Last night, my family and I witnessed a spectacular event: A power line near our home exploded, snapped, and caught fire. The weather caused this power line to send a surge of electricity that, at first, did not wipe out our power, but did so later on for an extended period of time. Thankfully, no one in our neighborhood was hurt, and fire trucks and the electric company were on the scene immediately.
This event made me think of how often we run on “power surges” in our own lives. For example, I have a colleague who has three major projects running right now, and she asked me to be a collaborator on her next project. I told her I was tired just listening to all she was trying to juggle. I let her know of my concern that if she doesn’t slow down and maybe postpone one of her projects, she’ll burn out and be left without any energy. Sound familiar?
There is usually something innate in all of us that drive us to perform, to perfect, to catch up on, etc. Have you ever gotten to the end of that ‘power surge’ and find that the result didn’t quite meet your expectation for all the work you put into it? Therein lies the burnout.
TIPS TO PREVENT BURNOUT:
1. IDENTIFY YOUR POWER SOURCE. If you rely completely on yourself for your physical and emotional energy through every facet of your life, you will burn out time after time. After each power surge, you will probably notice it takes longer to recover. When you rely on God as your power source, 2 Corinthians 4:7 reminds us “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing POWER is from God and not from us.
2. SOLICIT HELP FROM OTHERS whenever possible. I have a friend who does everything herself and at times when she has ‘turned over duties’ to someone else, she has always redone their work. Learn to trust others. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness!!
3. RE-PRIORTIZE YOUR TIMELINE. If you have several projects that are urgent to you, ask yourself “What’s most important right now?” Evaluate the amount of time it will take for each project (days, weeks, etc.) and start with the one project that excites you. If none of them ‘wow’ you, start with the project that will take the least amount of time to get done. When you have finished it, it will motivate you to keep moving instead of procrastinating and feeling overwhelmed.
Live Out Loud Ladies!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
What If...I were as shrewd as a snake?
Jesus says to his disciples, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
I think you'll agree with me that we've heard the message of being "innocent as doves" throughout our Christian lives. Message after message, resource after resource on being "set apart" in our innocence in the Lord. The blood of the Lamb has made us innocent in the eyes of Lord. Hallelujah!
Yet, only one time in my life have I heard a sermon preached on these very words of Jesus...Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes. I find it extremely interesting that the prelude to being innocent as doves is to be shrewd as snakes. And, even before that, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves." We certainly recognize this. We know, by experience, the truth of this statement.
Shrewd as snakes. The connotation is negative, isn't it? What do you of when you hear the word "snake" in a biblical context? The serpent, I would assume. I know I do. But, this cannot be what Jesus intended. So, what does this mean to you? To be as shrewd as snakes?
If we go to the gospels, we emphatically find that Jesus was shrewd. He knew when to speak. He knew when to refrain. He knew when to act. He knew when to refrain. Yet, through it all...He was innocent as doves. (Is not the Holy Spirit symbolized by the dove?)
There is a passage in the Bible that talks about guarding your heart. We know the "spiritual weight" the heart has in our relationship wit h God. Countless scriptures on the state of the heart. I wonder if this "shrewdness" is related to guarding the heart? Or, perhaps, to taming the tongue?
What does being shrewd as snakes mean to you?
I think you'll agree with me that we've heard the message of being "innocent as doves" throughout our Christian lives. Message after message, resource after resource on being "set apart" in our innocence in the Lord. The blood of the Lamb has made us innocent in the eyes of Lord. Hallelujah!
Yet, only one time in my life have I heard a sermon preached on these very words of Jesus...Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes. I find it extremely interesting that the prelude to being innocent as doves is to be shrewd as snakes. And, even before that, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves." We certainly recognize this. We know, by experience, the truth of this statement.
Shrewd as snakes. The connotation is negative, isn't it? What do you of when you hear the word "snake" in a biblical context? The serpent, I would assume. I know I do. But, this cannot be what Jesus intended. So, what does this mean to you? To be as shrewd as snakes?
If we go to the gospels, we emphatically find that Jesus was shrewd. He knew when to speak. He knew when to refrain. He knew when to act. He knew when to refrain. Yet, through it all...He was innocent as doves. (Is not the Holy Spirit symbolized by the dove?)
There is a passage in the Bible that talks about guarding your heart. We know the "spiritual weight" the heart has in our relationship wit h God. Countless scriptures on the state of the heart. I wonder if this "shrewdness" is related to guarding the heart? Or, perhaps, to taming the tongue?
What does being shrewd as snakes mean to you?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
What if...you were alone?
Be still and know that I am God!—Psalm 46:10A few hours ago I kissed my son good-bye at the train station, and he took off on his Grand Adventure. He met my son-in-law David's younger brother in Chicago and now they are headed to my daughter and son-in-law's home in Florida, where they'll be working for David for a month. We joked about how I will have some practice being an empty-nester, though my daughter will be returning for a visit in another week. Still, I'm finding these first few hours have launched me into a foreign land. What will I do with the quiet and stillness?
Actually right now I'm enjoying the peacefulness, despite the sudden thunderstorm. I think it will be a little strange tonight when I go to bed and the cat and I are the only ones here. In fact I horrified myself a few minutes ago when while washing dishes I made an off-the-cuff remark to Mrs. Jinx. Oh, no, I thought. I'm not going to be one of those women who end up talking to their pets all the time!
What I hope, and pray, is that this becomes a time of prayerful solitude for me. If I can give up my feline dialogue then God's the one I'll be talking with and listening to more often. And in this very busy, chaotic, hectic world, how often we need that psalmist's voice reminding us to be still. Episcopal priest Renee Miller also points me in a beautiful empty-nest direction with her prayer:
O God, slow me down, let me breathe deeply, let me become as still as stone. Then in the hushed silence, speak to me.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
What If...I knew the real meaning of silence?
PRECIOUSNESS OF SILENCE
"But Jesus was silent." Mt 26:63
The Silence is Meekness.
When you do not defend yourself against offenses;
When you do not claim your rights;
When you let God defend you;
The Silence is Meekness.
The Silence is Mercy.
When you do not reveal the faults of your brothers to others;
When you readily forgive without inquiring into the past;
When you do not judge, but pray in your heart;
The Silence is Mercy.
The Silence is Patience.
When you accept suffering not with grumbling but joyfully;
When you do not look for human consolations;
When you do not become too anxious, but wait in patience for the seed to germinate;
The Silence is Patience.
The Silence is Humility.
When there is no competition;
When you consider the other person to be better than yourself;
When you let your brothers emerge, grow and mature;
When you joyfully abandon all to the Lord;When your actions may be misinterpreted;
When you leave to others the glory of the enterprise;
The Silence is Humility.
The Silence is Faith.
When you keep quiet because you know that the Lord will act;
When you renounce the voice of the world to remain in the presence of the Lord;
When you do not labour yourself to be understood;
because it is enough for you to know that the Lord understands you;
The Silence is Faith.
The Silence is Adoration.
When you embrace the cross without asking "Why?";
The Silence is Adoration.
(Missionaries of Charity Prayer Book)
"But Jesus was silent." Mt 26:63
The Silence is Meekness.
When you do not defend yourself against offenses;
When you do not claim your rights;
When you let God defend you;
The Silence is Meekness.
The Silence is Mercy.
When you do not reveal the faults of your brothers to others;
When you readily forgive without inquiring into the past;
When you do not judge, but pray in your heart;
The Silence is Mercy.
The Silence is Patience.
When you accept suffering not with grumbling but joyfully;
When you do not look for human consolations;
When you do not become too anxious, but wait in patience for the seed to germinate;
The Silence is Patience.
The Silence is Humility.
When there is no competition;
When you consider the other person to be better than yourself;
When you let your brothers emerge, grow and mature;
When you joyfully abandon all to the Lord;When your actions may be misinterpreted;
When you leave to others the glory of the enterprise;
The Silence is Humility.
The Silence is Faith.
When you keep quiet because you know that the Lord will act;
When you renounce the voice of the world to remain in the presence of the Lord;
When you do not labour yourself to be understood;
because it is enough for you to know that the Lord understands you;
The Silence is Faith.
The Silence is Adoration.
When you embrace the cross without asking "Why?";
The Silence is Adoration.
(Missionaries of Charity Prayer Book)
Monday, June 25, 2007
What if... the whole world viewed marriage and sex as holy?
After working on last week's Mirror Mirror on the Wall book project on the 10 commandments I thought the 7th commandment was a great "What if" question to discuss and ponder for today.
What if the whole world viewed marriage and sex as holy? Well, for starters, there would be no premarital sex as people would wait until they get married nor would there be any adultery in marriage because even the thought of having sex with someone else would be the complete opposite of being holy. We would also be sure to dress modestly so as not to cause anyone to stumble in this area.
People would consider the consequences of their actions and the divorce rate would drop dramatically and homes would become more stable, with a mother and father in every home. Making our children feel more secure, complete, healthy and happy because there would be no illegitimate births or sexually transmitted diseases.
Not only that but TV programs, advertising and magazines will need to replace their content with clean material because sex will no longer sell. There would be no more prostitution, escort services, strip clubs, adult movies, sex shops and ultimately pornography would end.
Parents would love each other as Christ loves the church with an unconditional love, patience and forgiveness, which our children will learn from and pass on to future generations.
It all begins with each of us individually transforming our own minds to view our marriages and sex as holy. With society as it is today, it is sometimes hard to do this but since beginning to change my view on this, my marriage has benefited greatly and now work very hard to keep this view.
What if the whole world viewed marriage and sex as holy? Well, for starters, there would be no premarital sex as people would wait until they get married nor would there be any adultery in marriage because even the thought of having sex with someone else would be the complete opposite of being holy. We would also be sure to dress modestly so as not to cause anyone to stumble in this area.
People would consider the consequences of their actions and the divorce rate would drop dramatically and homes would become more stable, with a mother and father in every home. Making our children feel more secure, complete, healthy and happy because there would be no illegitimate births or sexually transmitted diseases.
Not only that but TV programs, advertising and magazines will need to replace their content with clean material because sex will no longer sell. There would be no more prostitution, escort services, strip clubs, adult movies, sex shops and ultimately pornography would end.
Parents would love each other as Christ loves the church with an unconditional love, patience and forgiveness, which our children will learn from and pass on to future generations.
It all begins with each of us individually transforming our own minds to view our marriages and sex as holy. With society as it is today, it is sometimes hard to do this but since beginning to change my view on this, my marriage has benefited greatly and now work very hard to keep this view.
Friday, June 22, 2007
What if...We Paid Attention to Our Dreams?
Have you ever stopped to think about some of the odd dreams you have while sleeping? Some of them can be so weird, you just have to laugh. Others may leave you wondering, what does that mean?
With having a psychology background, I can tell you that dreams really can provide some significant messages to you if you’re willing to stop and evaluate what they might mean. This morning, I had two significant dreams that definitely were there to show me where I am in my career and ministry and how I am to proceed. How do I know they were significant? I can’t stop thinking about them, and after all these hours, I remember the details vividly.
After reading a recommended book “Windows of the Soul-Understanding the Meaning of Your Dreams” by Dr. Robert Wise, is when I really started paying more attention to what my dreams were trying to tell me. Over the years, my dreams have accurately predicted real life outcomes as well as provide wisdom on how to handle life situations.
Dreams provide you with an opportunity to see what you may be too busy to notice when you are awake.
Here are some tips to wake up and take notice of what your dreams mean:
1. Keep a dream diary. When you wake up and remember some details, write them down. I kept a dream diary years ago when I had over six months of dreams with very similar themes. These ‘themes’ revealed how I was handling a tremendous transition in my life and how they provided hope for the future.
2. Recognize similar themes in your dreams. There is definitely something for you to learn when you start seeing similarities in your dreams.
3. Keep in mind that your dreams aren’t always to be taken at ‘face value.’ What I mean is that if you have a dream about your workplace, it doesn’t automatically mean an object lesson for you concerning your work. It could mean something about your personal life or a relationship.
4. Don’t ignore your ‘feelings’ in your dreams. Your feelings will provide a large clue as to whether your dream is personally, professionally or spiritually related.
5. Consider what God might be saying to you through your dreams. This may be the only way He is able to get your attention!
With having a psychology background, I can tell you that dreams really can provide some significant messages to you if you’re willing to stop and evaluate what they might mean. This morning, I had two significant dreams that definitely were there to show me where I am in my career and ministry and how I am to proceed. How do I know they were significant? I can’t stop thinking about them, and after all these hours, I remember the details vividly.
After reading a recommended book “Windows of the Soul-Understanding the Meaning of Your Dreams” by Dr. Robert Wise, is when I really started paying more attention to what my dreams were trying to tell me. Over the years, my dreams have accurately predicted real life outcomes as well as provide wisdom on how to handle life situations.
Dreams provide you with an opportunity to see what you may be too busy to notice when you are awake.
Here are some tips to wake up and take notice of what your dreams mean:
1. Keep a dream diary. When you wake up and remember some details, write them down. I kept a dream diary years ago when I had over six months of dreams with very similar themes. These ‘themes’ revealed how I was handling a tremendous transition in my life and how they provided hope for the future.
2. Recognize similar themes in your dreams. There is definitely something for you to learn when you start seeing similarities in your dreams.
3. Keep in mind that your dreams aren’t always to be taken at ‘face value.’ What I mean is that if you have a dream about your workplace, it doesn’t automatically mean an object lesson for you concerning your work. It could mean something about your personal life or a relationship.
4. Don’t ignore your ‘feelings’ in your dreams. Your feelings will provide a large clue as to whether your dream is personally, professionally or spiritually related.
5. Consider what God might be saying to you through your dreams. This may be the only way He is able to get your attention!
What If...I lost my agenda?
I've just returned from vacation. I had planned on it being a working vacation but I immediately changed my plans upon my arrival. Instead, I chose to spend some "quality" time with God and my children. I chose NOT to work.
Some interesting things were taking place before I left. I found myself at a loss in dealing with the circumstances surrounding me. I truly believe that God provided this time of rest and restoration to remove me from any impact I could make had I stayed. Though I felt resistance to the "agenda" of others, I also felt compelled to practice silence. To allow God to work it out. With the release came the peace. Go figure.
But...it did bring into question my own "agenda"....for myself, my family, my community, my career. I spent a week on the beach with nothing to "do". I prayed alot. Most of it silent prayer. I really wanted to hear God. Quite frankly, I haven't come home with the "answers" but I have come home with a feeling of "smallness". Don't misunderstand me. I'm not talking about value here. Rather, this idea that I am but a single speck of His creation.
God has an "agenda" that connects His entire creation. If only I could find His agenda and lose mine. Now, that's a worthy goal. Is it not?
Some interesting things were taking place before I left. I found myself at a loss in dealing with the circumstances surrounding me. I truly believe that God provided this time of rest and restoration to remove me from any impact I could make had I stayed. Though I felt resistance to the "agenda" of others, I also felt compelled to practice silence. To allow God to work it out. With the release came the peace. Go figure.
But...it did bring into question my own "agenda"....for myself, my family, my community, my career. I spent a week on the beach with nothing to "do". I prayed alot. Most of it silent prayer. I really wanted to hear God. Quite frankly, I haven't come home with the "answers" but I have come home with a feeling of "smallness". Don't misunderstand me. I'm not talking about value here. Rather, this idea that I am but a single speck of His creation.
God has an "agenda" that connects His entire creation. If only I could find His agenda and lose mine. Now, that's a worthy goal. Is it not?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
What if...you found a lovely ministry?
When we were talking about inner beauty recently, I was trying to remember the young woman who has a special ministry for mothers and daughters with a mission of "turnings girls hearts toward God". Well, tonight I ran across it again. It's called "Beauty by Design Ministries" and the founder is Alyssa Avant. She's launching her Mom-Daughter Connection radio show soon, and has a free weekly ezine subscription.
Alyssa brings years of experience in the modeling industry and youth ministry to this calling and is currently working on her Master's degree in Christian education.
I just thought I'd pop in on a Wednesday evening to let you mothers or grandmothers of young girls know about her site.
Alyssa brings years of experience in the modeling industry and youth ministry to this calling and is currently working on her Master's degree in Christian education.
I just thought I'd pop in on a Wednesday evening to let you mothers or grandmothers of young girls know about her site.
What if...we really screw up?
Ask most people and they'll describe me as someone who's calm, peaceful and easygoing. In fact more than one person has told me that they can't imagine me ever being mad. But I can get angry. I just have a habit of saving it up for the people I love most in the world.
Last week I came home from work and was instantly irritated because I thought my teenage son should have done more to clean up. So I was snappish and surly and did passive-aggressive kinds of things, like grabbing the bag of trash and noisily slamming the door behind me as I took it out to our dumpster. When I calmed down a bit and was talking to Carman later on he said, "I always feel kind of scared when you come home because I never know if you're going to be mad at me." I felt so awful. My son was right. I take things out on him that sometimes have nothing to do with him. I snap at him for doing things I want him to intuitively know I want him to do without me asking him. I asked my son to forgive me. I asked God to forgive me and I told Carman that from now on we'll discuss expectations. Keeping vows are not always easy for me, but I made a vow to myself and God that I will never walk in the house after work and start yelling at my son. Ever. I feel like this vow is easy to keep - in my heart I have carved it in stone and signed it with my blood.
It is so humbling and difficult being human sometimes. I don't think I'll ever run out of lessons to learn while I'm on this planet. My son immediately gave me his forgiveness when I asked for it. I don't think I'd be able to make it through this journey without knowing a God of love and forgiveness. May Christ continue to flow through me, and may I constantly be reminded that my loved ones deserve more from me than just a few leftover drops of God's love and compassion.
Last week I came home from work and was instantly irritated because I thought my teenage son should have done more to clean up. So I was snappish and surly and did passive-aggressive kinds of things, like grabbing the bag of trash and noisily slamming the door behind me as I took it out to our dumpster. When I calmed down a bit and was talking to Carman later on he said, "I always feel kind of scared when you come home because I never know if you're going to be mad at me." I felt so awful. My son was right. I take things out on him that sometimes have nothing to do with him. I snap at him for doing things I want him to intuitively know I want him to do without me asking him. I asked my son to forgive me. I asked God to forgive me and I told Carman that from now on we'll discuss expectations. Keeping vows are not always easy for me, but I made a vow to myself and God that I will never walk in the house after work and start yelling at my son. Ever. I feel like this vow is easy to keep - in my heart I have carved it in stone and signed it with my blood.
It is so humbling and difficult being human sometimes. I don't think I'll ever run out of lessons to learn while I'm on this planet. My son immediately gave me his forgiveness when I asked for it. I don't think I'd be able to make it through this journey without knowing a God of love and forgiveness. May Christ continue to flow through me, and may I constantly be reminded that my loved ones deserve more from me than just a few leftover drops of God's love and compassion.
Monday, June 18, 2007
What if ... we let our actions speak louder then our words?
We all know this familiar saying but how often do we really live as though that were true.
How often do we say we will do something but then don't ever get around to doing it. How often do we express ourselves to others with words but our actions don't show it?
I'm guilty!
Especially when it comes to my husband, I find myself making sure I get my point across by getting the last word in. The older I get the more I seem to struggle with this which doesn't ever help the situation.
What has helped is when I've allowed my actions to speak far more then my words. A scripture I continually need to remind myself of is:
1 Peter 3:1-2 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be own over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives...
v. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.
How often do we say we will do something but then don't ever get around to doing it. How often do we express ourselves to others with words but our actions don't show it?
I'm guilty!
Especially when it comes to my husband, I find myself making sure I get my point across by getting the last word in. The older I get the more I seem to struggle with this which doesn't ever help the situation.
What has helped is when I've allowed my actions to speak far more then my words. A scripture I continually need to remind myself of is:
1 Peter 3:1-2 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be own over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives...
v. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful.
Friday, June 15, 2007
What if....Failure Was Not Final?
There is no better education than one’s own failures.
There was an IBM project manager who lost the company ten million dollars. Dejectedly, he walked into the president’s office and said “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ll want my resignation. I’ll be gone by the end of the day.”
The president’s response showed his understanding of the value of failure. He said, “Are you kidding? We’ve just invested ten million dollars in your education. We’re not about to let you go. Now get back to work!”
I’m sure you have had your moments in life where you have felt like a failure. Failures are the mistakes that teach you some of your life’s greatest lessons. The question is, will you embrace them to help build your confidence, or will you let the mistakes devastate you? You always have a choice. Whether your failure is losing a job, your marriage, or some other important matter in your life, you can use it as an opportunity to see what’s in store for your future.
WAYS TO USE YOUR MISTAKES AS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
1. Evaluate what went wrong. Be willing to take responsibility for your contribution. Sometimes it’s easier to point the finger at someone or something else, but resist that temptation. Taking responsibility provides you with a greater learning curve.
2. Be willing to talk to others who can provide you with an objective point of you (Those closest to you and/or your situation cannot). These people can provide you with what you need to know, not what you need to hear.
3. Talk it over with God. After you finish talking, be willing to listen and keep your eyes open to see what He wants to show you or teach you through other people or circumstances.
Live Out Loud Ladies!
There was an IBM project manager who lost the company ten million dollars. Dejectedly, he walked into the president’s office and said “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ll want my resignation. I’ll be gone by the end of the day.”
The president’s response showed his understanding of the value of failure. He said, “Are you kidding? We’ve just invested ten million dollars in your education. We’re not about to let you go. Now get back to work!”
I’m sure you have had your moments in life where you have felt like a failure. Failures are the mistakes that teach you some of your life’s greatest lessons. The question is, will you embrace them to help build your confidence, or will you let the mistakes devastate you? You always have a choice. Whether your failure is losing a job, your marriage, or some other important matter in your life, you can use it as an opportunity to see what’s in store for your future.
WAYS TO USE YOUR MISTAKES AS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
1. Evaluate what went wrong. Be willing to take responsibility for your contribution. Sometimes it’s easier to point the finger at someone or something else, but resist that temptation. Taking responsibility provides you with a greater learning curve.
2. Be willing to talk to others who can provide you with an objective point of you (Those closest to you and/or your situation cannot). These people can provide you with what you need to know, not what you need to hear.
3. Talk it over with God. After you finish talking, be willing to listen and keep your eyes open to see what He wants to show you or teach you through other people or circumstances.
Live Out Loud Ladies!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
What If...I asked the question: To Be Or Not To Be?
I'm leaving town tomorrow for my Florida vacation so I thought I'd make my post today. I've had to fast forward my work a bit to make sure that all is taken care of in the Pink Collar Club before my departure. Here's what on my mind and heart.
In order to be "effective" for the kindom of God, we must be women of intention and strategy.
Don't misunderstand me...God is in control but He has left us with our own set of responsibilities, so to speak. We spend a great amount of time in the coaching world on "producing results". This is fine and good.
But...how much time to we intentionally create just "to be".
And, what does this mean..."to be". It sounds a little hokey, doesn't it? Like some mystical practice sitting cross-legged chanting AH-UMMM. Certainly, not what I am referring to here. Rather, a simple solution really. Perhaps, the answer to this question. (Atleast my perspective anyway.)
If we are created in the image of God (and we are) then wouldn't it make sense "to be" with that Image. Isn't this what we are commanded to do? To imitate Christ? How can we "copy Christ" if we don't live in consistent communion with Him?
It seems perfectly logical to this woman, that if I am "to be" all that I am to be, I must look to and connect with the Image of that to which I hope to become.
We live in a culture that endorces the "to do". This "to do" mentality is worthy of our planning and intention. But what about a "to be" mentality becoming the norm for us? "To be" in total and complete communion with the One who is the great I AM.
To be or not to be...that is the question!
In order to be "effective" for the kindom of God, we must be women of intention and strategy.
Don't misunderstand me...God is in control but He has left us with our own set of responsibilities, so to speak. We spend a great amount of time in the coaching world on "producing results". This is fine and good.
But...how much time to we intentionally create just "to be".
And, what does this mean..."to be". It sounds a little hokey, doesn't it? Like some mystical practice sitting cross-legged chanting AH-UMMM. Certainly, not what I am referring to here. Rather, a simple solution really. Perhaps, the answer to this question. (Atleast my perspective anyway.)
If we are created in the image of God (and we are) then wouldn't it make sense "to be" with that Image. Isn't this what we are commanded to do? To imitate Christ? How can we "copy Christ" if we don't live in consistent communion with Him?
It seems perfectly logical to this woman, that if I am "to be" all that I am to be, I must look to and connect with the Image of that to which I hope to become.
We live in a culture that endorces the "to do". This "to do" mentality is worthy of our planning and intention. But what about a "to be" mentality becoming the norm for us? "To be" in total and complete communion with the One who is the great I AM.
To be or not to be...that is the question!
What if...I saw the world was wonder full?
Life has felt stressful lately. A full-time job, rush revisions on freelance work, my stepdad in the hospital for two surgeries, worry about his wife traveling back and forth when she doesn't drive, ministry work and items to pull out and price for a charitable yard sale. I am very aware of the fact that these are all small things compared to some of the heartache and burdens that others are carrying. Still, an underlying tension has persisted.
But last night I had a dream, and sometimes those seem to carry important messages for me. Does that ever happen to you? The particulars of this dream aren't important, but these were a few of the main ingredients: dancing, laughter, baby elephants, (yes, really, there were baby elephants), a great practical joke, and enthusiastic warm and heartfelt hugs. I woke up at 2:30 in the morning full of joy, full of the feeling that God wanted me to try and do things that would bring more light into my life, and that he wants all his children to see the world full of his wonder and "spiritual bubbles" as I like to call them.
So for today I'm going to try and see the world through eyes that marvel with awe at the miracles around me in the blossoming earth and find people to laugh with and to hug wholeheartedly. Today, I'm going to make a mindful choice to let go of some of the stress and see glimpses of the world as wonder-full.
P.S. In case you're interested, my "wonder full" graphic above is available to be sent as an ecard from my personal web site.
Monday, June 11, 2007
What if...we prayed with an energy that never tires, persistency and courage?
"Our praying needs to be pressed and pursued with an energy that never tires, a persistency which will not be denied, and a courage which never fails" E.M. Bounds
This quote from E.M. Bounds is a favorite of mine. I like to remind myself of it whenever I seem to be in a slump with my own prayers. I have to admit, I tire easily of praying the same things over and over again when I don't receive an answer (in my timing). Then after so long of not receiving an answer to my prayers, I give up any persistency I may have had and decide I must accept "no" for an answer. Then because I know God is God and He is going to answer as He sees best anyways, I begin to lack in my courage and don't ask for things too impossible.
The enemy has me right where he wants me at these times, keeping me from experiencing the power of prayer and I refuse to let him keep me there which is why I often like to pray the scriptures because that is the one thing I can put my confidence in and believe in the power of the Word of God and know the enemy cannot stand up against it.
The following scripture helps remind me of this.
Hebrews 10:35-39
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."
This quote from E.M. Bounds is a favorite of mine. I like to remind myself of it whenever I seem to be in a slump with my own prayers. I have to admit, I tire easily of praying the same things over and over again when I don't receive an answer (in my timing). Then after so long of not receiving an answer to my prayers, I give up any persistency I may have had and decide I must accept "no" for an answer. Then because I know God is God and He is going to answer as He sees best anyways, I begin to lack in my courage and don't ask for things too impossible.
The enemy has me right where he wants me at these times, keeping me from experiencing the power of prayer and I refuse to let him keep me there which is why I often like to pray the scriptures because that is the one thing I can put my confidence in and believe in the power of the Word of God and know the enemy cannot stand up against it.
The following scripture helps remind me of this.
Hebrews 10:35-39
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."
Thursday, June 7, 2007
What if...You Gave Yourself a Break?
My oldest daughter had a big math test today. She was nervous and anxious last night, and I had to calm her down so she could sleep and feel comfortable going into her test. We talked it through for a few minutes and then I prayed with her. She didn’t feel as prepared for this test as she had for other tests, which I believe caused a little more anxiety than usual. I tried to reassure her that she was prepared and to do her best.
It made me think of how we, as adults, often cause our own anxiety because we are so focused on our performance and doing a ‘perfect’ job, that we sometimes forget about the learning experience along the way. I know I’m guilty of that!
Can you give yourself a break to do your best, even if it’s not perfect? Believe it or not, because we are human, there is nothing we can do perfectly!
Here are some ways to give yourself a break:
1. Ask yourself that great question “What’s important?” For example, is it more important to outperform and compete with your co-workers, or learn to work together as a team so you can provide excellence to all your projects and increase your company’s bottom line?
2. Tell yourself that you are doing your best. We are all talented in different ways, so what comes easy to others (which could mean doing something better), might take a little more effort on your part. So what? Focus on the areas that you are truly gifted in and support each other’s strengths!
3. Call for assistance when needed. For my daughter, I suggested going in early to talk to her math teacher for her questions, and/or talk to one of the kids in her class. We don’t have to know everything and do everything ourselves. Asking questions can relieve a lot of anxiety!
Live Out Loud ladies!
It made me think of how we, as adults, often cause our own anxiety because we are so focused on our performance and doing a ‘perfect’ job, that we sometimes forget about the learning experience along the way. I know I’m guilty of that!
Can you give yourself a break to do your best, even if it’s not perfect? Believe it or not, because we are human, there is nothing we can do perfectly!
Here are some ways to give yourself a break:
1. Ask yourself that great question “What’s important?” For example, is it more important to outperform and compete with your co-workers, or learn to work together as a team so you can provide excellence to all your projects and increase your company’s bottom line?
2. Tell yourself that you are doing your best. We are all talented in different ways, so what comes easy to others (which could mean doing something better), might take a little more effort on your part. So what? Focus on the areas that you are truly gifted in and support each other’s strengths!
3. Call for assistance when needed. For my daughter, I suggested going in early to talk to her math teacher for her questions, and/or talk to one of the kids in her class. We don’t have to know everything and do everything ourselves. Asking questions can relieve a lot of anxiety!
Live Out Loud ladies!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
What If...The Sum Of The Parts Makes The Whole?
The sum of the parts makes the whole.
If I remember correctly from my old school days, a teacher once taught me this mathematical principle.
I love to design rooms. It's really one of my passions. I remember when my husband and I were just starting out. We were purchasing our first home with little money to "set up house" so I began scouring garage sales, flea markets, antique stores...wherever I could find beautiful little treasures...cheap!
I began collecting the "parts"...a beautiful little statue for $12 dollars, paper mache dolls from Mexico for $7 a piece, old books (my favorite) and more. If I loved it, I bought it...sometimes scraping together change.
I had no idea how all these treasures would come together. My husband would joke with me. We'll have our own flea market. Keep the tags on!
But, somehow, after we moved in and I began placing all the parts together into lovely little vignettes...well, it was stunning! Little pictures of beauty wherever my eyes rested. I had created these "pictures". They were (and are) extremely valuable to me. I can tell you the story of each.
My Father created me...crafting together each little part to make the whole. Perhaps, He gathered these little parts within the scope of eternity knowing full well that when He put the parts together the whole would become...well, me. On my bolder days, I imagine Him looking down with an "I love you...you're valuable" expression as He remembers His creation.
Sometimes, my little vignettes get dusty taking away from their beauty. I dust them off so that they're shining brightly.
I'm so very thankful that my Creator "dusts" me off and makes me beautiful. If only in His eyes!
If I remember correctly from my old school days, a teacher once taught me this mathematical principle.
I love to design rooms. It's really one of my passions. I remember when my husband and I were just starting out. We were purchasing our first home with little money to "set up house" so I began scouring garage sales, flea markets, antique stores...wherever I could find beautiful little treasures...cheap!
I began collecting the "parts"...a beautiful little statue for $12 dollars, paper mache dolls from Mexico for $7 a piece, old books (my favorite) and more. If I loved it, I bought it...sometimes scraping together change.
I had no idea how all these treasures would come together. My husband would joke with me. We'll have our own flea market. Keep the tags on!
But, somehow, after we moved in and I began placing all the parts together into lovely little vignettes...well, it was stunning! Little pictures of beauty wherever my eyes rested. I had created these "pictures". They were (and are) extremely valuable to me. I can tell you the story of each.
My Father created me...crafting together each little part to make the whole. Perhaps, He gathered these little parts within the scope of eternity knowing full well that when He put the parts together the whole would become...well, me. On my bolder days, I imagine Him looking down with an "I love you...you're valuable" expression as He remembers His creation.
Sometimes, my little vignettes get dusty taking away from their beauty. I dust them off so that they're shining brightly.
I'm so very thankful that my Creator "dusts" me off and makes me beautiful. If only in His eyes!
What if...we prayed in color?
Our next series at church is all about prayer, and soon I'll be helping to create a Prayer Garden in the art gallery section of our sanctuary, and planning some other prayer practices as well, including a prayer wall in an upcoming gathering. Even though we've used prayer walls with markers for journaling, I never thought of drawing and doodling as a way to connect with God. Fortunately Sybil MacBeth did, and she wrote a book called "Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God". What I didn't expect when I got the book was just how much I would love practicing prayer this way.
So far I'm just writing names of places and people and praying for them, like in my first prayer drawing above. Like the author, I think that sometimes my whole body wants to engage in prayer, and by drawing as I pray, my body and mind both get to participate. I draw the outline of the space, add the person's name, and while I'm filling in the shape with color, I lift that person in prayer to God. Although MacBeth sometimes takes her prayer drawings with her so she can pull out her drawing during the day and pray for those on her list, I've been just taking people along mentally. What's interesting is that now I remember each person so much more easily. Maybe that's because I'm basically a visual learner kind of person, but I know it's also because I have sat and meditated with markers, and invited this person into my heart with each stroke of the pen.
MacBeth suggests using this practice in various ways, including Lectio Divina (spiritual reading), and scripture memorization. I've never been good at memorizing scripture, so that's on my list to try as well. Meanwhile, I'm delighting in praying in a new way that's full of joy and delight!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
What if....we loved the stranger among us?
It was the coldest day of the winter - the kind where the only real comfort is a mug of hot chocolate and some comforters. We had just dropped off my assistant at the subway station in Jamaica Center in New York. Even the usual hubbub of the place was tempered by the weather as hundreds of pedestrians hurried towards warmer destinations.
We watched as my young assistant reached the top of the lighted stairway and disappeared into the cavernous station. As we were about to drive way we saw two women standing next to the cab in front of us. What was unusual was that the women wore very light cottony clothing - no coats, no gloves, not even scarves.
The younger one poked frantically in her handbag while she spoke to the cab driver through the window. The older woman stood next to her shaking uncontrollably.
My husband took $20 from his wallet, “They are foreigners, take this money and pay the cab.”
When I walked up to the cab, I caught part of the conversation between the driver and the woman.
He shooed her way with his hand, “Get way from my car, you boat people. You come to my country and take away our jobs. Get away!”
She pleaded with him, “I lost my money, please take us home. Somebody there will pay you. Please sir, we are cold.”
The scene filled me with indignation and I touched the woman’s arm to calm her and turned to the cab driver, “How much is it, sir?”
"I’m not taking those boat people.” And he maneuvered his way into traffic.
I lead both women to our car. They got in and I turned up the heat. In tears the young woman explained that earlier they had been to a job interview, but had lost the paper with their home address and did not know what bus to take. She had also lost the little money she had in her handbag, and had used some coins to call her cousin explaining their dilemma. The cousin promised to pick them up right away.
They had been standing there for four hours in the dead winter cold - waiting. Finally they decided to seek help. They had been warned at home to talk to no one except a cop or a taxi driver.
I loaned them my cell phone to call home. I could hear as their female host berated the young woman. She claimed that she had drove around the area twice and did not see them and since it was so cold she went home. I took the phone and spoke to the woman trying to calmly get the address from her. I admit that it was only Jesus that kept me from yelling at this unsympathetic hostess.
Oh, how my heart cried out for these two women.
We tried to engage them in conversation. Only the daughter spoke, and I thought perhaps the mother did not speak English.
We learned that they had just come from tropical Guyana three-days before. Life had been very hard. Their father was very abusive. Her mother’s cousin had offered for them to come stay with her in America. They were definitely ill-prepared for the weather.
When we arrived at the cousin’s home, the mother came up to the driver’s side and grabbed my husband’s hands, and in clear English and a very quiet voice said, “Thank you, thank you because if it wasn’t for you we would have died.”
What if we remembered that immigrants, strangers, foreigners are of the same human condition as us? What if we remembered that this world is not our home anyway? What if we remembered that we are also foreigners here?
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt…” (Leviticus 19:34 ESV).
We watched as my young assistant reached the top of the lighted stairway and disappeared into the cavernous station. As we were about to drive way we saw two women standing next to the cab in front of us. What was unusual was that the women wore very light cottony clothing - no coats, no gloves, not even scarves.
The younger one poked frantically in her handbag while she spoke to the cab driver through the window. The older woman stood next to her shaking uncontrollably.
My husband took $20 from his wallet, “They are foreigners, take this money and pay the cab.”
When I walked up to the cab, I caught part of the conversation between the driver and the woman.
He shooed her way with his hand, “Get way from my car, you boat people. You come to my country and take away our jobs. Get away!”
She pleaded with him, “I lost my money, please take us home. Somebody there will pay you. Please sir, we are cold.”
The scene filled me with indignation and I touched the woman’s arm to calm her and turned to the cab driver, “How much is it, sir?”
"I’m not taking those boat people.” And he maneuvered his way into traffic.
I lead both women to our car. They got in and I turned up the heat. In tears the young woman explained that earlier they had been to a job interview, but had lost the paper with their home address and did not know what bus to take. She had also lost the little money she had in her handbag, and had used some coins to call her cousin explaining their dilemma. The cousin promised to pick them up right away.
They had been standing there for four hours in the dead winter cold - waiting. Finally they decided to seek help. They had been warned at home to talk to no one except a cop or a taxi driver.
I loaned them my cell phone to call home. I could hear as their female host berated the young woman. She claimed that she had drove around the area twice and did not see them and since it was so cold she went home. I took the phone and spoke to the woman trying to calmly get the address from her. I admit that it was only Jesus that kept me from yelling at this unsympathetic hostess.
Oh, how my heart cried out for these two women.
We tried to engage them in conversation. Only the daughter spoke, and I thought perhaps the mother did not speak English.
We learned that they had just come from tropical Guyana three-days before. Life had been very hard. Their father was very abusive. Her mother’s cousin had offered for them to come stay with her in America. They were definitely ill-prepared for the weather.
When we arrived at the cousin’s home, the mother came up to the driver’s side and grabbed my husband’s hands, and in clear English and a very quiet voice said, “Thank you, thank you because if it wasn’t for you we would have died.”
What if we remembered that immigrants, strangers, foreigners are of the same human condition as us? What if we remembered that this world is not our home anyway? What if we remembered that we are also foreigners here?
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt…” (Leviticus 19:34 ESV).
Monday, June 4, 2007
What if...we we're always sure of ourselves
I don't know about you but one day I can be so sure of myself and confident in the outcome of situations in my life that nothings seems to be able to shake my faith but then I also have days where I waver and I am not sure about anything.
I would really prefer to be unshakable in my faith and certain of things that I do not see just as the scripture says in Hebrews 11:1 but I have to admit that when I am, I can easily get a little lazy and begin to settle for where I am.
I find it is these times of uncertainty that I do not settle for where I am but I become determined to do something about it. I begin to search my heart and soul and dig deeper into the Word of God to find answers. I may not be certain of when or what the outcome will look like but I can be certain that it will bring me to a whole new level of understanding and appreciation in my walk with God and how to deal with those things in life that tend to shake my faith.
I would really prefer to be unshakable in my faith and certain of things that I do not see just as the scripture says in Hebrews 11:1 but I have to admit that when I am, I can easily get a little lazy and begin to settle for where I am.
I find it is these times of uncertainty that I do not settle for where I am but I become determined to do something about it. I begin to search my heart and soul and dig deeper into the Word of God to find answers. I may not be certain of when or what the outcome will look like but I can be certain that it will bring me to a whole new level of understanding and appreciation in my walk with God and how to deal with those things in life that tend to shake my faith.
Friday, June 1, 2007
What if..You Could Name Your Tune?
“Too many people die with their music still inside them”
Oscar Wilde
Remember that game show years ago called “Name That Tune?” When I do my Live Out Loud seminars, I take the audience through an exercise of how to ‘name their tune.’ It’s an exercise that allows each individual to learn how to shift from doing life to living life.
I remember the first time I heard Oscar Wilde’s quote, I was at my first coaching conference. The conference occurred right after I officially retired from my work as a therapist. That conference showed me how comfortable I was doing life as a therapist like it was second nature, but I had lost the excitement of the work, thus part of the reason for my career transition from counseling to coaching. The ‘music’ inside of me was dying, but the transition to coaching allowed me to compose a whole new symphony with energy and passion I didn’t know existed. I am very fortunate to have opportunities to not just compose, but play my ‘music’ through the venues of speaking, writing, and coaching.
How about you? Is there music still inside of you that you want to play? Is it something that was a part of your life, but is no more? Or, is it something within your reach, but you have not had the courage to go out and do it?
ACTION ITEM FOR THIS WEEK:
1. Identify your music.
2. If your music is a past item in your life, renew it if physically able to, or revamp it according to your abilities.
3. If your music requires courage, surround yourself with people who will support you and want to hear your tune!
4. Don’t just compose (think), perform (act on it)!
To keep with the music theme (and the new name for my business):
Live your life forte'! (out loud!)
Oscar Wilde
Remember that game show years ago called “Name That Tune?” When I do my Live Out Loud seminars, I take the audience through an exercise of how to ‘name their tune.’ It’s an exercise that allows each individual to learn how to shift from doing life to living life.
I remember the first time I heard Oscar Wilde’s quote, I was at my first coaching conference. The conference occurred right after I officially retired from my work as a therapist. That conference showed me how comfortable I was doing life as a therapist like it was second nature, but I had lost the excitement of the work, thus part of the reason for my career transition from counseling to coaching. The ‘music’ inside of me was dying, but the transition to coaching allowed me to compose a whole new symphony with energy and passion I didn’t know existed. I am very fortunate to have opportunities to not just compose, but play my ‘music’ through the venues of speaking, writing, and coaching.
How about you? Is there music still inside of you that you want to play? Is it something that was a part of your life, but is no more? Or, is it something within your reach, but you have not had the courage to go out and do it?
ACTION ITEM FOR THIS WEEK:
1. Identify your music.
2. If your music is a past item in your life, renew it if physically able to, or revamp it according to your abilities.
3. If your music requires courage, surround yourself with people who will support you and want to hear your tune!
4. Don’t just compose (think), perform (act on it)!
To keep with the music theme (and the new name for my business):
Live your life forte'! (out loud!)
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