Whoever coined the phrase “one size fits all” was a marketing genius. He or she was inaccurate, but since when does marketing have to be accurate?

God simply did not create us all the same. Yet for some reason, we still try to be like everyone else. This point was brought home to me recently while I was attending a ladies retreat.

During a particularly intense time of prayer on Friday evening, Joy Greene, the speaker, said she could just see Jesus as the King of Kings, sitting on the throne. She encouraged us to focus on that aspect of God. I was in the moment, praying, but all I could see were the shadows you see when you close your eyes tightly. No matter how hard I tried, I saw nothing.

The next morning during the praise and worship time, capably led by Treva Tankard and Tara Garrett, a picture popped into my mind from out of nowhere. It had nothing to do with the music or what anyone was saying, or so I thought. I saw the Pillsbury Doughboy and even heard his famous laugh. The picture was so vivid that I wrote it down in my journal, mostly so I could stop being distracted and focus on the rest of the day.

At one point during the afternoon session, Joy said, “We must have fresh bread.” She challenged us, saying God is taking us away from the manna and into the Promised Land. And then it hit me. Jesus said in John 6:48, “I am the bread of life.”

I was blown away. Here I was, all disappointed because I didn’t see Jesus as the King of Kings. Then I’m a weirdo because I see the Pillsbury Doughboy. The truth is, God revealed Himself to me in a way that was unique to me, to this part of my journey and based on the words I need to hear.

As I look at marketing my business, speaking and writing, I don’t fit neatly into anyone else’s mold. If I try to be like someone else, I’ll be frustrated and unsuccessful. I’m not a social media expert like Chris Brogan. I’m not a minister like Jon Swanson. I’m simply a Christian, following a call to use the gifts and talents God has given me to make a difference in the lives of others.

When have you tried to be like others and failed? What are your gifts? How are you using those gifts to make a difference in the lives of others?

I used to know a poem by Ann Kiemel, “Uniqueness.” Only the beginning and ending are still in my memory. “God wishes for you adventure in your uniqueness…never losing sight of the fun of you or who He created you to be.” May it be so for all of us.

Today Archie, our 93 pound golden retriever puppy, and I went for a ride in the car. I decided he could go with me and stay in the car while I had a meeting about an upcoming gig. The weather was nice so I opened the sunroof and cracked the windows so he would be comfortable.

I parked right in front of the Macon Bookshop and went in to have a cup of coffee with my new client. Just before I locked the door, the thought occurred to me that I should move the tampon box to a puppy-proof location, but then decided it would be fine inside the door cubby. (An explanation for having a said box in the car would render this post gender specific, and therefore, will not be included.)

When I returned to the car, I discovered that said door cubby is NOT, I repeat NOT, a puppy-proof location. You can see for yourself what happened.

Now I wonder what else might be unattended in my life. There’s the paperwork I need to send to my attorney and cleaning the bomb shelter in the basement.

Here’s what I’ve learned. The next box of tampons that goes in the car will be kept in a puppy-proof location. More importantly, when I have that little sense that I need to take care of something, I probably should. Right away. Otherwise, I’ll be dealing with the mess created when I leave issues unattended.

How about you? Have you ever left something unattended only to find that it bit you in the butt? What unattended issues are on the floor of your car? Or better yet, what issue are you facing, right now and aren’t you glad?

I just heard God speak to me so clearly, that the experience overwhelmed me to tears.

Since I started my own business, I’ve been so worried (stressed lately) about the direction and which way I should go. This morning when I was having my quiet time, I was really praying for God’s guidance. I remembered a Bible verse in the recesses of my mind that said, “He teaches us in the way we should go.” (or is it ways?)

That parenthetical question led me to my concordance to look up way and ways to see if I could find the exact verse. Then it hit me…”way” Isaiah 30:21. As I was reading, “your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘this is the way, walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.”

So here I am these last few weeks, in a state of self-imposed limbo, because I wasn’t exactly sure what my business model should look like - corporate focused (which up front pays the bills and helps provide for the family) or faith based (which is where my heart is).

The truth is, they don’t have to be mutually exclusive and God will be whispering to me along the way, or maybe even shouting, “no Cheryl - this way!” or perhaps, “You’re on the right path. Keep moving in this direction.”

The picture is of God, speaking directly to me when I start to get off course. He’s there, filling my ears with his directions, guidance, leadership. Because He loves me. He’s faithful. And He’s the One who called me into this business in the first place.

When was the last time you cried? And why?

P.S. Jon Swanson gave me the idea to take a picture of my journal. You should check out some of his stuff.