Comforted by His Company

"I will never leave you..."

We all hear this reminder. It is often spoke as comfort. To ease the present situation. To know you are not standing in difficulty on your own. This is a true statement. However, as a challenge to us through this verse. Try to contemplate it for the week. Keep it on mind. We should all think of what it means in light of this question: "Where are you taking Him."

God states boldly that "[He] will never leave [us] or forsake us." But with that in mind what direction are you walking in life. Have you ever stopped mid plans to think about what you are dragging your relationship with God through? Or on the contrary, are you letting God lead you? Are you following where He guides? Life is not all serious. I understand that, but in light of comparison, think for a moment about a relationship in modern day. Would you be madly in love with a guy and then drag him along as you flirt and tease the guy at the bar? Would you take your pastor to the party this weekend? Would you expect your parents to follow willingly on your date? Some of you live a life "above reproach." To those these wouldnt be difficult, although unlikely to offer any chance of a cheating heart. But the party you would attend would be fine to include a pastor. Your night out would be no different with your parents in tow. But for others we live an "out of sight out of mind" type lifestyle.

What would you do different this week if you realized the truth in God's words "I will never leave you?" What decisions would you think twice about and what reflection of a Christian would you present? I cant help but wonder if this mindset would reverse the reputation Christians have obtained...if the consistency and genuine lifestyle would make a difference.

So go through your normal week knowing that you are not alone! It is a verse that comforts our hearts in difficulty, but He is around for more than just our broken and shattered lives. He is here for the joyful moments and the thankful moments as well. Acknowledgment can make a world of difference. And letting Him take the reigns a while may really surprise you! You may find that your life is rich with opportunity that your choices didn't allow you to see!

Have a blessed week and know that you are not alone! He has your back every step of the way!

Its not Over Over

I heard a story today about a kid at a baseball game. The team they were there to cheer for was down by 10 or 11 runs in the top of the 7th. The dad wanted to leave. The child asked is it over? To which the dad replied "Yes, sort of." The boy looked intently and repeated "No, is it over-over?"

I went to the Vanderbilt Auburn game here in Nashville a couple years back and remember the frustration of watching my team plummet. We had had a wonderful season and to beat Vandi would have been icing on the cake. However at the start of the fourth I was ready to leave. The game was done. I knew the outcome wouldnt be pretty. I knew it would leave me even more frustrated that I already was. Sometimes, accepting the inevitable is better than facing reality...but at those times we need to have the perspective of a kid. The perseverence of a child. The vision of innocence. Because its not OVER-over.

May I be so bold as to ask: What in your life feels over? What is it that you are trying to accomplish that people around you are walking out, telling you its "over?" Those are the moments you need to face the fact that its not over over...you never know when the end result holds the element of surprise. Or the determination to overcome is what you are suppose to walk away with on the other side. Dig your heels in and stand firm.

Even the Bible is full of instances that are left to mystery. Not everything can make sense or be predicted. Sometimes we have faith, and that's it. Sometimes, your faith is what carries you through. SO...keep praying, keep working, keep believing. You never know when the answers, the yes, the faith or the payoff is right around the corner! BECAUSE ITS NOT OVER OVER. :)

We all have an issue with "Madness"

So on Wed this week Gillian had a really rough day. I must say there was obviously something in the air, you know, since she is the most well mannered kid on the planet! ha. Anywho. She argued, sassed, and even manipulated for the majority of the day. Every time I attempted to offer a consequence it was thrown back in my face. (I didnt want to have a playdate, I wasnt planning to watch any tv, who wants to have a treat not me) So after a full on battle of the wills, I brought my day to its conclusion.

I must say, children may not always win, but when you lay them to sleep at the end of the day, I am glad they don't know how close they are to shutting us down. ha. I was exhausted. Worn down and discouraged. Unsure of how tomorrow would end up. However, to my relief, Thursday was incredibly pleasant. Then on Friday when we were discussing how all of the kids "panned out" on the allowance chart, Gillian and I had a deep heart to heart. She is too young to earn an allowance, but we do check marks for her chores (bed teeth toys and behavior) After a LONG calm conversation about the way we act and the perception we give others of our character she utters this as an offering of a humble apologetic plea.

"I'm sorry Lisa, next week I will try to control my madness."

After a lovely tear wrenching laugh with her, she promised to be better. I left that Friday with a mindful. You know we are all in Gillian's shoes. We all have our own bouts of "madness." The question is do you stop and listen to be humble and realize where your "madness" lies? Is it anger, hate, judgment, jealousy, or is it simple laziness? What ever your weakness, know that our God desires to have a heart to heart conversation with each of us as well, not to condemn. Not to ridicule. He desires to encourage us to be better. To recognize areas we can attempt to improve.

Reminds me of the fact that God doesn't call those who are improved. He calls those willing to improve. He doesn't expect any of us to take a single step on our own. He wants to love us where we are and help us see what we can become! He sees the bigger picture and wants to give us the vision.

I challenge everyone, including myself, to listen humbly to the areas God is encouraging you to improve! Allow yourself to feel empowered to improve not discouraged by the process.

Have a blessed weekend and know that every step you take, there is opportunity waiting for your arrival! Enjoy.

Listen with a humble ear

"The student is never above the teacher."

People will always attempt to advise. Sometimes even before they attempt to listen. Our greatest fault as people seems to be the "need" to have an answer. Which at the core holds pride. The worst advice I have ever received in life has come from the prideful. Have you ever vented to someone, listened to their advice and then wondered if you both just had the same conversation because you had NO CLUE what they were talking about? The best advice I have ever had in my life came from a humble friend who listened intently and then just said she would pray for me. Sometimes not having the answer allows people to turn to the One they need to hear the advice from.

We need to stop loving to listen to ourselves. We need to quit thinking so much about what we are going to say next, and take the time to listen!

The most amazing thing I have heard in the past month was this: "You will never be able to lead anyone beyond where you, yourself, are." The whole message of the plank in your own eye. If we are not caring for ourselves, how are we going to be healthy enough to care for others.

Nurture can be a remedy not only for those around us...but for ourselves too!

Allow your self to see the areas you need to focus on to give yourself a healthy place to stand and then attempt to listen to others in order to offer a helping hand.