Tuesday’s Trench Lessons 4 Life

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Welcome to our new Tuesday series: Tuesday’s Trench Lessons! I am so excited about this series which will be written by one of my Transformers…and there may be a couple other Trenchers who join this blog, but I’m super excited about how this series came to be. To make that long story short, let me just say, it’s been a year-long process, and this came about by Divine ordination! I am incredibly proud to introduce you to one of my original Transformers whom God is truly transforming, Lea Province. You’re going to love her writing!

When will my life begin….By Lea Provence

I have always been a Disney fan. During summer vacations, my dad would take us to Disneyland…every year. We had Disney books, Disney toys and a whole collection of Disney movies. Do you remember those movies? Dick VanDyke and Mary Poppins and Hayley Mills in Pollyanna! Don’t get me started! And of course being a “girl,” I enjoyed the princess movies.

As I grew and started a family, I must confess, I still have all things “Disney!” More and more movies are being released and we naturally have seen them many, many times. Once is never enough. I can literally quote about 90% of the movies…word for word!

I wanted to give you that background to share with you that little nugget of truth and light I was given recently. I was listening to our “Princess Songs” CD when a song from “Tangled” sang by Mandy Moore played. It is called “When will my life begin.” The song starts with Rapunzel listing off all the tasks that she does throughout the day: chores and other things such as: reading, sewing, games, crafts, cooking and backing to name a few. As she goes about her day, she wonders to herself, when will my life begin? She feels as though she’s stuck in the same place she has always been. Would it be like to embark outside of her little world?

Now I have heard and sang this song numerous times. It wasn’t until a month ago that the words of this song literally pierced my heart and I began to cry. I then realized that this is exactly how I have been living my life: I’m on the shampoo lifestyle, rinse and repeat, wondering when will my life begin?

When I was younger, I used to think I’d make some money and buy a house, and that’s when my life would begin. Or, after I lose weight, I’d be more comfortable and that’s when my life would really start. Oh, and the best, after my husband finishes his medical treatment, his attitude will improve and our life will begin and be great! Merely existing is what I have been doing for 35 years, waiting for my life to begin. But I’m realizing that while I’ve been waiting, life has been passing me by!

My oldest baby, my daughter, will graduate next year! Before I know it, it will be here. I could possibly be a grandmother within the next five years! Oh, my goodness, I’m getting ahead of life while wondering when it will begin! How can that be? In a little over a decade all of my children will be adults. Why is it I can imagine life… and not get in it and allow it to pass me by?

If I continue to give my life conditions, you know, the shampoo, rinse, condition cycle, and demand perfection from myself, I will never enjoy life, nor will I truly grow and move forward with and in my life. Romans 3:23 reminds us for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! We will never reach perfection in this world. In my case, I cannot even see where perfection resides. I’ve decided to stop looking at my life as a finite thing. When I look at my existence eternally, I can see that my conditions are just stepping stones on my journey of progression to perfection.

Oh, the lessons I’m learning in the trench …

Lea

Jenn’s Journey from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Good morning, friends, here's hoping you had a nice weekend and were able to stay cool in this heat! Summer is really here, isn't it? This weekend we celebrated dads and all they do for us. I am blessed with a great dad and I am thankful for him. I know not everyone can say that, for often our earthly fathers let us down. Thank goodness we can turn to our Heavenly Father anytime!!!

A few months back I made a decision to leave a dental office I had worked in for many years. I'd seen a lot changes and some of those were not a good fit for me. This was not an easy decision as I loved my patients, many of whom had become friends. I knew I had a job waiting for me in a few months, but I had to look very carefully at my finances before taking this step.

I was a bit nervous, because even though I'd carefully considered most things in this decision, there is always the unexpected. Through prayer and talking with a few of my wise and trusted friends, I knew God was leading me to go this way.  He has blessed me in the past and I felt He'd continue doing so. He has given me the opportunity to be an almost-always stay-at-home mom, which was a dream of mine. I've been able to spend more quiet time with Him as well, and that is definitely something that money cannot buy!

My new job begins in August so I decided that I would just enjoy the summer with my daughter. Once school begins again, I'd get serious about finding more hours. In the meantime, I was called to do some temp hours for a friend, a confirmation that God was watching out for me. I have to admit that sometimes I started to feel worried…my mind filled with questions: How will I find work that allows me to still be present for V? Will I have to look further from home again? What if I can't find more hours?

Then...the other day, I was driving home from the store and I got a call. It was the office where I am to start working in August…long story short, the office manager was calling to offer me more hours! Would you believe that they are dream hours? Hours that allow me to drop my daughter off at school as well as be available to pick her up shortly after school gets out? I got chills! I knew, once again, that God has worked out an answer to prayer, and I am amazed. Why am I amazed? He's done this for me before. How quickly I forget all the good He does.

There's a verse that I was reminded of; it's found in Philippians 4:19: "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

What do you need? Is there something that you need God to do for you?  Because my “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

Until next week, be blessed,

Jenn

Thank You Notes, from Croley's Corner of Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Thank You Notes

 …rooted and build up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7
 Good Power Friday Morning,
I’m confident that your Thanksgiving was wonderful. I know mine was extra special as we spent it with my parents here in Oregon. Lots of food, as always, a fire, games to play and a time of great reflection…it was perfect. I had a time of quietness and was thinking of the many families that were together yesterday and the countless hours spent in the kitchen preparing that perfect “Thanks” giving dinner and I wondered of those that did cook, had anyone ever gotten a “Thank You Note” afterwards?
 I love to receive "Thank you” notes and the best part of the note in itself is that it was written with a thankful heart of the writer. A “Thank You” note exclaims you were appreciated and you were noticed for, maybe, something that you did out of a heart of love or perhaps…. just because!  I am positive, too, that the receiver was thankful you took the time to write and express your heart.
With the means today of Internet, FB, Tweeter – oops, I mean Twitter, or cell phones, sending a “Thank you” note is almost extinct. So by sending such a note, I guarantee it will bring a smile to the recipient’s face. Their hearts will be moved by the simple fact that you took the time to express your heart of thoughtfulness towards them. There are so many different varieties of "Thank You Notes.”  Many are simple and sweet... colorful and full of zest... stripes and polka dots... flowers and scenic landscapes... and they always seem to express either the giver or receiver.
I love to write “Thank You” notes. In fact, I write a “Thank You Note” every day to my Heavenly Father! I have a lot of journals filled with “Thank you Notes”
Some time ago, I suggested to a Women’s Ministry to begin their own “Thank You Notes” to the Lord, either write it in their journals or on a piece of paper that they could keep and tuck it away and in six months they could look back and see the “Thank”fulness of their hearts expressed towards their Heavenly Father.
It was liberating to hear what they shared and to see what God actually did for them during that time!
Inspiring? Yes!!!! When was the last time you received a “Thank You” note from someone or for that matter, when was the last time you sent one to someone? Don’t put off tomorrow what you could be doing today! See the abundance of His great love and thankfulness pour out of your very own heart as you surprise someone.
Thank Him... praise Him.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead it will make your day!
Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
 From my thankful heart to yours

Debbie

Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving ... from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving … from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power…

Thanks for stopping by for our Coffee Hour! I know you may be extra busy today, getting ready for Thanksgiving and all, so I won’t keep you long. I just got to thinking about this holiday, my favorite one, and got a little sad as I won’t have my kids to share it with this year so I dug within my soul for past memories and reminders of what really matters, Thanksgiving Day and every day! I hope you enjoy my Thanksgiving rendition of Twas the Night Before Christmas … grab your coffee and come on in.

Twas the night before Thanksgiving and all through the house

Every creature was stirring, including the mouse

Everyone was working on all of the fixings

The noise and smells were coming from the kitchen

The children were busy with their tablets and toys
Captured in their games, they made not a noise
While the adults laughed and worked all collectively
What a beautiful sight it was for any heart to see

When all of a sudden there arose such a clatter
Mom ran to the kitchen to see what was the matter
She looked to the left and she looked to the right
She couldn’t believe what was in plain sight

There was broken glass from a favorite platter
And at first glance, she knew it didn’t matter
Everyone was frozen, waiting for her reaction
But she didn’t give the devil that satisfaction

The counters were a mess, preparations everywhere;
It looked as though a tornado had just gone thru there
The turkey had flown from the platter to the floor
The poor thing looked like it just couldn’t take no more

The stove was a disaster waiting to happen,
full of pots and pans, handles overlapping
The old mom would have immediately gotten on her broom
And painted the atmosphere with a bit of doom and gloom

But the new and improved mom was no longer that way
For she had learned the true meaning of Thanksgiving Day
She stared at each of them and the mess they surrounded
Knowing her response would leave each one of them astounded

Now sons, now daughters, in-laws, friends like family
This is ever a sight for the eyes of my heart to see
More than the chaos, the mess on the floor
The memories we’re making are worth so much more

So grab a rag, and a dishtowel too
Here’s one for each and every one of you
Let’s work together in cleaning up this mess
It will only take a few minutes or less
Pick up the turkey, and we’ll wash him off
We’ll stuff him but good and put him in a trough
We’ll baste him all over, and get him ready to eat
No one will ever know we stepped on his feet

And when the morrow comes and we gather for the meal
We’ll be able to discern what matters and what’s real
Faith, family, friends, love and laughter
Help to bring us all that happily ever after

I looked to each of them with tears in my eyes
And said something I had just realized
Oh, why can’t it be Thanksgiving every day?
Loving each other in a Christ-like way
Patience, self-control, love and joy too
Are there for the asking for each of you
We don’t have to wait for a holiday to see
That Christ’s greatest gift is that of family

Praying you enjoy your Thanksgiving, no matter what circumstances you are in, no matter who you are with … or not with!
Thankfully,

Evinda

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Share and Enjoy

Nana Holds From Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Thanks for joining me today for our Coffee Hour and this life-changing series Nana Holds. It encourages my heart knowing there is you to share it with. As I go out into the world and hear story after story of life happening, my heart hurts over the number of people walking in our very shoes, these shoes that were so uncomfortable at first and needed some serious stretching and breaking in.
Oh, to comfort others with the comfort we’ve been given! Grab your coffee and come on in.

The second week was a bit easier as far as getting into a routine with Bryden, but tougher emotionally as I realized how fragile my husband was. As I look to my journal for a recordation of what was happening, I am shocked at how raw my own emotions were and just how fragile George was, his fragility stretching me beyond my capabilities, causing me to rely on our God more than ever. As I rewind to that period of time, I certainly wouldn’t give me an A in the area of compassion and patience, but I did get a “passing” grade, at least.

We were dealing with raw emotions from all sides and I’m not sure whether it’s fortunate or unfortunate at this point – it felt and still feels unfortunate to us – but Bryden has a lot of family that loves him, including his biological mother, as much as she is capable, and her parents. Talk about issues! So since there isn’t a whole lot that would edify, I’m not going to let anything fly out of my mouth. Maybe someday I’ll have a huge testimony to share when it comes to all of them, but our struggle felt more like major interference as they wanted a piece of little Bry, too! So while we were trying to create some sort of stable environment for him, they were tugging on us, demanding they get to see him too.

As I think about it, all of that struggling led to many good things but the first apparent one was that we realized we were going to have to do something legal in order to protect him and by doing so, we would bring some sort of security to this tough little guy and shield him from others’ craziness and selfishness.

Yes, looking through the second week’s journal entries, the eyes of my heart opened to the reality of the constant threat upon our home and marriage and the cry of my heart was unto Him. I prayed for understanding, strength and a love beyond myself, and His answer often came through this little boy who was now in the habit of saying: “Nana holds,” and soothing my ever-aching soul.

Join me tomorrow for more of this life-changing series,

Evinda

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

P.S. Join us today for more of breaking free from co-dependency on Blog Talk Radio! www.blogtalkradio.com/Chicklit-Power