From Pep...

Day 8807

2007-08-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those days? Ya know...things just start happening...one right after the other. Well, for me, that day was Wednesday, August 8th, 2007. It should be a day to go down in history. I'm calling it, "Day 8807" - the greatest day ever, one so full of catastrophes you just had to laugh.

First...The Flood - the Auditorium at the church I work at flooded...we're talking two inches of the clear, cool liquid (of whom I now have a totally different outlook on).

Second...The boss is gone - that's right! So is the associate pastor...and the pastor's wife. Who's in charge? Good question! :-)

Next...the desk we ordered weeks ago for Pastor, arrived on schedule...what wasn't part of the package was the fact that it is 22 inches deeper in reality than what they show on cyberspace...who said the Internet was accurate?

Next...The printer, or rather the lack of...it's fuser went out...so we haven't been able to print the 750 booklets, which need the be bound with those black plastic things...

Next...There is a mice infestation upstairs in the props room that has overflowed into C-Hall - "Run, Michelle! Run!"...but the pest guys are on it...

Next...Want to print something? Sorry! Print it as a pdf file, email it to yourself, open it up on a mac...then you can print it on the HP...

Next..."Beth, your PC is freezing up again? No way!"

Next...Order the food for Group Connection - What? Wal-Mart's oven is broke and they can't bake the croissants??? (Don't worry...Lowe's to the rescue!)

Next..."Sandra, we promise! Life in the office is NOT always like this...really."

Next..."Drill holes in the Auditorium risers??? Do it!"

Next..."Rip up the bamboo flooring in the nursery? What, you don't like the way the water seeps through the joints and is causing it to turn color and buckle???"

Next..."Anyone want to surf in the church?"

Oh, yeah...Day 8807 was the best!!!! :-)

Then came the day after...

The list is too long...but one of the highlights...my car got dented in the parking lot by a sign...yeah, my 2006 Dodge Stratus...

God is awesome. God is good. He is amazing and I am proud to say that I am signing His name to the end of my day, because He is gracious enough to give me (and everyone else here) the grace and strength we need to accomplish His work today.

How was your day? Mine was amazing! :-) Thank you, my Jesus!

It's been a long time...

2006-12-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. So it's been forever (or so it seems) since I "blogged." You know, if you think about it, the whole purpose of blogging is to keep your friends updated on what's going on in your life. However, if your life is anything like mine...you barely have time to update anyone (sometimes I have to take a moment to update myself...now, doesn't that sound crazy??? Don't answer that!).

I have been busy (do you ever wish they would invent a word other than that one to adequately describe being insanely and crazy busy? because if they did...I would use it all the time...). I even was given a Christmas card from a friend this year that said something to the effect that I needed to slow down and take some time to enjoy life and breathe. (And it was right...I do!)

I am still the Pastoral Assistant here at my church. I am also the Single's Director (who would have ever thought!?). You really should check out "Continuum," our College and Career Single's group. Check out the site at www.thecontinuumplace.com - it's amazing! God is really doing some awesome things in this group! I can't wait to see what He does in 2007!

As I sit here (with my fingers barely working because they're frozen...yes, it's cold in the desert...) and reflect on this past year (as everyone does at the end of December), I realize how much God has grown me up in Him. He's taught me so many things. But as I contemplate what to write, I'm not sure I can put it all into words. (I know, that's crazy coming from a writer, but it's true.) It's been one of those years where God has stretched me and given me lessons on trust like I've never had before. Did you know that trust is multi-dimensional? Just when you think you have it down...wham! something else comes up that is impossible, or unfamiliar, or just plain hard. Lord, I've trusted you in this and in this and in this...now, what do I do in this situation? His answer? "Trust Me once again." Simple words, but not so easily accomplished. Is it possible? YES! Oh, yes! God is faithful no matter what. No matter the situation. No matter the person. No matter the problem. God can be trusted to come through for you every time. Period. End of story. That's just who He is. Is is hard to trust when you're in the middle of it? You better believe it! But in the end, if you will just be faithful to trust Him, He is faithful to give you everything you need, right when you need it.

Is this just a bunch of talk? No. The past six months have been the most challenging, most difficult, most confusing, most life changing of my life. I know I'm not through yet, I know I'm not done. But as I look to my Jesus and hang on to His wisdom, love and grace...I will come through the fire refined. More like Him. More like who I'm supposed to be.

If I had to do it all over again, would I?

Yes. Because God could not accomplish what He needed to accomplish in me, without bringing into my life the people and situations that He did. And for that, I am forever grateful to Him and to each one of them. So if you're going through something rough, hang in there. God will carry you through and when it's all over, said and done with, you'll be glad you did!

So...what's in store for 2007? I don't know, but because God is in control...it's going to be AWESOME!!! So hold on...God is at the wheel and He's got a plan!!! :-) Rest in His peace, in His love and in His amazing, incredible plan for your life!!! That's what I'm going to do!!!

Happy 2007!!!!

A Woman or A Lady?

2006-07-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

Do you know the difference between a woman and a lady? A guy friend recently explained the two and it was so good I just had to pass it on to you....

A woman asks for respect.
A lady is given respect without asking for it.

Girls, may we all be "ladies." :-)

I am alive!!!

2006-07-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hey there! I know it's been a while and I do appologize for that. I am alive and kickin' though!!! :-) I have been very busy these last several months. My job as a pastoral assistant keeps me very busy. I've also been promoted to "Single's Director" at the church and that is very challanging, stretching and a very good growing time. I never would have thought that I would be in this position, but God does know what He's doing and it is good. :-)

Other than work (which is what I do most of the time...), I have joined the church's softball team! Yes, I do throw like a girl...I'm told I run like one too...and I haven't heard if I hit like one, but I did make a double the other night!!! I was very excited! :-) We don't always win the games, but we do have fun - which is the point of it all anyway!

Other activities include doing stuff with my small group friends - we do have some great times! The 4th of July was a blast - literally, but we didn't blow anyone or anything up! :-) And nothing caught fire either!

I've also had the priviledge of speaking at two of the ATI Family Conferences - Tyler and Nashville. Lord willing, I will be in Indy in August. I have been so blessed by meeting some awesome daughters of our Lord. You just don't know how much I enjoy getting to speak and pour into the lives of my sisters! :-) Lord willing, I will be back in Dallas at EXCEL in the Fall as well.

I'm going to have to go now, but I do pray that you are encouraged to keep on following hard after God and making Him the center and first in your heart and life! God is sooooo awesome!

-Aprill :-)

Merry Christmas!!!

2005-12-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!! Just wanted to tell you "Merry Christmas!" It's a very busy time for me, but who isn't busy right!!!??? :-D I don't have an aweful lot of time, but know that God has great things in store for all of us this coming year! We are always on His mind. Seek Him and always look to Him! Love to everyone!!!!

Aprill ;-)

Where is Fall?

2005-11-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Okay...I know it's been a while since you've heard from me...I know...I have the same old, age old excuse...Th-th-th-that's right...I've been busy.

Work is going really, really well. I continue to learn new things. Seems like every week there's a new challenge. I love it...really I do. God has prepared me for the exact time in history and brought into my life exactly what He wants me doing right now. Wow! That is such an amazing thought!

How's the weather where you are? It's suppose to be fall here in southern New Mexico, but it doesn't seem like it! I am wearing short sleeves and the other day I wore my sandals to work...but earlier in the week I thought I was going to freeze! That's weather in New Mexico for you!!! Wait five minutes and it will be different! :-) Oh well...Keeps us guessing!

The holidays are rapidly approaching aren't they!? Wow! Where has this year gone? They already have Christmas decorations in the store and music playing! It's not even Thanksgiving yet! But I do love this time of year! Can't wait to start decorating!!!! Yay!!!!

I know this is a rather random entry...but what can I say!!???

I went down to Dallas a few weeks ago and shared with the girls at EXCEL, sold my book and made many new friends! Wow! If any of you gals are reading this...Howdy from me!!! God was so awesome and did such a work in many hearts. I know that it was a divine appointment and I am so blessed and honored to have been given this opportunity to touch lives. I am also thankful for the exposure for my book. I know that God will get it into the hands of those He wants it...it's just that timing thing that I'm having a hard time with. (If that makes any sense!) Yes, sales are slow at the moment.......

My best friend is coming home for Thanksgiving!!!! Yeah!!! I cannot wait!!! She moved across the country in June and I haven't seen her since. We've had a lot of long telly conversations which are always a plus (one weekend we talked for a total of eight hours!!! not all at once though...but we were using our weekend minutes!!!!). :-) Can you tell I can't wait to see her!? We're going to be exchanging our birthday gifts....her's was in August and I just bought the gift today.....crazy I know.........

See, I told you this was a random entry....

Okay...well, I need to go...hope I didn't bore you too much....maybe I even made you laugh and that would be a good thing! If you haven't laughed yet....now would be a good time to do it. Did you know that laughter is the only exercise your liver gets!? Hee Hee!!!

Until later.....

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Have an awesome day today!!!
Aprill ;-)

Hey there!

2005-10-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hey! Just wanted to say hello to everyone and let you know that I am still alive and counted among the living...just busy, busy, busy. :-) It rained here in southern New Mexico night before last and sure did...hold on a sec....think there's a bug crawling on my neck....ahhhhh!!!! :-D just a little bitty one though...black with wings...hmmmm....interesting...liked my shampoo maybe??? Anyway, about the rain...sure did enjoy it! And we needed it too. :-)

Okayyyyyyyyyyy....that all was really random and crazy...I am doing very very well. Coming up on my schedule though is my birthday this weekend!!! Not going to say how old though....it's easy for you to figure out.....and then coming towards the end of October I am going to be in Dallas, TX!!! I am going to get to share with the EXCEL girls down there and am really looking forward to it! I'll be there October 21-24. So, if you think about it, I would appreciate your prayers for me!

Guess I'll sign off for now....hopefully I will be able to keep this updated more and get a little more interactive too.

Would love to hear from you so drop me a line or two!!!
Love,
Aprill ;-)

What People are Saying...

2005-08-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

"…Entertaining and heart-warming, inspiring and honest, sometimes painful and sometimes too funny, Life In the Single Lane should be recommended reading for everyone wrestling with yieldedness in any season of life.Another important point Aprill makes is the extraordinary power of God to transform and use ordinary people with apparently ordinary lives. Her chapter on being a Single of Service is a particular favorite. If she can persuade this generation of believing singles to harness their energy for purposeful service, it will transform the world as we know it."

- Susan Tsyitee

Christian Association of Parent Educators of New Mexico board member

* * *

"[Life In the Single Lane] is a good book that is needed nowadays for all the young women out there not knowing ‘what may be wrong with them.’ The message of the whole book, ‘…God supplies our needs, not our wants’ may be a hard lesson to learn. But we must also have faith. I encourage you to continue writing and developing your skill. This book makes a terrific addition to our collection."

- Mannie Salgado

Acting Library Director at the Alamogordo Public Library, Alamogordo, NM

* * *

"Life in the Single Lane is like getting a long email from a friend. But it's really a new book by Aprill M. Brunson, 23-year-old self-proclaimed ‘Old Maid.’In a cheerful, casual manner, complete with email abbreviations and smiley faces, Aprill writes using the analogy of the highway of life. You can almost hear her laughter as she shares her hilarious perspective with her fellow old maids in the single lane. And at the end of each chapter she proclaims, "‘Take it straight from the Old Maid's mouth!’"

- Gretchen Glaser

Webmaster for Heartbeat of the Young Ladies Christian Fellowship (www.ylcf.com)

* * *

"Thank you for sending your book. I read half of it the day I got it and I’m sure when I pick it up again, I won’t want to put it down.
You look at life very much the way I do. Everything I have and have had has been given to me by God and our lives will go in whatever direction ‘He’ leads us.
May God bless you in the future as you walk the path of life with Him."

- Eva Reder
Twice a widow

Wow! God, You're Awesome!

2005-08-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Forgive me for being silent for so long. A lot has gone on in my life the last several months causing me to be very busy – who in this world is not busy (…hmmmm….).

Without further adieu, allow me to fill you in on the exciting events that have taken place!!!

No, I have not met a guy. (That’s what you were thinking weren’t you???) It’s not a man, but it is something very exciting and how can it not be with God in control and orchestrating everything! He is so incredibly awesome! I stand in awe at His faithfulness, loving care and tender dealings with this ol’ gal!

Since about the middle of February, beginning of March, I have felt that something in my situation would change – be it the coming of my man or a change of scenery in my current season of life. As the months ticked by, you can read my journal and see different times when the inner struggle of wanting something to change in my life and having contentment where God had me serving at the moment was strong. During these times I would claim the promise that God is in control, knew what was best for me and would carry out His perfect plan in His perfect timing. At times it was hard, but I held onto the truth that God sees the big picture and I only a small part of His plan for me. He would reveal what I needed to know when I needed to know…besides, He had to finish laying the groundwork for what He had in store.

Several times, the Lord brought Psalm 25:15 across my path, which says, "Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net." So I waited and kept my eyes on the Lord Jesus.

I couldn’t really see a whole lot of change in my situation for almost three months. During this time I had my eye on several opportunities of service – different ministries and such. I prayed and prayed about what God had, but continued to serve by taking care of my grandmother with Alzheimer’s Disease. She continued to go down hill, but like God being who He is, He sustained me.

The end of May there was a significant change in our situation with Grandma (my Mom and I had been a team for her care for the past fifteen months). She became more violent and out of control and so her children opted to place her in a home. Suddenly I found myself where I have been many times before – at a loss as to what God has for me. I prayed and prayed about my options and what He would have me to do. What’s next, Lord? But there were really no obvious open doors.

Little did I know (isn’t that always how it is?) that God had put me on the heart of a very special woman in my life. On April 22, four days, four days after grandma was put into a home, this Godly woman came up to me at church and asked if I was interested in serving in a different capacity in church with the tech ministry – at the time I was serving as a Greeter. I said I was and then she said that God had placed me on her heart and she had been praying for me for a month. (It always blesses me when God tells someone to pray for me and they do it, then tell me about it and I am totally caught off guard!) She then told me of a job/ministry opportunity that would be opening up in the church and was I interested. Isn’t God amazing!!!??? Had she approached me a week earlier what would I have said considering my position as caretaker with Grandma? God’s timing is always right on time!!!

To make a long story short, the Lord led me to apply for this position and wait on Him. It wouldn’t be until the end of June (27th) before I got a call to come in for an interview. (Two months after she talked to me!) I do, however, have to share with you how scared I was during that interview! I was shaking inside and continued to do so as I left the parking lot! I mean it, I don’t know what came over me, but my prospective boss was intimidating – nice as can be, but intimidating nonetheless! :-)

Four days later (what’s with the four day thing here???) I got a call and was asked if I would accept the job of being Pastor Crispin’s Assistant. Wow! Isn’t that amazing!!!??? Of course I said "Yes!" God opened the door clearly where He wanted me and then it was up to me to walk through it.

My first day at FAWC was July 5, 2005. In the weeks that followed my training and the ones that continue to simply fly by, I am so excited and so blessed by what God is doing in my life. I absolutely love my job and love the wonderful people I get to work with and work for. Let me tell you, Pastor is not intimidating to me anymore. He is a wonderful, Godly man who has a huge heart and loves to be about the Father’s business. It’s such an incredible thing for me to have this opportunity to be a part of furthering God’s kingdom in this way. Wow! Isn’t God awesome!? :-)

I continue to learn new things every day and it’s always so amazing to me to see how that all the things I’ve done leading up to this point have prepared me for this task. Isn’t that always the way it is? I mean I talk it all the time and believe it with all my heart, it’s just when God does something so awesome and so incredible and proves Himself true to His Word and His character, I stand in awe of How awesome He is. I just love it when God reveals Himself to me in such incredible ways. My love for Him truly grows more and more each day. Now I don’t always react to His love for me in the way that I should, but He’s always there waiting when I get my head back on straight and run into His loving embrace.

Listen to something encouraging I read the other day:

"It is amazing how patient God is in preparing her for her destiny. He knows how long it takes. He knows whom to send into her life. He knows what events it will take to bring her to a place of maturity in Him. He is emphatically her Lord." (T.D. Jakes)

Isn’t that cool!!!???

I’m sitting by my open window as I write this. It’s a cloudy, drizzling day. The rain has been very light yet steady for several hours now – something rare for the desert. It’s peaceful and still. Calm and soothing. And isn’t that just like our God? Sometimes He seems slow in carrying out His plan for our lives, yet it’s according to His steady and complete timing. He pours Himself out upon our dry parched hearts. His work and love is peaceful, calm and soothing. But we have to allow Him to do that work, to pour into our hearts His peace and love. We have to be open to what He has for us and trust Him with everything.

So be encouraged, my friends! Trust God completely with your life and watch what awesome things He will do! And as always, I would love to hear what He’s doing in your life! May you be blessed and enriched by His unique and awesome work in your life!

"Be still, and know that I am God…"
Psalm 46:10

The Man on His Way

2005-03-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

As single women, we have the advantage and opportunity to think about the kind of man that we want to marry. We cannot change any man after we’re married (only the Lord can change someone), so what we see is what we get. Therefore, let’s be sure that we don’t rush into something or accept someone less than God’s best. I know I talk about this in my book Life In the Single Lane, but I came across something the other day that adds to what I say in the chapters "Setting Your Sights High" and "Thinking Ahead" – that we should set our sights high in regards to the character and integrity of the man and also think about the compatibility of our principles, convictions, etc. Here’s what I read:

"When Adam was introduced to Eve, he was a man on his way. She was to add to him, accessorize him. She was to be a ‘help meet’ to him. But you cannot help someone who isn’t on his way!" (T.D. Jakes)

If we marry a man who doesn’t know where he’s going or what God is calling him to, how will we be a "help meet" to him? Are we going to help him wonder around? Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to be sarcastic or degrading to any man who doesn’t know where God is leading him at this point in his life. Everyone’s circumstance is different, as is God’s plan for each of us. However, I personally would rather marry a man who knows where he’s going and is already heading there.

For example, when I marry, my desire is for my husband and I to be in some sort of ministry for the Lord together. I serve the Lord and do His work while I’m single, so why would that all stop once I become one of the "Un-Single"? I don’t want the normal "nine-to-five," go to work, come home mentality, but instead actively serving the Lord together in some capacity. I don’t want to marry a man who has no vision where I would have to drag him along into some sort of ministry. That wouldn’t be right. I am not to lead, but follow and be his "help meet." But if he doesn’t have somewhere that he’s going, how can I help him get there? Anyone can get nowhere with no one’s help.

I want to "add" to my "on his way" Mr. Junior Right, how about you?

"Action!"

2005-03-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Ever ask yourself the question, "Why is it taking so long to bring this guy around?" I know, I know, crazy question to be asking single gals…but humor me. J I personally have asked that question once…or twice…or something. It is all about God’s perfect and truly impeccable timing, but in our human thinking and human desires, we want it to happen "now." [Do I hear any "Amen’s"!?] We know it all in our heads and we’re doing our best to have the faith and trust and rest in the Lord, but let’s face it – it’s HARD!!!

Well, hold onto your hats, because I read something the other day that just plain knocked my socks off and I hope it will be as encouraging to you. In one of his books, T.D. Jakes eloquently describes the timeline of when Eve was brought to Adam. I think it can be applied to us single gals in waiting for our Mr. Junior Right. He said this:

"She was reserved and held until all things were in place and the stage had been set. She steps onto the stage only when every prop had been carefully contemplated by a God who cares enough to give the very best and is rhythmic enough to know the timing that is required to bring her forward in step with all that he had created."

Isn’t that beautiful!? We’re being reserved until the exact moment when the stage is set, everything and everyone is in place and God calls "Action!" Wow! Isn’t that exciting!?

Of course, while we’re in our season of being single, we’re not just back stage behind the door marked "Star" putting on our make-up, dressing in the most beautiful gown ever seen or styling our hair in the most elegant way, making sure we look our absolute best. We should be busily serving the Director in every role He casts us in. We’re never idle, but always working faithfully doing what He calls us to right now, right here, today. But it is fun and exciting to think about all the behind-the-scenes work He’s doing to get the stage set for our next season premiere!

Remember – let God write and direct your story, it will win the Academy Award, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress!

"God Knows Just What We Need"

2005-01-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

I recieved this story via e-mail from a friend of mine. I thought it was very good and just goes to show us that God does have a plan and a lot of the time it's not quite what we expect, but it is the very best plan! So don't be afraid to trust God! He has awesome things in store for each one of us!

"A woman was at work when she received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a
fever. She left her work and stopped by the pharmacy to get some medication for her daughter.

Upon returning to her car she found that she had locked her keys in the car. She was in a hurry to get home to her sick daughter. She didn't know what to do, so she called her home and told the baby sitter what had happened and that she did not know what to do.

The baby sitter told her that her daughter was getting worse. She said, "You might find a coat hanger and use that to open the door." The woman looked around and found an old rusty coat hanger that had been thrown down on the ground, possibly by someone else who at some time or other had locked their keys in their car. Then she looked at the hanger and said, "I don't know how to use this." So she bowed her head and askedGod to send her some help.

Within five minutes an old rusty car pulled up, with a dirty, greasy, bearded man who was wearing an old biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, "This is what you sent to help me?" But, she was desperate, so she was also very thankful.

The man got out of his car and asked her if he could help. She said, "Yes, my daughter is very sick. I stopped to get her some medication and I locked my keys in my car. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?"

He said, "Sure". He walked over to the car, and in less than one minute the car was opened.
She hugged the man and through her tears she said, "Thank You So Much! You are a very nice man."

The man replied, "Lady, I am not a nice man. I just got out of prison yesterday. I was in prison for car theft and have only been out less than 24 hours."

The woman hugged the man again and with sobbing tears cried out loud, "Oh, Thank you God! You even sent me a Professional!"

God may not always send us what we expect, but He will always send us what we need. It's up to us to have the wisdom to recognize the difference and be thankful."

-- Author Unknown

An Alarm Clock, A Dome Light and the Lord

2005-01-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

Don’t you love it when God cares about the little things in life? We care about them, but why would almighty God be concerned if little ol’ Aprill’s alarm clock goes off? Or even that her car dome light was on all night and her battery is probably dead but she needs to be somewhere in half an hour and who is she going to call to give her a jump at this hour in the morning? But God does care even about the little things. When they are important to us, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, they are important to Him as well. Isn’t that awesome!? I am soooo glad! And it’s neat how God does something great in our little lives because He loves us but also to give us the opportunity to praise Him. But we do have a choice and can simply brush it off as coincidence or credit it to chance, but when we do that, we rob God of His glory. So let’s remember to give God all the praise, all the glory and all the honor He so deserves – because He is always working!!!

I was staying the weekend at my grandparent’s house while they were out of town, but needed to be back at work (my other grandma’s) by seven o’clock Monday morning. I set my alarm the night before so that I would have plenty of time to get ready, load the car and leave the house as I found it.

The next morning I woke up and looked at my alarm clock and it was past time to get up! For some reason it didn’t go off. The A.M. and P.M. were wrong, but they were opposite so it should have went off. The strange thing about it too was that Sunday morning it went off and the only thing I had changed the night before was the minutes. I don’t know what happened but I thanked the Lord as I jumped out of bed and rushed around to make it in time.

I was carrying my bags out to the car when I saw that my dome light was on. Great. It had been on all night! I prayed and then asked who I was going to call to come give me a jump! I set my bags down with my heart in agony (I had to be in town by seven – it was vital and no room for being late) and rushed to the driver’s seat. I pleaded in earnest as I put the key in ignition and turned…..

It started – with no problem! Wow! Thank You, Lord! I praised God the entire way into town and made it on time with even time to spare! Isn’t God incredible!? There is no doubt in my mind that God hears when we cry out to Him – no matter what we’re crying out to Him about. Woowhoo!!! Praise the Lord! So the next time something "small" happens in your life, give credit where credit is due – the Lord! :-)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2004-12-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas everyone! And a very Happy New Year to you!!! I pray this holiday season finds you basking in our Lord's love and kindness. He is so awesome, so wonderful and so incredible! :-) May you rejoice in what He's done in 2004 and may you be anxious for what He's going to do in your life in 2005! It's going to be awesome!

"Faith is not believing that God can, but that God will!"
Abraham Lincoln

Discussions

2004-12-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, just wanted to start something new here - a place for discussions. You pick the topic and then let's talk about it. We all need encouragement and what better place to get it than fellow sisters!? So, what shall we talk about???

P.S.
And if you want to sign at least your first name, we'll be able to keep everyone straight...maybe! :-)

Book Reviews

2004-11-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

Have a review for the book "Life In the Single Lane"? Post your comments here for others to read!

(And unless you are a blogger member, your comment will be posted anonymously. However, if you want to sign at least your first name or a pen name, you can do that at the end of your comment.)

One Worry at A Time

2004-11-25T00:32:00.000-07:00

Worry is such a nasty creature. I know I’m not suppose to, but not doing it is harder than knowing I shouldn’t. Are you ever a "Worry Wort?"

About a month after I received the shipment of my book, I was sitting on my bed praying. As I stared at the massive stack of brown boxes towering toward the ceiling and thought about the other mammoth mound stowed in the closet, I cried out to the Lord and asked Him how He was going to "get rid of" over 5,000 books. This was not going to be an easy task.

I was worried. You might even say I was getting increasingly discouraged, depressed, and heavy-hearted with the magnitude of the whole marketing aspect. It’s a lot of work and if you don’t know that much about it, it looks even grimmer. But you know how God is - faithful even when we are not, in complete control even when we think things are out of control, and right on time even when we think He’s late.

So what was His answer to my plea? "One book at a time." That may sound rather obvious, but to me it was a reminder that He would take care of it. And He is. He has put me into contact with some really great people who are helping me with the ins and outs of marketing. And books are slowly selling – one at a time. Isn’t God faithful? When I least expect it, He brings someone across my path to bless my socks off.

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." (Psa. 138:8)

God is trying to simplify my life and all I do is complicate the matter. I worry about things. He says, "Cast your cares on Me." I stress over the fact of getting the word out about the book and unbeknownst to me, God is getting the word out through people I never thought of and some I’ve never even met. I have yet to learn God’s timing is perfect – I worry about getting the books out and God says we’ll get them out one book at a time. I worry about the books that are out on review and I’m not getting any feed back, God says, "In my time."

Everything is all about God’s perfect, complete and totally informed time. Period. "…I the LORD will hasten it in his time." (Isa. 60:22) "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:" (Eccl. 3:1)

So when you start to worry about something…anything at all, don’t. Instead cast your worrying on the Lord. Trust Him to handle everything, and in His perfect timing, because He is fully capable of handling all our "what if’s," "how come’s," "how am I ever’s," and "ahhhhhhhh! help me’s." But unfortunately giving up our worrying doesn’t happen overnight, but thankfully through the Lord’s strength and by His power we can overcome our apprehension, anxiety and trepidation ONE WORRY AT A TIME.

Currently Serving

2004-11-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

Just to bring everyone up to date as to what is happening in my life right now, I’ll give you a brief summary.

I am currently living with and taking care of my grandmother who has Alzheimer’s Disease. My mom is also living with us and Dad comes on the weekends. While she is physically healthy, it is unsafe for her to live alone. The disease is about in its middle stages. We have been with her since March of this year and it’s a blessing to see how God has used us to bless her.

I lived with her for a year in 2001 for companionship and I truly believe God used it as a time to lay a foundation in our relationship, as we didn’t really know each other that well before. Isn’t it awesome how God always has a plan and always knows what’s coming next in our lives and how best to prepare us for those events? Our job is to trust Him enough to follow His leading.

Please pray for her salvation – that God would allow a moment of clarity so she might put her trust in Him for eternal life. I know seeds have been planted and I also know that nothing is impossible for God to make the increase. Please also pray that we would have the strength and wisdom to give her the very best care.

My encouragement to you as you serve God in your singleness is not to lose heart! "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart." (2 Cor. 4:1, NASB) :-)