Mona Hodgson's Blog, page 7

How Humbling Yourself in Your Time of Need Changes Everything

Let me introduce you to my friend, Tricia.

When I faced a tight deadline for writing my debut novel eight years ago, I sought counsel from Tricia Goyer. An award-winning storyteller, Tricia is also the author of the book Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time.

Motivated by her own experience of being a teen mom and the women who supported her, Tricia has a heart for mentoring teen moms and their families. Before moving to Arkansas, Tricia co-founded Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana. She currently leads a Teen MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Group in inner-city Little Rock. Tricia and the love of her life, husband John, are the parents of ten and grandparents of two. Follow Tricia Twitter or Facebook.

by Tricia Goyer

The other day I was cooking dinner when my six-year-old son rushed into the kitchen. Beads of sweat slid down his red face. “I’m so hot. You never get me anything to drink.”

I stirred my spaghetti sauce with one hand as I turned to him. “Excuse me?”

His voice rose in a full, high-pitched whine. “You never give me anything to drink!” He waved his hands and dropped to the floor.

I took in a breath and then released in, telling myself to keep my voice steady, calm. “I’d be happy to get you a drink. I just need you to ask.”

He kicked his foot against the floor. “But I want a drink now!”

“I know you do.” I peered down at him. “And as soon as you ask the right way I’m happy to get some ice cold water.”

And then my son stood, smiled up at me and asked so sweetly for a drink of water.… Not!

Instead, he whined and fussed more. Finally, I asked him to leave the kitchen.

You know what? He never did ask. In fact, he didn’t get anything to drink until fifteen minutes later when we were sitting down to dinner. He was so bent on complaining and whining—in feeding his discontent—he didn’t want to release his control in order to ask me for help. I would have gladly given him the drink he requested if only he asked in the right away.

Feeding Our Discontent

I wish I could say this is just a little kid issue, but I’ve been there myself. During my teen years I lived in that storm of discontent. I complained when things didn’t go my way. I worried. I fretted. I fought.

I even took matters into my own hands when I found myself facing an unplanned pregnancy at age 15. My own fears and worries led me to a choice I now regret—I had an abortion.

It wasn’t until years later, at age 17 when I was pregnant again, that things took a turn for the better.

It’s then I humbled myself and turned to God. By this point I realized the whining, complaining, and acting out wasn’t getting me what I wanted or needed.

At six months along, I wrapped my arms around my growing stomach and prayed, “Lord, if you can do anything with my life, please do.”

How does humbling yourself change everything?
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God showed up big time. He not only gave me Himself (which is the best!), He has also led me on a journey where radical, and wonderful things, have happened. This has included marrying a wonderful Christian man, having two more kids, starting a crisis pregnancy center, mentoring teen moms, adopting seven more children, and writing over 70 books!

God didn’t just offer me a cup of cool water when I asked. He opened the floodgates of blessing. But it took me humbling myself and seeking Jesus to meet my needs.

This reminds me of a Scripture I read this morning.

“I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea:

‘Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.’

You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’

You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life.”

Lamentations 5:55-58

Mumbling, complaining and griping is easy, but they rob us of having our greatest needs met. Yet in humbling ourselves and turning to God, we make a way for things to change for the better.

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When we call to the Lord, He hears us. When we turn to Him, He comes. He reminds us that He is present and we have no reason to fear. When we place our needs in Jesus’ court, He redeems our life.

It took a lot to humble me as a teen—two unplanned pregnancies in fact. Yet I’m thankful that I learned back then that when I turn to God He will meet my needs. He will meet them in more wonderful ways than I ever expected.

 

To read more from Tricia, pick up a copy of her latest book, Walk It Out: The Radical Result of Living God’s Word One Step at a Time, here.

“You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life.” Lamentations 5:58
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When Your Plans Go Sideways: 3 Secrets to Finding Your Feet Again

If you’ve been following my blog, you may have noticed I’ve not posted for nearly a year and a half.

I’m back! With new stories to share with you.

You may be a friend who connected with me early on. Might have been my weekly newspaper column in the early 1990s or when my first children’s books were published nearly twenty years ago. Perhaps you found me through my historical novels and novellas these past eight years. Whenever and however you came to connect with me, I’m glad you did.

Let’s talk some about the journey we’ve been on.

Plans change.

I hear your deep sigh, and raise you one.

If you sighed with me, you’re likely a planner too. Or maybe your groan results from you having faced so much change this year that you’re over it.

In our various roles and relationships, we expect, or at least hope, that if we do A, B, C, D, E, the others involved in the endeavor will do their part and we’ll enjoy a solid landing on Z.

However, having a plan doesn’t guarantee a predictable result. The derailing of our plans can happen because we haven’t done our homework or properly prepared, but much of the time the change of plans comes from circumstances beyond our control.

The detour or dead end may even taunt us as a testament to our failure.

We assume failure as a wife. Failure as a mother. Failure as a daughter. Failure as an employee. Some of us may even label ourselves as a failed Christian.

“Now what?”

“And what if the next thing doesn’t work either?”

“Should I even bother trying something new?”

These are the questions populating my prayers the last three years.

Following my 20 year dream to publish a novel, Two Brides Too Many debuted in 2009 as a Walmart exclusive for six months before becoming available in the wide market in May 2010.

I was wowed. So was everyone around me. My agent, editor, and I met to make plans. Seeing God’s hand in the opportunities, I praised Him for His provision. I finished four Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek books then plunged into a new series. I saw six full length works of historical romance published between 2009 and 2013. Then the publisher who partnered with me to publish and promote my books had to make the tough decision not to offer me any more contracts. Many factors, including sales numbers and in-house changes, come into play. But the bottom line was they couldn’t accept any more books from me.

There would be no sequels to the first book in the new series we’d launched.

Loose ends bug me. I had to leave my faithful readers without the continuation of a tale they were eager to read. I’d worked hard to build trust, so that loose end troubled me.

Sister friend, the specific change and redirection you face today, tomorrow, or next year may look different.

• A chronic illness.

• A separation or divorce.

• A child living with a disability.

• Caring for a frail spouse or parent.

• A loved one battling addiction.

• The loss of a job.

• The death of a family member or friend.

When the unexpected happens, we tend to second guess ourselves. And God.

We question our ability. Wonder if we ever had the ability to discern the voice of God. Doubt our calling.

As a means of encouragement to you, I thought I’d share three things I learned in the process of being still before God, resting in His promises, and pursuing His perspective:

1. God isn’t limited to linear thinking. He doesn’t work in straight lines. Expect zigzags. Anticipate an adventure.

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.

‘As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Remembering that God’s thoughts and ways are superior to ours can help us take our imperfect thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and trust Him to work in and through us according to His purposes and for His glory.

2. God doesn’t use the human measuring stick for success.

We consider success to be the opposite of failure.

God considers a surrendered heart a success. (Psalm 51:17)

We want to work for God.

God wants to work in and through us. (Philippians 1:6)

God isn’t moved by our performance, but by our transformation. (Romans 12:2)

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,

but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

Remembering that God’s higher purposes will prevail over any circumstance can help us surrender our A-Z plans and trust His definition of success.

3. God majors in doing something new.

The fear of the unknown doesn’t cause God to stick to His comfort zone. The temptation to coast in tradition doesn’t distract Him from His purposes.

“See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Isaiah 43:19 NIV

In the shadow of the changes we face, let’s embrace the new thing God wants to do in and through us.

What new thing is God calling me to? He’s awakened a dream I set on the back burner 30 years ago when I first started writing for publication. My dream to write nonfiction that would encourage and equip women in their faith walk.

During my practical pause from writing and speaking, God did a work in my heart, led me into a face-to-face, side-by-side personal ministry that has me doing life with sister friends of all ages, stages, and backgrounds. Joy!

I’m writing again and working on new talks for women’s groups and retreats.

Watch my eNewsletter and Facebook Author Page for updates on the new book-in-process inspired by the work God is doing in my heart and in my relationships with sister friends like you.

In the meantime, would you pray for me? For faith and courage. For provision and spiritual protection. For the best publisher for my first nonfiction book for women. For my surrender to God’s purposes and His transforming power.

Please know that I’m praying for you too.

Lord God, You see my sister. You haven’t turned your back on her struggle. No. Instead You run to her with open arms and a heart full of love. You, Lord, are acquainted with change and confusion, rejection and heartache. You understand the fear that battles our anticipation of the new thing You are doing. Soak my friend in Your all-sufficient grace. Cover her in Your beyond-all-understanding peace. For Your pleasure and for your glory. Amen.

I’d love to hear from you. Do you have a change of plans story to share?

If there’s something specific I can pray with you about, please leave a message in comments.

Hugs and smiles,

Mona

 

Click here to read 7 Truths for Stabilizing Your Steps into the Unknown.

 

“Now what?” One of three questions that populate our prayers when plans change.
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What to remember when a detour or dead end taunts us.
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3 things to remember about God when seeking perspective on the unexpected.
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3 Effective Ways to Overcome Overwhelmed

Frustration and irritation will bubble just beneath the surface of our shuddering emotions, and if left unattended they will build steam and erupt into a full blown geyser.

Perhaps today you’re battling the emotional boil that can come with feeling overwhelmed.

That was me. Frustration formed an underground spring out of I don’t even know what.

When we allow something—albeit a seemingly small disappointment or delay—to simmer inside us, it doesn’t take much else to switch the simmer to boil.

My voice gained volume and grew in intensity as aggravation gushed out, onto whomever stood in earshot.

My hubby.

The two dogs we were sitting.

The neighbors.

The UPS driver.

Anyone.

I had taken on too much. Perhaps you can relate?

You and I live life as jugglers. Juggling schedules. Relationships. Responsibilities. And it’s not easy to keep jobs, marriages, meal plans, ministry opportunities, community projects, soccer practice schedules, and homework in perfect rotation. Impossible, actually.

What’s a woman to do when she is over-scheduled? Overwhelmed? And oh so over it?

Sometimes we need to disconnect from our daily routine. Even if it’s only a thirty minute break from the frustration at hand. Or a ten minute walk.

In my Southern California elementary school, I learned the stop, drop and roll fire safety technique. Three steps a fire victim should follow if their clothing catches fire.

Stop, cease any movement which may fan the flames.

Drop to the ground and lie down, if possible, covering their face.

Roll on the ground to extinguish the fire by depriving it of oxygen.

As I grew up, I adopted and adapted the concept of stop, drop and roll as a spiritual practice for fighting frustration and overcoming overwhelmed.

STOP

Cease striving. Breathe.

“What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?” Ecclesiastes 2:22 NIV

I can answer that: Cranky.

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 1:3 NIV

Sometimes, make that often, we need to stop; take time to breathe in the grace of God.

DROP

If at all possible, drop what you’re doing.

“He [God] says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’”

Psalm 46:10 NIV

Let’s you and I be still. Contemplate what we know to be true—He is God! A trustworthy giver of grace and peace.

ROLL

That stuff that’s weighing your down? Roll it all onto Him and receive His rest.

God cares for us and is capable of providing for our every need.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation,

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6 NIV

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

Go ahead–roll your shoulders. Lighter, right?

Here’s to us remembering to stop, drop and roll before our frustration becomes anger and bubbles to a boil.

I have a bonus tip for overcoming overwhelmed: Keep a Bible app on your phone, bookmark verses that will help you stop, drop and roll.

Bible apps suggestions for your iPhone or Android:

Bible Gateway

Blue Letter Bible

YouVersion Bible

For more, [click here to download 9 Secrets to Help You Crush Stress].

What’s a woman to do when she is over-scheduled? Overwhelmed? And oh so over it?
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The spiritual practice of stop, drop and roll combats overwhelmed.
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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
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9 Powerful Prayers for the Debut of Your New Day

The baby cries.

A dream startles us.

The dog jumps onto the bed.

Hubby snorts in his sleep.

The alarm sounds off.

Something wakes us up.

We listen for the baby.

Scold the dog.

Nudge the hubby.

Yawn.

Hit the snooze button.

Whatever we do in our not-sure-I’m-ready-to-be-awake moments, we can pack more power into our waking routine.

I used to wait until I had time for my “quiet time” or “devotions” before I would deliberately turn my attention to God.  No longer.

In recent years, I’ve developed a habit or spiritual practice of greeting God in my waking moments.

I intentionally begin my day by nurturing my anchor relationship. While I’m still in bed and orienting myself to a new day, I try to remember to greet my Savior and start a conversation with Him. Even if it’s 2:00 AM and I have every intention of returning to slumberville.

I use one or more of nine powerful prayers when debuting a new day, and I thought you might find them helpful in your own conversations with God.

Here are the prayer types, along with a sample of each:

1. Hello Prayer

  Good morning, Lord. I’m so thankful You are here, with me. I love you, Lord.

  2. Prayer of Confession

  Create in me a clean heart, Lord.

  3. Prayer of Surrender

  Lord, I need you. Holy Spirit, keep a lasso on my tongue. Align my attitudes with Your thoughts and Your ways.

  4.  Praise Prayer

  You are my Provider and Sustainer. You are my Strong Tower. My Rock. The Living Water that gives me spiritual life. My Good and Gracious God,  I praise You!

5. Prayer of Commitment

I’m all in, Lord. I choose You. Lead me. I have decided to follow Jesus.

6. Intercession Prayer

Father, I bring ____________ before. I ask that you meet their needs. Draw them close to You.

7. Prayer for Guidance

I’m a wanderer. Easily distracted. Shepherd me, Lord. Lead me on Your path of Righteousness.

8. Thanksgiving Prayer

I’m so grateful You are mine, and I am Yours. Thank You! I am enjoying my squishy pillow and warm covers, Lord. Thank you.

9. Silence Prayer

Tune my heart to hear Your voice. I want to hear You, Lord. Speak, Holy Spirit, I am listening.

Our conversation doesn’t always take place in that order or with those specific prayers. Nor am I as consistent as I desire to be, but I’m making progress.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Psalm 143:8 NIV

If you’d like to read more about prayer, [click here to download How Seven Influential Bible Women Coped With Conflict.]

Have you packed power into your waking routine?
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Greeting God first thing can pack more power into your day.
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“Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love.” Psalm 143:8
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7 Truths for Stabilizing Your Steps into the Unknown

Have you had to step into the unknown lately? Perhaps you’re standing on the edge of change this very minute.

I’m with you on that journey.

Change can sometimes taunt us like a hungry bear, threatening to swallow us whole, along with our resolve to take the necessary steps into something new.

Why is turning away from what we know as our normal—good or bad—to face the unknown so intimidating? Because

For certifiable dreamers and planners like myself, the unknown can be daunting. How do you plan for something you don’t know?

Most circumstances and all people are out of my control. Yours, too, am I right?

Here are 7 truths we can know and rest in, which will help stabilize our steps into the unknown:

1. God is a steady, stabilizing source of strength.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”  Psalm 29:11 NIV

2. God is our hope.

“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5 NIV

3. God is our trustworthy guide.

“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.“

Psalm 48:14 NIV

4. God cares for us.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

5. God gives peace that passes all understanding.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.“

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

6. God is our source for joy.

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19 NIV

7. God is good and works all things out for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

Trusting in our known God denies the unknown power over us.

Here’s a bonus idea, if you don’t have a Bible app handy on your phone, you might download one listed below. You can bookmark or list verses that your resolve to step into the unknown with faith and confidence in our almighty God.

Bible apps suggestions for your iPhone or Android:

Bible Gateway

Blue Letter Bible

YouVersion Bible

For more encouragement in the center of change, [click here to read When Your Plans Go Sideways: 3 Secrets to Finding Your Feet Again].

The nature of the unknown is, well, not known to us, which comes with its own kind of scary.
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“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:19 NIV
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Trusting in our known God denies the unknown power over us.
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Being Ready for More

Lucy Goodale attached herself to my heart. This woman, 180 years gone from this earth, stands for all I long to be. A woman so devoted to God that she would entertain notions and possibilities beyond her imagination and understanding because of her core-deep trust in her Sovereign, Almighty God. Savior-led and Spirit-empowered, Lucy Goodale took […]

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Distractions Happen, Then What?

The A-Framed Chapel at the Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center nestled in the California redwoods, is high on my list of favorite places. This week, I was at Mount Hermon for planning meetings with staff from the various departments as we anticipate hundreds of writers gathering next month for the 47th Annual Mount Hermon Christian […]

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Stop. Drop. Roll. A Spiritual Discipline.

  Frustration mounted. A voice rose. Mine. Shouts heavy-laden with a mysterious anger flew free to whomever stood in earshot. My hubby.  The two dogs we were sitting. The neighbors. The UPS driver. Anyone. Then a whisper broke through (only the Spirit of God can manage that). “Breathe. Then grab your keys. We’re out of […]

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Added Value for Your First Three Minutes

The alarm goes off. The baby cries. A dream startles you. The dog barks. Your hubby snorts in his sleep. Whatever it was, something woke you up. You might hit the snooze button. Listen for the baby. Scold the dog. Nudge the hubby. Yawn. Whatever you do in your I’m-not-sure-I’m-ready-to-be-awake moments, there’s more you can do […]

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Mouth Shut. Ears Engaged. My Challenge.

  I’d slipped out of town on a personal retreat day, and taken myself out to lunch. While I awaited my pecan-crusted chicken salad at Chili’s, the 30-something waitress greeted a friend-customer who was at least a decade older than her. Within a few minutes, the waitress slid into the booth across from her friend. In […]

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