It’s a beautiful day here on the Gulf Coast and I’m off to my office – the one on the beach! Literally. The one on the beach.

I’m heading out in a few minutes to run at the water’s edge. I’ll be the one jumping over sandcastles and small children and sidestepping fisher folk and the pelicans who hang out by the poles hoping to reap what they did not sow!

After my run, I’ll unpack my sand chair and beach bag and settle down to work on my newest Bible study, “Beautiful.” I’m just in the beginning stages of note taking and outlining a draft for what I hope will be six sessions.

Before I leave for “my office,” I’d like to share a story with you that has helped inspire my writing for, “Beautiful.”

A few nights ago my husband, my dad and I were invited to dinner at Cracker Barrel by some long-time friends of ours who were passing through our area.
As we were leaving the restaurant area into the “store,” I noticed an elderly couple talking to a female server. The husband was doing the talking. His wife, who was gripping a walker, was quiet and expressionless. I overheard the employee say she would stand at the door and hold it open.
I ascertained the lady with the walker needed to use the restroom. I walked over to the couple and asked the gentleman if I could help in some way. His wife responded affirmatively while he looked relieved. She and I slowly made our way to the ladies room and I told her to let me know how she needed me to help her.
I followed her into the handicap stall but not wanting to intrude on her privacy, I asked if she wanted me to stay in the stall with her. She did and I assisted her with her needs.
During the process I learned her name is Ellen* and over a decade ago she and her husband moved to Florida from New York. Also, she ordered the chicken and dumplings. I asked because if you know me you know I’m a bit of a foodie! Plus I guess I was trying to make this “help a stranger in the bathroom thing” seem completely normal and keep Ellen (and myself!) at ease.
Before exiting the ladies room, Ellen paused and asked me if everything was in order. She was wearing a blue checked shirt and belted jeans. I assured her she was all tucked in and looked great! Then we slowly made our way back to her husband. He was smiling so big! They were both very grateful for the help and I felt honored to have had the opportunity.

I’m sharing this story with you because as I’ve been thinking about the “Beautiful” Bible study, I began to ponder this question: Aside from physical attributes, what makes a woman beautiful? Different ideas come to mind and one of those is my experience with Ellen.
I believe what made Ellen “beautiful” to me was her VULNERABILITY and her WILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE help from a stranger to assist her in a very basic need. Without any awkwardness she simply received what she needed. That’s beautiful!

(*name changed)

How about you? What do you think makes a woman beautiful?

morning accoutrements

I’m a creature of habit who enjoys being stuck in a rut – in a good way! When I go for a run I follow the same loop in the park rarely veering from my well known – and happy – path. My work from home morning routine is enjoyable. I prefer to ease into the day with two cups of coffee, my devo books, Bible and scripture memorization flip file.

I give the pup fresh water and take him to the mailbox for his morning duty. I check my email and Facebook messages. I putter around a bit pondering my plan for  the day.

As a speaker, Bible teacher and writer, I must spend time in the Bible, preparing for speaking and research for writing Bible studies. So most mornings I spend some time writing which, for me, requires quiet and little distraction. The rest of my day depends upon other factors but for the most part, my morning routine is just that – my a.m. routine.

However my morning routine has changed since my dad moved in with us.

Dad and me

Now when I get up, Dad has usually already preceded me. He’s got water in a saucepan heating up for his morning tea. I use a Keurig coffee maker but he doesn’t think the water is hot enough to brew his tea bag. He talks. I listen, nod and say, “uh-huh.” Not because I’m not interested but because I like to ponder and putter and drink my first cup of coffee before I engage in conversation. I ask him what he wants for breakfast and then begin the task of scrambling eggs, preparing bacon, sausage or ham. I spread the butter on his bread for toast – completely covering the bread’s surface with plenty of butter – that’s how he likes it he told me. I even remember to move the toaster oven’s rack up to the highest level so “the toast doesn’t dry out.” Yes, you read that right.

I’m working on stepping out of my morning routine in order to honor my dad’s preferences. It’s slow going for me – but I’m trying!

“To realize that the whole of one’s life must be open to the possibility of change asks…for an open and free response to the challenges with which God will face us.” ~ Esther de Waal, Seeking God:  The Way of St Benedict

How about you? Do you need to make some changes in your routine to bless and honor someone else?

The Beach Retreat House

Hello friends!

I’ve just returned from spending four days with a lovely community of women on Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Last year they invited me to fly out and teach the Bible sessions at their annual spring beach retreat. I wrote and taught Life in the Key of G – Grace & Glory.” At the end of that retreat, Joan, the Women’s Ministry Coordinator invited me to return. So I began to write another Bible study, “The Personal Power of Choice – Choose Well & Live Well.” I dealt with the following issues: Comparison, Courage, Control, Contentment and Connection.

While it was a bit cool for this Florida girl, I don’t know that you could find a more beautiful beach anywhere! And here’s where I must tell you that the day I spent an hour on the beach (relaxing in the sun?) I sat in a beach chair with a snuggie covering me head to toe. In fact, I even covered my head completely. I’m sure I was quite the sight to behold!

Rehoboth Beach, DE,
Is this gorgeous, or what?!

Teaching Session

I thoroughly enjoyed the teaching sessions. At my core I am a teacher and I am most fulfilled when teaching God’s Word. When he places a spiritual gift within us it is for the purpose of blessing others, glorifying Him and in the process we are fulfilled. I call that a Win – Win – Win situation!

Prayer

When praying for others I find it necessary to listen in prayer and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes that will mean pausing in silence to hear how He will lead. The key is not to get uncomfortable in the quiet. I have learned that God does not rush. He is unhurried. He wants to speak to us but we must learn to tune in so we might hear Him.

First cup of coffee ~

I knew I could count on these women to have coffee ready every morning. They did not disappoint. The food was delicious as always and the deserts – oh my! Sadly, my favorite jeans were quite snug after a day of indulging myself! But I’m back on track now that I’m home. No more coconut cream pie for me for a loooong time (it was SO good). Joan and her board know how to make women feel special and loved. You see it in all the details.

A lovely bag filled with goodies presented by Lisa & Charnell – heartbeat friends.

My friend, LaDon, and me ~ friends for 30 years!

This is my very good and long time friend, LaDon. She’s just wrapped up a movie (for real!). Watch for it with Eric Roberts and a great cast of actors. It’s called, “Day of the Gun” and is a One-Eyed Horse Production. Watch the trailer here and watch for my friend, LaDon. She’s in the role of Maggie Carter. I’m so proud of her! Pray that God will continue to open doors for LaDon as she is a godly woman and a talented actor. I spent an extra day hanging out with LaDon and her family. She took me to the movie set – so interesting!

Playing the saloon piano on the movie set ~

I’m blessed to have her support and encouragement in ministry. It was a day after the retreat that I saw what she had written on facebook:

“Tomorrow HCC Ladies Retreat will end. We have spent a lot of time eating, playing, shopping, eating, singing, eating, worshiping, praying and eating some more. I can say, Melanie Dorsey was God ordained to be here. She wrote and taught us a 5 session study on “The Personal Power of Choice…Choose Well & Live Well”. Comparison, Courage, Control, Contentment, and Connection. We are forever changed. Thank you to Melanie for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and for your willingness to help us on our journey to becoming Daughters after HIS own heart. For all of you Pastor’s Wives or Women’s Ministries Leaders, I highly recommend you consider Melanie Dorsey as you choose your next teacher/speaker. You will be blessed.”

Excerpts from my Bible study, “The Personal Power of Choice…Choose Well & Live Well.”

On Choices -

“Being transformed is an ongoing process accomplished through the act of renewing the mind.

Our minds are transformed and renewed by the continual taking in of God’s Word into the deepest parts of who we are.

It’s not just about making better choices for a better outcome – although that’s part of it. Transformation goes beyond the temporary or quick fix.”

On Courage -

Though at times an act of courage may require the risk of life or reputation, more often it finds its opportunity in a risk to our comfort. It is reflected in our willingness to open our heart to others, to risk being vulnerable, open and honest.”

On Control -

“Being a strong woman with a soft heart offers its challenges. I believe what is helpful in finding that balance is determining whether we are coming from a place of fear or love.”

Endorsement ~