. <snore> What if not a single soul reads it? What would that have benefited? What if I skip posting for a day or more? What if I had made the ambitious decision to post 100 days after drinking too much caffeine? What if it were really God who planted the idea in my noggin?

The rain slapping the bedroom window woke me before the alarm, which yielded extra time, to read Day 2 devo before I was out the door to church. Grabbing a quick prayer for God to use Lysa's words and the scripture references to speak to my spirit, I dove into "The Pineapple Principle." When you get the book or listen to the audiobook for yourself, you'll understand the why for the chapter title. 

This is to be my year for cultivation. Cultivating business and ministry and fitness opportunities and relationships. Five months and two days into 2019, has been an amazing adventure by training for my first sprint triathlon, appropriately named First-TRI, and running The Flying Pig Half Marathon with Terry in Cincinnati which was an epic meet-up with Coach Jenny Hadfield and around 60 members and spouses of her online community known as The Challenge. I have spent time and energy to cultivate new classes for REFIT® and REV+FLOW in a new women's gym. In addition to working with Calcutta Mercy, Terry and I put our noses to ye olde grind stone to crank up the intensity with the ministry we quietly launched in 2016, to honor, encourage and connect with ministry and business leaders and their spouses. MVP Leadership Group is that 2016 dream-baby with the website launching June 5.

All of this cultivation is turning up the fallow ground for my own Pineapple (of a different variety) Principle: Authentic Connection.

My personality can be categorized as a Social-Introvert. Clinically, I'm sure it has a name. My friend, Cammy, suggests reading Susan Cain's book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, where the author uses the term "socially poised introvert." For me, being 100% introvert 24/7/365 will never be possible due to being in the public, accompanying my hubby to minister in churches, loving people and leading fitness classes. All of which demands being socially connected. 

Many people I know want authenticity to lace fingers with connection and stroll easily down the boulevard. What causes my abs to tighten, is they desire this authentic connection for me in multiple small groups and in church. This intersection feels more like being in the crosshairs of a rifle! My question is why is this so important to them?

My family is pretty private. We have a small handful of friends who have been and remain confidants. We reciprocate. In the past, "living in authenticity" with a tribe was not safe and could be used -even twisted- against a ministry couple. As a result, my habit of privacy developed a tough skin around my spirit. People knew I was approachable because I wore a smile. They trusted I would not compromise their authenticity because I am proven to be safe and treat their authenticity with care. But in turn, I would not trust people enough to share my insides. Transparency is scary.

As I continue to experience others in authentic connection or authentic community, I feel it is important to be known and loved for who we are. This doesn't excuse bad behavior or sin. This connection is about trust and having the courage to be known and loved unconditionally. It's about letting others speak truth in an honest affection where exposure feels safe instead of compromising.

So, here's authentic me cutting away the pineapple skin just enough to connect with you, the reader. God has used my 2019 word, CULTIVATE, to open myself to others as did the early church in Acts 2:42. It's a process. I'm not exactly all in, but it's a start.

"They spent their time learning from the leaders, and they were like a caring family to each other. They shared meals, together, and prayed about all the things, together" (Acts 2:42 SAM translation).

By the way, the tough skin of a pineapple is actually called the epicarp. When that is opened, the tender, sweet insides are exposed to the ones who love. As for posting daily for 100 days, we'll see how that panned out in 98 days.

If you can relate, somehow, to any of this, please drop me a note, below. 

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.

Personal Desperation

Hubby was out of the country. It was my turn to teach the Bible study group. Praying and prepping led to a study of being spiritually desperate for the Divine. Wrapping up the study were three points when being in personal desperation.

A whisper tugged at me, "Pay attention. You're gonna need this."

STOP trying to manipulate a solution to your problem .

God’s ways and thoughts are higher than my own and my attempts to bring about a solution can often worsen the situation. 

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your way and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9).

Ok, God. Point taken.

PERSIST in crying out to God in prayer.

I’m guilty of wanting to pray, once, and be done because I want God to immediately respond. While instant answers to prayer do happen, I am on God's to-do list as He develops strength and faith in me when answers are delayed and I continually come to Him. 

Taking the reins comes honestly almost innately to me. My mom raised us to be independent, reminding us, "You don't need anyone." I kick into gear. It's not an act of rebellion or being snarky. Consequently, when answers to prayer are delayed, I assume the responsibility and take matters into my own hands. 

To say God is too busy isn't my thought process. However, my actions truly stem from the root of a lack of persistence to trust Him. 

Here I am, still learning this lesson. When answers are delayed, we are spending more time in prayer or even joining in prayer meetings. Join me in letting our problems drive us to the Problem-Solver!

WAIT for God’s solution and breakthrough.

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31)

Once God responds, don’t stop there. Let your heart and soul burn brightest with His desperation to see others come to Him.

And, for the record... I am in the big, fat middle of needing this. Stop. Persist. Wait. Repeat. <sigh>

Does this ring true with you? Say so, below. Someone may need to hear your voice.

Book Review: The Jesus-Hearted Woman

The Jesus-Hearted Woman: 
10 Leadership Qualities for
Enduring & Endearing Influence
by Jodi Detrick
Influence Resources, 2013
and in association with The Quadrivium Group

The church-world is full of broken-hearted people. What's worse? The church-world being full of broken-hearted leaders.

A compassionate leader and communicator, Jodi Detrick believes "If you have the heart, you can learn the skill." Although this book's title would suggest it is targeted exclusively for the female leader, not a single man could nor would deny the leadership pattern of Christ is for all from those just starting out to those serving for many years in any position. 

Jodi designed each chapter for the reader-leader to draw from her personal leadership experiences through humor, others' lives and God's Word. Ending with a section of coaching questions, a devotional and lesson for the newbie leader, you'll find golden boulders --not nuggets-- of wisdom to immediately put into action.

Are you open to learn? Are you willing to take on the qualities not typically discussed in secular leadership conferences? Are you prepared for that seedling sown in your heart long ago to germinate?

Ok, then! Order your personal copy or several copies for a group development ---> HERE! or at Amazon.

Learn more about a Jesus-Hearted Woman at JesusHeartedWoman.com and about the author at JodiDetrick.com.