I’m back.

I’ve been on a blog vacation of sorts since Oct 2009.  Been busy.  But I’ve been missing my blog so I’m back.  See how easy it is for a woman to change her mind.

God is allowing me the greatest honor in the world and that is to serve His people.   I will have alot to say about that in the near future.  

Mighty to Save just came on Pandora.  I love that song.  I wonder what the writer of that song was going through when they wrote it?

God values everyone: Compassion International

                                      Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

This video has been going around the net for a few days now…

It’s pretty inspiring.  It’s pretty moving.  It’s pretty much going to make you cry your eyes out.    

What I love most is this video captures a story of value.  Just how much God values each and every one of us.  It also shows the other side of valuing someone –how it change their life.

When I saw this video…I was moved not only to tears but to action.   I sponsored my first child last night.   A five year old girl from the Dominican Republic.   If you are moved to do the same…please do it today… Compassion.  

Do you currently sponsor a child?   Tell me about them in the comment section!

Book Review: Max Lucado FEARLESS

Fearless by Max Lucado was the very first book I’ve read by this author. I’ve heard for years what a profound, gifted writer Max is – but this is the first time my eyes and mind have experienced Max’s gift.

I was not disappointed.

Fearless is a beautifully written book. It’s a great format for those of us who get easily distracted.  I loved, loved, LOVED the way it is broken down into short story form capturing the different faces that fear takes on in our lives in each chapter.    

I saw myself in almost all of them.

Fear is something that all of us are familiar with in our lives. What I appreciated about FEARLESS is how Max Lucado drew upon so many different instances where FEAR is really the root of our issues. We try to disguise it but it really is FEAR. He not only shows us what FEAR robs us from but also shines on the answer to our FEAR. 

In five letters, JESUS.

My favorite line from the book: Destructive anxiety subtracts God from the future. Worry is the darkroom where negatives become glossy prints.Lucado encourages all of us to FEAR less and TRUST more. I think this is a must read for all believers.

Having a bad week? We still have a reason to sing…we still have a reason to worship…

It seems like the week before CommonGround events are the hardest on me…as my Pastor Rocky Barra always says, “Kingdom moves forward with much opposition.”   That has really played out to be true this week.  Anyone else?     But the truth is — we do have reason to sing, we do have reason to worship…lets keep our focus on truth instead of feelings this week. 

                                          

Rebellion or Rules Girls: Neither pleases God.

This is what I’m discovering…if we grumble when God asks us to do something or if we do it just because we need to follow God’s rules…  both are the same in God’s eyes.   It displeases Him. 

What God wants from us is obedience because we love Him.     Do you think because you are a “rules Girl” that honors God?    Have you checked your motives lately?  

Love.  Its the beginning and the end.  God is love. (1 John 4:8)

Beach Therapy

I’m spending this week at the beach in RI.  

Honestly,  the beach is therapy for me.  

I quiet down,  usually read books that I’ve been meaning to get to and listen to hours of music.    It works for me — and its cheaper than a therapist. 

I’ve only been in beach mode for a few days and already the stirring of God has been so strong…and so sweet.    Have you ever noticed that when God stirs in your heart conviction that brings you to repentance…it never hurts your feelings?  Is it because we realize — at that moment — that it really isn’t about us?  The collision with Truth at that moment is life altering.  Or can be.

One of the many books I brought to the beach, Crazy Love by Francis Chan has brought me into such deep conversations with God that I almost can’t bear up under the weight of them.   Then I received a call today that a dear friend is being moved to hospice because the cancer is no longer treatable.  As I spoke (and cried) with my dear friend…the reality hit me afresh that our moments here are but a vapor.   There is no plan B.

Am I living a full out abandoned life for Christ?   Have I given Him complete access to my entire life?    Do I live a life that reflects the knowledge of the greatest gift that could be given anyone – eternal life?   

Are my motives pleasing to the Lord?  Do I love God with all my heart?

Blind spots

I was on the expressway this week and noticed down the road that a car was traveling in another car’s blindspot.  For miles this went on.   And then it happened… the driver went to switch lanes and didn’t see the car in its blindspot.  Thankfully,  with alot of fast movement both cars avoided an accident. 

Immediately this thought came to me… Isn’t it just like the enemy of our soul to travel in our blind spots?   He will travel for miles with us,  years if need be…for the chance to cause an “accident”  because we’re too focused on where we are going to not keep tabs on our blindspots. 

I know my blindspots well.  And I have given voice to a few people that speak into my life when I need to watch for those blindspots.    Some are:  being so driven that I lose balance in my life,  making poor relationship decisions,  being overtired,  just naming a few. 

Do you know what your blindspots are?  

Have you given voice to some trusted people in your life?

Book Review: REX by Cathleen Lewis

When I first got the book, Rex: A mother, her autistic child, and the music that transformed their lives by Cathleen Lewis (Thomas Nelson)… I had very little expectations.   I wasn’t expecting anything great and I wasn’t expecting anything bad – I guess I was expecting … predictable.

I was wrong.

This book touched me from the prologue.  The battle that Cathleen Lewis went through for her precious son was nothing short of heroic.  Through the mysterious creation of music Cathleen found the key that unlocked the prison her blind, autistic son had called home.  Without giving too much away – this book was a treasure.  Not only for those people who are currently facing huge mountains in the lives with their children but for those of us who are facing huge mountains in our own lives.   The way Cathleen writes I felt like I was right there in every Dr. Appt, every music lesson, feeling every frustration and celebrating every victory however small. With faith, courage and persistence we can conquer anything!  I can’t wait to let other friends know about this inspiring book,  REX. 

This is great summer reading and I recommend this book for the beach or a staycation on the couch.

The Daily Mood: tell the world the state you’re in

While I was on vacation this past week, I picked up this really cute office accessory.  It’s called The Daily Mood.  If you are familiar with myspace (it will be familiar to you) — its where my online life meets office life.   My office  can be grand central station at times — this way — everyone has a set expectation when they come in… because after all being a girl… sugar and spice and all things nice…you never quite know what to expect.  :0  You can purchase your very own THE DAILY MOOD  online.   Today, well…today my mood is Fabulous!

A shiba inu named Bella

On Good Friday,  a cute and curious dog named Bella came into our lives.   This little girl has fit right in (although there was ONE day when my sister called and said, “so you dropped off cujo to Mom & Dad…:) )  But all in all everything has gotten a bit brighter around the Frailey home since Bella showed up.   

At dinner time, Bella is still circling the table to see who she can melt down with her charm.   “She’s trying to see who the weakest link is…stay strong everyone!”      Enevitably its usually M_M.   :)  Just keeping it real.

Bella loves to walk us (note I didn’t say that we take her for a walk, she walks us) and she gets so excited when we come walking in the door – she loves to show off her aerobic prowess.     She prefers the luxury of  being indoors rather than outside.  She is pretty much a princess in tomboy skin.   We love her.