Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Being Brave,Together

Being brave can be scary. It can even be messy. Being brave means getting out of the boat and walking away from familiarity and safety. What does that look like practically?

For some, it may mean leaving a job to embark on a new career path. It might be taking a risk for sake of relationship. Or it could be simply getting out of bed and facing the day doing ordinary "life."  It's nearly impossible to be brave, alone.

When Peter was walking toward Jesus, Scriptures never say the waters were calm. On the contrary, they were rough waves, but as long as he locked eyes with Jesus, he never sank and he was never alone.

Life can be rough and circumstances can beat us up like fierce waves, that sometimes feel there's no break. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and lock arms, with those around you, that have the guts and courage to walk on the water, as well. We will never get anywhere, of purpose, with people that want to stay in the boat of comfort and apathy!

I'm surrounded by strong, courageous people. TOGETHER, we bravely do this thing called "life." We have walked away from our safe mindsets, our religious boxes and our comfortable boats and we are endeavoring to walk on the waters, in our journeys ordained by God. We choose to abandon ship, together. Sometimes it's a daily choice, or moment by moment, but there's nothing I'd rather be doing than walking on the water (away from our boats), arm in arm with...my people!

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Lost and Found

"I once was lost, but now I'm found."

Here's another way to think of it. Many know the Lord, but have "lost" something. Some have lost hope, clear perception, or clarity of vision. Many have lost energy to go on. Some have lost joy or peace. The beautiful thing is, whatever we have lost, in Christ, we can find!

Another beautiful thing is, we can even be instrumental in helping one another find that which we've lost.

I have been in many labor/delivery rooms and have watched women labor, and do quite well. And then there's that stage called transition! It's as if they lose focus, can't think clearly and teeter on the brink of a point of no return. (Does this place sound familiar? We've all been there and some of us may be there, right now). I have climbed up in the bed with the mom-to-be, demanded her focus and reminded her of her desires re: the birth. I've articulated, back to her, what she's dreamed her baby would look like, called her baby by name and, in no time, she seemed to rally and caught a second wind. She found that hope, energy, strength, again, to finish the race and to hold the prize, in her arms, the fulfillment of the dream; the baby she carried for, what seemed like forever.

In my own births, I've been to the point that felt like torment. I knew all the right things to do and say (as previously mentioned), but when it came to my own births, all logic went out the window. I often would rely on my husband's voice, in my ear, praying and reminding me of God's promises and my friends' soothing words and encouragement that got me through the most difficult phase.

Many people have dreams and hopes, but at the point in the process when they've lost the energy or strength or even the ability to see the fulfillment, at hand, it takes a friend or loved one to get their attention, speak truth and remind them of their hope.

Whether you are one, right now, that needs to be rallied or you're one who has a story to share that can help someone else regain focus/engery, there is hope. In Christ, and a community of loved ones, what once was lost, will be found!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Along for the Ride

It feels like life is all about arriving somewhere. I am all about strategy and a plan! How will I "arrive?" How long will it take? What's the best way to get "there," faster and safer? Having a plan feels like I'm being proactive, and for my Type-A personality, proactive is synonymous to breathing. 

While in the driver's seat, my visual capacity is limited. I'm only able to see a little of the scenery. I'm focused on the logistics of the journey. These days, I'm learning to scoot over to the passenger's seat. I'm learning to let God take the wheel. This allows me to catch all the scenery, listen to music and enjoy the journey. Not so easy, at times, but once you arrive, then what? I'm learning to enjoy the journey!

Friday, October 3, 2014

What's Your Pressure Point?

Is it possible to grow in an area that we are able to maneuver without the knee-jerk emotional reaction when that pressure point in touched? I discern situations better, and I've found my voice to speak up or address, when necessary. It seems, however, that things hurt and bring an emotional wound, none-the-less.

Monday, September 29, 2014

My Drug of Choice

I've discovered something about myself. It's my go-to when I feel fearful; when I feel things are out-of-control or uncertain.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Up for a Run?

Hey friends. Glad you're back. I hope your finding my posts encouraging and inspiring. You know how I told you this blog is a place of vulnerability, for me? Where, here's one for ya...

Thursday, September 11, 2014

It's Storytime!

We all have a story. Some stories are good, some may be bad, and most probably have a little of both, All stories are worth hearing. Telling a story can make you feel vulnerable. If I tell my story, what will they think? Unfortunately, we tend to judge, or misjudge, people BEFORE we hear their story.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Pick Up Your Stones

Have you heard the Bible story of David and Goliath? David was a little guy. He picked up five stones, but as the story goes, he hurled the first stone and took out the Phllistine giant, Goliath!

A "giant" in my life....

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

A Shout Out!

Thank you, Hearbeats from Heaven Photography, for the photos taken for my blog. Check out Bo's FB page and see what deal she's got going on!

Your Team-Your People

It's football season! Being a mom who has boys in the sport makes it all the more exciting. Noah, our soon-to-be 16 yr old, is now playing.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

I'm (not-so-young) and Restless

I'm sitting here, in bed, laptop open and feeling frustrated! Remember, I've stated that this blog is a place for me to "practice" being vulnerable. Vulnerability for a type-A/recovering people-pleaser, as myself, can be a highly intense state of mind...UGH! I'm feeling RESTLESS, or should I say, frustrated! (Restless sounds a little more pleasant). 

Friday, August 22, 2014

Real Life and Re-Arranging

We have done some re-arranging around here. We have a large, farm-house kitchen. Not only do we have a living room, but we have a little sitting area, with tv, in the kitchen. I LOVE IT! Everyone seems to hang out in the kitchen, now. While we're cooking, cleaning up, etc., we are chatting, visiting, connecting about our day and comparing notes. All while doing "REAL LIFE" stuff, we're RELATING.


Thursday, August 21, 2014

I'm Back

Hi Friend, I am Lawrita (lah REE tuh) and this is where I'm practicing being vulnerable. This is my "point of contact." A place I can connect with you.