Mindset/Calling

Have you ever been given an assignment or a task that well, you just either didn’t want to do or you were not sure you could even do?

I will be honest here.  I can be lazy when it came to crossing the finish line when writing this book.  I believe I was going about this all wrong.  I was taking on the “perfectionist attitude.”  This book is not going to be a struggle anymore because I need let go and let God guide me in the completion of this book.  After all, He gave me this assignment. While I was visiting in South Carolina I met a woman whose faith helped me to open my heart.

Many years ago, on August 22, 2010, my youngest daughter was still little.  My father-in-law's cousin had just passed on. His cousin lived in South Carolina.

So, I loaded up the car with my father-in-law and my youngest and we headed the over 570 miles to South Carolina.  Little did I know that I had a divine appointment that would change my life.

A day and a half later we arrived in South Carolina just in time for his cousin’s service.  We then went to the cemetery and then over to the hall for the repast meal.

What happened in the next hour changed me tremendously.  The widow was gracious and sweet.  In my own thoughts, I was wondering how she was able to seem to be at such peace.  Now I don’t know what she was going through internally, but she appeared to be almost protected and peaceful.

She shared some of the details of the illness that her husband had gone through and how she cared for him.  All the while never blaming God.  She instead shared that because she clung to God that her faith sustained her during what had to be one of the most tragic and heart-wrenching events of her life.  She seemed to have a peace about her, it was His presence that gave her the strength to carry on.

You see, up to that point in my life I had never experienced the peace that only His presence can offer.

I was profoundly moved.

As I was driving on the highway back to Pennsylvania was when I believe I heard God speak to me for the first time.  He speaks to all of us, but I am usually preoccupied and/or just plain not listening.

Oh, by the way for me when, God speaks, I don’t hear some animated deep voice speaking with an echo, like in the movies.  I hear Him speak to me as if I am having a conversation with a loved one.  After all, He is my Father.

He said, “You are going to write a book.”  I looked over at my father-in-law who was fast asleep in the front passenger seat, so it was not him.  I heard that voice again clearly say; “You are going to write a book; these are the women who are meant to inspire."

So, of course, I did nothing with that.  Did I really hear God?  How can I be sure?  Perhaps I am just being lazy?

Life happens, years go by.  Excuses happen.  Now when I heard God speak for the first time, I was beginning my walk with Him.  Some people coin the phrase, “Baby Christian.”  I was beginning a relationship with God I never knew existed.  God had planted me in a church that was teaching me the truth.  Relationship not religion.  I attended church, studied His Word, worshipped, attended bible studies, power lunches, surrounded myself with others who would help to encourage my faith walk and and spent time with God.

I was called to ministry in April 2011, and I loved being a part of something so much bigger than myself.

In December of 2013 I received an unction from the Holy Spirit, so I announced to my husband I’m going to write that book.  His reply was, “Okay, you do that.”  My husband has always supported my adventures, if you will.

Ray is my rock.  He puts the silly in my serious.  He and I have been together for 24 years.  Ray is the answer to a prayer I prayed a couple of years before he and I met.  We are still passionate for one another.

I start writing a couple of paragraphs and some notes in a hard cover notebook and then nothing.  I got very sick with shingles for six weeks.  Distraction.

A few months later in April while I am finally laying still resting from surgery, I opened my laptop and began the process of writing this book. 

I was writing about things I thought I had long forgotten.  The words poured onto the pages as the Holy Spirit guided me.  Glory to God.  Before I knew it, I had chapter after chapter written.

God is relentless in His pursuit of us and if He gives you an assignment He won’t just let it go.  He will provide you with the means to do what He has called you to do.

I was sitting in a hotel room as I am writing this chapter getting ready to take a flight to Texas and I am just in awe of God.  I love Him so much.

I have had many changes in my life, relationships, homes family additions and losses, physical as well as emotional changes.  The only change that I truly had to undertake was my mindset.

I had to renew my mind so that the true transformation could take place.  Have you ever put on the most gorgeous looking outfit, had your hair just perfect?  Only to look in the mirror and just say, “Who am I kidding, I’m still …….?  Have you ever put on the same gorgeous outfit and had your hair just perfect again and felt amazing almost like you were floating on air and all is right with the world?  Well, for me that is what had taken place when my mindset was changed.  Renewing my mind with what God says about me verses what I chose to believe in the past is what I hope shows in my transformation.

So please when you look at me I hope you see what I now see.  A woman who loves God and knows without a doubt that He loves me as well.  That I am His daughter made in His image and after His likeness.  Perhaps I even show His love to those I come in contact with.  However, don’t underestimate my big heart for a doormat.  I also know that I am a warrior and will not sit idle while the enemy tries to wreak havoc on others.  I walk in power and authority to pray in the name of Jesus and will do so accordingly.  I know this is all true and available for anyone who desires the same for themselves.

For me I believe this was the beginning of my faith walk.

He loves you and has a plan and a purpose for your life.  Just spend some time with Him and He will guide if you will allow.