How Are You Living?

"What matters is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it. Not how long you lived, but how you lived. You are going to give your life for something. What will it be—a career, a sport, a hobby, fame, wealth? None of these will have lasting significance. Service is the pathway to real significance. It is through ministry that we discover the meaning of our lives. The Bible says, "Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body" (Romans 12:5 Msg) - Rick Warren.

Those words struck a deep chord as I sat in a memorial service where I'd been asked to sing. As I listened to the tributes being offered, I thought, "Wow. What a life." It wasn't perfect, but it was enviable. We were celebrating a man who had great vision and lived every moment positively impacting the lives of others. He was fearless in his expression of faith and boldly shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone he could. Many said he'd left this earth too soon, but the way he lived and what he'd accomplished seemed like the product of many lifetimes. He was committed, and passionate. Purpose drove him.

Myles Munroe said, "Die empty." Leave nothing you are purposed to do undone. I find myself on a journey of epic proportions. Not just serving, worshiping, or teaching our youth, but writing and publishing books as well as promoting my first worship conference. It sometimes seems surreal. Mainly because I am just a vessel. I have to rely on God every step of the way.

One thing is clear, a God-given vision is never accomplished without God. It is larger than life. You face doubt. You battle fears, yet giving up is not an option. I have decided to live on purpose, to die empty. This resolve allows me to keep moving in spite of uncertainty. Fear becomes motivation, not discouragement or prevention. Whatever you are destined to do, do it scared. Don't stop. That's when you're living? That's how you live.

Constant Companions

Sweet words,
Constant companions.
They calm or stir,
evoke,
deride,
assault,
assuage,
force guilt,
or joy,
peace, anger -
fear.
Sweet words,
Constant companions.

Craftily woven
they create a
tapestry which
bends the ear and
draws the heart
unraveling tales,
triumphant,
woe,
Sweet words,
Constant companions.

Can I live
without them?
This I'll never know
When I wake up
or go to bed
They're always there
breathing, new life
Like Bible verses
truth rings clear -
Sweet words,
Constant companions.
I'll never let them go.

The Best Gift Ever!

I published my first book a few months ago, titled Pour the Oil. It feels great, and though the process had many challenges; I would not change anything about it. 

When I first began writing, it was amazing. There was an easy, continuous flow. I needed a tape recorder when I was driving, and ample sheets of paper and pen handy at all times.  Words flowed at a rate which created exhilaration.  It almost felt like someone else was having the experience. 

I kept thinking, "This is happening; I am really writing a book." As the writing progressed, I thought, "This is work. This is hard," but no matter how battered my spirit felt from the emotional journey, I kept going. It was an assignment from God. As relevant truths were revealed in the words I penned, I felt myself going through a transformation. 

Writing is not for the faint-hearted. You have to be completely committed to your work. Without that commitment, you wind up with unfinished manuscripts. There came a point when it seemed like the journey was a daily uphill climb, fighting for time and space; yet I could not still my mind. It took fourteen months to complete the first draft of Pour the Oil, and another seven months before I was done with editing, cover design, manuscript formatting and publication. I healed, I learned, I understood, I grew. 

The rewrite process was an eye opener. By the second draft I'd shaved more than twenty thousand words from the manuscript and another few thousand by the third draft. When my Editor was done, there was still more shaving to do. I never felt like giving up, but I felt every bit of the effort required to get to the finish line.

The process was my best gift. I also benefited mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  I am looking forward to more growth as I continue to live this arduous and fulfilling journey as a writer. Be encouraged. Don't give up in the process. Your best gift is on its way.

  

A Glimpse of Awesome ...

My mind was racing one hundred miles per minute, as I sat enveloped in silence. Six heads were bowed over a 1,464 word handout from the manuscript of my book, Pour The Oil. It was the first time my writing was being critiqued by our local Word Weavers group. I was both excited and apprehensive.

I saw hands moving. I heard pen on paper. Facial expressions reflected focus. The silence seemed endless; the air charged. It may have been due to a comment uttered when the last word was read from the handout, "... and she leaves us there. We want more." I chuckled inwardly. Maybe I was the only one charged. That was the thought until the group began sharing. 

They were thorough, intuitive, complimentary and enthusiastic. I felt encouraged. It was easy to receive comments geared toward making the work better, and wonderful to be affirmed. I heard things like:-

"This is a parallel to my life" 

"It is raw"

"I can't wait to hear more"

"I am going to add this to my reading list"

"It is needed now, in this time"

"You write well"

"It is obvious that you are a teacher"

"God will complete what He has started in you"

As valuable than the comments was the dialogue which started as a result of the (Pour The Oil) content shared. 

I don't say this to toot my own horn, but to express gratitude. I am thankful to Daddy God. I understand what He has done through me. There is purpose in this work and I see it. I got a glimpse ... of Awesome, and there is more to come. Stay tuned for more updates.

You Better Work!

Everyday, when you awake, you make a decision to get up, get yourself ready, and go. God just encouraged me this morning by reminding me of this fact. He said, "It is that simple. Make a decision everyday to serve with joy and gladness. Make a decision to complete whatever you start. Make a decision to win. All you need is a decision."

When you make a decision to get up, your brain communicates with your body and your body moves. If you decide to get ready to go, you prepare (find an outfit, take a shower, shave or put on makeup). You get the picture right? Corresponding action is necessary. To decide to do a thing requires both commitment and follow through. 

Are you willing to pay the price for your success? That is a loaded question, but it is unrealistic to have the expectation that simply deciding will make things happen. I am a part of the "you" that I'm talking to today, because there are times when I have to become a cheerleader and self-motivate. You have to sacrifice to bring the vision to life.

Sometimes I am wearied by the process, but I know that stopping is not an option. I regroup, refresh and keep moving toward my goal. There is no time out in a race - no hold on a minute - let me get myself together moment. Keep running until you reach the finish line, or you will become disqualified. Thank God this process is not a race. 

Don't focus on people in the other lanes, pay attention to your assignment. Runners are aware of the people running with them, but they are not turning around to see what others are doing. They run to win. They keep their eyes on the goal. Sometimes you make a decision, but when you see others who appear to be closer to achieving what they set out to do, you lose focus and become discouraged. Don't do that. Your work is your work. That is your focus. It is that simple, and I am grateful. 

Decide today that you will be a success. Understand that the journey is not always easy. Commit to achieving your goals, and whatever you do - don't.give.up. Your reward is coming, but to see it, you better work.

On The Edge...

I am on auto pilot - at least that's how it seems.  God's ways are just phenomenally wonderful. They keep me on the edge - you just never know what He's going to do next until it begins to unfold like soft petals on a rosebud, and the finished product is greater than anything you could ever imagine - simply beautiful.

There is this excitement in my spirit - like when you get the hint that a surprise is coming but you don't know what or when - because the organizers are really good at keeping a secret - that kind of excitement. You become acutely aware of everything going on around you, and so there is very little that you miss.

I am pleased with the evolution of creativity - songwriting, artistic views, innovative ideas - and that has caused the greatest expectation for the project I am working on.

Everyday God brings someone or something to my attention, and I add it to the growing list that is slowly becoming a plan - His plan.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am "sitting on the edge of life" - enjoying the view, knowing that the best is yet to come.