Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Journey To Live



Oh my goodnes!  There's so much going on in my head and heart these days. I'm positive there is no way to get it all out in this blog post.  
But can I just say I love the way the Holy Spirit plants seeds and begins to stir up my spirit preparing my heart for beautiful things He wants to teach me. He is so faithful like that!  I love it!

I wrote in an earlier post about beautiful things and beauty drawing our hearts to God, the Creator of all things beautiful.  Since then, I've started reading Emily Freeman's book a million little ways.   So. So. Good.  I'm only a few chapters in and trying to pace myself since I'm participating in the Bloom book club over at www.incourage.me.  I really would love to just shut myself in my house with a pot of coffee and read the whole thing without stopping. However, not exactly an option since you know, the 5 kids, and husband, job, etc. :) Anyway...where was i?

The book!  Emily does an amazing job putting into words feelings and stirring I've had in my soul for years.  I encourage you to check out her book and her blog at http://www.chattingatthesky.com/.  It is challenging me to step into who God has lovingly and purposefully created me to be.  And not just step into me, but be willing to freely share myself, fully alive, with the world around me in such a way that God is glorified.  

I think we all get so hung up on comparing ourselves to others or to ideas we have in our heads about what we "should be" doing or how things are "supposed to" look.  I know I struggle with it...in different areas...depending on the day.  I am over it!  Tired of it.  That's not the way God intends for me to live.  Jesus came to give us life, fully.

I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows). John 10:10 AMP

I am on a journey to have this life.  To be fully alive.  To live art as His creation.  To bring Him glory.  This can look like so many things.  It's not about perfection.  It's about authenticity.  This is who God made me.  This is what He put the desire in me to do.  I will discover these gifts and share them with you.  Because He is glorified in the sharing...whatever that looks like.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV

Will you join me on this journey?  It's not so much about what we do, as it is how we do it.  Let's encourage one another to uncover the art God has placed inside us and share it with the world for His glory.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Everyday Miracles

It's been awhile since I've made time to write.  I've had way too much to get done and not enough hours in the day.  Chaos, clutter, and crankiness seem to rule the house.  Every morning when the alarm goes off and I smack the snooze button my mind begins to race with the pressures of the day. 

 Who needs to be where at what time for an appointment, practice, or game.  The errands that need to be run to the pharmacy or grocery store.  What do I have in the freezer that I can cook for dinner? Do I know the songs on the set list for Sunday?  Can I wait till tomorrow to do laundry? Remember, it's trash day. It's Ian's snack day. Sean has been asking for waffles.  Don't forget to drop that bill off? And on and on...

I'm exhausted before I ever get up!  

Our family has been going through some stuff lately and we've been earnestly seeking God for a miracle.  And I expect God to show up. But I need to remember that He does things in His time, His way...and He doesn't always adhere to the specific requests I've prayed with the details I've given Him on how best to fix my situation.  He sees the big picture and is concerned with my growth in Him, not just my comfort or an easy fix.  I'm convinced much of our inner struggle comes from our perspective.  

What do we choose to focus on? Am I only thinking about how difficult things are and begging God for a miracle without noticing and being grateful for the miracles He does in my life everyday.  For some reason, we, as humans, find it much easier to focus on the negative and what we don't have. It's like our default setting.  I need to change my perspective and be intentional about it.  

I believe there are certain things we can do that help position ourselves for God's blessings and miracles.  Being obedient to His word and listening to His voice.  I also believe God wants to bless us and loves to move on our behalf.  God is all about showing off in ways that give us no other option but to give Him the glory.  

My challenge to you, and myself, is this: instead of waiting and begging God for whatever "big" miracle we are in need of, let's start thanking Him for the "small" miracles He does for us everyday.  You know the ones I'm talking about. The close parking place at Walmart. The short line at the pharmacy. When you find your lost keys. Hitting all the green lights when you're running late. Evenings with no homework and nowhere to go.  A morning where the kids get along and no one spills anything at breakfast.   Let's intentionally start thanking Him and giving Him praise for these things. He loves when we have relationship with Him for more than just pleading our requests . I don't know about you, but I enjoy giving my children special things...but I always want to do more for them when they are grateful for the things I do for them everyday.  Let's start praising Him in the "everyday" and wait expectantly for Him to move on our behalf in the "big" things! 

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32 NIV)