Shorts. We’re talking about shorts. The kind you wear.
I’m over at (in)courage today in my (in)Able and (included) community, writing a social story about shorts. And a deep need for something bigger than All The Patience to lean on when the learning curve is steep.
Join me over there, won’t you? Just click the button below and you’ll be whisked away. See you there!
Yes indeedy!
Wouldn’t it be something if we didn’t act in ways that forced us to seek grace?
I think about that, in my quieter moments.
Because, if you’ve been around here for any length of time, you can imagine how often, mercy, I must seek grace.
Not being one with a tendency toward quiet and gentle, I have to work overly hard to cease All The Talking and All The Busy. I have to work harder, still, to quiet my thoughts and my mouth enough to hear those Petal Soft Whispers meant for my ears alone.
I fail at this – this getting quiet. Again. And again.
But, for every mishap, there is grace. And for each grace extended, my hands reach out a little more thankfully, and a little more desperately, for it.
My understanding of God’s grace for my mistakes has changed. I’m becoming more aware of my deep need for it. Always.
I used to think I didn’t need it. That one little mistake, one little sin, one little lie or mishap, wasn’t grace-worthy. But each one was. Oh, how they were.
And are.
Then, after a while of living life and seeing the many ways I was capable of messing up a day, I began to think that maybe only the bigger mistakes needed the desperate pleas for grace.
Each request was met with a resounding “Yes. My grace is sufficient for you.” For this mistake. For these many.
And now, now, I am in constant need of All The Grace that my God will so mercifully dish out. I’m more than desperate for it.
I’ve come to realize that I am destitute without it.
Destitute.
Without it.
I truly have come to understand that:
I came into this world needing a Savior.
Many a thing has happened along the way to alter the depth of my need for a Savior.
Chief among those things, is my knack for finding a pit to grovel in.
My need for my Savior grows exponentially.
And while His grace is, indeed, sufficient for me, I still willingly covet it.
Because I am destitute without it.
Furthermore, and truly, furthermore, I am destitute without Him;
My savior.
My Jesus.
My all.
One hundred times one million THANK YOU JESUS’, wouldn’t be enough. He took this broken heart bleeding with need and bound it up with the very fibers of His being. Oh, thank you God. May I never take this healing for granted. May I never forget how strong my heart is now that it is bound up with You, by You, and for You.
Yes indeedy.
Some days, this mama doesn’t want to put one foot in front of the other. Some days I just want to lie down and take a nap.
Most days, however, that’s just not on the agenda.
Things like getting the car “fixed”, making a quick fix for the dolly that’s missing her arm, fixing lunch, or satisfying my dark chocolate fix – those are the kinds of things that are more often on my agenda.
And I don’t know about you, but there are times where I am flat out busted!
And those are just the physical moments.
Then, there are the spiritual ones.
The dark shadow that just won’t pass, or the feeling that I don’t measure up, or that nagging sense that I am not doing all I can to maintain my spiritual health – those are the moments where I desperately need some pep in my spiritual step because the mishaps are a-plenty.
But, there is grace galore. God knows when to administer that good swift kick in the shorts – and when I just need a gentle reminder to take my spiritual vitamins. You know, those little “things” that power us through the weaker moments?
Physical health is within my control. So, too, is my Spiritual Health. I want to be able to stand firm, and be courageous and strong – especially on those days where I am so double dog tired that I don’t think I can take one more step!
So, here are three spiritual vitamins that I commit to “taking” to keep “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”,:
1. I will choose to take the spiritual vitamin of time spent soaking in what God has to say about this life I am to live. For Him and to the glory of His Kingdom to come. When I am confronted with the option of hitting the snooze button or rolling over and grabbing my Bible for a short quiet time in God’s Word, I will choose to see those 10 extra minutes of sleep as inconsequential in light of eternity.
2. When I am too tired to keep at it, I will stand firm. I will not be ashamed to ask for help from The Very One who knit my feet together in my mother’s womb. He is waiting. I will take the spiritual vitamin of prayer and swallow it holy wholly!
3. I will release All The Chaos and All The Busy and let God take over the battle for me. I love how Tracie Miles puts this, in her book Stressed-Less Living:
“God can effortlessly still the brutal waves in the raging sea of our lives, but we have to put our lives in his hands before he can do so.”
I mean, seriously, what better multi-vitamin is there?
One foot in front of the other, indeed!
Today, I ended an eight year love affair.
With 65 women.
I’ve had the privilege of leading these women in Bible study, every Thursday morning, for four of these last eight years.
And today, we closed that chapter of my life, together, amidst much hooting and howling, coffee and Quiche, tears and hugs.
As Sweetman and I prepare to move our family on to a church that is closer to where we live, I’ve been focused on closing out my time with these women.
These are truly my peeps. They are the girls who, from 25 to 85, totally get me. And love me anyway. They not only love on me, but on each other, and on their community. We dig into God’s Word like starving children, each week, and pray with a love so fierce that it can bring us to tears. We also drink coffee (or tea). A lot. And laugh… even more!
They made me wear this this morning, for crying out loud:
Y’all, it was H.A.R.D. to give a heartfelt goodbye talk in this!
It could have been an incredibly stressful week, but it wasn’t.
I’ve been focusing on the fact that God is bigger. He is bigger than a sad goodbye or a new Hello. He’s bigger than any unsteady emotions or uncertain futures. He’s bigger than a depression that threatens to creep in and steal joy.
God. Is. Bigger.
And I am resting in that today.
Yes, indeedy.
When there are more tasks at hand than hours in the day,
And the heft of your circumstances exceeds the girth of your paycheck;
When you are tempted to check out,
And it seems like running away might be a good idea;
If you are on the verge of shutting down,
And all hope seems lost;
Seek God first.
The Message puts it this way:
“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
And the New Century Version puts it this way:
“Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well.”
Does any of this speak Truth into your heart, my friend? Because, it surely does mine.
Those times that I am in the throes of agony, mired in controversy, or trapped in indecision, I don’t always seek God first. In fact, sometimes? He’s the last One I seek.
Can I tell you something? That never works out that well for me. And I am not using the word never, lightly. It may bring momentary stress relief or seeming clarity to a muddy situation – but after?
When Later comes, time shows me that I could have gained more peace and perspective had I simply sought out my Creator. First.
Truly? Who else could know me better? Who else could know the situation better.
Who knows the beginning from the end?
Seek First the kingdom of God.
Oh, do!
Yes, indeedy.
One way that I seek first is by filling my heart with God’s peace and perspective one minute at a time. Proverbs 31 Ministries has been a part of my spiritual sustenance almost as long as I’ve called myself a Christian. One ministry that has been a constant and easy encouragement has been the one minute radio broadcast that Lysa TerKeurst and Renee Swope provide. These broadcasts air on radio stations across the country. I can not tell you how many times I’ve been struggling, turned on my radio, and caught this quick broadcast, only to have it be on exactly what I’m struggling with! I can. not. tell you! Click here to listen to today’s P31 Ministries broadcast or to learn more.
Charles Schulz penned a Peanuts cartoon where Snoopy sits atop his doghouse wondering “Who comforts the comforter?” I can’t even tell you how many friends have sent that to me over the years.
The first few times I received it, I laughed uncomfortably. They were all emailed or snail-mailed or Facebook messaged with little notes saying things like, “Take time to fill up your own tank, too.” and “Who’s helping YOU through this?”.
The next time or two that this cartoon drifted into my inbox, I sat up and took notice.
It slowly dawned on me that in all of my desire to comfort and encourage others, I had missed how necessary it was to accept comfort for myself!
Although there are sweet friends who have done a lion’s share of comforting over the years, my sole source is God. It is He who stands with me and for me, and never leaves me to stand alone.
It is He who provides the experiences that allow me to then pour comfort out onto others.
And that is a gift.
Yes, indeedy!
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
I’m linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker , and all of the writer hearts that join her, for her Five Minute Friday write. The only rules are to write on a one-word prompt that she gives for five minutes and to encourage a couple of other brave souls who have shared as well. If you’re curious what others thought of when they heard the word “comfort”, just click the button below.
BRAVE
Go…
I’m trying. Really, I am. This bravery thing, isn’t for the faint of heart. And lately? My heart is feeling pretty faint. I feel like that one lone bird standing on the rock closest to the wildly pounding ocean, with the tumultuous waves ready to smash her to smithereens if she doesn’t take flight.
I tell my Sweetboy that bravery is what you do even though you feel scared. I tell my Sweetgirl that mama’s can be brave, too, just by doing what they know in their hearts they are to do – not what the world tells them they should be doing.
And it all sounds so good.
Only, all of those words aren’t quite making it to my own heart lately. I feel on the cusp of a bravery. Glorious adventure and excitement await as soon as I will just commit to taking flight. But, if I don’t, and soon, I’ll be crushed by the waves of disappointment, expectation, and even circumstances.
I don’t want to be crushed.
There is no need for panic. No need for indecision.
I know how to unfurl my wings. I even know what flight plan to use.
It’s a matter of doing it. In trust. In trust that He will hold me steady and keep His firm grasp upon me when the winds shift.
I just need to practice Brave.
Then, I will be.
I’m linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker and the beautiful community of writers for her Five Minute Friday writing prompt. Click the button below to participate, or to read what this word, brave, brought to mind for others.
Do you have an Iris?
Probably.
No two are alike, you know.
Here is mine:
The (in)courage webcast, this weekend, included much talk of Mentors; both being one, and having one.
My mentor is my friend. And her name is Iris. She is creating a legacy that is born of a desire to live for God. I want to honor her today, by sharing her, a bit, with you.
My Iris is infused with joy. She has a twinkle in her eye and a laugh like a giddy little schoolgirl. Her hair is a different color almost every time I see her, and the woman wears accessories with the panache` of a runway model. She knows her limitations, and has learned well how and when to use the word “no”. She wears wisdom well. Grace and humility adorn her. Her heart is strong in the Lord. And her arms are always open to me.
And that? That is just scratching the surface of this funny, compassionate, and adorably short woman, I assure you.
“Isn’t it such a privilege to serve the Lord? It’s such an honor, isn’t it? We get blessed in just so many ways when we do, don’t we?” These are all standard refrains from my Iris.
The more time I spend with this woman, hearing her stories and seeing her delight in life, the more my own appetite is whetted to pursue God in every area of my own life. She has logged countless hours at the feet of Jesus. And the Godly wisdom and counsel she has readily available, because of that time, is precious to all who are blessed by it.
“God gives us children and they are our mission field. We are blessed to be able to spend time with our children. It’s a crucial time for them – this time that you have at home with them.”, she often reminds me. When I’m weary of the daily, I can count on her to swoop in with her encouragement to just keep relying on God’s strength, not my own.
She never follows these positive reminders with “Don’t ever forget that!”. And, she doesn’t begin them with “You really should…!”. No, no. She never chides.
My Iris only encourages. And mightily.
“I think what you’re doing now – putting your children first, is the right thing.” Each time I consider embarking on a new adventure, this woman, who has been down many of these same roads before, challenges me to consider what I will be giving up for it. And, more importantly, she asks me what God might be whispering in my ear about it? “Have you prayed? I will pray for you about this.”, she will say.
I’ve been mistaken for one of her daughters more times than I can count. It makes me smile each and every time.
I say she’s my sister. And, indeed, she is.
What’s more, the legacy she will eventually leave, is one of a woman who loves well and often. Who laughs at all the days to come. Who joys in the very moment she’s been given. Who lives life with zest and enthusiasm for each new challenge. A woman for whom the word adventure is an intimate friend and who is well acquainted with The One who has given her every breath.
I am deeply honored to be mentored by my sweet Iris. Any legacy I am creating is shaped, in large part, by her influence in my life.
“We’ll keep you in our prayers.”, she ends every conversation with.
And I’ll be keeping you in mine, sweet Iris.
Yes indeedy.
You may remember that I was supposed to be en route to Arkansas for the wedding of my Sweet Cousin this coming week. However, in an uncharacteristically spontaneous decision, Sweetman and I decided to spend this school vacation time with our children, who were not going to be attending the wedding with us. They are young. This time is precious. And so, we will be venturing back toward a place that brings each one of us tremendous joy.
When I first broke the news, to The Nana and Captain Ahab, that we wouldn’t be joining them on this Arkansas Adventure after all, they were understandably upset. And disappointed. I detest disappointing anyone. It causes me great stress.
I’d venture to say that I’m not alone in this. Amen?
I recently began my next Online Bible Study, with Melissa Taylor and the ladies over at Proverbs 31 Ministries. (Don’t worry, you aren’t imagining it. There was absolutely no segue there.) The study, this time around, is based on the book “Stressed Less Living” by Tracie Miles.
Ironic, no?
No. God’s work in us is always timely.
In this week’s chapter, the effects of stress and where stress originates, were being discussed. We were encouraged to take some time to step back and take a good hard look at how stress affects our lives and how it can motivate us to make changes.
I so wish we could sit down over a cup of good strong coffee, or tea, and talk through exactly where the majority of your stress comes from and brainstorm ways to eradicate it from your life. I also wish y’all could just magically appear, right here in my living room, and do the same for me.
One particular question that we were challenged to consider, struck a chord with me. What do you see in your life that needs the biggest change?
No small question, that one.
I look in the mirror and here is what I see: a body that is beginning to make changes, for the better, for the first time in a long time. Over that? I have control. Oh, yes indeedy!
But, as I began to take stock of the other situations, people, and circumstances that bring stress into my life, two very clear thoughts began to emerge.
1) The rest of the stressors in my life are almost entirely beyond my control.
The passing of Sweetdog last July. A new preschool schedule that collided with my Bible study Leadership position at church. Our son’s unique challenges and the new changes to his initial diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum. I was, and am, at best, able to manage these things.
At worst, I’ve eaten my sorrow over these things, let my anger ooze out onto my family because of them, or checked out emotionally as I realized my helplessness in them.
Realizing that I can’t control these things? Acknowledging it by writing it down? That was eye-opening!
2) Every time, and I mean Every Single Time, that I call out to God for him to just… HELP ME, please!… He does.
Does God instantly remove any stress that is in my life because I ask Him too? No. He’s not a cosmic vending machine. This God, my God, is a God who sometimes lets the stress of a situation break me until I come to Him, completely depleted, and in desperate need of His Holy intervention.
But, sometimes, He answers me instantly.
And, always, His answer is timely.
It surely is. And always will be.
The mirror wasn’t as harsh as it has been toward me in the past. Instead, this time, I saw many a mighty burden being lifted right up off of my weary shoulders.
I saw myself being rescued from the stress that so often encumbers. And, right in the nick of time.
This thing, being human, I model it all wrong for my children, sometimes. It’s a thing of beauty, miraculous, really, those few times that I get it right. But so often, I get it all wrong.
We’re only given this time. Right here. Right now. And lately, I find myself sighing. A lot.
Here, includes some heartache.
Now, includes some waiting.
I’m trying to remember, moment by moment, that it if I lean hard on the God who allows this. If I bury my nose in His book. If I don’t forget that He plopped me into this here 2013 for a reason…
Then, I can take a big breath and let out a deep sigh; and count this, now, for the joy that it is.
Yes, indeedy.
I’m linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker for her Five Minute Friday writing prompt. In her own words, “This is where a brave and beautiful bunch gather every week to find out what comes out when we all spend five minutes writing on the same topic and then sharing ‘em over here.” Click the button below to join us. Or, to take some time to read and be encouraged. You’ll be mighty glad you did. Promise!
