The Stories We Share

By: Ms. O

I am not sure why we do it….it seems to come so naturally. Perhaps it is to let someone else know they are not alone…that you have shared that same struggle…and survived. Maybe to let it be known you are a survivor…you have earned your stripes…part of the “club”. What I have come to realize is that as we “share”, the joy is at times lost…in the story.

The happening… sharing…. takes place when someone has a baby. The story swapping of sleepless nights, colic filled hours, potty training disasters, terrible two’s, tiresome threes….the list goes on. The tales flow from our lips….commiserating the battle we fought to raise our children…and come out with half a brain and most of our nerves intact. We speak freely of spit/vomit/poo soiled clothing….trading a fashionable purse for a functional diaper bag….clothes that never fit the same again. I can’t even go into the teenage years…

What I have come to realize is I was missing the forest because of the trees….so caught up with the hurdles that I forget to mention the fact that of how much I miss the scenery along the way. There is much joy in the journey…which makes it all worthwhile… everything we go through as parents.

I can still “smell” the scent of my babies snuggled under my chin, looking for the safety that only a parent can give. I loved those times that I had when only “mommy” would do…when I was their do all end all. I miss their little voices calling my name…seeking me out…touching base to make sure I was still “around”.  I have long ago gotten rid of the maternity clothes but I still remember the feeling of carrying my children in my body….that sweet joy of knowing you share breath and life.

There were times that I felt my heart would burst with pride as I watched my children graduate….go on to college…live on their own…find their own way. Sure, I have been part of their packing and moving but I also know that they are separate entities now…what is supposed to happen…and I got to witness it. The struggles were there…but those moments caught in time remind me that parenting changes “faces”…it is still…parenting.

This blessing we are given as parents is so utterly humbling. God trusts us to raise “His” child…His gift….and His desire is that we not just “get through it” but more so remember the moments…the joy filled moments…that linger only when we make a point of reminiscing.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

To put it plainly, I would do it all over again…and again…because it showed God’s character…in me. I am in awe of what I got to experience…those captured moments of accomplishment that served to reveal God’s faithfulness.

God has more confidence in us that we can ever imagine. He has made us to endure the tough times but even better than that…He softened our hearts to take in the joy of the moment as we “fight the good fight”. I am amazed when I look back and take in the full picture…realizing that there is a season for everything but no season is lived alone.

As God assured me that I will make it through long nights…. whether it was with an infant who would not go to sleep or waiting for my teenager to make it home safe…to take in whole picture….the joy of knowing I was part of it all. God revealed to me that He created me for the long haul….and to enjoy the struggle because I won’t pass through it again….it is a season…and it’s gone.

It is fine to share our stories…it connects us…assures others…ourselves….that God is in control. There were times I wondered if I would make it…and I look back now and laugh at my very “young” view….because He fashioned me to not only make it…but also to rejoice in it all.

One day I will sit at my Saviors feet and I will share my joy in the journey we walked together…knowing that it is the mix that makes it so wonderfully worth it. Praise be to God from Whom all blessings flow.  Amen.

4 Facts About You That Insecurity Doesn’t Want You To Know

By: Amy Dalke

I don’t know about you, but some days I just wake up at the bottom of an Insecurity Pit.

And it’s on those days that I have to preach the gospel to myself, or I will otherwise spend the day as a pit-dweller, which pretty much means that I’ll spend the day measuring myself against others, and reminding myself of the 58 reasons that I’m ill-equipped and under-qualified.

Insecurity is a bold-faced lie that creeps into our life from all angles. 

We have insecurities about everything from our bra size, to dress size, to the size of our homes. 

We wear insecurity on our shoulders as we muddle through friendship issues, mother-in-law drama, and parenting fails; and insecurity is the filter through which we interpret every conversation.

Insecurity is a pit-dwelling trap, and nobody has time for that. 

But it’s not like we text Insecurity and invite her over for coffee and muffins, nor do we go looking for a pit to jump into. Which means something tricks us into that pit, and we need to figure out how to avoid it next time.

Here’s the deal: if the way you see yourself is rooted in insecurity, then your view is vastly different from God’s. And the key to avoiding the pit is to live based on how God sees you.

Since God’s thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand, there’s no way I can pack all of that awesomeness into 600-ish words. But this is a start:

4 Facts About You That Insecurity Doesn’t Want You To Know

(1) You have been adopted as a CHILD OF GOD. (John 1:12; 1 John 3: 1-2). I know. How clever of me to tell you what your 2nd grade Sunday school teacher told you.  

I might as well say, “Hey, don’t be insecure. You’re God’s child. He’s got this.” #FistBump #PrayingForYou

But actually, when you sink your mind into the implications of what “being God’s child” really means, you will discover that true faith isn’t grown in a cotton candy patch. 

Throughout scripture, God’s people are the underdogs who have no hope of winning and every reason to fail. They are the Least Likely and Most Ordinary who dare to believe God is who He says He is.

Their lives aren’t defined by their trials or successes, but they have a deep sense of security in the middle of hard and painful and unfair. 

This is the life God invited you into as His child- the great adventure life of faith. The difference between facing Hard as a child of God, is that you know who holds your future and faithfully directs your life. (And that happens to be God, who runs the world.) 

(2) You are ACCEPTED in Christ (Romans 15:7, Colossians 2:9-10). We can list every reason why God shouldn’t accept us. But I forget that nothing I do surprises him…and I start thinking how disappointed He must be. 

But, hello, God knows more about us than we know about ourselves…flaws and all.

And He accepts us anyway. 

This means that even when life throw us for a loop, or when relationships fail us and disappoint us, we can still rejoice in Christ’s complete acceptance of us.

(3) You are CHOSEN to bear fruit (John 15:15). It took me a long time to grasp the awesomeness of this verse. Mostly because it’s hard to relate myself to parts of a tree. (Or really the whole gardening concept in general.) 

Nonetheless, knowing this will change your life: God purposed you to live in this time, in this place, in this generation. And He custom-made you with skills, strengths, and gifts so that He can uniquely impact others through YOU. 

Yes, YOU. (Even though ____, even if ____, and even still.) 

(4) You are a CITIZEN OF A HEAVENLY KINGDOM (Philippians 3:20). I know, I know. You aren’t dead yet, so what does your eternal address have to do with it? 

Actually, heaven has everything to do with this very moment. Jesus-people have been born into the Kingdom of Heaven where we enjoy the rights and privileges of our new homeland right here and now.

We are ambassadors of this heavenly kingdom, and God works in us and through us to bring heaven’s work to earth in every step we take. 

————————————-

The enemy knows that when we know who we really are…we will be unstoppable.

Satan is well aware that God has defeated him. But if he can trick you into believing that you’re the loser, then he’s won a small battle. 

And to keep winning, all he has to do is keep you focused on who you aren’t.

If insecurity is masking your true identity in Christ, then ask God to show you where your thoughts have gotten tangled in a lie. He will lift you out of that pit, one truth at a time.

(Also please feel free to kick insecurity in the face with every new inch of victory you gain.)

Amen.

Set Apart To Fulfill God’s Plan

The Truly You Purpose Project

Truth Tip #3

God Set You Apart  

 To Fulfill His Plan For Your Life.

It’s week three of The Truly You Purpose Project. So far, we’ve learned you are of sacred worth, and God’s love is unconditional…he loves you…no matter what. While you may have already known these things intellectually, I hope you have now enveloped them in your heart and invested them into your soul as they are foundational to moving forward and living truly you.

This week, we step into Truth Tip #3 of our life purpose project and realize God set you apart to accomplish his specific plan for your life.

Truth Tip #3 

God Set You Apart To Fulfill His Plan For Your Life.

…before you were born I set you apart;

Jeremiah 1:5

I’m married. For the second time. Divorce was not part of my plan.  Frankly, it wasn’t God’s plan for my life either. In hindsight, perhaps neither was my first marriage.

Back then…1981…I didn’t think much about God having a plan for me. I was much too focused on myself for that. I definitely had a vision for my life, my marriage, and future family. Unfortunately, I don’t recall that I included God in the picture except for maybe church-going on Sundays. I claimed Christ as my Savior, attended bible studies, prayed and read scripture, but my faith wasn’t deep enough to know I could trust God in and with everything…even my life partner…even my dreams. I didn’t know how to be brave and listen to God’s voice, to view circumstances as signposts on the path to my first marriage.  I didn’t know God set me apart and had a specific plan for my life.  A plan to accomplish his purposes and bring me joy along the way.

I know now…and it has made all the difference.

Your Role In God’s Plan Is Significant

…God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles…

Galatians 1:15

When we set something or someone apart, we do so to keep it or her separate for the right purpose, place, and time. We separate good china from the everyday dishes for use on special occasions. When we bake, we set apart the dry ingredients from the wet until the right time. We separate our music on play lists based on our moods and preferences.  We set apart people for different jobs at our offices to bring optimum results. Setting apart has purpose.

In this scripture from Galatians, the apostle Paul reconfirmed the calling God had on his life…this ‘setting apart’ that occurred from birth. Paul testified that God lovingly and specifically selected, separated, and meant for him to complete a plan. Not Paul’s plan, God’s plan.

Paul’s plan was to persecute Jews…and he was good at it! But God knew all along the winding roads Paul would choose to take and he used them to strengthen and empower Paul’s testimony of Christ’s love to the Gentiles…eternally life~changing to those of us who are not Jewish!

Paul’s role in God’s plan is significant. So is yours.

If you are anything like Paul ~ or me ~ in setting out to follow your own plans, you need to know that you have been set apart from birth to make a way for the completion of God’s great plan and glory. His plan includes your roles, personality, relationships, giftedness, location, experiences, faith, and even the ashes resulting from wrong choices.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes.

Romans 8:28

Through my first marriage, I was gifted an incredible son.  I gained a whole lot of wisdom, and my relationship with Christ grew deeply. God has used my past to create a desire in me to help other women draw close to him and know and accept his plan for their lives. In doing this, I live God’s plan for my life and bring glory to his name.

Step forward into God’s plan for your life.  Be truly you!

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 9:21

Purpose Prayer

God, forgive me for making my days all about me and my plans. Please open my eyes, ears, and heart to know and accept your will for my life. Thank you for somehow using my mistakes and misdirection for my good and greater impact for your kingdom, greatness, and glory. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Purpose Step

Write down the plan you have for your life. After praying and reading scripture, do you sense God has something different in mind for you? Are the differences small tweaks or huge leaps? Perhaps you’re right on target! In any case, praise God for his plan and ask that he reveal specifically how he wants to use you for his glory.

Listen to Your HeartSong Here

Set Apart/Worship Central

-Written by: Gail Armatys

How To Change Your Own Weather

By: Amy Dalke

One recent Saturday morning, I went about my business trying to hold the whole world in my hands (as I sometimes do), and I was a little stressed out (as I sometimes am).

The day’s calendar was bulging at the seams, and I had kicked it off in sort of a grumpy mood. It was in that sour attitude that I hustled through the house and observed its contents through an Angry Mom lens.

Apparently a sporting goods store had just blown up in the middle of the living room; there was a layer of dust covering the coffee table; and animal hair (so help me, God) had gathered in each corner and doorway within my line of sight.

This didn’t exactly have a positive affect on my state of mind.

After I took all this in, my mind raced to count all the things that were wrong with the house. The pantry floor needed to be mopped. Luke’s bathroom still had dried Scentsy wax on the floor. The windows hadn’t been cleaned in 9 months. The kitchen walls desperately begged for a make-over. The curtains in the game room cried to go back to the year they were cool. (Which, well, I’m not sure when that was.)

According to my perspective, there was nothing good or satisfactory between these walls. In fact, everything was just all wrong.

But then smack in the middle of my internal grumbling, I recalled a day earlier in the week when I viewed the exact same scene through a happier (rosy-like) lens.

On that day, the clutter didn’t choke me. The dust bunnies didn’t throw me into a tailspin; and the baseballs and cleats strewn across the wild blue yonder didn’t gnarl my nerves. The game room curtains didn’t rent any space in my head.

I didn’t even threaten to kill the cats because of their exasperating propensity to shed.

It occurred to me that I had prayerfully begun that particular day, and had determined to live with a non-emergency attitude. My mind was bent towards grateful instead of grabby, and since I had acknowledged from the get-go that God was in charge, I was able to maneuver unwelcome setbacks with grace.

Tasks were purposefully performed one at a time, and I deliberately paused to take a breath before reacting to various hiccups. I was miraculously calm inside and out, and outside circumstances didn’t have permission to toss me back and forth.

So what’s the deal? (Besides the fact that the latter description seems like I stepped out of a Mr. Clean commercial where the mom always scrubs the toilets with a smile on her face.)

One day I’m all Cloudy With a 98% Chance of Tornadoes, and the next, I’m Miss Sunny With a Cool Breeze & Fluffy-White Clouds.

Same house.

Same set of circumstances.

Same life.

Same baseball cleats.

Same God.

(Also, same animal hair.) 

The only variable factor present is my mindset. Which sort of means that I can change the weather just by changing my thoughts. 

A non-emergency attitude is only possible (for me) when I set my perspective on truth (beyond how I might feel), and intentionally humble myself before the One who (really) runs the world.

On the other hand, a “me-centered” perspective sees other people and situations as they relate in orbit around the ego-centered universe. Everything teeters or totters according to how it fits with my personal plans and expectations.

(Which leaves no wonder to why I whine about the color of the kitchen walls because my view doesn’t go beyond that.)

So what does your own view look like today? Do you see things through heaven’s reality, or your personal worldview? Is it all hazy in your head with a major chance of storms, or are the skies all clear?

If you catch yourself wallowing in negativity, remember that you don’t have to change a single thing around you to experience a completely different scene.

You just have to change how you look at it. 

Amy

Accept God Knows You ~ And Loves You Anyway

The Truly You Purpose Project

Truth Tip #2

Accept God Knows You ~ And Loves You Anyway

What if you lived believing no matter what mistake you make, where you’ve been or what you’ve done ~ you are loved? You might say you already know all about God’s love. Of course.  The question is, do you accept it deep down enough to live like you believe it?  To live as you are meant to live?  To be truly you?

God knows you inside and out. He knows me, too.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…

Jer. 1:5

God knows my anger. I’d never felt rage before, but this was it. I closed the door to a bedroom downstairs so no one ~ kids, neighbors, astronauts would hear me because I was ready to blow! I paced, ranted, and raved. I’d be stretching the truth to call this righteous anger. Prideful anger ~ more likely. God saw me. He knew why I was angry. Yet, he let me vent and continue to call me to his side…because he loves me anyway.

God knows my sin. I had a ‘habit’ I couldn’t shake…for years. More precisely, I wouldn’t let go of it. Finally, I looked in the mirror and couldn’t see me any more. Suddenly I realized…I was looking for consolation in my habit rather than God. He was not surprised by my epiphany. He knew all about me long ago. His love healed me…because he loves me anyway.

God knows my fear. I remember being so afraid of what might come I was paralyzed ~ unable to do the next thing or even know what it was. God saw my fear and confusion and used this time in my life to comfort and draw me near…not because I ran to him, but because in his love he reached out to me…because he loves me anyway.

God knows my pain. The hurt of my heart was excruciating and it doubled as I pled for another. There was nothing I could do. The situation was out of my hands. Where was God? Even in my doubt, God heard and answered my cry. He comforted and strengthened me…because he loves me anyway.

God knows all the not~so~pretty moments of mine. Yet, he loves me. This love has drawn me close and my acceptance of his no~holds~barred, love~me~anyway love has given me courage, peace, and the ability to be more forgiving of myself and others. Through it all, he has made a way for his purposes in my life to blossom so I may draw closer to him and who he made me to be. It’s the same for you.

Loved Each Day

Believing in God’s love is a continuous daily challenge, for sure. It requires intentional commitment to his loving Presence. We try to hide our mistakes, pain, and sin because we feel shame, hurt, distrust, and fear. Vulnerability and rejection loom large. But God is faithful as time and time again he calls us out from our darkest moments, thoughts, and experiences into the light. He knows that for us there is no greater source of humility, peace, freedom, strength, and purpose than to be fully known, and fully loved.

“To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God. It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.”

Timothy Keller

Accept God’s all knowing, love~you~anyway love…and be truly you.

Purpose Prayer

Thank you, Father, for knowing me and loving me anyway. I praise you that as I believe and accept your love, your purposes for my life begin to blossom. I am desperate to be all that it means to be truly me! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Purpose Step

What fear can you lay in the lap of God’s love today?  Surrender it to him and find peace, encouragement, and courage to live out your purpose believing God knows you utterly and completely ~ and loves you anyway.

Listen to Your HeartSong!

You Love Me Anyway/Sidewalk Prophets

Because there’s no such thing as a stressed-out, hustling Jesus

By: Amy Dalke

I took a walk the other day. Which is not breaking news material, but just roll with it and hope that I actually have a point to this excitement.

First of all, a leisurely walk doesn’t quite fit into my category of Favorite Things To Do. I would rather run and get finished much faster.

But when my mentor suggested a meditative walk, I was all for it, since physical movement during meditation was preferable to sitting still (boring) for any length of time. Plus it would knock out two items on my list: exercise and meditation.#fantastic (FYI: I quickly learned that a meditative walk does not count as exercise. At all.)

Anyhow. On Thursday morning last week, I grabbed my shoes and my phone; and stepped outside to call Ruthann (my mentor), who would lead me on this meditation walk over the phone.

Once we got going, Ruthann instructed me to pay attention to the rhythm of my steps: “…as you walk, think ‘step’ with your left foot, and ‘place’ with your right foot.”

S t e p  a–n–d  P l a c e.

S t e p  a–n–d  P l a c e.

I could already tell this would be a riveting half hour it we kept up this slo-mo pace.

My mind moved at a much faster clip than my feet: Is this a joke? I look like a moron. Please God don’t let anyone look out their window right now. 

It was just awkward, y’all.

After 3-4 minutes of fumbling through the rhythmic pauses with my slow motion feet, Ruthann read Psalm 23 to me. She read each phrase deliberately and paused between each one so that my mind had time to soak in the words.

That part was all great. The only problem was that we were now about 7 minutes into this meditative walk, and we had 23 to go. What in the world?! I had a laundry list of things to accomplish, and for crying out loud, I had no business taking a walk at 8:30am on a weekday morning.

My brain was screaming at me: You don’t have time for this. Don’t you know that success skips over weekday morning walkers? Who does this? Retirees, that’s who. And monks. And last time I checked you were neither. You have Greek to learn, a kitchen project to clean, and a guest post to write by next week.

That mental exchange went on for about 5 minutes. (Maybe shorter, but only God knows, since the whole walk felt like a lifetime from my perspective.)

Nonetheless, I finally did settle into a calm state after a soft whisper echoed powerfully over all my frantic notions:

“In My presence there is fullness of joy. Maybe your stress tank is overflowing, and your joy tank is empty right now because you aren’t present with Me.”

Well then. Busted. (And that’s a perfect example of why I think Jesus sometimes goes #boom when He calls me out on a thing.) (In a laughing, loving way of course.)

I just don’t know, y’all. I’m beginning to think living slow is key to abiding in Christ. When I really stop to think about it, I rarely discern God’s guidance when I’m hustling to the next thing and the next at lightning speed. Many days are like a sprint, and even when my calendar isn’t crammed from start to finish, I fret over what I should be doing to maximize the time.

If I don’t get still enough to sit before Him and just listen, how do I even know whether it’s His voice or my own directing all the traffic in my head?

Often, Jesus is sort of like a carpool partner. Once it’s time to get my day rolling, I drop Him off so that I can focus on all the things that are important.

What good does all our hurry do if we miss Jesus in the madness?

I’m not suggesting we go all pioneer days and ditch our Cozi calendars and iPhones altogether. But I am saying that scripture doesn’t portray a hustling, stressed out Jesus.

If we truly aim to be more like Him…we might do well to slow our roll…and pay attention to the Right Now.

A rhythm adjustment might jar us at first, sort of like awkwardly pausing between each step. And our neighbors might look out the window and think we’re weird.

But if keeping up the culture’s stressy-rushy pace means we’re too busy “accomplishing” All The Things to notice how God shows up all around us, then perhaps it’s time to reset our rhythm to the original factory settings.

After all, we were made for the holy, not the hurry.

Amy

---

What does your hurry look like? How does it feel?

What does it look like to slow down? What does that feel like?

 

The Truly You Purpose Project

By: Gail Armatys

There is a new book out entitled, The Better Man Project. The sub-title is Tips and Techniques That Will Flatten Your Belly, Sharpen Your Mind and Keep you Healthy and Happy for Life! I haven’t read it but I suppose there are many useful tips included…especially if you are a man…and if you actually applied it to your life.

More interesting to me than the tips is the implied message. It strongly suggests, ‘You might be okay, even good…but you aren’t quite good enough. You must be better!’ As if any of us; man, woman or child, needs a reminder.

Taking God’s Perspective

Rather than looking at our good enough~ness from the self-help, healthy, and mindful point of view, let’s look at it from God’s perspective. Then, let’s apply what we learn and live like we believe what God tells us ~ as much as ~ or hopefully more than, we believe other tips and tricks.

The title of our book now becomes, The Truly You Purpose Project. The sub-title reads, Truths That Reveal You are a Child of Sacred Worth, You are Loved, and God has a Plan and Purpose for Your Life! These truths come from one verse in the book of Jeremiah.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

Before you were born I set you apart,

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5

In one, three-line verse we find four foundational truths. Let’s focus on one truth at a time over the next four weeks. They deserve that much attention, and so do you!

Truth Tip #1

Acknowledge Your Creator ~ Accept Your Sacred Worth

We’ve read the story of creation in Genesis. It is clear that God is Creator…of everything. Even you. He wanted you to exist. He gave you his very breath. Yet, when it comes to accepting that you are wanted and created by God, things suddenly become a bit muddled. You know in your head you are his creation, but do you think, speak, act and live like you believe it?

Before I formed you in the womb…

God claims ownership of Jeremiah as his creator when stating he ‘formed’ him. This tells us two things. Like Jeremiah,

• we belong to God.
• we are created to bring him pleasure.

Owners find value in their possessions. Artists, crafters, and creators find beauty and joy in their creations. If we, as humans, discover joy and value in our earthly possessions and creations, how much more must God find it in us?

Beauty Beyond Skin Deep

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

But a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Pr. 31:30

The Proverbs 31 woman…the one we admire and aspire to be…this noble and adored woman knows the secret to her worth.

News flash…it’s not her beauty.

Not much has changed over the lifespan of human existence. We realize beauty is fleeting yet when we think of self-worth the word ‘beauty’ is always the headline in our minds. We just can’t shake the thought that we don’t measure up.

Dove Corporation, the soap and beauty product Company, recently conducted a study called the ‘Real Truth About Beauty Revisited’ and found:

• Only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful (up from 2% in 2004)
• Only 11% of girls globally are comfortable describing themselves as ‘beautiful’
• 72% of girls feel tremendous pressure to be beautiful
• 80% of women agree that every woman has something about her that is beautiful but do not see their own beauty
• More than half (54%) of women globally agree that when it comes to how they look, they are their own worst beauty critic.

If we equate worth with beauty, and if the Dove research is true, we women believe we are of little value. I suspect if you ask yourself the questions above, you ~ like me ~ will find yourself in agreement with most or all of these responses.

I won’t lead you astray. I like to play with makeup, age-defying lotions, and fashion. It’s fun and can indeed boost my confidence…temporarily…on the surface, but not in my soul. Having experienced the place of ‘not god enough’ and having played the comparison games, I’ve learned I must lay my beauty god at Jesus’ feet and remember who wanted me and created me to be his possession. My worth ~ your worth is more than skin deep, it penetrates heart and soul.

Your Sacred Worth

But what about your sin?  The scars of sin cannot diminish the beauty of Christ within.  When you clothe ourself in the red robe of his love, you add sacred to your worth. You, Sister, are a child of sacred worth.

God’s truth is this: no matter your size, shape, age, or sin. No matter the lotion, lip-gloss, and mascara. No matter your laugh lines and angel kisses ~ you are his idea. His creation. By this fact alone, you are of great worth.  By the sacrifice of Jesus, your worth becomes sacred.

Acknowledge your creator. Accept your sacred worth.

Be truly you.

Purpose Prayer

Thank you, God, for coming up with the idea of me. Help me accept that I am wanted, beautiful, and worthy! Help me to be truly me. In Jesus’ name ~ Amen.

Purpose Step

You are of sacred worth. Apply this Truth Tip to your life like a luxurious cream each morning as you rise and each evening before your head hits the pillow.

Truth Tip #2 Next Week ~ Accept That God Knows You

Listen to Your Heartsong Here!

Beautiful/Bethany Dillon

Sometimes I think too much…

By: Vivian Wilson

It’s a strange thing.  It seems my brain is taking a vacation.  Really.  I am in Florida, sitting on my balcony looking out over a beautiful white sand beach at the Gulf of Mexico.  The water is as smooth as glass.  But I don’t know where my brain is.

I expected in this perfect, peaceful, uninterrupted space to be filled with an abundance of profound insightful thoughts which I would put on paper and share making the world a better place.

But, alas, my brain has deserted me.  So I’m pretty sure you will probably not find anything particularly brilliant and profound or insightful in the following words.  (As if.  I’m still waiting for that to happen).

I am resting.  I am here with my sister and we are pretty much living each day without a schedule.  We have done some fun things.  We took a two hour jet ski tour of Shell Island where we found sand dollars and held a star fish.  We also held a jelly fish!  Gasp!  There are actually jelly fish that don’t have tentacles so they don’t sting.  I played 18 holes of golf on an uncrowded course.  We have listened to good music and enjoyed good food.  We have spent hours on the beach.  (Another opportunity for deep thinking which did not happen).

Perhaps this week is yet another example where my plan, though a good one, was not God’s plan.  I’ve been thinking too much, if that’s possible.  I’ve made a life changing decision.  I had made an emotional decision to buy or rent a house.  But after weighing all the facts and listening to the advice of my sons, I made a logical decision.  It makes more sense to stay where I am.  I am so blessed to have children who offer to make their home my home also.  They truly want me to live with them.

Though the decision was logical it was not easy.  It is much easier to avoid change and to choose to stay in the “normal” where it is comfortable.  But change encourages growth.

There you have it—just a bunch of random thoughts because that is all I’ve got right now until my brain returns.  For now I accept that God has given me exactly what I need this week.  He has given me a time to relax my body, mind, and soul, resting in Him.  He has given me time to enjoy the beauty of His creation with my wonderful sister.  I am grateful.

It doesn’t take a genius to know that in the absence of profound thoughts is the simple truth that God is here with me and that is all I need to know.

Psalm 46:10  Be still and know that I am God.

Hebrews 13:5  I will never leave you or forsake you.

A work in progress,

Vivian

P.S.  I hope my brain, wherever it is, is getting renewed as much as I am.

What a Wonderful World

By: Ms. O

As I sit and hold my newborn granddaughter….see her eyes open to take in what the world has to offer….I could not help but imagine what she is seeing. There is an excitement in my soul as I think of all she will learn…because everything is new….for her….the wonder of this world. As I looked at her….I had a soundtrack playing in the background…in my mind of course… into her big eyes….

“I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you…and I think to myself

What a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night….and I think to myself….what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky, or also on the faces of people going by, I see friends shaking hands, saying “How do you do?” They’re really saying, “I love you”

I hear babies crying, I watch them them grow, they’ll learn much more and I’ll never know….and I think to myself….what a wonderful world”

No one will ever sing that song better than Louis Armstrong……period….end of statement.  If ever a time God sang through someone…it was this song….through Mr. Armstrong. And if ever a time that we need a reminder….it is now…right now.

Our lives are consumed…taken over….with all that is bad in the world…taking our eyes off the focus….the simplistic things in life…that we tend to take for granted.

Our different a day would be….if we paused….between here….and there….and took it in. We take for granted that the sun comes up in the morning….the air we breathe is a perfect mix of what is needed to sustain life….grass grows….flowers bloom….the day progresses without any effort on our behalf. At times it can be overwhelming….as John Mayer crones…”stop this train, I want to get off and go home again”…..but the day does not stop….it goes on with or without us.

It seems we have lost the wonder of it all. Our lives are so fast paced…getting from point A to point B….with no time to stop….and take in….the wonder. That does not mean we can ignore the atrocities of life…because that is what propels us to do justice….but that can’t be our entire focal point…otherwise all that God created…with you and me in mind…is wasted.

I am making it part of my day to notice at least three things that point to God…that reveal the very nature of God…Creator….Sustainer…Life Giver….and celebrate….Him.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28

I am not such a rose-colored, glass-half-full, kind of a girl that I don’t see what is wrong with the world. But I do see what CANNOT be shaken…and that is the kingdom He created….in Heaven….and when we take notice of it…here on Earth.

I know when my kids were little and we would go on vacation….it was all about pointing things out for them to see….so they would not miss “it”…..just as God tugs on my “running out the door with my tail on fire” demeanor saying, ‘Look…don’t miss this….I created it….with you in mind. Don’t miss the wonder….it is all around you….open up your eyes….and ears….and take notice.”

I think to myself…..what a wonderful world….amen.

Rx for Stress Detox (and why you need it)

By: Amy Dalke

Here’s one way to be certain God is inviting you to deal with a particular issue: if you repeatedly notice A Thing while you’re minding your own business – and then BAM, your pastor drops That Thing in your lap on Sunday morning like a laser-aimed bomb.

That happened last Sunday. (Thanks, Pastor Ben.)

A long time ago (or maybe within the last two years), I had a stress thing that grew into a anxiety thing. Which gradually grew into a headache thing, coupled with crazy knots in my shoulders.

I just chalked it all up to the price one must pay for success. #brilliant

So I loaded up on daily doses of tension with no consideration of how it affected my body. My Dad often told me that I needed to slow down; and Larry regularly advised that I bring the uptight down a notch or thirty.

What they said didn’t sound unreasonable for the average person…but I was sure the mental pressure wouldn’t hurt me since I was in control of it and everything. (Foolishness, y’all.)

Over the last year or so, I’ve recognized my need to loosen up. And by that I mean, it was no secret that I needed to chill-the-heck-out-and-quit-living-like-the-world-would-end-and-btw-I-have-to-make-my-bed-before-that-happens-just-in-case. (High strung perhaps?)

It only took me way too long to recognize that a mind and body wasted by stress is not part of God’s plan or purpose for me.

So what could I do? Give up my personal world domination a.k.a. Control Issues? I mean…how would life go on? Yet the true question I faced was this:

How long will I sacrifice Real Life for the facade of an Okay Life? 

How long would I believe that chasing money, status, and comfort at a killer pace was the Good Life?

(For real, where is the abundant in that?)

You and I were handmade by God to LIVE. He uniquely shaped us on purpose, for a purpose; yet stress throws our shape all out of whack, and keeps us from truly living the life God dreamed up for us.

Note: I did not say, “Life is rosy, so just quit stressing out already.” Rather, let’s learn to channel our stress in a healthy way.

Maybe you’re already nailing it on the calm life. But if you lean towards the tightly wound side of things, here is my Rx for Stress Detox. (Like I’m a doctor or something.)

(1) 3 minute breath breaks: Start with 2 of these per day. Look at your schedule and choose 2 specific times in the day where you can spare 3 minutes. These breath breaks can take place at your desk, in your car, on the elevator. You can even hide in the bathroom if motherhood deems that the best option.

During this time, just sit and breathe. Set a reminder on your phone for those times, sit down, and focus on your breath.

I’ve mentioned this breath stuff at least 53 times on this blog. And frankly, if I consistently mention anything for any length of time, you can bet it’s significant.

Click here for a breath break cheat sheet: 3 Minutes of Mindful Breath

(2) Yoga: Okay, some people have strong opinions about whether or not a yoga practice is suitable for Christians. All I can say is that it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for my health, and I still love Jesus. Even just 15 minutes a day will make a big difference. Check out Holy Yoga TV. (#awesome)

(3) Journaling: Don’t get twitchy as though I’m suggesting you go all Dear Diary or something.

My journaling practice is to answer 5 questions before bed, and it takes me 10 minutes max. I started this nearly 2-ish years ago, and I’ve tweaked it to make it shorter. The benefits are numerous, but the best thing is that it helps me to untangle my thoughts before I go to sleep. (Hint: take one of those breath breaks before journaling. It’s doubly awesome.)

Daily Journal Questions

1. What am I thankful for right now?
2. What am I feeling right now?
3. Where did I experience God at work in and around me today?
4. What lessons did I learn today?
5. What am I looking forward to tomorrow?

God’s purpose for your life is worth a stress detox. So what are you going to do about it?

Amy