Hey friends! Happy Wednesday to you!! Hope you are having a Wonderful Week!!
I’m busy getting ready to head to a Speaker’s Conference for the next 3 days. I’ll have the opportunity to share 4 different presentations, while receiving feedback on my content and delivery skills. Yikes! You have to know this brings up every insecurity and fear in me!! Nothing like getting a “report card” after pouring out your heart before a group! Thankfully, I’ve attended this conference in the past (so I know what to expect) ~ but my stomach is in knots nonetheless!!
I’m busy getting ready to head to a Speaker’s Conference for the next 3 days. I’ll have the opportunity to share 4 different presentations, while receiving feedback on my content and delivery skills. Yikes! You have to know this brings up every insecurity and fear in me!! Nothing like getting a “report card” after pouring out your heart before a group! Thankfully, I’ve attended this conference in the past (so I know what to expect) ~ but my stomach is in knots nonetheless!!
One message I’m working on for tomorrow is a 3 minute illustration, with a spiritual application at the end. (And yes, they have a stop watch to time you). May I practice on you?? Sorry I’m not quite brave enough for a “vlog” yet…but here’s my written work….
Have you ever wondered, “God, where are You??”.
I mean, we learn as a small child in Sunday School that God is everywhere – but have you ever tilted your head back and asked the God of the Universe, “Where are YOU??”
I have – and although it seems like yesterday – it was actually winter, 1998.
I was a single mom to a delightful little boy named Jake,
Engaged to a wonderful Christian man named David, and we were in the midst of planning our beautiful wedding…..
life couldn’t get any better.
And then, in one phone call and with the words,
“I’m sorry, Cindy, David has been killed” –
my life was forever changed.
Two weeks later, freezing cold, in the middle of shoveling my driveway, with snow up to my waist (or so it seemed) ~
I found myself asking the question – “God, where are You?”.
Although actually it went more like this –
“OK GOD, WHERE ARE YOU?? You said You’d never leave me nor forsake me, but WHERE ARE YOU?? Jake’s freezing, he has icicles hanging from his eyelashes for crying out loud.
I’m cold,
I’ve got this whole driveway to shovel,
David’s gone ~ this just isn’t fair, God. WHERE ARE YOU????”
I even shook my shovel in anger at the Lord that day.
Moments later, a car stopped and a young college kid hopped out.
“Hey lady”, he called, “this looks like a pretty big driveway for you and your son. Go on in the house and let me take care of the shoveling for you.”
Big, wet tears streamed down my cheeks as I whispered the words, “Thank you, thank you, thank you….”
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites (and us!) of God’s promise to never leave us nor forsake us. The next time life circumstances cause YOU to wonder, “God, where are You??”…..go ahead and ask Him,
He might be closer than you think.
I mean, we learn as a small child in Sunday School that God is everywhere – but have you ever tilted your head back and asked the God of the Universe, “Where are YOU??”
I have – and although it seems like yesterday – it was actually winter, 1998.
I was a single mom to a delightful little boy named Jake,
Engaged to a wonderful Christian man named David, and we were in the midst of planning our beautiful wedding…..
life couldn’t get any better.
And then, in one phone call and with the words,
“I’m sorry, Cindy, David has been killed” –
my life was forever changed.
Two weeks later, freezing cold, in the middle of shoveling my driveway, with snow up to my waist (or so it seemed) ~
I found myself asking the question – “God, where are You?”.
Although actually it went more like this –
“OK GOD, WHERE ARE YOU?? You said You’d never leave me nor forsake me, but WHERE ARE YOU?? Jake’s freezing, he has icicles hanging from his eyelashes for crying out loud.
I’m cold,
I’ve got this whole driveway to shovel,
David’s gone ~ this just isn’t fair, God. WHERE ARE YOU????”
I even shook my shovel in anger at the Lord that day.
Moments later, a car stopped and a young college kid hopped out.
“Hey lady”, he called, “this looks like a pretty big driveway for you and your son. Go on in the house and let me take care of the shoveling for you.”
Big, wet tears streamed down my cheeks as I whispered the words, “Thank you, thank you, thank you….”
In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites (and us!) of God’s promise to never leave us nor forsake us. The next time life circumstances cause YOU to wonder, “God, where are You??”…..go ahead and ask Him,
He might be closer than you think.
What do you think?? I’d love your feedback!! I also will be sharing my full testimony (and that will be videotaped and critiqued). Yikes again!! And speaking of fears and insecurity…I’d love to hear what fears you wrestle with, and what steps you are taking to combat them!! Like Beth Moore always says, “Let’s do the thing afraid!!” I’d love to learn from you!
Thanks for stopping by *She Sparkles*! Many blessings to you!!
That was moving, Cindy. I think with God's help, you'll do just fine!
That was great Cindy. You'll do awesome. I'm still reeling from hearing you at the Women Inspired conference. I'll be praying for you that God give you the strength and courage you need.
Wow, I think that will be powerful and will really move your audience. I have been a pastors wife and have spoken in front of people, it doesn't ever seem to get any easier. Pray it goes well for you, I know the feeling!!
Hey Cindy! What you plan on speaking about sounds great. It is from your heart and I am sure many people will be able to relate. I know we have all been there at one time or another, wondering where God was. I pray everything goes beautifully!Blessings!
I am in tears! WOW! Very moving! You will do wonderful!
I am crying! I think your entire audience will be in tears and in awe of our wonderful God. I know you are going to do super-duper awesome! Let us know how it goes!!!
I WAS THERE! I got to hear it live and it ROCKED!