I got a faith lift today.
I needed it.
It came in the form of Sue Duffield.
Laugh lines stretched.
Tear ducts exercised.
Energy infused.
Do you know Sue? If not, you should.
She’s a sanguine songwriter, singer, speaker, and sagging spirit lifter.
She lives out loud (LOL), laughs out loud LOL), and loves out loud (LOL).
Because Jesus is still Lord of lords (LOL), her CEO, and her living H2O who fills her and spills her.
“Laughter opens the door,” she writes/sings. “What was taken away is restored again.” (From her song, Laughter Opens the Door)
“Nights of tears give way to days of laughter.”
Joy restored.
Joy renewed.
It happened today for many women.
Because the Lord opened the door to Lansing through the power of a tweet.
One that I eavesdropped on.
Ta-da!
We line-danced today (yep, in church) to one of her songs–Steppin’ Out.
I’m steppin’ out.
I’m set free to be all You want me to be.
(Set free to be–not do. Though the doing may flow out of the being.)
God’s openin’ doors that no one can lock.
And He’s lockin’ the doors no one can open.
(He IS the door.)
He says, “I see what you’ve done, now see what I’ve done.
I’ve opened the door that no one can shut.”
(Why do we even try to knock down doors on our own or do our own thing and wear ourselves out?)
I don’t have the strength to move on my own
I’ve relied on what I’ve always done.
Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ~Albert Einstein
(He does things so much better, so much more efficiently.)
He says, “You kept my word, you didn’t deny me.
You walked in faith even when times were tough.”
(It’s in those tough times that we are toughened.)
I’m movin’ up, I’m movin’ out.
I stake my claim when God allows.
He goes ahead. I keep in stride.
He goes behind and side by side.
The snow outside is swirling now, framing the windows. The world is white. They’re starting to call this a snowcaine.
And I’m reminded that He’s with us even in the blizzards. That He’s all around us–leading us, pushing us, walking next to us. Sometimes even carrying us. We might not be able to see even one stride ahead, but He knows the way.
So I’m steppin’ out. One footprint at a time.
How ’bout you?
I am marching right in time with you. Thanks for sharing this LOL kind of day with us. My heart has been overly delighted since it found out our little TN treasure was making her way to you in MI. Oh happy day.
LYI X2. I got you both – covered!
What a delight to meet her! Can’t wait for another TN trip. The circle is expanding! We should just move there.
Stepping out, taking risks, taking a step back, stepping out again. That’s how I roll.
I know that dance!
Best blog I’ve seen, ever! God inspires. Missed a great day in Lansing and look forward to Sue coming back.
Hi Michelle! Thanks for stopping in and for your kind words. So disappointed that we couldn’t spend the evening with Sue, too. I’d planned to come back. But I’m sure there’ll be a next time.
Love this, Sandra! It’s like a poetic tribute mixed with some great encouragement. Thanks. 🙂
Oh my word, Jason! Sue is going to be coming to Alaska. You need to connect.
Jason meet Sue. Sue meet Jason.
And thanks!
Where in Alaska and when?
I’m not sure, but I sent her your link(s), and she said she’d contact you as plans start to unfold. How awesome it would be if God could/would work something out!
This is Awesome! Love it! Having the absolute JOY of meeting you in person, Snady-I know YOU are a ‘faith’ lift for Sue! God is so good connecting sticky sisters. Hope to connect with you(again) and Sue in 2011. LYI
God *is* good. Always amazing. Already planning for next tweet-up. Or even an @stickyJesus conference! 🙂