Why do squirrels run across electrical lines?

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.  - Psalm 34:4

What scares you?

I was looking outside one day and saw a squirrel running across a phone line. My first thought was that – this squirrel is crazy! Then I thought – wow, she’s totally fearless! (that’s right… my fearless squirrel is a lady #girlpower) THEN I felt convicted! Why you ask? Because as I was looking up at that squirrel, I was literally in the middle of trying to talk myself out of something because I was afraid. Yes me… the author who wrote a book on overcoming fear was a scared. Isn’t it funny how God shows us in everyday things that we need to be fearless and we need to depend on Him. When I’m being obedient to God, it scares me. The reason it scares me is because when something comes from God, it’s not something that’s easy. It’s going to push you beyond your current limits. It makes me step out of my comfort zone and to be completely dependent upon Him. So, Lord you want me to take on this big project, and I have no clue what I’m doing? I’m not qualified for this God. I’m not ready! These are all things that I have said to God when He has shown what’s in my future. Believe me, I’ve begged and pleaded in some cases to get out of it. But you know what? Deep down inside me, I knew that I would not be satisfied if I just stayed where I was. How can I? I know God has these amazing plans for me, all I have to do is listen. Follow his lead and be obedient. I know it’s not as easy as it sounds, but the point is, we can do this!

My challenge to you today is to seek the Lord when you’re afraid. Not only will He answer, but He’ll deliver you from your fears. 

Don't leave the game until the timer hits zero!!

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. 19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor. - Job 11:18-19 

We’re in the midst of college football season, and everyone has their team, and it’s a crazy time especially here in Tennessee. A lot of people follow the University of Tennessee Volunteers, and while I don’t follow them, I was flipping through the channels one Saturday and saw that they were losing 20-3. I am a sports fan, so I had heard the reports about them being the underdogs and that they had an 11 game losing streak going into the game against the Florida Gators. The expectation for their win was extremely low. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going into something and everyone around me expects me to lose, that doesn’t really give me the confidence I need to come out on top. In fact, they were booed off the field by their fans at half time. I can’t imagine how the players felt in the locker room. But I CAN imagine the coach and how it’s his job to inspire his team even though it seems all hope is lost. He probably gave them one of the most inspirational half time speeches ever. And guess what? It worked! Because they came back and won that game! I was shocked! But then Lord spoke to me about us Christians giving up before we should. The Vols could have easily came out for the second half and just rolled over, but they didn’t! I know there have been times in my life when God has given me a promise and when it was taking too long, or not going as I had planned, I want to give up and just say forget it. My mind monsters start telling me that maybe I was wrong about the promise, maybe God didn’t promise it. Maybe I just wanted it so I told myself it was from God and it really wasn’t. But I’m here to tell you that if you feel that way, do NOT believe that lie! If God put that promise in you, then He will bring it to pass. Don’t let those mind monsters have control. Do what you need to do to stay in it and not give up! God will give you the grace you need. Just ask Him. The Bible says that if we hold on, we’ll be lifted up on wings like eagles. That’s His promise to you.

My challenge for you this week is that when you feel like all hope is lost, do what the Vols did. Don’t roll over and give in to your fears. Come out fighting and you will have the victory! 

You can’t talk mediocrity and expect great things.

We all want to be better. At least I hope so. Growth is something that should be continuous in your life. What do you expect from your life? A better job, a bigger house, a nicer car, better relationships, or maybe better health. When you think about your daily thoughts and how they come about do you find yourself always complaining about your life? When you chat with your friends are you positive or is negativity the only thing coming out of your mouth? I really want you to think about this. You’d be surprised how many people say they are positive and upbeat and speaking great things over their lives but whenever you have a conversation with them, it’s the total opposite. This mediocre attitude is a thief. It’s a thief of goals and dreams.

I get it. You don’t want to seem greedy, or selfish, so you don’t want to dream to big. You’re afraid to ask for too much. Who decides what’s too much? A lot of people say “I just want enough to pay my bills.” That’s speaking mediocrity. Think about how many people you could help if you did have abundance! God wants to give us life more abundantly. So go for it!! Don’t be afraid to dream beyond your wildest dreams!  Just because it’s beyond your dreams, does not mean it’s above God’s goal for your life! What goals and dreams have you given up on because you’re afraid that it’s just “too big”? You can’t out think or out dream God.

I’ve always had a desire to write. I’ve always loved reading and writing. Over the years I’ve started and never finished a few books. I didn’t think I could do it. It was hard, I was busy, and I was married with 3 kids and a full time job. But guess what? All of those are excuses to stay in mediocrity. It’s still hard, I’m still busy, and I still have 3 kids. Being a single mom is way harder than being married. And I’m writing a book. I stopped settling where I had resigned myself to be because it was easy. I knew that was not my purpose. I talked myself into believing that having food, a house and enough money to pay my bills was enough. It wasn’t enough, not by a long shot. I started feeling restless and couldn’t figure out why. I prayed about it and God said –write. I was like write what? Being a Life Coach, I’ve helped people deal with all kinds of issues. When God told me to use that knowledge to write a book, I was hesitant at first. It was scary! But, I faced my fear,  and I’m almost finish with my first book, and I have ideas for 2 more books already!! I’m being obedient to God and I do have big goals and dreams and even if I don’t become the next Stephen King or Tom Clancy. I am an author, and I’m writing. God has already opened doors and will continue to open doors that no man can shut.

My challenge to you is this. When you feel “less than”, don’t settle on mediocrity in your life. Think about what it is you desire the most for your life. Make a plan and go for it!! Ask God for big things, and then expect Him to answer!! My Pastor always says to get something you don't have, you have to do something you've never done. 

John 10:10 – A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than ever dreamed of. (The Message Bible). 

Are you up for the challenge?

Okay…. so God had put a promise in you and it’s an amazing promise that will lead you to your destiny. Here’s the thing. You’ve prayed about it and God answered, He said its coming and you need to wait. So, you wait, and wait, and wait some more and nothing happens. So you start to doubt the promise. You doubt if you really heard from God. You doubt if He actually put that in you. You question everything. You want to give up because you’re tired, you’re weary and you don’t want to wait anymore. Your patience is at its end. Your faith is being challenged. What do you do? Do you give up or keep fighting? It will depend on who you allow access to your heart and mind. If you allow Satan in and allow your flesh to keep that doubt and expand to where you have a difficult time trusting God and his promises- You Lose.

Here’s the great news. If you allow God complete access and let Him be in control. Guess what? You WIN!! Jeremiah 29:11 says “ For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) It takes a lot of focus to be patient and wait on God. For me, it takes a lot of prayer, worship and reflection. When I look back over my life and there have been times when I didn’t think I’d make it. God showed up and He was there.  I trust God.  I believe He knows what’s best for me and He wants to bring me to my destiny. So, even though I’ve wanted to quit a hundred times, I’m not quitting – EVER!!! Because trust me, my destiny is worth waiting for. Is yours?