Growing in Faith: January 1

 January One. New. Fresh. Possibilities. Goals. 

I have never been one to fully embrace all that January 1st brings...such as resolutions: losing weight, spending less, etc. But after a very unexpected 2020, my priorities were revealed (rather lack of priorities): my faith, my marriage, my children, my health and friendships. On the outside looking in, I would have perceived that these items were true priorities but in actual practice...they. were. not. There were certainly aspects of each item listed that benefited from my attention yet my heart....my heart was too distracted---distracted by media, comparison, busyness, my stuff (physical possessions) and the like. I am thankful for the events of 2020 because in the unexpected--- change came: growth, awareness, deeper connection and renewal. These are the things I strive towards in 2021.

At the risk of sounding cliche, I am making boundaries and goals to strive towards in 2021 (most of which I have already started acting on long before the glittery ball dropped in NYC). My handwritten vision board was crafted at our homeschool table with faded Crayola felt-tipped markers on a wrinkled piece of odd colored computer paper. My daughter drawing her own goals for 2021 while my husband was at work and our two boys slept. One "bubble" read: read more scripture. (If you want to know the others, feel free to ask!).

And so, I searched. I sought a New Testament Bible reading plan for the year 2021. To no surprise, I found one quickly and easily. I pulled out the cream-colored card-stock and printed the bookmark-sized reading-guides, placing them in my new (IN) CSB Bible. All set...

I was so excited, I actually started yesterday (knowing there would be days I fall behind in striving towards this goal). And today, I learned I have to think of my time differently. I MUST capitalize on those moments my three young children are playing so nicely together and the house is quiet. I MUST develop a better routine and stick with it. I CAN use my noise-cancelling headphones and sit at the kitchen table while the kids run around and play so that I can read God's Word. These concepts are new to me (although I have taught them to my students for years and have {at one time} practiced them). 

A. NEW. SEASON.   

DISCIPLINE. CREATIVITY. PERSEVERANCE.

So, what did I learn today (the whole, main reason I wanted to write this blog post...):

From Matthew 1 & 2: Joseph had to be willing to move, at any time, at the Lord's direction.

Coming out of Christmas, our family listened, read and re-read the "nativity story" in many different forms over the December month. I mean, it IS an incredible story. But what stood out to me this time was Joseph...his connection with God, the Father...his willingness to listen and immediately respond. 

As a man, (and a godly one at that) I am sure he had a deep desire to provide for his wife and new child...set up a home, establish roots, be around family for support. Although, those things were accomplished (eventually), it is amazing to think of all of the relationships and possessions he had to leave behind when they fled Bethlehem for Egypt and then later moved from Egypt to Galilee. What incredible sacrifices he had to make to follow God.

This, to me, represents a "missionary lifestyle." What if God called you or me to move...RIGHT NOW..to pursue the greater plans HE has for us? What could I take with me? What would I have to leave behind? (And how would that make me feel?) How would my children respond emotionally to this swift change? How would we provide for our family? Where would we live? What would come of relationships with family/friends...how would they respond to a decision to move the family for the sake of following the Lord? As of now, what physical possessions or relationships am I unwilling to surrender to the Lord?

All this has lead me to continue to simplify my physical possessions & be *more* ready to respond if/when God calls our family to a new place. Now, don't worry...God hasn't called us...but shouldn't we all live that way...as if He has called us...unattached to the things of this world?

Interesting thoughts on what Joseph may have felt as he led his family based on a few dreams from God, the Father. WOW! 

Where are you putting your faith? What are you clinging too tightly to? 

SURRENDER.

In this new year, surrender to the Lord. Not for the sake of a pat of the back at the end of the year for accomplishing your resolutions but rather for treasure in heaven for abiding in HIM and following as our Savior directs. What a shift of perspective.

Happy New Year, everyone...Happy New Year!

Pt. 2: When It Rains It Pours: The hardest season of life

The kids are down for the night. Husband is working late (until at least 1am). And I am drinking some peppermint tea in hopes of soothing my very sore and swollen throat. As I snuck in a shower, I began to reflect on my previous blog and all that this hard season is and has been teaching me...to be honest, something I have not done until just a few moments ago.

It is easy to complain about where God has us or just plain forget that God always has a plan. So, I am choosing to have a different attitude (...thanks for letting me vent in my past posting).

Trials, hard seasons, whatever you want to call them...they test us. I have found that four areas of my life have been testing quiet a lot in these past months:

1. My Faith
2. My Marriage
3. My Family
4. My Friends

1. My Faith: I wish I could say that I have been on my knees everyday petitioning to God about all the happenings in my life. I haven't. Who has time? (I cringe as I type that last question). I was so caught up in just surviving, especially this past month, that I have spent little to no time diving in the WORD myself. Conviction! I know that God is always with me and He guides my path everyday...I have seen glimpses of Him controlling my tongue or my attitude towards my kids or husband or making a way for me to get my grading done or prepare for my son's first birthday but it is sad that this, my faith, has not been my top priority. My faith in Jesus grounds me. Gives me peace. Gives me hope. Helps me put life into proper perspective. To serve others and look beyond what I consider "horrible" circumstances. I certainly have been failing this part of the "test" but I am thankful that His mercies renew everyday and that I love Jesus and He loves me without a checklist of dos and don'ts. Seriously, thank you Jesus!

2. My Marriage: Like ships passing in the night (or at the front door), I can certainly say that this is not the strongest point our marriage has ever seen. So many changes have happened (and will happen) in these months that it literally has felt like a bunch of mini-business interactions, logistics of getting life sorted out and taken care of. Date night has been nonexistent, minus last Monday when we went to the Banff Film Festival. We both have been sick, taking turns of course, and as a result, the other has willingly taken up the slack of the grocery shopping, laundry, child care, etc. Text messages have taken the place of most face-to-face conversations due to necessity of our schedules. When will life slow down? I am thankful for all of the pictures we have posted around our house of our great adventures, some local some aboard. They remind me of who we were as a couple, who I want us to be and all of the great qualities I love about the man I married nearly 7 years ago. We are certainly in it for the long haul. I am SO thankful to have him by myself and fighting for us just as hard as I am!  This is not a test I will fail! :)

3. My Family: First, my children. What a blessing and joy they truly are. They both have such unique and amazing personalities that come out more and more everyday. It is a privilege to shepherd them and get a front row seat to view of every stage of development. Although I feel as though I have ages YEARS since having them due to sleepless nights and the worries that most parents have, I would not trade this journey in for anything. Being a mother to them, especially in this hard season, has taught me more about love, patience, respect and noticing the details. (Trust me, the love and patience things is a HUGE test with a 2-year old and an 11-month old who wants to chew on everything and destroy everything). It has offered me the new perspective of seeing these changes from their world's view instead of mine. It has allowed me to include them in the craziness of life as we deal with life and death, rearrange our house to accommodate a new baby brother or sister and to teach about giving as we sort through to get rid of toys/clothes/etc. It is a learning opportunity in which I can teach them both how to handle life's hard circumstances with grace. It is an opportunity to teach them about praying for those arounds them who might also be struggling with change and transition. Secondly, this hard season has tested the relationships we have with our immediate families. I am thankful for our immediate families who have so willingly taken the kids or sent text messages just to see how we are. It is a true testament to all those popular and well known says that we can lean on family in hard times. This is so true.

4. My Friends: In prior seasons, I have spent so much more time investing into friendships than I have in the past three months. I would arrange coffee or play dates, social gatherings or group events. I have been slacking in this area. Although my heart is craving this authentic one-on-one or group time with my closest friends, I just have not have the room in my mind to plan or take care of one more event. (But please, if you want to get together, please let me know!!!). A few friends in this particular season have really stepped up when our family needed it the most. (Literally) offering a shoulder to cry on, a good meal, or care for both of our kids so we could take care of the responsibilities that come with being an adult. Some friendships have been but aside with little to no interaction while others have seemingly survived with the occasional text message here or there. Despite the different seasons we (as humans) go through, often times our friendships go through seasons too. I must say that I have been so INCREDIBLY grateful for those who have personally invested their lives with our durning this hard season...who get it without having to ask questions or without needing an explanation for the reason I just might not seem "happy" on a particular day. It reminds me of Proverbs 18:24 "...but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." So for those of you who have done this for us, we are so, so grateful for your love and partnership as we share in this journey of life.

So there you have it...for now. I know there are many, MANY other areas of my life being tested (such as full-time-work vs. full-time-life balance and becoming a mother of three under three among other topics listed above), but for now, I rejoice! COME ON! It is Christmas time! A time when we get to focus of the miraculous gift of Baby Jesus...the amazing life Jesus lived and what He taught us through that life that carries on today. So, if you are facing a hard season: pray, focus on your marriage and those relationships that matter most. Learn to count your blessings and surround yourself with those who will willingly walk though life without...with no judgement or hesitation but but pure love, honesty and grace.

Peace be upon you, my friends.

Christmas: Advent Calendar CHANGE

I recently saw this article on our local news webpage. I would like to suggest a change to Day 20.

First, please read this news article: Christmas cards for a young arson survivor


After reading this article, I am sure you can guess the change I am suggesting! :) Let us help this young girl achieve her dream! I encourage you to send her a Christmas Card. I know I am.

Happy Giving-
~B~

Christmas: Kindness begets kindness

Hello Blog Readers!

I hope you are enjoying the challenge of giving this time of year as you work your way through the Advent Giving Calendar.

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am 38-weeks (and 2-days!) pregnant. The last few days I have had little to no energy so I had to switch up a few of the activities to accommodate my weary body.  Today I was feeling well enough to leave the house with my 16-month old in tow to accomplish Day 8: giving the gift of the gospel.

I had to run a few errands, including a stop at the Dollar Store. In want of a Starbucks coffee, I swung by Safeway next door to get my decaf-coffee-fix. They have a little "cafe" seating area right inside. I thought that would be a perfect public space to leave the Bible, with a little note, since a diverse group of people often visit this "cafe."

After I had grabbed my drink, placed the Bible and began exiting the store, the couple behind me had about 8 or so drinks they had ordered. To be honest, my first thought was, "I am glad I was in front of them in line." But quickly my heart was convicted at this judgement, especially when I saw what they did next.  As we all left through the automatic doors, they offered a hot chocolate to the Salvation Army volunteer who was faithfully at his post ringing his bell. WOW! Want an incredible thing to witness. The giver asked if the man was able to consume dairy (how thoughtful!!) and after he said yes, the giver handed him the hot beverage. It was a simple gesture, but the look on the volunteer's face was one of deep gratitude. How a simple gift can have a big impact.

Have you witnessed any random acts of kindness? If so, how has your heart changed because of them? As you have been giving, what are some lessons you have been learning?

Happy Giving!!
~B~

Christmas: Advent Calendar Reflection #1

So, have you decided to join in on the Advent fun of blessing others and proclaiming Jesus?

I must say the last four days have really begun to transform my thinking about giving. I have found myself giving others extra grace and being more willing to put myself aside to allow others to go before me...whether that is stopping at a crosswalk while I am driving or making room for someone in line at the store when the line is SUPER long.

I have been learning patience and also been able to see opportunities I would have missed had I not been so intentional.

It is interesting to see how the focus on giving, even just after four days, has transformed my thinking. I feel honor to be able to bless others with simple gifts and words of encouragement. I find myself praying more and seeking to serve God in everyday, ordinary activities. (Both of which I should be doing anyway!! Yes, I feel the sense of conviction rising up in my spirit.)

To be honest, I was a little hesitant at first to start this challenge, being 37 weeks pregnant and all, but it really has helped me take the focus off of me and turn my focus to loving Jesus in a different way. It has changed the way I speak to my 15-month old daughter about giving and receiving as well...teaching her about the importance of sharing what we have with her friends and considering their needs before her own. What wonderful gifts.

What are some things you have been learning as you dive into celebrating the coming of Jesus through giving?

Christmas: Advent Calendar

As we enter further still into Advent (which means "coming" in Latin), let us be intentional in remembering not only the birth of Jesus but the expectation of the future coming of the Lord as described in scripture. Reflecting on all the Lord has done & will do, I have created an advent calendar of random acts of kindness to bless others during this season. It is so easy to focus on buying presents, upcoming parties, making everything "perfect" for Christmas, etc. and forget about the true meaning of Christmas. This year I desire to be intentional. If you would like to join me, let me know. I would be more than joyful to share my calendar with you. :) Happy Advent!

I plan on leaving a little note with each gift saying something like, "In the Spirit of Christmas & the celebration of Jesus' birth, enjoy this gift."

Day 1: Go out of my way (& against my already planned activities) to help. The gift of time.

Day 2: In a drive-thru, purchase a gift card and leave it for the person behind me.

Day 3: Leave $5 at the gas pump to bless someone with their next fill-up.

Day 4: Purchase coloring books & crayons from the Dollar Store to leave in the hospital waiting room.

Day 5: Package diapers & wipes to leave on a changing pad in the restroom. 

Day 6: Tape microwave popcorn & $2 onto the nearest RedBox. 

Day 7: Write an encouraging note to a neighbor & drop it by with a treat. 

Day 8: Give the gift of the Gospel. Mark the "Christmas Story" in a new Bible & leave it in a public place.

Day 9: Invite a friend over for a meal, requiring their presence only.

Day 10: Send/take flowers to someone who should be recognized. 

Day 11: Give a small gift & note to the mailman for working so hard during this holiday season.

Day 12: Reflect on someone influential in my life. Write a letter to them expressing my gratitude. 

Day 13: Do a craft with my daughter with the intention of blessing a neighbor or friend.

Day 14: Call someone I haven't spoken with in a while and encourage them with prayer, scripture & conversation.

Day 15: Donate food to our church food bank. 

Day 16: Enjoy a "tech free" day to be present with those I am with. (With the exception of announcing the birth of our baby if he comes on this day :)).

Day 17: Read the Christmas Story from the Bible & text a friend about what stood out to me. Pray for that friend too! 

Day 18: Leave an extra tip for someone at a restaurant, coffeehouse, etc.

Day 19: Do something special that I know my husband will appreciate – food something probably :)

Day 20: Send a Christmas card to a nursing home with a family picture to encourage someone who may not have family. 

Day 21: Give the crosswalk lady a hot chocolate.

Day 22: Say something kind to the waitress or cashier to encourage them for working so hard. Do this everywhere I go. 

Day 23: (My due date!!) Bring chocolates to the nurses at the hospital (if I'm in labor)

Day 24: Journal/blog about what Jesus has taught me through this Advent Season & post it on social media.

Day 25: Be intentional about conversations with family while keeping Jesus at the center of Christmas celebrations.

PRINTABLE/DOWNLOADABLE CALENDAR: 2015 Advent Calendar_Random Acts

Convictions from a Lazy Heart

Hello Dear Ones-

It truly has been a long while since I have posted. My confession: my lazy heart.

In September, I committed to join and study the Book of Genesis with a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group. I did great.....until week nine came around. Yikes!

The typical things got in the way and the common phrase, "I am really busy" became my excuse. Yes, I was busy, but to my dismay, my busyness lead me to push out God.

So, now that I am on "break" from my job until January, I thought I would catch up on the 4 lessons I have missed, starting at Genesis chapter 10--- the Tower of Babel.

As I began to read the BSF notes on chapters 10 and 11, I felt a sadness in my heart for the people who deliberately chose to forsake God for their own selfish ambitions. They desired to be known and worshiped among their peers. They wanted the power and recognition  They wanted to be in control. They worked long and hard to build this beautiful and tall tower....for their own selfish confidence.

To be honest, I was appalled at their decision to chose selfish gain and selfish confidence over God. And then.......God showed me that I have been very much like these people that I loathed.

God revealed to me my personal expressions of pride, situations where I have called attention to myself (and away from God), and moments where I purposely chose to honor my own heart instead of God's heart.

How can we humans fall into the same repetitive traps (and so quickly?!?!)? How do our hearts become so lazy yet pride full?

The BSF lesson notes asked some very pointed questions:

• How have you taken satisfaction in other people's support more than in God's closeness?
• What are you doing right now that might really be for your own advancement and not for God?
• Where have you deliberately chosen NOT to exalt God's name or His Word?

These are all good questions to ask no matter where you are in your relationship with God. I know that my lazy heart has caused WAY more harm then good! Are you aware of the areas in your life that you tend to put off because of laziness, pride, selfishness, etc.?

God calls us to present ourselves to Him FULLY! I am more convicted of this then ever especially as we enter this special season of Christmas when God purposely sent His Son to live on this earth among the lazy-hearted.

The best gift that you can give this Christmas is a clean, pure heart with obedience, trust and faith. Jesus is waiting to receive this from each of us......

~B~