Heart to Heart with Norma Joyce Dougherty

Grace Forgotten or Grace Extended

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 22:58:19 GMT

Two of our most recent graduates reflecting radiant faces

Sometimes we look at our world and think it is nothing but chaos, brokenness, bitterness, tremendous hurt and pain. We wonder if grace and graciousness have been forgotten. But stop, look and listen.

There are places where grace is not forgotten but rather extended in mighty ways. One of those places is BraveWorks , a nonprofit organization serving women locally and globally who are overcoming human trafficking, abuse, addiction, incarceration, generational poverty, and ethnic persecution. Grace extended is the heartbeat of every woman who works or volunteers at this organization.

Grace extended comes through the knowledge that we are each a sinner saved by the grace of God. If it wasn’t for God’s grace extended to us, we would remain broken, barren, burdened. This knowledge allows us to look at another through the eyes of Jesus and extend, yes extend, his grace, compassion and unconditional love to each other.

As one of the mentors, we recognize that each woman who comes to BraveWorks arrives filled with fear. Yet, she has taken the “brave” steps to overcome her fear. She is on a new path of self- discovery. She is asking herself, “Will I be safe in this environment?” “Will I be treated with respect?” “Will I be judged for the mistakes I have made?” “Will I be disappointed, betrayed, rejected, abused again?” “Can I trust these people who are offering to walk with me?”

These voices in her heart are now her new battles. She has hard choices to make.

Choices to participate in the program; to stay on this new path.
Choices to come back each and every week.
Choices to expose her weaknesses, her vulnerabilities, her failures.
Choices to trust the legitimacy and the sincerity of the mentors and staff.
Choices to receive the grace extended to her? Can she win this new battle?

As we pour out God’s love and grace, we learn the impact of grace extended. Our graduates use words such as “I found this place to be a safe space.” “I couldn’t wait to return each week.” “I wish we could meet more than once a week” “I felt a great sense of belonging here.” “It felt like home.” “I began to live again.” These are winning statements indeed.

It is more than a joy for us to see these young women begin to heal, to see them lift their heads high, to put their shoulders back, to smile again with their eyes, not just their lips. A joy to see them reach their goals and graduate from the program. In other words, we see them winning the battle with a desire to extend grace forward to other hurting women and girls.

God’s grace extended moves all of us from beautifully broken to beautifully radiant.

“I sought the Lord and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant. Their faces are never covered with shame.” (Psalm 34:4-5 niv)

Keeping Up In 2023

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 17:13:00 GMT

Do you struggle ‘keeping up’ with the demands of life? Ohhh, how I remember those days.

I was always pursuing perfection, wanting the best for myself, my family and my life. So intentional doing everything just right, till one day, I woke up and realized I was actually paralyzed by my pursuit of perfection. Several reasons for the paralysis:

I knew I was not the perfect being I pretended to be.
I knew I could not, on my own, create the perfect life I was trying to create.
I knew I was filled with unhealthy stress, anxiety, and fear trying to keep up.
I knew I was holding onto guilt and shame over past mistakes, past failures.
I knew I was at my wit’s end and needed help.

Have you ever been there, feeling broken?

I felt like Humpty Dumpty and all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put me together again. That is, nothing in this world was able to fix the emptiness in my spirit, or the yearning in my heart.

They say that God’s address is at Wit’s End. All the twists and turns, all the detours in life brought me right to his doorstep. He said, “Welcome! It’s about time!” And then he invited me to get to know him - to plumb the depths of spiritual knowledge with him.

The invitation read like this:

“Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know.”
(Jeremiah 33:3 GW)

Being the critical thinker that I am, I wanted to learn all about these great and mighty things; I was so hungry for this spiritual knowledge. I didn’t realize how biblically illiterate I was until I started doing small group bible studies with my friends.

Over the years, I have learned many, many great and mighty things about God; things that are so valuable to the love, joy, peace and contentment I now experience in this life. So much so that I love to share them with others.

So here I am. I am not a biblical scholar, or a legalist, or someone who pushes my faith onto others. I have just learned precious life lessons worth sharing. Today’s lesson: LOOKING UP IS FAR MORE VALUABLE THAN KEEPING UP.

“I’m leaving you peace. I’m giving you my peace. I don’t give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don’t be troubled .......” (John 14:7 GW).

EVEN IF

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 22:17:06 GMT

Do you have something your heart yearns for?

EVEN IF

Do you have something you are hoping for? I do.

Do you have something your heart yearns for? I do.

I think we all have those dreams for something we feel is missing in our lives. We all visualize what life would be like if we were able to achieve or acquire that dream. We strive toward its fulfillment, taking the necessary steps we believe will help us reach the goal. We focus on it till it becomes a healthy passion; or an unhealthy obsession. Then it fills our every waking thought and becomes our very breath. We even pray, asking God to help us fulfill the dream; and sometimes we even beg God for an answer. We believe if we want it or desire it, then it must be a need and therefore God has to provide. Right?

Have you ever been there? I have.

And if we are not careful, this kind of yearning can weaken our faith. It takes our eyes off the Lord and places them on the dream/desire.

Two things I have learned while in this place:

There are three answers to prayer: Yes, No and Wait.
And, make a decision before the prayer is answered. That is:

To accept God’s will or God’s answer whatever it might be.

The willingness to accept the outcome, whatever it is, allows us to walk through our desires and dreams with peace, contentment, faith and trust.

This song Even If by Mercy Me says it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

"Even if you don't. My hope is you alone."

"But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you" (Matthew 6:33 GW)

Who Are You

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:52:32 GMT

"Who are you?" he asked. "Are you a theologian?"

“Are you a theologian?” he asked. He was a passenger sitting next to me on a flight. I was working on a bible study booklet entitled The God You May Not Know by David Jeremiah.

“No,” I answered with a smile. “I am just a volunteer who leads women in small group bible studies and mentors young girls in biblical principles.”

But the question piqued my interest. Does the world see the people whom God uses to share his message to be only educated theologians? If so why?

I am not a theologian or a biblical scholar. I just discovered through my own life’s journey a most amazing treasure: that there is a difference between religion and relationship with Christ.

I will never forget the time I learned this. I was forty-four years old and I opened the scriptures to a personal invitation from God. It read:

“Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3 GW).

Yes, I did not know! I was actually biblically illiterate even though I had gone to church my whole life. The messages had not penetrated my heart. But this was different. God was personally inviting me to get to know him in great and mighty ways. It was like plumbing the depths of spiritual knowledge and finding one gold nugget after another, after another.

It was life changing for me. And it can be the same for you too.

We can all learn great and mighty things about God. He wants us to get to know him…to know the height, the depth, the breadth and the width of his great love for us…to know why he sent his son to this earth to save us…to know the real meaning of Christmas…to know the Great Commission.

And, we can all learn to share God’s message, his good news with others. Why? Because we will know, believe and understand how great and valuable it is for each one of us… so valuable that we won’t be able to keep it to ourselves.

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15 NIV)

Establishing Boundaries

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 18:30:50 GMT

Do your boundaries reflect your values?

Yesterday in mentoring session we discussed establishing boundaries based around the scripture:

Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it.”

(Proverbs 4:23 GW)

We don’t always guard our hearts do we? Our hearts can fill us with desires for things that may or may not be in our best interests; that may not even be in God’s will for our lives or reflect His best purpose and plan for our lives.

And yet, we sometimes make choices and follow that leading because we think it will be fun, or pleasurable, or bring us success or fame and fortune. In other words, we do veer to the left or to the right and take detours that do not reflect our God-given values.

So how do we guard our heart?

Stay focused on God’s words of wisdom that are found in the scriptures.
Be careful who you listen to; seek good counsel.
Open those ears to gain insight and understanding.
Once you gain an understanding, hold those values deep within your heart.
If or when you do veer, be convicted and steer back to the right path.

This guarding of the heart takes practice. Sometimes it takes getting bruised, beaten or even battered before we learn our lesson. Yet, once learned we can have more peace, joy, contentment and direction in our lives than ever before.

Wishing you excellent driving skills one day at a time!

When Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 14:52:30 GMT

Begin Again! Live each day as if it is the first day of your life!

I am so excited to be attending the Stonecroft Ministries conference in Kansas City this week.

The theme is Begin Again.

Begin again to find your meaningful purpose.
Begin again to live the extraordinary life that God has purposed and planned for you.
Begin again; to serve others, to shine his light in the dark and difficult parts of our lives.
Begin again to share the beauty of his great, sacrificial love to others who are hurt and broken, lonely, isolated people.

During Covid, God might have sent us to our rooms to reflect on what is important in life. He says in the scriptures:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me…”

(Jeremiah 9: 23-24 niv)

Did we reflect? Did we learn anything new? Did we come to an understanding of who God is: that he is the Lord?

We need to begin again. We need to come to know and understand our great and mighty God. In so doing, we move from ordinary living to extraordinary living.

Extraordinary living stands out. It strives not for perfection, but for excellence in all that we do. It reflects the beauty and the love of God.

Are you ready for extraordinary living? Then come alongside all the other extraordinary women who volunteer, serve and love others through Relational Evangelism at Stonecroft Ministries.

To learn more about Relational Evangelism go to: https://www.stonecroft.org/the-stonecroft-experience/

What Are You Afraid Of?

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:13:32 GMT

What is Your Deepest Fear?

Last week I wrote a blog about Stepping Outside The Circle to do ministry. Yet the one thing I did not truly address was how to overcome fear. Recently a friend sent this inspirational quote to me asking:

What is Your Deepest Fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,

gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.”

Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

Yes, it is scary to start something new, to move outside our comfort zone, to share God’s truths when there is so much sarcasm, cynicism and division in our world.

But if we believe we are doing the work God has called us to do, that we are following his plan for our lives, then we can act with the confidence claimed in the quote above. We can act with courage, conviction and power to be a child of God, a woman with a meaningful purpose and an extraordinary life.

The answers to overcoming fear lie not in ourselves but in our confidence and trust in God, in the Word of God, the Bible and in His divine presence in our lives. Be convinced that he will be with you, and he will enable you to do the ministry work he calls you to do. Believe in his power to change lives in a positive, permanent, perpetual way.

“I have commanded you, ‘Be strong and courageous! Don’t tremble or be terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” (Joshua 1:9 GW)

Stepping Outside the Circle

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 20:29:22 GMT

Persistence not only pays off in your life, it pays off in the lives of others too!

Recently I was speaking to a group of ladies whose hearts were filled with a desire to serve the Lord. The question was, “How do we move from fellowship to ministry?” That is, how do we move from inside our “safe” circle, where we have each other’s back, to serve God in this ever-increasing difficult world?”

My response: “Ask God to break your heart for something that is also breaking His heart.”

For me, it was finding a way to work with young girls caught up in drug, alcohol, sex abuse and even some who are trafficked. This definitely breaks God’s heart and it breaks mine too.

Once your heart is broken take the following steps:

Pray for guidance as to the when, where and how to serve. Research the places where God is already at work.
Plug in. Offer your life-skills and expertise to those in charge. Volunteers are always welcome.
Move! Breathe! Take small steps at first! Yes, it is scary to try something new.
Believe, know, and trust that God is with you and He will equip you in your work for Him.
As you serve, your passion and your purpose will continue to grow. You will find yourself saying: This is my heart, my passion, my joy and my delight.

And last, but not least, remember this: Your work does not need to be something big, or grand, or overwhelming. It can be as simple as a smile, a hug or a warm cup of coffee to someone in need. You are offering others a glimpse of hope.

Anything done for God will be blessed and your ministry will grow in His timing. Just keep at it. Persistence not only makes a difference in your life, it makes a difference in other’s lives too!

“The king will answer them, “I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant it seemed, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40 GW)

Later Life Lessons Worth Sharing

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 19:07:01 GMT

When I discovered this amazing truth, I wanted to share it with the whole world.

Of course, I didn't know how to share this truth or even how to handle this truth. But over the years, God has opened doors for me to speak, to write a book, to create a website, this blog and now to do podcasts. Every step is a learning process, but, wow, what a journey it is.

What keeps me going? I truly believe what I have learned. I am convinced! Like Paul, who wrote to the Corinthians, he said:

"The following is written, "I believed; therefore, I spoke." We have that same spirit of faith. We also believe; therefore, we also speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13 GW)

I too speak and share because this discovery is my heart, my joy, my passion and my delight!

The truth I am so passionate about is this: There is a difference between religion, rules and relationship with Christ. And, when we learn all about the relationship , we discover several other truths. My favorite: There is a difference between happiness and joy. If you want to hear more about my discoveries, tune into my first podcast with Pastor Bob at Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast.

"We had such an interesting conversation, I was actually able to make TWO EPISODES from it! Part One is live NOW (Thursday, September 2nd). Part Two will go live tomorrow (Friday, September 3rd). Both episodes will air on “Evangelism Radio” on their respective day of publication from 2-230pm ET to our worldwide audience in over 160 nations." Pastor Bob

I invite you to listen to Part One and Part Two of my interview with Pastor Bob

https://kcrpodcast.com/episodes/island-girl-norma-dougherty-pt-1/
https://kcrpodcast.com/episodes/island-girl-norma-dougherty-pt-2 /

Three Important Life Lessons for Young Women

normajdougherty@gmail.com (Norma Joyce Dougherty) — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 21:12:41 GMT

We do know these life lessons, don't we. But do we really know how to apply them?

“By telling her life story in such a wonderfully powerful way, Norma Joyce illustrates to young women three important life lessons:

First, when bad things happen don’t let them define you and defeat you, but overcome and press on;
Second, when people and the world say you aren’t good enough, don’t believe them, you are;
Finally, Jesus loves you for who you are and in Him you can find peace, acceptance and live a better life!” Christian Book Awards https://www.facebook.com/Christian-Book-Awards-Contest-537569523079140

It took me many years to learn how to apply these life lessons. It wasn’t until I found an amazing treasure at age forty-four. That treasure was learning the difference between religion and relationship with Jesus; something I never learned as a young girl. No-one had explained this to me along the way. Why? Perhaps they never learned it! But, he tells us he wants to be in relationship with us and here is the invitation:

“Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat together.” (Revelation 3:20 GW)

That’s friendship! That’s relationship! This relationship is what gives us the strength to overcome our trials, to believe that we are valuable and significant, and to live that extraordinary life with a meaningful purpose, with peace, joy, contentment and acceptance. This is my hope for you too!

AWARD WINNING REVIEW

“Congratulations 'Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit' by Norma Joyce Dougherty, a 2021 Double Gold Medal Christian Book Award Winner in the category of 'Teen' and 'Adult Non-Fiction'! Please see attached the book cover with the Gold seals it was awarded for being a Double Gold Medal CBA winner!”

“We loved reading this book, and you will too! We recommend that every church and library should have a copy of this book for its members to read, and every young woman should read it to gain valuable wisdom that Norma Joyce shares!” Christian Book Awards

Thanks to all my friends who have added a review. If you can also add a review, please go to link below. Every review helps to get "our" message out to those who need to hear these important life lessons.

Let other readers know what you think — Leave your review on my Amazon book page!

Another Step Forward

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:11:00 GMT

Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit by Norma Joyce Dougherty recently adapted into a screenplay entitled Chasing Eden has been officially selected in three film festivals:

The Cinematic Arts Redemptive Entertainment (CARE) Awards as Finalist
Southeast Regional Film Festival (SRFF)
Christian Film Festival (CFF)
International Christian Film Festival

It is so exciting to see Chasing Eden by award-winning screenwriter Cheryl McKay receive these laurels, which only adds to the progression and interest the screenplay is receiving. In addition to the film festival selections, actress Madeline Carroll , known for the lead role in the box office hit, I Can Only Imagine , has signed a letter of intent to play a supporting role in the film. Further, Chasing Eden is now discussing a pending exclusive Producer Attachment Agreement with a firm in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I couldn’t be happier,” says Norma Joyce, “than to see my story become the inspiration for such a relatable faith-based movie as Chasing Eden .” The story is about overcoming identity crisis and the pursuit of perfection, while finding our true identity in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The storyline has great appeal to women and girls who are in today’s society constantly bombarded by social media and marketing campaigns to look, act and be a certain way just to fit in and feel accepted.

Review my Book on Amazon!

Quiet Desperation or Quiet Strength?

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 19:42:00 GMT

Several people think we are a desperate people living in a desperate world. But what creates this sense of desperation? I believe desperate people buy into the popular notion that God is dead. In so doing desperate people lose a sense of identity, a sense of belonging, a sense of morality and absolute truth, and a sense of value in what is right or wrong. If God is dead, desperate people think we can do whatever we want, whenever we want despite consequences or impact on others.

These are heavy statements/questions are they not? Yet I have learned through my own life’s experiences that these are questions each of us must individually seek to answer; and the answers must fill our heart, soul, and mind with such genuine, sincere persuasion that there is no room for doubt. For me, I have no doubt God exists and that it is his good pleasure that all come to believe this and know him personally.

There have been many desperate times throughout history when the world was filled with confusion and the people called the times evil, just like they do today. Where did they find meaning? Where did they find inspiration to carry on? One example really speaks to my heart.

A poem by Minnie Louise Haskins entitled “God Knows” and later entitled “The Gate of the Year” was quoted by King George VI at his 1939 Christmas broadcast to the British Empire. Its words became even more inspirational and brought much comfort to the masses during the early days of the Second World War…a desperate, evil time.

THE GATE OF THE YEAR

‘God Knows’
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
“Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

(See more of this poem on Wikipedia )

So I ask, are we treading safely into the unknown? The unknown of Covid-19, the unknown of protests and social change? Have we stopped to ask the wise man who stands at the gate of the year for the right light? Are we willing to step bravely into the darkness to discover the better way? Have we slipped our hand into the Hand of God who gives us all the light and safety we need?

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).

Are we being upheld by the righteous Hand of God?

Is Your Three-Legged Stool Broken?

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 22:04:00 GMT

As an inspirational speaker, I often compare our makeup — mind, body, and spirit to a three-legged stool. We spend many years developing our mind at higher levels of education. We spend hours developing our body through healthy meal planning and exercise. But if we ignore the third leg of the stool, our spiritual development, then we either topple over or we are not as strong as we need to be.

How are we doing during this coronavirus crisis? Are we as strong as we need to be? I am seeing and watching a lot of fear and panic. I too have had my moments of worry and questioning. Yet, I don’t want to topple over. Do you?

One encouraging thing about having a strong spiritual leg is that when those temporary moments of worry do come, we can clip its wings…immediately. We can stand firm. By standing firm in faith, we protect the other two legs.

With a strong spiritual leg, a strong faith, we can use wisdom to keep our mind from despair, distraught, and panic. The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” James 1:5 (NIV). Therefore, let’s all seek God for the wisdom we need during our times of worry and anxiety, especially when we are facing a national crisis. I speak from experience. God does answer and gives us a peace that guards our hearts and our minds.

With a strong spiritual leg, a strong faith, we can use our current level of health to protect and strengthen our body. By knowing our own level of health, we know what safety measures, what guidelines we need to follow to not only protect ourselves, but others. Again, the Bible says, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come ” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV). Remember this as a promise. A strong spiritual leg has value for All THINGS because “it is in him we live and move and have our being” Acts 17:28 (NIV).

In closing let me encourage you to stand firm in facing the coronavirus crisis. Do not let your mind and body weaken because the third leg of your stool, your spiritual life is broken. Embrace joy, happiness, peace, and faith. Embrace God and his offer of salvation through his Son, Jesus Christ. His will is that we all come to him for the “ promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” Proverbs 17:22 (NLT).

No Room

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 00:20:00 GMT

This week I was thinking about Mary and Joseph as they arrived in Bethlehem. Mary was pregnant, in labor, about to deliver her baby. The innkeeper said, “I’m sorry. There is no room in the inn. You can go to the stables.” How dreadful. The innkeeper had no idea who this young couple was, or the value of the baby Jesus she was about to deliver—our Savior.

Their story reminds me of a time when I too had no room for Jesus. I remembered a mental conversation I had with Jesus. He said, “ You invited me into your heart, but you are not letting me in. There is no room for me. It is all tied up. It is full.” ( Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit , p. 194.)

Yes, back then, my heart was filled with pain and many worldly concerns. I gave no thought to this baby who came to save me. And as we go through the Christmas week, I wonder how many other people have “ no room ” for our Savior.

How many of us push him out into the stables of grief, worldly concerns, or consumer materialism? How many of us don’t even give a second thought to our Lord? Are we like the innkeeper who has no knowledge of the value of the baby Jesus-our Savior.

If we are like the innkeeper, without valuable knowledge, can we hear Jesus speaking to our hearts through Christmas stories or Christmas music? Is he chiding you as he did once with me: “You invited me into your heart, but you are not letting me in. There is no room for me. It is all tied up. It is full.”

When Jesus knocks on the door of our heart, let’s be sure he doesn’t hear the words, “There is no room . ” By faith, let us welcome him to dwell therein, not just for Christmas, but for all time. By faith, let’s open our heart to the power and purposes of God–Immanuel, God with us.

“As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also.” (2 Corinthians 6:13 NIV).

Unfolding Story of Beauty

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 04:24:00 GMT

I didn’t notice it at first. It unfolded a little at a time.

The room was filled with color, the color purple that is, on every table decorated with napkins and sparkling centerpieces.
Several gift packages were conspicuously placed around the room.
Aromas of tasteful food wafted from the kitchen.
Ladies were arriving with great anticipation.
There was excitement and warmth in the air.

Next, there were hugs, shared welcoming hugs; then smiles and words. Words that said something important; words that began to tell a story. And there it was rising up in my heart—a story that needed to be told—a story that needed to be shared.

Her name is Sandy Bohren, Area Representative for the Garden State Women’s Connection in Vineland, New Jersey. She welcomed me as a speaker for the event. As I commented on the room, the party atmosphere and the level of excitement and attendance, Sandy let me know they were celebrating the 45th Anniversary of this Stonecroft Ministries Outreach Event. (see note below to learn more about Stonecroft Ministries, Inc.)

Pleasantly surprised, I asked more questions. Sandy revealed she had been the first Chair and organizer of this local event in Vineland. She introduced me to her sister, Nancy Smith current Chair of the event. Both sisters had served this ministry in various positions all these years. Sandy’s daughter Heidi was also in attendance. Heidi had started attending as a three-year-old in the nursery—now a grown woman standing with and supporting her mother!

Faithfulness—that’s what awakened my heart to this unfolding story:

The dedication required to continue this outreach work for 45 years is amazing.
Sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to women who do not know what it means to be in relationship with our Lord and Savior is truly amazing.
The lives that have been changed due to their faithful service is absolutely amazing.

As a speaker, my message to the approximately 165 women in attendance was that we find our significance, value and personal identity by looking into God’s Word, His Mirror of TRUTH. This is far superior to the world’s “marketing” mirror that tries to “sell us” to look, act and be a certain way. In relationship with Christ, we as women can be like these two sisters—dressed in loving kindness and faithfulness in service to the One who truly gives us our beauty and radiance. Therein lies the unfolded story of beauty.

“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish the work of our hands….” Psalm 90:17 (KJV).

Stonecroft Ministries, Inc. inspires women to share the Gospel with those around them. We equip them to reach each woman where she is, as she is. To learn more about this women’s ministry go to stonecroft.org

The style of this 45th-anniversary party was a re-creation of some of the original parties started by Stonecroft Ministries 80 years ago; yet it has continued in Vineland, NJ by Sandy and Nancy and other faithful committee members and past chairs.

Heart Cries & Heart Victories

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 18:51:00 GMT

Emoji’s: Simple pictures that express a thousand words. This one speaks to the broken hearts we often face when trials and chaos strike our lives. I see it used on social media a lot. People are hurting. Daily! Facing fear, panic, worry, pain and extreme sadness causes heart cries.

Heart cries—times when we have so much chaos in our life’s circumstances that we cry out to God to help us. We’ve all experienced them. Learning to walk on the chaos of heart cries with God is such a faith-building experience.

Heart cries cause us to surrender our will to his providence when we recognize our need for him; when we fall into the beauty of his loving arms, into the protection of his power to see us through our heart cries.
Heart cries are the trials God allows in our lives to lead us toward spiritual heart victories.

Heart victories — these are the triumphant life lessons we learn during our difficult heart cries; the “ah-ha” moments when the light bulb comes on to let us see more clearly.

Heart victories shine a brighter light into our character. They are teaching tools used by God to develop more persistence, giving us greater hope and wisdom.
Heart victories make us stronger in our faith and in our life. Our goal in any of our trials is to discover these heart victories.
Heart victories are best discovered in relationship with God as our teacher.

In my book Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit I share several of my own heart victories gained through chaos and trials. We all journey through heart cries in various ways. God knows which lesson each of us must learn. He knows how to shape our character whereby we reach that magical moment of surrender, a level of brokenness when we rely on him, recognize our need for him and give our life over to him. Did you know this is our perfect sacrifice? It is the sacrifice God loves more than anything else we can offer him. In the Psalms, King David wrote:

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 NIV)

Sometimes the level of brokenness is so deep we are angry with God. We don’t even want to acknowledge him. We may even wish to shake our fist at God. However, he tells us that we can have his all-surpassing power to deal with our brokenness.

“We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV)

I hope as you ride the wave of chaos in your life, you will turn your heart cry emoji into an emoji of prayer — prayer to a heavenly father who wants to walk with you through it all until you too can claim beautiful, magnificent heart victories. Yield! Surrender! Give it all to him!

The Pursuit of Happiness

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 19:37:00 GMT

We all pursue happiness, looking for it in many various ways. Having studied philosophy at Wake Forest University, I must say the “Pursuit of Happiness” is as old as time. The great Greek Philosopher Socrates asked the question back in 300 BC: “What is the right way or the best way for man to live?”

Socrates believed:

That only people with self-knowledge could find true happiness.
That we must turn our attention away from the body and towards the soul.
That happiness flows not from physical or external conditions, such as bodily
pleasures or wealth and power, but from living a life that’s right for your soul. (Google:
On Happiness – Socrates, Michele Connolly, September 8, 2007).
That the “unexamined life is not worth living.” This is his most famous quote.

Was Socrates right? I believe this to be true. I did not have self-knowledge. Having experienced my own identity crisis, I did not know the answers to the questions: who am I, where do I belong, and what is my purpose in life. After much confusion and unhappiness, I started to examine my life.

Examining one’s life includes examining the heart, the spirit and our relationship with our Creator God. Getting to know God, his reason for creating us and the reason he sent his Son to save us, enlightens us in ways we cannot understand. We gain a new heart and a new spirit when we enter into a relationship with him. There is a penetrating JOY in our heart that is like “none other has ever known.” (From: In The Garden) This joy supersedes any circumstantial happiness.

The scriptures say:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 niv).

Everything! All our choices, our decisions, our desires flow from the heart! I encourage you to let your heart choose JOY in relationship with Christ and all else falls into place.

Woman

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 18:44:00 GMT

For almost a year, on Wednesday mornings, I am privileged to spend two to three hours at Fashion & Compassion in Charlotte, NC to meet with women and girls who have undergone some of the most difficult social injustices that we can imagine. My job is to mentor and encourage these women in divine biblical truths. I find it a privilege to be there because I am myself being blessed and loved by them.

I learn so much from these gals. I see their hunger and thirst for change, for growth in truth, and especially for healing. But more than that, I see a tremendous strength—a strength that comes from withstanding the many trials they have faced. Their hearts are open to what the Lord is teaching them. They are anxious to forget their past and look forward to their newfound strength—to their new beginnings.

I was reminded recently of a quote by C.S. Lewis: “We can’t go back and change the beginning, but we can begin today to change the ending.” What tremendous words of encouragement. We all need those words of encouragement—daily! We all need to forget the past wrongs and we need to look at new beginnings, striving in God’s mercy, grace, and love. We need to be looking into each other’s heart, as God looks into our heart, with forgiveness, helping each other to forget—giving each other permission to forget, as God gives to us.

One of the women I have met there has given me permission to share her name and her thoughts expressing her newfound strength through the following poem:

Woman

What a woman means to me. It’s your cousin, your sister, your mother, It’s your auntie, woman strong and bold; Woman with wisdom untold, so put us high on that pedestal.

Woman, we pay the price,
We’re the ones who bring forth life.
No king is complete without a queen under his sheets.
Soft and kind with extreme intelligence of mind, will, and strength; Nothing compares to our endurance.
We try our best to be what we can be,
Raise and praise our kids, that is the key.
Mamma’s baby, Daddy’s maybe.
Ain’t that shit crazy.
Don’t worry though, a woman always handles her biz;
History has shown it again and again.
It’s the woman who’s left tall, strong and proud in the end.
Never underestimate her skills;
You bet against a woman you’re bound to lose your dollar bills.
We are the key to all that is and will ever be.
What a woman means to me: everything tall, dark and handsome could never be. Now sisters do you feel me: Woman!

By: Cannetta Solomon

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

ARE WE REALLY FREE?

Wed, 29 May 2019 19:02:00 GMT

The eagle – the symbol of America – of power, strength, majesty, and freedom.

Freedom – the reason we celebrate Memorial Day to remember those who fought and died for our independence.

But are we really free? We hear we are stronger economically than we have been in decades. This satisfies us physically. We are more intelligent than ever due to the abundance of knowledge. This satisfies our minds.

But what good is money and knowledge when we are so bound up spiritually – when our moral values have drastically declined?

Are we really free when our leaders are bound up in arguing and attacking each other, having forgotten The Golden Rule to do unto others, or to love one another, or to treat others as better than ourselves?

Are we really free when our nation has an identity crisis where drug and alcohol abuse is on the rise, where suicide is on the rise – when we don’t know who we are as individual people?

Are we really free when our “pursuit of happiness” is based on selfish motives, greed, and power?

The great philosopher Socrates (300 BC) once asked the question: “What is the right way, or the best way for man to live?” We are still asking that question today! Socrates concluded that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Examining one’s life includes examining the heart, the spirit and our relationship with our Creator God.

There is a scripture verse that says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4: 23 NIV). Everything! All our choices, our decisions, our actions flow from the heart!

I learned that the pursuit of happiness is temporal and circumstantial. The true essence of the human heart comes in knowing the difference between circumstantial happiness and the deep joy of the love of God.

Then we can answer Socrates’ question: “What is the right way for man to live? To do what the Lord requires of us: that is: “to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 NIV).

Therein lies our true freedom. Therein do we truly honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for us.

“So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” (John 8:36 NIV)

Book Signing to Benefit Fashion & Compassion

Sat, 03 Nov 2018 07:47:00 GMT

Meet the author of “Island Girl”

Norma Joyce Dougherty’s “ Island Girl ” has recently partnered with Fashion & Compassion’s artisans in making a special bracelet, “Radiant.”

“Island Girl” and “Radiant” go together like a hand in a glove.

Why Island Girl? “Because it is a compelling autobiographical account that chronicles a life of hardship, deception and abuse, yet culminates in discovering the most authentic, eternal wealth that truly matter in this life: pure joy, peace of mind, hope, and an exultant heart and soul.” (Press Release from Elm Hill – A Division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.)

Why Radiant? Because “those who look to Him (Christ) are radiant, their faces are never covered in shame.” (Psalm 34:4-5)

If you experience a lack of identity, shame or guilt and want to know value, joy and radiance, then let this story lead you.

Prince Edward Island Refreshment – Kiss the Fish!

Sun, 20 Aug 2017 12:44:00 GMT

I have been receiving messages from Facebook lately saying, “Your friends have not heard from you in awhile. You need to create a post.” They are right. I have been taking some time off to recover from the loss of my younger sister Rhea on December 30th and my husband Bill on February 23rd. Tough losses as I am sure some of you have experienced.

I had much on my heart to say, but it all seemed so very private; therefore, my lack of writing. I came “home” to Prince Edward Island to rest, relax, rejuvenate and refresh! And, I must say it has been wonderful.

This is a place where you not only receive the best and freshest foods such as strawberries, blueberries, garden vegetables, new potatoes, beef, chicken and seafood; it is also a place where you receive quality refreshment for your soul. The sunrises and sunsets are the most beautiful anywhere; the beaches, sand dunes and ocean are exquisite. The farmlands and rolling hills are expressions of God’s beauty. If you do not meet your Creator on Prince Edward Island, then you are truly missing the full joy of being on this special Island.

I have been fortunate to spend seven weeks here this summer. I’ve had fun with family and friends, deep sea fishing a few times and re-learning how to catch cod. Now everyone yells, “Kiss the Fish” when you catch one and it brings back that old joy. My rejuvenation is “almost” complete, but I know one thing, when I leave here I will take a piece of PEI back to North Carolina with me and I will move on to my favorite past-time; that is, sharing the love of Christ with others through speaking engagements and bible studies. God’s blessings to all.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse Romans 1:20 (NIV)”.

Reflections

Wed, 08 Feb 2017 14:04:00 GMT

Reflections? A picture that’s worth a thousand words. How beautiful is this? My great niece Emma Gillis, a dancer with Danspirations and an amazing photographer, Buffie Boily of Boily Photography in Summerside, PEI, Canada captured this amazing photo.

When I look at Emma’s reflection I think of beauty, purity, innocence, joy, grace. I think of precision in the dance movement. I think of talent and skill in the eye of the photographer. And I think of excitement as the photographer realized she had captured this perfect image through the lens of her camera. “Oh wow!” she must have been thinking.

We all have reflections. I believe they are rooted in our heart and they come through our smile, our eyes, our face, our body language. Some reflections come through our words; words that also reflect what is in our heart. Did you know that our reflections can be as beautiful as this photo? If we walk in the light of Jesus’s love, our face, our smile, our words, our body language and our heart can reflect the radiance of his love in a more perfect way. And that radiance will give glory to our Heavenly Father.

Is your reflection radiant or is it dark? Choose today what your reflection will be. Seek him. Seek to make your face radiant and free from shame, guilt, condemnation, confusion or any form of darkness.

“I sought the Lord and he answered me;he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34: 4-5 (NIV)”

Come Visit with me at Barnes & Noble

Mon, 06 Feb 2017 07:00:00 GMT

North Carolina’s Norma Dougherty Will Be Available to Sell and Sign Her Book “ Island Girl, A Triumph of the Spirit ” During the Barnes and Noble Event

CHARLOTTE NC- On February 25, 2017 You can support the Charlotte Writers’ Club at Barnes & Noble at the Arboretum Shopping Center. The BookFair features writers from The Charlotte Writers’ Club and takes place at three Charlotte Barnes and Noble stores. Norma Joyce Dougherty will make her appearance only at the Arboretum store from 1PM until 4PM Saturday. She will be reading excerpts from the book at 2:00 PM The event will include book signings by Dougherty and a number of other local authors as well.

Christian author Norma Joyce Dougherty was born and raised on Prince Edward Island in Canada. One of nine siblings, she chronicles her rise from a rural farm existence to Miss Dominion (Canadian equivalent to Miss USA). She competed at an International level in several major competitions but lost her self in the glamorous life of a beauty queen.

Struggling to find her true identity, she writes about the transition from jet-setting around the world to an inspirational speaker and author that focuses now on important women’s issues like personal identity and sex trafficking awareness. Teens will be particularly inspired by the “fairy tale” style account of her journey and her resolve to engage now with important current challenges like finding your identity in a personal relationship with Christ. Get your copy of her book signed , meet and visit with her and support the Charlotte Writers’ Club.

Barnes & Noble will contribute a percentage of every sale made with a special Bookfair voucher to the Charlotte Writers’ Club. Vouchers will be available online at the Charlotte Writers’ Club’s website and at the stores during the event. You can also shop in support of the Charlotte Writers’ Club by shopping online at www.bn.com/bookfairs from 2/25/2017 to 3/2/2017 and include the Bookfair voucher ID 12077293 on the payment page during checkout.

Please help support the Charlotte Writers’ Club by shopping at Barnes & Noble. General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the company’s corporate website: www.barnesandnobleinc.com .

Joy To The World And To All Of You

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 07:33:00 GMT

Christmas is the time of year when we wish our family, friends, followers and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In our Hollywood culture “Merry Christmas” tends to mean:

visions of sugar plums,
dreams of a white Christmas,
being home for the holidays, a home filled with:
beautiful decorations,
lovely gifts,
kitchens filled with fabulous aromas and lots of food,
a glowing fireplace.

All this so warms the heart and gives us temporary happiness.

However, not everyone is so fortunate. Some are:

lonely,
in poor health, sick and dying,
jobless and do not have money to buy gifts,
some might even be homeless, cold and hungry.

In my book Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit , I share that “the true essence of the human heart is knowing the difference between happiness and joy.” Happiness is temporary like the Hollywood version of a “Merry Christmas” but joy is everlasting even in difficult circumstances. We all desire and need this kind of JOY especially at Christmas.

I was fortunate to learn about everlasting joy when I learned the meaning of the birth of the Christ Child, the meaning of his life, death and resurrection, and the meaning of a personal relationship with Christ as our Lord and Savior and our dearest friend.

It is in him that we can have a “joy like none other has ever known.” I invite you to read my story to learn how you too can find this special joy for yourself. Don’t leave this gift under the Christmas tree. An unopened gift is worthless. This is a free gift from God himself, full of lasting treasures. Open it for the most “JOYOUS” and meaningful Christmas you will ever have.

To Know and Be Known

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 07:21:00 GMT

One can look at this picture and say that the little girl is dreaming about what she will be when she grows up. On the other hand, one can look at this picture and say that the girl is already grown; however, she does not know who she is and continues to see herself as a child with little self-confidence or self-identity.

Today, more women than ever suffer from depression and a personal identity crisis. Almost every magazine offers women and girls a solution on how to be thinner, prettier, smarter, savvy, chic, younger, popular and wealthy. Every other television show or commercial tries to sell the notion that we can find value, love and significance if we follow this pattern or buy that product.

But there is another, more reliable way to find our true identity, to know the girl in the mirror, and to answer the questions that plague us: Who am I? Where do I belong? What is my purpose in life?

One day while Jesus was traveling along with his disciples, he raised the question, “who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being…” Matthew 16:15-17 (NLT).

What is most interesting about this exchange is what Jesus said to Peter. Peter had not learned about Jesus, who Jesus truly was, from anyone, other than the Father revealing it to him through the Holy Spirit. In the same manner, when we know who Jesus truly is through revelations of the Holy Spirit, then we also know who we are as his children, “For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children” Romans 8:16 (NLT). Our eyes are opened through a new and personal relationship with Jesus because we can answer the question Jesus asked Peter with the same conviction.

When we know that we are God’s children, nothing else matters. Our eyes are opened to his unconditional love, grace and mercy, our ears are attentive to his guidance and direction for our lives, and our hearts are transformed by a deep understanding of what it means to be truly forgiven by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for us.

Jesus’ answer is simple. He says, “know me, and you will also know my Father in heaven”, paraphrased John 8: 18-20 (NLT). Through that process, we will know ourselves like we have never known ourselves before. We can shut out all the other voices that bombard us daily. Oh, what sweet peace! What sweet confidence, what sweet knowledge! The identity crisis is over!

(Note: I do study the bible, but I am not a bible scholar…I speak and write only from my own experiences.)

Foggy Bridge & Fortified Faith

Sat, 25 Jun 2016 06:14:00 GMT

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).

The Confederation Bridge, from Prince Edward Island to the mainland in New Brunswick, Canada is one of the longest bridges in the world over ice covered waters. Whenever I cross this bridge, my adrenaline rushes and my heart palpitates because I am afraid of the height and the water below.

When the bridge is foggy, like it is in this picture captured by Stclair Macaulay, I wonder if I can trust that the bridge will go on or will it drop off somewhere along the eight mile route. Certainly a scary thought! Yet each time it happens, I have to make the hard decision to press on the gas pedal and keep going into the foggy unknown.

I have learned that this is the same with my faith. There are many times when I don’t know and I can’t see what is ahead of me. Yet I press on, trusting God to keep the path wide open, safe and secure for me and my loved ones. It is not always easy but He tells us in the Holy Book, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do” James 1: 5-8 (NIV).

I must believe and not doubt! I must be steady, steadfast and persistent in my faith! I must continue to TRUST that the bridge to faith; that is the cross of Christ, is secure, unfailing, truly fortified. I must press on believing that God’s wisdom and His promises are so powerful that I will not fall and be tossed about like a wave in the sea.

I can’t turn around on the bridge or even start to back up or I will appear to be double-minded and unstable. I must keep pressing on. We must all keep pressing on into the unknown trusting our Lord and Savior to guide us every step of the way.

Spectacular Mirror Images

Thu, 09 Jun 2016 06:48:00 GMT

“Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the fairest one of all?” Sibling rivalry? Not really. It’s just that growing up in a home with one mirror and six sisters, there always seemed to be a battle over getting “one last look in the mirror” before heading off to school or a special event. We wanted to make sure we had a nice image.

I admit, there were times when I stole longer periods in front of the mirror because I wanted to primp some more. That’s because each time I walked away from the mirror I would forget what I looked like. I didn’t realize that everyone forgets what they look like when he/she walks away from the mirror. I thought I was the only one! I thought God doesn’t want me/us to remember our image; otherwise, we might grow more prideful.

Yet there is one image that God DOES want us to remember. He wants us to remember that we are created in his image and he wants us to mirror his traits just like Jesus mirrored him. I remember Jesus saying, “I and the Father are one” and “anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” John 10:30 and John 14: 9b (NIV). They were one in so many regards that they mirrored each other….just like this image captured by Stclair Macaulay, photographer entitled Sunrise over Prince Edward Island. It is a beautiful display of how we are to mirror God in all his perfection and to be holy as he is holy. And that is the hard lesson for today…hard because it is not easy. Yet, we have the guidance and instruction we need…we must learn to adhere to it.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at this face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” James 1:22-24 (NIV).

Jasmine & Discipline: Becoming a Sweet Fragrance

Wed, 18 May 2016 07:40:00 GMT

What a glorious fragrance caught on gentle breezes! What pleasure for us to enjoy while sitting on our veranda…an overabundance of jasmine blossoms.

Last spring I shared my experience while pruning the damaged jasmine vines. I could see the little blossoms hiding under the dead vines waiting to put forth their flowers for our pleasure. I shared how the pruning was a necessary discipline in order to receive this abundance of fresh blossoms this spring. And I shared how God uses this same type of “necessary” discipline on us, His children, to shape our character. After all, God wants us to “put forth” our fragrance for His pleasure.

If we yield to His discipline and pruning, just as the jasmine yielded to mine, we can only grow in abundant fruit of the Spirit–”the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” Galatians 5:22 (NIV). All of these character traits bring great pleasure, a sweet fragrance to the Lord. And they also help us become a shining light and a sweet fragrance in a dark world. The more we yield the more abundant our fruit. Just like our jasmine!!!

“and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” Ephesians 5:2 (NIV).

Cleaning The Cobwebs

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 07:49:00 GMT

Spring has sprung! I truly love the resurrection of spring. I love it’s beginning more than the beginning of a new year. Spring offers more anticipation and more expectation than our own unfulfilled and often selfish new year’s resolutions. I write about this magnificent season in my memoir, Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit :

“Located halfway between the equator and the north pole in the Atlantic time zone, Prince Edward Island experiences a wide range of seasonal changes all of which are unfailingly beautiful. Spring has its particular magical elements, arriving around the first of April. The deep snows begin to melt and soften the ground. The large icebergs in Malpeque Bay and other inlet bays, along with the gray seals that frolic and sun themselves on these icebergs, depart. Frothy ocean whitecaps that had been hidden by great sheets of ice can be seen rising and falling once again in a comforting rhythm on the horizon. The muddy red soil releases its heavy moisture with help from the spring breezes and the warming sunshine. As leaves begin to emerge on the fruit trees and the apple orchards fill out with blossoms, robins and other flying creatures return to find their ritual nesting places.”

After being shut in all winter, the Islanders find the burst of activity around the community inescapably contagious. Fishermen load their freshly painted and repaired boats with traps and other gear anxiously awaiting the imminent start of the lobster season. Each one hoping the season will produce enough income for his family for an entire year.

Farmers, their lives having been slowed to a crawl by the heavy winter weather, begin to plough their fields, leaving trails of dust amidst unspoken prayers for a productive growing season. Barking dogs chase anything that moves, including the farmers on their tractors.

Homeowners, especially those in the tourist industry who have converted their homes to a Bed and Breakfast (B&B), dig deep into rigorous spring-cleaning activities preparing for the hoped-for onslaught of summer tourists.

Shopkeepers daily sweep the entrance to their store-fronts and holler at passers by enticing them to come see the new merchandise.

Children, having shed their heavy winter coats and boots, run and play with a newly found sense of freedom, excitement, and foolhardiness. Parents and teachers can hardly contain the children and send them outdoors to expend their energy.” (Excerpt from Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit, Chapter 2)

The imagery of spring in this excerpt is one of hope and renewal. We can all have this newness each and every day when we seek and find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You see it is only in Christ that God makes all things new; that His mercies are fresh and new each and every morning; and that all the “gray” in our spirits disappear like the gray seals on melting icebergs. In other words, God cleans out the cobwebs and makes us more like His Son.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV).

I Remember When

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 08:57:00 GMT

Do you remember the carefree days of your youth? Do you remember chasing butterflies on a sultry, summer afternoon or fireflies at dusk when the sun was casting its evening glow? Oh that feeling—that sense of glorious freedom! Do you remember? I do!

I remember because it was at a time when I did not yet understand the meaning of guilt, or deception or condemnation—particularly self-condemnation. It seemed as I developed into a young girl, then a teenager and finally, a young woman, I was very hard on myself. I judged myself fiercely by comparing myself to other people around me—feeling I did not measure up, and developing an “identity crisis.”

Today, many girls and women are suffering a personal identity crisis. According to Focus on the Family eighty percent of teenagers are in an identity crisis. In addition to our own self-doubt and self-condemnation, we are being bombarded by direct marketing campaigns, by social media and the ever present comparisons and competitions amongst friends.

With this, we have lost that beautiful sense of freedom that we had as young girls. How do we overcome? Is there an answer?

For me, I found the answer in a personal, loving relationship with Christ. In scripture, He says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free….So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8: 32, 36 (NIV). Yes, when we give our hearts to Christ, as Lord and Savior of our lives, we can recapture that sense of freedom from guilt, condemnation, doubt and wrongdoing. We can stop judging ourselves harshly because we are His children, His girls, whom He loves with an unconditional love.

Today as we celebrate Ash Wednesday and begin the Season of Lent, let’s truly celebrate that youthful sense of freedom. Let’s give up our identity crisis, and find instead our value and significance as girls and women in the life, purpose and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Then on Easter Sunday, let’s choose to run through the fields (or the front yard) with an inexpressible joy because we are free indeed!

The Pursuit of Family Perfection

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 09:23:00 GMT

Is your family life not the utopia you had once dreamed about? Did your Christmas and New Year celebrations not meet your dreams, your hopes, your expectations? Where are we going wrong?

According to the Pew Research Center both moms and dads are working full time – up 46% since 1970. What is driving this? The economic culture is one big reason. More couples find themselves better off financially if both parents work outside the home to achieve these standards, these dreams. But the question arises: Is family life suffering?

The answer is yes… families are definitely feeling out of balance, each family member stressed out with the demands of the pursuit of perfection that only leaves us paralyzed. This is the real problem, the vision of utopia.

I saw a license plate the other day that said “Busy Mom.” It made me question why she put that message on her plate. I came to three probabilities:

She was giving a warning to other drivers to be aware…she is so busy, she might not be a careful driver. Oops…watch out!
She was being prideful and bragging…saying, “Look, I have this wonderful family and I am one of those “cookie moms” who have it all put together…My kids are in the best schools, and in all the after school activities like sports and music and I have to run, run, run to keep up this level of perfection!!
It was a cry for help!

Many families are crying out for help. We travail under both economic and cultural changes occurring at such a rapid pace, it feels like we are spinning out of control. I liken this to Dorothy caught in the tornado in the Wizard of Oz. She wants to find HOME. We too want to find HOME, yet when we do, it is not peaceful…family members are frazzled, stressed out, tired and cranky. This leads to selfishness, each one literally “screaming” to have his/her desires and needs met which leads further to discontent and confusion. Like three blind mice…see how we run… running in every direction except the right one.

Dr. Siegel mentioned on Fox News recently that the mortality rate for the white working class Americans age group 45-54, not college graduates, has increased 22% since 1999. The cause is due to drug use, alcohol abuse and suicide driven by economic issues. These issues can be resolved if we stop striving for that vision of utopia in our homes and in our families.

How, When, Where?

We can re-evaluate our choices: The Pew Research Center’s results showed that the annual income for both parents working is around $102,000. With the father working full-time and the mother part-time, the annual income is around $84,000. When the father works full-time and the mother at home, the annual salary is around $55,000. As we study these options, we can ask ourselves: Can I make financial sacrifices? Is it possible for us to live on $55,000 a year while the children are pre-school age, and then consider one partner working part-time until the children leave home?
If I stay at home, is it possible for me to take on-line courses to improve my level of education so that when I do return to work, it might be at a higher salary level thus making up the difference at some future point in time.
Is it possible that my children do not need to be in the best schools and all the after-school activities? Would they benefit more from some down time? The ability to be creative and energized using their own imaginations and their own decision-making skills might be every bit as valuable as organized activities?
If I am at home and available to them, can I teach my children as much and/or more than they learn in organized activiites?
Ask self: What is truly driving me toward this endless pursuit of perfection? Am I trying to please others, worried about what others think, or trying to compete with my girlfriends or guyfriends? If our answer is yes to these questions then we are living our life for all the wrong reasons.

In my book “Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit” I share that there is nothing, nothing more valuable in this life than coming to understand the true meaning of God’s love for us…that pleasing God is more important than any other pursuit we can undertake in this life.

I encourage mother’s and father’s to give up the endless pursuit of perfection and strive instead to help our children develop a good, moral character, to love one another without displaying anger and bitterness, speaking tenderly rather than shouting at one another, and learning patience and joy. This is where the true balance in family life begins and ends.

As wise King Solomon once wrote: “My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind, nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1: 10b-11, NIV).

Let’s start 2016 with an emphasis on loving God and one another rather than trying to reach some utopian level of perfection that only paralyzes us and leaves us feeling like we are chasing after the wind.

Guess What?

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 10:54:00 GMT

Guess What? I have been a busy girl in 2015!!! Not only is “ Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit ” published, but it is also gaining legs!

It is touching many hearts with my story of how God works in our lives through His Son Jesus. In addition, I have had several book signings, created a new website, done several radio interviews, and placed a speaking video on my website. I have even learned a bit about how to do social media!!???

I invite you to explore the new version of normajdougherty.com . Perhaps it will encourage you to give a copy of my book to yourself, or to a friend so that her heart will be touched also. I think, especially at Christmas, the greatest gift we can give one another is our sincere love.

This kind of agape love (unconditional love) comes only through Jesus, not from expensive gifts. That is the reason we celebrate His birth at Christmas….the reason for the season!

Enjoy the site and I hope you have the best Christmas ever!!!

Do You Believe – A Movie

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 10:12:00 GMT

On Saturday I found a wonderful movie on Movies On Demand entitled “Do You Believe.” It showed the lives of twelve different people and how they intersected with one another without realizing the ripple effect we can have on people.

Yes, it was a faith-based movie; yet it showed how people roam through life with a deep sense of loss and confusion; not knowing who they are, where they belong and what their purpose is in life. Add to that the burgeoning impact of so many unsettled societal issues such as “not knowing how to get a detached parent to love you;” “not knowing if you are a pregnant young woman whether to have an abortion or not;” “not knowing who to turn to when someone in authority is encouraging you to break the law;” “not knowing how to quiet the noise in your head when you have served in an overseas war;” “not knowing if it is o.k. to reach out and help a stranger who is homeless for fear of the changes that might occur in your own life;” “not knowing if it is o.k. to share your faith for fear of lawsuits;” and so on and so on! The world is full of questions and very few answers. I know, I have been there and I tried many times to “click my heels together three times” to escape from one situation to another.

In my book “ Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit ,” officially released today, August 11, 2015 I share my personal identity crisis with you the reader. Additionally, I share my own experiences of finding a solid answer to all the confusion in our lives through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

He tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV). This peace is beyond our understanding and gives new meaning to the old saying, “Silence is Golden!”

I hope you will take the time to find this peace for yourself. I hope you will take the time to read my book as it will lead you step by step—in addition to being a real-life fairy tale with interesting detours!

Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit is available at many retailers, including:

Ruth’s Attic at The Billy Graham Library
The Word Room at Calvary Church
Park Road Book Store
Tate Publishing.com
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
and you can purchase an autographed copy .

Listen to my Radio Interview on WHVN AM 1240/FMHD2/FM 104.3 Saturday, August 15 at 11:00 a.m. If you live outside the listening area it will be streamed live on the net at www.heavenradio.org

The Power In Our Hands

Sun, 31 May 2015 10:46:00 GMT

Our hands convey many messages —greeting, angry, loving, touching, and helping messages. These “hand messages” are very powerful. Think about a greeting message for instance. It can be warm or cold and indifferent depending on whether we are happy to see the other person. Angry messages can be harmful, hurtful and cruel. There is great negative power in angry messages from the hand.

Yet loving messages, touching messages and helping messages communicate powerful positive feelings like compassion, empathy, sympathy, concern, tolerance, kindness, mercy and charity. Have you ever thought about this? Have you ever felt the difference between a negatively charged message and a positively charged message from the hands of another? I believe we have all felt this in one form or another throughout our lives. Our hands can be used to separate or unite.

The questions we need to ask ourselves is what do my hands convey? Do I separate or do I unite? If we convey positive messages to others then we earn love, respect and trust from those with whom we are in relationship. This is so important to strong, loving and lasting relationships with family and friends. It is important to show sincere care for another.

As I think about the power in our hands, I am reminded of the loving hands of God. I recall all his hands have done including creation, birth, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. I recall how his hands, through the Holy Spirit, directed other’s hands to write the Holy Book; and I recall his messages of love written within those scriptures.

Because of his loving hands, he draws us into an eternal, trusting relationship with himself and he teaches us to imitate the same powerful love from our hands toward others. Do we have this trusting relationship with God? Can we learn to truly imitate the power of his love through our hands? He promises to help us. Let’s all yield to his loving hands. He even displays his hand in the clouds as a reminder to follow his love and his lead.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV).

Picture posted on Billy Graham FB page by CM DeCuir

Jasmine & Discipline

Mon, 04 May 2015 10:15:00 GMT

This morning I spent an hour or so pruning our jasmine that had been damaged during the winter months. There were so many dead leaves and vines that the new growth was unable to put out its fruit—little white flowers of extraordinary fragrance. While cutting away the dead vines I could see some of the blossoms hiding underneath, waiting to “put forth.”

As I worked on this project, I thought of a lesson Jesus taught his disciples in the Gospel of John. He said,“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” John 15 1-2 (NIV).

So I ask, have you ever received God’s pruning? I have! It comes in the form of gentle and loving discipline; yet it is so strong you know without a doubt it is from the heavenly Father. I remember the first time it happened to me, I wanted to go sit in a corner and stick my thumb in my mouth because I realized the truth in the matter. It is a very humbling experience.

And just like the jasmine that were waiting to “give out” for our pleasure and enjoyment, God’s pruning helps discover and develop the good in us that is waiting to “give out” for His pleasure. The good in us is the sweet fragrance God enjoys when we are fruitful, serving Him and loving others with His love. However, I must stress, we cannot do this in our own humanness—and that is “the rest of the story.”

Jesus went on to teach his disciples. He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned” John 15:5-6 (NIV).

I know from my own experiences that apart from Jesus I can do nothing! Apart from Jesus my love withers and dries up; but while I am connected to the vine, it fills up and overflows. When this happens to me I am thankful for His pruning, His correction and His discipline. It is another beautiful way He has of telling me I am His child.

My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those He loves…”
Hebrews 12:5-6 (NLT)

Heart Matters: Part II

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 10:27:00 GMT

“—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also”
2 Corinthians 6:13 (NIV).

Are you like me, striving to find purity of heart? It is not easy is it? One moment we think we are doing well and just like that —wham—our thoughts can take us to another place where we are not doing so well. We let our heart be, as God said, “deceitful above all things.” (See my Heart Matters Blog on 4/1/15).

We constantly struggle in our humanness asking how we can control this flip-flopping of the mind and heart. The mind wants to do one thing, the heart another. What lessons do we need to learn? Where can we find the help we need?

For me, I found the necessary help in developing, by faith, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I learned that Jesus purposely sent a “Helper” and a “Teacher” to guide us––the promised Holy Spirit. His teachings are so very precious. Through his teachings we develop the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

His fruit fills us, guiding us in our decisions, in our thoughts and in our actions. Our job is to daily open our heart to his leading and guidance. And before we know it, an amazing transformation takes place whereby we begin to do what the Holy Book describes: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ ” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV).

“When I started on this exciting journey to find a personal relationship with Jesus, I had made a mistake. I thought what I needed was to learn to love Jesus “with all my mind.” But it was not my mind after all that needed to be opened, protected,and nurtured. It was my heart that was all tied up with rubber bands. I needed to learn to love him ‘with all my heart.’”

(Excerpt from Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit )

As you can see from the excerpt of my memoir, I struggled to open my heart; to give my life and my will to the Lord. However, once I learned the value in trusting a sovereign God, my whole life changed. I encourage you to also open your heart to the discovery of these amazing treasures.

Heart Matters

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 10:51:00 GMT

In the Holy Book, the Lord makes the promise, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezekiel 36:26, NLT). Furthermore, God tells us he knows something about us that we do not like to hear, to acknowledge, or even to admit about ourselves. He tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things…”(Jeremiah 17:9, NIV). (Excerpt from “Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit,” soon to be released in April.)

For me, it is most difficult to hear God telling me that my heart is deceitful. I’m sure it feels the same way for you, doesn’t it? However, it is a hard awareness we must face daily when we look into God’s mirror of truth. And it helps us to understand why he makes the promise above, to give us a new heart and a new spirit.

As we face this coming Easter weekend; as we attend church services, probably for the first time this year; as we worship and offer our love, and our thanks to God for the saving gift of his son Jesus, can we be sure that our heart is not deceitful? It is a very hard thing to do. Yet I encourage all of us to cry out as the Psalmist, David did: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10-12, NIV).

Sustenance, from God is what we need in this difficult world. The greatest blessing God gives us is his divine presence and we can only have it when our hearts are made pure. Remember, there were two criminals hanging on a cross on either side of Jesus ~ one whose heart was doubtful and conceited; the other whose heart was pure ~ this one believed in Jesus by faith and he is now spending eternity with Christ in paradise. Isn’t that our desire as well?

Stripped of Strength

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:13:00 GMT

Have you ever felt like this? Totally stripped of strength, totally worn out, totally exhausted and weak? I bet as a young mother, you have felt this way from time to time, or maybe quite often!

It was Friday afternoon. I was feeling weary, tired, down in the dumps and not well physically. I had many responsibilities to face over the weekend. I was not sure how I would be able to do it. I felt like giving up, feeling sorry for myself. I wanted someone to come and bail me out, to take over my responsibilities, to give me a break. But I knew that was not going to happen. I felt like crying. Tears were on the edge, stinging my eyes.

Then suddenly, I remembered Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-11 (NIV)….But he (the Lord) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Hmmmm, I thought, all right Lord. If that is truly the case, then you need to get me through this weekend. I need your power. Not only do I need the power of your strength, but I need the power of your love, the power of your joy, the power of your peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. In other words, I need refueling. I need your grace Lord…let it be sufficient for me.

I wasn’t testing God to keep his word to me. I was truly that low. And you know what? God did give me his strength; he kept refueling me moment by moment when I needed his perfection in my weaker moments. When I took my eyes off my circumstances, off my weakness, off my self and placed them smack on God’s almighty grace and power, I was able to overcome. And another thing I could see is this: There wasn’t this one big, amazing change that occurred. No, it required a steady dependency, a steady, moment by moment leaning on God. That is what gets us through…this steady, consistent leaning.

So continuing with Paul’s words in 2nd Corinthians: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong .”

I can honestly say that I am not going to actively seek out weakness, or seek out being stripped off my strength. Yet when circumstances and difficulties occur that make me feel that way, I can know for certain that “when I am weak, then I am strong.”

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

Celebrating True Love

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 13:19:00 GMT

Did you know that in the beginning Valentine’s Day was celebrated because of martyred love? According to Wikipedia.org, historical facts outline numerous early Christian martyrs named Valentine. Saint Valentine of Rome was one of the first to be martyred for his unwillingness to convert to Roman paganism. Instead he declared his allegiance to Christianity and was executed.

Yet, before his execution, legend has it that Valentine performed a miracle by healing the jailer’s blind daughter, Julia and writing a letter to her signed “Your Valentine.”

Many other legends have grown out of this sense of sacrificial, martyred love. Yet today, in modern times, we celebrate Valentine’s Day from the perspective of amorous, erotic love. The question I have is this: Do we really know the difference between Eros and Agape love?

When I attended university and studied Philosophy, I learned about Eros and Agape love. Eros is “erotic love” that comes from a physical attraction to each other, thinking he or she looks great, and we want to be with that one to satisfy our physical desires. It is a self-centered love because at its center is the satisfaction of one’s own pleasure.

There is a strong pull for erotic love because of the desire to please or satisfy oneself, thinking our fulfillment will come in meeting this desire. Erotic love makes me “happy.” Erotic love only sees the best qualities in a relationship, and it neither sees nor learns to accept another’s bad qualities or faults.

Agape love is unconditional love that is also sacrificial love. One partner makes a choice to give to another partner even if they get nothing in return. Agape love is God-centered, based on the sacrificial love of Christ when he gave his life for us. It is the highest form of love, above eros. It is a type of spiritual love.

I believe God desires his children to learn this type of love. His son’s life on this earth is a perfect example of how we ought to live and love. We can go through many trials and tribulations as a couple, each partner making deliberate self sacrifices, in order to learn agape love. However, in the end, it is the most beautiful “love experience” on earth. When a couple reach this level of love, it is usually unending love. Couples who live together for a lifetime will invariably say they have shared agape love.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends”
(John 15:13 NASB).

An Era of Ridicule? (Part II)

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 05:43:00 GMT

Did Last Week’s Blog Cause You To Think?

Last week, I wrote a blog about ridicule, criticism, perfection, compassion, humility and so on within our culture. I challenged my readers to spend the upcoming week “considering others better than yourselves.” This challenge may be easy for those who are confident and who love themselves. However, it can be a difficult challenge for those who do not have confidence in themselves and who do not love themselves. I know, cause I had been there at one time.

When we look at another woman/girl on television, in a magazine, in the classroom, or in any group setting, for instance, and we think of her as better than ourself. It may become a “personal putdown.” Negative thinking and personal putdowns are harmful to our personal growth. Negative thinking can keep us stuck in a pattern that hinders our assurance, our sense of security, and our identity.

Research shows that close to 70% of women in America have a personal identity crisis.

Are you one of them?

Recently, I heard Jennifer Lopez interviewed on TV. She claimed she herself had to learn positive self-affirmations rather than negative thinking in order to build a successful self-image. She said you have to learn to “love yourself” before you can truly love others. I believe this to be true. To me, loving oneself comes when we know who we are, where we belong and what our purpose is in life. It comes more powerfully when we learn who we are as a child of God. This has been the most incredible knowledge I have ever learned.

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22: 37-39 (NIV)

Armed with this knowledge, we can overcome ridicule, criticism, striving for perfection, learn more compassion, humility and love for one another. With it, we will know what God meant when He said to “consider others better than yourself” and we will not fall into the trap of negative thinking and personal putdowns. Can you believe this to be true?

An Era of Ridicule?

Sat, 17 Jan 2015 06:06:00 GMT

I’m Hearing The Cry

It’s interesting! I just started doing social media in September, 2014. I’m surprised at all I have learned, especially on Facebook. I particularly love the inspiring posts on the part of many. But what speaks the loudest to my heart is reading the comments and the cries such as

Why are we so critical and judgmental of each other?
Why are we hurting, hating, bullying and killing others we do not like or who are unlike us?
Why do we compare ourselves to others?
Why do we set such high standards and strive for an unreasonable level of perfection?
Where is our compassion, our kindness, forgiveness and our acceptance of others?

Hearing these cries does make me ask the question: Are we really entering an era of ridicule? Are we succumbing to a mindset of criticism? Whatever happened to The Golden Rule? It says, “Do unto others as you would have them do onto you.” Has it been forgotten or does it not belong within our moralistic code anymore?

To all my Facebook friends, I say, “Keep sharing your inspirational messages, keep striving for a higher level of compassion, rather than a higher level of perfection.” Let’s not become so paralyzed by our pursuit of perfection that we lose our voices. Rather, let’s become the voice that echoes God’s standard, not our own contrived standard. When we echo God’s standard, our voices will be powerful and mighty!

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than ourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others.” Philippians 2: 3-4 NIV

As we go through each day during the next week, let’s strive to “consider others better than ourselves.” Perhaps we will be more inspired than ever!

R U Aware?

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 06:21:00 GMT

The post R U Aware? appeared first on Norma Joyce Dougherty .

In Ex-Selfish Deo

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 07:06:00 GMT

As Christmas races upon us next week, I am reminded of another Christmas five years ago. My five-year-old granddaughter was singing “Gloria” in the cherub choir. She practiced and practiced, but every time she would sing “Gloria, In Excelsis Deo,” it would come out “Gloria, In Ex-Selfish Deo.”

I thought how perfect! God was reminding us in a very simple way that this is exactly where He wants us to be – in Him, ex-selfishly. Only then can we as individuals truly fulfill God’s purposes.

From my own personal experiences, I found that my innate desire to glorify God is not easily expressed when I am living within my selfishness. However, it becomes unique to us as “children of God” when we are transformed and made new through the Holy Spirit. It grows within us because of the grace of God and His gift given us through the birth, death and resurrection of His son. Our desire to glorify God grows exponentially when we give up our right to ourselves; when we surrender our independent, “selfish” will completely to God…”In Ex-Selfish Deo.”

Looking at the special, inspirational photo above we are reminded of how we come into this world with absolutely nothing, naked and needy. When we give our all to God there is nothing between us, and Him. He is completely aware of our nakedness and our needs.

Then through His grace, mercy, and love, we become alert, aware, attentive and attuned to His mighty hand carrying us, supporting us, protecting us.

“Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).

During this Christmas holiday and into the New Year, let’s all choose to live for God, “In Ex-Selfish Deo”.

“Then he (Jesus)said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it”Luke 9:23-24 (NIV).

Beaten, Broken, Bruised

Tue, 09 Dec 2014 07:38:00 GMT

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. When I view this picture I am consumed with thoughts of beaten, broken, bruised and bleeding by the storms that batter this coastline. I also see erosion and a tearing away of substance. This physical manifestation reminds me how we, as humans are often beaten and broken by our own storms of life. It could be the death of a loved one, illness, divorce, loss of job, financial ruin, domestic and/or sexual abuse or even enslavement to sex trafficking.

Our culture is changing at such a rapid pace and our moral values are declining to such an extent that these issues and others affect many of us. When our storms and trials occur, we often lose faith in a greater good. We often wonder how long we must endure, how long will the erosion of our happiness continue and we cry out for God to please remove this cup, saying, “It is too difficult to drink.”

But do look more closely. View the picture one more time. Can you see strength? Can you see the determined rock formation at the edge of the water? This is how God works to capture our attention. He allows the storms of life to come so that we will be strengthened in our character, our faith, our persistence and our determination. Like a highly skilled archer, God cuts a path through our tough exterior right into the center of our stony, stubborn heart. Once we yield to His forming hands, we will experience not only happiness we will experience lasting joy, peace and contentment.

Look again. See the finished product of the Father’s hand at work in our lives.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 (NIV)

Hard Work Builds Character

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 07:16:00 GMT

Fall is harvest time in Prince Edward Island, Canada, a place, it seems, where potatoes grow every inch.

When I grew up in PEI, it was common for children to have a couple weeks off from school during the month of September in order to work in the fields. The younger children carried water to the workers. The older children carried a woven basket to pick up potatoes left behind by the digger. Once the basket was full, it would be emptied into a potato sack lying on the side of each row; then you would continue down the row until you reached the end. Each field hand was assigned so many rows to “pick” within a day.

When you are younger, a field with several acres of potatoes can be an overwhelming task. It was backbreaking work to say the least. And it was dirty work. We would be covered in red clay ~ in our eyes, our nostrils, our ears, under our fingernails ~ everywhere you can think of.

Even though the work was tedious and dirty, we delved into it because we were being rewarded ~ just a few dollars and a couple of homemade meals ~ but it was enough to encourage us to work with care.

As children, the ten of us learned from our parents that “hard work builds character” and “hard work never hurt anyone.” Their words taught us well and we all became diligent, adopting a strong work ethic, even if we didn’t like the work assigned to us.

As I matured, I learned another reason to work hard. Hard work is actually blessed by God. He assigns each and every one of us certain gifts and talents, which He hopes we will use for His glory and for the building of His kingdom. Even if we feel we are not well rewarded for the work we do each and every day, let’s remember that any work done for the Lord, regardless of what it is, will yield great rewards in His time.

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul),
as (something done) for the Lord and not for men.”
Colossians 3:23 (AMP)

Beauty Is As Beauty Does

Tue, 25 Nov 2014 07:24:00 GMT

Beauty is such a subjective emotion. What might be beautiful to one may not be beautiful to another. Yet, there is no doubt that everyone finds sunrises and sunsets beautiful beyond anything we can imagine or create on our own. I think of them as God’s fingerprints, his own DNA artwork on a mega canvas. I also think about the fun He must be having when He is in His creative mode forming and re-forming shapes and colors in order to give His earthly children such visual joy.

The above sunset photo taken by my niece Chelsey has extraordinary meaning to our family. You see, our mother loved sunsets and she also loved daisies…both of which were spoken about during her eulogy. Captured one week after our 90 year-old Mother’s death, we saw it as a message from God telling us that He had welcomed her into his heavenly realm because of her belief in Jesus as her Savior. This special sunset shaped like a daisy was her “new address card” posted by God himself.

But while there is much natural beauty found in God’s creation, there is also characteristic beauty found in human nature. Some people have it and others do not. Our mother had a beautiful character and she was always attempting to teach her special characteristics to her ten children in subtle ways.

“When we were fussing and fuming about our ill-fitting, unfashionable hand-me-downs, Mother would often say, with a raised eyebrow, “beauty is as beauty does” and leave us alone to contemplate what she meant. This had a way of pricking the conscience, that “thing” God had placed inside of each person to help distinguish between right and wrong.” Excerpt from Island Girl: A Triumph Of The Spirit

In a world that is filled with strife, selfishness, social and cultural changes, it is not always easy to follow our mother’s motto and to act accordingly. “Beauty is as beauty does” is an internal voice that comes from and through God telling us to love one another as He loves us, to be kind to one another and to treat one another as better than ourselves. It stands as an extremely powerful force. Try it sometime when you are facing difficult situations.

“Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us”
Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

Photo by Chelsey Pollon, Kensington, PEI, Canada

Country Roads and Alluring Paths

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:06:00 GMT

As a young girl, I loved walking along country roads. Often I would discover these paths that led down through muddy, murky ditches, up over hills, through dark, shadowy wooded areas or along sand dunes lined with marram grasses leading to the beach. The paths always called my name. A sense of adventure is what I had. I was intrigued by everything new and different. I felt I would not be satisfied unless I knew what was on the other side. Often I would run to the top of a hill just to have a look and see ~ amazed by the world beyond.

I was curious as to who made these paths. Was it a local traveler taking a short cut into the ditch and through the fields? Was it a deer, some cattle, perhaps a horseback rider, or perhaps it was a wild animal like a wolf or a fox? Maybe it was a hunter. Every possible thought stirred my youthful imagination as I explored these alluring paths wondering all the while if I should travel on someone else’s path.

As I matured, other paths called my name: the path to enlightenment and education, the path to a career, the path to marriage, homemaking, family and motherhood. And, like the young girl who could not be satisfied unless she explored each and every one, I did the same thing in adulthood challenging myself to full discovery.

Eventually I learned that we, as women, don’t have to have it all. We don’t have to travel on someone else’s path to find complete satisfaction or to have full discovery. I learned it is ok not to know what is on the other side and to contain our sense of wonder. I learned that every path was not meant for us to explore and discover; that some paths are not within God’s plan and purpose for our lives; that some paths can lead us into difficult circumstances, heartache and failure. The paths that are meant for us to travel are filled with God’s amazing love, mercy, grace, joy, wonder and guidance.

Heart to Heart with Norma Joyce Dougherty

Grace Forgotten or Grace Extended

Two of our most recent graduates reflecting radiant faces

Keeping Up In 2023

Do you struggle ‘keeping up’ with the demands of life? Ohhh, how I remember those days.

Have you ever been there, feeling broken?

“Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3 GW)

“I’m leaving you peace. I’m giving you my peace. I don’t give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don’t be troubled .......” (John 14:7 GW).

EVEN IF

Do you have something your heart yearns for?

Who Are You

"Who are you?" he asked. "Are you a theologian?"

Establishing Boundaries

When Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary

Begin Again! Live each day as if it is the first day of your life!

What Are You Afraid Of?

What is Your Deepest Fear?

Stepping Outside the Circle

Persistence not only pays off in your life, it pays off in the lives of others too!

Later Life Lessons Worth Sharing

When I discovered this amazing truth, I wanted to share it with the whole world.

"The following is written, "I believed; therefore, I spoke." We have that same spirit of faith. We also believe; therefore, we also speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13 GW)

Three Important Life Lessons for Young Women

We do know these life lessons, don't we. But do we really know how to apply them?

“Look, I’m standing at the door and knocking. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I’ll come in and we’ll eat together.” (Revelation 3:20 GW)

AWARD WINNING REVIEW

Another Step Forward

Quiet Desperation or Quiet Strength?

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).

﻿ Are we being upheld by the righteous Hand of God?

Is Your Three-Legged Stool Broken?

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” Proverbs 17:22 (NLT).

No Room

“As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also.” (2 Corinthians 6:13 NIV).

Unfolding Story of Beauty

I didn’t notice it at first. It unfolded a little at a time.

“And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish the work of our hands….” Psalm 90:17 (KJV).

Heart Cries & Heart Victories

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 NIV)

I hope as you ride the wave of chaos in your life, you will turn your heart cry emoji into an emoji of prayer — prayer to a heavenly father who wants to walk with you through it all until you too can claim beautiful, magnificent heart victories. Yield! Surrender! Give it all to him!

The Pursuit of Happiness

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 niv).

Woman

Woman

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

ARE WE REALLY FREE?

“So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” (John 8:36 NIV)

Book Signing to Benefit Fashion & Compassion

Meet the author of “Island Girl”

Prince Edward Island Refreshment – Kiss the Fish!

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse Romans 1:20 (NIV)”.

Reflections

“I sought the Lord and he answered me;he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalm 34: 4-5 (NIV)”

Come Visit with me at Barnes & Noble

Joy To The World And To All Of You

To Know and Be Known

Foggy Bridge & Fortified Faith

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” Hebrews 11:1 (NIV).

Spectacular Mirror Images

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at this face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” James 1:22-24 (NIV).

Jasmine & Discipline: Becoming a Sweet Fragrance

“and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” Ephesians 5:2 (NIV).

Cleaning The Cobwebs

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV).

I Remember When

The Pursuit of Family Perfection

How, When, Where?

Guess What?

Do You Believe – A Movie

The Power In Our Hands

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (ESV).

Jasmine & Discipline

My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those He loves…” Hebrews 12:5-6 (NLT)

Heart Matters: Part II

“—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also” 2 Corinthians 6:13 (NIV).

Heart Matters

Stripped of Strength

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

Celebrating True Love

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 NASB).

“Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know.”
(Jeremiah 33:3 GW)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).

Are we being upheld by the righteous Hand of God?

My child, don’t make light of the LORD’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those He loves…”
Hebrews 12:5-6 (NLT)

“—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also”
2 Corinthians 6:13 (NIV).

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends”
(John 15:13 NASB).

“Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV).

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 (NIV)

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul),
as (something done) for the Lord and not for men.”
Colossians 3:23 (AMP)

“Let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us”
Psalm 90:17 (NIV)

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word”
Psalm 119:9 NIV.