These Shoes Feel Like Slippers

DSW Shoes sent me an email with the subject line: “These Shoes Feel Like Slippers!” I know advertising ploys and that one was supposed to entice me to check out that ad, but sorry, DSW! I wasn’t tempted. But, thank you, DSW, because you gave me food for thought for this blog today.

Pictured here are a gal’s absolute verification that “these shoes feel like slippers”. Several pairs seem to be worn out. The top two pair are newer – barely worn at all. The “worn-out” ones are symbols of guaranteed comfort and healing to my feet. From the wear and tear, you can see that I live in them when I’m not out and about. I know this brand of shoes was God's provision for healing as an answer to my prayers. And, though many of them look quite shabby, they still have the structure that keeps my feet supported. I can't bring myself to throw any away.

In the words of the great philosopher, Marilyn Monroe: "Give a gal the right shoes and she can conquer the world". That quote, and, especially that adorable little girl prancing around in her mama's shoes brings a smile to my face. Little girls just want to be like their mamas. But, there's something about us BIG girls who want to be like someone else, too! We want to “feel” like we’re wearing slippers – perhaps Cinderella’s glass slippers. Maybe it's because of who they're married to, or how wealthy they are, or how beautiful they are, or how smart they are, or what a bubbly, outgoing personality they have.

But, RIP, Marilyn Monroe, who didn't realize that God did GIVE us gals the RIGHT shoes, and we, not only CAN, but we ARE conquering the world. The RIGHT shoes to be in, are the ones that God created just for us to wear.

You and I are unique, one-of-a-kind, specially handcrafted originals. Before we were ever conceived, God had a plan and purpose that only we can fulfill (Jeremiah 1:5). We don’t have to try to fit into someone else’s shoes (or try to be like them or look like them). Remember the wicked stepsisters of Cinderella trying to fit into Cinderella's shoes, and they just couldn't? That's because they were trying to BE Cinderella. It didn't work for them and it doesn't work for us either.

We just simply must walk in the “designer” shoes that God made just for us. That’s what I do with my comfy, cozy, healing slippers. Once, I wore 3” heels – had every color and style imaginable. Oh, yes – I can verify that I had plenty of shoes – so much so that I received the Imelda Marcus Shoe Award (note the hair and shoe award photo here)! I no longer wear those shoes. It was a season. I’m in a new season now with different slippers – ones that God gave me to wear – and I own it. I was conquering the world in those 3” heels in MY season and now I’m conquering the world in these built-for-me slippers today.

Actually, it’s not at all about the shoes but about the men and women that God destined us to be, to show up when He calls us for duty – and whether that duty is on a computer writing a blog to encourage and motivate someone to live in audacious faith, behind a receptionist desk being a light to all she or he encounters, a nurse with loving hands and heart ministering to those in her or his care, those on a telephone bringing awesomeness to someone who needs an uplifting word, one on an airplane telling someone about God’s great love, or in front of a kitchen stove preparing a meal based on love and devotion to their family, or walking outside and embracing the One Who created it all – let’s go right on today, in our specially designed – one-of-a-kind shoes and conquer and change the world.

“Wear shoes that are able to speed you on as you preach the Good News of peace with God.” Ephesians 6:15

It’s Fall -- My Favorite Season of the Year

It rained incessantly all day here in Frisco on Saturday. That beautiful drenching outside made for a glorious indoor day of wearing comfy clothes, thoroughly giving my home a good top-to-bottom cleaning, and then rewarding myself at the end of the day with a sweet Hallmark movie, popcorn, and a chocolate shake. Aw -- the blessing of a rainy day. And what a way to welcome my favorite season of the year – FALL! I sensed I was being powered by a heart of gratitude. I turned a “routine” house cleaning into a charged-up expression of joy. I became very aware of so many reasons to be thankful.

I was thankful for my home and the fact that I had a home to clean. I was so thankful for the rain that watered my thirsty yard and plants. My grandson in Austin was playing two baseball games and through technology, I was able to watch his game on “Game Changer”. More technology gratitude was sensed as I read so many “praise and thanksgiving” posts from others on social media AND I was able to make my own gratitude post.
I walked out on my patio and saw my plant pots overflowing from the rain. I saw. I could see. I heard the symphony of rain hitting all the various objects: my BBQ pit, the trees, the brick porch, the roof. I heard. I could hear. I breathed in the smell of that heaven-sent rain. I breathed. I COULD breathe without devices to help me breathe. I was moving – bending, reaching, pushing and pulling as I cleaned my home. Psalm 107:1 says "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever."

Fall really is my favorite time of the year. Just around the corner, the leaves will begin turning into their gorgeous colors and soon we'll be able to turn up the thermostat in our homes. We'll start thinking about our families gathering together, and all the other stunning symbols of this multi-colored season. Oh, the genius of our God. And like the spectacular array of beauty in this season with all its variety of colors and uniqueness, so are we. Yes, we are alike in so many ways, but His purpose in making each one of unique is just the way He rolls in all of creation.

The most beautiful part of the Fall season is the attitude of gratitude that comes along with it. I was lavishing in it on Saturday. And that gratitude includes being thankful for the season I am in right now. For each of us, every day is a gift and whether that day includes joy, happiness, peace, and comfort or whether it's stress-filled and challenging -- we know it's a part of this season that God has us in -- and in this season God is working ALL of the seasons for our good. Regardless of what season we are in, let's savor everything that it holds -- because THE ONE who controls the seasons, is THE ONE who will carry us through each one. So, let’s turn up the volume on gratitude. Let's awaken our hearts of gratitude and let’s amp up our bodies, souls, and spirits to the goodness of God, the blessings He’s given us, and our todays and tomorrows that are in His hands. Happy Fall, Y'all!!!

Our One-of-A-Kind Shoes Made By THE Designer

"Give a gal the right shoes and she can conquer the world" -- Marilyn Monroe.

That quote, and, especially that adorable little girl prancing around in her Mama's shoes, sure does bring a smile to my face. Little girls just want to be like their Mamas. But, there's something about us BIG girls that want to be like someone else, too! Maybe it's because of who they're married to, or how wealthy they are, or how beautiful they are, or how smart they are, or what a bubbly, outgoing personality they have.

But, RIP, Marilyn Monroe, who didn't realize that God did GIVE us gals the RIGHT shoes, and we, not only CAN, but we ARE conquering the world. The RIGHT shoes to be in, are the ones that God created just for us to wear.

You and I are unique, original versions and one-of-a-kind, specially handcrafted versions of YOU and me. Before we were ever conceived…..God had a plan and purpose that only we can fulfill. We don’t have to try to fit into someone else’s shoes (or try to be like them or look like them). Remember the wicked stepsisters of Cinderella -- trying to fit into Cinderella's shoes.....and they just couldn't? That's because they were trying to BE Cinderella. It just didn't work for them....and it doesn't work for us either.

We just simply must walk in “THE Designer” shoes that God made just for us. So, let's just go right on out today, in our specially designed -- ONE-OF-A-KIND shoes and conquer and change the world!