Rest & Restoration (even RAWC Stars require it)

So it’s about that time again… a new season, another opportunity to do some cleaning out, cleaning up and ultimately yet another time of reflection.

This week I actually had “Spring Break” from classes but unfortunately, I couldn’t get “life” to align itself up with my school schedule due to responsibilities to my son, the pups, my family, my clients, ministry obligations and everything in between. However, what I did decide to do was to give myself a mini-retreat. I went online and found a quaint little Bed & Breakfast in a small historic town where there’s probably only like 20 people who reside there. My room appropriately called the “Spring Room” (even though it feels like winter is trying to rear its ugly head for one last "hoorah") is filled with all of the comforts and amenities of a plush hotel but with a nice homely antique-esque charm. My room includes a Jacuzzi tub, electric fireplace and even free Wi-Fi, a T.V., and DVD player should I decide to listen to something other than God’s voice or that amazing group called silence. (smile) Within walking distance is a full service spa & salon where I will be indulging in a deluxe pedicure and maybe a facial if I can squeeze it in. And when that’s all said and done, I’ll probably venture across the way to a local restaurant and order the grilled lamb chops served with mint jelly, mashed potatoes and grilled veggies on the side… can you say YUM? (smile)

Now I’m not a rich & famous author (not yet anyway) nor am I rolling in “dough” or the “cheddar”… in fact I’m a “temporarily financially impaired student” (lol) and single parent, working part-time as a freelance writer/author and the other “part-time” as an entrepreneur growing my businesses and building my portfolio. Nonetheless, I decided that I needed this. After seeking God’s favor in prayer, He opened the doors for me to make this mini-retreat happen and I am truly grateful and blessed.

Even if you can't get away physically it is certainly possible to create an ambience of peace and serenity in your home even if for just a few hours. Nothing wrong either with asking God (Matthews 7:7 and Luke 11:9) to open a door, an opportunity for you to take a couple days and just REST in Him. Perhaps a friend or family member may even offer their home as a personal retreat.

Many times we can become so busy, so engrossed in life’s issues, so consumed in life’s work and so engaged in “stuff” that most of us don’t take the time we need to rest, be restored and get replenished. And truthfully, I don’t mean just “sleep” although for many of the sleep deprived, the term “rest” would serve all inclusive… however, I mean just taking some time to take in the beauty of life, meditate on God’s word or simply just breathe. In doing so, I mean without any interruptions, electronics (unless it’s to play some soothing, relaxing music) or other disruptive or negative distractions.

Unfortunately we become so inundated and bogged down that it becomes impossible to experience life in the fullness that it was intended. John 10:10 says that “I [the Lord speaking here] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” So my question to you is this: Are YOU living an abundant life? (Something to think about huh?)

Now I hear lots of folks who have this “work hard now, I’ll sleep when I die” mentality. And even more disturbing is this mindset that many of us believers get trapped into accepting that we are to work, work, work in the vineyard with no rest in between when the God I serve says “come unto me all ye that labour and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) Don’t get me wrong, God requires us to work and he absolutely despises slothfulness but our Heavenly Daddy knows that our mere mortal bodies can only handle but so much. All throughout his Word, He reassures us that He is there for us when we feel weak and faint, discouraged and stressed out. He beckons us to come and drink from the well of His living water. God is awesome folks! And He knows how to take good care of what belongs to Himself!! Can I get some “hallelujah’s”? ☺

So having said that, I hope that you too will take the time to reflect on a few things, especially if you are experiencing a great deal of stress in your life. Sometimes you simply need to take some time to shut down all of the outside noise and chatter that feeds your subconscious and allow God’s Spirit to administer peace and rest.

Gotta go but I’ll post some pics soon from my mini getaway. Until next time... remember to breathe!




Joy & Blessings RAWC Stars!

The “Frou–Frou She-She” of It All: Wedding VS. Marriage

So, I had the most amazing time helping out a dear friend with a bridal event that her organization hosted yesterday. (Huge shout-outs to Events Simply Beautiful and Tywana Tyler for a RAWC Star Bridal Soiree!!) The event itself was absolutely amazing and elegant. There were flowers and linens and makeup and cupcakes and a chocolate fountain and just “oh my!” LOL Certainly enough “frou-frou she-she” floating around to satisfy everyone! (smile)

So what is “frou-frou she-she” you might ask? Well, it’s all things “girly”, the things that some of us ladies dream about from the time we were little girls. It’s that whole “sugar and spice and everything nice” bit. It’s lip-gloss and flowers and shiny things. Frou-frou is actually a French term used to describe something as fancy, decorative, elaborate and frilly. The Urban Dictionary online describes the French derivative, “fru-fru” as being “very decorated or girly in nature; lacy or frilly in nature.” It can take on many forms as one completes her metamorphosis transforming from little girl to mature woman. Part of it is the whole romantic atmosphere thingy that makes us fall in “love” with the concept of being “in love.” Nothing wrong with a little “frou-frou she-she” right? Of course not! However, when it comes to the idea of marriage, something so honorable, so sacred in the sight of God it’s critical not to place the “frou-frou she-she” above that foundation in Christ.

Being around all that frilly and elegant wedding stuff yesterday really got my wheels spinning. I began to contemplate the idea of a beautiful wedding versus the concept (and commitment) of marriage and how they are not the same thing.

Once upon a time, yours truly, was engaged to be married. At that time my head was cloudy with a chance of blow bubbles and bouquets (and doves and ice carvings and streams of chocolate flowing from a lovely decadent fountain…LOL you get the wedding picture right?) I had so many ideas (even designed my own wedding dress), concepts, arrangements and "what not" to create the most beautiful wedding day EVER. I had boxes full of those big thick heavy bridal books, loads of brochures, flyers, postcards of various vendors and venues. We had considered having an outdoor ceremony at a beautiful park and then we pondered the idea of having the wedding aboard a cruise ship. All of these wonderful ideas were great but there was one very important thing that I neglected and that was, the marriage itself. The same energy that I expended delighting in the “frou-frou she-she” was not the same effort that I took to ensure that the marriage was being built upon a solid foundation (that foundation being in Christ of course and centered around God who IS love.) To make a very long story (that could actually someday turn into a book, hmmm…), when my 3-year engagement ended, I finally began to look at the experience no longer with fleeting and flimsy emotions but with a spiritual eye aligned and in tune with God’s will and His Word. As I allowed God to renew my heart I also began the process of renewing my mind and made a decision back then that a solid marriage was so much more important to me than a beautiful wedding. And even more of a priority than that, building a relationship with Christ was the foundation that I had simply missed all along. Even though my heart’s desire does still include a beautiful somewhat “frou-frou she-she” ceremony, if I can’t have a marriage that will bring God glory once the day is done…I’m content, right where I am.

After yesterday, I certainly remember how easy it becomes to get caught up in the beauty, décor and the planning of the actual day. Truly something that I think that every bride deserves to experience. However, today I’m so grateful to God for allowing me the privilege to understand His will and helping me to see beyond the “frou-frou she-she” of it all.