Perhaps This is the Moment for Which We Were Created

I almost bought this metal wall hanging, shown here, because it spoke to me. I took a photo instead. It spoke to me because I remember at the birth of my children – I knew I was created to bring them into this world. It spoke to me because there have been times when I encouraged someone to carry on and not give up. Maybe I was the one that helped save their life. Right now, I am gently and intentionally encouraging a friend toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m not force-feeding them and I’m seeing a difference in their “tone” and softening of their heart. I keep thinking about this sign as I pray for them. I believe, in all of us, God placed potential and purpose for moments that assure us why we were created.

I love the story of Queen Esther. She risked death by her boldness as she spoke out for her people, Israel. I often quote from her story when I, or my friends, may be experiencing turmoil, chaos, and even loss. I'm reminded -- that just like Esther, “I may have come here for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14) As children of God, every day we can suit up for our royal positions too! We belong to our King. We have been set apart. Christ died on the cross for us. We are not our own. We have been bought with a price. Immersed in His truth, there should be no doubt in our minds that there is a purpose for us.

The story of how God worked in Esther's life encourages me to move forward in faith. With all the negativity and dreadful "stuff" that's in our world today, it's quite easy to pull the cover over our heads, ignore it all, and hope it goes away. We think "That's not my responsibility to get involved. Leave that to politicians or missionaries or other people that are 'called' to do that." We even close our eyes to our neighbors who need a word of encouragement or a gesture that says "I care".

You and I are here on this earth right now, during these times, and it's not by accident that we ARE here for a greater purpose than "our four and no more". What if we are supposed to be part of the solution in turning the tide of a crisis in someone's life, in our community's need for change, and in our world's need for hope. I know this....God's master plan for our lives includes us being a conduit of hope and peace to others.

We should feel honored that God purposed and planned us to be here RIGHT NOW, for a reason that's bigger than ourselves. What if He put us HERE to be His light in the darkness, to be the "chosen ones" to positively impact and make a difference in this world -- that so needs life and light? Are we realizing that God has us here ""FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS" to be that life and light?

Boldly Moving from the Back Seat to the Front Seat

We’ve taken the back seat long enough. We’ve allowed others to drive us to places (figuratively speaking) where we really didn’t want to go. But because we’re good back seat listeners rather than front seat speakers, we are complacent, quiet, and seem agreeable to wherever they go and whenever they go there. Instead of sitting in the back seat, it’s time we took our place in the front seat and “steered” the conversation.

When my sweetheart passed away, I had to become a take-charge, confident, fearless and BOLD gal. I played the "widow" card for a while and it worked in negotiations for my new home, getting some special treatment for services and getting lots of TLC from friends and family. Before long, that card expired and I had to step up to the plate and be a strong, resilient and capable businesswoman, entrepreneur and coach to those who faced similar circumstances.

I know boldness can often come across as pushy. And when we "go bold" on our own, it isn't a pretty sight. You know those folks: demanding, controlling, domineering. Ugh! I do my best to steer clear of them and I sure don't want to be one of them, either. Those take-over approaches don't honor God and, in fact, they even repel when we want to draw folks in. We want to lift people up -- not bring them down.

Boldness, in the hands of God, can be such a gift. I love Queen Esther's boldness. She was willing to approach the throne of King Xerxes, though it could have meant her life. She said, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish," (Esther 4:16). What a role model for women in every century! But her plan was not her own. Before she put her life on the line to save her people, she wisely asked them to fast and pray, that she might be given favor by the king. And great favor she received.

Boldness can be risky business when we do it on our own. But when we allow God to be in the driver’s seat, we can rest assured He will take us to where we need to go and get there safely and in His perfect timing. We can trust Him completely without fear. In fact, we can leave the driving to him entirely – knowing the outcome is always in His capable hands.

I'm thanking God for giving me victory over intimidation and helping me in my quest for boldness. With His nudging and reminding me of His abilities in me, I sold two homes in Oklahoma and purchased a home in Texas. I left the driving to His capable hands. I’ve silenced the voices of intimidation and have boldly stepped into my seat of boldly blogging and speaking about God’s faithfulness and goodness.

When we let HIS boldness pour through us, we’ll discover, "He crowns the humble with victory," (Psalm 149:4). My crown is not the likes of Queen Esther, but it's one I wear proudly because it's one that God placed on my head and it's called the Crown of Boldness. I've learned not to hold back from sharing God's love to those who are hurting. Here's God's Word for you and I today: Joshua 1:9 "This is my command: Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." So, let's be bold, be strong, for the Lord our God is with us....and, like Queen Esther...."for such a time as this!"

For Such a Time As This

Queen Esther is one of my heroes of faith. Her example proves my point about being motive-driven. I love her story. She risked death by her boldness as she spoke out for her people Israel. I often quote from her story when I, or my friends, are having to make some really tough life decisions like who we are aligning ourselves with, who we are helping and serving, and making sure we are doing and saying the right things in particular life-altering situations. I want my daily decisions to be royalty-conscious, like Esther: “I may have come to a royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14.

Wonder Woman Could Fly; Eagles Can Fly, If They Try, and So Can You and I

As a private pilot, I know that before I could get my pilot's license, I had to take many hours of "ground" school first -- to learn everything I needed to know about the airplane, what makes it fly, the weather, distance measurement and so much more. The more I had to be in ground school, the more I wanted to get in that airplane on my own and fly. I was discontented with staying "grounded"! I wanted to fly!

Speaking of flying, you would think my daughter was a Wonder Woman junkie by her over-the-top excitement to see the new Wonder Woman, especially after she saw the trailers and was moved to tears with passion. Some would think she is a fanatic about action heroes and sci-fi, but no, it's so much greater than that. This little girl that we named Staci (which means "resurrection life") has so much life in her that she truly believes she is a Queen Esther or a Wonder Woman with a "for such a time as this" mandate from God. As much as I have always known God has a call on her life to make a difference in this world, something is stirring in her today that takes her desires to a whole new level. I'm seeing it in her walk, her talk and her dissatisfaction for the status quo.

I went over to their house yesterday morning, and her energy level was running at Mach speed, exploding with the details of a dream she had last night, wearing her Wonder Woman t-shirt, and stoked about seeing the movie, it didn't really surprise me a bit. As I watched the movie with them and saw Wonder Woman's absolute passion and drive to save humanity, I understood my Staci's heart and passion. I won't be a spoiler if you haven't seen the movie, but it may be one that you consider seeing, but if you watch it as just another good action movie, then you're missing my point in sharing this post with you today.

We all have the opportunity to live way above the mediocrity of watching the news 24/7 for our daily boost of energy, or rather our daily boost of depression. Like Wonder Woman AND Staci, we can purpose to get ourselves on a higher frequency. A frequency of passion to make a difference, a passion to pray for Wonder Men and Women who say, "Pick me!", "Empower me!", "Give me wings to fly like an eagle!" I don't know about you, but I want to live in a zone that takes me to a place of "I am here this day and this time for a purpose, to be on purpose.....to help save humanity, too! Here I am, Lord! Send me. Use me. Teach me. Push me. Make me uncomfortable with pecking with the chickens. I am ready to mount up my wings like an eagle....and fly!"

Please watch and listen to this short video that Staci recorded yesterday about "staying grounded with the chickens" or "spreading your wings to fly like an eagle" and get started on your "flying" ground school today -- in the post below this one!

Dare to be Bold

Yesterday, my post was about the willingness to get out of our comfort zone. In other words...dare to be BOLD!

When my sweetheart passed away, I had to become a take-charge, confident, fearless and BOLD gal. I played the "widow" card for a while and it worked in negotiations for my new home, getting some special treatment for services and getting lots of TLC from friends and family. Before long, that card expired and I had to step up to the plate and be a strong, resilient and capable business woman, entrepreneur and coach to those who faced similar circumstances.

I know boldness can often come across as pushy and even arrogant. And when we "go bold" on our own, it isn't a pretty sight. You know those folks: demanding, overpowering, controlling, domineering. Ugh! I do my best to steer clear of them and I sure don't one to be one of them, either. Those take-over approaches don't honor God and, in fact, they even repel when, we want to draw folks in. We want to lift people up -- not bring them down.

Boldness, in the hands of God, can be such a gift. I love Queen Esther's boldness. She was willing to approach the throne of King Xerxes. She said, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish," (Esther 4:16). What a role model for women in every century! But her plan was not her own. Before she put her life on the line to save her people, she wisely asked them to fast and pray, that she might be given favor by the king. And great favor she received.

Boldness can be risky business when we do it on our own. But when God leads the way, we can follow Him without fear, knowing the outcome is always in His capable hands.

I'm thanking God for giving me victory over intimidation and helping me in my quest for boldness. With His nudging and reminding me of His abilities in me, I sold my home and built a new home, I started a business that changed my life and many others, I started a Life Group (Bible Study) in my home, I've joined women's groups where I can raise my hand to volunteer, I've become a leader in other groups, I put down my inhibitions and shyness (yes, I once was shy) and now I publicly speak to many various audiences about God's goodness.

When we let HIS boldness pour through us, we’ll discover, "He crowns the humble with victory," (Psalm 149:4). My crown is not the likes of Queen Esther, but it's one I wear proudly, because it's one that God placed on my head and it's called The Crown of Boldness. I've learned not to hold back from sharing God's love to those who are hurting. Here's God's Word for you and I today: Joshua 1:9 "This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or ... do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." So, let's be bold, be strong, for the Lord our God is with us....and, like Queen Esther...."for such a time as this!"

For Such a Time As This

Though I'm "out there" when it comes to social media, I'm quite reserved when it comes to my political voice. I have my own opinions but I rarely voice them publicly. That could be seen as a wimpy way out of controversy, or it may mean that I choose to live "above the fray" by recalling my Mama's favorite quote "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all!" Aligning myself with particular political figures has been a private matter for me -- especially here on FB. I am a professing Christian, so my primary voting guide is the Bible. I do my best not to be driven by the media, politics, personalities, social issues or other perspectives, but I carefully weigh out the "heart of the matter". I weigh out their stances, but I don't know the true hearts of candidates, so when the time comes to vote, I trust that my tightness with God and His Word that says "My sheep know my voice", that I'll hear THAT voice and vote according to what I hear.

So, all that to say I've never "campaigned" for a candidate in a political race because I've never known anyone, that without a shadow of a doubt, was so completely dedicated and committed as a "servant of the people", and was also an individual of integrity, honesty and love for God like Nancy Rothman! Nancy is a trusted friend, confidant and truly compelled to serve God as she serves His people. That's why I've volunteered to be on her Rothman for Tulsa County Clerk campaign team. From my heart, I know it's time to elect the people WE KNOW represent us with Godly principles. Nancy has been serving in the Tulsa County Clerk's office as Chief Deputy County Clerk for the last 3-1/2 years. She knows the position inside and out. She has the experience and dedication to get the job done.

While Nancy and I were having some "campaign discussions" today, a Pastor from our community, that just happened to be there at the same time, told us that he, himself, was joining politics by taking a board position. Why? His comments were "For too long our voices have only been heard in church, and we've kept them there. Isn't it time that we take on positions where we can be the LIGHT that God calls us to?" Matthew 5:14 says "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." We are that light and we shouldn't hide our light. If we want change, shouldn't we step up and BE THE CHANGE?

We loved that our 2015 Miss Oklahoma, Georgia Frazier, was there in all her beauty and poise, and wearing her crown! Just so happens my sweet daughter-in-love is a former Miss Oklahoma and Miss America, so it was especially dear to me. Seeing that crown, I think of Nancy Rothman as a Queen Esther and Mordicai, her uncle saying to her "You have been called to this kingdom, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!" Maybe, WE ALL have been placed on this earth, at this time and this place, to impact our world FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.

#VoteJune28th

#NancyRothmanforTulsaCountyClerk

#NancyforClerk

Alexia's Rite of Passage

Alexia's Rite of Passage Day

The first full day we were in Mexico, we got a beautiful view of Puerto Vallerta -- from a tourist's point of view. Lots of palatial hotels and resorts and shops galore. Cruise ships in port. Who would ever realize what we would eventually experience from "behind the scenes"?

But, this day was devoted to Alexia Wallace's Rite of Passage -- a very special event and occasion of celebrating Alexia's 13th birthday and transition from a little girl to a young woman. In the Jewish tradition, it would be her Bat Mitzvah -- celebrating her passage as a "Daughter of the Blessing". Staci Wallace and Larry Wallace devoted 12 special weeks of training that included 12 keys to living a life of blessing and abundance and being used by God to pour into her life, during this strategic time of transition and preparation. They used movies ("Joan of Arc", Queen Esther's story of preparation, "One Night With the King", as well as, for the first time, getting to see her Mom & Dad's Wedding Video and hearing their own "purity before marriage" story), experiences (special dinners and trips to specific places) and other specifically designed illustrations to carry out the special "Rite of Passage" journey.

The final key and blessing took place in the company of our wonderful missions team in Mexico, as well as Dr. Terry L. Mize and his wife, Renee Mize, the hosts of this wonderful trip and missionaries to missionaries around the world. What better location for the final key, as Alexia's heart is missions.

These photos capture some of the precious moments of our celebration with her -- from our early morning enjoyment of the beach to the evening blessings given by Larry & Staci.
Taking time to pour into our children these valuable lessons will not only impact their lives today.... but it will be carried on for generations to come. It is worth every effort and the time investment.....that will bear fruit beyond what we can imagine.

A Little Band of Women -- Ordinary to Extraordinary

Happy One Year Anniversary "No Limits Life Group"!

Who would have thought that when I felt God's nudge a year ago to start a Life Group in my home that I would have met some of the most remarkable women that sincerely realize, like Queen Esther, they are HERE on this earth, at this time, "for such a time as this". These are ordinary women who have experienced some of the most difficult tests, trials, disppointments, losses, and painful circumstances..... but with the help of our EXTRAORDINARY GOD, today, they are feisty, undaunted women on purpose and on assignment and they are using their past experiences as testimonies of God's amazing grace. Tonight, I loved hearing one say to another one "I use you as an example when I talk about perseverance. I say, 'If she can make it so can you.'" These women's families and friends have been positively impacted by their remarkable lives of faith-in-action. I, too, have seen them step up in boldness and courage when it comes to facing life head-on -- relentless in their attitude to never give up.

These women are just what THE DOCTOR ordered for me: they push me to study more, pray more, be accountable more, give more, receive more, celebrate more and live out my faith more -- so much so that week after week, seeing God's grace in action and seeing how He answers our prayers -- just almost knocks my socks off with awe and wonder of it all!

Indeed, there is NO LIMITS to what God can do with a little band of women who are completely surrendered to His will and ways.. Oh, there is telling....the Samaritan woman at the well who ran to town to tell about Christ, and Mary Magdalene -- running to tell about the resurrection of the Lord -- both of them women with "pasts", but running into an extraordinary God says.... we're in pretty good company.

For Such a Time as This

I love the story of Queen Esther. She risked death by her boldness as she spoke out for her people Israel. I often quote from her story when I, or my friends, may be experiencing turmoil, chaos, and even loss. I'm reminded -- that just like Esther, “I may have come to a royal position for such a time as this.” As children of God, every day we can live with the understanding that we have royal positions. We belong to Him. We have been set apart. Christ died on the cross for us. We are not our own. We have been bought with a price. Immersed in His truth, there should be no doubt in our minds that there is a purpose for us.

The story of how God worked in her life encourages me to move forward in faith. With all the negativity and dreadful "stuff" that's in our world today, it's quite easy to pull the cover over our heads, ignore it all, and hope it goes away. We think "That's not my responsibility to get involved. Leave that to politicians or missionaries or other people that are 'called' to do that." We even close our eyes to our neighbors who need a simple touch or word of encouragement or a gesture that says "I care". We think "I've just got too much to do with my own set of circumstances to get involved in someone else's cirmstances and plight,"

Here's the deal. You and I are here on this earth right now, during these times, and it's not by accident that we ARE here for a greater purpose than "our 4 and no more". What if we are supposed to be part of the solution in turning the tide of crisis in someone's life, in our community's need for change, and in our world's need for hope. I know this....God's predesigned master plan for our lives includes us being a conduit of hope and peace to others.

Shouldn't we be honored that God purposed and planned us to be here RIGHT NOW, for a reason that's bigger than ourselves? What if He put us HERE & NOW -- to be the LIGHT in the darkness, to be the "chosen ones" to positively impact and make a difference in this world -- that so needs LIFE & LIGHT? And, just wondering, are we realizing that God has us here ""FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS" to be that LIFE & LIGHT?? (Esther 4:14)