The Greater Cause and the Daily March

The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson

On this Memorial Day, I want to remember the men and women who have served our country. Whether it was a short enlistment or life time calling. Whether it was working behind the scenes or on the front lines. As I've heard said, "all gave some and some gave all". 

To truly honor their lives and sacrifice; I am compelled to consider my own calling and mission. Am I living for a greater cause than my own personal happiness? Am I a person who is useful, honorable, compassionate, and making a difference? Am I willing to sacrifice for it to be so?

Our best lives, we come to find out, have very little to do with ourselves and more to do with others. What we have is God's gift to us and what we do with it is our gift to Him. 

For the service person, it is a matter of embracing two things - the greater cause and the daily march. For us to live well, it is the same. 

Today, I encourage you to take the time to consider a greater cause... 
- where do you long to see change in the world?
- what issues put you on a 'soapbox'?
- when are you the most easily moved to tears or anger? 
- what do you read and study the most about? 

And the daily march...
- who and what is right in front of me?
- how will I sacrifice and adjust my schedule to reflect my values?
- where can I take action? 
- what will I commit to doing regardless of how I feel? 

"May you all continue the journey ~ the daily march ~ with your spirits strengthened by the grace of the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One." Phil.4:23

Here's to living in sync with your best life ever... one that is much bigger than you. 

Happy Memorial Day! 

The Daily Work

While beautifully rustic in a photograph, this old barn could clearly use some attention and care. At one time, I'm sure it was a sturdy home for the animals and farm equipment stored there. However, in time and with being exposed to the elements: boards fade and break, nails rust, shingles blow away, and tresses warp.

To live our best lives, it takes attention and care. Daily. This barn didn't begin to crumble over night; and neither do our relationships, physical health, soul-care, or walk with Jesus. 

Anything that is valuable in your life is worth the time, cost, and commitment to care for it. The question is - how? 

A few things I've found helpful- 

- Structure. It's easier to maintain our time, priorities, and attention when we create and live within a structure. This includes things like knowing my purpose and calling, embracing my strengths and limitations, and cooperating with each season of life. 

- Rhythm. Rather than trying to find "balance", which gives a sense of holding all things equally in such a way that it's a juggling act; I like the idea of rhythm. Rhythm gives me the freedom to be present in all areas of my life and give my attention where and when it is most needed.

- Lean in. Allow the care and attention to go below the surface level. Shortcuts are often costly. Do not merely care for the external aspects of life, but do the internal hard work. Slapping up a few more boards and painting the barn may give a better outward appearance, but will not suffice in strengthening it to care for the animals inside who are depending on it for shelter. 

Today, I am paying attention to where I am feeling a little frayed and worn out. And right here I embrace the rhythms of His amazing grace and lean into His strength and sufficiency. So grateful for His care and attention to our lives. 

May we cooperate daily with Him, so that we may live our best lives. 

What's In Your Basket?

The Eternal is my light amidst my darkness and my rescue in times of trouble. So whom shall I fear? He surrounds me with a fortress of protection. So nothing should cause me alarm. Psalm 27:1

Many of us are familiar with the story of Moses and his early beginnings. A childhood Bible story of the basket and rescue; but it's not quite as simple as we like to tell the story. 

Think about it. This was a time of great darkness, one threatening the very life of Moses. And in the face of this great danger, I observe his mom's admirable actions of bravery, ingenuity, and faith. 

Bravery. Facing the danger head on, this woman hid her baby at birth. She didn't give up or run away from the threatening situation; but wisely concealed her son and planned for his life. 

Ingenuity. In a move of creative brilliance, she waterproofed a basket for her son and sent it down the Nile to the presence of the Egyptian princess, asking older sister Miriam to watch over what happened. Rather than be shut down by fear, she allowed it to thrust her family into a new realm of opportunity. 

Faith. Giving her son into a basket on the river, was really giving her son to God. It was a singular act of trust that displayed the brightness of hope cutting through the dark.

As I pray lately, I think about the basket and where do I need to have bravery, ingenuity and faith? Where is the darkness, fear, and hopes? These are exactly the situations that should go in the basket. There's no better place to put the cares of my life. 

Living our best life is much more than comfort and ease. It often requires more than we think we have to give. And it is in those places we discover the basket and the One who keeps it safe. 

What's in your basket?

Heaven's Voice

The heavens are telling the glory of God; they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship. Day and night they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. Psalm 19:1-4


Yesterday on an evening walk, I stumbled upon the most unique sunset I have ever seen. I am certain this photo doesn't give it justice; however, I think you will see the shooting rays that marveled me. A glimpse of a heavenly 'light show' beating out any human made one. 

If this, as scripture tells us, is a message... What do you think God is telling us? In the few minutes I was able to relish in the moment, here's what I found: 

First, it was the surprise. I love the way God surprises me. When I least expect it. When I am tired or distracted. Not because I deserve it or have done anything right. Just because of who He is and because I am His. 

Then, it was the awe. An overwhelming touch of majestic beauty that instantly silences everything else. A remembrance of Creator God who is actively creating and crafting, not only in the heavenlies but also in our lives. 

Lastly, those striking sun rays tell me of the reaching power of God's love in our lives. Yes, 'your love reaches me' as the Vineyard song expresses. It's what I need. It's what I need. 

How about you? Have you taken time to see and listen to what the heavens are telling you? You might just find the answers to your questions or realize the questions no longer matter. 

Living our best lives is in sync and response with a loving Heavenly Father who is talking with us all the time. Telling us of His great love, power, and care for our lives. 

Maybe it is time for you to take a stroll. Look. Listen. And live your best life ever.  

Flourishing.

Just as children flourish by growing up into adults, so adults flourish by cultivating childlikeness, avoiding the spiritual hardening of the arteries that comes with competence and experience. Andy Crouch 

I underlined this sentence in Andy's book, Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power, a couple of days ago and can't seem to shake it. 

I think he's right. 

Here's a few reasons that come to my mind: 

1- Jack, this happy little guy in the photo above. Childlikeness is playing hard and swinging high with big smiles. It is unreserved singing as you play songs on the piano (yes, Jack is also one of my piano students). It's laughter and giggles; worry-free fun. 

2- Hannah, a sweet 2 year old I was blessed to spend the weekend with. Childlikeness is being secure with "MY daddy" (just making sure we got the message). It is knowing that if you want to try something new, there will be hand to hold on to. If you get tired, there are shoulders to ride on. If you are wanting to talk over and over about the same thing, someone will listen to you. (cuz... cuz...) It's a sweet relationship with the one who loves us. 

3- Natalie, my daughter, a thriving teenager. Childlikeness is learning; even when it's not your favorite subject. Can anyone say Social Studies? It's sticking with it and persevering through the generals and battles when sitting on the couch and watching Sponge Bob sounds a lot more appealing. It's loving others first. Making friends without waiting for others to notice you are the new kid in the room. 

How quickly we grow up and become comfortable. As if we've accomplished something and now can coast through life on our experiences. If we aren't intentional, we get stuffy, boring, and responsible. Bleh.

Living our best lives means reclaiming childlikeness and the original design of our lives. Freedom. Fun. Sweetness. Courage. Love. 

I think YOUR daddy takes great pleasure when we do. 

But the closer I am to You, my God, the better; because life with You is good. Psalm 73:28

Gifts are for giving.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. - Maya Angelou

This weekend Bryce Davis played the piano accompaniment for Waukee High School's spring play "High School Musical". This is only one of Bryce's many musical accomplishments (he is SO talented!!) 

But this one holds a special place in my heart. You see, I taught Bryce how to play piano. Or better said, I guided the opening of his gift.

I remember the conversation I had with his mom, Chris, a few years ago. Bryce really wanted to learn piano, but at the time there wasn't the extra resources available to pay me. Chris was undergoing cancer treatment at the time and the medical bills were piling up. 

Of course I said yes. It was a privilege to be asked.

Time flew during my lesson times with Bryce. We'd spend 45 minutes to an hour together and it was some of the most fun I've had with a student. He would play written music and by ear; and began putting together beautiful sounds on his own with his evident musical talent. In a matter of months, he was ready to go beyond my guidance.

Bryce continued playing. He spent hours in the practice room after school. A teacher noticed, and the doors began to open. I am sure they will continue to. 

In his words... "I am very glad that you taught me so much and helped me find my passion for playing piano. I enjoy it so much." 

Today I am reminded that every gift I have is best used when it's given freely. So many times we don't think what we have is valuable enough to share; but here I am to say, Look at Bryce - YES IT IS. 

Living your best life is one that gives back. Little or big, doesn't really matter. Give. You never know who it will make all the difference for. And what it does inside you when you get to see it will change you forever. 

Here's to Bryce and his bright future and to the ones he, in turn, will give to.

Reclaimed for His purposes

I will restore you, reclaim you, and rebuild you because I cannot help but love you. Isaiah 60:10




Our church is wrapping up a 3 year building renovation process. I love this first photo because it shows not only the state of the warehouse we began with; but also the thinking and planning it took many times over to make it all happen. 

We have celebrated everything from dry wall and electrical wires to ceiling tiles, bathroom signs, carpet, and MUCH, MUCH more. Every step brought us one step closer to the fulfillment of a dream.

It was a dirty process. And one that hit many roadblocks and detours along the way. We calculated and re-calculated. We called, searched, asked, pursued, and called again. We sweat, dug, scrubbed, lifted, pushed and pulled. And we prayed in those hardest seasons. 

By the grace of God and the hands of many people we made it. On February 11, 2015, our occupancy permit was granted. 

And here we are today. Filling this space with people who are experiencing the transforming love, truth and power of Jesus Christ. 







Such a story gives us a glimpse into God's handiwork in our lives. He restores, reclaims, and rebuilds us... because he can't help loving us!!

Living our best lives is responding to his transformative work so that we can live out our purposes fully. 

• Wherever you feel stalled and life is not what you want it to be - say "Yes". He is planning.
• Wherever you see God working in your life, big or small - say "Yes." He has given you much to celebrate!
• Wherever it is desolate, hard, dirty or exhausting - say "Yes." He is working. 

By the grace of God and your courageous steps in living out your "Yes's", you will see a vision of your life unfold and His amazing purposes revealed.