This past week has been so much fun! We kicked off the week celebrating Mother's Day- BJ and the girls spoiled me rotten with lots of hugs, kisses & wished me 'Happy Mother's Day' over and over. At the end of the day, my heart was full. This week was also my company's picnic, so we spent the day at the park playing activities and enjoying the beautiful day (all while being paid for it, so I say it was a pretty good day). The focus of that day was promoting health and fitness, so the food was a bit underwhelming, considering.
Laughing Is Good For You.
Before heading out to the park for our outdoor activities, they offered different sessions and workshops taught by professionals in the field of health and fitness. My friend and I thought "Laughing Your Way To Better Health" sounded fun. After all, we've all heard that laughing burns calories, right?
We Laughed, A Lot.
The session was awesome! The lady who lead the class was so great and so informative. We laughed and laughed and laughed all while learning the reason why you and I should do it more often! I thought it would be fun to share the interesting things I learned about laughter. Here goes.
Did you know....
- Children laugh an average of 300x per day.
- Adults laugh an average of 15x per day.
- When you laugh, it is the ONLY time your logical part of the brain takes a REST.
- When you laugh, it is the ONLY time your brain is truly in the present. (it is not thinking about tomorrow, about anything else going on, except for that moment)
- It is important to laugh for no reason!
- Children laugh all day long, celebrating all kinds of moments.
-When people celebrate, they often throw their hands up while doing it-the raising of the hands signals to our brain "wellness" and "victory."
- (Most) Adults have have good reason to laugh or celebrate.
Let's Learn From Children.
I know that life can be stressful and that there are things in our world that require us to be serious and focused, but let us learn to laugh more! This life we have been given is supposed to be an extravagant life- with many celebrations along the way. Join me this weekend and laugh for no reason, and to celebrate the little things in life. Let us be more like little children and laugh our way to better days & better, healthier lives.
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: "A cheerful heart is good medicine" Proverbs 17:22
DARE: Laugh for the next 10 seconds for no reason! (Do this periodically through the weekend)
Friday, May 17, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
It's The Little Things.
I can tell you one thing-this girl right here is never short of BLOG material! This past week was no different. BJ has been out of town the past few days, so I took the day off from work yesterday to stay home with the girls. I was super excited-these days I don't get much time just the three of us. We planned to meet up with our new neighbor friends Kaylee (4 years old) and her mom Leslie. They are the sweetest family and we have grown to be such great friends in a short period of time. I love it when I meet people that I instantly hit if off with-people that it is just easy to be around! We heard about an amazing water park in the area and we decided that's where we were going to take the kids. The girls were so excited, they hopped into bed (the night before) without a fight, knowing that when they woke up, we were going to the water park with Kaylee. The next morning, they woke up screaming, " Mommy, let's go put our 'baby soups' on! I think I made them say that about 100x, because they sound so cute! They asked me over and over, "Mommy, are you excited to go?" Ah, priceless moments.
Let's GO!
We piled in the car, 3 car seats in the back and headed to our much anticipated destination. I put the address in my trusted 'Google Maps' and we hit the road. Music up, windows down and ready for a fun day at the water park. About 15 minutes into the drive, we noticed that our GPS was dropping us off somewhere on the turnpike. For my non- Floridian readers, that is smack dab in the middle of an express freeway. "No problem", we thought, we can re-navigate ourselves! We realized that we had gone 15 miles north in the wrong direction and that my trusted 'Google Maps' was not so trusted after all. We got some personal directions from my friend Leslie's husband and we were back on track!
Water Park Bound.
The girls kept saying, "We are going to the water park!" As time went on, their enthusiasm began to fade. I kept reassuring them that we were just minutes away from the best day ever! We finally arrived at our destination (which by the way, was around the corner from my house) and got really excited thinking we had beat the crowd! We were the only ones there! Sounds great, until you realize that not even the employees or even grounds keepers are there either. As we pulled up to the front entrance we see the biggest sign that read, "CLOSED MONDAY- WEDNESDAY until school is out!" Um, really? We began laughing out loud hysterically! Of course the water park was closed, why wouldn't it be-we were so looking forward it!
Turned Around.
We headed back home to our community pool. On the way, we tried getting the kids excited about the pool. They were equally excited knowing that no matter where they were, it was going to be fun! We had a blast yesterday. We played, we splashed, we ate our picnic lunch, and enjoyed a perfect S. Florida day!
Moments That Matter.
What I didn't illustrate to you above were the little things, the little moments that the five of us shared that will forever be priceless to me. The restaurants we would never known existed had we not been lost for 30 minutes, the conversations we over heard our girls having as we were 'trapped' in a car for a few minutes too long, or the time my new friend and I spent laughing at ourselves, knowing had our husbands been involved in the equation-we would have known that this water park was 'CLOSED MONDAY-WEDNESDAY!'
Don't Sweat It.
Yesterday, I was reminded to not sweat the small stuff, to not over react to things that really don't matter. Instead, to roll with the punches, make the most of every situation. It is so much more fun that way! No one wants to be around someone who sucks all the life out of an adventure. Even though we didn't get to go inside "Quiet Waters Splash Park Adventure" we had an adventure on our own. We even saved a few bucks!
Taking It Home.
Do you ever find yourself sweating the small stuff or overreacting to things that really don't matter? Tell me about it, I want to hear from you!
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: "Don't sweat the small stuff...and it's all small stuff." Richard Carlson, author.
DARE: Whatever hasn't worked out the way you planned it would-let it go, have fun-life will always throw you curve balls and tend to not work out the way you planned for it to, you might as well enjoy it!
Monday, April 22, 2013
A Crappy Day.
Haha! I think the title alone just drew in some new readers. If this is your first peek at my blog site, hello! This past week, BJ, (my husband) some of our launch team and I had the amazing privilege of joining 2,500 other church planters and ministry leaders at ARC's All Access Conference. It is one I will never forget. It changed me, challenged me and prepared me for the days ahead. It was so great seeing so many healthy leaders talk about their healthy churches and how the gospel of Jesus Christ is being proclaimed around the world. It is truly the best time to be a part of THE church!!! Like any other getaway, this one just didn't seem long enough, as I found myself back to work on Saturday morning.
Serve The City.
Our church teamed up with one of our favorite churches here in South Florida in what they called, "Serve The City." Over 600 people volunteered their Saturday to serve South Florida! We were so honored to be a part. We had 16 people from our church show up-which is awesome! The group was tasked to clean up a farm. Yes, a farm. For 3 1/2 hours, a group of about 50 people cleaned up hay, shoveled manure, and anything else that needed to be done.
Picture Perfect.
There were other groups that were painting schools, participating in building projects, and other serving endeavours that to most, could appear as more desirable projects. BJ told me about how these 50 individuals not only cleaned up this farm but they did it with a lot of smiles, laughter and in record time. The owner of this particular farm was so impressed by their willingness and ability to get things done, she assigned more projects for them to complete. The group sent me pictures of their day and even considered it to be one of their favorite, most memorable days.
Invaluable.
What was most remarkable to me was that our team didn't think anything less of the assignment given to them, rather, they served with their whole hearts. What some of our team didn't know, was that this farm is not only home to many horses, but it's a place where healing is found. This particular farm exists to help children who have experienced the loss of someone through their interaction with horses. Although our team never spent a second with a child who has experienced loss or had the chance to witness a child go through the healing process, the part they played was invaluable!
Tomorrow's Rainbow.
What a concept! To think that our assignment in life, although may not seem glamorous or even purposeful at the time, if we are obedient and responsible with it, can help transform someone else's life! There was a BLOG moment, a life lesson, a perspective shift right in the middle of a 'crappy' day. (you see what I did there) Our team was not only excited to clean up a farm, they were honored to. They grabbed a hold of something that takes most people a lifetime to understand. There is a hurting world that desperately needs each of us to do our part, no matter what the task may look like or even smell like.
200 Man Hours.
During their time there, our team was told countless amount of stories of the children who have found hope and healing on the other side of great loss through this farm, "Tomorrow's Rainbow." The group completed over 200 man hours at this farm and made a difference to great too measure all because they were willing to do their part and serve with a heart that screams, "I will do whatever it takes to help hurting people, no matter what it looks like."
Taking It Home.
It is very easy to devalue the task/responsibility we have been entrusted with when we focus on the 'next thing' in our life. What is it that you are being entrusted with that may not seem so glamorous? Whatever it is, I encourage you to do it, and do it with all of your heart-you just never know how your crappy day can bring hope to someone else.
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: There's value in crappy days.
DARE: Do whatever it is that you are asked to do with all your heart no matter what it looks like.
Serve The City.
Our church teamed up with one of our favorite churches here in South Florida in what they called, "Serve The City." Over 600 people volunteered their Saturday to serve South Florida! We were so honored to be a part. We had 16 people from our church show up-which is awesome! The group was tasked to clean up a farm. Yes, a farm. For 3 1/2 hours, a group of about 50 people cleaned up hay, shoveled manure, and anything else that needed to be done.
Picture Perfect.
There were other groups that were painting schools, participating in building projects, and other serving endeavours that to most, could appear as more desirable projects. BJ told me about how these 50 individuals not only cleaned up this farm but they did it with a lot of smiles, laughter and in record time. The owner of this particular farm was so impressed by their willingness and ability to get things done, she assigned more projects for them to complete. The group sent me pictures of their day and even considered it to be one of their favorite, most memorable days.
Invaluable.
What was most remarkable to me was that our team didn't think anything less of the assignment given to them, rather, they served with their whole hearts. What some of our team didn't know, was that this farm is not only home to many horses, but it's a place where healing is found. This particular farm exists to help children who have experienced the loss of someone through their interaction with horses. Although our team never spent a second with a child who has experienced loss or had the chance to witness a child go through the healing process, the part they played was invaluable!
Tomorrow's Rainbow.
What a concept! To think that our assignment in life, although may not seem glamorous or even purposeful at the time, if we are obedient and responsible with it, can help transform someone else's life! There was a BLOG moment, a life lesson, a perspective shift right in the middle of a 'crappy' day. (you see what I did there) Our team was not only excited to clean up a farm, they were honored to. They grabbed a hold of something that takes most people a lifetime to understand. There is a hurting world that desperately needs each of us to do our part, no matter what the task may look like or even smell like.
200 Man Hours.
During their time there, our team was told countless amount of stories of the children who have found hope and healing on the other side of great loss through this farm, "Tomorrow's Rainbow." The group completed over 200 man hours at this farm and made a difference to great too measure all because they were willing to do their part and serve with a heart that screams, "I will do whatever it takes to help hurting people, no matter what it looks like."
Taking It Home.
It is very easy to devalue the task/responsibility we have been entrusted with when we focus on the 'next thing' in our life. What is it that you are being entrusted with that may not seem so glamorous? Whatever it is, I encourage you to do it, and do it with all of your heart-you just never know how your crappy day can bring hope to someone else.
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: There's value in crappy days.
DARE: Do whatever it is that you are asked to do with all your heart no matter what it looks like.
 |
| Just a few highlights of our day! |
Friday, April 12, 2013
Turn The Tide.
This past week, my parents came to visit us here in our new home state of Florida. It was an amazing week filled with lots of hugs, kisses, laughter and pictures! We made great memories, and like every time, it was hard to say, "see you soon." As we drove up to the airport Kennedi began crying and even said that she didn't want Granny to go on the airplane. Talk about ripping your heart out! It was so crazy to see how at only 2 years old she knew the concept of Granny going back home. While they were here we decided to take them to see Key West. We had never been and thought it would be a great little getaway.
Paradise.
The Keys are beautiful! The drive was breathtaking- the ocean was turquoise and the sand was like a pearl-white. Ahh.. I can almost picture myself there again. I love road trips especially ones like that-they give me a chance to think, reflect, dream and relax. We have been going non stop lately so it was perfect timing to just getaway. As I was starring at the ocean's tide, I began reflecting on the last few weeks. Without going into too many details, there have been areas in my life that have been a challenge. I have found myself complaining about these situations more than I should and almost having a "woe is me" attitude. As I watched the tide go in and out I had a blog moment.
Turn The Tide.
BJ is a phenomenal communicator- in one of my favorite messages he shares, he gives an example of how we are not meant to be thermometers, but instead we should be thermostats. Thermometers GAGE the temperature around them, thermostats SET the temperature. Rather than sulk in the circumstances I have been given, God was calling me to SET the pace and turn the tide. Some of us don't enjoy our office environment and would rather transfer to a different job, but maybe God is wanting you to change the office environment for the better. Some of us don't like the neighborhood we live in and want to move to cleaner, kid-friendly place, but maybe God wants us to change our neighborhood and make it a place everyone wants to live. Maybe we don't like the school our kids attend and are looking for ways to get them in a better one, but maybe God wants us to volunteer at their school and contribute to making that school a better school for all students.
I don't know what area in your life isn't what you want it to look like, but I challenge you to see this as an opportunity to do something about it. Let us not be people who gage our environment, but let us be people who set the pace, people who turn the tide.
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 must be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi
DARE: Turn the tide.
Paradise.
The Keys are beautiful! The drive was breathtaking- the ocean was turquoise and the sand was like a pearl-white. Ahh.. I can almost picture myself there again. I love road trips especially ones like that-they give me a chance to think, reflect, dream and relax. We have been going non stop lately so it was perfect timing to just getaway. As I was starring at the ocean's tide, I began reflecting on the last few weeks. Without going into too many details, there have been areas in my life that have been a challenge. I have found myself complaining about these situations more than I should and almost having a "woe is me" attitude. As I watched the tide go in and out I had a blog moment.
Turn The Tide.
BJ is a phenomenal communicator- in one of my favorite messages he shares, he gives an example of how we are not meant to be thermometers, but instead we should be thermostats. Thermometers GAGE the temperature around them, thermostats SET the temperature. Rather than sulk in the circumstances I have been given, God was calling me to SET the pace and turn the tide. Some of us don't enjoy our office environment and would rather transfer to a different job, but maybe God is wanting you to change the office environment for the better. Some of us don't like the neighborhood we live in and want to move to cleaner, kid-friendly place, but maybe God wants us to change our neighborhood and make it a place everyone wants to live. Maybe we don't like the school our kids attend and are looking for ways to get them in a better one, but maybe God wants us to volunteer at their school and contribute to making that school a better school for all students.
I don't know what area in your life isn't what you want it to look like, but I challenge you to see this as an opportunity to do something about it. Let us not be people who gage our environment, but let us be people who set the pace, people who turn the tide.
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 must be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi
DARE: Turn the tide.
 |
Brooklyn. |
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Easter Basket.
This past Friday night we took the girls to a glow in the dark Easter Egg Hunt. This year is the first year our girls understand the concept of hunting for candy-filled eggs, so I was excited to take them. Most of the community Easter events are held on Saturdays and since I work every Saturday, I knew this was the only Easter Egg Hunt I could experience with them.
Oh No!
Half way to the event I realized I had forgotten their Easter baskets! I yelled over to BJ who was driving, "Turn the car around, I forgot their baskets!" Looking down at the clock and back at him a few times- we knew if we turned around now, we could potentially miss the Easter Egg Hunt. All of a sudden my mind was flooding with all kinds of horrible thoughts.
Overload.
I started thinking about the what seems likes a million instagram posts I had scrolled through of my friends and their kids and all the Easter-themed days, moments, dinners. Some even had their own personal Easter bunny visit their homes (not really, but seemed like it at the time) Some of them had dyed their rice and pasta to look like dyed eggs, they had their kid's Easter basket custom made with their initials on it and had the whole thing hidden away for the past 3 months.
Reality.
Meanwhile, my reality was that I had just purchased their Easter basket an hour before (while they were in the grocery cart with me) ran home in time to feed them oatmeal for dinner because I didn't prepare anything beforehand, changed their clothes and brushed their hair. Running out the door without their baskets!
Your Lane.
I expressed my feelings of being a horrible mother to BJ; not only had I forgotten their baskets, but this was the only "Easter-y" event I was able to experience with them... the list went on and on! I continued by comparing my reality to other's reality, or what I perceived to be their reality. BJ stopped me in mid sentence and said, "Sarah run in your own lane and be confident in it!"
Off Track.
For a second there, I had gotten a bit off track. In a moment of panic, I allowed insecurity to get the best of me. I am not the mother who makes organic soap in my backyard (I don't even have a backyard) nor am I the mom who has the menu for the week inscribed on a chalk board that I did as a Pinterest project one day! Most days I know that and embrace that, but last Friday I viewed those things as a weakness.
Compare.
Knowing who you are is so important- but knowing who you are not is sometimes equally as important. As people we compare, and it is so easy to subconsciously compare our lives to others. Whether we see it on a social media forum or just by observing people's lives, we sometimes (if you're anything like me) ask questions like, "Am I doing enough with my life?" or, "Am I a thoughtful wife like her?" or, "Why am I not married by now?"You get the picture.
Turn It Around.
In this moment I had to be reminded to run in my lane and to be completely confident in whatever that lane looks like. It's OK to want to do more and be the best mother, sister, wife, friend, brother we can be, but it is not OK to beat ourselves up in the process. If you forget your kid's Easter basket, don't start going down rabbit trails of horrible thoughts. (see what I did there?) Instead, make your husband jump out of the car with the kids at the event, turn your car around and zip on home to pick the baskets up, go back to the Easter Egg Hunt and make it just in time for the kids to hunt for some candy-filled eggs. That's what I did anyways.
Oh No!
Half way to the event I realized I had forgotten their Easter baskets! I yelled over to BJ who was driving, "Turn the car around, I forgot their baskets!" Looking down at the clock and back at him a few times- we knew if we turned around now, we could potentially miss the Easter Egg Hunt. All of a sudden my mind was flooding with all kinds of horrible thoughts.
Overload.
I started thinking about the what seems likes a million instagram posts I had scrolled through of my friends and their kids and all the Easter-themed days, moments, dinners. Some even had their own personal Easter bunny visit their homes (not really, but seemed like it at the time) Some of them had dyed their rice and pasta to look like dyed eggs, they had their kid's Easter basket custom made with their initials on it and had the whole thing hidden away for the past 3 months.
Reality.
Meanwhile, my reality was that I had just purchased their Easter basket an hour before (while they were in the grocery cart with me) ran home in time to feed them oatmeal for dinner because I didn't prepare anything beforehand, changed their clothes and brushed their hair. Running out the door without their baskets!
Your Lane.
I expressed my feelings of being a horrible mother to BJ; not only had I forgotten their baskets, but this was the only "Easter-y" event I was able to experience with them... the list went on and on! I continued by comparing my reality to other's reality, or what I perceived to be their reality. BJ stopped me in mid sentence and said, "Sarah run in your own lane and be confident in it!"
Off Track.
For a second there, I had gotten a bit off track. In a moment of panic, I allowed insecurity to get the best of me. I am not the mother who makes organic soap in my backyard (I don't even have a backyard) nor am I the mom who has the menu for the week inscribed on a chalk board that I did as a Pinterest project one day! Most days I know that and embrace that, but last Friday I viewed those things as a weakness.
Compare.
Knowing who you are is so important- but knowing who you are not is sometimes equally as important. As people we compare, and it is so easy to subconsciously compare our lives to others. Whether we see it on a social media forum or just by observing people's lives, we sometimes (if you're anything like me) ask questions like, "Am I doing enough with my life?" or, "Am I a thoughtful wife like her?" or, "Why am I not married by now?"You get the picture.
Turn It Around.
In this moment I had to be reminded to run in my lane and to be completely confident in whatever that lane looks like. It's OK to want to do more and be the best mother, sister, wife, friend, brother we can be, but it is not OK to beat ourselves up in the process. If you forget your kid's Easter basket, don't start going down rabbit trails of horrible thoughts. (see what I did there?) Instead, make your husband jump out of the car with the kids at the event, turn your car around and zip on home to pick the baskets up, go back to the Easter Egg Hunt and make it just in time for the kids to hunt for some candy-filled eggs. That's what I did anyways.
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 are not meant to live anyone else's reality.
DARE: Be confident in that reality, whatever that looks like.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Easier and Harder.
Yesterday I spoke to one of my dearest friends on the phone. We talked, we laughed and caught up on life. We of course talked about what we were learning and areas we were being challenged in. She began to talk to me about how one day she would love to trust God so much that she would wake up in the morning and say, "God I know you got this!" and truly mean it. She asked if trusting God ever becomes easier, and wondered if she would ever truly get to that place.
One Step.
For most of you who have followed my journey, you have seen my story of trusting God one step at a time unfold right before your eyes. You have read about the times my faith seemed to fail or times when I have felt as though I can help change the world. When it comes to trusting God, this is what I have learned.
Daring Adventure.
Each step that God asks you and I to take will seem more daring than the step before. We often think that the steps of faith God is going to ask us to take will be less scary or will seem to be less of a risk. The opposite it usually the case. When BJ and I were newlyweds and we had an opportunity to move across the country for an amazing church, we without hesitation jumped at the opportunity. We felt as though if it worked out great, and if it didn't, OK! We didn't have many commitments, financial burdens, and not even a dog to care for. Making that choice to leave our lives, family and friends was a risky choice, but an easy one in comparison to the steps that would follow.
The steps of faith that we would take after that, would only prove to be more uncertain.
I have joked to people about BJ and I being "adventure junkies." Some people appreciate the term and some consider it "irresponsible." I think life is meant to be more than what most consider to be the "American Dream." But, maybe that's just me. What I mean when I say that we are adventure junkies, is that we have become addicted to trusting God and seeing Him prove Himself to be faithful to us over and over again.
I explained to my friend on the phone that while each step that God asks us to take becomes more daring and uncertain, your trust in Him becomes stronger and stronger.
The bigger the step, the more you HAVE to trust in God. Small steps can often be accomplished on our own, but as you and I begin to take bigger steps, our need for Him is inevitable. So although what we are doing isn't easier, trusting Him is.
Closer.
God's desire is that our journey will bring us closer to Him. That we realize more and more how little we are and how great He is. I am not saying that your "big step of faith" is a move across the country or quitting your job. Your "big step of faith" is simply the next step. Whatever that looks like, whatever that may be, I encourage you to take it. This new season we are in is the most uncertain, scary, awesome season we have ever experienced. What has kept me from going crazy is the OBVIOUS need for Him in my life. BJ and I can not do this without Him. Trusting Him is easy.
One Step.
For most of you who have followed my journey, you have seen my story of trusting God one step at a time unfold right before your eyes. You have read about the times my faith seemed to fail or times when I have felt as though I can help change the world. When it comes to trusting God, this is what I have learned.
Daring Adventure.
Each step that God asks you and I to take will seem more daring than the step before. We often think that the steps of faith God is going to ask us to take will be less scary or will seem to be less of a risk. The opposite it usually the case. When BJ and I were newlyweds and we had an opportunity to move across the country for an amazing church, we without hesitation jumped at the opportunity. We felt as though if it worked out great, and if it didn't, OK! We didn't have many commitments, financial burdens, and not even a dog to care for. Making that choice to leave our lives, family and friends was a risky choice, but an easy one in comparison to the steps that would follow.
The steps of faith that we would take after that, would only prove to be more uncertain.
I have joked to people about BJ and I being "adventure junkies." Some people appreciate the term and some consider it "irresponsible." I think life is meant to be more than what most consider to be the "American Dream." But, maybe that's just me. What I mean when I say that we are adventure junkies, is that we have become addicted to trusting God and seeing Him prove Himself to be faithful to us over and over again.
I explained to my friend on the phone that while each step that God asks us to take becomes more daring and uncertain, your trust in Him becomes stronger and stronger.
The bigger the step, the more you HAVE to trust in God. Small steps can often be accomplished on our own, but as you and I begin to take bigger steps, our need for Him is inevitable. So although what we are doing isn't easier, trusting Him is.
Closer.
God's desire is that our journey will bring us closer to Him. That we realize more and more how little we are and how great He is. I am not saying that your "big step of faith" is a move across the country or quitting your job. Your "big step of faith" is simply the next step. Whatever that looks like, whatever that may be, I encourage you to take it. This new season we are in is the most uncertain, scary, awesome season we have ever experienced. What has kept me from going crazy is the OBVIOUS need for Him in my life. BJ and I can not do this without Him. Trusting Him is easy.
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:
"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior."
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Hillsong United, Zion.
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior."
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) Hillsong United, Zion.
DARE: Before you go to bed tonight and when you wake up in the morning declare, "God I know you got this!!"
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Bible.
We have been watching the six-week series, The Bible on the History Channel, every Sunday night. Last night we packed out our house with a bunch of new friends, made ice cream cones, popped popcorn & brewed lots of coffee. It was a celebration!! #JesusIsComing was a trending topic surrounding last night's show and like us, millions of viewers tuned in to see the birth and life of Jesus.
Captivated.
We were captivated as we watched the story of a baby, born of a virgin, named Jesus, the savior of the world. We have read this story time and time again, but seeing it was powerful! My favorite part was when Jesus swam out to Peter and jumped in his boat, compelling Peter to follow Him. When Peter asked Jesus what they would do together, Jesus replied, "We're going to change the world."
Bold Declaration.
Changing the world seems like a bold declaration if you ask me. It is crazy to think that just as Jesus called Peter to change the world with Him, I believe that He has asked you and I the same thing.
Unattainable Task.
Changing the world can feel like unattainable task. We can get so overwhelmed and not know where exactly to begin- I have felt like that before. When I learned about the thousands of kids that go to sleep at night with no food to eat in South Florida alone, I felt almost paralyzed.
Captivated.
We were captivated as we watched the story of a baby, born of a virgin, named Jesus, the savior of the world. We have read this story time and time again, but seeing it was powerful! My favorite part was when Jesus swam out to Peter and jumped in his boat, compelling Peter to follow Him. When Peter asked Jesus what they would do together, Jesus replied, "We're going to change the world."
Bold Declaration.
Changing the world seems like a bold declaration if you ask me. It is crazy to think that just as Jesus called Peter to change the world with Him, I believe that He has asked you and I the same thing.
Unattainable Task.
Changing the world can feel like unattainable task. We can get so overwhelmed and not know where exactly to begin- I have felt like that before. When I learned about the thousands of kids that go to sleep at night with no food to eat in South Florida alone, I felt almost paralyzed.
I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.
Changing the world begins when you and I change OUR world. YOUR world is your home, your workplace, your family, your community, etc. Changing our world is when we decide that although we can not do everything, we can do something.
What's Your Complaint?
My husband BJ tells me often when I have a "complaint" about something, whether it is children going to bed hungry or women being enslaved into sex trafficking that just maybe, I have been called to help bring resolution to that problem. It can even be as simple as not enjoying your work environment. Maybe you are supposed to be the light in the darkness, the JOY to that company.
Right People. Right Place. Right Plan.
I believe that you and I have been positioned where we are on the map, doing what we are doing, surrounded by a specific group of people for a purpose, and that purpose is to bring resolution to the problems, healing to the brokenness and hope to the hopelessness.
Loaves & Fishes.
As you and I take advantage of the little moments or the small window of opportunity to do something, I believe that God will give us resources and the creativity we need to change the world. You may not be able to house every orphan or wipe every tear, but you can do something!
Join Me.
Will you join me in changing the world. It is simple, let us begin changing OUR world and little by little, day by day, moment by moment.
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:
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."
-Mother Teresa.
DARE: Change something about YOUR world today!
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