"What's your job?"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 59 -

I'm a Deliverer! 

I set people free.  I lay hands on them and call upon the Name of the LORD!  I proclaim freedom over those who are bound... expecting God to deliver them!  What about you?  What do you do?

"The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free."  Luke 4:18

The other day, I attended a  "Meet and Greet"  with a variety of business colleagues whose roles all center around helping those who have life-controlling issues, find freedom.  Alcohol,  drugs,  sex,  gambling,  pornography,  fear  and  unforgiveness  are just some of the things that people find themselves entangled in,  with no visible way out.  They are prisoners.

a "prisoner"   is someone who has been captured and kept confined by an enemy.

In my book, The Yellow Brick Road:  A Woman's Journey to the Edge and Back,  just as Dorothy set out to find her way home, I write about trying to find my way back to normalcy after a devastating divorce.  Dorothy sought out the Wizard of Oz, while I, on the other hand, looked desperately for a professional Christian counselor.  No doubt, there can be great benefits from good counseling.


My mom loves to knit!  She's been making beautiful home-made socks for decades.  She recently told me that she can knit a pair of socks in less than a day.  As a child, I remember times when my mom would pull out a big mass of wool and hand it to my dad.  Snarled and entangled, it was useless.  He would sit in his chair, patiently pick out the knots -- unwind here, untwist there -- and after quite some time... Woolah!   he would have it all untangled and rolled up into a ball, ready to be used. It was almost a miracle!

          Sometimes people's lives get like that -- 

"all knotted up!" 

I've been there.  In cases like that, a good counselor can be a God-send. They help people untangle all the knots so that they can live life again to the fullest.


As I walked around the reception hall talking to psychiatrists, nurse-practitioners, counselors and administrators,  I was amazed to find such a  plethora of perspectives and approaches to rehabilitation.  Every once in a while I'm reminded that not everyone thinks the way I do.  And well... my perspective is not always the right one or the only one.  With that in mind, I tried to listen and hear what people had to say as opposed to preaching my own thoughts.

In regards to drug addiction, one of the things that's being pushed to the front in the secular world is the idea that addicts are a part of every community -- they'll never be completely free -- and that we should just allow them to be who they are in a way that's less destructive and costly to the rest of society.

For example, some places provide addicts with clean hypodermic needles to help prevent the spread of aids.  In Canada, you can now purchase a "clean" crack pipe in vending machines for 25 cents.  In some states you can walk into a Pot Shop and legally purchase a bag of marijuana.  If you're a heroin addict, there are methadone clinics that will wean you off  heroin, and provide you with a daily dose of other drugs to hold you over from one day to the next.  Oh... you'll still be addicted, but it won't be to heroin, it will be to methadone.

Of course I have a real problem with that mentality --  BUT I listened all the same.   I will say this:  They had some interesting points and perspectives.  As far as I'm concerned, however, there's just one problem...

I'm a Deliverer!

I'm not called to be an enabler.  I'm not called to do what would save the state money.  I'm not called to make people comfortable in their prison cell.  I'm called to set people free!  I'm called to rip down the strongholds of darkness!  I'm called to proclaim freedom over those that are bound!   I'm called to unlock doors, take people by the hand, and walk them out to freedom.

That's what God does --  and He lives in me!  We work together in Divine Partnership with one another.  He's the Leader. -- I'm the follower.   I'm here to support His initiatives.

We used to sing an old chorus...

"He set me free.  He set me free.
He broke the bonds of prison for me.
I'm glory bound, my Jesus to see.
Glory to God!  He set me free!"


People can do whatever they want to do.  I'm not here to tell them how to do their job.  I've got enough on my mind with my own job.  But don't expect me to change tracks.  I can't do it!

 I'm a Deliverer!  

The One in me says... 

"We're going this way, 

not that way!"  

Make no mistake... When I step out in RED shoes, I am an ambassador for Christ!  That's just the way that it is.

Gail

"The Bodyguard."

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 58 -

You're never going to believe what happened to me today when I put on my RED sneakers and headed out the door for my prayer walk.  It started out, just like any other day -- I walked out my front door, asked God to join me, and off we went down the street whispering to one another.

When I reached the two mile marker, however, I became aware of something that I couldn't ignore.  It was a presence.  Someone was following me.  I looked back over my right shoulder but nothing was there, so I just kept walking.

I wasn't afraid.  Actually, I felt really good.

-- Carefree -- Happy -- Confident --

Even still, there was an undeniable presence.  "I know you're there!"  I said, just loud enough to be sure he could hear me.  I focused my attention on the path directly in front of me,  when all of a sudden, it was as if God held up a mirror so that I could see what was behind me.  There, walking in complete sync, about three feet to my rear, was an angel.  His wings were closed, but even so, they were so large that they cupped themselves  halfway around me like a shield.

"You don't think you can pray 
like you did at The Bonfire 
and walk around like 
nothing ever happened...

Do you?"  said the LORD.  

"We've added a bodyguard."

It wasn't Theo.  Theo's been with me for years.   He always stands outside the front door of my house.  He come places with me as well, but primarily he protects my home.  This angel was younger.  He was about eight feet tall, very strong, and he had a big sword in his left hand.  I guess he's a southpaw.  I noticed that because some black shadow-like thing came flying down at me front the back left and he deflected it with his sword, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do.

Of course, I just kept walking thinking, "Gail -- this is all in your head!"   But no, he kept following me.  "I don't know if I'm supposed to talk to you or not,"   I said as I walked,  "but thanks for all your help.  I appreciate it!"   He never spoke a word.  He just followed me all the way home, until I got up to my front door and went inside.

I guess that makes sense.  Hey -- I don't know everything there is to know about angels, but I do know that the Bible says they watch over us and minister to us when we need it.  We're probably totally unaware of all they do.  That's okay.  They don't do it for praise.  They do it because God asks them to.

"For He will command His angels concerning you,  

to guard you in all your ways."

Psalm 91:11

I'm still thinking about our prayer meeting at The Bonfire  the other day.  I've never experienced that kind of anointing and power outside my prayer closet before.  It was intense.  With all my heart,  I believe that God heard every petition that went up before Him and that His plan is to respond.  Mama RoseMarie -- at the end of the meeting -- raised her hand to speak.  "I'm sorry I was unable to get up and pray with you, but I want you to know that I was praying in agreement, right here in my seat."  Unexpectedly, she broke down in tears.  "Jesus spoke to me,"  she said.  "He says He's heard everyone of your prayers!"   Ahhhhhhh!  There's nothing better than a Grandmother-in-the-faith confirming the prayers of the young ones!  AMEN!  I received that word!

Sometimes I sit and wonder, "What are you doing, LORD?"  Just like you, I want to be used by God.  I want to be found fulfilling my destiny.   Tuesday -- when I was praying with and for the ladies -- yeah...  I would say that's part of the call of God on my life.  It was Divine Partnership.

So...  as I step out of my house in RED shoes each day, don't be surprised if you think you see someone walking behind me.  I wonder if he'll be wearing RED shoes too?   You never know!

Gail

"The Storyteller"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 57 -

There's nothing like "A Good Story!"

A week ago, an elderly, pastor friend of mine lent me a marvelously old book about the American revivals of old.  The book was published in 1876.  All week I have been going through it, reading the most interesting articles written by observers of the day -- people who sat back and watched what happened and then wrote about it.

Today I stopped by my friend's church and visited with him.  I sat myself down in his office and we talked about the book.  Here's a man who's been in ministry for well over 50 years.  He's seen it all.  So I asked him to tell me about one of the most amazing things he's ever seen.

He told me about a young couple who had come to the church during the "hippie" days.  They sat in the balcony and just watched for months.  Then one morning, a Christian man from the church appeared at the pastor's home, with the hippie guy by his side, stating proudly... "This guy wants to get saved!"  

The pastor welcomed them into his living room and talked with them about the gospel message.  He wanted to be sure the young man understood salvation.  Finally, it was time to pray.  The minister told the man that they would all close there eyes now in prayer, and that it was up to him to ask Jesus to come into his heart.  That's simple enough.

 They all closed their eyes and after a minute or two, the man began to groan.  The minister sensed there  was some sort of demonic activity going on.  The man looked up at the pastor and stated, "I just can't do it!"  The minister calmly assured him that all would be well once he asked Jesus into his heart.  "Go ahead.  You can do it!" he encouraged him.

They bowed their heads again when suddenly, without notice,  up the man jumped, hands lifted high into the air, praising Jesus like there was no tomorrow.  "Wooooosh!" the minister proclaimed as he looked at me, making a sweeping motion with his hand.    It was as if a rushing river went right through that young man.  It started at his feet right and went right up through his head.  He was washed clean.  I've never sensed the presence of the Lord the way I did that day in that room!

The next week rolled around and the newly saved man showed up again -- this time with his girlfriend. She wanted to be saved as well.  The same scenario unfolded.  BOOM!  Up she stood, hands lifted high, praising Jesus in the most wonderful way.

"The both of them were dynamically saved.  

No one touched them.  They just asked 

Jesus into their hearts and Wooooosh!

They were never the same."

I wish you could have seen this pastor's face.  He was glowing as he told me the story.  His eyes were bright -- his smile from ear to ear.  You would have thought it had just happened yesterday.  Then I noticed something...  I was captivated.  I was sitting on the edge of my seat, hanging on the minister's every word.   The Holy Spirit had slipped into the office and joined us for this time of story telling.  How wonderful.

Just today, my friend Tammy said to me... "When someone dies, it's like losing a library."  My visit made me realize how true that was.  I shall have to step out in my RED shoes again soon to visit this pastor friend of mine.  One story is not enough.   I hope he will share his library with me!

Joel 1:3 says...

"Tell it to your children, 

and let your children tell it to their children,

 and their children to the next generation."

Until tomorrow,

Gail

"MMM"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 56 -

Mountain Moving Mamas!

I can still remember my mom teaching me to pray as a little girl.   We got on our knees by the bed, put our hands together, closed our eyes and recited...

"Now I lay me down to sleep.

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake...

I pray The Lord my soul to take.

God bless Mommy & Daddy.  

God bless Sister...  Amen."

I became a mom at age 25, again at age 27 and again at 29.  We had our own bedtime ritual.  I would sit with each of them individually, while they prayed in their jammies, thanking God for the day, lifting up personal requests, and listing off blessings galore!  Then everyone would get into their beds and I'd sing Christian choruses until they all fell asleep.  Sometimes I'd fall asleep myself. What a peaceful way to slip off into Never Never Land.  

Guess what?  Those kids are all grown up now.  One's in Colorado, preparing to be married.  Another's in New Jersey, building her career.  My youngest is finishing up college in Florida.  I know for a fact that none of them limit their talking to God to just before bed.  And I no longer sing them to sleep with choruses.  Times have changed!

This morning  between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon,  The Bonfire was the place to be if you were a mom or a grandmom.  Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we took care of some serious business today.  We moved mountains on behalf of all our children!  We gathered together -- in agreement with one another and with God's Word -- and we did some serious damage to the Kingdom of Darkness.

We pulled down spiritual strongholds.  We proclaimed the promises of God.

We bound demonic forces and cast them at the foot of the cross.

We cried out for divine disruptions in our kid's lives.

We pleaded for powerful encounters with The Living God!   

We took authority and unblocked the ears of our children that they might hear God's voice.

We prayed that their hearts would be filled with the love of Jesus.

We shouted out for salvation, deliverance, healing and spirit baptisms.

We asked God to intervene in their lives -- to call them out of the world and into their divine destiny!

We are believing for Mountains to be removed!

We didn't do it alone.  

We came into agreement and we did it together!

It was powerful!  WOW!

After almost 2 hours of anointed prayer, we shouted out a war cry at the top of our lungs that had to make the enemy shutter.  

Watch out devil!  

We mean business!  

On our own, it's easy to get discouraged.  It's easy to feel overwhelmed.  It's a battle.  But today proved to me, that together our prayers move mountains.  Hallelujah!  It was one of the most powerful prayer times I've ever experienced!  I'm not sure if there's a more powerful prayer than that of a mother for her child.  But multiply that by 100!  That's what it's like when mothers unite together and lift there children up before God!  

We kicked out the devils teeth in that prayer room.

We severed his grip!

We destroyed his plans.

We created havoc in the heavenlies.

We messed things up -- to the glory of God!

We disrupted demons.

We took over. and we're not going to stop -- ever!  

Because our kids are always our kids! 

And they're on our prayer list til the day we die!

Today, I stepped out in RED shoes -- with some of my dearest sisters -- and was part of a Godly Stampede for the spiritual success of our children!  

It was a good day!  I'm a good kind of tired.

Thank You Jesus!

Gail

"Tenacity"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 55 -

When it comes to faith and prayer,

have the tenacity of a bulldog!

Today I stumbled upon one of my favorite words:  TENACITY.

Tenacity is a firmness of mind -- 

a determination to achieve one's goal, 

in spite of opposition or interference.  

In addition, it's a stubborn persistence 

and unwillingness to acknowledge defeat.

Remember Pauly, my daughter's bulldog?  He's living in Jersey now.  He's slowly adjusting to the cold winter and all the snow.  Most of the time, however, he just curls up on his bed and snoozes.  He seems quite content.

One of the things I remember about Pauly  is that I could never make him do something he didn't want to do.  If he decided that he didn't want to go for a walk, he'd just lay down wherever he was, and that was it!  I couldn't get him to budge, no matter how hard I tried.  As far as he was concerned, it  was GAME OVER!  That's where the term,  "the tenacity of a bulldog"  comes from.  They are stubborn dogs, once they've made up their minds.

Today, I found myself quite tenacious   in prayer.  I am hungry to see God move.   While reading God's Word, I came across Isaiah 46:11 

"What I have said, that will I bring about;  

What I have planned, that will I do."

I went through a mental checklist of where I stand with God on a few things.  

I'm just making sure that I am in alignment with Him and His Word.  

Check!  

I read an article on faith which stated... "Make sure you do these 5 things."  

Check!  

Another article said...  "Don't forget this and that."

   

Check!  

Everything is good to go!  Of course, the enemy would like to tell me otherwise.  He'd like to see me forever grounded.  But that's not God's plan.  

Today, like a bulldog,  I stood firmly on Gods Word, determined not to budge!  Something rose up within me.  I refuse to let go of the promises of God!   I held up my check lists to Heaven, and I proclaimed victory!  My part is done -- the rest is up to God.  

And to drown out the sneers and jeers of the enemy, 

I decided to stand up, clap, shout and do my 

little victory dance -- all in advance.  Why not?  

Today, I danced all over the devil in these RED shoes of mine.  I've left him behind in the dust while I cross over the finish line to collect the prize.   Hallelujah!  Glory to God!

Gail

"tear drop"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

 - Day 54 -

The power of a 

tear drop!

When it comes to God's greatest creation - Man & Woman - He pulled out all the stops and went above and beyond.  

Every part of of the human body is a miracle.  

To name a few, just consider the eye, the ear, the nose, the mouth -- the circulatory system  -- the skeletal system -- the reproductive system.  Even when we sweat -- that's ingenious! 

Today I was caught a little off guard at church.  A couple had come to visit -- primarily to support their son who has just entered into the men's transitional living home that our church runs.  As I greeted them and showed them to their seats,  it wasn't difficult to notice their boy's shiner.  His whole face was swollen.  Man... that had to hurt. 

I don't know about you, but in the presence of the Lord,  I'm a crier.   Something happens inside my heart that I just can't contain.  There's an explosion of glory -- an overflow of love -- whatever particular emotion that's being released, goes off the richter scale.  Before I know it, my eyes are filled to capacity and suddenly I begin to leak... one tear drop at a time.  It's the only evidence that something crazy is happening inside of me.

Today is my son's birthday.  I texted him a Happy Birthday message right before church began.  I'm  thankful to God that he is alive and doing well.  

7 years ago,  I almost lost him to drugs, 

but God totally delivered him!  

He's been drug free for years now!

  Hallelujah!

The worship service began.  I closed my eyes and slowly the glory of God descended.  Suddenly,  I found myself quite overwhelmed.   I looked at the mom sitting in front of me.   I remembered what it was like when my own son struggled. -- I felt so helpless.  I know all too well what that's like. Today,  however, I had a different role. -- I wasn't the mother. 

I felt a tear roll down my cheek as I began interceding for the boy and his mom.  Prayers in an unknown language rose up to the heavens.  I could hear the Holy Spirit in me talking to God. The boy's in good hands.  He's in God's hands. -- So are his parents for that matter.  That's a good thing!  There's no better place to be than in God's care!  I have added their names to my prayer list.  I wonder how many other prayer lists God has added them to this morning.  

I've always said that tears are a heavenly language.  They express what words can't.  Psalm 6:8-9 says this:

"Away from me, all you who do evil,

for the LORD has heard my weeping.

the LORD has heard my cry for mercy;

the LORD accepts my prayer."

Whether you're the mother, the son, or someone else,  the Bible tells us that God understands our troubling situations.  He records them and collects our tears in a bottle.

"You keep track of all my sorrows.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book."

Psalm 58:8  NLT

They say that everyone who gets saved, does so because someone prayed them in.  I believe that!  Sometimes stepping out in RED shoes is about shedding a tear that delivers your prayers to the feet of God, on behalf of another.  Perhaps today was one of those days!

Gail  

"Spiritual Mamas"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes 

- Day 53 - 

Let the older women 

teach the younger women.

Here I am sitting in Starbucks, earbuds in place, writing my blog in partnership with Him.  Suddenly, He nudges my foot.  He wants to play.  He's being sweet!  He's teasing.  That's okay... I don't mind the Divine Interruption.   I can feel myself filling up with His love. 

 I don't know how He does that, 

but who cares?   

I just love that He does. 

 I love being reminded of His great love for me.  It makes me feel safe and secure beyond measure.  

I lift my head and look out the window.  I can see the hospital from where I'm sitting.  That's where I visited Hank before he went to be with Jesus.  Though that was a challenging time for his family, I catch myself smiling as a warmth comes over me.  I am reminded that it was there -- in a little hospital room -- that the Holy Spirit and I visited Hank, making sure all was well with his soul!  Just in time!  That was a good visit!

Last week at The Bonfire, a prophetic Word came forth:

It's God's desire for 

every woman to one day be 

a "Spiritual Mama"  to someone.  

The Bible encourages the older women to teach the younger women.  When we lead people to Christ, it is our obligation to see to it that they are trained in the way that they should go.  

Two days later, two women testified that God's Word was already manifesting.  One woman's pastor called her and asked her if she would start a Bible study group in the church and spiritually mother the younger women in the church.  She accepted.  The other woman works as a volunteer counselor at a local pregnancy center.  She has been praying diligently for God to use her, and this week, God gave her the opportunity to speak motherly words of encouragement and guidance into a young woman's life.  She planted seeds in that young woman's heart,  for Christ.

I look down at my phone, and there's a text from my girl, Jody!  Just thinking about her brings a smile to my face.  She joined me for the Heidi Baker movie last week.  Three other of her "New Believer" classmates came too.  Wow!   Four new believers on fire for God!  Nothing could bring greater joy to my heart.  In fact, Jody and Marcus joined me the next day at my church for a special service with Mel Tari.  During the worship, I turned and looked beside me and they were just lost in praise.  

When did Marcus start lifting his hands during worship?  It brought tears to my eyes.  Later he told me that he decided to give it a try about a month ago, and has never stopped since.  Glory to God!  At the end of the service, Mel Tari  was laying hands on everyone  --  blessing them as they go out into the world -- shining their light for Christ!  I grabbed Jody by the hand and ran up to the altar.  Marcus followed.  They don't have altar calls at their church, so this was a new thing for them.  

You never know what will come from a man of God's blessing upon your life.  Sometimes, the anointing falls right then and there.  Other times, it seals the Word that God has spoken to your heart. 

No matter, I know that it was good for the three of us to be at the altar of God -- open to receive anything and everything God has for us!  Thank you for that special blessing, Lord!  We receive it!

Funny... I'm just now realizing that I, too, am a Spiritual Mama.  When I step out in my RED shoes at the next Bonfire meeting,  I shall testify of that!

Gail

"Return to Sender!"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 52 -

Stop all deliveries to this address!

Today I had to put my foot down and take action.  I've had enough!  This delivery man is relentless in his attempt to deliver packages to my doorstep -- even after I've told him straight out,  "STOP!  NO MORE!"

He is determined to live up to his creed which states...

"Neither rain nor snow, 
nor sleet nor dark of night 

shall stay these couriers 
from the swift completion 

of their appointed rounds!"

I'm so not interested! --  and I can't be nice about it anymore. -- I'm well beyond dropping hints.

10 Signs that I'm NOT Interested!

1.  I've shut the door in his face.
2.  I've pushed him away, packages and all!
3.  I've turned out the lights and pretended no one is home.
4.  Verbally, I've ripped him up one side and down the other.
5.  I've rejected him over and over again.
6.  I've turned my back and given him the cold shoulder.
7.  I've told him straight to his face, "I'm not interested!  Stay away!  
8.  I even put a sign out that says, "No soliciting!"
9.  I've instructed the angelic guards at my front door to refuse him entrance.
10. I've disconnected the doorbell.




These packages have been coming for years.  Even when I've changed addresses, they eventually find me.  They come in many shapes and sizes, but they're all filled with the same contents:

An Assortment of Demonic Lures, 

Lies & Deceptions.

Okay... so the demonic delivery boy is more than aware that he's not welcome here!   He's been trained to take a lot of abuse.  That's his job!  He's persistent, but so am I.   Enough is enough!   I'm simply not answering the door anymore. When I walk out my front door and see the packages that have been left,  I slap a sticker on them that says... "Return to Sender!"  Then I kick them to the curb where the trash man regularly takes them away.

Unfortunately, I've come to find that the enemy of my soul will never give up.  He's kind of like the Terminator.   He'll keep on knocking at my door, trying to deliver his packages, until the day I die.
But here's a strategy that works:

1.  Take authority in Jesus Name!
2.  Don't open the door.
3.  Don't talk to the delivery man.
4.  Do not smile and sign for the package!
5.  Don't receive the goods.
6.  Never look inside!
7.  Show no interest, whatsoever!
8.  Go about your other business and
9.  Forget about it!
10. Never make exceptions!

Ephesians 6:13-14 says...

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,  

but against the rulers, against the powers, 

against the world forces of this darkness,

 against the spiritual forces of wickedness 

in the heavenly places.  

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, 

so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, 

and having done everything, to stand firm."

As I kick off my RED shoes for the day, I'm glad I have a plan in place -- that way I don't get caught off guard!  It's getting easier -- not because the enemy's given up,  but because I've got a strategy that works!  Try it!

Gail

"It's official!"

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 51 -

Someone asked me recently if I thought my life was in balance.  Really?  Heck no!  I'd say praying 3 or 4 hours a day, every day,  puts me way out on a limb.  But you do crazy things when you're in love.  Do I have to fight to stay out here?  Absolutely!  No one's flesh wants to be out on a limb -- alone.  Only I'm not alone.  I'm out here with God.  Yup... It's totally crazy!  My heart is wide open and vulnerable, and the Holy Ghost is pouring into it, an unlimited supply of the Father's love!   Yeah... I'm not leaving anytime soon.  Maybe never!

Whenever I visit my mom and we go out for lunch, we always take a stroll along Main Street.  We can't resist peeking in the windows of all the little antique shops.  She does this thing where she links into me.  She wraps her arm in mine and we cuddle close while we walk, quietly talking and laughing as we go.  Recently, I was somewhere with my daughter, and she did the exact same thing.  There's something very warm and intimate about that posture.  It's simply wonderful!  

Today, as I stepped out in my RED sneakers to do my prayer walk, I asked the Lord to link in with me.  It's not enough any more to walk along with Jesus.  I want to be linked together.  I want to press close to Him, so that we can hear each other's whispers.  I want to be close enough to hear Him breathe and feel His heartbeat all at the same time!  

Even now, as I get ready to retire for the evening, I can feel His presence around me.  I feel safe.  I feel loved.  My heart is beating wildly in my chest.  God is good -- so good!   I know that this courtship is for a purpose.  I never dreamed that Divine Partnership would be like this.  It's bigger and better than I ever could have imagined.  I'm reminded of that verse...

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more 

than all we ask or imagine, according to 

His power that is at work within us..."

Ephesians 3:20

I think I can safely say... It's official!   

The Lord & I  -- We're a couple!

Gail

"Lesson learned."

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 50 -

Most of the lessons we learn, take time.  It's a process.  You learn them in a classroom setting:  at church,  at home,  at work,  at play.  There are countless venues.   Sometimes lessons are passed along to you as wisdom:  "something you ought to know" -- perhaps from the Bible, someone's memoirs,  a textbook, magazine or manual.  It may be delivered word of mouth -- from Mom & Dad,  an inspiring teacher,  coach or mentor,  a business colleague,  a spiritual advisor,  a friend.  Sometimes, we don't learn from others, we learn the hard way -- from mistakes.   We're all constantly learning, aren't we?

What a difference it is between 

knowing something in your head 

and actually doing it -- and doing 

it well, no less -- not to mention 

consistently! 

I'll never forget studying for my investment advisor's license.  I studied hours upon hours for several months.  Finally, I took the exam and passed with flying colors.  Then I got the job.  That was an entirely different story.  I found out real fast that I knew little to nothing.  My test score couldn't help me,  but "on-the-job training"  changed all that.   It gave me the opportunity to take all that I had learned and put it into practice. Once I knew what I was doing, I did it over and over again, improving and fine tuning along the way.

Have you ever watched a movie and then seen the same movie in 3D?  That's what I'm talking about. -- Big difference!  Or what about watching the Super Bowl on an old 18" color television verses on the newest 70" flat screen t.v. with high definition.  My, my... today's state-of-the-art televisions make you feel like you're right there on the sidelines with your favorite team.


So here's a little something that most people don't know about me.  I'm a little bit sensitive when it comes to major corrections.  Little things, common everyday things, obvious corrections -- no sweat!

When it comes to fine tuning, 

correcting is necessary in order to go from  

GOOD  -->  to BETTER  -->  to BEST!  

 I was brought up with high standards.  

If you're going to do something,  

you do it well and with excellence.

I was also taught to do things right the first time and to perfect it, if need be, thereafter.  That said, I usually put everything I have -- 100% -- into whatever I do.  I never just throw something together, toss it out there and hope people won't notice its inferior quality.  Where all that came from... I don't know.  I just know I've been like that for as far back as I can remember.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that I'm a perfectionist.  No, I'm far from perfect.  In fact, as I've gotten older, I've become an advocate of mistakes.  People shouldn't  be afraid to make mistakes.  Some of my greatest seasons of growth started with a mistake.   I've also learned that there are some things that aren't as important as others.  In those situations, GOOD is more than acceptable!

I guess I've just learned to always give my best effort at whatever I set out to do.   Colossians 3:23 says...

"Whatever you do, 

work at it with all your heart 

as working for the Lord, 

not for human masters..."

The benefit of all that is that I don't get corrected a lot.  I work really hard not to.  I put everything I've got into things so that people will be pleasantly surprised right up front at the beginning.  The downside is that every once in a blue moon, I totally miss it!  I thought I knew what we were aiming for, and I was wrong.  The person I was working for was expecting something entirely different than what I gave them.   Whether it was miscommunication, poor listening on my part, or a blind spot -- I missed it!  Yeah... I really don't like when that happens.  It's like crashing into a brick wall.  It hurts, to say the least.

In times like that I'm genuinely grieved.  I say, "I'm sorry,"  swallow my pride and usually and have a good cry in my prayer closet where I talk it out with the Lord.  He always steers me right, then He pushes me right back out there.  No wallowing allowed!  You can't let the devil get his foot in the door.  You can't harbor grudges.  You can't take offense.  What you can do...  what I can do... is work on making it right.  With God's help, I can do that.

"I can do all this through Him 

who gives me strength."

Philippians 4:13

So today, I jumped out of bed, got dressed, and stepped out the front door in my RED shoes, ready to make some necessary changes.

Gail