Greetings Bloggy friends! I’m so excited to share something new with you here on my blog. At my Writer/Speaker conference this summer, I met some amazing women who have the same passion as I do with words. Since then, I have been following many of the blogs and watching for their books to be published. I have enjoyed them so much, I wanted to share them with all of you! See–only children do share…sometimes! Over the next couple of months I will share them with you and also share the information as to where you can find them typing away and sharing their hearts with the blog world!

First up, is my friend, Michele Montgomery. If you like a suspenseful read – then Michele’s got it for you. SHE KILLS ME! I will be reading along and then she has the nerve to say, “come back for the end of this.” Ah!!! I often have to write to her and tell her she’s got me hanging again…hurry up and write it so I can find out what’s happening! Obviously, I’m not good at waiting!! Letting out a secret there! So for today, please read Michele’s post below and enjoy. Then make sure you go find her other postings over here!  Thanks for stopping by, Michele.

The bright blue sky and warm summer sun contributed to my carefree mood. Smiling to myself, I happily grabbed my keys, purse and iphone and headed out for a morning free of little ones dangling off of each hip. Mentally cataloguing my list of errands, I offered a quick prayer of thanks for the rare and long overdue opportunity for some much needed time alone.

Stepping casually over the threshold, I glimpsed a solitary lizard resting on the doorstep. The unexpected visitor caused me to tumble out in a last second attempt to avoid it. Luckily, the lizard did not attack me as I envisioned. Thanks to my quick and completely ungraceful moments, I cleared the doorway without having to step anywhere near the offensive reptile.

Climbing into my car, I hesitated. Images of my adventurous 2 year old happily examining the lizard and hugging me warmly played vividly across my mind. With a deep sigh, I clinked off the engine and returned to the house.

The lizard continued to lazily sun himself on my step. So, I jumped over the threshold and quickly shut the door before starting my quest to find an appropriate container. Spying a mason jar, I grabbed a pair of scissors and poked several holes in the lid. Stepping back to admire my handiwork, I smiled. It was perfect! However, with a sudden frown I realized that the time had come to actually catch the lizard.

If it wasn’t clear up front, I don’t like lizards. In fact, I don’t like reptiles of any kind. However, for my precious toddler, I resigned myself to the task of catching the creepy and very icky lizard. Wrapping my courage securely around me, I slowly knelt down next to our visitor.

I placed the jar carefully in front of the lizard and urgently wished him inside. Choosing to be stubborn, the lizard refused to obey my commands and continued to rest lazily on the doorstep. Apparently, the difficult lizard needed some encouragement. Firmly griping the lid, I gave it a slight nudge.

Let’s pause here for a moment. I realize that all of God’s creatures are precious and special. It’s just that some of them are better appreciated from a distance. I really didn’t want to catch this lizard anymore than he wanted to live in my jar. Yet, for the love of my inquisitive 2 year old, I offered a quick prayer for protection and bravely faced my fear.

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)

With a deep breath and determination, I focused on my task and gave the offending reptile a soft push and…the lizard fell onto its back.

Wait. That wasn’t supposed to happen.

Leaning in for a closer look, I blinked in surprise at the realization that my fears had been woefully misplaced. Sitting back, I tried to process this rather unexpected turn of events. The laughter began bubbling up from deep inside my chest as I accepted the fact that a dead lizard had caused me so much fear and anxiety.

How often in life do we fear something only to discover later that there was nothing to be afraid of? How much time have we spent with anxious thoughts for events or situations that never even occur? Thinking back on all the time I’ve wasted fearing the unknown, I softly shake my head. That is not what God wants for us. It is not what He wants for me. He wants me to trust in Him and give my anxiety over to Him.

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)

I love that God can use a lizard to remind me of that fact.