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Simple Thoughts Sunday: Pointing to the promises

Advent officially kicks off today, and it’s quite a season of celebration. My son and his beautiful fiance will be married this week, and how appropriate is it that we are headed fully into a season that just absolutely shouts LOVE and JOY? I’m not sure if they knew when COVID-19 forced them to reschedule that they were selecting this magical week, but here we are! (Perhaps it is God’s divine way of showing us His hand is in every detail, and that He gave Tucker and Libby this gift as a wonderful reminder every year on their anniversary of the power of love.)

As we launch into the holiday season formally, I love this idea of the season “pointing us to the promise.” The Advent devotional I picked for this year via Proverbs 31 Ministries is appropriately titled the same. The beauty of this season is that we have an entire 4-week period where most of the world around us is literally on a joy seeking mission. Celebrations abound & decorations dress the halls and fill our homes with reminders that it is truly something special… a season set apart.

Advent serves as a time to prepare our hearts. To take the time to really let our hearts catch up with the beauty of all that is good in this world. As this week’s devotion pointed out, “He promises love, life and light that the darkness cannot overcome.” I am so thankful for this and so many other promises and for holding on to a faith that allows me to know I am always surrounded by good, even and especially when it is hard. As I go through this week and through the next four leading up to the ultimate celebration, I am praying that my faith would be strengthened and that each of you might feel the power in the season.

I am especially prayerful for the wedding, and that Tucker and Libby might find warmth and delight in their moments leading up to their wedding and that they will always keep pointing to the promises of God. Would you join me in that prayer? I think that would be absolutely wonderful and know they would value the gesture!

Have a wonderful week. Cheers to a season of celebrations and hearts filled with peace and joy.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Paths paved by faith

Our human thinking is often so limiting. We question God and wonder where He is in all of “this.” Whatever “this” is in the moment. Do you ever stop and think maybe God is taking you on this path for a reason? Maybe you think you want something, and maybe God wants you to have something better. Something that might exceed our greatest desires. Steven Furtick’s message this time a few years ago was incredible. Here was my takeaway at the time:

“Faith cannot rest in God fulfilling OUR agenda.” If we “zoom out,” there may be a purpose that is greater and a plan that is bigger than we can even conjure up in our simple minds.

I am believing this today my friends. I often find myself in a place of wondering. It is a familiar and well-worn path in my mind, to question where God is taking me. Despite being under some great teachers in my life, I get dragged in by my own reasoning. I am grateful today that God’s logic is not even close to mine and that His ways are greater. I am counting on better paths and in God’s great design to exceed my wildest dreams.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: I need you to know…

I thought a lot this week about both the beauty and fragility of life. With so much whirling around us, we could miss the extravagant world. As you go into your week, I wanted to leave you with a few thoughts that I hope remind you of who God says we are… It’s helpful to hear that we aren’t defined by our status, personality, possessions, habits or opinions of ourselves or others. Focusing our mind on truth is always a good idea. So, let’s fire up a short list.

I need you to know…

That you have everything you need to fulfill your purpose. (Col 2:10)

That you are forgiven for all of your mindless and even your intentional mistakes. Good to know, because I sure do make a mess sometimes and need this one! (1 John 2:12)

That you are the light of this world. Each of us are charged to bring forward the good and brighten the path for those around us. I LOVE THIS ONE! (Matt 5:14)

That you are MORE than a conqueror… fully equipped to to deal with what this life hands to you. ALSO.. AMAZING! (Romans 8:37)

That you are created for GOOD WORKS… Let’s BRING ON THE GOOD TOGETHER! (Ephesians 2:10)

That you are guarded by God’s Peace… WOW, this one is so essential… Anyone else? (Philippians 4:7)

My friends, there is SO MUCH MORE… you are blessed, protected, accepted, healed, surrounded by God’s mercy, never alone, sufficient, STRONG, joyful, and absolutely WONDERFULLY MADE!

It’s a hard world out there some days and weeks and even years. Yet, we are so much more than we often call to mind. You are also covered in prayer and I am hoping that you have the most incredible week ahead.

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A week of courage

Ryan Holiday is a terrific author. I have read almost all of his books (Ego is the Enemy, The Daily Stoic and Stillness is the Key (my fav)). His latest, “Courage is Calling” is worth a week of blog posts. I hope you will find these as wonderful (and helpful) as I have. Ryan’s books are easy reads – small but mighty.

On Sunday I try to focus in on how faith coincides with key insights that help us build better lives. Courage is a hot topic in this arena, and even those who weren’t raised around the church are usually familiar with the David and Goliath story. The epic battlefield scene that called on the least likely warrior (a young boy) to lead his tribe to victory in defeating the town giant. Sometimes life’s giants call us to overcome our fears with a strong dose of courage. How we might do that is worth some dialogue.

Lucky for us, there are countless people throughout history who have displayed crazy bravery. From Nelson Mandela, to Malala, to Teddy Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks or perhaps your own parents or grandparents. The stories are worth learning and relearning in my opinion. In his writing, Holiday spends quite a bit of time focused on Florence Nightingale. I didn’t know just what an amazing human she was, and what a beautiful example of every day courage she demonstrated. I’m planning to spend more time on her in Wednesday’s blog. Today, I am focusing on perhaps the key to conquering our fears…

“We must make courage a habit,” is what was my greatest takeaway when you strip it all down. There are endless examples, from athletes who didn’t expect to hit the game-winning goal, to the lawyer who stood in front of the mirror reciting their rebuttal over and over, to the teenager who walked the halls before school started to get a bit more comfortable with that feelings of entering their next stage of life.

He continues, “How can you trust that you will step forward when the stakes are high, when you regularly don’t do that even when the stakes are low? So, we must test ourselves.” That is soooo good to me! The idea of how we navigate our own everyday lives by practicing the good we hope to produce seems fundamental, yet complicated. The decisions we make even when thinking about helping others with our resources comes to mind. Sometimes we are too afraid of not having enough, that we don’t give generously, even though we know we could meet a need of our friend or co-worker. Ruminating on the idea of practicing... testing ourselves doing everyday good is worthy of our thinking and of our efforts.

As we think through the idea of testing on the big things, It is clear that we must start with small things. The adage, “Do one thing each day that scares you,” is a step in that direction. I believe we must always be pushing ourselves to the other side of our comfort zone.

I recently finished up my scuba diving certification and it was way out of my comfort zone. Honestly, that surprised me, because I’ve always been an avid swimmer, but the idea of carrying around an oxygen tank on your back and going 30 feet under seems daunting. Nevertheless, I made it a personal goal to do hard things, especially as I get older. The instructor almost didn’t get me to finish because I was quite adamant that I just didn’t want to, and frankly didn’t see the point during that moment of near panic. The bottom line is that I, for some reason, was too scared. He ultimately was successful by getting me to just “go on a little swim” over and over until I eventually built up the courage to keep going so I could pass the certification. It may seem like an insignificant example but I assure you, this is how I and others have done almost everything that was scary to them: by continuing to move forward, one small step at a time.

Regardless of if it’s deciding to push yourself physically, to become emotionally uncomfortable for a bit while you address a hard conversation, or if it’s something spectacular, it all starts by practice – forward progress in the direction you are headed. David did this during his daily practice as a shepherd boy, and most likely so did everyone else that has encountered a courageous moment.

My faith gives me courage, and my friends do as well. My boys give me this unbelievable desire to stay strong and be courageous in all that I do. I hope that you will feel called to be courageous and in one way or another, be inspired to practice courage daily. Sometimes just getting through the day should be considered practice. Sometimes we have to think through what areas of our lives have we really not prepared ourselves really well? What stress or pain points need confronted with a bit of Rosa Park’s bravado? I have a short list and imagine you may as well.

As I close out today’s post, I leave you with my son’s favorite Bible verse. It’s a good one and he picked this in 3rd grade, proving it is never too early. “Be on your guard. stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

I think I’ll go try to do that this week! Anyone else?

Simple Thoughts Sunday: A focus on Lent

Happy Sunday, everyone!

As I mentioned before, I am going all in on this season of Lent. Those of you who follow my Instagram have probably already seen this, but I am posting daily devotionals on my page. It’s giving me space to connect with the meaning of this season and I am loving it.

Today’s Simple Thought is short… Check out my Instagram daily devotionals if you’d like to follow along. During this season, I might post a little less regularly on my blog, so I would love to see you on my other platforms for now.

Cheering you on!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: Time under tension creates strength

Good ole’ Job in the Bible had the absolute hardest luck. It seems he was under what most of us would consider torture and for days on end (AKA time under tension). His friends questioned his integrity and actions, assuming he must have done something in the eyes of God to deserve such a tragic episode of events. (If you aren’t familiar, think extreme illness, death of all close loved ones, etc. It was BAD!) He was in a bad way, and yet was able to keep his focus centered on God’s goodness…truths he had known throughout his life. He intentionally kept his attention clear and lived in full dependence on God’s promises. His actions are remarkable, given the human condition normally causing us to stir… to doubt… to question.

A week doesn’t go by where someone in my path is sharing how they just cannot believe we are still in this pandemic situation. They are anxious to somehow find themselves out of these restrictions, and back in a large crowd of people, enjoying live music, and sharing meals and drinks with lots of hugging, reveling, etc. That generally goes along with thoughts on just how many people have died and those who may still die… and a desire for good information that helps our minds make sense of it all. A flat out desire for clarity around a clear path forward.

Regardless of where you are in this season, it is true that we do not know how long or to what extent we will continue to encounter the new world we find ourselves in. What we do know is that we have been under this tension for almost a year now, and yet we are still learning. We are building mental stamina and fortitude that will no doubt be necessary tools as we move through our life journey. I have full faith that all of it will be used. I believe that, because no matter what I have gone through, it has all been used (every bit of it) for some greater good that I had no idea at the time would occur. (Perhaps an idea for another blog: the power of sharing our story with others…).

If you are a person of any faith, the Job story is there to show us how to persevere and to continue to be rooted in truth. To have the spirit, that “no matter” what comes our way, that we will continue to believe, and even be optimistic that something/someone much greater has a much larger view and is orchestrating the good and the bad together to create something we cannot even imagine.

Perhaps we needed more endurance skills, and to be reminded that being in pursuit of God is really the only way that we find true joy and purpose in life. I sure don’t know what the plan is, but I do know that I am focused on building strength in all keys areas of my life, with my faith being the most important area to continue to go deeper in. I am reminded early and often, that I have so much to learn. The depths of our faith and our lives can only grow with intention and action.

I hope that this week we are all able to take that in, and make the right decisions to ensure that we are taking this time of unknowns and intention and to seek God’s voice in all of it.

Also…one week until the SUPER BOWL! Let’s go CHIEFS!

Spiritual formation is a slow process: Finding the “something more”

I am amazed at how much I have learned over the years. It seems that at some point –– and I have no idea when that is –– you would pretty much know what you are going to know. I can confirm that is, of course, absolutely not true. (Relax, younger readers!) Our journeys can include endless learning, if we choose to make it so.

Today’s post is on the idea that spiritual formation is a slow process. I could easily say the same for our understanding of financial or relationship matters. We evolve, learn, grow, and are able to be better for it.

I am not sure how I got on this idea of “spiritual formation.” Perhaps it started with Rachel Held Evan’s book, “Inspired,” which is a story of how in her 30’s she pretty much started to second guess everything she had learned in church. She wanted “something more” and was willing to be intentional about finding out what that was. She found out that if she really started to go deeper, that the (what she calls) “magical stories” in the Bible make more sense when understood within proper historical background, and context. It feels like, that for the most part, the vast majority of people (including me until a few years ago) thought the stories in the Bible progressed chronologically somehow, which honestly doesn’t even make sense, but they don’t teach you that in Sunday School. There is so much left on the table.

“Spiritual Formation” speaks to the ordinary maturing of our faith in the context of our personal beliefs and values, no matter what those may be. For me, it’s the Christian faith. But again, it stands true regardless. (I should point out here, that I am not using the same spiritual formation term that some religious groups feel is controversial, i.e. trying to suggest a change to the doctrine.)

For me, it is clear that God gave us these amazing human minds, and he wants us to use them so that we can grow and help others grow. The primary form of educating is storytelling in the New Testament and in that, Jesus is often found asking thoughtful questions of the people. This was clearly what he felt was the best way to get them actually “thinking” and exploring the truth and meanings and better yet, how those learnings inform and impact their lives.

Today’s insight is to simply point out that our progress is indeed a lifelong and “slow” process. We have the power to develop our thinking through solid information, reflection, collaboration and prayer. I believe we would evolve in a positive way within our societies, communities, work places and homes if we ask of ourselves to go deeper and begin the long road of learning with the intent to understand and not merely accept all that we hear, read, etc at face value. Praying for you all and our country during this historic week.

Stillness is key (Advent, week 4)

Stillness. I can’t think of a better way to truly feel the presence of the season. The world reaffirmed that for me this week, when on three different occasions the question came up as to just what we need to do to let the peace of this time of the year overwhelm us with love and calmness instead of allowing hurry and adrenaline to fill our spirits.

I was reminded, that last year, Ryan Holiday’s book “Stillness is the Key” was one of my top 3. I believe this excerpt from the book’s introduction will tell you why:

“Stillness is what aims the archer’s arrow. It inspires new ideas. It sharpens perspective and illuminates connections. It slows the ball down so that we might hit it. It generates a vision, helps us resist the passions of the mob, make space for gratitude and wonder. Stillness allows us to persevere. To succeed. It is the key that unlocks the insights of genius, and allows us regular folks to understand them.”

I might add…

Stillness quiets our pinball minds. Stillness brings us clarity and helps our mind sort out what is important at the depth of our souls. Stillness, on this Christmas week, is what allows us to center ourselves toward the sweet story that positions us toward our hopes and purpose in this world. Stillness brings us closer to hearing and feeling God’s presence wherever we find ourselves. Stillness gives us the best opportunity to breathe in deeply peace and expands our hearts.

Stillness, I hope, is a place you find yourself this week. In fact, I pray that you will prioritize quiet time around twinkling lights and that you will be washed over with all that brings you joy.

Happy Advent week 4 –– The candle of love. Love is everything.

Heading into the season with a spirit of prayer & expectation

The saying above is beyond powerful. Let it saturate your soul.

Prayer is a first response. Prayer is a gift that can help us open up so many gifts it’s truly incredible. Prayer offers us a companion to…

  • Show our adoration & gratitude 
  • Intercede for others
  • Seek guidance 
  • Deliver us from self focus
  • Confess our misgivings and concerns 
  • Simply share our heart … (and so much more)

I have unintentionally strayed from a rich prayer life. Upon reflection, it is simply due to allowing life’s everyday distractions to consume me, edging me off center. I found the book “ The Battle Plan for Prayer” in my bedside table last week. It’s been waiting there for me. The book is part of the War Room project, which included a fantastic movie reminding us of the power of prayer. When I was in Columbus for Thanksgiving, my son had a prayer board in his room with various prayers and scriptures pinned up that he wanted to lean into. This was the point of the movie. (The “war” room is essentially the prayer closet.)

I am always fascinated by the ways God speaks, but never surprised. Right in my direct path, two reminders to nudge me toward perhaps the most powerful tool I have ever found in order to center me and give me direction and hope: PRAYER.

As we launch into December, it is the ideal time to lock into what we know is absolutely true for us… Seeking the roots of our life and spending our physical and emotional energy to ensure we finish the year strong and move steadfastly into God’s plan for us in the new year. I want my prayer life to go deep again; to truly start each day with the power of that connection, and never to consider it an add on to my days if time allows. How about you?

My prayer is that you will have one of those holiday seasons that you find yourself taking in wonder at every turn. What a gift this season is!

REWIND! This post is a throwback that feels exactly like what we need this holiday season. Enjoy!

Simple Thoughts Sunday: How do you walk?

Do you know the one thing I love the most about being over 50? The outstanding and very clear fact that I have so much to learn. I just finished a truly intense and beautiful book, “As Kingfishers Catch Fire,” a conversation on the ways of God formed by the words of God, by Eugene H. Peterson. Mr. Peterson, is the author of the Message translation of the bible and his wisdom is penetrating. (The Message by the way is a much easier way to read the bible, and many prefer this… if you haven’t checked it out, you might want to try that on the bible app so that you can see if it fits your style of learning…) The book is essentially a compilation of 49 sermons he wrote when he was a pastor… They are short and easy to read, but deep in context and meaning. Going deeper is somehow appealing to me right now.

This quote above captured me with the truth it holds. The chapter, titled, “With the Wild Beasts,”* contrasts and pulls together Isaiah 40 and Mark 1. The highlight for me is essentially “locating” the new (Mark) in the old (Isaiah) by way of referencing the “Way” and “Path.”- The term “Way” is familiar to the Jewish population, at least in that day, because of it’s frequent use in the Psalms. According to Mr, Peterson, this is where this thought came about, “Where “the way” is not the path we walk on but the way we walk on the path.”

Some additional thought here…

“The Way is not only a route we take but the WAY WE GO…the way we walk, the way we use our influence, (side note: we all have influence…) the way we treat one another, the way we raise our children, the way we read, the way we worship, the way we vote,” and on.

As this is “Simple Thoughts Sunday,” and a place I often talk about my faith, I find this so incredibly important right now. It’s always important to contemplate what “path” I am on… (I seem to prefer that to “the way,” but it’s the same thing.) I am especially focused on ideas of “the way I… think, research, listen, and learn before voicing an absolute opinion, the way I approach careful matters…

Jesus says clearly that he is the way. (John 14:6) I believe that if we will take time to really allow God to speak to us, that we will be able to follow a “way” that is better and that our paths can not only inspire growth and unity, but help advance one another and serve each other in the best possible ways.

*By the way, the context of the chapter title, goes to the opening of the conversation above and that we all generally go thru the “wilderness,” as Jesus did to get thru life. What I loved, is the concept that while we may experience testing and temptation in the wilderness parts of our lives, and even though it seems “empty of vegetation” that it is “full of God.” Essentially, God shows up in these seasons. I believe he is showing up now if we will listen.