What is Your Passion? What do you Want?

Many years ago, when someone would ask what I wanted, or what was my passion, my answer would be a blank stare.

I had the mindset that what I wanted didn’t matter. And passion? Passion for what? I was simply trying to survive in this world as a single mom, juggling hardships and taking care of my children.

I loved the Lord. A lot! I did have passion for Him and His word. After all Jesus is the reason I survived all those hard years. So after my blank stare, my answer would always be within the broad scope of my relationship with Jesus being my passion.

I felt it was a luxury to contemplate any specifics about what I wanted or desired. Reality was what it was and to dream or think about what I wanted or what was important to me would be selfish.

I was caught in a tangled snare.

I was bound up in living the status quo, accepting financial restriction as a way of life, succumbing to physical limitations as I age, governed by impossibilities and a can’t-do mindset. 

My walk with Almighty God has grown and matured through the years, yet I’ve always felt a sense that He wants to do more.

In 1 Kings, chapter three, King Solomon asked God for a discerning heart to govern the masses. He’d witnessed God’s fulfillment of incredible promises He’d made to King David, Solomon’s father. Solomon was young and overwhelmed with his new position in life, but his faith in God exceeded any limitations he had.

Here’s how that conversation went:

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night 

in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want 

me to give you.” Solomon answered, 

“You have shown great kindness to your servant, 

my father David, because he was faithful to you and 

righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this 

great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. ^"Now, Lord my God, you have made 

your servant king in place of my father David. 

But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry 

out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you 

have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people 

and to distinguish between right and wrong. 1 Kings 3:5-9

God not only granted Solomon's request for wisdom, but He gave it in abundance along with great material wealth, which Solomon didn’t ask for.

As I have prayed recently for God to line my wants up with His, and to deposit His desires into my heart, while removing those that aren’t from Him, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with His answer. 

A specific passion I’ve had for many years shifted from the bottom of my 2017 goals list, up to the top three.

My lifelong weight struggles and issues with food have led me to years of research on everything from diets and weight loss, to health and wellness through natural solutions. 

I’ve tried to subdue this growing passion, thinking it was secondary to other ministries I’m involved in. I’ve never thought of it as a ministry, but now I do.

We were bought at a price and are to honor 

God with our bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

When I revealed this passion to the Lord, as if I’d hidden it behind my back, He began connecting the dots in fulfilling a dream of a new vocation and livelihood that has endless possibilities.

He will instruct him (her) in the way chosen for him (her)…He (she) will spend his (her) days in prosperity. Psalm 25:12-13

My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He will 

release my feet from the snare. Psalm 25:15.

Now, when someone asks me what is my passion, I can answer with excitement and confidence that as I pursue what I want and desire, I know I’m headed in the direction that pleases my Lord.

So what about you? What is your passion?

It could be that the very struggles you’ve had in life, are the stepping stones God has placed for you to step into the way He’s chosen just for you.

Ask Him to line up your wants with His and to deposit His desires into your heart while removing the ones that aren’t from Him. Like Solomon, ask God for a discerning heart. 

I’d love to hear back from you what happens next.

Continuing the course,

Terri

Life Transitions: Brace Yourself

When your life’s foundation shakes beneath your feet; your world, as you know it, shifts and changes against your will, changes for which you have no control over, how do you brace yourself?

Life transitions are hard enough when you’re grounded in a sturdy relationship with Jesus, our Lord Almighty. I can’t imagine walking through this unpredictable life and world without His presence, power and assurance of my position and future with Him.

He moves through these unbearable transitions with us, ever present, never leaving our side.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep 

over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not 

be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

During some of my life’s biggest earthquakes, out of desperation, I held on tight to God’s promises of comfort, peace and hope. Each time, He fulfilled those promises.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort 

those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves 

receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

As we visited with my dad over the holidays, I thought a lot about the reality of life’s constant changes. He lives eight hours away and I’ve made this same trip to Mississippi for over 36 years. 

My stepmom, Mama-Jean, passed away July of 2015, drastically changing our visits to Mississippi.

Mama-Jean was a strong woman and wonderful homemaker. She always spiced up our times together by spoiling us and making sure we left five pounds heavier than when we came. 

Now, trips to Dad’s feel more like we’re on borrowed time, as he’s 81, and I’m not very young myself.

Transitioning through my mom’s death in December 2014, is ongoing. As I put away Christmas decorations, memories behind specific ornaments and displays that were mom’s flood my mind. 

Many times I stop and ask God if He can let her know somehow that I’m thinking about her.

Grieving loved ones, going through divorce, illness, financial loss, etc., can be overwhelming to the point of giving in to complete hopelessness.

But you don’t have to live in hopelessness if you belong to Christ. When your world falls apart, you don't have to crumble beneath its weight. 

Why? Because Jesus Christ is our Rock. Refuge. Hope. He’s our Guide and Comforter. He steadies us when the ground underneath shakes and shifts.

Are you experiencing big transitions in your life right now; facing changes that you have no control over? 

Are you trying to maintain a “stiff upper lip”? Are you forcing down emotions that can be expressed to your Heavenly Father instead? 

Are you looking for others to provide comfort and hope? Even our most devoted loved ones are limited in what they can provide during difficult transitions.

As 2016 is now behind us, and today we begin a new year, will you stand firm with me on God’s solid foundation that’s sealed with the following words: 

The Lord knows those who are His…2 Timothy 2:19

And if you’re not sure if you belong to Him and feel hopeless in the midst of your earth-shattering transition, then know this: You are not reading this post by mistake. He loves you with an everlasting love and draws you to Him with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3

Jesus came to provide a way for you and me to know Father God intimately.

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus 

and believe in your heart that God has raised Him 

from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Opening your heart’s front door to Jesus Christ opens up a world of hope, comfort and peace. He will forgive all your sin and indwell you by His Holy Spirit.

You can know joy and peace in the midst of life’s most difficult times.

Best of all, though, is when you transition from this temporary life on earth, to eternity with Him forever!

I pray all of you have a wonderful new beginning with Jesus today, and throughout this year, as you trust Him fully in all of life’s transitions, whether good or bad.

May you find joy, peace and comfort as you trust Him more for what only He can provide. 

Staying the course through transitions,

Terri

Color Your Year

This time last year I was in a desert. It was the first anniversary of

my mom’s passing, and only five months after my step-mom’s passing, who lived in Mississippi with my dad.

I did not want to do Christmas.

At 80 years old, this would be my dad’s first Christmas alone, ever; as far as I knew.

I traveled alone to Mississippi to be with Dad, where we would robotically go through the motions of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Just the two of us.

On Christmas day, after the last dish was cleaned and leftovers put away, I was relieved. I sensed his relief too.

We got through it.                

I was glad to be alone during the eight-hour drive home the next day. I simply needed to process and give myself permission to grieve.

This desert season also included shallow fellowship with the Lord. 

I was spending the bare minimum of time with Him, in His word and praying; just getting by. Checking it off my list.

It’s no wonder I was thirsty. Hungry. Drained. I knew why I had this longing in my heart and that only Jesus could fill it.

I was tired of the desert. Over it.

My best friend (thank God for those!!!), Sande, has always been strong and consistent with her personal times with God, especially during hard times.

The most grounded woman I know (the one on the right), she passionately studies God’s word. Of all the women Bible-study teachers and writers, she surpasses them all.

One day, during my dry season, we were talking when our conversation turned to Jesus, as it often does. She shared how she’s asking God for their theme for upcoming 2016.

"Theme?" I asked.

She shared how every year she asks God for a theme and color for their daily dates together. She never misses a day of time alone with Jesus. Not one. Ever.

In her words, “I have a date everyday with Jesus!” She further shared how He would never stand her up, so how could she. She emphasized to me how she needed this time with Him; that it wasn’t because she’d arrived in any way, but because of her need.

After our talk I decided to copycat Sande’s prayer. I asked God for a theme and color to represent what He wanted to do in me in 2016. 

I made a new commitment to meet with Him daily, even when it meant getting up before the roosters.

Wow! It was one of the quickest prayers He’s ever answered! It resonated with me completely.

GREEN. GROW.

All shades of green are some of my favorite colors. Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons because of the fresh green life taking root and growing.

Excited, I prepared by buying a green journal, pens, selected a three-year Bible-reading plan and got ready to grow on my dates with Jesus.

Finding a new place to be alone with Him was important. Part of our attic above the garage is finished and makes a perfect solitary place away from distractions. I incorporated some greens with blues and yellows (together they make green), in my new surroundings. 

I never explained to my husband why I disappeared every morning behind a closed door in the little room above our garage. Thirty minutes quickly turned into the quickest hour of every day!

God has been faithful! He shows up every morning. I can’t say it’s all been feely-good, spirit-filled warm fuzzy times.

There has been gentle discipline from Him, and coming clean on my part. Each time I could feel roots going down into the fresh soil of grace and mercies He met me with each morning.

He refreshed my heart. He placed a new passion in me for prayer. He sent living water into my desert, making it like a well-watered garden.

Now I’m hooked.

We have only two weeks left in 2016. I asked the Lord again for a theme and color for 2017. I’m telling you the truth when I say that before the words came out of my mouth, He showed me.

Red. Love.

I’m not a big fan of red. And I’ve always felt I didn’t love well and have difficulty receiving love. And since He knows this about me, it makes perfect sense. Once again I’m excited about my dates with Jesus!

Now it’s your turn.

Do you long to be close with Jesus, but you struggle with knowing where to read in your Bible? Do you have problems focusing; fighting distractions?

Ask Him to show you a theme and color for the upcoming year. He longs to date you. He longs to tell you many things.

Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

After you ask Him, and He shows you, I want to hear back from you. Come back here and share below in the comments your theme for your dates with Jesus in 2017. 

Staying the course,

Terri

Need Direction? Feeling Frustrated?

I was frustrated…with God. Downright irritated. 

I know. Who am I to be frustrated with our sovereign, Heavenly Father?

In my tired and weepy state, I approached His throne; not in humility and reverence, but with frustration. Complaining.

“Lord, You’re the One who opened these doors. I wasn’t seeking it. You’re the One who made this vision reality. We need direction. And funding. The needs are great. I’m terrible at this.

Naturally, I desire favor, a good name, fruitful outcomes. Not only in ministry, but in my personal life.

I yearn to be nearer to God; to enjoy peaceful paths, provision and confidence when I step out to do His work.

I want God’s blessings, grace and His eternal riches; to walk through this earth and feel safe, enjoying sweet sleep, trusting in His protection and future plans for me. Not fear of sudden disaster; fear of things that may never happen.

Who doesn’t? Surely I’m not alone in this.

As I often do, I turned to the Book of Proverbs, hoping to find some wisdom; a tad of knowledge. Whatever the date is, is where I always begin. This particular morning was the 3^rd.

I began with Proverbs 3:1-2

My son, (or daughter) do not forget my teaching, 

but keep my commands in your heart, for they will 

prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

It’s as if Father God started speaking. Not in a finger-pointing disciplinary way, but as a Loving Father. Daughter, don’t let the cares of this world choke out what I’ve already taught you.

Next I read in verses 3-4:

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them 

around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name in the 

sight of God and man.

Translated for me, this means to operate any ministry, as well as my personal life, with love and faithfulness as the mantra. Love and faithfulness wins favor and a good name.

Verses 5 and 6 is a biggie, and we all know it.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean 

not on your own understanding; in all your ways 

acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

There’s no need to wrestle with Him over this. Trust Him, not in my finite understanding. He will provide direction as I continually seek and acknowledge Him.

Following in the next two verses…

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 

This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

I’d come to Him weary, achy, tired and struggling with joint pain. My wisdom will lead me to exhaustion. His wisdom brings health and nourishment.

I next read in verses 9 and 10:

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first-fruits 

of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to 

overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. 

With regards to the ministry to single moms, He just then instructed me financially, to give outside of our ministry to others also working hard for His kingdom. Another biggie for me.

Are you feeling distant from God today? Sometimes it’s because of His discipline, which is His way of bringing us closer to Him.

As stated in verses 11-12:

My son, (or daughter) do not despise the Lord’s discipline 

and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines 

those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Finding wisdom and gaining knowledge, is always His desire for us.

Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who 

gains understanding, for she is more profitable than 

silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more 

precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare 

with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand 

are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and 

all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who 

embrace her; those who lay hold of her 

will be blessed. Verses 13-18

The rest of Proverbs 3 exhorted me to preserve sound judgement and discernment, to never lose sight of those two things. His promises of safety, sure-footedness, sweet sleep and confidence encouraged me as I read more about the benefits of wisdom.

There was nothing else for me to say to Him. He had spoken.

Whatever burdens we think we’re supposed to carry or when we need direction, the Lord has given us what we need right here in Proverbs 3.

I invite you to share below what you do when you need God's direction and are feeling frustrated. 

Staying the course through His word,

Terri

Here Comes Christmas

We bake, cook, decorate, plan, buy presents and get excited…or not. 

Maybe you’re worried about how you’re going to afford gifts for others. Maybe you feel pressure to meet others’ expectations. So you go through the motions, counting the days until January 1^st, missing the whole point of it all. 

Last week, as we prepared for Thanksgiving, I promised to make my own gratitude list after I encouraged you to. After all, how can I suggest you do something if I don’t do it too? Right? So I'm sharing a portion of it at the end of this post.

If you missed last week, simply scroll down below today's post to catch up.

So how’s your list coming? What kind of things were you surprised by as you began jotting down what you’re thankful for?

Or did you tell yourself it was a nice idea, but it wouldn’t change anything?

While that might be true, that your circumstances won’t change right away, what will happen is, you begin to change. The peaceful contentment you long for rises up in the midst of being grateful.

This time of year will always bring mixed emotions for me. And I know I’m not alone.

I’ve found that when I focus on the real reason I’m baking,  planning get-togethers, buying gifts or making them, I’m less vulnerable to disappointment or sadness. 

What is the real reason? The real reason is all because of Jesus Christ. He's all the reason. It's to Him I give thanks and to Him I celebrate His birth at Christmas. 

Apart from that, all the activities I'm doing become pointless and empty.

Not to negate cherishing the time with family and friends, wishing peace on earth, and good will toward all men. But if these are all we're hoping for, we're headed for disappointment and depression at the end of the year, rather than peaceful contentment that only Jesus brings.

Throughout the holidays and beyond, I try to focus on all God has given me; done for me and continues doing in my life. Not what I think He should do or give me or work out on my behalf on my time table. 

Comparing my life with others isn't allowed either. I wasted a lot of years doing that and believe me when I tell you, it DOES NOT help.

I’ve come to love Christmas again because, while I bake, decorate and buy a few gifts for loved ones, it’s Jesus I’m celebrating! 

The lights, music, time with family and friends are all part of it. Joy and peace are mine as I make it all about Him. 

Despite extreme commercialism and the skirmishes over saying Merry Christmas versus Happy Holidays, it's a joyous occasion. Like it or not, it's Jesus Christ we celebrate; nothing else. 

Will you, with me, not get sucked up in the societal hype of this season? Will you give yourself permission to enjoy celebrating Him with each dish you pull out of the oven, present you wrap or get-together you plan?

Will you join me in thankfully preparing for Christmas and allow yourself to enjoy every single part of it? 

Now, for my gratitude list. I tried to focus on less material things and zoom in on God’s everyday blessings that I take for granted. I’m not listing loved ones here, but they are on my extensive written list. 

So here goes:

• Pansies (it amazes me how they endure harsh weather)
• Front porch
• The two colorful maple trees in the front yard
• A crisp blue sky against fall trees
• My Bible
• The owl that lives nearby. He calls out at night and dawn. It’s soothing.
• Geese in a stagnant pond below our house. They leave every morning, but always come back at sunset.
• God’s unceasing pursuit of me, despite me.
• Forgiveness
• Hot coffee
• Prayer
• God’s unchanging love
• The upstairs room
• 93.3 Joy FM
• Celebrate Recovery
• Hope. There’s always hope where God is concerned
• Written words

I shared mine, so now I invite you to share in the comments below, some of the simple things that you’re grateful for.

Feel free to also share how you handle the Christmas season without getting sucked in to the commercialism. I could always use some fresh suggestions.

Staying the course during the holidays and beyond,

Terri

Supernatural Reality

About 18 years ago, God promised me something very personal. It was one of those moments with Him when I knew that I knew that I JUST knew. His words drifted off the page of my Bible and

penetrated my heart to the core.

If God said it, then it is so. That settles it.

During my years as a single parent, God provided a lot of opportunities where I had to hold to His promises, only to experience His faithfulness time and again. He worked supernaturally to bring many promises into my physical reality.

Merriam-Webster defines supernatural as unable to be explained by science or the laws of nature. 

I could not explain how God fulfilled His promise, only that He did.  

Perhaps a better word than promise would be assurance. It’s His assurance that He’s going to bring about something that only He can do; something in the supernatural realm that will become my physical reality.

The specific “assurance” I’m writing about today, for which I’m still trusting God, concerns someone I love deeply. He’s an extension of me. Of my flesh and blood. My firstborn, 36 years ago.

The current reality is heartrending. He’s alive, but gone. Mental illness carried him into another reality away from me, and others who love him.

Circumstances beyond my control…so many unanswered questions. Guilt. Anger. Is he safe? Hungry? Warm?

Do you have a heartrending situation too? Some days you’re ok; coping. Other days your faith is shaken and the reality feels unbearable.

Maybe God has given you a promise or an assurance specifically for your situation. Just like me, you need a supernatural work of God to bear down on the situation, right? 

So we're trusting yet another promise of truth from Him to fit all the puzzle pieces together. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Recently I’ve been strongly encouraged that God is working to fulfill His promise from 18 years ago. So much so that I’m banking ALL my hope in Him. 

You’ve heard the phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Well, I’m doing just that with my Heavenly Father, by putting ALL my hope in one God. To the rest of the world, this seems foolish.

I had no idea when God planted Jeremiah 31:15-17 deep in my heart, that I'd be here today, trusting Him for such a big thing, to work all this out into a physical reality.

As Believers, our position is seated with Him in the heavenly realms according to Ephesians 2:6…and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. That’s our reality.

If we’re seated there with Him, when we pray for our situation or loved one, something powerful happens. How? I can’t explain how. It’s God’s supernatural work.

He's given a new resolve to take back what the enemy wrongfully stole. I'm accepting God’s restoring, healing and redeeming realities. I have no clue what it will look like. I just know that He's set things in motion.

Whatever your situation is, however painful or heartbreaking, I want to encourage you to not give up. We can’t give up!

One of my newest, most favorite quotes is by Tony Evans, a well-known pastor, speaker and author. He says, “Faith is acting like something is so, even when it is not so, simply because God said so, in order that it might be so.”

Will you join me with your situation too, and act like something is so, even when it is not so, (YET), but simply because God said so?

Then let’s trust and wait, wait and trust, pray and pray until it is so.

This is the only way to stay the course.

Terri

Discontentment

Discontentment. Seems like a harmless enough word.

Actually, discontentment is common among our society.

Are you content? Or discontent? Are you discontent overall or just with a few areas in your life?

Discontentment is a sneaky, sleazy, underhanded tactic the devil uses to derail me into a head-on collision with defeat.

Merriam-Webster online defines discontent as a sense of grievance. Dissatisfaction.

The thing with being discontent is, it leads you by the nose down, down, down into a dark hole.

The prerequisite to discontentment is ingratitude. Thanklessness.

For me, it begins with one thought. Just a single thought.

If a friend of mine receives flowers from her husband, I might think something like, my husband never brings me flowers. I focus on that instead of all the countless other ways he serves me. It can spiral downward from there.

Or a friendship may feel one-sided because you’re always the one initiating contact. Instead of being thankful for all they do for you and the numerous ways they’re there for you, you focus on the one thing you wish they’d do. Call you first.

Maybe your furniture is old and worn. Your neighbor just got new

furniture, but you can’t afford to replace your plaid, tattered sofa. You become envious and discontent over what you don’t have instead of being thankful for the abundance you do have.

These single-minded thoughts will lead down a trail to the next thought and on and on, until satan has you by the nose, leading you down the road of discontentment.

He’s hoping you’ll stay on that course until it finally disrupts your life. He’s hoping it’ll lead to broken relationships and broken lives.

Just by being discontent.

When I feel myself becoming discontent, a red flag pops up in my conscience and heart. I know I won’t find contentment in people, places or things. I’ve already tried.

If I pursue the different avenues of what I feel will bring me contentment, it leads to the same destination. DISAPPOINTMENT. And more DISCONTENTMENT.

According to Google search, contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction, fulfillment, ease of mind.

How can one find this deeply sought-after state? If it can’t be found in the world, then where?

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and 

enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give 

you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4

Then He said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard 

against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an 

abundance of possessions.’ Luke 12:15

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content 

with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave 

you; never will I forsake you.’ Hebrews 13:5

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned 

to be content whatever the circumstances. Philippians 4:11

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, 

whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:12

God’s answer to discontentment and finding fulfillment in Him and His promises, is truly where I find my joy and contentment every single time.

Making time to be alone with Him daily, and seeking Him has been my freedom from a discontented life. This is where I’ve found endless joy (not the same as happiness) and peace of mind.

The next time you’re led down the path of discontentment, please, please stop! Then veer away from that course and go to the One True Source of contentment.

When you do, you won’t be sorry. And you won’t find discontentment there.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with 

joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Psalm 16:11

On the road to contentment,

Terri

Our Homes: Building Up or Tearing Down?

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands, 

the foolish one tears hers down. Proverbs 14:1. 

Your house is your home. It does not matter if it's a small apartment or 4,000 square foot house. Your home is where you live, either alone, or with others. 

Women hold tremendous power in our homes. It does not matter if you're single, married or a single mom, you hold the keys to building up your home or tearing it down. 

We've all heard the phrase, if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. 

It's well-known too, that it's difficult to have two women in one household ruling the roost. (Southern slang for boss).

The wise and foolish woman cannot live in the same house. 

Thankfully, because God has clarified this in His word, we can know which one we are.

Below is a list of a few traits of the wise woman. 

• She fears the Lord. Not the scared kind of fear, but reverant fear, that moves us to surrendered worship of our King and Savior, Jesus. Fearing the Lord isn't simply going to church. It's a deep and growing personal relationship with Him.

There are numerous scriptures stating that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but this one sums it up:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; 

all who follow His precepts have good 

understanding. Psalm 111:10

• She seeks understanding and knowledge of Him above worldly knowledge, knowing this is where her happiness, joy, and contentment is found. To gain this, she steadily reads her Bible and seeks wise counsel from others.

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be 

pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect 

you and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:10-11

• She prays. She lays aside anxiety and talks to God, openly and honestly, while thanking Him, and trusting Him, knowing that this is where she finds peace.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests 

be made known to God and the peace of God, which passes 

all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds 

through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

• She oversees and cares. She manages and sets the tone of her household, whether single, married or a single mom. Except when there's abuse going on, we women know, don't we, that we set the tone and atmosphere of our homes? I'm not talking about clean, spotless homes, with material things, but taking care of herself and family through her example of edifying with actions and words. Making her home a haven to live in. 

She watches over the affairs of her household and 

does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:27

If you're thinking it's impossible to be this wise woman, you're correct. It's impossible in your own strength, but totally possible with God's empowering spirit living in us. It is a lifelong process that begins with...you guessed it....the fear of the Lord. It's Him who does the work in you. 


What a relief!

Now, for a few traits of the foolish woman who tears her house down. None of us have ever set out to intentionally tear down our homes. We don't want to destroy our home. But satan does; homes, families, marriages, you name it, he's going to work to tear down these things. He does it cunningly and craftily when we're not seeking God's wisdom and help in building up our homes.

• She worships idols, like money, greed, pride, self, beauty. Looking for love and security in all the wrong places.

Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, 

nor can they rescue you because they are useless. I Samuel 12:21

• She rejects instruction, insists on her own way through manipulation in her words and actions.

The way of a fool is right in their own eyes. Proverbs 12:15

...but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7b

• Anxiety, worry and fear rule her heart. We may struggle with these 3 things, but to let them rule our life, is distrust in the Lord, by neglecting prayer and fellowship with Him.

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind 
word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. I Peter 

• She's argumentative and tears down with words and actions.

A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky 

roof in a rainstorm. Proverbs 27:15

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. Proverbs 25:24

I confess that I'm a work in progress. I haven't always strived to be that wise woman. In many little ways, I was disassembling my home. Thank God He got my attention before it was too late.

I'm thankful for the work of the cross where Christ bore all my sin, making me whole and righteous by His blood. I'm fully dependent on the Holy Spirit's indwelling power to empower me to become this wise woman who enjoys the benefits that come with it.

How about you? Which woman do you want to be? I welcome you to share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Your fellow wisdom seeker,

Terri

I've Recently Realized Something

Welcome to Monday Markers everyone!

Would you agree that perspective is everything? Perspective is a mental view or outlook; the ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance. www.thefreedictionary.com.

When our perspective about something changes, the new change becomes reality.

When I see a bird perched on the highest point of a tree, it just looks like a brown bird to me. 

When I zoom in using binoculars or a camera, I gasp, ”oh wow!” My perspective of that bird completely changes. 

It’s suddenly a bright yellow gold finch (my favorite) or a striking painted bunting. 

I've always noticed birds and enjoyed them. But that's the extent of it. 

Because of my husband's passion and knowledge of birds, my perspective of them and desire to learn more has changed, as I've been his student in the classroom of all things birds.

For over 33 years I have loved God, have always noticed Him in my surroundings and acknowledged His faithfulness. He has walked intimately with me through life’s sorrows and sufferings, always bringing me to the other side…

But…

My perspective about my position with Him was blurred. Through my eyes, I couldn’t grasp all the spiritual blessings I already have in Christ. I struggled with taking hold of that which Jesus took hold of for me. 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or 

have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to 

take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took 

hold of for me. Philippians 3:12

What did Jesus take hold of for you and me?

Well, for starters…salvation. From His death on the cross, to His resurrection and now seated at the right hand of God, He makes intercession for us. He’s not condemning us, He’s praying for us!

So, girlfriend, where is your condemner?

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. 

Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who 

was raised to life – is at the right hand of God 

and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

That’s not all. Jesus didn’t just stop at salvation. He fulfilled His promise to send Someone to empower us to live this Christian life on earth.

Dear believer, if you’ve trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then the Holy Spirit has been deposited into your very heart (soul)! He lives inside of you!

This truth alone blows my mind when I FOCUS on it.

There’s more though. Much more and impossible to write about all of it in a little blog post. 

But the “something that I’ve recently realized” is what I want to share.

Are you like me and sometimes walk through this world feeling defeated, beat down and powerless?

Have you accepted the status quo and mundane as your reality? Do you feel like you’ve fought your last battle and are down for the count, too tired to get up and fight? 

I have some encouragement for you today. First let’s adjust the lens of the eyes of our hearts and focus in on something.

My prayer and hope is that you’re perspective changes as you take hold of the reality that we, as daughters of God, can live in. Right now.

First, do this: Ask God to replace your blurred or distorted view with His vision.

Now let’s zoom in and focus…

As a believer in Christ, you have been bought by Him at the highest price ever possible. Therefore, you are His possession, His greatest treasure. 

Your were bought at a price. 

Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:20 

and 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, 

a holy nation, God's special possession, 

that you may declare the praises of Him who has 

called you out of darkness into His 

wonderful light.1 Peter 2:9

Because Jesus is our King, we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms.

...he exerted when He raised Christ from the

dead and seated Him at His right hand in the

heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:20

and

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him

in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6

God has given us EVERY spiritual blessing we will ever need to defeat the devil’s sleazy schemes and empower us to live out our Christian life. 

Praise be to the God and Father of our 

Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly 

realms with every spiritual 

blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 

You don’t have to try to be righteous because you can’t. You already are! 

This righteousness is given through faith in 

Jesus Christ to all who believe.  Romans 3:22

So stop exhausting yourself by trying to be perfect.

Because of all this, we can stand…with the authority of Jesus, and take back what the devil has stolen while we've been focusing on defeat and discouragement, down on our back for the last count. 

…do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance

the Lord will bring you today. Exodus 14:13

While you’re taking your place and standing firm, clothe yourself in His armor He’s given to you. I strongly encourage you to get your Bible and turn to Ephesians 6:10-18, paying special attention to each piece of armor God has provided.

Think of it like that bird sitting atop the highest point of a tree and it just looks brown from where you’re standing. Until you zoom in focus on each detail.

Ask God to give you vision and focus on these realities. Ask God for His perspective to dissolve your perspective. 

Now, go for it! Grab hold of what Christ has taken hold of for you and experience new strengths and victories.

Grabbing on to these realities has given me a “second wind”, even after all these years. It will move us forward as we stay the course,

Terri