When Heaven Smiles

Papa looked down 

eyes running to and fro

looking for his loved ones

his sons and his daughters

Those who were not

distracted by cares

entertained by earthly pleasures

angry with unforgiveness

There they were

humbly obedient

arms open wide in worship

rejoicing in Papa

Heaven smiles

Take Up the Towel

"I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." John 13:15









Jesus spoke these words to his disciples as he assumed the humble role of a servant and knelt before them washing their feet. 

Serving means we intentionally lower ourselves to do for others what they may not even want to do for themselves. It is a calling for us as we follow the life of Jesus. 

When we serve, we naturally align ourselves with God's design; releasing his power and love in our own lives, as well as the lives of those we serve. It is a beautiful, humbling obedience to Christ that brings freedom.

"Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:8 

When we receive freely the goodness & service of Jesus in our lives, we in turn are free to give generously to others. As we freely serve other people, we create a more open heart to freely receive from Jesus. 

It's really not about you or the other person or the act of serving, although those are all necessary factors. It's about Jesus and freedom.

Who can you serve today? 

At the Corner of Carefree Lane

Last Saturday, I volunteered for a "Pieathlon" (Sprint Triathlon) hosted at the Waukee Family YMCA. The Pieathlon is a charity event in honor of cancer survivorship and the proceeds go to cancer research. Oh yeah, the pie part?  It's dessert at the end, adding a little bit of fun to the day and a yummy reward for participants.

My role: to cheer and guide runners. My location: the corner of Carefree Lane. No biggie, right?  I can ring a cowbell, shout out my encouragement and send 136 runners around the corner and down the next street. 

Did I mention it was in the 40's with a strong, gusty northern wind? Yep, thankful for my hood and the gloves that were still stuck in my jacket from our last snow. Prepared for the weather, but little did I realize the impact it would have on me to stand and watch the runners proceed down the block towards me.

Down they came. One or two at a time, they trickled by me. Differing levels of fatigue showing on their faces, as they pushed through the last leg of the tri. Amidst their physical exertion, nearly all of them found the energy to flash a smile at my cheers. So many eyes expressed gratefulness as I guided their steps and they could just keep moving.  Voices cried "Thank you!" and even a few hands extended to share celebratory high five's. Wow, I couldn't believe how important my little role was.

No, I wasn't a participant who swam 400 yards, then biked 12.2 miles, followed by a 5k run. No, I wasn't the event organizer. No, I didn't research a cure for cancer or for that matter even give a donation that day. 

In actuality my small role was simply to cheer and guide on the corner of Carefree Lane. From the faces of the runners, I know it wasn't a small role at all. 

"And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us..." Hebrews 12:2 

There's a destiny and plan for each of us, a course to be run. The reality is we all get tired along the way and need someone standing at the corner cheering us on and guiding us in our next steps. We can be that for each other and it's no small role at all. 

Who can you cheer on today?   

A Wide-eyed Wonder

"Taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8

In a recent class, we were talking about the Triune nature of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  How God reveals himself as 'three-in-one' is both mystifying and magnetizing to me.

As I continued to think on this, I began to enter a wide-eyed wonder of the multi-dimensional love revealed to us through our triune God....

God, Creator and Father: He loves us through his plan and design for our lives. He had a story in mind, before he even formed the foundations of the world, 'choosing us to live before him as children, made whole and holy in his love.' Ephesians 1:4,5

As random as life feels as times, we can be assured and reassured that there is a plan and design of a loving, good God and Father. He brings order to the chaos and is able to make all things work together for good. You can trust your life in his hands.

Jesus, Savior and Son: He loved us enough to come to earth, take on the human nature and show us love through his life and actions. Ultimately, he paid the price of death, to eliminate any separation between us; proving there is nothing that can hold back his love towards us. If needed (and it's not), he would do it all again today. It's important to remember that's how much he loves you and is committed to your well being.

God, the Holy Spirit: He loves us through his presence and power living in and around us. The Holy Spirit is the tangible reality of God in our lives today, and our hope of knowing him personally and intimately. He is not a God who is far off and distant, who may or may not answer our cries for help. 'The nearness of God is my good.' Psalm 73:28

Rest, rejoice and be refreshed. Oh, how he loves you!

Where Miracles Grow

Once a month, I help host a Girls Night Out for tweener girls at our local YMCA. We met last week and our theme for the evening was Soul care and taking care of the inner lives. We planted seeds in pots to represent the idea that we will grow what we plant in our lives.

Last night I was surprised to walk by my daughter's pot and see the sprout of her Bachelor Button flower had popped through the soil. Somehow this Dollar Store seed being planted, heavily watered, spilled, etc. in a group of rambunctious girls... actually survived and GREW! A miracle, indeed.

I am struck by how miracles grow right in the middle of messy situations. In fact, I wonder if maybe that's the recipe for a miracle. Let me explain.

I had a phone conversation yesterday that showed evidence of a 'sprout' of life and healing in my life. The person and I were talking about a situation that had caused us both intense pain and loss. I found myself talking about forgiveness and what it really looks like. It's a miracle as I see how God has been working in me.

Forgiveness is a work of God's grace in my heart, and not dependent on a person.

It's great when you have a relationship that will work towards reconciliation and ask / receive forgiveness. But the truth is, I don't have to wait or be held captive to a person who is not able or wanting to reconcile. I can bring the sin and transgression to the cross of Jesus Christ and allow it to be crucified and buried with Him. This is the crux of the Gospel and what the cross is for - to make right that which cannot be made right any other way. Even if you do have reconciliation in the relationship, I think this is still a powerful aspect that must be experienced between you and God in your heart.

Forgiveness is a choice to release, and not hold on.

There is something innate in our hearts that cries out for righteousness and justice. I have a lot of reactions when my rights are violated. I've found it's really worth letting go and putting in the hands of a God who is just and who vindicates my life. This is not denial or pretending I don't hurt, it's choosing to place it where it can best be taken care of - His hands. When I work hard at protecting or proving myself - all I get in return is tired and frustrated. It's a trap to try to control something that is not mine to control.

Forgiveness is freedom. 

It was hard at first, but once I planted forgiveness in my heart; the most wonderful fruit of freedom took root. I am no longer defined by the injustice or pain. I am defined by the power of Jesus' love and his death and resurrection. I am free to live.  I am even free to love the very person who has wounded me. 

Forgiveness is the story of redemption.

When I walk with Jesus and in forgiveness, I experience the miracle of redemption. Yes, miracles grow in messy places.

"And He was saying to them all, 'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it." Luke 9:23-24

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly." Galatians 2:20-21

Planning & Living

In order to live well, one must plan. In order to plan well, one must live.

There is a natural rhythm to life which includes both planning and living. Too much emphasis on one or the other will hinder you from getting where you want to go in life. 

I like to compare it to riding a bicycle. Planning is the 'steering' and Living is the 'pedaling'.  Take away one or the other when you ride your bike and how effective will you be in reaching your destination? Not so much, right?

In the same way, planning and living are both essential to living in sync and fulfilling your life destiny.

I have found planning to be easiest for me as I follow the natural design of a calendar.  

• Annual
• Quarter or Trimester
• Month
• Week
• Day

Depending on the time covered, my planning obviously adjusts. However, what I have planned and outlined for longer time period, should have everything to do with my shorter time increments, ie. my annual plans provide structure for all the rest - kind of working like a funnel, getting more detailed and action-oriented in the decisions of daily and weekly plans. 

Once I have planned well, it is essential to transition to living well.  Some keys to living - 

• Presence. Get out of your brain, and look around yourself. Notice what is happening around you. Our best ideas are most always found spontaneously in the moment.  

• Action. Resist the enemies of perfection, doubt, & insufficiency. Start somewhere and act on your plans. Resist boredom, and push through til the finish.

• Generosity. Let your world become enlarged by giving wholeheartedly to the people, tasks, and environment you're in. Resist the need for a return on every investment, you'll soon find your results far exceed your efforts.

What needs more attention for you today - your planning or your living? 

 

Trump takes it all

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ." II Cor. 2:14

I grew up playing games, and have particularly enjoyed good card games around the table.  What I learned early on, was 'Trump takes it all'. Trump is the prevailing suit for the round, as called by the highest bidder.  When playing, it didn't matter if there were Ace's, King's and Queen's on the table - if someone played trump, even the lowest ranking card, like a 2 - would win the trick.  (I know, I know.  If you're not a card player I've long lost you with the lingo of trumps and tricks.)

The point being, having trump in your hand is a good thing.  Little trump is more powerful in play than all the high ranking cards of any other suit.

When you open your life to Jesus, you are aligning with the 'prevailing kingdom' of the world.  Your life is now "trump" and you are destined to win.  Regardless of how high or low your circumstances rank, you can rest in His presence and goodness to prevail.

Infuse this truth into your daily decisions and interactions, and enjoy the grace, peace and freedom of being His child.  

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?