When Worry Consumes You

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!”  

Isaiah 26:3

Peace sounds so easy:  just keep your mind on God and He will keep your mind at peace!  We would all like this.  But it is not as easy as it sounds.  

One of the times in my life that I was in need of peace was in 2000:   my husband left,  we got a divorce, and I became a single mom with no job.  I wanted peace, but tears, worry and anxiousness overwhelmed me.  I wanted to know how I was going to make it through today and what tomorrow was going to look like.  There were many days that the load was overwhelming.  I found that worry did not help, it just borrowed trouble.  God’s Word answered the trouble:  I found that when I turned to prayer and gave it to God, the load was lighter.  He was my burden bearer, bringing peace into my heart and my mind.

I found the key to peace was Jesus.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  

Philippians 4:6-7

One of the ways that I found helped me keep my eyes on God was to cultivate a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving.  During that period of time, I read a devotion that gave me the idea to keep a “Praise and Thanksgiving” Basket.  Each night before I went to bed I would write on an index card 5 things that I could thank and praise God for that day.

I wrote my praises and thanksgiving on index cards for three years.   Some days it was hard to find something to be thankful for or to even praise God.  But as I looked for the praises, I saw my God at work, supernaturally taking care of my needs, giving peace and joy in the midst of horrible circumstances.  During those difficult years, I learned that He is my Sustainer, my Provider, my Everything.

Now, 14 years later, I still write my praises and thanksgiving down.  I keep them in my journal.  This still helps me keep my thoughts fixed on God.  When you are in need of peace and having a hard time keeping your mind fixed on Him, try writing out your praises and thanksgiving,

It will help you fix your thoughts on Him.  And He will fill you with peace!

Bless Those Around You

2 Corinthians 4:7

We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

I'm always amazed at the blessings God sends when we say "YES" to Him.  (Saying "yes" meaning - we walk in obedience to His commands as best we understand.)   

The really cool thing about God, He'll not only blesses us, He'll bless the people around us as well.

• Potiphar was blessed b/c of Joseph -
• Naomi was blessed b/c of Ruth -
• The nation of Israel was blessed b/c of Esther -

There are many more.  These are top of mind.

This band, 1 Girl Nation, is the BOMB!!!   If you are a mother or grandmother of a tween girl, check them out.  They are beautiful role models.  (I would love to have them come to Raleigh - but it will require many churches and/or groups coming together.  I'm thinking Girls' Conference.  Begin praying! (A work of God always begins with prayer.)

Following the 1 Girl Nation event Saturday, Caroline Simas, the Event Organizer invited a few of us to her home for an after party.  My daughter, her friend, and Caroline Simas' girls were the only kids in attendance!

What a huge blessing for my daughter!  The day before was her birthday and we did virtually nothing to celebrate.   Yet Jesus arranged for us to have our own little party with the ladies from 1 Girl Nation!!!

The girls from the band, played soccer and basketball with the little girls.   Engaged them in conversation.

They took selfies and put them on Instagram - which my Caroline marveled at all the 'likes' they got within minutes!



I believe with all my being God gave our girls this BLESSING because their Mamma's said 'YES' to Him.   He compelled one Mama to organize (out of her comfort zone) and another to speak to little girls (definitely out of hers).

Caroline Simas, a special friend of mine, is not an Event Organizer, but an Artist.  She's the Founder and Owner of Multiple Blessings.   We met years ago when I was inspired to publish my little homemade prayer journal.   Though she lives in Charlotte, God divinely led me to her for encouragement and inspiration.  

   

In a nutshell, Caroline started her business by printing her designs (which include Scripture) on note cards, note pads, bookmarks, tissue boxes etc...   Her dream was to be a licensed artist  - asking the Lord for 2 or 3 companies to represent.  He answered by blessing her with 30 companies!   Her designs are now sold worldwide. God is using her gift of art to point people to HIM in secular places. Our God is SO BIG!  (Her products ARE GREAT for gift ideas...  check her out!)

The Holy Spirit prompted her late in the winter to put this event together for a nonprofit she's involved with called Education = Hope.     She said, "yes" even though she had no idea what she was doing. She just followed the leading of the Holy Spirit one step at a time.

Caroline and I learned:  

1 Obedient Woman + the POWER of the Holy Spirit = a God Event with the power for life change!

He'll do the same for you!  Is the Lord prompting you to do something that's totally out of your comfort zone, yet you're sensing a compelling you can't describe?   A compelling you're having a hard time saying "no" to - yet to say "yes" may not make any sense?

THAT'S GOD!  That's His Spirit compelling us; inviting us to join Him in His work and to make a difference.

If we base our decision of obedience on what we perceive we can do in our own ability and talent, we'll miss the power of God and the really cool things He has planned for us...  AND the people around us...

Thank you Caroline Simas for making me think bigger, by thinking smaller!   

Because of you, I got experience God in a new way. (I bet you did as well:)

And because of your invitation -  There's a new Girl's Journal!

More Next Week!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

Out of Your Comfort Zone

1 Timothy 1:12

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful appointing me to His service.

What a joy to be able to participate in the 1 Girl Nation Extravaganza this weekend in Charlotte!  So much happened this weekend, I'll have to break these up into a few posts.
Today:  OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE



THE  1 Girl Nation Extravaganza was an event I'll never forget.  My daughter, the friend she brought along and every mother and daughter - will NOT FORGET Saturday, May 17th, 2014.



It was a blast and TONS of fun!



But I'm going to be honest.  My job as the speaker for this event - was far outside my comfort zone. It may have been one of the hardest assignments EVER!

Why?

When I looked out and saw the sea of LITTLE GIRLS, I almost melted in fear! They were precious.  But they were LITTLE GIRLS that might as well have been giants!  I'm used to speaking to adult women - not 7/14 year old little girls and their Mom's!

Yet let me tell you how faithful our God is:  When He calls you to do something FAR outside of your comfort zone - HE SHOWS UP.  And He shows up BIG.  Seriously, I sat back stage wide eyed looking at Autumn saying, "Why are we here?  I'm prepared, but I've got nothin'!"  

(This has happened twice this month.)  She calmly tells me - "He's given you what you need," and she begins praying out loud - which is a big comfort to me.


I knew people were praying.  To top it off,  I drew strength from the 4 KGM Team Members in attendance:  Melody, Ellen, Amy and Autumn.  So let me give God praise!

• HE enabled me to speak a child like language!  
• He gave energy.  
• He gave me on the spot ideas to involve the girls by bringing them to the stage.  
• HE WAS MAGNIFIED!   So much so, the mothers at the event had no idea that my normal audience are women - not girls!

The notes I share below - are not to arrogantly toot my horn.  I want to put OUR GOD and His sufficiency on display.  I want you to see the power of the Holy Spirit to a woman literally shaking in her heels prior to stepping on stage.  I want you to see what happens when a willing vessel steps out on the water to dance with Jesus...

Notes from a Mom:

The 1 Girl Nation girls were precious and really spoke to the kids.  I felt the speaker did an amazing job explaining how we can listen to God and how important it is to have a relationship with Jesus.  

Note from another Mom:

(Take note of the Journal, Growing in Prayer.  Sneak peak!  More later.)

So, I walked upstairs tonight to say prayers with my child and came upon a Mother's most precious sight...my daughter had made her "quiet space" all by herself...  In her room, in her fuzzy lounger chair with her blanket, with all of her new supplies from the weekend. She had already organized them, along with Tara's journal. The Lord must have opened up this weekend and put it on our hearts to hear Tara's message. We had honestly gotten out of the habit of devotional time together as the nights have been full and later bedtimes...thank you for organizing such a meaningful event. 

Another Mom: 

Last night, I closed the door to my daughter's room after saying goodnight and she said "oh mom", I opened the door again. She connected what Tara had said about friends and friendship with mothers and said "You are my number one friend". My heart melted. I truly won't forget May 17, 2014. 

All glory; all credit to our amazing God.  He deserves all the credit.  I'm NOTHING without Him.  Apart from Him, we can do nothing of any lasting importance.

I'm still learning, but I'm learned afresh this weekend: when God calls us outside of our comfort zones, all He wants is a willing vessel.  A willing vessel for Him to display HIS Son to the world.  He supplies the words; the energy; the power; the evidence of changed lives.

I woke up way too early Sunday morning at the Charlotte Marriott.  So I went downstairs to get coffee and found a quiet spot to read my Bible and talk to Jesus.  1 Timothy 1:12 was in my reading.  I teared up as I reflected on the day before and thanked Christ Jesus our Lord who gave me strength and considered me faithful and appointing me to His service.  

Even though it was out of my comfort zone.  I would have missed so much had I NOT said, "Yes" to Jesus.

Next Post:  Others are blessed when we say Yes

When Mother's Day Almost Trainwrecked

Philippians 2:14-15
“Do all things without complaining and grumbling that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."

Our family was on the road traveling to a graduation for Mother’s Day this year.  I was very grateful that many of my children were able to attend the graduation of our dear friend, Tanner, who is very much considered a member of our family.

Before commencement at 3:00 Sunday afternoon, we knew we would need food.  So when a well known sub shop was spotted, it was quickly decided that we would have lunch there.  Ick.   This particular fast food restaurant is one of my least favorite places to eat. 

And it's Mother's Day. Again... it's MOTHER'S DAY.

I sensed my emotions beginning to take over...  This is how they sounded:

"Your family is taking you out for a sub on Mother’s Day?  

You should be upset at their insensitivity.  

I wonder where my girlfriends are having lunch today. . .  Certainly not a sub shop!

My husband quickly realized that I had gone quiet.  He politely asked me, “Is there anything wrong?”  

At that point I realized my indignant thoughts were about to reveal what was really going on in my head - anger, grumbling, complaining, NOTHING GOOD.

I quickly had to call upon help from the Lord - otherwise the day could spiral out of control.

IMMEDIATELY, I was impressed to began thinking about all the many things I could be thankful for:

·       My family was getting to attend the graduation of our son, Tanner.  It had been a long and hard six years of education but he had not given up;

·       I got to spend at least seven hours in the car driving with my husband;

·       My family really likes subs.  They were just excited to be together;

·       I had money to pay for the food.

·       My children had hugged me, given me gifts, and even told me they were glad I was their Mom early that morning;

·       And most importantly, I've been a mother for 27 years and will be one until the day I go home to be with Jesus. Who is Hallmark to dictate when I get to celebrate being a Mommy.

As I purposely started counting my blessings instead of dwelling on the fact that I was at a sub shop on Mothers Day,  my emotions began to line up with thoughts...  As did my face!

So, instead of having a chip on my shoulder and causing the day to train wreck, we had a great day!   We had a blast cheering for our son as he crossed the stage to get his diploma.   We were joyful.  We were at peace with each other.  It was no longer about a Hallmark holiday but about being together as a family.  

Mother Daughter Event  
2 More Days - Get your tickets now!

Based on your package, the Event includes:

• Backstage passes are available with the VIP package!
• Concert 
• Speaker (Me!)
• Photo Ops with the band -  Your daughter will get to meet them!
• Makeovers
• Cupcakes
• Shopping and More!

The event is a fundraiser for Education = Hope.  All proceeds goes to support this ministry.

VIP Experience:  $35 - (3:00pm - 6:30pm)
General Admission:  $25 (4:00pm - 6:30pm)
Get your tickets today HERE  
Search 1 Girl Nation

Rescued Again

A Note from Tara:

At KGM, we are so excited:  We just released our first E-Newsletter!!!   This has been a goal of ours for years. 

In the E-Newsletter, you will find helpful articles and tips pertaining to the 4 pillars of Knowing God Ministries:  Relationship with God; Marriage; Parenting; and Ministry.  

In May's Issue, we reveal:

• Where ISI is?
• Marriage Tip
• Summer Study Discount
• Volunteer Opportunities
• Mother/Daughter Event
• Fun Activities for Summer with Kids
• Save the Date
• Tara's Upcoming Events
• Monthly Treasure

If you did not receive this issue, and want to begin receiving it:  Please send us your email HERE - and we'll get a copy sent to you.

Enjoy Robin's devo!

Nehemiah 9:28 NLT 

But as soon as they were at peace, your people again committed evil in your sight, 

and once more you let their enemies conquer them. 

Yet whenever your people turned and cried to you again for help, 

you listened once more from heaven. In your wonderful mercy, 

you rescued them many times!

In the last few weeks I have been feeling a little distance between myself and my Lord. Even though I was still studying the Bible and praying!  I have had a recurring incident in my life that has caused me grief and given bitterness a foothold.   In those times I tend to pray:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

 Restore to me the joy of your salvation.

And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12 , NASB

A few days later The Lord led me to Nehemiah 9. . .  and while I was reading it I sensed a supernatural joy that can only come from Him!  At the beginning of Nehemiah 9 the Israelites listened to God’s word for three hours then confessed their sins for three hours! 

Then the leaders of the Levites stood and asked them to “Stand up and praise the Lord your God, for He lives from everlasting to everlasting!” 

After this the Israelites prayed, calling forth all the history of their people and how God continued to rescue them time and time again.   He is a God of 

forgiveness, 

grace and mercy, 

slow to become angry, 

and 

He's rich in unfailing love. 

• God did not abandon them even when they created a golden calf!
  
• Because of His great mercy He did not let them die in the wilderness! 
  
• For forty years He sustained them! 

Oh - what JOY filled my Spirit when God reminded me of who He is!

Did you see what I prayed in Psalm 51?   Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. 

Last Wednesday He restored my joy!  My circumstances had not changed but the joy had returned!  I started thanking Him for what I HAD instead of focusing on what I WANTED.  Indeed, He rescued me because He is a God of forgiveness; grace and mercy; He's slow to become angry, and He's rich in unfailing love! 

I think I had forgotten that. . . . I didn’t think He wanted to hear my prayers again about the same incident!  

But He does!  He loves us so much that He sent His Son to bear our sins and our sorrows so we can run to Him boldly.  

The bottom line of truth:  

Jesus rescued us once through the cross 

and will continue to rescue us as we turn and cry to Him.

5 Habits to a Better Life, Part 2

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world...

For many years, busyness, over commitment and unwise priority choices controlled my life.

Yet one day I woke up.  The quality of my life had dissipated.   I had allowed the pace of a hectic, chaotic world spill into my life, marriage and family.

Since then, God has shown me practical habits to keep destructive patterns of the world at bay.  Over activity and busyness for any given period of time IS destructive.  Do not be fooled by the pattern of the world.

Last week, I shared Habit's 1 and 2.  Click HERE if you missed it.  Today,  I'll share the remaining 3 habits.  Please know, it's still a daily pursuit.

Habit #3. Wisely invest in Priority Relationships.

IF you are a married woman, your husband is your priority ministry.  Therefore, discern if you are treating your husband as the lowest person on the totum pole.  Do you spend more time with your girlfriends or even your church ministry?  Who gets the best of you?  Who gets the worst?  Your husband and children are your priority relationships.

What other people should be important?   According to the Word, our Mom and Dad are to be part of our priority relationships.  Regardless of where they live, find ways to invest in their lives.  (See Matthew 15.  It's eye opening.)

Say no to the constant temptation to be drawn away by good things at the neglect of best.  Sadly, we can treat our families the worst and our acquaintances the best.  If this is you, wake up!  God has such a better plan for you life.  Come in agreement with Him.

Habit #4.  Have a quiet time each day. 

This is a must.  It's not negotiable.   Our quiet time can set the pace of our day.  Why?  Because we're spending time with Mr. Peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  Not only will He comfort your insecurities and strengthen you against them... But He'll also encourage your day with direction and purpose - He'll also set the pace of your day.

I can't find anywhere in the Bible Jesus hurrying His disciples saying, "Come on boys, we've go to go.  Pack up camp and put out that fire.  We've got some preachin' to do."

I used to hurry my family constantly.  In fact, I could lose my temper trying to get out the door for Bible study!  

I'm done with "hurry" mentality.  My quiet time helps me tremendously in this area.

Habit #5.  Choose to trust God when you have no control.  

I cannot control other people.  I cannot control their response to any given situation.

But I can control me.  And I can control my responses.  And because I've not neglected my quiet time, I have spent time with Mr. Self Control.  So I pray for "self control" to rise up within the storm of my heart when hard things happen.

I then ask the Holy Spirit what He wants me to do?  If I sense direction - I act.  If not, I stand in trust.  I can be at peace - trusting God and His infinite resources to act on my behalf.   "When I am afraid, I will trust in You."  Psalm 56:3

You can do this too.  It's not always easy - but it's a choice.

These 5 habits are simple.  But from personal experience, they will not become habitual by accident.  I still work on them everyday.   Most days I'm successful.  Other days, I fail.  The days  I do, I just start again the next day!

You will have to be intentional.  But the end result is the reclaiming of life quality Jesus purposes you to have.    (John 10:10)

5 Habits to a Better Life, Part 1

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world...

When you see a girlfriend or an acquaintance, how often does the greeting go as follows:
Friend:  "HI friend, how are you?"
You:  "Good - just BUSY.  How are you?"

This is the conversation used to be my life!

For many years, busyness, over commitment and unwise priority choices controlled my life.  Yet one day I woke up.  Though my life looked like many of my friends' lives, the quality of my life had dissipated.   I had allowed the pace of a fast-paced, hectic, chaotic world spill into my life; into my marriage; into my family.

Though it may have looked fine on the outside, the quality of my life was yuck.

Over the last few years, God has shown me practical habits to keep the destructive patterns of the world at bay.  Over activity and busyness for any given period of time IS destructive.  Do not be fooled by the pattern of the world.

Over the next 2 posts,  I'll share 5 habits that have changed my life.  These habits are simple yet will not become habitual by accident.  You will have to be intentional.  And be warned:  your friends may think you're dissin' them.  But you're not!  You're just reclaiming the quality of life Jesus purposes you to have.  (John 10:10)


Habit #1.  We must create margin in our schedules.

I'm a recovering addict of not giving myself enough margin in the day.  I'd tell someone I'd meet them only to be 10 minutes late because I've squeezed into an already full schedule that one last thing.

One more errand...
One more chore....

Not only did I squeeze in one more thing, I didn't allow time for traffic.  Now I'm stressed out and my head's spinning.  Never mind, arriving frazzled and frustrated.

This bad habit will steal the quality of your life.  Take control of your schedule.  Give yourself time.   Don't stack one thing after another day in and day out.  Yes, some days will be busier than others.  But you must draw a line in the sand and give yourself wiggle room.  Tell yourself, "No more!"

During busy weeks, I take NO outside appointments other than my priority relationships.  Yes, I may offend some by not making myself available, but I can tell you this:  Relationships with my priorities are maintained and do not suffer during weeks of busyness because I've learned to give myself margin and I've learned to say NO!

Habit #2.  We must learn to say "NO!"

Sometimes I feel like the Queen of the land of  "No."  But that is okay.  My marriage is good.  My relationships with my children are good.   My family relationships are good.  We aren't barking at each other and running around like a bunch of crazy people.

Our days will become increasingly crazy if we over commit ourselves and our families.  Do you have your child playing in multiple sports or activities from season to season?  Never mind that you have multiple children doing multiple sports/activities in the same season.

Girlfriend, your marriage and your family WILL suffer if you choose to live this way.  AND IT IS A CHOICE.

Are they training for the Olympics?   Are they preparing to play professionally one day?   If not, stop the insanity.  It takes away from the quality of your priority relationships and ultimately your life.

If saying no is too hard for you, schedule the appointment several months out.

For example:  I'm getting ready to enter a busy season during the month of May.  If Sally Sue emails me and wants to have lunch or coffee, I have to determine if Sally Sue is a priority relationship.  If she's not, she's not getting scheduled.  I'll most likely eventually schedule her, but it'll be when my schedule opens back up in mid June. And that's on a Thursday or a Friday.  (These are the days I've pre- determined I'll schedule people.  Monday - Wednesday are typically busy work days.)

All of this may sound harsh, but think about it:  If say yes to Sally Sue - my job and priority relationships will suffer. I've said "yes" too much.  And when I do, life stinks.

Learn to say NO.

Next Week:  Habits 3 -5 to a Better Life

Mother Daughter Event  
17 More Days - Get your tickets now!

Based on your package, the Event includes:

• Backstage passes are available with the VIP package!
• Concert 
• Speaker (Me!)
• Photo Ops with the band -  Your daughter will get to meet them!
• Makeovers
• Cupcakes
• Shopping and More!

The event is a fundraiser for Education = Hope.  All proceeds goes to support this ministry.

VIP Experience:  $35 - (3:00pm - 6:30pm)
General Admission:  $25 (4:00pm - 6:30pm)
Get your tickets today HERE  

Search 1 Girl Nation