My “defeat”. His smile.

And I set my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I realized that this too is a futile grasping and chasing after the wind. For in much [human] wisdom there is much displeasure and exasperation; increasing knowledge increases sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 AMP

Which knowledge do you seek? Do you seek God’s wisdom or man’s? We learn so many things, but is it of any real value to us? How do we differentiate which knowledge is before us? What is important for us to know … today? Have you surrendered your day to Him and are in pursuit of what He wants for you… right now… in this moment? Are you in tune with Him … with that intimacy? What is more important to you, the connection with Him, or your agenda? Have you paused and turned your mind and heart to Him and surrendered it all back to Him? Go ahead, it may be the best thing you do today!

On the vast eternal scale how will today count … in your life? Are you open and aware of His divine appointments for you throughout your day? It is always best to begin your day with Him… listening to His voice.

I just returned from a fabulous conference (Vision Christian Writer’s Conference / Mount Hermon) and the knowledge was vast and often I felt ‘gut-punched’ as I was very aware I have done so many things (my writing projects and books) against the ‘right way’ in the current publishing industry. I felt very defeated after several ‘workshops’ because I felt so much of my ‘work’ was … “wrong”. I walked out of those meetings seeking the words from the Holy Spirit. Oh… HE is SO good! He reminded me I was doing my ‘best’ to follow His instructions and I had completed SO many projects He had given me to do… even IF they didn’t line up with the current ‘publishing industry’ standards. My ‘success’ IS my obedience to Him, NOT looking for attention from … others, but just doing it… the best I can. Am I learning from the information shared with me? ABSOLUTELY!

After feeling so defeated I asked the Holy Spirit what this ‘conference’ was for … in my life? I know HE sent me to it, there is no question about that. He responded with great instructions. He said this conference for me was ALL about ‘connections’. He said I shouldn’t be ‘offended’ by ANYTHING anyone else said, but just be present and ‘listen’ with an open heart. Every time I felt overwhelmed and did what I usually do – which is to isolate myself, the Holy Spirit would tell me to get up and go to a person I didn’t know and begin a conversation. This life is about ‘connection’. Connection with God and connection with His family. So, I began giving away my books (the ones done the ‘wrong way’ -lol) to others as He instructed and pointed them out to me. Give away, give away, encourage, and speak words of life over others. Listen to His heart for others.

My life isn’t my own … it is His. I do best when I am listening to Him, moment by moment. His question in my heart for the past 5 days was “Whose life are you living?” I focused in all those moments and responded with “Yours… Lord.”

 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Oh… His family is SO wonderful! Jesus LEAD THE WAY today!