I hope you had an awesome, over-the-top Resurrection Sunday and took some time to reflect on the great sacrifice Jesus endured for YOU and ME.

In light of the fact that we just celebrated Resurrection Sunday and the price Jesus paid (it cost him something to be obedient to his daddy), I want to take the time to remind you, leading lady, that you too shall pay…your progress, your obedience to daddy God will cost you.We all go through situations in life and as a leader you’ll find that is true about 85% of the time or more! 

Alot of us when asked say, “we are going through something” and we say it like bad news but think about it, if you are “going through” that means you “aren’t stuck”. YES! That means you are moving forward. Isa 43:2 says: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.” God’s Word is clear, you WILL go through things.Sometimes when we are “going through” we want to “give up”. I just heard Smokie Norful’s LIVE CD and there is a song on the CD called Never Give Up. This is the mantra for any Christian. This is about the Christian journey, not necessarily a ministry, program, school, etc. Never Give Up on God. Never Give Up on His Promises. Never Give Up Moving Forward.

Joyce Meyers said “progress has a price; and becoming a person who never gives up will cost you.” Why is this important to remember…well Jesus pushed through his “if you would have this cup pass from me but nevertheless, your will not mine” moment to fulfill his purpose. In like manner, we will never get where we need to be in life without being just as willing to sacrifice and push through whatever stands in our way. Don’t think you are always 100% on fire either.

Sometimes we get weary and sometimes our fire grows faint but the Word tells us that when we wait on God our strength is renewed as the eagle (Isaiah 40:31).  To wait on Him means that we expect Him to do what needs to be done!Are you hungry to see God use you in ways he never has? Do you desire to do more than you’ve ever done for God?Well set in your mind that it’s going to cost you comfort. It’s going to cost you relationships, time, treasure, etc. But also know this…Everything God ever asks you to do, even if it is off-the-charts crazy and difficult, is because He has something great in mind for you. And God’s great will assuredly, always, most certainly be better than my good!

You can count on it. Jesus did and died believing it. And where is He now? At the right hand of the Father. Yes, it cost him as it will us, but the reward is well…PRICELESS!

Probably not the best thing to do on this day, but I am watching Sicko and I have to tell you I am very, very disappointed. As a parent of a child who needs medical care ALOT it is an alarm. I don’t know many people who have seen the movie put I suggest you view it. The health care industry is making profits while people are dying every day for things that could be treated. The United States is 37!!! in the world for health care. The insurance companies were and are making millions and making their CEO’s much money. The industry has paid many politicians to give them a free ride in our world. I’m mad. Just watch it, I’m sure you’ll be mad too.

Joel Osteen was recently on Larry King and had this to say while Jon Meacham had this to say in Newsweek about the End of Christian America.

Although I’ve been celebrating since April 1st, today April 7th is my official birthday. I am 18 years old with 26 years of experience!  I want to share some posts I have written in the past on my birthdays because the words I wrote “then” still have meaning “today”.

In 2008, I wrote this after my birthday vacation to the Keys

In 2006, I wrote this on my birthday

In 2005 I wrote this on my birthday

and then I leave you with this poem “Our Greatest Fear”…never ever, no matter whomever tells you whatever, shrink back your giftings, your shine to make others feel comfortable. You were born to shine!

 Our Greatest Fear by Marianne Williamson

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.

And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

We live in a visual world and honestly I love what videos communicate that just reading can’t. Here are some videos I really like and hope you’ll consider using…