Philippians 2:12-13 says, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to HIS good purpose.” You must persevere and not give up. Don’t quit…don’t stop…take action!!!

I believe we all want more. I’m not talking about just more wealth or success. I believe we all want to make a greater difference in the lives of our family or in the lives of others. We want our life to be significant…to count. We want to make a greater difference even if it’s serving in a small way. We desire to pass down a legacy that brings glory and honor to God. In order for us to experience a life of significance, we must believe and take action. You must believe who you truly are in Christ. You must believe that He has equipped you and will continue to do so to fulfill His purpose for your life. You must believe deep down in your heart that He truly loves you and wants His best for you. He wants to see you live the role He created you to fulfill.

Action requires believing. To believe is to trust that His purpose and His ways are good. It is to trust that He is consistently working to accomplish his purpose in and through you! The steps you take are a testimony to what you truly believe. If you’re having trouble following through with action then you might need to examine what you truly believe. I’m afraid what we often confess to believe is different from what we live and what our heart and mind says to us. At some point lies have taken root and have bloomed into loud walls of defeat. You can’t fully commit until you truly believe in yourself and in God’s purpose for you. The words of doubt that we speak can be the very thing that stops us in our tracks. You will never move beyond the barriers that are in your mind. In order for you to move forward, you will need to replace the lies with God’s Word. “God’s Word is Truth, and the Truth shall make you free! (John 8:32)

1 John 3:21 says, “Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God…” Could the very thing that is causing you to not have the confidence to move forward by the lies that you believe and think? What lies are robbing you of your confidence in yourself and most of all in God?

This is a short exert from How To Get Out Of A Rut And Live Life With Purpose e-book

At least in trying we are taking steps of growth by learning from what does or doesn’t work. The important thing is to believe and take action! With faith and action you fully embrace the life God has created for you.

Believe God and take that step. He will match and increase your faith as you commit to action! Just believing or should I say wishing…won’t get you to where you want to go. You have to back up your believing with action! Faith without action is just a word. Faith with action is believing!

James 2:20-24 says, “You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

A short exert from How To Get Out Of A Rut And Live Life With Purpose e-book

What is the best thing that could happen if you make the change…it works and you catapult yourself into a whole new place in life. Perhaps you will experience rewarding results that open up a whole new world of possibilities. Or, perhaps you will just experience something new to talk about.

“Change” can stir your creativity, expand your interest, and even open your life to greatness. It can be one of the most liberating moves you make! Especially, if you've been slowly declining in your current position. Making a bold move…taking charge of what God has given you is way more powerful than just settling for the same old thing. Change is not easy, but it’s much more powerful than beating your old tired ways deeper into existence.

Change can be as simple as getting help…reaching out in a way that opens up your mind and heart to fresh ideas and new solutions to life. It can be as simple as attending that conference or High School Reunion and meeting someone that changes your life for the better. Change can mean putting into action that one thing you keep dreaming of that could fuel a passionate, creative drive within. It can mean taking a bold step in your business or personal life that could change your momentum and propel you forward.

If things aren’t working, if life is feeling stale, if you feel like you're moving backward, instead of progressing forward introduce yourself to something new. Start the journey of making some changes…of stirring things up! Move outside your comfort zone!

Recently for our Friday night date, Tom (my man) and I detoured outside of our normal territory of restaurants. We stumbled on a place we had not eaten at before in Nashville and enjoyed a superb meal…one that we will definitely venture back to enjoy (Ooo..I can taste it now!) Just that one little change can open up your taste buds for experiencing the delights of something new…something out of the ordinary. AND NO, it isn’t wrong to want to experience new tastes…new delights. Even in our relationships with God, with family, with friends we need to introduce change…introduce fresh ideas for engaging and experiencing life together. Keep it fresh! Change it up! A little spice in life can’t hurt.

Consider these simple changes that could add new flavor…new possibilities in life:

• Eat at a new restaurant…try a new dish or cook a new recipe.
• Take a class! Cooking, painting, photography…just something new! Recently at church, a lady (in her 50’s) shared that she was taking piano lessons. It was on her bucket list to learn to play the piano…and….she loves it!
• Attend your High School Reunion (My brother did this, met his “now” wife after being single for most of his life…he is in his 50’s. He almost didn’t go……)
• Move your furniture around. We just did this in our master bedroom and love it! We wonder why we didn’t do it sooner.
• Change jobs…change careers! If things aren’t working where you’re at, why keep trying to force it? Make a change! Find a place where you can flourish into the person God created you to be. It could be, God is waiting on you to make a change into what He has waiting for you.  By the way, I’m not suggesting you do this without much prayer and careful consideration.  Just shake it up.
• Make new friends! Invite a new couple over for dinner or invite a new acquaintance to lunch. Invite them to share their story with you. I’m not telling you to discard your old friends, but perhaps engaging with new people can stir new interest.
• Take a day trip and visit a new area. Tom and I explored an area close to us this past Saturday and discovered wonderful new treasures and opportunities. You never know what is waiting for you. It could be the answer to that dream you’ve always had.
• Write your book! Start your company! What is that big dream you are secretly holding on to? Find a way to make it happen!!! Take the first step!
• Mark something off your bucket list! What's on your list that you keep putting off because it will stretch you…it will move you outside your comfort zone? It is probably the thing that stirs up the jitters within you…ok…the fear! Do it!!!
• Take your quiet time with God outside. Enjoy being in the presence of God sitting in the beauty of His creation. “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” Psa. 34.8 (NIV)
•  

OK…so my list is getting a little long. It’s just that I’ve been experiencing some new changes in my life…changes that needed to be made and I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying them. It’s the “life coach” in me…wanting you to embrace this God given life fully—exuberating every ounce of sweetness out of it that you possibly can!!!

Is there a change you've been wanting to make lately? If so leave  a comment and share it with us.

If you are stuck in a rut or just need some clear steps to help you experience positive changes for growth and living life with purpose. Check out my new e-book How To Get Out Of A Rut And Live Life With Purpose.

"For example, there was God's promise to Abraham, Since there was not one greater to swear by,

God took an oath in his own, saying:

'I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.'

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it.

And without any question that oath is binding.

God also bound himself with an oath.

So that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that

he would never change his mind.

So God has given both his promise and his oath.

These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie.

Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence

as we hold to the hope that lies before us.

This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.

It leads us through the curtain into God's sanctuary.

Jesus has already gone in there for us."

(Hebrews 6:13-20 NLT)

In Times Like These
(Ruth Caye Jones – Mother Jones)

In times like these, You need a Savior

In times like these, You need an anchor

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.

This Rock is Jesus, yes He's the One!

This Rock is Jesus, the only One.

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!

What would you do if you got a second chance? Have you ever thought about what you would do if you got a second chance at being you or just living life? What would you do? How would you change…what would you change? Would you strive to be a better friend, a better spouse, a better parent, or a better Christian? Would you be more devoted to using the gifts God has given you and to fulfilling your purpose? Would you be a better steward at what God has blessed you with and embrace it more fully? Would you stop and smell the roses and savor life? Would you spend more time with God and living in His grace? What would you do if you got a second chance?

God has been speaking to me about second chances…third chances…forth chances. I’m sure I’ve had more than I can even count. He truly is a gracious loving Father! I had a moment the other day…call it hormonal or just crazy not too smart. Anyway, let’s just say I was ready to call it quits and my actions were making a statement! So much that God knew just when to intervene and what to say. I love that about Him!

There was a couple of teaching calls I had downloaded to listen to and in desperation I pulled one up and pressed play. Talking about timely, The words couldn’t have been more direct!!! “If you think the grass is greener on the other side you are crazy!!! That is a lie from Satan! You need to take care of what God has given you and prosper where you are planted.” I’m not sure that those were the exact words but that was the message I received and lets just say…God knows how to speak my language. "Embrace the God life, really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you." (Mark 11:22-23 The Message)

The Holy Spirit was intentionally working on me! It was not a coincidence, that’s the very life changing message God has been preaching to me for the last six or more years. It is also the message that He has given me a passion to speak about because it is where he calls me to live. God is always telling me, “Peggy, embrace life…embrace what is going on. I’m in control…I’ve got it. Stop trying to fight where you are and who you are. I created you and determined where and when you would live. Stick with me! If I’ve called you to it, I will do it!” (Just as a side note. That “called you to it” isn’t just talking about a ministry, it’s referring to walking in obedience, to parenting, to marriage, to using our gifts, to our career, to making disciples, to being a leader…whatever God has given you to do…be faithful!)

Anyway, at that moment, I felt like God was giving me a second chance. I was truly convicted and fell to my knees in repentance. I knew that I needed to harness my emotions and realign myself with God and His righteousness. I needed to make a major attitude change! It was a wake-up call and God was saying, “Do you really want to walk away from all that I have given you? NO!!! And it didn’t take long for my eyes to be opened and my heart to be reminded of how blessed and fortunate I am. The list just started running through my mind. So, I took a walk and spent that time thanking God for rescuing me from myself once again and giving me a second chance. I spent time thanking Him for where I was and all that He had blessed me with. Sometimes we just need a fresh start…a new look! It is freeing and even motivating!

One of the most amazing things about God is He is a God of second chances. So much, that He gave His Only Son to give us a second chance at life with Him. He is always extending a hand of grace—doing whatever it takes to bring us back to our senses…back to HIM! He never changes. His love for us is as passionate as it was from the beginning of time. He wants us to walk in His blessings…to live in His peace…to rest in His grace…to be showered in His love…to live free…to worship Him in Spirit and Truth… The list goes on and on of the immeasurable blessings He wants so freely to lavish us in.

What does He want from you? He just wants you to receive Him…to receive His love and a grace.

Do you need a second chance! If you do, God is inviting you to experience a second chance with Him. He is waiting to give you one!

Be Confident    *    Be Clear    *    Be Committed

My son Kyle played varsity basketball in High School. Actually, he played basketball since he was old enough to hold one in his hands. His Dad was a successful basketball player and he couldn’t wait to teach his son how to play. Now, he can’t wait to teach his grandchildren. Hopefully, that will be just around the bend.

Anyway, on Kyle’s game days (to motivate him), I would text or email him the verse Hebrews 18:35-36 “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Then I would add a few motivating comments like: “Be Confident! Be Committed and persevere! Be Clear! This is what you are gifted at and meant to do at this time in your life. So don’t waiver….don’t question your abilities…BE BOLD! You can do this!”

I know that basketball isn’t the same as persevering in our spiritual journey, but it was one of the things Kyle was gifted to do. Basketball wasn’t just about getting to play the game, shoot baskets, and win. It was about teaching him the three C’s for living…for being successful at whatever he does. Playing basketball was one of the things he was meant to do at that time in his life. It was preparing him for more challenging times and teaching him how to fight…how to give his best…and how to be confident in whom God created him to be and do at that time in his life.

Kyle now spends most of his time pursuing his music as a worship leader, guitar player, writer, and producer. His purpose and focus may have changed and basketball is now just for fun, but the three C’s to success haven’t. The strategy for success whether it is in our Christian journey, our marriages, our jobs, or our purpose doesn’t change. God calls us to be confident in Him and who he created us to be. He calls us to be clear in what He has called us to do and to be committed—stay the course until we have fulfilled His calling for our lives.

Whatever God calls us to do we should work at it with all our heart and persevere until we have finished what He has asked us to do. What is God calling you to do? Is He calling you to be more committed to your marriage? Is He calling you to fulfill a purpose…a mission for such a time as this? Is He calling you to be obedient in something He has convicted you about? Where do you need to apply the three C’s at in your life? Where do you need to persevere and do the will of God?

If you would like to learn more about the 3 C’s for Success I am offering an online event starting May 7, 10 and 17, 2011, Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm. http://embracinglifeforsucces.eventbrite.com

I really wanted to go for a walk, but rain was in the forecast. I kept wondering if I could get my walk in before the rain actually came. I hesitated…and hesitated…and before I knew it, I could have taken my walk and been back home.  Finally I just stepped out the front door and started walking. My thought was, “If I get wet…I get wet, so what!”  

The walk was just what I needed! I was able to clear my head, experience some creative juices flowing, and even walk in the rain. I was at least three-fourths the way through before I even felt the slightest drop of rain. The rain was actually refreshing!  It made me feel even more alive as it graced my face and released the fragrances of spring. 

Unfortunately, sometimes that’s how we approach life. We hesitate… and we over think the “what ifs.” We allow the uncertainties of life to keep us from enjoying walking in the rain. We miss out on the experiences that color our life with meaning and fulfillment.

2Timothy 5:7 says, “We walk by faith and not by sight.” Instead of trying to predict the weather forecast God says to walk in faith. Why? Because He controls the weather…the storms…the “what if’s.”  He promises that He will be with us. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Is. 41:10

Do not fear, God is with you!

Do not be anxious, God is with you!

Do not look around at the “what ifs” God is with you!

Don't over think life! God is with you!

“When you pass through the waters, I (God) will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” Is. 43:2

Don’t let the "hesitations" of life keep you from experiencing walking in the rain. God will strengthen you and uphold you as you walk through the “what ifs.”

This reminds me of the story of Peter when he walks on the water to Jesus. He didn’t allow the storm or the possibility of drowning keep him in the boat. Instead Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk to him on the water and he did! Peter knew Jesus could empower him to walk on the water. He also knew that the best place to be was with Jesus. In doing so, he experienced something that no one else can talk about. He experienced a satisfaction, a fulfillment, a joy that only comes when we solely depend on Jesus. How was this so? It was because Peter didn’t let fear and the uncertainties keep him in the boat. He stepped out in faith!

John Ortberg, in his book If You Want To Walk On Water, You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat, says this, “If you want to walk on water, you have to be willing to get your feet wet first. Then you discover it is worth the risk.”

We will never discover our greatest potential and experiences the blessings of living life fully with Jesus until we step out of the boat—until we decide to get wet! 

Are you over thinking life and letting the uncertainties keep you from walking in the rain? 

Don’t stay in the boat, get your feet wet and experience what it feels like to walk on water.

Leave a comment and share with me what steps you will take to get your feet wet?

It’s American Idol time and I have to admit that this year seems to be flooded with talent. Oh…and drama. I know that drama is part of the show but it's also something we all deal with when under pressure. Obviously trying out for American Idol is a very dramatic experience. It is an opportunity of a lifetime—the very thing that could change the contestant’s life forever—an opportunity that could catapult their dream into reality.

What intrigues me is how some of them are willing to let the pressure ruin their chance of making it through to the next day. They have made it to the semi-finals out of THOUSANDS of contestants and I watch them let seeds of negativity squelch their focus and most of all…their dream.

As I watch, I’m thinking…are you kidding me!!! Are you really gonna let this opportunity pass you buy because you don’t like the song, or it’s getting harder, or the choreography isn’t you, or that person is obnoxiously good. Get over it! Dig in and make it happen! Yet, that is the very thing that happens to many of us and has definitely happened to me. We find a reason to quite—to run. I personally have messed up some great opportunities and moments because I let my feelings decide how I would react to the pressure.

Instead of hanging on to the bigger picture and maximizing the opportunity we allow a seed of negativity to take root and grow.  We lose focus of what our goal is and instead end up defeated by our own negative sabotaging thoughts. Thoughts that are usually the same old lies we deal with over and over again.  Unfortunately, once we allow the emotions to run wild it is hard to lasso them back in. 

Proverbs 28:26 says, “He that trusteth in his own heart (emotions) is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.”

So how do we walk wisely and not give way to trusting our heart. How do we keep from exploding when the pressure rises and our emotions begin to boil?

Proverbs 4:20-27 says, “My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your heart to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful through to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Here are five ways we can be wise and when under pressure tame our emotions:

1. Pay attention to what God says. Keep God’s Word in your heart and in front of you all the time. Combat the lies with His Truth. Don’t react according to your feelings but according to wise instruction—according to God’s Truth.

2. Guard your heart. It is the source of all your emotions. It is where it all starts.

 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matt. 22:37

3. Keep your mouth free of corrupt words! Decide not to allow any negative thought take root within your mind. Do not entertain any negative thought or action. The moment it comes to your mind…deny it and especially don’t speak on it.

 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2Cor. 10:5

4. Fix your gaze straight ahead. Stay focused. Don’t be distracted by the actions of others, circumstances you can’t control, or negative thoughts.

5. Develop a heart of gratitude. This is one sure way to guard your heart and mind. Focus on what is right with God. Focus on His promises. Focus on His many blessings. (This fifth one isn’t represented in the scripture passage but I believe it's important to this situation and in life.)

Mark Batterson from his book In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day says this:“Refraining problems is about shifting focus. You stop focusing on what’s wrong with your circumstances. And you start focusing on what’s right with God. He says, “It is like hitting the refresh key on your computer. It restores the joy of your salvation. It recalibrates your spirit. It renews your mind. And it enables you to find something good to praise God about even when everything seems to be going wrong.”

“Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Phil. 4:12

I hope this will help you the next time your emotions start to rob you of a great opportunity? You might even have a way that has worked for you in the past, if so share it with us in a comment.

I love a new start! I thank God that New Year’s come and the seasons change. They each invite us into a time of renewal.  With the New Year we think about new commitments and setting goals. We anticipate the opportunity to start a new calendar, a new work-out schedule, a new out look on life, and perhaps a new focus in our direction.

What an amazing God we have that He would put newness and fresh starts into the cycle of life. That He would encourage new beginnings. Yet that’s who He is. He is a God of grace that is always extending His hand of mercy. He is a God who invites us daily to be renewed—to put off the old and put on the new. Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, and be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self, created to be like God, in true righteousness and holiness.”

Out with the old and in with the new! What is it that you need to put off this year? What old self…old thoughts…old grudges…old regrets…old attitudes do you need to put off?  What’s standing in your way from starting off the year fresh and renewed?

Acts 3:19 says, “Repent then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

Wiped out! I love that! No sin is too big. No sin is too ugly. No sin is too old. He says repent of it and He will WIPE IT OUT! …YAY!!!

Turn to Him and times of refreshing will come. You want a FRESH NEW YEAR then put off the OLD and put on the NEW!!! You know what that means? We don’t have to walk around in old clothes…we don’t have to walk around weighted down by the past…we got a new self to put on!

WOW! Talk about a new beginning!

1) Please tell us a little about yourself

I just celebrated my 30th anniversary!!! I got married when I was just a child, LOL! Truthfully, I have been blessed with an amazing husband. We have embraced a journey together and I hope and pray we can embrace another 30 or more. I have also been blessed with two beautiful children; a daughter that’s 26 just married a year, and a son that’s 20. My husband and I live in Franklin, Tennessee a big beautiful historic town right outside of Nashville.

My passion is to share God’s truth through song, through speaking and teaching, and through life coaching. There is nothing sweeter than to use my gifts and see His Truth penetrate through the hearts of His people.

I also claim to be eclectic because I have dabbled in many creative adventures. I love decorating, graphic design, painting, and anything that stirs my creativity and gives me the opportunity to express what I love.

2) I would love for you to share your testimony

I can truly say that I’ve been blessed. From the time I was born I was shown the love of Jesus and was encouraged to develop a love for Him. Although, it wasn’t until I turned 14 that I saw the truth of my sin and realized I needed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. My Dad had just retired from the Air Force, and took a position as music director/associate pastor at Providence Baptist church in Opelika, AL,—a huge change for me and for my 4 brothers but a good one.

The church had a dynamic youth group and it was because of the love and grace of these young people that I realized I was missing something. Every Monday night we had Bible study and the young people would lay on the floor before God in prayer. The Holy Spirit was so powerful as they honestly poured out their hearts to Him. It was during one of the prayer times that I realized I wanted what they had. I found myself weeping before the Lord. My dad was there, he asked me what was wrong, and I shared with him what I was feeling. During that time he led me to a time of inviting Jesus into my life—to be Lord. Soon after, God began to open the doors for me to minister in song. My ministry and testimony is not finished! God continues to work in and through me. I’ve had my share of ups and downs and even times of darkness but God has always been actively working in my life. He has never failed me!!! His grace continues to redeem me and His love continues to embrace me.

3) In your journey as a woman what has been the most challenging?

The biggest challenge for me has been overcoming the inner struggle with self—accepting who I am, weaknesses and strengths, and battling the negative thoughts about self. This challenge affected who I was as a wife, a mother, and a woman of God. It is a struggle that many women deal with and it can be very crippling. It put me in a pit of depression and I thank God for His healing both emotionally and spiritually. Through God I have learned how to overcome this through taking action and replacing satan’s lies with the powerful promises of God’s Word. John 8:32 says, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

This has been a major challenge in my life but I am thankful that now, because of my struggle, I am able to encourage others and help them find freedom is this area.

4) What has been the most challenging aspect of being a mother and the most rewarding?

WOW! I love being a mother. I can’t really say that I’ve ever thought of it as being a challenge just a part of the journey. I guess the biggest lesson was in letting go…to not hold to tight…realizing I can’t always fix things, I can’t always control the circumstances, and I can’t always control the outcome from other people’s decisions. What I can do is trust, pray, and believe that God is working in their lives and HE HAS THEM! They belong to Him and He loves them more then I do. He knows what’s best for them.

The greatest reward in parenting besides getting to love and cuddle them when they were young is watching them discover who they are in Christ. It is getting to see them develop in to strong young Christian adults and begin to lay a foundation for their own marriages and families.

5) I believe a mistake is only a mistake is we cannot walk away with a greater wisdom. Has there been a time in your life where struggle occurred from a poor decision and if so, how did you overcome?

LOL! I might be the Queen of mistakes. Honestly, I have made my share of mistakes and still do. For me, it is the day-to-day battles. It is in NOT letting my emotions determine my reactions. It is in being proactive in doing the right thing instead of reacting out of hurt.

Also, I am hard on myself so one of the biggest lessons is to NOT punish myself but instead to pull my big girl panties up, learn from my mistakes, and move on. This is not an automatic response for me so I have to work at it.

I am also sad to say that one of the most haunting mistakes I’ve ever made was about 20 years ago. I was making a trip south to visit my mom who was recovering from surgery. I didn’t want to go and I was depressed over it. It wasn’t that I didn’t love my mother and didn’t want to help. Truthfully, it didn’t matter what it was…I was gonna be negative about it. That’s just where I was in life.

Anyway, as I was in the car making my way south, God kept prompting me to stop by and visit my youngest brother and I didn’t. Later that week He died from an aneurism. I missed out on seeing my brother for the last time because I resisted what God was trying to do. Only God knew the significance of that trip and how it would give me the opportunity to see my brother and also be with my mother during that time. I was just too focused on “pour pitiful me” that I couldn’t embrace what God was trying to do.

That was a huge turning point in my life—to stop resisting his leading and to start trusting His voice—that sound inner voice—the voice of the Holy Spirit. To trust that God knows the bigger picture…He knows what tomorrow holds. I still don’t always get it right but it is the foundation for my ministry of Embracing Life. Embrace the now…trust that God is working for your good. Trust that His ways are higher. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9

6) How do you define success?

There are so many great definitions for success and at the same time there can be a negative stigma attached to the word. I define success as embracing the journey of becoming and fulfilling all God has created me to be and do. “Success is discovered in the journey not at the point of destination.” Sometimes, I think we confuse success as arriving at a certain place in life or holding a significant title. Yet when I have a successful day it is because I have embraced where I am at this point in life. I have embraced the good things and the bad. I have made the best of what God has given me. One of the greatest examples of this is the Apostle Paul and when He was in prison. He didn’t let his circumstances define him instead He made the best of it and used His time to write most of the New Testament. To me that is success! When you can make the most of where you are with what God has given you.

7) Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the age of eighteen to prepare you for life ahead?

What I said earlier about success and to always be teachable. The moment we think we can’t learn something from someone else or from God that’s when we get into trouble. I am always reminding myself, and telling me kids to be teachable. Never think you know more or know it all. There is always something you can learn. Never put up a wall of pride that makes you feel like you have to have it all together.

With a New Year beginning, what do you hope to accomplish this year?

Action! It is a year of putting action to the things God has been telling me to do—a year of taking bold steps of faith. As my dear friend Elaine told me, “Peggy, it’s time to quite shuffling papers and start doing.” LOL! She just confirmed what God had already been speaking to me about. Don’t just dream it…do it!!! I have some dreams that I have been putting off—finding excuses NOT to do them. It’s time to take action!!!

9) What encouraging words would you give to someone encountering loss?

I am SO SORRY. Loss is difficult, weather it be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a friendship, the loss of a child that has strayed away, or the loss of a dream. We all encounter loss and for each of us the hurt is unique and very present. One of the best things I did after going through a tragic death of a loved one and something I still practice today (especially through difficult times) is writing in my prayer journal. After the loss of my brother, I would pour out my heart to God by writing my prayers. There was something about writing it down—a releasing—a laying it down before God.

Sometimes I would sit on the floor by my bead in the middle of the night and just write all my thoughts down—ALL my thoughts—I wouldn’t hold anything back. If I was angry I told God. It’s amazing what happens during the process of pouring your heart out to God—your bitterness, your anxiety, your anger, and your hurt turn to heart of gratitude and peace overcomes you. After, I was able to go back to sleep and rest in Him.

Matt. 11:28-29 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and You will find rest for your souls.”

10) My pastor says, “If the Lord has done something for you the least you can do is say so.” Dear friend, what is the Lord doing in your life?

To truly BELIEVE! It is our lack of belief that often keeps us from enjoying the promises of God. Rick Warren says, “The greatest tragedy this year would be for you to stand at the edge of your destiny, but to be afraid to enter into all that God has planned for you.” He said this in reference to the passage of scripture, “We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.” Hebrews 3:19 (TEV) Miracle after miracle God took care of the Israelites needs and prepared the way for them to enter the Promised Land and yet at the most crucial time…the time of receiving they still did not believe. They missed out on the blessing of enjoying the Promise Land.

I don’t want to miss out on God’s blessings—His promises because I don’t believe—because I don’t believe I can do it…that God CAN DO IT! I don’t want fear or anything else to get in the way. I want to BELIEVE!

11) What empowering advice would you give to someone facing adversity?

One of my favorite verses is “Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36

I love this verse because often times when things get tough we condemn ourselves…we quite…we lose perspective and we lose sight of what we are called to do. This verse reminds me of three things:

1. Be clear about what you are called to do.
2. Be confident that through the power of the Holy Spirit you can do it—your are equipped to do it.
3. Be consistent and stick with it.

12) In your legacy what do you hope to leave behind?

GRACE. I could make a list of all these great things that I would like to pass on to my family…my friends…the women I’ve had the privilege to share life with but sadly I will probably fail my expectations and theirs. That doesn’t mean that I don’t strive to be all God desires and ask of me but I know greater than anything I can achieve is to leave a legacy of GRACE. Extending to each of them the same grace that I am grateful for everyday. That GRACE of Jesus Christ—the grace that He gave his life for.

My ministry is to encourage women to embrace life’s journey with purpose and passion—to embrace all of who God created them to be. I want that for everyone, but even more I want them to know God’s saving grace. I want them to know what it means to experience God’s forgiveness and love. I want them to know what it means to come to Jesus just as they are (sin, failures, anger, hatred, bitterness, regrets…all of it) and be received with open arms of grace.

Thank you for letting me share with you. You are such a blessing to me and I count it a privilege to share my life with  you.  I would love to hear from you. Which of these questions would you love to share your answer to?  Come on…don’t be shy. Share!