Yes vs No…with people pleasing in-between

I love when this happens. My mind and heart have been considering what I must say “No” to, in order to say “Yes” to what’s most important. And since writing Monday’s blog post, this theme keeps popping up! Lysa TerKeurst posted a “People-Pleasing” note on her site, Leading Women in the Adventure of Faith (http://www.lysaterkeurst.com/). The fear of disappointing others sometimes prompts her to say “Yes” when “No” is the appropriate response. I love this statement: “Every “yes” will cost me something. Every “no” carries with it

Saying “No” to say “Yes”

This is difficult for me… Saying “No” to good things so I can say “Yes” to the best things. There are only so many hours in a day. And there are a whole lot of good things to do to fill those hours. I’ve learned that that if I say “Yes” to every new idea, volunteer project, or networking luncheon that captures my attention – all good things – I end up tired, crabby, and not much fun to be around. Why? I’m doing good things and

I give Thee my whole self

Lord Jesus, I give thee my hands to do thy work. I give thee my feet to go thy way. I give thee my eyes to see as thou seest. I give thee my tongue to speak thy words. I give thee my mind that thou mayest think in me. I give thee my spirit that thou mayest pray in me. Above all, I give thee my heart that thou mayest love in me thy Father and all mankind. I give thee my whole self that thou

Please pass the chocolate

Thanks so much for stopping by! In this God, Girlfriends, and Chocolate blog, “Chocolate” represents those resources that help me get through life. Sometimes it is a Dove chocolate bar (special splurge!) or a note from a friend. Other times my “chocolate” is laughing with girlfriends or reading a new book that speaks directly to my heart. At all times, “chocolate” represents encouragement. That little nugget that makes life a little easier. I’d love to be a piece of chocolate that nourishes your soul, and the hearts

Grateful for Girlfriends

Where would we be without our girlfriends? They make us laugh. They make us cry. They listen to our whining. They defend us without question. And the best part? They bring us joy. In the picture at the left, I’m polka-ing with my friend Chere Bork at a National Speakers Association party. Our friend Susan Zimmerman is dancing right behind us. I love this picture. It is filled with laughter from the belly.  Energy.  Friendship. We are just having such a great time. When was the last time you left

Fret…fret…fret

One of my favorite TV moments was when Marlo Thomas (remember her—“That Girl!”) attended a cocktail party. Her boyfriend, Donald, (remember him?!) wasn’t going with her, and she was terrified of mingling alone. So she wove through the other guests in the spacious, elegant living room, murmuring under her breath, “Mingle…mingle…mingle…mingle…mingle…” She didn’t pay attention to what was going on around her; she just kept breathing that little mantra and tried to stay away from engaging in any conversation. It reminds me of me. But I replace

Thank you for…me

Dear God, Thank you for creating me with skills, talents, and instincts that belong uniquely to me. Thank you for making me one-of-a-kind. Thank you for the creativity demonstrated in how you’ve put me all together. Thank you for delighting in me…your daughter…a Daughter of the King. God, thank you for…me.

Great is Thy faithfulness

One of my favorite hymns… Great is Thy Faithfulness. Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father! There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; As thou hast been thou forever wilt be. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide, Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow – Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Great is thy faithfulness, Great is thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies

Because of the Lord’s great love

Oh, I just love it when a Bible verse leaps off the page, into my heart, at the moment it is needed most. Have you read Lamentations 3:22 lately? (I know, Lamentations isn’t the most popular book in the Bible, but it is quite fascinating!) Here’s what the verse says: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Here’s the deal… It does NOT say, “Because I control the situation…” or “Because I have earned his mercy…” I will get

Do the work

Good grief. I signed up for a Lazyman Triathlon at my YMCA. Seven weeks to Swim 2.5 miles (or row or water exercise), bike 112 miles (or work on the elliptical or group cycle), and run 26.2 miles (walk or step class counts).  It really wasn’t a difficult challenge. But I didn’t complete it. Why?  I didn’t do the work required to get it done. I thought a lot about doing those specific requirements, and I did some activities in each category. (I rediscovered the joy of being

Meet Gaye

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Consider me a city girl with a Midwest small town heart. I’m not afraid to poke fun at my own mishaps, and I love laughing out loud 'til it hurts! As a speaker, author, blogger, and Chief Encourager, I bring you a breath of fresh air on this journey we call life!

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