TGIF - Thank God I Found It (Okay, really TGIFI - close enough)

I’ve been exploring some new blogs this week. Each one has brought a different emotion—laughter, tears, peace. I’m amazed by these women who sit at their keyboards and move words from their hearts and everyday experiences to the page so the rest of us can read them. I’m sharing a few quotes I loved below. I hope you’ll follow the trail and pay a visit to each one...

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It was as if my presence on her couch was the exactly what she hoped would happen that day. I can't put my finger on any one thing she did to make me feel so loved and special…All I know is that in that moment I knew exactly what it meant to show someone the love of Christ. I could feel it as if it were a physical element.
– Jennifer, Conversion Diary (2/25)

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Because Sr. Edwina never let me forget that poor children in China were starving when I was in the 2nd grade, I am psychologically obligated 40 years later to make the waiter box up food I won’t eat so that I can throw it away a week later, that is if I can find it...
– Antique Mommy (2/26)

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It's that messy stuff of life that makes you aware of the now and being in the present. If it weren't for that darn broken pen on the asphalt I would have just plopped him in his car seat and been on our way to the next place, my mind somewhere else thinking busy thoughts.
– Stephanie, Adventures in Babywearing (2/26)

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We must all decide for ourselves the degree to which we will engage with technology. Those who believe that spending hours upon hours with our sets rather than one another risk losing something more important than high quality reception.
– Eileen Button as quoted by Ann Kroeker (2/24)

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Smitty: Um, hey, where'd you learn to dance like that?
Mary: What? That? It's nothing.
Smitty: I've just never seen you dance like that.
Mary: Yeah, I've been practicing. In the mirror.
Insert hysterical, though supportive and loving, laughter here.
– Mary, Giving Up on Perfect (2/27)

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When you can name something, you know what it's made of; the thing finds identity, form. In the naming the things right before us, the thing we'd otherwise miss, the invisible becomes visible. We know the face we face.
– Ann, A Holy Experience (2/26)

Exciting news and a surprise for you!

  

My first devotional book was recently published and I'm thrilled about sharing this "prayer come true" with you. It came out of a storm I've walked through the last four years and having it printed feels a bit like having my first baby.

Here's an excerpt from the introduction...

Your first drop may have been a diagnosis given by a doctor with a grim face. Perhaps it was a note left on the kitchen table that said, “I’m sorry but I don’t love you anymore.” It could have been a phone call late at night and someone on the other end telling you the unthinkable.

Or your first drop may have come so softly you didn’t even recognize it. You tried to start a family and after another negative pregnancy test realized something might be wrong. You took a promising job and one day discovered that your computer screen might as well be a “dead end” sign. You began a relationship only to discover that your dream come true has started feeling a bit like a nightmare.

No matter how your first drop fell, it was probably followed by another…and another…and another. Now your heart is soaking wet and you’re wondering if you’ll ever feel warm and dry again.

The good news is God knows even more about rain than those scientists. He knows the destruction it can bring. He also knows how to redeem it and use it to bring beauty and hope to our lives.

Take a quick look out your window. Every flower or tree you see owes its life to rain. Every bird singing, every frog hopping, every living thing draws its strength from storms.

I’m not saying God caused the storm in your life. We live in a broken world and things are not as they should be. But I do believe that God is the Redeemer of the Rain. He longs to bring beauty out of brokenness, healing out of hurts, and new life out of losses.

I know this is true because I’ve experienced it personally…

To download the rest of the introduction, table of contents, and the first devotional, click here: Download Rain on Me Excerpt

Dayspring is graciously featuring Rain on Me on their site along with a set of cards and two exclusive necklaces. Here's the surprise...The book is already 10% off and if you enter holley20 (my special code for friends and family) when you check out you'll receive an extra 20% off everything you purchase (no expiration)! I'd love for you to share your discount with friends and family too.

I appreciate you and I'm so grateful for your support. May God redeem the rain in all of our lives...

Welcome to the World, Lily!

Our dear friends Heather and Tony added a new little girl to their family eleven weeks ago. Lily made a surprise entrance and was born at home quite unexpectedly. Fortunately, all was well and she's doing great. So this morning Mark and I hosted a brunch to officially introduce her. I'd love for you to meet her too...

Isn't she a beauty? I think she gets it from her Mama. Heather and I have taken countless pictures together the last eight years of our friendship. They mark the milestones of our lives--birthdays, holidays, and now babies. Here's another one to add to our collection...

Daddy Tony and little brother Micah joined us too. Most of the time Micah ran around and giggled cheerily. But I happened to catch him in one of his rare moments of moodiness (I have those too!). It was just so stinkin' cute I wanted you to see it as well...

Sweet friends like Ellen stopped by to meet Lily and catch up with Heather. Ellen is a talented artist, storyteller, and I had the privilege of working with her for several years at DaySpring.

Talent must run in families because when it came time to open gifts, we were all amazed by this diaper tower from Ellen's sister, Karen. Too cute!!

Love, laughter, and new life. What a sweet combination.

Welcome to the world, Lily, and welcome to our hearts!

* I'd love for you to welcome Lily too by leaving a comment or blessing for her (or her Mom and Dad) here!

Rip Out the Page

I recently came across this piece of writing I did years ago. I had forgotten all about it but it was what my heart needed to hear again that day and I wanted to share it with you too...

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I messed up. Again.

I sat on the back deck thinking about what a failure I’d been.

What must God think of me?

I was writing in my journal as I had been every day.

Lately, I felt like God had been impressing on me to only write good things—compliments people gave me, ways He used me, blessings in my life. I didn’t know why He wanted me to do this, but I felt compelled to do it.

But on this morning I sat and stared at the blank page. I began to write about my mistake. I finished and looked at the black and white evidence that I was a failure yet again.

Then I heard a whisper in my heart, “Rip out the page.”

I paused and listened closer, “Rip out the page.”

“God, what are you saying? What do you mean rip out the page? I need to record this mistake. I need to remember it.”

Again the clear message came, “Rip out the page.”

I touched the white page of my journal, now covered with my writing. Then slowly I pulled from top to bottom. The paper made a sharp sound as it separated from the journal. All that was left were a few fragments of white paper where my mistake had once been. The picture couldn’t have been clearer.

Forgiveness.

Mercy.

Grace.

It was right there on the clean, white pages of my journal.

God whispered to my heart again. “All of the mistakes and failures that you remember, all the secrets you run from, all the regrets and remorse…they are all gone. Every one of them has been torn from the story of your life. You are forgiven. You are accepted. You are loved.”

My heart was overwhelmed.

I kept thinking about what God had spoken to me on the deck. Later in the morning, I was praying about it again. This time God added something more to what He had whispered.

“Daughter, do you know why I wanted you to keep a ‘good things’ journal? It’s because that’s what my journal about you is like. If you were to read the story of your life, that’s what you would read. Not mistakes or failures, but the times you were a blessing, the ways you please me, the love you show others. The good things I think about you.”

God’s love was so real and strong, so much bigger than I even had imagined.

I realized at that moment that God loves me. He doesn’t just tolerate me. He doesn’t just put up with me because I’m a Christian and he has to. He really, truly loves me.

So wherever you are, whatever mistake you have written in the journal of your life, know that God has ripped it from the pages. There’s only love. There’s only grace. The story of your life is far different than you imagined…and the Author loves you far more than you ever dared to dream.

If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins...who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness.
PSALM 130:3-4 NIV

16 Years of Breakfast Dates

My Grandpa Hollie (aka Poppi) and I have had breakfast dates for the last sixteen years. They began when I was a freshman in high school. He would come to visit, escort me off, and make me feel like the most important woman on the world.

Back then, he asked me hard questions. How was my walk with God? Who were my friends? What did I think my future held?

Around the age of twenty-two I guess he stopped worrying because our breakfast conversation shifted away from me and toward business, politics, and the world in general. (Perhaps that's because I got married and he figured all of that other stuff was Mark's responsibility now!)

I still try to sneak out some wisdom from him every time we go. He was a salesman for many years so this morning I asked him, "What's the best way to sell something?" He looked at me very seriously and said, "Just love all the people." Then he turned back to his biscuits and gravy as if that's all there was to be said on the subject.

And for him, that's really all there is. Through the years he's simply loved everyone he's met. That's how he built a marriage, a family, a business, a life. He still carries around a Gideon Bible in his front pocket everywhere he goes. It might go to a waitress having a hard day, a stranger he meets in a store, or to whoever else he thinks might benefit from it. Whoever is on the receiving end always walks away with a smile. It's beautiful to watch.

I'm thankful for my Grandpa. I can't think of anyone I would rather be named after. I love him and aspire to love like him. Sixteen years of breakfast are a good beginning...and even a lifetime wouldn't be enough.

Blissdom '09 Blog Tour

I've been at the Blissdom (short for "Blissfully Domestic") conference in Nashville. Along with about 150 other bloggers, I got to enjoy fun workshops, free stuff, and even a sneak preview from Disney. But my favorite part by far was meeting amazing women like the ones below. I'm so excited about knowing them and I want to introduct you to them too. So here are a few of my favorite new friends (soon to be yours!) from Blissdom '09...

(Some of the women don't share their names online so I did the same below.)

Peggy walked up to our table and asked with a bright smile, "Mind if I sit here?" Little did I know I was about to spend the next few moments with a writer, speaker, singer, and life coach who has a passion for helping women become everthing God wants them to be. I was inspired just hearing her heart and I think you will be too.

Debba is all about girlfriends. That's why she founded Girlfriendology--a cool web site with blogs, podcasts, articles, and other great tools to help you connect with your friends. We chatted in the lunch line about how having close friends affects everything in your life from your health, emotional state, and even how long you live. You don't want to miss this, girlfriend.  

Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife and I sat across from each other at a Mexican restaurant one evening. If there's a better way to bond than chips and salsa, I'm not sure what it is. Jo-Lynne describes herself as a "Christian, wife, mother, blogger" who also has "the gift of gab." I enjoyed my peek into her perspective on life, family, and reality TV. Stop by her site and you can too.

Genesis Moments (blog name) shared the Mexican feast as well. I enjoyed hearing about her family, desire to write children's books, and how she loves weaving faith into stories through creative ways. She asks good questions and listens closely when you answer. Maybe that's the secret to writing great stories.

Annie is one of those people you fall in love with instantly. She brightens the room (and your day) just by being around. She's a talented freelance writer and editor who happens to also love waffles with peanut butter (amen, sister!). We're going to be at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference together and she has promised to sit at my table during meals. We may even eat waffles.

Amber from The Run-A-Muck is sweet, southern and willowy (she also loves poetry so that might be a word she likes). She's given birth to the three boys in three years. Her husband started The Mother Letter Project as a gift to her. Amber lives in my town but we didn't meet until Blissdom. I love it when God makes our paths cross with others in ways we don't expect.

We Are THAT Family (blog name) hopped in car to ride to dinner one evening and along the way she shared a few stories about teaching her family to be generous. They were simple, sweet things that she said without a second thought but gave me a glimpse of a heart that was sincere and intent on making the world a better place. I think you'll find the same in her writing.

Lisa Leonard is an amazing jewelry designer who causes other women to hyperventilate when they find out who she is and/or that I got to meet her. If you want to make your friends jealous, just order something from her site. She's a fresh-faced beauty who generously handed out little silver key chains with an X and O on them during the conference. I've got mine in my purse and you can't have it.

Shannon from Rocks in My Dryer is someone I already consider a friend but I'm including her anyway. If I could sum her up in one word it would be nurture. She used that word several times this weekend and I just smiled every time she did it. She's brilliant, talented, funny, and humble--one of my favorite combinations. Every time I'm with her I leave feeling like she's given me something valuable, whether it's a new thought, book recommendation, or encouraging word.   

Tsh is the founder of SimpleMom. We quickly discovered we have mutual friends and I can see why she's so popular. Her site is a wonderful place that gives practical advice and insights because Tsh believes "If I want to get things done and be fully present for all the things that are most important to me, I have to keep things simple." She's added five other columnists who share her vision and will help you make your life simpler too.

Amy also help moms through her site MomAdvice. This petite powerhouse inspires and influences thousands of women each week. When I met her, she instantly introduced me to someone else she thought I should know. I thought, "She's all about connecting people." I think you'll love being connected to her as well.  

Those are just a few of the women I got to meet last weekend. I hope you'll visit each of their sites and spend some time getting to know them. I'm still catching up and probably won't post for a few days. So send yourself on a blog tour and tell me what you discover.

* There are a lot of links in this post. If you can't see them, send me an e-mail.

What goes around...

I recently said farewell to a dear friend of mine. My cell phone, a constant companion for the last five years (yes, five!), bit the dust for good during the ice storm last week. I knew it was coming, I just didn't know when.

I went to pick up my new phone yesterday. As I was standing at the counter a frantic woman arrived. As she waited, she shifted from foot-to-foot, glanced around, and sighed a few times. Finally, the clerk asked her what she needed. She replied, "Do you have a charger for this phone? I've been to four stores and no one has what I need because it's so old." The clerk shook his head.

As she held up her phone, I realized the little holes for the charger looked oddly familiar. They were an exact match with my old phone. I said, "I've got a car charger outside you can have and two more at home I can mail to you."

Suddenly, a huge smile crossed her face and she exclaimed, "Really? That would be wonderful!" You would have thought she won the lottery.

Later in the day I thought about how God must be into details. He also must think a whole lot of the woman I met. It seemed He orchestrated everything down to the very second so that our paths could cross and her request could be answered. (Want to know a secret? He thinks a lot of you too!)

It seems we're all like that woman on some days. Our hearts need "chargers" (aka encouragement) to keep going. Just when we think we'll never find what we're searching for God sends a kind word, an understanding friend, or whatever we need our way--sometimes from the most unlikely of sources.

All of this reminds me of an amazing video I just discovered thanks to Michael Hyatt and Jason Rovenstine. It's all about validation and how it eventually comes full circle. It's 16 minutes long but totally worth it. Here's the link: Validation.

In cell phones and in life, I never cease to be amazed by what a difference a little bit of connection can make.

Resolutions of the Heart

I survived the ice storm last week and we got power back yesterday. I’m back to one layer of clothing and showering regularly so life is good. We’re so thankful for our friends and family who took us in and helped us the last few days.

I’m still way behind so I’m going to share something I did for the Inspirational Living e-newsletter in January.  Inspirational Living is published by Blessings Unlimited and I write a monthly devotional for it. If you’d like to sign up for the newsletter, send me an e-mail. The February issue is coming soon!

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RESOLUTIONS OF THE HEART

Because God is love,

I resolve to be caring and consider the needs of others before my own

Because God is grace,

I resolve to be quick to encourage and slow to find fault.

Because God is hope,

I resolve to be a light for those around me and shine even in difficult times.

Because God is kind,

I resolve to be gentle with my words and thoughtful with my actions.

Because God is peace,

I resolve to be committed to rest and guard my life against too much busyness.

Because God is joy,

I resolve be grateful and choose to see His goodness in every circumstance.

Because God is faithful,

I resolve to be steadfast and persevere in putting Him first each day.