My son guzzled his breakfast replacement shake then asked “Mom, aren’t we supposed to take ‘after’ pictures?"
I started laughing. Just like a ten year old to think that transformation takes place after drinking his very first shake. You see, our family has committed to transforming our health. We have changed our eating habits as well as our exercise routines. We are watching what we eat and when we eat it and we are exercising every day. Already we feel better. And yes, we have lost some of those extra pounds we have been carrying for years.
The thing is, we didn’t get this way overnight and it’s going to take longer than a day to correct the problem. We’ve been abusing our bodies for years. Transformation will take time.
Anything worth doing takes time. Whether you want to lose weight, build a business, write a book, or attain financial security, you will do well if you remember, transformation takes time.
Why is it then, we always want what we want when we want it and we expect God to get it, or do it, or fix it, or answer it the very minute we ask?
Maybe God has something else in mind. Maybe God is working on us as a fine artist works on his painting, or a woodworker on his wood. God isn’t in to quick fixes. He isn’t in to masking problems without dealing with the root issues.
Often times I get discouraged with something I have or haven’t done and while I know God covers me with His grace and mercy, I become restless in my quest to become more like Him. Therefore I become discouraged with myself. I expect more. I expect change to happen faster. I expect Him to snap His fingers and like a puff of smoke, I expect my character flaw to disappear.
Yet God is working through my flaws to make the real me shine. He is using my insecurities to show Himself faithful and true. He is using my imperfection to show the world His perfection. He is using my weakness to illustrate His strength.
Transformation takes time. He’s still working on me. He’s still bending and molding, shaping and plying me and when I am finished, what a sight that will be. Not because of anything I am or capable of, but because of Him and His ability to create and perfect will I shine like never before.
I am but clay in the Potter’s hands.
Transforation. Takes. Time.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Target Practice
Do you have a target on your back?
If you are a Christian, I should hope so!
I was at an event this past weekend and as I was sharing about my latest book release, Forever Loved, the children’s pastor of this particular church told me I have a target on my back. She went on to talk about the message her pastor shared on Sunday about as Christians, we should have a target on our back.
Kind of like…Here’s your sign! An open door policy to the stuff I believe. Or perhaps putting it all out there for the world to see? Being courageous enough to stand up for what you believe in? Speaking the truth especially when the truth is unpopular?
Whatever you call it, or however you describe it, are you doing it? Are you placing that target on your back? Are you being bold for Christ?
I told her about my books in order. “You see, my first one, Until Forever, deals with a dad who drives drunk with his four year old son in the backseat. No one will argue with how absurd that is. As for Forever Blessed, not too many people would openly admit they think domestic violence is a good thing. Know what I mean?” She heartily agreed. “And The Letter deals with healing broken relationships. That is a good thing no matter what your political or religious beliefs are.” I made a face. “But, Forever Loved deals with homosexuality. And that will stir lots of emotions. Trust me on that. And I’ll get lots of grief for writing it.”
She pointed to my new book. “This is your target.” She smiled, congratulating me on being bold for Christ.
Why do so many Christians today want to hide amongst the “regular” folk and not make waves?
We’re not regular. We’ll always be a peculiar people.
Are the darts the problem? Are we afraid we might get nicked with a poison tip? We very well may be, but are we that weak that we can’t take one for Christ? I mean, how many did He take for us? Let’s see…nails in both hands and feet, a sword in his side, a crown of thorns on his head, lashes across his back, and let’s not forget hanging on the cross. The pain had to be unbearable. Even for God. But He did it anyway.
He took every arrow that had any power behind it at all, that was aimed straight at our backs, all upon Him. How is that for a target?
Still apprehensive about putting that target on your back? I didn’t think so.
If you are a Christian, I should hope so!
I was at an event this past weekend and as I was sharing about my latest book release, Forever Loved, the children’s pastor of this particular church told me I have a target on my back. She went on to talk about the message her pastor shared on Sunday about as Christians, we should have a target on our back.
Kind of like…Here’s your sign! An open door policy to the stuff I believe. Or perhaps putting it all out there for the world to see? Being courageous enough to stand up for what you believe in? Speaking the truth especially when the truth is unpopular?
Whatever you call it, or however you describe it, are you doing it? Are you placing that target on your back? Are you being bold for Christ?
I told her about my books in order. “You see, my first one, Until Forever, deals with a dad who drives drunk with his four year old son in the backseat. No one will argue with how absurd that is. As for Forever Blessed, not too many people would openly admit they think domestic violence is a good thing. Know what I mean?” She heartily agreed. “And The Letter deals with healing broken relationships. That is a good thing no matter what your political or religious beliefs are.” I made a face. “But, Forever Loved deals with homosexuality. And that will stir lots of emotions. Trust me on that. And I’ll get lots of grief for writing it.”
She pointed to my new book. “This is your target.” She smiled, congratulating me on being bold for Christ.
Why do so many Christians today want to hide amongst the “regular” folk and not make waves?
We’re not regular. We’ll always be a peculiar people.
Are the darts the problem? Are we afraid we might get nicked with a poison tip? We very well may be, but are we that weak that we can’t take one for Christ? I mean, how many did He take for us? Let’s see…nails in both hands and feet, a sword in his side, a crown of thorns on his head, lashes across his back, and let’s not forget hanging on the cross. The pain had to be unbearable. Even for God. But He did it anyway.
He took every arrow that had any power behind it at all, that was aimed straight at our backs, all upon Him. How is that for a target?
Still apprehensive about putting that target on your back? I didn’t think so.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Fall, Cool Weather, and Forever Loved
Fall just began and life is way crazy at our house. I wanted to take a few minutes and check in with you.
We are in full swing. We’re anticipating cooler weather, open windows, cool breezes and something aromatic baking in the oven. I’m thinking German Apple Cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum. I decorated my front porch with gourds, pumpkins, apple baskets, fall leaves, and a couple of scare crows. I'm ready for fall! Now, it just needs to cool down!
In the meantime, I just released my fourth novel, Forever Loved. My husband and I have been working hard co-authoring a book on self-publishing that should be out this next week. We are super excited about it. I’m also trying to finish up my novella, The Perfect Gift, which will be available later this month or early November. And as if that weren’t enough, my son wants a book about his dog, Leia. I’m hoping that one can be done as a Christmas gift for him. I’m not sure if I’ll market that one…or keep it in the family. We’ll see how it turns out.
Last week I had the opportunity to speak for a ladies’ group at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee, OK. I’m not sure who was blessed more the ladies or myself. I love it when hearts and lives are touched for Christ.
On Saturday I’ll be participating in a craft fair at St. James Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. I love participating in these fairs. I meet so many wonderful people.
My husband and I are looking forward to the day he can stay home full time. This past weekend he was off three days. We worked on our joint publishing venture. I only had to threaten to send him back to work four or five times. I didn’t think that was too bad. ;) All kidding aside, I am so blessed because we work so well together. Even so I’m trying to cure him of his habit to write long, drawn out, run on sentences. He insists these sentences are his trademark. I beg to differ with him.
Well, I know we had a short visit this week, but I’m thankful we had time to visit at all. I’m thinking I might need to get used to being busy. If you have a chance, check out my new novel. I’d love to know what you think.
Blessings,
Darlene Shortridge
We are in full swing. We’re anticipating cooler weather, open windows, cool breezes and something aromatic baking in the oven. I’m thinking German Apple Cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum. I decorated my front porch with gourds, pumpkins, apple baskets, fall leaves, and a couple of scare crows. I'm ready for fall! Now, it just needs to cool down!
In the meantime, I just released my fourth novel, Forever Loved. My husband and I have been working hard co-authoring a book on self-publishing that should be out this next week. We are super excited about it. I’m also trying to finish up my novella, The Perfect Gift, which will be available later this month or early November. And as if that weren’t enough, my son wants a book about his dog, Leia. I’m hoping that one can be done as a Christmas gift for him. I’m not sure if I’ll market that one…or keep it in the family. We’ll see how it turns out.
Last week I had the opportunity to speak for a ladies’ group at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee, OK. I’m not sure who was blessed more the ladies or myself. I love it when hearts and lives are touched for Christ.
On Saturday I’ll be participating in a craft fair at St. James Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. I love participating in these fairs. I meet so many wonderful people.
My husband and I are looking forward to the day he can stay home full time. This past weekend he was off three days. We worked on our joint publishing venture. I only had to threaten to send him back to work four or five times. I didn’t think that was too bad. ;) All kidding aside, I am so blessed because we work so well together. Even so I’m trying to cure him of his habit to write long, drawn out, run on sentences. He insists these sentences are his trademark. I beg to differ with him.
Well, I know we had a short visit this week, but I’m thankful we had time to visit at all. I’m thinking I might need to get used to being busy. If you have a chance, check out my new novel. I’d love to know what you think.
Blessings,
Darlene Shortridge
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