Present

Today I have the privilege to kick off the Christmas season by sharing at Stephanie Page's blog. This Christmas she's hosting a series of posts on  how to Live Simply during the holiday season. I love Steph's desire to remember what is important amid the crazy distractions of this life. And what more distracting and hectic time of the year is there than Christmas. Today I'm sharing my thoughts on being present. Won't you hop on over to Steph's blog and join me there as we talk about being present.

Use Your Pain

What do you do with pain in your life? Once the wound has stopped throbbing and a thin layer of pink skin has formed are you ready to use your experiences in another persons life? Whether we're writers, teachers, parents, or a whole host of professions or roles, I believe our painful experiences have power when used generously in another persons life.

Today I'm sharing about making our painful moments meaningful over at The Write Practice. Stop over and learn about using your painful moments for good!

Remember Me?

{Today I'm thankful to have Shannon Milholland from Jesus and My Orange Juice sharing her heart with us today! I am always refreshed by the words God speaks through her. Her recent posts on prayer, which she has turned into a 30 day Prayer Guide, have so encouraged me; I invite you to visit her blog to download this great resource here! Also, I'm sharing at Shannon's blog, so stop by to hear what's on my heart.}

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 8:2 

Unqualified. Unable. These were the words that rang in my head when God first stirred in my heart to write a prayer guide. Prayer has always been what I felt “worst” at when it came to being a Christian. Why would God ask me to pen a work on which I had no expertise?

So He would get all the glory.

Over the last three months I’ve been writing a 30 day prayer guide. Its format is different than any I’ve seen. Because I couldn’t rely on my instinct, even the structure and layout was something I asked God about.

In fact, I asked Him for every word. I KNEW I wasn’t qualified so I had to go to the One who is. Now don’t get me wrong, I pray at the start of every writing assignment but this was different. I literally asked God, begged Him really, to give me the words for His people. I had no words.

I have spent three months in this position with God. In this place of total dependency my faith has grown deep roots because my heart is firmly planted in Him.

So what now? What if He asks me to do something next that I feel a measure of confidence about? I will remember.

During this busy season where it’s so easy for me to neglect time with Him, I will remember. 

During this time when I have more “to dos” than I have energy, I will remember.

I will remember among festooned trees, frosted cookies, frequent parties and festive wrappings.

Sweet sister, won’t you join me and remember Him too?  

Shannon is the author of Jesus & My Orange Juice, a fresh-squeezed oasis for ordinary life. She finds joy among miles of carpools and piles of laundry and delights in leading others to this place of contentment in life. Join the conversation at Jesus & My Orange Juice where God shows up in her everyday life.

When not writing, you can find Shannon speaking to audiences with a message of hope and encouragement. Straight forward about her own struggles, Shannon is a compassionate advocate fighting for victory in the lives of her audience. Read more at www.shannonmilholland.com.

You can also connect with Shannon on Facebook and Twitter.

Guest Posting at Always Alleluia

I have the privilege of sharing my thoughts over at my blog friend Kris' lovely site Always Alleluia. I'm writing on the dissatisfied ache that creeps into all of our hearts at one time or another and the only cure I know for that restlessness. Won't you drop by for a visit and let Kris know you were there?!

Guest Posting at Mary DeMuth's

some of my favorite words

Today I'm sharing thoughts on the powerful responsibility of our words over at Mary DeMuth's great blog. I was a born communicator, a down right big mouth growing up! Over the years God has been shaping my understanding regarding the powerful effect of our words. So hop on over and read the lessons I've learned about communicating with care.

If you've made your way here from Mary DeMuth's page, to you I say welcome! I'm glad you're here. I write about beauty, home, sisterhood and grace. Though not necessarily in that order, often overlapping, and with other thoughts occasionally sprinkled in. If you are a woman that invests in the lives of other women I invite you to download my free ebook Sister to Sister; A Mentor's Handbook. Also feel free to look around, read past blog posts, and make yourself at home!

Retreat - Reflections by Joan

Today I'm pleased to have my blog friend Joan share some thoughts with you. You can read more words of encouragement at her blog "Reflections" where she writes about the beauty of God all around her.

Last summer, three friends and I planned a long weekend away from home for a writer’s retreat. We had all been to workshops and conferences, but for this event, we had no agenda, no speakers, and no program—we just wanted to write. We wanted a cabin in the woods with nearby walking trails, a kitchen where we could prepare meals and a place large enough that we could still have our own space.

God answered our prayers by providing a beautiful cabin in the Kiamichi Mountains of Southeastern Oklahoma. It had everything we wanted, including a wrap-around porch with a beautiful view and the promise of seeing wildlife. I was particularly excited about this so that I could indulge in another favorite activity, photography. However, the main purpose of the weekend was writing and I was certain that I would come away with several ideas for blog posts, articles, and maybe even the beginnings of a novel. At least, that’s what I thought…

Instead, God had other ideas. After we settled in, we all went to different areas of the cabin and began to write. Keyboards rapidly clicked as my friends worked on their current projects. I stared at a blank computer screen—no matter how hard I tried, no ideas would come forth.

I arose early the following morning and went outdoors with my Bible and laptop, hoping the Lord would put something on my heart. I prayed and read scripture, but still I had no words.

The second morning, I again sought the Lord. I’m sure you wanted me to come here. You answered our prayers for the perfect place. You provided the resources for me to come. Why then, am I without words to write? It was then I felt Him whisper to me, “This weekend has not been in vain. There will be fruit come from it.”

One of the definitions of retreat is a place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy. I thought my retreat would be one that produced many writings for His glory. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew instead that I needed to take refuge in Him. Rather than me pouring out for Him, I needed Him to pour into me, to fill me, to refresh and restore me.

We make plans, we have desires, and we have dreams. Many times we don’t understand why, when we are doing things for Jesus, that God delays or even stops our plans. I believe that often we go about the “busyness” of serving Him and forget about our personal relationship with Christ. There are times when He has to slow us down, so that we will take refuge in Him.

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27a, NIV 1984) 

Has there been a time in your life God interrupted your plans with his own to refresh your soul?

Don't Lose Heart - Guest Post at Susie Larson

Life can be full of difficulties, at one time or another we've all been discouraged. Recently I witnessed beautiful truth come to life. Truth that gives perspective and meaning to those challenges we face. Visit here to read what God taught me in colorful detail.

Author, radio host and speaker, Susie Larson, is passionate about women being drawn into a "deeper life in Christ" in order to live more "powerful lives on earth." Today I have the amazing privilege of sharing on her blog. If you are interested in learning more about Susie Larson's ministry visit her website or facebook pages. You can also read my review of her excellent book The Uncommon Woman.

Guest Posting at "Jon Stolpe Stretched"

Lately the very fibers and sinews of my heart are being pulled tight in a deep faith stretch. Three months ago my husband, Chris, and I took a risky step of faith. After serving as worship pastor for four years in a Wyoming church, due to some difficult circumstances and God's leading, we left our place of ministry trusting God had a plan. My human assumption was that the plan would be revealed quickly and before long we would be serving in a new place of ministry. I was wrong. 

Visit here to read the rest of the post as I share how God is stretching my faith muscles in this season of life. I'm pleased to be a guest today on Jon's encouraging blog, where he writes about being stretched by life and what he's learning through those experiences!

Guest Posting at Introverted Church

I'm writing on a topic that is dear to my heart today, mentoring. Over the years I've had the privilege to be involved in a variety of mentoring relationships. In my post I share 5 components present in healthy mentor-ships. You can read my thoughts at "Introverted Church" where I have the privilege to guest post today. Hop on over and check it out! Be sure to let me know what you think.