~Beauty In the Storm ~

It's a Sign

2012-01-27T11:01:00.001-07:00

It seems as if I’m always looking for “signs.” You know,those clear flashing lights that show you what it is that God wants you to do?Those blatant happenings in life that guide you and show you whether to gothrough door A, door B, or even close door C all together.

Signs.

God gave us the rainbow as a sign. And I’ve always wanted something that obvious to be revealedto me as I seek out the answers to my deepest questions.

Usually, I sigh. Forit seems as if I never get the sign that I’m truly looking for. Maybethat’s because I’m looking for the wrong size of a sign. I’m looking for thatdistinctly-written-out sign that leaves no room for error or wronginterpretation. I’m looking for that sign that says, “Turn left” or “turnright.” When in reality, the signs God may be leaving me may not be up in thesky or on the corner, but down at my feet. For I see in retrospect, that many times I may not have seenthat blatant “rainbow” in the sky, but there was definitely a trail of signsleft at my feet.

A trail.

God often shows uswhat to do many times and in many ways. Hegently whispers. He lovingly prods, Heleaves little nibbles of suggestions all around us. And we look awaybecause we expect something big and lavish. We are too focused on what we wantto see that we don’t see that He’s left us signs everywhere.

So many times I can look back and see how God has closeddoors or opened them – in turn shifting my path and direction as I walkedtowards a goal or destination. I didn’teven know it. Didn’t even realize that He was guiding me around obstacles,or veering me away from a different outcome. But He was.

Oftentimes, I’ve discovered that the catalyst comes throughtransitions. Transitions that naturally happen in life. God uses those tochannel us towards (or away from) something so that we don’t grow lazy andcomplacent.

Transitions may be hard and uncomfortable, or they may beexciting – but still they come whether we ask for them or not. They come in a season and at a time whenGod is ready to move us.

During that time of confusion, we may ask and seek Him for asign of what to do and where to go, but He’s already moving and guiding usforward on His agenda.

Yes, I may still hope for that neon flashing sign at times.I may still feel like I need things spelled out for me. But even if I don’tfind it, I know that God is still leaving me signs of direction. It’s just thatbecause I may be looking for something bold that I overlook the personal andprivate sign that He’s left only for me to see.

The next time you are looking to the sky for that big sign……trydropping your head and instead look all around you. I’m willing to bet there are little trail crumbs that pointthe way. For God never leaves us lost.

I Struggle

2012-01-25T10:11:00.001-07:00

I struggle.

I struggle with bitterness when someone hurts me over andover again. I struggle with jealousy when someone continually gets the “good”things in life – especially if I feel they don’t deserve them or haven’t workedfor them. I’m human.

Sometimes I struggle with pride. And selfishness. I strugglewith wanting more attention than maybe I ought to get.

Sometimes my heart can be ugly. It’s not always pure, kind, and thoughtful. No,sometimes it’s vindictive and vengeful.

I struggle. Istruggle to keep my thought life pure. I struggle with not thinking about just“me” all the time. I struggle withgossip and with whining and complaining.

Yes – these are common struggles in life for me. Not all at once – and not allpull as strongly as the other. Butstruggles they still are.

I have to constantlyevaluate my heart and ask God for forgiveness, humility, and perspective.I have to ask Him to show me how to see with His eyes, love with His heart, andthink as He would.

When I can catch a glimpse of what He would see – even if for a briefsecond, it’s amazing how that impacts me. How it turns my issue around anddumps it upside down.

I usually beat myself up for my “wayward” moments. Wondering how I could get solost in letting something so dark take me over for a time. But it happens. All too often.

My deepest desire isto see like Jesus, though. To growto the point where the ugly emotional struggles don’t get at me so easily. I want to grow immunity.

I want to be like Jesus. And I will keep striving to modelHis example and to become more like Him so that instead of merely hiding what’sin my heart – I can be proud to live it out in the open. I won’t have to watch what I say. Iwon’t have to worry about having to make things “right” for I will never havehad them go wrong in the first place.

What will I be like when these goals are truly achieved? Maybe somewhat of the person He’s alwaysseen me to be. That will feel so good. Ican’t wait to “touch” that part of me and know that Satan is truly losing hisgrip on me – forever.

You Can See It In the Eyes

2012-01-23T10:33:00.001-07:00

One thing I love about children under the age of 5 is theinnocence and sparkle that lives in their eyes. There is so much that you can tell about a person from theireyes. And a little one hasn’t beentainted by the world yet. They haven’t been betrayed by someone theytrusted. They haven’t seen things they wished they hadn’t. They haven’t beendisappointed by dreams that didn’t work out or burdened by responsibilitiesthat they wish they didn’t have to bear.

They are untapped.

I can always see it in a child’s eyes when they get to thatage where life has entered in a not-so beautiful way. That sparkle, pure joy,and innocence is gone. Forever. And it saddens me to no end. I can always seethe pain that has seeped in. The knowledge. Thechange.

If only we could tap back into that child that lives in eachone of us. The child that believed the impossible. Forgave the unforgiveableand loved the unloveable. The child that didn’t care if people watched whilethey danced or if they said something incorrectly. The child that loved withabandon and trusted with a completely open heart.

That’s how God wants us to come. As achild.

It may be hard to protect our children from letting lifeseep in and take that innocence and complete happiness out of their eyes – butwe can walk with them through it. We can restore it whenever possible with thejoy that only God can give us. We cangive them confidence in deeper things. Love. Acceptance. And understanding.

And the next time we see a little one – maybe we should takea few extra minutes to look into their eyes and catch a glimpse of theirheart. If we’re lucky, some oftheir optimism, belief, joy and innocence will rub off onto us…if only for awhile.

Staying On Track

2012-01-21T13:16:00.002-07:00

I often ask God to help me know His voice. To help me stayon track and not sway from His direction in my life. You see, I don’t want to get lost in the world. I know I’m human and I’m not too big inmy own britches to think that someday I might make a terribly wrong choice thatcould mess up everything I’ve worked so hard for in my life.

Integrity and honestyare important to me. My values andmorals are something I take seriously. Ilove my God and I love His commands. Yet the world has a very strong pull.And all it takes is one little concession on my part that will lead to a biggerconcession and a bigger one. I have to be intentional and vigilant about thechoices and decisions in my life.

In Isaiah 30, verse 21, it says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear avoice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’

That is my heart’s plea and desire. That God will beever-present in my heart and life so that I will hear His voice when He speaksto me and tells me which path to walk on. And if I don’t? If I should get onthe wrong path? Then with everything in me, my prayer would be that God woulddirect me back to the right path.

You see, I pray formyself AHEAD OF TIME. I ask God to help me and to hold on to me. For He isfaithful and I know that a prayer I say today, He will remember a year from nowwhen I’m struggling or feeling rebellious.

I pray that my ears will hear my God when He speaks. That myheart will feel Him and that my mind will know Him. And may my lips only speakfrom a soul that is consumed with His love.

*Published June 2011 - DevotionalChristian.com

Feeling Melancholy

2012-01-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

My youngest. She’s been holding onto her childhood for quite awhile. She’s never beenlike her big sister who wanted to be an adult at the age of 11. Nope. She loved being a child. Her imaginativeplay has always astounded my husband and I.

My youngest is one of those children who can’t just playwith her Barbies or PetShop toys alone. No, she’d have to get books out tospread all out as bridges or driveways, blocks to build garages, and paper tomake trash for them. Her play would usually end up incorporating her whole roomand then when it was time to clean up, I’d get a woeful, “But mom! I just gotit all set up!” And since it was usually so dang adorable and creative, I’d lether keep it up – resulting in a mass mess for weeks on end.

Thinking about it now just makes me smile. It’s so endearing.

My youngest is the kind who has a name for every stuffedanimal (buddy) she owns. She sees one on vacation in a shop, and literally hascome to tears at the thought of leaving it and not bringing it home with her.

Endearing.

Near the end of her 6^th grade year – she suddenly(and I mean ‘suddenly’) almost overnight – had an explosion of maturity takeover her. She started taking showers. On her own. Without me telling herto. She started wearing lip glossand bigger earrings. She started wearing trendier clothes and actually wantedto start straightening her hair. This is a girl who would hardly let me brush herhair! I was impressed. Excited.

Then the clincherhappened. When all of the above took place, I was on board. It was time. She was starting to payattention to her looks, and I loved it. But then, she looked at me and said,“I’m thinking of putting my Pet shop and Barbie stuff in the playroom.” Gasp!What? Your beloved girl toys? Yep. She was ready to remove them from her room.

I was shocked.

I was impressed.

Then when the very next day she removed them out into thehall and I came up the stairs to see them all awaiting my attention – I feltlike crying. Again, as Istrategically found homes for them (for even though they are out of her room,she was not quite ready to remove them from our home altogether!) I foundmyself growing more and more emotional.

My baby. My baby was growing up.

Oh how we long forthings. We complain about all the toys that scatter about or nearlybreak our feet as we tread over them. We long for cleaner rooms. At times, weeven wish our children could do certain things for themselves. Then when theydo, our heart yearns and pines for those childhood years that are gone…..forever.

I did everything Iknew how to do to relish, soak in, and enjoy every minute of my kids’ childhoodyears. And somehow, they still blewby me like a freight train.

I love the ages they are at. I love to shop with them, andstart to share jewelry and clothing. I love that they can actually give MEadvice on what I’m wearing! But oh – how I miss the times when I could sit andbrush or braid their hair, read them a book at bedtime, or have them run to meso excited to see me with their arms stretched open!

Growing up. It hasto happen just like everything else in life. And I will be thankful for theyears I’ve been given. Every second.

How Much of What We Do Is Motivated By Peer Pressure?

2012-01-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was thinking this thought one morning…the thought of howmuch we do in life that is really for us because WE want to do it, and how muchwe do because we are motivated by what others will think or by what others aredoing.

In a nutshell: howmuch of what we do is from peer pressure?

I remember when I was younger and I thought that peer pressure mainly centeredaround teens. But I was wrong. Peerpressure exists in all stages and walks of life. And if you’re ready to raise your hand and say that youdon’t personally deal with it in your life…let’s take a closer look.

*How many of us focuson the appearance of our homes in order to maintain a certain “standard” thatis pleasing to guests? How many of usdon’t have guests over at all because we think our homes aren’t nice or fancyenough?

*How many of us enrollour kids in camps or clubs because “everyone is going” or we are told that in orderfor them to maintain a certain level of play that they have to invest in thiscamp or club?

*How many of us shopat certain stores or wear certain brands because that radiates a certainacceptable image in society?

*How many of us rushout to see the latest movie because we know everyone will be talking about itand we don’t want to have to say, “I haven’t seen it?”

Read the rest of my post as I'm "guest posting" over at Leigh Gray's blog today. Read more here!

10 Things That Make You Uniquely Beautiful

2012-01-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

1. Your smile. No one has a smile quite like yoursand it makes your whole face light up and shine.

2. Your eyes. The eyes are an opening into theheart and soul. So much is said in someone’s eyes. How much they’ve been hurt,the sparkle of joy and happiness; love…. Your eyes speak for you. And what theyhave to say is a beautiful part of your story.

3. Your mind. No one can think quite like you do.Those things your mind comes up with – the way you can create a beautiful pieceof artwork, or write an encouraging note – or even the way you figure out howto fix something that is broken – that is a gift. Not everyone has it. Not everyone can use his or her mind in theway that you do.

4. Your touch. Do you pat someone on the back whenyou hug? Do you rub their arm in support and love? Do your hands help a childup when they’ve fallen? Your touch showsyour heart. And it’s a loving, beautiful heart.

5. Your sense of style. Do you like elegantclothes, or hippie chick? Do you live in jeans or love long skirts? Your sense of style makes youbeautiful, because it’s unique to you. It says a lot about your attitude andoutlook on life. It helps you stand out instead of blending in.

6. Your laugh. Oneof the most beautiful things on a person is to see joy and happiness in theirheart spill out. Whether your laugh is high-pitched, loud, or full ofrepetitions – it’s a reflection ofall that is good and merry and right.

7. Your heart. Oh – yes, your heart makes youbeautiful. The heart that is sensitive to injustice and cutting remarks. Theheart that desires to please or wants to change the world. The heart that can’tstop dreaming, giving, or loving. The heart that has been wounded and hides.It’s the core of who you are. It’sso tender in there. So authentic.Beautiful.

8. Youare beautiful in your natural state. Hair undone. No makeup on. That is how Godcreated you. Your authentic self is beautiful. Authenticity is ALWAYS beautiful.

9. Your personality. That sweetness, diligence,tenacity, patient and forgiving heart….that bubbly outlook on life, thatinquisitive nature - those arebeautiful. God wants to use those in you – letthem flourish.

10. Yourflaws. What are those things that you feel like are flaws? Is it your haircolor? Freckles? Short legs? Bigfeet? Are you going through something right now that has changed you? Maybecancer treatment that has cost you your hair completely or an accident that’sleft a scar? God has scars. On bothhands. And to me those hands arebeautiful. Just as you are – you are valuable, worthy, and wanted.

You ARE beautifulbecause you are unique. God made you just the way you are. Go out and be all that you can be today;knowing that there is beauty woven in every fiber of your being.

You Will Not Steal My Joy!

2012-01-12T09:40:00.002-07:00

I can’t tell you how many times lately, that I’ve been in afairly good mood and then dwelling on something in particular, has made my joyevaporate into thin air. Before I know it, I’m downright bummed and blue.

And I did it to myself.Sort of. Satan started it, whispering his negative, unwelcome thoughts into myhead. I just ran with it.

I sat one day at the computer and realized how many hours ofjoy he had stolen from me. And I had lethim. I just sat there and listened to all the “woes” and “why not’s” and“it’s not fair” thoughts that he was gushing into my brain and heart.

My glad far tooeasily turned into sad. I quickly lost sight of my smile and found a frownwith the things that weren’t quite “right” in my day; my world.

I’m so glad I have arock to stand on. If I had built my home on sinking sand, I’d be in extradouble trouble. For I’ve clung to that rock so many times. Every time I turnaround to grab onto it, I’m quickly reminded of who I am in Christ. Where I’vecome from, and how blessed I am. How loved. How listened to and valued.Complete contradictory thoughts than the ones that Satan spews into my ears.

Spiritual battles arevery real. I’ve lived them. I’vefelt them. I know that we cannot be complacent about having our armor on orbeing aware of what is going on with us and around us. Joyis not something that our enemies want us to live out.

We, however, can live joyful lives even in the midst ofnot-so-perfect situations. We can reject the whispers and times we are temptedto dwell on those things that bring us down or pull us away from what ispositive in our lives. We can refuse to allow any time in our lives to bestolen away in this quest of ours where we demand fairness in our “why not” or“it’s not fair” situations.

When things aren’t quite right, we can still tilt our headupward and smile – knowing the One who has it all in His capable hands willwalk through every detail with us.

I don’t want to be a victim to Satan’s attacks or histricks. I don’t want to be an easy target for him to steal joy or happinessfrom my heart, life, or face. It may be a fight at times, but I’m in it to winit. Are you?

Satan, you will not steal my joy. You will not steal my blessings.

For they are gifts from God. Gifts I have every intention of keeping.

The Responsibility of Raising Children

2012-01-09T13:38:00.001-07:00

Raising children ishard. It’s a deep joy, an unending blessing, and a gift…but still hard.

The responsibility and weight that is on my shoulders neverstrays far from my mind. When something comes up, I have to look at the bigpicture. I can’t just look at today, or “now.” I can’t just wave away an issueas a “small deal” when I know that in the big scheme of things that “smalldeal” is not so small at all. It was a beginning. A change. Awin or a loss for their very souls, sometimes.

You can never takethe easy way out when you are raising kids. “Easy” at the time ends up to be heartache later on. “Easy” never wins. Intentional effort,time given, commitment, stamina, staying the course….those win.

Raising children islife changing. Nothing may ever quite humble you the same, like a child.Nothing may ever break your heart the same way a child can break your heart.Nothing may ever give you deeper joy – than your child.

As my children get older, I see the clock ticking away. Isee the time and how it was so short. ItIS so short. I see how the window is closing in on how I may influence themand mold them. And I see their own personalities, character qualities, andvision developing and taking hold of them. I see just how important and crucialevery day is. How the words I use, the thoughts I process, the reactions Igive, and the love I lavish on them, is affecting them. They are eitherstronger or weaker because of my direction and my choices as I’ve parentedthem.

When you first look down at that little baby, you think youwill do anything for them. Then when that first hurdle comes into your life,it’s so tempting to give in and let it go. It’s “nothing” you think. They’llovercome. They won’t be affected by it. They’ll turn out okay.

Life shows you differently. Not everyone turns out okay. Not everyone escapesunscathed.

No, you have to be intentional. Responsible. Visionary.Loving. Forgiving. Humble. And you have to learn when to let go. When to let go and when to hold on. Maybe one of the toughest lessons of all.When to say ‘yes’ and when to (more importantly) sometimes say ‘no.’

This is the world and the responsibility of a parent.Finding the strength to know how to play it right. Easy? No, no one ever said parenting was easy. But ifyou invest your heart and stay the course even when it’s tough….it’s worthevery second.

No, you can’t become a parent on a whim. It takes greatstrength. But out of strength comes beauty.

Always.

Until.....

2012-01-07T16:28:00.002-07:00

I had a thought recently about an attitude of mine. I washoping for some changes to happen in a certain area of my life. God had been speaking to me about beingcontent in the situation I was in and where I was currently at.

I thought I was content.

I realized, however, that I was telling myself I wouldn’t be contentuntil….such and such happened.

I will be happy right now until that moment in time…

I can hang in there until…..

I’ll love my life/situation until it changes….

Until.

That was wrong of me. Yes, it’s good to be happy and content and to allow myself to be used byGod, “until.” But it’s not enough. God wants ALL of my heart. He wants ALL ofmy obedience. He wants ALL of my pride. So, I have to be content and happy PASTthe until. Because sometimes the “until” never happens.

I may never reach the point in time where the “until”transforms into the change I’m seeking.

I may have to hang in there not longer – but for foreverbecause there is no “until” there is only “always.”

I may need to make the choice to love my life/situation not“until” it changes but in spite of it NOT changing.

Yes. Sometimes the “until” doesn’thappen. It doesn’t come.

That is true commitment. True faith. True obedience.

We can still hope for a change and pray for a change. But we need to make thechoice to be joyful knowing that a change may not come.

If we wait “until” we are limiting ourselves. Nevercompletely submitting all of ourselves because we know we only have to give somuch until something better (in our mind) comes along.

That is true sacrifice and humility. And only true joy and happiness will comein the midst of that kind of a heart’s willingness to be the best we can be forGod whether or not we ever get our “until’s”…..

Christmas In Las Vegas

2012-01-05T13:09:00.006-07:00

Our family escaped this year. We took off for Christmas andleft the icebox that I call Idaho and flew to Las Vegas.

It was my husband’s idea. To go somewhere not too far away –but somewhere where we could be a little bit warmer.

I have never ever gone somewhere for Christmas before and itwas such a blast. Our family always has a ball together, but I felt so relaxed!It took some burdens and responsibilities off of my shoulders for the holidayand it was wonderful.

We packed some stockings and a few stuffings, a couple of gifts and we wereoff. We didn’t go “all out” for Christmas because the trip was a gift in and ofitself – plus we knew we’d come home with a few souvenirs of our time there.

We did a ton of walking and a ton of browsing. We laughed.We ate. We took a couple drives. It was so refreshing.

I think we are all going through withdrawals being back homein the bitter cold. But we have to focus on our blessings. And Las Vegas (asstrange as it may sound) was a blessing. The sunshine, the palm trees, thegorgeous view from our motel deck, the rest, and exercise – the time away fromdemands and responsibilities – so wonderful.

Sometimes it just takes a different location and change ofscenery to help clear your focus and sift out priorities in your heart. Thathappened for me. And as I enter 2012, I’m asking God for some BIG answers.

Are you? Go ahead – ask Him. He is a BIG God with a BIG heart. Together, we canseek His guidance and watch expectantly for His love and favor to bless us inways we couldn’t even fathom.

I’m ready to see His hand move in mylife.

Full Of Life

2012-01-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter loves her music. When we get in the carand are going somewhere, usually she will grab the controls of my Ipod. Shewill play her favorite “rockin’ out” tunes. And she makes me smile. I look overat her and her mouth is singing as wide as it can belt the song out, her headis flippin her red hair back and forth, and she is dancing as much as shepossibly can in that seat with her head tilted back taking all the “vibe” ofthe music in.

How could you not smile watching that? She is so full of life. So full of excitement. She is ready (asmost teenagers are) to take on the world.

Do you remember that feeling? The feeling that you could go out and do anything– be anything? Whydo we lose that as we age? Why do we get so jaded by life?

Life is tough. Itcan deal us some nasty blows along the way. But life is also so full of – LIFE!It has so much adventure in it! If there’s one thing I’ve learned by beingaround youth it is that they help keep me young. They help me feel youthfuleven though I keep getting another year older. They have so much to teach us –or maybe just things that we need to relearn!

We are alive for areason. We are breathing for areason. Who cares if someone in another car sees us jamming out to our favoritesong from the 80’s? Who cares if we attempt to ride a scooter and fallmiserably on our behind? Laughter is good for the soul. Teens know that!

A big part of life isabout trial and error. Something that our youth are constantly involved in.They are experimenting with who they are, what they like, and what they wantout of life. They are vibrant, active, and energetic. I admire them for thatand I want to help them embrace that.

If I can rediscover that part of me from years ago – thatpart of me that had endless dreams, optimism galore, and fun around everycorner – if I can do that despite the demands of parental responsibilities,financial obligations, and the problems of life…I think I will have discoveredsomething timeless. I think I will have truly tapped into something specialthat most people somehow lose as they grow up.

And then, I will know how to live life with my arms wideopen – saying “come at me world! I’m ready to take you on!”

This is real living! And I want to feel full.

Just To See a Smile

2012-01-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Do you know how wonderful it is to see someone smile?

I was reminded of this today when a perfect stranger heldopen the door for me as I was leaving Target. And she smiled a genuine,friendly smile. It was so wonderful.

I see so many intense faces these days. A smile is like light.

When my children have been battling challenges and trials oftheir own at school or during sports – when something works right or they areable to overcome – and I see that smile on their face? Oh, how healing andmagical it is!

I’ve found that when I’m especially grumpy and somethingmakes me smile; it immediately lightens my heart and my mood. Don’t think so?Try it. Smile. You can’t help but feel it. It doesn’t solve everything and itdoesn’t heal everything – but it helps.

Just to see a smile…some days it’s the best thing ever. Tosee children smiling in pure content and happiness. To see a baby smile for thefirst time. To see an older couple smile at the memory of something that youknow brings dear feelings to their heart. To see a young couple smile in loveat one another, or to see a stranger smile as they help out their fellow man.Smiles bring something to the table that is needed. Wanted.

Look around you. Don’t get so busy thatyou forget to smile. Or you forget to see someone smiling at you.

For it may just transform you.

Building a Heritage of Prayer

2011-12-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Spiritual legacies are so important. That thought really drilled into my heart when my grandpa passed away in 2009. I realized how blessed I was to have a Godly man as a grandparent and someone whom left me a great legacy and heritage. I saw (and heard) how he came to know Christ and was amazed at how one choice affected several generations. You see, the fact that he accepted Christ and decided to live a life for the Lord affected my father. The same thing happened on my mother’s side of the family. Her father was also a Godly man whom I lost far too soon when I was only in the 5th grade. But again, his decisions and choices to walk for the Lord affected my mom. Both of my parent’s faith in turn affected me. Now, I am trying to “live it out” and instill a strong sense of faith in my own children. Generation to generation to generation.

Sometimes we see life so much in the “now.” We forget to look into the past to see maybe why we are the way we are and we also forget to look into the future.

I pray for my children and my spouse. And of course I pray for the spouses who will one day enter their lives. But do I pray for my future grandchildren or my great grandchildren? That’s something I’m giving more thought and intention to these days.

My grandparents told me shortly before the passing of my grandpa that they prayed for me every day. EVERY DAY. You know what? I don’t even know now what they prayed or how they prayed but it’s enough to touch my heart that they prayed. And who knows how God is continuing to answer those prayers even now? We look for such immediate responses that we can often forget that some answers may take years or even generations to unfold!

God made promises in the Bible that some generations never saw the answers to. But that didn’t mean He didn’t answer. In fact, He did. He always kept His word. For ours is a faithful God. So I can know that if I pray for a grandchild or a great grandchild that God hears my prayers – especially if those prayers are aligned with His heart and His will.

I may not be around to see my great grandchildren or my great great grandchildren. But they will come from me and will be a part of me. And I want to leave a mark and an impression that long outlasts my life. I want them to be men and women of integrity and great faith. What a gift I can give them if I would dedicate myself to praying for them!

Our prayers are powerful. We can build such a heritage if we will only call upon the name of the Lord. What a simple thing to do for those we claim to love so deeply.

Blog archives, December 31, 2009

Living a "Safe" Life

2011-12-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking and pondering lately on life. A tough economy can cause you to think about a lot of things. Not only that, ever since I became a parent I have deeply dealt with life issues in my heart and head.

As a woman, there are certain “core” issues in life that matter greatly to me and I think; to most women. My safety and security is one of those “core” issues that matter to me.

I think most women have this innate need to feel protected. To know that they are safe and that their needs are met. And when we become a mom, this need only multiplies because we want to be safe so that our children don’t lose a parent, and we want our children to be safe!! It’s a BIG thing for us.

But God has been speaking to my heart in the last year about some of my fears. “Fear is not of the Lord,” you see. I can strive to be wise, discerning, live a balanced life and make the most of what I’m given… but that’s about all I have control over. The rest will happen whether I’m afraid or not.

I think that the Lord WANTS us to take risks. I think He DESIRES for us to go out there and live life to the full – taking a chance or two here and there. That doesn’t mean we should be stupid and squander all of our money, jeopardize our lives (or those near and dear to us), or be ignorant of the needs around us. But I do think it means to live life passionately and to make the most of our time here. For time can’t be bought back. Once a moment is gone… it’s gone forever.

Living a “safe” life is what WE are about. I don’t think it’s what my Lord is about. Safety is important to us. But to Him, saving lost souls is important.

We can isolate ourselves into a nice little life of “safe” living. But by doing so, we are just simply going through the routine and motions of life. We aren’t making a difference in any one else’s.

Of course I don’t want my children to lose a parent. Of course I don’t want anything to happen to them. That’s because of my great love for them. But just imagine how great God’s love is for the whole world and how many of HIS children are out there hungry, cold, alone, needy, and lost because it’s too “risky” or “unsafe” for us to go help them?

If everyone was afraid to go into the poorest part of town, who would reach those people for the Lord? Who would love them and care for them? If everyone were afraid to fly, who would go to parts of the world that needed help after Tsunamis, epidemics, and violence? If everyone kept their children in private Christian schools or home schools, who would minister to those precious children in the public education system? If we only socialized with Christians or those who go to our church, what would happen to our neighbors, or our co-workers?

I still deal with fears. I’m human. I still struggle to have courage in certain situations. But I believe that God wants me to LIVE for Him, not just be “safe” for Him. Because being safe is really just for me.

Blog Archives, February 23, 2009

Is Anything Too Hard For Our Lord?

2011-12-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel tired, stressed out, beaten up, worn out, or bruised? Life tends to run us over sometimes doesn’t it? As a mom, there are so many days where we don’t feel that pretty. Our lives encompass a lot of “duty” in them. When we do tasks like laundry, cleaning toilets, making the bed, and sweeping – we don’t feel that glamorous. And then there are those single parents that don’t have a spouse to rely on to give them a break when they are worn out. There is the working mom who is juggling both her work and home environment. No one set of circumstances has all of the answers or perfect solutions to a life that won’t leave you feeling stressed out or tired at times. Its just “Life” – all of it will bring these feelings upon us at times.

I think of Genesis 18:14 where it says, “Is nothing too hard for our Lord?” and it brings me comfort. It reminds me of the God who molded and shaped beautiful hills and mountains with His own hand. It reminds me of a God who can bring plagues, raise someone from the dead, and part the sea.

If God can do miracles and do things that we don’t even dare think of, can’t He also help me get through a tough day? Can’t He help me fix something that is broken, find time to fit in my necessary chores, give me a few hours of much-needed sleep, or keep me safe? Can’t the God who helped David beat Goliath, the God who gave Esther the courage to save her people at the risk of death, also give me the strength I need to not yell at my children when I feel overwhelmed? Can’t He help me find the time to love on my children after a full day at work? I believe He can. I KNOW He can.

So often we forget that God cares about the details of our daily lives. I think we tend to ask for the BIG things because He is a BIG God. We may not think He cares about our laundry piles, broken dishwasher, or ant problem. But He does. He cares about them because He cares about us. NOTHING is too hard for our Lord. He is the best problem solver around!

God wants to get personal with us. He wants us to come to Him with things we think are silly or insignificant – yet things that are concerns or issues for us. He wants to amaze us and show us just how much He loves us. Just as you desire to show your children how much you love them!

We will have bad days. We will have moments where we just want to crash. But, we can be encouraged and remember in those moments and on those days that nothing is too hard for our Lord. Give Him a chance to show you just what He wants to do for you in your life. You’ll feel so wrapped up in His love, if you do. It just takes a little faith.

~ Blog Archives, March 31, 2008

Let Your Man Be Strong

2011-12-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

There is a movement in homes today. One that I see canpossibly be very harmful. It is the movement of the woman becoming the “head ofthe household.” She may not claimthat she is, but she is.

Women are natural controllers. We are! We like to controlour children’s behaviors, the clutter within our homes, what time we eat, WHATwe will eat, where we will go, our daily schedules and so much more. Withoutbatting an eyelash, oftentimes, our control extends to our husbands. We tend tobelittle them and emasculate them a little.

Our men are made just as God wanted them. We should not tryto change them – yet pray for them and ask that God only enhance theirstrengths and whittle away at their weaknesses. Mind you, the things that Godsees as weaknesses may not be the same things WE see as weaknesses! And we need to allow them to be thehead of the household.

It is a gift and a blessing to be able to nurture and carefor our spouses. They would moveheaven and earth for us, if allowed to! We can enjoy their strength and thesolidarity that it brings to our lives.

When our homes are functioning the way that God intended them to, we can“feel” the rightness in it all. If we are trying to control things, it onlytweaks everything out of proportion. Our husbands resent us for it, we areirritated and demanding because we don’t see them as sitting in the positionthat God intended for them and life just doesn’t live out the way that it’ssupposed to.

I’ve learned that as much as I try, I can never controlanother person. They have free will and free choice. It is more in my bestinterest to learn how to live out by example and influence by my positivewords, actions, love, and life than it is to ever force someone to do or be acertain way. Usually when I go at life in this approach I only harm therelationship or create resentful feelings.

Women – we need to fight against the world telling us thatin order for our lives to be right we need to do things ourselves. We need tolearn to let our men be strong for us and be the warriors that God intended forthem to be. All they need is for us to give them a chance. They truly want torise up and be an authentic man and we often get in their way and hinder theminstead of being an asset in their lives.

Give your man a chance. Learn to relinquish that strongholdof control that you try to keep such a tight reign on in your home. It’s trulyfreeing to give up some of that responsibility that is not meant to weigh onyour shoulders. Realize the value, importance, and reward that is to be foundin YOUR position and watch how God can weave everyone together to function asHe intended. You’ll all win if working on the same team instead of fightingamongst yourselves for the head position and you’ll each learn how your rolewas meant distinctly for you. No one else can fill those shoes but the personfor which they were meant.

~ Blog archives, March 21, 2008

The Energy Of A Hug

2011-12-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

I'm going to be stepping away from my blog until after the New Year. Time for me to be with my family and enjoy their preciousness in all the freedom and joy that it brings.

But never fear - there will still be words for you to read! I'm going to be re-hashing and re-using a few of my old posts on here. You might have missed one of them!

Enjoy. :)

~ Dionna

The Energy of a Hug

I have always been a hugger. I love hugs and how they make me feel on the inside. I never really thought about what it was that a hug gave me emotionally until one day recently when my daughter put it all into perspective for me. She told me that she needed some energy and she came to me with arms wide open and encircled my waste, giving me a huge, long hug. When she felt better and had a smile on her face, she went on her way, saying, “I have energy now!”

Hug = energy. That is so true! I know how much a hug can fill up an empty tank that I have on days when I’m feeling blue, low on self-esteem, or just “blah.” It also makes sense why, when my husband and I are having an argument or a disagreement that I tell him that I really need a hug at that moment. It’s because I feel low and need something to refuel and recharge me. That “something” is a hug.

I think hugs are more powerful than we realize. They can give someone the motivation they need to go on, they can encourage a heart that has been bruised and battered, and they can heal. A hug is a powerful energizer!

As a mom, there are so many days where our energy can get low, we can get stressed and we struggle with feeling tired or overwhelmed. Have you tried giving or getting a hug to help you get through those days? I encourage you to do just that. My daughter taught me that a hug can go a long, long way.

~ From the blog archives, February 13, 2008

Words of Wisdom From My Grandpa

2011-12-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

I came across this video today. I took it about 2 1/2 years ago when I drove to Oregon to say "goodbye" to my grandpa. When I mean, "say goodbye" - I mean - he had two weeks to live. He was 90 years old and had been diagnosed with a very fast, very aggressive cancer.

This was taken on my very last breakfast with my grandpa. I miss him a lot but his strong faith continues to be an example to me.

Wise words.

Making Your Family That Much Better

2011-12-19T10:59:00.001-07:00

How can you make your family better… stronger? And has thateven been one of your goals?

It’s so easy to gothrough life on cruise control. We’re doing the basic functions of life -making dinner, doing laundry, giving our kids a bath, taking them to and fromschool, making sure homework is done, going to church, cleaning the yard….youget the idea. We do what needs to be done.

But what needs to be done on the “inside” of our family? Thepart that doesn’t always show itself? Are there areas that need to be improvedand bettered?

Always.

We can overlookcritical and important parts of the hearts and souls of those precious beingswe are raising, if we aren’t careful. We can view that tug of war aboutkeeping their room clean as the main battle, when the real battle is somethingthat may be going on internally.

We can see our husband’s indifference to our needs asselfish when in reality, something deeper is stirring that needs and begs forus to pay attention to it.

Are our kids strong? Not strong in physical strength butstrong in self esteem, morals, and values. Are our kids flourishing? Not in their own pride and ego butin generosity, humility, and kindness. Do our kids need more time with us totalk and share… or more space? Do they need to hear we accept them just as theyare…. Or are they begging for us not to say anything at all and just back offfor once?

And how can we improve ourselves? As a mom? A wife, and a woman?What little quirks and habits do we really need to begin to work on for our ownbetterment and the betterment of our family as a whole?

Family life can always beimproved. There are always “holes” and things we miss, overlook, orfail to understand. If we can take one at a time, and work on improving it,bettering it and working with each person’s natural personalities and character– what an exciting way to strengthen bonds and growth in each person’s life!What a wonderful way to arm your family with every tool it needs to face theworld each day.

Flexibility andattitude go a long way in a family. Be a team and work with each other tomake each other better – and stronger.

We Like to Take the "Surprise" Out Of It

2011-12-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

I have many prayer requests that I bring to God. Some, I bring on my knees. Others, Ijust lay before Him in my heart. But all of them are important enough to me toask Him for help, guidance, wisdom, and sometimes rescue.

As with many of our prayer requests, time goes on. You praymore frequently. You pray harder – maybe you even “fast.” The intensity grows. Time still goes on. Some of us decide theanswer is “no” and we either ease up in our prayers or we quit altogether. Wegive up hope. Others of us still pray, but not quite as fervently. Our passion has simmered. And evenothers of us decide that the quiet calm of hearing nothing isn’t good enough.We need to solve things on our own. And off we go.

We are controllers.We like things in neat, solvable packages. Wedon’t handle the unknown very well. We don’t like to embark on “risk”without knowing there is a way out, an escape, or a rescue that will happen.

I should know. I am one of you. I don’tlike to head out into the unknown. Ihave to know what I’m facing. I like details and a clear picture. Myquestions need answers and I need to feel safe.

Often, God knows my heart and in His great love for me, Hebends down and wraps up my neatly tied questions with clear-cut answers for me.He knows it brings me great security. But more often than that, He doesn’t. Heis quiet.

There have been times where I’ve doubted and wondered at thelack of an answer. “Is God not happy with me?” “Is my heart in the wrong place?” “Does He care about this?”

But God drew my attention to something I read recently andput a whole new perspective on this issue for me. He showed me that sometimesHis quiet response to my seeking has nothing to do with how He feels about thesubject, or me. Sometimes, it may simply be that He wants to surprise me.

We often like to rob God of that delight and pleasure. Thejoy of a parent surprising their child out of love. We want things socontrolled, so answered that we forge ahead without being patient long enoughto see just what His power and great love for us can do. We grow weary of waiting. We lose hope. We lose faith in Him.

I love it when Godchooses to surprise me. It is so exhilarating and brings such deep, deepthankfulness and appreciation to my heart. It makes me feel loved and itreminds me of who and what I’m living for.

God does say “no” to us sometimes. But sometimes, He mayjust be keeping a secret from us. One that needs a little more time before itcan be unveiled into a great big, lavish surprise. I don’t want to regretblowing that or ruining that moment for Him – or me. Do you?

Let us not lose heart. Let us notgrow weary. Our God is FOR us.

You Just Never Know

2011-12-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

You just never know.

Sometimes I write an article that I think is great. It camefrom the heart and flowed beautifully. I think everyone will be as impacted oras encouraged as I dreamed they would be. But they’re not. The article goeslargely unnoticed with little fanfare or comment.

Other times, I write a piece that I’m not sure is very good.People come out of the woodwork and really relate to what I’ve written and I’msurprised, but delighted that simply being “real” in a quick piece, hit a chordwith someone.

Life is like that.

You just never knowwho or when you will do something to impact someone else.

I heard it said once that oftentimes, the things we do toimpact someone else the most, we’ll never know about. It may seem like a smallchoice or decision or simply sticking to something we believed in. But we willoftentimes not know till years later or even not know at all. The impact mayonly show fruit after we pass away.

Then there are those times where we make a big, bold move thinking it’s alife-altering move and it just fizzles. Nothing happens – before or after we’regone. It didn’t have as huge of an effect as we thought it would.

That’s life.

That’s why being authentic is so important. It’s important tolive out our callings. We just never know what the “moment” will be forsomeone else.

Loving, living, and being who God intended us to be meanseverything. Obedience is everything.

You may feel like what you do and who youare doesn’t matter. You may get tired of the trivial or think that simplyholding fast to your values doesn’t matter much to anyone else. But you justdon’t know….

Stay in the race.Stand firm. Rise up. Be faithful.

God has you where youare for a reason. And He will use you when and where He wants to. He mostespecially likes to do it when you’re not all “hung up” on yourself or what youTHINK you are doing that is so great. So simply persevere. Live, love, laugh, and be diligent.

For you just never know….

*First published at Everyday Christian - June 2011

The Heart of a Cowboy

2011-12-12T13:15:00.001-07:00

My dad and I both have a love for western things. For me,it’s more about the look and feel that they bring to life. I love how deerantlers and a pair of cowboy boots strategically placed as “decoration” in ahome, can somehow give off the vibe of “comfort” and “ease.” They kind of say“kick off your shoes, relax, and be yourself here with me.”

My dad likes western décor, as well. But his love also extends to cowboy moviesand he reads a lot of books about cowboys.

I love that about him. To me, it says alot about his character.

When I look at the origins of a “cowboy” – to me, itrepresents a hard working man. Someone who usually stood up for the law, andsomeone who radiated strength. No feminizing this man – he was a man’s manthrough and through. Yet he knew how to respect and treat a lady.

I miss that kind of man. We need moreof them around.

I think our men have changed a lot over the years, in part,because we have pushed for it. Instead of letting them be the “wild,” “rugged”men that they were created to be, we started to control their environments andpush them towards what we thought would be better for them. We contained them –like a lion or a tiger in a cage.

But there’s something in a man that cannot be contained –ever. You can change the outside of him, but inside he’s a man and he has aman’s heart. Just like you can’t change a woman. The wishes and dreams thatlive on in a little girl or a little boy – even if fragmented by life stilllive on in that adult form. Ithink it’s that “part” of a man that draws him to action movies, the knight whocomes in to rescue the maiden…and cowboys. It’s that “part” that we shouldencourage in him. For men like to be strong, they like to feel like they have whatit takes to conquer the land (or the kitchen sink) and they like to take careof their women. It’s what makes themfeel like a man.

Whether it’s a piece of driftwood that can be carved orsanded into a beautiful piece of artwork, or an animal skin that is hung on awall – these pieces of native creation and representation of the land that Godhas given us are stunning reminders of the beauty that exists in its naturalstate. And it’s good to remember that we are beautiful in our natural state aswell.

So encourage that “cowboy” in your son – the part that wants to lock up the badguys and rescue the town. For it’s thatpart that is God-given and God-intended.

Spending Our Lives Helping Others

2011-12-10T11:36:00.001-07:00

It is God himself who has made uswhat we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago heplanned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2:10 (LB)

Ever since I was young, my heart has desired to love onand help others. I’ve always been people-oriented. I helped in a nursing hometemporarily, wanted to be a candy striper, was a special education assistantand more. It was just something I felt drawn to…helping others.

At first I thought this was just my personality. And I guess, in part, it was.But now I see that it is also a God-given calling. We were created to spend our lives helping each other.

Some of us are “behind-the-scenes” types. Others of usdon’t mind being out there in front. Regardless of our personalities, I thinkalmost every single one of us feels fulfilled and blessed when we can in turn,bless someone else. Whether it’s by fixing something, painting something,dropping off groceries or other more “behind-the-scenes” type jobs – or –whether it’s hands-on spending time with someone else talking to them andencouraging them…we are all called.

We all will be in a position at some point to be able to give,and to also need to be given to. We are here for each other. Toencourage, uplift, love, support, and physically help. God made us this way. He put us here and He made us capable ofhelping each other through life.

So although I already enjoyed helping other people; I nowfeel a new sense of conviction about it knowing that my Heavenly Father placedthat desire inside of me. And knowingthat He knew I could fulfill the task. It’sthe best way to spend my time.

Northern Vs. Southern Sayings

2011-12-08T12:52:00.001-07:00

We live in Idaho. All the way over to the right of us____---------________---------------______________ we have dear friends wholive in Georgia.

When we get together, one of our favorite things to do is totalk about how we talk. We love their Southern accent and expressions. It’s sofascinating how we can all live in the U.S. and yet see and say things sodifferently.

For example – when we go to the grocery store, we put ourthings into a “cart.” In Georgia? They call it a “buggy!”

When you are thirsty here in the Northwest, you get a drinkout of a “drinking fountain.” In the south it’s a “water fountain.”

If you need help? Well, simple, right? You call the police!Nope! They call the “law!”

One of our favorites was when we were being given directionsto go somewhere as we were driving around in Georgia. We were told to go to the“red light” and turn. We inquired, “What if it’s green?” ha ha They call all traffic lights “red lights.” Whenwe explained that we call them “stop lights?” Their response was, “What if it’sa GO light?”

What I call my “expensive” shoes in the South they call“high dollar” shoes.

A purse? My friends call it a pocketbook. It took me a fewminutes to figure out that one – I thought they meant their checkbook orwallet!

I say, “I’m getting ready to…” they say, “I’m fixin to…”

We drink “pop.” They drink “coke.” Doesn’t matter if it’sDr. Pepper, Root Beer or Pepsi – it’s all called “coke.” Can be a little confusingif you are a coke lover like my husband!

We have earwigs here in Idaho. In Georgia, they have fireants. (And I got bit by one – it hurts!) We all just figured the bugs we dealtwith were everywhere in the U.S. Not so.

It’s good to remember that not everyone deals with life inthe same way. We all have different challenges and adventures. Differentstrengths and weaknesses.

We are all the same.And yet we are different. We seelife the same – yet through different lenses. We are better because of oneanother.

And I love it.

What a wonderful worldGod has given us.

Just Relax

2011-12-06T14:44:00.001-07:00

We have a lot of expectations in our lives. We expectcertain things out of our spouses, our children, our friendships, and ourchurches. We have been groomed to expectcertain things for ourselves.

We can get so very tense when anything goes slightlydifferent than our “plan.” As parents, we can get irritated and frustratedquickly when our children slow us down, spit up all over their clean outfit, ordo anything that deviates from the schedule we’d laid out in our heads.

We get in a hissy fit when our church changes the style ofmusic it plays or drops a program from the schedule. Likewise, we put a lot ofdemands on our friendships and relationships.

There are certaincodes of conduct that should always be maintained in life. Honesty, respect,compassion, courtesy. But sometimes the plain and simple fact is that we aretoo uptight. We’d enjoy people andcircumstances so much better if we could simply learn to relax! Flexibility is a great trait and itserves us well in life because we can adapt to situations much better. And lifeis all about throwing adventures and curve balls our way!

If we can talk to ourselves internally and prepare ourselvesto handle things that may be out of our control, we will have a better outlookand attitude when they occur. We cannot control everything in our environment.In fact, we are lucky if we can control a few things in our environment. Ourstresses and frustrations will ease off of our shoulders if we can relax moreoften and let ourselves accept those inconveniences and issues that aren’t inour “plan.” Oftentimes, great lessons andmoments are to be found in the unplanned!

I know when I decide ahead of time to make the choice tohave a flexible and relaxed attitude, I enjoy things much more. I can laugheasier, smile more, and realize that sometimes I pick battles where battlesshould not be picked.

In short, I’m happierwhen I lay my pride and my “demands” to the side and let life just naturallyhappen.

Being and feelinginternally relaxed is more about a choice of the heart than it is about anoutward appearance. It’s simply about being bendable, workable, andadaptable. I want those qualitiesto be said about me. How about you?

Why Are People So Rude?

2011-12-04T12:37:00.001-07:00

I wonder. Why do people have to be rude? Like, when you areenjoying someone or something and you make a comment and someone has to inserta comment that makes you feel…well…either small or silly.

It’s obvious they did it on purpose. They wanted to “one-up” yourconversation or moment. And I really, really hate that.

Why is it that peopleget joy out of ruining someone else’s sunshine? Why do people feel the need to mar someone else’sexcitement?

I think it’s because of insecurity.

For whatever reasons we hold inside, we are insecure. Wefeel left out at times, overlooked, underappreciated, or maybe – just plainjealous, because we aren’t that confident in who we are as people. So we“insert” that word, that phrase, that little “barb” that we KNOW will get undersomeone else’s skin.

However you look at it….it comes down to the fact that it’s really just notvery nice.

And do you want to be a “not-very-nice” kind of person? Iknow I don’t!

We are not bigger people just because we made someone else feel small. We arenot better or smarter people because we exposed someone else’s error or madethem feel silly. We just aren’t. In fact, we’d only be bigger, better, andsmarter people if we let those things go WITHOUT drawing attention tothem. That’s what would elevateus.

We can all choose a higher road. It’s just that most of thetime, we let our feelings get the best of us. And we just HAVE to say that“thing.” We HAVE to insert that comment.

All it will do is backfire on our image.

So maybe we can give it some more thought next time. Sit onit awhile. And decide that insteadof being rude and saying what we could leave unsaid…that we will be theclassier person and let that thought go.

In the process, we just might find our self esteem grow a little bit. Becauseit’s just never nice to not be nice.

Exactly Who You Are Is Just Enough

2011-12-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

When the world says you don’t have what it takes, do youknow that you are enough?

We have all gone through those times where we felt like wejust didn’t measure up. Those times make us feel so small.

Those are the times where we often dig deep. Writing into our journals orworking fervently creating some sort of beautiful something that God has giftedus to create. Sometimes we turn to food for our comfort or shopping. Maybe wedrown ourselves with the wrong people or isolate ourselves all together. It’sall done to medicate ourselves and somehow try to fill that well inside of usthat feels so empty.

The world can tell us we don’t have what it takes. We don’thave the right image. The right talents. The right personality. It can see whenwe try so hard to give of ourselves in order to be loved – and it can takeevery last ounce of our efforts from us….leading us on, only to reject us andspit us out in the end. And that leaves us feeling so low and so unworthy.

I’m here to tell you that the world is wrong. Those “others”in your life – they are wrong.

You ARE beautiful. YouARE worthy. You ARE loveable and you DO have what it takes. You were made to be exactly who you are.Sure, maybe you can improve on certain areas – but your core identity – that’sYOU. That’s who you are supposed to be. Youhave something to add. Something to give. Something to share. Your opinionDOES matter. You DO have a placein this world.

Exactly who you areis just enough.

Being Happy With Less

2011-11-29T14:34:00.001-07:00

I have an account on Formspring. Basically, it is a place where peoplecan ask you questions. Recentlysomeone asked me what kind of financial advice I would give to a young marriedcouple. Here is my reply:

Thebest financial advice I could give a young married couple is "be happywith less." Oftentimes, young couples want to have or be where someone whohas been married 15 or 20 years is. But those couples have worked for years tobe where they are and to have what they have!   I remember when I first gotmarried, we had a fold-up card table as our kitchen dining table and we used myold hope chest as a coffee table. And we were happy. Completely happy becausethey were OUR things and it was OUR place. Even if our first home was anapartment.   

Be happy with less.   With that beingsaid, be wise. Look at where your money is going. Chances are there issomething you have a hard time giving up. Is it clothes, eating out, movies???In order to get ahead as a couple, you need to sacrifice.   Ask advice fromparents or older couples who seem to be managing their money wisely. It mayseem humbling, but honestly, most couples start out struggling and lookingback, those are very tender-building years. I'm willing to bet that mostparents would be more than happy to share what they've learned along the way tohelp you avoid some pitfalls! Just because it seems like they couldn'tunderstand your struggles based on where they are now, doesn't mean that they'venever been there.   There is so much more that can be said on this topic. Butif you follow the general rule of "be happy with less" - I think itwill help you focus on where you are, and where you need to be. Hard work trulypays off in the long run. But it takes commitment and time. Everything you earnor get along the way means so much more and is so much more rewarding if you'veworked hard to get there - on your own two feet.

I think the biggest struggle for youngcouples isn’t to simply “meet their basic needs” but it’s this inner struggleof trying to meet the basics and “then some.” It is very hard to truly “sacrifice.” Image is everything nowadays. So everyone wants that car, thathouse, that screen TV, those clothes, and to be able to do the things they’vealways done.

Unless both people in a marriagerelationship are working hard to meet those demands, they will certainly catchup with you quickly!

I’ve seen many times how young couplesdon’t have enough discipline in their own lives but then continually ask thosearound them for help. And this can turn into the cry of “wolf” if couplesaren’t careful. For most families are more than happy to help someone who istruly down on their luck. But if they notice they are being used or taken for granted(or even notice a lack of restraint on your part) you can bet the help will bewithdrawn.

There is nothing wrong with struggle. It teaches youa lot. What feels good is knowing thatyou are making it on your own – without help from others, if possible. Evenif you are extremely tight – at least you’re doing it. Don’t let the “beast” of life – themachine that tells you you’re nobody without certain things dictate how youlive.

You always need to look at the bigger picture. Look down the road. If you want to have a child in a few years,start saving now. If you want to have a home in a few years, start saving now.Don’t wait until the time arrives and then realize you weren’t very wise withyour money in the meantime. Always be saving a little extra for the future.But yes, enjoy life too! Just don’t be reckless.

Starting out in life with a spouse is a great adventure. Have fun – even ifthat means only getting pizza every two months and getting your movies at thelibrary so you can watch them for free. Everythingcan be fun if you have the right attitude.

God Has a Great Way of Keeping Me Humble

2011-11-27T16:56:00.001-07:00

God has a greatway of keeping me humble. Of giving me compassion for others just when I mightbe on the edge of losing empathy.

I’m so thankful He does that in my life. Even if in the moment it’s often notthe most fun. Because that’s the kind of person I want to be – the end resultis that I want to be a humble, compassionate person. And to be honest,sometimes in life, I just lose those qualities. I grow a little harder. Alittle colder. A little less sympathetic. And God needs to remind me of a few things.

God needs to have medeal with health issues in order to feel compassion for those who constantlystruggle with their health.

God shows me how itfeels to be lonely so that I can empathize with the one who is all alone.

God allows some of mywishes and dreams to be dashed on the rocks in order for me to see that I am soblessed. It also shows me that I can’t simply tell someone “Just do it!” Itcan’t always be done.

God shows me in gentleways, and in abrupt ways – how I need to watch my tongue, soften my heart, stopmy judgement, slow my assumptions, and forgive more readily.

I am in need of grace. I have been in need of mercy. I havestuck my foot in my mouth. I have judged. I have had a hardened heart. I havefailed to forgive at times. I have been proud. Yes, I have done and been all ofthese things. Some in moments, some lasting longer.

God doesn’t like to leave me there (for which I am SOthankful!) Just when I think I know something decisively, He shows me howlittle I really knew. Just when I stand my ground in firm decision; He shows mehow much ground I have yet to walk.

For He loves me. That’swhat a Father does. He does what isbest for His child when He knows they have so much more potential to give.

This world can so easily chip away at our character. Without seeing or knowingit, bit by bit, we harden. We turn our back. We ignore. Bit by bit.

I’m so glad my Lord continues to readily soften me. Turn meback around and bend me.

I could always use more compassion, more empathy, and more humility in my heartand in my life.

*Originally published at EverydayChristian.com - August 2011

Soaking In the Moments

2011-11-25T15:09:00.001-07:00

Those moments. Youknow those moments when they come. They are the moments when you stop whatyou are doing and take in your lifeand loved ones. You fully engage in the moment and you smile. You are happy. You are blessed. And you know it. You feel it.

Maybe it’s laying in bed and hearing your teen singing orplaying a musical instrument from their room. Maybe it’s hearing your childrengiggle, laugh, and enjoy each other. Or maybe it’s when one of them is feelinghurt or wounded, and the other one reaches out to them in love.

Sometimes the momentcomes amidst activity. You listen to the sounds in your house and they makeyou happy for you know one day it will be all too quiet. Maybe it comes in the form of realizinghow endearing an action or habit is of someone in your home. You wouldn’t have them any other way.

I love those moments. I love it when Ican “still” myself long enough to realize how much I truly love those momentsand things about the people I cherish. I often close my eyes and just soakthem in.

Oh if we could engage in those moments more often! Those things we often overlook or ignore areoften the very things we will one day miss.

I love to walk by my youngest daughter’s room and see themess on her desk. For it signals that she has been feverishly and creativelyworking on something. I love hearing my oldest daughter sing while she is inthe shower. I love hearing my husband run up and wrestle with the girls andinvite them in to a time of bonding through laughter. I love hearing both of my girls rock out to their favoritetunes in the car or just “hearing” them around me at home. I’m so glad they are here.

These are the momentsI treasure. And there are so many more. So many little things that I clingto. That I love.

I hate that life oftenlures me away from noticing. From relishing. From smiling and loving. And I’m so thankful that God often draws meback to what my heart craves the most. Those special and unique things thatradiate from those who I love the most in this world.

Everyone Needs Someone

2011-11-21T12:18:00.001-07:00

Everyone needs a champion in their corner. Someone who cheers them on and is agreat source of support and encouragement. Unfortunately, for a lot of people in this world, they feel theydon’t have that person. Oftentimes they feel very alone.

We can all offer something to someone. A little bit of cheer. A smile. A hug. A touch.

Why don’t we do it more often? Why don’t we interact alittle bit more with that stranger at the store who looks like they couldreally use a friend? Or that person at church who always slips in and outquietly – unnoticed by most?

Everyone needssomeone.

If you are that “everyone” who really longs for “someone” –don’t despair. Don’t give up. Ask God to bring you that gift in your life. You know, often, we get frustratedbecause we continue to look to the wrong people to fill us up. We try to force something that was not meantto be. Instead, we need tolook in new places for those fresh voices of cheer who can strengthen,reinforce, and uplift us. Maybe it’s a new church. A new social group. A different family member (or someoneoutside of our family altogether.) Sometimes we simply need to be pushed to gooutside of our normal thinking a little bit. We need to reach out a littlebit, in order to be touched.

There are so many people in this world. So many hurting andlonely people. But so many people with huge, giving and loving hearts as well.

Seek out love.Seek out friendship. Seek out kindness. It’sout there. Sometimes we just have to go walking outside the comfort door ofour heart a little bit to find it.

When There Are No Words

2011-11-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I search for something to say. I want to saysomething. Anything.

I feel the words inside yet they won’t bubble out. Theywon’t form complete sentences and I’m not sure what it is I want to say, muchless what it is that I feel.

Then God gently nudges my soul and tells me that maybe Hedoesn’t want me to say anything at all. Hewants me to be still. To be silent. To wait. And to listen.

So often we want an action point. We want a “to do.” But God wants us to pause.

There are times that He purposely allows us to struggle forwords. He purposely pulls thoughts and words out of our reach so that we havetime to sit still. Time to take a break. Time.Time that we would get no other way because we steam forward continually on ourown.

In those moments – in those times – God is still working.Still moving. Still attentive to our needs, our wants, our cares. He simply wants us to slow down. Clearour hearts and heads. Shake off the excess clutter that the world can throwinto our brains and lives and “collect.”

Collect ourselves. CollectHIM.

When there are no words – maybe we strive too hard to findthem. Maybe we work too fast, andstruggle too much to come up with “something” – anything in the quest to moveonward, upward, and forward. We miss themessage. His message. His moment forus.

Next time when there are no words – let it be. Let it go. And let Him invade. When it’s time – HIS TIME – theywill come. And they will be just right.

10 Ways to Truly Enjoy Life

2011-11-17T10:49:00.001-07:00

1. Enjoy that dessert. You don’t have to have 2cookies – but you can totally enjoy one. You don’t have to have a huge piece ofpie or cake, but a small slice hits the spot. And yes, every once in awhilewhen it’s something that is one of your favorite sweet delights – eat the bigpiece.

2. Laugh. Laugh often. Smile. When life gets alittle stretched and ridiculous – laugh about the craziness of it all. It willhelp you relax and put it all in focus.

3. Make time for what you love. If you love to sew,make time for it. Take pictures? Make time for it. Don’t decide you’ll “get toit” after other things. Make your joys apriority.

4. Give. Give something to someone else. It feelsgood. And give often.

5. Becontent with what you have. That small television is good enough. You don’treally need the big one. And the out-of-date washer and dryer? If they arestill running well and getting the job done, you are blessed. A content heartis a joyful heart.

6. Love. Love freely. Love on strangers and love onfamiliar faces. Touch them, hug them, love on them. Love is like a yo-yo. What you give, also comes back to you.

7. Remember to live life like a child. Dance. Playgames. Jump on leaves. Get lost in a book for hours. Put off the chores. Ask questions. Forgive easily.

8. Let it go. Let that grievance go. Let thatstupid driver go. Let the unkind remarks go. Just let it go.

9. Do things. Go to the local fair. Fly to anothercity or a distant land. Take a class. Go to lunch with a friend. Become avolunteer. Do things frequently. It gets you out of the house and into theworld. It gets you out of your own world and into someone else’s….

10. Obeythe Lord. His laws are for our freedomnot to give us chains. Theyspare us from heartache and pain. They provide guidance and they give us focus.

These are just a few things that can help you live a more enjoyable life. Whatwould you add to the list?

What If We Were Made To Be Ordinary?

2011-11-15T14:06:00.001-07:00

I’ve experienced some discouragement in the past year with afew dreams and wishes in my life. It seems I’m on “hold” in some areas of lifeand in others – well, they just aren’t measuring up to expectations. MYexpectations.

The thought occurs to me – what if God doesn’t haveexcellence in mind for our life? What if He simply has “ordinary” on ouragenda?

We grow up being toldwe can be anything we want. Sometimes we are told how special we are andthat someone just “knows” we are going to do great things in life. There can bea great let-down when those great things don’t come to pass. Sometimes, theyare simply “good things.”

I know many people whoare very content to live life quietly. They don’t want the front seat orthe job that gets all the attention. They are joyful simply serving in thebackground. Then there are others who seem to need the accolades, theattention, the recognition. They thrive on it.

We all have dreams.We all have hidden wishes and desires for our lives. A lot of times thosewishes and dreams come attached to some sort of image that we want to live out.Discontent can rush in when we are disillusioned. We never got that basketballscholarship we wanted. Someone else got the promotion at work. Everyone elsewas invited to the BBQ but us. We can feel rejected, not good enough, and alittle (or a lot) lost.

Everyone has these feelings and moments in life. They oftenjust don’t share them because – just like you – they want to be perceived acertain way. But they still have them.

God doesn’t plan that everyone become President. It’s noteveryone’s calling to become famous or wildly wealthy. In fact, most of us areon the path of ordinary. We are normal. Everyday people. Hard working. Common.

But it’s okay. Because those are just words. And they are images that WE see.Reputations that WE give each other. Thegood news is that God sees all of us as special. He has excellence in mindfor every one of us and each one of us holds high esteem in His eyes. Justbecause society doesn’t think that certain jobs or positions in life are worthy– doesn’t mean that God doesn’t. And oftentimes, it’s in the “ordinary” that we learn true humility andcontentment. It’s in those times that we discover our true identity instead ofattaching that identity to someone or something else in life.

We might be on the road to an “ordinary” life. We may nothave grand adventures or amazing peaks and valleys in our life. But we can haverich joys, deep loves, and contentment that flows through our veins. We canfind causes and relationships that surpass any worldly recognition that we mayhave sought.

And just when we least expect it, God may come calling. For it’sthe “ordinary” man and woman that He loves to use the most.

*Originally used at EverydayChristian (August 2011)

It's Just Not Funny

2011-11-13T12:15:00.001-07:00

There are some things I’ve never joked about. Words I’venever uttered.

“Get in the car now, or I’m leaving without you.”

“Yay. The kids are back in school!”

“Anyone want a free kid?”

To me… those thoughts, those words – they just aren’t funny.

I very much wanted to give birth to my children. I very much wanted them.

I pray deeply for my children. I worry about them and I’mprotective.

I enjoy mychildren.

So words that mock who they are as people and how much Ivalue my time with them…well….they just aren’t humorous to me.

I remember when my kids were little and strangers wouldadmire their cuteness in a grocery store. The common thing I heard was, “Whatshelf did you get this one on? Where can I get one?” Or…. “Can I haveone?” I would always emphaticallystate that they were not for sale. Theyweren’t up for grabs.

You see, my children heard me. They heard me take pride in having them in my life. They saw myface and felt my heart. And that’s what I wanted.

My children arepriceless. Precious. They give medeep joy. Sure – they aren’t perfect. We’ve argued. I’ve cried – they’vecried. We irritate one another. But even through those moments, I would neverever joke about getting rid of them. Not for a second.

God gave me a gift when He allowed me to become a mom. I never want to spit in the face of thatgift. I want to be worthy of it….even though I know I’ll never feel trulyworthy. But being a mom and havingchildren is something I asked for and it’s something I take extreme pride in.

I want my children tolive life knowing that they are valued and worthwhile. I never want them tofeel like they were a nuisance, burden, or that my life was more fun when theyweren’t around. My words and attitude can convey that message to them.

My children are irreplaceable in my heart and my life. AndI will never joke about them not having a part of it.

Playing It Safe

2011-11-11T10:39:00.001-07:00

God has been speaking to my heart lately about not trustingHim enough. Which sounds a bit odd because I have had such a strong and steadyfaith ever since I was a little girl. But, yes, that’s exactly what He istelling me.

You see, I’m a “play it safe” kind of girl. I like my comfort zones. And although Ido stretch them at times (when forced), I don’t often “risk.” Let me explain.

I’m a very frugal person when it comes to money. I shopsales and clearance racks and often have a “set” amount in my head that I won’tgo over for jeans, tops, shoes, etc. I always ration my money and have acertain amount left over from payday to payday – just in case. Which sounds smart and wise in theoryright? But by doing this, I don’t often take leaps with my finances and trustthat God will provide. I’m nottalking about spending recklessly, but just trusting Him if something comes up.

Also, when it comes to life – I often play it safe. Whichalso sounds wise in theory. But how can Iexercise my faith and trust that God will take care of me if there is no riskinvolved? When I stay in safe territory, things are controlled so God has no roomto work. No room to show me His deep love for me by providing, rescuing, orshowing off for me.

So although I may have been feeling like my walk with theLord has been steady and unwavering, in reality, sometimes it’s simply been“safe.”

Realizing this doesn’t instantly make me an adventurous person. But it opens myeyes. And it shows me that God wants to work in ways that maybe I’ve shut offfrom Him in the past. The exact thingsthat Satan causes me to fear might be the exact ways that God wants to doamazing things on my behalf. Ineed to re-think my “safe” ways of living and my closed off heart from thosethings that may seem edgy or risky to my heart and I instead, need to trulylisten to see if God is prompting me to go to that unchartered territory.

I need to trust Him with those thingsthat scare me. Otherwise, there really is no sense in me having faith inHim – if I don’t exercise it.

I know my God lovesme. I just need to give Him a chanceto prove it.

This Might Make You Look a Little Silly

2011-11-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

I knew someone once who didn’t care about wrecking his orher image. They just had fun and loved life. They would put on funny outfitsand laughed as everyone laughed with them. They would make funny faces at thekids or try things they’d never tried before – not caring if they lookedfoolish or not. They just enjoyed life.

I want to enjoy life like that. I want to get caught up in the moments presented to me and take advantageof them, not caring if I look a little awkward or funny. I want those around me to enjoy the timethey spend with me. I don’t think that every moment needs to be aboutlaughter and having a built-in “party” but I do think we should soak as much aswe can out of those moments.

If we are presented with a beautiful sunset, let’s soak inand ponder all of life in every moment we have with that sunset. If we have thechance to wrestle or dance with our kids, let’s not pass it up but engage inall the goofiness and fun of the moment that they want to spend with us. Let’s truly soak in life.

We only have so manychances to create a memory with our kids. We only have so many chances to do something out of the ordinary, orto give the gift of love to someone else. Lifegoes by fast. Faster it seems…each year.

I think back as to how many times I passed something up because I didn’t thinkI’d be very good at it. Or I didn’t feel comfortable because I knew I’dprobably be laughed at or I was worried about feeling embarrassed. What if I’d said “So what?” What if I’dgrabbed those chances anyways? Chances are that I would have been laughed at. Imight have been embarrassed. But I also might have felt complete freedom andjoy in experiencing the thrill of a moment. Or a lifetime.

The older I get, the more tired I getabout worrying about my “image.” I grow less and less concerned with whatothers will think of me if I do something silly or goofy. I can laugh as mykids laugh at me. I can see what they see and know that someday, that might bea tender moment and memory for them in the simple fact that I was genuine andlet my walls down.

Yes, I want to be authentic. If that means lookingridiculous sometimes – then that’s going to have to be the way it will go. BecauseI intend on rocking out to music in the car with my kids whether or not thereis a car full of people right next to us. AndI intend on doing many more things on this adventurous road of life.

You know, as I look back on it, I never once thought myfriend was stupid, immature, or ridiculous. Iactually admired him. I thought how great he was to have so much fun inlife. I wished I could feel free to enjoy life’s crazy moments as much as hedid.

Hopefully, that’s alesson learned.

(Enjoy this short video clip of my kids getting me (and our whole van) to act silly with them on our mission trip to Guatemala last June. :))

Capitalizing the "H"

2011-11-07T10:12:00.002-07:00

When I write about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or refer toHim as “Him” – I always capitalize. Always.

It’s a matter of respect for me.

If I speak of a man and say “he” – I don’t capitalize. It’snot that I don’t respect the said individual, it just is that it’s not propergrammar. But when it comes to my Lord and Savior, I always, ALWAYS remindmyself when I’m speaking of Him, that He is Holy. He is my Savior. He is inauthority over me and it’s as if I’m bowing down in my heart to Him when Icapitalize.

To me, it’s almost as if I’m taking His name in vain if I don’t capitalize.

You see, I idolize God. I worship Him. I adore Him. And Inever want to forget that He is my King. That He is powerful. Ruler over ALL.

For me, capitalizing is one small reminder of where my heartlies and to whom I have given it over to.

I Am a Vessel

2011-11-04T18:08:00.000-06:00

Sometimes when something happens to me in life and it hurtsor stings – as a writer, I think, “ I could use this pain to write an articleand encourage others!” Othertimes, I think, “Nooooo!” You see, it occurs to me that sometimes God allowssomething to happen in my life for that reason alone.

He wants me to be avessel.

Oftentimes, it’s a delight to be used by the Lord. And if Ihad greater strength, I’d say it should ALWAYS be a delight to be used by theLord. But humanly, many times, it just plain stinks.

In order to encourage others, you have togo through things first, yourself. And in order to empathize andunderstand, you have to first feel. Those are tough territories!

We all go through“crud” in life. Some of us more than others. I choose to allow myself to bevulnerable and transparent with you, so that you can find hope amidst yourpain, joy through the journey, and strength when you are feeling weak. I chooseto share with you my failures and weaknesses so that you can feel a little lessalone.

I am a vessel. God’s vessel. I hurt, I cry, I put my foot inmy mouth, and I get embarrassed. I just choose to funnel most of it on to youinstead of hiding it out of sight.

I don’t enjoy thetrials and challenges that hit me or my family. I don’t welcome them in theleast. But I do try to find great lessons in them. I do try to rise above themsomehow so that they won’t be repeated.

So sometimes this vessel may ride on rough seas – sometimessmooth. But always, always directed at the lighthouse so that the light canshine on you as well and that when you come behind me, your ride won’t be quiteas hard.

When It Happens To Everyone Else But You

2011-11-02T11:59:00.001-06:00

For most of us, we have a burning desire deep within us. Itusually involves a deep-seeded wish or dream for our lives. And it can getsuper discouraging and frustrating when that dream does not become a reality(or takes forever to become one.)

I remember when I first wanted to become pregnant. Iremember someone I knew got pregnant on accident. They weren’t even trying. AndI was trying and getting frustrated because I wasn’t. I remember crying when Iheard this person was with child and then I felt so guilty – because…what agift they had been given! It didn’t matter that they hadn’t been trying. It was still a beautiful, wonderful gift.

The thing is, my time came not that long afterwards and ofcourse – as God does, it was perfect. Mydaughter was perfect. And looking back, the waiting period wasn’t reallythat long.

It’s the same way for lots of us on many different levelsand issues. We’re waiting for that job and someone else gets a brilliant newcareer without even hunting for one. Or we dream of a home and someone elsestumbles onto one and is given a superb deal.

It’s life. And when we want somethingso badly, it brings that issue to light and we notice much more often; who isgetting it but us. It feels like it’s everyone else. But it’s really not. It’sjust our impatience and discontent.

I’ve found that when these times happen to me and I getdiscouraged and feel hurt, God reminds me of a few things.

1. It may not be happening to me, because as muchas I want it, I’m not quite ready for it yet. God is preparing us and gettingus ready for that new dream or wish.

2. I need tochange my attitude. Often, my heart is just not where it should be. This isdifferent from God just preparing me for a change. When my attitude is notright, He is waiting for me to change.

3. The answer may just be “no.” None of us want tohear this or like hearing it. But it’s truly possible that what we want won’thappen. And if this is the case, I firmly believe that joy is still possible.God may bring something even better into our lives that we hadn’t considered oruse us right where we are at. And if we do #2 above (change our attitude) wecan find a hidden blessing right where we are. One that we would have missed ifwe hadn’t allowed God to impact our hearts.

4. Our job isn’t quite done yet. We have a purposeand a job to do wherever we are. And it may be that God did plant a dream inour hearts and He fully intends to fulfill it. But we just aren’t quite donewith the job we are already doing yet. We haven’t quite finished whatevercalling God had wanted us to fulfill in that spot yet. So we can live fully inthe moment, yet still be investing and praying about the next step He has inmind for our lives.

5. God wants to see how much I trust Him, and how muchI want something. If I give upeasily, then I often don’t get a blessing that He could have bestowed on me.But if put all my faith in Him and continuously pray; believing that He WILLanswer – God delights to do “above and beyond all that I could ask or hopefor.”

For me, these have been some of the possible options in lifewhen I feel like I’m sitting on the sidelines waiting for something whileeveryone else easily gets what they ask for (or didn’t even try for.) Itdoesn’t always make these times in life easy. Waiting can be confusing and cause doubt. But ultimately, if weinspect our hearts and analyze our motives while asking God for wisdom anddiscernment – I firmly believe He won’t lead us wrong.

So don’t get discouraged. Lift your head up and stay the course if your dream or wish issomething that is truly important to you. Hang in there. For God’s timingis always perfect and whatever happens, there is great joy to be discovered inHis answer.

True Strength

2011-10-31T11:12:00.000-06:00

Strength. Sometimes I strive for it in the wrong way. I tryto muster up my own courage. I try to be stronger than I feel I already am, orsquelch any fear I may be having. I try.I try. I try.

It ends up being all wrong. That’s why true strength canoften elude us. WE are doing the trying instead of turning to God. True strength and power comes from the Lord.It is HIS might that helps us – never our own.

Isaiah 30:15 “Yourstrength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.”

So many things I getwrong when I do all the striving and trying on my own.

“I.” I do the trying. Ineed to lay down the “I” and instead replace it with “HIM.” I need todepend on the Lord instead of depending on myself. If that means I need to acknowledgemy own weakness and humanness, then that’s what God wants for me! Sometimes Hejust wants me to realize that it’s not by my own doing that I excel. The glorygoes to God alone for getting me through life’s battles and giving me thecourage and strength I need to be victorious in them.

I need to settle down.Often we can become little whirlwinds of activity trying to control thecircumstances in our lives. We spin into motion trying to solve this or that. God often wants us to settle down and bestill. Letting Him speak to us or move on our behalf. Those are the timeswhen we start to focus, energize and gain momentum because we’ve givenourselves the time to listen.

God’s been teaching me a lot about His strength in the pastyear. He’s been showing me that so often we go at it backwards. When you wantto be first, you need to be last. When you want to be at the top, you need tostart at the bottom, and when you want to be strong, you must admit you areweak. Only then can we create room for God to work in us and FOR us.

If we are feeling weak and needing His strength, then wemust give Him our attention and priority. We must trust Him. And trusting means laying down the “me”and letting the “He” work in us and through us.

Accepting Myself

2011-10-29T14:07:00.000-06:00

Why does it seem likemost of us have such issues with accepting ourselves? We often wave awaycompliments or bring up our own flaws as a protection mechanism in case anyoneelse should happen to notice them first.

We compare ourselves.Minimize who we are. Talk negativeself-talk. And we even compromise what wethink and believe in order to be viewed as more acceptable.

For me, I think one of the most freeing things about beingin your 30’s and 40’s is the fact that you learn to be more comfortable in yourown skin. A little bit of life is tucked under your belt and for most of us, weare somewhat wiser than we were 10 years prior.

I do find though, that accepting and truly LOVING myself islike an ebb and flow kind of thing if I’m not intentional about it. It is far too easy to see someoneskinnier, more beautiful, and more eloquent than I am. Comparing only hurts the uniqueness of who God created me to be. And talking down to myself, minimizing,and compromising, also hurt.

Who would intentionally hurt themselves? We do. All of the time.

The older I get and the more I travel around the world, themore I realize how beautiful uniqueness is. I love discovering a new friend whois totally different than everyone else. I love watching someone with a trulydistinct “character.” They are so fascinating! I love the freedom that theseindividuals have to be quirky, odd, or even what others would deem “weird.” Ioften find it charming.

God made each one ofus to be separate and distinct. Not one of us should be a replica ofsomeone else. No, we are made to be “stand-outs.” And yet we are so afraid ofit. So afraid that the masses will reject who we are.

How much time do wewaste trying to fit in when we were so obviously created to be unique?

The more I allowmyself and give myself the freedom to be different – to be “me” in all mydistinctness – the more I find that others are drawn to me. And honestly –the more I enjoy myself because I’m living life within the boundaries that Godmade for me, personally.

It will probably always be somewhat of a struggle for us toaccept ourselves but the more we practice it, the easier it gets. And amazing things happen when we livewithin our God-given roles as people if we would just stop fighting againstourselves….and start loving.

The Beauty of Mothering

2011-10-27T13:59:00.000-06:00

Do you feel beautiful? You know, once a womanbecomes a mother she sometimes loses her sense of beauty. It's no one'sfault, really. There is a lot of drudgery, and messy stuff that comes withbeing a mom. And face it - there isn't always time to devote to pamperingyourself or giving yourself extra perks to make yourself feel beautiful! Infact, it's just enough to sometimes get dressed and out the door - am Iright?

But there IS beauty in being a mom. Do you seeit? Can you feel it?

It might take some objective looking at othermoms for you to see and feel the beauty that permeates the heart of everydevoted mother.

I believe a mom is beautiful when she tenderlypicks up her child after they have fallen and lovingly kisses their scrapes. A mother is beautiful when she wipes her child's messy mouth, or laughs attheir little antics. Do you feel beautiful when you laugh? You should, youknow! For laughter makes a woman's face glow.

I think mothers are beautiful every time theycaress their child's face, or hair. You can just see the love radiate fromtheir heart. And mothers leave a trail of beauty everywhere they go. You can seebeauty in a homemade meal, in lovingly folded laundry, or in theclean streaks left on a window or mirror. Every time I smell cinnamon, freshbread, home baked cookies, salsa, or any other kitchen scent - I know that amom has done something she probably felt was mundane - but something that cameacross as beautiful to her family.

Are you JUST a mom? Not even! There is nobeauty that can compare to that of a mother. Not even when you've been uphalf the night with a sick child, or when your clothes are wrinkled fromwrestling, cuddling, cleaning, or playing with your kids. If you love yourchildren, if you enjoy your children, and do what you can to nourish, nurture,bless, and guide them --- you encompass beauty in everything you do and ineverything you are.

Don't apologize for being a mother. Don'tfeel "less" than someone else because you are "just" a mom.If you look for the beauty - you will surely find it... because it'severywhere and in everything you do.

*This post originally appeared on EmphasisOnMoms.com in Dec. 2006.

I'm Not Leaving

2011-10-25T12:58:00.002-06:00

Sometimes I just want to tell Satan to spend his time andenergies elsewhere. Actually, I alwayswant to tell him this. But some times, more than others, I feel like he thinkshe can defeat me. I feel like he must think he will win my soul because thespiritual battle and warfare can feel sooo intense.

You can almost feelthe heat on your cheeks.

When these times come, I want to shout at the top of mylungs, “I’m not leaving! I’m not leaving my God! So give up!”

I guess it’s the warrior in me. The rebellious part of methat refuses to become a victim. Sure, sometimes I whine and groan like one –but when push comes to shove, I usually end up with a fighting spirit somewhereinside of me. Some part of me that wants to engage and not lose whatever battleit is that is waging over my head.

I’m not leaving.

There is no “out.” Nomatter how you feel, you have to decide for yourself that whatever comes yourway; you will still serve and obey your Lord. It’s the only way.It’s kind of like marriage. For better or for worse – you’re in it. Forever.

Sometimes yelling does some good. Some times things need tobe said. Sometimes tears need to fall.But when push comes to shove, don’t letSatan think he even has a hint of a chance at gaining access to your heart.

Tell him you’re not leaving. And thentell God.

My guess is, if you’re anything like me and you get that determined mindset totake over and you just decide that you’re in the battle to get stronger(because you’re certainly not going to throw up your hands and give in todefeat) that you will find the war starts to recede. The attacks come lessoften or with less strength.

It’s because when you call upon the power of the Lord, whenyou decide to use your faith as a weapon and cry out “I’m not leaving! Bring iton!” --- there are stronger forcesat work than simply your own strength. Sometimes God is simply waiting to seeif we feel He is worth fighting for or not.

I hate battles.Even though they make me stronger with each one, I still hate them. They hurtand they leave me with scars. But there is no “out” for me, in my walk with theLord.

I’m not leaving.

Choosing Happiness

2011-10-23T15:36:00.000-06:00

How happy is your home?

I was thinking about this as I heard a song about happinesscome across my radio station today. In a world that is full of frustrations,depression, bad news, and stresses – I was wondering how deeply it infiltratedour homes as we raise our children.

So… how happy is your home?

I’m not talking about the kind of “happy” that comes whenyou agree to let your child have ice cream or say “yes” to a friend sleepingover just so they won’t beg you anymore. I’m not talking about the kind of“happy” that comes when a child says ‘you’re the best mom ever’ because youbought them that most desired item at the store. I’m talking about deep joy. Contentment. Sparkling eyes. Zest for life. Freedom and abandon thatcomes from feeling loved. Feelingsatisfied with who you are and what you have around you. Happiness.

Do you think your children feel happy? Do they know you lovethem unconditionally or that they are safe with you, no matter what mistakesthey make or what happens in their social world? If life fell apart – if youlost your home, your car, and you had to move – would your kids be happybecause they have something deeper inside of them and you are all stilltogether and alive?

Let’s flip it around. Would your kids say you are happy? Dothey hear you complain and whine a lot about your responsibilities andcommitments? Do you smile more than you frown?

When was the last time you laughed together as a family?When was the last time you played?

Happiness is truly a choice. It’snot a condition or a circumstance, but a choice. And it’s our choice to make.We can choose to be happy even if we don’t have that job we’d prefer or wecan’t buy the clothes we’d like to buy for our kids. We can be happy withgetting free movies from the library even though we haven’t seen the inside ofa movie theater for months. It’s achoice.

I don’t know about you, but I want my kids to remember thatI was a happy person. I want them to feelthe happiness and joy that I felt in being their mom. I want them to see howhappy they make me… just by existing.

I want my kids to see me kissing my husband and cuddlingwith him. I want them to see me laughing and having fun with him so that theyknow that I am happy to be married to their father.

More than that, I want my kids to learn how to be happy.When the day doesn’t go exactly like we’d planned, I want my kids to figure outa way to still be happy. I want them to make that choice. Not for anyone elsebut themselves. I know that they will feel the contentment and satisfaction inlife that they seek; by simply choosing happiness. And someday when they are grown up and talking to their ownkids about their life and home growing up – maybe they will smile and rememberthe joy that lived there.

He's Calling

2011-10-21T10:50:00.000-06:00

I know God has calledme to something.

I’m an encourager. I always have been.Strangely enough – even though there have been times where, I also, have neededto be greatly encouraged.

He’s funneled hurts in my life and in turn used them inministry for His name. I love that.I’m blessed through that.

He’s funneled myloves into His causes. My writing. My love of taking pictures on missionstrips. My love for my family. My love for Him. My love for others. And He’sused them to inspire others.

Yet, I can’t help but feeling like that “goal” He has in mind for me, hasn’tquite been reached yet. That I’ve been in training all this time. He’s beenmolding me. Leveling me “upward” in preparation.

I’m not sure what it is out there that I’m being pulledtowards. Maybe it’s simply God Himself.But I keep pushing forward. On a journey to be fulfilled and know that I am inthe only spot in life where I belong. A spot where I’m gifted and God is usingme fully in those gifts.

Yes. God has called me. He’s called my husband. He’s calledmy children. I pray that each day we simply get closer and closer to being allwe can be for Him and in Him.

Sometimes Leaders Are Wrong

2011-10-19T13:37:00.000-06:00

I’ve always been a very obedient person. I do what I’m toldand respect authority. Yet in a strange way, I’ve also always had this innate“something” inside of me that has given me free will. Maybe it’s the Lord. Maybe it’s just common sense that is rootedfirmly inside of me. But I always seemed to know when I shouldn’t do something.

Now, as a parent, it can be a challenge to teach my childrento be obedient, respect and obey authority…yet at the same time – questionit. For when I was a kid, most ofmy leaders were moral and upstanding people. Only a few stand out in my mind asbeing what I would call “wrong.” They didn’t use their platform as someone tobe looked up to, but abused it because of their own personal issues.

More and more today,we have leaders and people who are in charge of us who aren’t “leading.”They abuse their power, lack respect for the people they are in charge over,and generally get a power “high” off of their position. Sometimes they areselfish and insert their own agenda into their position.

It can be very tough when you find you or your child is in a situation whereyou know they are being led astray or not being “led” ethically at all!

I believe that theBible tells me to obey those in authority that have been placed over me. EXCEPT when that authority goes against God.So if authority does anything that is against my beliefs, then I have thefreedom (and hopefully the conviction) to disobey.

My God always comes first.

I don’t want mychildren to be like the blind leading the blind. I don’t want them tosimply be sheep following the pack. I want them to use their intellect andtheir love for the Lord to discern when someone in leadership over them isabusing their position. I want them to know that it’s okay to say “no” and thatthey don’t have to submit to someone who isn’t worthy of submitting to!

So many people are abusing their high positions and ranksthese days. Positions that were allowed into their lives by the Lord. He can give and He can take away. I praythat my children will learn to respect and follow those who don’t take theirleadership positions for granted, but instead use them for good and love thosewhom they serve.

Just because you are a leader – doesn’t always mean you havethe right judgment or mindset. And it’sgood to remember that.

Retro Commercials

2011-10-17T11:34:00.000-06:00

How can they not make you smile? I seriously think companies should throw a retro commercial into mainstream viewing every once in awhile. I bet their sales would spike on sentimentality alone! :)

Wanting the Odds In Our Favor

2011-10-15T21:30:00.002-06:00

I have been reading the book “In a Pit With a Lion On aSnowy Day” by Mark Batterson. Iread something he said in there that I can’t get out of my head. He was talking about our prayers andhow most of the time when we pray about a problem, hurdle, or challenge, we askGod to reduce the odds in our favor.

I just couldn’t get that comment out of my head because it’sso true! We ask God over and over again to solve things for us instead ofbelieving that He can help us overcome or conquer despite the odds!

And what kind of faithis that?

Yes, God can most definitely reduce the odds of a situationand put them in our favor. And my guess is, He does do that on occasion. Buthow much better would it be for Him NOT to reduce the odds – us STILL believe –and then see Him do amazing miracles on our behalf?

Which one would you choose?

Of course, I don’t like to be stretched outside of mycomfort zone. One scenario would certainly stretch me more than the other. Thereare times where I just don’t want to have to “fight.” But then there arethose times when I look back in hindsight and I see how answered prayer(despite how difficult a season of warfare may have been) has been so sweet.Felt so victorious. And my faith has been bolstered and renewed because of whatGod has done for me – DESPITE having to go through something hard.

Both can feel really good, at times.

I do know that I’m going to try not to ask God to reduce theodds in my favor all of the time. I knowthat not everything in life can be in my favor and I want my faith to be strongenough to believe in the power and might of my Lord despite odds stackedagainst me. Just like in theNarnia movie when they are about to go to battle and they see the numbers arenot in their favor. One of thewarriors states, “Size and numbers don’t win a battle.” And He is so right. God wins a battle. Our faith in Godwins the battle. Not size. Not numbers. Not odds.

We need to learn to see things not through human eyes, butwith eyes that know what our God is capable of. The only real issue thenbecomes – do we believe?

My God can help meconquer anything if I just believe in Him. And oh what glorious things Iwill see.

When You're Not Chosen

2011-10-13T09:20:00.000-06:00

We’ve all been there. We’ve all experienced that “moment” when we realize we were not chosenfor something that we had set our hopes upon. Maybe it was a job, a spot in anexclusive women’s “group,” or simply an invitation to a party. It could be thatwe felt overlooked to hold a privileged position or that we felt more giftedthan someone else in an area and yet – wewere not chosen.

It always stings. Always, doesn’t it? We can pretendsometimes that we are okay and that it doesn’t bother us very much…but itusually does. (If we’re honest with ourselves.)

And I wish I could give you some really sage and wise adviceon how to handle it. But I’m right there with you. I struggle with it when ithappens to me. It doesn’t seem fair and sometimes it’s just plain discouraging.

So what’s a girl to do?

I keep coming back to the fact that I simply have to trustin my God. I may not understand. I may feel like a reject…but I have to trustin my God. It’s the only thing that can possibly shed the proper perspective onsomething that feels so wrong. Andwhen I lift my chin up to God as my Heavenly Father and I feel like that small,little girl – I somehow know that He is cradling me in His arms and holding meuntil I can get my own determination and courage back again. Courage to be myself – even if and when Ifeel rejected by others. Determination to continue hoping; knowing that Irisk getting hurt again. Yes, my God fuels those traits in me time and again.

It occurs to me thatGod often, is not chosen. He knows how it feels to want something so muchand yet not see it happen. And yet He still loves. He still gives. And He stillopens His heart and arms to us. Time andtime again.

Maybe we’re not chosen because someone truly doesn’t likeus. Maybe we’re not chosen at times because it is just not God’s will. Or maybewe’re not chosen because of simpler logic and reason – someone didn’t realizewe wanted something or that it mattered so greatly to us. But whatever thereason, we have to come to the point that we can say, “I will keep trying. Iwill keep hoping. I will keep wanting.” For when we grow hardened and cold anddon’t have the stamina to “keep on keeping on” then that is when we truly lose– not just for a moment, or occasion – but for forever.

Everyone is rejectedat one point or another. Everyone is overlooked, taken for granted, andignored. It happens. It’s never fun. But we are more than what others “rate” usas.

Trust God. Let Himlove on you through the tough moments and let Him show Himself to you in a wayand time like never before. He’ll be extra tender and He’ll know just how torenew your heart – if you let Him.

Remember – He knowswhat it’s like not to be chosen.

Forgive Me

2011-10-10T13:47:00.000-06:00

There is beauty allaround me. And for different reasons, sometimes I just don’t see it.Sometimes I willfully choose NOT to see it.

Pride does that to a person. We dig our feet in and think ofwhere we want to be. Where we could be.And we snub what we currently have.

I hate that.

I hate looking back and seeing when I’ve been that.

So today, I’m asking God to forgive me. Forgive me forignoring the blessings and beauties He’s placed in front of me – today. Now.Forgive me for acting as if what I have isn’t good enough and for failing tochoose joy, contentment, love, and living to the fullest when I’ve been givenso much.

There might be greatthings out there for me. But there are also great things around me. Andthere might be dreams to be fulfilled in my future that bring me overwhelminghappiness, but I also know there are dreams that I’ve already lived out. There might be better situations to bea part of than the ones I currently battle, but I also know I will look backand see how God touched me so personally in the ones I’m in now.

No part of my life isa mistake. No part can’t be turned into good. There is no moment that Ilive in that can’t be formed into a blessing.

So, Lord, please forgive me. Forgive me for not seeing whatit is that you have laid in front of me. Open my eyes and my heart to learnwhat you want me to learn, love what you want me to love, give what you want meto give, and grow how you want me to grow.

Help me see beauty through the storms, blessings in the trials, and joy amidstthe pain that life so often brings. Giveme wisdom and keep my heart soft.

May I be your humble and obedient servant – finding favor inyour sight, strength in your power, and joy in your love.

Always.

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes (Giveaway)

2011-10-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

****THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

**This contest has been extended till this weekend. Make sure you leave an email or contact info in your comment.

I'm not one who likes to do a bunch of reviews on my blog. Mainly because I don't want to bombard my readers with "pitches" on products. So, occasionally, when I do do a review - you'll know that its' something I truly love, stand behind, or believe in.

This children's book, called "The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes" is something I wholeheartedly love.

This book - albeit a children's book - also has important lessons for us as adults.

Moms, especially are so caught up in the need to get everything "right." Whether it's our houses, our children, or ourselves...we feel we have to maintain a certain image. I think in part, because it's something we can control. We don't often know how we can deal with a world that is out of our control!

This book highlights "Beatrice Bottomwell" and her ability to never make a mistake. It shows how she does everything right and avoids anything that she might stumble at. But in the process, she doesn't allow herself much freedom to try things that might be messy or something she potentially is not good at.

The book continues to show how one "almost mistake" consumes her. And then a BIG MISTAKE happens and it ends up not being nearly as terrible as she'd always feared.

What a FANTASTIC lesson to teach our children at impressionable and young ages! To think we can give them the gift of freedom in not having to be perfect all the time - well, that's something that will release so many unnecessary stresses, burdens, and obligations from their shoulders!

I love this book. I'm keeping it for myself - as a reminder of the joy that is mine to grab onto in life - if I just allow myself and give myself the freedom to be imperfect.

And -- I get to give away a copy to you as well! Just leave me a comment below and tell me how you struggle with being perfect or how you want to free your children from the inner demands of perfection.

I will select a winner on Tuesday the 11th at random.

*(I was given a free copy of this book)

Everyone Wants To Be Heard

2011-10-06T13:37:00.000-06:00

I love to read other people’s blogs. I love to see how theyare navigating life. I get spurred by their creativity, renewed by their faith,and encouraged by their love. They sharetheir heart.

That’s why I try to take the time to leave a comment ifsomething has touched me in one way or another. Because everyone likes to know they’ve been heard. Everyone needsto be encouraged and uplifted. Often,it’s the ones who give and invest of themselves the most – that are the mostmalnourished for encouragement.

Just as in “real life” we want to know someone has heard uswhen we share our hearts with them over a cup of coffee or a meal, so do themen and women who share their hearts in words. Whether it’s a blog, an article/column,or a status update – the words uttered were done so with the hopes that someoneout there was listening. Someone heard.

We can take fromothers without even realizing it. Take their knowledge, take theirexperiences, take their insight – and let it fill us. Let it nurture us. Yet weleave a well that is slowly emptying. Needing refilling. And who is there torefill it?

You are. I am.

So even if you think it’s a waste of time or you don’t haveanything profound or brilliant to say – comment. It’s love and encouragement leftin the form of a few words or sentences. It’s validation or much-needed advice.It’s support.

Let someone know you heard them.

Let someone know you care about them and that you value thetime they invest into giving you a gift - in whatever form it comes (faith,creativity, parenting advice, experience in a hobby or subject matter likehomeschooling.) Someone is giving you something. They are investing into you –even though they haven’t met you. Because they know what it feels like to be inshoes similar to yours. They care. Theyhope. They dream.

Just like you.

Because You TRIED

2011-10-04T12:12:00.000-06:00

I love movie quotes. I’ve written about them from time totime because a really good movie quote and the imagery that accompanies it hitshome with me for a long time. It resonates and communicates something powerfulinside.

Recently, I watched “Soul Surfer.” I love this movie. I love it for many reasons. One, it’s in Hawaiiand the scenery and locations are beautiful. I imagine myself being theresoaking in the warm sunshine among the palm trees. Sorry, I digress. Two, Ilike it because it’s the story of Bethany Hamilton – the young surfer who gother arm bitten off by a shark. Three, I love it because there is so much love,honesty, integrity and HEART behind the outer story of triumph. God’s in the midst of it all.

There is a scene in the movie where Bethany comes home tofind thousands of letters for her. She had recently been very discouraged aftertrying to re-enter a surfing competition only to get frustrated by her newchallenges. She is amazed by allof the letters and asks her mom why they were sent to her; seeing how shedidn’t win the competition. Her mom looks at her with the love and insight of amother and says, “Because you TRIED.”

I loved that.

How often do we get it wrong? How often do we think that tobe examples, leaders, or successful in the eyes of another…..we must come intops, first, or be the best? How often dowe delude ourselves by thinking we can only be loved by doing well?

Sometimes, all it takes is for us to simply TRY!

It doesn’t matter if we fall down, make mistakes, or even mess up in front ofmany eyes watching us. It doesn’t matter as long as we’ve done our best andTRIED. Because as long as we are trying –we are doing more than most people. Most people are too scared to even tryat all. They don’t want to wreck their image, be seen as a failure, orembarrass themselves. And yet when we watch someone try with authenticity and agenuine heart – something in us relates with them. We understand. We know where they are at in their journey even ifthey don’t reach the place they want to reach. They are us and we are them. Because we’ve all been there.

I don’t know what you are facing today. I don’t know how bigthe hurdle seems in your life or how far off the dream. I don’t know how scaredyou are to look foolish in front of others. But I do know that you’ll never beokay with yourself until you at least try. TRY. Thereis no shame in trying. It doesn’t really matter what the end result isbecause you TRIED.

And that counts for a heck of a whole lot.

Joy In My Heart

2011-10-02T14:03:00.000-06:00

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in myheart” (Where?) Down in my heart(Where?) Down in my heart to stay!”

I sang that song back when I was a little girl in SundaySchool class. I grew up in the church so many of the Sunday School classic songscome back to me now and minister to my heart – just when I need them. I love how God does that.

Some things are justtimeless. Their lessons –albeit simple – are resounding.

I’ve been thinking about joy lately. How it seems to escapeso many of us when it’s right at our fingertips. And this simple Sunday Schoolsong came flooding back to my mind and to my lips, reminding me of just thatfact.

Oh, how confidently a child can sing out that they have joy!They don’t shoulder so many of the burdens that an adult does. A little childdoesn’t have the cares and burdens of a life filled with responsibility, hurt,and hard decisions that need to be made.

But deep inside every adult heart – still lives that child. And still lives that joy. That joy sometimeshas been pushed down deeper inside, but it’s still there. For I don’t believe God can exist in a heart aside from joy. It isa part of who He is! It’s one of the biggest blessings He gives us – aside fromTHE biggest, which is salvation.

Joy. Joy gives us ourstrength. It helps us laugh through pain. It brings us hope. Love. Peace. Perspective. Focus. That’s joy. It reminds us who we’re living for.

I’m on a journey. A journey to dig down deep and grab holdof that joy that gets pushed down underneath all the other “stuff” of life. I’mdetermined to set it up on top of everything and let it lead me in life. Let it fill me.

How about you? Where is your joy? Where is your joy when youstruggle with money issues, relationship issues, health issues, or simplyemotional issues? Has it been pushed down too deep inside of you? Is it time tobring it up out into the open again and let it fuel and guide you?

Joy. Remember and recall it. Let those oldSunday School songs fill your heart and pull the joy back up to the surface.Let joy flood you with courage, strength, and peace. Use the gift that has been given to you. The gift of joy.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my hearttrusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanksto him in song. Psalm 28:7

Creative Energy - Being Spent In the Right Places?

2011-09-30T21:28:00.000-06:00

We are such creative human beings.

We can come up with the most amazing ideas. We decoraterooms, hotels, and theme parks with flair and stunning beauty. We createelectronic devices that no mind would have imagined 100 years ago. We solvecomplex problems. We stop diseases in their tracks. We write moving stories and create emotional movies to goalong with them.

Our brains – they are powerful. They are intricate. They are full of ideas.

Sometimes I just wonder if we don’t put our energy into thewrong things.

We spend hours and hours organizing a drawer or closet – orplaying a computer game. We get intricate creating a scrapbook of memory,placing stickers and cardstock just “so.” We painstakingly plan out a garden orembellishing the perfect dessert for company.

I don’t think any of those things are wrong. Some of them are good for our soul. Togive us time to think, breathe, and renew.Some of them are gifts that God has given us to minister to others in His name.

What I wonder is – where do we put our time and energy? Isit in the “thing” or is it in the Lord? Wheredoes our passion lie?

Just think what we could accomplish if we put our creativeminds and hands to work for God? What if we spent our energy on His people insteadof on hobbies and time-wasters? Better yet – what if we used our hobbies tobetter His people?

Sometimes I think welet certain joys in life grow to become idols. They become too big in our hearts. We put too much time and energyinto them. Those things may not beharmful in and of themselves – decorating is a beautiful thing. Traveling islots of fun. Sports are great. But they grow into larger-than-life passions inour lives shadowing over anything andeverything else.

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—butnot everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but Iwill not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians6:11-13

We do live in a very diverse world. God gave us our creativeminds for a reason. We have the right toenjoy where we live and the time we’ve been given….as long as we aren’tmastered by them. As long as we don’t put our energy into those “things”instead of the ONE who gave us those things to enjoy in the first place.

Sometimes it’simportant for us to be able to step away from the very things we are puttingall of our time into – whatever theyare. The harder it is to breakaway; the more important it becomes for us to realize we need to re-prioritizewhere that thing places in our life.

We are blessed people to have been gifted with suchcreativity, passion, dreams, and talents. We just need to take stock once inawhile in whether our energies are driven in the right place.

Stop Diminishing Your Value

2011-09-28T13:28:00.001-06:00

I often do that. Diminish my value. I don’t really realizeI’m doing it at the time. Someone will compliment me and I’ll wave it away.They’ll ask about my writing and I’ll minimize it.

Why do we do that?

I think it’s because we compare. We compare ourselves to someone who isbetter. Someone who is morebeautiful, more eloquent, more gifted than we are.

So, maybe theyare. But does that mean we don’t have worth? Does that mean we are not alsogifted? And who “weighs” giftedness anyways?

I was recentlyin a conversation with someone about my writing. I told them that I may not bethe most gifted writer around, but that I still believed God had things andwords in me that He could use. What this person told me in return meant a lot to me and showed me how Iwas minimizing the gifts that God had given me. They said, “you area great writer because you write from the heart. I would much rather readsomething that is genuine and comes from someone who is "in thetrenches" raising a family than someone who has a PHd and all of it comesfrom a "clinical" perspective. Don't discount how valuable yourskills are. All that matters is that we bring God glory in our work. You dothat in an outstanding way.”

Wow. WOW! They not onlyencouraged and affirmed my gift of writing, they gently told me not to discountand diminish the skills that God had given me!

We are each unique and individual. For a reason. We each have something different to bringto the table. Just because one personcan bring the main course doesn’t mean that the appetizer is any lessdelightful or memorable.

We need to stop comparing ourselvesto others and instead work on flourishing what we’ve been given. God has giftedeach one of us in different ways. We can be thankful for what He has given usinstead of wishing it were stronger, bigger, wider, or fancier. We cannotbe all that He intended us to be if we only focus on what we don’t have and can’tgive.

Let’s stop diminishing our value.

Stop discounting how valuable ourskills are.

Stop minimizing who we are and what we can contribute.

We each are outstanding in our ownway and we each have something valuable to give. Enjoy it. Love it. Embrace it.

For you ARE valued and you DO havevalue to give.

Where Is The Story of Your Life Going? (Giveaway)

2011-09-26T10:23:00.000-06:00

***Giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to the winner -- Christena Hammes!

There are certain Christian leaders that I look to - to encourage and to advise me in life. Certain leaders that I know will speak from a heart that is led by the Lord. Max Lucado is one of those leaders. A man who speaks words that I trust.

Max has a new book out called, "God's Story, Your Story." Take a look....

Doesn't that sound great? I don't know about you, but I want to know what my life looks like when God's story becomes my own personal story. To be reminded that I'm not just witnessing something or reading about something - but that I'm a part of that something.

"All of us long to know where we came from...and where the stories of our lives are going."

According to Max Lucado, there IS "a cohesive story line to the chaos, confusion, and clutter of our daily lives."

I'm so excited to read this book and to share it with you, as well. I am giving away one copy of "God's Story, your Story!"

Just leave me a comment below - briefly telling me why you'd like to win the book. I will randomly pick a winner by this weekend.

~ Dionna

(I received this book free from the publisher.)

You Can Be Defeated Or You Can Be Determined

2011-09-23T13:41:00.000-06:00

My youngest daughter is playing volleyball for the firsttime ever. She is trying to learn how to serve… not an easy feat. She tends to get very stressed out andhard on herself.

Every member of my family has been out in the back yard withher at different times trying to help her out, offering advice and tips.

Sometimes, we justcan’t get past the defeated girl who says she “can’t.”

I remember her older sister who was in the same position herfirst year of volleyball. She couldn’t serve the ball over the net either. Ohhow far she has come! She is a great volleyball player today. So I KNOW that myyoungest can come far too.

Every time my youngest would try to serve and it would hitthe net, she would groan. Her face would tense all up and she looked neartears. Till finally, I told her – “You can be defeated or you can bedetermined. It just takes practice.”

Joyce Meyers said something similar. She said, “You can’t be both pitiful and powerful atthe same time.” And I’ve found it to be so true! If I’m whining and feelingsorry for myself, I can’t move forward. I can’t change my situation. It was so obvious this was the casewith my youngest as well. Every time she would groan and get upset, her serveswould be terrible. But when she got fire in her belly and got focused a littlebit, she would often come close to getting it over, or get it over alltogether!

She looked at me and tried to tell me that emotions hadnothing to do with her serves – but I told her they had EVERYTHING to do withher serves. And they have everything to do with whether or not we can succeedin life. If it’s a dream or simply a state of mind (like feeling happy, loved,or content) our attitude and outlook determine it all.

There have been so many times where like my youngest, I havesaid, “I can’t.” I have felt defeated. But God has shown me how when I change that weak , overwhelmed, andincapable feeling into one that is persistent and determined – He movesmightily with me and for me. And I moveforward.

I don’t know about you, but I want to always be moving forward. And I want mydaughter to learn how to move forward as well.

We can’t be pitiful and powerful at the same time. We can’tbe both defeated and determined if we want to make progress in our lives. Wejust can’t. So let’s get some firein our bellies and throw out the “I Cant’s.” God has another level in mind for us.Sometimes it just takes some patience andpractice to get there.

Those Unexplainable Things

2011-09-21T17:04:00.001-06:00

I often try to make sense of things in life. I try to explainthings or rationalize them in my head. I don’t like chaos or confusion. I don’ttend to like things that don’t seem “right” or explainable.

Sometimes I think good judgment and discernment help meunderstand when something is not quite right, or “off.” I have this inner voicethat tells me something is wrong if it’s not logical or clearly defined.

The thing is… Godoften works in the unexplainable. And I need to remind myself of that.

“Trust in the Lordwith all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3:5

Such a well-known verse. It hits home how much we need totrust God. Yet it also tells us to not lean on our own understanding…somethingwe each struggle with.

If we don’t understand something, we tend to write it off.Take a miracle, for example. If someone tells us a story and tells us about amiracle happening to them, do we believe them? Or do we tend to think theirfacts must have been wrong somewhere along the way? How about in our own lives?Do we tend to write off certain callings in our lives or other things that Godmay be a part of because they simply don’t make sense?

I am a very logical person. But lately I’ve realized how muchI need to expand my own horizons and vision to include those “unexplainable”things in life that I may not understand. My deepest desire is to see God atwork; to hear Him and to feel Him. Iwant to be open to the creative ways in which He may choose to impact my life. I want to see beyond the understandable, tothe things that are supernatural, miraculous, and only from God.

We limit ourselveswhen we limit our lives. There is somuch we won’t understand. That doesn’t mean those things are bad or wrong. It may simply mean they are from God.

Lean not on our own understanding…but TRUST in Him. Trust Hisheart and His vision for us. If we do, I think our lives will start getting awhole lot more exciting. And I’m readyfor that.

*Originally published at DevotionalChristian.com

Linger

2011-09-19T11:54:00.000-06:00

Life is so fast.

People walk fast. They eat fast. They drop in and out offriends’ houses fast. They drive fast and they sometimes talk and hug fast.

Everything seems to be “amped” up.

We are busy. Our schedules are jam-packed. Even sleep canseem fast on those days when we drop into bed late and rise way before we’dlike to.

It’s all just…so…fast.

My children are growing up – fast. Time seems to be going by– fast. Yet I just want it all toslow down.

I want to linger.

I want to linger on my walk and enjoy the beauty around me.

I want to linger while I eat. Relish the food I’m tastingand the atmosphere.

I want to linger with my friends and linger in bed in themornings so I feel rested instead of rushed.

I want to look around me. Smell things. Taste them – notjust gulp them. I want to soak in the relationships and people God has placedin my life.

Do you remember - lingering?

I remember lingering after church when I was a little girl.I’d walk around this square bench that went around a tree. I’d walk down oneside, up the other, down the other, and then the other and back around again. I wasn’t bored. Sometimes I’d skip. Orjust walk slowly. But I enjoyed it.

I remember lingering over meals when I was dating. Justtrying to stretch time out to the maximum. Looking into each other’s eyes anddelving deep into each other’s hearts with conversation and caring.

Lingering means something. It focuses outward instead of inward.

Lingering renews.Refreshes. And enjoys. “Fast” simply runs and accomplishes.

If I could choose between the two – I’d definitely chooselingering. How about you?

What choices can we make today to linger a little bitlonger? To find and tap back intothat “something” that we all know we are missing in our daily life?

Don’t buy into “fast.” It’s not that pretty or popular andit will overstay its welcome quickly. Opt instead for “linger.” It’s genuine,authentic, and caring. And it will add more to your life than the time youcould ever give in return.

My Standard of Living

2011-09-17T13:02:00.001-06:00

I hated cleaning and doing chores when I was a kid. Idetested anything that had to do with it. It wasn’t fun to me and it took up somuch time! Now, I have a daughter who is just like I was. Yes, I know the irony– it’s not lost on me. Maybe I’m morepatient with her because I understand. I understand that reading is so muchmore pleasurable, drawing, and writing, and playing– so much more imaginativeand creative.

I still hate to clean. I procrastinate housework as much asI possibly can and I’m just not motivated unless forced to do it a lot of thetime. Luckily, I’m a pretty organized person and I get stressed if things aremessy or out-of-control. Those things keep my house presentable. It must bethat God built in those traits within me.

As much as I hate housework, it must be done. This is what I explain to my daughter.Everyone has a job. She has hers, and I have mine. You just have to suck it up,put on a great attitude and do it sometimes. I tell her that our character andattitude shine the most in the circumstances we least like. That’s when who weare truly comes out.

Although I tell my daughter you have to do things you don’tenjoy sometimes (like housework and chores), I also have come to learn thatthey have their place and their priority in my life. There are days when I justdon’t feel like picking up, doing the laundry, or wiping something off. There aredays I’m tired and I need a break. I think on these days, it’s important to give myself a break – time off.Let things go for a bit.

I can have the goal of having a home that is warm,comfortable, and pleasing to the eye. It can be free of messes for the mostpart. But I can also prioritize where those goals fit in with caring for mygrowing children, having valuable family time, and using my home for theLord. You see, housework will always be there. Therewill always be something to dust, clean, pick up, and wipe off. But my childrenare getting closer and closer to the stage where they won’t need me dailyanymore. That’s a fact.

So who says I need to have a home that looks like it wascreated for a magazine? If it takes the place of valuable time with my family –not me.

Everyone has differentstandards for living. Living conditions should be clean and presentable.Organized is very helpful and keeps away a bunch of stress. But we can letthose goals have their time and place. We can declutter as much as possible andreplace things as we can when they get broken, or worn out. There is beauty tobe found in a home. Pleasure. Love. Laughter. LIFE. The most important thing isthat in striving for the beauty and pleasure that you don’t lose the life thatexists there. The life that can’t eat popcorn on the new sofa or touch thewindow. It’s not worth it to lose the life that wants to wrestle in the livingroom next to your favorite artifact, or run and jump on your bed in the morningwith tousled hair and a huge smile. Lifewins out over image every time in my book. In fact, I’ve come to discoverthat that’s where the real beauty in my home lies.

So – although I don’t like to clean and think there are amillion reasons why I shouldn’t have to – and although I believe I’m more likeMary than I ever could be like Martha – I do it. For life is about growth,learning, and balance. I want to be a goodsteward over what God has given me. I just don’t want to elevate it to bemore important than it truly is.

This Is For Keeps

2011-09-15T12:04:00.000-06:00

This is no afternoon athletic contestthat we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is forkeeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all hisangels. Ephesians 6:12 (MSG)

The good and the bad in life. Sometimes I think we forgetwhere it often comes from. We think it’s coincidence. Fate. Our own doing. Iguess sometimes it is. But it’s also abattle. A very real battle that is going on all around us…for our verysouls.

When that bad man shows up at our house at night to rob usand maybe do worse, was our house really picked at random? Or did Satan targetus? When everything seems to fall apart when we already are dealing with ahealth crisis, got laid off, and are feeling lonely…..is it just bad timing? Oris Satan doing everything he can to steal, kill, and destroy us?

Life is for keeps. There are nore-runs. No repeats. We can’t just wave away things in the hopes that theydon’t matter. In the desire that they’ll go away. For we are in a fight whether we like it or not.

I know a lot of people get freaked out and really scared when they think the“devil” will aim for them. And rightly so. He is clever. Deceiving. Yes –powerful. He knows just what our buttonsare and how to push them. The thing is; no matter how much we might beafraid of him, it doesn’t protect us or make us safe to pretend he’s not out toget us. It doesn’t arm us or give us strength to battle him. No, it only makesus easier targets.

We need to take the blinders off and realize that thebattle, the fight, the war has come to us. Like it or not. It will engage us on many levels and in manyways. Will you be ready forit?

Everything you need to protect yourself and get battle readyis in God’s Word. Read it. Ponder it. Embrace it. USE it. God put it there fora reason. He loves you. And He doesn’t want us to have to struggle so much(although some struggles are necessary and even productive.) But as our Father,He cares about us and the wars we will fight. Let Him guide you. And the nexttime Satan comes calling, he’ll find you’re ready for him.

Make him flee.

I Can Make Chips Work With Any Meal

2011-09-13T13:23:00.003-06:00

I’m a French fry lover. I’ve never met a French fry I didn’t like. I like them skinny, fat, with skins on, crinkled, curly, and spiced. They are just delicious.

I think I’m also a chip fanatic. Now – chips don’t quite rate up there with French fries because I don’t like all chips. No – not all chips were created equal. The dill pickled flavor – nasty. Pork rinds? Gross. No – there are only a few varieties that are outstanding.

What I find humorous is that I decided I wanted to cut back on my chip intake. I’m laughing inside as I type that – because it’s an almost impossible task. I have a chip-loving family so chips are always around.

But I think I tried to fool myself for awhile with my chip-loving ways.

I decided instead of eating chips with a sandwich, I would make a hearty soup. I throw in some Progresso chicken noodle (which I love), corn, garbanzo beans, onion, extra chicken broth, fresh shredded chicken – and I’m good to go. Except that I usually have to throw in some tortilla chips or barbecue chips on top. May sound weird, but it’s very delicious.

I started enjoying rice. So I would buy those little Minute brown rice cups at the store. You pop them in the microwave for about a minute and your rice is ready. I’d add some beans, chicken, onion, red pepper – and scoop it up with a tortilla chip.

Are you starting to see a trend?

We make these rice and chili tacos that are rolled up in a flour tortilla with cheese. Yep – tortilla chips to scoop out the middle are a delight.

Taco spaghetti? Gotta have some tortilla chips to either mash in or scoop up.

I think I’m a chip-scooper-aholic.

And I won't even begin to tell you how much I love chocolate covered chips at Christmas time...

I don’t resort to putting chips on my sandwich though, so there is hope for me, right?

The Way It Could Be

2011-09-11T09:55:00.004-06:00

Can you imagine things the way they “could” be if you’d only handled them better or made the right choices? For example, can you imagine things the way they “could” be if you thought less of yourself and more of your spouse? Can you imagine things the way they “could” be if you truly enjoyed raising your children and spent more time with them? Can you imagine things the way they “could” be if your swallowed your pride and called that person or sent them a note? (You know – the one whom you haven’t spoken to for a long time because of “issues?”)

I just wonder how much happier we would be.

How much more joy would live in our hearts if we “could” do that thing that we wish we could do? Or even that thing that we dread doing but we know we need to do?

Could’s can be can’s. You CAN. You can humble yourself to repair a broken relationship. You can fall in love with your spouse all over again if you look for the good instead of the bad. You can enjoy housework if you think about the people you love and who you are tending it for.

The way it could be is the way it should be. It’s the way it can be. You just need to believe. Pray. Dream. Muster up the courage and do it. Do it afraid. Do it with joy. Just do it!

No more wishing. No more whining. No more putting it off. Your life is here. Today. Now.

Are you going to make the most of it? Are you going to be that person you know you “could” be?

Go for it. Smile along the way. Laugh. Cry as your heart heals. Ponder. And thank God. Thank Him for second chances. And third.

No more longing for the way things could be. God can empower you TODAY to change your “could’s” into “can’s.”

Forever Climbing

2011-09-08T12:57:00.003-06:00

I think it’s amazing. How quickly you can fall.

Just when you are finally feeling empowered, Satan has a nasty way of toppling your renewed spirit to the ground. In pieces. Tiny ones.

Why don’t we see it coming?

It’s like we finally can see things from the perspective of a mountaintop only to realize that someone snuck up behind us and pushed us off the cliff.

Then we’re looking up again and wanting so badly to feel strong and victorious once again. To feel like nothing can defeat us.

I hate how quickly those moments can pass. I hate that as soon as I feel a spiritual victory; Satan knocks me off my feet. And I’m on my knees again.

Forever climbing. We’re forever climbing to get back up on that peak again, aren’t we? Maybe that’s the point. To never feel so steady on our feet that we’re able to have the wind knocked out of us. To never be so sure of ourselves that we stop looking at what is coming up behind us. Maybe the climb is what brings us victory – not the standing at the top, part. Maybe.

I have learned that being on my knees is not a bad thing. In fact, that is where I find my source of strength when I am on my knees before the Lord in prayer. That is where I can truly lift my head up and see Him and see a glimpse of His perspective. Even if it’s only a glimpse, it shows me that the climb is worth it. The climb is necessary.

There Is No Such Thing As a Perfect Friend

2011-09-06T10:24:00.004-06:00

There is no such thing as a perfect friend.

I think we are hard on those around us at times. We expect a lot out of them and then when they let us down, rise up short, or fail to meet those unsaid standards, we are disappointed, discouraged, and frustrated. We fail to see that people are human. They will say the wrong thing at times, hurt our feelings, and even let us down with – or without intending to.

It’s imperfection at its best.

I think that’s what’s so precious about parenting. We love our children regardless. We know ahead of time that they will make mistakes – yet we love them. We expect them to be angry with us at times and we forgive them. It’s built inside of us; that ability to love despite being hurt. We could use some of that sometimes in our friendships. Our friends are just as human as our children are. They have their own quirks and personalities that are pre-built. We can’t change them. We can inspire them, love on them, encourage them, and pray for them – but we can’t change them. We need to understand ahead of time that there will come a moment in time where they may not be there for us in our time of need.

If we are always looking for perfection in a friend, I think we may just always be looking for a friend. There is no perfection to be found. But there is laughter to be found in the cheer that someone else’s charm brings your life. There is a special bond that can be found when someone doesn’t understand your heart and yet still loves you and supports you. There is freedom to be found when you share something you feel silly about or something that deeply humbles or embarrasses you and you are met with wisdom or camaraderie in the disclosure of an equally silly or embarrassing thing from your friend’s heart.

Friendships need room to breathe and grow. We only suffocate them if we put confines on them. We stifle any natural blooming that could otherwise take place.

We all could use some slack when it comes to our own role in friendships. We let our friends down at times or fail to be there for them. We don’t call or write as often as we should and we forget birthdays. We say the wrong thing at the wrong time and we get our nose bent out of shape too easily. We could use some grace extended our way at our “less-than-perfect” ways. And so do we need to offer it in return.

There is no such thing as a perfect friend but there are really GREAT friends. We just need to see that sometimes they are standing right in front of us – imperfections and all.

Learning To Speak Up

2011-09-04T16:40:00.003-06:00

I watched part of a movie recently that my girls had already been watching. It was about a teen girl who was dating an abusive boyfriend. Her friends knew, and only one of them tried to get the girl away from him. The rest did nothing. The end result? The girl was murdered.

Not very uplifting is it? Even if it was just a movie – it brought up a good discussion between my girls and me. Not only to talk to them about being in an abusive relationship, but what to do if they fear for a friend.

If It’s one thing I’m trying to get across to my girls it’s that they need to speak up.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Martin Luther King Jr.

How many times do we have a friend who wants a divorce and we fail to speak up? We are more afraid of them getting angry with us or losing their friendship than we are of trying to help them salvage their marriage.

How often do we witness a parent being overly critical or harsh with a child? How about someone joking about hurting themselves…or someone else? Do we see a friend “sext” someone else – or receive one?

How about some situations that we’d call the “lesser evil?” Yet they are still wrong. When someone obviously “works” someone else and takes advantage of their love and kindness – time and time again? Do we speak up when we witness someone being dishonest about paying a bill?

There are so many scenarios. And yes, there are situations that are none of our business. But if we care about someone and we see him or her morally, emotionally, or spiritually in danger – it is our responsibility to speak up and in love – confront them.

It is one thing to respect someone else’s privacy and choices in life – it’s another thing to simply be afraid that we’ll damage our image or lose the relationship.

I think we’re all in danger of living in a society that is so used to “to each his own” that we’ve lost sight of being our brother’s keeper. We’ve forgotten that we are here for each other – to take care of one another.

You can’t take care of someone else without sometimes saying and doing the hard thing.

Speaking up doesn’t have to be harsh or unkind. It can be done with a gentle voice and a loving hand. As long as it’s done.

I think we’d all agree that we’d hate to look back and think that we could have done something to intervene on behalf of someone in a positive way. Love someone enough to speak up for them. Sometimes that’s the best way you can show you truly care. They might not see that right away – but some day, they just might thank you for it.

I Don't Want "Normal" Anymore

2011-09-02T16:41:00.001-06:00

I’ve been on 3 mission trips. I’ve gotten just a glimpse, just a taste of what is out there in the world. I’ve felt what working for the Lord feels like. I’ve relished in it.

It’s hard to come back to “normal” after serving on the field for the Lord. Even if it’s only temporary. It’s hard to find motivation and purpose in the “little” and the “every day.”

The first time I came back from the field – I saw how I had developed ambition in my heart. How I was looking to build a name for myself. God changed my heart and turned my ambition into ministry for Him. He turned wanting glory for myself into wanting to impact others.

The second time I went on the field, I came back simply wanting “more.” I wanted more of God and I wanted others to know Him more. I wanted others to be able to feel and experience what I had.

The third time? God simply grew the desire in me to want nothing more than to love on others. To hug them. Laugh with them. Touch them and encourage them.

But as time has gone on, each one of my experiences have taken root in my heart and started to grow even further. The seeds that were placed there are blossoming. There are other things in life that have watered what has already been placed there. Conferences. Devotions. Godly counsel and advice. God’s Word. All of these things have stretched me. Nurtured me. Guided me. And taught me.

I am now sitting in a place where I have decided I don’t want “normal” anymore. I don’t want to wake up and simply face a day of folding laundry, doing dishes, and cleaning house. (Although these are blessings because of who I am doing them for and the health and financial means to be at home to do them!) But no – I want an extraordinary life. I want a life of adventure for God.

So I find myself looking outside of the normal. I find myself looking for opportunities where God can use me more and more. Where my days may be a little upside-down but they are exciting and fulfilling because I know God is using me to impact others more and more.

It’s hard to go back to normal once you’ve been in “God’s zone.” When you’ve seen and tasted what it’s like to be in full-time service for Him. “Normal” changes. You’re always looking to give away, get away, or grow. You’re looking for further, deeper, and longer. You’re looking for “more.”

I don’t want “normal” anymore. I want to be generous. I want to be in service. And I want to constantly have something on the radar that I can be doing for Him. Not in a “busy” way but in a “this is what He’s called you to do” way.

My new normal is to look for what might not be normal and see God in it. And know He’s speaking and seeking….me.

Shedding Light on Our Emotions

2011-08-31T12:10:00.003-06:00

Women can be very emotional creatures. No surprise, right? Ha Ha. I can be very emotional at times. Especially when it comes to people or situations that I feel very strongly about. Right and wrong, or if I’ve invested my heart.

I can get fiery fast if it’s a hot button issue for me. I can cry at the wiggle of a nose if it’s a thorn issue for my heart, and I can panic if it comes to a loved one.

I try to use my “smarts.” I think I’m fairly intelligent by nature and I don’t like being led by my emotions. But led, at times, I am.

When I’m led by my emotions, sometimes I find that thing sour quickly. If I only would have “sat” on the issue for awhile or pondered what action I should take – then maybe I could have held more “sway” with someone or gotten my point across better. Instead, sometimes, emotion can blow it all to heck.

I don’t believe emotions are necessarily wrong. In fact, I hold a lot of weight with my emotions. They usually clue me in to a lot of things and if I listen to them, they hold a lot of truth in them. They usually stand for what is right and good….with me, anyways. But the thing is, I’m guilty of “jumping the gun” and letting my emotions answer a situation in all their full feeling instead of giving them time to think and reflect.

I recently had a situation come up that really made me want to panic. (Don’t ask, I won’t tell you.) But I was discouraged, frustrated and just on bent knee asking God how to handle it. I felt confusion and wasn’t sure how to proceed.

On at least 3 occasions, my emotions were on the tip of my tongue and ready to proceed with a course of action. By the grace of God, I held off. By a sliver. The thing is, before that 12 hour period was up….the situation totally changed. God sent me encouragement that I did not expect and it even turned into a blessing.

I thought about what would have happened had I reacted with full emotion and panic. I thought about how I could have wrecked the change of course that evolved only a few hours later. Everything would have been different.

I thank the Lord that He gave me instructions to bite my tongue, hold off on a course of action and seek Him in prayer as I sorted through what to do.

Emotions aren’t bad. We often should listen to them. But as we listen, we need to also think. Pray. And give it time. (Unless of course, a life is in jeopardy or it’s an emergency situation where time is of the essence.) Otherwise, time often gives clarity or at least propels you to take the right path and direction.

Our emotions are God-given. We should never be ashamed of them. But let’s just be careful about how we use them and in what light we allow them to unfold.

Keep the Faith

2011-08-29T12:21:00.001-06:00

The pressure to conform. C’mon – you feel it too, don’t you? I’m not just talking about the pressures of trends and society. I’m talking about the pressures of those who we live among and walk among. It’s hard to be different.

It’s especially hard to stand out when you feel that no one understands why you are the way you are – why you do what you do. But what if you feel two pressures in your life? One pressure from the “others” and one pressure from God? Who do you listen to?

God’s callings on our lives don’t always make sense. They aren’t always easy and comfortable, and most certainly; they aren’t always accepted by those we love and live among. In fact, it can make others very uncomfortable.

God said “in this world you will have troubles…and many.” I don’t think He was just referring to a bad economy, illnesses, or crime (although those are certainly a part of the picture). I think He was also referring to relationships and people. In fact, I’d venture to say that sometimes our biggest stressors in life come from relational issues. They can put such undue weight on our shoulders.

No one can solve your relationship issues for you. We can’t convince someone else that what we are doing with our life is indeed what God wants. We can’t tell someone to back off or to support us, for we each have our own will and choices to make in life. So if you feel very strongly that without a doubt, God has called you to make certain choices and decisions in your life – you need to be willing to pay the price of possibly having damaged relationships. Sometimes it’s just the cost of the call. It’s never fun and it’s never easy. But sometimes there is a great toll to be paid in order to fight for God’s kingdom.

Keep the faith, if you find yourself in one of these situations. Satan likes to cause a lot of chaos and stress in the lives of believers who are willing to step forward; fighting as one of God’s warriors. There are many Christians out there, but not all of them are utilizing their heritage or God-given right to truly be on the front lines for the Lord. Whether “front lines” for you is being a missionary, selling your house so you can work as a social welfare worker, taking care of foster child after foster child, or sending all your paychecks to others who need them more… the front lines are different for everyone. Don’t let other people discourage you simply because they don’t understand.

Not everyone has the courage and the sensitivity to go against the grain in this life. Not everyone is intuitive enough to know when God is clearly speaking to them. If you are, you have received a special gift; regardless of who sees it. Hold it closely.

When The Blues Set In

2011-08-26T14:33:00.001-06:00

It was going to be a great day. I was excited about the prospect of something. Something that I felt was a “God-thing.” It would have been a change, but would have added some energy into my life. Energy I was seeking.

Then just as quickly as the excitement wafted in, it was sucked back out. The “thing” was not to be. Not this time anyways.

It took me all day. All day to try and shake away the disappointment I was feeling inside. The day was beautiful. Nothing else went wrong and in fact, I enjoyed my time with my kids. Still – this inward “blue” feeling could not be shaken. It stuck with me. Like glue.

I laughed. Still it lurked inside of me. I smiled. Still it lay underneath. I tried to mentally “let it go.” Yet, it remained. Why, I’m not sure. It’s not like the prospect of what I was hoping for was life-altering. At least I didn’t think so. And I’m not quite sure why sometimes it feels as if God is bringing something to the plate just to have us step up to it; then have it pulled out from under us. Just not sure.

But I trust.

I trust in His heart. And I trust in His will.

That trust – that belief – that love – has to be enough to help me shake the blues when they slide in and don’t want to stay temporarily…but rather try to live and reside with me for an extended stay.

They just aren’t welcome.

I have to make a choice to move on. To look for that next brass ring that’s out there. I have to trust that God sometimes moves me from “okay” so that I can instead get “fabulous.” And even if I don’t see it right away, I have to believe that some things just wouldn’t be right for me.

The process of acceptance isn’t always an easy one. Sometimes little things end up to be too big in our hearts and big things can downright take over. But in order to move on, we’ve got to dust off. We have to. For feeling “blue” is a time-stealer. A life-stealer. A dream-stealer.

It’s okay to be disappointed. Even frustrated or confused. But we need to realize when it’s time to tell them to get lost so that we can look for what it is that God wants us to see – to do – and to be for Him. I think if we do, we will see in hindsight just why plans were laid out the way they were. And we’ll understand why we were pricked the way we were. It will be like giving birth to a baby. The pain will be all worth it. The long nights worth it. The feeling like you’ll never get there. ALL WORTH IT.

At least that’s what I’m believing.

Gentleness

2011-08-23T16:20:00.005-06:00

There are several character qualities that are important to me. Integrity is very, very important to me. It pretty much sums up who you are as a person and what you value in life. Empathy is important to me – to know how to understand what someone else might be feeling or going through. And then there’s gentleness. Gentleness is very important to me.

I believe God was gentle. He was gentle with all children. He was gentle with sinners who screwed up. He was gentle with His followers who messed up. He was gentle in how He spoke and in how He touched someone physically. I believe gentleness was important to Him.

I think people forget how to be gentle. As they grow up, they get hurt. So they toughen up, grow more critical, judgmental, and bitter. It’s like we have gotten so afraid of being who we truly are, that we develop a tough skin in order to protect ourselves JUST IN CASE someone might hurt us. Just in case.

There is a risk in being gentle. You can be taken advantage of. Let’s face it. If people know you are a kind, gentle person and they have needs in their life; they just might hit you up – often – to help them out. And if you are gentle, people can also ignore you thinking that your gentleness must mean that you have no backbone. But they are often wrong.

Remember when I said God spoke and touched gently? But I also believe my God was STRONG. He was WISE. And He was FOCUSED. He wasn’t weak or foolish. He wasn’t wishy-washy. He just made a choice. To be gentle. To love gently.

And that is my choice too. I believe gentleness can soften a hardened heart. I believe gentleness can diffuse anger. I believe gentleness can win a wayward soul and I believe gentleness can teach.

I think our world desperately needs more gentleness. We need gentleness not to coddle us or bail us out of our own bad choices. But rather we need it to soothe our stressed-out and weary souls. We need it to love all over us and give us strength and courage to make the right choices and head in the right direction. We need gentleness to heal us.

To be gentle. It’s a fruit of the spirit and God valued it highly.

Do you?

You Make Me Better

2011-08-21T17:14:00.004-06:00

You make me a better person when you sit and listen to my hurts.

You make me a better person with your love of adventure and the need you have to go see the world – yet wanting me with you.

You make me a better person by encouraging my love to write and minister to others.

You make me a better person when you empty the dishwasher, fold the clothes, or pick up the house because you know I’m feeling overwhelmed.

You make me a better person by challenging me to think bigger, broader, and to pick my battles.

You make me a better person when you gently remind me that I’ve lost my temper with the kids and that it will be okay.

You make me a better person because you like to go fast and I like to go slow. You stretch me when I’d so often remain in my comfort zone.

You make me a better person by loving me despite my flaws showing me that to be loveable doesn’t mean you have to be perfect.

You make me a better person because of the deep questions you ask about life, love, and God.

God knew my life would be richer, deeper, stronger because of you in it. You – Make – Me – a – Better – Me.

Happy Anniversary to My "Warrior." (17 years! Aug 20)

Releasing My Grip

2011-08-19T13:56:00.006-06:00

Sometimes we hold on tightly to things in our life. We do it because we value and hold those things (or people) so dearly to us. But there comes a time when God might ask us to let go of those things. He will either ask us to trust Him with them, or maybe to give them up altogether. That time has come for me.

It is with a very tender heart that I want to let you know that I am stepping down from my Emphasis On Moms Ministry. It has been such a blessing in my life. I have loved it dearly. I have loved my subscribers dearly. But as greatly as I have loved Emphasis On Moms, I love my Lord more. And with my whole heart, I feel that He is asking me to release my grip on that ministry.

Life is about change. Nothing stays the same. There is a time and a season for everything. I’m actually very excited about this season of change in my writing. I will be focusing more on my blog here at Beauty in the Storm and on my freelance writing. I hope to be given a platform at some point to reach many, many more moms and women with the hope and love of God.

I also am excited personally – because I can relax a little bit more as I throw myself into my two girls’ increasing social calendar. After all, I’ve always said that family comes first! And as I see my children growing up, I want to soak in every moment I can with them.

I remember the first day I mailed out my Emphasis On Moms Newsletter. I sent it through the mail at that time before it went online. And I remember as I put those newsletters in the mailbox, I prayed. I asked God to bless this ministry and to be in charge of it. Ultimately, it was HIS ministry – not mine. I tried so hard not to forget that along the way. What a thrill for me to be allowed to have it for as long as I did. Do you know that I started Emphasis On Moms in October of 1997?? That’s 14 years! What a blessing. What a part of my life it has become.

Now. Now I guess God is calling me to move on a little bit. To shift gears slightly. And I’m positive, hopeful, and excited. Mostly – just excited.

I will still be around. I will still be writing my blog and like I said - hopefully expand to more freelance opportunities. The Emphasis On Moms website and ministry will always be a part of my heart. And hopefully it will still live on – just a little differently.

To those of you who have been with me on this journey, thank you. I have treasured every moment of it.

Please continue to pray for me as I open myself up to new opportunities and make myself available for new ways God might see fit to use me in ministry for Him.

Showing Off The Beauties

2011-08-17T13:52:00.008-06:00

Today was the first day of school for my girls. I know. It's the middle of August! Let's just not go there.

But it was the first day of school. I sent one off to junior high for the very first time.

And, I sent one off to high school for the very first time.

Be still my heart.

Just yesterday my girls looked like this...

And today - like this...

Our home is a'changin. No more Dora The Explorer or coloring books. No, now we have Wii Just Dance and volleyballs hanging around the house. And I'm sad. And I'm happy.

I feel like the first day of kindergarten all over again. The loss of something so precious....yet the welcoming in of a bright future full of possibilities.

I have been so blessed. SO blessed. I don't take lightly the responsibility of raising my children. I take it very, very seriously. But it's been such a joy - such a blessing. Even though it's speeding by far, far too fast.

Memories of Our Presence

2011-08-15T20:18:00.002-06:00

What are some of your favorite childhood memories? If you could pick out one or two moments spent with your mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, etc what one or two moments would you choose as your most treasured?

One of my favorite memories of a moment shared with my mom was when I didn’t pass my driver’s test in high school. I know – not a highlight. That’s exactly why this particular moment is a favorite of mine. I was really crushed and disappointed. I remember being in my room sitting on the floor next to my bed and my mom sat there with me just holding me with her arms wrapped around me. She – just – held – me. I’m sure she encouraged me as well, but I don’t remember the words. I remember the feeling.

I’d pick the times I rode with my dad in his pickup truck as some of my favorite memories spent with him. I would just revel in being in his presence and having his attention. Time spent together that I cherish.

You see, it’s not always what we say that creates some of the strongest memories with our children. Although our words DO matter, it’s often an image that we call to our minds when thinking of the past. It’s being in the presence of those we love. That’s why the time we spend with our children is so priceless.

What will your children remember about you? Will they remember the moments you shared together or will they have an image of you being too busy or hurried to spend time with them? What image will they call to their minds and hold tightly to their hearts?

Our presence matters. We don’t have to have something profound to say when our children have a bad day at school. We don’t have to create some huge spectacle for them. We simply need to be with them. They may act like they don’t want us there, or they may not even let us know how they feel about us being there – but the fact that we ARE there is what matters the most.

I’m just as guilty as the next person of getting caught up in my projects, plans, and “to-do’s.” But I am constantly working at setting those things aside (for they will always be there needing my attention) and focusing instead on two precious girls who are growing quicker than I can blink. And every moment I spend with them is a moment invested into who they are becoming as young women. When they look back, I hope they will draw from many, many moments where my presence mattered to them.

Every single person can give the gift of his or her presence to someone else. So who will get the gift of your presence today? Just remember… every time you give yourself away – you’re creating a memory. A memory that just may be treasured.

To Bend

2011-08-13T13:42:00.008-06:00

To Bend.

God requires a lot of bending from me. In fact, I sometimes feel like I will forever be in a “bent” posture. (I know this isn’t so – but it feels that way.)

My pride so often needs to be bent. My dreams need to be bent. My will. My wishes. My planning. My control. All need to bend. To make room for God to work.

Bending is painful. It’s not fun. Even if it’s not painful, it’s painful emotionally because a lot of times you are crying over what you feel is unfair. Unspoken. Unmet.

It’s about sacrifice. Letting go. Giving in. Giving up.

And this is life we are talking about here. Not everything has a fairy tale ending. Just because you bend and give something up doesn’t mean a better outcome will take its place. No. Sometimes things are still left unfair. Unsettled.

But I’ve learned that it’s far better to bend – than to break. Especially out of disobedience.

If I hear God whispering to my heart; prompting me and I ignore Him? He will bring me to my knees quicker than I can say my own name. He’s so good at that. Humbling me. Making me see that obedience is far better than willful stubbornness.

I can hold onto my own agenda. My own control. My own loss. But it gets me nowhere.

So I bend. Sometimes out of love for my Lord. Sometimes out of fear. Sometimes because I know I have no alternative. Sometimes bending is a last resort for me. And then I see how I wish I would have come to it much sooner.

A piece of glass that is bent turns into a beautiful piece of artwork. As am I. I am God’s artwork. Only He can see the results of the process.

I might not get what I humanly want. But yet I’m still richer inside. Softer. Genuine. Generous. I gain more than I lose when I bend. For it’s about my soul. My eternity. And maybe someone else’s as well.

If I can only take my eyes off of myself. The bending would come so much more naturally. Freely.

So I continue to learn in my bending. And I continue to bend. For there is no other way if I want God to be Lord of my life.

Coloring Outside The Lines

2011-08-11T14:47:00.004-06:00

I’m an obedient kind of person. The type that is a “good girl.” I grew up doing the right thing. Saying the right thing. Thinking the RIGHT thing.

That kind of mentality can keep you on the straight path. It can keep you from getting into trouble. You can get very hard on yourself for any flaws or mistakes you make in life – for regrets aren’t something you are proud of …or used to.

Yet the older I’ve gotten the more I’ve realized that although being obedient is important (especially when it comes to God’s commands) it can also strangle the freedom out of a life. The creativity can’t always flow when there is so much structure in a heart.

The last few years I’ve been trying to “re-train” myself. I’ve been trying to teach myself how to think outside of the box, dream outside of the norm, color outside of the lines. It’s not an easy task. It’s not easy to tell yourself to go ahead and go against the flow when your personality bent is to do what is expected of you and do it well. No. It’s not easy at all.

But I’ve been learning.

I’ve been learning that to stand out from the crowd can sometimes be lonely, but it can be freeing. You can see things in a different light and you can often go farther down the road because you are willing to try different approaches to things.

God has also been revealing to me how often He didn’t do what was expected of Him. He worked through the “uncommon” – how about a trumpet blast that brings down city walls? Or a boy who kills a giant with a slingshot? No, God didn’t go the “predictable” route.

I don’t want to be a rebel in the way that people often think of. I don’t want to cause harm, think only of myself, be disrespectful, or truant. However, I do want to be a rebel when it comes to society shaping and molding me into a follower. We have this saying in my family when we are at any sort of public event and we see people doing what everyone else is doing when that’s not necessarily the better way. We say, “they’re being sheep.” Just following the masses when the masses could be wrong.

I want to be a rebel when I’m expected to conform. I want to continue to retrain my brain and heart to think outside of the box. Look for new ways to deal with problems and allow myself the freedom to be different. To color outside of the lines when I see a picture that is waiting to be revealed. I don’t want to do and say the right thing because I’m expected to – but because I have the freedom to. And because I choose to.

And sometimes I want to run off of the path into the field because it’s simply more fun. I want to feel the wind blow through my hair and the laughter bubble out of my chest.

God gave me this mind and this heart. I want to use them and feel them to the utmost – with no limits and boundaries placed on them.