Stephanie Shott

I've ended my "No Wimpy Chicks" series and decided it was time to share a bit about speaking. Recently, I've had several women ask me about speaking. Many of them were women who sensed God calling them to a speaking ministry, yet they weren't sure how to know if they were really being "called" and what to do if they were.

So today, I thought I'd use my little corner of cyberspace to encourage those who are praying about or just beginning their journey into the wide world of Christian speaking. I thought I'd do that by answering some of the questions others have asked.

So here goes, sister speakers...

1. How do you know if you're called to speak? Unlike public speaking, when it comes to Christian speaking - calling is crucial. It's not a job, it's a ministry. And just like any other ministry you have to know God is calling you to it.

You know you're called to speak when just about everything you read in Scripture cries out, "Speak"... When the passion and pursuit of your heart is a consuming need to be a voice that speaks into peoples' lives for the glory of God... When God uses His Word, circumstances and even the compliments of others to confirm the gift and the call...When your heart and mind swirl with ideas about what you could speak on, ways you could encourage others, how you could say something in a different way that might impact others. You know you're called to speak when can't "not" speak.

Like Eric Liddell felt God's pleasure when he ran, I feel God's pleasure when I speak. You will know you're called to speak when you feel His pleasure every time you do.

2. How do you get started? That's easy...on your knees and in the Word.

You can do what you can to get your name out there, but only God can truly open the doors. And that's the way you want it! Speak whenever and wherever you can. Make yourself available. Teach at church; speak at schools, small local events, join speaking groups...but more than anything, pray, study and practice.

If your friends encourage you to speak, ask them to recommend you to other churches and women's ministry leaders.

3. How do you prepare a talk/message? While it's true that there are different strokes for different folks, there are a few key components to preparing to speak. It's a huge responsibility to prepare to speak to a group of people who are all in different places of need. I take it very seriously. So, I'm going to share my own personal process - as I do, you may see something that you wouldn't feel led to do - and that's okay. God has gifted us differently; His calling is individual.

After I receive a call or email requesting me to speak, I...

* Immediately begin to pray for the ladies I'll be speaking to and for the message God wants me to share.

* Ask for a list of the ladies who will be attending, if possible. This forms my prayer list & I'm honored to lift each woman up in prayer before I ever meet them. It creates an unexplainable bond with them and I end up loving them like crazy. It also helps me get ahold of the heart of God for the heart of those women.

* Once I have the topic and title, I get to work studying like a wild woman. Books are spread across my desk making it unidentifiable. I write the whole message out - every word - including the verses.

* I write an outline. (I prefer to use the outline with the Scripture verses written out so I don't get lost in too many words on the page) The outline is like a road map. It helps me know where to begin, where I'm going and it highlights the landmarks along the way.

* Then I pray some more and begin to practice. I practice out loud - I record it - I begin editing my talk based on what I sense the Lord leading me to do and on the recorded practice session. I keep practicing until I KNOW it!

* Keep in contact with the event coordinator. Request the needed equipment for visuals (I almost always use visuals) - the type of microphone you will need - tables, platforms and any details or changes you may need to know about.

* Pray. Practice. Pray. Practice. And pray and practice some more.

4. How do you deal with the fear of speaking in front of people? The fact that God uses me to speak is one of the confirmations of the call. I'm the girl who couldn't give an oral report without falling apart. I didn't make the highschool cheerleading squad because I couldn't stand in front of the judges without my lips quivering and my knees knocking.

I'm always nervous, but when I know God has called me to speak and I'm sure the message He has given me is from Him, then there's a God-given confidence that drowns out the fear. The focus is the desire to speak from God's heart to theirs. When I can't even begin to know what's going on in women's hearts and lives, all I can think about is, "Please speak to them, Lord! I have nothing to say apart from what You give me! I don't know what they need to hear; I don't have a clue what they're going through. Please, I'm desperate for you to use me as a voice to speak into the wilderness of their hearts and lives."

In short...God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. It's really all about Him and if I remember that, I have nothing to fear but God.

5. Why should I be a speaker when there are so many other speakers? Because God has called you to be a voice for His glory. Your voice is unique. Your giftedness is unique. Your backstory is unique. Your platform is unique. Your audience is unique.

We are not in competition, we are on the same team, trying to proclaim Christ and impact this world for the glory of God. The Lord uses each of us in different ways, in different places and at different times. We should be cheering each other on; we should refer each other when our schedule won't allow us to fill an opportunity or when we know we aren't the right person for the job.

This is about making Jesus known, not ourselves. So as you seek to speak, keep in mind that we're all on the same team and when one Christian speaker is called to the plate and hits a home run, it's a win for the whole team.

We need to be each other's biggest cheerleaders, strongest support group and most committed prayer warriors!

6. How do you know what to charge? Every speaker I know struggles with the whole 'fee' issue. Each one has different needs and different convictions. Each speaker is in a diffeent place in her journey and there is no one-size-fits-all fee.

There are issues to consider, such as...

* How much experience do you have?
* What are you convictions about fees?
* Where will you be speaking?
* What type of event is it?
* Do you have a staff, handouts, equipment or other expenses that need to be added into the equation?
* Do you do this full time?
* How long will it take you to prepare the message?
* Will you have to travel to the event? If so, what type of traveling expenses will you incur?

These are all part of the whole equation that needs to be considered in order to decide what type of fee you should charge.

If you're just starting out, you may want to forego a set fee in order to get some experience and some name identification. If you've been speaking for years, then you will need to pray about what fee you should set, research what typical fees are in your region and then set them based on the above considerations.

Personally, I don't set a fee for churches. Because of personal conviction and the fact that I don't have a staff to pay or other expenses that need to be factored in, I speak for a love offering or the church's budgeted fee for a speaker plus travel expenses.

Other events, such as conferences and other public events are a different story. In venues such as that, I have a fee.

7. Where can I go to learn more about how to become a better speaker and more about being a Christian speaker?

There are SO many resources out there to help you in your pursuit of following your God-given dream of becoming a Christian speaker. Below are just a few:

Shelia Wray Gregoire's site for speakers is fantabulous! Sheila offers training and great insight to the whole world of speaking!
http://christianwomensspeaker.wordpress.com/

CLASS Services is a great source of training and growth.
http://www.classervices.com/

She Speaks Conferences put on by Proverbs 31 Ministries is a great annual learning event!
http://shespeaksconference.com/

You can also apply to be part of various speaker "listing" sites. Here are a few:

http://christianspeakersandentertainers.com/SpeakerGallery/speakersgallery4.html

http://womensministrynow.net (Jennifer Rothschild's ministry site)

http://www.ministrywomen.net

http://www.womenspeakers.com

As you can see, there are so many resources to help you in your journey to becoming who you were created to be. And I believe with all my heart that you should pursue every avenue available. But at the end of the day, the doors only open if God, Himself, opens them.

So, sweet friend, work hard, depend on God and watch what He does in you, through you, for you and in your midst!

As William Carey once said (and this is one of my all-time favorite quotes!)
"Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God!"

Did any of this help you in your speaking journey? I'd love to hear about where you are in the process and if you have anything you'd like to share that may help others. I'd also be honored to pray for you as you seek God's face and hand for your speaking ministry!

I'm a huge I Love Lucy fan! Have you ever seen the Vitameatavegamen episode? The one where Lucy does a commercial for a new product 'guaranteed' to pep up the pooped out.

"Hello Friends, I'm your Vitameatavegamin girl. Are your tired? Run down? Listless? Do you poop out at parties? Are you unpopular? The answer to all of your problems is in this little bottle. Vitameatavegamin!"

We all get worn out, weary and overwhelmed. But we also know the answer to our crazy busy and burdened lives isn't found in a bottle of Vitameatavegamen.


And... Unfortunately, the weary, the worn out and the overwhelmed often become the wimpy!

So how do we handle those seasons of life when there's more to do than time in our day; when life seems like more than we can handle; when our hearts are burdened beyond our brawn?

When I get to my melt-down moment, my first response is flight not fight. Really! I long to find a quiet corner and just exist into nothingness - at least for a couple of hours. But solitude alone doesn't solve our saddled hearts - we need to take a trip to the sanctuary of God's Word to find real refreshing for our weary souls.

So, what do you do when your world seems to be crashing in on you?

Since we all face weary, worn out and overwhelmed places in our lives, I thought I'd share some verses to encourage us in the journey. We may be down, sweet sisters, be we are not out!

So when life seems to be getting the best of you and you're finding it hard to catch your breath, saturate yourself in the Word. The Word of God strengthens us and the Spirit of God sustains us.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

"Casting all your anxieties on him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." 1 Corinthians 4:7-10

Oh, and for your viewing pleasure, click this link to watch the segment of the I Love Lucy Show that highlights Lucy's Viatameatavegamen commerical! Smile and enjoy!

And remember...

Unfortunately, the weary, the worn out and the overwhelmed are often become the wimpy!

Wimpy chicks give up - strong chick stand strong
Wimpy chicks give in - strong chicks get rest
Wimpy chicks live unbalanced, unscheduled, overbooked lives - strong chicks learn how to live balanced lives
Wimpy chicks try to do everything on their own - strong chicks know when to ask for help

I love watching America's Funniest Videos! It always cracks me up when I see the scaredy cat clips. You know the ones where a cat sees itself in the mirror and springs three feet in the air or starts swatting at its own reflection as if it's fighting an imaginary enemy. And the ones where something silly startles the cat and it leaps in gravity-defying form through the air.

Sometimes I'm just like that.

In fact, I've blogged about it before, but I really am probably the biggest sissy on the planet. Yet God chooses to use those places of fear to bring me to that place of faith.

I'm afraid of flying, yet God has called me to missions and to speak to women - so I've had plenty of "turning fear into faith" opportunities. And every time I board that plane, I've placed my fear at my Savior's feet and joyfully declared, "I trust You!"

You see, I know the God of where I am is also the God of where He is sending me. He does not cease to be God because I'm 35,000 feet in the air. And so I trust Him.

Fear holds us captive. It paralyzes us and renders us ineffective. It's an enemy to becoming who we were created to be. And it's exactly what the enemy of our souls often uses to prevent us from fulfilling our God-given destinies and impacting this world for Christ.

Look at the equation below and see what fear equals in your life:

Fear = Doubt
Fear = Distrust
Fear = Lack of Faith
Fear = Missed Opportunities
Fear = Failure

But if we're going to be strong and courageous daughters of the Most High God, then we need to take ground that we've allowed to be lost to our fears.

The only kind of fear that is of God is the reverential fear we are to have of God.

So, today, I want to give you some strength building verses to flex your mental and spiritual muscles. Memorize them. Meditate on them. As a key component to the Armor of God, the Word is your offensive weapon! Every time fear wells up in your heart, pull the Sword of the Word out and slay it!

Don't let one more opportunity to trust God slip through your fearful fingers! Trust God to be who is He is and to do what He says He will do!

The Word of God is chock full of "Do Not Fear", "Do Not Be Afraid" verses. Here are just a few verses to sharpen your sword with:

Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."


Exodus 14:13-14, "And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Isaiah 44:2-3,8 - "Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘ Fear not, O Jacob My servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring;"

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Psalm 118:6, "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Genesis 26:24 "And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, 'I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.'”

As you look back on these verses, notice how several of them say..."Do not fear...FOR..." In other words, do not fear - because...because God is calling us to no longer be wimpy chicks who fear our own shadows because He is our GOD - He is with us and He's got our backs! May we no longer allow our hearts to spring up in fear like a scaredy cat who takes flight every time we're faced with something new, different or that challenges our faith.

Wimpy chicks fear - strong chicks have faith
Wimpy chicks hide - strong chicks are bold
Wimpy chicks cower - strong chicks stand

So what are you afraid of? Are you a scaredy cat? Have you allowed your fear to paralyze you and render you ineffective in any area? If so, would you be willing to lay that fear on the altar of faith today? Go for it girlfriend! You've only got one chance to do this thing called life well. So trust God and let's do this thing well!

We are NOT wimpy chicks...we are daughters of the Most High God...so let's live like it! Boldy, courageously, fearlessly! Let the only thing we fear be God! AMEN & AMEN!

Don't miss, my friend, Kathi Lipp on Focus on the Family today at 2 PM EDT (11AM CA Time)!

With wit and humor, Kathi will encourage and inspire you with practical ideas about how to love your man!

Showing Your Husband How You Love Him - Focus on the Family Daily

www.focusonthefamily.com

Kathi Lipp explains how wives can make their husband feel loved and appreciated.

SERIOUSLY, SWEET FRIENDS...YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

Okay, I realize that I should probably warn you up front - this whole No Wimpy Chicks series is definitely not going to be easy on any of us. So many areas of wimpy-ness that must be tackled if we're going to put our big girl panties on and become strong and courageous women of the Most High God!

Like I said yesterday, life sure ain't for sissies - but neither is spiritual strength training. So grab your Bible and lets start flexing some spiritual muscles! We're gonna be buff before you know it!

Today's topic - "ARE YOU WHINING?"

Big girls may cry, but when they whine - well, it's just an ugly site in more ways than one.

The other day I was talking to a friend about where I am in a specific area of my life, where I know I'm supposed to be and the dilemmas I've been facing. And then, without warning, it happened...I commenced to let the whining begin! It was a hideous thing!

And the sound! Oh my goodness...it was just as hideous!

I don't understand why...

But I just want to know...

Why isn't God doing this or that for me?

Whah, whah, whah, whah, whah! Oh somebody, please call the whambulance!

And could someone please remind me that one of the chapters in my soon to be released Bible study on Ecclesiastes is a humorous - almost sarcastic look at Solomon's self-endulging sanctuary of selfishness entitled, Me, Myself and I?

Have you ever looked at your circumstances and then - in your peripheral vision - you get a glimpse of someone else's circumstances and wonder why your world can't turn on its axis as easily as theirs?

I try so hard to "not" be that person, but somehow I had just blossomed into a weed of a whiner! I've spent years manuevering through life with blinders on. Like a horse who can only see what's immediately in front of them - I've desperately tried to maintain that focus on the finish line.

My painful past has taught me that a rearview mirror view of my life will only cause me to crash. So looking forward has been a key component to walking in victory for this little southern girl who once had a bad past and bleak future!

And so - I don't look back for long. I may glance, but I don't stare!

However, my recent whining tantrum wasn't from looking back, it was from looking around!

But how often have you heard the strong whine? That's because whining is for the wimpy, not the strong!

SO LET'S FLEX:

Well, since a muscle is only strengthened through proper stretching and flexing of it, then we need to strengthen our spriritual muscles by properly stretching ourselves in some areas and flexing the Word of God in our lives.

Below are a few verses to help us stretch and flex our way to a whine free zone in our hearts and lives. I've boldfaced a few key instructions to remind us that our workout is never without pain, but always with the promise of His presence and His power!

Philippians 2:13-15 (Amplified)

"13[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.

14Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and [d]questioning and doubting [among yourselves],

15That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guiltless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world."

Walking through this life without whining only happens when we rely on His strength; when we're consistently conscience that He is working in us, through us and for us; when we intentionally chose to DO ALL THINGS without grumbling, faultfinding or whining.

And yes...there is a huge difference between sharing our burdens and whining! We share our lives and our burdens so that we can encourage and pray for one another. We walk through difficult times with each other because we love one another with the love of Christ.

Difficult days are real! They happen to us all! And we need to share those painful places of our lives with one another!

But whining...well, whining is another story! Whining displays a lack of trust in God! Whining is complaining about your circumstances with a "Why me?" attitude and "Woe is me!" mentality!

Sharing our burdens means we continue to focus on God: Whining means we shift the focus to ourselves!

Wimpy chicks whine. Strong chicks trust.

Wimpy chicks complain. Strong chicks rest.

Wimpy chicks grumble. Strong chicks pray.

Here's a little workout: Go to Biblegateway.com and find out how many verses contain the word complaining or grumbling. Then look up the word content and rest. Make a note of the ones that will add muscle to your faith and strength to your character. :-)

So, today...are you a wimpy whiny chick - or are you strong? Are you ready to flex your spiritual muscles and get busy doing what the Word says? Are you putting off whining and putting on an attitude of gratitude? If not - FLEX sweet friend!

Good Monday morning, friends! I really hope you had a great weekend! Mine was interesting, to say the least. All I can say is - - - life ain't for sissies! :-)

This past week I was speaking to the ladies at group and made the comment that we need to be strong....no wimpy chicks allowed! So, I decided to do a little mounting-up, pick yourself up by your bootstraps, dig in and be strong, kind of series.

You see, I know I need to exercise, but my flabby arms still flap around in the wind. And they will continue to do just that until I get off my duff and do something about it. I will remain wimpy until I take the time to do something about it - until I do what I know to do.

So for the next two weeks were going to focus on flexing our spiritual muscles and strengthening our core. We're going to have a little faith workout! No more excuses - no more whiny, wimpy, excuse-making chicks!

Are you with me? Well, let's do this thing!

Today, we'll start with one verse to give some lift to our steps. It's a familiar verse that calls us to mount up! To rise up! To take flight! To soar above the circumstances! To get caught up in the wind that only God can control and just fly!

Check out how the Amplified gives clarity to this beautiful and fortifying verse:

"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired." Isaiah 40:31

What are you waiting for? Who are you expecting to come through for you? Who or what are you placing your hope in?

If it's not the Lord, then you will remain one wimpy chick!

When you truly wait on/trust in/expect/hope in the Lord, you know who He is - how He relentlessly loves you - you know His plans are good for you - you know His presence is permenant.

Therefore, when you wait upon the Lord, you are trusting Him to fulfill His promises and His will for your life! When you know that, your weary soul finds rest.

Like an eagle who begins its flight in search of a wind tunnel to lift him up - knowing that once he finds it, he will soar, you too should be in search of the Lord's wind tunnel for your life with the assurance that once you find it (and you will in His time) that you too, sweet friend, will soar!

So strengthen your resolve to keep seeking your next wind tunnel to lift you up! Rest in the Lord and know it's coming! Mount up on wings like eagles, sweet friend! You can trust Him! And He has not called you to be weak...He has called you to be strong!

What are you waiting for from the Lord? Are you feeling like a wimpy chick in need of a wind tunnel? Do you need to build some spiritual muscles again?

I love being a mom! And I've enjoyed every season of my kid's lives.

Yesterday we celebrated our youngest son's birthday and I'm feeling joyfully weepy. So, I know you empty nesters out there whose hearts simultaneously smile and cry every time you reminisce about years gone by will understand that I just have to take a little trip down memory lane with my boy as we celebrate his birthday.

24 years ago...

I got in the car, took my last pregnant picture and headed to the hospital to welcome my newborn baby into the world

I sat in the hospital room waiting for them to get me prepped for a c-section and so excited about seeing my 2nd born boy

I laughed as my husband sat beside me during the surgery while listening to the doctors talk about the Laker's game

I heard the doctors say, "He's here. Daddy do you want to take a picture and cut the cord?"

I held my sweet little boy for the first time and knew I would love him forever

I felt the fresh joy of mommyhood for the 2nd time

My mind raced through a myriad of hopes and dreams I had for that precious bundle of joy

I became DJ's mom

DJ is uber talented. He's a singer/songwriter, guitar player, graphics and computer guy who loves to analyze everything. He's funny as all get out and makes me laugh 'til I cry. (I'm sure the picture gives you a little glimpse into our crazy, silly world) And I'm so thankful the Lord has given me the privilege to be his mom.

I can't wait to see how God is going to use him to turn this world upside down for Christ!

We moms never stop being moms. Whether they're 10 or 20, we love them the same.

I remember recently telling a friend that I wish someone would have told me you have to give them away after you've raised them. And while I miss hearing them open the refrigerator door in the middle of the night - and taking care of them when they don't feel good - and tucking them in bed with a kiss and a prayer - and laughing at stupid stuff together...I enjoy watching the boys I was so blessed to raise become men finding their own way in life.

So, yesterday we celebrated DJ's 24th birthday! How thankful I am that God gifted us with such a blessing wrapped in a baby we named DJ (well, his name is Donald Jr. - but we call him DJ)!

So, y'all say Happy Birthday to DJ! :-)

Tell me about your kids. What do you love most about being a mom? Are your children grown or still at home?

Today, I have the privilege of highlighting the sweetest woman I've never met! I tell her that all the time, but if you've ever had any contact with Lynn Mosher, then you know why I say that! I love her heart for Jesus, for God's Word and for others! She sure does show us what it means to shine for Jesus!

Are You Dressed and Ready for the Big Day?

From the opening pages of the Bible, God relates to His people in a closeness of companionship so intimate that He compares it to a marriage relationship, as He said to Israel, “For your Maker is your Husband.” (Isa. 54:5a Amp)

In the closing pages, this relationship remains paramount, for the Father sent His Son as the heavenly Bridegroom to woo the heart of the perfect Bride into holy oneness with Him. The chosen companion suited for the heavenly Bridegroom as Peter says, “for you have been chosen by God Himself…you are holy and pure, you are God’s very own.” (1 Peter 2:9 TLB)

The Bride’s Preparation

In the ancient, Hebrew betrothal tradition, the groom departed from his bride-to-be to build the couple’s new home, which took approximately one year. During this time, the bride prepared her bridal necessities and equipped herself for her new life. All her wedding finery had to be ready at a moment’s notice, for she never knew when her bridegroom would come to snatch her away.

When the time came, the bride wanted not only to look her very best for the one she loved but also to be the very best for him, to be a good reflection on his name and his character. You see, the betrothed couple was considered married, yet they were not allowed to live together. Therefore, her behavior reflected on him.

How is Christ’s Bride living?

How is the Bride of Christ spending Her time while waiting for Her Beloved Bridegroom to snatch Her away? Is She preparing those things necessary for Her nuptials?

Does She love Him with all Her heart and soul, or does She entertain other loves? Is She doing the things the Holy Spirit leads Her to do? Is She studying the Word? Does She rearrange Her schedule to make prayer time a priority? Is She a good reflection on Her Beloved’s Name and character? Just what exactly is She doing to make Herself ready?

How does She look? How is She dressed?

Would a bride go to her wedding naked? Would you consider her appropriately dressed for her grand day of aisle-walking if her beautiful, bridal gown was covered in mud or big blotches of stains? Would she want to greet her beloved in that condition? No, of course not! A bride is immaculately dressed in her pristine, wedding attire, looking her absolute best for her bridegroom on their wedding day.

Likewise, is the Bride of Christ dressed in her pristine, bridal finery and ready for Her day of divine marriage? Or is Her garment dirtied with the stains of the world? Things like doubt, worry, unforgiveness, complaining, judging, gossip, lying, adultery, pride, impure thoughts, busyness, internet porn, other addictions, or anything else that grieves the Holy Spirit?

Have these mud-slings diverted Her focus from Her Bridegroom? Has She forgotten that Her behavior reflects on His Name and character?

Jesus asks His Bride, “Do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15 NKJV)

James tells us of the one who remains true to Her Beloved, “The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father’s point of view, is the one who...remains true to the Lord-not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world.” (James 1:27 TLB)

Is the Bride ready?

Is Christ’s Bride ready for Her day of snatching away? When the heavenly Bridegroom arrives, will He find us with a mopey face, hair covered in the ashes of doubt and worry, breath smelling of negative words, and dressed in a ratty, old rag of self-pity, ripped and spotted with worldly residue?

Or will He find us as “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Rev. 21:2 NIV), adorned with a smile on Her face, joy in Her heart, songs of praise on Her lips, and be dressed in a pure, spotless gown of holiness?

Oh, sweet believers, may our lives be so holy and our readiness so complete that we shall have no sorrow when the Bridegroom comes calling for us, His beloved Bride.

“Behold, the bridegroom cometh!” (Matt. 25:6b KJV)

Are you ready?

~~Soli deo gloria, Lynn



Lynn's Bio...

Since 1966, I’ve shared my matrimonial nest with the same loving husband. Our nest is now empty but, on occasion, the three offspring, who have flown the coop, come to visit, accompanied by a lovable son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and three precious granddaughters.

After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2000, the Lord whispered to my spirit and placed the desire in my heart to write for Him. He knew the best area of service for me at this time of my life and gave me a true purpose for my remaining years.

I now write in obedience and, in addition to devotionals and inspirational writings, my first book will be published soon. My passion is to reach out to others, to encourage them in their walk with the Lord and to comfort them through my writing, giving God all the glory.

In trusting Him, I have found that every Jordan barrier converts to an open portal, every pit offers golden nuggets, and every hill of difficulty transforms into a mount of deliverance.


Lynn's Book: Ready or Not Here I Come

What treasures await discovery!

Come along with inspirational writer, Lynn Mosher, as she digs deep into the past, where you’ll discover an ancient, Hebrew betrothal tradition. Lynn uncovers twelve steps of this sacred custom that holds profound, spiritual significance for those believing in the coming Messiah.

As you travel along with Lynn on her journey of discovery, you will experience the remarkable parallel a Christian life reflects the twelve steps of betrothal.

Ready or Not…Here I Come is a handbook, complete with detailed, personal applications. As it takes you through each step, it provides insight and inspiration for the journey to completeness in Christ, revealing how to live the Bride-kind of life as that “glorious Church without a single spot or wrinkle or any other blemish, being holy and without a single fault.” (Eph. 5:27 TLB)

Come along on your personal bridal path, escorted by your Beloved Bridegroom to His Father’s Home. The Bridegroom is waiting to whisk you away to the marriage feast under the huppah.

Never has a feast been so elaborately furnished. Never has one been so lovingly served such an epicurean delight nor drunk of such a delicate, effervescent drink. This will be the greatest and most joyous wedding banquet ever.

Are you ready to meet Him? Are you “prepared—all dressed and ready”? (Luke 12:35 TLB)

Jesus says, “Ready or not… here I come!”

Where to find Lynn:

http://lynnmosher.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/lynnmosher
http://www.facebook.com/LynnMosher
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lynn-mosher/11/146/206

Ever feel like your plate runneth over?

My last year has been a heaping helping of more on my to-do list than hours in my day. That's not just my story, but it seems to be true for a lot of women these days?

What about you? Whatchadoin' these days?

Me? Well I'm...

...working on my speaking schedule throughout the end of the year and the first quarter of next year. (if you know someone who needs a speaker, I'd be honored to be considered and I still have several weekends open - so email me :-))

...working on my posts for Scripture Dig for the week of July 5th. (I'll be writing about a topic I speak on - "When God is Silent" and I'm praying the Lord really uses it to encourage the hearts of women who are baffled by their season of silence.)

...working on writing the devotions for a book I'm writing with a sweet, godly girlfriend.

...finishing up some resources for a speaker's site that I can't wait to tell you about one day soon! :-)

...writing my current WIP and preparing it to be agent worthy and publisher ready.

...preparing for and doing small groups on Wednesday nights (LOVE time in the Word with these sweet ladies!)

...ministering along side my hubby as much as possible,

...trying to enjoy time with my birthmom while she's here for a month.

...watching the grandgirl every Friday night (Oh, how sweet it is!)

...working my 9 to 5, cooking, cleaning, paying bills and all that day to day stuff.

I know I'm not the only one who's a busy girl! Your days probably runneth over too! But I'm so thankful the Lord gives us the privilege of serving Him while we have breath - aren't you?!

So, what about you? What's your day like? Are you feeling like you're spread too thin too?

Hey y'all! What an awesome weekend I just had! I'm uber exhausted, but so spiritually stoked!

We had the great privilege of hosting the Global Day of Prayer in Jacksonville this year and what a time of prayer and worship it was! I don't know if any of you watched in on TV, but how sweet it was to be with the family of God, worshipping the Living God with the world!

Serving as one of the ushers, I was strategically placed way up in the nose bleed section where I found myself standing at the bottom of the top section peering out into the air and feeling as though I was almost suspended in space! Just me and God and a host of other people whose obvious presence seemed to escape my view! It was a beautiful moment when my heart glanced into the future that awaits all of us who have been born again.

We'll be surrounded by a multitude of our forever family, but their presence will be eclipsed by the greatness of the Great I AM!

Saturday evening was a time of individual and corporate repentance, worship, prayer and praise. It was a time to seek God's face and lay our lives on the altar of sacrifice. It was a time to let go of that which won't let go of us - those sins...those weights...anything and everything that slows us down or gets us off track. Anything and everything that hurts the heart of the One who gave His all for us.

It was a fresh reminder of how our Christian walk requires more than one thing. If we're going to walk in victory and become who we were created to be, then we need to live our lives and fill our days with a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Much like my Missionary Salsa will never taste right unless I include ALL the right ingredients, our lives will never be what they should unless we include ALL the ingredients needed to do this thing called life well.

A full orbed walk with God requires consistent and intentional repentence, worship, prayer and praise.

If you know me at all, you know I'm domestically challenged. But I can make me some salsa! So, today, I'm going to leave you with my recipe for salsa.

Let the next time you mix up some salsa or bake a cake or make dinner be a reminder that if you are going to live this life to the fullest and become who you were created to be, then you're going to need to add ALL the ingredients of repentance, worship, prayer and praise. If you leave out any ingredients, you'll miss the full robust flavor your life was meant to have.

Missionary Salsa

4 tomatoes
1 sweet onion
1 bell pepper
1 lime
Cilantro (chop about 10-20 leaves)
Salt (to taste)
Garlic (fresh is best)

1/2 Jalapeno (minced) - Optional

Dice tomatoes, sweet onion and bell pepper separately. (You can use a food processor or chopper, but be sure you don't pulverize it! :-)).

Mix everything up. Squeeze lime juice into the salsa. Add salt and lime to taste. Chill for about an hour or so and then eat. Tastes best the next day.

Definitely not a difficult recipe, but oh-so-YUMMY!

Are you lacking in any ingredient that is necessary for a full and flavorful life? Repentance? Worship? Prayer? Praise? What can you do to be sure you're including it all?

The other night we gathered together for our first small group meeting of the new semester. It was a beautiful thing to see so many women excited about knowing God more; anxious to know His Word more; and thrilled about knowing each other more!

There really ain't nothin' like girlfriends getting together sharing a cup of coffee and talking Jesus! You ladies know that rocks my Bible study world!

We weren't meant to do this thing alone, sweet friends!

So, there we were, in the midst of our introductory group night when someone mentioned how important a hug is. That someone was my birthmom! Most of you know my backstory, but for those of you who don't, here's a quick snippet!

My birthmom was raped and I was the result. Although my childhood was riddled with a decade of sexual abuse by two different family members, I still had two wonderful and loving parents and I'm so uber thankful my birthmom chose life for me!

I met my birthmom when I was about about 27 and found out she's a believer! We've been connected ever since.

So - back to small groups...

"Sometimes, people just need a hug. You never know how much good a hug can do!"

As soon as she said that, my mind raced to one of my alltime favorite movies, "The Parent Trap". You know the scene where Chessy, the housekeeper, is standing there with Annie right after she revealed her true identity.

Annie's dad walks in and Chessy is longingly and lovingly looking at Annie and as she makes excuses for her silly behavior, she overflows with the words, "Can I hug her?!"

There's just something comforting and assuring about a good hug, isn't there!

Today, you may be very busy and your to-do list lingers long beyond the time you have to complete it, BUT please don't miss the opportunities to extend the love of God in the act of a simple, but sincere hug!

Perhaps you're the one who stands in need of a little extension of grace in the form of an embrace. If that's true, reach out and hug a friend. Arms wrap both ways and hugs work in unison. Giving and receiving happen simultaneously when you choose to give a hug!

Giving you the biggest cyberspace hug I can, sweet friends! You are SO uber loved! :-)

Good morning friends! Today, I have the privilege of introducing you to someone you probably already know. So, I guess it's not really an introduction, but I'm so excited to share with you a bit about Marybeth Whalen and her new book, She Makes It Look Easy!

Marybeth encouraged me during a very decisive time in my life when I read her book, The Reason We Speak. I quickly sent her an email to thank her and to let her know she made a difference in this little southern, missionary, speaker girl's life.

To my surprise, she graciously responded and encouraged me some more! I love a woman who shines for Jesus like that! And that's why I'm excited to have her here in my little space in cyberspace!

Enjoy my interview with her and be sure to follow the links that will take you to one of your favorite online sites where you can purchase She Makes It Look Easy!


1. Marybeth, tell us a little bit about your writing journey.

I spun my wheels for awhile trying to get published in with nonfiction ideas. But my heart wasn't in it and it must've shown. However I was too afraid to attempt writing fiction because I wanted to hang onto the dream a little longer. I didn't want to know if I could do it or not. What if I couldn't?? I finally got a little (big!) push from a trusted friend who listened to my dreams and didn't let me hide behind that word "someday" anymore. She made me take the risk. I wrote the novel on my heart, which was The Mailbox. It's all been a whirlwind since then... and I am glad I finally leapt over the edge of that fiction cliff.

2. How was She Makes It Look Easy birthed in your heart?

I had the idea for the novel as a result of several marriages of good, godly, seemingly together people falling apart. I wondered what had happened there and if it could've been prevented-- either by the people directly involved or the people who were around them. Could things have been different? So I started messing around with this idea, and included the struggles I-- and so many women-- have with thinking other women are more together than they are. The novel came together from that.

3. What would you like readers to get from your new book, She Makes It Look Easy?

I want them to see themselves in both Justine and Ariel. I want them to see the importance of real, authentic friendships and transparency with each other-- but also I would love for them to see the dangerous decisions we can make that can put us on a slippery slope. In writing the book I saw how easy it can be-- and how devastating.

4. As a Christian, a wife, a mother of 6, an author and a speaker - what would be the one thing you would tell women everywhere if you had the chance?

Make the effort to have good, real friendships and to be a real friend. It's so worthwhile to have other women around you for so many reasons. I treasure my friends so much. If you don't have that right now, ask God to send those women into your life. And He will.

5. Where can we find your new book?

Proverbs 31 Ministries, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook.com... Most anywhere. If your local bookstore doesn't have it, ask for it!

A Bit About Marybeth:

Marybeth Whalen and her husband Curt have been married for 20 years this year and are the parents of six children, ranging in age from college to kindergarten. They live outside Charlotte NC. Marybeth is the author of The Mailbox and her newest novel, She Makes It Look Easy. She spends most of her time in the grocery store but occasionally escapes long enough to scribble some words. She is always at work on her next novel. You can find her at www.marybethwhalen.com.

Good Monday morning ladies! I hope you had an uber great weekend! I know I sure did! Crazy busy, but very blessed. We had an awesome small groups rally at church. My hubby preached all three service and I loved seeing God work in and through him like that.

I also picked up my birthmom from the airport and will have the privilege of having her here for a month! God is so amazing! Beauty from ashes, sweet friends....beauty from ashes!

Finally, I was honored to speak at a homeless shelter Sunday night and see God work on the hearts of that beautiful group of people. Wow! God He really does exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or think!

**************************************************************************

Well, enough of me, I really am very excited about sharing something very special from someone very special. My friend, Teri Lynne Underwood has written another book that I think will really speak to the heart of every mother and grandmother that reads this post.

I love Teri Lynne's heart for Jesus and her heart to minister to women! I could go on and on about her, but I figure I'll give you more time to dive in and learn more about her new book. Please take the time to read through this post and then pop over and purchase your own copy of Parenting from the Overflow.

Parenting from the Overflow
In other words, having kids isn’t about us – it’s about Him.  We are called to bear and raise children for the glory of God. ~ Gary Thomas, Sacred Parenting

Accepting this premise as true, I realized that in order to “bear and raise [my child] for the glory of God” I need to be living my life to that same end.    Over the past eleven years of parenting an amazing daughter, I’ve learned many lessons about me and my relationship with Christ.   Time and again I’ve been reminded how inadequate I am for this task of parenting and how raising a child for God’s glory demands more than I can ever do on my own.

And so, like generations of mothers before me, I’ve found myself pouring out my heart to the Lord, begging for His wisdom and direction.    Storing up the treasures of His Word, counting the daily graces He extends, and learning to walk beside Him – not ahead of Him, ahem – has given me a perspective about parenting that I desperately needed.  He’s shown me that she, my precious girl, can only receive what overflows from me.   I can’t give her what I don’t have.

Parenting from the Overflow is the result of years of learning this simple truth:  I parent best when I remember I am a child of God first. Sitting at His feet, growing in His grace, and walking in His steps are what give me the strength and grace and wisdom I need to raise my girl for His glory.   Outside of that, nothing I do will ever accomplish that noble task.

Will you join me? Each chapter of this book offers you insight into a different aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit {Galatians 5:22-23}, a verse to memorize, activities to share with your child, and exercises for your own heart and spiritual growth.

Every bit of the proceeds from this first edition of Parenting from the Overflow goes to The Mercy House, an incredible ministry to pregnant young ladies in Kenya birthed from the heart of Kristen Welch, writer of We are THAT Family.

Let’s parent from the overflow together, shall we?

You can learn more about this eBook and Teri Lynne’s heart for encouraging mommas on the Parenting from the Overflow website … www.ParentingfromtheOverflow.com. For only $5, you can download the eBook and begin your journey of parenting from the overflow of God’s work in your life.


Teri Lynne's Bio:
Teri Lynne writes from her home in south Georgia in between driving the taxi for her 11-year-old daughter and helping her pastor-husband however he requests. She describes herself as a girl who longs to connect the hearts of women with the heart of God. She writes daily at Teri Lynne Underwood: Encouraging Lives Where the Sacred and Secular Collide. In May 2011 she released the eBook, Parenting from the Overflow, which inspires moms to parent out of the abundance of their relationship with God. You can find more information about her book on the Parenting from the Overflow website. And, of course, she’s on Twitter and Facebook!

Hey sweet friends! You all are more dear to me than you could possibly know! Not sure how cyberspace can link the Jesus love that flows in and through us but it just does!

SO, come here....come closer. Yeah - you. I've got something SOOO uber cool to share with you.

Now, I'd like to act all professional - like I've got my "author" suit and hat on and know all about that stuff, but you know me better than that. It's just me, real and raw and about as goofy as they come.

But I couldn't wait to tell you sweet ladies that I got my Galley Proof in! Don't know what that is? Me neither! Well, I didn't really know what it was 'til I opened the link.

It's my book! You know, my Bible study on Ecclesiastes! The one I've been waiting for, for awhile - for a long while! OKAY, so the real thing is not out yet, but the galley proof is what goes to the author before the final product. The publishers send it out for final revisions and then we get to finally see the real deal!

How cool is that! It won't be long ladies and it will be on a book shelf near you!

Of course, I can't leave the post without drawing a spiritual parallel. I realize there may be several, but let's stick with the obvious.

When we truly give our lives to Christ, we become new creations. We begin a journey in which we are consistently editing our lives in response to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Putting in and taking out those things necessary to conform us to the image of Christ.

It's like we're the galley proof awaiting that final day when we'll be shelf ready.

Oh, we've been accepted in the Beloved and have a signed and sealed contract of the Divine kind...but right now, we're in the Author's hands and He is in the process of changing us from glory to glory.

One day we'll be the final product - but right now, we've got some editing to do - we're a galley proof.

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." 1 John 3:2-3

So, how ya doing on editing your life, sweet friend? Are you bound and determined to keep something in the book of your life that really needs to go in order to be shelf ready?

Oh, by the way...The Scripture Dig team has been featuring our favs from each other's personal sites. This week, they've been highlighting my site and it's been fun to see which posts they each picked as their favorite. I'd love for you to pop over there and let me know which one is your fav. :-)