influence.

Isaiah 61 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Year of the LORD’s Favor 

¹ The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
   because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
   he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
   and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
² to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
   to comfort all who mourn;
³to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
   the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
   the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.

What will people become when we walk out what he as ANOINTED and SENT us to do?

                OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

We’re not talking about little twigs here. . .

 

Before leaving for school each morning, we would have a quick time of prayer as a family.  I probably stood there, not really praying, but fretting about whatever stresses us out at age 12, but I will always cling tightly to my mom’s words:  “Help us to be a blessing to those around us.”  Who is in your realm of influence?  Do you see them as oaks of righteousness?  I echo Paul’s prayer:

“I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!”  (Ephesians 1 in the Message)

brides and bridesmaids.

As summer draws to a close, gone are the weekends of brides walking the isle in white gowns, bouquets of red roses, and hours of dancing the night away as friends say 'I do, for the rest of my days.'  That would seem to be the case, until two friends are engaged within a week of one another.  Something now sparkles on their left ring finger and a new chapter is in the works.

For every bride, it would seem that there is at least one bridesmaid wearing a dress she swears will be worn again, truly happy for her friend, but knowing all the while that tomorrow morning brings no indication of a flight to Hawaii and a five-night stay in a honeymoon suite.  There is a strong possibility that the morning would be filled with contentment - a peace in knowing that everything is going to be alright.  Drawing from personal experience and innumerable bits of dialogue with single bridesmaids, it is evident that some days carry with them emotions quite contrary to bliss.  Singleness allows for financial freedom, an abundance of play time and independent decision making, but it can be a recipe for loneliness.  Even in humility and gratitude, a deep longing for companionship remains. 

To my single ladies in waiting who have known this void:

My heart hurts in my chest for you.  I can tell you that I have felt the same sadness and frustration that you speak of more often than I would like.  I don't know what avenue God will use to bring the amazing men into our lives that He is preparing (they might just need more "time"), but I cling to this:  "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." There is no question in my mind that you have been created to love - to passionately, faithfully love someone who has the capacity to pour that same, selfless love right back into you.  I wish I could be by your side, to give you a giant hug, but I have a feeling we would both be in tears. Know that I am praying for you and will always be a listening ear whenever you need me!

And another thing: when you feel anger rising in you, I believe it is a valid emotion that should be expressed.  It saddens me when we stuff our feelings and become jaded by our frustration.  Happiness may come and go, but I hope joy always characterizes our lives!  So, be mad, cry your eyes out, scream into a pillow and. . . know that the best is yet to come!!!

Shine On,

Dee

 

mirror, mirror.

It happens all the time – while standing in line to purchase groceries, we have a close encounter with a tall, thin blonde raking in an outrageous paycheck made payable to her beneficiaries: Gorgeous R. MyLocks and Flawless Figure.  Without flinching, she stares back at us from the magazine rack and the battle begins:  “Of course you’re smiling!  I would be too if I rocked that body.  All I want to know is who gave you the right to rain on my parade and remind me once more that I’m just not THAT girl?!?”  Once the groceries are safe and sound in the trunk of the car, it seems effortless to quickly conjure up a list of resolutions on the way home.  By the time we hit the front door, there are two hot dates with the gym on tomorrow’s agenda and the next sixty days will be devoted to a strict diet of water and cabbage.

Our minds are continuously bombarded by our own estimation of perfection.  That’s right.  I said it.  Our own.  While this playlist on repeat may be influenced by the images that the media parades before our eyes and the people with whom we interact, it is a standard that we agree to believe.  “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting.”  If this is the truth we cling to, then why are we nearly killing ourselves in an effort to leave a lasting impression?  It’s about time that we delete the idea of worldly perfection and find our stride in the confidence that comes from journeying with our King, the Lover of our souls and the One who created each of us in His divine image. There is a calling of God on your life to be an incredible woman for His glory.  In everything you do; worship.  Allow your “everyday, walking around life” to be a story written by your true Love.  There is a marked difference between the happiness that ebbs and flows with the fragility of human emotion and the deep-seated joy that lingers when in living a life of passion in His presence.

beginnings.

In June of this year, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet with a phenomenal woman by the name of Laura to walk through my LifePlan.  Over the course of two days, there were times of laughter and moments marked by tears.  Co-workers, friends and family were all curious to hear about the process and catch a glimpse of what lies ahead.  This method of life examination and organization reminded me of who I am, at the very core of my being. 

The beauty of the LifePlan rests in the WIN Wheel (What’s Important Now).  By focusing on key areas and identifying next steps, I cannot help myself but to continue on this journey with a strategy for success.  Without a doubt, it is going to require tremendous Grace and there is no question in my mind that without Christ I am nothing.  Welcome to Action Initiative 4b.  I can already sense that this blog will force me to be vulnerable; finding my voice and redefining what it means to be fearless.  I look forward to hearing your heart through the stories you share in response.  There is a calling on your life and I hope this blog serves as an avenue that inspires something in you to chase after your dreams and passions without hesitation – with reckless abandon.

Want to learn more about the LifePlan process?  www.discoveryourlifeplan.com