Peace and ease....do you crave that? In my life, I crave peace and ease every single day. Which is why when we recently had an amazing weekend with our son visiting from Iowa, I was looking forward to being the one to take a day and drive him all the way home and back (a 16 hour journey) for many reasons.
First, I love spending one-on-one time with my kids. When you have four, this is a rarity and I was relishing the opportunity to just talk. It was a wonderful drive down and I enjoyed so much the gift of time I had with him, just learning more about his world and his view of it.
Second, I was eagerly anticipating the drive home all by myself. Some of you may think that makes me slightly deranged, but when you live in a house as chaotic as mine, time alone with your thoughts isn't a part of the schedule.
I dropped my son off, grabbed gas for the car and a Dr. Pepper for myself, and turned back north. Best laid plans...
:-)
What I had planned for my journey and what it turned into were two very different trips. I had big expectations for my escape from reality, an exaggerated confidence in my own decision making ability, and little respect for the unexpected.
Isn't life like that? I've often heard people say that famous quote, "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey." I'm not so sure I agree. Not that life cannot be amazing in it's many splendid adventures, and truly has great rewards and moments that shape our character, but I think the destination should be given more focus.
Anyway, I was equipped with directions, knowledge, and ability....but didn't factor in error. :-)
Hitting Minneapolis in the dark amidst construction, I missed my exit and ended up in unfamiliar territory. Finally driving my way out an hour or so later, I kept on only to miss my exit in St. Cloud also and have to backtrack. About Motley, I was falling asleep at the wheel having been up much earlier than normal, and that is when a fog as intense as a blizzard in its visibility set in. I did what I could to press on, even when one of my headlights went out a few minutes later, but I'm not going to lie, it is a miracle I made it to my home.
It felt so good to step out of that car, ending the drive that I had such big plans for, and step into my home.
Our life journeys are full of big plans. God has equipped us for the journey, given us a map to lead us through it, and most of us hopefully know the destination. But we all put so much emphasis on the journey, and for some, it just doesn't have peace and ease.
I know some of you can't relate. You're the cruisers. You sit back and relax and ride through life.
But others of you I know are more like me, and like my drive home. You know where you're going, but you make mistakes, run into obstacles, and have a lot of disappointed hopes that follow your best laid plans. I have made so many wrong turns and poor decisions that have made life hard. I've also had life hit me with obstacles and dashed hopes that I have had to detour.
Many of you have experienced the same grief in life-grief over your disappointed hopes.
It is to you that I write this, because it is you and I that need the reminder that sometimes it is more important that you make it Home. And the miracle that you need to get you there has already happened for you and for me...and Jesus waits with open arms.
No, we can't all set the cruise. Just keep driving Home.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
The Dead Tree
My long-time passion for photography started back in high school. My friends and I took pictures at every possible opportunity...I have boxes and boxes of photos-tangible as it was pre-digital craze-of my girls and I making memories, good and bad, noteworthy and why would anyone want a picture of that. There were no "selfies". We would hand off the camera to a complete stranger and end up with pictures of us in Walmart isles, next to random statues, cheering on our high school football team, or camping out before a weekend softball tournament.
These days I am much more comfortable behind the lens than I am in front of it, taking pictures of my kids like most moms or the occasional wedding or senior pictures for close friends. What I love the most, though, is capturing nature. So many pictures of people tell a story, but a nature photo has to draw the viewer in before a sense of story can emerge and an emotional connection to the photo can be made. Even the photographer doesn't always see the story until they've had a chance to study their photograph for awhile.
Which brings me to this picture I took today in the woods behind our home. It is by no means the most artistically stunning photo I have ever taken, but it struck a deep emotional chord with me. I began looking through the lens because of the vibrant colors of the leaves as the weather turns crisp and cool in northern Minnesota. And as you can see, there are many beautiful trees in the picture.
It is the dead tree in the middle, however, that grabs my attention the most.
As I looked at this landscape today, I saw myself. Today, and perhaps you can relate, as I reflected further I realize that many days I am this dead tree. I look around at the trees next to me and see so many vibrant, beautiful people-full of life and color. Then I look at myself and I'm still standing strong, but I have lost my color, the vibrant spirit inside of me, the rich branches of leaves that make me feel alive.
Ever feel that way? Like life has taken the color out of you? For me it can be the littlest things that come from being a wife and mother-cleaning, laundry, getting everyone out the door with what they need in the morning. Or it can be my story-the big gusts of wind that knock over branches and take away leaves, leaving me feeling empty inside and out. For many of you it is as simple as words that sting or as complicated as broken relationships or the most unfair health struggles. They leave us feeling lifeless among the vibrant trees around us.
But there is one difference between you and I and this dead tree. We have a choice.
The tree is dead. It cannot grow new leaves or experience new life. Eventually, it will fall.
But we have a choice...to seek to be renewed.
The God who loves us is waiting for us to want to grow in Him. And when we make that choice, when we choose to see what beauty and vibrance our creator has planned for us, He can and will restore us to color-to beautiful living beings that don't pale in comparison to anyone or anything. He will breathe new life into your soul and make you come alive.
Wherever you are today, I pray that you see that you have a choice. That you don't have to wait amongst the living, too proud to admit that you will fall.
You can be restored, and restored daily if needed, through Jesus.
These days I am much more comfortable behind the lens than I am in front of it, taking pictures of my kids like most moms or the occasional wedding or senior pictures for close friends. What I love the most, though, is capturing nature. So many pictures of people tell a story, but a nature photo has to draw the viewer in before a sense of story can emerge and an emotional connection to the photo can be made. Even the photographer doesn't always see the story until they've had a chance to study their photograph for awhile.
Which brings me to this picture I took today in the woods behind our home. It is by no means the most artistically stunning photo I have ever taken, but it struck a deep emotional chord with me. I began looking through the lens because of the vibrant colors of the leaves as the weather turns crisp and cool in northern Minnesota. And as you can see, there are many beautiful trees in the picture.
It is the dead tree in the middle, however, that grabs my attention the most.
As I looked at this landscape today, I saw myself. Today, and perhaps you can relate, as I reflected further I realize that many days I am this dead tree. I look around at the trees next to me and see so many vibrant, beautiful people-full of life and color. Then I look at myself and I'm still standing strong, but I have lost my color, the vibrant spirit inside of me, the rich branches of leaves that make me feel alive.
Ever feel that way? Like life has taken the color out of you? For me it can be the littlest things that come from being a wife and mother-cleaning, laundry, getting everyone out the door with what they need in the morning. Or it can be my story-the big gusts of wind that knock over branches and take away leaves, leaving me feeling empty inside and out. For many of you it is as simple as words that sting or as complicated as broken relationships or the most unfair health struggles. They leave us feeling lifeless among the vibrant trees around us.
But there is one difference between you and I and this dead tree. We have a choice.
The tree is dead. It cannot grow new leaves or experience new life. Eventually, it will fall.
But we have a choice...to seek to be renewed.
The God who loves us is waiting for us to want to grow in Him. And when we make that choice, when we choose to see what beauty and vibrance our creator has planned for us, He can and will restore us to color-to beautiful living beings that don't pale in comparison to anyone or anything. He will breathe new life into your soul and make you come alive.
Wherever you are today, I pray that you see that you have a choice. That you don't have to wait amongst the living, too proud to admit that you will fall.
You can be restored, and restored daily if needed, through Jesus.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Unpacking
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."
Luke 11:19
My family recently embarked on a brand new adventure, relocating to northern Minnesota. We have had such a great time moving in, meeting people, and getting to know our new town. It has been great, but also busy, busy, busy and a little overwhelming.
One of the biggest blessings of our move has been our home. I love it and could truly live here forever! But in all the chaos that always encompasses a family with four little people, there are still boxes everywhere. Call it laziness, call it survival, call it whatever you like-I have gotten in the habit of unpacking only what I need and leaving all the boxes around while doing so.
I strongly dislike the mess that it leaves and it gets so cluttered and overwhelming that I cannot find things packed or unpacked. On the humorous side, my daughter looked around the other day at dishes I hadn't gotten to, clothes being sorted all over the floor, and said, "Now it looks like our old house!"
Isn't it funny that even though I know how to remedy the situation, I haven't taken time to do it? I know that in order to reduce the chaos and restore order, I just have to unpack all the boxes and get everything into a routine and life would be much smoother.
Excuses and life keep happening and it just becomes mess on top of mess.
My spiritual life, and perhaps yours, feels very similar.
So often I keep my faith in a box. Packed in tight in a corner, waiting for when it is convenient to unpack, or worse, only when I need it.
But pretty soon, my life just becomes mess upon mess and my faith (the answer to reducing the chaos and restoring order) gets buried underneath.
Have you found yourself there before? Where you know that going to God in prayer, prioritizing Jesus and worship, and relying on your faith would make a giant difference in your daily life, but your excuses, your overwhelming mess, and life keep you putting off the unpacking?
If you're like me, knowing what you need and giving yourself what you need are two completely different things.
But the truth is, that our faith is too important to keep boxed up only to be looked for when we need it or it is convenient. God wants so much more for us than to keep it bottled up where we cannot use it, cannot depend on it, and cannot be all that we have the potential to become.
He wants a relationship so much bigger and better, and if we take the time to unpack it, we set ourselves up for a reward and blessing greater than we could ever comprehend.
So keep unpacking those boxes. Keep seeking. Keep asking. Keep knocking.
Luke 11:19
My family recently embarked on a brand new adventure, relocating to northern Minnesota. We have had such a great time moving in, meeting people, and getting to know our new town. It has been great, but also busy, busy, busy and a little overwhelming.
One of the biggest blessings of our move has been our home. I love it and could truly live here forever! But in all the chaos that always encompasses a family with four little people, there are still boxes everywhere. Call it laziness, call it survival, call it whatever you like-I have gotten in the habit of unpacking only what I need and leaving all the boxes around while doing so.
I strongly dislike the mess that it leaves and it gets so cluttered and overwhelming that I cannot find things packed or unpacked. On the humorous side, my daughter looked around the other day at dishes I hadn't gotten to, clothes being sorted all over the floor, and said, "Now it looks like our old house!"
Isn't it funny that even though I know how to remedy the situation, I haven't taken time to do it? I know that in order to reduce the chaos and restore order, I just have to unpack all the boxes and get everything into a routine and life would be much smoother.
Excuses and life keep happening and it just becomes mess on top of mess.
My spiritual life, and perhaps yours, feels very similar.
So often I keep my faith in a box. Packed in tight in a corner, waiting for when it is convenient to unpack, or worse, only when I need it.
But pretty soon, my life just becomes mess upon mess and my faith (the answer to reducing the chaos and restoring order) gets buried underneath.
Have you found yourself there before? Where you know that going to God in prayer, prioritizing Jesus and worship, and relying on your faith would make a giant difference in your daily life, but your excuses, your overwhelming mess, and life keep you putting off the unpacking?
If you're like me, knowing what you need and giving yourself what you need are two completely different things.
But the truth is, that our faith is too important to keep boxed up only to be looked for when we need it or it is convenient. God wants so much more for us than to keep it bottled up where we cannot use it, cannot depend on it, and cannot be all that we have the potential to become.
He wants a relationship so much bigger and better, and if we take the time to unpack it, we set ourselves up for a reward and blessing greater than we could ever comprehend.
So keep unpacking those boxes. Keep seeking. Keep asking. Keep knocking.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Why?
As a third grade teacher, I spend a lot of time teaching about cause/effect relationships. I have found that one of the hardest concepts for my students to grasp, is figuring out the "why" in the relationship-what caused something to happen...especially when it isn't mapped out clearly for them.
In reality, that's humanity in a nutshell...we want to know why things happen and we want it to make sense, but often it doesn't...especially when it isn't something that we wanted to happen to us.
Do you ever find yourself asking why? What did I do to deserve this? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why God? Why me?
It can cause frustration, depression, anger, hostility, fear...
It can consume our thoughts and drive us batty when there isn't an answer.
When my son died, I had a really hard time with this. I was angry. Disappointed in God and confused as to why my prayers weren't answered. Why was Miles dealt that life and not given a chance to be here on the earth, to experience everything that a good life had to offer. What was the cause of such heartache and pain for myself as a mother? What good did it do the rest of my family to have to go through all that? What was the cause?
I still don't have an answer to why that had to happen, and I don't have the answer to what caused something bad to happen to you.
But I have learned something huge through all the bad things that have happened to me in my life, a different outlook that I want to share...
I challenge all of you to stop thinking of whatever you are struggling with as the effect. Stop looking for a cause of what happened to you. Stop asking God why...
...and trust.
Because what we do know is that God holds you close and He won't ever let you go.
What if...go with me for a minute...what if that horrible thing that happened to you, or that is happening to you isn't the EFFECT, but instead it is the CAUSE. That there isn't a why to what is happening to you, but instead that God will use what is happening to you to be the "why" for an effect that He is starting IN you.
The truth is that He isn't up there making bad things happen to you, but He is there to see you through them, and He can turn anything in your life into something good for you-the one He loves.
This thought makes me breathe deep and relax...and I let go and trust that He won't let go. That, in fact, He is in control.
I was blessed by my son in my life. And in hindsight, I can see the change God made in me as He helped me get through the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. I am stronger as a person. I am more patient and compassionate as a human being. I am more savoring and in-the-moment as a mother. I am more appreciative as a wife and daughter. I am more loving. God didn't cause my hardship, but He did use my hardship to cause a change in me...to mold me into who He wants me to be...and He continues to do this with every struggle I face in life.
In this imperfect world, you cannot escape pain...but you CAN stop asking why, and trust that God will not only see you through, but use whatever you are going through to make you stronger. You will be the planned effect. So stop trying to make sense of something that is bigger than any of us can comprehend...let go...and trust the one who made you, the one who holds you close and holds your future, to make an effect in you.
In reality, that's humanity in a nutshell...we want to know why things happen and we want it to make sense, but often it doesn't...especially when it isn't something that we wanted to happen to us.
Do you ever find yourself asking why? What did I do to deserve this? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why God? Why me?
It can cause frustration, depression, anger, hostility, fear...
It can consume our thoughts and drive us batty when there isn't an answer.
When my son died, I had a really hard time with this. I was angry. Disappointed in God and confused as to why my prayers weren't answered. Why was Miles dealt that life and not given a chance to be here on the earth, to experience everything that a good life had to offer. What was the cause of such heartache and pain for myself as a mother? What good did it do the rest of my family to have to go through all that? What was the cause?
I still don't have an answer to why that had to happen, and I don't have the answer to what caused something bad to happen to you.
But I have learned something huge through all the bad things that have happened to me in my life, a different outlook that I want to share...
I challenge all of you to stop thinking of whatever you are struggling with as the effect. Stop looking for a cause of what happened to you. Stop asking God why...
...and trust.
Because what we do know is that God holds you close and He won't ever let you go.
What if...go with me for a minute...what if that horrible thing that happened to you, or that is happening to you isn't the EFFECT, but instead it is the CAUSE. That there isn't a why to what is happening to you, but instead that God will use what is happening to you to be the "why" for an effect that He is starting IN you.
The truth is that He isn't up there making bad things happen to you, but He is there to see you through them, and He can turn anything in your life into something good for you-the one He loves.
This thought makes me breathe deep and relax...and I let go and trust that He won't let go. That, in fact, He is in control.
I was blessed by my son in my life. And in hindsight, I can see the change God made in me as He helped me get through the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. I am stronger as a person. I am more patient and compassionate as a human being. I am more savoring and in-the-moment as a mother. I am more appreciative as a wife and daughter. I am more loving. God didn't cause my hardship, but He did use my hardship to cause a change in me...to mold me into who He wants me to be...and He continues to do this with every struggle I face in life.
In this imperfect world, you cannot escape pain...but you CAN stop asking why, and trust that God will not only see you through, but use whatever you are going through to make you stronger. You will be the planned effect. So stop trying to make sense of something that is bigger than any of us can comprehend...let go...and trust the one who made you, the one who holds you close and holds your future, to make an effect in you.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
A Dance Partner
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you." -James 4:8
Have you ever felt like you were living in a hostile environment in your own home? Being the mother of four, it happens-especially between my two middle children.
He's seven and she's four, and both of them have their mother's stubborn will, need to be independent, and fiery spirit. They love each other and they fight like mad.
This was the way of things a few days ago. We'd been cooped up inside with the abnormally cold temps and a few snow days, and everyone was going crazy. Sure enough, pretty soon there was shouting...and I don't mean a little and then it was done; we're talking top of the lungs, fill the house, and echoing shouts of anger.
As is the norm in our house, it was followed by two sides to the story. But when I asked them to take a break from each other for awhile, neither wanted to. They knew they needed each other to have a playmate, to make the day good.
About ten minutes later, I walked into the living room to see my son with a plastic rose in his mouth, twirling effortlessly around the room in a ballroom dance with his delighted four year old sister. They were both proud, steady, strong, and peaceful as I watched without them knowing. He spun her around and under his arm and then pulled her back into his arms and began stepping in one direction again.
When they saw me, they stopped and smiled with glee, and then continued with the show-filling the whole house with music, love, happiness, and relief.
.....
Sometimes life makes you want to shout at the top of your lungs. It can be hostile. It can provoke deep anger. It can feel out of control and bring out the worst in you.
But there is a sure-footed, peaceful, strong partner that asks you to dance on a daily basis and all you have to do is accept the dance and take His arm.
God loves you. He is a strong leader. Whatever it is that pulls at your head and heart, making you anxious, angry, sad, scared, or frustrated...no matter how stubborn your will, or how many times your independent spirit has turned him down, if you draw close to the one who loves you, he will take you in his arms and lead you in a perfect dance.
Take His arm.
Let go of your need of control and let Him lead you down the life He intended for you. Dance through each day with peace and relief.
Let Him hold you close.
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you."
Have you ever felt like you were living in a hostile environment in your own home? Being the mother of four, it happens-especially between my two middle children.
He's seven and she's four, and both of them have their mother's stubborn will, need to be independent, and fiery spirit. They love each other and they fight like mad.
This was the way of things a few days ago. We'd been cooped up inside with the abnormally cold temps and a few snow days, and everyone was going crazy. Sure enough, pretty soon there was shouting...and I don't mean a little and then it was done; we're talking top of the lungs, fill the house, and echoing shouts of anger.
As is the norm in our house, it was followed by two sides to the story. But when I asked them to take a break from each other for awhile, neither wanted to. They knew they needed each other to have a playmate, to make the day good.
About ten minutes later, I walked into the living room to see my son with a plastic rose in his mouth, twirling effortlessly around the room in a ballroom dance with his delighted four year old sister. They were both proud, steady, strong, and peaceful as I watched without them knowing. He spun her around and under his arm and then pulled her back into his arms and began stepping in one direction again.
When they saw me, they stopped and smiled with glee, and then continued with the show-filling the whole house with music, love, happiness, and relief.
.....
Sometimes life makes you want to shout at the top of your lungs. It can be hostile. It can provoke deep anger. It can feel out of control and bring out the worst in you.
But there is a sure-footed, peaceful, strong partner that asks you to dance on a daily basis and all you have to do is accept the dance and take His arm.
God loves you. He is a strong leader. Whatever it is that pulls at your head and heart, making you anxious, angry, sad, scared, or frustrated...no matter how stubborn your will, or how many times your independent spirit has turned him down, if you draw close to the one who loves you, he will take you in his arms and lead you in a perfect dance.
Take His arm.
Let go of your need of control and let Him lead you down the life He intended for you. Dance through each day with peace and relief.
Let Him hold you close.
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you."
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Love Your Neighbor. Love Yourself.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." -Colossians 3:12
"But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
I think it is probably on a weekly basis that I turn to my husband and ask, "Does this look okay?"
I'm not usually looking to find out if he really thinks I look okay. What I really means is, "Will the world think I look okay today?"
A couple days ago wasn't any different. Being a teacher, it was a rare day where the students didn't have school, but it was still a work day for us. Love those days...not because I don't like having the students around, but because I get to spend time with my colleagues and hopefully get the things done that I usually have to do at home after my kids are in bed. We also have the luxury of wearing whatever we want on these days and usually go pretty comfy.
This time I looked at my shoes and put on high heels with my outfit. (Third grade teachers never get to wear heels or their feet would hate them forever.) I immediately turned to my husband and said, "I should take this off and put on a sweatshirt, shouldn't I?"
He looked at me dumbfounded. "Why?"
"We don't wear heels to professional development days, it'll look weird," I said.
"Why can't you just be you?"
Hmmmm.
He was right, of course. Why couldn't I just wear what I like? I marched out with my heels on.
This is a major issue for all of us. We are constantly setting a ridiculous expectation, trying to meet a standard, caring too much what others think of us, and comparing ourselves to those around us.
Why do we do this?
We compare ourselves to other people. Are we fatter, shorter, flatter, taller, more curvy, more toned, whiter, darker? Do we have better hair, clothes, features, make-up, shoes, jewelry, cars, homes, gardens?
"She's a better mother than me because her cupcakes look like they just came out of a professional bakery."
"He's a better man because he has a better car."
We even compare our kids to other kids.
It is ever-present in our heads, and we beat ourselves up about it because we never measure up.
But they're all lies.
The reality is, every single time we do this, we are judging at least two people: the person we are comparing ourselves to and ourselves. And we use that judgement to form our own identity, deciding our self-worth is better or worse than someone else.
The truth is that when we judge someone based on their appearance, on their job, on their children, on their home, on their car, or on the mistakes they've made, we don't have anything near the whole picture...and that's not a fair assessment of anything. We then use that poor judgement to form an opinion about them and about ourselves compared to them. Then the identity we hold for them isn't fair and the reality we hold for ourselves isn't truth.
But God says that our identity is in Him and that judgement is His.
If we stop comparing ourselves to others in everything we do and say, and especially in the way we look, and start finding our identity in a God who planned us each uniquely and perfectly, we free both ourselves and the people around us from hatred, prejudice, and judgement. We learn to see each person through the eyes of Christ-including ourselves. And maybe, just maybe, learn to clothe ourselves with "...compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
And an identity as a Child of God, with qualities worthy of Him, is an identity to be proud of.
Love your neighbor. Love yourself.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Resolutions
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." -Marianne Williamson
I remember the first time I felt disappointment in life that caused me to shrink within myself; the moment I learned to fear failure. It may seem like a silly, trivial thing to most of you, but it was my senior year of high school at the end of our basketball season and we had just lost the game to go to the state tournament.
Going into the game I believed, without question, that we would win. I was confident in our game plan, confident in my team to play well, and perhaps a little over confident in my own ability. I was fearless.
A 16-0 start to the game, us being the goose-egg, I had quickly been put in my place. Our team would not come away with a win that night, but the real loss was the spirit within me. The confident, sparkling spirit that knew how to soar without fear. I began to shrink.
Once a person lets that fear in, it becomes powerful and can change a person from the inside out. The following year at Luther, I quit the basketball team. I had lost the passion and sparkle, and hadn't picked up a ball more than a handful of times in the off-season. Even as I tried to play again the following year at Waldorf, I lacked the necessary confidence and poise to be the success I had intended.
In all reality, God had never intended for me to play in the WNBA.
Over the years since then, fear has crept in my spirit because of a lot of those disappointments. As I think about resolutions for 2014, I can't help but look at my inability to sparkle and shine since I learned to fear failure.
Every time something bad has happened, I can look back now and see the aftermath. The coiling back within myself-afraid of my confidence. Life experience has taught me to fear losing a loved one and my children, to fear the breaking of my heart again and again, to fear experiencing deep hurt and disappointment in relationships....to fear that I will fail.
But deep within me, there is a calling to shine. A voice that screams, "Rise up!"
It was FDR that said, "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself," but it is my Savior who calls me to become his child...the one he intended me to be. The spirit that soars without fear.
So I look at 2014 with resolve. I am resolved to do the following, because God calls me to shine. Will you?
1. Love with abandon-
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13
There is no one-NO ONE-without fault or undeserving of love. To hide one's heart in fear or because of pride, is to hide the greatest part of you, your greatest asset. It hides your biggest source of light. Holding back love out of fear of being hurt damages all those in your path, including yourself. Don't let the standards or opinions of others tell you who to love. Instead ALWAYS choose love and love with abandon. Show grace.
2. Trust in the Lord-
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind and he will direct your path."
-Proverbs 3:5
There is a saying, "We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow." There is freedom in knowing that the one who created you, who created the universe, who loves you, is in control and always will be. Trust that he is working for your good. Know that he will be there no matter what you face.
3. Be Thankful-
"Always be joyful, never stop praying, be thankful in all circumstances."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In all days, in all trials, there are things to be thankful for, blessings to be counted. Cling to them and be thankful and you will find strength. Remind yourself of them in your weakest moments and remember hope. Good and bad, life is a gift, and the journey is enough to be joyful for.
4. Pray-
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." -Psalm 34:4
If there is anything I have learned at all, it is that I can always find peace in any circumstance by seeking a relationship with Jesus. There is no greater source of strength nor to greater way to ease fear. It is in the relationship that there is hope.
5. Succeed at becoming "Me"-
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11
This year for me is about defeating fears. There will be no hesitation to chase dreams. No doubt in my capabilities or possibilities. No fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of myself, fear of others, or fear of situations, for God has already planned a future, planned for you, and planned for me.
It is a year to put away the past. A year to be free. A year to find a calling. A year to find light. A year to shine.
Rising up!
I remember the first time I felt disappointment in life that caused me to shrink within myself; the moment I learned to fear failure. It may seem like a silly, trivial thing to most of you, but it was my senior year of high school at the end of our basketball season and we had just lost the game to go to the state tournament.
Going into the game I believed, without question, that we would win. I was confident in our game plan, confident in my team to play well, and perhaps a little over confident in my own ability. I was fearless.
A 16-0 start to the game, us being the goose-egg, I had quickly been put in my place. Our team would not come away with a win that night, but the real loss was the spirit within me. The confident, sparkling spirit that knew how to soar without fear. I began to shrink.
Once a person lets that fear in, it becomes powerful and can change a person from the inside out. The following year at Luther, I quit the basketball team. I had lost the passion and sparkle, and hadn't picked up a ball more than a handful of times in the off-season. Even as I tried to play again the following year at Waldorf, I lacked the necessary confidence and poise to be the success I had intended.
In all reality, God had never intended for me to play in the WNBA.
Over the years since then, fear has crept in my spirit because of a lot of those disappointments. As I think about resolutions for 2014, I can't help but look at my inability to sparkle and shine since I learned to fear failure.
Every time something bad has happened, I can look back now and see the aftermath. The coiling back within myself-afraid of my confidence. Life experience has taught me to fear losing a loved one and my children, to fear the breaking of my heart again and again, to fear experiencing deep hurt and disappointment in relationships....to fear that I will fail.
But deep within me, there is a calling to shine. A voice that screams, "Rise up!"
It was FDR that said, "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself," but it is my Savior who calls me to become his child...the one he intended me to be. The spirit that soars without fear.
So I look at 2014 with resolve. I am resolved to do the following, because God calls me to shine. Will you?
1. Love with abandon-
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." -John 15:13
There is no one-NO ONE-without fault or undeserving of love. To hide one's heart in fear or because of pride, is to hide the greatest part of you, your greatest asset. It hides your biggest source of light. Holding back love out of fear of being hurt damages all those in your path, including yourself. Don't let the standards or opinions of others tell you who to love. Instead ALWAYS choose love and love with abandon. Show grace.
2. Trust in the Lord-
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind and he will direct your path."
-Proverbs 3:5
There is a saying, "We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow." There is freedom in knowing that the one who created you, who created the universe, who loves you, is in control and always will be. Trust that he is working for your good. Know that he will be there no matter what you face.
3. Be Thankful-
"Always be joyful, never stop praying, be thankful in all circumstances."
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
In all days, in all trials, there are things to be thankful for, blessings to be counted. Cling to them and be thankful and you will find strength. Remind yourself of them in your weakest moments and remember hope. Good and bad, life is a gift, and the journey is enough to be joyful for.
4. Pray-
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears." -Psalm 34:4
If there is anything I have learned at all, it is that I can always find peace in any circumstance by seeking a relationship with Jesus. There is no greater source of strength nor to greater way to ease fear. It is in the relationship that there is hope.
5. Succeed at becoming "Me"-
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." -Jeremiah 29:11
This year for me is about defeating fears. There will be no hesitation to chase dreams. No doubt in my capabilities or possibilities. No fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of myself, fear of others, or fear of situations, for God has already planned a future, planned for you, and planned for me.
It is a year to put away the past. A year to be free. A year to find a calling. A year to find light. A year to shine.
Rising up!
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