Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
I know it’s already the 1^st of May and we’re still on April’s WOW… but I hope you are enjoying all there is to know about the virtue of courage, especially at its testing point! Grab your coffee and your Strand of Faith and let’s get back to a couple more definitions for courage and then I’ll share one more real-life example!
There’s another definition; are you ready for this one? “Obstinate”!
Yep, courage can be used for the wrong things. How? I’m so glad you asked. Courage is used for the wrong things and in the wrong way when we turn our strengths into stubbornness against God! It truly takes courage to defy God, to rebel against what we know to be right … and the more we participate in courage in this way, the harder our hearts become!
There was another reference under courageous and it does refer to Joshua a couple of times and I just loved it so I wanted to share it with you: Position of inner man -- the soul, which is the seat of wisdom and knowledge – and conscience and moral character. Joshua‘s life is one of my favorite, and definitely one of courage. He was assigned the task of finishing what God sent Moses to do, the completion of which made Biblical history.
Speaking of tasks that take courage to complete, have you ever tried to do something you were completely afraid to do? Well, the day after arriving here in Cabo, we set off with our adventurous friends down the beach toward the giant rocks that divided our resort from the infamous Lover’s Beach. Now, the highest point of those rocks is approximately 70-80 feet, maybe higher! Now, I don’t mind telling you I have a definite fear of heights and just looking up at the highest point of the rock made my stomach queasy. As I was looking up, and watching the ocean seemingly angry this morning, Rodney declared we would and could do it! And then he added, you can write about it!
Now I am not one who looks for thrills, nor am I one to take risks, per say, but … uh-huh, I said “but,” I am up for challenges and our WOW came into mind. As I began the ascent up each rock behind Rodney and Cheryl, and my honey behind me, my legs were shaking and there were these gigantic butterfly-like feelings in my stomach. I began to hear, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” even to the highest rock!
As we made it to what I thought was the peak, I looked out and over only to realize that in order to get to our destination, we had to go down the other side of what we had just climbed up and go up another mountain of rocks even higher and more dangerous than the first as this set was consistently being sprayed by the waves of the ocean daring to dance with rock climbers!
My heart fell and I began to have visions of going backwards, and not continuing. Talk about discouraging … having climbed all this way only to turn around and not reach the destination? Oops, I forgot who we were with! Rodney told us to stay there and he went ahead to check it out and sort of map out a way to get there. He looked like a gazelle, hopping from one rock to the next, stretching, straining, climbing, reaching … and there was this one set of rocks that were like narrowly hanging that he had to hug and get around and I just knew I couldn’t do it! But within minutes, just like that, he was back. Part of me was hoping he’d say nope, no can do! But, he said, yes, let’s go for it!
And so we began the descent, everything in me shaking worse than a leaf on a windy day, and then we started the ascent, the words of Joshua 1:9 echoing in my soul, granting me courage … until we made it to that one spot I just didn’t know how I was going to get by. I literally felt nauseous, discouraged because courage had gotten me into this mess. But that lasted only momentarily. With Cheryl already past it, and Rodney directly in front of me holding out his hand, my husband behind me promising he had my back, and His promise now reverberating in the seat of my soul, I made it around those rocks, up even further and back down to Lover’s Beach.
To say I felt exhilaration is probably a major understatement. I think it’s more accurate to say that His promise came alive in me again that day. I tied another knot in my strand of faith by believing what He says He will do, He will do!
Take a moment, Coffee Hour friend, and think about a leap of faith and the courage you need to jump … and then … take His hand and jump into His promises that will give you courage, even when you are discouraged!


In His courageous and relentless love,

Evinda

Coffee in Cabo April's WOW

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Welcome to our Coffee from Cabo and more of our WOW! I can’t believe April’s gone … almost. Grab your coffee and your Strand of Faith, and let’s go tie some knots as we learn more about courage in the face of discouragement.
Before I left to come to Cabo, I did do a word study on this word in the Hebrew and Greek concordance and I thought it would be fun and a bit enlightening to share with you a couple of the definitions for this particular context found in our WOW. “Be strong, strengthened; moral strength combined with physical. To be alert physical or mentally in courage; established, steadfastly-minded.”
How many of us are alert physically and mentally enough that when we are in the world we don’t act like the world? How does one find courage to go against the grain without compromising themselves, their faith and their courage? Or how does one find the courage to do what they know they need to do but have struggled to do it? Oh, but this question has plagued me on this trip, truly! In fact, it hit me like a forceful wave in the ocean that pulls at one’s emotions in its hardest hits. See, book signings are a bit of a struggle for me but I have to say this year, it was easier and I think it’s because my focus is now more on/in my calling of helping others in the trenches, and the books were the platform that He used to lead me there. Let me tell you, though, it takes courage to put yourself out there, to invite people to your table to look through the books. But with a little help from my friend, Cheryl, and a whole lot of “Lord, help me’s,” I did better than I ever have at a book signing, and I don’t mean book sales. By the time the afternoon one came around, I was much more confident, and ready to meet more people.
I need to give you this little piece of the puzzle to help you understand why this was courageous, if you will, for me to do what I did: I’m an introvert; in other words, I get my energy from being alone with my God and because I allow Him to pour into me daily, I can pour out. But the more I pour out, the longer I need to sit still and allow Him to pour in. I hope that makes sense. Okay, let’s get back to the afternoon session of the book signing.
As we were finishing setting up, a man stopped by and began talking with me, and out of nowhere asked so why do you write? I was sort of startled by that question and immediately thought, well, do I share my faith? “Courage won and I just said, I write from a place of healing because of an active relationship with my Living God.”
Well, he began to ask me all sorts of theological intellectual questions, and as I rewind the conversation – it was a long one – I realize that with each answer I gave, that prompted another question with a whole host of scriptural addresses. Now, that sort of thing intimidates me just a bit and I didn’t have a problem letting him know that while I’m nowhere versed on all the addresses he had quoted, I was familiar with the context. I also said I had much to learn and study as it relates to the Bible and in my journey, much of what I’m learning has come to life in my life. He then asked me this question: “At what level of spiritual maturity do you write?”
Again, I hesitated, but I know that I know that my God gave me the answer as I pointed to each book: “Well, this one was the first one and so the level of healing experienced when I wrote this one is nowhere near this one,” as I pointed to my latest book. He seemed pleased with that answer, but now there are people starting to come to the table and I need to end the conversation … as politely as I could, but he wasn’t having it! Here’s what he told me: “I’m here to tell you you’re in sin; using your faith to make it big, but I’m here to hold your hand; remember, there’s now therefore no condemnation”! Emphasis on the!!!!
I was stunned… and discouraged, but only for a moment and in that moment God filled me with courage, enough courage to ask him why he would say that and then more courage to reply to him that I was there to not make a name for myself but to offer hope so that others would see the reality of the necessity of our loving God. I also shared with him that the journey I’ve been on has been divinely orchestrated and I couldn’t have dreamt it, let alone created it. Then I invited him to write his email address down and proceeded to tell the others at the table that I would be right with them.
Oh, courage is necessary to push past the discouragement of what others may or may not think of us! Let me share one more example and then I’ll let you go.
It was the day after the book signing and we all were out at the pool and suddenly the whole scene just punched me hard and all I wanted to do was run. It’s not that anyone was doing anything wrong, per say; it’s just that I don’t fit in with the party scene, don’t even want to and yet, I needed to feel like I belonged somewhere! So you know what I did? I got up, told my husband what I was feeling, and got up and left!
My head and heart were a jumbled mess, like seaweed all tangled up, tripping me up so before I blurted something out I didn’t mean or even understand, I needed to go be alone with God, sort of work through all those weeds of thought. Have you ever felt like that, like you just don’t belong where you are currently? It was incredibly discouraging!
I headed to our room and once inside, I couldn’t sit still, so I walked outside our back door onto the sand and toward the beckoning ocean.
Oh, but the sea has a way of singing just the right song at just the right tempo, always different, but doing the same thing: calming me. As I sat there and talked it out with God, wondering why I had such an overwhelming feeling like that of not wanting to be where I was and not fitting in, I realized that I’m getting to understand me better, and my needs, my likes and dislikes and my inner struggle and/or convictions don’t need to change anyone else’s.
I asked Abba to give me courage to stand for my convictions and not get lost in a need to be understood, or in my desire to belong somewhere, somehow with someone. I’m not sure how long I sat there … enjoying the seagulls gliding in for a landing to take a little siesta, right at the ocean’s ebbing, and I thought about the truth that it takes courage to be discouraged, especially when you are still fitting into your new God-given skin!
Yes, Lord, you have commanded me to be strong and of good courage; to not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for You are with me wherever I go! Go ahead; re-write the verse according to this moment of time in your life!
Until tomorrow,

Evinda

Coffee in Cabo Aprils WOW

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

It Takes Courage to be Discouraged!

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be  dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Welcome to our Coffee Hour and our WOW for April! For the next couple of days, we’ll be having our coffee in Cabo and as I write this for you and to you, imagine the sound of crashing waves, one right after the other. There is a seagull flying just out of our view now. The sand is warm between our toes, and all is right in the world in this moment. So before April’s gone, grab your coffee and your Red SOF and let’s go talk about courage.
I actually chose this WOW before I left to come to Cabo and set it aside to begin writing it when I got here, but my interest was truly piqued about this topic from one of my professors who spoke on this subject just last week. He began the class by asking us to shout out one word that described the best characteristic/virtue needed to live a fruitful Christian life … and courage was not up there, not even once! The majority of the virtues given were words all having to do with integrity and faith.
He then went on to share that he felt that courage was the most undervalued virtue in the Christian life. Talk about proving his point in the first few minutes of his lecture! Have you ever thought about it, the fact that it does take courage to live a life of faith-filled fruitfulness? Just two weeks prior, I realized the value of courage as well as the necessity and was able to see that God had indeed given me doses of courage along the journey of writing and ministry, but I don’t think I quite gave it the placement it needs to have in the realm of virtues.
So let me get back to our professor and this lecture on courage. He went on to share a couple of quotes that really tugged on my heart; the first one is by Aristotle: “You will never do anything in this life without courage.” As I rewound the years that had brought me to that night, I could see that courage was a big piece of the puzzle of my life.
Professor Cervantes gave us another quote, only this one by C.S. Lewis: “Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
Don’t you just love those truths?
So these quotes, especially C.S. Lewis’s got me to thinking; uh-oh; that’s dangerous! :) Anyway, if courage is the form of every virtue at its testing point, then that means, for example, when tempted to not be completely honest, it takes courage to defy the temptation and keep your integrity. It takes courage to love someone, especially when they are unlovable. It takes courage to work through fears. I mean think about it; anyone can be happy when things are going right, right? But it takes courage to choose joy when surrounded by trouble; it takes courage to overcome sorrow. But how can it be that it takes courage to be discouraged? Because at the testing point of courage is discouragement!
Here’s the definition he gave for courage: Courage is the capacity to persevere through fear, uncertainty, doubt, disappointment, pain and injustice for the sake of something greater than one’s self.
Isn’t that what God told Joshua in our WOW? And not just once; but three times in His pep talk to Joshua He told him not to be afraid, dismayed, discouraged as He prepared him to take over Moses’ position to lead the Israelites into the promised land … finally!
Oh, what courage it takes to get to our own Promised Land. And while everyone’s Promised Land is different, each of us will need courage to go where He sends us, to let go of what He takes, to give what we didn’t know we had, to trust with abandon the One who tells us: “Have I not commanded you, ______?” (Fill in your name.) “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go, _________.”
Oh, I can hardly wait to share a dose of courage I gained as I worked through a bought of discouragement, and more than once, on this trip to Cabo!
Join me tomorrow for more
Encouraged …

Evinda

We've Got Plenty to Celebrate

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Happy Monday and thanks for joining us for Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power. Grab your coffee and your calendar and let’s talk a minute about some important dates coming up that we would like to include you in!
It’s mind-boggling when I think of how CPM and now Trench Classes United has evolved, and though the journey’s been wrought with twists and turns, it has been filled with so many lessons in the classroom of life. Isn’t that how life is, like a classroom and each day we show up there is something to learn; each day/lesson gives us something new, and sometimes takes something old from us. We have so many things to celebrate.
Last week I was away in Cabo for a book signing and some fun in the sun and even there, lessons peeked around unsuspecting corners, challenges rose, some of which I walked right through, and a couple where the walk looked more like a stumble. Oh, His mercies are new every morning and I know that I know that I am NOTHING without Him and all I want to do is be in His will, not mine. He knows that for He has the inside video of my heart. With that heart, let me share what’s around the corner for CPM and Trench Classes United with this proviso: Without U, there is no US!
July is going to be such an exciting month! We will begin something new and exciting: Trench Classes United will be hosting THREE classes: Transform I & II and How to Love Who You Love. There is so much more I could tell you but I have to wait … until He fully develops the plan/vision!
Another exciting thing happening in July is our five-year anniversary!

We have so much to celebrate and I can hardly wait;
So mark your calendars and save the date.

July 25^th, from 8:30am to 1pm
The invitation is for everyone
We have a Christian Artist, brunch and a workshop too
On how to handle the waves of change that come to me and you
Wouldn’t it be great to flow freely when these waves hit
Instead of panicking, freaking, or having a fit
Yes, change is God’s design to accomplish many things
Come learn to ride the wave of change with an eagle’s wings
So mark your calendar, and invite a friend or two
Remember that to have an US, there has to be a U!
Have a great week, and hopefully Jenn will be back with us to share more of her journey!
Looking forward to celebrations,

Evinda

Faith Filled Fridays From Croley’s Corner of Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

"He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defense; I shall not be moved." Psalm 62:6
Here it is “Faith Filled Friday.” I pray that your week has been filled with a super measure of His joy!! Grab your favorite beverage, journal and let’s see what He asks of us during an unpredictability of circumstances that happen in our lives.
I awoke the other morning singing this song and you may recognize this old spiritual hymn; “In my Christ abiding, I shall not be moved; In His love I'm hiding, I shall not be moved, If I trust Him ever, I shall not be moved; On His word I'm feeding, I shall not be moved; He's the One that's leading, I shall not be moved, He will fail me never, I shall not be moved, just like a tree planted by the waters I shall not be moved.”
This song certainly seeded in my heart ….. And I asked myself this question why am I singing this particular song? Of all the songs I could sing, why this one?
I suppose if I were struggling with something maybe that would make sense…although I’m praying on behalf of several people. I’m praying that there will be joy and victories to their circumstances as they face various giants in their lives.
We’re all vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy, and no matter how big or small our circumstance may seem, God is able to move us into His camp of victory!!
In all circumstances the Spirit of God produces joy, so there should not be any time when we're not rejoicing in some way. However change, confusion, trials, attacks, unmet desires, conflict, and strained relationships can throw us off balance and can rob us of our joy if we're not careful. Joy is part of the fruit of a Spirit-controlled life. Galatians 5:22. We are to rejoice always as found in Philippians 4:4 and in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 say’s rejoice always, and not just when you feel like it.
Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation“John 16:33, yet in Jesus we may have peace and overcome the world. The apostle James encourages us in James 1:2-3, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." God has His own profound purpose in our afflictions, but it's never to take away our joy. To maintain our joy we must adopt God's standpoint regarding our trials. When we yield to the working of His Spirit in our lives, our difficulties will not overwhelm us.
Search the scriptures that I’ve shared; mark them in your Bible so you can reference them during any time you may be going through circumstances, afflictions or difficulties in your life.
Prevails: Isaiah 42:13-Triumphs: Psalm 92:4-Conquers: Romans 8:31-37- Exceedingly and Abundantly: Ephesians 3:20
Above ALL things…ALL strategies of the enemy…ALL circumstances…. Understand this: nothing gets past our Heavenly Father. He is solely aware of everything in our lives...therefore ….I will sing this song with great joy…”I shall not be, I shall not be moved!!!”
I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Psalm 16:8.
Thank you for stopping by today “Faith Filled Friday” have a joyful weekend till next week.
Deb

Seven Sacrifices to Joy

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Happy day to you, Coffee Hour Friend! I’m so glad there is you to have coffee with and explore all the ways communication is a sacrifice. Grab your coffee and your red Strand of Faith, and let’s get started.
So as I was wrapping up our last coffee hour about Adam and Eve and reiterating that despite the original sin, God still chose to pursue them, the light bulb went off as far as communication/fellowship becoming a sacrifice and how it does become a sacrifice … all because of the first sacrifice on the part of God who desired fellowship/communication with us! Even after the first sin! He desired communication with us so much that He sacrificed His only Son to be our mediator, to keep the fellowship/communication going. [1^ST Corinthians 1:9; 9:23]
When I visualize Adam and Eve running … from God, I can’t help but wonder what was going on inside his head? Had he and Eve talked about their sin? One thing is obvious; Adam was definitely inside his head when it came to even thinking about staying in communication with God! This is another thing that interferes with healthy communication.
How many times do we stay inside our heads and think all kinds of things that turn out to actually be so far from the truth that they appear to be from another planet? That is not communication; in fact, staying in our heads hinders communication because we begin to project what’s inside our head out onto the one(s) involved. Oh, how I’ve been guilty of this dancing in my head … also known as mind-chasing!
A lack of communication breaks fellowship while good communication creates unity. So what’s a good example we can talk about? Ah-ha, let’s use marriage, because that is the greatest communicator builder … or destroyer, depending on us!
I know the more my husband and I communicate, the more connected I feel; the less we communicate, the less emotionally connected I feel. Kind of like a cord plugged into the wall, but not plugged in all the way. And we as women, if we’re not feeling connected, the last thing we want to do is plug in … intimately, if you know what I mean. If faith is to Christianity what Google is to the computer, then communication is the glue for any relationship. In fact, when there is healthy and clear communication, it can be like Super Glue; a little dab will do ya! I keep hearing argument and the word ouch, so I’m going to use a simple example to hopefully paint a clear verbal picture to help us get better in/with communication.
So I’ve mentioned my son and his family moved to Austin, Texas last August – yikes, almost a year ago! Anyway, I have overcome my Skype phobia and have become a fan … actually I’m a bigger fan of Google Hangouts – thank you Jennifer! Well, we had set up our Skype time, and so my visit began. If you’ve ever Skyped with someone, you know that it’s a bit like being on another planet. There is this deeeeeeee-laaaaaaay that makes you have to stop and think, what did they just say? And lip reading becomes a new skill, but the fact is, there they are, on the screen and trust me when I say, I kiss the screen when I see my two grandchildren. I get so excited when I see all their faces … hear their voices, so much so that I work thru the blurry screen that tends to distort their images if they don’t have it just right, and the long drawn-out one syllable words because of the web-space the words travel! Anyway, it’s a great experience and it’s getting better with each space visit.
So my daughter-in-love was beside my grandkids and she kept bringing their attention back to the screen and to Nana. They seemed a bit distracted and just about the time I thought we’d be getting into a fun topic to talk about, something would take their focus. It wasn’t until I started asking my son a couple of questions, and my daughter-in-love revealing that he was playing video games on their screen T.V., that I realized why my favorite little ones couldn’t focus. To make that fifteen-minute conversation short, after I gave kisses and lots of love, I hung up and proceeded to process a truth: My son had distracted the kids while I was on the phone with them. Now, to some of you, that may not be a big deal, but to me it was and the more I thought about it, the more irritated I got. So I stopped thinking about it until my quiet time the next morning.
In my quiet time, I realized first of all that my son had stepped on my emotional foot. Why, or how? I am still struggling with them being gone; that’s my issue, not theirs! When I get to talk to them, I want them all in, as much as possible. That’s my need, not theirs! Second of all, he didn’t realize he had stepped on my foot but to avoid hurting our relationship by me keeping it in, I decided I needed to tell him. So I texted him and asked if we could talk later, to which he responded with a time.
Well fifteen minutes before that time, he called – now that was awesome because he’s rarely on time! He’s like his mom in that we push the clock! Anyway, let me repeat the conversation verbatim so you get the picture of when someone steps on your emotional foot, you say ouch and here’s how: “So I need to tell you that you sort of stepped on my foot yesterday and I’d like to explain how because I know you probably aren’t even aware that you did.” My tone was gentle and calm, by the way. VERY IMPORTANT!
“Okaaaaay,” he replied, curiously.
“I look so forward to Skyping with the kids, especially since I still haven’t gotten used to you being in another state.” (I owned my own feeling) I continued. "So when I am talking with them, I don’t want to compete with video games; I want to connect with them as much as possible but when you are playing video games on the big screen T.V. in the same room that we are trying to have a conversation, it’s incredibly distracting for them, and it’s not fair to me.”
I went on to affirm my daughter-in-love’s attempts to bring their focus back to their Nana.
His apology was immediate and I continued:
“So I just wanted to let you know, you stepped on my foot and it hurt, but I know you didn’t mean to.”
“Mom, I am so sorry, and you know what? You are right; I had no idea. But now it’s making sense because I remember hearing Lauren say to the kids, ‘pay attention,’ but I wasn’t paying attention.”
We both giggled.
“And if you hadn’t brought this to my attention, I would have done it again. I didn’t even think about it.”
We talked for a few more minutes and I have to be honest, considering how much we’ve both grown over the last ten years, that conversation that I just replayed for you was the proof of that growth and the reward at the same time. I don’t know who was more relieved and amazed at the way we each handled it, him or me; all I know is the payoff was a heck of a lot more rewarding than if I had just assumed he knew he stepped on my foot and hadn’t owned my own need!
So when someone steps on your emotional foot, step back before you jump forward … and be honest enough to own what’s yours, including feelings more likely than not are inaccurate!
Join us tomorrow for Faith Filled Fridays, and next week, we will put this series on hold so we can do our April WOW, and have Coffee in Cabo!
Love,

Evinda

Seven Sacrifices to Joy

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Thanks for stopping by for more of our Seven Sacrifices to Joy series. I had no idea each one would be so in-depth! Oh, sometimes I do wish I could be more surface-like, and not go so deep, and then again, the deeper we go, the less mysterious the ways of God will be for/to us and the less deceived we will live this life while waiting for the next! Grab your coffee and your Red Strand of Faith and let’s go finish this Sacrifice of Communication, which we could literally spend weeks and months on …. But we won’t! :)
So we talked about the difference between being angry at or with someone, and how that affects communication which inevitably affects relationships. We’ve also talked about how feelings can hinder or harm communication if we are controlled by them.
Now let’s talk about something else that has everything to do with communication. Do you have a hard time looking at yourself from the inside out? I’m sure you’re scratching your head, or not, wondering why I’m asking you that question. Well, because many of us have a hard time seeing ourselves as Jesus sees us – and let’s face it, many of us don’t even think about it because it’s just too hard for too many reasons, I thought it would be a great eye-opener to take this little detour!
Come with me back to the Garden where we see this truth of longing for communication/relationship explicitly played out with Adam, and Eve, and God. Adam, and Eve, both have just eaten from the forbidden tree, the Tree of Knowledge (of good and evil) and immediately they recognize that they are naked. The crazy thing is in just a few verses before the first sin [Genesis 2:25], this “nakedness” translates to without shame; in other words they have a beautifully vulnerable relationship with each other and with God. But later, in Genesis 3:7, now their nakedness translates to “with shame” because their eyes have been opened, so he begins to cover himself and Eve up with fig leaves. The vulnerability has disappeared and in its place is shame!
I can hear you asking, what in the world does this have to do with communication which is actually fellowship? Hold on, because I’m about to explain!
Have you ever busted someone in the act of doing something they shouldn’t be doing? Or do you remember being a child and getting caught doing something you just knew you weren’t supposed to do? Do you remember experiencing a bit of fear when the one who caught you caught you and called you on it? Well, imagine that emotion on steroids! :)
In Genesis 3:8, we learn that despite them, God is looking for them but as soon as Adam and Eve heard God, they ran, as if to hide, among the trees in the Garden. Kind of crazy when we think about it; to take refuge in what got you in trouble in the first place! Why did they hide? Because of their shame; that’s why.
Then God calls out, “Where are you?” Now, personally, I know He knew where they were; that was an indication that the invitation for fellowship was still valid! In other words, we see the beautiful picture of God seeking fellowship/communication by communicating His unconditional love! I don’t know about you, but every time I get that visual them running for cover and God pursuing them, it just gives me the chills while warming my heart at the same time.
See, haven’t we run from God after doing something stupid, or missing the mark? If He pursued Adam/Eve right after the original sin, then know that He pursues you and me! He sees us from the inside out and longs for communication/fellowship with us. He wants it; He doesn’t need it! He proved it by paying the ultimate sacrifice! God was the first example of the sacrifice of communication!
Now, that’s initiation for some beautiful communication!
Grateful for fellowship,

Evinda

Seven Sacrifices to Joy

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Oh, it’s great to communicate with you via this blog and our Coffee Hour! I’m so glad you took time out of your busy day to join me! Grab your coffee and your red Strand of Faith and let’s get back to this Sacrifice of Communication.
I remember when I was in my 20s and early 30s, if I wasn’t being what I deemed good enough, I didn’t show up to shut up … to be still and share my heart with Him. Why is that? My faith was based upon my feelings and as I’ve shared before, if I didn’t “feel” like I had been good enough, or if I didn’t “feel” connected, then that drove my faith car. Those darned feelings robbed my faith more times than I care to remember, and yet, I think it’s so important that I remember so I’m able to share with others in the hopes that they would be encouraged to not let their feelings deter them from true communication with the Author of Relationships, the Greatest Communicator of all time. Letting feelings drive our car often turns communication upside down!
Just the other day, a trench class student called me and she was sharing with me how she was feeling disconnected. My heart stopped, waiting for her to continue, praying that in that feeling of disconnect, she hadn’t bought into the enemy’s lies. She went on to say that she couldn’t wait to get to church, to rid herself of that feeling. But after church, while it had subsided some, it still plagued her.
She went to dinner with her family, and after that, she communicated her need to spend some time with God, to go to her quiet place and do some Transform homework and push through that feeling of disconnect! She showed up even though she didn’t feel connected! This was a huge victory for her because in the past, she often allowed her feelings to take her down the wrong path. I was so incredibly proud of her and reminded her that feelings aren’t right or wrong; they just are … so we can’t let them drive our emotional car.
If we shut down, we’ll push away! Oftentimes, we stay away from God when we feel we are not good enough, or maybe we’ve done something we shouldn’t have done. And when we do communicate with Him it’s more of a long distance call with a promise to be better and do better and we let our own guilt build a wall instead of a bridge that He put in place when He died to communicate with each of us. When you communicate with God, is it a long distance call?
I hear another question echoing in the hallway of my heart: Are you angry with/at God? Unresolved anger with/at God will definitely affect the distance of the call you place to Him! This question could literally become a whole other series, but to avoid detouring, take some time to think about this question with this understanding in mind: when we are angry with Him, this denotes some understanding of Him and some type of relationship with Him. If we are angry at Him, this indicates we have been away and are already at a distance from Him. Let me put it more simply: “at” signifies a distance; “with” implies close-up.
So let’s put this principle in context with all of our relationships: In other words if we have distanced ourselves from someone and are not in consistent communication with them, then when something happens that we don’t understand or agree with, we become angry at them. But to be angry with someone, the assumption is that there is a connection of trust.
Could communication be a bridge to trust?
To trust someone means we are vulnerable, knowing when all the dust clears from a conflict, there is still a secure connection. In other words, they could be angry with me and still love me!
The longer we stay away from Him, the harder it is to communicate with Him … or anyone. The greatest difference is He will always be there while others may get tired of waiting. Challenge yourself today, Coffee Hour Friend, to communicate with Him, even if you “feel” distanced. Write Him a letter and then dare to read it aloud. Share your frustrations, your sorrows, your fears. The more you communicate with the Great Communicator, the less distance between you and Him!
Until tomorrow,

Evinda


P.S. Would you say a prayer for me today as I’ll be doing two book signings! Pray for many divine appointments and many opportunities to get these books into the hands and hearts of many!

Something to Celebrate

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Welcome to our Monday's Coffee Hour! Jenn's computer is on the fritz so we thought we'd use this day to share some exciting news with you!
Grab your coffee and come on in!
I am blown away at how God moves, His timing, His ability to take
nothing and turn it into something, which is exactly what He has done and continues to do with CPM and Trench Classes United. Almost five years ago, after completing my first book, purchasing a URL and paying for a website, I was told I needed to blog. I was stunned into
frustration! All I wanted was to write a book and get published. Oh,
if you could have been on my run the day He and I had this little
argument. Anyway, to make a long story short, and to give Him the
glory He so deserves, let me give you a brief chronological history of
this ministry that began with a book:

From a book to a blog, from a blog series entitled Loving the
Unlovable came requests to teach how to do what I had written about
(you know who you are and I hope you see how God used you!) in which
70+ people came! From one workshop came a dba, more workshops, and
then up the mountain to a non-profit corporation, hosting eight to
ten-week trench classes which help trenchers thrive IN life and love
and OUT of wounds, weaknesses and worries!

As I look back and see how despite me He used me, I can't help but
want to celebrate and give Him the glory He so deserves for making
something out of nothing, as He continues to take this ministry out to
places without borders all the while refining all of us who are
helping others thrive in life and love.

So it is with great joy that I say: Save the date, because you're all
invited to a huge celebration !




Love and laughter,

Evinda

Faith Filled Fridays From Croley’s Corner of Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Thank you for joining me today for Faith Filled Fridays. Grab your favorite beverage, a pen and journal and let’s get started.
Recently I’ve had many ask me what I thought about waiting! For many of us, we’ve at some time or another gone through a time of waiting … waiting for answers to our prayers. And for some of us, we wonder why we have to wait so long for things to happen and other times, well, don’t we get tired of waiting and resign ourselves to the fact that maybe He’s not listening since His answer isn’t coming fast enough?
We certainly are a society that does not like to wait…period! And why should we? We can Google questions rather than wait for an answer; we can order clothes on line rather than suffer waiting in a weekend line at a retail store. Think about it for a minute and ask yourself, do you like to wait? The answer for most of us is a definite NO!!! We don’t like waiting at the doctor’s office… at the bank, and especially waiting in line at the drive-thru. Speaking of getting through a drive-thru …
Awhile back I had a couple of my grandchildren with me, they informed me that they were getting hungry so I suggested going to our favorite eating place. When we turned the corner, to our surprise, a line filled with cars was wrapped around the building and all I could hear was a huge gasping sigh followed by:”We’ll never get to eat now!” I quickly replied, “Don’t get frustrated. We can drive to another location that maybe isn’t so busy” … I paused and added a however; “we’re not guaranteed it won’t be just as busy.” I’m not sure if it was impatience or hunger, but they thought for a brief moment and asked, “Can we go inside?” My response was, “Sure.”
As we entered, we saw immediately that the inside was as busy as the outside! again they looked up at me with a look of urgency…they were hungry! I explained to them this shouldn’t take long… really, and if they waited patiently without complaining they could enjoy an ice cream for dessert.
They were happy with the thought of a sweet reward, so they suffered through the wait.
Bringing this into a spiritual perspective, we too can find ourselves in a position where we’ve asked for something from God and as we begin to turn the corner in our journey as believers, we suddenly see ahead that things are just not moving as fast as we were hoping and we have to wait. And sometimes in our waiting we become exasperated…impatient...always asking...”What’s up with the wait?” Waiting can certainly feel like we can’t see the end from the beginning.
We are a people of hurry up and getter done, not thinking about the consequences of our impatient- ness. God doesn’t operate any faster in this century than He did in the first. And so while we rush ourselves, we can’t rush God. In fact, much of life is spent waiting. When it seems nothing is happening, we need to trust that is when everything is happening … behind the scenes. We just can’t see it….at least not yet!
In the waiting we forget that we’re not the only ones that God is dealing with. We must remember that He may be dealing with other people, situations and/or circumstances. And to be impatient and demanding can sometimes cause us to act out of and therefore change the outcome of God’s will for our lives and maybe the lives of others, as well.
While our natural nature is to hate waiting, this period of uncertainty can be a time of great personal growth. We must recognize that God is in control, even when it seems He has forgotten us.
Had my grandchildren demanded to go somewhere else, well, the reward would not have been half as sweet! They endured in the wait, even in the simplest way! Our lives may not be as simple as choosing a place to eat; however, it’s just as important to know that waiting on Him brings blessings and rewards to us all!
Don’t grow restless in the waiting. God brought favor to Hannah after years of praying for a son...in her waiting… Moses spent forty years tending sheep before God called him as a deliverer of His people; God had to deal with Pharaoh’s hard heart...in the waiting. Remember He may be working with the will of others….in your waiting!
What are you doing while you are waiting? Are you doubting or worshipping? Are you complaining or praying?
Keep your heart full of hope...in the waiting!
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Thanks for stopping by Faith Filled Friday’s and remember to keep Him close to your heart...while in the waiting.
Love,

Deb

Seven Sacrifices of Joy

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Oh, happy day to you! Thanks for joining me for more of this series on our search for joy! Grab your coffee and your Red SOF (Strand of Faith) and come on in. We’ve got some knots to tie in our SOF so let’s get back to a great communicator who shares his gift of communication, koinonia!
We have been given another great example of someone who valued communication; he was actually an amazing communicator and spoke not only from his knowledge, which he was rich in, but his heart! He could have “coined” koinonia and koinonio for as much as he spoke about it and lived it. Can you guess who I’m talking about? Give up?
Paul! Koinonia was his favorite subject and one of the things he talked about the most in the letters he penned during some of his most difficult times, times where all he had was the gift of communication. Oh, what a great example of Romans 8:28, using Paul’s incarcerations to His glory and our benefit!
In 1^st Corinthians 1:9 Paul reminds us that God is the one who has called us into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. I don’t know about you, but oftentimes, it is hard for me to allow that truth to sink in, that God desires koinonio with the likes of me, but He does! He chose to communicate with us before we ever chose Him, and He proves it by pursuing us relentlessly. Romans 8:1 keeps coming to mind where Paul shares with struggling Christians who wrestle with not feeling good enough: He says that there is now no condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus. Now, I don’t know about you, but in my first years as a Christian, if I felt I wasn’t behaving appropriately, or felt like I wasn’t measuring up, I usually stayed away until I had earned my way back. Have you ever felt like you shouldn’t show up until you cleaned up?
Coffee Hour friend, can I share with you how wonderful it is to truly understand these words of “no condemnation”? See, no condemnation is a three-prong promise that keeps the line of communication open: This means He’s not angry with us; He will not reject us, and He’s not going to punish us – despite us thinking that He’s a cause and effect kind of God. But – yes, there’s a “but” -- :) we must allow His Spirit to guide us and not our flesh to overtake us. Here’s another way to sort of simplify the whole no condemnation and living by the Spirit concept: I can’t; He can; here’s how!
Show up daily to communicate with Him. If that sounds really foreign to you, begin with just ten minutes … a tithe of your day. Start by thanking Him for at least three things that often we take for granted. Trust me when I say that when you make this a habit, three will turn into four, five, six … Maybe listen to one or two worship songs to soften your heart and align your focus. After you thank Him, mentally press the rewind on the events of the day before and be still, seeking to understand if there was an attitude, an action or anything that was out of line, missing the mark. He will be faithful to reveal so you can then ask Him to forgive and to heal you.
See when we acknowledge it, we will be more aware of it. When we become more aware of where/how we miss the mark, then we can avoid the detours that take us there to where we shouldn’t be.
This ten minutes you take to give Him will wake up His Spirit within you, helping you to be guided by His Spirit and not overcome by your flesh.
It takes thirty days to make a habit and only one day to break it! This is a Sacrifice of Communication!
Join me tomorrow for Debbie’s Faith Filled Fridays. ..
Love,

Evinda

Seven Sacrifices to Joy

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

I so enjoy our coffee hours and am so thankful that there is you to share this information with. Having coffee with you and sharing from my heart to yours really does help me to process it more deeply, so as to plant it in my heart and thereafter, allow it to bear fruit in my life. That’s my prayer for you, too; that what we learn in our search for joy will encourage you to keep going. I am discovering that while there is joy at every corner, there are things you must go through to get there! Grab your coffee and your Red SOF and let’s get back to our digging for understanding about this word communication.
Oh, how I’m beginning to realize how important communication is to God, that He created this tool as a gift for us and to use with us! In fact, as I sit here thinking about this, I think His greatest form of communication to us, for us, and with us is His love letters, His instructions and promises throughout the New York’s Best Seller – oh, the world’s Best Seller, the Bible! It is full of how-to’s for successful communication, what not to do in order to protect communication; it’s for the husband, the wife, the mother and/or father, the sibling, the relative, the boyfriend and the girlfriend, and even the friend. His instructions for communication are for everyone! He leaves no one out!
As I was going over what we talked about in our last coffee hour, my deep-seeded curiosity wanted to know, what does the root word of “koinoneo” and “koinonia” mean? Where did it come from? Whew, put your seat belts on, because here we go!
I just knew it; those two are incredibly closely related and I’m thinking you can’t have one without the other. The prefix of both words will explain what I mean:
The Greek root “koin” has a base meaning of “common,” out of which a number of facets of meaning sparkle. For example, in the Apocrypha, written and produced during the two centuries between the Old and New Testament, the Greek root “koin” was used to express ideas such as friendship and table fellowship. Interesting … could this be why we usually fellowship with food? And isn’t some of our best communication around the dinner table?
“Koin” was also often used to describe the sense of bonding and closeness which the members of social, religious, and philosophical organizations shared with one another. See, God did intend for us to learn the dos and don’ts of communication and I believe the one He used the most to emphasize the importance of communication is Paul. I say is, even though Paul is no more, because the Word is alive and active, useful for teaching from generation to generation. Oh, I so get off on a tangent about how the Word comes to life but I won’t – well, let me just say this one thing: If you read Psalm 15 today, and a year from now read it again, I can guarantee you that it will speak something different to your soul compared to the first time you read it. His Word is alive and active!
See, I think that our Keynote Speaker is God, our Father, who passed the torch, or microphone to His Son, Jesus, who became not only the Keynote Speaker, but our Mediator, Who then spoke through the likes of the apostles, disciples and prophets and Who is still speaking to us through these guest speakers of the Bible today. See, our Keynote Speaker understands the value of communication because He came to earth in human form and he relied on constant communication with His Father to see His purpose for coming to earth through.
Why do we make communication a mountain that we don’t climb or the elephant we choose to walk around or a switch we never turn on? The number one reason there are so many divorces is because of a lack of communication. I’m thinking that a lack of communication leaves all kinds of room for misinterpretation and misinterpretation partners with pride and leaves little room for clarification! Hmmm, I’m just thinking out loud.
What do you believe the sacrifice of communication is? Join me for more of the Sacrifice of Communication tomorrow!
All ears …

Evinda

Seven Sacrifices to Joy

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Happy day to you! It’s so good to have you to write for and to share all these beautiful facets of joy. I’ve been thinking that this will definitely be a series in my next book in the Destination? Joyful! ™ series, A Cup of Joy for the Day! Grab your coffee and your Red Strand of Faith and let’s get to the third sacrifice, communication!
As I wrote that word, I did a mental uh-oh, something tells me we may be on this one for a while as well, but, hey, that’s okay. There’s no law that says we have to get through a series in a New York minute, right? Let’s enjoy the ride.
So before we get to the actual sacrifice of communication and why it is deemed one of the Seven Sacrifices to Joy, let’s go and explore the word “communicate.” Now this word, and all its forms, shows up in the Promises of God, the instructions by God, and the Love Letters from God a total of 14 times and that’s significant enough to be a bit intriguing to me. So before I go on to the actual “sacrifice” of communication, I want to research this word a little bit. Why? Well, because as I look at the Greek Concordance under communicate, communicated and communication, beside each context is a different number which means a slightly different meaning so my curiosity is getting the best of me.
So many of us don’t like this subject; in fact, many shirk away from it which is usually because of a lack of understanding and/or a bad experience with it, but please, stay with me and let’s have some fun with this word. Who knows, it may stir up our joy and make the actual “sacrifice of communication” a bit easier to process.
Okay, so I got the chills because this Greek translation sounds like a word I’ve heard in the church for quite some time, especially Calvary Chapels: “koinoneo,” pronounced “koy-no-neh-o,” and means to share with others, to distribute, to be partakers! Look at that word again because if I were to swap that last “eo” for an “ia,” which is the word I hear so often with Calvary Chapel, the translation would mean fellowship, communion, distribution and contribution!
In English, that says communication is a two-way street with giving and receiving involved!
Have you ever participated in a conversation where one person was doing all the talking and pretty soon your ears were just overflowing and needing a break because the person was talking non-stop, and usually about themselves, and offering no break for you to distribute or contribute to the conversation? Well, that is not true “koinoneo”!
True communication does however require that I wait to speak until I truly understand what the other person is trying to say. Oftentimes, that may require me to have to ask questions along the way to understand their perception, their point of view, and that’s okay. Here’s the key: truly listening to the other person does not mean that you agree with him. That reminds me of something that happened while sitting down in the airport a couple of months ago waiting to be called to board the plane to Austin, Texas. It was an incredibly awkward but insightful moment involving this young couple that I couldn’t help but overhear. I really wasn’t intentionally eaves dropping! :) Their tones revealed that they were in the midst of a “moment” and several times I heard her say: “I just need you to understand my perspective”; and “I just want you to look at it from my point of view.” She must have pleaded this request in all its possible ways – at least seven times – and the guy was growing increasingly frustrated but remaining pretty calm.
Do you know how hard it was for me to sit there, drink my water and eat my bag of Chex mix – my lunch since the lines for any and all nutritious foods were almost out to the entrance of security—and not say a word? I wanted so very badly to lean into the young guy, whom I was sitting right next to because of there being more people than seats, and just whisper, “It is really okay to give yourself permission to see it from her perspective. It doesn’t mean you agree; but oh the value you will give to her and the quicker you will resolve your apparent conflict.” When we validate, there’s room to negotiate!
True listening doesn’t require that you agree but it is part of good communication! And the more we listen, the more we learn.
A very good friend and fellow board member calls this, with a sweet smile on his face, the big ears/little lips syndrome! God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason: He wanted us to truly embrace, endure and enjoy koinoneo!
Paul speaks about this very thing in Galatians 6:6: Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. We can’t learn if we’re not listening, and we don’t have to limit this to being taught the word, but the principle is the same and we see that true koinoneo in the “share in all good things.”
Join me tomorrow for more diamonds behind communication that will illuminate in our understanding of a Sacrifice of Communication.
Listening …
Evinda

Jenn's Journey from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Yay! It's Monday again...time for a few moments to have coffee together while reflecting on some thought-provoking things.
A week ago we celebrated Easter, the event which changed human history forever. Jesus, brutally killed because of the hatred of mankind, came back to life as He said He would. He did this so that we would have hope, hope that this is not all there is. Life on earth brings us many things: struggles and difficulties, even joy. Jesus died so that in the midst of all we experience, a relationship with Him will help us live abundantly here on earth while we wait for Him to come back to get us.
Remember when Mary and the other women went to the tomb early Sunday morning to embalm Jesus’ body? Of course, they did not find Him there. What they found were two men in bright clothing who said to them "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:5) I was sitting in church, listening to a sermon and this verse literally jumped out at me.
We as people will look to anything to fill the void and make us feel alive, won't we? Food, sex, career, exercise, spending money, relationships, entertainment; oh, we know the list could go on but I think you get my drift.
Isn't it also true that often, once we get something on that list, we still feel empty? I'd like to challenge you to think on the verse above and wonder with me...Why are WE looking for the living among the dead?
I am not suggesting that any of the things above are bad in and of themselves; they can certainly bring us temporary happiness. But, if they are the only things we use to fill our emptiness, then we will remain empty. We will keep repeating the same actions, hoping for different results. You've probably heard this is the definition of insanity!! Just a touch of humor. :) Looking to people, places or things to fulfill our lives will keep us stuck in places we don't want to be along with practicing habits we long to let go of.
In order to truly live, we need to be connected to a Source that is higher than us. That Source fills us with the comfort, the connection and the energy we need to live, to get up and over the circumstances we find ourselves in. Once we are filled in that way, we can go out to enjoy all the other aspects of life, including sharing what He has done with others.
Last week I referenced letting Him into your story so that He can make something beautiful of it. The fact that He died, and lives again, means He can do just that. Let His light into those lonely, disconnected places and see what He'll do!! Don't search among the dead... start living...in the way that only He can offer!
Until next week, be blessed

Faith Filled Fridays From Croley’s Corner of Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18.
I’m thankful that you have joined me these last several weeks in “A call to Sow.” My prayer has been that as you’ve read each week’s blog, you gained new insight. We know that God’s Word can be read over and over again and we always find something that speaks into our lives, His Word never grows old! Grab your favorite drink, and don’t forget your journal in hopes that your heart will be ready to reap what He has planted in you…. a seed of promise. Genesis 17 -22 
When you see or hear the word “promise” what comes to mind? I know in my life promises have been made and kept and some promises, well….some certainly fall short of their assurances to me.
We read throughout history, God has been making "very great and precious promises" 2 Peter 1:4. I have always loved in God’s Word; The Seed Promise, of Abraham and Sarah being promised at 90: you’re going to have a child… and what a promise! Indeed, nothing’s too hard for God. It was part of God’s plan; "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” That seed promise was in Isaac. (Gen 22:18)
We also read in Genesis 22 that Abraham’s faith was deep-rooted in the promises of God.
Writing this last blog for this series, I had many thoughts that ran through my head yet I continued to come back to what I call “My promise,” my heart was moved to a time in my life where I too felt like Abraham in a spiritual sense. It was during this time that I felt life wasn’t fair and I reminded God of all the seeds planted in our years of ministry. Nevertheless I knew I had to release my selfish will and trust what He was doing was going to be far-reaching and far better than I ever imagined.
In 2004 our daughter and husband announced they were expecting their first child! What joy and excitement filled our hearts as doctors had told her in years past that she would never have children, yet by God’s plan she DID!!  Just before her 3rd trimester she went into labor. During this time, many, including myself, were praying over our daughter that this precious baby would live and not die. Let me tell you, my human heart pleaded one way because it was so broken and overwhelmed…yet my spiritual heart implored His will, even though I knew the outcome would mean total trust in Him, and soon our grandson, Josiah was born. 
His life here on earth was but for a few short moments yet at that instant God knew the effect this “faith seed” would accomplish for His Kingdom.
When we plant a garden, it’s by our faith in that seed that we believe what was planted will grow and produce. We can never see the visual effects as it’s germinating until that seed begins to grow.
God knew Abraham’s faith long before Isaac was born. When we follow the plans…procedures…the strategies of planting an earthly garden...we are promised a bountiful harvest. When we follow the plans that God has laid out for our lives, we will see a bountiful harvest...spiritually!
God can and often does work through ways that appear unlikely from a human perspective.  Abraham’s faith was tried, as ours was that day. The story doesn’t end in sorrow. Soon after God saw fit for our daughter and husband to adopt two beautiful children, Abbagail and Ricky; we call them another “seed of faith”.
 Had Abraham given into his flesh, God’s promises through Isaac would have not been fulfilled. We must trust that when it’s the right time to break up fallow ground -- when to plant, water, fertilize, and tend with tender care, and then wait until we see the seed of faith produce, -- soon a great bountiful fruitful harvest will be yielded.
We don’t always see what the seed is doing in the darkest depth of the ground yet in His word we are told by Paul, “And being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Romans 4:21
Continue to sow into others; you may never see the fruit of your “seed planting” nonetheless that doesn’t mean that God’s not at work.  It’s in the unseen things we must trust and be faithful to...”A call to sow”.
Be blessed…and remember keep Him close to your heart!
Love,
 Debbie

Seven Sacrifices to Joy

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Happy Day to you! It’s a great time to meet for coffee and wrap up this sacrifice of righteousness by looking at the cost as we make our way to Destination? Joyful! ™ via the HIGHway! Grab your coffee and come on in.
So I left off with a question of being able to agree to disagree for the greater good. I wish I could say it was easy for me; in fact, sometimes it feels so foreign, but I am learning that the better thing to do, for so many reasons and on so many levels, is to resist evil by walking away after being emotionally/verbally slapped. See, when we agree to disagree, in love, this leaves less clean-up that God has to do! After all, those that we disagree with are His workmanship, not ours! Remember what Romans 12:18 says: If it is possible, as much as is possible with you live peaceably with others.
So let’s put our name in there wherever applicable and the name of someone unlovable in your life. If it is possible, ______, as much as is possible with you, ________, live peaceably with ________! Wow, talk about a splash of perspective and the awesome thing is we don’t have to do it alone! His Spirit will equip and enjoin in our efforts!
But, oh, the cost … so simple and complicated at the same time: Our pride!
Pride is rooted in a feeling that you are more important or better than other people!
Yikes, I don’t know about you, but when I read that part of the definition, I want to run so far and fast from pride that I never run into it again. Unfortunately, because it is a part of my flesh, I know this cost will be an ongoing sacrifice!
See, doing right is more complicated than just behaving ourselves: it is going out of our way to do the right thing, in other words, taking a detour from our own flesh! The reward of joy makes the cost all the more worth it!
But how do we do that? I mean, when you look at the word P R I D E, what’s smack in the middle? I, I, I, I, I!
How hard is it to push pride aside and let peace reside? It’s a matter of focus! Where is your focus? If our focus remains on what was done to us by whom it was done, pride can’t get pushed to the side. But if our focus turns even just a little bit towards the One who died for our pride, pride begins to loosen its grip upon our hearts. Ask yourself this question: Is what I’m hanging on to of any eternal value? If it’s something that won’t be condoned in heaven, then leave it in the world! He tells us in 1^st John 2:15 that if we hang on to anything in this world, we become like the world and the more like the world we become, the less room there is to love our Heavenly Father.
Anytime I think of offering up a sacrifice of righteousness, someone else is always involved! In other words, any of our relationships will require us, and often daily, to offer up a Sacrifice of Righteousness and the price tag is our pride.
Another cost in offering up a Sacrifice of Righteousness is time! How many of us are so busy doing we don’t know how to be? Ouch, I just poked at my own heart! :) Let me get right to a conviction I struggle with: The Sabbath. How many of us make the time to take the time to celebrate – yes, I said celebrate – the Sabbath?  Mark 2:27 tells us that the Sabbath was made for us, not us for the Sabbath. I don’t know about you, but I can become so busy in what I’m doing, and focused, that I don’t take time to rest, or to celebrate life. That’s what the Sabbath is all about, a day of celebrating all He has given to us and done for us through the act of worship! He wants us to take this time to refresh and renew and rejuvenate before it is too late! Burnout is so incredibly common, especially in church leadership. Is it any wonder that a Sacrifice of Righteousness has the price tag of our time? The crazy thing is it’s for our good! He honors our well-spent time. If time were in a bank account, what would the deposits look like and what would the withdrawals look like? Offering up a Sacrifice of Righteousness almost always costs some time. The more time you spend with Him, the more time you’ll have to give!
I’m sure there are other smaller price tags in offering up a Sacrifice of Righteousness, but these are the two that will never go on sale, never change and will always be required.
Oh, Abba, I pray that I would turn to you, and from my flesh, in order to offer a sacrifice of righteousness; that I would stop in the midst of my doing throughout the day and just be with You; that my light, you in me, would so shine before men and women, especially in the midst of their words of fire, that they would recognize something different from my sacrifice of righteousness, your love in me that splashes like water on their words of fire.
Loving my search for joy,

Evinda