I had an experience this week that left me feeling so vulnerable.
I walked away thinking to myself, “Why do I put myself out there? It sure would be easier to sit in my house and watch the mice dart across my kitchen.”
Which by the way, they continue to mock us though we have tried many a ‘rid your house of the mouse’ solutions. They even chewed my favorite kitchen rug. I’ve officially declared war. You can mess with my food but don’t you dare chew my pretties.
And I know many of you suggested getting a cat which would be a great suggestion if I wasn’t so highly emotionally allergic to the creature called feline.
I am also emotionally allergic to the vulnerability of rejection. But that’s exactly where I ventured this week. I think most Jesus girls feel this way. And I think His mercies towards us are especially tender because He knows what we feel.
Which leads me to a fear I have with the She Speaks Scholarship winners that will be announced tomorrow. We will all cheer and clap and be genuinely excited for the winners.
But, there were close to 200 blog entries and 100 more e-mail entries. That’s 300 applicants vying for 4 scholarships.
So, I know there will be many of you who eagerly rush to your computer on Friday morning with every finger and toe crossed having prayed and prayed and prayed… and your name won’t be there. Your heart will sink. And some part of not seeing your name will sting.
And I hate that.
I wish with every fiber of my being I could give away a scholarship to every single entry. But just as I start doing mental math and thinking of crazy possibilities, Jesus reminds me and reassures me He’s got this all under control.
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us,” (1 John4:16).
Those who are supposed to come will be provided for by Him. And in that provision will be a miraculous experience of God. Getting the She Speaks scholarship would be an incredible disservice to that person because God wants to show up and show off in much bigger ways.
“Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help,” (Hebrews 4:16).
There are also those who are not supposed to be at She Speaks this year. God is answering some prayers with, “No, sweetheart. Please trust me with this.” ‘No’ is so stinkin’ hard to hear but we can rest in the reality that God’s no’s are always wrapped in protection and redirected purpose.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28).
As I ran this morning with Holly, we prayed so fervently over all this. We prayed for the judges to have divine wisdom and discernment. We prayed for hearts to be protected. And we prayed for dreams to be realized in the exact way God desires.
Rest in this today my sisters.
And like my friend Samantha said on the Proverbs Facebook page yesterday- let your soul soak in each one of these words {My} {Redeemer} {Lives}.
Yes, He does.
I need to press this into my heart and mind today. What about you? Whether you entered the scholarship contest or not, how do these truths soothe your heart today?
See you in the morning sweet friends…
True, so true, and a great reminder. In 2004 I was hoping to come to She Speaks, but my oldest sweet dd (11 at the time) began to pray that she could join our Mission Team on a trip to Columbia, SA, which had at that time the highest rate of kidnapping in the world. As we prayed, EVENTUALLY we knew that she was supposed to go and I was supposed to be with her. This meant missing She Speaks, but it was right where the Lord wanted me, and as you can imagine, this trip made an impact that was life-shaping. So, while I'm hoping to be there, I'm trusting God, praying for you all, and praying for the women who entered.
Thank you so much for this post. I so appreciate your tender heart. I so appreciate you and Holly praying fervently over this.
This is the verse from your post that ministers to my heart the most today…"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us," (1 John4:16). I trust His love. I trust He is always acting towards me in love. And I am learning to know and rely on it even when God hurts my feelings…He still loves me. I think this will be my write down and tote with me verse today.
Thank you for being vulnerable. Thank you for not just sitting home watching your mice.
You make such a difference for the Lord. You truly do. And thank you for helping us to be vulnerable. God is worthy of our trust. He is worthy of holding our hearts.
The thing is, I honestly would not want to trade in how God ministered to my heart after His "no" last year. It was amazing! He spoke directly to me and then used one woman in particular to minister to me and just BLEW ME AWAY with His love. I do want to go this year…but ultimately I want His best for me.
Praying along with you for everyone. Lord, prepare our hearts. And love on Lysa especially today. Please blow her away with Your awesome love.
Blessings, bloggy friend.
K
What comforting words (not about the mice but about the scholarship!). I did not enter the contest but my daughter did. However the words you wrote are so encouraging in the midst of everyday life situations. God will provide. I especially appreciate the following you wrote: "'No, sweetheart. Please trust me with this.' …but we can rest in the reality that God's no's are always wrapped in protection and redirected purpose."
I love how you and Holly prayed. And I love how God will provide perfectly and clearly for each woman who He wants at She Speaks 2010.
Though He clearly said "yes" to me in 2007 and 2008, He said "no" to me in 2009….and I was just as content with the no because He wanted me home. Listening for His voice now for 2010.
Praying for each and every woman.
"In quietness and trust is your strength…" Isaiah 30:15
Praying for all you P31 gals! Love each and every one of you! May His favor rest upon you and your families. May He establish and bless the work of your heart and hands.
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands."
Psalm 90:17
Looking forward to tomorrow morning and rejoicing with the Four!
I love that you wrote this post. I actually did not enter the scholarship this year because I did it last year and I did not want to feel the rejection again of not being picked. Stupid, I know. I am called to teach and write but I just decided that if it was my year then God would truly make a way or speak louder to me to apply again. I feel much better now, ha ha. Thank you. You are such a mentor to me and I appreciate you being vulnerable and putting yourself out there. Whether you know it or not, you have actually been there to guide me into life changing decisions. Vulnerable is scary but it is necessary. And you do it very well my friend. Love you.
Jennifer
Okay…I may look like a total dork…but after reading Jennifer's comment, I'm just gonna step out there. My whole entry was wound around God's "no" to me last year, around my hurt from rejection. On how I almost didn't enter.
I have wondered if maybe my whole purpose for entering this year was to encourage someone else who felt tiny and unimportant and unnoticed. So maybe come by, ladies. NOT to promote me…oh, I so, so promise!!!!!!!!!!! But because I know HE spoke to my heart and helped me immensely last year. He is so tender and good.
Love this ministry!
K
(just follow the link from my tree picture to my blog…but to hear from Him. Not me! Promise, promise!)
(and you can totally take this comment down if this seems all self-promotiony, Lysa!!!!)
I'm not going to fib, I'm really looking forward to seeing the winners tomorrow morning, and while I would be over the moon to win, I'm content that it's all within the Lord's will if I don't. Thank you, Lysa, for having such a tender, thoughtful heart.
Dear Lysa,
Bless you and your tender heart. Bless you for your vulnerability and even more so for your transparency. You have such a sweet and thoughtful spirit. May Jesus pour out on you and Holly a special portion of joy today for being concerned for those of us who will receive a "no" from the judges.
Your insight was an excellent way to encourage the believer who may receive a "no" from GOD on any number of things. In the same way a good parent doesn't give their child everything they want because it isn't healthy or safe, so God also speaks to us and says, "Child, I have something better for you in mind. If I say no now, it is because I have a better "yes" for you. You just don't see it yet."
May all who read this wonderful blog be encouraged by it.
Much love & affection,
Anna
Has anyone else who's commented here also fretted that commenting might her hurt chances of winning? Aren't we funny?
I have had three anxious thoughts this week; What if I don't win? What if I win? And what if Friday comes and Lysa gets busy and can't post the winner until 4:00 PM?
The "clicking" and "refreshing" could really tax the internet and possibly even threaten national security. And that's just *my* clicking and refreshing.
Telling yourself, "I won't win" holds no comfort. Neither does telling yourself, "Maybe I'll win". Both are bereft of power. "He loves me…" that's what I'm sticking with today.
Lysa and Holly, you both really do understand the heart that has stepped out to say, "Pick me?" What a hard thing to say. What a hard place to stand waiting.
Thanks for praying for us.
My heart is soaking today…a friend just emailed me saying "His presence is sweeter than answers." Isn't that a big pile of truth to soak in today?
Lysa,
I rest in the assurance that God will direct the judges of the contest to the ones that need to be at the conference. Of course all of us would like to be there too, or we wouldn't have entered!
I appreciate your prayers (and Holly's). That is such a blessing to know how much you care about each one of us. I too pray that God prepares each of our hearts for tomorrow. For most of us it will be a rejection of sorts, but I pray that we realize that it doesn't define us as individuals. We can choose to dust ourselves off and move forward in pursuing the passion that God has given us.
Tomorrow the door might be closed for our attending She Speaks, but who knows what door is open that God is just waiting to show us?
Blessings,
Pearls
Lysa, Great words…I so appreciate your heart and passion to further God's kingdom by truly touching the heart's of His daughters! God is doing that and will continue to work tomorrow when the winners are announced. Simply the opportunity to gather my thoughts and enter the contest was something God used and as I think about the winners tomorrow I go back to the line He gave me for my post, "I want that!" That being whatever His will is, win or lose; I pray that's where all our hearts will be.
Last week I was blessed to be part of your prayer conference call and have spent this week sending the praises ahead. God knows who needs to win and I trust He will reveal that to the judges. Thanks once again for sharing your heart! Jill
This blog can apply to EVERYTHING you're going through;thank you for praying & seeking His heart! My 16yr. old had an interview Mon.for a job she really wants.She told the owner she would be away for four days over Spring Break. She's now decided she should have told him she'd stay home if need be.I suggested she tell him this ASAP! "God's in control and He already knows if I have the job",said my confident daughter. HE also knows who will attend She Speaks!Thanks for the reminder, Lysa! Yes, our Lord lives and HE knows what is best in EVERY situation.Abundant Blessings, Lynn
Dear Lysa: Please don't let this weigh you down. You are right, God is in control. I am certain that NOTHING can stop Him from working in any woman's life…if only she has a heart to serve Him.
There are so many emotions going through my head. I always fear standing in the way of another's purpose or calling. I think I did that once, and I never want to do it again! Sometimes I so pray that Jesus would come and sit on my porch (okay, I don't have a porch, but I do have a lawn swing) and just talk to me. Face to face. Well, one day….
What really hits me is that SO MANY women are feeling the call to serve Him. I want to step back and wonder and dream about what God can do beyond our imaginations. Where are you going with this, God? You can do more than what we ask or can imagine…
Perhaps there are ways to allow the presentations to reach more women via web conferences that eliminate travel/lodging costs? Perhaps God will bring the funding in other ways. WHO KNOWS what He is up to!
I see so much need in the world, and so many women that are both needing AND willing to serve. That is something GOOD. Something to expect BIGGER things from God.
I can't help feeling that we are at a crossroads in some way, nationally perhaps, and that God is lining up His warriors to bring in the efforts of HIS harvesting.
Lysa, this ministry has grown under His hands, but I sense that HE AIN'T DONE YET. He's only beginning!
Take heart in that…you can't do this, but HE can.
Lysa;
God is so BIG and He keeps showing me just how much bigger He is than my mind could ever grasp. Your sweet spirit and heart felt compassion toward all 300 of us is certainly God stretching out His HUGE heart and pouring out His love through you.
I continue to sit at His feet and wait, longingly for His direction and blessing. Because ultimately that's what I desire.
Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this and for the prayers of you and Holly. I am reminding myself to pray for the judges as I can't imagine how difficult it must be to make such a decision. I know God will have the four women He wants there through the scholarship. And my bits of anxiety this week have been a great reminder to "not be anxious about anything"! And I have gotten to read and connect with some amazing ladies!
Lysa, yes I have prayed for guidance in my life for the plans God has for me. My prayer was His will to be done, not mine. I prayed for experiences and lessons, opportunities, and people that would help me on my journey at the right time, HIS TIME. I have peace if it isn't my time or year to go. I have peace that God is controlling my circumstances in my life, not me. I want my dreams to be God's for me. I would rather walk his path not mine and there is peace knowing that I trust HIM. I have to pray for patience because I may not be ready yet for His dreams, I may still be in training, LOL.
I read a verse reccomended in your book "When Happens When Women Walk in Faith". Romans 12:12 (Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer) stuck out to me and brought some clarity. God is so straight forward in his requests and it brought so much peace.
Through God preparing my life for His service, I have so much hope, I need to feel joy in that! There will be afflictions and many trials in my life but with patience and prayer God can carry me through. Wow. Thank you for your books. They have brought so much in my life. I think it would be so awesome to do some kind of Bible study based on your book "Becoming more than a Good Bible Study Girl". Do you have a curriculum for this? I am being so drawn to do this because I feel the need for so many women out there for this message you were given.
After all this windiness of mine, lol, I just wanted to let you know I am just grateful for the chance to win, and the generousity of others to give so that any one of us 100's of ladies can receive!
Angie
What a beautiful and timely reminder that God will provide according to His will… not mine!
Thank you, Lysa! I am blessed because of your prayers.
I strongly believe God wants me to attend She Speaks, "and {I} know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 ESV {emphasis mine}
He speaks! Will she speak? http://shellysc.blogspot.com/2010/03/shelly-says-he-speaks-will-she-speak.html
Only God knows!
Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
My faith and hope are in My Redeemer. I know He has gone before me and has prepared my future. I do not see it, BUT GOD does: Of this, I am certain.
I can hardly wait to see if She Speaks really is part of His plan for me!
Thank you for reminding me that God will provide a way if He wants me to go.
And no matter what, He works it all out… for good!
http://shellysc.blogspot.com/
Well, it figures that you would write about this today so that I can't pout tomorrow if I don't win! This is the first year I entered the contest, but I have wanted to attend She Speaks for several years now. I just feel like it IS supposed to be my year to go, but I have no idea how I will be able to afford the registration if I don't win. '
Yes, I realize this isn't supposed to be another entry!! Just trying to prepare myself for not winning 'cause I never win these things.
OK, I'm done pouting. For now.
I chose not to enter for the She Speaks scholarship, and that was HARD!!! I so clearly heard Him say, 'No'. WHEN I do get to come, the timing will be His, the ministry will be HIS and I will get to be His vessel!
Thank you for such a tender heart and feeling for those that are not chosen…and letting us know how you feel.
Pamela in TX
They did speak to me Lysa. I didn't even enter. I know someday it will be my time to come, but I know it is not now. Even if God were to drop hundreds of dollars into my lap there are soooo many other "must go to" categories and it boggles my mind if I think about it too long.
I know God has His timing for everyone in everything. I pray that every woman will be encouraged regardless of the outcome. The not receiving the scholarship may be part of a bigger miracle that cannot even be imagined. God really knows how to show off and show up!
Thank you for understanding all of the possible emotions that go along with the gift your ministry is giving to the ones God had has chosen for this appointed time!~Danette
Lysa, thank you so much for the vulnerable post and such powerful truths to walk our hearts through vulnerable places. I love how you and Holly spend your mornings running with Jesus and praying for others.
I also want to thank you for the courageous thing you did this week that put your heart in a vulnerable place for possible rejection. I know it was for the Kingdom and I know Jesus was pleased that you were willing to put your heart out there. I just read Kelly Langston's comment about what God is doing and was covered in Holy goose bumps. God is up to something "more" – rallying His Jesus' girls around the world and equipping them for Kingdom building. Who knows what is next? Only He does but isn't it just amazing that we can approach Him with confidence, rely on His love and answers and watch to see how He is working it all together for our good and HIS GLORY!!!
Love you friend (and hugs to Holly too!)
Good Morning Lysa,
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to share in prayer with all you wonderful ladies. What an encouragement to us all to keep us in check. I will pray for all those and their families involved in She Speaks for both the joy and the disappointment (growth comes from that as well). God Bless you all!
HE has each of us in HIS hands. I trust HIM and thats it. In trusting HIM, I trust all of you. He has handpicked each of you and placed you in ministry for HIS purpose.
Those who are meant to go to She Speaks via scholarship will go and if I go, I go. If not, I'm gonna praise HIM just the same.
Bless you all!!
As I was about to enter the scholarship contest I felt God say that it wasn't for me. So I didn't enter. At first it was so hard and I kept trying to figure out how I would go. Then I got a picture of someone else winning the scholarship and going, and I felt a joy about it that I can't even explain. God is in control of each plan He has for each one of us!
Hi Lysa,
I too entered the contest, but after reading every entry, up to 193, I realized that I am not sure I am ready! I told my husband how wonderful the entries were and I am a beginner with my journey with God! I guess you could call me a "late bloomer"!! My prayers are with each entry and as you said, and I truly believe, "rest in the reality that God's no's are always wrapped in protection and redirected purpose."
If the answer is No, it won't slow me down…….He is my life! Thank you again for the opportunity you have given each of us. Yours in Christ, Kelly
You're so kind to consider the feelings of all who entered. {Yes, I'm one of them.} There have been opportunities and experiences I've desperately wanted, many of which never came to pass. In retrospect, I see his hand of protection. Sometimes he had something different planned. Other times he knew I just wasn't ready, that I was too emotionally vulnerable. And then there are the situations that even in retrospect, I don't understand. In all things, I simply trust that He is good, all the time, that he is sovereign, that his plans and timing are perfect. And yes, it's easier to type these truths out than to live it each and every day amid the "no's" and "just wait's," and "I don't understand's." Your post says it well.
Lysa,
What an amazing heart you have for us women. I am so thankful for the OPPORTUNITY that is provided for ANY women to have a scholarship. It is true, many women feel the calling of God to serve, to lead, to guide others. I am praying that our desires are God's desires for us, no matter what we do or how we get somewhere to do it. If it is God's will we have to trust that God will provide a way. I entered last year and thought that I was going to go even if I didn't get a scholarship. I didn't. But I am not defeated or feeling rejected, I just trust God's timing and hold on to the same verse you wrote Romans 8:28. I want to encourage each and every woman that entered the contest to never give up. If you feel called to serve God then serve Him! Don't let a rejection of a scholarship be some defeating sign that you are not called in some way. Serving God can sometimes be very difficult, very challenging… but worth every moment when you are able to see His plan that comes full circle. Only 4 people will be rewarded with a scholarship to attend, and yet others will get there some other way. Continue to pray and ask for God to show up, to lead you. If you are meant to be there, you will be there. If not, God has something else in store!
I look forward to seeing what God has in store. Praying that some day I may meet any of you incredible women face to face and join forces in serving for our King!
In Christ,
Cindy
Isn't it so like God to give His us His specific message to each of us through one blog post?! I did not apply for a scholarship thinking (at the time) that there were so many others who needed it more and trusting Him to provide. You see, after coming to She Speaks last year, I really, really, really wanted to come back this year. I received such encouragement and affirmation through those days and made new friends that I would love to see again!
But God…has other plans for me this year. Last week I learned that due to a change of dates in a summer ministry project my son is leading, my grandson's birthday celebration will have to change to that very weekend. Well, let me tell you nothing is going to take priority over my little boy's birthday party! However, in all honesty, I was very disappointed when it became apparent I would, indeed, not be coming to She Speaks this year. But God gently reminded me that He knows the plans He has for me and there is a good reason that I will not attend.
I am praying that I will be able to come again at some future time. But wherever God leads me, I know that will be in the best place. He will continue to open the doors He wants me to go through – when it is time.
Thank you, Lysa, for your sweet and tender heart that obeys Him. Love you and all the Proverbs 31 gals. You minister to me in so many ways.
Hugs,
Molly
In 2008, I was so excited to go on a women's retreat with our church. It would be my first one ever and it was a small, intimate group. My youth pastor's wife from when I was a kid would be there, 2 of my close friends, my future sis-in-law, and my mom! And I'd get a break from day-to-day routines for the first time in years!
I bought my mom and I matching PJ's and made my famous muffins to share. Then I woke up with a 102 degree fever that turned out to be strep throat.
I was beyond disappointed and sad. I didn't feel rejected by the ladies, but I honestly thought God didn't think I was good enough to get to experience that with those godly women. I felt rejected by God, and I didn't blame Him. But I sure was sad.
Silly, I know. I cried for about five hours and God began to speak to me. I started reading my Bible and before I knew it, another couple hours had passed.
There, sick in my bed, I experienced a retreat with God, and my kids and hubby in the other room. He gave me some very clear direction for my life, things that have come to fruition since. I still get goose bumps when I think of it.
He wrapped His arms around me and told my silly heart that there was a good reason I wasn't there, and it didn't have anything to do with me not being good enough. Only God could have convinced me of that!
After the retreat, the women brought me a journal they had all written notes in and many of them said they'd prayed that I'd have my own retreat with God in my sick bed.
They also had prayed and picked a Psalm for me… and it was EXACTLY about what God had been speaking to me.
HIS way is always better! He will accomplish His purposes in ways that don't seem logical to us!
Your heart is so loving, and your concern for everyone is such an example of how God loves us.
I'll join you in prayer for all of us who entered to not feel rejected, by you or by God! Thanks for this
my Reedeemer lives.
I so love that and needed that reminder right now.
Love the tender heart you have and the wisdom to share that God just may say "no" at times.
Love,
LC
Lysa, Like so many others have said, you are SO sweet to think about this…which is why God has you in the ministry he does– speaking and ministering to us tender hearted women! God IS in control! and likely inspired your thoughts to empathize with the feelings of potential non-winners (losers is SUCH not a nice word I can hardly say it! LOL), and to be praying for them, to soften their hearts– but hey, it also can't hurt to throw up a few prayers for a lottery winner who will give scholarships to all who entered!! That'd be pretty cool too!
'No' is so stinkin' hard to hear but we can rest in the reality that God's no's are always wrapped in protection and redirected purpose. ~~ I have to remember this because I am begging God daily for my husband to come home, but I have to believe and trust that God is protecting me, preparing me, and preparing him for that time.
At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of Your steadfast love, answer me in Your saving faithfulness. Psalm 69:13
Lysa,
My heart was touched by your kind words in your post this morning. To give words so "fitly spoken" to our many hearts that don't know what tomorrow will hold in the decisions for the scholarships showed such tenderness and compassion. I have hoped and prayed but mostly have had to rest in the arms of my Prince of Peace that promises in Hebrews 13:20&21 whether a scholarship winner or not to "equip (me) with everything good that (I) may do his will working in (me) that which is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever."
Still trusting in the giver of my dream,
Pam
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Those of us who have entered, know this…… WE TRUST IN A LIVING GOD!
He already knew the winners before you did
Good luck to all! God WILL bless their ministry!
Lysa,
Bless your heart and kind soul for praying that God helps the judges pick the contest winners for the She Speaks conference. I happen to believe that everyone who entered the contest is a winner as we all took a chance at a dream. For some of us that dream may happen tomorrow and for the rest of us the dream is still developing…but P31 and yourself gave us an opportunity!
There are many of us how have checked each others entrys and blogs out and new friendships are forming! See you gave us two gifts…the gift of a dream and friendship! How Cool!! Thanks and many blessings your way!
Love your heart…it's so tender to His.
Praying for you and already thanking the Lord for His decision,
Joy
It's amazing how hard rejection hurts sometimes, but for me, I keep clinging to who I am in Christ. Although I have grown so much in my relationship with Jesus, rejection can still trip me up.
I find comfort in the fact that Jesus loves me all the time, not just when I'm good enough or meet His expectations. I figure the more I cling to Him, the less I will fear the opinion of man.
Agreeing with you in prayer for the hearts of the women who won't get chosen…God's plans are ALWAYS perfect and ALWAYS right on time!
Lysa….
I can't help but feel like you described. I'm sad that I didn't win, BUT….I get so stinkin excited for those that do.
It may sound weird….but I can't help it.
I know what it's like to be blessed with something special so I always imagine how the winner is probably feeling!
It's just the mushy softy stuff in my heart.
I believe completely that if God wants me to have something…He's going to make sure it happens.
So…I like to think, He's got this!
Lysa! You are just the sweetest thing! Bless you and Holly for praying over these women — it's a hard thing to put yourself out there. I wish I could send someone to She Speaks…. okay, I wish I was sending me, but then after me, I'd like to send someone else.
You are the bomb.com!
I needed to read this today for so many reasons! Thank you for thinking of everyone who applied! I just know that God has picked the four women who HE wants to win, and He'll let you know!
There are other areas of my life where I feel like God is saying "not your will, but mine" and I'm praying that I'll have patience and be open to hearing His voice and recognize his leading.
Lysa, I don't get the opportunity to read here as much as I'd like. But I am always amazed when I sense that tug to stop by.
Vulnerability. I'm not sure this sounds very comforting or encouraging, but so often I've stopped by here over the past two years and read posts where you so willingly shared moments of vulnerability or rejection. I'm so grateful that you are willing to be vulnerable all over again and share these moments with us.
Would you believe I'm dealing with a mouse/rat situation as well? I think. Well, I'm pretty sure what I've been finding on my master bathroom floor directly under the air vent (directly under the smaller attic section of our house) is probably mouse droppings. It's driving me mad. I'm not quite certain I've convinced my husband although he did buy some sort of poison and plan to venture up the small attic entrance in our master closet to investigate. And then his back went out but that's another story. (Prayer would be so appreciated there.) Now I wait and try not be overly compulsive about this situation. It's just gross. The very thought of it. I fear they are being fruitful and multiplying in my attic.
And a cat? NO! Uh-uh! I do believe I am also emotionally allergic. I just might prefer the mice. Rats. Whatever. But not really.
Again, thank you for sharing your life with us. I will most assuredly approach the Throne of Grace for you regarding this awful situation. I meant the rats, of course. But also for the many contestants as well.
Lysa,
As I think of your heart and the Ministry God has so divinly placed before you I thank God for his equipping you to speak to women. Loved your post… Verse that comes to my heart as I think of you Lysa and the beautiful sisters work so diligently in serving our Lord for the Kingdom; 4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may continue to be active in sharing your faith, so that you will continue to share a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me [many women] great joy and encouragement, because you, [blessed sisters], have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Philemon 1:4-7 Godly wisdom that I wrote today in my Praying through the Proverbs…For the LORD gives wisdom,and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2 Thank you Lysa…The Lord Bless you! Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance, Love in Christ, Jennifer Pettiford
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Lysa –
Thank you for the prayer your team saturated this blessing give-a-way with. I believe that most of the 300 entered with the same perspective that I did: Its all in God's hand! If we get a scholarship it is God provided in the sense that he directed the selection. Remember in the OT they drew lots; but God was in the lots.
Thank you for your tender heart; I know its because you've "been there".
We serve a LIVING God who is more than able in all situations.
P.S. — I'm reading this before I read Friday's post — just as you directed
I entered the scholarship contest via e-mail, and of course, there was a tinge of disappointment that I didn't win. But I am so happy for those who did, and I know with all assurance that the four women who won are meant to be there and God's will is being worked out. Thanks so much, Lysa, for the heart that you have and for your thoughtful post. It meant so much to know how you and Holly were praying for all of us. And, I do believe, with all my heart, that God will provide for those he wants there (including me, if he wants me there.) Thanks again!
Have you tried the "Rat zapper"? It worked for us!!
Thank you so much for the opportunity. I think just applying opened a door because it opened my mind. I have admired Proverbs 31 Ministries over 8 years. Continue doing the wonderful job you do! You are a blessing, a laborer of God encouraging and pointing a path that we never realized existed until recently.
Lysa I heard if you get some tennis balls and soak them in amonia and leave them inthe area where they love to enter it should keep the mice away… I