No, Thank You! July's WOW, Words of Wisdom/Weapons of Warfare from Chicklit Power

John 3:17

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Thanks for joining me today for a little coffee break, and for tuning out the rest of the world and all of its crazy demands upon your life and your time. Grab your coffee and come on in for our monthly WOW, before July is gone!
Last week I was walking the streets of Vegas with two of my girlfriends – we were on our annual getaway for girls. I was amazed at how crowded the streets were, especially for a Tuesday! I mean there were people everywhere! Doesn’t anyone work anymore? :) It’s hard to believe that it’s a vacation destination for so many different people. But because it is, Vegas has got to be one of the top places for people-watching! Talk about a lot of culture!
Speaking of people watching, I must have been doing just that as I was trying to keep up with my girlfriends – I had actually wrenched my back on the ride to Vegas two days prior, thanks to a wasp/fly in our vehicle that landed on me and sent me twisting and turning in ways that I didn’t know I could. And the frapachino I had in my hand, well, that went flying! Anyway, that’s another story but the ending to it was my sweet friend Sherry climbed out of the front seat, into the back with me, stretching her body out as far as she could to reach into the very back and squish the sucker as I sat crouched in the corner, trying not to scream while laughing in fear and disbelief, all the while reeling in pain.
Anyway, back to the streets of Vegas. It’s about 112 out; sweat is trickling down my back as I’m walking behind them, giving up keeping up with them, and suddenly I hear this “Excuse me; excuse me” in an English accent. The voice was rather timid in a strong kind of way. I looked to my left and there was a young boy, probably 12 or 13ish trying desperately to get by and he seemed to be in a hurry, a bit frightened even.
Right after he made his way past me, I heard the reason for the suspected hurry: “YOU’RE A SINNER, CONDEMNED TO DEATH! YOU NEED TO REPENT AND ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR!”
The voice got louder, closer and to tell you the truth, I couldn’t even tell you all of what he was saying. Why? Because I tuned him out! And my two girlfriends, both of whom are believers, didn’t hesitate to add their commentaries, which in no way were positive! In fact, one of them called the guy a freak!
I shook my head in frustrated sadness because I just know in my heart this isn’t what Jesus asks us to do.
Now to avoid finger-pointing, or picking up the gavel, I did explain to my friends that I strongly disagree with this method of so-called evangelism; however, he was doing what he believed to be the right thing. We could only pray that somehow, some way, God’s Spirit would intervene and do damage control while trying to be heard by the heart of this yelling evangelist as well as the young boy he just scared off.
Have you ever encountered a yelling evangelist? What was your first reaction to his/her message?
Join me tomorrow for the conclusion to our WOW for July!
Marveling at the lessons,

Evinda

Coffee in Cabo from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Thanks so much for joining me for Coffee Hour and Cabo memories. I think this is every bit as fun as scrapbooking, actually a bit easier because I can definitely write/type faster than I can scrapbook! Grab your coffee and come on in.

On Thursday evening, we went to the Beach Party put on by the resort. I was anticipating another fun time, hoping to laugh like no one was listening and dance like no one was watching, just like we had unexpectedly at the Fiesta. Right after dinner, the Emcee got us up and out of our chair into a conga line. The party was definitely starting, but this time, George and Rodney stayed back and Cheryl and I joined the line.

The song hadn’t even finished and Roberto stopped everyone and began explaining the Limbo. The more he explained, the more people left the line. I was up for the challenge, and so was Cheryl, though she was a bit hesitant. When it came my turn, I confidently walked forward, practicing the positioning that Roberto had explained to us: bend down, thrust hips out, shoulders back and walk!

I got closer to the bar and bent down, thrust my hips back and began to walk forward, that is until a pop that I swore everyone heard stopped me. For a brief second, my body broke out in a sweat and instantaneous paralysis, but pride pushed me forward. The crowd cheered their approval for me to continue on in the contest, but I went straight to our table not stopping to collect $200. I was in excruciating pain. I don’t know if I pulled my groin or thrust my hip out of its socket, or what. All I knew in that instant was pain. I literally had to take both my arms and lift up my right leg to get it stretched up and out on the chair in front of me, which was empty, thank God!

beach party fun…b4 injury!

The rest of the night passed in a blur. I did manage to get up and dance a bit, but it certainly wasn’t as if no one was watching. In fact, as I tried to move in the sand, I probably looked as though there were invisible restraints attached to each of my legs while the rest of me sort of swayed to the beat!

We managed to stay through the end and my pain lessened a little bit but if I moved a certain way, it would begin to rear its head and cut at me like a razor-sharp knife. I think this was the night we went up to their room at The Ridge – no, that was the night before. Oh, that was another hysterical memory. Have you ever tried to walk through a screen door in the dark? OMG, we all laughed so hard over that one that I nearly had an accident.

Rodney & Cheryl dancing like no one’s watching

Anyway, the night after my injury, we went into town so George and I could get a massage. We knew right where to go: to the place we had been last year where for only $25, you got a one-hour massage! And it was really good. Or at least it used to be.

When we walked in and saw completely different people, that should have been our first red light, but we proceeded anyway. The language barrier should have been another flashing red light. Last year, we were able to hold a conversation with almost everyone in the place. They motioned for us to follow them and they put George in the room next to mine. Let me tell you, when you don’t speak the same language, or any part thereof, there’s a problem, a cultural problem.

To make this long story short, here I was supposed to be relaxing through a one-hour massage

Looking 4 hats!

but instead of laying down in an attitude and atmosphere of relaxation, I spent the next 60 minutes grimacing, clenching my fists and even at times grinding my teeth. And just when I think this had to be the worst massage I’ve had, and I’m fighting the urge to just get up and say I’m good, you will never believe what happened: She began pounding on my face! I thought she was going to break my face bones. If I wasn’t so shocked, I might have broke out laughing at how ludicrous it was. Now I know there was minimal lighting and it’s hard to really see, but you would think that she would have noticed the terrified look on my face, the gritting and grimacing and grinding would have caused her to stop, but no, she kept on pounding. And when her sweat dripped on my face, I nearly jumped off the bed, but sat there frozen in disbelief and pain. I couldn’t move because my hip or groin or something was killing me!

enjoying the pool at The Ridge

I have never been so relieved in all my life to know one hour of massage was finished and I have had more than my share! Before she left out of the room, she thanked me. All I could do was shake my head.I was so tempted to ask her where in the heck did she learn to do what she had just done, but I bit my tongue, reminding myself it is better to speak into someone’s life than out of it!

In a couple minutes, George came in to get me. “Get me out of here,” I gritted through my teeth fighting back the bipolar urge to scream and laugh at the same time. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough, and oh, the look on Cheryl’s face as I told her about my massage experience was priceless, almost worth the facial beating.

We laughed all the way down the boardwalk. That’s the beauty of traveling with friends like

Rodney never met a stranger

them; laughter can come when you least expect it but it always comes!

There are many more Cabo memories that I’ll always treasure, but pictures speak a thousand words. Thanks for allowing me to recapture the moments that made this trip so special.

Join me Monday for the return of Nana Holds. Wow, are things ever changing in that series!

Joyfully,

Evinda

Coffee in Cabo from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour and the final blog of Cabo memories. I have just a couple more book signing moments to share and then I’ll conclude with some other things that made my heart smile, and still do as I relive the moments. Grab your coffee and come on in.

I walked toward her, excitement and heartfelt appreciation compelling me forward. I couldn’t believe that I was experiencing what I’ve only read about: friendships that form on vacation and continue to grow. It was Carol and her daughter and Carol is the sweet lady I met last year with her friend Pat, who couldn’t make it this year because of health reasons. Incidentally, I’ve since heard from Pat via email and I’m touched with humility as she shares Coffee Hour with us! A big hug to you Pat, and you too Carol, oh, and Laura too! What a valuable tool social networking can be if we utilize it correctly!

Anyway, Carol and Laura walked with me over to the table – let me clear something up so I don’t sound presumptuous by assuming they wanted to come to my book signing!  First, Pat had told Carol about the book signing at the resort because she had read it in the blog, and then I had seen her and Laura at the Festival on Monday evening and Cheryl gave her a flier.

It was super sweet to hear Carol explain a bit about my books. She had bought Back to Single last year and she was one of the first emails I had received telling me how much she enjoyed it. We had learned from Laura at the Festival that she had just gone through a huge loss: her husband passed just a few months prior so it had been a rough road lately. While “Back to Single” suited her situation on the outside, A Cup of Encouragement and A Cup of Hope is what she needed on the inside.

As I sit here and share this with you, I can’t remember if she bought both of the “Cups,” or just one, but she did wind up getting “Back to Single,” too. As I signed her books, I prayed for her, that the words within each of them would offer encouragement, light on a dark day, healing for her hurting heart, wisdom and understanding, and most of all, a knowledge that would inspire the necessity of the reality of our loving God in her life.

I signed A Cup of Hope for Carol and we talked a few more minutes before I saw Serena and Lowry walk up. I got a picture with Carol and Laura and squeezed them both before turning my complete attention to Serena and Lowry.

I was so happy to see them and a bit surprised as well. I know they had said they would come up, but when people are on vacation, they’re on vacation! Anyway, I had the blessing of a few minutes with Serena while George brought Rodney over to meet Lowry. Serena looked at each of the books and said, “I’ll take one of each,” so I began to sign while Cheryl prepared the receipt.

Have you ever had one of those embarrassing moments that turned the heat up on your intimidation temperature? Well, I had one of those just then as Lowry handed me a card to run through Square, and because of the poor connection, it wouldn’t work. Now, he’s a real sharp businessman. Remember, he used to be one of President Reagan’s legislative advisors. As I’m blabbering about the connection, a flash of water is dripping down my back which I just know ignited by my intimidation turned embarrassment.

Serena

Anyway, after trying another card, he said, “Let me just give you cash,” to which I responded with gushing appreciation. I seriously felt about an inch tall, but as I’m learning, that’s my insecurity, not his debt!

As I watched them go, I even remember thinking, I wonder if they will even read the books! Oh, ye of little faith . . .Remember, I got the email from him shortly after arriving home telling me he was thrilled to read them?

Before we wrapped it up, I did sign a couple more books, but something else happened to end the book signing on a very happy note: Do you remember Danielle, the first one waiting in the afternoon who bought all three books? Well she came running down about a half hour before the end exclaiming she was on chapter 3 and couldn’t stop! She said “I’m absolutely loving the book and I wanted to make sure I came down and told you before you left! I’ll definitely write a review,” she added. Talk about a cup of encouragement and hope all in one!

So I have one more very funny story to share, so join me tomorrow for the final, final Coffee in Cabo moments!

Love and laughter,

Evinda

Other memories that made my heart smile . . .

Beach party

Power Friday-from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Thanks for joining me for Coffee Hour and a power thought for your Friday. Grab your coffee and come on in!

This power thought came to me while we were on vacation in Cabo. We have a timeshare at a beautiful resort called Playa Grande, and it truly is a beautiful place. The grounds are immaculate; the views are breathtaking, and our one-bedroom is perfect for us. The service is also incredible, and humbling at the same time. Next door to Playa is their sister resort, Grand Solmar, which is extremely extravagant and lavished with all kinds of things you read about in magazines as far as amenities, service, food, et cetera. It’s beautiful, but…. Yes, I said but. I couldn’t help but be a bit homesick.

Now is that because I don’t know how to be content in the moments, I ask myself? I actually

vacation beauty

pondered that for a bit and the honest answer is no, absolutely not. But if I were to live like I vacation, what would I have to look forward to, to work toward? If all I saw was beauty, would that make me insensitive to poverty, pain and sorrow? That is the motivation behind this week’s words:

If all I had was all money could buy, then I would bebankrupt

Think about it . . .

Love and laughter,

Evinda

Join me Monday for more of Coffee in Cabo!

Coffee in Cabo from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

It’s a new day, a brand new day and His mercies are new for you and me! Thanks for joining me for a little coffee break today. I thought it would be fun to share the highlights of Cabo with you for the next few coffee hours, so grab your coffee and come on in.

Sunday: I came downstairs with my last bag and there in the entryway were our four-legged children Sparky and Baraka, wagging their tails as soon as they saw me, but little Baraka had that look and she didn’t hesitate to direct it right at me. She looked up at me ever so adorably and wagged her tail with obvious anxiety that reached all the way into her eyes. It reminded me of the night before when she had hopped into George’s packed suitcase on the closet floor. She was on to us and pleading with us not to go. Sparky, named this because he’s such a happy dog, also had that look, only his wasn’t a ticked-off look but more of a sad one.

please don’t go…

These dogs definitely don’t make it easy to leave. As George called them both into the hallway, I reminded myself of how attached they have become to Jene’ and the relief of knowing they’d be okay helped me out the front door and into Rodney and Cheryl’s car that was now packed and ready to go.

We arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. I so appreciate that about Rodney; he’s always plenty early whereas I can cut it too close at times! My first heart-squeeze happened right at the curb with Omar, the guy who checked us in. He was so full of joy and peace and he had such an infectious smile, I just had to ask him if He was a child of the King! His smile got bigger. “Yes, I most certainly am,” he exclaimed.

While we talked, he began to print our boarding passes and the luggage tags and I reached for the one packed with books and started to put it within his reach but he just continued putting the luggage tags on everything. I asked him, “Aren’t you going to weigh them?” His grin went wider. “Oh, no; I done took care of everything. We’re not doin’ none of that!”

I breathed a sigh of relief. Had God given him a video of my fretting over the possibility of having to pay $50 for any and each over-packed suitcase?

I heard “A Cup of Encouragement,” and I reached down into my carry-on and pulled a copy of my first book out, asked for his wife’s name, signed it and handed it to him. “Thanks for blessing us with such happy service.”

We were on our way with a reminder that He was going ahead of us!

on our way…

The flight was quick and easy, which was another blessing for me as I am still not a fan of flying. After going through customs we headed for the luggage terminal. I was prepared to wait, thinking our luggage was at the bottom of the pile since we were one of the first to check in. Well, we waited about five minutes or so and then I saw the pretty mulit-colored pieces of yarn and there were Rodney’s and Cheryl’s suitcases, too.

George walked over and pulled the first one off the turntable and set it down in a way that made me yelp at him! I was immediately sorry for my sharp tone and apologized. He turned the luggage to steer it toward me and I gasped. There on the side was a huge white mark and then three jinormous cracks. It was obvious that someone either ran it over or dropped it a long way down! Talk about a joy stealer! My brand-new Samsonite large suitcase, destroyed.

I saw an attendant and waved him over and showed him my problem. He took pictures with his cell phones – don’t you just love technology! – and then he asked us to follow him to their office, so we did. While he was getting some info for us, George decided to open it and see whose it was, mine or his.

“It’s yours,” he said. Right after that, a memory collided with an understanding that sent chills running up and down my spine. See, just the day before I actually prayed about whether I should carry my laptop with me and go through all the hassle of taking it out of my carry-on, out of its sleeve, into a plastic tub, through the scanner, back out of the tub, into the sleeve, back into the carry-on . . . blah, blah, blah, blah – just talking about it makes me cranky — or should I just put it in its sleeve and check it in my suitcase as I have done many, many times. I heard “Take it with you,” so I did.

I know that I know that I know that had my laptop had been in that suitcase, it most likely would have been destroyed! Talk about another hear-squeeze from God! I just love when He shows up like that to let us know He is watching us, and watching out for us!

Join me tomorrow for more Cabo highlights!

Evinda