Thankfulness

Do You Wonder?

September 17, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Do you wonder?

How life can get so tangled up sometimes, how so many decisions, choices and deadlines can block your sense of Light on your path?

I do.

Sometimes I wonder how all the little ‘yes I’d be happy to’ and ‘yes I can help’ and yes I can do that’ end up in the same week as a sick child with a science fair project due.

Do you ever wonder about where all this is leading?

I do.

I’ve wondered if all the busy-ness is really valuable or if it is a disease of America (or addiction) that we over-commit ourselves right out of a peaceful present and into a frantic pace that leads to an empty soul.

We have other choices. They’re hard to make at first. To say ‘No’ takes courage. To say ‘No’ takes purpose. We can make different choices. They may not make us popular with the moms at school or with our bosses when they want to add more to an overflowing inbox or with our children who come to us with the bottomless pit of ‘but I need…’ It’s time to press the pause button on this pace of life.

Stop. Breathe.

Take a moment and look around you. Inside. Outside. Find one thing that you hadn’t noticed.

Whatever that one thing is, take this moment to give God thanks for that one thing.

We can be so busy running from this to that we neglect the Most Important task on our list: prayer.

Be still and know that I am God.

He is here, He is with you in your dashing about, He has promised NEVER to leave you or forget you.

We forget. He doesn’t.

But He does forgive…

and we are free to begin anew. Make a new choice. Take the time to breathe. To be renewed. To fill your soul with His encouragement of peace and joy in your present moments.

To wonder at a big audacious God who loves, forgives, equips and abides with us…because of LOVE.

Now that is something worth wonder!

I’m joining in with Holley Gerth today; won’t you stop by?

Musings on Monday

September 15, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Does the thought of Monday make your breathing shallow and your heart rate increase?

Another week packed with appointments, an over filled schedule that requires teleportation to fit it all in?

What if you tried something new, something that just might slow your heart rate and allow you to breathe in deeply?

Want to try?

Take a moment and gaze at this picture.

Now slowly read these words:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

Imagine you’re walking on this shore…

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore.
Slow down. Spend time musing over these words. Allow them to seep into your soul.
Make time for musing.
Mondays are good. So is every day. A coffee break at work or at lunch or during your child’s nap. You pick.
Allow yourself a few moments to slow down…
Reflect on what you’re thankful for, what you’re looking forward to, what in this present moment is relaxing you.
I’d love to hear how your musing goes.

Family Fun Fridays

September 12, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

A friend posted a parenting question on Facebook recently. “What do you like to do with your kids for FUN?”

I heard (or at least imagined) in her words a plea for something out of the ordinary. Something everyone would like. Something memorable.

Much of what moms do can be so ordinary: grocery shop, prepare meals (that get complaints), laundry, teach manners, teach pick up and put away (again and again and again), change diapers, clean up messes, clean up tiffs between siblings, repeat. Wanting to know what others do for fun made sense to me. When I was in the throes of parenting, I did not want to be the mom remembered for always being serious (“Oh I’m sorry you made that choice…”)

I also knew this Facebook friend was crowd sourcing (which is a great way to get a bunch of ideas all in one place) but her question gave me an idea for a Friday blog series; hence the title: Family Fun Fridays.

To start us off on this weekly venture I texted my sons (who are grown men in case you just dropped by) asking them what they remember of fun things we did together. Happily they quickly texted with favorites that made me smile. Number one for both of them? Camping.

Now before you throw your arms up and tell me you hate camping, please hear me out. I know that not all you parents grew up in families that camped, so lack of experience may keep you from it. You might think it’s an expensive way to get outdoors. It can be if you think you need every bell and whistle to be able to camp. I’ll say, Not Necessary. If you live in a city, getting out past the boundaries of crowded civilization will do all of you good. If you live near the great outdoors but haven’t gone camping as a family yet, give it a try!

Where else can you let your little boy do this?

(without worrying about how much the water costs?) Playing in water, dirt, sand, whatever, is a child’s slice of heaven. What great memories!

Here’s an idea, go camping with another family whose kids are near your kids ages. It’s a great way to share expenses, keep your kids entertained so you can rest a bit and get vitamin D for everyone!

Growing up, my parents always included another family in our camping trips. We went to Yosemite for two weeks one summer and Lake Tahoe for two weeks the next summer. My brother and I grew up with these kids. Their family lived in another part of our city so we only went to school with them once we got to high school, but by then it was so helpful to know someone in such a big school. But I digress…

If you’re worried about dirt conflicting with fashion, you can tell my mom managed to overcome the conflict. I on the other hand cleaned off in the river daily!

Remember, family fun is supposed to be out of the ordinary. Memorable. Camping certainly provides those two aspects. Where else can you do this with your kids?

In the midst of all the fun outdoors is the very real opportunity to look around at God’s Creation and appreciate the beauty He blessed us with and intends for us to enjoy.

This was my first camping trip at age 3. (please note all you dirt phobs; she’s wearing WHITE shorts) My early experiences with mountains and trees still cause me to pause, look up and give thanks to a great big God who made all this beauty.

Yes I grew up going camping so it was a natural thing to want to do with my own kids. But that didn’t mean I didn’t have to make a list of things to pack.

Camping can be simple. Try one weekend. Cereal for breakfast. Sandwiches for lunch. Mac n cheese for dinner. (jazz it up with peas and tuna!) S’mores for dessert!!

Borrow things before you invest to see if you really want to commit.

Go with another family who has other stuff like a tent, stove, lantern, etc.

Go. You may find you like it. You may also find that your children have memories of outdoor fun that will last a lifetime.

5 Messages I’ve Learned from Spiritual Whitespace

June 19, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

The words and ideas in Bonnie Gray’s new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace have worked their way into spaces inside me I didn’t realize were there. In the working I’ve learned a few messages (so far). 5 messages at this point that I am able to share.

1) Whitespace is vital

Look at this picture. It’s a classic example of the vital nature of whitespace in photography. If the clouds weren’t there and all you saw was a big blue sky you might miss the details in the photo. Whitespace provides contrast. Bonnie uses this vital idea in art in terms of our spiritual landscape as well. The contrast of whitespace to the over full landscape of our day can allow space for our soul to breathe. Whitespace is vital.

2) Spiritual Whitespace is playful

Right in the middle of this classic photo surrounded by lots of lighter space is my cat Tartar. Named for my high school mascot because he was born in the art teacher’s kiln (warm space right?) I brought the tiny kitten home at the end of summer school before my freshman year. He was playful and creative. Allowing whitespace in our lives gives us room to be playful and creative too. If we are only about the “to do list” and getting things done, there isn’t room for spontaneity and fun. Hanging out with Jesus outdoors, or with colored pencils, pens or paint can be an opportunity to connect with the imago dei that you bear. Considering ways to find spiritual whitespace for creativity is so often pushed away as frivolous. Is it?

3) Spiritual Whitespace is hope-filled

The path in this photo leads off into the distance…I know where it leads because I’ve been there, but you might not. Spiritual Whitespace allows the hope of Jesus to seep into your weary soul just like the fog is seeping over the edge of the mountains. Fog might not seem like a hope-filled thing but it actually provides a lot of moisture for coastal plants and a respite from too much heat. Our souls need to know that in rest from too much heat, of feeling burned out from too many demands, of feeling fried at the edges from too much busy-ness, there can be a renewal of our souls from weariness.

4) Finding Spiritual Whitespace is Daily

Reading Bonnie’s book is not a quick summer beach or vacation reading experience. It is not a light, frivolous read. That being said, it is however a beautiful invitation to care for your soul-Daily. Bonnie has created a set of actions; invitations, to pull up a chair and share. Her writing is so personal and transparent that it makes it easy just to be yourself with Jesus, if you make the time available.

God gives rhythms in His Creation that we often ignore in our contrived electronic filled beyond the margins existence. He created us with a need to come away with Him and rest. Do we hear and accept? Or dismiss and reject?

Finding Spiritual Whitespace is an invitation to choose…

5) Finding Spiritual Whitespace is a Journey

Jesus knew what His life was about: the redemption of humanity. His one goal was met at the Cross. He died the death each of us deserves because of our natural opposition to the holiness of God; opposition of allowing anyone but ourselves to be in charge of our lives. When we recognize that it is us, not the Jews of 2000 years ago that put Jesus on that Cross; when we feel the weight of our own life burdens without His help and influence; when we consider what our options are apart from Him in the very real present and future; we come face to face with why Jesus journeyed to the Cross.

Finding Spiritual Whitespace is a journey. Realigning our priorities and putting our calendars, our past, our present into an alignment of a with-God life is a journey. It is not a one and done event; finding spiritual whitespace is a daily journey to the heart of God who made your soul, and mine, to need rest. To need space for Him.

The most beautiful thing about Bonnie’s book? She is authentic and transparent with her journey; a beautiful model for each of us as we journey through this world. Are you on a journey toward God and rest for your soul on a daily basis? Or are you journeying on your own, worn down, bearing untold burdens from your past, pain in the present, without space to rest?

Join us, won’t you? Community is the place to share and grow.

3 Subtle Changes as You Rest

June 5, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Change in our souls can be subtle. So subtle that we may not even take notice for some time.

Come to think of it, change is often subtle with things like our weight loss or strength training or distance we can run/walk or gardening.

Hmmm…

We don’t see the changes even from one day to the next. Change can be so slow we forget to stay in the process. Or we give up because we don’t see any progress.

It’s counter intuitive to think that change happens when we rest.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that activity, action, production, achievement, progress are all gained by constant motion.

That’s a lie from the pit of Hell.

There. I said it.

So what is the opposite of constant motion and production?

Rest.

I’ve been reading a new book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, by Bonnie Gray of FaithBarista. That I am reading a new book is not surprising; I’m known for reading. And doing. And producing.

Not known for resting.

But I have gleaned 3 subtle changes (so far!) that happen when we rest.

1) Your trust level is challenged

Trust that whatever you are saying ‘No’ to will not cause the end of the world as you know it. I know that may sound ridiculous but what are the reasons you don’t say No more? For me it’s Fear. Fear of missing out. Fear of not being thought well of by others. Fear of being called lazy. Fear of letting someone down. All because of saying ‘No’ and taking care of my soul.

My trust level is challenged every time I choose soul rest over a task. It helps me to plan gaps of discretionary time in the day but schedules don’t always allow that luxury. Trusting that pushing the pause button won’t cause the end of the world is BIG. But so worth it. It’s getting easier over time, but the change is subtle.

2) Your ability to let go is called into question

We’ve all seen the bumper stickers ahead of us, “Let Go and Let God”. They may be so familiar that we respond with ‘yeah right’ because we believe “if it’s to be, it’s up to me.” This is the place where prioritizing rest, spiritual whitespace, really started poking me. Who else will go to the store for groceries? Who else will get _________ done if I don’t?

What if getting __________ done isn’t as important in the big scheme of things? (where God’s priorities are) What if I take the risk of letting that task go…for now…to allow my soul to listen to the still small voice for even a few moments? What if?

3) Your willingness to listen to Jesus’ invitation to rest is also brought out of the dusty recesses of your mind & heart

You may know this verse by heart, “Come to Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Knowing a verse by heart and living out the Truth are two very different things. I have been dusting off this memory verse and putting it into action.

All the doing in the world doesn’t give your soul much needed whitespace to breathe.

Whitespace comes when we push the pause button on activity and give our souls a chance to SLOW DOWN.

Change happens subtly…

one pause at a time to give your soul a chance to breathe…

Who knows? You might be grown into a beautiful picture of Jesus at work in you and through you, to His creation, His children who need to know Him through you.

This book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, is challenging, encouraging, hopeful and personal. Bonnie has shared her story courageously; that we may step forward in our stories as well. She invites us to pull up a chair and share…won’t you join the conversation?

Linking up today with FaithBarista over here:

Learning to Ask for Help

May 2, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Is it easy for you? To ask for help I mean.

It’s not easy for me.

I was brought up with the mindset that you take care of yourself. It’s great to help others but not great to need help.

Sayings like

“God helps those who help themselves.”

(Not in the Bible. Therefore, not Biblical.)

Or the American West adage: “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” were often repeated by adults in my hearing.

Sometimes it’s good for me to remember not all sayings are valuable all the time. (although this ME illustration might always be helpful!)

An early memory of what to expect when I was needy: sometime between the ages of 4 and 7 I fell down and skinned both my knees really badly. My mom was busy dealing with my younger brother (who was 4 years younger than me) and she told me that the Bactine and Band aids were in the bathroom. I remember thinking two things: I was supposed to take care of stuff myself and my mom liked my brother better. (irrational thinking but an imprint nonetheless)

So each time I have needed the help of others in my life (which have been many) I have to battle the internal dialog telling me the wrong things about the fact that I need help.

Anybody else? Raise your hand! (Or let me know in the comments.)

Truth is we all need help. And asking others to help invites real connection. If I’m honest with what I am dealing with, my honesty gives you permission to be honest with others, too. That’s a good thing.

So here goes: I need your help. I actually really want your help. I’m not just saying this.

I have been working on three different writing projects for awhile now and have come to the place where I want to step forward to complete one. What a novel concept! Finish what you start? Who would have thought that has value? (heavy sarcasm here)

Here are the 3 projects: a memoir using sea glass as the metaphor; a devotional using gardening as the metaphor; a Bible study of Romans 12.

I want to know what you would like to read. I need to hear from you.

I plan to integrate my blog posts as part of my focus on one writing project. Your help in getting me to focus will be greatly appreciated.

Here’s how you can help specifically:

1. Take this private survey to help me know what you like to read. No one but me will see the answers and the results come to me anonymously.

2. Write a comment at the end of this post. Tell me which idea you like best: sea glass; gardening or Bible study. Again, if you tell me please don’t publish your comment I won’t.

3. Connect with me through email lisa@learningalongtheway.com

4. Leave a comment on the facebook page.

I am thankful for each one of you who read this blog. No matter where you live. Thank you.

I am learning to ask for help. Won’t you take a few minutes?

Why is Good Friday Good?

April 17, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Four years ago I wrote a post with this title. You might be interested to look back at it here.

This is still a question that resonates within me; a question that you may wonder about as well. There is so much more to say than what I shared before.

Why is Good Friday Good? How is the excruciating, violent, prolonged suffering of One man good? Isn’t it morbid to focus on the blood and gore that Jesus of Nazareth went through? Isn’t this annual tradition just a little out dated in the era? I am no theologian, or Bible scholar or historian. I know people who are. I have listened to them, read their writings and mulled over all the implications on my life, on your life, on all our lives. I have come to one conclusion.

Before Christ got to the Cross there was Love. Love poured out to His followers in many ways: teaching, compassionate acts, healing, bread and wine, washing filthy feet, and most of all: prayer.

So much love demonstrated to them. For us. To us.

The lyrics from Stuart Townend’s song that I posted four years ago still bring me to tears. How deep the Father’s Love for us, how vast beyond all measure…

Why is Good Friday Good?

Because of Love.

Of willing sacrifice.

Of suffering that I, that you, that we, will never have to endure in eternity future.

We are not without suffering here; the momentary “light affliction” that we go through in this very real 24/7 life we are living presently does have physical, emotional and sometimes spiritual suffering. But our eternity future has been secured by the extreme suffering Christ endured for us. We deserve separation from God because we broken, imperfect humans fall short of His holiness and perfection and miss the mark completely. But God…

Because of Love. Because of the willing sacrifice that Jesus Christ offered for our sin payment. Because of all the brutality He endured, His excruciating physical, emotional and spiritual pain.

We are free.

That’s why Good Friday is Good.

No matter how hard it is right this minute to deal with the pain your body is experiencing, Christ knows your pain and loves you in it.

No matter how dark the emotional fog of depression is right this minute, Christ knows your deep emotional pain and loves you in it.

No matter the wayward husband, the wayward child, the addiction, the shame, no matter.

He loves you right in it.

His death on the Cross over 2000 years ago wasn’t just a point in history to be remembered by theologians, Bible scholars and historians. His death makes all the difference for me. And it can make all the difference for you, too.

It’s still foolishness to those who don’t believe. To those who claim His sacrificial payment by faith in Jesus Christ, there is somber reflection on Good Friday and rejoicing and celebration at the remembrance of His resurrection this Sunday.

The question isn’t why. The question is Will you let the Love that motivated Good Friday be Good for you too?

Today I am linking up with Faith Barista over here.

What Seems Slow

March 18, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

What do you remember about hard things you’ve had to go through?

We really don’t remember actual pain. Our brains protect us from that portion of experience. Thankfully!

We remember hard things differently. They are tiring. Or challenging. Or exhausting. Or wounding. Most of the time we don’t want to repeat them.

Some things we go through aren’t hard emotionally as much as physically tiring or demanding. Like parenting toddlers/preschoolers. You wonder if they will ever get out of diapers. Or sleep through the night. Or give up their pacifier. Or not be such a picky eater. Or. Or. Or.

I want to stop for a moment to encourage you: it is not going to stay that way.

Sometimes our memories allow us to look back at hard things with a softened view; a redeemed perspective perhaps.

What seems slow and never ending actually was going by at a regular pace but for some reason we perceived it as long and slow.

This is a grandfather tree. In our little family it is THE grandfather tree. We discovered this tree one morning in 1997 on the walk from the dining hall to childcare at Mt Hermon Family Camp.

Why Grandfather? As a former elementary teacher, I had (still have, ahem) a lot of children’s books. We had read a book called the Grandpa Tree. It’s an actual phenomenon: as a tree grows, young trees sprout up around it from the cones or seed pods it drops. A few withstand the harshness of winters and winds sheltered by the older tree. Those few grow in a circle around the tree. You can find these in many forests.

This is the circle of redwoods surrounding the Grandfather Tree. I stood within this circle many mornings (and afternoons and evenings) while our youngest enjoyed climbing up and then down into the stump of the Grandfather Tree. And up and around and jumping off of and climbing up again. I’d like to remember all those moments as precious but I know reality. I wasn’t always playful and patient. I wanted to connect with my friends. Or get a coffee. Or just be by myself. Sometimes the slow repeated ritual was lost on me. But not on our son. He was an active guy. Both in physical as well as imaginative ways. He wanted me to climb up and get into the trunk too. To listen and hide. To imagine we were being chased. To play hide and seek from his brother. Lots of action around this Grandfather Tree.

It’s the growler on the right I’m referring to.

Those days seemed so long and slow and hard as I did toddler/preschooler duty. What was I in such a rush about anyway?

Those redwood trees didn’t hurry up and grow tall. They took the right amount of time. God’s time. It may seem long and slow in the moment but that’s just one perspective.

From where I stood this last weekend, back under the circle of redwoods surrounding the Grandfather Tree, that childhood flew by.

Now we long for time to slow down. To stand still. But it doesn’t. And it won’t for you either. So we are left with the present moments to pay attention and treasure. That is all. Pay attention.

I looked closely at the Grandfather Tree this past weekend. I noticed some details I didn’t remember. It had offered a way into enjoying time there:

A natural place to step on up to enjoy a seat. It’s as if many feet had made a way to share the space over many years. I wondered: How am I inviting others into my life? Do I make myself available to spend time together? Am I welcoming? Comfortable?

Something else I noticed as I studied the Grandfather Tree

Not only had it raised up its seedlings into full grown trees, there was still life within the stump. New growth. Evidence of a continuing purpose and renewal. That was comforting to me.

Of course it made me wonder: How am I evidencing new life and growth? Am I seeking to deepen my roots, to reach the necessary source of Life?

If you’re in the season with Littles still underfoot, this may seem whimsical and ridiculous because you are stretched thin from the very real demands of your 24/7 job of Mom. There is an end to all this. And trust me, when it comes you won’t be ready for it. Learn to take littles breaks within your day so that you can develop the habit of being present to them in the moments you’re on duty. Rest. Breathe. Refresh.

If you’re not yet a mom, use this season to grow deep roots so you’re ready for the demanding times ahead. Whether or not you are ever called upon to be a Mom, we need deep roots to withstand the storms of life.

And, if you’re in the season of looking back, what are you doing to continue to deepen your roots? To be inviting and sheltering to the youngers around you?

Please share your ideas; we all need encouragement!

Oh and if you’re so inclined, this is the lovely children’s book that we used to read that helped give The Grandfather Tree it’s name!

Back & Forth Living

March 11, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Some days are easier than others to live life joyfully.

Great things happen. A friend comes to visit. Lots of laughter & deep conversation. Lots of considering it all joy when we encounter various trials.

Wait! What?

Yep. Consider it all joy. ALL JOY.

This was my view in our front yard last year.

When I look back too longingly I can get mired in melancholy. Woe is me don’t you feel sorry for me?

Well don’t. And neither do I. Yes this year has been a series of challenges that sometimes have challenged me just past what I thought I would ever be able to tolerate but I didn’t break. Or shrivel up & die. I certainly don’t want to be a tasteless pillar; immovable and unwilling to let go like Lot’s wife. I didn’t quit moving forward. And I’m here to tell you you can carry on too.

This life is hard. So many things don’t go the way we planned. There are disappointments. There are losses. And the very real pain that comes along with both. I truly believe we benefit greatly by being real with our pain. But even more important is that we get real with God and ask Him to use this pain for others’ good and His glory.

This is my new view. Same ladder. It was my grandfather’s. A connection with the past that I look back on with great joy and thankfulness in many ways. It’s also a bridge into moving forward; gardening is something that I HAVE to do. I must play in the dirt or I will shrivel up and die. (Not really but it sounds nice and dramatic. I’m the only girl around here…)

Moving forward, taking action, planting to grow are all symbolic of change. There is really only One that doesn’t change. All the rest of this existence changes. So getting to spend time with Him in whatever Way helps you connect with Him best is vital for your soul to thrive. Hanging out with God is vital for my soul too. My time of deep connection is in the outdoors. I am a Naturalist.

I still read the Word. Daily. I study and memorize passages. I love to share with others what connections I see. I am reminded of what I am passionate about: pouring into the lives of those who are younger than me.

That’s what back & forth living is really about for me. Looking back at what God has done; through history and my history. Looking forward to what He will do as He has promised. But also connecting the dots in the here and now while He is very present in our lives.

Back & Forth. So good. Join me?

Stumble in the Right Direction

March 4, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

I had the distinct privilege of talking on the phone this morning with a dear friend and prayer partner. I call it a distinct privilege on purpose. It’s always fun to talk with her; we laugh and I cry (I do that easily, ask anyone who knows me well) and we give and receive encouragement. So why was today’s conversation a “distinct privilege”?

It was distinct: clear, certain, emphatic

She had some very specific clear communication for me as my dear friend. She knows my heart and she knows my gifts/talents/skills and she knows where I am prone to fall.

She said clearly in response to my awareness of a need I would be skilled and experienced to fill: “that is a mud pit you don’t want to fall into.”

Distinct.

When I went on to share a bit about what I’ve been up to since we last spoke, she responded with more: “you are in a good place. You’re stumbling in the right direction.”

That statement caused me to grab a pen and write it on an envelope (the closest piece of paper at hand before I lost the words!)

Stumbling in the right direction.

We do stumble at times don’t we? We want to make a change, or do a creative project, or make a new friend. But things happen, sometimes out of our control and sometimes because of us. The change is harder than we thought. The project doesn’t work. The person we hoped to be a new friend we discover isn’t really a good fit.

Stumble.

A stumble isn’t a fall. There is hesitancy. There is the recognition of fear of falling and of embarrassment. But the motion of stumbling is usually moving you in the same direction you were originally going.

So stumbling in the right direction implies you were heading the right way in the first place. Which of course begets the question:

Do you know where you’re heading?

It seems like I have been in the business of answering that question for 7 years! But the process of coming to an answer has really been the evidence of ‘stumbling in the right direction.’ The fact that this process has taken me 7 years might say different things to different people, but for me the theme of these seven years has been clarity.

I have spent time asking God and family and friends, to help me find clarity. Help me see connections between experiences, talents, skills and gifts. How best to make use of those connections. I started a blog. Way back in 2007 when I turned 50! This is actually my 3^rd blog (the other two archives are connected here if you’re curious)

I became a Life Coach in 2009 as a connection of e.t.s.&g. (see above) I love listening and asking questions of my clients, helping them connect the dots in their lives.

I am speaking to women in mentoring roles and in front of groups as opportunities present themselves. I really love speaking encouragement to women!

I am writing. Not as much on paper as I have in my head to say but I am writing. Especially in my journal.

Through these actions I have gained clarity. I know why I am here. (at least at this moment!)

I found clarity in connecting a dot from a long time ago; so long ago, it was almost forgotten. It is actually a question for all of us:

What is the chief end of man? (think humanity here)

To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Yeah yeah, grown up Sunday school answer right? Not at all.

Sit with me here for a moment.

If all of my moments are given as a gift from God, then thanking Him for those moments brings Him glory. He gets the credit. Not me. So being thankful for even the hard, yucky stuff we all go through at one point or another, is half of the main purposewe are here.

The other half? It’s

linked to life itself—enjoying God forever. Not in forever. Right here. Right now. And it’s linked to thankfulness.

In everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

In my stumbling in the right direction, I stumbled upon an old maxim which is bedrock. The first question in The Westminster Catechism.

Which brings me round to why I said my conversation with my friend this morning was a ‘distinct privilege’. She is a gift of God to many. Her friendship and wisdom is refreshing. We all need people like this in our lives on as regular a basis as we can make time for. And we all need to thank God for the privilege that true friendship really is. A distinct privilege.

Two things for you to consider:

Where are you heading? Are you stumbling in the right direction? Into the arms of a loving God who gives good and perfect gifts?

Who are the friends with whom you have the distinct privilege of relating? How can you encourage them today?

Please share your thoughts; all your comments are moderated so if it’s too private for public reading, let me know and I won’t publish it here. I’d love to hear from you!

Do You Wonder?

Musings on Monday

Family Fun Fridays

5 Messages I’ve Learned from Spiritual Whitespace

3 Subtle Changes as You Rest

Learning to Ask for Help

Why is Good Friday Good?

What Seems Slow

Back & Forth Living

Stumble in the Right Direction

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