Thankfulness

It’s November! What’s Next?

November 3, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

Since November is often identified with things we’re thankful for, I’ve decided to spend some of my blog focus this month on books I’m thankful for.

I have a long list of fiction and non-fiction books that have been a delight to me over many years and recent titles as well; some overtly spiritual and those whose authors are spiritual people but have written in an under wraps manner. I hope you’ll find this series one that encourages you to read (or re-read) at least one of these recommendations.

Today I want to express my love and appreciation for the book My Utmost for His Highest.

I first heard of this book in 1996. I had recently joined a Bible study at our new church. The woman who spoke at the Bible study simply quoted from the devotional, but the quote really resonated with me. At the time our sons were ages 7 and 1. I was a busy woman to say the least.

“My determined purpose is to be my utmost for His highest—my best for His glory.”

It hit me like a sock in the stomach. How was I determined? What was my purpose? Mostly to get through the day, not focusing on being the best person I could be; more like not killing my sons or yelling at my husband. That quote both convicted me and sent me to our local Christian bookstore, the Parable. I found a hardbound “modern” version that was on sale and scooped it up.

I have used the daily devotional as a journal of sorts. I didn’t think much about it at first but as I have read and re-read I write the year next to my underlining and I am reminded of what I was going and growing through at the time.

Oswald Chambers spoke these words, he didn’t actually write these entries. His wife was a stenographer before they married and kept herself focused during Oswald’s lectures at the Bible Training College of London by taking down her husband’s words as he spoke them. It wasn’t until after Oswald’s untimely death at the early age of 43 that she was encouraged to compile his lectures into the format we know now.

I have read this devotional for 18 years. It is the greatest tool in God’s hands in my spiritual growth; second only to the Bible itself. Oswald is not an encourager. There is no fluff. He often calls me out in a very direct manner pointing out an area of my life that hasn’t been brought to God in the process of being made like Christ. Oswald used vocabulary that was common to his day which was late 1800s to 1917 when he died from complications of an emergency appendectomy. No antibiotics in those days.

From today’s entry:

“Will I surrender to Jesus Christ, placing no conditions whatsoever as to how the brokenness will come?”

No fluff. Just straightforward questions and pointing us to our need for staying close and reliant upon the Holy Spirit to live ‘worthy of the calling with which we have been called.’

If you are looking for a daily devotional that will challenge you to grow in your faith and trust of God you need look no further.

My Utmost for His Highest–my best for God’s glory. I am truly thankful for the teachings of Oswald Chambers. God has used them in my life for His glory.

When Enthusiasm is AWOL

October 19, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

I’d love to think everyone deals with all the same issues that keep me from gaining ground and persevering. But our culture shows us so many examples of beautiful, fit, perfectly tanned & made up people that I feel like I’m the only one who battles with myself.

I’m a great starter. I gather the needed materials, enthusiasm and spunk and dive in regardless of how impossible something is. My creative activity shelves are great examples. As is my collection of modes of exercise gear. I own lots of great cookbooks along with the appropriate tools to accomplish a variety of culinary delights. I own all the necessary tools to keep my nails healthy and colorful.

None of these things are life changing but I tend to speak of what isn’t instead of embracing what is. If I only focus on the half empty instead of the half full I get bogged down by my perception.

So how do I deal with myself when my enthusiasm is AWOL (Absent without official leave)?

Well what I know doesn’t motivate me is adding shame onto my distracted behavior. That only serves to suck me down into a vortex of spinning emotionally and nothing gets done. Not even something fun because I am overcome with guilt because of the shame I heap on myself for not staying the course! Yuck!

I captured this from a recent Costco magazine; they featured the book Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. I highly recommend it. I’ve read two of her four books and am currently reading her most recent Rising Strong which is all about how to get back up from a fall when you’ve dared greatly. I have lots of experience with the falls; embracing my way of doing life and celebrating what is is a little more of a challenge.

Learning who I really am instead of trying to fit into how other people think I should be has been the unfolding adventure of my life. Embracing who I am and how I work as a catalyst, a starter gives me the freedom to do things with the bursts of enthusiasm that overtake me on regular occasions but not daily. Being ok with the fact I start and then do something else and then circle back around to what I started earlier is hard when I tell myself negative statements about that distracted work flow.

Many years ago, after lamenting this way I do life, a dear friend shared a terrific book with me that really inspired me to lean into my roles of wife, mother and influencer of lives. The author became one of my favorites as she consistently pointed to God’s Word and spoke of both discipline and grace. Elisabeth Elliot is now rejoicing moment by moment in Jesus’s Presence. I will be eternally grateful for the wisdom she shared. The book I reference is The Shaping of a Christian Family. Nestled within the book is this poem that has encouraged me again and again:

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DOE THE NEXTE THYNGE.”

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, doe the nexte thynge.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, doe the nexte thynge

Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, doe the nexte thynge.

When I have found myself slipping into the downward internal critic heyday, I am able to stop myself and simply say Do The Next Thing. My enthusiasm sneaks back in when I’ve relaxed and reminded myself of the truth that I’m not in this alone. I have a great high priest who is well acquainted with me and loves me just the same.

Isn’t that a way to put a muzzle on the internal critic? That makes me enthusiastic just thinking about it!

In Quietness & Trust

October 17, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

In the pre-dawn light all is gray and still. Waking up before the birds begin to sing is not the norm for me but this new Saturday routine requires early rising. The air is crisp, speaking of the changing season.

It’s my idea to get up this early; the Hubster would have been content to sleep. But after all this writing about tandem cycling I want to get on the bike. But today I want to ride my own road bike. Like most things that have an early morning start it’s best to get everything set out the night before. The Hubster had taken care of the bike pre-checks last night but I neglected all the pre-ride prep until this morning and that made us late.

Late for what?

I had it in my head we would ride early enough to not have to deal with many people, either on bikes or in cars. But as the water flowed into the Camelbak I saw the clock and an internal chatter began. Harsh words were being thrown at me by the Internal Critic. It seemed every step I took I made a mistake or forgot I needed to do one more thing before we left. I was getting more and more agitated internally and it was leaking out in my actions and distracting me.

Meanwhile, the Hubster is doing his pre-ride prep without any issues; he graciously starts helping me with mine. No harsh words, no impatience, no sighing from him. He’s happy we’re going out on our bikes!

Once we get out the door, the voice of the Internal Critic gets louder. I have a shifting system that requires coasting when shifting gears. If I do pedal while shifting, the chain can get messed up. Well guess what I just did? So the criticism gets louder and is nearly deafening and nearly every ounce of fun drains out of my experience.

But among the loud noise in my head a still small voice whispers to me.

In quietness & trust is your strength.

I literally said “What?” out loud. The Hubster is far enough ahead he didn’t hear me thankfully. The whisper is clearer.

In quietness & trust is your strength.

Thank You Lord. Your reminder is perfectly timed. I sigh. And relax. And pedal.

Friday Funday!

October 16, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

As far back as I can remember, Friday has been a day full of excited anticipation. School days were coming to an end for the week. When I was a student and later a teacher, Fridays held a lightness to them; the weekend was beginning. Assemblies that got us out of our regular routines were held on Fridays. If at all possible, field trips were planned for Fridays. Class parties were scheduled for Friday afternoons. Adults look forward to the break in routine as much as children. And so it is Friday.

My morning view

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

How do you express gladness? For me, my great expression of gladness is in appreciation of God’s handiwork.

Icelandic poppies in Canada in July

Beach walking in August; see the black dot just beyond the break on the left? It’s a seal. The birds and seals were enjoying the harvest of a school of fish apparently.

Here is another way you might express gladness…

The Hubster is a percussionist and will express musical gladness wherever he finds sounds he enjoys.

We are planning a bike ride for early Saturday morning so a late night out is off the table for our Friday Funday.

Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.

What about you? How will you celebrate this day?

A Very Special Day

October 4, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

Day 4

It’s officially fall. My favorite season. School’s in session. Baseball and football overlap for a few weeks. The temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to change color.

And oh the colors! Even some California trees get in the color act, showing us change happens, even in California.

I first heard the quote on my photo spoken by Christine Caine on her weekly podcast in 2014. I was struck by it’s simple truth. Change is healthy. Change is good. Change is inevitable.

Then why is change so hard?

I literally had to convince myself that change is good. I made it my computer password for a long while just to repeat it like a mantra. Changeisgood Changeisgood

Today I have completed my 58^th trip around the sun. And in those 58 annual trips I have grown and changed.

And to think I was done growing up and considered an adult at this point! There’s been more growth since this last picture than the 18 years in pictures. But not physical growth. I’m still vertically challenged as my sons tell me!

I don’t remember at what point in my spiritual learning I first came across Isaiah 61, but I remember thinking I want to be called an ‘oak of righteousness’ someday.

It’s in Isaiah 61:1-3 we see the purpose of Christ prophesied…and it is the portion of Scripture Jesus chose to read aloud in the synagogue when He began His public ministry ( found in Luke 4:18-19)

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because the Lord has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of joy

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord

for the display of his splendor

Living things grow. To have been planted by the Lord… to be for the display of His splendor… to be called an oak of righteousness…

Growing things change. I am not done changing; I have many areas left to be shaped and refined while I’m still here. But thanks be to God I am not the same person I was when I first met Him! He has given me the oil of gladness and a garland of praise!

Change is good. Happy Birthday to me! Thank You Jesus for helping me change and grow and learn along the Way!

What’s Around the Corner?

September 19, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

Don’t we often want to know what’s around the corner in life? I think that’s why we make plans. We have something to look forward!

I’ve been planning blog posts instead of writing them. I’ve done lots of composing in my head but not so much here on the blog. Why? Well in part, I’ve allowed myself to focus too much on circumstances instead of the One who holds it altogether.

In Proverbs we read: the heart of man plans his way but the Lord establishes his steps.

I’m excited to share how the Lord has been establishing my steps. I’m going to share a blog series here for the 31 days of October.

I’ll be joining over 1000 other writers who’ll be sharing their passions on their blogs. So many categories, so much fun, so much learning and so much encouragement!

There will be live links to the Write 31 Days curator page where all the bloggers will share their individual link buttons. I really hope you will consider visiting some bloggers you haven’t come across before. There are amazing writers with some really interesting series topics that I think many of you will enjoy.

It all begins in only 11 days!!!

Learning to Celebrate the Daily

August 18, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

I am easily distracted these days. Interestingly, the distractions come from within; the thoughts of what needs to be accomplished mix with the memories of what was and is no longer. These distractions have hindered me from actions that I love, like writing. But I’m happy to say I’ve been coming back to center and learning to celebrate the everyday moments of life thanks to a new book.

I recently read the fantastic new book Simply Tuesday by Emily P Freeman. It’s available today! The tagline for this book really called to me: Small-Moment Living in a Fast Moving World. I had been living the SLO life for 30 years until two years ago. Now living in the fast-paced, change-oriented, bigger, faster, better society of the Silicon Valley is like “drinking from a fire hose” as our pastor puts it. Simply Tuesday is a call to notice, to appreciate the ordinary moments of the day and that is opposite living from this world’s expectations. What a beautiful thing because our souls are not meant for speed. A soul is meant for depth, for slow, for connection.

Emily shares her story of learning to embrace ‘small’. She puts into words what my own soul has yearned for; being okay with “right where I am” instead of pushing for more, for notice, for good, better, best. In the chapter “Effort & Outcomes” Emily’s words stopped my striving, never-good- enough heart & mind right in their Energizer Bunny tracks. “I don’t see Jesus calling me to excellence. I do see Him calling me to Himself. And sometimes, on the kingdom of earth, moving close to Jesus looks like failure and embarrassment.”

I have pushed and resisted, fought and argued and demanded that my life be “good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better best.” Being transplanted from the comfort and familiarity of my former life was painful to say the least. I have not been able to gain the traction I’ve thought I’ve needed to be “successful” in this new arena. The revolutionary thought that simply being aware and available to the movement of Christ in my day truly stopped my whirling internal dialogue. It was as if someone picked up the arm of the record player and turned the swirling machine off.

Simply Tuesday is seeping down into my soul. This book, Emily’s voice, is counter-cultural in this area where I live. But Emily lives and writes in Greensboro, NC and her words come from a place of knowing how extended beyond peace we often live. Simply Tuesday is inviting me to sit on a bench and notice where Jesus is moving in my day. It’s inviting me to learn to celebrate the daily; the everyday moments that make up my everyday, ordinary life. Learning to celebrate that this life is a gift from God moment by moment.

Learning to be present to His abiding Presence. Learning to be thankful for little things like a bird on a bird feeder or the smell of freshly brewed coffee is reminding me of the true beauty that makes up every day. Learning that time is non-renewable and therefore sacred.

This bench is at the park near our latest place of residence. (notice I didn’t call it home? I’m not there yet.) I often see people seated here looking out at the children, the athletes, the trees. This morning I thought of the gift Simply Tuesday is to me and prayed that it would be so for many, many more. I really want to encourage you to get your own copy and gather with others who are seeking connection like I am. They’re all around us; Tuesday people as Emily calls us.

Listen in to Emily chat briefly about her book here. Then go to Amazon and pick up your own copy (and maybe a few for your Tuesday people?). I’d love to know what you’re learning to celebrate!

A Couple Dozen Reasons

July 20, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and SnapChat didn’t exist 24 years ago. Neither did the internet for that matter. And frankly, I’m glad. My life to that point had been a series of fender benders, speeding tickets and finally a train wreck; all of them culminating at this day, our wedding day. July 20, 1991.

Colin was not to blame for any of those earlier events. In fact he turned out to be the Knight in Shining Armor sent by the King of the realm unbeknownst to this Ragamuffin. The Wise King knew exactly what it would take to win back this bruised, broken and unlikely heroine. Because He causes all things to work together for our good, this is a tale of redemption and healing; a story we all want to have woven into our own lives.

One doesn’t expect a story to end well that has a rough beginning. Many tales that begin badly end worse. But God has had a different plan for me that I often couldn’t see or hang on to. Yet He continues to persevere in working ALL of my life’s circumstances for His good purposes. I certainly don’t deserve His mercy. But because of Who God is, mercy and grace is what He has poured out on me. On us. Three kids became a family 24 years ago today. In homemade clothes, with the help of family and friends, we began simply. Making a commitment we didn’t really understand but have remained faithful to. Raising not one, but eventually two sons, both now men. Good men. God’s abundant grace poured down.

Two cats, three dogs and one goldfish were all members of our family. There were the two rats, two anoles and one snake that had their stays but they weren’t really an integral part of the family. Raising people and animals gives one a perspective of the importance and difficulty of sacrifice; a small inkling of what God has done for each one of us.

Letting go of old hurts, choosing the path of forgiveness over bitterness have been gentle nudges from God through Colin and our sons. It seems time and again, I’ve been the one to need the most shaping, the most re-working on an emotional and spiritual level; the loves of my life have been some of God’s shaping tools. Reading and studying His Word, growing up together, learning humility, expressing kindness sincerely, and looking to one another’s needs have been life lessons we have learned along the Way.

I am awed by what God has done through our marriage. Our sons are real people with real choices who know real acceptance by both their heavenly and earthly Fathers. They have great relationships with Colin and each other; of which I am amazed. These are results out of my hands people. I joke about holding up a sign that reads: Don’t Go This Way! and yet young people seek us out, asking for time with us to learn how to walk this life. Humbled is not a big enough word to express my feelings when a young woman asks me to meet for coffee. Tears of thankfulness to our good God stream down my cheeks as I write this.

There are at least a couple dozen reasons why this marriage should have crashed and burned at various points over these couple dozen years.

But God.

He has intervened again and again, saving, sanctifying, guiding and directing us back toward one another and upward to Him.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

3 Common Traps that Hold us Back

February 11, 2015 By Lisa Lewis

It has been far too long since I’ve written…

ever start a long overdue letter or email with that phrase?

You may have thought to write many times but just haven’t sat down to actually follow through.

That’s been me. Here. And other places too.

I’ve been wrestling and waiting…with myself mostly and for what exactly? I’m not sure.

But I decided I wanted to get some of this out of my head and onto the page.

I’ve been wrestling the thoughts of ‘not good enough’ and ‘you don’t matter’ for several months now. And I was actually getting ready to give into those lies.

But God had a different plan.

I listened to the IF:Gathering this weekend. And I was reminded why I write. Why I can’t help but write.

For far too long you and I have allowed three traps to catch hold of us and hinder us from being all that we truly are in this with God life. We compare, we criticize and we compartmentalize.

Trap #1: We Compare

We look out at the world and then look at ourselves. Most of the time we believe we’re not enough. Not good enough. Not smart enough, or talented enough or cute enough or…fill in the blank. The world doesn’t love you. It doesn’t love me. The world gives messages through media that reinforce our doubts and fears. So what’s a girl to do?

Instead of compare, LOVE. Allow love to come into your heart. The world doesn’t love you but God does. He knows your faults, limitations and loves you because you’re you. Not in spite of those things but because of them. The hard work is to believe God.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I call you Friend.

You are My Beloved.

Let those seep into the cracks of your broken heart; You are LOVED as you are. No need to compare.

Trap #2: We Criticize

I know we’re unique people but in talking with many women I have heard similar patterns that match up with my own thoughts and this second trap is common. We criticize ourselves and others. We tear down with hurtful words; sometimes only we hear them as we speak to our own thoughts. But the result is the same…not good enough. We get caught up in the critical trap and suddenly lash out and start using our words to tear down others too. Maybe to make ourselves feel better? Maybe to “help” someone grow? Neither reason fits with how God sees our words.

A harsh word stirs up anger…but a gentle answer turns away wrath.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in setting of silver.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice.

Instead of being caught in the Trap of Criticism, look for the good in the imperfection of life.

Trap #3 We Compartmentalize

Too often I find myself saying the words “if only” or “should” “ought” or “must”. I put myself and my circumstances into a box. It’s often the box labeled Perfectionism. All these words keep me from taking action. Keep me on the sidelines rather than actively in the game of Life. And while I’m compartmentalizing myself I do the same to others; putting them in a box of my own design. Too old. Too young. Too … (fill in the blank) And again, this trap is just that; a way of hindering my with -God life from being all that He offers me.

For freedom has Christ set us free; stand firm therefore and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

At the end of the IF Gathering we were asked what our next step of faith is.

Mine is to step forward with Courage…sharing gifts that He gives daily.

So in this step of courage, what Trap do you find yourself caught by most often? What step will you take to keep from being caught in the trap next time?

Family Fun Fridays: Camping Re-visited

September 19, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

It’s Friday. Maybe you’re exhausted from this first month of school. Maybe you’re excited about what you might do with your family as the fall is easing into view in the weather and on the calendar. Either way, I want to encourage you to think about getting outside with your littles and enjoying God’s beautiful gifts of Creation.

Whether you take them to the park, the beach, or the school playground, getting outdoors is an important part of childhood. Having adventures together as a family is fun and memorable.

We’re a camping family. Ever since the boys were babies we’ve camped. They loved to go up the coast into the redwoods. They loved to camp near the beach to go boogie boarding. They loved campfires (building and lighting, they’re boys after all) and especially loved the eventual s’mores.

We got the wild idea in the spring of 2001 that we should take the boys out of school (WHAT!!??) and camp around the country; giving them a taste of the grandeur and immensity of this nation. We planned for months! We taped a map on the wall and let the boys put map pins on the places they wanted to see. The Hubster and I added our own pins, too. We researched destinations and estimated costs; plotting a course that would circumnavigate the lower 48 states.

And we did it in this

This trip was pre-smart phone and google maps. We had a gps and a phone that would connect to the internet via dial up modem (ancient tech history) which worked 1 out of 10 times!

We camped on average 5 out of 7 days; stopping to visit family and friends around the country. We listened to music, sang songs, hiked beautiful trails, saw amazing vistas, met wonderful people and most of all, made memories. Seeing historic places first hand, rather than in books, made a huge difference in appreciation of what the Minutemen had to go through or why the battle at Gettysburg cost the lives of so many. Both of our sons grew up loving history; due in part to this trip of living history.

Like labor & delivery, there were hard parts but the good outweighed the bad. We got one speeding ticket (seriously? in a fully loaded VW?); had a few emotional meltdowns (mom hates wind, bridges and semi-trucks); but were blessed with no mechanical issues and almost a completely healthy trip (dad got an ear infection).

It wasn’t always neat and tidy

but the four of us managed to live in here and get along for the months of September and October of 2001. Our sons were 13 and 6. Yes, that is a 7 year gap. In school they wouldn’t have see one another; too many years between them. But on the road trip they learned together, had fun together, argued about space together, and learned to resolve conflict without being sent to their rooms. We read the Bible together, talked about God’s creativity as we witnessed so many different rock formations, rivers, trees, and people. He covered our trip with favor in the midst of one of our country’s greatest tragedies: the bombings of Sept. 11. We were drawn closer together as a family through the aftermath; we had just visited Mount Rushmore the night before and were headed east. We saw people of our country come together to pray in places you wouldn’t have imagined like the parking lot of the Mall of America in Minneapolis for a candlelight vigil. We went to church in places around the country and worshiped with strangers but didn’t feel strange. Our trip was unique for many reasons but the timing in history makes it standout to this day.

This scrapbook journal box says it all

You may not be ready to hit the road yet. Camping isn’t easy for everyone I know. I may not have convinced anyone to pack up right now, but I hope you’ll consider camping as an option for fun things to do with your family. Get together with another family as I mentioned in my earlier post. Go to a local county park so you’re close to home in case something happens that you feel you can’t handle (health issues, sleeping bag wetting, etc.). At least give it a try!

Do you have a success story to share? Encourage another family by commenting!