Donna Renay Patrick - When Life Doesn‘t Go as Planned

Donna Renay Patrick - When Life Doesn't Go as Planned

My guest today is Author, Radio Host, Speaker, Worship Leader and Choir Director Donna Renay Patrick. She and I had a light hearted conversation about the various ways to recover when life does not turn out like we thought it would.

We shared our personal understanding of God based on our individual experiences and how we interpret God’s word through our understanding. We talked about keeping a journal whether it’s a gratitude journal or a journal to help you sort out your thoughts and feelings. There’s value in getting out the over whelming thoughts that are bouncing around in your head, onto paper.

We discussed the importance of a strong identity, as well as the importance of grieving.

An interesting portion of our conversation for me was when we touched on the 3 entry areas to our heart and mind: Ear gate, eye gate, & mouth gate. Theses are significant entry points into our lives and they need to be guarded.

We are the gate keepers and when we’re equipped to take our position we learn to cultivate peace in our lives. Not that we can keep from experiencing pain or trauma because ultimately these are opportunities to draw close to the Lord and not be self-sufficient but for the purpose of limiting the times we are confused and suffering.

Donna and I shared our thoughts on what it means to let go…not to nothing or anything hoping something will happen but rather letting go and submitting yourself to God’s care…it’s the only place we’re safe.

What does it mean to praise God in the middle of our pain and suffering? Donna and I found value in taking our focus off of ourselves and putting it on the One, Jesus Christ who can bring healing and restoration. The One who is with us in the places that no one else can reach.

Even our climate with its 4 seasons reflects something about the seasons in our individual lives…..Side note: So you don’t get pulled out of the conversation wondering what I’m talking about….I describe the Fall leaves as God’s confetti…but for some reasons I said flowers. I meant to say leaves.

Join Donna and I as we explore the various things that are helpful when life does not happen like we had envisioned it would.

Live Loved and Thrive! @alifeofthrive.com 

Get Connected with Donna Renay Patrick:
https://donnarenaypatrick.com
Facebook:  Donna Renay Patrick, M.A.
Twitter: @Donnarpatrick
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LinkedIn:  Donna Renay Patrick, M.A

BIO: Donna Renay Patrick is an award-winning author of two praise and worship-themed Devotionals; It’s In Your Praise, and At All Times.  She also co-authored three anthologies; The Perfect 7, Stories of Roaring Faith (Vol 4), and Be Refreshed.  She has served in music ministry for over 35 years in the capacities of musician, choir director, and worship leader.  Her passion is training and development in worship ministry, and why it is important for the 21st Century church to keep God-pleasing worship priority – not only on Sunday morning, but in our daily lives.  

As a regular presenter at the Bay Area Sunday School and Church Workers Convention Castro Valley, California, she facilitates workshops in various facets of Christian Education.  Some of the topics she frequently teaches on are Church Growth Through The Ministry of Worship; The Call To Worship Revisited; and Improving the Working Relationship Between The Pulpit and The Music Ministry.   On the invitation of the African American Lectionary, she wrote a commentary to coincide with the September 2013 Worship & Arts Sunday celebration. 

Donna earned a Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education from Bishop College in
Dallas, Texas. In May of 2011 she received her Master of Arts in Christian Education from
Dallas Baptist University. She received her personal trainer certification from the International
Sports Sciences Association, and completed her paralegal education at the former Southeastern
Paralegal Institute. She taught in the paralegal program at The University of North Texas for 4 years. 

Donna currently serves on the music staff of the New Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Lancaster, Texas.  She is host of The Donna Patrick Show, heard globally each Monday afternoon, where the focus is on life-transforming praise and worship beyond the music.  She serves on the Executive Board of The Northeastern District Baptist Association, and is a certified instructor with the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. 

TRANSCRIPT: https://www.happyscribe.com/transcriptions/85b6b1c87e2442fcb4e99131aa85347b/edit_v2