Hang in There

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11






Within the cocoon, hidden away - a deep, transformation is at work. As the old life structure is broken down, "imaginal" cells begin to emerge into a new life that is beyond imagination... a life it was designed to live from all of eternity. A lowly ground-crawling caterpillar is soon to be a lovely air-soaring butterfly.

When you feel wrapped up & hidden away, and like your life is being broken down on the inside... don't lose heart. He is getting ready to bring forth a new thing. A lovely work of freedom and beauty. It's the process of transformation at work, and you can't even imagine what is yet to come. In due time, you will see the eternity of God's heart being played out right before your eyes. Hang in there. 

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him. I Corinthians 2:9

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

There is an art of refreshment, and those that labor should pay attention and learn it. 

I know how to work. From my early years on the farm where our lives circled around work, the discipline of putting in a day's work and more has never been an issue for me.

What I found out in my adult years, was that play and relax time did not necessarily come as naturally to me. 

I would begin to feel the weariness, and not have a clue on how to be genuinely refreshed. Usually by the time I realized how tired I was, I had no energy left to be replenished. Therefore, the choices were usually to distract myself with comfort food, sleep, or do some mindless activity like watch television. Things that may be okay or even good at times; however not necessarily refreshing.

Refresh: release new energy and vigor, freshen, stimulate. To be 'restored'. This is what I'm talking about.

So, in my quest to be refreshed, here is what I've learned: It starts & ends with Jesus, the source of life and renewal.

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Put My yoke upon your shoulders—it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest.  For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

As well some practical observations on how to 'escape' the weariness... 

E - njoy - get to know yourself well enough to know what really gives you joy.

S - atisfying - rather than follow cravings & impulsive temptations; choose what satisfies.

C - hocolate - okay, couldn't resist. Dark chocolate does have incredible health benefits.

A - ctivities - find what helps your brain de-compress; for me, I choose a run, making a puzzle, or playing piano helps alleviate the stress and brain busyness.

P - eople - important to know who brings you life, joy, and even hope and renewal.

E - nvironment - consider your 5 senses; learn what smell, sight, sound, taste, touch refreshes you. Possibilities are endless here. 

Lastly, make the time for you and do what refreshes daily. You'll not only discover you enjoy your days a lot more; but also see an increase in your productivity when you're not always running on empty. 

Live your best!

Get 'em at the Roots!

As a child growing up on a farm, I learned the important task of "weeding". Whether it was out in Mom's large vegetable garden or walking the rows of soybeans in the field, I spent many hot summer hours; and even earned my first paychecks, by weeding.

We were instructed on how to identify the plants that didn't belong and how to get rid of them... preferably by pulling them up by the roots if possible. We did carry hoes and bean hooks to cut out the ones that we weren't strong enough to pull. These tools were sharp and to be used carefully. I have the scar from early stitches to prove that lesson.

Definitely not as exciting as the spring planting or fall harvesting; it was clear, summer weeding was an essential part of growth, harvest, and caring for the land. It wasn't something we could wait to get inspired to do, or we'd never had done it.

I think our lives... relationships, career, family, health, finances, and purpose... are a lot like those gardens and fields. There is a lot we plant and hope to harvest. What I wonder today, is are we taking the necessary time to "weed" in between those seasons?

Couple of things I do know about weeds - first, it's funny how they usually grow faster than the plants, and are pretty identifiable; and secondly, they are easier to take care of when they are small.

Take 10 minutes to consider what needs weeded in your life today. With consistent care, you can nurture growth and harvest in every area and live your life at its best!