Sharing Life

One of my favorite things about Christmas is seeing what makes people's eyes light up. A nice chisel set for my brother-in-law Matthew, a best aunt ever mug for Auntie Roi, spring training Yankee tickets for Grampy, and books for Nana... each gift a small glimpse into the person and what means a lot to them. 

My favorite part by far was meeting my nephew Auri. This sweet three-year-old captured my heart from the moment we met, but it wasn't until I got down on the floor to play with him that I began to capture his. We played cars, train, Batman, and fire trucks. I crawled in and out of the pop up castle tent more times than I can count. At nap time, when we were supposed to be sleeping we may or may not talked about all sorts of things. (Shhhh. Don't let anyone know.) Later in the afternoon, Auri ran up and gave me a spontaneous kiss on the cheek. More than any words can communicate, this small gesture told me I was 'in'.

Living your best life is one that is shared. There's something wonderful about entering someone else's world, learning what makes their heart happy, and sharing it with them. One of the greatest gifts we have to give to each other. 

Here's to sharing life today and all year long. 

They're Coming!

With the big warm up to 23 degrees today, I got out for a run with Leia. I came around the corner to a familiar sight this time of year, as two UPS people darted out of a truck, parting ways to make their deliveries simultaneously. What was a bit unusual about the scene was the Penske truck they were jumping in and out of. I almost stopped to ask why; then figured whatever the reason, the delivery justified the means.

They don’t stop. They double team. They get whatever truck is needed. Those Christmas gifts are promised to arrive and they will make sure that happens.

It reminded me of this verse in scripture…

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 5:16

God our Father’s gifts are coming down to us. He is sending good and perfect gifts. He never changes. Whatever is needed to get them to us, we can rest assured - they’re coming!

Many of us are waiting and asking.

I hope the image of the Penske truck encourages you today. Your good gifts are coming. Surely they will chase you down and be delivered. They may not come in the way you expect; don't give up hope.

Living your best life is not only the arrival of gifts - it’s the anticipation… it’s the relationship… it’s the reassurance that the one who created all the heavenly lights is looking out for us. 

May your life be full of all the good gifts from your Father. And the best one of all, Jesus. Merry Christmas!

 

The Greatest Present

'Tis the season of incredible kingdom joy, in a society and culture that seems to pull us in a million directions this time of year. My daughter's favorite Christmas song seems to capture the chaos well... The Christmas Can-Can.

After watching that you are either laughing hilariously (as my daughter) or annoyed by how true it is and having one more thing that has now interrupted the peace of a beautiful Jesus holiday (as me).

Once again, as I navigate the season and try to retain my sanity and worshipful heart... I consider what's important today. Maybe it will help you as well. 

1- Be intentional. Use your 'yes' and 'no' without apology. Block out time for the things you really enjoy during the season.  

2. Lead by example. Whether it's your children or the people you work with, realize the influence you have as we celebrate the season. Consider how you carry the meaning of the season by your choice of activities, words, attitude, and actions.
 
3. Keep it simple. Build in a little more margin in your life and enjoy the peace it brings. Look at ways to let go of expectations you have that are not really essential.

4. Presence is the greatest present of all. The birth of Jesus was God's presence here on earth. Likewise, the greatest gift we give to others at Christmas is our presence. Our core desires are for love and connection and that is something that can't be bought at a store or wrapped and put under the tree. 

Living your best life doesn't happen by accident. Be purposeful in living your values. Cuddle up on the couch and read books together. Enjoy your tea and a Christmas cookie. Invite someone over for dinner and good conversation. Walk in the snow. Live meaningful, significant moments. 

Photo credits to my little friend, Omarian, and the ornament he made for me last Saturday evening as we spent time around the table together.

May this be a truly wonderful holiday season for you and your loved ones!



 

The Real Thing

Last weekend was my daughter Natalie’s birthday… her “Sweet 16” as my little romantic put it. In the months and weeks leading up to it, she kept referring to this monumental birthday event. There were talks about trips and such… like way more exotic than I was going to be able to pull off. 

With the passing of time and further conversations I got her off the trip idea. However, all sorts of pressure was slowly mounting inside me. This girl has a big desire for a significant memory and I have no idea how I’m going to make that happen.

The hardest part of it all was balancing what might give a temporary thrill, but then really be nothing substantial to it. I didn’t want to provide a “cotton candy” experience that gave a rush like a sugar high only to leave her feeling empty on the inside after it was all over. Ultimately, I believe what she was craving was significance not sparkle and glam. And that’s a unique gem to find in this world we live in that hypes up consumerism and appearances.

I prayed about it. What could it be? What was going to satisfy that innermost desire?

On a run one day, I got it. A guitar. This was something we have talked about over the years and something she’s always wanted to play, following in the footsteps of her dad.

This was the gift that would remind her of who she is and who she is called to become in the world. Someone full of life and love and song. A gift for her to enjoy and one she can give to others. A lasting gift.

The Alvarez was a huge surprise. Beyond the thrill of nailing a great gift and surprise, it was such a deeply satisfying moment for me as a parent. I was able to push through all the worldly definitions of entertainment, frills and thrills, and tap into the real thing. And lead my daughter there.

Living our best lives takes energy, perseverance and getting to our core desires. It’s realizing how satisfying it is to know our significance and purpose and calling it out over and over again.

With that said, we did celebrate with unicorns and rainbows too. And it made it all the more fun, because we put first things first.

“. . . You can’t get second things by putting them first. You get second things only by putting first things first.” —C.S. Lewis

May you find in yourself your deepest places loved and growing. And may it be the gift you give to the people around you. It’s worth it. Then, celebrate it. Be a unicorn or whatever is fun for you. Go live your best life.

Brighter and Brighter

I love sunrises. The way darkness is gently, yet thoroughly overcome at dawn. The vibrant colors playing a beautiful prelude announcing the arrival of a new day. The evidence of more to come, the sun unhurriedly unfolds it's rays upon the earth. 

My favorite scripture for the Christmas season echoes this image...

All this will be because the mercy of our God is very tender, and heaven’s dawn is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, and to guide us to the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79

Zacharias prophesies these words of Jesus to his newborn son, John the Baptist, the one called to prepare the way for the coming Savior.

Advent is the season of "Coming." It's pregnant with promise yet to be fully realized. It's the anticipation of our Savior and King arriving on earth. 

Jesus' birth is given the picture of heaven's dawn breaking upon us. The Light of the world; a sunrise if you will. He came gently, and the darkness could not overshadow him. He showed us the Father and his kingdom in an unhurried, powerful life of compassion and generosity. He lived to die. Through dying, he lived again.

He is our guide to the path of peace. He is the gift of eternal life.

Where do you need heaven’s dawn?

Living your best life is embracing the King and his coming in our lives. He is heaven’s dawn on our dark shadows. He is our path of peace and gift of life.

May this Christmas season be an opportunity to celebrate his coming and to anticipate the rays of light to grow brighter and brighter until the fullness of day. 

Peace be with you. The best is yet to come.

Open Hands

There is hardly anything more American for a child than the tradition of tracing your hand into a Thanksgiving turkey. And while there are a multitude of creative ways to complete the task, the goal of teaching our children to give thanks remains the same.

Beyond the fact that the hand makes a pretty good turkey with bright colors and finger feathers for our list of thanks… I think our hands are central as we celebrate this Thanksgiving week.

Consider two good things that happen with our open hands and how they go ‘hand in hand’. (Pardon the pun, just couldn’t resist!)

Receiving with thanksgiving. Open hands position us to receive the blessings in life that come our way. May be small, like someone offering to open a door for you, helping you carry a heavy item or taking a task off your to-do list. May be big, like your parents who provided a home for you, a teacher or coach who believed in you, or a good friend who walks with you in all the seasons of life. How good are you at receiving the gifts of life with open hands and giving thanks?

Giving with gratitude. Open hands also position us to respond with gratitude that pours out our blessings to the people around us. May be small, like sharing a smile and kind words with the cashier, offering to help a neighbor rake their leaves, or inviting someone without family to spend Thanksgiving day with you. May be big, like giving generously to the needs of others, investing time in helping others learn a new skill, or sacrificing your schedule to spend time with someone who needs a friend. How good are you at giving away the blessings you have to others with open hands?

I’ve found it takes both giving and receiving to live a rich and beautiful life. May we have open hands today and always. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Trash in the Trunk

Yesterday, getting into my car I was hit with this drift of odor, like that of old food. Thanks to a stuffed up nose, Natalie didn’t smell it. I did what every logical parent does in that situation and told Natalie to look around for it while I was driving. She came up with nothing.

We went on to our first stop and getting back into the car a second time, I could smell it again. “There’s something in this car,” I proclaim. Natalie shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly, her cold keeping her oblivious to the weight of this problem. On we go to our next stop.

Third time, yes it’s a charm. I needed to put something in my trunk this time. As I go to unlock it, I notice red handles dangling out between the edges of the trunk. And it all comes rushing back to me….  yesterday in my hurry of saving 10 minutes after cleaning up the church, I threw all the trash in my trunk to bring home rather than going all the way down to the dumpster, unlocking it, etc.

This is so funny, lame, and predictable all at the same time.

How many times have I stuffed “trash in my trunk” knowing I could deal with it later? Thankfully in this case, the literal garbage was easily resolved once I figured it out.

The more challenging garbage to deal with is the intangible effects of bad days, negative emotions, and unruly life circumstances. How often am I guilty of stuffing it away, only to have it come back out with an unpleasant aroma in the future?

We’ve all been there. Hard time sleeping = no patience with co-workers. Bad day at work = not so happy parent at home. The people in my life did nothing to deserve my short, snappy tone. I have garbage in my trunk and the smell is there.

Today I ask, how can we best process garbage and put it where it belongs - in the dumpster - not in the recesses of our minds and hearts?

A few thoughts…

• Create margins: As much as you are able, create margins of time into your daily activities. Don’t work through your meal times, stop and give yourself even 15 - 20 minutes of rest. Don’t stay up and get only 5 hours of sleep all the time, make it a practice to get 7-8 hours. Consider your transitions from home to work, work to home. How can you invest 10 - 15 minutes to resolve what is “unfinished” so you can leave it completed and not take it with you?

• Receive your gift of limits. If your life has you rushing and stuffing garbage all the time, it’s time to receive your gift of limits and say no to some things. Even to some very good things. It’s worth it for your peace of mind and for all the people you are around.

• Practice releasing. Pay attention to your environment, your thoughts, and attitudes. Practice releasing negativity. You can do this through deep breathing, stretching, hand-washing, brisk walks, meditation, or prayer.

Living your best life means not stuffing life over-full. It means having the time and emotional energy to process the garbage and putting it in the dumpster - not stuffing it within and living with the odor. May you find regular practices that help you do that. Beyond that, let's intentionally fill our lives with good things, so the aroma of our lives is pleasant and attractive to the world around us. 

Let’s live our best lives, one day at a time.

Fine-tuned

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

At times, there is a fine balance between serenity and courage. And often, in the complexity of life, situations require both. Think about it. Can you really have serenity without courage or vice versa? 

It takes fine-tuning to discern where one ends and the other begins. And that’s where the prayer for wisdom comes in. The ability to apply what we know consciously and intuitively to situations, embracing both the science and the art of living well.

A few thoughts in fine-tuning…

Free will is yours; it’s a gift from God. You have the power to choose, always. Notice I said choose and not control, which is what most people want and what trips them up. Be intentional with how you lead yourself. Choose your attitude, your values, and the person you will be.

Peace is a guard for your heart. It is not dependent on the environment around you, nor is it resignation or a wimpy spirit. True peace is a fortress that holds you unshakeable during the stormiest of days. It is a guide in the darkest of nights. Don’t abandon it ever.

Each day, a new day. How often we are recklessly worrying ourselves through tomorrow’s trouble or yesterday’s memory. It’s important to live with eyes wide open and focused on what’s been given to us in the here and now. And in case you didn’t know, fresh starts can happen any time of day.

Eyes on the prize. Keep your chin up, take hold of your purpose and your God who will get you through. Don’t let the fog mask His goodness and loving care for you. He has plans of peace for you and a hope and future. It will come together as you call on Him and courageously trust in the steps you take.

As delicate a process as it is at times, it is also a strong one.

Living your best includes it all. It’s accepting. It’s changing. It’s the wisdom to know the difference. It’s all the process of being fine-tuned.  

Care, Don't Carry.

It’s been said life comes in bunches. If one appliance breaks down, so will another. If you have a big project to complete at work, you’re bound to receive a call from the school nurse because your child is sick. When one friend calls with a health crisis, before you know it another person is talking to you about their recent diagnosis. Next thing you know, you snap at someone for drinking the last of the milk in the frig or at the dog for running full steam through the house with the squeaky toy.

Yep, your plate is full.

Sometimes it’s not even the major stuff. It’s a build up of little annoyances that have a way of pushing us to our tipping point. A driver cuts us off from our exit lane, the neighbor refuses to cut their grass, and then we stub our toe on the stack of boxes in the garage. We slam the door a little harder than we mean to or cut short a conversation for no apparent reason other than we just have reached our limit.

When your plate is full… care, don’t carry.

What’s that mean?

• Care for yourself, don’t carry on like everything is okay when it’s not. 
• Care for what you can, don’t carry guilt because of what is left undone.
• Care for people with love, don’t carry responsibility that is not yours.
• Care for burdens, don’t carry the weight.
  

Living your best life is not nice, neat, fit and trim. It’s messy, bunched up and a mystery at times. At these times, we do well to keep our eyes on the one who cares AND carries us.

Since God cares for you, let him carry all your burdens and worries. I Peter 5:7

Navigating a Re-set

Burned once, shame on you. Burned twice, shame on me. A familiar quote to most of us, and usually spoken out of a place of pain and disappointment. We trusted someone and was hurt again. Most oft' it is the beginning of the end of a relationship. 

Yesterday I talked with a friend who had recently been hurt. As she shared, I prayed for her. I wanted her heart healed and a positive way forward. Too many people get angry and never move to a point of being able to resolve their differences. 

We talked about boundaries. While I am am an advocate for healthy boundaries in relationships, I often think the way we create and manage boundaries is faulty. We have been hurt and our reaction is to gain control in the situation to prevent future pain. The processes we utilize to control are faulty because they rarely if ever bring healing and most often lead to less freedom. We can't do this or that and all of a sudden there are all types of self-protective measures we are taking that do not heal and do not bring freedom. We're trapped in a prison of boundaries we've created. 

Rather than usurping control, what if we looked at boundaries as a way to define ourselves and bring definition to our relationships? 

Consider and define:

1) What went wrong?  What is the source of pain? Clearly define what happened. The expectations, the injustice, the offense. 

2) What is my perspective? Define your expectations. How realistic are they?   

3) What is the other perspective? Objectively remove the personal aspect, and set it on the table to look at it from different angles. Sometimes it takes a friend to help you do this.

4) Who am I? Who do I really want to be in this relationship or situation? What's most important? 

5) How can the issue be resolved or managed best? What can be adjusted to work it out?   State thoughts specifically and cooperatively. 

6) When can we talk? You'd be amazed what you might hear if you bring an honest and open mind to the conversation. 

It was a great joy to receive a text this afternoon that my friend was able to have a conversation with the person who had hurt her. They talked openly and made some adjustments in their relationship. She was excited to have navigated a re-set and to not lose a friend. 

Living our best lives will include crucial conversations with people along the way. It means facing the difficult situations and pushing re-set within ourselves and our relationships as much as we can to be at peace. This is the way we genuinely live free. 





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Ten Favorites

Enjoy the little things in life for one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things. Kurt Vonnegut

Birthdays have a way of bringing out the best in life. From the 7 am happy birthday serenade to the handwritten happy birthday post-it note from a seven year old to all the various calls, messages, gifts, and hugs that came to me today... I have been loved well on my birthday.  

In the spirit of celebrating, I am posting ten favorite moments in the first ten months of 2016. 

January: Always a special moment when your child lights up the stage.

February: When a sleepover turns into a puppy adoption.

 











 March: Watching father and son discover a beaver dam. 
 

April: Backyard transformation: trees down, fence up, and garden planted.

May: The inaugural Light a Candle Award was a very special moment.

 

June: Walking the beaches, realizing how deep, long, wide, high and true God's love is.

July: Investing purpose and leadership in 63 young people's lives at Project Timothy.

August: Thankful for family visits and spontaneous days to adventure in our city. 

September: Living compassionate, generous lives... loving as we've been loved.

October: Playing in this wonderful world we've been given. 

Your turn. What are you celebrating this year? Living your best life is stopping to celebrate often!







 

Remembering and Treasuring

"So I felt, and I loved, and I sang." Natascha Georgeff 

This week's blog comes from a dear friend of mine. She shared this post via Facebook last week and I found it to be inspiring on so many levels. 

To appreciate it fully, it's important for you to understand that she has left her job, family, and home - moving across the country to support her daughter in receiving several weeks of treatment for Lyme disease. 

Let the words of Natascha Georgeff encourage you to find the best of life in the hardest chapters you walk through. 

Afternoon coffee and cake; this cultural ritual runs deep. I love it. Taking time to reflect on the day, unpacking little treasures, otherwise unnoticed and thus lost. 

One of such treasures involved the youngest daughter of an Amish mother and patient at the Clinic. This little 5 year old girl brought a beautifully hand illustrated song book over to me, climbed on my lap and began singing nursery rhymes and bible songs. She kept turning the pages and filled the room with her sweet voice when I suddenly realized that I was reading a vaguely familiar German tune, written in Pennsylvania Dutch yet familiar enough for me to break out in song, her little voice joining in. So here we were, strangers, yet connected by tradition and memories stored in the recesses of my soul - stirring emotions I didn't even know were there to feel. 

So I felt, and I loved, and I sang. And I realize that coffee and cake made me see this encounter for what it truly is: a gift of remembering. And treasuring. And I would have missed it if I had not taken time to reflect on my day.  

Living your best life is being present in the moment. Maybe we all would be served a little better if we stopped to connect with strangers. And if we stopped for afternoon coffee and cake. However you find to do it, make sure to stop and enjoy your life each and every day. 

To learn more and to support Ilana's Medical Mountain, click here. May your life spill over in generosity to this family in need of miracles.

Audacious Hope

 Hope grows in the most surprising places
From the midst of pain and chaotic spaces

A virtue and an anchor
In the heart it will stir

Hope arises like a daisy in the daylight.

Don’t let your heart be overcome by fear
Instead set your eyes on that which is dear

A purpose and a promise
That you can’t shake or dismiss

Hope arises like a daisy in the daylight.

Today is not the end, there is further to go
One step at a time and soon you will know

A dawn and a grace
It will brighten the face

Hope arises like a daisy in the daylight.

Keep Going

Today is a beautiful September day in Iowa. One where the wind rustles its song through the tree branches and makes the leaves dance on the sidewalk. As I took Leia for a run, I could certainly tell the streets where it blew behind me and the corners I would turn and hit the headwind. “Keep going”, I told myself.

The other thing you have to understand about running with Leia is the way she starts out. She acts exactly how I feel at the beginning of a run… like there’s concrete tied on the ankles and she can barely get the umph to go. So, I’m basically dragging this 50+ pound dog up hills and into the wind for the first 10-15 minutes. “Keep going”, I told myself.

Towards the middle of the run when we are both hitting a stride together, wouldn’t you know an ambulance and fire truck would be heading down the street our direction. Now it’s like fire under her little paws and this 50+ pound dog is d-r-a-g-g-i-n-g me down the sidewalk sprinting. It was hilarious. “Keep going,” I told myself.

There are chapters of life that are similar. And days just like this. One minute you have a nice tailwind and things feel smooth, and the next minute you hit a massive headwind and it’s really hard. One week everything is falling into stride and the next week you are being dragged here and there by 1000 pound problems.

A few tips to keep going…

• Keep perspective. It won’t stay this hard forever. There will come another tail wind, just you wait and see.

• Don’t stop. Rest, yes. But don’t put the brakes on or you won’t get through it.

• Breathe. Often we are focusing so hard on conquering that we neglect the gift of oxygen to our system.

• Smile. It’s amazing the energy you can tap into with this simple action.
  

Whether the winds are for you or against you today, keep going. Living your best life is cooperating with it and keeping perspective. Lift your chin and breathe deep. Smile. Enjoy your run and this grand world.

He holds my hand.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

There are days and seasons where we soar high, like wings on eagles. Life is good; our strength is full. There are times we run and keep running. We cover great distances, yet do not tire. Then there are those times when we walk. One foot in front of the other. No dynamo of energy surging through us as we feel when we soar or run. More of a strength that holds us steady and keeps us from passing out.

I love to soar. Freely lifted on the wind currents. It is there I have a greater perspective that helps me feel like a victor in the challenges that arise. I don't stumble or trip, I'm above it.

Running is also something I really enjoy. Particularly, when I don't get tired. When I am in the zone, I feel alive and ready for whatever is around the bend. I don't get distracted or worried, the steady breathing and oxygen flowing through my lungs gives me a confidence that it will all work out.

Walking in this context sounds hard; as fainting is a concern. It's a place in life where walking is required due to the uneven terrain, obstacles, or inability to see very far ahead. It's here where strength is a whole different gift. Rather than enabling us to cover great distance or rise above all the challenges, strength is a keeping power and prevents us from 'fainting' amidst the pressure.

Three distinct experiences. All are strength.

As I grow older, I'm becoming more okay with the walking seasons. I've found I am more engaged with people, intentional with my time, and even take better care of myself. I grow in empathy and compassion towards others and the challenges they are navigating. I've also learned there's a special gift to these times...

Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:24

He holds my hand.

It's when life is slowed down and hard that I sense how near the Lord really is. How everything is going to work out... not because I can see it or have it figured out... but because I can feel his hand holding mine. It's the hardest, yet best place to live.

Here's to living in sync with your best life, strength in all conditions.  

Soar above. Run the distance. Hold his hand. 

The Art of Receiving

Last week I had a piano student share with me about how it was her mom’s birthday. She excitedly told me about the new appliance her dad had surprised her mom with. At this point, she had me.

“Was she happy with that gift?” I asked.

The student scratched her head a little as I laughed and we moved on to the next song. Evidently too young to understand the difficult terrain of gift giving that so many husbands learn the hard way. Possibly this wife was thrilled; recognizing the gift of making life around the home a little more convenient. I hope so anyway. 

Our perspective has everything to do with how we respond to what’s given to us. I’ve heard it said that a gracious ‘thank you’ reveals more about the character of the receiver than how amazing the gift or giver is. So often we look at the art of giving as the focal point, when the art of receiving plays just as strong a role in our lives.

Living our best lives is cultivating gratefulness and being able to see how much of what we have truly is a gift. Unearned, undeserved, simple gracelets showered in our lives. How well are we with the art of receiving?

Daily taking the time to give thanks can bring great peace and joy. Here’s my start, how about you do it, too?

I am thankful for…

• hope
• laughter
• church bells ringing
• hot cup of coffee
• family
• amazing grace
• walking the dog
• full moon
• the cross
• new life
• hot shower
• music
• kayaking
• talks with friends
  

May the melody of thanksgiving give you a new song today and every day.

After the Rain

 After the rain there’s a rainbow. After a storm there’s calm. After the night there’s a morning, and after an end there’s a new beginning.

I worked in the nursery with the little ones at church on Sunday. It was a precious time, despite the tears and the missing of moms. Whether it was the bottle, Cheerios, a cuddle in arms that turned into a nap, or being distracted by the toys; in time and before we knew it, the cries were comforted. Mom comes back and all was well.

There are times I come to my end, too. Long day, challenging situations. I can get pretty tired and weepy when stretched beyond my capacity.

Living our best lives is holding steady through the rain and being at peace through the storms. It is remembering that God is faithful. One step at a time, one day at a time. He is here and all will be well.

How wide. How near.

Trying to define God by our life experiences is like trying to fit the ocean into a thimble.*

I love the ocean. I love the sound, the smells, the saltiness, the currents, the whitecaps, the splashes, the squishy sand, the windy breezes. I love it in the morning as the sun rises over it and I love it in the evening as the moon glows on it. I love it all day long.

Most of all, I am captivated by the size of it. It stills my little heart every time I look at it. I suddenly realize how very small I am and how very large God is. All things are instantly in perspective as I allow it to absorb me.

He loves me this much.
Further than I can see to the right.
Further than I can see to the left.
Further than I can see over the horizon.
How wide? So wide, it knows no end.

He loves me this much.
Nearer than I can see to the right.
Nearer than I can see to the left.
Nearer than I can see on the horizon.
How near? So near, it knows no beginning.

Living our best lives is letting go of the thimble and throwing it into the ocean. It’s allowing our life experiences to be absorbed by a God of love. Suddenly we find the things we once held so dear are lost in the movements of his love. And suddenly we are found. Free. Playing in his love.

How wide. How near. 

*Loosely adapted from Eat this Book by Eugene Peterson

Open the Box

Life is about using the whole box of crayons.

It's the beginning of the school year. If you're a lucky kid, you are going to start it with a brand new set of Crayola crayons. You are super duper lucky if your parents bought you the box of 120 with a built in sharpener on back. 
 
Those first coloring projects are amazing, aren't they? Every crayon fits in your hand and has a beautiful point. And then October rolls around, and your favorites are well-rounded down. By May, you're left with a few nubs of crayons that you work at unwrapping the paper so you can use them. All the while, the four ugliest colors in the box remain untouched and pristine in point. Colors like suntan, yellow-green, and brick red.

Life's a little bit like that. We tend to pick our favorite things and stick with them. Which is great, but can be somewhat boring and predictable. 

Living our best life is exploring new things. Taking a class. Trying a new hobby. Meeting a new friend. Who knows what all awaits us? 

Possibly, our favorite things are yet to be discovered. Go ahead. Open the box and try something new. 

 




 
 

The Sabbath

Enjoying a weekly Sabbath has been a process for me. At first I had to realize that it wasn't a reward you earned for finishing all your work for the week. The true gift of the Sabbath was stopping with the work yet undone and recognizing that the world is not going to end. Learning how to rest with a list of things calling out and demanding my attention was a spiritual discipline. It was a weekly lesson on surrender and trust. The universe and my life is held together by One other than myself.

Next, I had to learn what to do with a Sabbath. What are the things that truly bring rest and delight to me? How am I best replenished? Depending on the week, it can vary. With some experimentation I've found a few of my favorite's are: worshiping at church, going to the lake for a walk, eating dinner with family and friends, gardening, napping, playing piano, and reading. Listening to my underlying needs has made the Sabbath a real joy.

Recently, I read this quote and now I find myself stretched in my Sabbath practice again.... "The Sabbath is not just a break in the pattern of daily life but the whole meaning it." Margaret Silf

I think I have still viewed the Sabbath as the one day created to serve the other six days. You know, the days where we do the important stuff we call work. It's like the purpose of the Sabbath is determined by the work of the week. I think it's nice of God to give me a day off so I can work harder the rest of my week. 

What would happen if I saw the Sabbath as the most important day of my week and let the other six days find their meaning and purpose out of the one? What if this day set aside for enjoying a relationship with our Creator is the essence of life and not our work?

I am challenged. I think at the end of the day, I still identify a lot with my work and the little world I think I control in daily life.

I am also invited. To a new way of viewing the source of my life and identity. To understand what is really living and to let everything flow from this space called the Sabbath.

Living our best lives is freedom to live as children cared for by a Heavenly Father and to understand our destiny in his presence. The Sabbath is a gift that gives us both.

Awakened

A couple of nights ago, Natalie and I took our dog Leia for her evening walk. This aspect of life is so routine, even Leia knows which streets to turn at. As we strolled along, Natalie and I enjoyed our time of simple banter mixed with the comfortable quiet you share with someone you know well. My thoughts drifted in and out as I relaxed into the cadence of each step.

“Is that the sound of a cricket?” asked Natalie breaking the silence.

As I awakened myself to hear what she was listening to, my ears were filled with a cacophony of nighttime sounds. It was a concert of what seemed to be a million insects, amphibians, and birds. I could not even pick out the sound of the cricket at first because nature’s ruckus was literally that loud.

Sharing that with Natalie, she noted, “Yeah. Isn’t it amazing we walked all this while and didn’t even hear it?”

Yes. And now we can’t hear anything else.

This reminds me of God and his love. His presence is this enormous hug of love all around us. His song of rejoicing deafeningly loud in the silence. It’s so amazing. And we often don’t hear it.

May we be awakened in His love today so that we can’t hear anything else.

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17

One Thing a Thousand Ways

He will teach us one thing, perhaps in a thousand ways: "I am forming Christ in you." Dr. J. Robert Clinton

As I read this sentence, it causes me to catch my breath. I hardly can contain the emotion that wells up inside of me in this beautifully intimate and powerful statement.

I think he is right. 

It's amazing to hit 'play' on the movie in my mind and be brought back to all the lessons he has taught me over the years. All the ways he has been by my side: calling my name, forgiving my shortcomings, healing my pains, redeeming my losses, choosing me to be his very own dwelling place. Christ in me. One thing in a thousand ways. 

In return I offer to him, one thing is thousand ways. Me.

Living our best lives is often not what we think it is. We get sidelined and distracted by so much stuff. May we be brought back to this simple truth today and everyday... I'm my beloved's and he is mine.









 

Free to Wander

Adventure must start with running away from home. - William Bolitho

Last week, I was embracing the warmth of a grandmother's home filled with treasures of love. Today, my heart is drawn to explore new vistas with a longing for adventure and play. 

I don't think that's too unusual or surprising. For when we are most settled within, we are most free to wander. The two weave together as beautifully as the melody and harmony synchronize in a piece of music. 

We need the peace of belonging. The rest of a home. In the same, we need the joy of traveling. The energy of finding new places. If we only have rest, it can slip into slumber. If we only have travels, it can slip into running.

Living in sync is realizing the natural rhythms of resting and adventuring. One without the other leaves us lacking the fullness of life. Where is your inclination? What is your heart most longing for today? 

May you find the riches of both as you live your best life.  







 

Homemade

This week I have had the privilege of meeting new friends and staying in their home. It is one of those places that instantly felt like home sweet home. From the fresh cut garden flowers throughout the house to the quilts on the bed and the clothespins with hanging photos of grandkids... the creativity and simplicity has been refreshing.

There's something special about 'homemade'. In our busy moving, highly technological age of convenience and expediency, we often don't even realize what we miss as we rush about in our lives from one thing to another. Whether we are talking refrigerator art, wood projects, or dinner; when our hands and heart interact it becomes a special gift. And as those gifts are shared with others we multiply the blessing. 

We are not all master chefs or musicians or artists. Most of us don't have the time to dedicate to massive projects. How can we tap into the gift of homemade in a way that fits our lives? 

First of all, let's remember that homemade doesn't need to be a pie, quilt or scrapbook. I think homemade comes from anything you create that is uniquely you. It could something as simple as making "special noodles" as my mother-in-law did for my husband as he was a child growing up. Nothing special about them - It was simply cooked noodles in beef broth. However, with a little bit of creativity and love, these home-cooked noodles at the table became a very special gift to her son. 

A few things to consider... 

• What do you genuinely enjoy?  
• How can you embrace simplicity? 
• How could you be creative in something you already do?

Living your best life is being the best you in this world and sharing it with others. It's releasing our own version of homemade. Here's to making our lives home sweet home.

Work and Rest

 "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." E.B. White

Our desires to work and rest oft' go hand in hand. Truly, there is no greater reward than rest after a hard day's work. Likewise, there is no greater reward as work after a good night's rest. 

May you experience the grace of both these gifts. 

Come, we go.

 

A Prayer of Recollection: Come, we go. 

As I take your hand, I feel the warmth and strength.
You smile as my feet find their place on the climb.
I notice the back pack I carry, and I wonder what it holds.
It's not heavy or burdensome at all.

          It's to carry what I've given you.
         For the people you will meet along the way.
         For the weary and forlorn, for the distracted and disowned. 
         Freely you have received, freely give. 

I nod my head. Yes, I understand. 
May all you have invested in me be shared with those I am around.
May I skillfully and generously give away what has been so freely given to me. 

          You don't go alone.
         I'm here to guide and provide. 
         Take your gifts, they are for giving.
         Bring comfort, peace, and joy. 

Yes. And most of all, I give you. 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
May you live through me in every interaction. 
Amen.

Ridin' Waves

Last week we enjoyed a Sabbath at the beach. We found great delight in the ocean. From early morning sunrises to the full moon in the evening, from the walks and seashell hunts to the waves and boogie boards... it all was marvelous play, rest, and refreshment. 

One of my favorite memories is playing in the ocean waves with my daughter, Natalie. We spent enough time out there to begin to name the various waves things such as, "Big Gentles" and "Riders". In a matter of time, these two Midwest girls were calling them and able to distinguish the best ones to ride in to shore. 

Of course, a few of them took us for a tumbling ride as well. Nothing like salt water baptisms and the surprise as a young boy recovers your lost to the ocean sunglasses! For sure, riding a wave is more fun than having one ride you. 

A few things we learned from the waves: 

• Prepare. You keep your eyes in the water and respond. Whether you want to dive into it or jump with it - you move and respond. Standing still you are more likely to be knocked over or swept in the undertow.

• Time it. You want to be in motion with the energy of the wave. Not too far ahead of it and definitely not behind when it hits.

• Enjoy. Whether you call it perfectly and ride it all the way in or it falls short and you gently sway or maybe you get thrown around scrape your knees in the sand - it's all play. Let yourself go in uncontrolled, unreserved play. 

• Together. All things are more rich when done with a companion. Whether it's a elderly man teaching his grandson or like us, a mom and daughter duo - play is a great way to strengthen your relationship. You may even be surprised by the conversations you have in the middle of the ocean with no one around! ;)

Living your best life is learning how to play well. How to ride the opportunities and seasons you have and enjoy each moment with the people around you. It certainly is better than when life takes over and it feels like it is riding you for all its worth.

It's summer - go enjoy it and play with some people in your life!