Child abuse or should I say the prevention of – is a passion of mine.

Picture this. You are at the grocery store, target, mall- some public place… when a child is acting out. You can see the anxiety of that parent rising. They may lash out at their child who is misbehaving, and maybe even in a way that concerns you. If you have ever been in that situation…

…what was your response?

Was it to stare, or maybe even give the ‘look’?  May I make a suggestion? Any of us who are parents should be able to relate to that situation. How many times have I been standing in line at Target when one of my kids throws a tantrum because I am NOT going to buy them that fancy container of liquid sugar in the check out isle?

They put it there for a reason people!

For parents who decide to give in to their tantruming kids just to get the onlookers off their backs! (I’m guilty!)

Think about what might have helped you in that situation.

A smile? Laughter? Recognition from someone that they have ‘been there‘?

In some circumstances, when you may be really concerned about the escalation of that parent’s behavior, and maybe even concerned for the safety of that child, what. would. you. do?

One recommendation may be to offer a distraction to take that parent out of the heated situation. Kindly interrupt and ask for directions. Compliment them on their clothing, hairstyle, whatever…. ask if they have seen a product. You get the idea. Something completely unrelated to the event, but because you are creating that interruption, it is giving both child and parent time to cool down.

On the other hand, if you are witnessing a violent act against a child, you have the responsibility to alert authorities. Children count on ‘the village‘, and if the village fails them when warning signs are there…

…what is left?

Unfortunately we live in a world where there is stress beyond measure. Many of us are feeling the pressures of our finances. For others it might be health issues, or lack of insurance, or a loved one who is deployed. We all have our triggers. I just ask that you, as a concerned citizen, take the responsibility to be the eyes and ears for our children. It really does take a village.

Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.  Here are some suggestion from preventchildabuse.org article:  What You Can Do: Reach Out PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION ™ CAMPAIGN

1. Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand.
2. Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care.
3. Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another’s children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved.
4. Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.
5. Volunteer your time and money for programs in your community that support children and families, like parent support groups or day care centers.

“It takes a village to raise a child.” -African Proverb

Flickr Photo Credit

When I found this quote I was in the middle of a raging, internal battle. After years of people-pleasing and doing what I thought I was supposed to do, I suddenly found myself tired, confused, unfulfilled, without direction, and distant from God.  Upon the realization that I had lived a large part of my life trying to be who I thought people wanted me to be and trying to be perfect, I was forced to see me behind the masks.

But guess what? Me behind the masks wasn’t at all what I expected.

True beauty is not realized in attaining perfection but in discovering the person created by a perfect God.

If we are busy trying to be perfect or trying to please others at the expense of pleasing God, we are not living the abundant life He has provided. We cannot discover the gifts and talents placed within us by the very hands of God Himself.

Sometimes it’s hard to see our captivity until we know freedom.

It’s okay for things to not always be okay. It’s okay to say no, set boundaries. It’s okay to fail, to mess up, to be imperfect.

…God meets us in all those messy places.

And through those messy, broken, imperfect places, He molds us and shapes us and takes great care as we transform from a lumpy pile of clay into that vessel created for His glory.

The real you is far from perfection.

But God in you is perfect.

And His plans are far greater than any plans you or anyone else has for your life.

Just give up…

…on being perfect, that is.

And begin the work of becoming yourself…the beautiful “you” God created.

Sometimes it can be really hard.

But it’s so amazing.“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” Anna Quindlen

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Today’s Quote is shared by:  Shelly Faust.  She is a wife, mother of three, Writer/Blogger, life-time learner, recovering people pleaser and mental perfectionist, follower of Jesus (disciple), lover of dark chocolate. You can check out her blog –> Is that you Lord? – connect with her on Facebook here or follow her on Twitter @shellyfaust

Today I cut a pineapple.
Not very earth-shattering — to you.

…but to me, it was monumental.

I had never cut a pineapple before, never even tried. Even when we lived in the jungle and the indigenous people would bring us fresh pineapple from their gardens, I’d let it sit on the counter, our eyes large with desire and our tummies growling. I’d wait for my husband to return; depend on his know-how to prepare it.

It was the same here in the States. Anytime a pineapple adorned our counter, it would wait for my husband’s steady hands, or it would sit and rot.

…I had never cut a pineapple.

The truth is, I was afraid.

Sounds silly, I know. Afraid to cut a pineapple?

But what if I made a mistake?
What if I cut it wrong?
What if I wasted some of this treat?
What if it didn’t turn out right?
What if, what if, what if?

When I found a great price match and picked up this pineapple, I bought it with the full intention of my husband cutting it up for our family to enjoy. But today, this pineapple caught the eyes of my children.

With Daddy away at work, I tried to hide behind excuses,
until I wondered, “What if? What’s the worst that could happen?”

So I picked up my knife, and I started.

Today I cut a pineapple,
and it wasn’t that hard.

How about you? Do you have any “pineapples” you need to “cut”? Are there any areas in your life that fear is in control, any areas you need to take the first step?

Photo Credit: zemlyanichnaya

“Whatever you are” and I’m going to add, “wherever you are” — just starting? Start STRONG with everything you have! A novice? glean all you possibly can to excel and learn!

Whether you are a public leader bathed in spotlight or a background supporter…

…be a good one.

Whether you deem your specific tasks and responsibilities as extremely important or seemingly insignificant, remember, they have been placed in your path by a Power greater, and He expects and demands your very best…

…nothing more, nothing less.

Bringing this close to home and applying it to our everyday is crucial. We have the responsibility to be a good wife, mother, friend, employee, co-worker, church member, sister, friend, social media user…

…the list goes on.

Embrace who, what, and where you are and BE A GOOD ONE!

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

Photo Source: tumblr

Have you ever felt stuck for no reason? Like you couldn’t move forward and you didn’t know why? Maybe you felt stuck with a weight issue, a business issue, a ministry issue, or even an emotional issue.

Recently I was faced with this exact same dilemma — STUCK…

…I was completely perplexed!

I couldn’t see any logical reason why I wasn’t moving forward. I had all the head knowledge I needed to do the task. I had tried every angle, chased every person who said they knew the way, but nothing was quite right and I felt as if I was standing there with cement shoes unable to move forward.

Have you ever been there?

I prayed daily, “Father help me to get through this… help me to figure out how to move forward… to move on to the next step.”  No immediate answers came.

Or I should say, didn’t come until I had tried all my logical options. The answer did come. It just wasn’t one that I was expecting! As a matter fact it blindsided me. It was a message I thought I knew. I thought I had mastered the message actually… I had heard it countless times before…

…it was about forgiveness.

You see, just like you, I have many hurts in my past. Things that have caused me great pain, people who have caused me great pain. But as a Christian woman I knew that forgiveness was important and long ago I had done the work of forgiving them. I had put the issues behind me and moved on. But the other day God called me to a different place; he called me to the next step in forgiveness.

It wasn’t enough to just forgive their debt and put it behind me. I needed to RELEASE them, FORGIVE them, and BLESS them. He began bringing up people and situations in my life that I had long forgotten. People who were both close in my everyday life and people whom I haven’t seen in decades. I visualized them, and told them how they had hurt me. Then I said, “I release you. I forgive you. And I bless you!”

I tell you right now that when I went through these steps with a genuine heart, a new weight was lifted off me that I didn’t know I had. And I was overcome with great compassion for them.

Oh…how freeing are our Father’s ways!

God’s word tells us this:

“Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28

All I can tell you is that my steps are clearer now and no longer am I wearing cement shoes. The funny thing is that the people I released and blessed had NOTHING to do with the area of my life I was trying to move forward in. They were completely unrelated. But God knew that it was a weight that I had around my neck that held me back from living my purpose.

Do you feel stuck? Ask God to show you who you need to release. Life is too short and our purpose in life is too important, to live carrying dead weight. Let’s have the courage to take the next step.

In the few moments I had between Kid’s Praise and busy kids, I heard an interview on Christian radio that really caught my attention.

Kyle Idleman, teaching minister at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky was being interviewed about the question: Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus Christ?

Maybe it’s because “Tebow fever” is still in the air or maybe it’s because we’ve just completed another Superbowl season, but…

…the question stuck with me.

I began to think about some of the differences between a fan and a follower:

• A fan is a enthusiastic, jumping on the bandwagon and cheering when things are great. A follower doesn’t waver. She sticks close, even when the outcome doesn’t look favorable.
• A fan knows about someone. A follower knows someone.
• A fan loves the fun, but a follower is willing to work.

For a lot of people, it’s easy to jump on the “Jesus bandwagon” — to go to church and participate in events, to say the right things around the right people and act the part when others are looking, but when the rubber meets the road and life gets hard or popular opinion turns against us, do we stick with Him?

Idleman pointed out that a fan is close enough to be associated with Jesus, but not close enough that it requires something of me. Is this where so many of us hold back?

When it comes time to do something, to speak up or surrender or sacrifice, are we willing? Are we willing to quit sitting on the sidelines cheering and instead jump into the game, even if it means getting bloodied and bruised?

I have often been struck by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, a passage that Idleman also referenced. Upon first reading it, Jesus words seem harsh and rough, but isn’t He here drawing that same distinction between fan and follower?

“Knowing the correct password–saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance–isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience–doing what my Father wills. I can see it now–at the Final Judgement thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’ – Matthew 7:21-23 (MSG)

The New International Version translates verse 23 as saying, “I never knew you!”

“True knowing comes down to the relationship where Jesus is what matters most” – Kyle Idleman

A fan knows about Jesus. A follower knows Him.

So how do you know if you are a fan or a follower? What is the litmus test to measure our role? We might feel like followers, but to what, or Whom, does the evidence of our lives point?

During the interview, Idleman shared three symptoms that might suggest I’m a fan rather than a follower.

1. You might be a fan if you confuse your knowledge with intimacy. Just because you know about Jesus doesn’t mean that you have a close relationship with Him.
2. You might be a fan if you have a hard time identifying any sacrifices you’ve made for Jesus — it’s never really cost you anything.
3. You might be a fan if you find that you’re comfortable. We are called to carry a cross. Shouldering a cross should not be comfortable! There are times we have to step out of our comfort zones.

We can stop being fans and become true followers, and we don’t have to do it on our own! For so many of us, we try and try and try only to feel like we come up short and fail again. The blessed news is that we don’t transition from fans to followers on our own or by our individual strength!

It is God’s grace that invites us, and God’s Spirit that gives us the strength to follow.

“We want to make it trying when it really is dying” – Idleman

Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ is not about working and trying harder. It’s about surrendering each and every day, beginning each day on our knees with a spirit of humility. Sometimes it’s not about doing; it’s about being.

Abide in Him (John 15).

“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on a solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit–but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” – Matthew 7:24-27 (MSG)

I don’t want to just know about Jesus. I want to know Him.
How about you?

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{Idleman has a lot more to say on the topic of fan versus follower. In fact, he’s written a whole book on it — Not A Fan. If you’d like to investigate this idea more deeply, check it out.}

We all want to be happy.

It seems “happy” is the vague utopia all citizens of earth strive for but never seem to achieve.

Well, I’m not here to relay a magic formula to achieve “happy” — that’s another post — but here’s a small list that I’ve come up with that helps my days become a little “happier.”

1. Make your bed. Yep, do it. The state of your bed is the state of your head, and how much cleaner and uncluttered is your bedroom and your mind when your bed looks pretty!

2. Watch the sunrise. It’s ever-changing, never duplicated, and always beautiful. What better way to begin the day than with earthy beauty?

3. Create an inspiring play list. Music influences us body, soul, and spirit. Find the titles that inspire you and listen!

4. Eat breakfast. Don’t skip it, eat it! Your brain functions so much better when it doesn’t have to compete with an empty stomach, not to mention your emotions will thank you for the nourishment!

5. Be nice. Who is the first person you have contact with in the morning? Make the conscious choice right off the bat to be sweet, sincere, loving…not grumpy. It’s a choice you can make!

6. Breathe. Days get hectic, it’s inevitable, right? The unexpected happens, and our otherwise manageable (or so we thought) day becomes grossly out of proportion with our level of sanity. Cause yourself to breathe.

7. Laugh out loud. Take a break to watch a 30 second YouTube clip or call up a friend who makes you laugh. The release of endorphins will be worth it!

8. Take in your surroundings. Whether at the office or out for a stroll, take it in! Look for the little things that are just waiting to bring a little splash of sunshine into your world.

9. Refresh your make-up. {Guys, splash some water on your face and grab an Altoid} Maybe a dab of lip gloss after lunch, a midday eyeliner touch-up, or an afternoon spritz of perfume from the trial size in your purse. There’s something about “touching up” something that revitalizes your mind and perks up your mood.

10. SMILE. It’s easy. Make the effort to smile at those you make eye contact with. You never know if that might not be just what their day needed, and it will improve your mood without your even knowing. It’s a simple choice…choose to smile!

Our days are too short to waste and not enjoy. Simple tweaks in our routine can make all the difference between surviving and thriving in our everyday!

How are you choosing to thrive today?

Photo Credit:  Charles Henry

My question for you today is this:

Does fear dissipate or go away when we take action?

I share my answer and thoughts today in my video.  What’s your answer?

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” - Dale Carnegie

As you look back on the last year and look forward to the new year…

…are you truly living out the calling that God has given you?

If not, what or who is hindering you from fulfilling the calling that God has given you?

Hmmm…think about it.

What is that thing that God keeps whispering in your ear {or in my case, screaming out because of my poor listening skills} to do that you just haven’t done yet?

We all have various “reasons” or “excuses” for not stepping out to follow Him in our calling. I’d like to talk about a few today:

1.  “I am not adequate or prepared for this. It is way too big for me.”  — This is a common excuse, as we humanly feel incapable of doing that which God has called us to do. The Lord in his graciousness and power responds, “Nothing is too difficult for me. I want to work through you. Just say ‘Yes, Lord!’ and I will do the rest, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness.” (Lk. 1:37; Eph. 3: 20; 2 Cor. 12:9)

Remember: God usually calls us to things that are much bigger than us so that we are completely dependent on Him. We can’t do it without Him!

2.  “I don’t have the time or the energy.”   – We are tired. We are busy. Life is hard and already sometimes overwhelming. How could we possibly add something additional to our plate? Our God gently says, “How about allowing My energy to flow through you? Seek me first, My child, and all these things will be added to you. Trust me with your time.” (Col. 1: 29; Matt. 6:34; Prov. 3:5)

Remember: God provides us with what we need to accomplish His purposes. That includes supernatural energy and time management! We just have to be willing to give our schedules and our physical capabilities to Him.

3.  “What will others say? What if they think I’m not talented enough?”   –  We worry about what our family and friends will say if we tell them what God has called us to do. We fear that others will doubt our calling and our gifts. Those worries and fears soon begin to speak louder than God’s call. We become paralyzed and ineffective. The Lord responds, “Don’t be like the Pharisees who were more interested in the praise from men than praise from me. You are working for me, not for men!” (Jn. 12:43; Col. 3:23)

Remember:  He will equip you according to your calling. He is enough.

4.  “What if I fail miserably?”  —  Some of us quit before we even get started just because we are afraid that we might disappoint God, our self, or others. So we just don’t do it. We decide to remain where we are, in our comfort zone… in our disobedience. The Lord says, “Keep your eyes on me. If you fall, I will pick you up. I will be with you. I will give you the strength to persevere.” (Heb. 12:2; Psalm 37:23-24)

Remember:  Believe you can and you’re halfway there!

5.  “The path is uncertain. I am scared.”  —  Wouldn’t it be nice if God granted us a GPS for our lives? Turn left here. Drive 20 miles west and turn right. Take the next exit. But instead He calls us to follow Him. Our sweet Savior reminds us, “Be strong and courageous. I will be with you wherever you go! I will show you the way. Trust me. I have amazing things planned for you!” (Joshua 1:9, 3:5; Exodus 15:13)

Remember:  Abraham WENT, not knowing where he was going. He was remembered as a man of faith, not a man with a plan.

God is so good to answer us when we cry out to him AND even. when. we. make. excuses!

He loves us so much…

…He never wants us to stay in that shadow of fear.

So, listen to God. What is He telling you to do?  Now, go and do it! Make 2012 the year you follow Him with all you’ve got… And no excuses!

Photo Credit: chrislee!

(If you received this post via email, be sure to visit our blog today to watch the video.)

Last week I shared how I plan and look forward to the New Year — Inspired by the My One Word Experiment, I choose a ONE WORD and an ANCHOR {if you missed that post, you can find it here}

This week I’m sharing what I’ve picked…

MY ONE WORD for 2012 is:

ex·pand [ik-spand] verb  1. to increase in extent, size, volume, scope  2. to spread or stretch out; unfold.  3. to express in fuller form or greater detail; develop.

My desire is to have a year of expansion.  As I unpack this word I see my vision wrapping around it beautifully for each area of personal perspective:

Professionally: expanding my reach, territory, platform, business {volume, size}.

Spiritually: expanding my prayer life — my soul, discovering more Truth, learning, and gaining more knowledge.

Emotionally: expanding my mind, expressing myself more clearly, healing and developing.

Health/Wellness: expanding and stretching myself to incorporate new routine, disciplines, exercise.

Financially: expanding my giving, increasing income, simplify to decrease spending to increase saving.

Relationships: expanding the depth with some, increasing time I spend with those I care about, developing NEW.

I love that my one word is a verb — that means ACTION!  In order for me to live out this word in 2012, I know in my heart I must always focus on keeping the gap closed between intentions and actions.

After a year of refining, I am ready to expand!

MY ANCHOR STATEMENT {verse} for 2012 is:

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2 NIV

The Message version of this verse says, “…Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep.”  The New Living Translation says, “…spare no expense!”

I’m going for IT — I’m thinking BIG!  I intend to “drive the tent pegs deep” with my message, Overcoming the Nevers, that many lives will be touched. impacted. changed.  I’m stepping out in faith, sparing NO expense — doing what God has called me to do…walking in obedience.

I know that I will be doing many things afraid, BUT I’m excited to see what amazing and exciting things God has up His sleeve for me on the other side.

What is YOUR — ONE WORD and/or ANCHOR STATEMENT?  How will you close the gap between your intentions and your actions for 2012 to have a wonderful joy-filled life?

“Do your best every day and your life will gradually expand into satisfying fullness.”