Final Blog Reflective

I have been a blogger for a couple of years now. I knew from the beginning that this assignment would challenge me though. Coming up with a new topic to write about everyday was challenging in the beginning. I’m used to blogging once or twice/week. However, the process has been amazing! Thank you for stretching me.

I have journaled and personally reflected on my thoughts for the day for many of the blog topics. I have been real and raw about the way I was feeling and the struggles I was going through. It felt very freeing to get it out. I wrote about dreams of a life in a loft, my heartbreak over sex trafficking, stillness, the respect and admiration I have for a dear friend, and even how Cream of Wheat gives me great memories.

The greatest part of this blog experience is that more and more people have discovered my stories and have been inspired. I have made many wonderful connections. I’ve even had the opportunity to do a live radio interview because of the recognition. Not bad for a homework assignment eh? God is good!

It has allowed me to get creative, step back and analyze certain life situations, keep going even when I didn’t feel like writing. It has caused me to persevere. What I have done to get a grade has been transforming and so much appreciated.

STAND

So, I’ve read through Ephesians 6:10-18 many times. But last week I got a fresh perspective of the “armor” message. The word stand is used four times in this passage.

We are to wear the full armor of God so that we can stand against the devil’s schemes.

We are to wear the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes we can stand our ground.

After we have done everything, we will stillstand.

And we are to stand firm with truth and righteousness.

Ladies and gentleman, are you prepared for the battle? Do you have your checklist ready?

• Belt of truth
• Breastplate of righteousness
• Feet equipped with the gospel of peace
• Shield of faith
• Helmet of salvation
• Sword of the Spirit
• And don’t forget….. PRAYER!

As a warrior, armored and ready, are you sitting or standing?

From Ordinary to Resilient

Ten months ago I met this bamboo plant for the first time. That very same day I met Leah. They both have an interesting story.

Let’s start with “Bamboo”. When the plant made it’s home on the breakfast table in the nook of the Table Rock Freedom Center, it was just an ordinary plant. It was a bit dry, needed some attention, but it had a lot of potential. It was setting in a perfect place for the sunto give it life.

Now there’s Leah. There was an emptiness about her, she needed some attention, but she had so much potential. She was sitting in the perfect place for the son to give her life.

Today I sit back in admiration, both at the flourishing bamboo plant and Leah. God has done a mighty work in both of them. There were days the leaves of the plant turned brown, but she offered it nourishment. There were days Leah wasn’t sure if she had the strength to endure anymore hardships, but through prayer and spiritual nourishment the branches of her trees continued to bloom.

When you walk into the kitchen, “Bamboo” is one the first things you see. It has gotten so tall in the last few months. Itbrings so much color to the room.

When you walk into any room that Leah’s in, you see Jesus in her. You see a beautiful woman who is no longer tied to her addiction. You see life. You see colors. You see love.

The Bamboo plant symbolizes luck and success because of its ability to grow quickly, strength and resilience. I don’t know about the whole “luck” thing. We are creations in Christ Jesus, we don’t need luck. But I completely believe in its resilience and strength – not just in the plant, but in Leah as well.

It is my honor to call her friend. The last ten months of walking by her side and seeing the transformation of Jesus in her fills my heart with joy.

Never forget the potential God has created for you. It’s up to you to go out and get it!

Did You Know?

Today’s History Lesson…

On October 6th, 1893 Nabisco Foods invented Cream of Wheat. Why in the world would I blog about the history of the creation of Cream of Wheat? Follow with me and you will understand.

Here’s what I think of when those words come to mind:

• A smile on my mother’s face when she would get off the midnight shift, walk through the door, and meet me for breakfast. Our kitchen smelled of cinnamon toast and a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat.
• Comfort. It was so soothing on cold mornings to see the steam rolling off the top of the bowl, knowing any moment our bodies would warm up.
• Healing. It could cure a sore throat or a broken heart as a little girl who had just had a bad day.

I don’t eat it as much these days, but there’s never a moment that after seeing it in my mama’s pantry that a smile doesn’t come to my face. I’m 27 years old, but the smile that comes across my face when she puts the lumpy Cream of Wheat and warm cinnamon toast in front of me, I’m five again. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Savor these moments folks. Find comfort in the little things. They won’t always be there.

Can There Be Too Much God?

I can't get these words out of my head, "There is too much God in this place." I sat in conversation with a student recently who had frustration written all over her face. She was telling me how much she missed her children and her life. I tried encouraging her with the fact that in 12 months her children will have a real mother if she will just let God do the work. Then she made the above statement.

I haven't been able to forget about it. I used to think like that. I remember several years ago watching one of my employees read his Bible during break. I shook my head in judgment wondering why he couldn't find anything better to do than keep his nose in that book the whole time. How ridiculous was I? I didn't hesitate to point out the "Bible Thumpers". Today I am one and so proud of it!

My heart aches at the thought of this broken woman thinking there is too much God. There is NEVER enough! I wish I could play the tape back of my last twelve months and just show her where God is. I want to show her that without Him her life is nothing; without Him she won't go anywhere. Without Him she can't truly be a mother. Without Him she will never find happiness.

Once again I find myself grateful that I am no longer in that position. I am so thankful that I let Him in and stopped trying to fight what He was doing in my life. I pray and hope she holds on so she can embrace the same thing. I want her to stick it out so she can find true and complete wholeness. It's out there - I promise!

Stillness & My Massage Experience

An awesome friend gifted me with a one-hour massage. I was excited and nervous at the same time. To be honest, I am very ticklish. The thought of someone touching me feet FREAKED me out! But, I decided I would go for it.

When I saw the massage table for the first time something hit me like a ton of bricks: I HAVE TO TAKE OFF MY CLOTHES! I forgot about that small detail. So, I took a few deep breaths in the bathroom and decided I was boundand determined to enjoy this massage. Abby Lewis carefully directed me in the steps she would be taken, let me know in her smooth, calming voice that we could have talk about whatever topic we wanted to, and that I didn't need to be nervous. Right... I'm lying naked under a blanket, knowing at any moment she will be touching my feet, and there's no need to be nervous. Hmm..

That's where it ends folks! No, no the massage - my worry, stress, ticklish nerves, and ability to focus on anything but the heaven I was in at that present moment. Oh My Goodness! Not only did my feet survive, I was finding myself wondering how she could possible expect me to carry on a conversation. I was trying desperately not to drool!

Needless to say the massage was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Thank you to Abby Lewis of A Breath In Stillness. Contact her today and book your massage.

You Never Know

Nicole Porter, 25, of Branson died Tuesday evening from injuries sustained in a serious car accident on Monday. I was sitting in class yesterday when I heard people telling various stories of the car accident story. I didn't pay much attention until they mentioned Nicole's name. The name sounded so familiar, then I remembered.

I used to work with her. When I matched her name with the face I immediately began to pray for her salvation. Why? The last time I saw Nicole she was roaming around lost in this dark world. The lifestyle choices she was making clearly indicated she wasn't following God's path.

I find myself saddened today, wondering if the opportunity ever presented itself for her to know God. I find myself saddened that she has two small children that no longer have a mother. I find myself grateful that when God pursued me I finally gave into him and stopped living the destructive lifestyle I was living. I am so lucky!

Pray for her family. Pray for her friends. Pray for the future of her children, and that all relish the opportunity to know The Lord.