I am sure many of you have been spending time out in the beautiful weather lately. I just can't sit inside on a day like today. Something just pulls me outside. I love trees. I love to just sit and look up and watch the leaves go back and forth against the blue sky. I cannot tell you how calming that is to me.
It reminded me of the last entry in Walking with God in the fall section - "Hawks". I love how John connects with God in nature. The hawks seem to draw his gaze upward and draw his perspective up out of the mundane. The last part reads...Remember, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it." (Psalm 24:1) God is speaking to us all the time. Sometimes He uses words. Other times He uses dreams. And He loves to use the ever-changing, unfolding beauty, drama, and presence of His creation.
So take a moment to slow down these next few days and celebrate - summer is here. Take a deep breath and look around. You might be surprised.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Remain in Me
Hi all,
It is funny how this whole book is about slowing down and listening to God and that is the exact opposite of the way I am living. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster and it keeps going, not stopping at the gate. I hope you have been enjoying "Walking with God" and that it has been challenging to you whether we are blogging or emailing or not. All is to stay I am still interested in dialoguing with you if you are still interested.
I am not much further in my reading. I am in the "fall" section and I just can't seem to get past "A Sanctified Life" on page 89. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." Jesus said (John 15:4) A simple command it seems. And yet, we overlook it.
Here is the part that has my attention. "I want two things that are mutually opposed – I want to live a nice little life, and I want to play an important role in God's kingdom. And yet it's in those times that I am trying to live a nice little life that I make decisions and choices that cause me in small subtle ways to live outside of Jesus. The Shepherd is headed one direction, and I am headed another. Not to some flagrant sin - that's too easy to recognize. Instead, I'm simply wandering off looking for the pasture I deem best. I don't even think to ask God about it."
I have to admit it bums me out when he says they are mutually opposed. Why? Why can't I have both. Ahhhhh! I am not sure I want to go there. It is scary to think how much of my week is spent in decisions and choices that show I want to live a nice little life. Where do I even begin. Starting with my expectations of my kids in that they should be able to do it all and do it well, to how I choose to spend my free time, to my overspending at Costco and the list goes on. I like to have a nice little life. I guess I just thought it was normal that I could do the nice life thing and be fully committed to Jesus at the same time. There are so many areas of my life that I never ask God about. If you continue reading that section (p. 89-92) it talks about how we just want to be normal. It is hard to stop in the midst or our days and ask God what He thinks. So my prayer is that we learn to remain in Him daily. I do like that he knows it is hard. Makes me feel like He understands and almost is saying "I know this is hard but there is a better way to live." I encourage you to read it - Eldredge explores this idea even more. It got my attention - I would love to hear your thoughts.
It is funny how this whole book is about slowing down and listening to God and that is the exact opposite of the way I am living. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster and it keeps going, not stopping at the gate. I hope you have been enjoying "Walking with God" and that it has been challenging to you whether we are blogging or emailing or not. All is to stay I am still interested in dialoguing with you if you are still interested.
I am not much further in my reading. I am in the "fall" section and I just can't seem to get past "A Sanctified Life" on page 89. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." Jesus said (John 15:4) A simple command it seems. And yet, we overlook it.
Here is the part that has my attention. "I want two things that are mutually opposed – I want to live a nice little life, and I want to play an important role in God's kingdom. And yet it's in those times that I am trying to live a nice little life that I make decisions and choices that cause me in small subtle ways to live outside of Jesus. The Shepherd is headed one direction, and I am headed another. Not to some flagrant sin - that's too easy to recognize. Instead, I'm simply wandering off looking for the pasture I deem best. I don't even think to ask God about it."
I have to admit it bums me out when he says they are mutually opposed. Why? Why can't I have both. Ahhhhh! I am not sure I want to go there. It is scary to think how much of my week is spent in decisions and choices that show I want to live a nice little life. Where do I even begin. Starting with my expectations of my kids in that they should be able to do it all and do it well, to how I choose to spend my free time, to my overspending at Costco and the list goes on. I like to have a nice little life. I guess I just thought it was normal that I could do the nice life thing and be fully committed to Jesus at the same time. There are so many areas of my life that I never ask God about. If you continue reading that section (p. 89-92) it talks about how we just want to be normal. It is hard to stop in the midst or our days and ask God what He thinks. So my prayer is that we learn to remain in Him daily. I do like that he knows it is hard. Makes me feel like He understands and almost is saying "I know this is hard but there is a better way to live." I encourage you to read it - Eldredge explores this idea even more. It got my attention - I would love to hear your thoughts.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Rest is a weapon
(After this "Reset" journey that so many of you all are in, we will move further in our book. I don't want us to feel like we have to juggle 2 journeys as the same time.) For those of you in need of rest, you may want to read further...
Have you ever had a time where you were completely exhausted - almost burned out? Not just physically but mentally as well? That was me earlier this week. I was not sure what to do with myself. I found myself all balled up, hiding under a blanket. That is a posture you may want to pay attention to. It is not too often I hide in the fetal position. I started to beat myself up and say "What kind of person hides like this?" Yes, I had a lot going on in the last week but I was surprised the level of exhaustion I was feeling. After a day of going through the motions, because how many of us with our busy lives can just stay put on the couch, I started to ask the Lord, "What is going on?" All I heard was "RETREAT" I knew exactly what He meant. I knew it wasn't the noun "retreat." He was telling me to "retreat," the verb. I know many of us don't give ourselves permission to rest. Our society looks down upon it. I remembered some great words I had heard from Graham Cooke a few years back. "Rest is a weapon."
So guess what I did. I did not get all the laundry done. I did not get all my design work done. My family ate frozen Trader Joes meals for a few nights. (thank God for Trader Joes!) and luckily my appointments I had previously made did not show up. At one point, I sat there waiting for my appointment to come and in the stillness of waiting, I just sat there - not getting one thing accomplished - just watching people walk by. (I kind of felt like John watching the rain on his porch - remember that story) I have to tell you - it felt great. After a few days of slowing down and resting, I felt my life start to matter again. I felt like I wanted to be a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, an artist, etc. Today I feel alive and hopeful. I am so glad God gave me permission to "retreat" - to pull back and rest. If He says it is OK to retreat, I guess it is more than OK to do so. Thank you Jesus!
It reminds me of our book. Slow down, ask small questions and listen. Keep practicing. Here are some thoughts from the book on rest.
"Now, rest is just one of the ways we receive the life of God. We stop, set it all down, and allow ourselves to be replenished. This is supposed to happen regularly. I think the original prescription was weekly. So why does rest feel like a luxury? Seriously, it feels irresponsible. We think we can drive ourselves like oxen fifty weeks a year, resurrect in a two-week vacation, then go back and do it all again. This is madness. My pushing and striving cuts me off from the life I so desperately need. I don’t even think to stop and ask, Is this what you’d have me do, Lord? Do you want me to paint the bathroom? Volunteer at church? Stay late at work?
How often do you stop and rest, truly rest? "
Have you ever had a time where you were completely exhausted - almost burned out? Not just physically but mentally as well? That was me earlier this week. I was not sure what to do with myself. I found myself all balled up, hiding under a blanket. That is a posture you may want to pay attention to. It is not too often I hide in the fetal position. I started to beat myself up and say "What kind of person hides like this?" Yes, I had a lot going on in the last week but I was surprised the level of exhaustion I was feeling. After a day of going through the motions, because how many of us with our busy lives can just stay put on the couch, I started to ask the Lord, "What is going on?" All I heard was "RETREAT" I knew exactly what He meant. I knew it wasn't the noun "retreat." He was telling me to "retreat," the verb. I know many of us don't give ourselves permission to rest. Our society looks down upon it. I remembered some great words I had heard from Graham Cooke a few years back. "Rest is a weapon."
So guess what I did. I did not get all the laundry done. I did not get all my design work done. My family ate frozen Trader Joes meals for a few nights. (thank God for Trader Joes!) and luckily my appointments I had previously made did not show up. At one point, I sat there waiting for my appointment to come and in the stillness of waiting, I just sat there - not getting one thing accomplished - just watching people walk by. (I kind of felt like John watching the rain on his porch - remember that story) I have to tell you - it felt great. After a few days of slowing down and resting, I felt my life start to matter again. I felt like I wanted to be a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend, an artist, etc. Today I feel alive and hopeful. I am so glad God gave me permission to "retreat" - to pull back and rest. If He says it is OK to retreat, I guess it is more than OK to do so. Thank you Jesus!
It reminds me of our book. Slow down, ask small questions and listen. Keep practicing. Here are some thoughts from the book on rest.
"Now, rest is just one of the ways we receive the life of God. We stop, set it all down, and allow ourselves to be replenished. This is supposed to happen regularly. I think the original prescription was weekly. So why does rest feel like a luxury? Seriously, it feels irresponsible. We think we can drive ourselves like oxen fifty weeks a year, resurrect in a two-week vacation, then go back and do it all again. This is madness. My pushing and striving cuts me off from the life I so desperately need. I don’t even think to stop and ask, Is this what you’d have me do, Lord? Do you want me to paint the bathroom? Volunteer at church? Stay late at work?
How often do you stop and rest, truly rest? "
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thursday....
On Thursday, I will be meeting with Sandy, the woman from my bible study, to pray through her house concerning her son and his spiritual protection. I'd appreciate your prayers as I do so. If any great verses come to mind that we can claim in our prayer time, I'd apprecaite you sharing.
I know this, just like working on our marriages over the weekend, is something the enemy does not want us to dig into. Let's be a fortress of prayer together!
Peace, Lisa
I know this, just like working on our marriages over the weekend, is something the enemy does not want us to dig into. Let's be a fortress of prayer together!
Peace, Lisa
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Taking the time
I woke this morning with a sense of "Oh, here we go again." Our life in this past month has been at an accelerated pace. I get easily sucked in to the mom thing of being exhausted by the "thinking" part of the job. So many details to coordinate and needs to think through. So, I sat down with my Father and I heard the word, "Foreboding"....ugh....I wasn't sure I even knew what that was referring to. Dread...yes this is what I felt. I still had unresolved details regarding the next couple days events for the running of our family.
The other day the Lord used the "you will know by the fruit" section of the Eldredge book to speak to me about the heaviness, sadness, hopelessness I was feeling since returning from our family's mission trip. He allowed me to see then and now that this was not from Him. So, okay Lord I recognize this also is not from you, but what am I supposed to do. I don't want to feel this way. I recognize this attack and feel weak to fight. I am tired of fighting Lord. I question Him, "Am I opening something for the enemy to come and get a foothold? I process further... I am angry about my responsibilities... I hate this part of being a Mom. I would love to not have to think of 6 other people's schedule on top of my own...and then to have to work a plan. I am not an air traffic controller I complain. I did not have training in this! So, my husband asked the ? "What would it look like to walk with Jesus in this?" I just love being asked those ?'s when I am angry already and don't have a clue. :} (But in my heart of hearts I am grateful for the challenge.) I honestly have no answer to the ?. But, that was a beginning.
So, I took dogs and went hiking crying out to the Lord that I need His rescue....I don't know how to do this. I know that I should be walking in peace and joy in the present. I don't want to miss living NOW. I prayed, "Father, I want to be in Your PRESENT and in your PRESCENCE. So, I prayed against this foreboding spirit in Jesus name and asked the Lord to reveal if there is something deeper. Why do I return to this place Father when things are beyond the activity level I like etc....Bring revelation Father. So I waited in His prescence ...I got the image of the Brady Bunch. This was one of my favorite TV shows as a kid. (I know Marsha, Marsha for you 40's ladies) "Yes, Lord. I loved that show. " Then I get a sense that the Lord reminded me of a thought which became something that I took agreement with, attached to my identity..."I will have the same kind of family; one with unity, togetherness, a sense of community, resolving conflict, a purpose bigger than their individual lives.
Now, I believe this desire was birthed by God...it was His gift to me. A desire from Him to be fulfilled by Him. However, this is where it went astray; I took this desire and without knowledge decided or made an "agreement" that "I" would create this for my family. So, in this time of hectic, conflicting schedules that keep togetherness and heart connection from happening I feel pushed in on....resistant....overconcerned about people's expectations and ANGRY because I feel like I can't get this looking like how it "should". So, I "repent"...Father, I didn't realize what I did as a young girl, clinging to my ideal, expectation, that I "should" "would" with my family. Instead Father, I give back to you my desire and ask you to fulfill this desire in light of this season. Father, I ask you to help me manage things that tax me and cause me to feel alone (especially since I don't have Alice the maid) to help. :} Give me the wisdom to know when to reach out and how to come up with the creative situations despite me to disliking this aspect of mothering. Something lifts with the dual aspect of praying against the enemies attack and for God to bring further revelation and healing. The arrangements still need to be coordinated, but I feel present, lighter, hopeful for change within.
The other day the Lord used the "you will know by the fruit" section of the Eldredge book to speak to me about the heaviness, sadness, hopelessness I was feeling since returning from our family's mission trip. He allowed me to see then and now that this was not from Him. So, okay Lord I recognize this also is not from you, but what am I supposed to do. I don't want to feel this way. I recognize this attack and feel weak to fight. I am tired of fighting Lord. I question Him, "Am I opening something for the enemy to come and get a foothold? I process further... I am angry about my responsibilities... I hate this part of being a Mom. I would love to not have to think of 6 other people's schedule on top of my own...and then to have to work a plan. I am not an air traffic controller I complain. I did not have training in this! So, my husband asked the ? "What would it look like to walk with Jesus in this?" I just love being asked those ?'s when I am angry already and don't have a clue. :} (But in my heart of hearts I am grateful for the challenge.) I honestly have no answer to the ?. But, that was a beginning.
So, I took dogs and went hiking crying out to the Lord that I need His rescue....I don't know how to do this. I know that I should be walking in peace and joy in the present. I don't want to miss living NOW. I prayed, "Father, I want to be in Your PRESENT and in your PRESCENCE. So, I prayed against this foreboding spirit in Jesus name and asked the Lord to reveal if there is something deeper. Why do I return to this place Father when things are beyond the activity level I like etc....Bring revelation Father. So I waited in His prescence ...I got the image of the Brady Bunch. This was one of my favorite TV shows as a kid. (I know Marsha, Marsha for you 40's ladies) "Yes, Lord. I loved that show. " Then I get a sense that the Lord reminded me of a thought which became something that I took agreement with, attached to my identity..."I will have the same kind of family; one with unity, togetherness, a sense of community, resolving conflict, a purpose bigger than their individual lives.
Now, I believe this desire was birthed by God...it was His gift to me. A desire from Him to be fulfilled by Him. However, this is where it went astray; I took this desire and without knowledge decided or made an "agreement" that "I" would create this for my family. So, in this time of hectic, conflicting schedules that keep togetherness and heart connection from happening I feel pushed in on....resistant....overconcerned about people's expectations and ANGRY because I feel like I can't get this looking like how it "should". So, I "repent"...Father, I didn't realize what I did as a young girl, clinging to my ideal, expectation, that I "should" "would" with my family. Instead Father, I give back to you my desire and ask you to fulfill this desire in light of this season. Father, I ask you to help me manage things that tax me and cause me to feel alone (especially since I don't have Alice the maid) to help. :} Give me the wisdom to know when to reach out and how to come up with the creative situations despite me to disliking this aspect of mothering. Something lifts with the dual aspect of praying against the enemies attack and for God to bring further revelation and healing. The arrangements still need to be coordinated, but I feel present, lighter, hopeful for change within.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Harder than I thought
Well ladies,
I had this idea that somehow since I asked you all to do this that I should have these amazing stories to share. But truth is - this is hard. I feel like the pace of life has gotten faster since I started this book. But guess what, it is not going to slow down. This week I have had a panicky feeling all week.
Before I sat down to write this, I leafed through the book and saw "You shall know them by their fruit" on page 51. So I reread it. (I just can't read this and get it the first time. I need to keep reading it over and over.) It says: "You shall know them, Jesus said, by their fruit. The principle holds true for anything in life. It is especially helpful in diagnosing what the enemy might be up to. What is the fruit of what you're experiencing? ...Is something stolen."
DuHHHH! Why did I not think of that when I had my panicy feelings during my week. Guess what? My peace has been stolen this week. I am running around like a frantic idiot from one thing to the next. Now that may sound like life in suburbia but if I slow down and think - that is not the life the Lord has for me. Somehow just slowing down is helping.
The next section is "Do it Now" which is what I am going to do and spend time journaling. I hope you all are having a chance to explore all this. I am encouraged just writing this.
Thanks for listening. I would love to hear how you are doing. How is it going? Hard? Easy? You do not have to have an incredible story to share with us. I want to hear how you are doing.
In March, I will be sending out an email to get us all together. Can't wait to see you all face to face and share.
I had this idea that somehow since I asked you all to do this that I should have these amazing stories to share. But truth is - this is hard. I feel like the pace of life has gotten faster since I started this book. But guess what, it is not going to slow down. This week I have had a panicky feeling all week.
Before I sat down to write this, I leafed through the book and saw "You shall know them by their fruit" on page 51. So I reread it. (I just can't read this and get it the first time. I need to keep reading it over and over.) It says: "You shall know them, Jesus said, by their fruit. The principle holds true for anything in life. It is especially helpful in diagnosing what the enemy might be up to. What is the fruit of what you're experiencing? ...Is something stolen."
DuHHHH! Why did I not think of that when I had my panicy feelings during my week. Guess what? My peace has been stolen this week. I am running around like a frantic idiot from one thing to the next. Now that may sound like life in suburbia but if I slow down and think - that is not the life the Lord has for me. Somehow just slowing down is helping.
The next section is "Do it Now" which is what I am going to do and spend time journaling. I hope you all are having a chance to explore all this. I am encouraged just writing this.
Thanks for listening. I would love to hear how you are doing. How is it going? Hard? Easy? You do not have to have an incredible story to share with us. I want to hear how you are doing.
In March, I will be sending out an email to get us all together. Can't wait to see you all face to face and share.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Stepping Out on a Limb
Well, no one else is posting and I'm going to post for a 2nd time! Last week in the bible study I facilitate, one of the women was talking about problems they are having with their middle school son. This woman is a firm Catholic who often when I bring things up in our studies is hearing them for the first time. I was talking about praying then God prompted me to talk about Satan and his plans for us and the role he could have in any of our homes. I spoke to her about praying outloud and condeming Satan, to pray in her son's room, etc. She literally said, "I've never heard of doing something like that before." I was afraid I freaked her out.
Once I got home, I was listening and God told me to offer to come pray through the rooms of her home. I knew that would probably really throw her, but I sent the email anyway. It took her three days to get back to me, but she wants me to come pray with her. I know this will be a totally new experience for her, so please pray for me as I do this with her later this week. Actually, stepping out like this is not something I always do, so this will be new for me too :)
Thanks!
Once I got home, I was listening and God told me to offer to come pray through the rooms of her home. I knew that would probably really throw her, but I sent the email anyway. It took her three days to get back to me, but she wants me to come pray with her. I know this will be a totally new experience for her, so please pray for me as I do this with her later this week. Actually, stepping out like this is not something I always do, so this will be new for me too :)
Thanks!
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