It is once again Tuesday, time for Lelia's study on Jennifer Rothschild's book Self Talk, Soul Talk. This week we're looking at the idea of rest for our soul and what a timely topic that is.
It seems the last ten days have been filled with some unexpected events. Really it's not events as it's an isolated matter, but it's one that has consumed my thoughts. My mind has been taken over by the what if's, worries and fears of where this might lead.
The other night as we turned off the lights, I told my husband I wished I could turn off my mind. If it was only that easy - flip a switch and the thinking stops. But it seems to have the opposite effect, I turn the lights off and the speed of my mind only seems to pick up. So once again these Yes to God Tuesdays are just what I need.
It is obvious my soul needs to chill out!! Jennifer reminded me that I have control over this - this "kind of rest is a decision." Wow, that is big! I can't let my mind control me, I have to control it. And sometimes that means choosing to shut it off.
How can I do this? I think she answered that question with these words, "Our souls ultimately find rest in God." I have to turn to him and realize my need for the rest only he provides.
So tonight when I turn out the lights, I'll start talking to Him rather than listening to myself. I know He will provide just what I need - rest, wonderful rest...not just for the body, but more importantly for my soul.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Not True Yet
I was reading Jennifer Rothschild's book, Self Talk Soul Talk, and a topic in the last chapter really has me thinking. She had spent sometime talking about the importance of looking back and recalling memories. She spoke of the importance of the good and the bad, but her focus was on looking at what God had done.
I couldn't agree with her more. I'm one who loves to reflect and whenever I do, I am constantly amazed at how God is putting the pieces of my life together.
But at the same time I'm struggling with the topic she closed the chapter with - looking ahead. It's not bad to look ahead, at times it is quite necessary, but her thoughts revolved around the idea of worry, which is something I have a tendancy to do.
She shared a conversation where the gal talked about the time we waste as we focus on things that are not true and even those that are not true yet. I feel like I've been in that place for the last week.
Some events are taking place that I don't understand and it appears all signs point to possible difficulty down the road. I've been in this place before, which in a way makes it even worse because I think I know what is to come.
Which brings me back to her words about things that are "not true yet." It can be hard to just rest in his peace when it seems pain is right around the corner, but yet I know God will work through the good and the bad.
So even though it's not true yet, like my husband said, "It's not true now" and we must be thankful for that. And regardless of what lies ahead, I know, because I've looked back, that God will carry me through.
I couldn't agree with her more. I'm one who loves to reflect and whenever I do, I am constantly amazed at how God is putting the pieces of my life together.
But at the same time I'm struggling with the topic she closed the chapter with - looking ahead. It's not bad to look ahead, at times it is quite necessary, but her thoughts revolved around the idea of worry, which is something I have a tendancy to do.
She shared a conversation where the gal talked about the time we waste as we focus on things that are not true and even those that are not true yet. I feel like I've been in that place for the last week.
Some events are taking place that I don't understand and it appears all signs point to possible difficulty down the road. I've been in this place before, which in a way makes it even worse because I think I know what is to come.
Which brings me back to her words about things that are "not true yet." It can be hard to just rest in his peace when it seems pain is right around the corner, but yet I know God will work through the good and the bad.
So even though it's not true yet, like my husband said, "It's not true now" and we must be thankful for that. And regardless of what lies ahead, I know, because I've looked back, that God will carry me through.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Win or Lose
Last night I was able to attend a Regional Final high school basketball game. The winner earned themselves a ticket to Des Moines and the opportunity to play in the state tournament. The atmosphere was wonderful and action was intense, both brought back memories from 15 years ago. Back in '94 I was the senior dreaming of playing at state, but the loss we suffered ended that dream.
As I watched some of the girls experience what I had years ago my mind went to work. I was taking advantage of the opportunity to remember. And as I thought about the days gone by, I started to think about winning and losing.
Why is it losing tends to stick out? Or at least it does for me. I mean even as they introduced the teams last night Waukon had a record of 19-1 and my focus immediately went to the lone loss. When did it happen? Who did they lose too? By how many points?
Why do I focus on that? Because it's not just an isolated occurrence - our record was 18-5 and I know I could tell you who we lost to and pretty much could give you the scores as well. I thought about this and tried to answer the same question I just posed, I have yet to do that, but have had some interesting thoughts.
As a former player and coach I realize the value of a loss, sometimes it actually holds more worth than a win. It can serve as a wake-up call, it builds character, unites teams and puts things in perspective.
I know this is all true in the world of sports, but does it apply to the rest of life? Again I started searching for an answer and my mind went back to a sports related event. As a freshman in college I was playing ball when I tore my ACL and saw my career come to an end. This loss hurt more than losing any game, now the sport was taken from me, but thru time there was gain.
God began working as I searched for reasons for the pain and He provided as I realized my life had to revolve around Him, not a little orange ball. Yes it hurt, but the pain had a purpose and eventually the loss was a gain.
As my mind kept working I took the opportunity to think about the greatest personal loss I've ever encountered - last August we experienced a miscarriage. The loss still hurts and has created questions that I'm sure will last forever, but still God has worked through it. My faith has grown and my desire to share with others has increased as well.
Then I think about this past November when my 98 year old Grandma passed away. It was a loss we expected, but it still hurt. And still does at times, especially when my little ones think of her and the questions start all over again. But as I took a look at this memory thoughts went to how I focused on my loss - my grandma was a dear lady full of wisdom and joy missed by many. But I know she is in a better place, so really my loss is her gain. And like my little boy reminds his sister, someday we will see her again forever and ever.
I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea - there is value in loss, God works in it and through it. Strengthening us and impacting others. I had no idea a basketball game could trigger thoughts like this, but I'm thankful I was reminded of the value in taking advantage of the opportunities to remember.
When we take the time to look back, we are reminded of God's hand in everything. His faithfulness in the past gives us strength to face the future. And in this life sometimes we lose, so we need to remember His power, promises and provision in order to get up and face tomorrow.
And remember win or lose, He's on our side!!
As I watched some of the girls experience what I had years ago my mind went to work. I was taking advantage of the opportunity to remember. And as I thought about the days gone by, I started to think about winning and losing.
Why is it losing tends to stick out? Or at least it does for me. I mean even as they introduced the teams last night Waukon had a record of 19-1 and my focus immediately went to the lone loss. When did it happen? Who did they lose too? By how many points?
Why do I focus on that? Because it's not just an isolated occurrence - our record was 18-5 and I know I could tell you who we lost to and pretty much could give you the scores as well. I thought about this and tried to answer the same question I just posed, I have yet to do that, but have had some interesting thoughts.
As a former player and coach I realize the value of a loss, sometimes it actually holds more worth than a win. It can serve as a wake-up call, it builds character, unites teams and puts things in perspective.
I know this is all true in the world of sports, but does it apply to the rest of life? Again I started searching for an answer and my mind went back to a sports related event. As a freshman in college I was playing ball when I tore my ACL and saw my career come to an end. This loss hurt more than losing any game, now the sport was taken from me, but thru time there was gain.
God began working as I searched for reasons for the pain and He provided as I realized my life had to revolve around Him, not a little orange ball. Yes it hurt, but the pain had a purpose and eventually the loss was a gain.
As my mind kept working I took the opportunity to think about the greatest personal loss I've ever encountered - last August we experienced a miscarriage. The loss still hurts and has created questions that I'm sure will last forever, but still God has worked through it. My faith has grown and my desire to share with others has increased as well.
Then I think about this past November when my 98 year old Grandma passed away. It was a loss we expected, but it still hurt. And still does at times, especially when my little ones think of her and the questions start all over again. But as I took a look at this memory thoughts went to how I focused on my loss - my grandma was a dear lady full of wisdom and joy missed by many. But I know she is in a better place, so really my loss is her gain. And like my little boy reminds his sister, someday we will see her again forever and ever.
I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea - there is value in loss, God works in it and through it. Strengthening us and impacting others. I had no idea a basketball game could trigger thoughts like this, but I'm thankful I was reminded of the value in taking advantage of the opportunities to remember.
When we take the time to look back, we are reminded of God's hand in everything. His faithfulness in the past gives us strength to face the future. And in this life sometimes we lose, so we need to remember His power, promises and provision in order to get up and face tomorrow.
And remember win or lose, He's on our side!!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Why we need to speak up...
“How can we be silent?”
The world is hurting and
He can heal the pain.
The problems are endless and
He is the answer.
Relationships are broken and
He can make them better.
People are suffering and
He provides comfort.
Countries are at war and
He offers peace.
Everyone makes mistakes and
He grants forgiveness.
Our lives are a mess and
He can wash them clean.
The world has a need and
Only Jesus can fill it.
How can we be silent
When He can do so much?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Big Step
Hello again! I feel like life has taken over and I've been away from blog land for quite sometime! I'd have to say those feelings are real because that's exactly what has happened.
In the last two weeks, my baby has turned 2 and my oldest just celebrated his 6th birthday. So we've had plenty of cake, presents and parties. On top of that Saturday marks the editing deadline for my book. A process that is much more intense than I ever imagined!
On top of that I, along with 4 others, have taken a big step of organizing a woman's conference. This week that too has become a reality. We have marked October 31, 2009 on the calendar and have made contact with Renee Swope from Proverbs31, who has agreed to be our keynote speaker.
At times it still amazes me that this is all happening, but God is a faithful God and continues opening the door. My prayer is He will keep strengthening me as He calls me to take these big steps.
In the last two weeks, my baby has turned 2 and my oldest just celebrated his 6th birthday. So we've had plenty of cake, presents and parties. On top of that Saturday marks the editing deadline for my book. A process that is much more intense than I ever imagined!
On top of that I, along with 4 others, have taken a big step of organizing a woman's conference. This week that too has become a reality. We have marked October 31, 2009 on the calendar and have made contact with Renee Swope from Proverbs31, who has agreed to be our keynote speaker.
At times it still amazes me that this is all happening, but God is a faithful God and continues opening the door. My prayer is He will keep strengthening me as He calls me to take these big steps.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Looking for an opinion...
As many of you know God has been working on my heart lately to step out and share my faith, well with his strength, I'm trying to be obedient. At times some of this doesn't make sense and can be overwhelming, but he keeps moving me forward.
So currently I'm in the process of publishing a book I have co-authored with a close friend. It is titled, Letters from Leanne - The Beauty of a Spiritual Mother-Daughter Relationship. And as this moves forward, I'm realizing what God has really put on my heart is not just encouraging others to live out Titus 2, but to really share their faith.
So with that another project that is way bigger than me - organizing a woman's conference. It's been on my mind for over 2 years, but starting to become a reality. We meet tomorrow to set a date and discuss what comes next.
This is where I need your opinion - the event will need a name, something that will catch others attention, so over the past week my mind has been at work trying to come up with something. Our goals are to encourage others to live out Titus 2 (spiritual mentoring) and share their faith with their life.
So I've come up with Share and Shine (Share your story, Shine His Light), Connect Life - Reflect Light (Connect your life with God and others, Reflect His Light with your life), Ignite, and on and on, but this morning God put something else in my head -
Anyway this morning, I'm laying in bed - it's 4:30 and I'm awake, well time keeps ticking by and my husband's alarm goes off - time to rise and shine. It hit me - Rise and Shine, the name of the conference. A few thoughts to add with it - the Son did rise and still shines, we're called to rise up to what God has for us and shine His light as we walk that path. Even how sometimes literally rising and shining is a challenge, doing that for Him can be as well, but still it's what we need to do. Then thought of the song I sing up the stairs in the morning for J.D. and Joy, I say "rise and shine" and they finish with "give God the glory, glory!" Guess that's what we are doing with this conference idea, rising up to do what he's calling us to do, sharing His light with our lives and praying He gets the glory!
So my question, what would you think of a "Rise and Shine" Conference for Women? As my husband said the title is catchy, but is it goofy? Just looking for some insight, and looking forward to what my wonderful blog friends have to offer!!
So currently I'm in the process of publishing a book I have co-authored with a close friend. It is titled, Letters from Leanne - The Beauty of a Spiritual Mother-Daughter Relationship. And as this moves forward, I'm realizing what God has really put on my heart is not just encouraging others to live out Titus 2, but to really share their faith.
So with that another project that is way bigger than me - organizing a woman's conference. It's been on my mind for over 2 years, but starting to become a reality. We meet tomorrow to set a date and discuss what comes next.
This is where I need your opinion - the event will need a name, something that will catch others attention, so over the past week my mind has been at work trying to come up with something. Our goals are to encourage others to live out Titus 2 (spiritual mentoring) and share their faith with their life.
So I've come up with Share and Shine (Share your story, Shine His Light), Connect Life - Reflect Light (Connect your life with God and others, Reflect His Light with your life), Ignite, and on and on, but this morning God put something else in my head -
Anyway this morning, I'm laying in bed - it's 4:30 and I'm awake, well time keeps ticking by and my husband's alarm goes off - time to rise and shine. It hit me - Rise and Shine, the name of the conference. A few thoughts to add with it - the Son did rise and still shines, we're called to rise up to what God has for us and shine His light as we walk that path. Even how sometimes literally rising and shining is a challenge, doing that for Him can be as well, but still it's what we need to do. Then thought of the song I sing up the stairs in the morning for J.D. and Joy, I say "rise and shine" and they finish with "give God the glory, glory!" Guess that's what we are doing with this conference idea, rising up to do what he's calling us to do, sharing His light with our lives and praying He gets the glory!
So my question, what would you think of a "Rise and Shine" Conference for Women? As my husband said the title is catchy, but is it goofy? Just looking for some insight, and looking forward to what my wonderful blog friends have to offer!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Speaking Truth to Your Issues
It is again Tuesday, time for Lelia's study of Jennifer Rothschild's, Self Talk, Soul Talk. And again the book is saying just what I need to hear. This weeks chapter is titled, Speaking Truth to Your Issues - exactly what I need to do and slowly what God is helping me do.
Last week I wrote about some struggles, doubts and fears, which all grew as I listened to the negative talk in my head. But once I quieted myself, I was able to hear God's voice. Jennifer shared a bit of her soul-talk story and I'd like to do the same...
Last week as God continued to lead me forward with things God has put on my heart, I was excited and afraid all at the same time. For a long time I actually fought to even do these things, but once I realized that was a losing battle, I submitted. But only with the thought that, "I'll take one step and then the door will close." Mainly because there is no way I can or deserve to do these things He's leading me too.
Well over 2 years have passed and He has yet to close the door instead it seems just as I walk thru one, He is opening the next. That is exciting - I mean to experience God's faithfulness is a real blessing, but at the same time there is fear. I often wonder, "God are you sure? Don't you need someone else?" I'm realizing those thoughts are wrong because basically when I doubt myself, I'm actually doubting Him. And that makes no sense at all!!
Anyway the other day I realize my mind is going in the wrong direction (makes me think of my sister and her famous quote, "realization is half the battle" True!). As doubt is filling my mind I hear myself say, "Just look at you." But before the negative thoughts continue, I find myself just quiet and God says, "But child, look at me."
And like Jennifer said, God's spirit will remind us of truth. I was instantly reminded of Peter walking on water. What an amazing story! Do you ever wonder if he thought of doing that as a child? I'm sure if he did, common sense told him it would never happen, but God... I thought about what Peter was able to do when he kept his eyes on Christ - something common sense told him would never happen, but with God it was possible.
I know that is the case with me, I take my eyes off of Him and focus on myself and bad things happen. Just like Peter I start to sink! Not a good thing and though I have no intentions of walking across our neighbor's pond anytime soon, I'm looking forward to walking ahead with my eyes on Christ and doing the very thing that in my eyes seems impossible.
So that's my story and now I encourage you to think about your's. What voice are you listening to? Find time to quiet yourself so you can hear His.
Last week I wrote about some struggles, doubts and fears, which all grew as I listened to the negative talk in my head. But once I quieted myself, I was able to hear God's voice. Jennifer shared a bit of her soul-talk story and I'd like to do the same...
Last week as God continued to lead me forward with things God has put on my heart, I was excited and afraid all at the same time. For a long time I actually fought to even do these things, but once I realized that was a losing battle, I submitted. But only with the thought that, "I'll take one step and then the door will close." Mainly because there is no way I can or deserve to do these things He's leading me too.
Well over 2 years have passed and He has yet to close the door instead it seems just as I walk thru one, He is opening the next. That is exciting - I mean to experience God's faithfulness is a real blessing, but at the same time there is fear. I often wonder, "God are you sure? Don't you need someone else?" I'm realizing those thoughts are wrong because basically when I doubt myself, I'm actually doubting Him. And that makes no sense at all!!
Anyway the other day I realize my mind is going in the wrong direction (makes me think of my sister and her famous quote, "realization is half the battle" True!). As doubt is filling my mind I hear myself say, "Just look at you." But before the negative thoughts continue, I find myself just quiet and God says, "But child, look at me."
And like Jennifer said, God's spirit will remind us of truth. I was instantly reminded of Peter walking on water. What an amazing story! Do you ever wonder if he thought of doing that as a child? I'm sure if he did, common sense told him it would never happen, but God... I thought about what Peter was able to do when he kept his eyes on Christ - something common sense told him would never happen, but with God it was possible.
I know that is the case with me, I take my eyes off of Him and focus on myself and bad things happen. Just like Peter I start to sink! Not a good thing and though I have no intentions of walking across our neighbor's pond anytime soon, I'm looking forward to walking ahead with my eyes on Christ and doing the very thing that in my eyes seems impossible.
So that's my story and now I encourage you to think about your's. What voice are you listening to? Find time to quiet yourself so you can hear His.
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