Standing on the beach, toes at that line where the water barely graces the sand. Sinking into the cool. Looking out over the waves and beyond. Glorious.
Standing atop a 14K mountaintop. Crisp, fresh air. Scenery stretching for miles. Still and quiet. Breathtaking.
Precious life moments when time stands still and the grandeur of creation is oh so evident are treasures to behold. Perhaps these are times that make us feel small, or perhaps these are the moments that remind us to dream big. It is nearly impossibly to feel limits when looking over the vast reach of nature.
We settle for ordinary, when it is in the reaching for extraordinary that we find and experience greatness. There is no one recipe to follow to achieve a life well lived. It does, however, require us to step outside of comfortable, embrace some unknowns and face some fears.
Starting small, inching forward--the dream is in sight. Reach. Fight. Go. Often the first step towards extraordinary is saying no to the lies you are believing, or even telling yourself. You can do it. You were made for great things. Negativity has no place in your life. Maybe that was yesterday, but today..today your heart is pounding and you know that complacent sitting is not on the agenda.
No.
Today you'll need your waders..
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Sunday, July 14, 2013
hereto forth and forevermore
What happens when faith stops posing as a noun and begins to act as a verb should? Going. Doing. Leaping. Believing. When prayers whispered on bended knee are followed by armor bearing warriors ready and willing to fight the good fight. The decision has been made, feet are moving forward. The troops have been loosed.
It is in the daring that the yes is worth the risk even when failure is a possibility. Because, you see, it's not always that what you are doing is wrong, but maybe the wrong lies in what you are not doing. What is failure anyway? And really, is it the failure that you will regret more..or the *what ifs?* Failure is not inevitable, it is not the only possible outcome. For truly it is often in the perceived failures that we find the greatest breakthrough. Perhaps your dream is only a risk away. Are you willing to say yes?
Let start something great. One decision. One step. One day at a time.
It is in the daring that the yes is worth the risk even when failure is a possibility. Because, you see, it's not always that what you are doing is wrong, but maybe the wrong lies in what you are not doing. What is failure anyway? And really, is it the failure that you will regret more..or the *what ifs?* Failure is not inevitable, it is not the only possible outcome. For truly it is often in the perceived failures that we find the greatest breakthrough. Perhaps your dream is only a risk away. Are you willing to say yes?
Let start something great. One decision. One step. One day at a time.
Monday, June 10, 2013
monday, funday
115. The number of emails eagerly awaiting responses this Monday morning. Every email of urgent importance, every one needing an answer yesterday. Skimming the subject lines gives me an idea of where to start the attack--with the easy ones. Always start with the easy ones, the handful that can be knocked out in a few minutes, responded to with a simple sentence, word or even a :). Some emails are meant for accountability, *I met with 7 folks this weekend,* and merely warrant an encouraging stamp of approval: Fantastic! Way to go! Others are more detailed and emotion filled, questioning, needing assurance, assistance, a definite answer. Those require more thought and care, carefully crafted words that will both encourage and challenge when needed.
My office walls are covered with smiling prayer cards--each card representing folks who are eager to serve, sure of their calling, confidently stepping out of the boat and into the unknown. Only, their smiles can be deceiving. What these prayer cards hide are the tearful moments we spend petitioning together, the times of doubt where their thoughts must be redirected back to the stones of remembrance, and the overwhelming challenges of setting up appointments and asking individuals to join their support team. I walk through the hard, celebrate through the good and walk alongside of them through everything in between.
Some days I go home exhausted, spent. I've poured out, emptied and need fuel. After all, I am the answer knower and giver, and if I don't know an answer I must search, dig and ask until I do. I often feel overwhelmed because this "job" is so much bigger than me, weightier and more precious than gold. And, just when I feel like I'm sinking I open an email that contains sweet, soul piercing words:
Reflecting upon the day's emails I have a fresh perspective. My inbox is once again [almost] empty, today's troubles were taken care of and all has been made right. Tuesday will be a new day, with new worries, trials and celebrations, but for now I will enjoy the calm.
My office walls are covered with smiling prayer cards--each card representing folks who are eager to serve, sure of their calling, confidently stepping out of the boat and into the unknown. Only, their smiles can be deceiving. What these prayer cards hide are the tearful moments we spend petitioning together, the times of doubt where their thoughts must be redirected back to the stones of remembrance, and the overwhelming challenges of setting up appointments and asking individuals to join their support team. I walk through the hard, celebrate through the good and walk alongside of them through everything in between.
Some days I go home exhausted, spent. I've poured out, emptied and need fuel. After all, I am the answer knower and giver, and if I don't know an answer I must search, dig and ask until I do. I often feel overwhelmed because this "job" is so much bigger than me, weightier and more precious than gold. And, just when I feel like I'm sinking I open an email that contains sweet, soul piercing words:
And thank you for your encouraging words. They are genuine and from your heart, and that goes a long way, knowing you are praying for us and walking with us through this journey. You do your job well, and He has gifted you with many amazing gifts to lead us...Sweeping away the loosed tears I am reminded that what I am doing is beyond my ability. He has gifted, He has generously lavished, He has given unconditionally. I mustn't let myself carry the weight of burdens that are not mine to bear.
Reflecting upon the day's emails I have a fresh perspective. My inbox is once again [almost] empty, today's troubles were taken care of and all has been made right. Tuesday will be a new day, with new worries, trials and celebrations, but for now I will enjoy the calm.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
rest assured
Circles. I draw them a lot. They denote the circumference of specific promises. Purple. Pink. Blue. Some are inked in my favorite Sharpie colors, others have been invisibly traced with my finger. Numerous times these promises have been outlined; some have come to fruition while the glorious arrival of some are still unseen. Rather than running aimlessly in circles, I am circling these promises in prayer, obediently laying down every request before His throne, purposefully and expectantly.
I've been circling some promises for years...many, many years. Why do some seem to happen so quickly, while others take their sweet time? Tick, tock. Tick, tock. Yet, when I want to quit he renews my strength. When things seem hopeless he fills me with assurance. And in the storm, peace. That sweet peace that surpasses all knowledge. A peace that goes beyond feelings. A knowing peace that deeply pierces the soul. He never provides too early--He never provides too late.
I know that you know that I know that you know. I smile as I figure that sums it up. He knows. I know He knows. He knows that I know that He knows. And, with that revelation I am reminded that He has bottled every tear, remembered my every utterance and is working all things out.
After all, He's got this.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
unperfection
My house overlooks a picturesque view of the Rocky Mountains in one of the top cities to live in the US. I enjoy 300 days of sunshine, perfect for running, biking, hiking, skiing. I joyfully work in full-time ministry and attend a life-giving church. I sip perfectly creamed cups of coffee on my porch and enjoy early morning sunshine with the Word and my journal.
I could probably also add my life > your life because that seems to be a thing these days. In this Instagram, social media driven life we all have perfect lives, walking on sunshine has finally been achieved. No one Instagrams the whole truth, but rather portrays life through filters. In revealing more truth I should probably also tell you that my view of the mountains is partially obstructed by the old, [ugly], homes across the street, and while I do live in one of the top cities in the nation, it also happens to have one of the highest suicide rates. The weather is usually mild, but last year it was so dry that my city hosted one of the largest and most destructive fires in Colorado history.
And, yes, I am in full-time ministry and hope to be for the rest of my life. However, my current role is more stressful and pressure-filled than any other position I've held. Ministry happens to be hard work. My character has been stretched as I find myself working, more often than not, out of my weaknesses rather than strengths. It's an honor and privilege, yes, and I'm trusting that I'm learning necessary skills and lessons that will aid in one day fulfilling a dream to speak and write. Oh, and about the Word reading and journaling..true at times, but lately my pen can't ink because my words are few, the season dry.
I count it a blessing that I am surrounded by others who willingly share in my less than perfect, my mess, my [many] tears. Those who are not only willing to *follow* me, but also to dig deep and walk alongside of me in the ugly, sharing and sharpening. Life is not perfect, faith is necessary. Our concern should not be in the portraying of perfection around us, but in the very development towards perfection that He is working within us.
I could probably also add my life > your life because that seems to be a thing these days. In this Instagram, social media driven life we all have perfect lives, walking on sunshine has finally been achieved. No one Instagrams the whole truth, but rather portrays life through filters. In revealing more truth I should probably also tell you that my view of the mountains is partially obstructed by the old, [ugly], homes across the street, and while I do live in one of the top cities in the nation, it also happens to have one of the highest suicide rates. The weather is usually mild, but last year it was so dry that my city hosted one of the largest and most destructive fires in Colorado history.
And, yes, I am in full-time ministry and hope to be for the rest of my life. However, my current role is more stressful and pressure-filled than any other position I've held. Ministry happens to be hard work. My character has been stretched as I find myself working, more often than not, out of my weaknesses rather than strengths. It's an honor and privilege, yes, and I'm trusting that I'm learning necessary skills and lessons that will aid in one day fulfilling a dream to speak and write. Oh, and about the Word reading and journaling..true at times, but lately my pen can't ink because my words are few, the season dry.
I count it a blessing that I am surrounded by others who willingly share in my less than perfect, my mess, my [many] tears. Those who are not only willing to *follow* me, but also to dig deep and walk alongside of me in the ugly, sharing and sharpening. Life is not perfect, faith is necessary. Our concern should not be in the portraying of perfection around us, but in the very development towards perfection that He is working within us.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
dreamweaver
Of all the days I wish we could sit down for a cup of coffee, it'd be today. It's April 17 and the sky is pouring snow. And I happen to love it! We would exchange pleasantries, like lovely weather we're having, isn't it?, and sip our coffee, (or tea if you prefer), before frolicking in the backyard to make snow angels. I'd probably let you do that last part alone, though, because I'd have to get out my ski pants, put on my smart wool socks, layer and zip and you'd probably only want to stay out there for like 5 minutes so it really wouldn't be worth it.
But what I would really love to talk about is self-talk. This subject has been coming up a lot lately through conversations with friends, the people that I train and equip for overseas service, dove commercials..really everywhere. Turns out, most of us are believing the negative things that we tell ourselves. We're letting fear, doubt, shame, and insecurities take control--and most of us are doing it alone. Maybe we're afraid that talking about our struggles will push others away, maybe we're afraid no one will understand, maybe we've lived with the lies so long that we believe them as truth and wouldn't know how to live without them.
Jon Acuff recently launched a site that allows folks to share their fears; a place where people can go and, maybe for the first time, realize that they're not alone in their struggles. I've visited No More Voices a couple of times and read the confessions through tears, wanting to give each precious individual a big hug, as in a memaw type hug, not a wimpy side hug, y'all. I want to tell them they've got it all wrong and they are a big deal, precious, priceless.
Then I realize I so quickly see the lies that others believe but am often blind to my own. Perhaps the correct response to my self-talk is not I know after all. Perhaps those impossible dreams should be the very starting point of faith. The launching pad for a life well-lived, with purpose and direction.
What would happen if we started praying for the impossible dreams of each other. When big prayers are answered we see that it's not about our weight or our looks, or all the awful in our pasts. It's about grace. It's about love. It's about recognizing and using our gifts and talents to glorify the very One who so generously lavishes good upon us.
And as the miracles start happening all around us I hope we will look back and wonder what it was that held us back in the first place.
Now, do you take cream?
But what I would really love to talk about is self-talk. This subject has been coming up a lot lately through conversations with friends, the people that I train and equip for overseas service, dove commercials..really everywhere. Turns out, most of us are believing the negative things that we tell ourselves. We're letting fear, doubt, shame, and insecurities take control--and most of us are doing it alone. Maybe we're afraid that talking about our struggles will push others away, maybe we're afraid no one will understand, maybe we've lived with the lies so long that we believe them as truth and wouldn't know how to live without them.
Jon Acuff recently launched a site that allows folks to share their fears; a place where people can go and, maybe for the first time, realize that they're not alone in their struggles. I've visited No More Voices a couple of times and read the confessions through tears, wanting to give each precious individual a big hug, as in a memaw type hug, not a wimpy side hug, y'all. I want to tell them they've got it all wrong and they are a big deal, precious, priceless.
Then I realize I so quickly see the lies that others believe but am often blind to my own. Perhaps the correct response to my self-talk is not I know after all. Perhaps those impossible dreams should be the very starting point of faith. The launching pad for a life well-lived, with purpose and direction.
What would happen if we started praying for the impossible dreams of each other. When big prayers are answered we see that it's not about our weight or our looks, or all the awful in our pasts. It's about grace. It's about love. It's about recognizing and using our gifts and talents to glorify the very One who so generously lavishes good upon us.
And as the miracles start happening all around us I hope we will look back and wonder what it was that held us back in the first place.
Now, do you take cream?
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
oh so
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
Excitement builds as the promise is remembered. Today could be the day. This could be the day of breakthrough..the miracle witnessed. Yesterday's tears are in the past, the future is bright. New mercies are graciously lavished over this new day. Memories waiting around every corner--remember these days.
Palms up, ready to receive, willing to release. Eyes observing the abundant life all around. Circumstances not affecting the abounding joy within, for Hope is not found in things. Smiles exchanged, life shared and sharpened. Phones ringing, laughter rising, clicking of fingers on keys. All familiar and ordinary...yet, somehow extraordinary.
Truth spoken, tears spilled, coffee sipped. Sending silent prayers for situations described. Thank you, Father, for promises that are true always. Unsure of what will come, yet confident in knowing that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him. And He is. Yes. He is.
Deep breath in, exhale. Repeat. He's got this, dear one, just like He's had all the others. He's got this. Uncontrollable smile, shaking of the head, spirit bubbling, anticipation rising. This could be the day.
Palms up, ready to receive, willing to release. Eyes observing the abundant life all around. Circumstances not affecting the abounding joy within, for Hope is not found in things. Smiles exchanged, life shared and sharpened. Phones ringing, laughter rising, clicking of fingers on keys. All familiar and ordinary...yet, somehow extraordinary.
Truth spoken, tears spilled, coffee sipped. Sending silent prayers for situations described. Thank you, Father, for promises that are true always. Unsure of what will come, yet confident in knowing that He is working all things out for the good of those who love Him. And He is. Yes. He is.
Deep breath in, exhale. Repeat. He's got this, dear one, just like He's had all the others. He's got this. Uncontrollable smile, shaking of the head, spirit bubbling, anticipation rising. This could be the day.
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