You Can't Have My Cornbread

Don't Feel Bad

Don't allow anyone to make you feel bad about where you are in life.  Focus on everything you have right now and where God is taking you.

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6 Things to Try When You Feel Discouraged

Please come back every Tuesday and Friday for something new.



The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available now on Amazon.

Your Past – The Bully

The past often feels like a giant that towers over you, limiting the warm, nourishing sun.  With its big rusty hooks in you, the past feels like the relentless bully who blocks your way from leaving the room and demands that you empty your pockets.  Even though it threatens and blusters, it cannot blow your house down.  The past has no power over you.  You can break free.

Life has truly given you a large lion’s share of grief, trouble, and betrayal.  There are times when you feel doomed to repeat cycles and incapable of jumping off of the merry-go-round, that was never fun for you anyway.  What has been done to you has such a pull, that you’ve been sucked into its orbit and you fear you will never escape.

You’ve made some mistakes, sometimes placing your trust in the wrong people.  The repercussions often feel like chains around your neck.  Failures and missed opportunities dance in front of you, taunting, and promising to never let you forget, to never let you move forward.  The consequences of every bad decision, made by you and for you by others, have a reach and power that always seems to overshadow any positive steps you make.  How is it possible that each misstep seems alive and strong enough to subdue and eclipse every good thing you’re now trying to implement in your life?

Take a moment and take a deep breath.  No matter how painful the past is, think about all that Jesus has done for you.  You weren’t created to be chained to your past.  Yes, the reality of your past may slow you down.  It may even require you to forge new paths or travel the long-way around to arrive at your desired destination.  In Christ, your progress can’t be crushed.  When doubt and anxiety move in, let the Lord fight for you.  Renew your mind by meditating on His word.  Do your best to stay the course and remain positive.

Keep light in your heart and the shadows of your past will flee.  Yes, the past, with all its heartaches and disappointments, was real.  All of that really happened to you.  However, living there now helps you as much as a motorcycle helmet saves you from drowning at sea.

Stop giving power to your past.  Stop believing that your past is stronger than now and every possibility that lies ahead.  Ultimately, the past keeps doing a number on you because you’ve handed it the access code to freely come and go as it pleases.  The enemy knows where your wounds are and will try all day long to trigger those buttons.  Yes, the past is a dangerous threat, especially when you keep moving to a safer neighborhood, but send the past a postcard with your new address.  If the people in your life are what anchor you to an unhealthy past, it’s up to you to remove yourself.  You owe it to yourself to walk away from any toxic situation.

Yes, most bullies aren’t known for having a change of heart.  Rarely do they decide that you’ve been tortured enough.  Bullies don’t know when to stop.  Bullies want everything – your shoes, socks and undies.  Bullies aren’t satisfied until your confidence level drops to the basement.  Bullies can be scary.  Bullies don’t quit. 

Well, don’t you quit either.  You can move forward.  You can stand up for yourself.  Bring every little thought captive, even if it’s a minute-by-minute requirement on your part.  Replace every defeatist attitude with a positive, affirming thought about your new plans.  Imagine better for yourself.  After everything, don’t you think you deserve it?  So claim it.  Live like it’s yours. Focus on now.  Be grateful that you even made it this far.  Don’t you dare give the enemy the satisfaction of keeping you shackled to fear and uncertainty.

It isn’t fair that your past was so painful.  It isn’t fair that people don’t appreciate how groovy and brilliant you are.  It isn’t fair that you were hurt by the people you love.  It isn’t fair that people have given you bare minimum effort for your loyalty.  It isn’t fair that your heart and life bears the mark of other people’s recklessness.  It isn’t fair that the ones you love spend their time celebrating and pining over others, who could care less if they live or die.  Just think of all those lessons you’ve learned.  Think of the wisdom that can’t be taken away.  Think of the warrior-heart that beats inside of your chest.  Think of how strong you are now.  The Lord has a beautiful plan for every nasty thing you’ve endured.  He can do a new work in you.  He is expert at restoration.  So trust Him and keep praising Him.

The light of the Lord’s promises is reaching out to you.  The past can only keep you away from your blessings if you remain convinced of its control in your life.  The power to move forward is yours.  You can move this world in a positive direction.  When you decide to wake up every day with victory on your mind and reject the lies of the enemy, the shadows of the past will disappear.

Get your copy of The Blessed Woman Endeavor.  It's available now on Amazon.

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday for something new!

A New Beginning

Ever take the time to look at the drab and dreary trees that line the gray winter sky?  However dry and sparse in appearance, winter trees are still standing, firmly rooted.  At the core, bundled safely away inside, lies unseen potential and promise.  In a very important way, we are often like those trees.  Exposed to the harsh elements, we wait, rest and grow stronger, just anticipating the right time and circumstances to bloom.

Today may not look exactly as we want.  While we may not have all we desire or everything we think we should have, we are present for another day.  This day contains so much possibility and is a perfect backdrop for a new beginning.

No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done or how much you’ve lost, you can always get your life moving in a new direction.  The time is seldom perfect and your first step may only have a sliver of light shining on it, but you can get moving. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Don’t be afraid of making a wrong turn.  Don’t procrastinate because you’re afraid to start or afraid of rejection.  Don’t allow mistakes, experiences or what others think of you shackle you to the past.  Despite any obstacles you face, you can excel.  Your past does not have to define you and can only keep you captive if you allow it.  Make sure your actions are deliberate.  If it’s only an inch at a time, keep moving toward your new horizon.  Allow your faith and determination to lead your life in a more positive direction.   You are free to move higher, forward and upward.

What’s making you uncomfortable?  What are you sick and tired of in your life?  Unfortunate circumstances or undesired realities can be just what you need to get energized.  Ever feel trapped by missed opportunities, or the responsibility and obligations of your life?  Tired of how or where you live or the conditions at work?  Let that discomfort or dread be your fuel.

Let the Lord give you something fresh and new.  Believe it or not, He can bless you in your current situation.  Your heart screams out and vibrates for the chance to begin again, to show life just what’s inside of you.

Ever get the feeling that God is about to do something special in your life?  He’s about to open the door to the situation you feel imprisons you.  Joseph had a word from the Lord and knew he wouldn’t die in prison.  Unaware of the day or hour of his release, his heart knew that the day would come when a new beginning would be his reality.  Let’s praise the Lord now for His promises and the blessings your faith knows will be manifested later.

Set your goals and hopes before you.  Be determined to build something. Your expectations and hopes keep you vibrant.  Focus on areas where you are strong.  Keep track of what has worked for you.  Remember past successes and never forget how the Lord dealt with your anxieties and uncertainties by turning them into beautiful stories of survival.

You may feel lost, weighted down, off track, off in a ditch or stuck, but you can begin to turn the tide.  Perhaps trying a new way will yield better results.  Maybe a brook of long-standing provision suddenly dries up.  Well, now is your opportunity for new challenges, reimagined solutions and growth – the proof of life.  Remember that the greatest rewards are rarely attached to the easiest challenges.  Tough trials and roads lead to triumphs and victories.

In Christ, you are a new creation.   A new beginning can be yours.  So, let go of the death grip you have on your disappointments in life, yourself and others.  Grab hold of all the glory and confidence your future holds.  Commit to your new journey.

Other new creatures learn to walk, talk, run, fly and care for themselves?  What new thing will you do?  What will you learn to do in a new way?  What hurdles will you jump?  What bridges will you build?  What fears will you face and smash?  What offenses will you forgive?  What love will you give?  What gift will you share?  What dreams will you cherish?  How high will you soar?  How bright and warm will your new beginning be?

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday for something new!

The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available on Amazon.

The Road You're Traveling

The road you’re traveling right now may be rough and have more detours than you believe one person can handle. The Lord will reward your faithfulness and strength.  Just keep the faith.  Stay dedicated to your assignment.  Trust the Lord to continue your progress.

Everyone won’t understand your decision to keep moving in the same direction.  People have ideas about how long is too long to stay engaged in one certain area.  When most people don’t see huge “measurable” amounts of success, they tend to give up.  Oftentimes, people base their level of commitment to a goal on external influences.  When they realize that others see no value in their idea, they sadly accept that as truth.  But not us.  We know how it feels to have a “yes” from the Lord take root and bloom in our hearts.

There may be times when people will fight against your process, by trying to discourage you.  They may even remind you of how little time there’s left to really make anything happen.  They may advise you to stay on the safe path and avoid anything new and uncertain. Whenever you’re feeling blah and you need someone to give you encouraging words, you may find yourself alone. You may even have to celebrate your own milestones and pat yourself on the back.

It’s all right though.  You have to know deep down inside that there’s just no other road for you to take.  The consuming fire that God has set in you is way too strong for you to turn back now.  The excitement you feel when you allow yourself to imagine the dream already being yours is too thrilling to ignore.  Walking away now and staying bound to status quo just makes no sense to you.

Reject any fear and doubt that tries to creep into the tight spaces in your mind.  Fear doesn’t pay any rent or contribute to your well-being in any way.  So, why let it stay?  Shield your heart from the noise desperately trying to pierce it.  Pray and ask the Lord to renew your mind every day and to let your dream pulsate like soothing music in your veins.

Now is the time to be braver than ever.  Now is the time for your purpose to escort you into tomorrow.  Now is the time to push comfort and complacency back. If necessary, use the biggest stick you’ve got.  Do whatever you have to do to hold on for dear life to your heart’s desire.  Now is the time to ignore dream killers.  Now is the time to meditate on everything you can gain– not your possible losses.  Now is the time to wake up every morning with victory on your mind.  Now is the time to believe you can make it, to know that this is what you were meant to do.  Now is the time to find your joy and stamp it across your heart.

Do it now.  Don’t waste your time trying to get everyone on board.  The permission or participation of others is not required.  Use every drop of energy to advance your dream.  Believing in yourself is a great idea.  Your spirit is unbreakable.  Every hurdle is conquerable.  The road may have bumps, but there are no walls.  There are no walls to box you in.  There are no walls to block your view.  You’re in God’s country now.  Your dream is achievable.  I’m hoping and praying for you.  Let’s go!

Please check back every Tuesday and Friday for something new!

The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available on Amazon.

Joy Comes in the Morning

Yesterday was a BEAR of a day. The hours and the dishes seemed to go on forever. By the end I was just exhausted.  I didn't even have enough energy to bake anything.  And I had been looking forward to it all day.  Not only was I tired, I was irritable and frustrated.  Though instead of pushing it, I listened to my body and went to bed early.

Now, today was a whole other story.  My daughter Alex had an appointment to see the eye doctor. She and I headed out early enough to swing by my mother's house for just a few minutes.  My mother and I talked, while Alex played in my mom's yard. Then we were off to see the doctor.

We were the doctor's first appointment of the day. Alex did an amazing job. She even managed to give her doctor a wonderful laugh when she referred to the  tiny "birthday cake with candles" picture as "a stack of pancakes with steam coming out." Alex even chose some really cute frames that left me with some bold ideas about my next pair of eyeglasses.

All done with Alex's appointment, we did a little grocery shopping at Kroger, which happens to be in the same building as the optometrist's office.  As we were walking down the aisle heading toward the back of Kroger, I saw my grandmother Mary.  Well, not exactly,  since she passed away in 2000, the same year (but before) my Alex was born. So she didn't have a chance to meet any of my children on this side of creation.

But there was an elderly woman who, from behind, looked just like my Granny.  She was leaning over into the meat bin, propping herself with her left arm just like I remember my grandmother doing. My heart fluttered and smiled all at once.  I tell you I was stopped in stride. I said nothing. And Alex just looked at me, trying I'm sure to figure out why we were neither moving nor picking up anything from the aisle.  The only words I can use to explain that moment are PURE JOY.

In the 14 years since I've seen Grandma Mary, I've never seen anyone else who actually looked so much like her that it gave me pause. Another aisle, a minute later, a minute too soon and this moment may not have existed at all. Then to top it all off, in the car after we had loaded the groceries, my daughter started to talk about just how much Nana (my mom) looks like her Mom (my grandma) and how she thinks they could be twins. I was just amazed. In the store, I hadn't even mentioned anything to Alex and she just casually starts a conversation about my grandmother.

The LORD does speak to us and issues out little doses of joy like much-needed medicine. Sometimes a lot. Sometimes a little. Always the proper amount. Enough to encourage us in the moment. HIS ways are mysterious, varied and undeniable.  HE loves us and reaches out, giving us hope in the most uncertain times.  HE orders our steps. And I pray to always be spiritually open for whatever the LORD wants to say. If I had to speak to all the ways I KNOW that the LORD our Father in heaven is real, I could go on and on indefinitely.  And today would definitely make the list.