Female in Motion

 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Fast Day on April 30, 1863. According to Lincoln, the day would be set aside "to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness." He believed that the Lord only blessed those nations that stood for God. In short, President Lincoln was looking to get God's attention. In the Bible, the Wise Men traveled many miles to reach Bethlehem in time for that very special birth. Moses climbed Mount Sinai and God spoke to him through the burning bush. After surviving the Great Flood, Noah built an altar of sacrifice to God. The Wise Men, Moses and Noah were all trying to speak to their Heavenly Father. So how do I get God’s attention? Do I need to cross vast deserts, climb a mountain, or build an altar? None of the above.  Yes, there are some Christians who fast often, pray for hours, go on spiritual retreats, even take vows of silence. Do they have God on speed-dial, or have heavenly VIP privileges? ...

River Skunks vs. Feral Alley Cats  During the drought last summer, a family of four skunks came up from the river every evening to feed at our back porch. We put cat food and fresh water out there twice daily to feed the "outside" cats that hang out in our neighborhood. Of course, all sorts of critters have been known to feed there: birds, squirrels, possums, and even a dog or two. When the skunk family showed up, the resident alley cats weren't in a sharing mood. The scene reminded me of West Side Story. Instead of the Sharks and the Jets, however, I had the interloping River Skunks versus the feral Alley Cats. The kitties had gotten pretty complacent with their living situation: they showed up, morning and night, and we put on a banquet. They weren't counting on uninvited guests, though. We all go through lean times in our lives; times of plenty, too. Those hills and valleys are made smooth by the Savior. He is our constant. During the good times, I try to r...

I am at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion, IL, tonight. I flew in last night, spent all day in the waiting room and appointments. I have a headache, my feet hurt, my burns hurt and I'm exhausted. Man, I hate it when I'm whiny. The good news is, I'm doing well. As Dr. Citrin put it, I'm one tough woman. He was shocked that I was able to travel so soon after finishing radiation. He took one look at the burns under my arm and prescribed some aloe vera gel with lidocaine and some pain meds to help me sleep.  I will start Arimidex this week, too. In the bad news department, I am not in any state of mind to write tonight. I have to be up early in the morning to catch a flight home, so I will say good night and God bless each and every one of you: for your prayers, for your support, for being you. As I promised, I will post the piece I've been working on very soon. Thanks for understanding. *** Notable Quote:  " John 14:27 (KJV) Peace I leave w...

Ryan Scott Prudhomme, 1986-2013 Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.  "Redeeming the time." This phrase has been bouncing around in my brain all day. The years we are allotted in this world are brief and swift-moving. It's easy to get caught up in the dizzying array of time wasters available. It's equally easy to forget the most vital things: faith, family, others. Selfishly, I want my life to count. I desire significance . I am a member of the new group, Kansas Women Bloggers ( http://kansaswomenbloggers.com/ ). The theme for April is "Making the World a Better Place to Be and Blog." This made me think about what I'm trying to do with my own blog and ministry. I want to encourage women to live out their big dreams, the ones that God has placed in their hearts. The ones they are afra...

Matthew 28:1-7 (KJV)   In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.   He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  Christians all over the world celebrated Easter yesterday. Some people think it's all about the death of Christ on the cross, but they are missing the point. ...