Sand Stepping

Our Heritage of Joy

2015-01-05T08:39:00.001-08:00

As you begin a new year perhaps you've decided to read through the Bible, or examine your life in light of your mission on earth....but I'm betting the first concept in your mind wasn't "joy". But you come from joy, you are made for joy, and it's not a long shot to see joy as your destiny and your greatest weapon against the burdens and obstacles that conspire to weigh you down. I'm privileged to have been given a sneak peek at a new book by author Margaret Feinberg "Fight Back With Joy", and I want to whet your appetite by sharing a bit of it with you.

Joy emanates out of the abiding sense of God's fierce love for us. #fightbackwithjoy

From the first pages of Genesis we see that creation itself was a process of joy - God proclaims "It was very good" repeatedly as he rejoiced in His work. Think of the happiness that radiates from a small child, unburdened by expectations, as he create with fingerpaints or flour or shredded tissues - how much deeper was the joy God experienced as he created his masterpiece? His joy spans from the beginning of time through the history of mankind. Margaret writes: "The astonishing love of God found in the relational dance of the Trinity is brimming with delight. Joy splashes at Jesus' baptism as the Holy Spirit descends and the Father proclaims Christ as his beloved Son...The fullness of joy abides in God's presence." His joy is part of the fiber of our very existence.

God delighted in mankind, and we as his creation have the capacity for deep joy. God blesses us with profound and simple joys - sunsets and puppies and children and love....and gives us the ultimate gift of joy in the person of Jesus. "Jesus arrives in joy, departs in joy, and calls us to great joy through fellowship with him." Through Christ we are destined for joy. We tend to fuss and worry about finding our purpose in life and Margaret reminds us gently "Joy is where you come from. Joy is what you are created to experience. Joy is where you are headed." If we can grasp that concept how would it impact our lives to live from a wellspring of joy? As you go forward with strong intention in this new year, I urge you to claim joy as your heritage, and I promise you'll see things differently.

You have joy because you are drenched in the grace and mercies of God. #fightbackwithjoy

This post is part of Margaret Feinberg's Partymob for her brand-new book and Bible study, Fight Back with Joy. To grab a copy of this book use these links: Amazon or Barnes and Noble .

If you pre-order it by Jan. 6 you'll get some great free gifts!To pre-order click here: Fight Back with Joy - free gifts offer.

To learn more watch this fun video!

Wake Up!

2015-01-03T18:08:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you but I'm on college football overload, and extremely grateful for a husband who pulled the Christmas lights down and stored everything under the stairwell today, and I'm really ready to get on with this new year.

If you'd like to find a place where you can be encouraged as you reach for your goals this year I want to suggest that you join a Hello Mornings group. The Hello Mornings Challenge asks women to commit to meeting with God each morning, working exercise into their day, and being intentional by planning their time and tasks. Women meet on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to support each other and share tips and challenges. There's a free bible study (Colossians this winter) provided and other really helpful resources. The best part is making new friends! There are groups set up for specific life stages (homeschooling moms, etc), by time zone, and even groups like the one I lead that has gals from all over the U.S., New Zealand, and the Philippines!

Here's where you can sign up and find a group that fits you best - just click this Link! Registration begins bright and early Monday, January 5th.

If you'd like to join the group I co-lead, look at the Facebook groups, Pacific Time Zone, and find the group led by Karen Sesnon/Brenda Herring. We'd love to have you join us!

One Word....One Day

2015-01-01T09:35:00.003-08:00

Today is the one day each year when we set our intentions for the course of the next 364 days....a point in time at the cusp of lots of time. How we react to the words we set on paper or in our hearts on this one day depends I suppose on our personality - do we carry forward achieving the goals we have set for ourselves? Do we give up a few days after missing the mark repeatedly? Do our "resolutions" pile on guilt or stir us to action?

I'm personally not "good" with resolutions....too lazy, undisciplined, whatever it is I find it hard to choose a list of steps and commit to them. In my defense I'd like to be more fluid and be in a constant state of transformation. I'm also averse to failure and so it's easier to not commit to change and just celebrate when I stumble upon it.

A relatively new concept has been to choose just one word for your year (One Word 365) and here again I find myself flailing about unable to settle on just one word to guide my year. In the past I've had a motto for the year ("Do Less More Fully", "Excellence not Perfection", "Be Fully Present") but when I try to choose a word I over-think it.

I'd like a pretty word like "Flourish" - doesn't that sound lovely? And it looks so nice in a feminine script....flourish...

Perhaps a restful word like "Abide"...reminding me to Let It Go....to trust and not strive..

Maybe I should take on a meaty word like "Risk" or "More"...oooh that makes me tired and a bit frightened just seeing it on paper.

So another New Year's day is upon me and yep I wanna lose 30 pounds and be kinder and really live in obedience to God's call to join him in His work of reconciling the world to himself....a new planner and a list of nice measurable goals speaks to my little organizational soul (I'd be sure to add some fun ones like "read a new book every month") but in my inaction here's what happened to me.

My girls bought me my first "Glassybaby" votive for Christmas and the one they choose was called "Strength". It's beautiful (like they are) and serves as a reminder that my strength comes from the power of the Holy Spirit - that flame inside that empowers and convicts me.

Then I saw this pop up on my Facebook news feed in a thread about choosing your "one word" for the year...and the coincidence of the color and the word made me pause for a moment. God's action in my life has truly been one of persistence and patience and I want to be faithful and strong for Him and for my family.

So, STRENGTH it is...I will recognize and celebrate the strength that is my identity in Christ, I will rely on His strength in the tough moments and pray that my character muscles will grow from constant use and that the end of the year will find me kinder, more peaceful, joy-filled, overflowing with love and goodness and proven faithful to the gospel.

Where are you heading this year?

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,

Hello Mornings 2014

2014-02-19T14:09:00.002-08:00

The Hello Mornings challenge begins again.......this time offering a 6 week study on the book of Ruth. If you'd like to participate or learn more please use this link Hello Mornings Challenge. If you'd like to join my group choose "Facebook Groups" and then select Pacific Time zone - my group has my name attached.

The Gift of Another Birthday...How Will I Use It?

2014-01-09T15:14:00.002-08:00

It's my birthday, and I'd like to have a word with you.

I'm grateful that we live in a culture where thankfulness has become hip, where counting your blessings is a priority for families, where "an attitude of gratitude" is causing folks to be mindful and present to those around them. Thankfulness as a weapon against consumerism and selfishness is a good lifestyle. It's even beneficial medically -and is so much more fun than miles on treadmill!

I often find myself somewhat overwhelmed at the blessings I experience. We have so much - stuff, freedom, health, opportunity - and God is so faithful to provide all that we need. But I'm reflecting more often on another list that I've started keeping - it's not as pleasant and sometimes parts of it need to be a bit more private - but I believe it's a list that holds far greater value for God's Kingdom. I'm talking about my "Trials List". Now I'm not gonna go all "Ann Voskamp" (love you Ann without an "e") and try to reach for 1000 trials.........but I do want to ponder and redeem the hard times I've been granted in a way that gives testament to God and His work in my life.

My personal strengths and gifts lie in the areas of empathy and faith, so it's natural for me to use a common thread as the entry point for living out the gospel with another person. I'd never make it on a street corner shouting scripture or debating Biblical facts ...but I can live life with you, and I can hear your story and share mine, and try to make space for the Holy Spirit to move. A few months ago I was privileged to hear a remarkable man articulate the concept in my heart as he spoke about identifying "who you are numbered with" and then reaching into those demographic groups. What makes Steve Stern remarkable isn't his intellect or charisma or position in society. What does stand out is a humble man walking on a path that none of us would choose (his diagnosis is ALS) in a way that glorifies God and challenges those he meets. Steve is actively using his trial to share the gospel, to serve and care for people, and in his words, to bring a message of comfort to a broken and hurting world. You can hear Steve speak on this topic in this video (the talk starts at about the 50 min point): Steve Stern 1WNumbered, Westside Church, 1/9/14

So this year on my birthday I'm reflecting on the good things (blessings) and giving thanks for them, but I'm also looking more deeply at the difficult things I've endured and been shaped by. I'm not gonna run out and start a group for "left-handed, divorced, remarried, Lay's potato chip fanatics, who have X illness, and who "almost died snorkeling at 2-Step on the Big Island" (regardless of my husband's version of the story). I will however be looking for the ways I'm "numbered" with others and seek to share their journeys and burdens with them. Perhaps I can even bring a little comfort.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1

Friends, count your trials as treasure, for they are the pathway to a submitted heart and will. The more you collect, the greater your circle of impact for the gospel will be.

Gratefully Abiding in His Grace,

Karen

Oh hey, just a little plug for a great book that just happens to be written by Steve Stern's beloved wife....you can order it here and I promise you, it will change you!

To order on Amazon: Ruthless by Bo Stern

I get a new cell phone, and a new grand baby every two years!

Savoring Sunday

2013-10-20T09:53:00.001-07:00

Pancakes with maple syrup. Strong hot coffee. A crackling fire sans smoke or ash (love love love our direct vent gas fireplace). A book so beautifully written that I back up and re read and savor words and phrases. I'm privileged to be a recipient of a pre-release copy of Bo Stern's new book "Ruthless" and I'm doing a quick first read through this week. I'm reading chunks out loud to my husband (who is trying to focus on an important RFP)...he's adding to my Sunday joy by reading aloud a news article about the baseball playoffs as some sort of retaliation.

Here's the thing, I'm so grateful to Bo for digging in and studying GOD and then leading us into a deeper understanding of God's character, which I firmly believe is bedrock for a sustainable faith. The book is super readable ...even for poor old eyes squinting at a PDF on Kindle. I really can't contain my enthusiasm and I want you to pre order this book right now. It's on Nav Press and Christianbook.com and if you are a Prime member you can skip the shipping costs on Amazon. This may well be the best $10 you could spend on yourself, or a friend. It releases on Jan 7th and if you order it now you will have your copy hot off the press.

If you'd like to journey through this book with me next spring send me a little note...

~blessed on this foggy, quiet, lovely Sabbath~

Hello Mornings Fall Challenge

2013-08-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Registration for the fall challenge begins TOMORROW - Monday August 5th. This fall we will study the book of Ephesians, meet daily to check in with each other and spur one another on to stronger habits of time spend in God's word, in prayer, caring for our bodies, and planning the way we use our time. This is a process....filled with steps forwards and backwards....and in the midst of the process you may just find yourself making new friends and learning more about your true self. Join me! Let's seize the day!

Check out the Hello Mornings website to learn more. To register to join my group please use this link: Grace-Full Mornings group

Happy Birthday Norman and Clint.

2013-05-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

To most of you May 31st is just another day in just another month....in another year that's likely going to quietly slip past you. This year I've decided to claim May 31st as my personal day of contentment.

Here's how I got there.

This is the rainiest May on record in Oregon (OK second rainiest or something, I really can't bear to listen to the weatherman long enough to focus on the statistics). RAIN RAIN RAIN. Rain that even Norman Vincent Peale (5/31/1898) would have trouble being optimistic about. I really try not to complain about the weather but May always gets me down even though I work hard at making happiness a decision.

May 30th - a skunk sprayed my garage and may have spent some time in my house and ...well it was just plain stinky. I did my best Clint Eastwood (5/31/1930) impersonation but I'm betting that even Dirty Harry gives skunks a wide berth. May 31st - the smell is dissipating and I have a plan in place to thwart the little bugger tonight. All is well. Of course every time the black and white cat walks by me I still jump a little.

Today, May 31, 2013, the sun is shining and the birds are singing and I'm just super content. I'm reading a really good book. One of those you savor and bug everyone you know telling them they really should read it....in fact here's a little plug right now. You need to read this book. Better Off Without Jesus, written by Chuck Bomar (3/20/1975 - really, really too bad he wasn't born May 31st). Yeah that's a link to Amazon and I'm not an affiliate so I don't gain anything - buy it where ever you want. I read quite a bit and this is really one of the more convicting books I've read in a long time and it's any easy and engaging read. And in a weird way reading it is increasing my level of contentedness and if I can feel joy and peace while being challenged I figure that's a good thing.

Today, May 31st, I'm grateful for peonies, and iced tea that tastes like pineapples and mangos, and for sunshine and a God who created all those things, along with asteroids that zip by (whoops, missed it)*. I'm blessed by people who think deeply, pray hard, and share their insights with the rest of us, by those who developed html and the joy of inserting hyper links so that you are only a click away from scads of trivia. I'm claiming joy, leaving the government of my life in stronger Hands and determined to stay engaged in community. Today, May 31st, I delight in the absence of rain and skunk scent. May it be so with you.

Adios May

*"This is a really big asteroid, similar in size to the one that killed off the dinosaurs, and it's getting very close to us," she said. "Fortunately we've been tracking its orbit very carefully so we know with great certainty it won't hit us.

"We don't need to panic, but we do need to pay attention," she said. Amy Mainzer, who tracks near-Earth objects at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge.

Spring

2013-05-06T17:44:00.002-07:00

From my prayer book for May 6, 2013

Creator God, garden my life – turn it over, cultivate it, and make it ready for gospel seeds to take root.

And in the quiet darkness let the gospel do its work,

slow but powerful,

stirring up life in my heart,

increasing joy,

strengthening all your graces

until shoots of new life rise
and good fruit bursts forth on the branches of my life,

a life beautiful for you and a blessing to others.

Westminster Larger Catechism Q 75

Seeking God's Face

Hello Morning Challenge Summer 2013

2013-04-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

This Spring was a little "hinky" for me...it brought the joy of a new granddaughter and the honor of spending time with my youngest as she found her rhythm as a mother. Another daughter took a big step in moving forward from a hard chapter into a better one. With good gifts sometimes we encounter messy stuff too. My schedule was interrupted and my plans had to be extra fluid and I found myself really missing the practices that set my day in a framework. I'm going to make my summer a time of intention!

I'd love for you to join me and a group of 14 other women as we commit to rising and meeting with the Lord, moving our bodies, and planning our time. Since I need to rest a bit later these days my group will have a later check in, so I've invited sisters in Hawaii and Alaska to join us. Their early morning is just about the right time for me to grab that second cup of coffee and check in.

To learn more about the challenge and register please use this link: register.hellomornings.org.

Please find the group that best fits your time zone and interests - check out a few to find your favorite.

My group is listed under both Facebook Pacific and Overseas.

(Direct link to my group, click here)

We'll be studying the book of John this summer using the free study guide that Inspired to Action will provide, begining May 6th.

Grab a friend, daughter, mother...and give it a try!

Blast from the past: My mother, grandmother, myself (dad) and cousin.

Excess

2013-02-14T16:20:00.002-08:00

Lent = fasting

Fasting = less

less stuff, less of me, less distraction

This year day two of Lent coincides with Valentine's day - a day associated with excess. Been in the grocery store this week? Scads of balloons, flowers and candy everywhere. An outpouring of love. Or guilt.

My little grandson came home from preschool today with a bag of candy. I gave myself permission to eat some treats today that aren't good for my body because somehow eating junk is connected with being good to yourself in our society, and on this day. So on this second day of our journey to the cross I'm feasting on stuff that doesn't help nourish my soul or my body and it's in direct contradiction to the scripture in my morning devotional:

Isaiah 58:5-7
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Help me O Lord to look for the opportunities before me and to take action in your name. For truely, less is more when less brings more of you.

40 Days to the Cross

2013-02-11T15:07:00.001-08:00

This blog was conceived two years ago as a form of Lenten discipline - both of engagement and abstinence as I stretched to respond to more while pulling back from words and mindless activity.

Lent approaches and my heart doesn't feel ready. My plans are not settled. What shall I "give up", what practice should I hone, what scripture is calling me to focus and study and go deeper?

I've been surrounded as of late with the subject of suffering and patience and trust. One group I participate in is studying Job, a book I just opened is a thoughtful study of trusting God, and a book I've been long awaiting debuts this week and promises to thrust my heart and mind even deeper into the concept of God's presence with us in the battle. (Click here to order this amazing resource - Beautiful Battlefields, by Bo Stern!). So perhaps for Lent 2013 as I journey to the cross I will not plan but instead will wait, and listen, and rest. My prayer is that my hunger for both God's word and his voice will increase and my desire for aimless pursuits will dimish.

Lastly I'm grateful for Shrove Tuesday because I forgot to plan a dinner for tomorrow and we have plenty of pancake mix. God is good and faithful to provide!

Tomorrow we begin the journey of 40 steps ....

21 Wonderstruck Days....

2013-01-26T15:34:00.004-08:00

This week's "wonder words" were:

Silence - on a day when my mind and physical world were crowded with words and noise and the thirst for silence was strong...a reminder to seek the space that allows me to hear God.

Relationship - on a day when a person crossing my path could have been just another appointment comes a reminder to be present, fully present, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

Sky - on a day of gray the hope of "alpenglow" and the reminder of the vastness of God's nature and the fullness of his faithfulness. Soul brightening!

Stillness - on a day too busy with stuff I should do, waking to this call - I cleared the decks and sat with God all.morning.long and the laundry is still not folded.

Dream - on a day in a week when dreams seem to be dashed, a purpose appears and I'm convicted to pray and trust God for the possible in "impossible" - to name and claim my heart's desire.

Prayer - on a day when I could be overwhelmed by so much I want to say to God and so much I want him to say to me and to others - a call to simplicity - three words - Father, Son, Holy Spirit....Speak Through Me.

I'm loving the way the 21 Days of Wonder Challenge is framing my week and focusing my days in unexpected ways. If you'd like to share the Challenge check it out by clicking here: The 21 Day Wonder Challenge with Margaret Feinberg

Cast Away - Castaway

2013-01-24T10:12:00.002-08:00

Adrift

Anchorless, rudderless, tossed.

Discarded and discarding.

Heart empty. Ache. Infilling of calm.

Uncertainty requires clinging to tendrils of faith, and braiding them into a solid strong rope of sustanance.

there...at the core is the flame.

Trust.

God is Good. God is Sovereign. He reigns over my hearthache.

He redeems and restores.

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?
Who has ever given to God , that God should repay him?
For from him
And through him
And to him
Are all things.
To him be the glory forever!
Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

Praying for Wonder

2012-12-25T17:48:00.000-08:00

How Can I Make This Year My Best Yet?

2013

Experience wonder* every day
Two positive comments for every negative comment. Every Day. All Year.
Train to walk Maui half marathon in 2014
Walk a local 5 k fundraiser
Read a classic
Ride a bike once a week May-Sept
Call my mother 52 times this year
Write a letter to each grandchild for their birthday
Keep weight at or below goal
Try 12 new recipes

Today is your last chance to take advantage of the free gifts that come with pre-ordering "Wonderstruck" by Margaret Feinberg. Click here for details.*

Join me January 1 for the 20 day Wonder Challenge - just drop me a comment to let me know you're in! Merry Christmas.

From Margaret's Blog....

Join with a friend and take the 30-Day Wonder Challenge. At the back of the book, you’ll find a 30-Day Challenge with simple activities to awaken you to the wonder of God all around. Some are simple. Some will ask you to be silent. Others to dive into the Scripture. Still others to take photos. And more. But all ask you to begin living awake to the presence of God in your life. Grab a friend and do it together so you can share the joy. Take a dive into the Wonderstruck Bible study together come the new year. I assure you, God is closer and more intimately involved in your life than you ever imagined!

Who's in Charge Around Here Anyway?

2012-12-18T23:41:00.000-08:00

This has been "a week", hasn't it. Hard things in my life and harder things in the lives of so many. One of those weeks when it's so hard to explain faith to a non-believer who cries out against a God "who would allow this". One of those weeks when it's hard to see or feel joy or awe. And yet, the very week when I most need reminders of God's constancy and to seek His glory. Admittedly my grief at our fallen world was deep this week; it was hard to turn my spirit to a place of worship and awe, but because I had committed to doing just that I tried hard to note the places where my heart sang out.

Margaret Feinberg, has a new book and 7-session DVD Bible study called Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God ,which releases Christmas Day. As we step away from this hard week, and prepare for the next one (because it will come) I want to offer a personal invitation for you to make the commitment to drink in the fullness of life. This book will turn your prayer life upside down, stir your desire to live more abundantly, and take your relationships with others to the next level. I've pre-ordered the book and think you should too!

To learn more, watch the Wonderstruck Video:

Margaret recently posted a great warning on her site that those who have read Wonderstruck have experienced the following symptoms:

-An inability to stop smiling

-An uncontainable desire to pray

-A loss of interest in judging others

-A quiet, unshakable confidence in God

-A renewed ability to see the wonders of God all around

After a week like this one, wouldn't you love to claim those attributes?

Follow Margaret’s snarky, funny, and inspirational posts on Twitter, Facebook, or her blog. You can learn more about this great book by visiting www.margaretfeinberg.com/wonderstruck where she’s offering some crazy promos right now with up to $300 of free stuff. I’ve seen the book for as low as $7.95 ($14.99 retail) on Barnes & Noble [http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wonder-struck-margaret-feinberg/1110904808?ean=9781617950889] for all you last minute shoppers.

Wonderday # 1 - Live Expectantly

2012-12-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

“Therefore once more I will astound these people with
wonder upon wonder.” Isaiah 29:14

Today I invite God to reveal himself to me through the people, places, tasks, and trials of my regular routine. I ask him to remove the fog obscuring my vision of Him and his beloved people. Astound me Lord!

Come back later today (I will) and share with us:

Where did God reveal himself to you today in a way that you otherwise would have overlooked?

I'm taking the challenge to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK by God. Join me & pre-order Wonderstruck today: http://goo.gl/Xhvck .

Waiting for God to Show Up. Advent 12.12.12

2012-12-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Advent. A time of waiting, with expectation. With a 3 year old in the house it's hard not to get caught up in the Santa-ness of the season (he was singing "Santa was a baby" the other day...?) But deep in our hearts, what are we really waiting for? Sometimes I'm waiting for God to show up. I forget to look for Him everywhere, every moment. Yesterday our community was stunned by a headline-making senseless tragedy and I found myself drawing on the deep well of faith that shields and sustains me; knowing God will show up and he will redeem even this....yet I have to ask, how do I see the "wonder" when there is death and violence that seems to shatter hope.

As you may or may not know, I’ve been a fan of Margaret Feinberg and her books for the last few years. I recently received the insider’s scoop about Margaret’s new book Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God. Here are some highlights from an interview with Margaret:

Where did the inspiration for the Wonderstruck

book and Bible study come from?

Have you ever had one of those seasons where everything goes wrong, and when you think it can’t get worse, it somehow finds a way? Most people who have worked in ministry have experienced those seasons—some may be in one right now.

My husband, Leif, and I had just gone through one of the roughest years of our lives. In the aftermath, as we processed the pain and loss, I had an unexplainable desire in my heart. I began praying for the wonder of God. In essence, I said, “God reveal yourself, your whole self to me. I want to know you as Wonderful. I want to know you as I’ve never known you before and see you in places I’ve never recognized you before.”

God did not disappoint.

What do you mean by “the wonder of God”?

Sometimes talking or writing about wonder feels like tying kite strings to clouds. It’s ethereal, and you can never quite get a grip on it. But if you look in the dictionary, the two main definitions of wonder are: “being filled with admiration, amazement, or awe” and “to think or speculate curiously.”

Those definitions come together beautifully in our relationship with God. That’s why I define the wonder of God as those moments of spiritual awakening that create a desire to know God more.

In other words, the wonder of God isn’t about an emotional experience or having some cool story to tell your friends, but the wonder of God makes us want more of God—to go deeper and further than we’ve ever been before.

Why are you calling people to #LIVEWONDERSTRUCK?

If you look in the Gospels, what you’ll discover is that those who encountered Jesus were constantly left in wild amazement. They were awestruck by the teachings of Christ, the healings of Christ, the mind-bending miracles of Christ. Within the Gospel of Luke we see words like “awe” and “wonder” and “marvel” at every turn. If this is the natural response to encountering Christ, how much more should it be for you and I—who are invited to live in relationship with Christ as sons and daughters of our God Most High? We even created a free PDF that looks at some of these Scriptures.

For a free copy, email us at wonderstruck@margaretfeinberg.com and we’ll send you one.

You can learn more about this great book by visiting www.margaretfeinberg.com/wonderstruck where she’s offering some crazy promos right now with up to $300 of free stuff. I've ordered advance copies on Amazon for $7.57 and I've already downloaded my free 14 day journaling guide (my first New Year's resolution is in place!)

...waiting, watching, listening with an attitude of awe this season. What are you waiting for today? Do you dare to pray for God to reveal himself to you? He will not disappoint!

Grace and Peace to you this Advent

Remember?

2012-12-09T15:48:00.000-08:00

Sit back, close your eyes and take yourself back to that time when...
you fell in love for the first time
there was this singer who made you quiver when you heard his voice
you saw the car, you know the one, with the wheels
(in case a guy landed here)
your child was born
and you held that baby
and looked into their eyes...

Remember? The tingly feeling - sweaty palms and racing heart?
The overwhelming love and urge to run and shout from a roof top ("Would you look at those wheels!").

WOW!

That's what I miss. That's what I want in my relationship with God. To be stopped cold and washed over with the thrill of all that HE is. To see his glory in every face, his majesty in creation and his power in circumstances. I've gotten soft and apathetic and I take it all for granted. But do I need a bigger miracle? Or perhaps I need to slow down and reconsider the God of the Bible.

One thing I know is that I'm not a Bible scholar and I'm a bit in awe of those who are. I'm honored to have friends who dig deep and study the Word - women such as Bo Stern who graciously shared her extensive pursuit of Joy in scripture, women like Margaret Feinburg who read the book of Genesis over and over and over for a year. Really? For a year? Women like one of my first mentors, Rev. Heidi Husted, who brought the inspired words of God to life for me. I'm grateful to have these and other writers and pastors out there to lead and convict and teach me.

Join me if you will in chasing down that sense of thrill and awe as we encounter the living God of the universe this winter. Join me in reading and applying this new, fresh book and study: Wonderstruck.

You can learn more about this great book by clicking this link: Wonderstruck .
You can follow Margaret’s posts on Twitter, Facebook, or her blog.

Lost Your Sense of Wonder?

2012-12-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

My friend, Margaret Feinberg, has a new book and 7-session Bible Study called Wonderstruck: Awaken to the Nearness of God being released on Christmas Day. The book is a personal invitation for you to toss back the covers, climb out of bed, and drink in the fullness of life. Wonderstruck will help you:

· Recognize the presence of God in the midst of your routine

· Unearth extraordinary moments on ordinary days

· Develop a renewed passion for God

· Identify what’s holding you back in prayer

· Discover joy in knowing you’re wildly loved

To learn more, watch the Wonderstruck Video, here:

I have to admit that "wonder" and "awe" are not the first words that come to mind when I think of God. I think I've fallen into a place that is sometimes a little too comfortable and familiar. I see God as all-powerful and reliable, a sort of strong, silent personal life coach and bodyguard. The video (above) contains images of breathtaking scenery and that's where I find myself in a place of wonder - reflecting on the majesty of our natural world. The roar of crashing waves rolling in set after set with no end ever in sight...the timeless grandeur of Yosemite ...the soft colors as the sun rises and then sets each day - all of these sights silence my chattering brain and bring a mixture of delight and awe at the evidence of God's power. I treasure those moments and I'd love to train myself to be surprised and awed by God in every part of my day. How precious it would be to look at life with the fresh eyes of a trusting child!

So where have you seen the wonder of God in your life?

Please post your comments below and help all of us reconsider what it might mean to

be struck by the wonder of God.

Follow Margaret’s snarky, funny, and inspirational posts on Twitter, Facebook, or her blog.

You can learn more about this great book by visiting www.margaretfeinberg.com/wonderstruck where she’s offering some crazy promos right now with up to $300 of free stuff. I've seen the book for as low as $7.57 ($14.99 retail) on Barnes & Noble for all you savvy shoppers. (Great Christmas gift!)

Wonder

2012-11-25T23:25:00.000-08:00

Wonder.

My little grandson - his eyes wide and face turned up - as we look at the big Christmas tree at a nearby outdoor shopping mall - huge ornaments and bright twinkling lights.

We watch the steps ahead of us, gaze at the store windows, minds racing with the lists of incomplete tasks or burdens we carry. He looks up and around taking in the excitement in the crisp air.

I want to smell and taste and feel each moment of this season as we wait expectantly for the birth of a savior. God in babe. Bright, beautiful and bigger than we can comprehend. Faces tilted, ears straining to ear the voices of the angels as they sing....

May your day be graced with Wonder.

Wonderstruck

2012-11-21T12:44:00.001-08:00

It's the day before Thanksgiving and in true PNW manner we have downpours of rain, wind, and then "sunbreaks" that are glorious. As I write this I'm looking out my second story dining room window at shimmering golden leaves on an ornamental cherry tree and a brilliant blue sky. God's creation inspires wonder in me regardless of the weather. This weather brought a "boil water" alert to our city - as God's littlest creations have multiplied in the water source to a level that is unhealthful for humans. Do floods in my life allow little sin organisms to flourish as well?

I admit I'm partly driven to write this as a way of convincing Margaret Feinberg to choose me for one of the remaining 26 spaces on her "Wonderstruck" launch team as they prepare to introduce a phenomenal new study on Christmas day. Why would I add this to my life? Well for one it would be a joy to be a part of something that draws us closer into God's presence. When I have a responsibility I find new reserves of self-discipline (so, yes, totally self-serving). It might push me to write more and to soak in His Word more.

It doesn't hurt that my husband and I are dreaming of a trip to Banff this year and this promo video highlights the beauty and wonder of that area. You can view the video here and link to pre-order the study and book yourself!
Wonderstuck

To put the icing on the cake Margaret, I'm now headed to the kitchen to make your kick-booty cranberry chutney for my family to enjoy. With double rum and half the cranberries, right?

The recipe is over here...Worthy Of My Apron
and here.....Margaret Feinberg

HMC Strong Finish

2012-11-01T10:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Ladies,

We are beginning week 12 of our 13 week challenge and I'd like for us all to recommit and finish strong. Perhaps you've run a steady race and just need to maintain the pace you've set. Perhaps you are lagging and tired or dropped out a few laps ago; in that case can we encourage you and help you to move back onto the track and finish with us as a team? Where ever you find yourself in terms of the three goals we set for ourselves (to rise and meet God before we meet our families each day, to move our bodies, and to plan our day), I hope you will push aside any sense of discouragement and get excited about reaching the finish line!

To help motivate and create accountability I want to suggest that we establish a numerical score for ourselves based like this - 1 point each for:

Rising at the time I set for myself
Meeting with God (praying, reading his Word, worship, etc)
Moving my body
Planning
One other personal goal (please share if you are willing)

Each day of the last two weeks I'll post a check in comment and instead of just clicking "like" to check in I'd like you to bravely or humbly post your score (0 to 5 based on the criteria above). Of course you are free to post other comments and encouragements, but let's all help each other press on toward the goal by honestly sharing where we are each day.

Faith Stepping

2012-09-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

Footprints in the sand. Everywhere. All sizes and shapes. Each footprint tells the story of someone who wandered this same path. Leaving what is behind. Perhaps not sure of what is ahead. I walk behind these two, leaving my own mark, knowing that all our marks will be erased by the wind and the waves. And yet in this moment there is beauty in the evidence of community that surrounds us, in the gentle strength of a mother holding her child's hand and in the knowledge that we do leave a legacy made of one step of faith followed by another.

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.

I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.

You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.

The prophets who told us this was coming asked a lot of questions about this gift of life God was preparing. The Messiah’s Spirit let them in on some of it—that the Messiah would experience suffering, followed by glory. They clamored to know who and when. All they were told was that they were serving you, you who by orders from heaven have now heard for yourselves—through the Holy Spirit—the Message of those prophecies fulfilled. Do you realize how fortunate you are? Angels would have given anything to be in on this!

1 Peter 1:3-12

For fun here's a link to one of the first posts on this sandy blog: Why Sand Stepping?

Sacred in Place - Sabbath Living

2012-09-08T21:21:00.000-07:00

I've posted twice now about defining a sacred space in your home where you can meet with God - and I've been grateful to those of you who have posted responses about your willingness to have your quiet times in the midst of your family life as a way to model to your children the priority of meeting with God daily, and in some cases out of necessity or as a spiritual discipline. I think I missed some important opportunities as a mother by keeping my prayer times more private - out of selfishness I suppose - out of deep need in hard circumstances - and out of ignorance. I wish someone had pointed out to me the value of having my kids seeing me meet with God.

I'd like to respond by proposing not an either/or, but as my pastor is quick to suggest, an "and". Perhaps a worthy goal is to build a beautiful, tranquil place for yourself. Our American homes have lots of bathrooms, indoor laundry facilities, dens and man caves and office space and of course lots of room dedicated to electronics and entertainment....but have you ever been in a house that had a chapel? Why not? What fun to have a place set aside to honor God. Yeah, all of our home should honor God (I love magnets with lists of blessings on fridge doors, and scripture signs over the fireplace), but what about a place where one can escape the busyness and sit at the altar? Then...here comes the AND....also incorporate times of worship, prayer and contemplation into the rhythm of our lives. Let your kids catch you meditating on the Word....stop and pray when life is getting too crazy...and as Ann Voskamp models, eat the Word at every meal.

I want to be better at reaching out to God in the chaos, and even better at letting him reach out to me in the chaos. I want my daily to-do list to have unwritten priorities to pray first rather than as a last resort, to count blessings and denounce spiritual attack. But, at my heart, I still crave my little corner that helps me to shut out the cares of the world and find my center in Christ.

Call waiting....God's on the other line!