My dearest firstborn son,
This year's Mother's Day was unlike any other... and yet, it was exactly what the Lord had planned for you. I think you know what I mean...
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
What Does It Mean To Have Peace?
I'm pretty sure of a few things in life.
Coffee makes me happy.
White IS a color.
And how I feel is actually a CHOICE...
So...
What about coffee that is so comforting to me?
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| (Taken at my beloved Main Street Coffee House in Nappanee, IN) |
Shattering The Illusion of Perfection - Part 1: Devotional Life
I've been meaning to write about the topic of "perfection", or, better yet... the "illusion of perfection" for quite a while. I've noticed an increased awareness among my peers, especially all you Mamas and married Ladies out there, that perfection is an illusion. You can't reach it. You can't define it. You might think you see it on other people's Instagram profile and stories. Beautiful Pinterest Boards. Amazing Facebook posts!
What Happens When I Get On The Treadmill In Tears...
The day before was a rough one, too. And despite my consistent attempts to start my mornings with Jesus, my Bible and a colorful pen, I don't always succeed in listening to His "good morning" voice. On the contrary, my week had been a silent culmination of moody days that led to the massive emotional (and hormonal) exchange I had with my children and my husband.
All In... A Daring Plan.
Can I just say that LOVING my times in God's Word every morning is an understatement?
I mean... sure, it's NOT perfect, but the Lord has a way of faithfully speaking through His Word. DUH... that's HIS very words we're talking about. Right?
This morning was no ordinary morning. This morning was my kids' first day of school. It was the day when I was supposed to wake up super early, have a "quiet" time, pray, make breakfast, wake kids up, and get them ready for school. Well, let's just say that... they got up, had breakfast, and were ready for school in less time than I was planning on giving them (and me!). First day of school. First day. First. And I know it won't be the last time that happens. I just know. And that's ok.
Grace.
And in His perfect grace, He brought me to today's reading in 1 Samuel 14:1-15.
Wow! Can I just say... WOW!
I needed these 15 verses of Scripture today.
So, if you're ready this post, STOP. Get your Bible, open to 1 Samuel 14 and read the first 15 verses in this chapter...
I'll wait...
Go!
Read it!
Okay. Sooo... Jonathan's "Daring Plan" to defeat the Philistines was nothing short of... DARING! He was going to take on this giant army, while his father's coward group of Israelite-Soldiers-Wanna-Be, which were all hiding in holes, caves, rocks, cisterns... (yes, hiding!). And you know what really spoke to me? Jonathan's vision for this plan was to somehow climb those cliffs, trusting that God would fight the battle for them. In verse 6 (I love this!), he says, "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for NOTHING CAN HINDER THE LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few." WOW!
WOW!!!!
So, with that faith, Jonathan proceeds to climb that cliff with "both hands and feet", verse 13 tells us. BOTH HANDS AND FEET. Wow! He went ALL IN! He trusted the Lord, then did all he could, giving all he had, to climb that cliff. He faced the Philistines with both FAITH and ACTION.
I want that same faith living in me. Don't you? The faith that assures me that I can conquer anything with the Lord. That He can win ANY battle for me.
And the other side of this beautiful story, was that Jonathan was not alone. He had an armor bearer who not only believed with Jonathan. He also fought WITH and FOR Jonathan. Verse 7 shows Jonathan's armor bearer's trust and dedication to him, "Do what you think is best,...I'm with you completely, whatever you decide (NLT)." The NIV says, "I'm with you heart and soul." And that reminds me that I'm not to fight my battles without a friend, a partner, someone to keep me accountable, to believe for and with me, and to fight with me when needed. At the end of those 15 verses, it says that Jonathan and his armor bearer killed 20 men that day.
Okay... count with me...
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19...20!
Sometimes we read stories in the Bible where the Israelites killed tens of thousands of people. I can't even wrap my mind around that. But I CAN visualize the killing of 20 individuals. NO EASY TASK... right?
Please, don't tell me you could do that alone! Jonathan couldn't. I KNOW I sure couldn't!
AND THEN... the Lord sealed the deal! He sent an earthquake at the end! WHAT!!!!
So epic!!!
I love how God works!
So, here's my plan of action right now.
1. As I fight my battles, I'm choosing to believe that God can win any of them for me!
2. I need to fight with BOTH HANDS and FEET. Go ALL IN!
3. I need to partner with a good friend (or spouse) to fight the battles with me.
How about you? Did you take the time to read 1 Samuel 14:1-15? Do it! Are you facing some battles right now? Do you believe that He will fight for you, if you trust in Him and go all in? Do you have a friend, a partner, an armor bearer to fight with and for you?
How To Make Bible Reading a Part of Your Day
I have totally been STRAIGHT UP neglecting this space, haven't it?
But I will NOT try to come up with excuses why. Because I KNOW why.
It's because I've been LIVING MY LIFE...
Breathing...
Moving...
Laughing...
Taking in every breath from God...
...then exhaling to bless the ones around me. More specifically, my family.
I've been on a journey this month and God has been speaking to me so clearly through His Word, the Bible. The Holy Scriptures that we so often take for granted and let dust find its home on it, all the while the LIFE that moves, creates, inspires and always reflects God's unconditional love and care for us, gets... forgotten.
Forgotten... yes, forgotten.
We "think about it". We "want to read it." We even "carry it" around.
We post pictures of it up. We fill it with our most precious treasures... our kids pictures, valentines, a cute drawing, or a love note. But its VERY WORDS get... forgotten.
We remember a verse here and there.
We recognize a word or two when it's quoted.
But the intentions of "wanting" to read it, aren't actually giving us the LIFE we need.
I won't claim perfection. EVER! So, hear this from a sister who is still growing and is on an ever-changing journey to being more like Jesus.
As I thought about some of the lessons I've been learning this month, I decided to focus on the PRACTICAL ways to make Bible Reading part of our daily routines. So, here it is:
1. Make it a priority.
Did you know that priority is a singular word? When we use the word priority in a plural form, it becomes priorities. Ok, Helen... duh! But humor me for a sec. When we use the word priorities, it defeats its purpose. Priority means there is a single most important item that needs to be at the top. Right? To put our priorities in place, it just means we have too many things taking place of the #1 priority in our lives. Our relationship with Jesus. When I choose to "put our priorities" in place, am I saying that there are other things/people/places that are equally important than my relationship with Jesus? And the answer is YES. I want to make my time reading the Bible a PRIORITY. Period. No buts, ifs, or lame excuses. Because that is essential to getting to know Jesus. And I want to KNOW Him. Do you? It all starts with a decision. Choose to make it a priority.
2. Schedule a time.
Setting aside a chunk of time that was uninterrupted was a challenge for me. I get Joshua up for school at 6:30am and... confession time here... I do NOT like to get up any earlier than that. Sure, it would be the "holy" thing to do, right? Get up before everyone else does. Sit on a comfy chair and soak in all that the Lord has to tell me... BUT, unless I choose to get nothing done the night before and go to bed before 10pm, this sister is NOT getting up much earlier than that. So... what was THE time that was going to work for me? Anytime between 8-9am. It's after Joshua was gone on the bus, after I fed all the kids breakfast, but before Joel was out to the office. That's when I choose to sit with my Bible. This might look different for everyone. For some, this will NEED to be before all your family is up. It might be late at night. It might be at nap times. But finding a time that WORKS for your schedule and life rhythm will help you stay consistent and intentional.
3. Get a "spot".
I sit at my kitchen table. After the kiddos are done with breakfast. After the dishes are in the sink (unwashed... of course!). Sometimes I choose to sit at my dining room/living room area, but I find that I get more distracted. Sometimes I want to just sit at a comfy chair in the living room with my Bible and coffee at hand. But again, I find myself getting distracted. So, the kitchen table allows me to focus a bit more. And that works for me.
4. Let others know about it.
My family now knows that when I'm at the kitchen table, with my "big" Bible, I am NOT to be interrupted. Sure, I still get interrupted, but the kids are getting better at just playing on their own, reading books, coloring, or simply... running around the house. But I learned to adjust. This time is important and I can deal with their messes AFTER this time with God. My husband is also aware of what I'm doing, so he tries to protect my time at the kitchen table as well. As much as it is possible, if he is around, he'll try to manage the chaos "behind" me. If you need to lock yourself in your room for that time, let others know what you're doing. Do Not Disturb signs can be put to use here, too! ;) Or, if you need to leave the house, do it! I would've LOVED to be able to sit somewhere else to read my Bible... a coffee shop, library, bookstore, even church. But staying home is just more practical for my stage in life.
5. Make a plan.
Ok, this one sounds a bit scary, but, TRUST ME, it will
really help you! Pick a book of the
Bible you’ve been wanting to dig deeper, or a portion of Scripture that you’re
curious to know more about. The Gospels
are a great bunch (Mathew, Mark, Luke, or John) during this time of the
year. Paul’s letters, the Psalms, or
Proverbs. Whatever you do, pick a book
of the Bible and stick with it. I’m sure
God has spoken through random “just-opened-my-Bible” situations, as His Word is
alive and does not return void. But “knowing”
where you’re reading each day can ease your anxiety. For me, personally, I’ve been MORE THAN
ENJOYING readying through my Chronological Bible. It’s been so eye-opening and so refreshing to
read God’s Word as a chronological account.
I confess, though, that right now it’s been a stretch to have some real
practical lessons come out of Leviticus, but… I’m pushing through and God’s
been faithfully speaking to me (more on that to come).
6. Don’t rush.
I’ve been trying to engage with each text in front of me for
that day. Sometimes it’s a whole
chapter, sometimes 2. And sometimes I’m
having a flood of insight and a deep conversation with the Lord over a single
verse. But I’m giving myself permission
to either stop and reflect, or to just “keep reading” until I hear His
voice. But you know what… it’s so
rewarding to know that in my daily reading, Jesus is with me. Right there.
It’s a coffee date. Every day! I keep thinking about how sweet it would be
to have a coffee date with Jesus. Ok…
haha… would Jesus really have a latte with me?
Would He take creamer, sugar, or just black? Helen, Helen… Jesus would just LOVE to be
spending time with you, sister! So… don’t
rush! And if you need to rush, remember
to ENGAGE in the conversation at hand.
Even if for a brief moment… He
deserves our full attention. He might
say something to us through His Word… Huh… what a concept!
7. Take notes
The act of writing down my thoughts on a journal has been
absolutely life-breathing and live-giving to my soul. Sometimes I don’t hear the Lord speak to me
until I begin writing my thoughts down on paper. And get this.
Sometimes I write down the verses I just read, word for word, on my
journal, and the meaning of these words comes to life! Those few seconds between what I see on my
Bible and what I write on paper are just enough time for the Holy Spirit to
whisper a thought into my heart. The
same thing happens when I choose to write my prayers. Those moments between my thoughts and my
words on paper are the physical times I hear God’s voice speak to me. Those little thoughts that I hear in between words
on paper… THAT’s God’s Spirit speaking to me.
I hear it only when I take the time to jot my thoughts down. To take it from being just a thought on my
head, to physical words on a journal.
So, I take notes. I put my
thoughts on paper. And I often write
some of the verses down… and allow the Holy Spirit to speak through the echoing
of those verses.
8. Focus on a lesson
learned.
Before I close my Bible each morning. I try to focus on a
WORD, a verse, a main thought or lesson that I want to remember for that
day. Something I can digest throughout
the day. It helps me to remember “the
point” of it all. And to also look forward
to something new every day. If I can
learn something new about God every day, shouldn’t that be motivating me to
continue to seek Him daily? If the goal
is to KNOW God better, learning something new about Him and His character
through His Word is VERY EXCITING to me!
How about you?
9. Continue to listen
through the day.
Be aware of God’s voice throughout the day. It might be a song you hear, the majesty of
His creation, the tender moments with a child, that convicting feeling you have
when your 5 year-old catches you saying a “mean” thing, or when a message from
a dear friend reaches your inbox. God is
everywhere! And He walks with me no
matter where I go. Even as I lay my head
down to sleep, His presence still inspires me (there’s a Psalm for that!). I remember VIVIDLY hearing God’s voice
telling me to GET UP and OPEN MY BIBLE at 5:58am (yes, folks! That’s 5:58 IN THE MORNING!). Who else would ask me to open my Bible? Not myself.
Not my conscious or unconscious self.
Not the enemy. So, it HAD to come
from God Himself. Right? Absolutely!
And He spoke directly to me through a passage of Scripture I was needing
for that coming day. Amazing stuff! I can’t make these things up! It’s happened more than once. SO… if you hear a still small voice, a
whisper, or even a LOUD voice telling you to PICK UP YOUR BIBLE and READ IT, do
yourself a favor and DO IT! It’s God
telling you to LISTEN! He’s got
something important to tell you!
10. Share it with
someone else.
I get excited when I see the fingerprints of God in His
Word. A story, a word, or a verse. Get excited about God’s Word! Tell it to your children. Tell it to your friends. Tell it to your spouse! Believe me!
If reading God’s Word is exciting for you, others will see the LIGHT and
LIFE reflecting in your joy! I recently
read about the fiery cloud that accompanied the tabernacle while the Israelites
were in the wilderness… (Numbers
9:15-23) How cool is that! That God’s presence was a visible provision
of guidance and direction! If the cloud
remained over the Tabernacle, the people were to stay and set up camp. But at the Lord’s command, the cloud could
move, the people would break camp and move on.
Sometimes it would be for a month or year, and sometimes just
overnight! Wow! What faith that took! I could just see myself there. Would I grumble? Would I get excited to pick up my tent and
move on? The very presence of God was so
visible to the people then. Crazy
thought… but… if He were to SHOW HIMSELF to me on a daily basis today, wouldn’t
I just SHOW UP for it? Wouldn’t I just
drop everything I was doing to follow His presence? His “fiery cloud”?
So, there it is.
Let me encourage you today.
God longs to spend time with us.
He loves us! And in my own
imperfection, I want God to show Himself daily to me. To be my God.
To be my strength. To be my
guide. I want God to be my “fiery cloud”. But it starts with our decision to
intentionally come into His presence. We
don’t worship the Bible. But we worship
the ONE who inspired it and speaks through it today. Our source of truth. Scripture was given to us, as a gift. But we need to receive it. And read
it.
I strongly believe that it’s in God’s Word that you will
find an increased knowledge of Jesus, a better understanding of His character,
and a complete and holy guide for your faith.
Start today.
Wherever you are…
Princess Daughter
My Dear Princess,
Happy Valentine's Day!
I am humbled that the God of the Universe would choose me to be your mommy.
You're a strong girl. Strong-willed, I meant. You make me laugh. You make me cry. But most of all, you make my heart full.
Your right-cheek dimple. Your fine, brown hair. Those big eyes that can hypnotize your Daddy and I. I still can't believe I get to be your mommy!
Elsie, Elsie...
The one who smiles at the sight of anything pink! And... actually, lately... anything purple, too!
The one who sniffs her blanket when she's tired, upset, or... just because.
The one who loves Jamie Grace's Beautiful Day, sings and dances without a care.
The ones who loves to color with pretty crayons, then decides to make some change by "selling" them on Facebook! You make me proud, girly!
The one who talks, asks questions, wonders and thinks a million thoughts, then talks and asks questions again!
The one who says the darnest things!
Elsie, Elsie...
Jesus loves you. A lot! "Two THOUSAND" a lot! Can you even understand that "big number", yet?
I pray that you'll continue to have a soft heart for Jesus. And that at an early age, you'll choose to make Him your only Valentine. He will forever live in your heart, even when you'll choose to neglect Him. He'll be right there. Always. His arms of unconditional love and warmth will pour out so much grace, mercy, and love, like mommy pours that bucket of water on your face at bathtime!
Be a good listener.
Try new things!
Enjoy every bite of food! (You're such a fast eater! Slow down!)
Love your brothers and be kind to them.
Hug your Daddy.
And always remember... You.Are.Loved!
And when the world shuts a door on you, remember that God's arms are wide open for you.
When a tear falls from your eye because of someone's attempt to hurt you, remember that you are God's. If they hurt you, they're messing with your Creator, God!
Lift up your head at every fall.
Extend a helping hand to anyone in need.
See the colors of the sky, even when it's dark and grey outside.
Work on your rhymes.
Dance until you get dizzy!
Smile, smile, smile!
And remember, you ARE a princess! Your Father in Heaven is the King... and that makes you His princess, forever!
I love you, my daughter Elsie.
Mommy
Last year's Valentine's Day Letter to Elsie is HERE.
Jamie Grace's Beautiful Day
(Elsie's current FAVORITE song!!!)
I married a leader...
When I was a young college student, I began to pray that God would send me a husband who would love Jesus more than he would love me. That in his heart, there would be a throne for my Savior that was bigger than the room he had reserved for me. And God was faithful... as He always is!
You may or may not know this.
But I did, indeed, married a leader.
I married a man who loves the Lord, and takes His lead very seriously!
I married a man who loves God's Word, the very God-breathed, inspired, Written word of God.
I married a man who cares and loves His church.
I married a man who joined me in parenting 3 beautiful children.
I married a leader.
There is nothing more attractive to me, than seeing someone who daily uses their gifts in productive and joyful ways! I see that in him. Sometimes it's in his reflective demeanor that I see the attention he's giving to the voice of the Lord. He cares. And I know he wants me, his family, and His church to follow the direction of the God he serves as well.
Over a decade and a half ago, I had the privilege of working with Pastor Harvey Drake at Emerald City Outreach Ministries in Seattle, WA, which is now Seattle's Urban Impact! Pastor Harvey taught me a lesson I will never forget. He believed that EVERYONE is born with the ability to LEAD. I now know that he is absolutely right. Whether you're leading a group, a family, a friend, a classroom, a team, an institution or organization, God chooses to use PEOPLE to instill change and movement towards Himself. The challenge for myself today is... am I using the influence I have to improve others and further God's kingdom? Am I leading in a way that is following the example of my utmost leader, Jesus? Am I creating moments in my family where my children look at me and see love, grace, and respect?
Because I married Joel, I am a better leader. I get to watch him lead with patience. I get to watch him loving his family. I get to catch God's vision for His church through him. And I get to experience God's love through him.
I'm humbled to be called his wife. I have faults, many of them. I often forget. I seldon know to forgive. And I certainly wish I knew how to love and respect him more. But I'm so glad that in his heart, there's a throne for my Savior, and always room for me.
Happy birthday, Joel! Love you!
A Gift Within A Gift
A little over a year ago, Joel and I received a generous gift from a dear couple from our church:
An overnight stay at Shepherd's Gate Inn, the beautiful retreat home of REST Ministries.
We were humbled by the gift, and excited about the opportunity to "get away" and rest.
However, this gift was given to us after the birth of our 3rd child. Noah was only a couple months old and we were unable to take him with us then.
So, we waited. And waiting for the perfect time to retreat resulted in a few more stressful months.
But, oh... how we serve a Perfect God! A God whose timing is Perfect and who shows up faithfully in our time of need. My personal basic need was for REST. I looked forward to the time Joel and I were able to retreat and rest together. My daily and weekly demands of caring for our family, our church family, and friends were starting to weight a bit heavier lately, so I deeply desired to "get away".
So, on a cold but beautiful evening in January (well over a year AFTER we were blessed with this gift), Joel and I arrived at Shepherd's Gate Inn. From the moment I saw that place, I sensed God's love and care for people like me and Joel. People who were tired and in need of rest. To take a deep breath from the daily noise.
It. Was. Beautiful!
It was GRAND!
It was what we needed...
We were warmly welcomed by our hosts, Chuck and Becka. Chuck opened the big double doors, helped us with our luggage, while Becka welcomed us with her genuine and warm smile! Our first impression of them was more than positive. It was trusting!
The time of arrival was also perfect! Dinner time! The house smelled like a good homecooked meal! And believe me! Usually, if I don't have to cook, I'll eat anything! But this was exceptionally blessing my senses and my palate that evening. Yum! So good! Janet, one of their faithful volunteers, truly knocked it out of the park! From the meals to the dessert! Delicious!!! And it was at the dinner table where Chuck shared with us the story behind this ministry. God is SO faithful! I was humbled by the reality that God is in control of EVERY detail. If you happen to have a few moments, PLEASE, do yourself a favor and visit their website to get more information about this place. Their testimony is incredible! Hearing how God brought this place to pass, the means by which they were able to acquire this incredible home, and the faith and prayers behind every piece of the story. Amazing! Absolutely incredible!
REST Ministry and Shepherd's Gate Inn truly ministered to us by giving us the space we needed. We took that deep breath we needed. Chuck and Becka took a few moments after dinner to talk to us about the importance of REST and to pray for us. To pray WITH us. To pray FOR us! And oh... their prayers were answered - tenfold! We experienced physical healing and multiplied rest! Thank you, God!
Despite being such a short time there, between enjoying a quiet evening, getting to sleep in without the crying and demands of kids, spending extra time in the Word with the Lord, and going for a walk with Joel while we prayed for our family and our kids, this time away will be tucked away as a special weekend for me.
I am so thankful that our church allowed us to take a weekend off.
I am so thankful for our friends who saw the need for Joel and I to "get away".
I am so thankful for my in-laws who took the kids for that time.
We already talked about going back there in the near future.
You can contact REST Ministries and Shepherd's Gate Inn by going to their website HERE. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShepherdsGateInn
Rest
Today is chaotic.
But despite the feelings I have about the mess, the noise, the dirty dishes and constant flow of dirty laundry, I find myself craving TRUE REST. Again. I crave the human basic need for rest.
Have you ever danced for so long, so hard, and with such joy that you found yourself taking that deep breath and saying "I need to sit down!" Yup, that's exactly how I feel right now.
I enjoy the blessing of being a mother of 3 healthy children.
But I don't enjoy every moment of it! *gasp*!!!! There, I said it! I don't.
The days can be long, especially during a cold Winter like the ones we have here in Indiana.
The day-to-day chores, feedings, cleaning, washing, folding,... can be just that, a routine.
So, for this entire month of February, I'm challenging myself to take that deep breath.
I am taking daily breaths and saying "I need to sit down!"
Last year I embarked on my journey to rediscover my Forgotten Hobby. Remember that?
For the entire month of February, I took a writing challenge and blogged for 28 days straight.
I'm doing that again. But this time, it'll be a rediscover of what it means to REST.
To TRULY rest.
To relearn what it means to take those daily deep breaths and to hit pause on the chaos of life. I gotta confess, though. It's a scary challenge. What am I going to write about for 28 days straight? Could I really take time everyday to rest?
So... here's the deal! (Yes, I'm just talking to myself here, folks! Excuse me for a sec...)
Resting by writing. Resting by singing. Resting by meditating. Resting by sharing a sweet recipe. Resting by escaping the mundane routine. That's all. Rest. Purposeful and intentional time to take that deep breath, daily.
I once read that making space for rest is the window for us to clearly see God in our lives. To bring a white canvas in front of us EVERYDAY so God can use us to portray His grace, His love, His work in and through us.
How many of you have read the book Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest
by Bonnie Gray?
That book has completely shaken my faith journey with the Lord. It's taught me more about God's love, grace, and the unconditional desire He has for us to spend time with Him. Just because.
So, if you were to describe your need for rest, would you be able to define your WHY, your HOW, and your WHERE? That's the journey I've been on. Rediscovering what it means to rest. Learning more about my need to rest. And enjoying the process of rest in places I could've never imagined!
So... for today... Dance away! Take time to DANCE your heart out! Take time to find what brings you JOY. And believe me. This is all a journey. It's a process. Sometimes short. Sometimes long. But nonetheless, don't deprive yourself of truly walking (or dancing) this journey.
Join me!
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Beyond Me
Will you, please, allow me to just sit here and share some thoughts today?
Thank you!
I've learned a very big lesson this past weekend. I've learned that God is Sovereign and completely and utterly in control of my life. I've learned that despite my poor choices, my lack of obedience, and less than perfect attitude, HE is BEYOND ME.
Yup.
I'm realizing, as I type, that this should be a basic lesson for any and every Christian, right? If you believe in God, you SHOULD know that He is God and is in control. Right?
But for some odd reason, I've gotten too accustomed to living my Christian life under the impression that God is reacting and blessing my life according to what I choose to do.
Sure, He gives me absolute freedom of choice.
Sure, He gives me complete freedom to live my life according to my own imperfect human will.
However, this past weekend I learned that God is passionate about me.
He wants me to flourish.
He protects my every step.
He goes before and behind me.
He is alive.
He creates and completes my thoughts.
He owns the universe and holds it in His hands.
Wow....
When God placed in my heart to become a part of a business, I had no idea this business would lead me to understand Him and love Him better.
Ok... let me take you back... a few weeks ago.
December 2014.
I knew the yearly It Works Conference was going to happen on January 15-17 2015. I hesitated to spend money on airline tickets. I hesitated on spending money on my registration. It was expensive. I'm not gonna lie. It took some convincing myself and my family to be able to push that "submit" button at checkout.
Last Thursday, January 15, 2015.
I hopped on an air plane and flew to Orlando, FL. Without my husband. Without the kids. On my own. My journal entry that morning read this: "The morning of Day 1 of Limelite. Super excited and a bit nervous. Anxious. Still unsure, but I AM TRUSTING the Lord is with me. I am NOT alone... But no worries. This will one day be a testimony of success." Then, I read Psalm 23, which says, "The Lord is my shepherd... He makes me lie down...He leads me...He restores my soul."
It was in the midst of bright lights, loud crowds, and an overload of excitement, celebration, and information, that I heard the Lord's still small voice saying, "Helen... I am writing your story. Right here. Right now." As I sat in that conference listening to numerous testimonies and stories of success from people just like me, it HIT ME! God is BEYOND ME. This business choice is BEYOND ME. Just like God led those people on stage to become the leaders they are now, just like God brought those people out of financial debt into financial freedom, He is also writing my story. Today. Right here. Right now.
It was only through full surrender of my thoughts, my attitude, my hopes, my control, and my FEARS, that God was able to begin a good work in me. I no longer want to live in fear. I no longer want to make choices based on fear. I no longer want to make decisions based on fear.
Instead,
I want to live in courage. I want to make choices based on whether it is an act of love and worship to my God. I want to make decisions based on trust... trust that God is in my decisions. Trusting that God is in control.
And I'm choosing to walk in obedience in stay on this It Works journey. What other network marketing company could have this caliber of INTEGRITY? Their complete surrender to God and commitment to listening to the Holy Spirit to guide the future of this business was absolutely mind blowing! So. I'm choosing to stay. I'm choosing to thrive. I'm choosing to trust.
Today is a new day. My faith is in a God who lives IN me... not "out there, somewhere." He is WITH me. I am NOT alone. Whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid?
So, if you're facing any kind of fear, any type of anxiety, any form of doubt... Remember that God is IN you. He walks WITH you. He is God.
God is writing my story. And that's BEYOND ME. Do you believe He's writing yours, too?
************************************************************************
I am blown away!
It Works Global announced at Conference that they're giving Double the Bonuses from last year!
$20,000, $30,000, $50,000, $100,000!
AND, for the first time, EVER, they're giving $500 Bonus to anyone who becomes a new Distributor and is able to get 3 friends to join their team and reach Ruby status by March 31, 2015! And that's on top of residual income/commissions and current bonuses!
Being All There
There's something so serene about this quote.
But a reminder that being "all there" might be one of the hardest things for someone like me.
Am I the only one who feels this way?
On this late Saturday night, I'm sitting here in the quiet of a very S.E.R.E.N.E living room, waiting for the oven to beep as I bake a German Chocolate cake for tomorrow's church potluck, and I seriously have a million-and-one reasons to still be running around, "getting things done"...
Oh my word!
I need to stop.
I want to embrace things... one at a time.
Yesterday I had the privilege to have lunch with a dear mentor. I love those "dates" with her.
Joel stayed home with the kids and when I got home (a few long hours later), he went on to report that the kids were absolutely GREAT and bragged about how GOOD they were to him. I innocently said, "well, maybe you should be the full-time at-home parent, then!" Well... maybe that wasn't an innocent statement WHATSOEVER! But, bless his heart... he already knows how much I would've loved to be working my counseling job again, seeing clients, feeling like a "professional" again.
But that's when the quote above came to mind.
"Wherever you are, be all there." - Jim Elliot.
Being "all there" might not mean being perfect.
Or joyful.
Or creative.
Or clean (haha).
It simply means... breathing and walking with those around me.
At that moment.
Being led by the One who placed me...THERE... for that time.
Where are you?
Are you "all there"?
Am I the only one struggling?
(Oven beeped...)
...can you smell that?...
Walks & Tea: What my Father taught me about Self-Care
There are many things I could say about my dad today. 12 years without him is a lifetime of moments
he didn’t get to witness or experience.
However, today I will choose not to dwell on the reality that he isn’t around
anymore. Sure, it’s not easy, but I rest
in the truth that he is in God’s presence… and has been for the last 12
years! Wow!
My dad carried a heavy and busy schedule. He was a husband, father, pastor, teacher,
mentor, visionary, director… you name it, he was or had carried such
title. He was able to read multiple
books at a time, prep and write sermons in multiple languages, travel, take classes, entertain
guests, manage finances, and even take an entire family grocery shopping on a
weekend. There are many things I can’t
recollect about how our household ran.
And I still have NO CLUE how he could do it all. But there is ONE THING I specifically remember…
My dad went for walks… a lot. Almost daily.
I have vivid memories of dad opening the living room screen glass door
and saying it was time for his walk. I
didn’t think anything of it then. “Dad
just likes to walk”, was my thinking.
AND, more often than not, he walked out with a mug at hand. Tea.
He would take his tea cup/mug with him.
Never understood why. At one
point, I probably thought that he just needed a break from all the reading and
studying. He needed to stretch his
legs. And he liked drinking tea in the
afternoon.
That was then… and here is my thinking NOW. My dad liked tea… Jasmine tea to be
exact. And since I can’t remember
whether or not he was a coffee drinker (like I am), I’m assuming tea was his
comfort drink. If you know me, you know that I'm a coffee fan. I like coffee. I like the warmth of it. I like the taste and the smell of it. I like holding a mug while reading a good book. It's a comfort drink for me. AND… going for a walk was
his version of Self-Care. Yup. I now have a name for what he did.
Self-Care.
The same term I heard so many times throughout my college
& graduate school career! The term I use to describe those intentional efforts to care for our souls, to keep our
sanity, to be kind to ourselves. The
term I still use when I want to refocus.
To rest. To take a deep
breath. And most recently… the term I
use to make sense of Spiritual Whitespace.
My newly found friend Bonnie Gray describes this
concept of Spiritual Whitespace as a “creative way of spending time with God to
slow down and feed your soul, to rejuvenate and enjoy soul rest.” Taking care of ourselves by spending time with
God.
How often am I taking intentional time to breathe? How often am I allowing my soul to rest? How intentional am I when it comes to
STOPPING the auto-pilot mode of my life?
So, today… despite 12 long years without my dad on this
earth… I celebrate the lesson I learned from the silence of his routine. His daily walks holding a tea cup will
forever represent my need to intentionally find moments in my day to STOP and
rest my soul. Whether he was doing it
for physical health or to escape the reality of his busyness and relationship
conflicts… he knew how to ‘get out’.
Oh oh oh… another quick note. My dad didn’t always go on his walks
alone. Oh no. He enjoyed taking my brothers along. And I even remember going with him once or
twice (Nope… I wasn’t a fan of walking around the block back then… Oh, how I
wish I could go on such walks with him now…).
Self-Care does not need to be something I do in solitude. It can be done WITH my family or in community. Self-care is important and needed.
How are you doing with that?
How am I doing with that? What do
you do to take care of your soul? How do
you spend time with God to care for your soul?
Do you have whitespace in your life right now? Want to learn more about Spiritual
Whitespace? Let me know in the comments
below… would love to chat more about
it.
In the meantime… Dad… thank you for another life lesson…
Miss you today!
Miss you today!
 |
| June 2001 |
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