#STAND

This past weekend, we took our launch team with us to one of our favorite churches in South Florida. They had a special guest speaker that was to be revealed the day of the service. People were expectant and so were we. I always look forward to going to church- in this season we are checking out all kinds of churches. We love learning from other churches and seeing what they are all about.

The journey to #STAND.

I left yesterday's worship experience in awe of my God! The special guest speaker is a well-known pastor, who leads a mega church in Arizona. He shared his story of how in 2011, he was diagnosed with an "incurable" disease. I do not remember the medical term for his disease, but it wasn't a good prognosis or diagnosis. He was given a life expectancy of 9 years maximum and was told that there is no treatment or cure to this disease.

There was not a dry eye in the auditorium.

He explained how just  the act getting out of bed, walking across the stage, standing up and sitting down had become extremely difficult. He spoke about how this disease has effected his children, his wife, his church members and those closest to him. And then he said something that I will never forget...

"There is value in your struggle."

He stood on that stage, weak in his body, yet far stronger than every able- bodied person in that room. He reminded us, that life is not fair and that there are things we can not control, but if choose to see the value in our struggle, that God can use it for His glory and purpose. He spoke boldly about the love of God for Him! With every ounce of his being he knows that God is able to heal his body, but if He chooses not to, he knows that God has a purpose for his life far greater than anything we can ever see on this side of eternity.

His strength was made perfect in his weakness.

He spoke about the pain that he feels everyday and how people feel sorry for him for the pain that he experiences day in and day out. His response? Pain means I am still alive and that I have another day to live, when there is no more pain, there is no more life.

We serve a God who is able to heal our sick bodies, mend our broken hearts, and bring solution to every problem we face. And although we can not control what happens to us or determine how long we will endure struggles in life, it us up to us on how we choose to respond. God is near to the broken hearted and does not every bring struggles in our lives. He does allow them to make us stronger and more ready for what He has for us.

He is preparing us for what He has prepared for us.

Most of us are walking through difficult things and I wanted to encourage you today, to not lose hope! There is value in your struggle. What you are going through or have gone through is valuable! Let us see our life through the eyes of the one who has created us and who loves us.

Instead of asking God, "Why?" Let us be bold like this guest speaker and ask, "What are you showing me, what would you like me to do with this?" It is then that we will truly understand the heart of God.

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

TRUTH:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

DARE: Realize today, that there is value in your struggle. Do not lose hope!

 

New Do.

Most of you who know me know me with really long hair! Over the past 6 months I would say my hair has grown incredibly long-almost Amazonian woman, hippie looking long. Most of my days it is wrapped up in a bun on the top of my head. To justify my hair do, I convince myself and others that the bun is the new do and if Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashians & every fashion blogger on Pinterest can rock it, so can I. Well it was just getting out of hand!

13 Inches.

New season, new do! This has been my motto since I was a high school student breaking up with a boyfriend. When I experience a change, my hair follows suite! Yesterday, I went to a salon and chopped off 13 inches of hair! The stylist cut it in a ponytail & I instagrammed it for all to see! It was a bit creepy holding hair that was once connected to my head.

Donate It.

I would have loved to donate my hair, but because it had been bleached I couldn't. Bummer. I wanted to know why bleached hair s not good to donate, so I googled it. When hair is donated, it goes through a cleaning process-hair that has been altered, bleached or dyed can not withstand the treatment. Original hair however, is strong enough to go through the process, making it perfect hair to donate.

Blog Moment.

While sitting in that salon, holding my 13 inches of hair, I had a BLOG moment. When you and I remain original & authentic to who we are, we are able to be a blessing to others. When we try and alter who we are, we are of no value to others.

So let us be true copies of ourselves, so that we can add value and be a blessing to those around us!

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

TRUTH: You got your own style, now let it come through. And remember no matter what, you got to be you. -Sebastian (The Little Mermaid)

DARE: Be an original & fully embrace yourself today! People will thank you for it.  

Yesterday.

Yesterday marked day 8 of my new schedule. It has gone really well- each morning I have been waking up extra early to workout, spend a little time in prayer, reading and blogging, all before the girls are up and ready for the day. I get dressed in time to spend some quality time with my family before I leave for work. I feel so much better, seem to have more energy and at the end of my day, I feel accomplished! I have even been taking my vitamins every night. Finally, I have found a schedule that works for me in my new role as full time working mommy, who happens to be planting a church too. I loved the response from my post on Monday. I especially loved reading your comments about all that you are grateful for. Since Sunday night, I have been determined that this was going to be a great week at work. Why? Because I am grateful for it!

It's Tuesday.

Yesterday was a beautiful morning! The sun was shining, but it was still cool. The birds were chirping and I was excited about the day. My workout was extra productive and as I was walking into the house, the smell of coffee and pancakes greeted my senses. BJ had already started preparing our big breakfast we have every Tuesday morning. I go into work an hour later on Tuesdays, so we try to have a big breakfast together since I usually miss dinner time this night, working later. BJ made a yummy breakfast. (these pancakes are actually protein pancakes, so they are not only good for you, but they taste delish!!)We listened to one of our new favorite albums, "Zion" by Hillsong United and enjoyed each others company.  

Great Hair Day.

I had a great hair day, my outfit came together nicely, and I even found a necklace I had been looking for in my drawer. I had a pep in my step and was on my second cup of coffee before I walked out of the door. It was going to be a great day. Why? Because I am grateful for it!

Principal's Office.

Then it all went downhill from there. Without going into too many details, let me just say, the day went south. It was probably one of the most stressful, event-filled, never want to re live it again, kind of days. It. Was. Horrible. If I were in school again, it would be equivalent to spending the day in the Principal's office after being locked in my school locker by the school's bully!

Running Late.

BJ and I had dinner plans last night, and because I had to put out a few more fires before the day's end, we were about 30 minutes late. I opened the car door to see three smiling, beautiful faces. I exhaled in much relief, my crazy hectic day was officially over. On our car ride to dinner, I went play by play with BJ about my day. He of course helped bring laughter to the situation and reminded me on what really mattered.

Discouraged. Be Encouraged.

I don't know if you have been discouraged since trying to walk in an attitude of gratefulness or if you have been trying new things, new routines and feeling resistance, but today I want to encourage you to not fret. Whatever "new" thing you are trying, keep trying and do not give up or give in. Whenever you experience resistance like this you can be sure of one thing, you are in the right place doing the right thing. I may have had a crazy, not so fun day, but guess what? I am still grateful for my job and determined to have better days in the days to come.

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

TRUTH:

"Today was going to be a good day, then I woke up." anonymous (A little humor today)

DARE: Keep going, don't be driven off course by discouragement.

It's Monday.

We had such a great weekend! This past weekend, I had Sunday off, which was nice. We were able to check out a local church, we went out for lunch afterwards with friends and then spent the rest of the day resting- we even went for a nice walk to get frozen yogurt. The weather has been absolutely divine, staying in the low 60's all week/weekend. As I was getting ready for bed I leaned over to BJ and whispered, I don't want to go to work tomorrow. I know that I am not the only one who on a Sunday night wishes they didn't have to begin a new work week.

Ouch.

I laid in bed for a while and I ran through the many reasons why going to work the next day didn't sound so exciting. Work has been a bit stressful these past few weeks. It is a Sales position with a lot of demand. As I was about half way through my list, I felt as God reveal to me my attitude of being ungrateful. Ouch. Not in an audible voice, but a whisper in my ear I heard Him explain to me that 

An ungrateful heart says, "I have to." A grateful heart says, "I get to." 

While I was running through my silly list, I was being ungrateful. To be transparent, I was upset that I "had" to go to work the next day. Prior to making the big move across the country, we were promised some things. There was a particular organization that was going to help us financially, affording BJ and I the opportunity to work full time for our church. A few weeks before moving, the organization let us know that unfortunately, they were no longer able to fulfill their commitments.

I Get To.

We knew that no matter what it looked like, we were not going to back out, but instead press forward- knowing that God would take care of our every need. God has taken care of our every need since being here- one of the many ways He has done so is through this job. It not only provides for us, but it has proven to be one of the best ways to meet people! I have met some amazing people since working here. Sure, I would love nothing more than to work side by side my husband BJ day in and day out working on things for our church, but right now this is where God has placed me. Sure I would love to spend more than just a few hours with my girls each day and be able to spend my days with them like I did for 2 years, but right now this is where God has placed me.

Make a List.

Laying in my bed, I immediately started listing off the many reasons why this job is perfect for me in this season-to my surprise, my list was pretty long. It was the perfect way to say good night!

Grateful.

My heart's desire is be present in every moment, to be fully awake looking for opportunities each day! I don't want to have moments of gratitude, but I want to live a life of gratefulness. I have a lot to be grateful for, and so do you. So, if you are having the case of the Mondays, I encourage you to begin listing off all the things you are grateful for, I promise you, it will change your day.

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

TRUTH:

 "In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

                                                                           1 Thessalonians 5:18

DARE:  Make a list of 10 things that you are grateful for! Share one or two with us here but commenting in the comment box below.

 

Rocky.

Yesterday, while at work, a resident who was moving out asked if anyone wanted a fish. I excitedly screamed out, "I do!" The guy brought over this little fish tank and said, "Sarah meet Rocky, Rocky meet Sarah."

Beta Fish.

Rocky. What a cool name. Suddenly, I remembered the countless amount of fish that I used to win at the fair grounds who never made it passed the plastic bag I would bring them home in. "How do I keep him alive?" I asked. She giggled out loud and then began to tell me how Rocky had defied many odds. Rocky had jumped out of his bowl many times and apparently had a few close calls. So, keeping him alive shouldn't be a problem. His name became even more fitting to me.

Rocky The Fish.

I brought Rocky home and introduced him to his new family. The girls were so excited! They wanted to hold, kiss and pet Rocky. After we explained to them how Rocky needs to stay in his fish bowl, they were content to just stare at him. For a long time.

24 Hours.

Knowing that Rocky had defied the odds, the pressure was on. We couldn't let Rocky die his first night home! But after a careful evaluation, BJ and bet that Rocky wouldn't make it to the morning. Sad right? Good news, Rocky was still alive this morning- doesn't look like he will be seeing a toilet bowl anytime soon. Whew!

Defying The Odds.

There have been many times in my life where people have bet against me and my odds and I am sure the same is for you. No matter how tough you are, when people doubt you or seem to have a lack of confidence in who you are or what you are doing, it can be disheartening. No matter how many times I would tell myself that what they had to say didn't matter compared to what God, my family and those in leadership (pastors, mentors, etc) had to say about me, I allowed it to offend me instead of fuel me.

Big, Audacious & Crazy.

We have all defied the odds, we have all jumped out of our fish bowls a time or two, but that doesn't discount the BIG dreams we are supposed to dream, AUDACIOUS prayers we are supposed to pray, or the CRAZY risks we are supposed to take. In fact, the more we do these things, the more people we will have rooting against us. It comes with the territory. But just as you and I have what we call "haters", you will also have people in your corner who believe in you and are not threatened by your success. I am not talking about 'yes' people who will not challenge you or cause you to be better, I am talking about people who want the best for you.

Rocky The Movie.

Get around those people, and just like Rocky (the movie) get a Mick to stand in your corner and help you see life's greatest challenges as God opportunities in your life! Get around people who rally behind you and fight with you and for you for the very best in your life. My hope is that this blog plays a role in encouraging you to dream bigger! Rocky was an underdog who defied many odds, I hope the same will be true for you, me, and our new family member Rocky, the beta fish.

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

TRUTH:

"But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody, you're better than that." -from the move Rocky.

DARE:  Keep dreaming, keep praying, keep believing and never listen to naysayers while you're doing it.

Meet Rocky. The fish.

 

No, Say No.

I have toddlers and one of their favorite words happens to be "NO." For the longest time, BJ and I would intentionally not use the word "NO" every time we had to tell them-well, 'no.' We would use phrases like, "would you please stop or, I don't want you to do that." Little by little, we had to start using the word "NO," especially when they would put their finger in a light socket or attempt to shave their face with daddy's electric razor. (I'm not kidding)

No.

The girls are allowed to say no. They have feelings and sometimes they don't want what we are offering them or asking them to do. However, we are trying to guide them and explain to them when it's appropriate to say no. An example of when the girls are not allowed to say no is when they are being told to do something. Whenever they do, we gently say, "don't say no- you need to honor what mommy is saying." So, the girls have now adopted the saying, "NO say NO" and have really started using it when we tell them no.

No.

They are definitely still learning and so are we! This morning, while getting ready for my day, I overheard Kennedi telling Brooklyn, "NO say NO." It made me chuckle. In that moment I had a BLOG moment. I quickly ran through the areas in my life where I felt God was telling me, "Sarah, NO say NO."

I thought I'd share them with you.

NO say NO when you are given an opportunity to be KIND.

NO say NO  when you are given an opportunity to be PATIENT.

NO say NO when you are given an opportunity to see the glass half FULL.

 

 

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

 

 

 

TRUTH: "NO say NO!" Kennedi & Brooklyn Johnson

 

DARE:  Respond to someone with kindness, be patient with your sitaution, and resolve that no matter what it looks like, it's going to work our for your good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 1. 89 To Go.

This morning I woke up early and went for a run. It felt good- not when my alarm clock went off, of course, but it did feel good when I felt the sun kiss my face and the fresh air enter my lungs. It was a new day and I was ready to see all that this day had for me.

Alarm Clock.

Waking up and going for a run is no foreign thing for me, in fact it has always been a big part of my life. I have never been the 'personal trainer' looking kind of girl, but I have always taken good care of my health. This past year I ran a half marathon, something that I wanted to accomplish in 2012. But today was different- that half marathon (In November) was truly the last time I went for a run/exercised.

A Million Excuses.

I can come up with a million excuses as to why it has not been a part of my daily routine, but the truth is is that I have not been living a balanced life. Since November, when I ran my half marathon a lot has changed. We moved 3,000 miles to a new city, I went back to work full time(after being home with the girls for almost two years), and we started making huge steps in our church planting efforts.

Mind. Body. Soul.

My physical health as not been the only thing that has suffered, my spiritual, mental and emotional health has suffered as well. I believe when our physical beings are not working at its best, all other areas of life lack as well.

Blog Moment.

I have not had some spiritual awakening or anything of the sort, but what I did have a few weeks ago while beating myself up about everything I wasn't doing, was a BLOG moment.

I have had BLOG moments since my last post, but just like everything else, my BLOG has been put on the back burner, being left for "tomorrow's to do list." I have never been someone who waits until 'tomorrow' to do anything-instead I have always been a person who does things in the now!

Blah. Blah. Blah.

This, going about my days, hoping that everything I needed to do/wanted to do in one day would just happen was getting old very quickly. As I laid in my bed going over a list of things that I needed to do the next day, I remembered a quote my 4th grade teacher told me once, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

Action Plan.

I had been secretly hoping my days would be longer or that I would have some crazy motivation at 10pm at night to workout out for the past few months, instead of coming up with an action plan.So, instead of doing something, I did nothing. Not because I didn't want to, but I didn't know where to start.

Stuck In A Rut.

I have always handled change pretty well. Most of you know that I am someone who loves adventure, so change just comes with the territory. This move has been different. Every detail about this move and this new life here in South Florida has been the very DIFFERENT than what I thought it would be. There have been great moments, tough moments & moments of disappointment. We all go through these moments, it is a part of life.

What I noticed most, was that anytime you and I begin a new thing, step out into the unkown it is going to come with challenges, feelings of uncertainty and hard times. When we allow these things to overwhelm us, we will become stuck- going through our days, making a minimal impact in the world around us.

Re Adjust.

This past weekend I sat down and looked at my life & all of my responsibilities. I put together an action plan that consisted of everything from working out to resting! What has worked for me in the past, didn't necessarily mean it was going to work for me in this season.This is what I came up with.

 FIRST: I had to stop feeling guilty for the days that I didn't accomplish all that I set out to do.

SECOND: I resolved that God knows ALL that I have to do in a single day and that I could not do this on my own. That He is not number one in my life, but instead the very CENTER of who I am-making everything I do better!

THIRD: I had to resolve that it is OK to schedule time for me, with no babies, husband, dog, social media etc- That when I schedule time for me, everything else will then benefit.

Today, I started DAY 1 of my 90 Challenge. I am excited and expectant.

Have you recently started a new routine and finding it hard to stick to? Or have you been finding yourself unmotivated? I want you to be encouraged today! Stop feeling guilty and reject the idea that it is too late to start working towards your goals. Everyday I will post a little nugget from my day, good or bad! I would like you to join in on the fun and start something you have been wanting to do today! There's a lot of life to live and you and I need to get out there and start doing!

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRUTH: "Try and fail, but don't fail to try." -unknown

DARE: Try something today!