“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” Exodus 2″11-12

“But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brethren, the sons of Israel.” Acts 7:23

1. It was stated in the Lesson that God has made you “once, twice, three times a lady.” Where are you in this progression? Obviously we have all been physically born but are you ‘twice a lady’? Have you been born again spiritually? I thought I had been ‘born again’ when I was younger and perhaps I had but I didn’t stay on the path of the Lord. I know now that without a doubt I am ‘twice a lady’.
2. Are you three times a lady? Has God given you a stirring deep within your Spirit to be a ‘deliverer’? Do you have a desire or are you already meeting a need in the life of the church, a particular ministry (such as jail ministry, food ministry, etc.) or perhaps individuals who share common issues? I’m currently reading “A Purpose Driven Life” and I’m into the chapters dealing with spiritual gifts. I honestly admit that I still haven’t given much prayerful attention the role God wishes me to take in the church. Again, I’m making the assumption that it will have something to do with music because I love to sing and others have told me I have a talent for it so I’ve gone on ahead and joined the Choir & Praise Team. Notice all those “I”s in there?? I know. How can I hear God’s voice or feel his Spirit if I’m running around deciding things on my own? I know it’s possible to be surprised by God’s calling – in my professional life, I feel that He may be leading me in a direction I’d never once considered. Perhaps I’m afraid I’ll find out that He doesn’t want me to sing. Though what is there to fear when it is of God. Prayer time!!
3. Do you ever get tired of waiting for that opportunity to do something worthwhile for God? Do you ever feel God is using someone else instead of you? I’ve not yet tired of waiting for an opportunity. I know that I’ve missed several opportunities to do good for God while I was ‘wandering’ and I’ve been renewed in Him for such a short time. I have, however, felt a bit of envy when I’ve seen God using others instead of me. That goes back to my envy of others in whom I saw – and see – God. I’m working up to my turn but honestly, I don’t feel worthy. Maybe soon but not now.
4. What do you consider ‘worthwhile ministry’? Are you like me and sometimes find yourself mistakenly thinking it has to be Big to be Important? I’d never given much thought to what makes a ‘worthwhile’ ministry and fortunately I’ve learned before incurring that myth that anything done for the glory of the Lord and in His name is a worthwhile ministry. My misconceptions instead lay in the definition of ministry. Pastor (Minister, Reverend, etc.), Missionary & Sunday School Teacher were the only roles I defined as a ministry. Now I now better
5. Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts test? If yes, what are yours? If no, here’s a good one from Ephesians 4 Ministry. Well, for any of you who’ve read “A Purpose Driven Life” (which I assume would include 80% of the population) you might recall that the author didn’t necessarily advocate spiritual gifts tests but that doesn’t much matter to me. I’ve always made my own decisions based on my own research and now I’m learning to make God the source of that research! Anyway, I did take the test and you can read my results here. My “number one dominant gift” was Administration. The second was Pastor/Shepard. Not much of a surprise on the first one, especially if you consider what I currently do for a living. The second is a bit of a surprise only because, as I made mention to earlier, I don’t feel that I am yet in any position in my spiritual growth to lead anyone anywhere. I’m still a baby in that respect. However, it’s usual for me to take a leadership role elsewhere, mainly because I don’t have much patience to wait for others to do and they may not do it my way so might as well do it myself The analysis was right on in that respect but I don’t know how much stock I’d put in any type of multiple choice analysis. It’s not difficult to skew the results – intentionally or otherwise. If someone tells you something about yourself often enough, chances are you’ll come to believe it – unless of course they’re telling you your beautiful but that would be back in Lesson 2 Anyway, though I don’t disbelieve the analysis I’m learning to let God take the lead – that way I don’t have to second guess the decision.

1. Just because they call it an “outlet” doesn’t mean anything is cheap inexpensive.
2. I am incredibly cheap frugal.
3. 50% off something worn on the body that’s regularly $400 is not.a.bargain – unless it rhymes with siamond (see above).
4. Even though you are pushing a full-size stroller up the stroller ramp (as opposed to the stairs – an believe me, that’s NOT a given), the teenage gaggle of girls giggling on their cell phones have the right-of-way (how’d ya like that alliteration??).
5. The more well behaved my child is during the day is directly proportionate to how miserable he is in the evening, no matter how “cute” or “beautiful” he looks.
6. Each event in the aforementioned relationship is multiplied by the distance of the drive.
7. And lastly……if you give it to him in the car while you are driving he will choke. It doesn’t really matter what “it” is. For that matter, it doesn’t really matter to which “he” I’m referring either.

I now consider myself fully edumakated. Amen.

I get to do a new meme!!! Amy at Laughing Through the Tears tagged me so here are the rules:

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.

2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.

3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.

4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

You guys are gonna be sorry……my middle name is Elizabeth!! I’m not sure I know that many bloggers yet!!

E: Entertainer. I used to be a USO performer and though I don’t tour anymore, I still pick up that mic – okay, it’s really a hairbrush – and prance around the bathroom!

L: Lazy. Yup, I admit it. I.am.lazy. It is only through prayer for productivity (and munchkin pleas) that anything gets done around here

I: Insecure. INCREDIBLY insecure (there’s a 2fer). I’m still intimidated by pretty teenagers!

Z: Zany. At least my husband thinks so! (had to go to the thesaurus for that one!)

A: Articulate. On a good day.

B: Ballroom dancer. Only a beginner but that was pre-munchkin.

E: Extrovert – when I’m not rendered incapacitated by my insecurity.

T: Talkative – but see above.

H: Homemaker. You remember the second one listed…..that “L” word?? So obviously this one is just positive thinking. I’m working on it but this is more of a “power of suggestion/wishful thinking” kinda statement.

Now on to my tags……this is gonna be harder than the list!! That’s really a lot of letters….maybe I can get some 2fers here…hmmm….

Everyday Mommy’s Jules
Leah at South Breeze Farm (she’s on vacation right now but perhaps when she gets back…)
In the Midst of It’s Sarah
Okay, I’ve got nothin’ for Z. I mean come on. I’ve only been blogging for what, a month?
Ann at She’s Gonna Blow
Blending Worship’s Mandy (she may have already done this one but she’s tagged anyway. And I’m guessing she’d rather post it on Just a Girl but I needed a “B”)
Elle at A Complete Thought
To Know Him
Holding Little Hands‘ Brittani

Not too bad, huh?

I do apologize. Since becoming a SAHM, I’m quite unaccustomed to having a full, busy week so something had to give. So exactly what was so important that I hadn’t the time to post? It’s a bit of a long story but I’ll tell ya……

It started some months ago with a trip to my hairdresser who also happens to be an ordained minister and married to the pastor of a local church. She’s been there through the drama-that-was-formerly-my-life stories, has listened to me go on and on about finding a new church, etc. She has never pushed, reprimanded or attempted to steer me in any direction. She just listened and provided knowledge. Long story a little shorter…..she decided to finally have a hair show after 7 years in business and asked me to model. “Model?? Me?!?!” was my response. Yes, I have a history of fashion shows and pageantry but that was many years and one baby ago. I asked her if she had a coordinator, publicist or all ’round “go to” girl to help her out. When she said no, I thought this would be an opportunity to get my business name out there (event planning is an offered service) and do something nice in the process so I volunteered. I have a picture in my mind of God laughing, saying “Nice?? You have no idea!!”.

I should tell you that India’s (my hairdresser) idea for the theme was “Looking Good for the Lord.” During the process of planning & rehearsing India became my spiritual mentor and my friend. It was during this process that I returned to church, began studying His word and my husband drew closer to the Lord. The show was this past weekend and it was a success. Midway through the planning, it was laid upon India’s heart to donate not just a portion but the whole of the proceeds to Feed The Children’s Abandoned Baby Center in Kenya. The show raised over $1000, praise Jesus. This event was a pleasure to put together, from beginning to end. I’ve coordinated many an event in my time and never has one gone so smoothly.

During the show, while waiting in the wings for the next cue, India began to thank someone not on the program. I realized she was talking about me and the words she spoke were honor and thanks above and beyond what was ever expected. She called me to the stage and I ended up thanking her because as I said earlier, I believe that her event was a catalyst to my life change and growth. Then she gave me A CHECK in an amount that was so generous!!! Should I remind you that I volunteered?? She is such a blessing in my life and I thank God for her.

One evening while contemplating this event, the thought came to me that this show is just the beginning for what God has planned for me. I didn’t really understand because this was not supposed to be the focus of my business but (not to toot my own horn) I am good behind the scenes. A few days later, I asked her for a quote relating to her salon for the press release and guess what she said? You guessed it…….this is only the beginning. What began as an attempt to do for someone else turned into a blessing for me. God just amazes me.

Which leads me to an area of my life in need of prayer. You all know I’m a SAHM but I work from home. My business has only one client at this time and she happens to be my former employer. The only reason I’m able to stay home with munchkin is because we live in the ‘family home’ of my husband. Owned by my husband’s uncle and occupied by me, my husband, munchkin (of course) and my father-in-law. It’s not an ideal situation but I’ve finally realized it for the blessing it is (long story for another day). My husband’s pay gets us by but we really do need a second income. I became a bit discouraged that I haven’t received more interest in my business or services. Now I’m wondering if that’s even what I’m supposed to be doing. I’ve been praying that God will direct my business life and help me to follow direction.

Looking back, there was a period of time not too long ago that I was very ill. If I had retained some clients, either I would have lost them or endangered my health even more. And my munchkin is changing so much and so quickly……would I have noticed if I had all the clients I was wishing for? I certainly wouldn’t have had the time to volunteer to coordinate the hair show and I’m guessing I wouldn’t have given my relationship with God as much attention if any at all.

In addition to the hair show, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to write as the Tech Mama for Mommy’s Company, an online publication and podcast. No $$ in that either but there is some advertising and I have such a blast writing the articles that I don’t mind. My point is, neither of these opportunities are what I’d imagined I’d be doing nor are they what I planned for my business but I enjoyed both and I’m excited to see what God has in store for me. My devotionals have been focusing on purpose, service to the Lord and gifts. I’ve just officially joined the Praise Team & choir at church – I’ve always felt called to a music ministry – but those feel like a “given.” Not that I’m not joyful in my participation because I am!! I’ve really missed the music ministry. I’d just never considered the fact that God will also guide my professional path as well. So I’ll ask all of you to pray that I’m attentive enough to hear God’s instruction, that I’m strong and devout enough to follow His instruction and that I stay close enough to Him to carry out His chosen role for me and give Him glory.

So, that’s what I’ve been up to!

“It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home.” Acts 7:20 NASB

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:2-3 NIV

“For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.” Psalm 149:4

What is your initial response when anyone suggests you are beautiful? I have a tendency to disregard comments like that, especially from my husband. I think “he loves me so of course he thinks I’m beautiful….it doesn’t mean I really am.”

Do you find you engage in a lot of negative ’self-talk’? How much of your thought life does this form of thinking consume? I’ve always been very insecure – about my looks, my choices in life and my stages in life. It happens most often when I’m around other women.

Has it ever occurred to you that you are a City Girl? How do you plan to use this knowledge? That thought had never occurred to me.  It’s going to take daily review of this lesson and prayer to change my thinking.

In what ways has your view of Godly beauty changed as a result of these Scriptures? Oddly enough, I’ve a friend I’ve always envied…..she’s so beautiful inside and out and so strong in her faith. She has a wonderful marriage and beautiful children. Not too long ago I realized that her beauty comes from her faith, that its God that I see and envy in her. Yes, I know envy is unhealthy (and possibly sinful??) but I have always wanted to be like her. After returning to my faith, I had hopes that allowing others to see my faith and praying that He is reflecting in my thoughts, words and actions would result in others seeing the same beauty in me. Now I’m wondering if my motives are pure…..

hmmm…..time for more prayer!

This has been a pretty busy week for me and I’ll blog about it soon. I’ll also have my bible study questions up – if not today, then by Sunday but I wanted to let you guys know that there are a couple additions to the prayer request page. Please take a look and say a prayer for those individuals. Thanks!

Not much going on today so here are a few unrelated bits of info you probably didn’t want to know anyway

I picked up these adorable file folders this weekend for my business. It’s very slow going right now so technically, they certainly weren’t needed but they put me in the mood to organize!

The lighting could be better…..the first pack is brown and tiffany blue (I love that color combo) and the second is pink and green.  If you’ve an interest to know more about what I do, feel free to click here or here.

Also business related, I DO NOT heart Blogger. Because of my web host, my business blog is over at Blogger (which is why some of you keep getting comments from some crazy chick named “Xpress Assistant”) so that it will point to my domain name. At one time I really did heart Blogger, especially after I began here at WordPress……the learning curve is a bit steeper here and customization is minimal. However (you knew there was a ‘however’) for the past week or so I have been unable to publish to my business blog and messages written by myself and many others in my situation go unanswered by Google. I must give some thought about how I should proceed. I’m open to suggestions but the issue is this: GoDaddy (my web host) will not allow a WordPress blog to be hosted on my domain with it’s current configuration. I don’t know enough of this lingo-schmingo to make heads or tails out of my GoDaddy options and I would prefer not to have a .wordpress(or other).com blog address which is not to say that my blog address is catchy…..

In family news, munchkin has been sick. Just a cold but I must say that I wish I handled illness as well as he does. Not a whimper of complaint……just a lot of sneezing and snot all over the place. Sorry for the mental picture but I’m sure you moms know that the reality of it was worse!

Also munchkin related, though my son does not yet know how to walk or talk, he IS capable of pointing out mommy’s housekeeping deficiencies. He spent the better part of the day crawling around the nursery and anytime he came across something that shouldn’t have been on the floor, he picked it up and gave it to me. Unfortunately Mommy had quite a collection by the time he was done

Lastly and most importantly, while reading my devotionals this verse stood out for me:

Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth. -Colossians 2:7 (LB)

 Oddly enough, the translation in my NIV bible didn’t strike me as strongly. Very powerful words but such a simple concept. God is good.

I picked this up from Megan at Fried Okra and thought my brain could use some stimulation (but not too much!!!)

Rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things … nothing made up! If you can’t think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. Famous Singer/Band: Kathy Mattea
2. 4 letter word: kiss
3. Street: Kensington Square
4. Color: kelly green (does that count?)
5. Gifts/Presents: kids!
6. Vehicle: Kia
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: kilt (you would if you were in Scotland!)
8. Boy Name: Kevin
9. Girl Name: Kimberly
10. Movie Title: King Kong
11. Drink: kool aid
12. Occupation: King (that is TOO an occupation….somewhere!)
13. Celebrity: Kate Winslet
14. Magazine: Kitchen & Bath Design
15. U.S. City: Key West
16. Pro Sports Teams: Kansas City Royals
17. Reason for Being Late for Work: kids
18. Something You Throw Away: hmmmm….I got nothin’. Anybody??
19. Things You Shout: “Kiss Me!” (okay, I’ve never shouted that particular phrase but I’m sure someone has)
20. Cartoon Character: Kanga

1. He washes the bottles & sippy cups…..and most of the other dishes, too!
2. He does most of the cooking.
3. Even though he knows it’s an ‘exercise’ in futility, he lets me buy all the workout videos I want and agrees with me when I say “THIS is the one! Now I KNOW I’ll work out on a regular basis!!”
4. He asks ‘permission’ before he schedules a golf outing.
5. Since we don’t have a washer & dryer, HE takes the clothes to the laundromat!
6. He helped me wash the bathroom floor.
7. Even though he initially thought it should be his brother’s job to clean the guest room for his visit, he cleaned it anyway. (We live in the “family” home)
8. When munchkin came along, he set aside his own business and began working for someone else to provide a secure income and benefits.
9. He pretended not to worry when I decided I wanted to stay home with munchkin.
10. He is the most loving and giving husband & father I know.
11. When we met he wasn’t even a church going man, let alone godly;-) Now that I’ve begun my journey back to the Lord, he’s walking right along with me – sometimes not as quickly and his steps aren’t always that sure but there he is

Praise God!

………But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. -Joshua 24:15

I’ve just begun this study and how timely for me!

“But as the time for the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt. It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home.” Acts 7:17-20 (NASB)

Are there any circumstances or relationships in your life where you can see God has intentionally placed you to be a light for Him? Though I’m sure I missed other opportunities by saying ‘no’, I do believe that I’m now in a position to provide encouragement and draw others to Him.

Can you honestly describe yourself as a woman with a ‘yes’ in her spirit? I pray daily to be a ‘yes’ woman for the Lord!

Are you in an emotionally and spiritually healthy place today? If so, what will you do with your series of unrecurring events? Will you commit to ask for spiritual eyes to see opportunities to defend a weaker sister? I believe that I am on the right path to an emotionally & spiritually healthy place. I am praying that God use me to help others and – at this point – one woman in particular. She knows who she is

If no, are you taking steps to seek out wise counsel from a sister you admire or perhaps a Christian counselor if needed? If not, will you resolve to do so? There is a woman the Lord has brought into my life who is spiritually grounded and mature who I will always turn to for counsel, so long as the Lord leads me in that direction.