Female in Motion

Miss Jana at a baby shower for my cousin Evelyn Lister. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV) But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. My beautiful friend and mentor died Wednesday night from complications of metastatic breast cancer. Jana fought bravely, but this hideous disease was stronger than her tiny frame could handle. Did cancer win? Not a chance. A sister in Christ for 37 years, Jana was a pillar of our church. She was the pianist, decorator, Sunday School stalwart, fellowship dinner organizer, secret floor mopper, Vacation Bible School treat maker, and plant waterer, all while making it look completely effortless. Most of all, Jana loved Jesus. She shone with His light and reflected His mercy. If you were looking for just the right Bible verse for a particular situation, my dear friend always knew. She was a proficient Bible scholar. While I can be loud and aud...

I exchanged emails with a supervisor at work recently. She asked for my opinion on a billing situation. I replied that the issue could be resolved easily, but (and this is a Kardashian butt), the insurance company would need to pay correctly. She came to my office, laughing about my characterization of the size of that "but." There are some pretty big "buts" in God's Word, too. Our Heavenly Father has a way of completely turning around a bad situation into something really great. Always remember, when you can't seem to handle a burden on your own, let God take control and watch Him work. Here are some of my favorite "buts" in scripture. Romans 5:6-8 (KJV) 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us...

Photo courtesy of  iStock Isaiah 60:1 (KJV)   Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.  Woke is a slang term that means being aware of and sensitive to social and racial injustices. Enlightened, so to speak. There are many people on this planet that consider themselves awake and aware of everything around them, and yet they are blind to the things of the Lord. Scriptures remind us that God's presence fills creation, but only His children are truly aware of Him around them. We live in a society of those who are enlightened, progressive and highly intelligent. However, they are completely oblivious to the all-consuming grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. Christ Followers are the only ones in this world that are truly "woke." We are reborn and alive forever through Christ. I believe it is time for Christians to have a wake-up call. Look around and see the lost around you. They need to be made aware of God and His love for th...

Photo courtesy of Christianity Today (After the horrific events in El Paso and Dayton last weekend, this post seems uniquely timed.) 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. "How do I pray? What do I say to Him?" she asked. I have had this late-night conversation more than once in recent days. Actually, I used to be this person--without a clue how to talk to God. The big secret on how to talk to God is no secret at all. Talk to Him like He is your friend because you'll never have a better one. Check out the prayers of Jesus in the New Testament. He spent long hours alone, before the Throne of Grace. When you're feeling upset, confused, anxious or just plain mad, tell your Heavenly Father how you feel. He can't wait to hear what's on your mind. Pr...

Fey Fae original drawing Last week, I helped to plan three parties. Yes, it was hectic and I was stressed. Party#1: A "Bon Voyage" party for a young co-worker and friend who was returning to her home country. Party#2: A retirement party for my boss, who has spent a lifetime as a CPA and now wants to spend the rest of his life with his family. Party#3: A wedding reception for a sweet couple who are starting all over again. All three of these parties brought big changes to the lives of those involved. And change is a source of major stress. Along with the fear of the unknown, transitions bring pain in view of radical transformations. Life changes can bring grief, like a death, but they also provide joy and growth in new experiences and perspectives. When I accept new challenges and even embrace them, I mature in my faith. Be assured, your value to God is constant and will never change. When change comes, and it always does, we can accept a new reality and grow ...

Original entry date: February 6, 2012 A letter came in the mail today. A dear friend is going through hard times. A missionary to troubled teens in the Kansas City area, this man also works full-time at a secular job to provide for his family. Last week, he was fired from his job for something he did not do. He's discouraged. I know a woman who is waiting on a sign from God. Her life is in a holding pattern. She has a family, a great career, loving friends, and she wants more. This woman wants to step out by faith on a new mission, but God hasn't said the word yet. She is discouraged. Last week I got two rejection letters for my writing. After two years of submitting my work to publications, I still have no success. My blog is gaining new readers and I am networking with lots of talented writers, but I want to be published. I am discouraged. Elijah the prophet was discouraged, too. God sent him to preach to the people of Israel, but King Ahab worshipped Baal and the altar...

Photo courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine John 16:33 (KJV) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  I'm a Christian, why isn't my life perfect? It should be easy, according to some very popular doctrines. Just believe God and He will make sure everything is great, right? Um, where does it say that in the Bible? John says that in the world we will have tribulation, aka problems. Our Savior will give us peace, though, because He has overcome the world. What an amazing promise! Our lives here on earth won't be perfect, but we will have our Precious Lord beside us, every step of the way. *** Notable Quote: "In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular."--Kathy Norris