Drive By Birthday

🤩🎉🤩🍦🤩🎂

We went on a secret mission today. 

It took us 90 minutes to get there...we were filled with anticipation + she had no clue we were coming.

Our sweet granddaughter turned 5 today and we were not about to let this crazy virus stop us from celebrating with her!

We decided to do a Drive By Birthday!

We could have sent her gifts thru the mail.

We could have had them delivered by Amazon. 

We could have called thru Zoom or Skype.

But... we decided to be spontaneous + nothing compares to seeing the look on her face when she realized we were there...in person! Especially since this is her first birthday back home living in Minnesota!

Her natural instinct was to run into my arms...and within seconds,  she bolted full speed towards me and my heart leaped...and for a brief moment I forgot about the 'social distance' rules and was ready for her to leap into my arms...🤩

Just as quickly we all shifted gears and reminded her...:no hugs'! 😩

I quickly made it fun and said,  lets do "air hugs" and she giggled thru it! 

What a trooper.

We spent the next 1/2 hour standing in the chilly garage - all keeping our safe distance, as she played with her gifts and shared a few of her best stories...We were thrilled when our 1 year old grandson woke from his nap and we played a little peek a boo...

The cold air won and we knew it was time to head home...we waved goodbye,  blew a few kisses from across the yard and headed home...

Birthday Drive By was a success!

Our goal was to create a memory,  despite the corona chaos...Mission Accomplished!

On the drive home, it hit me hard...how much life had shifted in just a short time...we have been able to navigate and adjust as needed,  but...Its not ok for a 5 year old to try to understand all of this...heck...I can barely make sense of it all.

Today, when we should have been celebrating with all of our family,  playing games,  eating cake and squeezing our grandbabies...we couldn't.

Tonight,  my heart aches... because I know I can't fix this...and there is no quick resolution.

   So...after a really big ugly cry, I washed my face instead of wallowing,  I decided to share it here, because I know I am not the only one...

My answer...to turn my pain into prayer.

So...how can I pray for you?

Live Kind

LIVE KIND.

This one is a bit lengthy...grab your drink and learn what started my  inspiration to bless flight crews every time I travel...hope it inspires you to bless those who serve you!

It's easy to respond to kindness, but how hard is it to remain kind when being treated rudely or unfair?

Last fall, while flying through several towns, I had a layover in Chicago at Ohare...then...a change of plans...

Not only did I have to change gates, I had to change concourses three times!

Having already secured some assistance, because of an injured knee, (that's another story) I waited for a cart driver to come and take me to the new gate. He had only just dropped me there a few minutes before they made the announcement,

but I wasn't overly concerned; I knew I had a ride!

In the waiting, though...I began to hear the grumbling...

The other passengers waiting for the same flight were visibly upset.

I had a choice to make right then and there. I too, was tired from flying, and in pain from my knee...it would have been so easy to join in on the grumble-fest, but this day...

I checked the right box...

I chose peace.

Then, I sensed a nudge...an opportunity to do what I hope to do everyday...Speak Life and Live!

I decided to wear my gratitude out loud.

Let me tell you - once you begin to Speak Life - its hard to shut it off - its like pouring a bag of M&Ms into a big bowl and set it on a table for everyone to share...its irresistable!

I started with the airline desk attendants.I made a point to thank them for their patience after I noticed several race to the desk to make a point to complain...which only enticed the waiting passengers to join in &  begin to mingle about the chaos, trying to engage one another in the grumbling.

Why does misery loves company?

I intentionally chose to find a way to shift the subject, instead of engage in the complaining. I started by smiling at anyone who would catch my glance, giving them an encouraging nod...as

they gathered up their belongings and proceeded to the new gate...which was located on the other end of the concourse.

I waited for my driver.

I was surprised to have the same driver again! He explained... when I arrived at Ohare, he was specifically assigned to me and wherever I needed to be, he would be notified right away and all I needed to do, was to wait for him and he would come and get me.

How about that?

He was a nice young man, his name Muhammed.

"Beep Beep - Cart Here - Beep Beep"

I found out he was newly married and his wife was expecting their first child and he loved his job. He was kind enough to stop at the Starbucks and get me get a coffee, I offered him one too and he was grateful.  Along the way we picked up two more passengers...and our conversation quieted...

I tried to tip him, but he declined.

By the time I arrived at the second gate - I noticed the atmosphere among the passengers was thick with agitation - and I had to remind myself...

Melody...girl, this is Chicago...attitudes are already on high alert...don't join in...choose peace.

You see in order to speak life,  we must first capture our thoughts... if not, we can easily "fit in" and its a slippery slope from there.)

As we approached the gate in the cart,  my driver made sure to announce our arrival..."Beep Beep -- Move Please --Cart Here!!"

No one was impressed and I felt indignate stares go right through me - as most of those at the gate had lugged all their baggage and travel weary bodies from one end of the concourse to the other...

I concluded there was going to be no empathy or any assistance from these passengers this day, even though every step was excruciatingly painful.

then...

No less than 10 minutes after everyone arrived at the gate, as we were all getting as comfortable as we could in those airport chairs...

it happened...again.

The gate crew picked up the microphone and announced:

'ladies and gentlemen....

"we are sorry to inform you this flight is yet again changing gates..."

The grumbling quickly grew into outward cursing and disdain...the tension was thick...I knew I should keep quiet, mind my own business...this is Chicago I warned myself...Girl you gonna get clocked...but I was compelled...I had to do something;

I spoke up.

"Oh well!"

I said with a big huge smile...and

loud enough for more than a few to hear me...

"We might not be able to choose which gate we leave Chicago, but we do get to choose how we respond in Chicago - RIGHT?"

Everything felt like as if in...

s  l  o  w    m  o  t  i  o  n

I could hear my words before I spoke them...

"I choose to go with it and not be a grump - how about you Chicago?"

I waited for it...

I kept my head low, but caught a few eyes looking my way, the response seemed pleasant, some actually laughed with a sigh of relief, while others smiled and nodded -- as they packed up their things and began their march back to the B concourse, while I, waited for my driver.

As the cart pulled up...

Mohammed exclaimed with joy;

"Miss Melody...your chariot awaits your majesty"

"Indeed" I giggled.

I have much respect for Muhammed, trying to drive a cart through the crowds at Chicago's O'hare is more of a sport, than a luxury - the driver is contantly beeping the horn -(which sounds like the Road Runner "Beep Beep") and then at the same time he is barking at the people, ignoring him, about to run them down with it -- "CART HERE"!

I knew my time was limited to talk to him, we chatted about his job and I asked him how he is able to stay positive when no one is listening to him as he drives the cart -- He said "I love to help people and I see each person, like the Lord does"

this caught me by surprise...and my next question was even more surprising...

I asked him...

"are you Muslim?"

He laughed. "No! not anymore...

I love Jesus like you!"

AWESOME! I gave him a high five!

Then I said -- "maybe instead of hollering --Cart Here-- you should shout

'Special Delivery'"?

He laughed and then...

He did!!

The rest is history!

Of course, I threw on my 'hollywood' shades and played the part. It was hysterical!

I waved a parade princess wave everyone he announced his 'Special Delivery' passenger.

By the time we got close to the third gate... we were actually passing some of the passengers who had walked back there and those who had already found their way could here us coming...they were waving and laughter ensued all of as Mohammed proclaimed...

"Special Delivery"!!

Something happens to a group of people who go through hardship together, depending on how they are led, with strife or with kindness and joy...it can determine the outcome...

----Shift Happens----

By now this group of weary, exhausted travelers were forming a bond, by the time I got out of the cart and seated I noticed people were engaging in real conversations, exchanging business cards, and as I looked across the hall the other gates, they were stone cold like a group of strangers riding on an elevator...

Would you believe it was the same gate we had originally began at an hour earlier?

Oh the Irony!

But...guess what...no one was complaining!

Mission accomplished!

Then, because I was sitting right next to the desk, a gate attendant asked me for my ticket --"uh-oh-- I'm in trouble"  I said as I had a friendly audience now...

Then to my surprise...

She handed me back a First Class ticket in return!!

I looked up with a question in mu eyes and they just smiled and said THANK YOU!!

Then, I heard something and turned in amazement as the other passengers who were waiting, started clapping, smiling and gave me the thumbs up!

Kindness pays.

My empathy for those who serve thousands of passengers everyday has turned into a mission. 

My heart is to bless every member of the flight crew, from desk agents,  to flight attendants and pilots...everytime I fly. 

I load my a carry-on bag with thank you notes, little gifts,  treats and yes... samples of RevitalU!

Live Kind.

Clean the slate.

I wrote this several years ago ... be sure to read to the end for an update!!

2013

Two years I began an intentional mission to clean the slate.

The Lord has given me a clear vision of the assignment, I knew first,  I must pursue a pure heart and clean hands.

He warned me:

Your character must be greater than your anointing.

I spent many hours in prayer, repenting…asking the Lord to clean my heart of any impure thoughts. 

He highlighted one area specifically: Relationships.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

I asked Him to show me any places I was not loving my brothers and sisters they way He has shown us to love them.

He revealed.

He showed me areas where I had wrong thinking towards others, because of pre-judgment based on my own insecurities, or because the chatter of others had muddied the clear water, hindering me from seeing the true heart of the person they were speaking about. Gossip, slander and pride were rampant.

I repented. He showed me mercy.

Then I asked Him to show me anyplace I had hurt someone with my actions or worse…with my words.

He revealed.

He showed me things I had said and done that had wounded those closest to me. I was not proud.

I repented. He showed me grace.

Then I asked Him to show me anyone I still harbored unforgiveness towards for actions or words spoken over me.

He revealed.

I repented. He forgave me.

I became passionate to clean the slate, not just in Heaven...but here on earth as well.

I knew what to do and how to do it.

Do the Word.

I needed to follow through on Matthew 18

--

Work It Out Between You

12-14 “Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine and go after the one? And if he finds it, doesn’t he make far more over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put? Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn’t want to lose even one of these simple believers.

15-17 “If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love.

18-20 “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.”

--

I invited people to have coffee. One by one I met with them.

The first ones were the hardest…it never got easier. Humbling yourself to the place of apologizing to people you have hurt is never easy, but it was always worth it.

I am thankful for those who have been gracious and understanding, mostly though… I am thankful for their forgiveness.

Friendships have been restored and that is a breath of fresh air to my heart & soul!

The decision to clean the slate has not been easy, but I know it was the right thing to do because I see the beauty that has risen from the ashes of broken relationships into authentic friendships that are stronger and more open.

Dealing with conflict is never easy, and I have learned it is far better to deal with it right up front instead of letting it go. Time only allows for our minds to wander into the darkness of wrong thinking and misconception.  That is a pit!

Confronting someone who has hurt you, emotionally physically or spiritually is actually a healthy way to save the relationship. The sooner, the better. Allowing the wound to fester only allows unforgiveness to grow into bitterness, which establishes itself like a root into the deepest parts of who we are. It steals your identity.

Just as I think I have gotten to the bottom of the list, the Lord hands me another…there is work to be done.

I am not perfect, but I am determined to Speak Life & Live!

I challenge anyone who has actually read this all the way through to consider this your Call for Peace.

Lay down your right to be right, put aside your honor and pride and pick up the banner of humility and forgive one another. We have work to do and we need each other more than ever!

Call your friends, the ones who hurt you…the ones you hurt.

Be bold. Be courageous. Be honest. Apologize. Repent. Ask for forgiveness.

Forgive.

Love.

Peace.

UPDATE 12/30/2017

Since posting this the Lord has brought it full circle.

For the past two years, there has been a steady line of individuals contacting me -- to apologize and ask forgiveness for their own thought, opinion or judgement of my behavior or actions. It's quite incredible and humbling. 

I am intentional to seek to understand how the misunderstanding happened, I want to get to the root of the issue, so that it can't rear its ugly head again!  Acknowledging my part in it and in turn asking for forgiveness as well has brought healing and built a new foundation to many relationships. 

There is till work to be done.

We are human.

We will annoy, offend and hurt one another.

Our assignment is to walk humbly, loving and forgiving.

70x7

Who do you need to grab coffee with and have that chat?

Forging ahead.

I forge ahead...despite the critics.

No...not everyone is meant to share their story, but I am.

Everyday I sit in front of my laptop, it looks different...some days I breeze through the pages, thinking of the one who will read between the lines and find her or his own freedom.

Their face propels me forward.

Other days...I crumple in a heap of hot tears and sadness, grieving for the little girl with the big eyes and the bright smile...who despite the rage around her, woke up every morning with dreams and hope. I write fiercely to tell her story.

She is a warrior.

Then...there are days like today, when I battle once again with words that have wounded me to the very core. Words, that were meant to kill my spirit...searching deep within my own heart for the Lord to clean out anything not of Him within me. Because...I have learned through this process , despite the pain, I know the Lord is using it all for His glory.

I press in, seeking His truth...and then -- in a moment -- a friend lifts the veil, brings a truth that had been hidden into the light...I am FREE.

I worship. I praise. Then He speaks to my spirit... and instructs me to stop looking over my shoulder and... just. move. on.

I have all I need.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I don't need a system or a plan or someone else to show me how...

I just need to tell the story.

Real. Raw. Now.

God set this course... all I have to do is lift the sails and fly.

My view

I know many of you have wondered what my thoughts are on the interview Carl Lentz had in the den of vipers otherwise known as The View...

I have reserved my thoughts until now...

I've watched so many Christians jump on the judgment bandwagon. 

So intent on picking apart what he 'didn't say', that they failed to hear what he did say.

I heard his heart.

The compassion in his words to protect the hidden and hurting souls of those that have had abortions, was evident. He was careful with every single word he spoke because his goal is to win souls, not throw stones at the sinner. His desire is to be like Jesus and sit at the table with them and lead them to the truth in love.

 Is it yours?

Too many were to quick to react and fell into a pharasitical mindset...throwing stones because he didn't speak from the law and neglected to see...that he spoke from love.

I think he did as well as he could considering the onslaught of questions there were being thrown at him like darts... He kept his composure despite what the seasoned Christians thought...I believe he won souls.

Here is Pastor Carl Lent Tweet today

#speaklifeandlive

When you cant find words...

Speaking Life is not easy...

I have been on a journey the past few years. You see I wasn't always like this. I have walked out of a dark place, where my tongue was loose, where it wielded immense destruction in my life and the life of others. I didn't arrive to this mindset in a moment. I had to fail miserably first. I came to a crossroads in my life that stared me square in the eyes. Someone I looked up to was lovingly bold and spoke truth into my life.

 Life giving truth.

I was out of line. I was hurting others. I was leading others to speak death, through complaining, judgement and gossip. I had become an open vessel to others speaking death, instead of life and it was becoming a monster. I made a choice that day and have been on an incredible journey to humble myself, become teachable, accountable and obedient. God transformed my speech.

He did so much more! God transformed my life.  Through my walk from a destructive tongue to a voice that seeks to only speak life, I feel honored to be released to encourage others to speak life, I am humbled to share my journey with you.

Speaking life is not easy, it is a discipline and one I must build upon every single breath I breathe.

There are moments that are tougher then others to speak life, especially behind closed doors. We all tend to let our guards down and in a moment of discussion; thoughts and words can be spoken that are not life giving. I still have moments where I struggle, usually when I am tired, stressed or not feeling the best. I have to be on guard and if I slip up, I must be humbled, repent and seek forgiveness.

I find the more time I spend in the quiet place, the better equipped I am to handle the daily triggers that would otherwise unleash my tongue to wield deathly blows. I want to be a life giver, a speaker of truth. I want to be an encourager!

My prayer every day is this: Lord, teach me to love the way you love, to only use my tongue to bring life.

Another area I am still working on...

Driving:  Whether I am behind the wheel or a passenger, the judgement of drivers in other vehicles comes far too easily through my tongue, I justify "safety" is the reason I say things that are not life giving, thankfully swear words have all been eliminated from my speech, but even so, the words are not kind. My pride and arrogance lead me to speak, believing I am a better driver. There is death in impatience, pride and arrogance.

 Lord help me to be humble and hold my tongue..

These are areas that are practical to work towards the goal of speaking life, practicing, failing, starting over until it becomes habit to speaking life in all situations.

The hardest place to speak life,  is the hurting place. The place where pain and suffering dwell.

What happens when you speak life and death still comes?

If I believe the Word of God is 'alive' and I trust the author and the finisher of life, and the only tool I have access to is what is written in that word, and I have purposefully captured my thoughts....being mindful to speak life over those fighting for theirs... then I have no choice but to accept the end result, no matter what it is...

It is my quandry, if I have accepted the call to intercede, then I must speak life, even in the midst of death.

This is where the strength of the Lord carries me...when the baby dies, I speak life...when the 12 year old dies, I speak life. When the wife, the husband, the friend...leaves this earthly place through death, I must speak life.

My human mind wants to kick and scream like a sibling who got the smaller half of the sandwich - No Fair! Death in human form is unacceptable in our human capacity, our very essence feels robbed of the physical presence wrapped in what we as humans consider love.

It is in the place of speaking life that life is given back to us, through the power of the Holy Spirit. he carries us through, He comforts us, He promises us the precious promise of a grand reunion for those who believe in Jesus, the life giver.

I will seek to speak life, even in the midst of death, only because my Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ - has spoken to me through His death and I was given a new life, one I couldn't have ever hoped to live, without Him.

Though not perfected, my journey has given me tools to teach others...please visit my website and consider inviting me to speak at your next event.

Be Blessed and remember...

Speak Life & Live!

www.melodyaolson.com

Facing the Giants

 75.  141. 12,688.

What do these numbers mean? 

Read on...

It was 1982. 

I was  in my early twenties, 

driving down the road 

enjoying the beauty of the mountain town I lived. 

When I saw a large group of people up ahead a few blocks, 

holding signs. 

I was curious...

I pulled into the right hand lane 

to get close enough to read the signs. 

Was it a sale? A celebration? A protest?

I had no idea what I would witness that day, in 1982 

would define the next 35 years of my life.

As I slowed my approached, 

the words on their signs were filled with such hatred. 

Their intentions were clear;

to condemn.

Their signs screamed: 

Murderer. 

Baby Killer. 

God hates You.

But that wasn't the worst of it...

...as I turned the corner I saw it. 

A sign with no words... 

Only a photo.

It was unlike anything I had ever seen or imagined.

(I won't post it here)

It was the head of an aborted baby. 

It was grotesque, vile and made me want to vomit with disgust.

I looked away as quickly as humanly possible, 

but the image was forever burned into my heart and soul.

An image still vivid even as I write ...

It was in that moment, 

I realized the truth

I now knew... 

what abortion looked like.

It was also in that moment 

I realized 

what I had done.

That moment, defined who I believed I was.

Murderer.   Baby Killer.    Hated by God.

I took the secret of what I had done

 and I buried it 

even deeper into the dark vault of my soul, 

never intending to tell anyone.

I made a vow.

Not one living soul, 

would ever know my truth.

Murderer.    Baby Killer.    Hated by God.

I succeeded in hiding my truth.

for nearly three decades

until...

God stepped in.

His grace, mercy and forgiveness came,

he took away my sin..

But because this vault of 

secrets, lies and shame

was buried deep

It took another decade of learning to trust Him

 that I came to a place of knowing...

I am no longer defined 

by the things I did, 

I am defined by...

His purpose alone.

I am thankful 

He has given me a platform 

to share my testimony 

of redemption and freedom. 

He has given me 

a powerful way to help others 

unmask their identities and get real. 

He allows me

 the opportunity to see many rescued

 from their prison cells of guilt shame and condemnation. 

Love rescues.

Fast forward to a recent morning.

I was packing up, 

enjoying the crisp fall air of a Florida morning, 

getting ready to head back home 

after visiting my little family.

Our quiet morning was rudely interrupted 

by shouts coming from the other side of the fence

where a local business sits,

a women's clinic. 

This place is a revolving door for abortions. 

Its heartbreaking to drive by and see

 the parking lot packed with vehicles carrying women 

making the decision 

to take the life God created within them...

My heart aches for these women 

and the desperation and deception they must feel

 to make such a life ending decision. 

I know how they feel. 

I know why they make the decision they do. 

I know.

I pray every time we drive by the clinic. 

I have occasionally taken a walk after hours 

and prayed over the land, 

careful to avoid meeting any of the protesters.

This morning though, 

I could not believe what I was hearing, 

it sounded like a bullhorn. 

I could not make out what they were saying, 

but what I did know...

It was not love, but hatred being elevated above the traffic.

My family was living with this intrusion on a daily basis, 

the screeching at times, loud enough

 to wake my sleeping grandchild.

Enough was enough.

I put on my shoes 

it was time to confront the giant.

Up until this moment, 

I had been uncertain...what would I say

Was I equipped to stand strong...

Today was different.

 There was no fear.

I knew what they were doing was wrong.

I know how their mode of operation is exactly what had

imprisoned me for decades.

I know there is a right way to save babies.. 

I know and have met thousands of Sidewalk Counselors

who are doing it with love and compassion.

Their intention is to love, 

to pray to end abortion

This group was not.

Megaphones. Fire & Brimstone. Hatred.

I knew I needed to lead with love.

To be intentional to remain calm, 

to speak life.

I prayed as I walked around the corner...

Three men approached and at first seemed welcoming

 as I introduced myself, shared my testimony 

in an attempt to find common ground..

the fight to save babies..  

That was until I inquired about their mode of operation.

Why were they screaming hateful things in a megaphone? 

Why were they calling the women murderers?

Why were they using scripture to spew shame?

This is when they attacks turned towards me.

One man began the insults...

calling me a murderer!

Another one, 

wearing a Go-Pro strapped to his chest, 

told me I should still wear my shame and then...

the third 

questioned my salvation!

I was appalled.

I knew the giant was bullying me...but I wasn't afraid.

I stood my ground.

I questioned them. 

Wasn't the cross enough?

No. they replied.

It was hard, but I held my ground.

I rebuked their words, their lies and their twisting of the gospel.

I felt like I was wielding a SWORD 

Then...the police showed up.

Some in their group had actually been on one side of the building and were screaming thier hatred into the windows of the clinic.

Wow...I thought...what an example of Jesus. (sarcasm)...

As the police officer spoke to these three men,  

a woman approached me. 

She was the one with the megaphone, 

the one screaming through the windows. 

She was the one I wanted to talk to.

She began...

"Are you one of us? 

Are you on our side?" she asked.

I replied.

I don't have a side.

I shifted the conversation.

I extended my hand, 

introduced myself 

and took charge of the conversation. 

I shared my testimony. 

again...

I was trying to find a common ground.

until... 

she invaded my personal space...

she was a tiny woman,

I sensed the giant within her raring up

it was uncomfortable

I was undeterred...

I stepped forward, 

into the space she had invaded

fearless, 

with grace. 

She backed off.

My voice remained tempered, but strong. 

We conversed for several minutes

Then I finally asked her two questions

and a door opened...

How long have you been doing this?

15 years.

How many babies have you seen saved here?

NONE.

I was stunned. 

My mind raced!

None? 

Fifteen years standing out on this sidewalk 

and not one life saved? 

Was she serious?

Fifteen years 

screaming at women

telling them God hates them

condemning them

giving them no hope of the cross

 f i f t e e n  y e a r s 

The anger was rising within me

but the Holy Spirit calmed me

Before I could even think of my reply,

the truth came out of my mouth.

"Then, You are doing it wrong."

She just stood there 

stunned at my response.

She sheepishly responded: 

How many have you seen saved?

T H O U S A N D S 

The look on her face was priceless. 

She had nothing more to say.

The giant fell.

We spoke a few more minutes

I felt I had made an impact

I gave her my card, 

I encouraged her to look up organizations,

 like 40 Days for life, 

if...

she truly cared about saving babies.

-------------

What about those numbers I started this blog with?

75   141    12,688

They were the most recent numbers from

40 Days for Life since the campaign began:

• 75 abortion facilities closed
• 141 abortion workers quit their jobs
• 12,668 lives saved from abortion

--------------

There is a better way. 

Prayer is powerful.

Love is the answer.

To invite me to speak at your next event :

melodyaolson@gmail.com

Thankful for you! Get the nook. Join the challenge!

Follow my I AM Challenge board on Pinterest... http://pin.it/_69a7zK

FIFTY-FIVE

Today its official! 

I have become a senior citizen.  

That's right! I am 55!!

I agree...no way! 

I don't feel "old"...and I definitly do not think I look (ahhh...vanity) But...truth is truth...the number doesn't lie...and its totally OK!

I am actually excited about 55!

This is my crossroad...

where life experiences and wisdom meet gray hair, slower metabolism and a plethora of discounts. It's a mixed bag of emotions for me...which if I am not mindful...could cause great anxiety, except for one thing...I am thankful!

I am ever so grateful. Blessed beyond measure.

I am proud of the life I have lived. I have a beautiful wonderful family. My husband is a man women dream of marrying...loyal, faithful, harworking, playful and fun.

My kids are carving out their lives...covered in grace, integrity and faith. I belong to a solid church, my friend list is too long to name them all...some of them spanning more than 30 years, and we are still friends!

 I have lived a very wealthy life. I am blessed.

Yes, sure... there have been many regrets over five decades of life on earth, but I have walked through them.  I have been forgiven and I have given forgiveness.

Now, I am spending my latter years sharing my story and helping others find freedom and let go of the shame and regret of their own hurts and choices. I take serious the call I have answered from Revelation 12;11 " by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony there is victory"...its not easy baring my soul to share the hard things...but  one thing I know for sure...I can't say no.

Isaiah 61 & Luke 4 are anthems for me...

I will preach the good news to the hurting,
bring healing to the broken hearted
reconcile generations together again
and unlock the prison cell for those
in bondage of guilt & shame

I must go...


My pastor put it this way:
"because its no longer about what I want...
 its about what others need."

I am thankful to be alive and Fifty-Five!

I live everyday remembering to have an attidue of gratefulness. Honestly? Some days, its hard...our world has gone mad...but I press forward, looking for the good in others and sharing the hope of heaven with them....

Truth be told...Thankfulness has stilled my fear of growing old...cause if I let it, I could wither under the pain and anxiety of regret...I could wallow in self pity and loniliness living in an empty nest...but instead, I stand firm!

I sing out praise to the one who rescued me, my heart leaps with joy for the nod of the ressurected King...the words " well done, good and faithful one" drive me to live blessed to bless others and its amazing...the attitude of "thank you" has quieted the aches and pains of this aging body and calmed my forgetful, anxious mind when I am tempted to ask...what next?

Thank you, Kris Vallotton for posting this today:
June 27, 2016
I feel like it was just for me, but I am willing to share...

Click on the link below and be blessed, and share with others too!

Please share...

Live in Peace by Kris Vallatton

Dissed

Thought to ponder...

When you believe any lie of the enemy, it can become a shackle to cause you to hold back, get tripped up and keep you from living His promise or fulfilling your purpose.

It's worse when you agree and far worse... When you repeat it!!

Words kill, words give life;
    they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. -Proverbs 18:21 MSG

Here is a Revi for today:

Do not let the enemy"diss"you anymore!!

Have you felt...

Dis-Couraged 
Dis-Appointed
Dis-Satisfied
Dis-Engaged
Dis-Qualified
Dis-Allowed
Dis-Approved

Have you been under attack?

Then you might just be...

Dis-Armed !!!

Want the key to live out your purpose?

Speak Life & Live!

That's right!

I know that seems too simplified, but when you stop giving the enemy credit and stop agreeing with his"diss"... and start proclaiming the Word of God over your life... something will shift within you, faith and belief will rise to the next level...

Speak out these words...

I AM:

Encouraged
Appointed
Satisfied
Engaged
Qualified
Allowed
Approved
Armed

Ok... Now are you ready for one more tidbit?

I am not going to list scripture for you to look up to find these promises... Nope! I want you to seek out the Word, it's easy...

Google it! Use the Bible App! Be intentional about your faith!

Start with searching:

"Be Encouraged Bible" and see where that leads... then open your Bible and read...

Here is my prayer for you from Ephesians 1:

I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

Amen!!

Join in...

Are you on the I AM Challenge with us?

Todays post is one message you want to read to get all the blessings you have waiting!

I AM Obediently Blessed!!

Do you have an event you are planning -- I would love to come and share Speak Life & Live!

Check out my website for more details!
www.melodyaolson.com

I AM CHALLENGE !!

Good day!

We have begun another round of the I Am Challenge.

Grab your book...(or order one if you don't have a copy yet) and join in on this 21 day trek to speaking life to yourself -- I promise you will be uplifted, encouraged and empowered!

Check out the links below to join us today!

Here is our facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/21dayiAMchallenge/

Need a book You can order on Amazon/Kindle/Barnes&Noble

http://www.amazon.com/I-AM-Challenge-Melody-Olson/dp/099090394X

Ready? GO!

I AM CHALLENGE DAY 21

I AM

Who HE Says

 I AM

This is what the I AM CHALLENGE has been all about...

leading you to the place of understanding how much God loves you and that HE speaks highly of YOU!

You are going to love this song!

I am all He says I Am

He whispers in my ear
Tells me that I'm fearless
He shares a melody
Tells me to repeat it
And it makes me whole
It reminds my soul

I am all He says I am
I am all He says I am
I am all He says I am
And He says I am His own

I was blinded by scales upon my eyes
Then He came like a light
And burned up all the lies
He set me free
He reminded me

I am all He says I am
I am all He says I am
I am all He says I am
An He says I am His own

Chains are broken
Scales are on the floor
Truth is spoken
I'm no orphan anymore

I am loved
I am new again
I am free
I'm no slave to sin
I'm saint
I am righteousness
I'm alive

Check out this article by a young lady with Down Syndrome, whose mom challenged her to find somewhere in the Bible, where God called her a mistake and if she found it. her mom would pay her $5000...Guess what?  She did not find it!

She said:  "I spent a lot of time reading in the Bible to find out what God said about me. All the Scriptures I found said just the opposite, so I never did get the $5,000! "

Cool, huh?

The Bible is full of God speakng life to you so you can live the life He created you to live!

The 21-day I AM Challenge was only the beginning...Now its time to claim who he says you are...for the rest of your life! Its time to Speak Life & Live!

I pray this journey, while simple, has been transforming for you. My hope is that you will continue to search the SWord and find all the beautiful treasures hiddenwithin it - just for you!

Now its your turn...Its time to testify!

Why?

You know!!

Say it with me...

I have a favor to ask...

Would you be willing to share how the I AM Challenge has impacted your search to unmask your identity?

Please consider sharing your testimony, writing a review and inviting me to speak at your next event!!!

Share your testimony on the Facebook I AM Challenge Page:
HERE

Share a Review on AMAZON: 
HERE

Invite me to speak at your next event:
HERE

melodyaolson.com

           I AM Who HE says I AM.

I AM

Chosen 

Led by the Holy Spirit A Child of God 

Set Apart 

A New Creation Redeemed 

Invited 

Worthy 

His Favorite Obediently Blessed Beautiful 

Strong 

An Overcomer 

Saved by Grace Loved 

Forgiven 

Compassion 

Healed and Whole 

A Warrior 

Authentic