Oh My Aching Back.........

Pressure, pain, stiffness, oh my goodness my back hurts. Most everyone I talk to has experienced similar feelings. I've been writing alot lately, not moving as often as usual, and my back still stiffens. When I work out at the gym, my back can hurt. I know it doesn't have anything to do with age (lol).

Pain hurts. Whether it be emotional, physical, spiritual pain - it hurts. Sometimes I don't know what the root of my pain is but I do know that Jesus is my healer no matter what. No matter if I am sitting, exercising, running, or resting - God will show me where my pain comes from....if I ask. Whatever you are experiencing today, Jesus wants to heal. He wants you to have abundant life in everything! My friend, keep movin' forward.

Wonders of the World

Sitting in a Las Vegas hotel room contemplating what the world has to offer. Lights, shows, alcohol, sex, smoking, gambling, rushing here and there. Talk about night life! A city that doesn't sleep. Now I see why. Never been in LV before, it has been a bit overwhelming. One question that keeps going on in my head "these people are really serious about life". Just the dark side of life. You look around and see their faces, their actions, their pain and suffering - all appearing like fun. That's what the world has to offer. Been there, done that! No life in the kingdom of darkness - only Abundant Life in the Kingdom of God. The enemy is alive and well in "Sin City". Talk about a word curse. God is a God of Wonders - not of the world. I pray that this city would know God!

Try and Try Again

Sometimes I get tired of trying. Do you? As I talk with so many today regarding where they are in their lives be it economical, spiritual, emotional, or physical, I believe their is always a temptation just to stop trying and give up. I have experienced that too. It can sometimes be overwhelming and fearful. Disappointment and discouragement enter in and then the spiral begins downward. Gosh, I must not have enough faith! Maybe I should do this and that to make it better. We all try different tactics to make things change. Some work and some don't. Day by day I am learning to rest in God's arms and His plans so I can experience peace in the midst of the uncertainty. I know I can only fail if I quit. Moving forward is the difference between winning and losing so I choose to move forward! Can you relate?

Sisters

Do you have a sister or wish you had a sister? I have three (and one lucky brother). Growing up was difficult at times just being girls. Competition, insecurity, fighting and arguing about who would do the dishes or "who took my makeup?" Sound familiar? I also had a twin sister which doubled the intensity - good and bad (remember the "doublemint twins"?) Other women I have been around said that their sister was their best friend and they never argued. I think that is awesome as well. Bonding, either way to a sister in our biological families or sisters who are our best friends at work or church, can be an inspiring relationship. Today as I walk out my latter years, I am grateful for my sisters and grateful for the many girlfriends that have helped me be the woman God always wanted me to be. We can really talk deep and we also can experience belly laughs just being ourselves. What freedom. Today I had an experience meeting new women, seeing old friends, and cherishing the fact that God loves me so much that He would put such beautiful women in my life, even if it's for a short season. Sure some of my insecurities creep up, some of that comparison goes on but "for such a time as this", I can really experience that sisterly love. I'd love to hear about your sisters.

Help, I can't see

Driving at night can be a challenge these days. All the lights, cars driving too fast in the rain, trucks in and out of lanes, many things to think about all at once. As I looked out my front windshield tonight, it seemed foggy, smeared, and difficult to see through. I find at times walking with God can be just like this. I keep my focus on Him but at the same time He may have me on a journey that seems difficult to discern and unclear at times; just hard to see those things that are in front of me. I know that I know that I know, keeping Him in the window is right where I need to be no matter what! How about you?

It's Pouring Rain!

Pour down rain? In the Northwest we can understand rain, oh my can we! However, when we were away this weekend, soaking our tired bodies in the mountain hot springs, many thoughts were going through my head. Well that can be a scary thought but really folks, hear me out. Picture this: we are sitting is this hot, steamy, crowded pool of healing mineral water when all of a sudden the rain comes. The rain comes faster and harder to the point that we couldn't even see the other people on the other side of the pool. Some of us just sat and let the rain cover us while others brought out their umbrellas and others already had hats prepared to handle anything that might come their way. As I contemplated this experience, how many of us are willing to sit in God's presence, comfortable, relaxed, feeling blessed and at peace and yet God wants to pour more out upon us? Are we those who let it come freely without barriers or are we finding something to cover up or protect us in some way? In this time and hour, God really wants to pour out upon those who will just sit and receive. No matter how slow, no matter how fast, no matter how hard the rain comes. Maybe rain in the Northwest isn't so bad?

Celebrate with a Day of Rest

"Labor Day is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. Because of its history, it is approriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership -- the American worker." Source: US Department of Labor.

Thank you to all those who have been such an important contribution to our nation being the greatest nation. Even in times of economic troubles, unemployment, and living in one of the most difficult times in the history of our nation, we can all still be proud to be an American! Let's celebrate this day with taking time to rest, being involved with our families, celebrating with festive parades, and having hope for the future, despite our circumstances. PTL

The Disciplined Life

It's late, the sun has gone down and my awesome husband is still on the roof trying to fix a mysterious leak. He has been up on that roof for almost 5 hours making repairs and trusting his wisdom that he indeed has located the source of the leak. As I reflect on my life with this man, I love the fact that he never gives up. He is steady, stable, diligent, faithful, and trustworthy. Since he was little he was taught how to live a disciplined life. I see the fruit of this in all aspects of his life and I am grateful to love and learn from him. Wherein most people find living a disciplined life as boring or rigid, I have learned that it brings great freedom. Wherein some even hate the word "discipline" because of the punishment they received as a child, I have a new respect for this disciplined life. This mighty man of God is disciplined in his spiritual life, physical life and at his work place. He has great favor at work because of his diligence and faithfulness. He has taught me alot and I am honored to call him my husband, friend, greatest encourager and teacher. Thanks honey! You Rock!

Those Darn M & M's

Yesterday having lunch with a good friend of mine, we both decided we wanted a chocolate treat. It seems that when we get together, chocolate is always on our minds when normally I never think of chocolate. Well, this time, we decided to fall for the temptation. We walked over to the store, I bought my favorite, dark chocolate M & M's and I was so looking towards a "real" treat. The moment I took my first handful, I couldn't believe it, they tasted really old. Ugggg. Well I decided to eat them anyway and I actually felt sick afterwards. When I compare this one incident to other decisions in my life, there were some similarities. The thought sounded good, great idea, literally no consequences (at least I thought) and then whammo, my mind is made up and nothing is stopping me now. Only to find out that it made me feel bad (physically, emotionally or spiritually) and I had no one to blame but myself. We all have those days, those decisions and I think God uses them as training ground. I am not beating myself up over the M & M's, I am just more aware that I can make better choices and not listen to the voice in my head that says, "go ahead, no problem, satisfy your flesh."

What condition is your home in?

My home, physically and spiritually are really connected. As we recently purged items out of our garage and out of the office, it was so evident that it was not just about the physical but the spiritual as well. There were items in the office that I had a hard time getting rid of. There were clothes that were in good shape but no longer in style and honestly they were pretty old. There were things in the garage that had connections to our many years of marriage but there were many things that were just trash. As I pondered on how much the physical reflects the spiritual, I stood in amazement. I know the Lord wanted to purge things out of my life and He wanted me to let loose of old items, old ideas, old ways of doing things, old identity, old emotions - things that represented the past. There were so many blessings that came through the process of purging. Not only did we find cash (mad money) that had been packed away almost 15 years ago, we found a peace and rest in our souls. I can breathe deeply and be encouraged that the old is gone and we are ready for the new! That's what Jesus wants for all of our lives - to get rid of the old so that the new can come in. I think its called "pruning", cutting back old branches, so new growth can happen. Similar to cutting off the deadheads on your outside flowers so that they can continue to bloom. What an awesome God. He loves us so much that He isn't going to leave us the same whether that be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They are all connected.

What, you want me to do what?

Today as I was listening to a story about a family that has hit really hard times with physical illness, I felt in my heart that there was something I was to do. I asked, "Lord? Am I to get involved with this?" I gently heard, "call them, tell them whatever they need, you can help them." I inquired of the Lord, "anything?" His sweet nudge to my heart was, "Yes, anything." But, but, but what if they ask for something really big and expensive like a mortage payment or something? What am I to do about that? I heard the Lord say, "where do you think all of this comes from anyway? Don't I own everything? You are just a steward, remember." "Oh yes, I answered, you are right!" So I wanted to obey what the Lord had told me and called this friend of mine and told her, "whatever you need, just let me know." She was so overwhelmed and humbled that so many people had reached out to her family. Now, this is what I call "church". I don't know down the line what she will need but one thing I do know, she needed to hear that someone cared enough to call and offer.

Tired and Weary

I see how our world is in so much chaos and how the buzz word in the church is "I'm busy". I wonder if we just stopped for a moment to get our tanks filled with God, how much more effective we would be in the kingdom of God. Why are we all so busy? What are we so tired and weary about? I'm included here. Sometimes I find myself weary in my prayers for my loved ones because I don't see things changing. Sometimes I get tired of my "to do" list. It can all weigh me down. I am so grateful that I can lean on God and He can carry me. In all of this, I am learning to give up control of situations and to trust Him for the outcome. I am so grateful that in my weakness, He is strong. Tired of being in the same situation or watching it go from bad to worse? Weary from trying t0 change things yourself instead of trusting God? You are not alone - we are all on the same journey. Be encouraged. God loves us and is on our team. He delights in us and wants us to delight in Him. He is our only source.

What do you hear in the silence?

I never used to like silence of any kind. I always had to have the TV or radio on just to have background noise. I was afraid that if things were too silent, I would be unprotected. Sounds crazy I know. It seems as if all the noise, chaos, yelling, screaming, etc. that I experienced in my childhood somehow brought me comfort. Silence always brought trouble. However, as the years have gone by, I have learned to love silence - in fact, I desire silence. I drive in my car without music. I roll down my window and hear life happening outside of myself. At home, those birds singing and the melodies that come from each and every one, tells a story. My connection with God is much more intentional. My heart leaps to hear from Him. So my question to you is, how comfortable are you with silence? What small still voice have you heard today? Try it, you may just like it.

Hungry?

Is your life making other people hungry for God? Interesting question as we examine the transition in the church as well as our own personal lives today. Whatever we are going through, are we staying strong and steady or are we afraid and doubtful? At times, I go back and forth myself but God always has something to say. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways. Our world needs us, they hunger and thirst for Truth. Can they look at us and say, "I want what you have"? We all have lives that God wants to use. I was reading Isaiah 58:12 today which states "some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities, then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes." (NLT) I encourage you to go out of your comfort zone, reach out to people in a new way, pay it forward, do something different today to make a difference in your city, relationships or your own home. I'm hungry are you?