Be Fruitful in Every Season!

Wow guys…spring is in the air! Warmer weather, new blossoms, fresh perspectives…who doesn’t love spring? It’s a time of new beginnings!

Of course, there is another question we could ask:…but who really likes “spring cleaning? :=) (JUST KIDDING!)

Actually, many of us meet this season with the annual ritual of throwing open the windows, sweeping out the cobwebs, and lemon-waxing the dust away. It’s a great time of year to air out the house, and dump the “stuff” accumulated through a long, cold winter, often spent trapped inside by frigid temperatures and unappealing weather!

I believe spring-cleaning also gives us a sense of “fruitfulness,” purpose, and meaning as we honor the perfect design God laid out through His changing seasons…

Spring is full of blossoming life…and as I watch tiny buds begin to make their presence known on tree limbs, or watch the clover sprout up over slowly greening fields, I also think about the new life Jesus assured us by His work on the cross. I believe it is a truly powerful message on how we can lead fruitful, meaningful, purposeful lives…no matter what our circumstances.

Of course, some of us are wondering, how do we lead “fruitful” lives in a down economy, when bills need to be paid, when home and career are demanding and challenging…and we just can’t seem to “get it all done?”

I believe fruitfulness is often an attitude. Being fruitful doesn’t necessarily mean doing
big things; being fruitful often means simply carrying out the tasks, roles, and
responsibilities God has given us, to the best of our abilities with an attitude of thanksgiving and appreciation.

I am blessed to do the work of teaching, preaching, and sharing the gospel with people worldwide, and I am honored by the sense of fruitfulness God has given me through this work. But I also feel fruitful when I give of myself in small ways: baking or sharing goodies with those I love…encouraging the sales clerk at the grocery store or talking to the person sitting next to me on a flight…uplifting one another and offering hope to the people God puts in our path is part of His plan for each of us every day.

Leading a “fruitful life” means leading a life that’s whole -- spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally; it means being able to meet the needs of others in appropriate ways, being loving to others, and sharing and displaying that which is good, noble, and beneficial with those around you – friends, family and beyond.

This spring, look for opportunities to be fruitful in every aspect of your life…at work and at home. Looking at your life in this way will bring joy to you and allow you to be blessed as you bless others.
And remember…don’t be afraid to go out on a limb…that is where the fruit is the sweetest.
Happy Spring time!

Love you guys, talk to you again soon…

Paula

Hey Guys!

We’re already well into the second month of the New Year…and here’s what God has laid on my heart to share with you this month:

Never stop daring to dream!

Whatever visions, goals, and dreams God has given you to pursue – go for it! No matter how far off your dreams seem to be right now, don’t give up on them! No matter how bad the evening news is…no matter what’s in your mailbox...no matter what your natural, everyday surroundings look like – keep daring to dream!

Because your dreams are powerful. I’m not talking about the dreams you have at night in bed; I’m talking about your conscious, thought-out daydreams -- of what your future could look like. Your personal goals, inner-visions, and daydreams can inspire you – and hidden within each of them is a prediction of what the future might bring…and perhaps a key to your God-given destiny.

I know…you might be thinking, “But Paula, I don’t have it in me to dream right now -- I have too many bills, too many things stressing me out. Drama, drama, drama…how can I pursue any dream at all?”

The fact is, there will be plenty of times when you won’t feel like your dreams are achievable. People often doubt their capacity for success. However, don’t let that stop you! Don’t be discouraged about where you are right now. Instead, start by simply writing your dreams, goals, and visions in a journal. Then begin to pray about them, and ask God to show you the steps you need to take to build toward them. If you only do one thing toward your dream every day, that’s something. Keep asking God to bless your work, bless your steps, and bless your dreams. Remember every journey begins with a single step!

In order to create dreams and goals for your future…you must begin to nurture them in your present. See yourself doing the things you dream of…being the person you desire to be…going in the direction of your dreams as you begin to lay the foundation today.

Look -- people who see me on television today think I’ve always been a preacher and a teacher. But when God gave me a vision of my future, I knew it wouldn’t come to pass in a week…a month…or a year. I needed time to grow and be processed. But during that time I never lost sight of the vision He had placed inside of me -- and today, over twenty years later, I’m here to tell you – dare to dream!

Here’s my challenge to you: Start today, to do one thing toward your dream every day -- asking God for direction along the way -- I’m convinced that, by the end of 2009, you’ll be able to see definite progress as you move toward your God-given destiny.
Remember, the difference between a dream and a dream-come-true is the courage to follow your heart. Your future begins today…so go for it – and dare to dream!

Love you guys, talk to you soon…


Paula

I want to simply thank all of you who are my friends here on myspace and who have supported my ministry somewhere along the way. I am the recipient of the 2009 Trumpet Foundation's Humanitarian Award this year and without your support none of this would have been possible. We should feel proud to know that we make a difference, and whether it is orphanages in India, feeding programs throughout the US or Back to school bashes in which we provide thousands of children with school supplies, medical attention, and most importantly-love, you should know that this is only possible because of your support and belief that, collectively, we can make this world a little more like Christ intended. Thank you. I am so honored to be friends with you all.

Love,

Paula

December 2, 2008

Wow! It's December, guys…the last month of 2008. This has definitely been a year of extreme and sometimes tumultuous change, not only for many of us individually, but for our nation, and our world! In the beginning of 2008, I knew in my spirit it would be a year of 'new beginnings' -- but of course, 'new beginnings' also mean change, transition, and often, loss.

But I see the transition our world is experiencing this year as – while definitely anxiety-provoking in the short term – on the long term, a positive and exciting sign that new and better things are on the global horizon.

During change, transition, upheaval, I strive to try to slow down, meditate, and be even more conscious and grateful for the many blessings in my life. Family, friends, my health, my ministry…and another day of life to carry out the purpose God has given me.

And of course, December means Christmas is on the way…a time of rejoicing, and celebration of the greatest gift anyone has ever received…Jesus!

As we celebrate it is easy to get caught up in the commercial aspect of Christmas and run ourselves ragged trying to select just the right gift for everyone on our list but Christmas is so much more than gift-giving – Christmas is about stopping to hear the still quiet voice within us and reflecting upon the gifts God has given each of us.

As you all probably know by now…I love to bake so I will be baking lots of homemade gifts this year (started that back in November, probably won't stop till after the New Year!). I believe that the best kind of gifts are the small tokens of appreciation, service, and sharing of our time, our caring, and our hearts.

So why not try something new this holiday season? Find a way to share something with those you love that can't be purchased in a store, with a gift-card, or online. I believe we can all look inside ourselves and find treasures to give that come from the inner talents and personal gifts God gave us. How about the gift of your time – nothing is more valuable. I have a friend who is giving coupons for child care and running errands. Be creative! You might even surprise yourself – and unlock a hidden talent that was just waiting for the right occasion to be opened.

Love you guys, talk to you soon…

Paula

You guys have been asking.... so here it is!! My recipie for Sweet Potato Bread

Ingredients:
2 Large Cans of sweet potatoes - drained
2 Cups of flour
1 Cup White Corn Meal
2 1/2 Cups sugar
1/2 pound butter - melted
Pinch of Salt
2 Teaspoons baking powder
1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon Lemon Flavoring
6 Eggs
1 Can Evaporated Milk - Regular Size
Pinch of Nutmeg

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

Combine all ingredients together in large bowl. Mix well until batter achieves a smooth texture.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pans and bake for 15 mins. Reduce oven temp to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 45 mins.

ENJOY!!

Love you guys!!

Paula

Well, the clocks have switched, leaves are beginning to turn, and there's a chill in the air – all signs that fall has arrived! I love this time of year, I love seeing the colors change around me, and I love the energy that a new season brings. Have you ever tried to catch a falling leaf? I remember doing that as a kid and it always brings back fond memories.

Some of my other favorite things about this time of year...an excuse to bake all kinds of delicious treats! I've been baking up a storm – my personal favorites, banana nut bread and sweet potato bread. I make tons, enough to wrap up and distribute to everyone that I love. I think there's nothing better than fresh baked gifts from the heart – and since I don't get any complaints on the recipes, I guess other folks appreciate them too!

It's been busy on the travel front, as usual…I love getting to see the seasons change across the country, and I'll definitely get to experience a variety of fall weather – recently I was in Bessemer, Alabama and then to Brooklyn Park, Minnesota , Tampa, Florida and now New York. Wow!

Of course, everywhere I've been, people are gearing up for Thanksgiving. It is hard to believe it is next week - more reasons to bake! I am going to try a new stuffing recipe this year!

We recently observed Veterans Day, and my thoughts and prayers especially go out to all of our brave soldiers serving throughout the world, who are separated from their families during this season. As you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner and time with family, remember to say a little prayer for them.

My focus is gratefulness right about now – gratefulness for family, for friends, for all of God's blessings. There's so much turmoil and uncertainty in the world today - but we truly do have a lot to be thankful for - remember it is not about "things". Life is so much more than that – it is about family, friends and relationships that will far out last any thing we could ever possess.

Hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving! Make some special memories!


Love you guys,

Paula

October so far has been a whirlwind of ministering and soul-saving, teaching and ministering to thousands of people---the kind of month that energizes and inspires me, sharing the peace and restoration that comes with seeking the Lord. And today, so many people long for a relationship with God. I am reminded of Psalm 63:1:

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is…
(Psalms 63:1).

PraiseFest in the Bahamas blew my mind. Imagine a group of 2,000 people (including ministers, pastors and gospel musicians) cruising to two islands in the Bahamas. Besides a huge evening outdoor crusade, we went into schools, a prison and conducted street ministry.

More than 20,000 souls were saved and countless lives transformed during this event.

God knows when times are tough and positions people so that they are ready to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Trials and tribulations sometimes have the purpose of bringing us closer to Him. I give God all glory for the work that He did through us in the Bahamas.

Just trying to convey the awesome power of God at work during PraiseFest—well, I can't do it justice. What a thrill for all the pastors and ministers to look out at that sea of people, all hungry to hear God's Word and seeking His presence.

From Freeport, I went directly to Johannesburg, South Africa, to join Bishop T.D. Jakes for MegaFest. He had promised South Africans a powerful and explosive encounter with God and wow! He delivered. More than 100,000 people were electrified by Bishop Jakes' message – in a family-friendly event – and I was proud he asked me to minister there. MegaFest is an important mission as well, providing health screenings and physicals to those who wanted them.

Bishop Jakes believes in acting globally, and I agree. The excitement for me this month was the ability to step out into the greater world and help inspire those who were truly seeking God's word.

Back closer to home, if you haven't been to the Holy Land Experience in Orlando, make a point of it. If you don't know about it, The Holy Land Experience is a ministry of Trinity Broadcasting Network. It takes guests 2,000 years back in time to Biblical days, with exhibits like the Garden Tomb and Temple Plaza. The history of the Bible comes alive in a unique and powerful Way.

I will be ministering at the Holy Land Experience on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 11:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. I hope those of you near Orlando will be there. Admission passes to the Holy Land Experience are available at www.holylandexperience.com and range from $15-$35. There is no additional fee for my ministering.

I'll be teaching from my new book, Move .. Up: Turn Yesterday's Trials into Today's Triumphs, which has just come out. More than one person has pointed out the irony in the book's topic, coming out when so many people are feeling the trials and tribulations of the nation's (and the world's) economic situation. All I can say is that "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Sometimes it is hard to see God in or understand a situation but remember His word says...ALL things...not some things.

Finally, I'll be at Without Walls in Tampa for two Life by Design services in Tampa on Sunday, October 26, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and I'll be signing Move .. Up after the 10 a.m. service.

I'll leave you today with a message from the book:

It's not about what happens to us, it's about what happens in us. God's in charge.

Love,

Paula

I know, I know... I'm late posting, but it's been so busy around Paula White Ministry!!!
Over Labor Day weekend I ministered at a Women's Prison in Gatesville, Texas. The women there really are not that different from you or me, but they made a bad decision, took a wrong turn, and that moment changed their lives. I went into one of the prison dorms to minister one-on-one with the women. When the group of women having Bible study saw me, they were really excited & surprised! We had a "moment" together!! I was so glad I had the time to talk with them for a while, and had a change to pray with them. 
When I minister in prisons, I often think in particular of Psalm 108, because no matter what their trials and tribulations, whatever their circumstances, prayer is their refuge --as it is ours:
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations!
Even prison can be a place of restoration if you know the Lord. And anyone, anyplace can give God glory, can appreciate the gifts He has given us, because one of God's greatest blessings is that he arms us with strength, as Psalm 18:32 says. As I know only too well,  faith doesn't prevent life, it gets us through it. But in the darkest times, God can shed light on our lives and help us triumph. The subhead to my new book, Move .. Up, says it all: "Turn Yesterday's Trials into Today's Triumphs".  Don't waste your trial!!
As I say in the book:
One of the things I have come to see clearly and with certainty is that God creates out of chaos. We often think that creativity happens when all things are in perfect order; however, the opposite is true. The entire cosmos was produced out of a watery, smothering, dark, chaotic nothingness. An empty wasteland.
No matter how chaotic your life may be, you are precisely in the right position for God to do a creative work!
God speaks His Word to you.

He sheds His light on your situation.

He gives you freedom to breathe in His inspiration and He sets your feet on the solid footing of His truth.

He secures you during instability.

He establishes order and rhythm in your life.

He gives you opportunity to become fruitful and to fully embrace and become involved with all things that are for your benefit and fulfillment.
What a Creator!

And by the way, the new book is out next month! I am so excited about this book!!

I also had a chance to preach at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta with my dear friends Bishop Eddie & First Lady Vanessa Long.  What a reception from that congregation! My message was on how to stay in line and respect the office of the father of the house. And from the sound of the crowd, it really resonated with them. So much so we're going to do a DVD of it!! I'll let you know when it's available.
Please pray for the women at Gatesville and others who are in prison. And I hope you will give glory to God in all you do this week.
Love, Paula 

I know many of you listen to country music. Spending so much time in Texas and Florida, I can't help but be a fan. The other day I was listening to an old Garth Brooks song called "Unanswered Prayers" – maybe you know it?

Well guess what? It seems to me that it's based on Psalm 35:13, in which David worries that God is not answering his prayers.

And when we don't get an instant answer to our prayers, don't we sometimes have the same worry?

But God, in His wisdom, IS always listening. His answer will come to you in His own time and according to His purpose for your life. Maybe not when we want the answer, and maybe not the exact answer we prayed for, but God will answer and His answer will always ultimately help propel you into success and your destiny.

Sometimes it takes a while to "get" God's perspective. In the song, Garth Brooks sings:
"Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers…" He is singing about his prayer that a romance with his high school flame would work out. It didn't, but later, he met and married a wonderful woman. The song ends:

"And as she walked away and I looked at my wife and then and there I thanked the good Lord for the gifts in my life."

Just like Psalm 35:13, the song is right – "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Sometimes, when a specific prayer goes unanswered, it is because God has something better in mind for you. Can you think of a prayer or two that you are thankful God did not answer? I can! Learn to trust Him… to have faith… to keep walking and keep praying.

I love you guys,
Paula

Although kids are getting ready to go back to school, it's still very much summer in Texas and Florida. I don't know about you, but I will definitely welcome the cooler fall weather and am looking forward to spending some time in New York. Summer's long in the South!
I had the pleasure of being back in Tampa the other weekend—I was thrilled to reconnect with old friends and ministry supporters there, now that I'm bringing Life by Design to Without Walls International Church every month. In fact, I had a little reception after the service—what a wonderful and affirming night!! It was great to see everyone!
First, my mind was blown by the ovation I got from those who attended—as I said on my paulawhite.org blog, I walked on air all week! After the service I got to hug so many old friends. When you work as much and as hard as I do, you sometimes don't get enough time with your friends. It's easy to forget the restorative power of a hug. But that night I really felt the love, and it felt GOOD!
So it's been work-work-work lately, with some breaks for Bible study and working out—got to take care of body and soul! I hope you caught my show with the wonderful Jesse Duplantis—he is great! I enjoyed his thoughts on taking care of ourselves and self-discipline, something we could all use a reminder about!
I've been on the road a bit speaking at other churches and will be continuing that throughout the month—check my website for dates and locations. Taping the television program is also a regular part of my work schedule—be sure to check paulawhite.org for the latest guest lineup.
When I was studying for Life by Design this month I took a break and looked at Myspace. I love to hear what you have to say. But when I did, I realized that many of you don't live close enough to be able to attend in San Antonio, Tampa or New York.
You may not know that I always tape Life by Design and sometimes put out CDs from those events. If you want to get in on Life by Design but don't live nearby, consider getting one of the CDs. I have lots of great resource materials and depending on where you are in life right now, I am sure there is something for you. Check out my website for more info.
If you're like me, you are probably looking ahead to the next holiday. Labor Day weekend is coming up very soon and I'm looking forward to being home for a few days…come to think of it, I will actually be on the road ministering but will definitely plan some down time with family and friends that weekend. Hope you do too!
Have a great week—I love you guys!
Paula