When God calls

When God calls us, we can guarantee two things will happen - 1. It will be more than we can handle on our own.  2. He will be with us.








Out shepherding sheep on the hillside, Moses sees a bush on fire and the Angel of the Lord starts talking to him out of the burning bush.  As he hears the command to go deliver the Israelites from Egypt's oppression, Moses replies with 'Who am I?' for this incredible task?   God's answer, "I will be with you." 

Following Moses' great leadership, Joshua is now in charge of getting the people of Israel across the Jordan River and into the Promised Land.  As the command comes, so does God's promise, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you."

In Jesus' last moments with the disciples, he commissions them to go and make disciples of all the nations.  Yep, followed with the exact same promise, "I am with you always."

When God calls, go ahead.  Do what He's stirring in your heart.  And as you go, listen.  Let his words be your comfort, joy, and strength for each passing day... I am with you.

Planting for the Harvest

Plant enough seeds and you'll never have to think twice about the harvesting.*

There are many 'harvests' we desire in life. To me, it seems the mind is never running short on ideal scenarios and goals I'd like to achieve. Simultaneously, I'm very conscious of the 'gaps' that lie between my current reality and the preferred future. 

What we do right here, living in this tension, makes all the difference on the 'harvest' we will experience.

A few dead ends - 

Woulda's, Shoulda's, Coulda's: Nothing hijacks our lives more than regrets, blame-shifting, and "If only..."  Unless it is information that can directly translate into helping you... stay away from these!

I can't: Truth is, if we want something we don't have in our lives right now - we're going to have to do something we haven't done yet. Your core belief on what you can and can't do will either be your friend or foe.

Figuring it all out: Yep, most of us want a 100% guaranteed plan with warranties that everything will work out perfectly and a clear picture of how it will all have meaningful connection in providing the desired result.  In my experience, life just doesn't work that way.  

Impatience: Harvests don't "happen" overnight. How many times do we get frustrated and give up before the change has time to work it's full results?

And a few opportunities - 

Plant seeds: Take control of what you can do and do it. You will find amazing freedom and joy right in this place.  Remember... plant enough seeds and you'll never have to think twice about the harvest. Connect what you are doing with "why", aka "harvest", and you'll be empowered every step along the way.

Believe: Ultimately, what you believe can and will open doors to you that you never thought possible. Don't let your past experiences define your future harvests!  If you believe in God's grace poured out in your life, all the more reason to have genuine hope in your preferred future.

Relax: As you put your attention to your part of the work, you can rest assured that all the other outside factors will come together.  Just as a farmer plants seed, he relies on the sun to shine, the rains to fall, and for God to give the increase.

Happy Planting! 

*Adapted from Seth Godin's blog

Take your little and plant it.

Ever felt small and inadequate?  Like there's just not enough to meet the demands before you?  How do you handle those times?

As I had one of those moments earlier today, I sensed the Holy Spirit say to me,
"You can reduce God to the size of your small faith, or you can allow Him to enlarge your heart to His greatness and abundance."



It's easy to measure ourselves against the situation and realize how short we're falling.  But how often do I take my focus to God and remember how great He is and abundant in His love, provision, guidance, power... and whatever I'm needing specifically?  

We really are small, inadequate and not enough at times. But that's okay, because it isn't about us, it's about Him and learning how the Kingdom works.    

I love the parable of the mustard seed, because it shows the power of planting the little we have. 

Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” Mark 4:30-32

Let's take our "little", give thanks and plant it.  The greatness and abundance of the King will be released as we do.  

  

Voices

Ever feel like you are having 10 different thought races at the same time in your head... or is it just me?  Sometimes it's hard to get anything done, as my brain is over-stimulated and going a million miles an hour in no particular direction.  Talk about a hindrance to productivity and a challenge to enjoying life and what I'm doing.

Gaining control of our thoughts is essential in gaining control of our lives and living at our best.  In order to do that, I often have to take a minute to determine where are all these thoughts coming from.  What are the voices I'm listening to - internally and externally - that are creating this whir of brain activity?  Once I determine that, I can begin to organize and deal with them.

Some of the voices in my life - 

• Performance: This can come from the inside or the outside, or a combination.  It's the driving To-Do list that I can never fully accomplish, yet my brain strives to be just a little more effective - believing if only I try a little harder, I can get it all done.

• Doubt: This one can also be self-inflicted or caused by circumstances and people around me.  It is the unsure part of us trying to make decisions when we can't control all the dynamics or do not have all the knowledge we need.  For some reason, my brain drives to resolve and address this tension - believing there is a perfect solution, and if I think hard enough I'll find it.

• Comparison: Read the above points... it can all lead to insecurity.  Rather than drawing deep from within, and taking hold of the things I know; my brain thinks - 'Wow, So and so has it all put together" as I look at them from my outside perspective - believing if I was only more like them, I wouldn't have any of these problems.

All of these voices trap me.  I get caught in their cage, and the more I think I can resolve them - the more trapped I become.  

A few other voices in my life - 

• Connection: Whether it's the familiarity of my daughter's voice calling, "Mom" or a close friend saying "Hey" when I answer my phone.  The voices that cut through the clutter and ground me - reminding me of the rich relationships that fill my life.

• Gratitude: When I notice the beautiful sunrises, and consider the abundance of life I've been blessed - I can't help but give thanks.  I have been richly awarded that which I do not deserve.

• The Good Shepherd: The most important voice I've ever heard or will hear. It settles me in His love and care.  It reminds me whose I am, and who I am.

These voices calm the brain frenzy and set me free in the joy of living once again.  

It is interesting to note how every thought is grounded in a belief. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 

Once it is all laid out, it becomes so clear.  I am able to now choose my thoughts, and what I believe.  Off and ready to go and have a great day.

What are the voices that trap you?  What are the ones that set you free?