My Quiet Corner

Don't Pretend To Know

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 02:32:00 +0000

In My Job:
Part of my role at work is to help educate others on how to respond to a surveying process when they are asked to explain the how's and why's of the way they are doing their job. Having someone question you and/or watch you do your work can be very unnerving, so we discuss in advance what to expect and how to respond in an effort to help ease the stress when the moment comes.

One of the responses we educate to is, "If you are asked a question and you don't know... don't make something up. Don't pretend to know. Instead, respond that you aren't sure but that you will get the answer."

We have discovered that to pretend to know gets us in trouble with incorrect responses more often than not.

And then that plays out in my life....

In My Life:
Not so long ago I was meeting with someone who I hadn't had contact with for quite some time. Our paths have often crossed as acquaintances in days gone by, but we hadn't really ever spent much time together.

She went through a horribly tragic and horrific situation a few years ago. I knew her as an acquaintance, and in that connection fervently prayer for her in the midst.

I knew her to be involved in a church, working for a Christian employer, and knew many of her mutual friends. I assumed her to be surrounded with care, concern, support, friendship.... And initially she was!

As I recently met with her and this situation came up, our conversation revealed that perhaps she hasn't been as surrounded and supported in more recent months/years as I had assumed.

And the hard but needed lesson came to my heart. "Don't pretend to know."

I left our conversation feeling overwhelmed with grief that I had assumed she was being supported in ways that she has not been.

I am thankful to say that God has used that time in her life to grow her in Him... and he has now used it in my life to teach me to not assume. To not pretend that I know.

Note to self: ASK! "How can I best come alongside, support, and encourage you? How can I be a friend to you during this time?"

In My Prayers:
And then it trickles into what I have learned and am trying to increase in my conversations as I pray for people. I can assume I know what's going on in their lives, their hearts, their minds. I can assume how they would want to be prayed for. But once again I am prompted, "Don't pretend to know." And so I am learning to ask this one simple question in increasing measure.... "How can I be praying for you?"

No Response:
As I am intentionally trying to put this into practice, sometimes I get a response. Sometimes I don't. Regardless, at least I know the other person knows I am wanting to pray, to care, to support, to be a friend. And I continue to love and pray... no matter what!

What about you? Have you learned the art of asking these types of questions? Have you ever been praying for or supporting someone in a way you thought was needed, only to find out something entirely different was needed? What other ways do you connect with others to discover how to love them well?

Donnetta

Gratitude in Grief

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 22:02:00 +0000

Just days after I put up my last post... my dad went to be with Jesus.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants." Psalm 116:15

It impacted me differently than I thought. It was more difficult than I thought. It has left me sorting and processing through memories, exhaustion, thoughts, and just the "real" of it I guess. Thus, my absence from here. Not that I wanted to be.

I just had nothing.

Nothing, until God used a couple of friends to help re-shape my perspective in the midst of my grief. And that is what I bring today...

A friend texted me near the beginning of the holidays and reminded me that she was praying for me as memories were sure to surface with the coming holidays.

And they were.

As the memories surfaced, I realized in increasing measure that they were:

* Good memories
* Treasured memories
* Christmas items homemade from my dad held in my hands. Him with me still... in my heart.
* Handmade toys from my dad for the children. Him with us still... in our home.

As I continued to remember, through the tears:

Gratitude Surfaced

I have fond memories and trinkets to treasure that remind me of my dad. Not everyone would have that in the passing of a father. Yes, most everyone would have a memory of some kind - even if an absent one- but my memories were enviable of so many, even some I know.

Gratitude Swelled

In the midst of my grief, I discovered overwhelming gratitude for what I had been gifted!

How grateful I am to have had him for my father. How grateful I am to have watched him love my mother and us so well. How grateful I am to have the memories that make me smile... memories worth remembering. How grateful I am to have had his example of pursuing God.

I did not do anything to deserve any of this... A godly father. A loving family. A lifetime of treasured memories.

How grateful I am....

"Those who say, 'No' to resentment and 'Yes' to gratitude, even in the face of excruciating pain, incomprehensible loss, and ongoing adversity, are the ones who really survive." ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Perhaps this is part of why Paul instructs us to give thanks in everything, and why it is God's will for us who belong to Him?

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:18

Maybe it's because the grief becomes almost a gift of sorts. A heart fully aware of graces bestowed from my Heavenly Father. And in the end, with eternal hope and confidence... gratitude thrives in the grief.

"Spoken words of praise and thanks have power to dissipate that spirit of heaviness that sometimes weighs us down and clings to us like a wet blanket." ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss

How about you? What difficult or unexpected situation are you facing that you could flip on it's head? What blessings rise in that situation as you consider it? How can gratitude thrive in that situation in your own heart?

Don't let the frustrations, disappointments, discouragement, doubt, or even overwhelming grief steal your joy! Look for His gifts of grace that have gone ahead to meet you in that place... and be thankful!

Donnetta

Why Eat?

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 22:12:00 +0000

Do you remember what you had for lunch two weeks ago Tuesday?

Even if you don't remember, do you think that it still had some amount of nutrition? Do you believe that at some level it sustained you? Would you admit that it provided energy, strength, and nutrients to get you to the next task on your list for the day?

What if you hadn't eaten that meal? That day? Or even for 3 days? Would you notice?

Just because you don't remember what you had for lunch two weeks ago Tuesday, has that caused you to consider stopping eating all together? I mean, really, if a meal can't be remembered... then what's the use, right? Maybe it's all just a waste of time... this eating gig.

Of course that sounds absurd!

Guess what else is absurd...

I used to excuse the importance of my personal time in God's Word away with that same type of thinking.

"I can't always remember what I read. I wonder if it's just a waste of my time. Yeah, I know I should read, but really... who has time for something that can't be remembered later?"

You know what I have found?

Much as the physical nutrition for the moment brings health to my physical body, so the spiritual sustenance and strength I need for the day comes from the Words I read that morning.

Even when I can't always remember the details of each moment at a later date, I am confident that the time spent there meditating and focusing on His Words to me have sustained me more than I know. More than I would probably even believe were I to know the full impact.

So, although I can't always remember exactly what I had to eat a few weeks ago, I am confident that I did eat. And that food sustained exactly what I needed for that day.

Confident of this truth - I continue to eat...
* physically
* spiritually

Hungry anyone?...

Hands that Shaped are Holding...

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 02:42:00 +0000

I've got some things weighing heavy on my heart. This morning was a lovely morning (felt very much like fall!) so I decided to grab my ipod with music and take a walk on our property.

As I was walking...
* I was listening to my music.
* I was thinking through some things.
* I was surrendering.
* I was praying...

I've walked the path through our 10 acres many times before. You would think nothing should surprise me about the path it takes, the forage that lines it, the terrain it contains.

And yet, this morning I rounded a bend, looked up, and stopped in my tracks with a lump caught in my throat.

THIS....

And here's what made this stand out to me...

The song actively playing on my ipod at the time was "Your Hands" by J.J. Heller. I was singing along, as if also praying, and the chorus led in to... "Your hands that shaped the world are holding me, they hold me still."

I am not even kidding. As I turned the corner the words "Your hands that shaped the world" played, and in that moment, as if practiced numerous times to get it exactly on cue, I looked up and saw....

THIS...

Not broken. Fully intact. Almost as if purposely shaped from the trunk, bent over, and even for this very moment with all that is on my heart.... for me to be reminded. Encouraged. Bolstered in spirit.

".... are holding me, they hold me still...."

His hands that shaped the world.... are holding me. If He can do that to a tree? Just sayin'...

And in that moment I stopped and circled back to from where I had just come. I had climbed down into the middle of this and sat for about 10 minutes...

Thinking. Singing. Praying...

The world that He shaped was literally holding me in those moments as I settled into the middle of that place...

A reminder so tangible that the pieces of bark that had fallen down the back of my shirt scratched my neck as I walked back to the house with tears welling in my eyes in gratitude.

Grateful...

* that He walked with me this morning
* that He met me in such a personal and real way on that walk
* that He shaped this world by His very hands
* that He still holds me in those hands... HIS!

No! Matter!! What!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friend, does it feel that your world is shaking, that your heart is breaking? Do you have troubles and unanswered prayers? Are you tired, and weary, and just plain worn out?

I offer you this gentle reminder... Heaven Stands! He heals. He is still in control!

Friend, the hands that shaped the world are holding you... even still!!

"See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." ~Is. 49:16

Happenings...

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 30 Aug 2016 04:34:00 +0000

It's been some time since I've written for a variety of reasons.
- Some schedule related.
- Some "navigating through what's all even in my heart and head" related.
- Some increasing pressures I was putting on myself regarding content, frequency, expectations, etc. related.

I have recently been doing some reading, listening, pondering, and considering. In doing so, I believe that some of those pressures are lifting, freeing up a sense of the potential of my words being able to flow again.

And so,
* Since it has been awhile...
* In an effort to catch you up on what's been happening with me...
* To get my fingers typing and my words flowing again...

I decided to share a little bit about the:

HAPPENINGS HERE:

On My Bookshelf:

Recently finished reading:
* If: By Mark Batterson
* Audacious: By Beth Moore

Am currently reading:
* Prayer: By Timothy Keller
* The Best Yes: By Lysa Terkeurst

Books of the Bible:
I have been spending the last few months primarily in the Psalms. I read through in the Message translation one month, the New Living Translation the next month, and this month in the New International Version.

I've also spent some recent time in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. I tried to be more intentional to read through them as a letter that had been sent since that is how they were originally written. They did read somewhat differently to me in that frame of mind.

Devotionals I'm Using:
* Streams in the Desert: by Jim Reimann and Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
* Jesus Calling: by Sarah Young

Music I'm listening to: (Current Fav's)
* It is Well: Bethel Music
* Breathe: Jonny Diaz
* Trust in You: Lauren Daigle

Items of note:
* I'm hoping to have more time to spend here again.

* School curriculum is starting to arrive. This week will be spent getting that all figured out for another year ahead of us.

* Our oldest heads back to college this week to begin his Jr. Year. (Can you even believe it?!)

* We introduced our little guy to "Amelia Bedelia" this week. Oh the laughter...

What I’m looking forward to:

* Fall. I've been seeing online and elsewhere some push back from saying goodbye to summer. But for me, there's just something about the crisp mornings, warm throws, bonfires, and crisp leaves that are so appealing to me.

* Writing again without the self imposed pressures I was putting on myself in the doing so!

*******************************
Now it's your turn! I would love to hear...

What's Been Happening With YOU?

When It Seems That God Doesn't Have a Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 04:20:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like God gave you a promise and then was slow in keeping it? Or did it in a way that did not make sense at all? Or perhaps He gave a promise, but then didn't appear to have a plan in place to accomplish it?

I sure have been tempted to feel that way. But there's a problem with that type of thinking... it goes completely against His character. His very being. Who he is.

I was reading in Exodus about His promise to the Israelite's and the land they would overtake.

When I got to verse 29 of chapter 23, I stopped and went back to read it again.

And again.

And then one more time.

"But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you." ~ Exodus 23:29

Do you see it like I did when I read it?

God had shared his promise of giving them the land.

BUT

He also explained to them why He wouldn't do it as quickly as they may have hoped, wanted, or expected. To do so would have caused the land to become desolate and allowed the wild animals time to multiply and threaten them.

He does not owe us an explanation or a plan.

But when He chooses to let us in on it...

Yes, just a small glimpse of the constant truth that we CAN be assured that when He promises, He provides.

In His time. His way.

He has a plan... and it is ALWAYS for our good!

Light vs. Darkness vs. Darkness vs. Light

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 25 Jun 2016 17:21:00 +0000

Have you ever had the opportunity to be down in the earth? To enter a cave?

The coolness.
The dampness.
The darkness.

When we had reached the very bottom of the cave, the tour guide turned out the lights. And do you know what we saw? Darkness!

A darkness so dark, so thick, so palpable. It was so dark that, even when putting my hand directly in front of my face, I could not see it.

A few weeks ago I was stirred in my heart to begin considering light vs. dark. And the theme has continued to surface in my days (which I have learned means I am to press in even harder... I believe repetition of themes, concepts, or ideas is one of God's ways of inviting me into a deeper conversation with Him in that.)

Here is some of what I have pondered and considered...

Physical Light and Darkness:

Without light, dark is. The entrance of light itself is what dissipates the darkness, even from the very beginning.

"The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." ~Gen. 1:2-3

In the cave, the guide didn't turn the dark off, instead he turned the light back on. The darkness didn't necessarily go away. It was still there. The light just overcame the dark.

I am also trying to open my eyes and ears to how creation speaks of the Creator. And so I consider the darkness and the created light...

Spiritual Light and Darkness:

In addition to sin... how often our difficult, our struggles, our pain, our frustrations.... are referred to as the darkness of our lives.

So then, in that, is there light? And if so, what (or who) is that?

"Jesus once again addressed them: 'I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.'" ~John 8:12

I am coming to a new understanding of my own "darkness". We aren't told that it will necessarily go away. Instead, we are promised that there is a light strong enough to dissipate whatever darkness we find ourselves in!

The darkness doesn't necessarily disappear, the light just becomes greater.

In my darkness, He is my light!

"O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness." ~2 Sam. 22:29 (Ps. 18:28)

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine." ~Is. 9:2 (Matt. 4:16)

New Truth and New Prayers:

* And then I wonder... instead of praying for what seems my dark situations to go away, would the greater prayer (and miracle) not be to instead pray for my eyes to be opened to seeing Light (Him) in the midst of my darkness? What if that was His greater will (and good) for me in that?

"Let us walk in the light of the Lord" ~(Is. 2:5b)

* And then allowing that Light (Him) to shine through my darkness and brokenness for others to see Him...

^"But this precious treasure—this light and power that now shine within us -- is held in a perishable container, that is, in our weak bodies. Everyone can see that the glorious power within must be from God and is not our own." ~2 Cor. 4:7

* And even throughout eternity... He is the Light.

" And the city has no need of sun or moon to light it, for the glory of God and of the Lamb illuminate it" ~Rev. 21:23

What about you? Have you found yourself praying for a difficult/dark situation to just disappear? What if, instead, you began asking to see Him dissipate and overcome that with His Light if that was His greater will for you in that? -- And what other ideas of light vs. dark have you discovered, considered, or learned?...

Not all inclusive, but other verses to consider:
2 Cor. 4:4-6; I Peter 2:9; 2 Cor. 11:14

I Don't Want to be Remembered for Being Nice

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 18:08:00 +0000

I was talking with a co-worker friend recently about the life and passing of a sweet friend that Jesus took home after her 6+ years of fighting cancer leaving behind a young family. The words pouring in from all over the world via social media and other venues were all pointing to her life well lived, loving people, and how she had lived out Jesus.

As I was having this discussion I said, "It all has me thinking about how I would be remembered."

Their response was, "Oh, you would be remembered like that... for being nice, considerate, kind..."

And as inappropriate as it probably was for me to interrupt, that's exactly what I did. And I interrupted with these words before I could even think twice about what was coming out of my mouth... (that actually happens more than I'd like to admit which can get me in to trouble.)

"But I don't want to be remembered for just being nice. I want to be remembered as someone who pointed to Jesus in every. single. thing.!"

I've continued to consider this immediate, visceral reaction from deep within. And it is giving me something to pursue. To strive for. To be conscious of. To be intentional with.

Not for anything for myself, but all for His Glory!

How about you? Have you given much thought to how you would like to be remembered when the day comes? What are you doing or changing to make that a reality as much as possible?

Challenged by God's Goodness

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 02:04:00 +0000

So often the goodness of God is mentioned when things are going right. An answer to prayer, health restored, protection noticed... and the words "God is good" slip across the tongue.

Then I am challenged.

Should those same words not pass through the mouth when things don't seem to be going right? Answers to prayers seem silent or even opposed to what was hoped for, continuing illness with no restoration in sight, death of someone way before what seems their time, tragedy strikes...

Do things and situations alter the goodness of God?

Does God simply just do good? or is He good?

In the classic by C.S. Lewis "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", Aslan represents Jesus. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver begin describing Aslan to the children, and this is part of their conversation:

“Then he isn’t safe?” said Lucy.

“Safe?” said Mr Beaver...; Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.

Jack Modesett Jr. gives this definition of the goodness of God:

"Wise enough to know what's best for me.
Loving enough to want what's best for me.
Strong enough to do what's best for me.
Gracious enough to give me all that goodness would provide."

And then I consider the words of God Himself:

"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" ~Ps. 34:8 (NLT)

"The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation." ~Ps. 145:9 (NLT)

Circumstances of this fallen world do not change the goodness of God.

Being good is not something God does, rather something He is.

Good or bad, ecstatic or tragic... God is Good!

It is part of His character. Just plain who He is... all the time.

God IS Good.

We have situations that we are working on sorting and processing through. Not ones I would have personally chosen, but ones that are ours nonetheless. I knew this was a perfect time to put this truth to practice in my heart.

"Even now, in the middle of this...God, You are still good."

What about you? Have you ever thought or been challenged to remember the goodness of God, even when it appears that things are not going so well? Or especially when things aren't going so well?

When was the last time you were reminded and able to say that God is good? Not finishing the sentence with "when"...

Instead, just using these three words to sum it all up.

God IS Good.

Learning to Embrace the Wait

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 21:21:00 +0000

We have a theme park not too far from our house. We went for opening day of the season.

Which meant we had to stand in lines. Waiting. For our turn. Watching others board and ride the ride that we anticipated taking.

As we were standing in line, I glanced down at our little guy as he was leaning against the railing saying repeatedly, over and over, almost as if under his breath, "I hate waiting. I hate waiting. I hate waiting."

I interrupted his cycling statement with, "Oh, but waiting is a good thing to learn. So many times in the Bible God tells us to learn to wait. It is part of how He created life to work."

And as I was encouraging and educating my son, my Heavenly Father began to point out current situations in my life where I have been standing, waiting, leaning against the railing saying repeatedly, over and over, almost as if under my breath, "I hate waiting. I hate waiting. I hate waiting."

And so I am challenged.....

As I was trying to instruct my son in the lessons of waiting... I myself was instructed.

Not because I want to, but rather out of obedience...

Learning to embrace the wait.

Attitude Perspective... It's a Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 23 May 2016 03:48:00 +0000

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “Today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “YEAH!” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

--author unknown
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Attitude is a choice. I am choosing mine for today. Have you?

How to Begin Quiet with Just 5 Minutes a Day

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 17 May 2016 01:54:00 +0000

Do you feel like you are running with no time to rest? Do you drop into bed each night exhausted and falling asleep before your head even hits the pillow? Do you find days filled without time for even a minute to reflect?

Do you find yourself experiencing mounting frustrations? Dreading what the next day, the next minute has in store because you haven't even completed yesterday's tasks... or can't even remember what those were?

I have experienced those very frustrations of busy, overwhelmed, noise, chaos, and no time for much of anything or anyone... especially time with what was most important... Jesus.

It was a desire of mine to learn and implement the rhythms of...

Quiet
Simplicity
Solitude
Pace Slowing
Moment Enjoying
Time Treasuring

What if I told you I started with just 5 minutes a day?

Would you be up for the 5 minute challenge?

A Couple FAQ's I have been asked when presenting it to people:

~~WHERE DO I GO?
* a closet
* your car
* the back porch

Location doesn't matter so much as you find somewhere that you can get away for complete solitude.

~~WHAT DO I DO?
Nothing! That's right. Don't do anything in that time but just be... you and God.

Start out without even bringing a Bible during that time. So often my Bible reading became just another "to do".

Just use this time to be honest with God. Talk to Him. Perhaps even out loud. Be honest. (He's even okay if you share your frustrations, anger, etc. Just read the Psalms some time if you aren't convinced...)

And then just sit. Be in His presence.

Quiet.

Listen.

If you aren't hearing anything, just picture in your mind Him sitting there with you.

His Presence.

I often picture myself just bowing at the feet of His throne worshipping and praising Him for all that He is... and listening, and proclaiming with the heavenly beings...

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Who was, and is, and is to come. Worthy....

Note: you may want to bring paper and pen for the purpose of writing down any distractions that will come to mind. I say "will" because it's almost guaranteed it will happen. Write them down to refer to and deal with later. Don't waste this precious time with what will fill the rest of your day!

~~SET A TIMER if needed

I realize that even 5 minutes may seem like a very long time to begin with.

But be intentional. Setting a timer helped me to not glance at the clock every 30 seconds wondering how much longer I had to go. It helped me to really work at just quieting, knowing that the clock was keeping time.

~~NO EXPECTATIONS
Don't go into this time with any expectations other than to begin training your own heart and mind in the practice of sitting with Him in His presence.

"Wasting time with God."

I remember beginning to train myself to this practice. It wasn't easy in the beginning, but oh the benefits this practice and the sweet and special moments that have come out of it!

Once you have 5 minutes, increase to 10. And then 15. And then 30. And then 60. And then...

Once you begin to learn the rhythms of quiet, the stillness, the settled-ness...begin to bring in music, and Bible reading, and journaling, etc.

Quiet
Simplicity
Solitude
Pace Slowing
Moment Enjoying
Time Treasuring

Keeping company with God...

Challenge Modifications:
* If you already have consistent time with Jesus, the challenge I issue to you (and that I am taking on) is to consistently increase that by at least 5 minutes. And does some of that time include setting everything aside and just "being" with Him?

What about you?
* Are you in? Would love to hear if you are taking on this 5 minute challenge!
* What other ways have you found to quiet and still yourself to just be in His presence?

White Knuckled Grip

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 11 May 2016 02:03:00 +0000

Have you ever held on to something so tightly that your knuckles turned white; and when you let go it actually hurt to straighten your hands?
~~~~~~~

Has there ever been a time when it seemed that you were alone in the heat of a battle, a heart and soul battle? Have you ever felt that surely you would not survive that battle?
~~~~~~~

Until recently, I'm sure I have read over Eleazar's name many times without paying much attention to his story. However, his is now a name I remind myself of in difficult times. Even when it feels I am all alone... No...especially when it feels I am all alone, I challenge and remind myself to be an Eleazar. To stand my ground, to fight, to cling...

II Sam. 23:9:.....

(Msg) "When the Philistines drew up for battle, Israel retreated. But Eleazar stood his ground and killed Philistines right and left until he was exhausted—but he never let go of his sword!"

(NASB) and (AMP) "until his hand was weary and clung to the sword."

The army retreated and left Eleazar. He stood his ground. He fought. He clung... to his sword.

Stop. Put yourself in that situation. Imagine just how tightly you would have been clinging to your sword.

After fighting that desperately, I wonder... did someone have to help pry his hand from his sword in the end? Was the battle so intense and long that it was as if his hand and sword had become one?

(NIV) "till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword."
~~~~~~~

Sometimes my life battles feel ever so fierce. There are times I feel so alone in the midst of those battles. God has used the story of Eleazar as a challenge to my own heart.

Do I cling to my sword as desperately, fighting for my very life in the midst of life's fiercest battles?

Eph. 6:17 (NIV) "Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Heb. 4:12 (NIV) "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..."

Do I cling so tightly that my knuckles turn white? Is my grasp so intense that it is almost as if my sword, God's very Word, is frozen to my being? Is my grip so tight that to let loose would generate a pain of sorts?

In the heart battles that rage, by His grace and mercy:

Learning to not retreat.
Seeking courage to stand my ground.
Finding the strength to fight.

Determining to cling... with a white knuckled grip.... so desperately... for my very life...

To my sword... the Word of God.

My Season of Lilacs

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Sat, 30 Apr 2016 01:28:00 +0000

Ah, lilacs. As I glance through my windows I see that they are almost in full bloom. Everywhere I go around town I see them... lilacs. Their scent is even beginning to permeate the air without even necessarily being close to them.

Each year that they come and go, I do a lot of reflecting, remembering, rejoicing, and re-living.

It was this season 10 years ago (but I remember it like yesterday) that I missed the season of my lilacs completely. It was in that season that our daughter found herself in the hospital facing death for the second time in her life.

We had just moved into our home and I was excited for the first season of my lilacs. As they started to bloom, we left for what was supposed to be a short trip. However, our daughter became very ill on that trip and was rushed to the ER as soon as our plane landed. She was immediately admitted.

Once she was discharged weeks later... the lilacs were gone. The season had come and gone, and I had missed it entirely.

Because of that one season... Every season now...
* is a reminder to me of God's love
* symbolizes memories of God's mercy
* is a visible witness to me of God's faithfulness, grace and healing power

As I remember that year, I stand amazed at the way God carried us through.

I see His hand so visible in areas that seemed so lonely, frightful and more than I could bear.

If you ask me how I made it through that time, I would have to tell you... it was not by my strength, power or anything of myself. It was by God's very mercy, grace and presence alone that each moment was faced with hope and faith in the sovereignty of my God.

Every year now, their beauty helps to refresh my perspective of what's truly important in life. They serve as an inspiration to count the little things in life as great blessings... to be grateful for the schedules, the tasks needing to be accomplished, the things needing to be done.

These things are stark reminders to me that those demands are needing to be accomplished for one reason... we are living.

Every season, with each glance out of my window...with each fragrant aroma inhaled, I am again brought to a brief quiet moment in my spirit where I realize and remember... I serve a great God whose character and goodness is beyond comprehension.

As we celebrate life being given fresh and anew to us 10 years ago, their season is a heart memory to me of what God walked us through and never left us to face alone.

We are now 3 years past when the doctor said she may need more surgery. We don't know when... but it will most likely come.

The season of my lilacs serve as a reminder, that regardless of what comes... my God is a grace giving, mercy loving, all sufficient, wisdom containing God who leaves His fingerprints all over every situation that comes my way.

I will forever treasure lilacs and their season in my heart. My "Season of Lilacs" serve as a reminder to me of "A season God alone sustained me."

Seasons

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:05:00 +0000

Once again it has been some time since I have been able to come and be in this place. There was a time in the past that I would feel the need to apologize and rationalize my absence. And yet, the irony strikes me that it has the name "quiet corner". I have found that sometimes I need to be even more quiet than what this little corner of the world will allow.

I have also come to understand, and am learning in increasing measure, the lessons and lifestyle of "seasons". There was a time that I felt to make a change, to have something be different than I had planned, vocalized, or even put plans into place for was negative. A sign that perhaps I was losing my mind.

But now...I have discovered and am learning that seasons and change should be expected. That maybe to change and have new seasons is the "normal."

"Maybe our normal is so subnormal that normal seems abnormal. Maybe we need a new normal. Bold prayers and big dreams are normal. Anything less is subnormal. " ~M. Batterson

Various seasons and change represent newness. Growth. Rest.

I have also come to be at peace with the fact that to have changing "life seasons" is even biblical!

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to ....... and a time to....... " (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

In fact, God created the world with seasons. Same... but different. And when we are nearing the end of one season, instead of complete dread, apprehension, or anxiety... we wait, almost longingly and expectantly, for the next season.

Why would I not also do that in my life? When a change is coming... eagerly anticipate knowing He has something in it and it is for my good. Knowing that He will meet me there.

And so, it appears that I may have opportunity to find myself back in this place on a more regular basis once again.

At least for this next season......

An Invitation. Will You Accept?

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 04:01:00 +0000

Rest. Peace. Solitude. Quiet... Survival.

Life can be so uncertain. So unknown. All we know for certain is that there are a lot of unknown's. Sometimes I get tired. Tired of the unknown.

At times life's goal might be just to survive, smiling and rejoicing. To take one day at a time, one decision at a time, one breath at a time. And in the unknown and busyness, to find time for that so important place...

That place of
     Rest
     Peace
     Solitude
     Quiet

One would think it so simple, to find time to rest. Personally, I think it is one of the hardest things we are commanded to do.

Physical rest eventually demands it. Lack of mental rest will lead to insanity. Emotional rest comes easier after a major breakdown. But spiritual rest?... a bit harder to come by.

Lord, continue to teach me how to rest in You. Regardless of the change, the risk, the cost being placed before me.

Give me the willingness to accept it, the strength to face it, the joy to endure it, and the rest to survive it. Teach me to find my deserted place with You and be willing to stay and rest there awhile.

"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." ~Mark 6:31

~~~~~

* "The earthly obscures the heavenly. Human voices drown out the voice of God. The world will confuse you. Silence will speak more to you in a day than the world of voices can teach you in a lifetime. Find silence. Find solitude - and having discovered her riches bind her to your heart."

* "Your busyness wearies Me. Small wonder you are yourself fatigued! Your fretfulness grieves Me. I long to take it from you and give you the balm of Gilead. I will endow you with life so dynamic that you will serve Me before you have time to even think about putting forth the effort to do so."

* "The moving of my Spirit may at times be inconvenient to the flesh and may at other times be diametrically opposed to reason, but obey Me regardless of the cost. The more difficult the assignment, the richer the reward."

~~Excerpts from "Come Away My Beloved" by Frances J. Roberts

~~~~~

If it comes to mind, would you please pray that I will readily accept the invitation to rest? The same invitation with Him has been extended to you as well. And I am praying that for you...

How are you resting?...

My Battle Plan... and a Freebie!

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:31:00 +0000

I shared last week that, although I don't have a "war room", I was using a journal and 3x5 cards during my prayer time. I also shared that I was going to re-work them to be more strategic after having seen the movie "War Room".

I wanted to share with you what I have done in the event that it helps you to begin to picture how you might be more strategic in prayer if you can't create a room. I combined my cards and journal into one...

Here, my friends, is my Strategic Battle Plan!

I found this ringed, plastic covered, elastic strap securing set with some blank cards already in it at the store for right at $2. Sold!

I brought it home and, having already had a hole punch at home, took my current cards and punched them.

I also created cards for the different areas that I pray through every day. These are all written out on colored cards and inserted into the stack.

Those categories are as follows:

* Preparation
* Praise (recognizing who God is)
* Confession
* Thanksgiving (recognizing what God has done)
* Silence
* Intercession (praying for others)
* Supplication (requests for myself)
* Guidance
* Commitment and Empowering

After each one of these colored category cards, there are cards with quotes and thoughts that help to get me focused, challenged, and thinking on that specific category of prayer.

I had already created and have used for a couple of years now 30 days of varying Scriptures on a document that I have put onto my Kindle that correspond with each of the categories listed above. (This idea and excerpts taken from the book:"Quiet Moments in Prayer: Experiencing Life-Changing Conversations with God" by Lloyd John Ogilvie)

When I get to the intercession part of my praying, I have cards in my ringed stack with names and specifics for those names included so that I can just flip right through my stack.

When I get to the supplication and guidance categories, again, I have cards outlining areas that God is working in my own heart and items that I need specific direction on.

At the very end of my stack are hole punched blank cards to have on hand at any time I want to add something else. I will not need to go looking for a card or hole punch to implement it.

Although I have been using this specific format for my battle plan for just a few days now, here are a couple of things I've already recognized that I like about it...

Portable:
It is in such a format that I can take it with me wherever I go. I've prayed my strategy on the back porch, in my living room... I can even take this with me when I travel.

Changeable:
As the battle plan needs to change, that can be done with easily inserting or removing any particular card that I might need to.

What about you? I would enjoy hearing about your strategy to approach the battle! What is your Battle Plan? Do you have a War Room? Has this helped you to begin thinking more creatively about what that could look like for you?...

FREEBIE!: If you would like an electronic copy of the 30 day's of Scripture that I put together that correspond with the categories listed above to begin praying through Scripture every day, please let me know, provide an e-mail address, and I'd be happy to send a copy to you!

War Room: What I Appreciated Most... and a Caution

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 23:26:00 +0000

War Room. Yes, I've been to see it!

Here are a few things I appreciated about the movie...

It Models Praying Scripture

I remember years ago learning the importance of this for myself! It used to be I would just ramble on and on to God, quickly losing momentum and interest. Praying Scripture specifically helps me to:

* stay focused in what I'm asking and praying
* be reminded of the promises God has already given
* affirm God's will and heart in what I am praying and what He has already said

It Models Praying for Someone

I remember the moment God clearly convicted me that I needed to stop talking to my husband (more like nagging) and start talking to God for my husband!

Not that my husband was being ungodly, we just couldn't seem to communicate well. (God also had huge lessons for me in learning to control my attitude that came out via my words. Can anyone say "ugly spirit"?)

When I am tempted to respond to my husband in a manner that would not be helpful to the conversation in the moment... I try to use that as a cue to instead shut my mouth, say nothing to him directly, and instead pray for him. (and for my own attitude in the moment) I also pray Scripture specifically for him every day!

This movie did a great job of modeling what that could look like. (Although I have to say this transition in my heart was not resolved in 2 hours. ha ha In fact, this is something I have to work on daily... and sometimes even moment to moment.)

These same principle's and actions can be implemented for other relationships in life as well.

It Models Prayer

* As a first line of defense
* As a battle - the spiritual warfare that it is
* As practical and possible to every day living
* As more than just even a once a day event... but a happening all through the day event

I could go on and on about all the things I so appreciated, but these are just a few.

All 3 of these things I appreciated about the movie are still such areas for growth and change for me... and so the challenge the movie brought to these areas was exciting and inspiring to my own heart and resolve!

A CAUTION

Since the release of the movie there has been quite a "buzz". And rightly so!! However, in the midst of all of the conversations and comments, I have become aware of something that is directing how I pray for the impact of this movie.

Although I have not personally talked with anyone with direct connections to the filming, I would dare say they would have a similar message...

War Room is not about the room... but the war!

I have heard people that are concerned that they don't have a room. A space large enough. A place to designate for just this.

I fear we can miss the point if we're not careful.

My take away was that it is about...

* Having a strategy
* Being intentional
* Being consistent
* Being willing to fight in prayer
* Implementing God's Words (Scripture) and not just my own
* Staying persistent
* Changing my own heart to be more like Jesus regardless of what another does

Let us not lose sight that the power doesn't come from the place, but rather from the One being prayed to.

Is it wrong to create a room in which to do spiritual battle? NO! By all means... if you can make it happen... DO IT!!

I love the idea of having a place such as this!

But it doesn't have to be a room...

STRATEGIC & INTENTIONAL

Right now I am using a journal. And notecards. (And I'm re-working both to be even more strategic since having seen the movie.)

But what if it was....

* Post it's on a mirror?
* Or fun paper on a bulletin board?
* Or lists created on a kindle?
* Or other mobile device?
* Or a plain notebook?
* Or steno book?
* Or 3 ring binder with tabs?
* Or......

Friends, the options are endless, which is so super exciting!!

Be strategic. Intentional. Consistent.

I don't want to spend so much time wondering about the method that I lose the moments... to PRAY!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~
What about you?: Have you seen the movie yet? What did you most appreciate? What were your take away's? What is your strategy and/or strategy ideas? Where/How do you be intentional in prayer? And if you've not yet started... what obstacles are you facing to begin?
~~~~~~~~~~

P.S. If you've not yet seen the movie, plan to! It is well worth it!!

What Wins

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 21 Aug 2015 19:43:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like something (maybe even life itself) was a battle? Like resistance was rising up against you? Like you may be consumed and defeated?

I know I have! In fact, I'm in a couple different situations even right now that could cause me to feel this way.

In light of these times I think we can take our cue's and learn from a couple of different people... mentor's if you will...

Jehoshaphat

Word came that armies were rising up against him and the people. (2 Chron. 20)

"The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord." (vs. 4)

Jehoshaphat then prayed and ended with these words,

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (vs. 12)

As we face times that do not make sense and/or seem certain defeat, may we also not hesitate to say to God, "I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on You."

Jahaziel

After Jehoshaphat's prayer, Jahaziel stood and encouraged,

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." (vs. 15, 17)

Worship

It was then that Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground and all the people fell down in worship. (vs. 18)

As we pray and seek God, His face, His plans in the situations facing each of us... may we not forget to also bow and fall down in worship to Him alone!

And as we continue to march forward in our battle, may we be encouraged by Jehosphat's words...

"Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld." (vs. 20)

The People

We can also learn from and duplicate the behavior of the people in their fight. Let's...

"sing to the Lord and praise Him for the splendor of His holiness... 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever." (vs. 21)

Victory

For it was "as they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the" armies invading... and those armies were defeated. (vs. 22)

Response for Today

I'm freshly reminded of my role in my battle. I am called to:

* seek the Lord
* admit that I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on Him
* not be afraid or discouraged, for this battle is not even mine, but God's
* take position
* stand firm
* watch for deliverance that the Lord, alone, will give
* go out in battle and face resistance with the Lord in lead

In the midst of all of that... my top priority roles are to:

* fall in worship
* praise Him

For it was as the people worshiped and praised that the Lord responded...

Friends, in addition to prayer, I firmly believe that as we worship, sing and praise, the Lord is going to move. At just the right time, He is going to set ambushes and we will experience victory...

I am being reminded that His victory most often looks and comes very differently than what I think victory will be!

His way in His time

And in that victory every last piece of it will belong to Him alone! For HIS glory!

Though our "battle" is a different opponent, the strategy works much the same. So as I stand and sing praises in my battle, I'm eagerly watching the horizon for the deliverance and victory the Lord is going to bring!

My prayer and hope for you is that you are also encouraged by these mentors of days gone by, suiting up for the front lines of your battle... leading out your fight in worship, song and praise to God.

Let's go friends... we've got a victory, HIS VICTORY, to witness and be a part of!

When Your Efforts Seem Useless

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:03:00 +0000

Have you ever felt like something you were doing or had done was useless? Have you ever wondered if you were wasting your time, energy, and strength on something that didn't even matter?

Recently I have been encountering a couple of different situations that left me with those same type of feelings.

I have been sharing my mornings the last few weeks with Isaiah. As my personal feelings of discouragement were increasing, he reminded me that he had felt the same way. And then he shared with me what he did in his own moments such as these...

"I (Isaiah) replied, 'But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.'” ~Isaiah 49:4

And just a couple days after Isaiah modeled his response for me in this way, Paul encouraged me with the following:

My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." ~I Cor. 15:58

And so I move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and hope. Just as Isaiah reasoned and determined, I want to do the same.

Regardless of whether I think a difference is even being made in what He has called me to... the results and reward for my obedience are competely up to Him and in His hands! And so I trust completely.

Believing that He is working for His purposes and His glory... even when I can't see it!

Be encouraged today! God sees and does not count it useless! Leave it all in God's hands and trust Him for His reward!

The Relationship between Fact, Faith, and Feeling

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 20:22:00 +0000

Fact, Faith, and Feeling were sitting on the wall.
Feeling fell off and grabbed on to Faith, pulling Faith down.
Fact grabbed Faith and held Faith up.
Eventually, Fact pulled Faith back up, which then eventually brought Feeling back up.

I can not trust the feelings (or lack thereof) to dictate the state of my relationship with Jesus. It's in those times when I don't seem to "feel" God and His presence that my faith becomes based strictly on the facts...

* Of what I know of God
* Who He is
* His promises

I have to believe that holding on to what I know to be true in my mind will once again resound loud and clear in my heart. It's in the times that I don't experience all of the "feelings" that my faith becomes a conscious daily decision. (Perhaps that is more of a sign of my submission and commitment to Him than when things are going well and "feeling" right?)

For now, it's "just the facts ma'am". That is what is holding my faith up.

Have you considered lately... is Fact or Feeling determining the status of your Faith?

How to Respond When the Direction Makes No Sense

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 18:30:00 +0000

Imagine this...

It is the end of the day. It has been a long, hard day. Your child is tired, exhausted, and feeling a bit discouraged from the situations of the day.

You are wrapping things up to be ready to head to bed when you remember there is one more errand to run. So, you all pile in the car and head out.

While out on the errand, you look to your child and ask them to do something that seems absolutely ridiculous. They look at you and say, "I don't really understand why you want me to do that, but because you say so I will obey."

I don't know about you, but this reponse would probably have me flat on the floor in disbelief.

Now...

Travel back with me to a time in the past. (Luke 5:1-5) Jesus is walking along the shore and sees some fishermen cleaning their nets, wrapping up a night of working...their boats nearby.

He climbs into one of the boats and asks to be taken out a little from shore. There He begins to speak to the people. We aren't told how long He spoke. 5 minutes?... 5 hours?...

When Jesus had finished speaking He said to Simon, "Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch." Simon responds that they "have worked hard all night and didn't catch a thing."

They are, no doubt, tired. (Anyone who has worked a graveyard shifts knows the "tired" from working all night.) They are likely discouraged. (They are fishermen. This is their livelihood and they didn't catch a thing.) They were done for the day. (Remember, they were cleaning their nets.)

Keep in mind this is the beginning of Jesus' ministry. They have not yet spent time living with Him, watching Him, knowing Him.

Yet, what is Simon (Peter's) response? "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

Observations...

WHAT? Because you say so?... That means for Simon that was enough... because Jesus said so.

No whining. No questioning. No arguing. No pretending not to hear. No procrastinating. No asking to wait and rest a bit.

Just an explanation of why that seemed absolutely ridiculous but... OK, because you say so, I will obey.

End of discussion.

Life Implications...

When God asks me to do something, what is my response? Do I respond as Simon did? I'd like to be able to say my response is that of Simon's.

It think it probably is... when things make sense, when I'm well rested, when it's something exciting, when it's something I want.

But what about those times when I'm exhausted, I'm discouraged, the command given seems to make absolutely no sense, when I'm preparing to do something else and this is a change of plans? What is my response then?

Oh Lord, (regardless of the physical, emotional, and/or mental state that I am in) may you find me responding more and more to You like that of Simon.

Yes.
Because You say so.
That is enough.
I will obey.
Just because You say so!

What about you? Have you taken the time to consider lately how you respond to His direction?

~~~~~~~
Be sure to head to Luke 5:6-11, read the results of their obedience, and be encouraged. It was literally life changing!! Their lives would never be the same again!
~~~~~~

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Programming....

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 12:47:00 +0000

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you these announcements....

In an effort to re-engage and to better connect with you:

1. I can be found on facebook here.

2. I am now on Twitter. (New to this!) EEK! Someone care to help a girl out and give some tips with the in's and out's? Find me here.

3. A "reply" option has now been added to the comment section here on my blog. I will be able to directly reply to your comments (as well as you can reply and converse amongst yourselves.)

I am hopeful that by engaging these things I can get to know you and serve you better.

What other ideas, feedback, or tips would you like to offer? Go....

(We now return you to our regularly scheduled programing).... :-)

Our Miracle... Then. Now.

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 17:20:00 +0000

Eighteen years ago today, this:

Psalm 66: 5

"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!" (NLT)

"Take a good look at God's wonders— they'll take your breath away." (MSG)

Today... this:

What God wonder takes your breath away today?

Where I've Been. What I'm Learning.

noreply@blogger.com (Donnetta) — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 03:31:00 +0000

Professional Student. Do you know the term?

When I was in college this was a term used for those who were there much longer than the standard time one would expect for a degree completion to be done. It may have been because they were part time. It may have been because they changed major's multiple times. Regardless, they were "professional students".

I'm discovering that I am one... spiritually. Just when I think...

* I have learned something.
* I have graduated from that.
* I am ready to move on.

...I discover there is a "next grade"...

That is where God has had me. Instead of being close to done in certain areas as I might have thought, I have found that I am only advancing to the "next grade".

Some lessons have me on the same topics and subjects, just more complicated lessons with deeper contexts. Some lessons are new topics and subjects altogether.

Here is a snapshot of what I have been being challenged with and growing in... (in addition to the foundation and starting point being the Bible!)

From recent sermons at church:

* Tension is something to be managed not a problem to be solved.
* Obedience is not done when we feel like it, it's done when we're told to do it.
* Small daily decision for Jesus unlock eternity.

From "Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge" by Mark Batterson:

* "If you establish a prayer routine... You don't need to seek opportunity. All you have to do is seek God. And if you seek God, opportunity will seek you."

* "Sometimes the purpose of prayer is to get us out of circumstances, but more often than not, the purpose of prayer is to get us through them."

* "Most of our prayers have as their chief objective our own personal comfort rather than God's glory."

* "Crazy Faith: Crazy is normal. Maybe our normal is so subnormal that normal seems abnormal. Maybe we need a new normal. Bold prayers and big dreams are normal. Anything less is subnormal. And when bold prayers become the norm, so do the miraculous breakthroughs that follow."

And from My Own Thoughts:

* This came the morning that I was doing a little "self preaching" about a major step I was to take but I couldn't see how it was going to end (and even though the step has been initiated, I still don't know the end).

"God, I know you to be the God of the Old Testament and the New Testament. You are still that God today!" and in that time a question came to mind that said, "You're right. I am still that same God. But how is it that you expect me to be the same, but that I would expect any less faith from you than that required of the Old Testament and the New Testament?"

I then thought of Noah, Abraham, Esther, Joshua, Moses, Daniel, and on and on the list went... and the levels of faith they stepped out with... not knowing the end of the story, just believing God to be who He said He was and that He would do what He said He could do.

Their stories are serving as mentors to me in what "faith walking" really looks like, regardless of the response in my own mind or of those around me.

That's just a brief snapshot of what I have been learning.

These haven't been just nice, little, challenging quotes and thoughts. Rather, they are compelling me to move forward in intentional and life journey directing decisions once again. Living it out.

Just as any grueling and strenuous learning assignment, it has been difficult and exciting. It has left me teetering between grief of what I am giving up to the thrill of what I am pursuing. It has left me questioning. It has left me confident. It has left me... well, frankly feeling like I've lost my mind.

I sure would love to hear what your heart has been learning in recent days! Share in the comments below and let's encourage each other with stories of what we are processing and how we are growing to become more and more the men and women that God created us to be!