5 Tips to Being Still in a Hectic World

5 Tips to Being Still in a Hectic World

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long,

    loving look at me, your High God,

    above politics, above everything.”

-Psalm 46:10 (MSG)

1. Have a few minutes a day of stillness and quiet--preferably when you wake up.

Each day is a gift. In order for you to be still (in every sense of the word), it is important to breathe the day in before rushing into it. As women, our minds try to start rushing before our feet even hit the floor out of bed. It's of a great value to us to be still the first moments we awake--dwelling in thankfulness. It will steer your attitude in the correct direction for the day.

2. Turn the radio off or listen to classical music while driving. 

I enjoy music just as much as the next person--especially when I can sing along. But there is something soothing when I turn on my classical radio station. I am immediately put at ease. My muscles begin to relax. In order to be still, diffusing the sounds can help reign in your stress level.

3. Take a bath or hot shower at the end of the day.

Take my word for it. You will slow down. Don't take a magazine or book--just yourself. Breathe in & out. Relax and watch the stress leave you.

4. Light a candle.

Whether you're at the office or at home, you can bring peace to your environment by lighting a soothing candle. In the evenings, I light a lavender/vanilla scent or a wintergreen scent. In the morning, I light a lemongrass scent to awaken my senses. Whatever time of day it is, though, a candle immediately brings peace to the environment.

5. Take deep breaths.

Breathe in and out. As you do so, you'll sense peace.

Encouragement to you and stillness in every sense of the word. As you take up a few of these tips, may you bask in the goodness of Jesus! And may peace come to you and your day! 

Unknown

I watched the movie, Wild, last night. My heart was left inspired and my heart burned to respond. I, like Cheryl Strayed, had traveled alone as a woman into the unknown. During my time, I was forced to look myself, hopes, and dreams in the face. I was forced to take a challenging look and then to respond.

But the real honesty is this: I'm still looking. I'm still responding. I'm still learning to dance in this world. But this, I have learned. I have seen it with my own eyes:

Life is fragile and unpredictable. It carries us along a road and a path of the unknown. And our faith is representative of this too. It is is winding discovery and a place of stability. 

-Hellen Willett

Home, that place where my heart resides--is the place where my heart resides. And home resides in my heart. And so, just as Cheryl Strayed, hiked to discover more of herself, I believe we have seasons in our lives where we need to do the same. 

Currently, I find solace and comfort in writing out my thoughts to keep me moving forward. Whether they are about faith, friends, relationships, home, cooking, or wine--my heart refuses to stop. This life is meant to be recorded and shared.

The story of human intimacy is one of constantly allowing ourselves to see those we love most deeply in a new, more fractured light. Look hard. Risk that.

-Cheryl Strayed

Intentions

Last night, as the wintry storm blew through Nashville, I had a few hours to reflect on this upcoming year, hopes, dreams, relationships, and the beauty of life. During this time of reflection, I ran across a Facebook post from a friend of a friend. He wrote some advice out to 20-somethings concerning relationships. As a 30-something, I noticed the words that I've often found myself saying to those in their 20's. Here are the writer's thoughts:

1. HAVE THE HARD CONVO'S: Confrontation can be tough, but get over it. It leads to deeper and more meaningful friendships when things are confronted head on. DON'T AVOID HARD CONVERSATIONS. It's a sign of immaturity. This isn't high school anymore; unless you want it to be.

2. BE HONEST: Honesty is powerful. LOVE someone enough to tell them the truth. You'll be so glad you did. You'll be better for it and you might actually help the other person out as well.

3. REAL TALK: Face-to-face conversations are important. DO NOT try to deal with things over *text. It's so awkward and really doesn't work as well as you *think it does.

4. OPEN YOUR MIND AND SEE: Deal with your *stuff and be open to seeing situations from many different sides. There are always 2 sides to the same story. And often, BOTH sides are partially right and BOTH sides are partially wrong. That's why you have to see the whole picture through honest and open conversation.

5. REMEMBER, YOU ARE KIND OF STUPID TOO: Don't take yourself too seriously. Laugh at your mistakes and apologize often. Realize that you've probably been just as much of a douche as you're making the other person out to be 

6. FIGHT FOR FRIENDSHIPS & LIVE WITH NO REGRETS: Don't let relationships fall under the bus over petty stuff. People are the most important *thing you'll ever have. You don't want to look back and think, "Why did I make such a big deal about that? And why didn't I make things right with _____?" 

My heart was encouraged, but it spurred a place in me to write to others. I am a gal who loves to meet other people and to hear their stories. I love the richness that is found in the heart. Jesus is the God of the heart. He valued our hearts so much that he died for us--so that we could live. Maybe this is why relationships mean so much to me. Maybe it's why quality time is the number one way I believe that you can show someone that you care. And maybe that's why I make it a priority to FIGHT for every relationship that is brought across my path. 

Jesus brings people into your life. They are a gift. Their hearts are a gift--even when it doesn't feel like it. Our greatest witness is how we treat their hearts. Now, don't take this the wrong way. I don't believe that you are to be best friends with every person that crosses your path, but I do believe that they are an investment. They are a true investment into your life. It is up to you as to how you'll handle that investment. Will you squander it away. Will you bury it. Will you ignore it or will you value it--tending and developing it?

Trust me. I know this is work. It's a challenge, but it's worth it. But we need the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us with each heart. He knows each heart and we need his eyes to see as he sees. 

Finally, let me leave you with this encouragement concerning dating, etc:

Guys: If you spend quality time with a gal, let your intentions be made known. Don't leave her wondering. If you just want to be friends, then let her know. And don't linger too long in your time together. Make your intentions known (vocally).

Girls: Let the guy lead. Don't share everything about yourself all at once, but do be open with your heart. Be patient, but honest. Let him know where you stand (vocally). 

The point is--value each heart you come across. Treat it as your own. Aim to treat it as the Lord values and treasures yours.

Kellie: Haiti

Haiti.

Meet Kellie. She may look like an average woman, but she is anything but this. Let me take you into her heart today. She breathes in Jesus and out his mercy and love. Her heart was touched by the people and the children of Haiti. Her heart was broken for the poor (physically and in spirit). But instead of just looking with her eyes, she reached out. She truly takes on "love is an action" to another level. Though her residence is in Tennessee, her home away from home is Haiti. It is with the children in the mountains. It is with those who are deaf and blind and forgotten. She has chosen to see with the eyes of love, though. She started a ministry called Grace So Amazing. This isn't only an orphanage, but a school, a home, a place of refuge for "the forgotten" of Haiti.

Her challenge is for us to see as Jesus wants us to see--with compassion, justice, and love. By her example, my heart is challenged to love to greater depths--extravagantly. Though I've only been to Haiti twice, my heart was captured. I was stirred to challenge others to pray, give, and go--expecting Jesus to break their hearts and to give them vision for their purpose and call for the children of Haiti. Kellie is doing this daily and I want to exhort you to pray for her, the staff, ministry teams, and the children. She is no ordinary woman. She is a woman of faith and of action. She is a hero--captured by LOVE.

Pressed Down: Running Over: Thankfulness

...good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over... -Luke 6:38

Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing. -Jarod Kintz

Simple things. The smell of coffee. The unsung melody of nature as the sun bids us good morning. Toothpaste and toothbrushes. A sunset multiplied with splashes of vibrant colors radiating the earth from top to bottom. A hug. A smile. Laughter.

Today, the day was filled with the drips of the dew in the day. It was a day tempting me to roll back over to sleep or to snuggle up with a book or classic movie. But as I moved through the day--responding to emails, lighting my fall candle, and drinking the all-too favorite pumpkin-spice latte, I was reminded of the simple things. Every moment is truly a gift and I'm seeing this more and more. I know that I'm still looking through the glass dimly, but amongst the hum drum beats of my days, I've been blessed at seeing things with new eyes. A fresh perspective. Just as the rain washes away the mess of the earth, thankfulness opens up a fresh canvas for our hearts.

And today the rain reminded me of life's special gifts. Rain is my favorite smell. Fall is my all-time cherished season. And coffee--the smell overtakes the crevices of my senses. And lastly--laughter is truly the sound of a soul dancing. Maybe this is why children's laughter is even more captivating. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over...

Isn't it amazing how the "simple things" are just that--simple? And yet, compiled and recognized, they piece together a beautiful weaving of our memories. Smells. Sounds. Senses. Simple.

All together, when given to another, is brining good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and

running over...

A Word to All 20somethings

You are unique. You are brilliant. You are inventive. You are driven. You are creative. You are marked and unlike any other generation before you. But in addition to this, I've noticed something about 20somethings. Some are in their thirties or forties. But it's mostly the 20somethings. Commitment is fleeting. Sticking in through the good, the bad, the everything is challenging for you. Thank you notes are becoming a figment of our imagination and a thing of the past. For some of you, it's non-existent. Hospitality has flown out of the window--bringing a gift when coming over to stay at someone's home. Honor has somehow left us. It's not being implemented somewhere. Or, where it is, it's not being followed-though. Following up with an individual the day after they took time out of their day for you, is becoming a thing of the past. What's disheartening is that it isn't even a thought.

Now, I don't want you to get down in the dumps. But I do want to encourage and challenge you. Let your yes be yes. Follow through--even if it wasn't the correct decision. You gave your word. Follow through. Learn and then you'll know how to budget your time once you've overbooked. Go the extra mile. Not because there is something in store for you, but because it's the correct thing to do. Honor your father and mother--no matter what. Even if they don't honor you--honor them. Things will go well with you, if you do. Honor the elderly and those who supply you with their wisdom. Pay back your debts before you continue spending. Let your yes be YES! Write the thank you letter. Not an email--a true letter. Take the time to put a stamp on it and put it in the post box. Remember the little things because they aren't just little things to the one you're sending it to.

And don't forget: You are unique. You are brilliant. You are inventive. You are driven. You are creative. You are marked. But it's all for a purpose. Don't let your strengths keep you from remembering your weaknesses. Trust me. I've been here. We all have. But make the effort this week. I promise--you won't be disappointed.

12 Years = Complete

The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be. 

-Oprah Winfrey

Each day I find that I'm given an opportunity. An opportunity of how I'll respond, what my attitude will be, and so on. I can choose to make a negative or positive impact. If you're anything like me, there are days where you wake up "off" and the smallest detail can send you into a place of frustration. But frustration is just a sign of discontentment. It's really a sign of the heart. And there is a scheme to try and change our focus from the blessings to what we think we don't have. Trust me. I've been here. And sometimes frustration can be built up over time and cause an awareness. It can bless us with the opportunity to step back and take a look--a look at the situation, the people surrounding us, the blessings we have, etc. But the turning point is what we do with it: Will we refuse to be discontent a second longer or will we wallow--remaining in the place of discontentment? The choice is ours.

Today, I regret to inform you, I wallowed. I refused for a bit, but then I wallowed. Yep--like a little school girl. But thank heavens for grace, because my eyes are opened just in writing this. Those frustrations, those difficulties, those things I thought were meant to drag me completely down didn't. 

And then a personal promise came to me: Your 12 years are complete.

Now, I know that this means nothing to you. But it immediately spoke to my current situation. The key is this: This thought/word came to me when I took a moment to rest somewhere other than in my discontentment. As Oprah says in the quotation above, "to be alive is to evolve." It's a process. So, I raise a toast to you (wallowing or taking a look through the glass past your frustration) and say: It's a new day! Your 12 years are up! Move forward! Seize the day! Kick fear to the curb! 

So, for the rest of this day (evening) and into tomorrow, I choose to rest in peace. I choose to believe that I am taken care of and that 12 years = complete. May you do the same, sweet reader! Remember: all dreamers faced frustration and wallowing moments. They faced a trial so much larger than themselves--sometimes lasting years. But the overcomers stopped and looked around and chose to embrace life! May you do the same.

Carpe Diem!

Beauty is in the Eye of One Beholder

Today started like any other day. The morning began with a gentle whisper followed by a cup of coffee. Each day, we have a decision. We can choose who and what we listen to. As a woman, we are relational and we're called to radiate beauty. But there are many voices telling us what and who is beautiful. Oftentimes, we are told that our look doesn't measure up or that there is something defective. But what others and the world forget, is that it is in the imperfection that true beauty is found. It is that scar that you have because of a time your burnt your hand pulling pizza out of the oven. Beauty is found in the places of imperfection that proclaim your life story. And true beauty is found only in the eye of the Beholder--the one who made you and fashioned you and called you to this earth. He sees you and calls you by name. And what he says is...beautiful.

So, the next time you're wondering if you truly are beautiful, don't wonder. Just believe--you are! This video came across my path and it encouraged my heart to embrace my thunder thighs and bubble butt and the few white hairs that keep returning (no matter how often I highlight them). And so, I want you to embrace who you are--on the outside and on the inside. Because when Jesus looks at you, he calls you beautiful! And when proclaim that through your belief, you can't help but exude beauty to the world! Let's embrace and celebrate today that we are women--called to radiate beauty!

Opening Up the Doors

To be alive is to be vulnerable... -Madeleine L'Engle

Let's face it. None of us really like to hear this. Trust me--I know. It takes courage to be vulnerable. It's like you're laying yourself out naked for the entire world to see. But I think that if we don't take the chance to be vulnerable, then we can miss out on loving to the capacity that we were intended for. Life isn't a neat clean room and box. It gets messy and uncomfortable. Relationships are this way--all relationships--even your relationship with God. But it's worth it, because as it gets messy, it becomes beautiful.

Recently, I've made the decision to open myself up to guys, to be more vulnerable, and to let others into my heart. And you know what? There has been a dramatic shift. As I've said yes to dates and possible relationships, I've learned more about myself.

As a Christian woman, many of us are told at a young age (sometimes even subconsciously), that dating isn't a good idea--that we should only wait around for our future husband. While I do believe that we need to guard our hearts, I think that there is a new level of freedom found by saying yes to a date. But your yes should be on the contingency that he's a Christian--walking daily with the Lord. This doesn't mean that he has to fit all the qualifications that you've put down on your "list." You never know--you might be delightfully surprised as you find out more about him. I will say, though, that after a few dates, you should have an inner peace. This is the peace that passes all understanding and guards your heart and mind. This is the Holy Spirit. He will provide peace if you are to move forward. If the peace hasn't come after 3-4 dates, then you probably need to respectfully decline from moving forward in the relationship romantically.

And guys--I want to apologize. We, as women, are complex. We definitely haven't made things easy for you. In fact--we've paralyzed many of you from stepping forward and asking us out on a date because of our seriousness on the matter. Yes, you do need to make sure that the gal you ask out loves Jesus. Yes, you do need to make sure that she is walking with Him daily. But with that being said, don't put her in a box or have expectations that are impossible for her to fulfill. She is human (just like you). She has flaws and imperfections. But isn't it the way that she handles those flaws that makes her all the more beautiful?

And don't be afraid to ask. What's the worst that could happen? She says: no. Oh well. She will respect you for putting your heart out there and being upfront and honest with your feelings. Don't just watch her for months on end or play the "friend" card. If you're friends, be friends in a group. If your friendship moves into more than 1 or 2 times of one-on-one time, then you need to define the relationship. If it's just a friendship, then say so, step back, and hang out in groups. If it's more than that, say so and then relentlessly pursue her. Be intentional with your decisions, but enjoy your time. The first couple of dates are where you are just beginning to know each other. They are supposed to be light-hearted. Treat them as such.

The key for both guys and gals is this: Be vulnerable while still guarding your heart. Don't stress or worry or consume yourself too much with "if you're making the right decision." Remember that the living God is inside of you. Dialogue with him about it, but don't take things too seriously. He knows exactly who he has planned for you. He's known this since the beginning of time. But he also knows the relationships/friendships that he wants to place in your life along the way--guiding you to your future spouse. Enjoy the ride and trust that His timing is perfect and that it never turns out how you planned. It turns out 100 times better when you partner with God!

By the way, I am a single 30-something. As far as relationships are concerned, I've done things my own way and then God's way. I promise you that his way is the best and he won't let you down. Great things are in store for you! Take the chance. Ask her out. Say yes. Leave it to God!

Promises:Patience:Audacious Faith

The greatest promises of God will require the most faith and patience on our part. -Rick Joyner

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. -Isaiah 40:31

I don't know about you, but sometimes the promises of God seem so distant that it can be tempting to question the faithfulness of Him. But then at other times, the promise is quick to be fulfilled. As I've been walking through a 12 year jaunt of my faith being tested, I have been brought back to this conclusion again and again: My God is faithful. My God is able. My God is willing and he wants to fulfill all and more that He's promised. His timing is perfect. His ways are just. He hasn't forgotten and He's a good Dad. He's a good Husband. He's a good Friend. He's the BEST! 

I'm a visual person, so during my times of prayer, the Lord has been showing me oak trees. They are firmly planted. They are secure. It takes years for them to grow--in order for their roots to be planted. This requires patience and faith. They don't become the trees they were designed to be until years of faith and patience.

Yesterday, I ran across this piece of wisdom: The greatest promises of God will require the most faith and patience on our part. Note that it doesn't say--the greatest promises require the most faith. They require faith, yes, but also patience. Faith coupled with patience brings forth the strongest trees. And though these past 12 years have been challenging, I am thankful. These years have given me a deeper revelation and understanding of what it truly means to be a woman of FAITH and PATIENCE. For the promises that Jesus longs to give, are GREAT! But GREAT things don't come easily.

So, if you are in a similar place, I want to encourage your heart. Believe in Jesus. Trust in His word. He has the final say. Rest in Him and believe that as you do so, you will soar to higher places in His heart and your strength will be renewed again and again!

Promises:Patience:Assurance:Fulfillment

For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. -2 Corinthians 1:20

I love this word. I love it because it is truth to the very core. Everything that is truth--that is a promise of God finds its YES in the center of His heart. Because He breathes and speaks the promise into our hearts from the beginning of time. 

Over the past couple of weeks, my heart has been stirring. I've been stirred again for a deeper revelation and intimacy with my precious Jesus. We've been walking together for some time now and we've gone all over the world together. He has spoken and healed. He has networked, connected, and continually does what man and the world says is impossible. We've wrestled together and he's been so kind to allow me to come to him with my doubts, fears, anxieties, unbelief, and darkness. In the midst of it all, he's remained forever near and forever faithful.

So, here I am today--walking with him late into the evening and caught in a place of hunger and desire for him alone. Desiring for him to fulfill his word and his promises of now going on 12 years. But more than that--my heart desires for a deeper intimacy and revelation of his heart. And so, as I continue to press in for breakthrough in his promises to me and others, I wait in confidence knowing that he who said it will surely complete it--in his perfect timing! 

Oh--my sweet Jesus--you are the anchor of my soul. You are what I long for! It is you alone who is steadfast and forever true!

*Artwork by Sarah Rowan Dahl: "It Starts With a Seed" (2012)*

The Ministry of a Mom

Over the past couple of weeks, I've had the privilege of staying with a friend of mine who is a single-mom. I think that it's pretty amazing how Jesus puts us in "out of the box" situations. Some dear friends of mine had scheduled to host a ballet dancer for 6 weeks in their home this summer. Due to difficulties of their own in purchasing a home, this caused them to have to back out of being able to supply a place of respite for their friend. Therefore, they contacted friends and I volunteered my apartment (since I thought I'd be in South Africa). But the Lord had other plans...

I ended up staying in Nashville and found myself "homeless." But not really. I ended up in my friend's house--and though it started out as a moment of "God, what are you doing," it soon became my missions field. Loving on 2 kiddos and my friend--who could use the extra hands started to change my heart. I began to see with the eyes of Jesus the beauty in the mundane. The beauty in changing diapers and reading books until you're blue in the face. It all matters. Because you're loving and pouring out love right where you are.

I have been delightfully surprised, humbled, and honored to be able to share in loving these precious kiddos. I head back to my home on Saturday evening and I must say that I am a bit sad. I've enjoyed having children around, but I believe it's all for a greater purpose through it all.

Oh--the beauty in the ministry of a mom!

Loving Well

I want to love.

Teach me to love.

How can I do this?

The truth is, I can't do this on my own, but Jesus must pour out of me. I must keep receiving from him, so that I can give more of my life away. I have to learn from him how to love. I have to practice it too--not just read about it or see others participate. And our heavenly Father is such a wonderful teacher!!! It comes from a simple act of kindness--a smile, a cup of water, serving others, etc. It comes in the form of physical touch--through a hug or a kiss. Love is revealed through spending time with another--especially when it doesn't suit your schedule. Love is revealed through prayer. It keeps being revealed to those whose eyes and ears and hearts are open to recognizing it.

So many times, I miss out on the incredible amount of love around me because I try looking inward instead of outward. I get so consumed with the affairs of my own life, that I can forget the goodness of the Lord. When my gaze is fixed to him, he then opens my eyes to those around me--to see from his perspective. And it's beautiful what he reveals--HIMSELF! He reveals LOVE!

Recently, the Lord has been humbling me again and again to reveal himself to me. He's been teaching me what love looks like. It's often messy, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and costly. But the reward is worth it! The reward is so very worth it!! The reward has been deeper intimacy with the One whom my heart loves most.

So the prayer of my heart continues to cry out: Teach me to love, Papa! Let me be a woman who loves well. Let me finish well because I've loved well. Let people see you when they look at my life. Let them see that I longed for you and you alone. Let others hunger and thirst for you--you alone! Let others live from the place of the heart. May they encounter your Holy Spirit and the awesomeness of your unfailing love! May we trust you, Papa! May we truly believe you in every circumstance of our lives! Keep our eyes fixed on you! Let us be worshippers of you alone!!! Let our lives be a reflection of your goodness. 

Fruit of Spirit:Kindness

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

-Galatians 5:22

Meet my friends: Cassidy, London, and Finn. These 3 have brought so much joy into my life over the past 5+ months. In the recent months, I have had the pleasure of getting to know Cassidy and her precious children better. As I was sitting today and spending time with Jesus, I started to overflow with thankfulness at their kindness. They each have openly welcomed me into their lives and their hearts. They have shared their home and place of refuge. In essence, they have displayed kindness. Jesus speaks so profoundly through each of them and his amazing Spirit is evident in their lives.

Cassidy, as a single mother, amazes me. Her heart is for her children. Her heart is to see them rise up into worshipers and lovers of Jesus. She prays over them and displays the mother heart of Jesus as never before! My hat goes off to her and I applaud her for partnering with Jesus in her ministry as a mom. Last night, she blessed me immensely. She handed me a gift certificate to get a free massage! I was floored because little did she know--I was just talking to my mom about how I was going to have to decide between getting my hair done or getting a massage for my birthday gift. So, to say that this gift was a display of the Father's love is an understatement! Not only did he give me my hair appointment, but he blessed me with a "double portion"--a massage as well. Cassidy once again displayed the love of Jesus.

So--I cheer her on today. Not because of the blessings poured on my life, but how she pours out her love to Jesus. It is displayed through the love for her children and those around her. If you know a single parent, display kindness. Be a suppor to them and their children. Love as Jesus loves. The paradox is that you will find yourself doubly blessed! 

All for Jesus--the kindest person I've ever met!

A person and a place of Rest.

All the stages of my life were spread out before you. The days of my life were all prepared before I’d even lived one day.  -Psalm 139:14b

This week, in honor of Mother's Day, I'm going to introduce you to one of my most favorite people in the world: my mother. I'm also going to introduce you to my favorite place in the world: Woodfork--a cabin in the Georgia mountains that I've been visiting since I was a child. This quaint and overwhelmingly simple and "hidden" house in the mountains, has been in my family for over 3 generations. It's a place where thousands of memories have been made. Both my mother and this precious cabin have something very important in common: They both bring peace and safety to all who encounter them. There is an immediate awareness of the Holy Spirit.

Now, I believe that there are many children who love their mothers and are abundantly blessed, but I truly believe that I have one of the most amazing treasures in my mother. From the beginning, she revealed to me the love of Jesus in a practical and tangible way. She taught me about the power of prayer through her daily example--even before I was born. So, today and this week, I give you Marian Foster--a woman in love with Jesus Christ who is actively pouring out love wherever she goes. She is a woman of faith--believing in the things of God and those that are unseen to man, but seen to God. She is one of my heros of the faith and I honor her.

It only seems right that I also share with you my favorite place: Woodfork. For you see, it is also one of my mother's favorite places as well. Though small and humble in structure, it is a house built on love. Upon arriving to this place tucked in the fork of the woods of northern Georgia, my heart is immediately at peace. I have had many prayer retreats and respites at this place that's very dear to my heart.

So, my hats go off to these 2: Mama and Woodfork. Go and encourage those people who are a blessing to you. It will mean more to them than you know--promise!

List:Wait

 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.

-Hebrews 6:15

In life we do a lot of waiting. We wait in line at the grocery store. We wait for our gas to finish pumping. We wait for our plane to board. We wait for seasons to change. We wait for a job opportunity. We wait. Sometimes we wait patiently. And sometimes not so patiently. 

Today, I came across a familiar Scripture, but the end of the verse popped out unexpectedly: having patiently waited. I think that sometimes we put a time limit on waiting. I know that I do. But it says that Abraham didn't receive until he had patiently waited. 

This is always a less than easy task. To wait is one thing, but then to add patience--long-suffering to it. Sometimes, I find my heart saying: To obtain, to get, to receive the promise--I have to be long-suffering as I wait? Really, God? Is this what love looks like? And then I hear this beautiful and sweet familiar voice: Yes. It is beloved. Very few wait and even fewer gain the revelation of what it is to patiently wait. Abraham learned this truth. You asked for this truth to be part of you years ago and so--I'm honoring that. Patiently wait with expectance...and the promise will be obtained.

With each passing scenario of today, I was able to see God move as I waited. And it was for "day-to-day things" and in the everyday"ness" that he moved--as he loved to do. From a rearrangement in a friend's travel plans, to the arrival of a once delayed team member's passport, to the steadfast waiting of a friend's career direction, to airline fares "opening up" for a mission team, to a reminder through an animated mouse that if we keep seeking and believe and are patient in the wait...the promise WILL BE obtained.

And so, I leave you with this: If your heart has left you with uncertainty from time to time and you're tired of being patient or of waiting, remember that an obtained promise of value comes through patiently waiting: diligently persevering to be readily expectant.

Come daily. Come minute by minute to the feet of Jesus expectant and pressing into His heart--trusting in his timing and his ways. As He continues to birth this truth in you--you'll see your heart changed and his word proven true...a promise obtained--Himself.

12 Years and Israel

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. -I Peter 5:7

This morning, I woke up and my heart was uncertain as to where the Lord was going to take me. I was uncertain about the promises that he had made to me the beginning of this year. Now that I am 4 months in, my faith is being tested because the promises aren't on the horizon. But I know this: My Jesus is not a liar. He is true to his word. He is faithful. He is the keeper of all promises--not necessarily in my timing, but always in his and in the way he wants to bring it about. But nevertheless, it is his battle. It is his word. It is his promise.

And so, as I started resting in this DEEP truth, I "stumbled" across this article. Now, for most of you, this won't make sense, but it is a precious story to me. You see, at the beginning of this year, Jesus used this story to speak HIS promise to me--directly into my heart. Like this woman, it has been 12 years of waiting and believing for a miracle. It has been 12 years of knowing my Jesus, but nevertheless--pressing into the promises of God. I am believing, like this woman in the Bible, that this 12th year marks the END of this particular season. I believe that it will mark the beginning of walking in a deeper place of the promises of Jesus!

So, this week, the person of choice is me (and to anyone else who is believing for their land of promise) and the country of choice is Israel--a land of promise. I believe that this country (though I've never been before), like myself, is a place that yearns to remain in a place of promise and intimacy. Yet, there is struggle. There is a wrestling--in the natural and in the spiritual realms. It is the land where Jesus lived, but it was also a place where he was persecuted and crucified. Like Israel, I can relate to the wrestling with God and being accepted and yet persecuted for what I believe in and stand for.

My encouragement to you is to go HARD after the things of the Lord. If you don't know Jesus, I challenge you to challenge Him to reveal Himself to you. Pray with all diligence and belief that the Lord Almighty Jesus is ABLE. Trust in HIS timing and believe that His ways are so much higher than your ways.

Be completely and overwhelmingly blessed!!!

Jesus and the Hemorrhaging Woman

She was so, so tired. Twelve years of bleeding and the resulting anemia had left her weak and barely able to function. Her search for a cure had resulted in nothing but disappointment. Doctor after doctor attempted to staunch the life-ebbing flow. She was sick to death of their ineffective potions and cures. Their bumbling, clumsy attentions had only seemed to make matters worse. Yet while their ministrations were ineffective, they had not been ashamed to charge their exorbitant fees. She was out of resources and out of hope.

Until this morning. Word had spread quickly through the town that the man who had healed people with leprosy and people unable to walk, and even unbelievably raised a young man from the dead, was returning to town. Jesus was coming! With desperate hope once again cautiously blooming in her heart, the woman joined the many by the docks awaiting his arrival. The crowd may have prevented her from seeing his boat, but she knew he had arrived by the sound of the crowd.

Voices called out as Jesus approached. Heart thumping, she waited silently for a chance to ask for his help. The crowd pressed in, desperate for a chance just to be near him. The sound of pleading voices swelled as the Master neared. Maybe if she could just touch a piece of his clothing. If she could just get close enough...

At that moment, the crowd parted as Jairus, a well-known synagogue official, pushed his way through to Jesus. He fell at his feet with a desperate request of his own. His beautiful, precious daughter was dying. She was only twelve years old. Wouldn’t Jesus come to his house and heal her before it was too late? 

The woman’s breath caught in her throat. For as long as she had been bleeding, this little girl had been alive. Twelve years. The entire time she had slowly felt the life flow from her body, this little girl had been thriving and growing under the loving hand of this dedicated father. Now both the thriving and the waning were in the same desperate need of healing.

Jesus agreed to follow Jairus to his house. He began to walk again, moving right past where she stood. Knowing her window of opportunity was quickly closing, she pressed herself into the throng that surrounded the Master. Thrusting her arm out, she managed to touch one of the four corner fringes of his square prayer shawl resting on his shoulders.

In that moment, the unbelievable happened. Power surged through her body. Strength she hadn’t known in twelve years suddenly filled her. The flow of blood, a dozen years long, just stopped cold. She was cured! As the crowd continued past her, she stood frozen in shock at what happened. Were her pain and suffering really over? After twelve long, painful years, had the affliction that had ostracized her from family and friends simply ceased to be?

Suddenly Jesus stopped. He turned and faced the crowd. “Who is the one who touched me?” he asked.

The disciples were amazed that he would ask such a question. He was surrounded by a host of people pressing up against him. How could he ask who touched him? A better question to ask was who didn’t touch him!

Yet Jesus stood still, scanning the crowd. Heart in her throat, wishing she could sink into the ground, the woman remained rooted in her spot. She watched his eyes move over the people until they came to rest on her. And stopped. She began to tremble. Was he angry that she had just contaminated him with her touch? Expecting her to publicly confess what she had just done? As his eyes held hers, she felt compelled forward. Step by step, she approached him. She, like Jairus, fell at his feet.

How could she explain herself? Humiliated, she lifted her eyes to Jesus. But rather than be subjected to the condemnation she expected, she was surprised to see kindness in his eyes. Haltingly she spoke through lips that would hardly work for her trembling. She explained as delicately as she could about her hemorrhaging. How her fingers had brushed the fringe. How she had been cured.

Jesus smiled into her eyes. She wanted to remain anonymous, just another woman in the crowd. Jesus wanted to make it personal. “Daughter,” he gently said, “your faith has made you well.” Daughter! Of all the ways to address her, this was the least expected. After twelve years of being an outcast, unclean, contaminating everything and everyone with the slightest touch, Jesus was calling her daughter? 

Jesus continued. “Go in peace,” he told her. “And be healed of your affliction.”

A Girl in Eastern Europe

Leadership is an opportunity to serve. It is not a trumpet call to self-importance. 

-J Donald Walters

Please pardon my absence from my weekly country and person highlight. A 'bout of the flu, touched with traveling during the Easter holiday, set me back a week. My apologies.

This week, I would like to introduce you to a new friend, Meghan Jones, and a new country I have yet to discover: Romania. Over this past month, the country of Romania has come up in conversation again and again. One of these conversations of passion and great conviction came from Meghan. Her heart has been on the country of Romania and its people for years now. For the past couple of years, she has been unable to shake this "call" on her life. And though this summer, she is going to Romania for the first time, I believe that it's going to be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. And after meeting Meghan in person and researching the enchanting charm of Romania, I knew that they were going to be my feature for the week.

Both Romania and Meghan are charming and yet mysterious. Romania, like Meghan, is a country that you aren't quite sure where to put your finger on it, but you know that you'll be "friends" even before you go. Maybe it's the enchanting castles or the vast countryside or the cry of orphans left in the street that leave you going to fight for justice. I believe it's a combination of all of the above. And though Meghan has yet to visit Romania and it's still on my "wish list" of places to go, I can see how the two go perfectly hand in hand.

So raise a glass and tip your hats and say a prayer for this eastern european wonder and the girl going to embrace it!

A Week of Refreshment

She's finding her beauty. She's finding her grace. She's finding her whole heart. She's showing her face in the light...Standing on the other side of forgiveness. You are different now; I can see it. Standing on the other side of all my angry walls; I don't judge you at all.

-Laura Woodley Osman

The words above are my heart. It describes right where I am and where I believe I am headed. This week, I was struck down by the flu. This is a virus that I don't wish on anyone. It knocks you out and your only friend is the bed. During this time, my only option was to rest, drink loads of water, and wait for the healing. Today was the first day this week that I've woken up and felt truly like a new person. Granted, there are still parts of me that are fatigued, but it was truly as if today was a NEW day! One of the first things that I realized as I felt this refreshment in my soul was that each day is a gift. 

There have been various shifts that have occurred in my life over the past couple of months. Each one was unexpected and tried to keep me from proclaiming the goodness of God. And for a bit, I'm sure  my faith was set back, but praise be to God who always has the last word. He has my heart and is therefore the warrior of it! Walking this life as a single woman in her thirties isn't always easy. Where is my place, since I am one of the few in this stage of life who isn't married and doesn't own a home or have children? Where do I fit? 

And then I hear the Lord say: You fit right here with me. Your home is right here with me. You aren't forgotten. You are seen and used more than you know. You are called to a life that shines! You fit right here with me. Isn't Jesus amazing? I can't say that I always understand or like what the Lord does or is doing, but I am learning more and more that He can always be trusted. Through this season, I believe with all of my heart that He is "setting me up to receive." But in order to receive, I have to trust him with all areas of my heart. 

And so, I take a step forward and say--ok, I trust you, Father. I trust you because you are the one who sees the bigger picture. You are the One who has had my heart from the beginning and you've never left me--not even for a moment. And in everything, you've been teaching me and growing me in your love. You've been teaching me to open up before others--letting them see what you've seen all along and have called lovely. You are my everything and I love you! You are faithful to the end. You are faithful when all of my faith has left me. You remain and my heart remains forever yours.

Taking steps of faith forward are often difficult and challenging, but taking them with Jesus is always good. Life with him is continually good!! So, take your step forward. Drink the cup of refreshment who is the Holy Spirit. Rest in the arms of the Father. And let the Healer, Jesus, do just that--heal you.

Until next week...Hellen

A Step Back in Time

Have you ever had those days that your heart goes back in time a bit? This evening has been one of those times. Maybe it's because spring is in the air and the days are now longer. Whatever it is, I'm thankful. As a child (and I must confess, as an adult), I was an avid lover of musicals. I would act out and sing on end the beautiful melodies composed from decades before me and immerse myself in the characters. Their voices wouldn't just sing, but they would take you into the scene and you felt their joy, excitement, pain, and anguish. And tonight, my musical friends took me back to that place! Cornfields on a sunny day, summer nights on a carousel, the beauty of children in Paris, running out in the rain, and being blindsided by love--all awakened my heart and brought a smile to my face.

So, this is entry is to simply encourage you to step back a few years. Dress up. Go camping. Go to the ballet or symphony. Sign up for dance lessons. Sing. Paint. Remember the simple wonders of being a child and embrace your inner kid within.

I leave you with some lyrics from one of my favorite musicals: Oklahoma.

Don't throw bouquets at me.

Don't please my folks too much.

Don't laugh at my jokes too much.

People will say we're in love.

Don't sigh and gaze at me.

Your sighs are so like mine.

Your eyes mustn't glow like mine.

People will say we're in love.

Don't start collecting things.

Give me my rose and my glove.

Sweetheart, they're suspecting things.

People will say we're in love.

Don't praise my charm too much.

Don't look so vain with me.

Don't stand in the rain with me.

People will say we're in love.

Don't take my arm too much.

Don't keep your hand in mine.

Your hand feels so grand in mine.

People will say we're in love.

Don't dance all night with me.

'Til the stars fade from above.

They'll see it's alright with me.

People will say we're in love.