Are You A Woman on The Edge?

If you asked me that question this week the answer would have to be a resounding YES! It seems I’ve allowed life take me on an emotional roller coaster ride this week. A lot of little things all mixed together have on the proverbial edge. After reading the article below, I realize I need to jump right off of that ledge and straight into the arms of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, who is always there to catch me when I’m ready to jump, and who would help me from ever even getting to that point if I could just remember to continually turn to Him in the midst of my humanity!

This article was a very timely reminder of just how much God loves me and wants the best for me! How I can live more peacefully when I choose to rest in Him! It was just too good not to share. I hope you will be as blessed by it as I was!


Five Areas of a Woman’s Life That Need God’s Touch

by Cindi McMenamin Author, Women on the Edge
Article Found at: http://www.crosswalk.com/11635806/

My heart was convicted as I read in Scripture of a woman who was so desperate for God's healing in her life, she was willing to do anything to just touch Him (Mark 5:24-34).

I had to ask myself, how desperate am I for God's touch on my life? There are times I might be desperate to feel and look younger, to be thinner, to have more in the way of peace and happiness. But how desperate am I to be whole and complete in every way?

After surveying nearly 100 women, I found several common areas in which women, myself included, need the touch of God to be whole and complete. I also found that Scripture addresses these areas of a woman's life so that we can receive His healing touch. See if you can relate to needing God's touch in these areas of your life, as well:

1. Our Hearts - So They Can Be "Set On Things Above"
Women often stress over the temporal - bills that must be paid, whether or not a man will come into our lives, if we'll be able to have a child, what someone is saying about us, how our body looks, and so on. At times we are more concerned about what the scales say than what God says. Our heart is closely attuned to our bank balance, rather than our life's balance. Yet God instructs us in Colossians 3:1-2: "set your hearts on things above." If our priorities were in heaven, not on this earth, we would not only be happier and healthier, but less financially drained and emotionally spent. Matthew 6:19-21 tells us not to "store up treasures here on earth where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven ….For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." It takes God's touch to clear our hearts of what this world says is important and focus it on the things above.

2. Our Minds - So They Are Transformed and Renewed
It's amazing how many women profess to know God and follow Him, yet their thinking patterns are just like those of anyone else in the world. Scripture commands us: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is" (Romans 12:2, NLT). Furthermore, God's Word instructs: "fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise…and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9, NLT). What mental anguish we would spare ourselves from if we would let God transform our mind and renew our thoughts to think as He would.

3. Our Mouths - To Be Wholesome and Pleasing to God
Because women tend to be communicators, we can cause much damage with our mouths if we do not bring them under God's control. Whether it is gossip, criticism or unkind remarks, our mouths can be instruments of righteousness or unrighteousness. In Ephesians 4:29 we are told to "not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." God's touch on our lives can make us women whose words heal and encourage, rather than distract and destroy.

4. Our Bodies - To Be Pure and Holy for Him
Are you one to worry and stress about what the scale says, how many calories you took in, and whether or not you can still fit into a certain size? God's command to us is "Give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?" (Romans 12:1, NLT). It is important that we keep our bodies healthy and in good shape (as we are His temple), but God says our most prevalent concern should be that we keep our bodies holy. In fact, God calls keeping our bodies holy our "spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1, NIV). One of the ways we can keep our bodies holy is by how we choose to dress. People can tell much about us, and whom we love, by how we dress. Do we call attention to ourselves or the God who made us? If the way we dress says "Look at me!" we may want to rethink how we dress so that others can see Christ through us. Can others see Christ in you or are you getting in the way?

5. Our Emotions - To Be Calmed with the Peace of God
There are days when, hormonally or just circumstantially, we need God's touch to calm our frazzled emotions and level out our lives. Philippians 4:6-7 says "Don't' worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and request to God. Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel" (CEV). A woman who is controlled by God's peace is not on the edge, but in the spacious place of His embrace.

I believe if we seek God's touch in those five areas of our lives we would rarely have reason to feel we are going over the edge. For instance, when you get frustrated in a relationship, go back to the principle of letting God transform and renew your mind to only think on whatever is pure, right, lovely, good, and so on. And when you are about to lose it over finances or something that takes you by surprise, remember to not be anxious about anything, but to pray about everything…keeping a heart of thanksgiving for what you've been given. And when your heart begins to desire something that you cannot attain, remember to set your heart on things above.


Cindi McMenamin, a national speaker and the author of several books, will lead you to a spacious place through her newest book Women on the Edge. For more on her books and ministry, see http://www.strengthforthesoul.com/

Learning to Dance in the Rain: The Power of Gratitude

The following is the introduction from the book Learning to Dance in the Rain: The Power of Gratitude by Mac Anderson and B.J. Gallagher.  I received this in an email from a friend today.  The message is so beautifully simple yet vitally important I wanted to share it with you all...

The date was July 16, 2008.  It was  late in the afternoon and I was sitting in my hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky.  I was scheduled to speak that evening for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators  (KASA). I was a little "down in the dumps." I hadn't gotten to exercise lately because of my traveling schedule and recently I'd experienced some mild bouts of  vertigo (that inner ear condition that can cause the room to start spinning.)  You got it...speaking and "spinning" are not good partners!

My keynote presentation was scheduled for 7:00 PM, but I had  been invited to show up at 6:00 to see a performance they said I'd enjoy.  Little did I know that I was about to see something I would never forget.

They introduced the young musician. Welcome...Mr. Patrick  Henry Hughes.  He was rolled onto the stage in his wheelchair, and began to play  the piano.  His fingers danced across the keys as he made beautiful music.

He then began to sing as he played, and it was even more  beautiful.  For some reason, however, I knew that I was seeing something  special.  There was this aura about him that I really can't explain and the  smile...his smile was magic!

About ten minutes into Patrick's performance, someone came on  the stage and said..."I'd like to share a 7-minute video titled, The Patrick Henry Hughes story." And the lights went dim.

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints which left him crippled for life.  However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair.  Before his first birthday, he discovered the piano.  His mom said, "I could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he'd get it."  By his second  birthday, he was playing requests (You Are My Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star).  His father was ecstatic. "We might not play baseball, but we can play  music together."

Today, Patrick is a junior at the University of Louisville.  His father attends classes with him and he's made nearly all A's, with the exception of 3 B's.  He's also a part of the 214 member marching band.  You read it right..the marching band!  He's a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player; and he and his father do it together.  They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands.  His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick's fans.  In order to attend Patrick's classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS.  Patrick said..."My dad's my hero."

But even more than his unbelievable musical talent, it was  Patrick's "attitude of gratitude" that touched my soul.  On stage, between songs, he would talk to the audience about his life and about how blessed he was.  He said, "God made me blind and unable to walk.  BIG DEAL!  He gave me the  ability.. the musical gifts I have... the great opportunity to meet new people."

When his performance was over, Patrick and his father were on the stage together.  The crowd rose to their feet and cheered for over five minutes.  It gave me giant goose bumps!

My life was ready to meet Patrick Henry Hughes.  I needed a hero, and I found one for the ages.  If I live to be a hundred, I'll never forget that night, that smile, that music, but most importantly, that wonderful "attitude of gratitude."

I returned to Chicago and shared Patrick's story with my wife, my friends, and our team at Simple Truths. About two weeks later, I received a letter from a friend. He said, "Mac, I think you'll love this quote."

"Life is not about waiting for the  storms to pass...
        it's about learning  to dance in  the rain!"
                                                         -Vivian Greene

I thought...that's it!  We all face adversity in our life.  However, it's not the adversity, but how we  react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life.  During tough  times, do we spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves, or, can we, with  gratitude...learn how to dance in the rain?

It almost sounds too simple to feel important, but one word... gratitude, can change your attitude, thus, your life, forever.  

(Above Photograph "Dance In The Rain" by Marinshe )

   

Morning Motivation

When I woke up this morning lying in bed,  

I was asking myself;
What are some of the secrets of success in life?
I found the answer right there,
in my very room.

The fan said - Be cool!

The ceiling said - Aim high!

The window said - See the world!

The clock said - Every moment is precious!

The mirror said - Reflect before you act!

The calendar said - Be up-to-date!

The door said - Push hard for your goals!

And the carpet said - Kneel down and pray!

Your POSITIVE thoughts and comments are always welcome.
Please keep comment 'language' family-friendly.
Thank you in advance for your feedback!

Your Attitude is TRULY a Choice!

Attitude, it can make us or break us! What's yours doing to you??

Attitude, it's contaigous! Is yours worth catching??

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength ~ Proverbs 17:22 NLT



Today's post is dedicated to my friend Karyn D. who reminded us all this morning how important it is to have a GOOD attitude! Thank you Karyn!

10 Things You Might Not Know

My friend, Queen Gwennie, had a really neat post the other day on her blog My Dewdrops. She got the idea from The LPM Blog where Beth Moore asked her readers to tell ten things about themselves that others may not know. I thought it was such a neat idea I am using it as today's post.

Following Are 10 Things You May Not Know About Garcia:

1. I am a very big chicken and can't watch scary movies of any kind! My favorite TV show is Criminal Minds and I can't even watch that immediately before I go to sleep or I have nightmares!

2. I used to work for AT&T as a telephone operator (back in the day when you dialed zero and got a live person!)

3. I've had over 14 surgeries. (I've lost track of the actual number!)

4. I'm ridiculously insecure (but I'm working on it with the help of God!)

5. Despite my fairly poor vision, I am a pretty good shot at the shooting range.

6. I worked for 10 or 11 years as a manicurist before I went back to college and got a teaching degree in Special Education.

7. I have been married three times. Yup. Three. But I know this time I finally got it RIGHT!

8. I spent the first 40 years of my life living in New Jersey. (No, not Joisey, Jersey! We don't ALL sound like we are from the Sopranos, people!)

9. I'm afraid of being alone in my house at night.

10. My dream car is a candy apple red Corvette!

So now it's your turn to play! 

 Click on the comment button below and tell us 10 things about yourself! Just pick 10 thing right off the top of your head. Pick things that we would only know about you if we knew you really well. 10 random things that make you a tad distinctive? Or just plain weird? Think quickly. Don't go for deep. Go for quirky. Don't try to put them in any kind of order and don't make them long. Just start typing! And have fun with it!

If you don't have a Google or Blogger ID (you need one in order to leave a comment) you can easily set-up one here: Click Here to Set Up a Google ID

It's All a Matter of Choice

Recently, my dear friend, Lisa, emailed me the following story. I've seen it before and perhaps you have too, but it's such a great reminder of the choice that is ours everyday, it's worth reading again!


John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!'

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!'

'You can't be a positive person all of the time.

How do you do it?'

He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or...you can choose to be in a bad mood

I choose to be in a good mood.'

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested.

'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?'

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live.'

'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked.

He continued, '...the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.'

'What did you do?' I asked.

'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity''

Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude...
I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything.


Maintaining a positive attitude no matter what life throws your way is something I've struggled with at times myself. However, I've seen first hand the difference a positive attitude can make in a person's life. I've seen what happens and how your life is affected when you choose to be a positive person.

A few years back I knew two women who were both dealing with a very progressive and debilitating disease. The first woman was already confined to a wheel chair. She was frequently in and out of the hospital and rehab center due to her condition. She was legally blind. She had been a nurse, but her disease made it impossible for her to practice her beloved profession any longer. She was dependent on other people for most of the daily activities, the things most of us take for granted. Though she longed for children and would have made a wonderful mother, her disease had progressed so rapidly that it was not possible.

The second woman was still able to walk with the assistance of a walker. While her sight was starting to fail, she was still able to see fairly well and had not yet been classified as legally blind. While she did have to rely on others for transportation, she was still fairly self-sufficient with her daily activities. She had a great husband who tried hard to give her everything she wanted. Despite her condition, she was blessed with a child, who she delivered without any serious complications.

After hearing a little bit about the limitations each of these two women were dealing with, you might think that the first woman would be the more bitter of the two. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

The first woman was never without a smile on her face. She took the setbacks and limitations of her condition in stride. While she could no longer work as a nurse, she did volunteer with an organization and was an advocate for people with disabilities. While she could no longer see well enough to read, she still thoroughly enjoyed the books on tape she ordered through the mail. She had a beautiful voice and sang in her church choir. She participated in activities at her church and in her community. She always had time to offer a kind word and to encourage others. She had the sweetest, kindest spirit and was truly a blessing to all who knew her. I don't believe I ever heard her complain, not even once, about the hand life had dealt to her. She accepted and embraced the life she was blessed with and lived every day of it to the fullest.

The second woman was the polar opposite of the first. She was bitter and rarely smiled. She didn't seem to enjoy her life very much, if at all. Her words were harsh and cutting. She never let an opportunity pass to criticize or mock other people. She didn't appreciate those people in her life who loved her and were always there to help her. One by one she managed to push them all away with her constant, pervasive and utterly destructive negative demeanor. All she ever did was complain about the hand life had dealt her. Sadly, no one was blessed by this woman's life.

What a difference our attitude makes on the lives that we live! I've seen many examples of this difference in other people in my life. Those with the negative attitudes who choose to worry about everything are always those who derive the least amount of joy from the lives they've been blessed with. On the other hand, those who choose to look for the positive in every situation and realize that worry serves no positive purpose, live fuller and much happier lives. Those are the people I strive to be like. It isn't always easy, but it's always worth it!



'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' Matthew 6:34.

Be Happy Now

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
Dance as though no one is watching you.
Love as though you have never been hurt before.
Sing as though no one can hear you.
Live as though heaven is on earth.

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we're frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that, we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We'll certainly be happy when they're out of that stage.

We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire. The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Father Alfred D'Souza once said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective helps us to see that there is no external way to happiness.  Happiness is a choice! So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with... and remember that time waits for no one.

So, stop waiting ... until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you're off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until (insert whatever you think is holding you back from being happy here) to decide that...

There is no better time than right now to be happy than today!