Female in Motion

Psalm 142:1-7 (KJV)   I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.   I looked on my right hand and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. David was depressed. He was hiding in a cave because King Saul was trying to kill him. There was no safe place to go. Everyone was against him. There was no one he could trust. He had ev...

No makeup selfie Let's get real. I'm not a perfect Christian, not a perfect wife, not a perfect mother. When you read what I put in my blog posts, you get only a small snapshot of my life. Fact: I have battled cyclical depression most of my adult life. Since I am high-functioning, most people don't know if they see me in person. Throwing myself into work and other projects helps me cope. Fact: One of my daughters has not spoken to me since May 2015. I miss her deeply, love her unconditionally and wish her only the best. The pain of that loss is profound. Fact: The struggle I have with self-worth is constant and stressful. You can tell when it's getting the best of me when my hair is uncut for months, nails are bitten short and weight is up. I simply don't feel I am worthy. Before you start thinking I've boarded the Self-Pity Train, let me assure you--I still have hope. It's a tiny glimmer some days, but I know He won't let me down. I am det...

John 14:6 (KJV)   Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.    In the first century, Christianity was called "The Way." This phrase conjures up all kinds of imagery. Can you see a straight, clearly defined path in the middle of a tangled jungle? I am a Christian. For me, it's more of a lifestyle, than just a label. I strive to live every day in service to the Savior. It's not something I put on and take off, like a jacket. My faith is tightly knit into my soul, my heart, my life. We all wear labels. Whatever you want to be called...Christian, Christ Follower, Religious, Faithful...make sure you are a follower of The Way. Matthew 3:3 (KJV) For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. *** Female in Motion Health Update: I did two ten-minute disco aerobic sessions last wee...

People get really excited about the Academy Awards. What movie will win best picture is not nearly as interesting to me as what everyone will be wearing. The gorgeous gowns in brilliant ruby, emerald and amethyst would all win Oscars, if I had my way. As the beautiful starlets glide down the red carpet, everyone asks the same question, "What are you wearing?" Romans 13:14 (NKJV) But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Sometimes, when I'm not feeling my best, I obsess over what to wear. It hasn't been as much of a problem since my cancer battle, but I still have my moments. I want to look "just right." Depression often makes you feel as if everyone is looking at you; picking you apart as much as you're doing that to yourself. Christ invites me to take the focus off my appearance and put it where it matters most...my heart. When I clothe myself in His love and acceptance, the joy in my heart rad...

I wore those button-fly Levi's all the time! As a junior in high school, I was one of our school's mascots. It was fun to wear the Derby Panther costume and entertain at sporting events. Inside the safety of that huge head and fuzzy black suit, I could dance, flirt with boys and generally act sillier than I ever could as myself. During the periods in my life when I struggle with depression, I cover myself with a happy demeanor, so that no one sees the sadness within. If you met me on one of those days, you'd think I was carefree. In reality, I wrestle with negative thoughts and hopeless emotions. The scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 were called hypocrites by Jesus, because they acted religious, but were full of hatred for their fellow man. If these men had worn scary Halloween masks, no one would have taken them seriously. Their false doctrine was honored, due to their fine apparel and smiling faces. When I peel away the layers of protection and share my ...

...but I'm having a bit of a meltdown, and I can't seem to find the energy to do everything I have to do. I'm overworked, stressed, tired, irritable, and more than a little blue.  I am starting therapy again this week, with a new social worker I've found. Hope to be able to talk out some of what is bothering me. In the meantime, please enjoy a few "vintage selections" I have chosen from Female in Motion. Even the encourager needs a little respite now and then. God bless you all! James 5:13-16 (KJV) Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual ferven...

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Lots of people have asked me how I'm feeling. You know, folks with cancer get that question often. I'm honest with my response. I feel great! Really, God is blessing and I feel really good. And then, they all say the same thing, "You have such a great attitude!" Although I have had times of sadness and depression in my life, now is not one of them. All the "what ifs" have come to pass. I have cancer. My husband has cancer. All the monsters that were under the bed, are now sleeping peacefully beside us. There is nothing else to be afraid of. I quickly realized that I had no control. This was firmly God's department. So I turned it completely over to Him. Crazy, right? Now, I just put one foot in front of the other and take each day fresh and new. I spend a lot of time on my knees, too, talking to God about my fears, gratitude and burdens for othe...