Saturday, September 26, 2015

"Let"

Earlier today, I read something about the word "let" that struck a chord in me. The definition of "let" is to not prevent, to give permission or opportunity to and to allow. The first thing that came to me is...

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Are You Standing at the Edge?

I've been reading Joshua, the story of the Israelites. God told them to "be watching, He was going to do miracles for them."  He then told them to go to the "waters' edge and put their feet in." It was then that the waters parted and God took them to the "other side."

Sometimes, I get tired of "watching." I get caught up in life and lose sight of the things I'm hoping for.  "Watching" is a physical response to the word "believing." I wonder if we lose our  sight because we aren't believing, anymore?! (hhmmmmm)

When going to the waters' edge, we have to go the end of what we are capable of doing ourselves; only God can do the rest! Again, life carries me away and I don't maintain my stance, standing at the edge of the impossible for the things I'm believing for. The distance between where I'm standing and where I'm wanting to be, "the other side," is TOO VAST!

So my take on all this....Watch, Believe and Stand!

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Pulling Those Weeds!

I've been doing my share of gardening, lately; whether it's been planting in flower pots or in the garden. Planting seeds, watering and now pulling the weeds, it's all beginning to sprout and bloom, the pretty flowers AND the ugly weeds.

I am the type of person that doesn't like missing the mark. None of us really enjoy seeing where we've messed up. For some, it's easy to blow off and move on, but for some of us, we might woller in failure, a bit, then eventually move on. Unfortunately, that is pride. Truth is, we all mess up, but because of God's grace...He is made strong, even in our weakness(es).

The other day, I was pulling weeds and a thought occurred to me, when I pull the weeds, I don't take time analyzing the weeds or studying them. I discard quickly. The whole weeding process is to exemplify and accentuate the beauty of the things planted...flowers and vegetables.

When we mess up and see the negative, whether it be in ourelves or each other, let's just discard the negative and move on! Let's not dwell on the negative, but let's "accentuate the positive" in our lives!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

From Boy...to Man

My mom and I were sitting in a restaurant, today, and I watched a couple walk in. The woman was carrying a baby carrier on her arm. I felt myself cringe. Later, we went to a friend's house and watched one of their horses swagger with a full-term belly. Again, I felt myself cringe. In that season of life, when I carried a baby carrier on my arm or walked with, what felt like a "swag" (not sure if I just made up this word), being full-term and ready to drop, any day; I did it with a sense of pride. I was in my hayday. I loved being pregnant and I loved carrying my babies with me!



I guess I cringe, now, because I'm in a different season. This past weekend, we celebrated the graduation of our third son, Nathaniel. I felt pride as people embraced him, celebrated him, encouraged him, and honored him. I don't resent that other season. I'm currently fully embraced by this season. I can see in the future that the celebration of marriages will be the next season. It doesn't seem too far off. Whatever season you're in, embrace it and enjoy it! The seasons pass too quickly.


No matter the season, as one of my favorite authors puts it, "It's my job, my honor, to walk them, quite literally, from baby to toddler to boy to man." (Shaunna Niequist)

Monday, January 12, 2015

Calisthenics of the Soul

It seems, as this new year has taken off, my new mantra is embrace~release~breathe. As I say the words, it sounds like exercise; embrace~release~breathe (repeat) embrace~release~breathe.
Truth is, it feels like major exercise; calisthenics on my soul! 

The things God wants me to embrace are not natural. It takes effort and energy. It's unfamiliar. Embracing new patterns and challenges requires fortitude and intention. 

Releasing what is familiar and second-nature is NOT easy; especially when it's things that were good for a previous season and aren't good for this new season. It too, takes great, if not greater, energy, effort and intention. What my mind tells me and my will wants to do is in conflict with one another and both are wrestling my emotions. It usually feels painful and a little chaotic. At times, my soul is frantic!

Breathing is being intentional to rest and trust in God's leading.  In all the transitioning and pushing through these changes, breathing allows for increase in energy and strength. The Jewish pronunciation of God, or Yahweh is the sound of a breath. Even in living, God's grace meets us when we can't do anything in ourselves. When all we can do is breathe, that's enough. God's grace is sufficient. His strength is made strong in our weakness.

Is there something you're needing to embrace or release? Be in tuned to His leading. Follow your heart and....breathe. You can't go wrong. The strengthening of our faith and wellness of our souls is always for the good!