Predestined? What Does it Mean?

I wrote this blog because of a question that someone asked me today. What does it mean when we say we are predestined by God? Let's see what the Bible says about it.

First, let’s define what predestined/predestinate means: destined, fated, or determined beforehand. When something is predestined, it means it has already been determined beforehand what it should be.

For example, the butterfly, before it becomes a butterfly, is a caterpillar. So, the caterpillar is predestined to become a butterfly, right? It goes through a process called metamorphosis in which its body goes through a complete transformation. I discuss the spiritual aspect of this in greater detail in my book.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life”. We can conclude from this Scripture alone that God has predestined us to become His children and receive the benefits of His salvation. However, this salvation comes through our belief/faith in Jesus and the finished work of the Cross. Additional Scriptures to read on predestination are Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:28-30.

I’d like to summarize by using another analogy of a ship that is on its way to Heaven. The ship, which is the church, is chosen by God to be His very own precious vessel. Jesus is the Captain of this wonderful ship and those who desire to be a part can come aboard through the acceptance of Christ Jesus. As long as an individual remains on the ship and continues his or her relationship with the Captain (Jesus), he safely and securely remains amongst the chosen or elected people of God.

But because this election is contingent upon one’s union, comradeship, fellowship, obedience, and partnership with God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Captain of the ship, if he chooses to abandon ship, then he ceases to be amid, among, in the course of, in the company, or in the midst of the chosen. Predestination relates to us about the ship’s purpose and final destination and what the Father has prepared and planned for those who choose to remain on it. Everyone is invited by the goodness and love of God to come abroad the elect ship.  This is done through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

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Have You Gone Out Full Only to Return Empty?

Read the Book of Ruth

How many of us have gone out ready to win the world, full of hope, dreams, and ambitions only to return gleaning sheaves of empty hopes and promises? Raped and victimized by this thing call life. That education you invested so much time and money or that marriage of many years that ended up in heart-breaking divorce, the ministry your poured into, the people you faithfully served that turned out to be a disappointment, the business deal that never took off, or the business that went bankrupt? How about the dream of motherhood and life-long parenting, only for it to be shattered by miscarriages, the inability to conceive, or death?

Have you gone out full like Naomi, which means "pleasant, lovely, and delightful", only to come back Mara, "bitter and sad"? Naomi knew the joy of going out full and the devastation of coming back empty. She knew what it felt like to have dreams dissipate like smoke rings in thin air.  Does this sound anything like you? 

Jeremiah 29:11 speaks of God's designed plan for our lives.  He has a purpose for our lives, but it is only when we acknowledge Him will that plan be revealed.  Life is a grindstone, and whether it grinds you down or polishes you depends on what you are made of and your view of God.  Do you believe that God is in control of your most difficult circumstance?  Your circumstance may have surprised you, but it didn't catch God by surprise. 

If you've gone out like Naomi only to come back empty, then may I suggest that you give the broken pieces of your wounded life to the only one who can put it back together again.  God can heal a broken heart, but He has to have all the pieces. 

 

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

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Understanding My Spiritual Armor

Understanding the spiritual armor is a must for every believer. Learning the art of your spiritual weaponries and knowing how to use them when your path becomes vague and formless, unclear and ambiguous, will carry you through any crisis in life. From rejection, to betrayals, from abuse, to rape and fear, suicide, an...d abandonment, I found the formula to overcoming life's challenges by mastering and understanding my armor. Your spiritual armor is God's gift to you for fighting the GOOD fight of FAITH.

We are to walk the path the Father has designed for us with confidence, courage, and compassion. There is unequivocally nothing or no one that can stop you or the work of God in you, unless you give them permission. Don’t you know that no one can make you feel inferior without your consent? Knowing who you are and to whom you belong to is a central element to fulfilling one’s destiny.

When facing life's challenges, you must know when to take off your stilettos and know when to put on your combat boots. As you tread through the isms and schisms of life, you will find that the greaves that shield your feet will protect and keep you from becoming weak and impaired. God’s promises that His prevailing peace will empower you to maintain an inexorable march despite the enemies attempt to take you down; for HE IS the glory and lifter of your head.

Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. So autograph your work with excellence. Do what you are called to do, beloved, and do it well. Do it in the power and strength of the Lord; for surely, the Lord will break asunder all plans and wicked devises.

If you are facing the turbulent storms and trials of life, it is helpful to often remember that the Lord of Hosts goes before you. So when you are tested, take courage, and in adversity, don’t flinch. For God has proven to be mighty in battle, faithful, and true. Shall He not rescue, deliver, and honor those who know and call upon His name? Be at peace, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.

In His Image,

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

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WacKy Wednesday: The TEA PARTY

Excited about the invitation for the grand tea party the day had finally arrived. I arrayed myself with my dazzling fancy pashminas, jewelry, and snazzy stilettos to complement. The silky gloves looked stunningly beautiful as they caressed and glazed over my elbows. The stone on the fi...nger glistened as it captured and reflected the iridescent tints of the soft and silky fabric, while my wrists were embroidered in what appeared to be dancing icicles.

Engrossed in deep thought with the afternoon’s affair, I couldn’t help but to imagine the variety of palatable tea my lips were going to embrace. Would they have imported tea from the eastern world, exotic tea from the islands, or simply delicious flavors I had never tasted before? The delightful aromas that would inundate the night’s atmosphere were surely going to be a delightfully pleasant one.

As my mental depiction further submerged to the intense fancies of aristocratic elegance, I could foresee the lavishly embellished décor delicately pirouetting behind the scenes of chatter and laughter. Ooh, I couldn’t wait.

My journey there felt longer than normal, but once I arrived near my destination, I was astonished to see that there were people scattered everywhere and hardly places to park. I never imagined what would happen next.

Revelation has a way of kicking in at the oddest moments of my adventures. As I stared at the posse of people facing the courthouse, my enchanted filled evening of exquisite tea and fun camaraderie soon dissipated in thin air. So did the petit fours, scones, quiche hors d'ouvres, cherry tarts, chocolate truffles and the beautifully arrayed furnishings.

I was at a tea party alright!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

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Narda's WacKy Wednesday Adventures

Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved

The Task of the Leader is to Get His People from Where They Are to Where They Have Not Been

You’re not where you want to be but you’re not where you used to be, now that’s what you call PROGRESS. Shepherding or leading people is not a simple task as some suppose. Only those who are sent by God to fulfill the office of a pastor understand its heavy mandate. The countless late nights or early morning intercession for God’s guidance and direction while everyone sleeps, the constant interruption of telephone calls while you’re trying to have a romantic date with your spouse, the bickering of the people, and the never-ending criticism and table talk discussion of what you did or didn’t do are just a few to mention of what a leader has to endure.

Pastoring or leading people has its many challenges, and it’s an office that one must definitely be called to walk in. I heard someone once refer that Moses leading the Israelites was like herding cats. With all the drama that took place in his day, much has not changed in the 21st century.

The joke that Moses lost in the desert for 40 years but got everyone there eventually or if he had just asked Miriam for directions they would have arrived sooner has had its share of laughs. But the reality of that story in the book of Genesis and how it applies to us today is much deeper than a barrel of laughter. For in this particular story, it teaches us about the grave consequences that murmuring, complaining, and division can bring upon us.

A lesson repeated is a lesson not learned, but if you want to keep going around in circles, keep on complaining. You’ll soon find out, just like the Israelites did, but hopefully, not after 40 years; for it was not Moses but the people’s dissention and rebellion that kept them stuck in the wilderness.

Over the years, I have had leaders who patiently waited for me to mature, and I thank God they did. They loved me in my mess and my distress unconditionally. I probably would have walked out on me a long time ago, but they saw something in me, something through the eyes of faith and God’s love that just would not let me believe anything less than what the Father thought of me. Today, I thank my leaders who patiently showed me how to enter into the palace.

That is the mark of a good leader, the ability to wait while others grow. They suffer along with you while you talk about them, criticize them, hate them, mock them, and even try to belittle and overthrow them. Yet, they patiently wait for you to mature regardless of what you think or how you feel about them. They do what they do because they are CALLED to do what they do. In turn, the Lord blesses them with wisdom, unfolds His strategy and plan, and allows them to have those "meet with God intimate mountain top experiences" while gracing them with patience, love, LONGSUFFERING, and compassion for ALL people.

Although the cat-fights, whining, and tantrums that can take place is unbelievable, it is only because of God’s grace that you’ll find a good leader will outlive any adversity. Shepherds aren't a 24, 711 drive through with a mat that reads "Welcome, wipe your feet on me". But you'll find that many people will treat their leaders just that way.

If a man cannot be a Christian in the place he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere. Whether you are a leader in the corporate world or a spiritual leader in ministry, even though people can behave so poorly, the fortitude that we have is not our own. Just like God told Moses and Joshua that He would be with them, so He will be with everyone who places his trust and total reliance in Him.

Tilt your hearts toward the SON!

In His Image,

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

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Sometimes We Are So Busy Adding Up Our Troubles That We Forget to Count Our Blessings

There are situations in my life that I have allowed to me off course. Sometimes troubles tend to surmount like gushing geysers, and before you realize what has happened, you’ve been swept off your feet and engulfed by the undercurrents of life. Ever had any of those?

The enemy has a way of hyping things up to make them appear more than they really are, but during conflict and hardship, you must remember one thing - STAY FOCUSED! For one moment of a negative thought can swiftly slip you into the plains of despondency. Forgetting about God, faith, and His Word in times like these is NEVER an option.

How do we do this in a practical way, in every day life, walking and talking? There’s a neat little scripture that reads, “Overcome evil with good.” I like to think of it as “replacement theorem.” If a person is so busy focusing on the good, and trying to do good, and to be of good cheer, when do they have to for the evil? Overcome bad thoughts with intently focusing on good thoughts. Overcome bad behavior by doing something good and productive and fruitful. If you are busy being good, the pity parties go away, and and so does the meddling, discord, and disconnects in life; then peace, happiness, and goodness can begin to flow.

Changing your focus is like changing directions when driving. If that road doesn't work, change course. Quit the stinking thinking! Think on whatever is lovely, holy, good, positive, productive … with choice, by practice, on purpose with intent. If a person is busy counting their blessings, they surely not busy counting their miseries and discouraging troubles, right? Spring is a good time for new growth and change in direction and old habits.

We are like actors; we will play either the part of the victim or the victor. Which one are you? When the enemy reminds you of what you are lacking, remind yourself of what you do have. When you are through counting, you will realize how blessed you truly are, and often immeasurably blessed.

Psalms 77:11, 12 says “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old, I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” Allow the wind of the Holy Spirit and the love of God to raise you above your circumstances.

Tilt your hearts toward the SON!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

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Wishbone or Backbone

How many times have you come across the bullies of life? Well, Joshua knew exactly what it felt to have to deal with such an annoying ogre. While giants were in the land scoffing, mocking, and parading with threatening insults, he learned to place his reliance and hope in God. His unwavering faith against the sadistic threats of the enemy caused him to hear the strategy and plan of God, which plunged him straight into victory and entering the Promised Land.

If you are facing giants like Joshua, though learning to stand still can prove to be a test, it is essential for receiving the heavenly mandate from God. Sometimes an eye for an eye or a foot for a foot sounds a lot simpler but it is only the enemy’s attempt to side track you and take you off course.

When things go wrong, don’t go wrong with them. Stand your ground and be encouraged, for God said he will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you.

Many a good man has failed because he had his wishbone where his backbone should have been.

Read Joshua 1:9

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

In His Image

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

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What Fragrance Do You Possess?

Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting several homes for the Annual Rose Tour in Whitewright. I was awestruck by the diversity of each garden as we went from house to house.

I saw backyards filled with roses, irises, birdhouses, ponds, and many other gorgeous bouquets of plant life. The flowers generated an amazing ambiance that perfumed the air with pleasant aromas. I saw and smelled honey suckles for the first time and had the pleasure of tasting one too.

What struck me the most was the diversity of fragrances the floras produced. In one garden, there was an assemblage of multicolored roses displayed in a row, so I decided to smell each group individually. Every colored rose possessed an enjoyable but distinct aroma. I couldn’t believe how they could all be so alike, yet so different, but each was lovely in its own right.

Upon leaving, not far away, sat a cluster of red roses identical to the ones I had recently smelled. I couldn’t help myself, so I decided to take one last whiff. Ironically, they produced no scent. “But aren’t these roses the same as the others?” I thought to myself.

You life is your garden and what you produce will be obvious to others. The Scripture says in I Peter 2:9 that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people; that we should show forth the praises of him who has called us from outer darkness and into His marvelous light.

It is not enough to sit with others we think are like us and expect that this method alone will change us. Going to church doesn’t save you and make you a Christian anymore than sitting among rose bushes will make you a rose. Christianity is not a religion but a lifestyle; it is a daily walk with the Savior, which requires every individual to take personal liability for their own life by picking up their cross to follow Jesus.

We have been set apart for God, and in that separation, there is something we must do. We must continually fill our hearts with His Word so that we can produce good fruit. When we faithfully commit to abiding in the Vine, we become the branches that bring forth the fruit of God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ (St. John 15:5).

What fragrances do you possess and generate? Will you permit the power of God’s Word to cultivate in you the fruit of the Spirit or will you just sit among the roses?

Tilt your heart towards the SON!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

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Keys to Finding Your Ruth and Boaz: Biblically Waiting Versus a 21st Century Profile

Society has implemented so many ways to finding the woman or man in your life that even Christians have fallen away from the basic fundamentals of finding a spouse the Biblical way. While setting up profiles and posting the prettiest photo of one’s self on a site has become the norm, it sounds more like a human cattle round up if you ask me. We may as well all line up and have an auction.

A wise man will not commit to a relationship with a woman based on shallow and superficial reasoning and emotions. He should do some researching first before making ties with someone he barely knows.

Boaz was a wise man. He knew exactly who Ruth was and had her “checked out” before getting involved with her. There were three important elements that were important to Boaz: 1) spiritual stability, 2) personal loyalty, 3) character. He knew of her faithfulness to God, commitment to her mother in-law Naomi, and of her reputation.

Boaz was a man of integrity. He was a man of what I call the FOUR P’s – He offered Ruth POSITION, PROTECTION, PROVISION, and was a man of PRAYER. And as a result of her connection to Boaz, she began to experience PROSPERITY.

Ruth was selfless and young enough that even after losing her first husband could have returned home and married again. Yet, her fidelity, commitment, and love for her mother in-law, Naomi, was more important than fulfilling her own desires. Ruth was a woman who knew her past, understood her present, and was moving toward her future. She also knew that with God, the world was her playground, but without God, she would just be played.

The inability to wait for God’s best and unwise choices can be a very costly price to pay. One thing I encourage women is to avoid the temptation of fishing for a man. Nothing is less attractive than a woman on the prowl out of desperation; for desperation will cause you to compromise your morals and settle for almost anything. You are more than likely to end up with a shark on your hands rather than a blessing, and for the men, one moment of pleasure may just end you hooked up with an inescapable piranha for the next eighteen years.

Women don’t need to look for Boaz or their knight in shining armor. If you are minding the Father’s business, you’ll be found by him. Let’s learn from Ruth example and how her prudent choices led her to be at the right place at the right time.

Ruth lost herself in the ministry of caring for someone else. Yet, without losing her sense of identity, she was a woman with confidence and had learned a lot from Naomi. In fact, she was Naomi’s spiritual backup when Naomi got a bit off track and began talking crazy.

My “type” is the Father’s best for me. Ladies, be encouraged because the Father knows exactly what thrills and excites us as women and knows just the “type” of man we need and has already made the provisions for it. For the men, let Boaz’s commendable and noble character serve as an example of what men should be.

Tilt your hearts toward the SON!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

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Don't Put a Question Where God Has Placed a Period

There is no greater feeling than when I have genuinely cast my burden to the Lord. Ahhh . . . what a relief! It almost gives the appearance that I don't have a care in the world.

But why should I overwhelm myself with problems I know I cannot resolve on my own? If I’m going to worry, why pray?  Learning to cast my fears, troubles, anxieties, and anything that can be considered and packaged into a care to the Lord has been a learning process. Over the years, I have resolved to walk in the rest and peace of God instead of musing over the "what if's". As a result, I’ve experienced an inner peace; one that truly passes all understanding.

But this did not come without trial and error. I’ve had my share of insomnia, cried tears to fill up the bathtub, and experienced overwhelming fear and heartache, and the more I focused on the problem, the more it grew like yeast.

However, when I redirected my attention to the Word of God and His promises, although the problems did not vanish away, I found my fears did. Instead of subjecting myself to the oppression, suppression, and depression, which were grimly gazing down at me like a predator ready to pounce on its prey, I became empowered and repositioned by the anointed Word of God.

My shift came because my thinking changed, and as a result, I was able to face my opposition perfectly hearing the instructions, strategy, and plan of God instead of panicking, being afraid, and clueless. No more did I see myself as a victim but a victor armed and dangerous.

The repositioning of our mind can quickly overturn the outcome of the battle. If you know who you are, whose you are, and to whom you belong to, then there is no trial in life that can defeat you.

Think of all that the Lord has brought you through already. This should be enough to bullet you into your next level. He didn't let you drown in the mess nor did He give up on you. He simply open doors, granted favor, or made a way. Sometimes, we just need a gentle reminder - the Lord takes care of His own.

Don't put a question mark where God puts a period. Be encouraged knowing that he who kneels before the Lord can stand before anything.

Psalms 55:22-23

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

But You, O god, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in you.

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

He Who Gossips to You Will Be a Gossip of You

What does the Bible have to say about GOSSIP? Well, let’s first define what gossip means.

Gossip: scandalmonger, tattletale, Nosy Parker, chatter, blather, rumormonger, blabbermouth, bigmouth

There are many people who profess to be Christians. Yet, professing ones fidelity and love to Christ is more than mere words. It should be seen through the light of Christ within us on a daily basis. Don’t be fooled, it doesn’t take an Einstein to figure some things out. People will know us by the fruit hanging on our tree.

Scriptures tell us what is improper for God’s holy people. It admonishes us to keep away from all moral filth and evil. How many people have you heard say “Uh-huh, amen, and preach pastor”, yet, forget all that was taught in the lesson immediately as they walked out the church doors. James 1:22 says that we should not be hearers of the Word only but DOERS.

We live in a world where a corrupt society seeks to influence and defile our godly character and integrity. But a lack of vigilance and wisdom can lead you into the pitfalls of indiscretion and impudence, and before you know it, you are swept away and caught up in the dirt.

Proverbs 20:19 reads “He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore meddle not,” in other words, do not interfere, snoop, and gossip, “with him that flatters with his lips”. There is a reason why we should refrain from gossip.

1. Gossip separates and hurts friends (Proverbs 16:38)

2. Gossip causes damage by betraying confidence (Prov. 11:12-13)

3. Gossips are usually half-truths and distorted information

Those who behave in this manner do nothing but stir up trouble and cause dissention and division. That is why the Bible tells us to RUN (emphasis mine) or keep away from people who behave this way. A negative spirit is like poison ivy, it spreads quickly.

Let’s define the word deed: something done, an intentional act; actions. James 1:25 tells us that if we hear and do what is right that our deeds would be blessed. Have you ever wondered why your “deeds” were not successful or prosperous? Is the deed matching up with laying aside all moral filthiness and evil? Or are you operating in a deceitful spirit?

These are personal questions that should cause each of us to take a look inside and allow the light of the Holy Spirit to reveal what is really hidden in our hearts. When the unveiling begins, repent and then allow the grace of God’s forgiveness and faithfulness to cleanse and change you.

Let us be transformed by the renewing of our minds. If we put on the mind of Christ daily, our life will be transformed, our deeds will be blessed, and we will be a blessing to others.

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

The Journey

Life can bring with it discouraging winds that oftentimes can leave one drifting on the sea of despondency for extended periods. The rut of the dry places encountered in the course of one’s journey may lead one to a dead-end with feelings of hopelessness and a lost disposition. But not all dry places in life are the result of being lost. Sometimes God uses dry places as a forum for preparation.

In Exodus 3:8, when God met Moses at the burning bush, He told him that He was going to deliver His people from bondage and into a land flowing with "milk and honey”. Yet, Scripture discloses that when God delivered them, He led them directly into a "wilderness” where they spent the next 40 years.

Their wilderness experience had a purpose because the Bible tells us that there was a shorter route available that they could have taken and avoided the wilderness altogether (Exodus 13:17). But God told Moses, “I Am Who I Am”. This personal name of God means the God who is actively present with His people.

Trust and submission to God’s direction is the stepping stone that will bring you into your next level. Life is like a grindstone and whether it polishes you up or grinds you down depends on what you are made of.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a hope and a future”. Whenever God leads you somewhere, He has a purpose and a predestined place for you, even if the route is a long dry one.

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson

Daily Pursuit

I would like to continue from last week’s thoughts on becoming the woman God wants me to be.

The pressure of everyday living can prove to be exhausting. If you are a woman, wife, or mother, you know the on-going demands that come with these responsibilities. The distractions that come as part of the package and the constant giving and pouring out to others but never enough time for “me” can all lead one to a place of weariness. At the end of the day, you are simply drained and the result is the thoughts of another day to try again.

Aspiring to become the Proverbs 31 woman is a daily pursuit of following God’s designed plan. But how can I fulfill my obligations with balance? How do I accomplish my daily goals with success while pursuing the plan of God for my personal growth? Where do I begin?

Everything has a beginning, so I have found that seeking God early in the morning, just before the break of day and before the house wakes up, is a good starting point. While I am still enough in His presence, the spontaneous flow of the Father’s thoughts begins to streamline into my heart showing and mapping out my success for the day.

It is like my spiritual tank is refueled and my corroded oil has been changed. My new wheels are spinning and ready to roll as my soul experiences a refreshing, restoring, and renewing. But missing these precious moments, I must admit, is like buttoning a shirt and realizing they were buttoned incorrectly, then undoing the whole thing and having to start all over . . . what a drag that can be.

It is when I prioritize and place God first that I find my days are a huge success and I am not emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained. God’s substance is enough to keep you. Allow Him to refuel you before the start of each new day, and as you are found in hot pursuit of God’s presence, may all your godly dreams and aspirations come true.

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

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Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be ~ Part 1

Becoming the woman God wants me to be is more than just wishful thinking. It is an endless pursuit with daily longings to be just like Him. But with all the opposition and distraction one can face on a daily basis, becoming this woman has proven to be a lot easier said than done.

It takes perseverance, determination, and a fixed mind regardless of the falls and bruises along the way. It takes a “getting up attitude” even if it is your hundredth time and starting all over. It is looking at a scoffing, ridiculing world in the eye and declaring, “I am not genetically disposed to”, naming whatever your struggle is, “because the Greater One that resides in me will not give up on me”. It is having faith to see and going beyond what your natural eyes can see. It is daily falling at the feet of Jesus and surrendering all to the One who holds the blueprints of life in His hands.

At the end, you will find that all your troubles, all your obstacles, all the trials and storms of life you faced were merely classroom tools the Father used to prepare, sharpen, and equip you for a greater cause. So when the storms of life surmount, remember that God is working everything out, the good, the bad, and the ugly, ultimately for your benefit.

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31

Tilt your hearts toward the Son!

Narda Goodson

First Lady of Whitewright, Texas

Influence, Inspire, & Infiltrate! 

Official Website: Narda Goodson Ministries

Women's Network: Predestined by God

Teen Network: DIVA Drops©-Damsels in Virtuous Attire™

Government:: First Ladies of the Round Table

Blog: http://nardagoodson.blogspot.com/

Facebook: @nardagoodson

Twitter: @nardagoodson

LinkedIn: @nardagoodson