Learning Along The Way

#1 Investment Strategy for Parents

September 11, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

Our economy is based on investments. Short term vs long term; high vs low yield. Where is the best place to put your money? The answers vary; they depend on who you’re talking to, who you’re listening to. With so many voices it’s hard to know what is truly best. That can be scary when you’re a young family saving for college, or an individual trying to make wise investments for the future. So many variables; so many ideas.

Financial investment strategies are valuable but don’t have the long term pay off parents truly need. You are wise to plan and save; there is no doubt about that. But what legacy will you leave your family beyond the material? What is the #1 investment strategy for parents?

I heard a great message on Tuesday from Sue Donaldson. She spoke to a group of moms about A Mother’s Legacy. Sue spoke with humor and wit but also interjected thoughts to ponder.

It caused me to reflect on my own sons and wondered what I have left for them. Interestingly, within an hour of driving away from the event, each of my sons called me to touch base and ask me for something. Prayer.

It dawned on me that God was showing me what my legacy will be for them…that I was a praying momma.

What a humbling thing, to be shown how one is seen.

I wasn’t always a woman of prayer. I was a woman of worry, fear and mistrust. I lived by ‘if it’s to be it’s up to me’ for so many years.

But God…

gave me sweet opportunities to learn from His Word as I sat rocking these baby boys. He taught me to lift up my worries to Him. To ask Him for favor, for their salvation, physical safety, development of their minds. He gave me words to pray back to Him like those at the end of

Psalm 91:14-16. I have prayed with each of their names inserted where the pronouns are:

“Because (he) has loved Me, therefore I will deliver (him); I will set (him) securely on high, because (he) has known My name.

(He) will call upon Me, and I will answer (him); I will be with (him) in trouble; I will rescue (him), and honor (him).

With a long life I will satisfy (him) and let (him) behold My salvation.”

He gave me a sense of purpose to spend the quiet times like those lifting up my dreams of who these babies would one day be, of the men they would grow into many years in the future. I developed the practice of using my laundry time to pray for the 10 year old feet who wore the once white socks; to pray for the arms that would go stronger over time, that they would become the men God desires them to be.

Now they are men. One is married to a beautiful, Christ-following woman. She was prayed for long before he met her. They serve God in His kingdom building purposes as church planters in Utah. The other son is in college, a sophomore Gator at UF, 3000 miles away.

I miss them. A lot. But God…

is with them, in them and guiding them in the lives He has planned for them.

Just as this simple momma asked Him again and again.

My prayers are not my prayers alone. The One Who answers is also the One Who leads us to come be with Him in the quiet place where our soul can breathe out the burdens and worries and breathe in His peace in return.

God has taught me to rest in Him. He has got these babies/boys/men.

Trusting God. Talking with Him about everything. What a gift that He gave me years ago; the gift of prayer.

A gift of investment. Of time, of heart, of hope. You deposit your meager prayers like I did.

Ask Him. He longs to hear your words, pleas, worries and fears. He will transform those investments (and you!) over time.

It is your #1 investment strategy that will pay huge dividends both now and eternity future!

“We’re in this Together”: Words from an Encourager

September 5, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

There are few things I love to do daily. In this short list is read. Book lined shelves grace each room in our home. The overflow books live in the garage; still accessible, waiting to be pulled down again. Old books, new books. Living authors and those who have gone ahead. Making time to read is vital for me. Words inspire. They instruct. Words shape my thoughts and imaginations. Often I am drawn to words written to encourage.

One author I count on for encouraging words is Holley Gerth. Holley is an encourager. She writes as if she is sitting across the table speaking words of comfort: “We’re in this together”.

When I received my copy of her latest book, What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days, I grabbed my own red & white polka dot cup, filled it with coffee and dove in with great anticipation. I was not disappointed.

Holley has used portions of the Psalms to pen 52 unique, encouraging illustrations of 52 Truths. Each one points our hearts to God who loves us best. Every entry title begins with “God…”. Each one ends with a personal prayer that Holley calls “What my heart is saying to You”. She also has included a space for you to write a response which is called “What my heart is hearing from You”.

Now mind you, lots of people write and say encouraging things. Or at least they mean for them to be encouraging. Sometimes the timing is off; especially on the hard days. That’s what is so meaningful about Holley’s writing; she is honest about hard days. You won’t find her telling you to simply pray harder or keep a stiff upper lip. Holley is real with struggles to trust God, to find joy in tough circumstances. But her honesty doesn’t point us to our circumstances; she points us to the Truth. Acknowledging the hard and embracing the Truth. What a beautiful combination.

I wasn’t far into the book before I sighed aloud over what I read:

You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. Psalm 10:17

I have felt afflicted. Haven’t you? Holley writes: “When the day seems difficult, when you’re weary, when you feel like a failure…God is encouraging you.” She speaks honestly about many very real issues: depression, limiting beliefs about God, how we’re prone to criticism of ourselves and others, and in each hard topic she points us to God’s Word in the Psalms.

Such comfort.

Such encouragement.

I know sometimes it’s hard to receive encouragement. Being in a hard place can be so dark a little bit of light is hard on the eyes (or ears). Holley makes the Light practical not preachy. In #32 God Will Ease Your Anxiety she explains the physiology of how our bodies respond to anxiety and joy. Not in a heady science way but simply the practical stuff. And she points us to God. “God doesn’t take us from anxiety to calm. He can actually take us from anxiety to joy. How does he do that? Truth can switch the track in our minds. When we remember what God says, we change courses from thoughts that lead to anxiety to those that can instead lead to emotions like courage and even celebration.” Practical. Encouraging.

Reading Holley’s words I imagine hearing her warm, soft voice speaking them to me. She is an author who writes in her own voice. I had the privilege of hearing her speak encouraging words at She Speaks 2013. Holley is as sincere in person as she is in her writing.

Her latest project is available now. Get two copies. One for a friend and one for yourself.

It’s what your heart needs for the hard days.

“What draws people to be friends is that they see the same truth. They share it.”
― C.S. Lewis

2 Women Who Encourage the Masses

August 21, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

I have been on an unadvertised blogging break for two months. The time has been spent reading & learning (I can’t help myself!). Of course there have also been great times with the Hubster, our two sons & one dear daughter-in-love at different times during the summer, but most often I’ve spent a lot of alone time reading & learning.

There are two women who consistently have crossed my daily electronic path and I think everyone needs to know about them if you don’t already. And if you do, give a shout out here to help others know them too!

I’m talking about Christine Caine and Holley Gerth. I’m not sure if they’ve made one another’s acquaintance but I read their words of encouragement daily. And I am either challenged or blessed or both!

Christine is daily posting on Instagram, writes a blog, has a weekly podcast called Coffee with Chris and has a new book just out titled Unstoppable. She is a passionate voice pointing us to Kingdom work in whatever manner God has called you. Google her name; you won’t be disappointed.

Holley Gerth is also a writer, encourager and fellow coffee afficiando. Her blog is called Coffee for your Heart. Holley is a generous creative person who freely shares wonderful graphics like this one:

Holley is a gifted encourager. It’s what she does. I have been blessed so many times in receiving her Instas or reading her blog. Google Holley Gerth and believe me you won’t be disappointed.

Yes maybe part of the reason I have been encouraged by both of these women is that they love coffee as much as I do. But more important than coffee (is that possible?!) is that these 2 Women have been given a platform for Kingdom building. They each faithfully step forward moment by moment and they share their journeys in a way that has helped my own.

I know God has plans for each of us to be involved in His mission and vision and His plans will prevail. Do you know what your part is? Are you stepping forward? Or are you searching, discerning or just waiting on the sidelines?

For I know the plans I have for you declares The Lord…

Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

God is at work. Join in what He’s doing in your part of the world. I’d love to hear what you’re up to!

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:

How Do You Like to Enjoy a Quiet Moment?

June 2, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

It’s day 2 of 21 Days of Rest. I love Bonnie’s question for today: How do like to enjoy a quiet moment?

It’s been here. At low tide. In the mornings. Alone with Jesus.

Now it’s here

Reflecting with Him on all that He has been doing in me this past year.

It has been a hard journey of letting go.

But my quiet, soul rest moments, below the surface of my circumstances, have been sweet and renewing.

He makes all things new.

A verse that He gave me to cling to in the quiet is Isaiah 43:19 : ” Behold I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”

There have been many wilderness moments this past year. Many times I cried out to Him ‘I do believe! Help me in my unbelief!’ like the father in Mark 9. I wanted to see with eyes of faith that He was doing something new in our lives and especially in my heart.

I have kept bumping up against old tapes telling me I have no value since I am not producing anything. My worth was always tied to my achievement. And then once achieved, the bar was raised to new heights, always just beyond the grasp of loved for who I am.

Jesus whispers to me: You are my beloved. AS you ARE. You are enough because you are Mine.

The clash of internals.

His Words of love, encouragement and acceptance. The voice of the one supposed to love me telling me not good enough.

This 21 Days of Rest is a beautiful capstone to the year of letting go and looking forward to the roadway in the wilderness of my heart, the river of Life in the desert of my soul.

Join in and share or simply read others’ words of rest.

21 Days of Rest: Finding #SpiritualWhitespace Day 1

June 1, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

The first time I saw this beautiful invitation I cried. Tears of disbelief actually.

My head knows the Truth that is written. My heart sees glimpses of the Truth that can be lived. But to simply rest in that Truth? Without being busy justifying my existence?

This is a new way of being. I am trying to learn. And it’s not easy undoing a lifetime of perfectionism. I need help. Maybe you do too.

This is the first of June. Every day for the first 21 days, Bonnie of Faith Barista, will be serving a prompt to for us to ponder. An invitation to be with Jesus as He invites us everyday:

“Come to Me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Whether you blog, journal or simply write your thoughts on slips of paper the prompt will be an invitation to slow down, talk with Jesus and rest in Him.

This is not an invitation to figure out what Bible study to do next, or on what committee to serve, or whatever your doing looks like. This is an invitation from Jesus to be.with.Him.

We can find the whitespaces inside us to rest together with Jesus. (from the introduction Finding Spiritual Whitespace; Awakening Your Soul to Rest)

I’ll be blogging here as well as journaling in this beautiful book created by my friend Holly Beals.

Holly creates beautiful images and makes them accessible to us through cards, journals (like this beauty) through her etsy site. She also is committed to ending human trafficking so she donates a portion of every sale to this cause.

And the other book in the picture? Why that’s Bonnie’s new book that is available this week!!!! You’ll be hearing more from me about the beauty of finding spiritual whitespace in the days to come. I’ve had the privilege of spending time here

reading, pondering and journaling my experiences in finding spiritual whitespace.

I can honestly say this is a book that epitomizes Proverbs 25:11.

Jesus will meet you in the pages of Finding Spiritual Whitespace as Bonnie tells her own journey and invites us to pull up a chair and share.

It’s almost summer. Don’t you feel a need for a different routine? 21 days of rest to take you to the official first day of summer. Now that sounds amazing to me!

Want to join?

It’s easy! Click on this image and you’ll go to her site where you can learn more. I hope you’ll share here too!

Soul Thoughts to Ponder (again!)

May 21, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

“Come to Me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My load is light.” Jesus

What is very appealing in these words of Jesus is the idea of rest, rest for my soul. Twice He mentions this idea. It is easy to picture my physical self coming to Jesus, laying down a physical burden like a backpack and then being at rest. But I don’t think that is all He means because Jesus says “rest for your soul”.

How do I come with my soul burdens and receive rest? How do you?

What are the burdens of my soul? And yours?

“Search me O God and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” David from Psalm 139 NLT

There is a wonderful book, recently published, that delves into what soul rest really is. Bonnie Gray of Faith Barista is the author. I am only through the introduction and the first two chapters and already I am underlining and writing quotes and personal reflections in my journal. There will be much more written in weeks to come. In the meantime, buy her book. You won’t regret it.

We need rest. We long for rest. He offers us rest. Join Him.

Also, for fun I am linking up today with my friend Sue over at Welcome Heart. She is a great encourager from the Word as well…O taste & see Tuesdays (a day late but worth the wait!?)

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?

3 Vital Statistics Learned (in)RL

April 30, 2014 By Lisa Lewis

It may be Wednesday but my mind keeps circling around to this past weekend. Does that ever happen for you?
The images and words are floating around like an undercurrent below the surface of the everyday life I’ve led these three days since the weekend. As they have been drifting around in my head, I recognized this morning the thoughts focused on 3 vital statistics that I learned from the (in)RL conference.

1. Time alone with Jesus is a precious commodity

2. Having an authentic community takes intentional investment

3. Being in community is both risky and messy

Let me unpack these a bit.

1. Time alone with Jesus is a precious commodity
I am in the season of post parenting or commonly referred to as ‘the empty nest’. This season is full of possibilities as well as the bittersweet. Letting go of what was must happen in order to be open to whatever may come. Being ok with the unknown happens when you know the One who holds the future. And, like any relationship, it is only as strong and vibrant as the time you invest. I have to get real with Jesus to let Him have influence in my life. The same is true for you.

What time priorities can you re-arrange to make time with Jesus the priority? Notice I didn’t say ‘quiet time’ or ‘Bible study’ only. Those are methods of getting to know Jesus and they are important. I’m talking about inviting Him into your life, your consciousness, within your day. Making Him a time priority.

2. Having an authentic community takes intentional investment
If you’ve stopped by the blog before you know I’m new to the area where we’re currently living. One of the things I saw through the stories of the women interviewed for (in)RL was having an authentic community takes intentional investment. I could continue to whine to my hubster or to Jesus or to longtime friends OR I could be intentional about making investment in this new area. I had that beautifully modeled for me this past Sunday when I went to another church we hadn’t yet visited. I made myself go up to the Welcome Center to introduce myself, telling about my relocation and lack of community. God met me there through the gracious and warm welcome of the woman whose turn it was that day to ‘welcome’ visitors. In my telling a bit of my search for community, she asked for my contact info because she wanted to connect with me to talk more. Later that evening she emailed me and we made a date to walk and get to know each other. Yesterday’s walk and talk was balm to my needy soul.

3. Being in community is both risky and messy
Newsflash: People are broken and messed up! And so are you! There isn’t a place where all the people are emotionally and spiritually mature. Everyone has some type of issue to work through. And we’re all in process. Now that I’ve burst your bubble of plastic-smile-everything’s-fine-Christian-life, what do we do with this information? We have a choice. We can continue to hide our real life from others and pretend we have it altogether or we risk being vulnerable. Being in community is both risky and messy. Hearing what really is going on in someone’s life requires something of you. Investment in their well-being. And that brings on the messy and the risk. You could get burned. Or hurt. The same is true of you sharing your real stuff. You could be rejected or ridiculed or judged or … But the real life you live is vital to God and in His hands can be used for His glory and others’ good.

This life is hard. Our stories matter. Your story is needed in the community where you are right now. In this community right here. So many of you as readers don’t take the time to connect here. Your thoughts and responses can help others who stop by here too. I see them all before approving them so even in your comment you can ask me not to publish it and I won’t. But connection in community in real life is more important than a comment on a blog.

Where are you investing? Where are you risking being vulnerable?

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