Built to Last

Forest Gump said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." That may be, but you have what it takes to handle whatever comes.

In this season of life I am more aware of the many facets God has used to fashion me. When He shaped Thea -  vulnerability, focus, kindness, and a brazen resolve to never give up - were securely stitched into the fabric of my soul. Complementing them are brokenness, and scars of varying hurts that have since healed. I occasionally touch each one to remind myself of just how fragile yet strong I am. Sometimes new wounds appear, and I go through the process of healing again - emerging more resilient at the end.

Every day can be a celebration - of a lesson learned through loss, a victory won through conquest or simply the beauty of having the will to push beyond resounding defeat. The key is to get up, determined to make the most of what you have been given. And on this journey called life - you will rise again and again - not because you like the battle, but because you're built to last.

So You Have Written A Book, Now What?

So you have written a book, now what? That is the question of the hour. I have learned that what happens next is as extensive and as time intensive (if not more) as the writing process. You have to keep the momentum going. So many questions; so many directions - where should you go? Self publishing? Self assisted publishing, traditional publishing? Get an agent; Don't get an agent? 

I am no expert on the matter. I simply said yes to an assignment God gave to me. Now, my thought is this, "If He gave me the assignment, He will make provision. The path will become clear. Doors will open, doors will close; but all at His will." 

I am doing my due diligence. I am putting in the work, but along with that I pray (often), I listen, and I wait. When I clearly hear His voice, I move. Sometimes I hear nothing; I just find myself in places and know that it is a divine arrival, or a divine appointment. He orchestrates and I am fine with that. 

Everyone's process is not the same, and while it is important to glean from others; it is equally important to only take away from their experience the piece that God has given to them to help you on your journey. To carry any more than that can create burdens of indecision or missteps. 

Trust God. Do your research. Have the conversations. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Write the query letters and proposals. Follow submission guidelines. Submit your manuscript. You may never feel comfortable about releasing it, but you have to let it go. Feelings of vulnerability are normal. Do not let them stop you. Understand that rejections will come, but remain optimistic. God will accomplish purpose through you. Jeremiah 29:11

What Does Ministry Mean To Me?

It would be so easy to compromise myself—all in the name of ministry advancement.  I want my songs played both on Internet and Terrestrial Radio, but I am not willing to make wrong moves to accomplish that. I truly believe that God makes a path for me.

I could insert myself where I want. I could do any number of things to seek to oblige or compel others to put me in places that would provide added exposure. The truth and the fact of the matter is—I don’t want anything for myself that God does not want for me. That often means simply being okay with the fact that responses will not always be favorable. When they are not, I am not broken up about it.  This is where peace comes in - Trusting God to make the moves for me.  

I have assurance that seeming setbacks, slow pace,  rejection, unexplained cancellations, airplay, no play, ministry events that touch a heart, change a life, favor, are all controlled by my heavenly Father who is my beginning, my ending—the sole author of my story.

  

I want to share God’s heart, His nature/character, His amazing love  - in all I do and say.  That means my life, not just a ministry event where I have a chance to sing and showcase my gift, but my entire life must always be a reflection of Him.  

He is the   author of your story too. Hang tight!  He’s working it out for you.  Have peace in the midst of that process, because only then can you offer real ministry from an unpolluted stream. Trust God!