Tag Archives: Growth

Go Ahead and Name It… But Don’t Stop There!

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Have you ever felt just… off? Like there’s something wrong, but you just can’t pinpoint what it is? That nagging feeling won’t leave you alone and you rack your mind to identify it. Sometimes the source is as simple as a bill needing paid but at other times it’s a more complex emotional issue that will eventually need to be addressed.

When that “Aha” moment comes and you settle on the source of your angst… there’s a bit of relief from naming it: anxiety, grief, anger, attention deficit, clinical depression, discontent, compulsive behavior, fear, exhaustion, addiction, loneliness, frustration… or something else just as discouraging. But once you’ve slapped a label on it, in the words of Journey, “Where do we go from here?”

This is where I found myself… not so long ago. I felt frustrated and misunderstood. My feelings were raw, my heart sensitive, and yet, not much around me had changed. Because I couldn’t identify the source of my emotions, I didn’t really know how to talk to anyone about it. I stayed trapped in that place of edginess until I decided to stop wondering about it and went to the One who made me! I’m so thankful for the truth deep in my spirit that God loves me and knows exactly what is going on in my heart!

After some prayer and heart-searching, I realized that an old foe had come back for a visit… its name: rejection. From childhood, this has been a source of pain and through the years, layers have been added. I also feel like layers have been removed through healing and a deeper understanding of who I am in Christ. But life happens and we get knocked back onto our proverbial backsides at times.

But THIS is what I want you to hear… when you and I have come to the place where we are able to name our struggle, that is not the end! It is just the beginning of our journey (no pun intended )!  

Too often we settle for simply naming our issue and then we allow it to manage us:

  • I deal with anxiety, so I can’t …
  • The grief is too much, I guess I’ll always feel this way.
  • Yes, I have ADHD, that’s why I …
  • No one gets me, so I don’t even try
  • I have anger issues, that’s just who I am.
  • I wish I could travel, but I’m too nervous to go anywhere

Just because you and I name our struggle does not give us an excuse to not address it! Where do we go from here? We go from naming our challenge to dealing with it and then overcoming it!

These struggles are REAL issues and often can be traced back to painful experiences. However, no matter how valid your pain and discomfort, do not allow it to hold you captive! Do not allow it to limit who you are or what you can do! Grab ahold of the label, look it in the eye, call it by name, and get ready to live your life well… in spite of it!

Here are some weapons that helped me effectively subdue my “label.”

  • Talk to someone you trust and ask for their support. Bringing feelings, circumstances, concerns, and fears into light brings a measure of freedom in and of itself.
  • Do an online search for practical strategies relating to your label. There are tried and true ways to manage executive dysfunction, grief, addiction, and just about anything you can label!
  • Therapy… Patient, objective support and input from a therapist is valuable. Some employers even offer free sessions as part of a healthcare package.
  • Research natural healing: magnesium for stress, exercise for attention deficit, essential oils for anxiety, etc. (Be sure to check with your physician if you are taking medications.)
  • Speak positive declarations over yourself! Refuse to make your struggle your identity! You are created amazing! Declare truths over yourself out loud on a daily basis. If you are unsure of your value or identity, check out these blog posts: Stolen Identity and Worth by Birth.

Do what you can in the natural and then ask God to put His SUPER on the natural!

  • Understand that the Name of Jesus is above EVERY name! Jesus above every label, diagnosis, emotion, and trauma! The promises of God are true and sure. If God is for us, who (or what) can be against us? He is greater in us than any label on us. Check out: Ephesians 1:18-23, Philippians 2:9, Romans 8:31-35, I John 4:4. Let this song be your declaration: I Speak Jesus.
  • Hide the Word of God in your heart, place it on your fridge, play it in your car… The Truth of God’s Word will help you deal and defeat what life has sent your way.

Is overcoming a life-challenge easy? Of course not! Rarely is anything worthwhile accomplished without effort. But is it worth it? YES! Not only will you grow in strength and wisdom, but your successful journey will serve to inspire others. Go ahead and name your challenge and then tell it to shut-up and sit down! You are an Overcomer!

Live Loved

PS: If this blog post encouraged or challenged you, please share on social media! Blessings!

What Type of Culture are You Facilitating?

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Culture… It can be defined as the customs, beliefs, values, and celebrations of a particular group of people. While we typically associate culture with a country’s people group, there is a myriad of other cultures.

Family cultures vary in birthday celebrations, entertainment choices, discipline styles, faith commitments, and vacation destinations.  Churches, restaurants, towns, and workplaces also have their own versions of culture.

Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a teacher, a waiter, a welder, a consumer, or a football fan, you are contributing to some culture, most likely several cultures! So, what are you adding to the cultures in your realm of influence as you go through your day?

I ask this because cultural contributions are a topic close to my heart. Each part of our day gives us an opportunity to choose between positive and negative contributions. As we drive to work each morning, we can positively or negatively impact the traffic culture. (Let that sink in… is your horn a tool or a tactic? Do you wave someone on or wag a finger at them?)

In the busy coffee shop, we can stir up discontent or exemplify patience. Yes, even that seemingly small choice will make a difference in the atmosphere while we wait. Cultural contributions are evident in our facial expressions, our words, our actions, and our attitudes. (When stressful moments come, what we carry in our heart is what comes pouring out… but that’s a topic for another blog!)

While your daily contributions do impact the culture around you, facilitating a culture takes our responsibility further. If you’ve read this far, don’t stop now! 😊 Think of the top 2 or 3 places you spend most of your time. These are the places where you have a role in culture facilitation.

I’ve worked jobs that felt like I was working with family. There was laughter, encouragement, and a boatload of inside jokes. I’ve also worked at jobs that felt like eggshells were scattered all over the floor and stepping on even one would lead to disaster. You had to be careful of what you said, who you said it to, and what tone you used. Similar contrasts can be seen in every culture that we engage in. A negative culture will multiply stress, decrease fulfillment, and increase a sense of aloneness.

My current school has been my work home for over 14 years. We’ve had our ups and downs and the student population we serve comes with more challenges than many. And yet, I have no desire to go to a more affluent school, higher paying district, or one with more accolades. Why? Because I am part of a staff that has worked to develop and maintain a positive culture even through administration changes. Is everyone 100% all in? No… rarely does that happen. Is everyone trustworthy or positive or culture-focused? Nope! BUT, the majority–from admin to cafeteria staff to custodians to teachers–are committed to giving their best day to day. And… don’t miss this… there is an attitude of togetherness, support, and “I’ve got your back” that sets our school culture up for continued success even when the changes, the data, the challenges, can feel smothering and disheartening. This positive culture was not built by one, but by many. It didn’t happen overnight, it happened when individuals chose to show up, give their best, and seek the good of the whole consistently.

Is this type of work or school culture feel foreign or unattainable to you? Do you want to help facilitate a positive culture but you’re thinking: “You have NO idea what my workplace, home, or school is like!” Let me encourage you… YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Maybe the macro level is out of your realm of influence, but the micro level is not! You can facilitate a positive culture in your home, your office, your workshop, your classroom, your worship center, or on your team!

The starting point is this: Treat others the way you’d like to be treated (not the way you’ve been treated)!1

How did Cindy Lou Who get through to the Grinch? By showing kindness that he did not expect or deserve!2

In addition to kindness in the face of crudeness, consider these commitments needed to facilitate a positive culture:

  • Be humble-We all make mistakes, don’t be afraid to own up to yours!
  • Be generous-It will come back to you!
  • Be honest-Lies and half-truths will eventually bite you in the behind and ruin your reputation!
  • Be respectful-The CEO and the janitor deserve the same level of respect, manners are important!
  • Be nonjudgmental-Rarely do we know what others are walking through!
  • Be cautious with your words-Talking about others negatively reflects more on you than on them!
  • Be encouraging-Celebrate the successes of others, big or small!
  • Be compassionate-Life can be challenging for all of us even on a good day!
  • Be teachable-No one knows it all or likes a know it all!
  • Be integrous-Doing the right thing will help you sleep well at night and make you the type of person that others trust and appreciate!

Be the change! Choose 1 thing you can do today or tomorrow that will bring a positive vibe to your realm of influence. You won’t regret stepping up your game when it comes to facilitating a positive culture at home, school, work, or on the field. When you lay the groundwork, others will join you. You truly can make a difference!

My students say a chant with me every day. It starts with: “I am one of a kind! I bring something to this world that no one else can.” We declare some other things over ourselves and then end the chant like this: “I am a world changer!” So are you!

You are amazing!

1Jesus (Luke 6:31)

2The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Don’t Shoot the Messenger…

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“Do you have a favorite story about Jesus?” This was the question that I was asked at a Christmas gathering. Our ice breaker activity was to write down a question that would help us get to know each other better. Then we circulated as Christmas Carols played and stopped to chat when the music stopped. In this round, I connected with my daughter. When she posed this question, my immediate response was, “The woman at the well!” And her quick reply was, “Me too!”

Why this story? So many reasons! Jesus brought this woman hope when she was convinced her life was hopeless!1 He valued her despite being one of the most despised people of her time… a Samaritan woman who was socially shunned. He talked to her as an equal and revealed Himself to her as the Messiah. It was through her testimony that many in her village believed in Jesus! Apparently, the girl could preach!

One of my other favorite passages is when Jesus dispatched the first preacher to declare His resurrection and plans!2 To whom did Jesus give this honor and responsibility? Mary Magdalene! She was tasked with sharing the gospel of Jesus’ resurrection to the men huddled together in fear and disappointment.

Don’t miss this! Jesus didn’t just value women because they are precious daughters. He valued them as carriers of His Truth! And note that He doesn’t put limitations on their audience! So why is it that many pastors, churches, and even denominations refuse to acknowledge women as viable carriers of the gospel in and out of the church walls?

Oh yes… Paul’s statements about women in the church… they are indeed hard to reconcile with the example that Jesus showed us. I find it surprising that so many people will take Paul’s comments at face value (without researching the recipients of his letters, the context of them, or the culture to which he was responding to). In fact, many are so determined to latch onto those statements that they disregard Jesus’ example of including women in His teaching and ministry. Consider also that there are passages in the Word of God that are directly attributed to women.3 The New Testament also highlights several women as being an integral part of the spreading of the gospel. (I’d dare say that they weren’t just relegated to children’s church, as important as that is!)

There are some wonderful resources available to help you (or anyone) understand Paul’s statements regarding women in leadership. I could give a basic rundown here, but then I would be cheating you of the opportunity to dig into the historical and cultural aspects of the three cities that Paul was addressing in his letters. It was in doing my own research and reading that I came to understand that Paul was not devaluing women in leadership but was rather dealing with issues that were prevalent in cities that were dedicated to goddesses. (There… I gave you a teaser about what you’ll find if you want to research!)

I think the greatest travesty in rejecting women as preachers and teachers of the Word is that half of God’s revelation of Himself is included in that rejection. Consider Genesis 1:27-28: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” NKJV. Note that God didn’t only reveal His nature in man, but also in woman.

Don’t get me wrong… this is not about equal rights, men and women are the same, yada, yada, yada. In fact, it’s the opposite! Men and women were not created the same even though we are both a reflection of God’s image. Men and women have different DNA, different strengths (both physically and emotionally), different tendencies, different weaknesses, different perspectives, and different ways they express their emotions. Yet, both genders equally reflect the beauty of God’s character, creativity, and ability to reason.

God reveals His nature to us through both the men AND the women that we do life with, in the church walls and outside of it. We need to value the influence of both godly men and godly women and allow them to deepen our understanding and appreciation of our Awesome Father!

God has used and will continue to use women to bring spiritual truths, encouragement, prophesy, and wholeness to those who are hungry for it.The same Holy Spirit resides in every Jesus follower regardless of age, gender, or race! That should encourage you!
Don’t shoot the messenger just because they don’t look or sound like you think they should. Besides, Jesus started it!

Live Loved,

P.S.: If you are interested in resources to research, please message me your email!

1John 4, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/significance-of-the-woman-at-the-well.html

2Matthew 28, John 20

3 A few examples: Exodus 15: The song of Miriam the prophetess, Judges 4: Deborah, Esther 4, Luke 1: The song of Mar

An Anchor for Your Soul

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Welcome to 2022! It’s a fresh page in the newest chapter of your life! The Lord has preloaded experiences, events, and encounters into each day of this new year (Ephesians 2:10).  He designed each day specifically for you and with your best interests in mind (Psalm 139:13-170)! It’s important to have faith in His plans and purposes because not all of those experiences, events, and encounters will be easy.

As you embark on Day 1 of whatever year this is in your journey, can I encourage you to grab ahold? Grab ahold of a promise of God that speaks to your heart and will sustain you through the difficult times! It doesn’t have to be the same promise all year; in fact, God wants to give us “fresh bread” a.k.a. “fresh Truth” each day. You see, when the river of life begins to churn and feel more like white water rapids than a docile stream, we NEED to have an anchor to cling to! That anchor is found in the Truth of God’s Word and in the Truth of His character.

Let me connect two verses for you that I hope will encourage you to dig afresh into God’s promises for you!

In Jeremiah 1:12, the Lord tells the prophet “for I am watching to see that My word is fulfilled” (NIV). When the Lord makes a declaration, He is committed to follow through on His Word! That’s exciting!

Now check out II Corinthians 1:20: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God” (NIV). Imagine a child that has an earnest desire and climbs up on daddy’s lap to make her request knowing that the answer is already a “yes.” That child has no fear or trepidation, only confidence in what is to come!

With the heart of that child, we participate in the process by identifying God’s promises and then affirming them with an “Amen” in our lives! Sure, God can do things on His own, but He wants to partner with us in this journey! He wants to build our confidence in His faithfulness (Hebrews 1:21).

Each new year, I pray for a word to help me embrace what the Lord has planned for me. This year, He gave me the word “hope” with Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV). I don’t know what experiences, events, and encounters even today holds, but I know Who holds me every step of the way and my hope is in His faithfulness!

Reach out for a Word from your Daddy, a promise1 from His heart, and know that He is faithful to bring it to pass! He is not sending you into 2022 with a handshake and pat on the back, He walks with you every step of the way. Grab ahold of a promise, grab ahold of some Truth, grab ahold of HIM each moment of every day and watch Him fulfill His promises to you!

Live loved,

1 There are many, many promises God has given us in His word. If you are unsure where to start, here are some resources for you. When you read one that causes your spirit to jump, that’s a great starting point!

To the Point Tuesday: Are You Ready…?

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After several weeks of digging into Ephesians, we’ve arrived at chapter 6! The Armor of God is probably the most well-known and often-taught portion of Ephesians.

Now I ask: Are you ready… truly ready… for today? I’m sure you got dressed or will soon, grabbed a bite to eat, and sipped some coffee or tea. But are you spiritually ready for today?

We are reminded in Ephesians 6:11-12 that we have an enemy, one that has already designed a set of plans to bring us down! The devil has nothing but time on his hands and he chooses to use it to destroy all he can. When we think about the struggles we face in our lives, we tend to focus on what we are aware of in the natural: our bank account, our health, our relationships, our dilemmas. But we are not called to deal with those things in the natural; we are told (yes, it is a command!) to put on His armor and to battle spiritually!

With that thought in mind, I’d like to share a prayer of preparedness with you. As you get dressed in the morning and prepare for the events of the day, add this prayer to your routine. When we stand as commanded in verse 13, literally wearing HIM, we can trust that the Lord will put His “super” on our “natural” and know that He has the power to back it up!

“Lord, I believe that Your Word is true and that You are faithful to do what You have promised!1 Today, I put on the whole Armor of God according to Your Word. I put on the Belt of Truth, committing myself to walk in Your Truth, speak the truth, and discern truth. I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness knowing that by the blood of Jesus, I am in right-standing with You! I commit to make choices that reflect Your heart and ask You to fill my heart with Your love.

On my feet, I put the Shoes of Peace, standing firm and ready to reflect and share the Shalom-complete peace-found in Jesus. Over all of these pieces, I cover myself with the wrap-around Shield of Faith, that I know can and will extinguish every flaming dart the enemy shoots at me. Thank You, Lord, that Your glory is behind me as my rear guard.2

On my head I place the Helmet of Salvation to protect my mind from lies of the enemy3 and as a reminder that in Christ I am a beloved child and co-heir with Jesus.4 I firmly grasp the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God on which I base my life. I commit myself to constant conversation (prayer) with You throughout my day.5 Help me to discuss the ups and downs of my day with You as well as listen to and respond to Your Holy Spirit.

I go forward today as a prince/princess warrior doing the will of my Father. And You will crush Satan under my feet!6 I love You, Father! Thank You for going before me and with me through this day!

Adapted by Joy Morey

Praise God for His armor! We sure wouldn’t go into our day physically naked. So, let’s not go out spiritually naked either! If you don’t have time to read the above prayer, be sure you’ve committed the pieces of God’s Armor to memory so that you can “strap” them on whenever the Holy Spirit reminds you. I encourage you to add physical motions to your words as you put on His Armor. There’s something about action that engages our mind and activates our faith.

There’s a song trending on the radio about putting on His Armor. As a teacher, I assure you that singing something helps solidify it in your thoughts, so check it out: E6 by Evvie McKinney

Live Victoriously!

1Hebrews 10:23

2Isaiah 52:12

3John 8:44

4Romans 8:17

5Ephesians 6:10-18

6Romans 16:20a

To the Point Tuesday: Have You Noticed…?

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I am so thankful for the Word of God! How blessed we are to have His truths written for us. But I still think it would be neat to walk around with Jesus digesting His parables and asking Him questions. There are a few key phrases I want to pull out of His teachings. I know that we are heart-deep in Ephesians, but take a side trip with me to Matthew.

“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit” (Matthew 7:17-18 NKJV).

“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man” (Matthew 15:19-20 NKJV).

“…How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35 NKJV).

These are the verses that came to my mind as I meditated on Ephesians 5:17-6:9. Paul is addressing our relationships with others in the home, in the church, and in the work place.

So, I ask…. Have you noticed that what is in our hearts is what comes out? Good or bad, it comes out and splashes on those around us… our spouse, our parents, our children, our co-workers, and on other believers.

I’ve heard lots of sermons on this portion of Scripture… too many that skip the foundational Truths laid out in Chapters 1-4. When the Holy Spirit directed Paul to write Ephesians, the progression was deliberate! If we try to skip over who we are in Him and the power to live righteously, we will miss the foundational truths that enable us to live a life of love instead of a life of religiosity.

Our journey as believers is all about drawing close the Lover of our soul and the Keeper of our heart! We learn to look to Him for answers and follow the nudgings of the Holy Spirit. As our heart beat becomes set to the cadence of His heart, it is HIS goodness that flows out of us! That outflow will bless our spouse, our children, our parents, our co-workers, and other believers!

We are given foundational clues to set us on the path of relational right-living in 5:18-21:

  • Be filled with and led by the Holy Spirit
  • Speak to one another with words of truth, grace, and peace
  • Let your heart overflow with praise to the Lord
  • Be thankful in all things
  • Honor one another

I’ve noticed that if what starts to come out of my mouth isn’t reflective of the Father’s heart, it’s time for a heart-check! What works as a heart-check? Whispered prayers, time in the Word, singing to the radio, or even a nap, whatever works for you, be sure to reconnect your heart to the Father’s.

Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, for they affect who we are.

Live Loved,

To the Point Tuesday: Are You Reflecting…?

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Ephesians 4 challenged us to take a hard look at our ourselves… are we making choices that demonstrate maturity in Christ. In Ephesians 5, Paul doesn’t hold back! He gives clear instruction to help us know HOW to demonstrate the maturity of the previous chapter.

And so I ask, Are you reflecting…?

The quick answer is, “Yes!” We are all reflecting something or someone. So, the better question is: What or whom are you (and I) reflecting?

We reflect the actions and beliefs of the things and people that we spend the most time focused on.

Let that sink in…

Who or what does your life revolve around? Politics? Social media? A hobby? An addiction? A person? A job? An idea? A dream? A disappointment?  Whatever dominates our thinking, our feelings, and our time will impact our life choices.

Ephesians 5:1 instructs: Imitate God as beloved children in everything you do… So simple and yet complex. It makes me think of a child following mom or dad around and mimicking the actions they see. To imitate someone well, you need to watch and learn. To imitate God, we will need to spend a lot of time with Him and focus our attention on Him and what He values.

Paul lets us know what not to imitate too… he specifically speaks to areas that we are prone to struggle with: passion, pleasure, power, and people. If you feel inclined, you can write down the list of behaviors addressed in Ephesians 5 and pin it on your fridge as a reminder of what not to do.

But, might I suggest a better strategy? Instead of focusing on the edge of the cliff… you know, the area just before the “sin drop-off”… we can focus on moving closer to our Daddy King! The closer we draw to Him, the more we learn of His ways, and the deeper we connect to His heart, the farther we will move away from the “danger zone” of sinful ways.

Of course, we all miss the mark at times. But Paul is addressing a lifestyle of sin that will prevent us from having any inheritance in the Kingdom of God (verse 5)! I sure don’t want any part of that! I want to walk as one who is wise, not wasting time, but rather living in the light with Him! When we live that way, we will see our desires align themselves with the Father’s heart. Our relationships will reflect His ways. Our priorities will fall in place with His!

Are you reflecting your Heavenly Dad?

There’s so much more in this chapter, go check it out!

Live Loved,

To the Point Tuesday: Are You Really…. ?

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Our delve into Ephesians has already challenged us:

  • to realize that we are chosen by the Father as beloved children!
  • to understand that when we acknowledge His plan for our lives, we become citizens of His Kingdom!
  • to grow in our relationship with Him to better understand that He loves us deeply and unconditionally!

How amazing are these Truths!?! They are a necessary foundation to what the Holy Spirit addresses through Paul in Ephesians 4. This leads me to the question: Are you really… ?

Are you really living a life worthy of the calling you’ve received?

“I plead with you to walk holy, in a way that is suitable to your high rank, given to you in your divine calling” (Ephesians 4:2 TPT).  In other words, are you living your life in a way that clearly indicates who you are (a follower of Jesus) and Whose you are (a child of the King of kings)?

This verse makes me think of the movie Princess Diaries1 in which a girl-next-door finds out she was actually born a princess. The story line follows her as she abandons her commoner mentality in favor of royal thinking and behavior. Ultimately, she learns to walk in the “royal calling” she has inherited while still maintaining her uniqueness and personality.

As followers of Jesus this is what we must do! We need to “grow up” in the faith, walking as royalty with a divine calling, living out the love of Jesus in our every day lives. Notice that Paul focuses more on character–be humble, gentle, patient, and loving with one another– than on doctrine here. Why do you think that is? It’s not that understanding the truth of God’s Word isn’t important; but rather that our character (and maturity) is foundational in how we live out our divine calling!

The antithesis of being mature can be inferred throughout Ephesians 4: being proud, impatient, dishonest, opinionated, unbending, apathetic, divisive, greedy, self-righteous, and a careless talker. Oh my!

Wait, by accepting the offer to become royalty (children of the King) we are expected to act like royalty?

Absolutely! You and I are royalty! More than that, we are ambassadors, carrying the Kingdom of Heaven inside of us. Ambassadors officially represent the character, priorities, and opinions of our King (truly dying to ourselves3). The only way we can represent Him well is to spend time with Him and His Word, growing in maturity as followers of Jesus.

I appreciate that Paul reminds us that we are not alone in our journey to mature! We are recipients of supernatural grace in Jesus and part of the body of Christ designed with giftings to build one another up in unity and faith! He goes on to outline what being a mature believer looks like in verses 15-32. Take some time to dig in and hash it out. Be willing to look harder at yourself (the beam in your own eye) rather than looking at the faults (or specks in the eyes) of others (Matthew 7:3). Hint: that is one mark of maturity!

One resource that I’ve used to build my understanding of Ephesians 4 is a teaching by Jennifer Toledo called Mature.2 Grab a notebook, a pen, and a humble heart and I know you’ll glean challenging truths that will take you deeper in your royal walk with the King.

So, again I ask, “Are you… am I… really living a life that represents our high rank and divine calling?” Let’s be willing to grow together in maturity so that we can be trustworthy, anointed, loving ambassadors for the Kingdom of God!

Live Loved,

1Princess Diaries: https://youtu.be/G3jzLo31DTk

2Toledo, Jennifer. 2021. “Mature” Expression 54 Church. https://youtu.be/GTOutgUX34s

3Luke 9:23, Galatians 2:20, 5:24

Be the Gold!

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Recently, I wrote a blog called “Nuggets of Gold.” It was an encouragement to each of us to search for rays of hope in our life and situations that will help us keep pressing on!

Yesterday, after another rough day in 5th grade world, my husband reminded me of this Japanese art philosophy: kintsukuroi. He said, “You’ve said the public school system is broken and you’re right! But you are the gold that fills in the broken cracks! Keep doing what you’re doing because you make the difference!” What a blessing his encouragement was to me!

This morning, as I sat in a meeting, he shot me a text reminding me that I’m the gold! His timing was impeccable as I sat across from a teary-eyed colleague whose struggle of self-doubt and discouragement mirrored my own. I was able to share the value of what we do and who we are to our students! Truly, we are the gold in a broken system.

As I determine to be a treasure-hunter, looking for gold in the dark and hurting places, I don’t want to forget to be the gold too. Join me in this: don’t just look for the gold in your difficult circumstances and challenging obstacles. BE the gold in whatever hurting system you are in! Brokenness can be made beautiful when it brings opportunities for problem-solving, healing, and growth!

Live Loved and Golden!

Beauty in the Waiting

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Waiting… It can be one of the hardest things to do.  While waiting, we have little control over the timing or even the outcome.  Think of the family sitting in the hospital anxiously, hoping to hear good news or the small business owner sitting, phone in hand, hoping to hear from the bank on a much needed loan.  Sometimes we feel like professional waiters! The Word of God is filled with promises that are rarely fulfilled instantly.  We spend a lot of time waiting to see the realization of what our hearts crave come to pass.

And yet, there’s beauty in the waiting. 

Think of the bride waiting for her wedding day.  She is not complacent in the waiting, she is planning, preparing, creating, and dreaming!  The wedding day will be even richer for the those seemingly unending moments of anticipation! 

Waiting… we spend much of our lives in the wait mode.  If we are not careful, our waiting will become filled with all the wrong things: impatience, laziness, frustration, jealousy, bitterness. 

How can our wait become a season of beauty?  One in which we grow and thrive?

First, look back…  I know, we think that we should never look back, right?  Forget the past and push on!  But wait! Think on the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan in Joshua 4.  After that miraculous crossing, God had the people set up an alter as a testimony of His mighty works for the generations to come.  We want to look back with thankfulness for the blessings we’ve already seen come to pass in our lives!  Create a “memorial” to remember all that God has done for you and your family!

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord: yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” Psalm 77:11 NIV

Journaling creates a tangible “monument” to God’s faithfulness!

Then, look forward!  What are the dreams God has placed in your heart?  What are you anticipating coming to pass?  What promises have you been declaring over your life?  God is the Dream-Giver and He doesn’t place desires for good gifts in your heart without a purpose.  Look forward in faith!  If your dreams look possible without Divine help,  then maybe they’re too small.  Dream big with the faith that what you can’t see can truly be!  Write down your dreams and lay them at the feet of the Father in faith.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Now… be present in the now.  What is the Lord’s plan for you in the now?  What will you do in the waiting? As you look back in thankfulness and forward in faith, I dare to declare that your present will be filled with grace for the season you are walking through!  God’s grace will sustain you to not just survive, but thrive!  He will give you what you need to yield fruit today, now, in your present circumstance.  Trust Him!  He has created you for His Kingdom purposes long before you stood in this place.1  He is faithful in your today, no matter what it looks like.  Be patient in the waiting!

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 NIV

Consider these lyrics from Hillsongs’ Seasons, so encouraging!

“I can see the promise
I can see the future
You’re the God of seasons
And I’m just in the winter
If all I know of harvest
Is that it’s worth my patience
Then if You’re not done working
God I’m not done waiting
You can see my promise
Even in the winter
Cause You’re the God of greatness
Even in a manger
For all I know of seasons
Is that You take Your time
You could have saved us in a second
Instead You sent a child”2

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God designed us to live in the present, but not without the benefit of the past or the blossom of the future!  Look back in thankfulness, forward in faith, and live in His grace for the now, knowing that there is beauty in the waiting.

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“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”  Jeremiah 17:7-8

Live Loved,

P.S. You are not alone in your waiting! Others are waiting too… comment and share this encouragement on social media! 🙂

1Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:13-16, Psalm 37:3-8

2Lyrics from “Seasons” by Songwriters: Benjamin William Hastings / Ben Tan / Chris Davenport   Seasons lyrics © Hillsong Publishing