2019 A New Chapter:Your Interactive Life

Recently my pastor preached a message about how the scripture says that the 'end of a matter is better than the beginning of it.'  He talked about chapters of our lives and how we should live to see the end of it all.  I have heard about our lives being broken into chapters before, but as an author, this time it really spoke to me, still does.  I thought about the books I have written and how my minds works through details when I am preparing to write.  Because of that process, his words stood out even more.  Here is some of what has had me thinking. 

A WRITER'S PAD

I work with a small group of authors to help them with an environment to write.  Due to  a recent purpose project, I have been pulled away from following up as much as I was, but I still speak to many of them about their  projects.   I remind them often that the world is waiting to hear from them.  On occasion I will assist one with starting their book by encouraging them to start with the table of contents. The table of contents gives you  a kind of map to what the book will say, then it allows you as an author to write your message in each chapter.  I tell the authors not to worry about what order the chapters will be in, just write.  It can be that something that was meant for one chapter later fits better in another one.  See as an author, you have the liberty of writing and arranging your book how you want it in order to reach your targeted audience.  As you write you may realize that something seems out of order and you have the freedom to adjust it when you can, before the book is finished.  So many of you can already see where I am going with this..

INTERACTIVE LIFE

Have you ever read a book that was interactive or played a game that was?  It has a story to tell and in the midst of the story at certain points you the reader.... can decide what the next move is.  If you don't decide, it follows a pattern or story line that is already programmed in the book.  When you make a selection, the story continues with a plot based on your selection.  Such is LIFE.   The bible tells us that before we were formed, God called us and ordained us.as prophets to the nations.  He already set the table of contents for our lives. He has already proclaimed that we are blessed, favored and purposeful.  As the Author, He knows what our lives should hold, He knows what He has ordained and planned for each of us, but there is just one catch... Your life book is interactive! Meaning, we make decisions daily about what our next move will be, that is why some of us are not as far ahead as we could be, we have taken sidebar trails, following things that looked interesting.   But, if we rely on the Author and Finisher.... He will be sure we make it to our destination with a happy ending.  In order to be able to know what to do and when to do it, it pays to stay connected to the author of your life.  He can help us with short cuts or give insight to overcome the delays and difficulties we will find, 

NEXT CHAPTER 2019

This year, remember that your life is like a book.  The Author has moments that He knows will be fun, some sad, some exciting and purposeful, and some scary, but He holds the end!  Each chapter tells your story, it is written every day and you have the interactive option to decide some key moves that affect how the story will go.  You can choose to use the  default settings, but that will never give you the desired result.  God will wants us to trust Him, and He requires faith to be pleased with the end result.   Just letting life happen how it falls might sound like the easiest and best way to go, but the Author knows the plans He has for us, He allows us to choose, but if we ask Him ahead of time, we find that the story line is more exciting, fulfilling and there are a number of plot twists and surprise endings!   Bottom line, this year is going to be great, not because you make every decision perfectly or because you know ahead of time what will happen, but because we have a God is a Master Story Teller has  already planned the end.  He even has safety features built in just in case we get off track,  He has designed ways to bring us back.    Basically all you have to do, is stay in the story... don't allow one chapter to stop you from writing, reading and enjoying your own life story.  Don't allow an experience or a momentary disappointment to cause you to lose heart.  Even if all of last year seemed like it was discouraging, remember last year was just one chapter.  Your book is not finished but every decision makes a difference in how the book will end. 

Get ready, this chapter has begun!  Every day you write more of your story and others will read it.  Your life is meant to be a best seller, and an overall good read so people will know that you serve a God who is truly the best Author and Finisher of it all!  So, are you ready for this next chapter?   It has already started....  Have a wonderful year!

2018 In Review!

This has been a good year, a challenging year; a year of discovery, disappointment and Joy. 

It is interesting to me how much can happen in a year.  We begin the year with new hopes, some times with new resolutions and plans that this year will be better than the one before.  Does that ever really happen?  I mean, there are some things that I wish were the same as last year, or things  that I wish I had a chance to do over, but that is not life, that is not real.   Here is my take on 2018.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

I accomplished some things that I said I wanted to do this year. I planned, spent, thought, prayed and it happened!  It was exciting... at first, then reality stepped in.  Now I'm  having to work it!  The dream was good, but the work is... well it is work. Some things we desire require more than we imagine.  Whether it is a business, a relationship or an improvement in our living, they all require more than we may have added in our 'cost counting'.  When new 'bills' show up, that is when we have to make the payment, or throw in the towel.  I am still making my payments on some things I dreamed about and told God I wanted to accomplish in 2018, and  I am still committed to finishing it.  What about you?  Along with any unexpected challenges, are you still sure enough, committed enough to stay in there?  Then the next question is- should you?

KNOW WHEN TO FOLD!

One thing I have learned during this time is that just because we follow a desire to do something does not mean we have to keep doing it!  I believe there is a lesson in every desire we have, everything we do.  Sometimes we just have to pull the lesson out of it, cut the strings and go on.  It reminds me of my Cadillac.  I have always wanted a Cadillac.  That is the only car that I recognized on the road and I just wanted one.  Then I got one!  It was everything I thought and also much more than I could thought.  I knew I was a down home kinda girl, so whenever I wanted to put bricks in my car, it felt wrong...  Who puts bricks in a Cadillac!?  When spring came and I bought plants and mulch, it felt wrong again putting that  dirt in my Cadillac.  After awhile, I got the Cadillac out of my system and got me a SUV.  Just because I had a desire for it, does not mean that I have to commit to a Cadillac future.  It is okay to move on! 
Lesson:  if you started something in 2018 because of a dream to do it, and you find that it was really just something you wanted, not your purpose, not your gifting, or it does not fit with who you genuinely are... you can still change.   I found the cost of my dream car was more than I wanted and I prefer spending extra money in more purposeful places, not my gas tank or repairs.  Don't get so locked in you don't examine your life and make the change.

DIAGNOSIS

I have always been pretty healthy, but this year had me getting a biopsy and having a procedure based on the results.  That was not in my 2018 plans. When we are faced with talking to doctors and them calling you in to talk about test results, we can forget things we have been saying for years and focus on the uncertainty.  All of a sudden you feel the fear that others can, or you pull on faith that others have.   When the diagnosis ended up not being as bad as it could have been, it had me examining myself to see if I would have given Him glory, or thought "Whew, dodged that bullet!"   (You know we do that sometimes.)  We sometime forget that bad things happen to good people, and serving God does not guarantee that we will not have challenges in life.  I realized  that I either trust Him or I don't.  Trust is not just in good times, in fact, it is often seen in the bad.   So, I thanked God for His grace and mercy towards me, and I know that whichever way it could have gone... He is God and not only do I love Him, I trust Him.   

READY FOR NEW?

Like I said, this year has had ups and downs, but I STILL love each New Year! Not because I get to start over, I am already on this road in life, I can only go forward from here. It is not because I get a do-over, I don't;  I have to deal with what I have already done, or where I currently am. But I  do get to start a new year with hopes and  dreams, with plans and purpose.  I get to watch God move in every challenge, every disappointment, every discovery and every joy. AGAIN!!  It is a fantastic journey and I never know what the next day holds.

To me what makes every New Year great, is that I am still holding onto God's hand, and trusting Him. Yes, I am ready for 2019 and all it may hold, simply because I know Who holds me!

2019... we are ready!  Booyah!

“What is Christmas All About?”

Twas the evening of Christmas, such a beautiful night,

A manger is lit with a glorious light.

The animals are quiet, no one utters a word,

Only the praises of angels can softly be heard.

Many people have come, they’ve all gathered near,

Such joy in their hearts, and their eyes full of tears.

What is the reason for the joy felt within?

The Savior is born, the Redeemer from sin!

He is here to save us, so there’s no need to fright,

The evening of Christmas what a beautiful night!

33 years after Christmas, on a hill far away,

Our Savior is crucified, what a mourningful day.

He is scourged He is spat on and unmercifully beat,

Nails are driven in His hands and in His feet.

The animals are silent, no one utters a word;

As He is pierced in the side by the edge of a sword.

The sky is black, dark clouds hang down low,

The ground is shaken the wind ceases to blow.

But three days after this, what a glorious morn!

Just as the day Jesus our Savior was born.

He is risen, alive and He’s glorified!

Interceding for us on the Father’s right side.

He is the Truth, the Life and the Way,

Three days after Calvary, what a glorious day!

One day from the sky will arise such a clatter!

A trumpet will sound and the clouds will all scatter.

And who to our expectant eyes will appear?

Jesus our Savior with a Joyous cheer!

And placing His foot gently upon the land,

He will call for His church, with outstretched hands.

We who know Him and are waiting, will go meet the Lord,

And the praises of saints will surely be heard!

If you’re cleansed by His blood and redeemed from sin,

You can rest in His promise, He’s coming again!

Christmas didn’t end in Bethlehem that beautiful night;

Cause even now we are looking for that marvelous light.

Be ready and look for Him, He’ll be here with a shout,

And you’ll find just what Christmas is all about.

In parting with you I would just like to say,

Merry Christmas to you all, and hope to see you that day!

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.

Isaiah 9:6

Excerpt from Jacqui's book: "Goudeau Gumbo for The Soul"

Available at www.wisdomspeakstoday.com 

“The Lord Nudged Me”

One day I saw an old man, sitting, shivering in the street.

His clothes were old and ragged, he had no shoes on his feet.

His eyes were dark with circles, so much sorrow I could see,

As I looked into his lonely eyes, that was when the Lord nudged me.

I was a little doubtful, but my heart was burdened down.

I couldn’t just walk by and leave that old man on the ground.

So I talked to that old man, then I took him out to eat.

I fed him, then clothed him, and put new shoes on his feet.

All along I spoke of Jesus, I told him all about my Lord,

He listened very silently, but took in my every word.

At the end of the day, he wanted to be saved, a bit to my surprise;

Right then he repented, and God saved him, with tears of joy in his eyes.

When I left that old man, he was smiling joyfully,

He said for the first time, he saw a picture of Jesus- in me.

The last time I saw that old man, they had put him in his grave,

I thanked God through tearful eyes that his soul at last was saved.

Now I rejoice to think of that old man, sitting in glory,

And I thank God that I responded, when the Lord nudged me.

But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17

Excerpt from Jacqui's book: "Goudeau Gumbo for The Soul"

Available at www.wisdomspeakstoday.com 

"Who Was That Standing By You?"

I saw you walking just the other day,

I saw you very clearly as you went on your way.

I know, no matter what anyone may say or do,

I know I saw a Man standing next to you.

A car was coming down the street at a tremendous speed,

That Man held up His hand, did you thank Him for that deed?

The way that car stopped instantly sure seemed really hard.

It is good that Man next to you was really on His guard.

Then one day I saw you, you were at the grocery store,

Your basket was full, your bank almost empty.  You knew you needed more.

And I know no matter what anyone may say or do,

I know I saw that same Man, standing next to you.

As you reached inside your wallet to get what little you had,

I know I saw Him slip in more, I know that you were glad!

I even saw your children as they went out for the day,

And I know it was that same Man that followed them along the way.

Then that week that you were sick and stricken to your bed,

The doctors had all given up and said you’d soon be dead.

When I went to visit you late one-week night,

They said you would be asleep, but I know I saw a Light.

As I opened your bedroom door, I didn’t know what to do!

Cause there was that same Man, praying next to you!

The room was lit in glory, light streaming through the place,

I squinted but could still see tears rolling down His face.

Soon you were healed and thanking God you were free,

Only then did I finally notice, He also followed me!

Very soon we will be caught up to meet Jesus in the sky,

And I know He will look familiar, but I may not realize why.

We will walk between the pearly gates headed for the throne,

And I know I will recognize the Light that in your room had shone.

And I know, without a doubt or what anyone may say or do,

We will walk in and see that same Man that stood by me and you!

Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:20

Excerpt from Jacqui's book: "Goudeau Gumbo for The Soul"

Available at www.wisdomspeakstoday.com 

"Lord Change Me!"

So many times we look and see faults in one another,

Then we lift up our eyes and whisper, “Lord, change my brother”

You see how you didn’t agree with all that he may do,

But have you ever stopped to think of how others may see you?

We’re so quick to find the many ways others could be wrong,

Sometimes even knowing we do the same things all along.

But if we’d stop, look at ourselves and really try to see,

We would lift up our eyes and whisper, “Lord Change Me.”

Change the things not like You, things I say and do.

Change my mind, change my heart and my motives too.

Change the way I see my brother and the life he may lead,

So I can look past what I see, and only see his need.

Help me be the man or woman you want me to be,

Lord I yield my all to You, Lord please change me!

When we reach the place we see ourselves and the mess were really in,

We’ll see the motive of our hearts and see all of our sins.

We’ll see were not perfected and not living all right,

We’ll see we have many faults that show under the Light.

So when you look at your brother, trying to see what you can see,

Remember, then lift up your eyes and whisper, “Lord Change Me!”

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Luke 6:41

Excerpt from Jacqui's book: "Goudeau Gumbo for The Soul"

Available at www.wisdomspeakstoday.com 

"I Thank God for The Valleys"

I was standing in a valley walking on an endless road,

Headed for the mountain, carrying my usual load.

I walked very slowly; so I wouldn’t tire quick,

On my back a giant bundle, in my hand, a walking stick.

As I walked through the valley; headed for the mountain base,

I felt myself grow weary, even at my slow pace.

So I stopped to examine the large load upon my back,

So many things I couldn’t believe I took the time to pack.

I began to throw away all the things that hindered me,

Many things that were hidden there I had never even seen.

All the sins and weights that so long had held me down,

I felt the freedom come as I threw them to the ground.

Then I picked up my stick and began my walk again,

Feeling the weight lifted cause I set aside my sin.

I climbed the mountain with patience; forgetting all that was behind,

I pressed and fought the hardships with a clearly made up mind.

Finally as I reached the top and felt the victory!

I turned and looked how far I’d come with my Savior guiding me.

That valley seemed at one time to be such a trial to me,

When all along my sins were all that hindered me.

I thank God for that valley, where a victory was won,

I realized not just how low I was, but learned how far I’d come.

I look ahead and see higher mountains that I must climb,

But I’m deeply inspired by the victory I left behind.

So as I turn towards my new goal, I smile then I stop,

To take a deep breath of victory, upon the mountain top.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Excerpt from Jacqui's book: "Goudeau Gumbo for The Soul"

Available at www.wisdomspeakstoday.com