Three Strikes, I’m OUT

of here.  

There are some things that are very invigorating to begin one’s morning with.  A hot cup of coffee.  A challenging Bible discussion with Jeff.  A walk in the cool morning air.  Working out.  These are the things that mornings SHOULD be made of.

On the other hand, coming face to face with a porn site is not.

I have found, when attempting to enter this blog address quickly, should I make a slight error in the placement of my fingers (or my nail hits the key by accident) I end up on a porn site.  This is not good.  In fact, this is very, very not good.

Because of this – especially because there are a few young ladies that I know are reading here at my blog (waving – Hello Maidens of Modesty daughters!) and I would be horrified should they make the same typo, I am going to get out of this blog address.

I know, I know, I know.  This means ANOTHER move – and I’m sorry, really I am.  I will try to get myself situated in ONE place and stay there – and do it quickly.  For now, I’m simply going to go back to blogging on Javadawn.  (That seems to make the most sense and be the easiest option.  Soon, I hope to have an ever better resolution.)  But really, I simply can’t start another morning like that.

Not only is this for the sake of both of our mornings, I’m also saving my lap.  You can only jump in shock and spill hot coffee in your lap so many times before you are moved to action.  This morning, I am moved to action.

SO, I’m headed over to Javadawn now.  I’m going to open the windows, air the place out, dust, start a fresh pot of java, put some music on and wait for you.  No doubt, while I’m  cleaning up over there, something will pop into my head to share.  Hope to see you there soon!!

You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat

I am old enough that I remember watching “Jaws” in the theatre.  I remember several things about it clearly.  One, I remember thinking that the opening scene was gross for more than the just the shark.  Two, I remember the scene of the guys singing, “Show Me the Way to Go Home” because the theatre that I was in, broke out into song, as well.

However, the scene I remember most clearly is when Brody sees the shark for the first time.  He’s at the end of the boat, tossing chum into the water, when suddenly Bruce’s (the shark) head appears.  Brody walks backward, completely stunned, into the cabin where Quint, the captain is standing and says, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”

Part of the reason I remember this so clearly is because my friend, Janet, that I went to the movie with, spilled her cold soda on me due to fright.  This in turn caused me to suck in air at the shock of the cold drink, while trying to not respond to the sight of Bruce with a scream, like the majority of the viewing audience, while eating popcorn – all of which resulted in me choking to bits in the theatre.  This scene is ripe with vivid memories.

This morning, I read the following quote: “If your goals don’t scare you a bit, you’re probably not dreaming big enough.”  It struck me with force that too often in life, I want to dream realistic dreams….possible dreams….safe dreams.  (I mean, come on, hope deferred makes the heart sick, right?  Who wants to be sick?  Worse yet, who wants their hope deferred?!!  Better to dream safe.)

Right now, as I sit here, there is nothing about our life, that appears safe.  But, there are a lot of dreams that we’re holding on to.  A lot of things that the Lord has placed in our hearts.  And while there are some of them that have me backing up saying, “We’re gonna need a bigger boat, Jeff.”  There are none of them that have us in an unsafe place.

Each and every one of our dreams has us placed firmly in the center of Father’s palm and plan.  Is there a safer place to be?

So dear friend, what dream is hidden in your heart?  Is it crazy?  Is it impossible?  Those seem to be the kind that Father enjoys planting in us best.  It allows His glory, His amazing power to be the centerpiece of the manifestation of that dream.  If we can do it ourselves, it’s nothing more than our hard work.  If it is totally outside of the realm of possible with man, then it is the perfect frame to hold a picture of the greatness of our  Lord.

So, cuddle up with your heavenly Father and tell Him the dreams in your heart – then ask for a bigger boat.  It’s gonna be a GREAT ride!

Thinking Like an Entrepreneur

Okay, who can fill in the blank in this statement:

“Becoming an entrepreneur is ohsoohsoohsoohsoohso much more about changing your (blank) than changing your job.” (You might have heard me say it a time or two)

Tonight, there is a call with Dr Marlene McMillan and Jackie Newbrough, regarding a new course they are starting. Whether or not you decide to sign up for the course, if at all possible, be on this call!

Jeff and I took their course on liberty this past spring and it was both powerful and life changing. I anticipate that this next course will be no different. I have begun petitioning the Lord for the provision to attend. (Hey I know who to ask!!) Dr Marlene and Jackie have an incredible understanding of Scripture and how we should apply it, to do business in a way that honors the Lord.

Here is the call-in information for tonight:

Join us Tuesday, September 04, 2007,
at 9:00 p.m., Eastern time; 8:00 p.m., Central time; 7:00 p.m.,Mountain
time; 6:00 p.m., Pacific time; and 5:00 p.m., Alaska time to find out more
about our upcoming Tools for Entrepreneurs class.

You will discover that there is a tremendous wealth of business wisdom
that is available in the Bible.  And in our upcoming Tools for
Entrepreneurs class, you will find out how to apply this wisdom to
specific situations in your own business.

The conference dial-in number for the preview call is:

(605) 990-0700.  The ccess code is 860555#.

Normal long distance charges will apply.  The
call will be available for download later.

If you are planning on attending, please drop me an email. I’d love to discuss it with you. (Jeff has another business call tonight, so I won’t even be able to talk to him for a few days, until they post the replay and he can “catch-up”.)

(If you’ve never participated in a teleconference before, don’t let the concept intimidate you and keep you from participating. If you have a way to do so, I’d be happy to IM with you during the call, just to help you feel like you’re in the midst of friends.)

Filling Your Tank

I remember the gas shortages of the 70’s.  I remember sitting in lines at the gas station for HOURS to get gas.  I remember being annoyed that I had to waste good playing time sitting in the line, doing nothing. (I was still a KID in the 70’s I might add) 

I find I have the same reaction to having a bunch of things to do and not enough energy to keep up.  What a waste of good time.

Margie asked about keeping our bodies up to their best, in order to have the strength and energy to do all that we need to do in our days.  I have found the being an entrepreneur makes the need for additional strength – both physical and mental, as well as energy, all the greater.

I would encourage you to go here and sign up for Dr Leanne’s free report “The Seven Critical Factors to Radiant Health.”  I think you will find it really helpful. (If nothing else, it’s a great kick in the pants.)  

I’m going to use her seven factors, as the framework for what I share here – it’ll give us a good starting point.  (Just because I’m blogging on it, don’t assume you’ll have the best of what she shares – it’s really worth the effort to get it.)

1) The things we eat and drink.  Most of us have a skewed understanding of what is good for our bodies.  For example, I was taught that we needed our 3 squares with no snacking between meals.  That makes you fat.  I was also taught that all fat is bad.  Furthermore I was taught that a Pop-Tart and a glass of milk made a great breakfast.  I was taught wrong.

In order for our bodies to do all that we have for them to do, we need to give them good fuel.  Especially in the morning.  After sleeping all night, your body is ready for a good nutritious jump into the day.  I have heard some people advocate all fruit in the mornings.  For most of us, that’s really hard on the pancreas and can tax already weary adrenal glands.  I have found that our better option for mornings is protein.  Your body has hard work to do – give it what it needs.

Now, for those of us that can remember the low-carb diets, let’s talk for just a moment.  Did anyone tell you how or why these diets seemingly work?  Let me try and do so – they put your body into a state of ketosis.  Ketosis is a toxic state that will burn fat, but it will also burn your own body tissue – this includes muscles, organs and yes, your brain.  Now speaking as someone who needs EVERY brain cell, this is not a good option for me.    This state of ketosis also explains why, as soon as you add any significant amount of carbs, the diet will stop working.   Furthermore, a low-carb diet will eventually cripple your ability to exercise because it will be attacking your muscles -which are generally considered needful for exercising.    Muscles need carbs to work.

Furthermore, our bodies operate best on a continual supply of energy, so eating all day long is optimal.  Okay, let me refine that statement:  It would be best if you would eat lightly every 3 hours or so.  Going more than 4 hours without food, at any time other than bed, means your body is drawing energy from you, rather than supplying it to you.

I have also found that including some kind of light protein with each of those “grazings” to be very helpful.  Now when I say “eat something” I am not saying make a meal every 3 hrs.  I’m talking…..oh, let’s see… some cottage cheese with chunks of cucumber and tomato mixed in.  I like to have some apple with that, too. (NOT mixed in.) If I’m feeling extravagant, I’ve even been known to throw some sunflower seeds on top of that.  Or take some left over chicken and put it in a tortilla, with veggies and make a wrap.

I try to make my goal eat 6 times a day – with the last “meal” being kefir before bedtime.  I strive to make each one fresh produce, some form of protein and a low glycemic carb.

Now, please note – I said STRIVE.     This isn’t worth beating yourself up over, nor should it destroy your grocery budget.  Let’s face it, high glycemic or not, sometimes my family either eats rice and pasta or they go hungry.   We are to do the best we can, pray for what we lack and trust the Lord for the gap between the real and the ideal.  (Right Mary Jo??!!)  

So, crank up the fingers and let’s talk fuel!!!    What is your biggest struggle, what is your biggest success?  I’d love to hear both.

There’s a Prize in Every Box

I have NO idea who was winning the game. I have no clear memory even of what game we were watching. I do remember the air was crisp. I do remember I had my favorite striped zip up cardigan on. I also remember watching my friend Anne opening her box of Cracker Jacks and there, in her prize packet, was the most beautiful blue stoned ring EVAH! (Sorry – Georgia residue)
When I saw Anne’s blue stoned ring, I just KNEW I was going to get one too. I mean, come on, we bought the boxes at the same concession stand, at the same time, with the same dollar bill. How could I NOT get a blue ring?!!! (Perhaps the logic of this will escape most of you, but do remember I am blond – albeit augmented now.)

Imagine my disappointment when I ended up with a little plastic pirate ship. Not even a BLUE plastic pirate ship, it was black. I thought it was the ultimate slap in the face from that little Cracker boy. How could he fail me like this? It just seemed so completely obvious to me, that I should have received a ring too. What was with this little sailor boy?!!!!

That feeling of disappointment is what I dealt with most when leaving Atlanta. I had gone with the hopes of making some key business contacts. I went with the hopes of finding another option for making some money. I went with the vivid memory of a royal temper tantrum that I threw at the Lord, right before going. There was a lot more baggage traveling in that van than was visible. (Thankfully it didn’t take up any more space. It was crowded in that thar Astro of ours.) All those things went with me and – visibly – for the most part, they returned unfulfilled.

So, now that I’ve had a few days to chew on what I learned in Atlanta – what is my over all take-home? I was used by God. How is that for a HUGE take home?

I had a few women that needed someone to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and pray with them. I had a few women that needed someone to speak a word of encouragement to them. I had an opportunity to lay hands on someone and ask the Lord, in His goodness, to heal their body – and He did.

I received the blessing of seeing some “old” friends (I’d never call my friends old, ’cause that would make ME old!) as well as making some new friends, that I will count to be among my dearest. I had the chance to sit up late at night, with a frantic daddy, while we searched the hotel for his precious daughter that was missing. I had the unbelievable gift of finding favor with a few speakers and receiving priceless counsel from them. And best of all, I had the incredible blessing of seeing my children mature in their own callings.

Business-wise I didn’t bring home nearly as much as I had thought we would – until I started praying over it and asking Father to help me see what He took us to Atlanta to learn.

I learned this weekend, anew, that my greatest desire in all of this is to honor my Lord and to minister to His people. I was reminded that, all along, Father has been telling us “It’s all about relationship.” This weekend I saw that in action. Our entire family was never happier than when we were able to serve the other attendees or Amazing Audrey, the Gestapo Barbie that runs Rhea’s events.  (She truly IS amazing! Rarely ruffled, always one step ahead of us all!!)

The conference, while very good, didn’t have bunches new for me to learn. (Not that I didn’t learn anything new, just not bunches.) That in itself was evidence of God’s grace in my life. I was able to see how much the Lord has taught us, allowing us to glean much more information than we “ought” to have, at this point in the game. But, because of those relationships that Father began, I will have greater, deeper and more valuable input from the friends that I made – and I will then glean from their wisdom, as will they, from anything I might have to offer.

Life is good in the Neighborhood of God’s people.

Oh – and my black pirate ship? A boy sitting next to us, that yukky Ricky who had cooties, saw my black pirate ship and wanted it. BOYS! They don’t know cool when they see it, do they? So, because he knew me to be a tough cookie, his offer to take it off my hands came complete with a trade for a pack of Adams’ Ice Cream Gum. (One of my FAVORITES!) Yeah, that’ll work.

So despite what my eyes may have first seen – both in Atlanta and in the park on that fall afternoon – there IS a prize… in every box that the Lord brings into our lives. And frequently it’s much better, much richer, more valuable than anything I would have been smart enough to ask for.

Now, to go find some Adams’ Ice Cream gum…hadn’t thought of that stuff for years!!! (Not that I’m old…..)

Just Back From Ant-lanta

It was hot and very humid – we were walking quickly toward the car to get out of said humidity – and we saw the seats in the van M.O.V.I.N.G.  They were covered with ants.  Little tiny ants.  Thousands of little tiny ants.  Crawling every where.  This would be the same vehicle that we needed to drive home in just a few days?!!!

This was just one of the many adventures that our time in Atlanta provided us.  We went in faith (we didn’t have the money to go, until 6:30 on the night that we were to be leaving at midnight, but we continued to pack and prepare to go, despite the lack of finances) and came home the same way.  (Faith that the ants wouldn’t climb into the baby’s ears or other orifices….or our own, for that matter.)

Our time there was very powerful – but not in the way that I had expected.  It was very eye-opening and educating – but not in the way I had expected.  It was all about relationships – but not the ones I expected.  This time was fraught with answers – but not to the questions that I was expecting answers for.  This time created new questions – but not the ones I thought it would.

While I have no doubts that every bit of our trip was orchestrated by our loving Lord, I still need to a) figure out how to get all the ants out of the van and b) what to do with the information that we brought back.  It’s just really not what I ant-icipated, at all.

So, give me a day or so and I’ll be back, to share my thoughts and input on Ant-lanta and  all that the Lord is teaching us.  I don’t know that it will be useful to anyone else – but if you ever go to Ant-lanta yourself and need ideas on how to handle them thar little critters crawling all about your vehicle, by then, I ought to be FILLED with good ideas. 

For the King and His Kingdom ~   Dawn

Time Keeps on Ticking….

And I’m finally getting a good handle on it!

Seriously, my talk with Mary Jo Tate that I shared with you, was WONDERFUL and it has been helping me a great deal.  AND even better, Mary Jo is having a free call tonight!!!  (I just read my notes, and DUH realized that today is Tuesday August 28 – some of us are a little slow right now.) 

If this is something that you think would help you – here is the link to the info about the call.  She’s even brave enough to allow me to speak – WHOA – she’s a lady with a LOT of courage, eh?    If you’re able to participate, drop me a line, so I’ll know you’re on there!!!!

For the King and the Kingdom ~  Dawn

What’s the Buzz, Tell me What’s A-happening

We just sat down to dinner with a gentleman who is believes, passionately, that every one has a story hidden in their heart and his purpose – his quest – is to help each person find that story and give birth to it.  This man, above and beyond being Canadian and a royal hoot, asked me why I blog.

Why do I blog?!!  What kind of question is that?  “I am, therefore I blog.”  DUH.  (Or is it, “I am woman, read me blog?!” I forget which.)

Then this royal Canadian hoot asked me what the women reading my blog wanted to read about.  I said, “Why sir, they hang on my every word.”  He uh, hooted.  Then he said, “If any one of your readers was stuck on an elevator with you for a ride from the 12th floor to the lobby, what would they want to ask you or talk to you about?” (I will choose, at this moment, to NOT discuss his use of the word “stuck” when discussing being in an elevator with me.)  I started listing all the things I thought you would most want to discuss….good coffee, chocolate, children, serving our husbands, and I went on for a few moments.

Then, this royal hoot Canadian said, “Are you SURE you’re blogging about the things that your readers most want to read about?”  “SURE!  They want to read all about ME.”  (Go ahead, catch your breath from all the hysterical laughter that is issuing from you.  I’ll give you a few moments.)  After recovering from him throwing food at me, we discussed that perhaps I would be wise to ask you.

So, I ask you – if you were stuck in an elevator with me….NO! if we had 30 min at Starbucks to discuss anything on your heart – what one issue is burning most heavily on your heart?  (A.N.Y. thing!)     You know, your answer might even mean I get to throw food at some royal Canadian hoot.

Here We Go, Here We Go Again

Literally. We took off at midnight to go to Atlanta to attend Rhea’s Days. I’ve decided we need to go hobnob with all these successful entrepreneurs and see if some of their success won’t rub off on us. (^%$& CRASH &*#@)

(RATS!! I knew that there had to be something dangerous about getting desk chairs with wheels. Now when I laugh so hard I fall off, the chair goes flying in the other direction. Note to self: Don’t laugh with children in the room – CPS not likely to accept Bowling for Children as a new PE program for our homeschool.)

Perhaps you remember our trip to Nashville in April? We took everyone with us, including my Dad, and stayed for 4 1/2 nights in two rooms. I love my children and I enjoy having a close family – but that was just a little too close. (Waking to find one child sleeping beside me, one sleeping with her head on me and another sleeping across the end of the bed made me value my personal space VERY much!)

This time we are leaving some of our crew behind.  This will be the first time that we’re separated from our “middle” three for so long.  (We did a few days when Baby Burt was born, but we weren’t 12+ hrs away, more like 35 minutes.)

It certainly has brought up an interesting concept.  I know that the Lord wants us in Atlanta.  I know this from many demonstrations by Father – I know this from prayer – I know this from the miracles that the Lord worked on our behalf – I know this from my husband’s leadership – I know this from the amount of flak that we’re taking from the enemy for the decision to go.

It’s hard to leave my Littles.  It was especially hard when we were leaving.  We’ve not been apart like that.  But, what does this imply?  Does it imply that I should have stayed home?  Maybe.  Although I will tell you, I had planned on doing that, but was waffling in my decision so I asked the Lord for confirmation – and I was even pretty specific as to what that “sign” needed to be.  The money for me to go.  I prayed that prayer on Sunday afternoon and by Sunday evening, the Lord had sold a large collection of our things on ebay, totaling what I needed in order to go.  Not a bad “sign,” eh?

So, is my going sin?  Am I forsaking my role as mommy by going without my Littles?  Judging by the face of my teenagers, I am, instead, fostering ministry and relationship with my Bigs.  It’s funny, I keep running into places in my life where the Lord is seriously pushing the envelope of my convictions.  I’m finding that things I wouldn’t have dreamed of before, I do willingly.  I find that too, there are things that I really don’t want to do, that Father is asking of me – again and again.

And you want to know what it all comes down to?  It all comes down to drawing intimately near to the Lord, to hear His voice.  In this instance, no matter how hard it is to do what pleases Father (which leaving my children would represent), I hold fast to knowing that obedience ALWAYS brings blessing.

So, tomorrow morning when it is hard, again, to be only 1/2 a family for the weekend, I will choose instead to remember that by walking in the paths the Lord has ordained for us, we are choosing to walk in His blessing – and seek His Kingdom.  To that, all these other things – including relationship with my Littles, even though I am not home this weekend – will be added.  Why?  Because of the goodness of our Lord and His lovingkindness….and because obedience ALWAYS brings blessing.

Well, since I’m falling asleep at the computer, guess I’d better go get some sleep.  That 4 hrs, grabbed in pieces doesn’t seem to be sufficient.

For the King and His Kingdom ~  Dawn

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I am not a green thumb type person. I can usually grow the most basic of plants….provided of course that I can see them. If they are out of sight, they are generally out of mind, hence they are generally out of water. I have been known to fill a glass to water the plants, forget that I was doing it for the plants and end up drinking it myself.

Therefore when Jeff took me out of town the other day, to drive in the country, I was enthralled by a farm that we passed. All around their entire corn crop, they had planted nasturtiums, zinnias, dahlias, gladiolas, sunflowers and marigolds. Miles and miles and miles of corn trimmed by beautiful flowers.
I was stunned – someone had taken HOURS planting and planning how to surround this fertile ground with beauty. It was AMAZING!

BUT what was more impressive than the floral display was the fact that there were signs every so often that said, “Yes, you may pick one.” WHAT? Someone went to that kind of trouble to plant and prepare the ground AND KEEP IT WEEDED (??!!) and then they were giving everyone who drove by permission to pick a flower? (shaking head) Wow!!

It occurred to me, watching all this beauty lining the road, that whoever did all this must not only really love flowers, but they must also really love people. What a gift! I don’t have ANYTHING like that growing at my house. A hanging basket of geraniums is about all I’ve got going. (Okay, maybe a little more, but not much!)

As Christian entrepreneurs, it’s important that we remember why we’re in business. Yes, the Lord is into profit. That’s His realm. He is the God of abundance and blessing and profit, BUT that isn’t why we’re entrepreneurs. We’re entrepreneurs because it pleases the Lord to call us to that position.

AND if that’s the case, it’s important to remember that we’re called to love Father’s people, too, because that pleases Him as well. Please ask the Lord if there is some way that you can use your business to bless His children.

When I think of sharing from not only our abundance, but also from our gifts – wow, what a joyous gift to give! It’s one that will allow you to keep on giving, causing them to desire to give – it just keeps the joy of blessing one another going on and on and on.

For the King and His Kingdom!    ~Dawn