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Check out Priscilla's latest article in the Jewelry Box.

Then tell me if you're not ready to stand up on a chair and yell, "AMEN, SISTER!"

Bless you, Rachel

Are you standing on His Word today??

A few days ago I posted an interview with Candace Cameron Bure. She answered some telling questions about her life as a wife, mom and actress. One of the comments to the interview was from Dionne Edmonds, who very sweetly yet emphatically requested that I stop being in the interviewer role and become the interviewee.

So. . . upon request, I'm answering the questions this time.

Thanks for asking, Dionne, and I hope that you and the others who'll read will be blessed by something in my nutty life.

Bless you,

Priscilla

1. Tell us about your family. 

a.) Your husband: How did you meet? 

My husband's name is Jerry. We met when I was speaking at a luncheon in March 1998. At the time, he was the Director of International Operations for Hilton Hotels. Each quarter the company held a luncheon for their executive team. The woman that invited me had never heard me speak nor had she ever met me. I had simply been referred to her. After she called to make the arrangements, she asked if I would send my details to her in the mail so that she could let her executive team know who would be speaking. The packet that was sent included a photo. For some reason, seeing my photo made her want to match me up with "our handsome director Jerry Shirer." When this strange woman called me back to tell me about this great guy who she was certain would be perfect for me, I thought she'd lost her mind. I had never met her and was certainly not interested in meeting a guy at that point in my life.

Lo and behold, I'll never forget the moment, 3 months later, when Jerry walked into that luncheon and I laid eyes on him. He was beautiful. We spoke for only a few moments at the luncheon but he called me that very evening. The rest. . .as they say. . . is history. And one other note - Jerry had been attending my father's church for 7 years. Since my church is so large, we'd never met.

How did you know he was "the one" and how long have you been married? What does your husband do? 

I was very hesitant to get serious with Jerry. I had been in a very hurtful relationship and was in many ways timid about starting again. I made that very clear to Jerry and asked if we could be friends. He was fine with that but was also very clear about his feelings and his certainty about his desire to move forward with me. I knew he was the one for me about 6-7 months after we meet. There wasn't a specific instance when it hit me. It was just a progressive awareness that came to me over time. He was like a soothing balm to my emotional wounds and his care, concern and protection of me was overwhelmingly stunning. I remember feeling relaxed and like I could finally just "breathe". When I thought of everything that I'd asked the Lord to give me in a husband, Jerry was it. We've been married for 11 years and, seriously, he is the best decision I've ever made.  . . or like my son said to me the other night . . . he's the best decision God ever made for me.

Now we are in ministry together. My poor man - little did he know that marrying me would mean a call out of corporate America and into ministry - women's ministry at that. HA! It's been 8 years ago now that he felt God compelling Him to start and oversee Going Beyond Ministries. Jerry runs our entire ministry. He does all the real work so I can study, write and speak.

b.) Your children: How many do you have? What are their names and how old are they? What other interesting facts should we know about them and your lives together?

We have three boys: Jackson is our oldest. He will be 8 in November. Jerry Jr. just turned 6 and Jude, our surprise baby, is 21 months. They are a wonderful mix of tenderness and energy. Each one has a distinct personality that keeps us on our toes. We are continually amazed that three kids by the same parents could be so incredibly different. It's amazing.

I think one of the most fascinating things about our lives together is that because of the unique way Jerry and I work, the kids get to be with their father just as much as me - which I think is phenomenal since they are boys. Particularly in the African American community, there are not many young boys who get to be with their fathers as much as my children do. I'm so grateful to have a husband who is not only a hands-on, wonderful father, but has the ability to be there since he doesn't work on a job that takes him away from us 60-70 hours a week. I'm not sure my sons will realize the rarity and beauty of having their father so readily available to them until they have children of their own.

2. In our conversations about being a single woman on the blog, many women voiced concern that it seemed that men are intimidated by successful single women. Before you were married, did you come across many men who were intimidated by your success? What was different about your husband?

I'm not sure intimidation is the right word but I did run across a few men who were "unsettled" by me and my life. I was fairly young when I got married (24) but I did date a few men before I met Jerry. So, while my ministry was far from being established at that point, I was a graduate student and had begun speaking publicly. For the most part, I didn't feel like it made anyone feel intimidated but there were some cases where I could seriously see them weighing whether or not they could deal with a woman who had such a demonstrative and ambitious personality. It was an interesting dynamic.

Also, because I have a family that was pretty involved in ministry and fairly well known, I could often see that there was a major adjustment that was overwhelming to a man that I was close to. Suddenly, they became "Priscilla Evans' friend" or "Dr. Tony Evans' potential son in-law". That can be hard for a strong man to cope with. I understand that.

It seems like God just wired Jerry for all of that pressure. Because he certainly has dealt with that, but it hasn't affected him as it may have someone who may have felt "swallowed up" by my father's position and people's familiarity with him. He is a very strong man who leads our home, but celebrates the position God has placed my father in, as a pastor and nationally known religious figure, very well. He has never made me feel like I have to *not* be who I am, or disconnect myself from the rich godly heritage I have. I'd faced that before and it was very uncomfortable. Jerry always seemed to celebrate my gifts and talents and since we met, he's encouraged me to reach for the stars.

3. When you started having your family, were there some things you valued that you had to relinquish in order to fully engage in motherhood? Are any of these more difficult than others to come to grips with?

Are you kidding? Absolutely! I have a very spontaneous and foot-loose personality. I don't particularly care for detailed schedules and I'm not innately organized. None of my personality meshed with the need motherhood brings to schedule, organize and think ahead. I was completely stunned and overwhelmed by the whole thing. So I've literally had to ask the Lord to re-invent me in this season of life so that I'm not frustrated by what it requires. He is doing that slowly but surely and I'm grateful.

I've also had to relinquish the idea of what family life would be like. I thought I'd have the kind of home that was always clean, with a fresh homemade dinner on the table and neat children to present to their father when he walked in the door in the evenings. That doesn't happen and I'm learning to be ok with that. So, while I try my best, there are just some things that I've learned to give myself a break on and gratefully, Jerry has too!

On another note, before children, I really cherished being well rested. Because of the freedom in our work schedule I could take an occasional nap when needed and get a full night sleep. That never happens anymore. Motherhood has required me - and ever other mother I know - to relinquish sleep. URGHH!

4. What is the best part of motherhood for you? What is the most frustrating part?

The best part of motherhood is that I really believe that God gave me sons for a reason that is going to blow me away later in life. The first year of our marriage, Jerry told me that he felt strongly that God was going to give us sons - all sons - for the purpose of raising up a godly line of Shirer men. His family has not had that. When we began having children, it was obvious that Jerry had indeed heard from God because they were all male. The best part of motherhood for me is the anticipation of what God has in store for this new line of Shirer men. I feel strongly that I am, right now, in the midst of the main thing God put me on this earth for - to help start a whole line of men that will be godly leaders and warriors for Christ. I'm literally sitting on the edge of my seat to see what God is going to do with and through them.

The most frustrating part is having to get up early on Saturday mornings.

5. What projects are you working on right now in your career? How are you balancing that with the daily demands of raising a family?

During the summer I try my best NOT to work on any projects. I find that it is futile to put anything major on my plate during these months. It only frustrates me because my attention cannot be fully attuned to my children (although I sometimes wish I had something else to do ;) and I want to relax and play with them. I don't like having a busy life - and life with children is busy all by itself. Compounding that with additional responsibilities completely overwhelms me. I'm sure there are other women that can multi-task more efficiently but I can't. When the kids are home, I need to be all about them, or I feel like my head is spinning. HA!

I will tape another Bible study resource in November and will be re-writing Discerning the Voice of God around the same time. I won't start working on either of these projects until the children have gone back to school.

In general, we look at the whole year on a calendar before we plan any speaking engagements or writing projects. I try to consider what will be going on with my children in different months to determine what I'll actually have enough energy left to complete. I feel like they'll only be little once so I better be present and not miss anything.

6. On a practical note, what does a day in your life look like and how do you manage it? Do you have help, or do you tackle most of it on your own?

My day starts around 6:30 or so. I try to get a 30 minute jog in every other morning. it's during that time that I talk with the Lord and have a bit of quiet time. When I come back home, the house will be awakening and the chaos of life begins. There is breakfast to be made, kids to get dressed, teeth to brush etc. Most often, I try to play outside with the kids while I'm already sweaty. So I make them get dressed fairly early and we take a walk, go fish in a nearby pond or just kick the soccer ball. Then they watch a little tv while I clean up. 

Since my kids have cousins their same age, we'll often have a play/lunch date scheduled. Then we come home for naps and quiet time. Shortly there after it's time for me to think about dinner, baths, reading time, etc. It's chaos.

There's no way I could do it by myself. As I've mentioned, my husband is a full time parent right along with me so much of the day we do together. While one of us takes the big boys to do something, the other will stay home with the little one or take him to do something that is more age appropriate. Also, gratefully, I have a mother-in-law that is a professional grandmother. She loves helping me with the kids. And often my reality doesn't allow me to be with the kids all day. While I sometimes feel like a stay-at-home mom, technically, I'm not. So, during the school year, I'll drop the little one off at Granny's house for a few hours while the big boys are at school so I can attend our staff meeting, or get some writing or studying done. Thrilled to have her in my life.

7. What part does your relationship with the Lord play in all of this?

Wow. It's a huge factor. In fact, I've experienced God more intimately in this season of life than ever. I think it has alot to do with the fact that as a mom, your life is spent pouring out your time, energy and emotions. I find myself completely depleted unless I look to Him to fill me back up. And, it's so easy, in the busyness of the day to forgo spending time with Him - not because you didn't want to but just because you are too tired to. You attempt it but fall asleep at the first sign of downtime. So, I've learned how to "practice the presence of God;" speaking with Him and listen for Him speaking to me throughout the regular rhythms of my everyday life. The constant deliberate tuning into God is something that I don't remember doing so consistently before I was a mom. It is one of the blessings that this season of life has given me - teaching me to commune with God throughout the day. I've learned that while having a "sit down, full on" quiet time is my ideal, I can still commune with God if that doesn't happen. 

8. Finally, what final words would you offer to encourage women who are in the throws of balancing their lives and are finding it a bit overwhelming?

Consider this word picture shared with me by Jill Briscoe: Picture each priority in your life as a box. If you try to keep each equally filled it might look balanced but it isn't. Full boxes = exhaustion.  But if you ask the Lord which boxes should be first in line for this season of your life, reorganize them accordingly and then only fill up the first ones in line, voluntarily leaving the others only minimally filled, you'll have will peace. That is balance - filling up what God wants you to and leaving the rest for another season in life.

I'm in Houston this week. Houston's fun for me. It's the town I went to college in so it's familiar enough for me to make my way around - a bit nostalgic and relaxing all at the same time. I've got some old friends here who know more about me that I care to admit. We shared a wonderful meal together the other night over the most delicious comfort foot I've think I've ever had.

Yes indeed. That is a big ol' slab of butter on some iron skillet cornbread.

We talked long, reminisced deeply and laughed hysterically about things past and present. And we leaned in closely as we shared our anticipations and desires for the future. It was a refreshing time that meant alot to me.

Friendship. It's important, isn't it? Sure, those relationships can get messy sometimes, and the ups and downs of life seem to interrupt their rhythm on occasion, but the good ones are always worth the energy expended to keep them flourishing. Friendships teach us, mold us and encourage us. They are worth the effort. and last night with my old college sister friends, I was reminded of just that.

Who are your life-long friends and what have those relationships taught you?

Priscilla.

PS. . There are some good reads out there about the importance and power of friendships. "Friendship For Grownups" by Lisa Whelchel and "The Friendships of Women" by Dee Brestin.

Awhile back, I was expecting out of town guests during a very busy time. I was trying to finish up a work project, make the house presentable and do mountains of laundry before they came. Priscilla called to see how I was doing and she must have heard the exasperation in my voice because she immediately said, "I'm bringing you and your guests dinner tonight."

Period. The end. No arguments. She would not hear it.

Don't you love friends who don't let you argue over stuff like them bringing you dinner?

I said, "Well, then. If I can't win, please swing by someplace like KFC and do it the easy way."

"I'll do it my own way, thank you very much," she gave me that look over the phone. I know she did. "See you at 6 pm."

She arrived with a car load of the best food you could imagine. Baked chicken that was so tender it melted in your mouth. Wild rice, ham, green beans with almonds, and the most amazing corn bread I've ever eaten. I know there was dessert, but the memory of the cornbread has made me forget what it was. Actually, I think I ate the cornbread for dessert, after I'd had it with my meal - it was that good.

We were so blessed by her gesture of mercy! It had to have taken all day to prepare - which was very humbling to know that a friend had given such a delicious gift of time and effort. My guests kept saying, "Now, WHO is this friend of yours? She must really love you."

Yep. She does. And I sure felt it that day - all the way down to my toes.

I asked Priscilla for the recipes, and she is delighted to share them with you, too.

Corn Bread

Do you have some favorite dishes to prepare as "gifts of mercy?" We're often called upon to bring a meal to a new mom, or someone who is sick, and sometimes it's hard to come up with something good. We'd love to hear your meals-on-wheels ideas AND recipes today! Just talking about this is inspiring me to prepare something for a friend in need.....

Looking forward to your ideas! Rachel

PS I loved all the "on your own" meal ideas last week! I'm well armed for the next time and can't wait to shop for all the goodies! 

A few weeks ago I was teaching at a fabulous church in Los Angeles. Lo and behold, I had the privilege of meeting a woman that I've only admired from afar. Her name is Candace Bure. She was the spunky daughter on a show that kept me riveted for years - Full House. 

It was so glad to see how. . .well. . normal she was. A sister in Christ, mother of three small children, wife and a woman trying to juggle all of the same balls we all are. So, I thought you'd enjoy getting to know this incredible woman whose love for the Lord is shining through in every way.

Thanks for sharing yourself with us today Candace. You're FULL LIFE is an encouragement to us all.

Bless you,

Priscilla

1. Candace, tell us about your family. a.) Your husband: How did you meet?  

Val and I were introduced at a celebrity/charity hockey game in Los Angeles by my co-star on Full House, Dave Coulier. Just 3 years earlier, Val and his brother had moved to the United States from Moscow, Russia because they were drafted by the NHL. Not speaking English all that well, they watched Full House to help! Fast forward to the charity game - Dave invited the whole cast to watch him play, but figured he'd introduce me to 2 rising hockey stars since we were close in age. Val and I exchanged numbers that night and the rest is history.

How did you know he was "the one" and how long have you been married?

Val was playing hockey in Canada at the time and was only in Los Angeles for the summer. He actually flew home 2 days after we met. We had a courtship over the phone for 4 months before we ever saw each other again. I really liked talking to him, and when we saw each other for the first time since our initial meeting, I pretty much knew he was the one. Val says it's ‘cause he needed a green card. (LOL! Ha! He jokes. He actually said that to my dad right after we got engaged. What a sense of humor.)  We've been married for 14 years. 

b.) Tell us about your children!

We have 3 children. Natasha- age 11 (12 in August), Lev- age 10 and Maksim-age 8. They are my pride and joy, although I'm not gonna lie... Some days I hide in the laundry room or my closet just to have a quite, silent place of my own! They are all extremely outgoing kids. Natasha is a total drama queen and very strong-willed, Lord help me! She's got the bug for acting just like me and has done a few commercials. Lev is all sports, all the time, smart, diligent, sensitive and loves learning. Maks is all charisma, funny and will talk your ears off! He's determined to be a hockey player just like his dad and is practicing and playing hard to get there.

2. In our conversations about being a single woman on the blog, many women voiced concern that it seemed that men are intimidated by successful single women. Before you were married, did you come across many men who were intimidated by your success? What was different about your husband?

I didn't date much before I was married because I met Val when I was 18. So I don't recall a time when I felt a man was intimidated by me. Val certainly wasn't. But he was also equally successful in his career as I was in mine.  I'm thankful we found each other so young and I didn't have to experience that conflict. I do think it would be a  difficult topic to navigate through in a budding relationship if the woman was the "bread winner"  because men by nature are made to be the provider. 

3. When you started having your family, were there some things you valued that you had to relinquish in order to fully engage in motherhood? 

YES! Practically everything. Motherhood turned my life upside down. I absolutely loved being a mom but didn't realize I'd have to put so many of my own desires on hold. At just 21 yrs old, I figured I'd have kids, continue to act, and be there for my husband's career all at the same time. I figured I'd have a nanny help me with the kids (since that's what most of Hollywood has, right?) Wrong! God closed the door on my career (for a time of about 10 years) and nudged me into a deeper, much more meaningful relationship with Him. He taught me to surrender my will to motherhood (and enjoy it) and taught me to be the kind of wife He intended for my husband.

 ~Are any of these more difficult than others to come to grips with?

It was hard to lay my career down in the beginning. I'd been acting since I was 5 years old. It was my life. Looking back, it was those 10 years that I grew immensely in an intimate relationship with the Lord. I can now see what He was doing in my life but it wasn't always easy when I couldn't see the finish line.  But, there did come a time when I knew I was joyfully walking with Him - when I got offered a TV series and turned it down because my husband and I felt (with prayer) that the timing wasn't right. That was HUGE for me. It was in that moment, I knew I was surrendered to God's will for my life and happy about it.

4. What is the best part of motherhood for you?

Getting unexpected hugs and kisses from my kids. Seeing them laugh out loud hysterically. When my kids have had to learn a lesson the hard way, my heart melts if they later tell me they know I allowed it because I love them. And I love the homemade cards my children write for me- straight from the heart- it makes me cry.

What is the most frustrating part?

When they don't listen! LOL- there's always grace, but seriously, how many times am I gonna ask them to clean up their mess? Until they're 18 I guess. :) 

5. What projects are you working on right now in your career?

I'm filming the 2nd season of "Make It Or Break It" which airs on Tuesday nights at 9pm on ABC Family Channel. It's a 1 hour scripted drama that follows a group of teen elite gymnasts ultimately training for the Olympics. I play Summer Van Horn- one of the gym managers- who was engaged to one of the gymnast's dad (in the 1st season), but is now kind of dating the coach. That's TV drama for ya! I'm playing a Christian on the show which has been an amazing opportunity to play an authentic one and not a self-righteous or hypocritical Christian you often see portrayed on TV. 

Also, my production company is in development on a children's feature film as well as several other TV projects. And I've written a book about health/fitness that will be released in January 2011. (Wish I could give you more details on that- but I have to wait!)

How are you balancing that with the daily demands of raising a family?

Some days are tougher than others. My husband and I do it together, that's for sure. On days I'm working, he's at home with the kids and vice versa. He has a lot of flexibility in his schedule which has allowed me to go back to work. I normally average 3 days a week, so I don't feel like I'm missing out on too much with my kids. The weekends are all about them which usually means the beach, hockey games and church, of course. I'm fortunate to have family around and a few good friends that help me with the kids if Val's schedule conflicts with mine. We're managing well, but not without ups and downs. The most important thing for me is to keep an ongoing relationship with the Lord and not get lazy about it. And there are periods when I do. But without reading his word and being actively involved in bible study, I know life and the world would get the best of me. The renewal of my mind in His word, my focus on what's truly important- God and eternal salvation- allows me to take a deep breath, trust in the grace He provides and not sweat the small stuff. 

6. On a practical note, what does a day in your life look like and how do you manage it? Do you have help to or do you tackle most of it on your own?

I have two very different kinds of days. When I'm working on Make It Or Break It, I usually have to wake up at 3:30am to be at the studio at 5:30am. I might work a 12-14 hour day- learning lines and taping scenes which I thoroughly enjoy. When I get home, I'm always on homework duty with the kids while Val makes dinner (he's an excellent chef). I tuck the kids into bed, back scratches included and go to sleep myself not long after. Oh yeah- did I mention doing a load of laundry in there somewhere? On days I'm not working, I'll work out - usually a 45 minute run or 45 minutes of walking stairs, go to meetings, pay bills, do laundry, answer emails, run errands... all the stuff that needs to be done till 3pm when I pick up my kids. I take them to hockey practice, help with homework...etc. I rarely have a moment to spare. I don't have a nanny but am SO thankful I have a cleaning lady 2x a week. Whoo Hoo!!

7. What part does your relationship with the Lord play in all of this?

Everything! I couldn't do it without Him, nor would I ever want to try. It’s all about priorities and God needs to be at the top of the list. Otherwise, it's all worthless. "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and lose his own soul?"  Mark 8:36

8. Finally, what final words would you offer to encourage women who are in the throws of balancing their lives and are finding it a bit overwhelming?

Take a deep breath. And another. Have a good cry and ask God your big questions. He's there for you and can handle it. Don't be afraid to dialog with Him, out loud even. I've had more conversations in my car than I ever care to admit. He's always listening to me. I don't need an appointment and I'm not going to be put on hold. How awesome is that? I remember that God has placed me in every season of my life for a specific reason. Think about what will truly matter at the end of the day and let God take care of the rest. Don't try to be superwoman ;) 

It was a great weekend at the Desperate for Jesus conference at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Fantastic messages from Beth Moore and Tara Jenkins, and then the always popular panel discussion.

I know God did some business with each woman who came, but I've gotta tell you that the highlight of MY weekend was being mistaken for my hair idol, Beth Moore.

HA!

I think I was really in the spirit on Saturday morning, when I happened to style my hair the same way she did hers that day. I was going for volume on top, but after I saw the fabulous way she achieved hair height, I realized that I could learn some things from that lady:

1. I need to invest is some new hair products.

2. A personal hair counseling session with Miss Beth couldn't hurt, either.

Anyway, I dug up this photo from about 3 years ago at a Deeper Still conference in which she was kind enough to pose with me. My resolve to keep studying the Word and keep growing my hair out have deepened since then. I think if Miss Beth could gain about 15 pounds ('cause I sure ain't losing it!), and I could work on my tan and hair, we certainly could pass for sisters. OK, cousins.

Yeah, I'm still flyin' high.

Glad you're back today 'cause now that we've made each other's acquaintance I'm anxious to connect you with some folks who I think you'll be so blessed by.

Years ago, I got a chance to meet Jan Johnson albeit only by phone - and yet in the short time we spent talking, I was encouraged and redirected in so many ways. As a young woman trying to navigate the ins and outs of my relationship with the Lord, Ms. Jan spoke wisdom into my life that was extremely pivotal in my life - personally and in ministry.

While I've not had the chance to meet her in person (I'm hoping to attend one of her conferences one day) I'm continually blessed by the word the Lord places on her heart every month through her "Wisbits" - articles she writes for anyone to subscribe to.

I'm so glad that you guys are encouraged by The Jewelry Box articles on our site so I thought I'd share with you a bit of what encourages me regularly.

You'll want to subscribe as soon as you can. You'll be the better for it.
Here's July's wisbit

Be blessed,
Priscilla

As one who is used to cooking great vats of food for a busy family, I suddenly find myself at a loss. I've got a few days with no one else at home - just little old me - and I don't know how to prepare food for just one person!

I know, I know. The answer is: GO OUT TO EAT!

And believe me, I will.

But on my own, I'm actually too lazy to get into the car and drive to food.

I basically want to open the refrigerator and have something leap into my hands that can be eaten immediately. Out of the container. Without a fork or spoon.

I took a field trip to the grocery store to find what *I* would like to eat during my days of solitude. I found yoghurt and fruit, some pasta and marinara sauce, crackers, chocolate/raspberry cookies, chai tea, and individually packaged molten lava brownies. I'ze livin' large, man! Woot!

But I got confused in the frozen entree aisle and left without making any decisions there. Are any of them any good?? I hate to waste my valuable alone time testing frozen macaroni and cheese with a side of green beans if they are going to taste like the cardboard box.

I need help! After 27 years of operating the family cafe, I could use advice on how (and what) to eat alone. Tips, brands, restaurants, take out....give me the low down. And I promise not to eat with my hair net on.

Rachel

What do you eat when you're on your own??

There was a feather explosion in my bedroom last week.  My down comforter popped a seam when I was making the bed, but I didn’t have time to fix it that day. Each day, little tufts of floating feathers came drifting out, settling on the floor, the night stands, the dresser and chairs.  When I finally got around to pinning it shut (a temporary fix), I had to laugh at all the white fuzzy bits that had weightlessly found their way into every corner of the room. Inside drawers, under the bed, behind the furniture, in the clean laundry, the gentle puffs came to rest. Silly things! As I brushed a tiny feather from my sleeve, I was struck with the contrast to something else I’ve been fussing with recently. Only it hasn’t been as pleasant.

See, we have these wild plants that bloom beautifully in the springtime, but come summer, they put out thousands of small seed burrs.  They aren’t the kind that hurt when you step on them, but they are the kind that literally leap onto your clothing as you pass by - and stick to you like velcro. A simple walk to the outside trash bin can bring scores of these prickly, irritating things on your clothes. And you don’t even want to know what a fluffy dog looks like after he’s been outside!

These burrs have found their way into the house, onto the furniture and into my laundry. As I pull clean clothes from the dryer, I find them sticking everywhere. They especially love to hide in places that can create embarrassing situations later. Let’s just say they know how to find underwear seams. They itch and irritate, chafe and scratch. Yikes.

Soft feather down and prickly burrs.

Their contrast reminds me how like they are to the words we choose to say. 

The sweet, uplifting words of a friend have often floated into my heart and softly soothed me with their gentleness. A sincere compliment, a note of thanks or a shared laugh over coffee finds its way to the dark recesses of my life and brings delight, long after the fact. These weightless tufts of kindness drift and settle, drift and settle... putting a smile on my face as I think of the words that have touched me. Like the finest down, those tender words soften the hard edges of life.

What a stark comparison are the burrs of sharp critcism or thoughtless comments that have stuck with me for too long after they've been spoken. They attach at the seams and rub me the wrong way, irritating and chafing, bringing me down with negativity. And when I try and brush them off, they leap onto someone else and work their evil. Long after an unkind sentence is delivered I’m still picking at the burr, scraped and scratched by words that have left their mark.

Let me ask you: What kind of words will you speak today?  Will they be the prickly burrs of criticism, or will they be the soft down of kindness? Each will find lodging with the hearer: one to bring discomfort and pain, the other to bring joy and delight. I encourage you to take a moment to pause before you open your mouth today, and choose to speak sweet words of life and healing.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Blessings today, Rachel Anne

It was so great to meet so many of you yesterday. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to share your sentiments with me and the team. I assure you, I've read every single one of them and desire so much to respond personally to each. Somehow, I bet you understand if I'm not able to. :)

However, now that we're on a first name basis, I thought I'd just share something a bit personal with you. (After all, that's what friends do, right?) The Lord and I seem to have this little inside joke that's just between the two of us. It's just a little Father-daughter endearing exchange that's made its mark in our relationship. It all began a while ago when I was memorizing Job 28:23-24:  

God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells,

For he views the ends of the earth; and sees everything under the heavens.

The idea of Him knowing the place of everything under the heavens took root in my heart and I began to seriously seek His attention any time I'd misplaced something, or was in need of something that I couldn't track down. I cannot begin to tell you the number of times, He's surprised me by sending me to just the right location to find something that I'd been searching for, for hours on end, or the times He actually laid it on someone else's heart to give something to me that had just been a quiet desire in the recesses of my heart. In one case, after searching for over three months for a precious brag book containing my kids' pictures, I prayed a teary-eyed prayer that God would search the whole earth and find it for me. I came home that afternoon to find it (you won't believe this) on my pillow . . . like a little gift from heaven. It seem to me that God was saying, "I've just been waiting on you to ask ME where it was. Next time, don't let it take you so long to ask."

So, three months ago I ask the Lord to find me some shoes. These shoes.

You see, I'd purchased these in a beige color from Nine West. I didn't actually have a chance to wear them for quite a while and when I did, I was in love. They were the most comfortable pair of high heeled shoes I'd ever spoken in. After a full day of standing on a platform teaching, my feet didn't hurt a bit. (comfortable shoes that are also cute are a speaker's dream!) I immediately called the Nine West store and began searching on line to find the shoes in black. But I was too late. They were out of stock and no one was offering my size or the right color on Craig's List or Ebay.

So, after a few weeks of looking and being disappointed, I remembered the track record I had with God regarding things like this. I said a brief but very important prayer, "Lord, I'd really love to have these shoes. I know you are fully aware of where a pair are. I know there are far more important things for you to take care of today but. . . can you find them for me?"
That was 3 months ago.

Last night, I went on ebay, typed in the same search criteria I've been using for months and up popped a brand new pair of the shoes I've been looking for . . . in the right color and the right size.

I was beside myself. It's a miracle . .. A SHOE MIRACLE! And sometimes, finding a perfect pair can be the biggest miracle of all.
I'm so glad the Lord cares about my feet being semi-comfortable when I'm teaching. I guess it's a small thing in the grand scheme of life, but it's HUGE to me. 

My God knows that and  . . he cares!

Thanks for the shoes Daddy,
Priscilla