What happens when you find you are not living the life you designed? That’s the question today’s guest, my friend, Tracy Steel will be answering as we talk about finding peace in the pandemic, and her book A Redesigned Life: Uncovering God’s Purpose When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL HEAR:

• What Tracy learned from redefined lines in motherhood

• What we can learn about spiritual life through the principles of interior design
• Encouragement for when life doesn’t go as planned

KEY POINTS:

• God is the master designer and has a plan that does not rest on our shoulders. 
• Our identity in Christ allows us to balance our wise choices and unexpected circumstances. 
• You are not alone. Others feel disappointed by life not going as planned. We can support one another in friendship, community and our faith. 

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• A Redesigned Life: Uncovering God’s Purpose When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

WHERE YOU CAN FIND OUR GUEST:

• https://tracymsteel.com
• https://www.instagram.com/tracymsteel/
• https://www.facebook.com/TracyMSteelMinistries/

I could feel the softness of her voice that no longer spoke with clarity, as I laid my head on her chest.  I knew she was in pain. Tears began to stream down my face, as if a water valve had broken inside my heart.

Closing my eyes, my thoughts traveled down memory lane. It was summertime, and I was a seven-year-old little girl– bored out my mind. I had read two bookmobile books, played solitary, and ate several bowls of cereal. 

My mother took one look at me and said, ” Dede, let’s dance.” She turned on the music, placed my hand in hers and with each rhythmic step, our laughter sent my boredom blues packing. Such sweet memories. And, yet, as I laid there, I sensed my mother was slipping away.

I opened my eyes, took one look at her, grabbed my phone, turned on the music, and whispered, “Mother, let’s dance.” 

As I placed her hand in mine, I moved our hands back and forth, and watched my mother’s eyes dance with joy. Suddenly, I felt like that 7-year-old little girl, and this sweet moment, sent my blues packing.

The unrhythmic steps. The memories that lingered. The uncomfortable dance with time.

Let’s dance.

Today is the one-year hallmark of my mother’s transition to Heaven. Not one day goes by that I don’t think of her. I miss her deeply. I long to hear the melody of her voice and the cadence of her laughter.

But even amid this awkward place of her needing her, there’s a peaceful assurance inside my heart. An invitation. A knowing that I will see her face and dance with her again.

As I wake to another day of her absence, I anchor my thoughts on John 14:2,  

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you” (ESV).

When the memories play back, and the tears stream down my face, I find comfort in knowing there’s an eternal home, created by God, where my mother lives without pain.

Our key verse says, there’s no mourning, crying, or pain. All things are new. 

Y’all, I truly believe my mom is without pain and that she has implemented NEW rules for spontaneous dance breaks in Heaven.

If you’re like me, and you’re missing your loved one, today. Longing to see their face, or hear the laughter of their voice…

Can I encourage you with this truth? If your loved one accepted Christ, … you’ll see them again. Right now, there experiencing the joy of Heaven. A place where pain and tears are unpermitted.

Dear Lord, thank you for my beautiful mother and thank you for creating Heaven. Even though my heart aches, because I deeply miss her, I know she’s enjoying her eternal dance with You. Help me to reflect your kindness and share Your love with others so that I’ll have the opportunity to meet You and embrace my sweet mama and catch on to her new dance. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Do you ever find yourself providing care for others, before you make provisions for yourself?

Have you ever wondered how you can hustle after your dreams and maintain a holy life? 

Overwhelmed. We are either there now, or running smack into it!  

Friends, our lives can become overwhelmed by all sorts of things, and I don’t know about you, but when I become overwhelmed, I can’t think straight. My thoughts become entangled, and I just want to run somewhere and hide!

 

Sometimes, the only thing that grabs my attention is a friends perspective about God’s good intentions.  

 

Psalm 61:2 declares, “From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,”

 

Today’s podcast, is a candid conversation with my friend, Quantrilla ” Quanny” Ard.

In our conversation, Quanny shares ways that we should slow down, breathe, and practice being in the presence of God.

 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, this episode will reward your soul with peace, and help you live a life that exalts God.

 

I hope you’ll join us (today) as we chat about breaking up with our bad behaviors of becoming overwhelmed.

 

Highlights from today’s podcast:

 

• Tend to your soul.

• Slow down and take inventory of things    that are important.

• Practice being in the presence of God.

• Rest and reclaim your joy.

 

Resources from today’s show:

• Connect with Quanny at https://www.thephdmamma.com/, or instagram @quannyboo
• Consider reading https://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/5-calming-things-god-said-to-do-when-you-feel-overwhelmed.html
• Deepen your relationship with God — by reading the Bible.

Let’s Chat!

 

After you’ve listened to today’s podcast, I’d love to continue our conversation. Be sure to leave a comment about ways you block the emotions of becoming overwhelmed.

 

Do you feel like running away? Or, do you run into the safe arms of God?

 

Why do you think people become overwhelmed? Is it because they don’t trust God? 

 

What can you do to slow down and give God permission to lead your life?

 

Connect with me…  

Yesterday, I purchased this pig with wings, and placed it on my desk. I did this, to remind myself to continue in prayer for my impossible things. Also, I wanted to remind myself that my faith doesn’t function on beliefs (alone) my faith partners with the diligence of my work.

When was the last time you worked side by side with your faith and believed God for the impossible?

Faith is our unseen possibilities and it shows up for work– even when the evidence calls in sick. 

James 2:26 says, “Faith, without the outward workings of tangible evidence, is just as dead as a body without a spirit.” 

What impossible prayers of faith are you praying and hoping that God will move on ? 

Faith does more than moves mountains… Faith moves God (Hebrews 11:6). 

Friends, when our faith connects with God’s power, impossible things are made possible.

Today, I pray that you activate your faith by working hand and hand with God and believe that He will answer your unlikely and impossible prayers.

Work while you pray.

Grow well

On March 27, 2019, my mother transitioned to her Heavenly home. And every since that day, I’ve avoided Mother’s Day— as if it were the plague! 

For weeks, now, I’ve excluded my interaction with florist, shopping malls, and jewelry stores. At grocery stores, I detour through cereal aisles, because I want to steer clear of the dred that comes with ,being near, the greeting card section! My mother loved cards —- and the mere glance at all of those expressions of love and devotion, seems to sabotage my happy and causes my tears to race down my face!

Y’all, I so miss my sweet mother! She was the epitome of everything I could ever hope to be. One of her best character references was her ability to adapt and overcome. She protected the framework of her sanity by relying on God’s strength during her moments of weakness. So after dwelling in all of my messy emotions, I’ve decided to take back the happy part of Mother’s Day… and honor the “always” part that Mother’s Day embodies. 

Mothers are the fabric of our lives. They are a intricate source of our existence and should “always” be honored and loved; whether they reside on earth or abide in Heaven.