Bloom where you're planted

Queen Esther. I love that story! Esther was just an ordinary girl who happened to be in the right place at the right time. Although, I wonder if she looked at it that way. I wonder if she thought it was actually the wrong place at the wrong time?

She didn't choose to be taken to the palace and go through beauty regiments for a year. Total pampering is great for awhile, actually wonderful, but a year? Come on. Wouldn't even the most vile person be beautiful after that?

The king chose her. She didn't choose to be queen. Life as a queen - ah. Servants. Your every wish granted. Would life become boring with nothing to do all day? The fame and responsibility would be way too much for me. Never being able to chill with no makeup in over-sized sweats and a comfy sweatshirt? Hmm . . . I wonder if she missed her normalcy back home with her cousin?

She certainly didn't choose the mystery in which she suddenly found herself. Maybe that aspect of the story intrigues me. I've always loved a good mystery. This one was a life and death story for the young heroine. The king's right-hand man plotted to kill all the Jews, including her cousin, just because he didn't like them. They wouldn't show him the respect he felt he deserved. Besides, they were different with strange customs! What a reason to have one someone killed! He wanted the whole race annihilated.

What he didn't know was that the new Queen was one of them. Cue the mysterious music. Dun dun dun. What would she do? What could she do? She wasn't even allowed to talk to her husband at risk of death unless he decided it was ok. I bet a lot of men wish they could have his scepter and power to do that - to control when and how long the women in their life could talk to them!

Her cousin encourages her to do the unthinkable. Go talk to your hubby. Tell him of the plot. Save our people. Yeah, right - like he'll believe her over his top man. Then, her cousin takes it a step farther and reminds her, "Maybe you were made queen for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14) WOW! Do you have someone in your life that does that - always expects more from you?

What would you do at this point? I'd like to believe that I would have the courage to do the unthinkable - to do whatever it took to fulfill my part in God's plan. Honestly though, I'd be terrified. But, I still choose to believe that I would do it because as I tell kids: courage doesn't mean you don't get scared. It just means you do what needs to be done even if you are scared.

Queen Esther, in great heroine fashion, holds a banquet for her husband and the top-dude villain. I don't know if she chickened out the first night or not. The king offered to give her anything she wanted - even up to half the kingdom! What happened? Did she let her fears overtake her? Whatever happened, she took a deep breath and . . . invited them over again the next day.

Again the king offered her the more-than-generous gift. He probably thought she wanted jewels or that special something to make her smile. What she asked for surprised him - her life! The plot unravels quickly now. Like a good mystery writer though, I am not going to ruin the end of the story. My sister has already gotten on my case for that with my books!

Esther didn't choose the circumstances surrounding her life. But, she did choose to do what God wanted. He placed her there at just the right time. Ever heard of 'Bloom where you're planted?' I recall my mom telling me that several times when I moved to southern Ohio. That's what our girl, Esther, did - she bloomed where she was planted with courage and grace. I think that's what that means. That's what I always want to do.

My mom would be proud.

Has this ever happened to you?

Have you ever awakened with so many cares that you couldn't go back to sleep? Being a natural worrier, I am really good at worrying. I know I shouldn't. I don't want to do it, but it happens more than I care to admit.

The other morning, I awoke several hours before the alarm. My mind was full of worry for others. One I already knew was going to be ok, but the devil came at me with the fears of 'what if'. Another, I didn't have any idea if it would ever work out with a happy ending for this person. These led into concern for lots of people with sicknesses, no jobs, and many other issues. I even worried about worrying. On and on it went until I felt weighted down onto my bed.

So, I got up and prayed. I prayed for each issue and each person. I asked God to help me to have faith enough to know that He was in control. I prayed until His holy peace washed over me, washing all of those fears, worries, and concerns away from me. Do I know how everything will work out in all of those situations? No. But, I know the One who will be with them and us through it all.

Then, something else happened. What I attribute to worry, may not always be so. God gave me this heart - a caring heart. I think He places these people and concerns on my heart, not so I worry about them because He and I both know that I can't fix it all. But rather, so that I will entrust them to Him.

He is peace. He will share that peace with us if we entrust our burdens and cares to Him. He will grant us that calm assurance. He is with us and in control.

Here's to a peaceful new year!

A simple question

Why is the government taking money from us to give to the banks, who then MIGHT lend it back to us with interest? Does this make sense? Wouldn't it be smarter just to leave it with us in the first place?

Priorities

I had the great privilege to attend Mary Kay's Career Conference in Columbus, Ohio. While the classes and speakers were inspiring and filled with tips, the reaffirmation of the company's value system struck the biggest chord with me.

What other company teaches to align your priorities with God first? "Spend quiet time with God everyday," the final speaker directed us. If your values are not in order, your business or any other area of life cannot be either. God should be first before any other aspect of your life. I have so firmly believed this, that it's no wonder this opportunity fits so perfectly. Repeatedly throughout the two day conference I heard, "Continually thank the Lord for everything you have. Until you are grateful for what you've got, He won't bless you with more." That was a new way to look at the thankfulness aspect for me.

Family is next in importance. This company offers its consultants the flexibility to be with their family. All those sporting games, illnesses, practices, etc. - you can be there and still maintain a successful business. Plus, the Mary Kay family surrounds each other with love and support through all of life's ups and downs.

Finally, we repeatedly heard about the Golden Rule philosophy of Mary Kay. Treat others as you would want to be treated. God brings people into our lives for a reason. He wants us to treat them with respect - make them feel important. Whether they are customers or not, this is a great idea for all of life.

I'm grateful for my Mary Kay opportunity and business. To be a part of a company that really cares with values that I teach my own children is encouraging and exciting. These are tough times, but this company is not feeling it - no, quite the opposite! Our company is debt free and setting incredible growth goals. For anyone interested in being part of this wonderful company, stop by my site at www.marykay.com/pfblevins, and leave me an email. I'll gladly answer your questions and share my joy with you.

What tops your priority list?

Bearing the weather

I Am Mom

I Am Mom

I am the organizer, planner, keeper of the calendar - Mom.
I am the chauffeur, maid, cook, the baker, and I’m sure I could learn to be the candlestick maker.
I am the cleaner of all things, including but not limited to, feces, urine, and vomit of all humans and animals residing in or visiting this home.
I’m the fix this, sign this, wash this, hold this, I need this, where is this? - Mom.
I’m the study buddy, referee, encourager, and helper.
I’m the clock, the nag, and the task-master.
I’m the let the dog out before dawn, feed him, and pull out his burrs gently - Mom.
I dust, vacuum, mop, steam-clean, and spot treat.
I transport kids and animals to school, practice, the pediatrician, the orthodontist, the vet, sporting events, or the fair.
I am the ultimate phone caller, nurse maid, editor, proofreader, and typist.
I go to recitals, concerts, games, and parent/teacher conferences.
I pick up the flying cat hair, and relocate animal and kids’ toys to prevent accidents.
I am the ‘I need money, a birthday gift for my friend, poster board, or permission slip due today’ - Mom.
What I am not is the keeper of the remote, the burper, the farter, or the boss.
I don’t get to choose the car’s radio station, eat the last cookie, or empty the ice cream container.
But, I do love hugs, smiles, kind words, and politeness.

I love tiny fingers through my hair, laughing, and encouraging.
I love to see kids work hard, enjoy life, and do their best.
I love to hang out, watch movies, and joke with my kids.
I love being a parent.
I love being Mom.

Successful landing!

I've been listening to the coverage from that Hudson River "crash." All the TV stations are spending a majority of their program talking about the birds, the plane, the pilot, the crew, the response, and the passengers.

One passenger being interviewed said he didn't believe in God and that he kept his head up when the flight attendants told him otherwise. He figured if that was the end, he wanted to see where he was going.

That is so sad. I see God all over this. The plane landed successfully. EVERYONE survived. God was there. I pray that all on the plane and everyone watching can see God's signature. May He use this situation to reach more for Him.

Thank you, God!