07/06: Accountability
We all need it. Accountability. It is not something I've cherished in my life, I'll be honest. I have feared with accountability I would "let somebody down" because I know my tendencies. Therefore, it is easier to resist committing. But easier is NOT the life God has mapped out for my life, or yours.
Last year God was whispering to my heart,
"TRUST"
because of the journey He was taking me on with Encouragement Cafe...
this year it's
"ORDER"
Now I need to get truthful with you.
He made me, so He knows that I am a great starter, but a lousy finisher. It's true. When I look in the rear view mirror of my life I see a pattern of half-done things. When I analyze my record I find that the things I've done really well, were SPRINT-like projects. I'm great at spotting the need and D-I-N (my kids know that acronym...DO IT NOW).
However, if you glance at the long-term items that require stick-to-it resolve, I'm an 80lb. weakling. My attention span is thwarted and I become like the cat in this clip from BOLT, the movie.
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Since I have my hands in so many different things, God has provided accountability partners on all fronts. He knows me ;o)
In Encouragement Cafe, I have Ramona, who keeps me on track. Cheryl, who keeps us financially sound. Dawn, who helps direct the ship.
In Proverbs 31 Ministries, I have LeAnn Rice/Rachel Olsen/Barb Spencer/Wendy Pope who gently kick my tail to keep me writing/speaking.
In my own Bible study time, I have Weeta, who invited me to the Bible Study Fellowship to study Isaiah, my dad's favorite book!
In life, Carol who reminds me to stay balanced.
In real estate, I have Ify Egbuna (my wonderful Nigerian friend) and the BOLD class that meets every week to challenge my follow-through.
In fitness, my neighbor Diane, an avid runner, who has agreed to let me tag along ;o) Run/walk with her every other day now.
And YOU! Joy, who kicks my tail when I slow down writing on this blog. Lee, who reminds me that sharing does matter. Tiffany and Amy and Margaret and Sherri and Deanna and every single reader who has ever read or commented on this journal of my life thoughts. You hold me accountable.
And I thank you. Here's the deal. Don't give up on me & I won't give up on you, ok? I am so flawed, but love me anyway. There will be times when I let you down, thankfully He is holding us all up.
Love you to pieces! So who holds you accountable?
Last year God was whispering to my heart,
"TRUST"
because of the journey He was taking me on with Encouragement Cafe...
this year it's
"ORDER"
Now I need to get truthful with you.
He made me, so He knows that I am a great starter, but a lousy finisher. It's true. When I look in the rear view mirror of my life I see a pattern of half-done things. When I analyze my record I find that the things I've done really well, were SPRINT-like projects. I'm great at spotting the need and D-I-N (my kids know that acronym...DO IT NOW).
However, if you glance at the long-term items that require stick-to-it resolve, I'm an 80lb. weakling. My attention span is thwarted and I become like the cat in this clip from BOLT, the movie.
">
Since I have my hands in so many different things, God has provided accountability partners on all fronts. He knows me ;o)
In Encouragement Cafe, I have Ramona, who keeps me on track. Cheryl, who keeps us financially sound. Dawn, who helps direct the ship.
In Proverbs 31 Ministries, I have LeAnn Rice/Rachel Olsen/Barb Spencer/Wendy Pope who gently kick my tail to keep me writing/speaking.
In my own Bible study time, I have Weeta, who invited me to the Bible Study Fellowship to study Isaiah, my dad's favorite book!
In life, Carol who reminds me to stay balanced.
In real estate, I have Ify Egbuna (my wonderful Nigerian friend) and the BOLD class that meets every week to challenge my follow-through.
In fitness, my neighbor Diane, an avid runner, who has agreed to let me tag along ;o) Run/walk with her every other day now.
And YOU! Joy, who kicks my tail when I slow down writing on this blog. Lee, who reminds me that sharing does matter. Tiffany and Amy and Margaret and Sherri and Deanna and every single reader who has ever read or commented on this journal of my life thoughts. You hold me accountable.
And I thank you. Here's the deal. Don't give up on me & I won't give up on you, ok? I am so flawed, but love me anyway. There will be times when I let you down, thankfully He is holding us all up.
Love you to pieces! So who holds you accountable?
Do you ever have those AHA! moments. Actually, it's more than that. It's more than slapping my head with my hand and saying, "I should of had a V-8." I think this morning requires a BRICK in my face saying, "I AM GOD, you are not."
Every morning I try to read, Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest and Sarah Young's Jesus Calling. I say try, because other things will sometimes trump that read, like a Bible study or book. Today, it was as if God had these two folks get together to sing harmony in my brain with their message!
First Sarah, the last sentence (the whole thing packed a punch, but let's just recall the last sentence now)
THERE IS NOTHING YOU NEED I CANNOT PROVIDE. (this was the brick)
Then Os the last paragraph (this was the slam with the brick)
If Jesus ever commanded us to do something that He was unable to equip us to accomplish, He would be a liar. And if we make our own inability a stumbling block or an excuse not to be obedient, it means that we are telling God that there is something which He has not yet taken into account. Every element of our own self-reliance must be put to death by the power of God. The moment we recognize our complete weakness and our dependence upon Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power.
Excuse me while I scrape brick dust off of my face!
This Encouragement Cafe thing is more than I can do. I've been trusting Him to provide this past year and He has. However, He has ramped it up to a place where I cannot see HOW IN THE WORLD it can be accomplished!
And He whispered to my heart (right after the slam), "How in the world? The power I send is not of THIS world."
What have YOU been trying to accomplish? Watch out for flying bricks!
Every morning I try to read, Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for His Highest and Sarah Young's Jesus Calling. I say try, because other things will sometimes trump that read, like a Bible study or book. Today, it was as if God had these two folks get together to sing harmony in my brain with their message!
First Sarah, the last sentence (the whole thing packed a punch, but let's just recall the last sentence now)
THERE IS NOTHING YOU NEED I CANNOT PROVIDE. (this was the brick)
Then Os the last paragraph (this was the slam with the brick)
If Jesus ever commanded us to do something that He was unable to equip us to accomplish, He would be a liar. And if we make our own inability a stumbling block or an excuse not to be obedient, it means that we are telling God that there is something which He has not yet taken into account. Every element of our own self-reliance must be put to death by the power of God. The moment we recognize our complete weakness and our dependence upon Him will be the very moment that the Spirit of God will exhibit His power.
Excuse me while I scrape brick dust off of my face!
This Encouragement Cafe thing is more than I can do. I've been trusting Him to provide this past year and He has. However, He has ramped it up to a place where I cannot see HOW IN THE WORLD it can be accomplished!
And He whispered to my heart (right after the slam), "How in the world? The power I send is not of THIS world."
What have YOU been trying to accomplish? Watch out for flying bricks!
05/04: Radio Meeting
Ladies, I'm going to ask you to pray today. This month of May marks our anniversary of the Encouragement Cafe with Luann & Friends Radio Show. Last year we stepped out in total faith that God would provide and He did.
Today we meet with the radio execs to discuss next steps for the show. We have several stations across the country interested in picking up the show, some Christian and some secular. This is a gigantic leap for us. We aren't sure where this will go but we are certain that God is opening these doors.
Will you pray with us today?
This month the P31 Magazine
features the story of how we walked through this door that God opened last year. On our anniversary show May 29th, we will begin to broadcast in brand new areas across the country, including the number 5 market of Dallas, TX.
Our web site at EncouragementCafe.com is taking on a new look, scheduled to roll out that same week, with more fun and functionality.
More cities are asking us to bring Encouragement EXTREME to them, and we are prayerfully considering when and where. Our next one is in Beckley, WV August 21st!
We have an Encouragement Cafe book series, authored by several on our team, (complete with Bible Studies) that will be available very soon.
All of this takes more time, energy and money than any of us alone can produce. But our God is not in short supply. If He says, "Go," He provides a way.
Today's devo in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling was perfect for me this morning, maybe it will hit home for you too:
"Meet me in morning stillness, while the earth is fresh with the dew of My Presence. Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. Sing love songs to My holy Name. As you give yourself to Me, My Spirit swells you till you are flooded with divine Presence.
The world's way of pursuing riches is grasping and hoarding. You attain my riches by LETTING GO and GIVING. The more you give yourself to Me and My ways, the more I fill you with inexpressible, heavenly Joy."
I'm ready to be filled. How about you?
Today we meet with the radio execs to discuss next steps for the show. We have several stations across the country interested in picking up the show, some Christian and some secular. This is a gigantic leap for us. We aren't sure where this will go but we are certain that God is opening these doors.
Will you pray with us today?
This month the P31 Magazine
features the story of how we walked through this door that God opened last year. On our anniversary show May 29th, we will begin to broadcast in brand new areas across the country, including the number 5 market of Dallas, TX.
Our web site at EncouragementCafe.com is taking on a new look, scheduled to roll out that same week, with more fun and functionality.
More cities are asking us to bring Encouragement EXTREME to them, and we are prayerfully considering when and where. Our next one is in Beckley, WV August 21st!
We have an Encouragement Cafe book series, authored by several on our team, (complete with Bible Studies) that will be available very soon.
All of this takes more time, energy and money than any of us alone can produce. But our God is not in short supply. If He says, "Go," He provides a way.
Today's devo in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling was perfect for me this morning, maybe it will hit home for you too:
"Meet me in morning stillness, while the earth is fresh with the dew of My Presence. Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. Sing love songs to My holy Name. As you give yourself to Me, My Spirit swells you till you are flooded with divine Presence.
The world's way of pursuing riches is grasping and hoarding. You attain my riches by LETTING GO and GIVING. The more you give yourself to Me and My ways, the more I fill you with inexpressible, heavenly Joy."
I'm ready to be filled. How about you?
02/02: EXTREME Continued
02/01: EXTREME WAS EXTREME!
If you somehow missed the fact that this past weekend was our Encouragement EXTREME Event, let me pull you out from under the rock and share the fun with you!!!
Oh girlfriends, God wowed us all! We learned so much. God taught us what to tweak the next time, but most of all He taught us that when we walk in obedience and absolute faith that He, the Ever Faithful One will show up and blow your socks off!
But instead of me telling you, read what one of our attendees wrote:
WOW is definitely the best way to describe it. I am so thankful to have been there. I was blown away by Carol and how she revealed the word of God in her amazingly transparent and humorous way. I was mesmerized by Betty and how she was led by the Spirit to create a masterpiece right before our eyes that was as unique to each one of us as the experience itself. I was broken into pieces and forever changed by Helen’s songs and then put back together again through Pam’s worship as I felt the love of the Lord as we sang together. I was challenged by Ramona to break the chains that bind me up and keep me from being HIS hands and feet and carrying out the very duty for which I was created! To serve HIM! I came face to face with Jesus in the prayer room and was touched so personally by Jesus Himself that I will never forget that He is my Prince of Peace. I was nourished and enlightened by Dallas and Holy Communion and was strengthened and encouraged by new friends. But the best part of the entire weekend came while Luann was talking and I felt that little spark inside me ignite and explode into a passion and fire for the Lord which has inspired me to no longer allow my faith to go unnoticed but to Love out loud and with a purpose which is to share God’s love in an EXTREME WAY! Thank you, thank you, thank you for an amazingly extreme weekend.
For more details visit Encouragement Cafe.
Oh girlfriends, God wowed us all! We learned so much. God taught us what to tweak the next time, but most of all He taught us that when we walk in obedience and absolute faith that He, the Ever Faithful One will show up and blow your socks off!
But instead of me telling you, read what one of our attendees wrote:
WOW is definitely the best way to describe it. I am so thankful to have been there. I was blown away by Carol and how she revealed the word of God in her amazingly transparent and humorous way. I was mesmerized by Betty and how she was led by the Spirit to create a masterpiece right before our eyes that was as unique to each one of us as the experience itself. I was broken into pieces and forever changed by Helen’s songs and then put back together again through Pam’s worship as I felt the love of the Lord as we sang together. I was challenged by Ramona to break the chains that bind me up and keep me from being HIS hands and feet and carrying out the very duty for which I was created! To serve HIM! I came face to face with Jesus in the prayer room and was touched so personally by Jesus Himself that I will never forget that He is my Prince of Peace. I was nourished and enlightened by Dallas and Holy Communion and was strengthened and encouraged by new friends. But the best part of the entire weekend came while Luann was talking and I felt that little spark inside me ignite and explode into a passion and fire for the Lord which has inspired me to no longer allow my faith to go unnoticed but to Love out loud and with a purpose which is to share God’s love in an EXTREME WAY! Thank you, thank you, thank you for an amazingly extreme weekend.
For more details visit Encouragement Cafe.
01/28: EXTREME!!!!!!!
WOO HOO! I am packing my bags and heading for Greensboro today. Don't listen to the forecast, it doesn't matter what the clouds say, I see Sonshine heading our way!
God is on the move and I can only tell you that He has put some pretty amazing things together for this weekend. Will you keep us in your prayers?
If you have thought about coming and just didn't know if you could afford it or if there would be room. Come! God is making room just for you. He has also provided some scholarship money!
So if He is moving you to be there, BE THERE!
Registration begins at 5 - Event starts at 6 on Friday night.
Saturday we will have breakfast together then start the program at 8:30 and wrap up after the live radio show at 3-3:30.
When God knocks on your heart, listen. Let us know you want to come by commenting.
See you tomorrow!!!!
In His grip,
Luann
God is on the move and I can only tell you that He has put some pretty amazing things together for this weekend. Will you keep us in your prayers?
If you have thought about coming and just didn't know if you could afford it or if there would be room. Come! God is making room just for you. He has also provided some scholarship money!
So if He is moving you to be there, BE THERE!
Registration begins at 5 - Event starts at 6 on Friday night.
Saturday we will have breakfast together then start the program at 8:30 and wrap up after the live radio show at 3-3:30.
When God knocks on your heart, listen. Let us know you want to come by commenting.
See you tomorrow!!!!
In His grip,
Luann
01/14: Maybe Later
The road to mediocrity is paved with 'good intentions'. I'm tired of living an average, good enough life, aren't you? My friend Lysa TerKeurst talks about this in our P31 devotional today.
We all have good intentions. Many of us start strong but somewhere along the way we trip and many times we get back up! We knock off the dust and keep going. But just like my bookcase shelves, the dust sometimes accumulates and soon I become accustom to it! I fool myself into thinking those shelves aren't really white, they are off-white and no one but me will notice anyway.
God tapped my heart today with Lysa's devo and said, "Hey honey, that's you." Got to say, I'm not thrilled when He does that! He is so persistent! Even though I give up on myself over and over, He has never lost sight of what I will become! He is going to keep nudging me, reminding me, applauding me when I walk wisely and confronting me when I don't. Man He is a good dad!
As much as I hate to admit it, I need the discipline. Recently I had to laugh when I visited my expectant daughter who was ready to bring baby number 4 into our lives. They are such great parents and have taught their children good manners. However, Rachel, the 18 month old is their only girl and let's just say she had enjoyed those 18 months to the fullest. She captured everyone's heart and had her brothers, daddy and mom right in the palm of her tiny little hand.
I watched her get away with things the boys would NEVER been allowed to do and I grinned. My daughter and her husband said, "What?" when they saw my amused face. I said, "You're in trouble. This little lady will have her world knocked on it's ear when this baby arrives." They looked at each other in stunned realization then back at me and in unison said, "We're in trouble."
We don't see it sometimes, the need for discipline. Especially when things are flowing along smoothly we get the false impression that we got this thing called life down! But God is NEVER done working on us! He has so much He needs to teach us and we aren't ready to learn next year's lessons today, but we are perfectly placed in our circumstances to learn the lesson He has planned for today.
You ready? Me too. Come on God, create in me a new heart, ready to learn and obey.
Join me for a powerful weekend event January 29-30 in Greensboro, NC. Get all the details at www.EncouragementCafe.com
We all have good intentions. Many of us start strong but somewhere along the way we trip and many times we get back up! We knock off the dust and keep going. But just like my bookcase shelves, the dust sometimes accumulates and soon I become accustom to it! I fool myself into thinking those shelves aren't really white, they are off-white and no one but me will notice anyway.
God tapped my heart today with Lysa's devo and said, "Hey honey, that's you." Got to say, I'm not thrilled when He does that! He is so persistent! Even though I give up on myself over and over, He has never lost sight of what I will become! He is going to keep nudging me, reminding me, applauding me when I walk wisely and confronting me when I don't. Man He is a good dad!
As much as I hate to admit it, I need the discipline. Recently I had to laugh when I visited my expectant daughter who was ready to bring baby number 4 into our lives. They are such great parents and have taught their children good manners. However, Rachel, the 18 month old is their only girl and let's just say she had enjoyed those 18 months to the fullest. She captured everyone's heart and had her brothers, daddy and mom right in the palm of her tiny little hand.
I watched her get away with things the boys would NEVER been allowed to do and I grinned. My daughter and her husband said, "What?" when they saw my amused face. I said, "You're in trouble. This little lady will have her world knocked on it's ear when this baby arrives." They looked at each other in stunned realization then back at me and in unison said, "We're in trouble."
We don't see it sometimes, the need for discipline. Especially when things are flowing along smoothly we get the false impression that we got this thing called life down! But God is NEVER done working on us! He has so much He needs to teach us and we aren't ready to learn next year's lessons today, but we are perfectly placed in our circumstances to learn the lesson He has planned for today.
You ready? Me too. Come on God, create in me a new heart, ready to learn and obey.
Join me for a powerful weekend event January 29-30 in Greensboro, NC. Get all the details at www.EncouragementCafe.com
Encouragement EXTREME Event!
January 29 - 30, 2010
Greensboro, NC
Encouragement goes Extreme!
Gather with us this winter as we seek a new level of passionate pursuit of God and the encouragement of our sisters who are walking along the same path. We don't just benefit from our relationships with other women, we need them. And encouragement isn't just a nice idea given in the Bible, it's commanded; and it's vital to both the encourager and the encouraged! It's meant to be lived out in flesh and bone, and in spirit and truth; and we think it's time we took it to the extreme!
All three general sessions will include powerful prayer and worship, along with lots of laughter, fun, and some surprises! Our speakers will share from the deep places in their hearts about Absolute Boundless Abandon.
We will seek to make deep connections as we share our dreams, tell our stories, dry each other's tears, and celebrate each others victories!
REGISTER NOW
January 29 - 30, 2010
Embassy Suites
Greensboro, NC
(I-40 and Hwy 68 very close to the GSO airport)
Price for this conference is only $119!
This includes over-night stay, all conference sessions and materials, breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
(Space is limited.)
Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29
Conference concludes at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30
Our Speakers:
Luann Prater, Encouragement Cafe radio show host and Proverbs 31 speaker
Carol Davis, of Billy Graham Radio Ministry
Ramona Davis, Encouragement Cafe radio show co-host
Worship Leader and Musical Guest:
Pam Allen
"Sneak Preview" of some of the extras we have planned!
Friday Night Extra: After the general session, stick around, kick back, and relax during our "Coffee House" time; and enjoy great live music, too!
Saturday Afternoon Extra: The conference will wrap up as you all become our "Co-Hosts" for a live broadcast of the Encouragement Cafe radio show!
What to Expect...? The Unexpected!
Maybe you've never experienced absolute boundless abandon; He wants you to.
Maybe you've never pictured yourself as radical; He sees you that way.
Maybe you've never thought that God would ask you to step into something more; He's asking NOW!
Not only does He want us to live victoriously, He wants us to display that victory and draw others to Him!
Join us for Encouragement EXTREME as we explore how!
REGISTER NOW
January 29 - 30, 2010
Greensboro, NC
Encouragement goes Extreme!
Gather with us this winter as we seek a new level of passionate pursuit of God and the encouragement of our sisters who are walking along the same path. We don't just benefit from our relationships with other women, we need them. And encouragement isn't just a nice idea given in the Bible, it's commanded; and it's vital to both the encourager and the encouraged! It's meant to be lived out in flesh and bone, and in spirit and truth; and we think it's time we took it to the extreme!
All three general sessions will include powerful prayer and worship, along with lots of laughter, fun, and some surprises! Our speakers will share from the deep places in their hearts about Absolute Boundless Abandon.
We will seek to make deep connections as we share our dreams, tell our stories, dry each other's tears, and celebrate each others victories!
REGISTER NOW
January 29 - 30, 2010
Embassy Suites
Greensboro, NC
(I-40 and Hwy 68 very close to the GSO airport)
Price for this conference is only $119!
This includes over-night stay, all conference sessions and materials, breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
(Space is limited.)
Registration begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29
Conference concludes at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30
Our Speakers:
Luann Prater, Encouragement Cafe radio show host and Proverbs 31 speaker
Carol Davis, of Billy Graham Radio Ministry
Ramona Davis, Encouragement Cafe radio show co-host
Worship Leader and Musical Guest:
Pam Allen
"Sneak Preview" of some of the extras we have planned!
Friday Night Extra: After the general session, stick around, kick back, and relax during our "Coffee House" time; and enjoy great live music, too!
Saturday Afternoon Extra: The conference will wrap up as you all become our "Co-Hosts" for a live broadcast of the Encouragement Cafe radio show!
What to Expect...? The Unexpected!
Maybe you've never experienced absolute boundless abandon; He wants you to.
Maybe you've never pictured yourself as radical; He sees you that way.
Maybe you've never thought that God would ask you to step into something more; He's asking NOW!
Not only does He want us to live victoriously, He wants us to display that victory and draw others to Him!
Join us for Encouragement EXTREME as we explore how!
REGISTER NOW
This Saturday stop by Encouragement Cafe with Luann & Friends 2-3 (ET) at www.EncouragementCafe.com. Join the conversation by calling 866-348-7884. We will be discussing The Sandwich Generation, all of us who have aging parents and children. The tug between the two can leave you feeling 'out to lunch'! Won't you come by? We've got a seat reserved just for you!
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