Seasons…Part of Living

July 26, 2016 Thoughts and Reflections on LifeLeave a comment

today, tomorrow & every day – THOUGHTS ON LIVING A BRAVE AND REAL AND GORGEOUS LIFE. Written by M.H. Clark and illustrated by Jill Labieniec.

Here are my continued thoughts on this amazing book I received as a gift.

“Things really changed,” she said, “when I started to be more generous to myself.”

“I began to try to live like a tree,” she said…

“Who understand that life is filled with seasons and each one has its worth. I stopped fearing the leaves falling away, the bare branches. I understood that spring would come, that summer would come, that it was all a part of my living.”

Seasons. I love the four seasons where I live! When the seasons change, so does life around us. We do things differently. Some seasons are more enjoyable than others. For me, winter is my least favorite. The sun does not shine as much and it’s cold. It takes more work to be outside. Occasionally I’m fearful of driving in winter weather. The lack of sunshine can cause some seasonal affective issues. We muddle through it and wait for spring.

Seasons of life are much the same. We experience things that change as time goes on.

Some seasons are wonderful! When relationships are thriving…life is good. When our job is going well… .life is good. When our health is strong… life is good.

At times we go through seasons that are not so wonderful. Troubled relationships… job stress or unemployment… health issues.

When in a season of struggle, I used to pray for it to be over or not happen at all. Over time I’ve learned to lean into the struggle and ride the wave…waiting for the Lord to show His presence. He never told us life would be easy, but He did tell us that He would be alongside us or holding us tight. It took some really difficult seasons for me to learn this. I’ve learned to praise Him in the storm.

Be still and know that I am God… my favorite Psalm. It’s being still in winter and finding the joy of the season I like the least. When things are tough, I’ve experienced great peace while life is crumbling around me. Pressing in to the Lord helps get us through the difficult time and ushers us into the next season.

I’ll be honest. I’ve never had a difficult season that has lasted for great lengths of time. I’ve known people that permanently live in struggle… at least in my perception. They’ve learned to stop fearing the struggle and find the joys. In a sense, they move in and out of joy and struggles in one day.

Seasons come and seasons go… that is all part of our lives. I want to be like that tree that stands tall and still as the seasons move around me. I want to be strong, even when I feel weak. I want to be full of life, even when I might be empty. I want to be more generous with myself… even when it’s difficult.

Circle of Life · Gifts · Grace · Growth · Healing · Hope · Intentional Self · Lessons Learned · life happens... · Loss · My Journey · Prayer · Questions to Ponder · Seasons · Struggles · The Journey · Uncategorized

today, tomorrow & every day…

July 14, 2016July 14, 2016 Thoughts and Reflections on LifeLeave a comment

I recently received a very beautiful book from a friend.

today, tomorrow & every day THOUGHTS ON LIVING A BRAVE AND REAL AND GORGEOUS LIFE. Written by M.H. Clark and illustrated by Jill Labieniec.

Aside from the powerful content of the writing, the book itself is beautiful, filled with illustrations and photographs. It is put together in the most amazing way visually. I read the words on the pages and was brought to tears. This book is speaking to the very place I am in my life and the direction I am heading.

I decided to share it with you… a little bit at a time accompanied by my personal reflections. You will get to experience the words, but will have to envision the pictures as your heart and mind see them.

It starts like this…

One day she stepped back and took a look at her life. A long, close look. As though it were a city she loved and she was flying high above it, so high that she could see the whole thing.

And she realized something: She liked what she saw. She liked where she had been. She liked where she was going.

When I read these first two pages, I paused and didn’t really want to turn the page. These words were rich and powerful. I closed my eyes and imagined looking at my life. I was overwhelmed. My mind went to more negative thoughts at first, but I was able to change my perspective. I “flew higher” and looked at the whole big picture. I was not completely sold on “liking” what I saw… thus the negative perspective. I realized that I have some work to do! I want to like what I see. I want to like where I’ve been. And I really want to like where I’m going.

And so the journey began! I didn’t realize until I opened the pages of this book that I am right here on this journey… at age 53, longing to live a brave and real and gorgeous life… today, tomorrow and every day. I don’t want to wish away days until something better comes along or changes. I want to be real and courageous today! I want to live out this life well.

As I unravel years and look closely at my life, I hope by the end I WILL like what I see, where I’ve been and where I’m going. This journey won’t be possible without Jesus, my family and amazing friends. I have all of those and I’m blessed.

Come along on this journey with me and begin today by stepping back and taking a look at your life. What do you see? Do you like it?

Circle of Friends · Grace · Hope · Prayer · Seasons · Standing in the Gap · Struggles · Uncategorized

Standing in the Gap…

June 25, 2016June 25, 2016 Thoughts and Reflections on LifeLeave a comment

I love to pray. I love when people reach out for prayer and I can intercede on their behalf. I don’t take prayer lightly. When I say I will pray for someone, I pray. I stand in the gap for them.

A friend recently asked me what I meant by “stand in the gap.” She had her idea of what it meant, but she wanted to know what I meant by it.

I once heard “standing in the gap” used and I liked it. It was a different way to say I’m praying for you. It originates from the Bible verse in Ezekiel 22:30.

I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. (NLT)

The wall in this verse refers to people united in there efforts to resist evil. It was unsuccessful because it was built on religious rituals and messages not founded on God’s will. The people were crying out for spiritual reconstruction. (Taken from NIV Life Application Bible Commentary)

When someone is hurting and in need of prayer, I like to stand before God in that space where the enemy resides as he tries to intervene and destroy. Cries for prayer send the enemy into action. He slips into that gap between the person and God. I like to stand in that gap and keep the enemy out, calling on God on their behalf.

When I’m reaching out for prayer, I’m not always at my strongest spiritually. I love knowing that I can reach out to others to stand in that gap and keeping that space holy and sacred… keeping the enemy out.

Standing in the gap…

When we pray for someone we are doing just that. It’s not a fancy version of praying or better than praying. It IS praying. We all do it when we reach out and pray for another soul. This brings me great comfort.

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Entering the Throne Room…

April 16, 2016 Thoughts and Reflections on Life2 Comments

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” -Psalm 5:3

It’s so easy… yet so hard. I’m up early before leaving for work. I can’t just get up and go. I need time to prepare for the day. I need coffee and quiet time. I’ve got all of the tools necessary. Quiet and comfortable location (several options), coffee, journal and favorite pen, bible (several) and time.

GO!

Good morning, Lord…

Suddenly a million distractions come my way.

Oh wait! I need to find a good worship song (on my iPad!).

Now that scripture would be great to put on a photograph… and then I can put it on Instagram!

Hmmm, I wonder if anyone has commented on the one I put on yesterday? I’ll just check real quick…

Oh ya, my bible plan… back to business.

Lord, thank you for this new day. Please give me strength to get through this day and…

Wait! What time is it? Shoot, I need to be in the shower in 5 minutes!

I wonder if anyone commented on the photo album I put on FB last night? I’ll just do a quick check before jumping in the shower!

And that it how it plays out more mornings than I care to admit. To quote a great movie, “Squirrel!”

Some mornings are much better and my time is spent indulging in the sacredness of my Heavenly Papa.

While I’m confessing my innate ability to botch my morning quiet time with Jesus, some mornings don’t have any quiet time at all, although that is rare. I’ve tried to exercise first thing and that has been a disaster! I’ll save that for later in the day… if I get to it! Oh my, that is another blog for another day!

The other evening I was reading Abba’s Child by Brennan Manning. In the summer of 1992 he spent time alone in a cabin in the Colorado Rockies without TV, radio or any reading material. After reading about his experience I began to ponder what that would be like. Time alone with God with nothing else. No distractions but our own demons that keep us from that sweet time with the Lord. How long would it take before I could truly “be still and know”? (Psalm 46:10)

I wonder what I’m missing by letting the things of the world get in my way? What sacred indulgence does God have for me that I’ve missed because I’m too busy getting my sanctuary ready to be with Him?

What am I afraid of? Why is it difficult to go to the throne room without my coffee and journal and bible (AKA my iPad full of distractions)…?

Lord, Show me how to simply come before You and be in Your presence… uninterrupted so that I may partake of Your sacred indulgences awaiting me. In Jesus’ name… let it be done, let it be so…

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Sacred Indulgence…

April 10, 2016April 10, 2016 Thoughts and Reflections on LifeLeave a comment

This past week I went on a trip to visit my sister. Away from home. Away from all of the responsibilities of my daily life.

While on my little getaway, we snuck away for a few days to a spa on the bay. On our way up we detoured and visited the tulip fields – a bucket list item for me. We took a sonic drive off the beaten path and the scenery was spectacular. Once to our destination the sun began to peak out. Our room was beautiful and the view spectacular. We ate out, walked along the water, shopped, and strolled around the little town. We also just relaxed and did a little bit of nothing.

While this was amazing, I found myself thinking about all of the things I should have been attending to at home during spring break.

Many people I know take these little trips all the time. It’s their normal. Not mine. This isn’t even a once a year even for me. It was truly a treat!

My ability to let down and relax is difficult. After all, I should be home taking care of my responsibilities. Now was the time to test a new way of thinking and acting!

On our last evening, we scheduled massages at the spa. Wow! The experience from start to finish was wild. Like nothing I’ve ever done. It was all about me the entire time. Life is rarely all about me. I’m all about everyone else from my job to my home. I spend most every day taking care of others.

I found parts of the spa experience easy to partake of, while others were difficult. The hardest part was not talking for an entire hour! And for that one hour I did absolutely nothing! I was completely still except for the actual massage happening. That doesn’t even happen when I sleep, as I toss and turn all night!

The massage was just part of a week of indulgences. An indulgence is the attitude of allowing yourself or someone else to have something enjoyable. It was a wonderful time! I had to step out of myself and let people “indulge” me. I had to…no, I GOT to… receive rather than give. That is a tough one for me. It is difficult for me to let others do for me. I am much more comfortable giving than receiving.

As I’ve contemplated the week, I’ve been drawn to think about my relationship with the Lord. I’m good at giving to Him. I give Him my “prayers” or lists of things I’d like Him to help me with. I give Him time most days, but honestly I’m usually pretty busy during that time. The hard part for me is what I’m going to call a “sacred indulgence.” It’s that time where I get to let Jesus love on me and I do absolutely nothing but receive from him. It’s that time when I am being still and know that He is God… He is in control, not me. Quieting myself to receive all that He has for me. Indulging in His grace and love. It’s free and I don’t have to travel far from home. It costs nothing but my intentional, uninterrupted time and willingness to let go and let Him love on me…a sacred indulgence.

Healing · Prayers · Seasons · Struggles · The Journey

Heavenly Royalty…

February 28, 2015 Thoughts and Reflections on Life1 Comment

Saturday morning. It’s early and my emotions are high. I’m not really sure why. I’m at the end of my 28 day commitment to better health. Now I have to decide if I am worth continuing or will I go back to my old ways. Yes, you read that correctly – “if I am worth continuing.”

For whatever reason and circumstances of my life, I’ve grown up to be one that thinks of you long before I think of me. In that way of thinking I’ve missed the piece about me being so worth it that I should take care of myself. No matter what I’ve done over the years, after a time, I sabotage my efforts. Something in me just gives up and that’s that.

For the past year and a half I’ve been making more efforts to battle that and change. It’s not easy when it’s been your MO for 50+ years. I’m learning that I am worth it and I do deserve to be healthy and happy.

I began my morning worrying about all of the “stuff” that I need to be doing. It was one of those early morning awakenings that came long before the sun was up. I relented, got up and took care of one of them. Whew! One down… 500 more to go! It’s a start!

Upon completion of my pre-dawn task, I sat down with a cup of coffee and my iPad. My devotional is around Lent. As soon as I began reading I was deeply moved. It was comparing the Queen of England to Jesus. She has had 62 years of pomp and circumstance. Jesus did not have that. He rode on a donkey with a soldiers cloak thrown over him and his crown… his crown was thorns. The blood that ran down his face was that of a man… and of God.

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38)

His parade route ended at the Mount of Olives. There was not a huge celebration with cameras and cheery on-lookers. This is where He ascended into heaven. His humility was replaced with glory. Ten thousand times ten thousand angels were now at His side. His Spirit filled the universe. He was (and is) the ruler of all things.

Because of his death and resurrection, we became royalty. I am royalty… heavenly royalty.

So, as I wept this morning over all of the things I have not accomplished… the things I continue to struggle with… the dreams that were left to die… the piece of my self-worth that I somehow missed… I was encouraged. I am royalty… His royalty. I AM worth it. His death on the cross… those horrific six hours one Friday… they were for ME… and YOU…

Now as I venture into my day, I have a little more courage to face the battles that are ahead. I know that there will be struggles and celebrations. I know that I will doubt my worth again. Temptations will knock. Tears will fall. I need to keep my eyes on what is important and His love and strength will continue to find me…flowing down from His thrown of grace.

Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!
(Isaiah 6:3 NLT)

Christmas · Prayers · Seasons · The Journey

Mary Did You Know…

December 21, 2014 Thoughts and Reflections on LifeLeave a comment

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you’re holding is the Great, the Great I Am.

(Lyrics and music written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene)

Prayers · Seasons · The Journey · Uncategorized

Silent Night…

November 29, 2014 Thoughts and Reflections on Life2 Comments

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

(Josef Mohr, author / Franz Gruber, composer)

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Too Much Information…

April 10, 2014 Thoughts and Reflections on Life5 Comments

Do you ever feel like you know too much? Overwhelmed with health and wellness advice? Hearing in the news what’s good for you and what’s not? Hear about the side effects of medication made to help you? Read about the latest and greatest way to eat?

At this juncture in my life I feel overwhelmed by too much information. I have been on a wellness journey for the past 3+ years. It involves regular visits to an amazing chiropractor who is helping me with my overall health and wellness. Along with that, I regularly get my feet zoned.

“Footzonology is a method that utilizes the signal system in the feet. By utliizing the signals system in the feet it helps to rejuvenate, balance, restore and detoxify the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual body. Allowing and assisting your body to heal itself on its own.”

http://www.naturalfeetfootzonology.com

My wellness journey has been amazing and life-changing. My overall health is much stronger and I’m making changes that will last a life-time. Am I there yet? No. Am I getting there? Yes!

Both of my “wellness coaches” have filled me with information. Diet, food choices, supplements, essential oils, dry brushing, organic products. The list goes on and on and on. At times my head swims with all they share. How can I do it all? How can I afford it? How can I NOT afford it?

We’ve discussed wellness vs the American Health Care System. I have GP who loves to send me home with samples of medication to try. She works hard to find reasons to treat me. That is her lively-hood. After a year or so of my wellness journey, she was finding it more and more difficult to treat me for anything. After referring me for a blood work up, she told me that after the results were in I can come back in and she would get me going on a regime. I was showing markers for heart disease and she wanted to start me on a dose of medication to cure that. Well, after the results came back, all she could find was that my Vitamin B was low and she suggested a shot! Needless to say, I did not leave her office that day with a brown bag of samples and a stack of handouts with medical advice.

So, I’m back to being filled with too much information. At times it seems easier to just throw in the towel and go back to the way it used to be. Don’t think about what I’m putting into my mouth! Skip the daily routines that strengthen my health and well-being. Forget finding organic food sources. Processed is cheaper and easier. Coffee and pop are much more satisfying that water (so I used to think anyway!).

I’m slowly learning that I don’t have to do everything I hear about. I need to slow down and listen to my body. I’ve learned to do my own muscle testing to see if I really need a particular supplement on any given day. If there is not a need then I don’t take it. Amazingly enough, our body can get too much of even the good stuff.

I’ve learned the importance of emotional and spiritual health. If those are out of balance, then the physical health tips as well. In the past 3 years, I’ve gone from taking various medications for depression, anxiety and sleep issues to taking NOTHING! Zip! Zero! Medication free!

Another health and wellness journey I’ve been on is taking Redox Signaling molecules (ASEA) each day, thanks to another wellness coach in my life.

“Redox Signaling molecules are created within every cell of the body and are vital to the immune system and to cellular healing mechanisms. They are so essential to life that without them, you would die within seconds. A proper supple of Redox Signaling molecules enables cellular healing: damaged, dysfunctional cells fading away and healthy, vibrant cells taking over. They are vital for the health of our cells; that’s why our body makes its own supply. But after the age of 12, our cells make fewer and fewer of these molecules. The is the first and only source of balanced stabilized Redox signaling molecules outside of the body. It is completely native to the body. Proven to be completely safe, with zero toxicity.”

http://www.jennylynch.myasealive.com

While this journey is a newer part of my wellness trek, I have seen amazing results. No more medication to sleep. Overall energy level much greater. Mental clarity! I not only drink 4 oz each day, but I spray it on everything! Amazing healing qualities! I made it through this very rough winter flu season without getting sick! I’m seeing miraculous healing in friends that have been plagued with health issues their entire lives. Athletes are using it! It’s God-made, not man-made.

As I wander on this health and wellness journey, I’m again reminded that my amazing Father in heaven is right there with me. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to learn that He is in every corner of my life… including my health. I’ve compartmentalized Him into the spiritual things, not the “more worldly” parts. I’m discovering that my body does not really belong to me! It’s on loan while I’m alive. I’ve got to take care of it. It’s His temple that I’m temporarily living in. What I invest into my life directly effects my rental property!

I don’t know how may days I will walk on this earth. What I do know is that I want to be obedient to Him who created me. I don’t want to leave Him out of any part of my life… something I’ve done in the past. It’s quite simple really. When I feel like I have too much information and don’t know what to do, I can quietly sit before my Father and He will show me which path to walk along. This is a truth that I’ve known and used in other areas of my life, but never my wellness. Yes, I’m a slow learner! He’s blessed me with these amazing resources and I want to use them for His glory and my health! If God can grow flowers out of rocks, then He can certainly help me strengthen and heal my body, as well as use me to help others!