Female in Motion

Have you ever seen a deflated hot air balloon? It doesn't look like much, all folded up in a small bag. Easy to be overlooked, when you can't see the inflated grandeur. Only when it is opened, and the balloon shows its full effect--can you see that it is big, bold and beautiful. My dear friend has a new blog. She has been contemplating writing for a couple of years, but always came up with an excuse. Recently, she took the plunge, and I couldn't be more proud. You must be brave, to divulge your life and thoughts on such a public scale. My friend has a unique voice; and with that gift comes a serious responsibility. What makes us unique needs to be shared and seen. We have a "high calling" from God. Each of us are capable of making a significant mark on the world. Others will be drawn to our motivation and inspiration. Our insights can bring clarity and new thinking. If what we are waiting for is perfect timing or personal feelings, that may not happen...

I've got a brand new look. Not me--the blog! Every once in a while, I feel the need to make changes. Last Saturday, I cleaned out my closet. It was long overdue. By the time I was done, there were piles to keep, put away for the summer, donate and throw out. When I sat down with my laptop tonight, I cast a critical eye on my blog site, and felt the same stirrings for change. It's part of my DNA, I suppose. Got to keep moving forward. Let me know what you think of the new look and check out the tag line. It's new, too!

He was a legendary reggae singer and political activist. I am a Midwestern small-town blogger chick and church lady. What could we possibly have in common? Skin cancer. Melanoma took Bob Marley's life when he was just 36 years old. I was diagnosed with melanoma at age 25, a mere week after I gave birth to my second child. People who are fair-skinned and freckled are most likely to get skin cancer, but everyone is at risk. Although there are really no symptoms, melanoma presents as a mole that changes color, shape or size. According to skincancer.org, " One person dies of melanoma every hour (every 54 minutes). An estimated 87,110 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2017. An estimated 9,730 people will die of melanoma in 2017. Melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths." Celebrities who have battled melanoma are: President Jimmy Carter, Senator John McCai...

I attended a book signing Sunday for my dear friend, H.B. Berlow's latest novel, Ark City Confidential. (That's right, it's based in my hometown!) The Tikiman is one of my favorite authors--and people. He's jovial and gracious, multi-talented and sensitive. One of his most charismatic attributes is his Hawaiian shirts. I've never seen him without one. As Christ followers, we have traits we are known for: hospitality, generosity, teaching, prayer and service, just to name a few. These gifts make us recognizable and significant. While we develop them over our lifetime, talents are given to us by God, to be used in His service. *** Notable Quote: "Each one of us should lead a life stirring enough to start a movement."--Max Lucado

One of the major issues I struggle with is worry. It's pretty common today, especially for women. We worry and stew and let it affect our sleep, relationships and faith walk. Let's face it...it's sin. When we don't trust God enough to do His job, or when we take His job away and try to do it ourselves, it is a recipe for disaster. I have found four steps that help me break the cycle. Now if I can just use them consistently. 1. Recognize the thought --If it is negative and against Scripture, it must be from the devil. And he's a big, fat liar. 2. Rebuke the sin --Just because it flits through our brain, we don't have to accept and absorb it as truth. Tell that sucker to take a hike! 3. Request forgiveness from God --A simple prayer of true repentence will bring peace to your heart. 4. Resolve to be vigilant against repeats --Build in positive thoughts, encouraging verse and phrases. Leave no room for the bad stuff. Allow God to do His best--in H...