Turtle Tuesday: Travel Advisory

It's Turtle Tuesday and B, the Traveling Turtle has a personal story to share.

Just minutes before my son Justin shipped off to Marine Boot Camp in June, I said, " I have some advice for you."  With those words, Justin gave me a look of dread. He knew a Mom speech was coming!. Most Moms are gifted in advice stuff when it comes to our children. I am no different. The funny thing was I had no idea what I was going to say!  Then, these words came out of my mouth, "Ask God to be your strength." Justin gave me a puzzled look. "Is that it?" he asked. Yep, that was it. 

Six wise words.

This morning we had another send off moment with Justin. My husband and I cried as he left for Marine Combat Training. I didn't have it together to be able to speak words so I texted my reminder advice through tears as Justin made his way through airport security.

Today B, the Traveling Turtle is modeling a wise traveler. She is taking her own advice as a 'carry on' through this journey. I don't know where you are in your travels or what baggage may be weighing you down, but consider a 'carry on' instead. It truly can be life changing.

B's Travel Advisory:

Don't try to to pull yourself up by your boot straps. ASK God to be your strength.
So do fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: My Offering

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.  Psalm 19:14

Love,
B, your turtle girl

Breakfast Is Served

One of my favorite morning tasks  pleasures is to serve breakfast.  I grab fresh bread, cut the carrots, and sometimes garnish my plate with a few grapes.  This morning with my plate in hand, I stood at the fence looking for my "crew".  The desert wash was deserted. There were no early birds, flybys, or even a chirp to be heard.  At first I was disappointed no one showed up, not even 'somebunny.' The breakfast feast I prepared seemed like such a waste. As I turned to leave with my feast, an idea popped in my mind. The thought tickled my heart!  What if I spread the bread, carrots, and grape garnish on the desert floor for my feathered and furry friends as a surprise! Maybe when they are walking, flying, or hopping by today they will stumble upon my feast and be refreshed.

. 

. 

.

. 

They probably won't grasp the floored feast was prepared just for them. (I know that.)
They may be clueless the feast was purposely put in their path. (Duh!)
They may not even be grateful for the provision. (I know that too.)

I left it anyway.

The Lord showed me a spiritual truth this morning.  I saw Jesus, standing in the garden as our daily bread waiting... on you and me every single morning with good things in His hand.  Where are we in this picture? Are we the no show? Or at best maybe we do a  flyby with Jesus, because we are so very busy. 
In His abundant love for us, the Lord leaves stuff for us anyway.  He scatters 'God things' on our path hoping we will hunger for MORE. Feast or Famine.  We get to chose.

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water. Psalm  63:1

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: On Track

 With large rocks in her path and curves into the unknown ahead, B, the On Track Turtle continues to crawl. "Full Speed Ahead" is the echo of her heart. Today B celebrates the fact she doesn't know where she is going. God has promised her more than she can ask or imagine. B is going to walk by faith and flat out BELIEVE what the Lord has said to her.  God Almighty has planned her path and yours. Maybe you need to get into gear today and Go Full Speed Ahead!  You aren't traveling alone. Fear Not my turtle friends!

 God, investigate my life;
    get all the facts firsthand.
I’m an open book to you;
    even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
    I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say
    before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
    then up ahead and you’re there, too—
    your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
    I can’t take it all in!  Psalm 139:1-6

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: The Wake Up Word

This morning B woke up to the sound of a beeping alarm and a word from the Lord. Just one single whispered word.

Behold.  
By definition, behold means to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care.

The Lord's wake up word opened B's eyes to the unseen.  She turned toward the Son, Jesus Christ. B admits sometimes her focus is on so many other faces.   Today His beauty is in the eye of  B, the Beholder Turtle. B knows if she misses Him, she misses everything.

Behold. B thought it was worth sharing.  What's catching your eyes today?

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after;  that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. 
Psalm 27:4

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: Picking Up What I Laid Down

 It's been over two years since I have written a post on my blog. As I seek to change that today, I felt the need to pause and ponder why I stopped sharing.  I have to say stopping wasn't a thought out, prayed over decision. It just kind of happened. Tuesdays came and went. Before you know it, the turtle girl became comfortable in her shell of silence. To be totally honest, it brings tears to my eyes now. The effect of not sharing has had greater consequences for me than for anyone who would have read a post.  

A few weeks ago, I saw B, the long neck pencil. Her googly eyes caught mine and well, the rest is history.  I picked up the pencil. The Lord's message was very clear.  He had not withdrawn His call to write.  Today I am reminded The Lord has never asked me to do anything that felt like a slam dunk, but He also never ask me to go it alone.

Thank you Lord.  I am humbled by your grace and mercy.  I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Gathering Dust

Sometimes when we are not doing what we dream of doing, discouragement can fall on us like dust.

Today B, the coconut turtle models this so well.  Let me tell you girls...B is being real here.  Dusty discouragement has been all over her.  This morning however, B read a post from her bloggy friend Alene about  The Gift of Encouragement.   Do you think mayb the Lord led B's little turtle toes to Alene's address?  B believes He did.

Here is part of what Alene had to say:
"The challenge for each of us this week is to specifically encourage someone. That person that is on your mind right now, write their name down and then follow-up with encouragement."   B immediately knew what she had to do. This turtle girl has been given the gift of encouragement, however she has not been using it lately.  So B  'pledged' to the Lord to wipe off the discouraging dust by encouraging a couple of her friends with these. 

These necklace pendants are going to b mailed today.  This action has removed the discouraging dust on B's shell.  Even though you may think she's a nut, it is all about shining for Jesus. Are you a little dusty also?  Don't let discouragement settle over you.  Use what you have been given.  It's enough.  (Satan will tell you different but it is more than enough in God's hands.)  If you do you will SHINE.

 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10-11


B His Girl

Radio Interview with Luann Prater and Ramona Davis of Encouragement Cafe

Hi Friends,

Need a little encouragement for the journey...Tomorrow on  Our Hiding Place Luann Prater  and Ramona Davis from Encouragement Cafe will be our guests.  (You may recognize Luann's name as a Proverbs 31 speaker.)

Betty Shoopman  and I are going to DRILL them for insight into how the Lord has been working in their life : )  Our inquiring minds and maybe yours want to know:

• How God birthed a radio show and Extreme Events? 
•  Do they wear an "I'm available Lord' sign on their heart? 
• Have they jumped out of their comfort zone into His? 
• Could God be calling me... aka YOU into something extreme?

Sometimes when we hear someones story of God's work in their life, we see His hand  more clearly in our own. I hope you can join us live or listen in the archives to hear how God is connecting ALL of us for His purpose.  Here is the link to Our Hiding Place,  live on Thursdays at 12:00 Eastern

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cwa-radio/2011/03/17/our-hiding-place

Blessings,

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday:Brace Yourself...It's going to b a stretch!

Sometimes B, the turtle can't see what the Lord is doing in her life.

Ok.  Let me b a little more real here.  MOST of the time B does not clearly see what the Lord is working on in her life.  Can anyone relate??? But sometimes the Lord sends B a clue, a puzzle piece to give her a glimpse of His work in the construction zone of her heart.

My clue was in a gift Christmas morning from my friend B the Artist. The message was wrapped in the shell of a turtle. The first thing I noticed when I saw B, the dangly leg turtle is her issues with walking.  Her feet could not touch the floor.  She was grounded AND there was nothing she could do about it.

The reason B's legs caught my eye is because I was looking at my own.  I was having issues, much like B's.  My ski accident before Christmas left me in great pain and I could not walk either.  B, the dangly leg turtle and I had a lot in common. We were both grounded in the desert and our parts were not operating correctly. 

As the new year began I stayed in hiding, propped on a pillow reading many of your 'word for the year' posts.  Most of them sounded encouraging.  Some of them sounded almost glamorous. (SOAR)  I wondered what word the Lord would give me.  I wanted a good word too. The Lord answered my request.

STRETCH TO WALK
Oh. STRETCH TO WALK.  Surely there must b a mistake. My word(s) sounded difficult.  Stretch to walk wasn't in the list of words I was hoping for. It didn't sound exciting like soar.  I wondered if I could I draw again.

Fast forward. Today is the 63rd day of the new year.  I haven't forgot my word(s).  In fact I am in physical training to 'walk' properly every single day.  I am learning I have to b intentional if I want to walk again with a normal gait.  For 6 to 8 hours a day, I have to lay down and wear this brace.  I think God wants to use this time to stretch me.   To b honest, I have always known God's plans for me were a stretch.  But I also know He is the author of the HimPossible Dream.  And for the record, I am still dreaming that dream. Whether I am walking, soaring, or limping, I have committed to follow Him and finish my race with my eyes on the prize.  I guess I will keep stretching until the Great Physician says its time to go forward.

These words apply to you today if you want to do something in life that ONLY God could make possible.

Brace Yourself...It's going to b a stretch .  But...you can do it.  All things are possible with God.

B His Girl

A Sizzling God Story

I love to report His stories.!
B His Girl

Small Feet, Big Dreams...A "B" story

(This post has been sitting on my blog in draft form for over a year. The Lord let me know it was time to share.)

Last year I went to the Blogger's Retreat in Sneads, FL. It was such a blessing, meeting the Sisters of Faith and many bloggy friends for the first time.

After the last session on Friday night, we drove to the campgrounds where we were staying during the event. Since our time together was so limited, Joanne insisted I go to Angie's house to visit with some of the women before I retired to my cabin.  I am so glad I did.  We talked and laughed until midnight.  Breakfast would be at 7:00 the next morning so we decided we better get some shut eye.

Rachel from Beautiful Daughters was my roomie. She was asleep but I was having a difficult time falling asleep in my new surroundings.   I checked my phone.  It was after 2 AM.  I usually drift to sleep every night talking to God but I was wide awake. As I was chatting with the Lord, I thought I felt something on my blanket. I chose to ignore it. A few minutes later the incident was repeated. All of the sudden fast little feet were running over my head and in my hair. Yes, IN MY HAIR!

YIKES! I came UNGLUED!

I jumped out of bed screaming hysterically. Rachel woke up and immediately started asking, "What's wrong? What's wrong?" "A mouse ran over my head" I screamed in a high pitch voice while jumping up and down. Rachel took control of the situation. She threw her pink hoodie over her head and approached the crime scene. Standing in the opposite corner of the room I was amazed at her display of courage. "What are you going to do if you find him?" I asked. Realizing she had no weapon, Rachel reached for the broom and began searching for the mouse.

From the other side of the room the Lord let me see this crazy scenario in a new way. I saw'Cinderella' in her own little corner.  Dreaming of what she could b but afraid.  The broom, the mice...The message was coming becoming clear.  I remembered part of my words written earlier:

He called her to become MORE And now it's time for her to soar
The shoe fits after all
The mice are just His transportation to the ball.

I wrote those words in a comment on Lysa Terkeurst's blog before the retreat . I was trying to win a contest she had to solve her 'mice in the fireplace' problem.  All I could see when I read her mouse story was Cinderella.  My 'comment/poem', felt so inspired...I just knew I would win cause God gave me those words. (Big smile lol, I didn't) The words were not for Lysa  T. in that rustic cabin at 2 in the morning.  The words were for me...B.  The Lord was replying to my chat.  He did not want me drifting off .  He was setting my little feet up for the SHOES ,...the kind that make it possible for small feet to walk in Big Dreams.  You might say He was sending B transportation.

If you have a dream from God, these shoes are a MUST have.They will take you all the places you are supposed to go.
If you do not know the 'shoe story', please watch this video.) 

Today as I write my last post of 2010, it has to b about DREAMS.  I am awake to God's dream for my life.

 How about you?

Today I am praying for your little feet friends.  God has MORE for you too.  Take a step. The Lord specializes in little feet and Big Dreams AND best of all... He still uses 'princesses' to tell His story. 

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: All Calm and Bright?

Lord, sometimes I get caught up in all the trimmings. I try not to, but you know how I am.  I can b a busy b. I could give Martha a run for her money if you know what I mean...(Sorry Lord, of course you know what I mean.You know everything.)

 I fill my house with lights that shine

Good smelling candles that glow

I try to bake every yummy recipe I know and pack it in Christmas tins

My list goes on and on Lord. 

I try to 'create' a welcoming atmosphere in my home Lord.  Forgive me when I offer cheap substitutes to those who live in darkness around me.   Help me remember you are with me.  I 'house' you, the Light of the World.  Help me shine the real thing this Christmas season.  Thank you Jesus. Amen

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Hanging On A Word

B's hanging on a word today. In fact, it is the most significant word the Lord has spoken to B repeatedly in 2010. 

BELIEVE (Luke 1:45)

As B the turtle enters the month of December she thinks she is starting to get it. 

This question is for you:  O Christmas branches...What are you hanging on to?

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Heads Up! He's searching...

2 Chron 16:9

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Will He see you today?

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: A Prophetic Picture Pattern

B, the circle turtle traveled from Honduras with this pattern on her back. A shell with seven circles. How perfect!
The pattern was hidden from B's eyes but she knew the Lord could see everything.

He sits HIGH and looks low.

A couple of months ago the Lord began talking to B about circles. B's thought went round and round trying to figure out what He meant. ( Sometimes she is a little slow. ) The Lord told B He was connecting circles. B still didn't get it.

B shared the Lord's words with a friend in her blog circle... The Lord is connecting circles. Her friend said "like the pattern in a wedding quilt." B caught her breath. She knew those words were significant. In fact, she could not stop thinking about them. The next day B stopped by a garage sale and saw this: A wedding quilt.

B was stunned at the Lord's timing. This is the pattern He is working on. Connecting circles from near and far. There is a wedding planned. The connected circles are a gift before the BIG DAY!

B a connector and invite others into the circle...the circle of life.

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Strike A Pose

Today
Regardless of what you see...
No matter how you feel...
The Lord is in control.
He's working AND He is good.

So strike a pose like B, the headstand turtle.

She is choosing to trust the Lord regardless of her current circumstances. This move has put her in a new position. You might even say it's uplifting one. Today B shares her posing thoughts with you. She wants you to b on higher ground also.

Stop whatever you are doing.
Look up... Give the Lord a smile:)
He loves you. JOY!
He sees you. JOY!
His ears have heard your cry. JOY !
He knows everything and He is not overwhelmed with what to do! JOY!
He has a plan. JOY!
He is faithful. JOY!
He is with you. JOY!
Oh radiant bride, strike a pose! Heaven is preparing for a wedding. You are invited! JOY!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:13

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: A ''Dressed' Fieldstone

B, the field stone wasn't sure what she was supposed to say this morning, so she waited.

This afternoon the message came in clear with the sound of a beep-beep-beep. It was a text from B's bloggy friend Angie or mayb I should say a 'wake up' call. I knew she had a word for me. Sparks fly when she speaks. Angie said "God is calling us to 'get dressed' for the occasion just ahead." B immediately saw a picture of herself as she read the text...the one you are looking at today...B, the dressed fieldstone. Then the Lord brought these words to B's mind.

LOOK AT THE FIELDS...
(fields, of course, B's a field stone , I get that Lord )

B immediately searched for the verse in her Bible. She saw what the Lord was saying. She also knew the Lord wanted you to see .

B's eyes are closed .

R yours?

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
John4:35-36

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: Feeling small?

To all who really want to b more for the Lord, the formula is simple...but it is easier said than done.



(Warning: Distractions have your number listed on speed dial. )
Prov 4:21-22
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
body and soul, they're bursting with health.
(from THE MESSAGE)
B His Girl

Turtle Tuesday: The Missing B

Ok. It's time to talk.
Many of you have written B emails, comments, and prayers saying you were missing B. Thank you so much. I have definitely been as they say in the military AWOL. Absent Without Official Leave from my posts.

Mayb you can relate to the thought of being AWOL today too...just in a different way. Here is a question for you.

Are YOU doing what God has called YOU to do during your time of service? (pause)

Sometimes we go AWOL in our walk with the Lord or at the very least get distracted by the things of this world. I know B does. Recently God spotted B, the missing turtle hiding out in Costco. She wasn't looking for a message. She was enjoying the taste tests! However the Lord had a simple but profound statement He wanted her to chew on as she paused to open Max Lucado's new book, Out Live Your Life.

The Lord wasn't finished with His message to B. Within the hour He had a 'Home Goods' picture of the look He was going for in B's life.

Unshelled and Missing...

Col 3:1-4 (The Message)

3 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. 2 Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ — that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

3 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life — even though invisible to spectators — is with Christ in God. He is your life. 4 When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too — the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

B unshelled and missing.

B His Girl

Turtle Tuesdays: To All The Travelers

Meet B, the turtle traveler.
She may be walking on dry ground today but the Lord has flooded her heart with these words from Steven Curtis Chapman's song:


"Keep looking ahead
Let your heart not forget
We are not home yet! "
B finds it interesting the song's first words are "To ALL the travelers". Not a message for some travelers but ALL. At times ALL of us will find ourselves discouraged and weary from the journey. Sometimes we need to b reminded THIS IS NOT IT. God did that for B this week through this song. B, the turtle traveler has a race to finish. So do you.
Praise b to the Rock. He is traveling with us on the dusty road. We are not alone.


B His Girl