Words to Live by-December’s WOW from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Words to Live By
Mark 5:36
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Thanks
for joining me for another Coffee Hour and more of this story that will
lead us to our WOW. Take a minute to look at the verse because maybe
today, it will begin speaking to you in the midst of this story if it
hasn’t already. Grab your coffee and let’s get back to where we left
off.I ran to my car and grabbed my card out of my wallet, marveling the whole way over His sovereignty. When I came back, my girlfriend was just saying good-bye to Linda and I gave her a hug and told her to call me to see where I was at when she was ready to go. I handed the card to – let’s give her a name for crying out loud – Sarah. She looks like a Sarah. Anyway, I gave Sarah the card and pointed to the number she needed to call and within seconds, she was speaking to someone who wanted her license plate so we walked outside to her vehicle. After giving them the make, model and plate for the car, they told her they’d be there within a half hour and would keep her updated if there was any change.
“Well, since we have to wait for a little bit, would you like to work out some more, maybe do some cardio?”
“Yeah, let’s do some cardio. That would be great because I didn’t get to work out.”
We made our way back into the gym and walked over to the elliptical machines, she getting on one to me left. We started our workout and she started a conversation. “So you write women’s encouragement?”
Yes, I write women’s fiction, too, but I really love writing women’s encouragement.” I went on to explain about the “Cup” series, how it’s sort of like a Chicken Soup for the Chic’s soul type of book.
Her smile was so pretty, yet it held a hint of sadness. She slowed her pedaling on the elliptical almost as if in defeat and then she said “I could sure use some of that right now. I know trials are supposed to make you stronger and all of that, and refine you, but . . . I can’t help but ask, How much stronger do I need to be?” She picked up her pace on the elliptical, shaking her head at the mystery of it all.
My heart was racing and I’m not sure if it’s because I was pedaling with such intensity, motivated by her story, or if it was the sovereignty of it all, knowing I was there in that gym for this very appointment. Breathe, girl, I told myself.
I looked right at her and smiled. “I’ve learned not to ask that question, Sarah, but trust me when I say, I so understand how you feel, like you just can’t be stretched any more than you are because you couldn’t possibly own more stock in Spandex than you already do!”
She slowed down again, as if to process what I said, and then I was rewarded with a little giggle. And then she was quiet again . . . for a moment. “I’m going through a divorce.” Her confession punched me in the stomach and almost knocked me off the elliptical. She went on and I held on: “My son is incarcerated and I have his one-year-old, my grandson.”
Now I was really white-knuckling it because she was replaying my life.
“And my dad has been really sick and moved in with us and I don’t know how long he’s going to live.” Pause . . . “Oh and I work, too.”
Her words pricked at my heart and compassion came leaking out as I processed all she was going through. It was like I had been hit by a stun gun as I rode my elliptical right next to a girl who was living what I had already lived.
Let’s stop right there, right in the midst of her despair and compare it to what is going on in Mark 5, right before the verse that is our December WOW.
WOW!
Now let’s meet someone else in this crowd: a woman who had bled for twelve years, suffering many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had in search for a cure and only grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she managed to get behind Him in the crowd and only touched His garment, believing that that is all it would take.
Now we could go off on a zillion detours about this woman, especially since she was considered socially unacceptable and filthy, but no different than those of us who have had addictions for twelve years, bleeding spiritually because we just can’t seem to find a cure.
I know, you are probably wondering what in the world does this have to do with our WOW, let alone with Sarah?
Join me tomorrow and I’ll begin making the connection for you! For now, think about this: Don’t we all know someone who has been wounded by someone else? Someone who has been down with an undiagnosed illness, spiritual or physical? Look around you the next time you are out. Maybe a divine appointment is scheduled for you!
Evinda
December 3rd, 2013
Happy day to you! Tis the season and now more than ever, we need to be reminded of His truths in the Book that has all the questions and answers in this dance of life. Talk about a book full of drama, mystery, wisdom, problem-solving, love stories, family dynamics and relationships, whew, no wonder it’s the number 1 best seller! Grab your coffee and let’s get back to the story that brought this month’s WOW to life. Remember to look at the verse and carry it with you as we go.
As we turned the corner and started walking toward the exit, another instructor who had someone walking sort of behind her walked purposefully toward us and asked us if we had Triple A. My friend looked at me and shook her head and I responded immediately.
“Yes, I do.” The instructor went on to introduce us to the girl beside her – whose name will remain anonymous – and explained that she had locked her keys in her car and she needed help to get them out. As she was explaining this, the girl’s phone rang and she stepped back to answer it. The instructor– we’ll call her Linda for the sake of her privacy – lowered her voice and came a little closer to my girlfriend and me.
“She’s really having a hard time and is in desperate need of encouragement.”
I had one of those oops moments where I spilled out what I was thinking: “I should give her one of my books, like A Cup of Encouragement.”
Linda’s eyes lit up and about that time, the girl returned. Linda put her arm around me and introduced me:”This is our inspirational author so we found the right person to help you.” She went on to say a few more really nice things which totally surprised me because, first, I never knew this person read any of my stuff, and second, the way she was complimenting me didn’t line up with what I thought she thought of me! See, things are never as they seem. Anyway, let’s keep going.
I groaned, inwardly of course, and wished I could have melted into the floor because I didn’t want to blow this obvious divine appointment. It’s not important for her to know that I write books, for goodness’ sake. The girl brought me out of my desired meltdown and she had the sweetest smile on her face as she responded to the introduction by Linda. “Really, you write women’s encouragement?”
I nodded my head yes and then looked at my friend and back at Linda and the girl. I didn’t want to leave my girlfriend hanging for our breakfast plans, but I wasn’t about to pass this appointment up and I was pretty convinced she understood that. By now I just knew this was why I was at the gym at 7:30 instead of in my writing chair! I looked back at my girlfriend. “I’m going to run and get my card so we can get the tow guy out here. Did you want to wait, go home and check on the dog and meet me back here or would you rather I meet you at the restaurant? “
“I’ll run home real quick and check on her and meet you back here. It’s probably going to be at least a half hour, so we can just leave from here.”
“Perfect, I’ll go and get my card so we can call and get this party started!”
The quiet girl spoke up: “Are you sure? I don’t want to interfere with your plans?” And before I could answer her, she asked another question: “Is this going to cost you anything? I don’t want to be a bother.”
I looked her straight in the eye and said “My husband pays for this year after year and I don’t think I’ve used it more than once. Don’t you even worry about it; it’s taken care of.”
Her eyes filled up and I could just tell that she had reached her limit in life; she was tired, heavy-laden and incredibly sad, but oh, so beautifully fragile, like a bird without wings . . . oh, em gee; that was me all those years ago. Was this to be a “You will comfort others with the comfort you’ve been given” kind of appointment?
As I began to walk away to go get my card, a thought turned me around. I came back to squeeze her shoulder and reminded her that this was no accident and that something good would come from it!
Join me tomorrow for more of this story that brought our WOW to life!
Evinda
Words to Live by-December’s WOW from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Words to Live By
Mark 5:36
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Happy day to you! Tis the season and now more than ever, we need to be reminded of His truths in the Book that has all the questions and answers in this dance of life. Talk about a book full of drama, mystery, wisdom, problem-solving, love stories, family dynamics and relationships, whew, no wonder it’s the number 1 best seller! Grab your coffee and let’s get back to the story that brought this month’s WOW to life. Remember to look at the verse and carry it with you as we go.
As we turned the corner and started walking toward the exit, another instructor who had someone walking sort of behind her walked purposefully toward us and asked us if we had Triple A. My friend looked at me and shook her head and I responded immediately.
“Yes, I do.” The instructor went on to introduce us to the girl beside her – whose name will remain anonymous – and explained that she had locked her keys in her car and she needed help to get them out. As she was explaining this, the girl’s phone rang and she stepped back to answer it. The instructor– we’ll call her Linda for the sake of her privacy – lowered her voice and came a little closer to my girlfriend and me.
“She’s really having a hard time and is in desperate need of encouragement.”
I had one of those oops moments where I spilled out what I was thinking: “I should give her one of my books, like A Cup of Encouragement.”
Linda’s eyes lit up and about that time, the girl returned. Linda put her arm around me and introduced me:”This is our inspirational author so we found the right person to help you.” She went on to say a few more really nice things which totally surprised me because, first, I never knew this person read any of my stuff, and second, the way she was complimenting me didn’t line up with what I thought she thought of me! See, things are never as they seem. Anyway, let’s keep going.
I groaned, inwardly of course, and wished I could have melted into the floor because I didn’t want to blow this obvious divine appointment. It’s not important for her to know that I write books, for goodness’ sake. The girl brought me out of my desired meltdown and she had the sweetest smile on her face as she responded to the introduction by Linda. “Really, you write women’s encouragement?”
I nodded my head yes and then looked at my friend and back at Linda and the girl. I didn’t want to leave my girlfriend hanging for our breakfast plans, but I wasn’t about to pass this appointment up and I was pretty convinced she understood that. By now I just knew this was why I was at the gym at 7:30 instead of in my writing chair! I looked back at my girlfriend. “I’m going to run and get my card so we can get the tow guy out here. Did you want to wait, go home and check on the dog and meet me back here or would you rather I meet you at the restaurant? “
“I’ll run home real quick and check on her and meet you back here. It’s probably going to be at least a half hour, so we can just leave from here.”
“Perfect, I’ll go and get my card so we can call and get this party started!”
The quiet girl spoke up: “Are you sure? I don’t want to interfere with your plans?” And before I could answer her, she asked another question: “Is this going to cost you anything? I don’t want to be a bother.”
I looked her straight in the eye and said “My husband pays for this year after year and I don’t think I’ve used it more than once. Don’t you even worry about it; it’s taken care of.”
Her eyes filled up and I could just tell that she had reached her limit in life; she was tired, heavy-laden and incredibly sad, but oh, so beautifully fragile, like a bird without wings . . . oh, em gee; that was me all those years ago. Was this to be a “You will comfort others with the comfort you’ve been given” kind of appointment?
As I began to walk away to go get my card, a thought turned me around. I came back to squeeze her shoulder and reminded her that this was no accident and that something good would come from it!
Join me tomorrow for more of this story that brought our WOW to life!
Evinda
December 2nd, 2013
Happy December! Where in the world did the year go? Oh, Father, help
us to stay in these precious moments that we may draw joy and laughter
from their memory in the years to follow. Well, it’s that time again,
our WOW time and I don’t know about you, but I am certainly in need of
some strong weapons of warfare and words of wisdom. Excuse me while I
bow my head for a moment and ask which way He wants me to go with you . .
. .
Okay, grab your coffee and come on in. I have a story to tell you that I have a feeling is going to take us to the book of Mark where I’ve been slowly studying. I may not actually get to our WOW today but I do and will trust Him to reveal where and what it is so let’s just say it will sort of be the blind leading the blind! Before we begin, look at the words in our WOW and carry them with you as we go.
Just last week, a friend of mine invited me to go to the gym with her. She was enjoying her week-long break from teaching and wanted to get a good workout in and then go to breakfast afterwards. The only problem was she wanted to go at 7:30 a.m.! She’s an even earlier riser than me. I am usually settled in my comfy chair about this time and doing some writing after my prayer, worship and devotional time and sort of planning out my day. I mentally prepared for the change and I did get up a little earlier so I could at least get some quiet time in. But my commitment was at the forefront of my mind running around with one question: Why in the world did I agree to do this, disrupt my normal schedule?
The plain and simple answer is I just felt it was something I was supposed to do. I mean I truly enjoy hanging out with this friend, and we hadn’t hung out in quite some time. In fact, we were sort of working our way back to spending time together, but even that wasn’t/isn’t the answer. I just felt I needed to do it. Have you ever had a peace about doing something, you know that He’s going to make it right, but still you wanted to keep with your agenda?
So there was a bit of a tug-of-war going on, but peace won and so I went. If I were honest with you, and with me, I’d have to say joy wasn’t splashing all up and out of me but a sort of curiosity was. I had this sense of expectancy, like I was to be looking for something or someone and to keep my eyes open at all times, not just the ones on my face, either!
I walked in the class that was about to start any minute and there she was with her running friends, towards the back, looking all energetic and happy, and she had saved a spot for me.
Yay! I gave her a hug good morning. She introduced me to her friends
and I greeted them, genuinely happy to meet them. I grabbed my weights
and bar just as the music began, determining to get a good workout in so
the negativity could sweat out.
About halfway through the class, my friend said she had to leave about fifteen minutes early to go and check on her dog. That was fine by me because my muscles were screaming at me loudly, drowning out my determination to get a good workout in. For some reason, I just couldn’t get into it for more than a few minutes at a time and I wondered if the clock’s battery was dying because the time was dragging slower than a slug! So when she began to pick up her stuff, I followed suit. We put our weights and bars away and headed out of the class.
As we began to leave, I couldn’t help but wonder, why in the world did I come this morning? Not more than thirty seconds later, that answer showed up!
Join me tomorrow for more of this story leading to our WOW.
Evinda
P.S. Do you need any sort of relational counseling? Are you in the midst of a relationship challenge? Please, join Steve and me today at 1:00 Pacific time for our last show of this year titled: How to Love Who We Love, where we give answers to tough questions people are afraid to ask or admit, and share truths that are transforming even the most difficult of relationships! It’s like 30 minutes of free counseling so if you can’t join us today, simply click on the link and follow the prompts and listen at your convenience! www.blogtalkradio.com/Chicklit-Power
Words to Live by-December’s WOW from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Words to Live By
Mark 5:36
“As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.”
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Okay, grab your coffee and come on in. I have a story to tell you that I have a feeling is going to take us to the book of Mark where I’ve been slowly studying. I may not actually get to our WOW today but I do and will trust Him to reveal where and what it is so let’s just say it will sort of be the blind leading the blind! Before we begin, look at the words in our WOW and carry them with you as we go.
Just last week, a friend of mine invited me to go to the gym with her. She was enjoying her week-long break from teaching and wanted to get a good workout in and then go to breakfast afterwards. The only problem was she wanted to go at 7:30 a.m.! She’s an even earlier riser than me. I am usually settled in my comfy chair about this time and doing some writing after my prayer, worship and devotional time and sort of planning out my day. I mentally prepared for the change and I did get up a little earlier so I could at least get some quiet time in. But my commitment was at the forefront of my mind running around with one question: Why in the world did I agree to do this, disrupt my normal schedule?
The plain and simple answer is I just felt it was something I was supposed to do. I mean I truly enjoy hanging out with this friend, and we hadn’t hung out in quite some time. In fact, we were sort of working our way back to spending time together, but even that wasn’t/isn’t the answer. I just felt I needed to do it. Have you ever had a peace about doing something, you know that He’s going to make it right, but still you wanted to keep with your agenda?
So there was a bit of a tug-of-war going on, but peace won and so I went. If I were honest with you, and with me, I’d have to say joy wasn’t splashing all up and out of me but a sort of curiosity was. I had this sense of expectancy, like I was to be looking for something or someone and to keep my eyes open at all times, not just the ones on my face, either!
I walked in the class that was about to start any minute and there she was with her running friends, towards the back, looking all energetic and happy, and she had saved a spot for me.
Yay! I gave her a hug good morning. She introduced me to her friends
and I greeted them, genuinely happy to meet them. I grabbed my weights
and bar just as the music began, determining to get a good workout in so
the negativity could sweat out.About halfway through the class, my friend said she had to leave about fifteen minutes early to go and check on her dog. That was fine by me because my muscles were screaming at me loudly, drowning out my determination to get a good workout in. For some reason, I just couldn’t get into it for more than a few minutes at a time and I wondered if the clock’s battery was dying because the time was dragging slower than a slug! So when she began to pick up her stuff, I followed suit. We put our weights and bars away and headed out of the class.
As we began to leave, I couldn’t help but wonder, why in the world did I come this morning? Not more than thirty seconds later, that answer showed up!
Join me tomorrow for more of this story leading to our WOW.
Evinda
P.S. Do you need any sort of relational counseling? Are you in the midst of a relationship challenge? Please, join Steve and me today at 1:00 Pacific time for our last show of this year titled: How to Love Who We Love, where we give answers to tough questions people are afraid to ask or admit, and share truths that are transforming even the most difficult of relationships! It’s like 30 minutes of free counseling so if you can’t join us today, simply click on the link and follow the prompts and listen at your convenience! www.blogtalkradio.com/Chicklit-Power
November 29th, 2013
Thanks for joining me for our Power Friday coffee break.
So I am finishing up A Cup of Grace, finally, and I was working on the second to the last series, struggling with its original title, and with the whole series, period. It had everything to do with things that stop one from extending the gift of grace and after bowing my head and asking which direction He wanted to take it, He showed me with this one phrase and I hope it speaks to your heart like it did mine:
Have a grace-filled weekend!
Evinda
Power Fridays with Chicklit Power
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Thanks for joining me for our Power Friday coffee break.
So I am finishing up A Cup of Grace, finally, and I was working on the second to the last series, struggling with its original title, and with the whole series, period. It had everything to do with things that stop one from extending the gift of grace and after bowing my head and asking which direction He wanted to take it, He showed me with this one phrase and I hope it speaks to your heart like it did mine:
Grace is to the Christian what Google is to the computer!
We can’t function in this world as Christ-like without extending this
gift of grace that’s been given to each of us. Could you imagine the
computer without Google?Have a grace-filled weekend!
Evinda
November 28th, 2013
Thanks for stopping by today! I know you are busy with the Thanksgiving festivities so I won’t keep you long. I just had some thoughts that I want to run by you, maybe get your feedback! Grab your coffee and come on in.
I love this time of year, when the weather begins to cool down, the colors are changing and bright oranges, reds and yellows burst forth upon the leaves of the trees. There’s a sort of fall scent that comes with it all, too. This harvest season is the beginning of the holiday season and while I’d rather stay in this particular season, I’ve come to realize that we don’t have to have Thanksgiving to be thankful.
Every morning, I begin my quiet time by being still and inviting Him into my previous day’s movie rewind. Together we go through the things that happened and the moments where He was blessing me, trying to get my attention, moments that make me super thankful I am His and He is mine. As I am still, I am able to recognize all kinds of things to be thankful for, and I do acknowledge them through journaling and prayer.
For twenty-seven days now, I’ve seen posts on Facebook talking about the things they are thankful for because this is the “month of thankfulness.” Every day, there is a new thing to be thankful for and I absolutely love the simplicity of many of the things that others are thankful for and post. The unfortunate truth is when the month started, there were a lot of people participating. After every few posts was one corresponding with the day of the month and then explaining what they were thankful for and why they were thankful for it. That has diminished, little by little and now I see one from the same person every day and others are posted intermittently.
Could it be to practice thankfulness is a challenge? I think that it can be and that being thankful requires more than written or spoken works. It requires action. Do my actions line up with my words of thankfulness? Am I living like I’m thankful? What does it take for an attitude of gratitude to be my constant companion? How do I carry that thankfulness out? For example, almost every morning — — I thank Him for my husband and his love for me but how do I show my husband that I am thankful for him, his love?
While those questions I just ask you elude me at this moment, and something tells me I’ll be walking through the answers so I can share, here are some truths that I’ve learned and lived about thankfulness:
Thankful,
Evinda
Thoughtful Thankfulness from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Thoughtful Thankfulness
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Thanks for stopping by today! I know you are busy with the Thanksgiving festivities so I won’t keep you long. I just had some thoughts that I want to run by you, maybe get your feedback! Grab your coffee and come on in.
I love this time of year, when the weather begins to cool down, the colors are changing and bright oranges, reds and yellows burst forth upon the leaves of the trees. There’s a sort of fall scent that comes with it all, too. This harvest season is the beginning of the holiday season and while I’d rather stay in this particular season, I’ve come to realize that we don’t have to have Thanksgiving to be thankful.
Every morning, I begin my quiet time by being still and inviting Him into my previous day’s movie rewind. Together we go through the things that happened and the moments where He was blessing me, trying to get my attention, moments that make me super thankful I am His and He is mine. As I am still, I am able to recognize all kinds of things to be thankful for, and I do acknowledge them through journaling and prayer.
For twenty-seven days now, I’ve seen posts on Facebook talking about the things they are thankful for because this is the “month of thankfulness.” Every day, there is a new thing to be thankful for and I absolutely love the simplicity of many of the things that others are thankful for and post. The unfortunate truth is when the month started, there were a lot of people participating. After every few posts was one corresponding with the day of the month and then explaining what they were thankful for and why they were thankful for it. That has diminished, little by little and now I see one from the same person every day and others are posted intermittently.
Could it be to practice thankfulness is a challenge? I think that it can be and that being thankful requires more than written or spoken works. It requires action. Do my actions line up with my words of thankfulness? Am I living like I’m thankful? What does it take for an attitude of gratitude to be my constant companion? How do I carry that thankfulness out? For example, almost every morning —
— I thank Him for my husband and his love for me but how do I show my husband that I am thankful for him, his love?While those questions I just ask you elude me at this moment, and something tells me I’ll be walking through the answers so I can share, here are some truths that I’ve learned and lived about thankfulness:
Learning how to be thankful for the little things gets us through the big things that would otherwise overwhelm us.
Thankfulness is a choice!
Thankfulness can pull us out of the pit of depression and lessen any crisis.
Thankfulness is an act of worship and blesses God!
Thankfulness is an anti-inflammatory that decreases pride.
Thankfulness is an antibiotic for negativity.
Thankfulness opens the door to more blessings.
Thankfulness can turn a frown upside down!
Thankfulness helps us stay in the moments instead of living for the next.
A little thankfulness goes a long way!
Thankfulness sends complaining and worrying scurrying away.
Now it’s your turn; what does an attitude of thankfulness do for you?
Remember, we don’t need to wait for Thanksgiving to be thankful!Thankful,
Evinda
November 27th, 2013
So glad you could make it today for our Coffee Hour and more of Nana Holds. We are right smack in the middle of this 30-day trial with Bryce home, and in some respects, I’m doing all right on the stand, and in others, well, let’s just say my seat got a little too hot a few times! Grab your coffee and let’s go chat about how to struggle through when someone is projecting their struggle on to you.
Let me start with a God-wink, a gift that He gave to Bryce within a week of being home on his 30-day vacation from his new “job.” George had told the owner of the company that they both worked for that Bryce was home on a vacation – no need to tell them why – and would be willing to work while he was here so as to begin chipping away at the huge amount of money that Bryce owed them. The owner thought about it and albeit hesitantly at first, agreed to put him on a couple of jobs while he was home.
One evening we were all hanging out in the living room and something came up that steered the conversation towards Bryce’s restitution and George and he began to pick up with a conversation that they had obviously started earlier in the day. They had decided that when Bryce had to return to court, which was about thirty after re-entering T.C., if the court asked if restitution was satisfied, that George would take care of it – just FYI, we’re talking over $5,000! Not that the amount should matter!
Suddenly, right on cue with my emotions, anger being the dominant one, a hot flash came bursting through and began to spill down my back nonstop, almost as if someone had attached the hose to a faucet and turned it on ever so slightly and stuck it down the back of my shirt. Well, water don’t travel upward, so I’m sure you can guess where it traveled and I couldn’t just sit there, still! I was livid but holding my tongue and Bryce was beginning to pick up on that and acknowledged me: “It’s not in stone; it’s just something that we’ve been talking about.”
I looked at him, pushing my anger down to a level less seen, my emotions still somewhat turned up to intense level – which I’ve since learned he
hates and I’ve toned it down – “I don’t have a problem helping you,
Bryce. The problem comes in when you two are having this conversation
before your father and I have this conversation.”
I let my words linger and prayed he would understand because it was obvious that my husband didn’t.
Let’s stop right there so I can explain a couple of things I’ve learned since this situation which actually held so many diamond-like lessons. Again, though, let me reiterate, I am in no way trying to point fingers to either my husband or my stepson, rather share with you transparently what God is teaching me through each of them because it’s not what they did or how they behaved that has eternal value accounted to me, but how I behave, respond or react will all be talked about when I get there.
Right about now in this hot-flash moment, I’m feeling very left out, disrespected and financially walked on. I’m also feeling completely exasperated with my husband who for reasons unknown to me up to this moment continues to choose not to communicate with me. Now, just because I “feel” those things doesn’t make them right; but these are the emotions that were playing tug-of-war with Christ in me!
Let’s finish our time today talking about these emotions. Have you ever felt what I’ve just described feeling? If so, how did you handle it? Please, feel free to email me and we can have coffee over your comments.
Filled with hope,
Evinda
Nana Holds-from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
So glad you could make it today for our Coffee Hour and more of Nana Holds. We are right smack in the middle of this 30-day trial with Bryce home, and in some respects, I’m doing all right on the stand, and in others, well, let’s just say my seat got a little too hot a few times! Grab your coffee and let’s go chat about how to struggle through when someone is projecting their struggle on to you.
Let me start with a God-wink, a gift that He gave to Bryce within a week of being home on his 30-day vacation from his new “job.” George had told the owner of the company that they both worked for that Bryce was home on a vacation – no need to tell them why – and would be willing to work while he was here so as to begin chipping away at the huge amount of money that Bryce owed them. The owner thought about it and albeit hesitantly at first, agreed to put him on a couple of jobs while he was home.
One evening we were all hanging out in the living room and something came up that steered the conversation towards Bryce’s restitution and George and he began to pick up with a conversation that they had obviously started earlier in the day. They had decided that when Bryce had to return to court, which was about thirty after re-entering T.C., if the court asked if restitution was satisfied, that George would take care of it – just FYI, we’re talking over $5,000! Not that the amount should matter!
Suddenly, right on cue with my emotions, anger being the dominant one, a hot flash came bursting through and began to spill down my back nonstop, almost as if someone had attached the hose to a faucet and turned it on ever so slightly and stuck it down the back of my shirt. Well, water don’t travel upward, so I’m sure you can guess where it traveled and I couldn’t just sit there, still! I was livid but holding my tongue and Bryce was beginning to pick up on that and acknowledged me: “It’s not in stone; it’s just something that we’ve been talking about.”
I looked at him, pushing my anger down to a level less seen, my emotions still somewhat turned up to intense level – which I’ve since learned he
Precious moments with his cousins!
I let my words linger and prayed he would understand because it was obvious that my husband didn’t.
Let’s stop right there so I can explain a couple of things I’ve learned since this situation which actually held so many diamond-like lessons. Again, though, let me reiterate, I am in no way trying to point fingers to either my husband or my stepson, rather share with you transparently what God is teaching me through each of them because it’s not what they did or how they behaved that has eternal value accounted to me, but how I behave, respond or react will all be talked about when I get there.
Right about now in this hot-flash moment, I’m feeling very left out, disrespected and financially walked on. I’m also feeling completely exasperated with my husband who for reasons unknown to me up to this moment continues to choose not to communicate with me. Now, just because I “feel” those things doesn’t make them right; but these are the emotions that were playing tug-of-war with Christ in me!
Let’s finish our time today talking about these emotions. Have you ever felt what I’ve just described feeling? If so, how did you handle it? Please, feel free to email me and we can have coffee over your comments.
Filled with hope,
Evinda
Nana Holds!
November 26th, 2013
Oh, it’s great to be with you for another Coffee Hour and share these vivid moments that have changed me from the inside out. I am a needle in a haystack of bloggers and writers, and only He can pluck me out of that haystack and use these words to pierce the heart of others, but if one heart has been changed, encouraged, and/or inspired in their circumstance, then this transparent unpacking production is not in vain. Grab your coffee and let’s get back to the lessons learned while on the stand in this 30-day trial.
In the days that followed, God honored my efforts of trying desperately to learn how to have a relationship with Bryce independent of George –that was made easier by a sad truth; I didn’t want to talk with George. I was resentful of his resentments that had been spilling out in days past. Again, I won’t stay stuck on the things that caused me pain because that’s not who and what I wish to glorify. I will however focus on what I learned through the pain and how I allowed Him to work it for my good and His glory.
One of the ways that God smiled into my soul was through moments that brought a sense of peace, a reprieve, if you will from the open heart surgery that I was undergoing at the hands of My Surgeon, Jesus. Those moments were spent watching Bryce and Jene’ be with Bryden, learning how to work as a parenting team, and Bryden literally flourishing under that teamwork. It was like they were wrapped in their blanket of new
love. Ironically, Jene’ has never been a mommy and even she marveled
at the force and strength of her love for this little guy and had enough
of a strong foundation to help Bryce in the area of parenting.
Yes, that was a dose of happy to my sad soul. It was easy to back up and let them come up front to parent Bryden and now I realize it was easier because I knew it was temporary, for in just a couple more weeks, Bryce would return to T.C. and we would get back to what had become our normal.
Join me tomorrow for more . . .
Evinda
Nana Holds from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Oh, it’s great to be with you for another Coffee Hour and share these vivid moments that have changed me from the inside out. I am a needle in a haystack of bloggers and writers, and only He can pluck me out of that haystack and use these words to pierce the heart of others, but if one heart has been changed, encouraged, and/or inspired in their circumstance, then this transparent unpacking production is not in vain. Grab your coffee and let’s get back to the lessons learned while on the stand in this 30-day trial.
In the days that followed, God honored my efforts of trying desperately to learn how to have a relationship with Bryce independent of George –that was made easier by a sad truth; I didn’t want to talk with George. I was resentful of his resentments that had been spilling out in days past. Again, I won’t stay stuck on the things that caused me pain because that’s not who and what I wish to glorify. I will however focus on what I learned through the pain and how I allowed Him to work it for my good and His glory.
One of the ways that God smiled into my soul was through moments that brought a sense of peace, a reprieve, if you will from the open heart surgery that I was undergoing at the hands of My Surgeon, Jesus. Those moments were spent watching Bryce and Jene’ be with Bryden, learning how to work as a parenting team, and Bryden literally flourishing under that teamwork. It was like they were wrapped in their blanket of new
This truth helped so much during trial!
Yes, that was a dose of happy to my sad soul. It was easy to back up and let them come up front to parent Bryden and now I realize it was easier because I knew it was temporary, for in just a couple more weeks, Bryce would return to T.C. and we would get back to what had become our normal.
Join me tomorrow for more . . .
Evinda
Nana Holds!
November 25th, 2013
Thank you for joining me for what has turned out to be the longest blog ever! I hope you are enjoying this true story and that some part of my transparency is encouraging you in whatever you may be walking through. Grab your coffee and let’s get back to our house with Bryden, his daddy, George and me.
In the days that followed, I was learning to go to Bryce with things that I wanted addressed instead of asking George to do it. Oh, how I wish I would have known then what I know now. Like father, like son. Neither one of them likes to be questioned, or asked to do something they don’t want to do, but there’s an explanation for it now. Unfortunately, I didn’t know it then so I spent many mornings anguishing over my relationships with each of them. How can you be a peace maker, let alone a happy camper, in your own home when you feel so disliked, alienated?
You work through it; that’s how.
I sought out counsel from Steve nearly every Monday in that 30-day trial, owning what was rightfully mine so I could let go of it and be free from behavior that appeared in the slightest as controlling or manipulative. I had to learn to struggle as Bryce voiced his opinions about feeling like he was back at Teen Challenge just because I laid down some boundaries in the form of requests, simple requests that involved communication, especially as it related to Bryden – which is not his strength – picking up after himself and participation/courtesy for his roommates, us! What I did realize at this moment of this painful trial is my husband was unable to do this for us so I had to do it for me. The trick: to do it without attitude and as I look back through my journal of those first days in this trial, I did have victory! I shared what I needed to be comfortable with him back at home.
The flesh in us would say, too darned bad; those are the rules of the house and if you don’t like it . . . But let me give you a huge piece of this puzzle that adds so much clarity now, a piece that God handed me through George and a relationship class our ministry started several months after this 30-day trial. Actually, it’s a piece clumped together with a couple of others, so let’s see if I can describe it in words.
George was one of eight children. He describes his childhood as
happy. He came and went as he pleased. He never had a curfew, never had
to sneak out because he “was one of eight” and his dad worked 12-16 hour
days and his mom worked two jobs. “My parents loved us,” he shared with
me. And I agree; they definitely did all they could to provide for each
of their children and that is a way to show love.
Do you see what was missing from his childhood? And he also has loved his son Bryce with an incredible love that only a father can express. Is it any wonder that neither one of them like to be questioned, requested nor have anything insisted upon them? Knowing what has been missing has actually brought me freedom to bring that very piece to the table in a loving and gentle way.
Oh, the transformation process . . . not without a cost, but absolutely indescribable. Join me tomorrow for more of Nana Holds.
Evinda
P.S. Join us for Blog Talk Radio and our new segment on relationships entitled: Why We Love How We Love! Are you doing the crazy dance with your significant other, or are you in sync? We will give some scenarios of some crazy dances caused from imprints that keep you dancing apart instead of together. This 30 minute segment is equivalent to a free relationship dance instruction! www.blogtalkradio.com/Chicklit-Power
Nana Holds from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Thank you for joining me for what has turned out to be the longest blog ever! I hope you are enjoying this true story and that some part of my transparency is encouraging you in whatever you may be walking through. Grab your coffee and let’s get back to our house with Bryden, his daddy, George and me.
In the days that followed, I was learning to go to Bryce with things that I wanted addressed instead of asking George to do it. Oh, how I wish I would have known then what I know now. Like father, like son. Neither one of them likes to be questioned, or asked to do something they don’t want to do, but there’s an explanation for it now. Unfortunately, I didn’t know it then so I spent many mornings anguishing over my relationships with each of them. How can you be a peace maker, let alone a happy camper, in your own home when you feel so disliked, alienated?
You work through it; that’s how.
I sought out counsel from Steve nearly every Monday in that 30-day trial, owning what was rightfully mine so I could let go of it and be free from behavior that appeared in the slightest as controlling or manipulative. I had to learn to struggle as Bryce voiced his opinions about feeling like he was back at Teen Challenge just because I laid down some boundaries in the form of requests, simple requests that involved communication, especially as it related to Bryden – which is not his strength – picking up after himself and participation/courtesy for his roommates, us! What I did realize at this moment of this painful trial is my husband was unable to do this for us so I had to do it for me. The trick: to do it without attitude and as I look back through my journal of those first days in this trial, I did have victory! I shared what I needed to be comfortable with him back at home.
The flesh in us would say, too darned bad; those are the rules of the house and if you don’t like it . . . But let me give you a huge piece of this puzzle that adds so much clarity now, a piece that God handed me through George and a relationship class our ministry started several months after this 30-day trial. Actually, it’s a piece clumped together with a couple of others, so let’s see if I can describe it in words.
Bryden, he was/is a reason to smile
Do you see what was missing from his childhood? And he also has loved his son Bryce with an incredible love that only a father can express. Is it any wonder that neither one of them like to be questioned, requested nor have anything insisted upon them? Knowing what has been missing has actually brought me freedom to bring that very piece to the table in a loving and gentle way.
Oh, the transformation process . . . not without a cost, but absolutely indescribable. Join me tomorrow for more of Nana Holds.
Evinda
Nana Holds!
P.S. Join us for Blog Talk Radio and our new segment on relationships entitled: Why We Love How We Love! Are you doing the crazy dance with your significant other, or are you in sync? We will give some scenarios of some crazy dances caused from imprints that keep you dancing apart instead of together. This 30 minute segment is equivalent to a free relationship dance instruction! www.blogtalkradio.com/Chicklit-Power
November 22nd, 2013
Thanks for joining me for another Power Friday @ Chicklit Power. Grab your coffee and come with me to some Holy Spirit inspired words that have proven true for me over and over again.
So this past week, I’ve shared with you the painful thirty-day trial I experienced. Part of me wishes it didn’t happen, and yet as I look back on it, I know that I know that I know that what kept me on the stand, refusing to get off and/or down was the knowledge that He would use it for His glory and my good. And He has, friend; He truly has. That’s why I can say these words with certainty.
Certain of His love in our life,
Evinda
Power Fridays from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
Thanks for joining me for another Power Friday @ Chicklit Power. Grab your coffee and come with me to some Holy Spirit inspired words that have proven true for me over and over again.
So this past week, I’ve shared with you the painful thirty-day trial I experienced. Part of me wishes it didn’t happen, and yet as I look back on it, I know that I know that I know that what kept me on the stand, refusing to get off and/or down was the knowledge that He would use it for His glory and my good. And He has, friend; He truly has. That’s why I can say these words with certainty.
Joy is not a denial of painful circumstances but a certainty while in them of what He will work from them!
Are you in the midst of painful circumstances? I’d love to sit down
with you over coffee, but at the very least, maybe you could email me
and we could chat in cyber space. I’d love to be an instrument in
convincing you of this powerful truth!Certain of His love in our life,
Evinda
November 21st, 2013
Oh, it’s so good to have you to share coffee with and to share, from
my heart to yours, this amazing transformation series. Grab your coffee
and come join me for a break.
So why did I talk so much about taking tests, and how hard test-taking is for me? The answer is simple: To reveal the grace of His sovereign hand in my life that continues to compel me forward in marriage, in my own car and lane, while others around me are driving recklessly! I can do nothing about their driving, even if they come over into mine. Now, don’t get me wrong, even Jesus bent down and “gently” drew a line in the sand saying no more, but He did it gently and matter-of-factly, not emotionally, screaming and crying. But I believe He may have been crying inside, but He wasn’t driven by His emotions, either.
See, I long to share, from my heart to yours, all that He is doing in me in spite of the behavior of others, not to glorify the pain or others missing my mark, but to inspire you to come closer to the God of grace, the divine healer, the miracle maker, the healer, provider. Oops, I could have kept that paragraph going for a long time.
While I had learned that I couldn’t keep things, or persons, under control, I was tugging on George to do just that with many things that were going on in our home. But he wasn’t there yet. I was letting go of the rope of control, but I was still struggling with the temptation to throw it at him and MAKE him grab it!
I was, however, determined to have my own relationship with Bryce and forego the prior efforts of going through George to communicate my needs to him. It wasn’t easy, by any means, but I found the more I went to him, the less difficult it was. I wanted him to like me but I didn’t “need” for him to like me!
Join me Monday for more of this 30-day trial,
Tested,
Evinda
Nana Holds-From Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power
Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…
So why did I talk so much about taking tests, and how hard test-taking is for me? The answer is simple: To reveal the grace of His sovereign hand in my life that continues to compel me forward in marriage, in my own car and lane, while others around me are driving recklessly! I can do nothing about their driving, even if they come over into mine. Now, don’t get me wrong, even Jesus bent down and “gently” drew a line in the sand saying no more, but He did it gently and matter-of-factly, not emotionally, screaming and crying. But I believe He may have been crying inside, but He wasn’t driven by His emotions, either.
See, I long to share, from my heart to yours, all that He is doing in me in spite of the behavior of others, not to glorify the pain or others missing my mark, but to inspire you to come closer to the God of grace, the divine healer, the miracle maker, the healer, provider. Oops, I could have kept that paragraph going for a long time.
While I had learned that I couldn’t keep things, or persons, under control, I was tugging on George to do just that with many things that were going on in our home. But he wasn’t there yet. I was letting go of the rope of control, but I was still struggling with the temptation to throw it at him and MAKE him grab it!
I was, however, determined to have my own relationship with Bryce and forego the prior efforts of going through George to communicate my needs to him. It wasn’t easy, by any means, but I found the more I went to him, the less difficult it was. I wanted him to like me but I didn’t “need” for him to like me!
Join me Monday for more of this 30-day trial,
Tested,
Evinda
Nana Holds!
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