Michelle Medlock Adams's Blog, page 4

Keep Looking Forward!

“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” Proverbs 4:25 (ESV)

Just recently, I spoke at a Christian writers conference, and one of the points I made in my keynote was simply—keep looking ahead. Set your gaze forward. I was prompted to share this after listening to a preacher I respect say, “You’ve got a big windshield on the front of your car. And you’ve got a little bitty rearview mirror. The reason the windshield is so large and the rearview mirror is so small is because what has happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future.”

That’s good, isn’t it?

…let the past be the past at last.

In other words, let the past be the past at last. The more we hang onto what’s happened in the past, the harder it is to move forward with confidence, excitement, and a drive to fulfill our individual callings. If someone hurt you in the past, forgive that person (even if you have to forgive by faith because you’re not feeling it), and move on. Or, if you had a very troubled childhood, filled with more heartache than happiness, give it to God! Leave it in the past and move forward. I realize, of course, that those things are easier said than done, but with God all things are possible. You can move forward, if you’ll only stop looking back.

…it’s not always the bad things in our past that we have to let go of in order to move on; sometimes, it’s the really good things.

As I was preparing for my keynote, I realized it’s not always the bad things in our past that we have to let go of in order to move on; sometimes, it’s the really good things. When my father died in 2004 and my mom joined him in heaven in 2006, everything changed. The holidays were no longer joyful like they had been in the past. The family get-togethers weren’t filled with laughter and traditions. My extended family stopped meeting up for special occasions. Life as I’d always known it, just kind of came to a halt. So, since the present without my parents was lacking, I kept looking back to “the good old days” when Mom and Dad lived next door, and we enjoyed their company every day, and the family was close, and holidays and get-togethers were filled with faith, family, food and fun.

The problem was, I stopped living and simply settled for “existing.” I wasn’t creating new memories, establishing new traditions, or making an effort to see my extended family. I was still looking back and longing for the way things used to be. It took me a while before I realized my glance into the past had become my main focus. When I finally took my eyes off of the past and put them back onto Jesus, I could happily live in the present and look to the future with hope. Sine that realization, my husband and I have made more of an effort to meet up with extended family and friends for special occasions and celebrations. And, my immediate family which continues to grow (I have another grandbaby on the way—due in December—yay!) has started some new family traditions. We are growing in more ways than one.

So, where’s your focus today? If it’s in the past, it’s time to shift your focus to the future. Let go and let God. Let your past be the past at last and realize that today is a gift, so live it to the fullest. Start new traditions! Celebrate today! Rejoice! Our best days are still ahead…

If your focus is in the past, start focusing on God. Let the past be the past at last. #INwritergirl #faithlife
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Adjust that Crown! You’re Royalty!

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” First Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Recently, it seems that every time I turn on the TV, Jupiter Ascending is on. And, you know what’s weird? I can’t stop myself from watching it. While much of the movie features alien spaceship chases, big explosions, spooky space creatures and Channing Tatum as a handsome human/wolf alien named Caine who air-surfs on high-powered boots, there is a meaningful message woven into this action/adventure movie.

In case you haven’t seen it, Mila Kunis plays a girl named Jupiter Jones who makes a living cleaning houses on Earth, totally unaware that she is a member of the royal family on another planet. When her alarm goes off at 4:45 a.m. every morning, she often grumbles, “I hate my life.”

Early in the movie, Caine rescues Jupiter from these creepy little ET-looking guys who are trying to kill her because she poses a threat to the current powers-that-be in the universe. Then Caine and Jupiter end up at the home of one of Caine’s friends, Stinger.

And, that’s where the meaningful dialogue begins.

Stinger apparently raises bees, or at least allows bees to build homes all around his property and on the sides of his house. Hundreds of bees are buzzing around Jupiter’s head, but not one lands on her or tries to sting her.

Anyway, as she moves her hands, the bees follow as if she’s directing them with some strange power. All eyes turn to her, completely fascinated. Stinger says, “Bees are genetically disposed to recognize royalty, your Majesty.”

Jupiter, still completely oblivious to her princess status, refutes Stinger’s claim, noting that she cleans toilets for a living. He says that bees don’t look at that kind of stuff. They don’t care what you do. They only recognize who you are.

We are royalty!

“Bees never lie,” he adds.

I thought that was the most powerful scene in the movie, and it spoke to me. (Yes, even in an action/adventure/alien movie, God can speak to you!)

If bees really did recognize royalty, I wouldn’t worry that I was allergic to those little buggers. No, I’d be able to wave my hand around and direct bees just like Jupiter Jones, because I am a child of the Most High King, and so are you!

We are royalty!

So, even if you feel less than prince or princess-like, it doesn’t change that fact. I don’t know if bees lie or not, but I know for sure that God’s Word is always true. Revelation 1:6 says, “[Jesus] has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (NKJV)

And, Revelation 5:10 says, “You let them become kings and serve God as priests, and they will rule on earth.” (CEV)

God has even given us crowns. Don’t believe me? Psalm 8:4-6 says, “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (NKJV)

You see, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done or what your occupation happens to be. It doesn’t matter if you think you were born on the “wrong side of the tracks.” It doesn’t matter who you are. It only matters Whose you are. So, on those days when you are feeling less than royal, straighten that crown and remind yourself Who your Daddy is.

Pray this with me: Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family.  Help me, Lord, to begin to see myself the way that You see me. I love You. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.

You are royalty--a child of the Most High God! If you don't feel like it, just remember Who your Daddy is. #INwritergirl #daddysgirl #childoftheking #faithlife
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The Everyday Hero

Joe Klatte, Everyday Hero

Earlier this month, we said goodbye to my cousin Joseph Christopher Klatte. Joe wasn’t just a great cousin, he was a great man. As I listened to his immediate family, lifelong friends, and close co-workers share stories about this man who had greatly impacted their lives during the testimony portion of his funeral, I kept hearing one phrase over and over again in my spirit—Joe was an everyday hero.

One of Joe’s nephews shared that Joe was a perfect example of the American Dream. A 1971 graduate of Troy (Ohio) High School, Joe started working as a clean up boy for G & R Sales when he was just a sophomore. Then in 1981—just 12 years after he served as clean up boy—Joe purchased G & R, which is now Independent Auto Sales. The business continues to bless the Troy, Ohio, community and his family, as his two sons have worked with their Dad for years and will continue running the business and honoring Joe’s legacy.

His faith in God, his kind heart, and his love for people caused folks to drive from surrounding counties and states just to buy a car from Joe.

Joe proved that being a hard worker and a risk taker were key components to seeing that American Dream come true, but that’s not the only two attributes that fueled Joe’s success. His faith in God, his kind heart, and his love for people caused folks to drive from surrounding counties and states just to buy a car from Joe. In fact, we bought one of our first real family vehicles from Joe. We needed a bigger vehicle for our growing family, but we weren’t sure what we could afford. My dad, Walter Medlock (Joe’s Uncle) said, “Go see Joe. He’ll take care of you.” So we did, and he did. We drove from Indiana to Ohio to see what Joe could do for us, and we drove home in a beautiful Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer. I’m pretty sure Joe lost money on that deal, but it sure meant the world to us.

Joe always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room.

Joe always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He was never too busy to take your call, take you out to eat, or chat about football, faith, or family. Story after story confirmed those facts. He was the guy who left money under the doormat of a family friend just because he knew she could use it. He was the guy who didn’t walk past a homeless man but instead took him out to eat and gave him money for lodging. He was the guy who bought championship rings for the local high school bowling team just because he thought they deserved to be honored but got mad when his anonymous act of generosity made the local newspaper.

Joe didn’t want any recognition. In fact, he wouldn’t hardly let you brag on him. He’d joke it off, and there’s no one who could tease and joke better than Joe—truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. Pam, his wife of 45 years, said they laughed their way through life. Having been around them many times throughout my life, I can verify that…they were always loving and laughing.

It’s been a week or so since the service celebrating Joe’s life, and I continue to think about that Everyday Hero I had the privilege of calling my cousin. I’ll miss him, as will everyone who knew Joe, but I am happy I’ll see him again someday in heaven. Until then, I am going to try to follow his example: love more, laugh more, and be that everyday hero in other people’s lives. I challenge you to do the same.

Love more, laugh more, and strive to be an everyday hero. #INwritergirl #everydayhero
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Mushrooms and Manna

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8, NKJV)

Early in our marriage, I tried to make my mama’s Mushroom Potatoes from memory. I knew it called for two cans of mushroom soup, but I couldn’t remember what kind of mushroom soup. So, I used two cans of Golden Mushroom. Problem was, the recipe actually called for two cans of Cream of Mushroom.

So not the same.

Don’t just assume you know what the recipe says.

Jeff couldn’t even pretend he liked the dish. In fact, he still loves to share that culinary disaster story every chance he gets.

The obvious lesson here? Don’t just assume you know what the recipe says. Always read it and follow it exactly. If you don’t, you’re likely to end up with a dinner even the dog won’t eat.

It’s the same when it comes to our spiritual lives. I wonder how many Christians just assume they know what the Bible says and act accordingly and often in error? How many times have I neglected the Bible simply because I think I “know” what it says when I really just need to slow down, open the Word, and meditate on those precious promises? How many times have you done the same?

…we can’t live on yesterday’s manna.

The Word of God is often referred to as spiritual food, meaning we need to eat of it every single day. In other words, we can’t live on yesterday’s manna. And, we can’t just assume we know what the Bible says and simply skim it and hit “the highlights. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Trust me.

Bottom line, we all need to make time for God’s Word because He has important messages, promises, instruction, and wisdom awaiting us within its pages. So, feed on His Word today. Meditate on His Manna. And follow His Instruction Manual, AKA His Word. That’s a recipe for success!

Pray this with me: “Father, help me to fall more in love with Your Word. Amen.”

Here’s that recipe…you’re welcome.

Mom’s Mushroom Potatoes

Ingredients

6 large potatoes

1 onion

2 cans of cream of mushroom soup

½ cup of milk

1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Prep:

Mix the soup and milk in a bowl and set aside. Now, cut your potatoes into thin slices. Also slice your onion into thin pieces. Next, in a casserole dish, pour a bottom layer of the mushroom/milk sauce. Now, place your first layer of potatoes. Again, add more mushroom/milk sauce over the potatoes and add a dash of salt and pepper and sprinkle some grated cheese. Add a layer of onions and another layer of potatoes; then salt and pepper; and then more grated cheese. Keep layering your ingredients in this order until you fill up the casserole dish, making the mushroom/milk sauce topped with grated cheese your last layer. Cook at 350 degrees for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your oven. You’ll want to check if the potatoes are done by sticking a fork in them and seeing if they’re still hard after 60 minutes. Monitor often so you don’t overcook this dish. Enjoy!

Get Mom's recipe for Mushroom Potatoes. #INwritergirl #easyrecipe
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Surprise, Surprise

“Those who hope in me will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23 NIV).

When my oldest daughter, Abby, was diagnosed with preeclampsia at 33 weeks into her pregnancy with our first grandchild, I was surprised…and not in a good way. And, when her baby came via an emergency C-section after she’d been through 34 hours of labor—four weeks early—again, I was surprised…and not in a good way. And, when my adorable little grandson was whisked away to the NICU and I couldn’t even hold him until he was three days old, again I was surprised…and not in a good way.

It wasn’t the way any of us had pictured Abby’s pregnancy or Baby Bear’s birth, but knowing the craziness surrounding such a blessed event hadn’t taken God by surprise comforted us in the midst of the chaos that sometimes changed moment by moment. The end result—as bumpy as that road to recovery was for both my daughter and my sweet grandson—was a healthy, happy Mama Bear and Baby Bear. Praise God!

And, the blessings continue…

God won’t be surprised by any additional bumps in the road….

Just recently, Abby let us know that Baby Bear will be a big brother come December, and of course, we are all very excited. But, I’ve got to be honest, as soon as I learned the wonderful news, a pang of fear hit me. My mind drifted back to all of the complications from the last pregnancy and birth. I knew I couldn’t let my mind dwell in the land of “what ifs” so I said out loud, “No, I will not fear. God has got this.” I needed to hear myself declare that faith statement because faith comes by hearing, and I’ve been declaring it every day since.

I am standing in faith with Abby and Micah for a problem-free pregnancy and an easy birth of Baby #2. (And we hope you’ll stand with us.) But even if everything isn’t perfect, we are thankful God won’t be surprised by any additional bumps in the road, and we know He will carry us through on waves of peace, faith and strength.

Often our expectations of how things will go in life are not exactly, or even remotely, how they actually transpire. And, if your faith is easily shaken, those difficult situations can really rock your world. I’m not saying it’s easy to get through those tough times, but I am saying you won’t have to go it alone.

So, if you’re in the middle of some craziness in your life, wondering how you got there and why God is allowing it to happen in such a way…quit wondering and start proclaiming. Remind yourself that God isn’t surprised by any of it, and He is still in control of all of it. Rest in that truth today.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

Father, help me to trust You during this unexpected craziness and rest in the fact that You’re still on the throne. Amen.

You may be surprised by events in your life, but God isn't. Rest in His calm assurance today. #INwritergirl #faithlife #godisincontrol
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Jiffy Pop Dreams

 

As I stood there, arms stretched toward heaven, worshipping God that Sunday morning, I heard from God in the most unique and intimate way. He showed me an image of Jiffy Pop popcorn in its silver self-contained stovetop popping pan. (You know the kind, right? The kind that as you shake the container over a burner, you’ll eventually hear that first “pop,” and then lots of “pops” follow until the bag bursts open with popcorn.)

The vision continued and as I waited for that first kernel to pop, I heard God say, “It seems like it takes a very long time for that first kernel to pop, but once it begins, many follow and it happens very quickly. One right after another…that’s how it will be with your books. It will seem like it takes a long time for that first book to get published, but once it happens, many books will follow and very quickly.” 

That day was a turning point in my life because God confirmed that the things I’d been writing about in my journal would someday come to pass.

Now, when I saw this and heard God’s explanation of what He was showing me, it all seemed unreal. I mean, I believed I was hearing from God, but I never dreamed I’d be the author of many books, and that it would happen in such a dynamic way. I was a School of Journalism grad from Indiana University, and though I had written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles in my career, the thought of writing a book worthy of publication seemed a pretty far stretch. Still, that desire was in my heart, I just hadn’t shared it with anyone except my private journal.

That day was a turning point in my life because God confirmed that the things I’d been writing about in my journal would someday come to pass.

And they did.

That very next year, I sold my first children’s book at a Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico. And then the “popping” continued. That first “kernel popped” in 1999, and today I have more than 80 books published. It was just as God said it would be. All I had to do was believe it, receive it, and run with it.

Has He shown you a glimpse of your future? Has He placed big dreams in your heart—dreams you’ve never shared with anyone for fear they’d mock you? If He has, begin praising Him, even before that first kernel pops. Thank Him in advance for all that He is doing to prepare the way for your dreams to manifest in an absolutely magnificent way. And, don’t be afraid to believe big! We serve a more-than-enough kind of God.

Pray this with me: “Father, thank You for placing big dreams in my heart and for confirming them as only You can. I trust You, Lord, and I’m so thankful that You are guiding my steps and bringing my dreams to pass in such a way that I can be more useful for the Kingdom. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.”

What are you believing God for today? Begin praising God now. #faithlife #INwritergirl #dreambig
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Love Letters

This week I was able to take a day off and go Striper Bass Fishing in Lake Murray, SC, in between writing events—an awards banquet in NC and a one-day Serious Writer Tour Stop in Lexington, SC. You see, for Mother’s Day my thoughtful hubby purchased a guided fishing excursion for me on Lake Murray, knowing how much I would love it.

Jeff always knows how to make me feel special.

He was right.

It was such a fun day!

Jeff always knows how to make me feel special. Sometimes he does that through grand gestures like giving me the guided fishing excursion, but other times he lets me know how much he cares by simply leaving a note or a card.

Last year when my husband left on a five-day fishing trip with his best friend, I awoke to five different cards labeled, “Day 1, Day 2” and so on. I immediately called Jeff to inquire about the collection of cards, and he explained that he had written a card for every day he’d be gone because he knew I’d be missing him as much as he would be missing me. (Did I just hear a collective “aww”?) Seriously, that was the sweetest gesture ever! I loved each and every card. In fact, I still re-read them from time to time, as I keep them in my Bible. Why? Because they were filled with precious words, sweet memories, and heartfelt confessions from my one true love.

the Bible is full of love letters written especially for us.

When you think about it, it’s quite appropriate that I keep those cards of love inside my Bible because the Bible is full of love letters written especially for us. God has filled His Word with precious promises, words of hope, words of wisdom, and the answers to any question we’ll ever have. Verses such as: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore, I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NASB) and “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” (First John 3:1, NLT) are just like hugs from heaven.

So, here’s what I challenge you to do this week. Make time to read the Word of God every single day and meditate on God’s personal love letters to you. Let His love fill you up until it’s spilling over onto everyone you encounter.

Secondly, write letters to the loved ones in your life. They don’t have to be super long or elaborately decorated. They just have to be heartfelt. Let’s not wait for a holiday to tell our family and friends how much we love them. You never know how much a kind note of “I think you’re amazing. Thank you for being you!” will do for a person’s heart.

Pray this with me: “Father, thank You for Your Word, and thank You for loving me with an everlasting love. Help me to be an encouragement to my family through my words—both spoken and written. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.”

Meditate on God's personal love letters to you and let His love fill you up until it's spilling over onto everyone you encounter. #godislove #INwritergirl
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Celebrate with a Children’s Book Today

 

“The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss

This week has been deemed “Children’s Book Week,” celebrating children’s books that impacted us as youngsters, as well as encouraging all of us to read a children’s book to the special little ones in our lives. Established in 1919, it’s the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country, and as a children’s book author of more than 50 books for kiddos—including my two new releases coming out this fall C Is For Christmas and Dinosaur Devotions—that makes me very happy.

Page after page, I became lost in the stories, traveling to far-off places, solving difficult mysteries, and tending a make-believe garden.

As a mother, I love this week because some of my most treasured moments were spent in our big, comfy chair, reading books with my girls. Abby would always choose The Rainbow Fish while Ally usually opted for one of Shel Silverstein’s funny poetry books. When it was my turn to choose, I would reach for one of the Dr. Seuss classics. My girls were especially fond of The Cat in the Hat. I’m sure your family have their favorites, as well.

Reading is such a wonderful escape, isn’t it? I remember when I was a little girl, I would curl up in my tree house and read for hours—The Hardy Boys books, the Nancy Drew Mysteries, and my favorite The Secret Garden. Page after page, I became lost in the stories, traveling to far-off places, solving difficult mysteries, and tending a make-believe garden.

As an author, I am often invited to speak at schools and encourage children to dive into reading. I love that part of my job! At the end of each presentation, after I’ve talked about being a writer and read a few of my books such as My First Day of School and I Will Not Be Afraid!, I offer a “question/answer” time. Last year after finishing my talk with a lively group of kindergarteners, I opened up the question/answer segment and one eager little boy shot up his hand with much excitement.

“Yes, you have a question?” I asked, sure that he would want to know more about the books I’d written or how he could someday write his own book.

He nodded yes.

“Go ahead,” I said, motioning to him.

“Is it time for lunch yet?”

It wasn’t, much to his disappointment.

I realized that morning, not every child will fall in love with reading as much as I did when I was 6, but that doesn’t mean we should stop wooing them with great literature and enthusiastic readers who bring to life the wonderful language of children’s books.

So, go ahead. Grab your favorite child and children’s book and spend some time today escaping, imagining, and enjoying those stories that still make you smile as an adult. Not sure what books to read? I always suggest starting with the books you loved as a child, but also mix in a few award-winning children’s books you’ve yet to discover. (You can go online to find the Newbery and Caldecott winners.)

Read to a child today in celebration of “Children’s Book Week” but read every other day of the year in celebration of children.

Be a Difference Maker

Me speaking at Parkview Elem., 2017.

I’ve often heard it said that there are three kinds of people in life: Those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and those who ask “What just happened?” At different stages of my life, I’ve probably fallen into all three categories, and I bet you have, too.

But it’s my desire to always be in that first group—the movers and the shakers, the doers, the ones who are making things happen.

Maybe that’s why I love the story found in Mark 2 about the four men who made sure their friend received his miracle. These friends were most definitely in the first group, and I think there are three things we can learn from these “make it happen kind of guys” that we can apply to our lives.

Let’s look at this passage together:

“When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:1-5, NLT).

1 – Be Available

In order to do big things, we have to possess big faith.

Can’t you just picture this scenario? The paralyzed man says to his buddies, “Hey, the Healer is in town! Now, I’m gonna need your help to get there today, but if you can get me to Jesus, I will be healed.”

I’m sure these four men had jobs and families and other commitments, but they obviously put all of those things on the backburner in order to help their friend get to the Master and receive his miracle.

If we truly want to be a mover and shaker in the Kingdom of God, we have to make ourselves available to Him. Like these four men in the story, you may be the only one who can lead someone down the path to meet Jesus.

2 – Be a Risk Taker

The four friends carry him on a mat to the house where Jesus is staying, only to find the crowds are blocking them from the One they’d come to see. So, being the kind of guys who make things happen, they come up with a plan to get their paralyzed pal to Jesus—and it was a pretty gutsy plan at that!

Don’t you imagine they could’ve gotten into big trouble for cutting a hole in the roof of a home that wasn’t theirs, not to mention lowering a person through the hole to Jesus, disrupting the meeting? But that didn’t stop these four faith-filled fellows. They risked it all to help their friend.

In order to do big things, we have to possess big faith. We can’t always play it safe. Sometimes, we have to be willing to take a risk for the Kingdom’s sake. Sometimes, God will ask us to do something that is way out of our comfort zone, and we have to simply say “Yes” despite our fears.

3 – Be a Blessing 

You know what else I love about this story? All four men worked together so that their friend who desperately needed a miracle could receive one that very day. Now, the Bible doesn’t tell us, but I’m sure that everything wasn’t perfect for these four guys. Surely, one or more of them also needed a touch from Jesus (maybe not a physical healing but a touch in some other area of their lives), yet they weren’t concerned about their own blessing; they were happy to help their friend get his blessing. 

See, when we’re willing to put aside our own agendas and help a friend, that pleases God. And, when we’re able to celebrate and rejoice over a miracle in someone else’s life, then we’re setting ourselves up for promotion. Be available to be a blessing. (If not you, who?)

If you’ve been in the “those who watch things happen” or the “those who ask, ‘What just happened?’” groups for far too long, then step on over into the “those who make things happen” group, and let’s be difference makers, working for the Difference Maker.

Pray this with me:

“Father, help me to be available for You to use, and help me to step outside my comfort zone and be a risk taker for the Kingdom. Also, Lord, help me to get my eyes off of me, and keep them on You so that I can be a blessing to others and rejoice with them over their breakthroughs. Lastly, I pray for Your discernment and grace as I move forward in all of these areas. In the Mighty Name of Your Son Jesus, Amen.”

Sometimes, we have to be willing to take a risk for the Kingdom’s sake. #realfaith #INwritergirl
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The Final Category

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, NLT)

Just recently while visiting friends in Texas, I attended a church near Tyler. After being greeted quite warmly, I was asked to fill out a guest card and place it into the offering plate. As I wrote down all my pertinent information, my eyes settled on the age boxes—Under 12, 12-17, 18-29, 30-44, and 45-over.

No way! I am actually in the final age category? The oldest group! The end of the line! How did this happen? WHEN did this happen?

So many questions, and apparently, so little time left to ponder them. I had a hard time focusing on what the minister shared after realizing I had now been defined as…old. (Insert huge lump in my throat.)

I guess I knew I was “over 45” but I hadn’t realized it until that moment. Know what I mean? Seeing it in black and white made that fact much more real for me. At first, the truth literally took my breath away. But after the initial shock wore off, I had clarity. I had a moment. You know, one of those moments that you’ll remember the rest of your life.

So many questions, and apparently, so little time left to ponder them.

In that moment, my heart cried out to the Lord, “God, don’t let me waste any of the years I have left on this earth. Help me to live them with direction—divine direction—purpose and passion. Help me, Lord, to fulfill every plan you have for my life. And, Father, help me to be grateful and joyful as we take this journey together. I give my fears to You, Lord, and trade them in for new fire, increased energy, and a love for life that I’ve never had before. Thank You, God, for this wakeup call today.”

You see, I thought my trip to Texas was to meet with clients, learn from amazing writers in my new non-fiction tribe, take promotional shots for my upcoming “Dinosaur Devotions” book, help lead a Serious Writer Tour Stop, and spend time with some of my favorite, lifelong friends. And it was…it was all those things, but it was so much more. It was a chance to reconnect with myself and recommit my life to the plans God has waiting for me.

Today, as I write this blog, I’m still over 45. I didn’t wake up age 30 again, but you know what? I don’t even desire that anymore. Sure, I’ll still be using anti-aging skincare (the best I can afford) and drinking lots of water and fewer Polar Pops, and working out as often as my schedule allows, but I’ve realized the most important part of “growing old gracefully” is knowing who you are and WHOSE you are. Waking up every day with a heart full of thankfulness and an excitement that God isn’t through with me yet.

If you haven’t had that “a-ha moment” yet, I pray you’ll experience that moment with the Master today. Let Him love on you and give you direction. No matter how old you are, what you’ve been through, or what you’re going through right now, God has a plan, a purpose, and a perfect peace just waiting for you to unwrap. It’s not too late, and you’re not too old. God’s timing is always perfect, and this is His time. This is His time to work through you to accomplish great and mighty things!

So, be excited! God isn’t through with us yet, and His Word says He will renew our strength. We will run and not grow weary! So, lace up those Nikes! Run your race! I’ll run mine, and we’ll finish strong together.

God isn't through with me yet! #faithingod #runtherace #INwritergirl
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