This post is part of Lysa TerKeurst’s “The Best Yes” Blog Tour, and I am out of my mind excited about being a part of it. I am joining many, many other inspiring bloggers. Many of which completely fill me with awe. Let's just say, not only will I be posting, but I will be doing a lot of blog hopping over the next few weeks. Learn more and come along with us as we explore, enjoy and celebrate "The Best Yes" by a simple CLICK HERE.
I first became aware of Lysa TerKeurst's "The Best Yes" via Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Studies. I have become a very dependent fan of these studies for a little over a year. Each study has had a profound impact on my life. I didn't know what the book was about, but I knew I would pick it up when the study rolled around in mid September (September 22 in case you are wondering).
But then God...well, he brought me to She Speaks 2014. A prayerful dream from saying yes to God (inspired by another of Lysa's books, by the way) became a reality, and I joined hundreds of women who wanted to share the love of Jesus through spoken and written word. Attending She Speaks 2014 was not only a big part of saying yes to God but also a complete faith walk for me, a woman who was deathly afraid of claiming the Lord's vision for fear of mocking and the big NO (PS It was also impossible financially - but for God).
Landing in NC on July 23, my head was spinning with the possibilities of what God would do. I was excited to be following His will and His call, and nervous about going it alone (well physically alone). God led me to many wonderful ladies and new friends. From the pre-conference throughout the weekend conference, I felt many God moments. One of those moments happened to be purchasing "The Best Yes." See I still had every intention of waiting to purchase it until the study drew closer, but again, I felt a God tug and bought it after dinner on Friday evening (leaving it in the hotel Saturday morning by the way and missing an autograph opportunity by Lysa - but I digress).
By the time I hit the airport on July 27th, I was spiritually full but also a bit undone. I was completely overwhelmed by all God had done during the conference. I was motivated by the lovely women I met. I was also intimidated by the next step and how could I possibly make it. With the question "What's next?" rolling through my mind, and a few hours to spare before my flight, I grabbed coffee (okay...and a very carby everything bagel with cream cheese) and began to read "The Best Yes."
Have you ever read a book that has you nodding your head in agreement or even causes you to talk back to it? That was what reading "The Best Yes" was like for me. I began to write notes in the margin, I highlighted, and I wrote in my little composition book. I felt like I was having eureka moments by the pound as I poured over the pages. I clutched the book in my hands as I boarded my plane thinking that people just might find me a bit odd, but I didn't care at the same time. I read throughout much of the flight.
See, I have been that woman so overwhelmed that often I felt frozen by the decision making process. I stood still rather than moving forward. I want a better yes. No I want the best yes. I want to say yes and follow through. Have you been there?
My first yes. My schedule.
“When a woman lives with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule, she’ll ache with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul.” - Lysa TerKeurst
Oh how I relate to these words! There is so much in my heart that I want to do, but there is also this voice in my head that has continually told me "You can't." Besides the general idea that I can't because I have these notions that I am simply unable, there is also this side that says I simply do not have the time. My schedule is overwhelmed. But is it really? I have not laid out my time before me yet, but even as I read Chapter 3 of "The Best Yes" I knew that I had not looked for an opening in my schedule. I had not made the time. I had been overcome by fear of no rather than overcome by the love of the Lord and sharing that love.
I read:
"The decisions you make determine the schedule you keep. The schedule you keep determines the life you live. And how you live your life determines how you spend your soul." pg 23
In the margin and above it, I wrote:
What does my schedule say about my soul?
What does it say about what I want to do and about who I follow?
My schedule only reflects my work and my down time. I want UP time.
What do I mean by "up time"? Focusing up. Focusing on God. Focusing on his call on my life whatever that may be. I feel a call to write. I feel a call to share the love of Jesus. I long to reach out to the women in this world who have been damaged and show them God's healing power and grace. Lots of wants, but where are the steps?
Step one is finishing Lysa's book and taking this call as seriously as if I was already living it day by day and for my life to reflect my God in each and every step I make. I'm ready to be empowered. Are you?
Are you feeling soul tired? Have you looked at the patterns in your life and do not like where they have taken you? Do you struggle with when to say yes and when to say no? Do you avoid the yes and no altogether and instead stand still? Are you tired of filling your life with empty activities rather than fulfilling activities?
I believe this book will lead you into a read adventure and purpose.
New York Times Bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst has written a new book about finding your Best Yes. Many call this book “inspiring” and “fabulous.” Myself, I call it a gift. You can get your copy at http://goo.gl/ZFUZbD
