The Diary of a Country Girl: Book 1: for His Divine Purpose

By Ingrid N Odle

This is the first book in the series The Diary Of A Country Girl - a collection of inspirational readings designed to encourage and motivate you to walk out your purpose in Christ, by divulging certain truths, nuggets of wisdom and revelations I believe were given to me by the Holy Spirit through my own personal experiences. This book is designed to be an easy read. A quick read at lunchtime or on a bathroom break. A moment of serenity before a busy and challenging day. A breath of fresh air during the torrents of life. Each segment designed to uplift and motivate you, ending with supporting scripture and a challenge. A challenge that just might create avenues for further self-examination, devotion, decision and change. The kind of change that will allow you to feel the presence of God and desire to know Him more. If not, then I've failed miserably in what I was called to do. But still, I won't give up. I will do what I must do. So, in order to speak into your life and to encourage you, my life has to measure up. I have to be an example of what I'm saying. How can I guide you without knowing the way? How can I relate to you, to anyone, without the experience of knowing the change that is possible through God at work in my life? So, to give, I have to first receive. I cannot give anything except that which I possess. So I wait on God, and I pray, and I live expectantly. Because the revelations He gives brings life... and joy... and peace... and knowledge... and wisdom... and insight into the things that touch us the most. He is a loving God and He knows exactly what each of us needs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781728342481

Ingrid N Odle

Ingrid Odle grew up in a small town in May Pen, Clarendon, on the island of Jamaica. She believes herself to be a country girl at heart having enjoyed the modest lifestyle her parents provided. Always preferring the singing of birds, chasing frogs, climbing trees, splashing in the rain, making dolls’ clothes, peeling sugar cane and mangoes with her teeth and, at every opportunity, writing in her dream journal or curling up with a good book. As the oldest of 3 girls, she had to grow up fast - cooking, cleaning, sewing, doing hair, going to the market, taking care of the animals, helping with the vegetable garden and all the other responsibilities that came with being an older child. Often acting more like a grown up than a big sister, especially where disciplining was involved. She got her first full-time job after completing High School at age 16, started Community College at age 19 and then went on to University at 23. She became Mama Ingrid to the rest of the students, being at least 5 or 6 years their senior, had had a real job and possessed certain unique abilities. She became counselor, tutor, confidant, leader and best friend. When others were enjoying their Spring, Summer or Christmas breaks, she was on a bus heading home to her old job that her former bosses so graciously allowed her to keep. Now, all grown up, she’s been married to the same wonderful guy, Graham, for over 16 years. Together they share 4 children, 5 grandchildren and several businesses. Life together has been more like a roller coaster than a cruise ship and, with all the lessons learnt, wisdom was born and hope nurtured. This inspirational book is her second published work and she is expected to do much more.

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JUST TAKE IT EASY

In the midst of the busyness of life, sometimes God is saying, Take it easy. Our minds tend to be so filled with what needs to be done, what more can be done, what needs to be fixed, what needs to be thrown away and how fast to do them all. There is a problem around every corner. We must find a solution, and now. And you know what, sometimes the resolution has nothing to do with us. We’re impatient and anxious and we bombard ourselves with all the cares and worries of life and create unnecessary stresses. Yes, that’s right. We stress our own selves out and then we look for someone to blame. Like my Bishop, David S. Beacham Jr, says, We always mess things up when we try to help God out. The answer is on the way. For me this means I shouldn’t race ahead. I shouldn’t get flustered when I get stumped. I shouldn’t be anxious. I should be patient and wait. The answer I seek, the solution I need, will come in time if I trust God to work it out for me. So… take a deep breath and relax. Ahhhhhhhhhhh! All I have to do is keep my focus on Him and eveything will be okay. I take comfort in the fact that the goal is God’s. I’m just a chisel in the hand of the Master. I don’t know what the masterpiece will look like, but the Master knows, and that’s good enough for me. Besides, I love a good adventure.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts (Psalms 139:23 NIV).

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So, let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing (James 1:3-4 NLT).

So, the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (Romans 7:14 NLT).

Challenge: What are you feeling anxious about today? Why do you feel this way? How can you destress and focus more on God?

THE GOAL IS A PROCESS

In my own personal devotional today, God reminded me that the road is conquered one step at a time. The goal is a process. A process that begins with one step, one task, one lesson learned, one bad habit conquered, one change made, one hurdle overcome. If I keep my focus on the goal - the big picture - God will direct every stroke of the brush He’s placed in my hand. I cannot do it on my own anyway, and I wouldn’t want to. My desire is that the masterpiece reflect the Master, so no one can say that I did it. I endure every step because I know the end will be greater. I learn to enjoy the ride because I know that God is in control. I take advantage of every teachable moment. I view every stumbling block as a challenge, and I press on.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne (Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT).

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT).

Challenge: What is your long-term goal for your ___ (job, business, family, …)? What can you do today to get closer to that goal? What can you do tomorrow?

FROM DREAM TO REALITY

Although I don’t really think of myself as a goal-oriented person, I do have goals. Some that proved more difficult to attain than others. One of the biggest setbacks to realizing my goals is when the desired result needs to be accomplished by someone other than myself. In other words, I need something done but I do not possess the skillset to do it. For example, I have a life-long desire to write and publish children’s books. I believe that’s something I’m supposed to do. But that’s not enough, because I can’t draw to save my life. I need an illustrator if this dream of mine is going to come to fruition. So, I have to find an apt illustrator who really gets me. You know, someone who understands my vision and what I want to accomplish. Though this may seem a dream-killing situation, the Lord has reiterated in my spirit time and time again that I can do this. So, what do I do? I find an illustrator and we work together to make the dream a reality. Oftentimes, as with this situation, when I face an obstacle that requires an out-of-the-box solution, (finger snap) like that, a solution pops into my mind. That’s God proving what He told me. Confirming that’s what I should do. This makes me more confident in Him and in my abilities as well. Goals are important, but more important is a plan of action – a schedule of desired accomplishments that will take us to our goals. We all have something we want to get out of this life. The thing we dream of – a business, a work of art, a house, a car, a degree, money, family, children. But nothing is going to happen if we don’t take that first crucial step. Making the dream come true might require prayer, fasting, meditation, research, advice, trial and error, and so on, but the point is to get started. Needless to say, I published my first children’s books several years ago and am working on a second. Living the dream is its own reward and you deserve it.

But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? (Luke 14:28 NLT)

Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4 NLT).

For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words (Ecclesiastes 5:3 ESV).

But Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26 NIV)

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3 ESV).

Challenge: What is really preventing you from realizing your dream? What can you do to overcome this/those obstacle/s?

TRAINING OR TRICKERY

Discipline is important. I’m talking about self-discipline. It’s important to train ourselves instead of tricking ourselves. Say, for instance, if I’m a habitually late person, should I set the clock ahead so I can trick myself into being early? No! Instead, I should realize that time is a very important commodity and endeavor to get an earlier start. And, even though it’s hard to break this bad habit, I can start by prioritizing my tasks and, say, for example, leave for last what I can do in the car. (Lol.) My approach might sound funny to some people, but you would understand if you had to drive an hour to church and got up later than you wanted to. Trust me, you’ll thank God for every red light and take advantage of them, instead of cursing them. You see, God helps with the simple tasks as well. He’s concerned about every single area of our lives. Commit one small thing to Him, stand back and watch Him work. He’ll blow your mind! He’ll transform your mode of thinking and your way of doing things. He’ll even stop time if necessary. Believe me, He’s done it for me, and He can do it for you too. Let’s yearn for better. Through these lessons we can do it together. Believe God even if you don’t believe me.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them (Romans 8:28 NLT).

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 ESV).

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin (Romans 7:21-25 NLT).

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT).

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT).

Challenge: What area of your life lacks discipline? How badly do you want a change and what can you do today to begin the process of change?

I DON’T WANT TO DO IT

I’ve matured a little, in that, when God tells me to do something, I don’t want to do it. That’s not maturing, you say. That’s the opposite of maturing! Wait a minute! Let me clarify… When God tells me to do something, I don’t want to do it without Him guiding me every step of the way. Move by move, like a chess player… I wait, I pray, I listen. The one thing I try not to do is nothing. I know what the goal is, so there is something I can do now to advance that directive. So, if I posed the question, How can you know a directive is from God? My first sentence is how I know.

Each time He said, My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT).

That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5 ESV).

He replied, Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. (Luke 11:28 NIV)

But Peter and John replied, Do you think God wants us obey you rather than him? (Acts 4:19 NLT)

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27 NIV).

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ (Romans 10:17 NLT).

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless… Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works (James 2:17, 26 NLT).

Challenge: When was the last time you heard God speaking to you? What did He say and what did you do? Are you continuously listening for the Lord’s instructions with an attitude of readiness to obey?

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND

Don’t get me wrong, I like my alone time, but God never meant for us to be alone. The creation story epitomizes this principle. After God made Adam, He made Eve. Then the Lord God said, It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him. (Genesis 2:18 NLT) Companionship is one reason we shouldn’t be alone, but there are other very good reasons as well. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT). As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend (Proverbs 27:17 NLT). When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours (Romans 1:12 NLT). This last verse was written by Paul in one of his many letters to the Romans. This is where I want to touch on one thing I’ve always wondered about and never understood: why don’t some professed Christians go to Church? I’ve heard many excuses from I don’t like that church to I don’t have to go to church to worship God to I don’t have the right clothes. And, I couldn’t possibly leave out the one about the church being full of hypocrites. I’m not going to say these aren’t valid points, but none of them are good enough to warrant months or even years of absenteeism. All of these excuses can be vanquished with simple solutions. Find a church you actually like. Worshiping God is not the only reason to go to church. Find a church where you’re comfortable wearing what you have. And last, but by no means least, hypocrites are everywhere. Besides, if they really want to change, Church is the best place for them. A. R. Bernard said it best, Excuses are the crutches of the uncommitted. Listen, there is no such thing as the perfect church, but God is a perfect God. Who do you want to please, church folk or God? I like the way Isaiah 2:22 (ESV) says it, Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he? And as Peter and the apostles said in Acts 5:29 (ESV), We must obey God rather than men. I know that church cannot save you but God can and that’s a very good place to meet Him. Life is too hard, and the road can be a little tricky sometimes. Why would you want to go it alone?

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20 NIV).

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die (Revelation 12:11 NLT).

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts (Colossians 3:16 NLT).

So encourage each other with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18 ERV).

Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12 NLT).

Challenge: Do you see the importance of assembling with fellow believers often? How has your experience in church enriched your walk with Christ? What can you do to share (encourage and uplift) others in your church or circle of friends?

RESOLUTIONS! OH BOY!

Every person has their IT: that one thing you always put off doing; that one carnal weakness you hate but can’t seem to avoid; that one person you shouldn’t be around but you always are. I’m not one for resolutions. But, don’t get me wrong, I believe resolutions are great. It’s refreshing when someone can say to himself or herself, I need to make this change in my life and I’m going to start fresh as the new year begins. From now on things are going to be different. Since I’m not a resolution-maker myself, per say, there’s one thing I don’t understand – why wait until the new year starts? Why not start now? If you see that there’s a change that needs to be made, you probably have a very good reason for wanting it. Why would you wait until a certain date or time? Resolutions don’t work for this one reason – ignoring what I call The Why Factor. Why do I need a change? Why should I wait? Why shouldn’t I start afresh now? Why do I want it this badly and how far am I willing to go? What will I sacrifice to get to where I want to be? Listen, I don’t want you to be a statistic. I read somewhere that 50% of resolution-makers fail by the end of January and 9 out of 10 quit by March. That’s 90%. If you can identify your why, your resolution to change will succeed. You’ll be that 1 out of 10 that sees it through to the end.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT)

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9 NLT).

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT).

The LORD says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. (Psalms 32:8 NLT)

Challenge: What do you want to change? How badly do you want it? When can you start?

CHANGE THAT ONE THING

As I reflect on what I want to accomplish this year. As I think about my IT – the one thing I want to change, the one thing I want to conquer, the one thing I want to achieve – I don’t have to think very hard. See, our problem is that we like to overthink things. We like to weigh the pros and cons before we come to a conclusion. We like to add it all up, do the math, before we make a move. The problem with that is we spend most, if not all year doing that, and nothing gets done. Most of us know what we are. We know our secret vices. We know the one thing that keeps tripping us up. We don’t have to think that hard to recognize that one thing that would propel us to success if we could just overcome or get past IT. Come on, you know what IT is! Let’s recognize it. Accept it. Change our attitude towards it. Conquer it. Together we can do it.

There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things He detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family (Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT).

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need (Luke 12:31 NLT).

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world (1 John 2:16 NIV).

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain. And God granted his request (1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV).

He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (Psalms 107:20 KJV).

Challenge: What is your IT? DO you now see the need to get rid of it? Why? What is one thing you can do today to make that happen?

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