Isn’t that a powerful promise?

The God who loves us more than we can imagine…
He is never off His game.
He is always…God.

Take these words and claim their promise…
You will find REST.
You will find HOPE.

Isaiah 40:28-31

“The Lord is the everlasting God,
The Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
And his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
And increases the power of the weak.

…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles,
They will run and not grow weary,
They will walk and not be faint.”

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Cooking.

One word that makes my palms sweat and my blood pressure rise.

I don’t understand why it puts fear in my heart.  It all seems so simple.  You simply read from the cookbook and follow the directions, right?  But it can throw me into a tailspin!  So to break through this fear, I have been working hard to make friends with my kitchen.

And…I’m making progress!
(May I strut my stuff for just a moment here?)

This week my dear friend Jody Lessard gave me a fabulous recipe for a kale salad and another dear friend, Chere Bork, gave me a recipe for chicken/vegetable soup.  After a few texts, phonecalls, and emails… the new recipies turned into a new meal!  (It’s not that I never cook — I’m just starting to do it with less stress and more enjoyment, and am stepping out of my comfort zone.  And Steve still can’t believe I fixed something with kale and a whole chicken.)

Here’s what I’m learning…

There are things in life that scare us, stress us out, or stop us in our tracks.
Some of those things are relatively minor – like knowing what to do with a whole chicken.

Other things have the power to turn our world upside down:
The fear of losing a job, disease, children who have lost their way, financial disaster.

The good news? 
God cares about everything. 

I Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

(Notice he says “all” your anxiety.)

What’s troubling your heart today?
A work project that’s due?  A sick child?  Loneliness?  A sad heart?

Whatever it is…ask God to wrap His arms around you and give you peace.
Take God at His word.

He cares for YOU…every detail of your life.

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Do you want some things to be different in 2012?

Assuming your answer is “Yes!”…
Here’s the scoop!

Determine what you will DO differently and then CONSISTENTLY do those things!

My business coach, Mark LeBlanc, reminds me about this in every coaching session and every Growing Your Business program he facilitates.
Our lack of success is typically for one or more of these reasons:
1. Lack of clarity
2. Lack of congruency
3. Lack of consistency.

It is NEVER due to lack of commitment. 

I think we all know how earnest our commitments can be on January 1, right?  It’s a bummer that our sincere intent and desire aren’t enough to get rid of those extra pounds!

Do you want to…
Spend more time with family
Lose some weight
Pray more often
Work less hours
Work more hours
Write your book
Exercise more
Eat healthier

Here’s what you do.
Identify 3 activities that will help you accomplish that specific goal or make that dream come true.  And then CONSISTENTLY – on a regular basis – do those 3 things.  Hold yourself accountable; keep your word.

Do you want to lose weight?  I do.
Here are the 3 activities that I have promised to do consistently:
1. Go to the Y at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and exercise for 1 hour
2. Eat 5 veggies/fruits 7 days a week
3. Drink 8 glasses of water 7 days a week

Losing the weight will take more than really wanting to wear short-sleeved blouses and setting a goal of losing XX pounds.  It requires me to consistently DO something differently.  I believe that if I do these 3 activities on a consistent basis, the scale numbers will go down.  And that is a good thing!

My word for 2012 is CONSISTENT.  (Surprise!)

I am moving beyond Hope, Dreams, Intent, Desire, and Commitment.
I am going to Consistently Do.

Will you join me? 
Change your life. 
Consistently Do.

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One comment.
One phone call.
One note.
One visit.
One hug.

Consider the moments that have mattered most to you.

Frequently, they are initiated by “one (fill in the blank).”

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior, and the love He brought to our world.

During this Christmas season, in the busy-ness of preparations, will you join me and do ONE THING?…

One word of encouragement to someone who is sad.
One phone call to someone you haven’t connected with lately.
One letter thanking someone for her gift of friendship.
One visit to someone who usually sits in her chair, staring at the entrance to the nursing home.
One hug to someone that says, “You are special.”

Let’s make a difference.
It starts with ONE person.

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This week I have been reminded of how quickly our lives can change.

The proposal…marriage!
The doctor’s office…cancer.
The bonus check…money!
The “pink slip”…unemployment.
The note from a friend…encouragement!

Most of the time we don’t know what “moment” just occurred in the lives of those around us.  But we experience their reactions to what might be some pretty trying events.  The driver who cuts us off in the Fast Lane.  The grumpy sales clerk.  The co-worker who can’t find one good thing happening in the world.

They may not be bad people…

They could be good people dealing with some really tough things.

So…

During this month of December, when life gets even crazier for so many, let’s share grace and patience with each other.

Let’s be slower to react…

…quicker to smile, and…

…respond from “the good place” of our hearts.

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The map was providing the directions.
The road signs should have been supporting the map.
They weren’t.
We were lost.

Steve and I were traveling through Iowa, and we weren’t where we wanted to be, or where we thought we should be.  And because we didn’t know where we were, we weren’t sure how to get back on track!

So what do we trust?  The map?  Signs?  Common sense? Each other?

After a short, “frustrated” conversation (Oh, you know what I mean!)…we wound our way through the countryside until we reached a familiar landmark.

Life is like that sometimes.
We’re looking for direction. 

Who do we listen to?  What do we depend on?  What road map do we follow?
The bottom-line answer:  God’ heart.

God’s heart will never, ever, ever lead us down the wrong way.
Where do we find His heart? 
In His Word.  Through prayer.  Talking with Him.

Why can we depend on God’s heart?
Look at the cross.  That’s how much He loves us.

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God’s heart.
It’s the best guide ever.

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“Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful.”

We celebrated All Saints Day recently in church. It’s one of my favorite Sundays. 

We hang stars in our sanctuary with the names of friends and family members who lived lives of faith and devotion during their time on earth.

Grateful for the lessons they taught us. 

Challenged with the reminder of the task before us.

The star that Steve and I hung said, “In memory of Harry Lindfors, George Nornes, Lee and Pops. In honor of JoAnn Lindfors and Joyce Nornes.”
We are blessed to be walking in their footprints of faith.

As people of faith, we are called to love and serve those around us on a daily basis.

We are also called to leave a legacy.  To show those who come after us how to live a life of faith in a world that demands so much.

What memories will your children, neighbors, relatives, and friends share, as they describe your life on earth in the years to come?  Will they recall your faithfulness to God?  Find hope in the life you lived?

What fingerprints are you leaving?  Where will your footprints lead?

“Find Us Faithful.”  A beautiful song with a powerful message.

And we’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
And those who’ve gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who’ve gone before us let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we’ve left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful

 Words and music by Jon Mohr for Steve Green

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I love this picture!

It reminds me of giggles, laughter, and unbridled joy!

It’s the life God wants us to live!  How cool is that?

What’s keeping you from living and laughing out loud today?
Hurts?  Disappointments?  Worries?

Yes, there is darkness in our world…sickness and sadness are realities.
And sometimes there are no easy answers.

But God came to give us a life of peace, hope, and joy…in the midst of our tougher days.

John 10:10  “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
(Note that He doesn’t say this applies during only the “good times.”)

Take a moment today. 
Stop what you’re doing and think about what’s good in your life. 
Focus on all that God has given you. 
Call a friend and ask for encouragement.  Read a funny story.  Listen to an encouraging CD.  Take a walk and breathe deeply.

Don’t wait for the troubles to go away.
Create space in your heart for joy.

Live life to the full.

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“Well I woke up this morning with my mind…just stayin’ on Jesus.” 

Yesterday…that was true.

Today…not so much.

My morning anxiety certainly didn’t reflect the words to that wonderful hymn!
It was more like…
“Well, I woke up this morning with my mind…just stayin’ on everything that made me blue!”

How is it that we can wake up in the morning and our mind is already thinking about the tough part of the day ahead?   Deadlines, work, pounds not lost, the frustration of knowing the treadmill is calling my name, and realizing there aren’t enough hours before I get back into bed to finish all the work in front of me!

Ooftah.

The devil loves to get us at this point in our day, doesn’t he?  It ticks me off when I think about the grin he must have on his face as I sigh over the day in front of me.

Here’s what I have to remember…

The moment…the very moment…that my mind starts to go down the path of discouragement and weariness, I need to breathe the name of Jesus.

I can choose what I think about.
I can choose how I focus on the day ahead.
I can choose Jesus.

And you know, God expects us to do that.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart [even at 5:00 a.m. when the alarm goes off]  be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”  (Psalm 19:14)

Let’s kick that ol’ devil back to where he belongs.  And that is NOT in our thoughts!

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:7)

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I’ve got this love-hate relationship going on…

 …With cooking.

I really don’t understand it.

My cupboards are filled with cookbooks.  The desire to know how to pull together a nutritious meal is there.  My appliances are standing ready to help me out.  The recipes are easy to read.  Instructions are clear.

But I go into severe panic every time I need to actually start cooking.

Good grief.  It all seems so simple.  Why do I make it harder than it is?

Perhaps it’s the memories…

–  Pouring boiling water on my hand instead of into the bowl when making strawberry jello on Christmas Eve…
–  Putting 1 cup of salt into my chocolate chip cookies instead of 1 Tbsp…even the dog next door wouldn’t eat them…
–  Serving a boyfriend cold noodles with my beef stroganoff…

I know that this is a “head” thing.  I am certainly capable of cooking a meal.  It’s not rocket science.

So here’s what I’m learning…

It’s time to get out of my own way.

I’m tired of listening to the doubting voice in my head.
I’m tired of giving my fears of “not doing it right” center stage.
I’m tired of soup, salads, and sandwiches!
(Steve is a very patient man!)

So I’m going to stop thinking…and start cooking.

One meal at a time.

The old tapes that wind through my memories will be replaced.
“I can cook!” is my new mantra.
I’m going to feel the fear and do it anyway.

So here we go! 

What fear do you want to push through?
What’s something you’ve always wanted to do…but just haven’t taken the step to do it?

Join me!  Let’s slay the dragon of fear together!
In fact, I’ll cook that dragon up for us when we’re done!

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 Last Friday night was one of the best nights ever. 

Our family cheered, screamed, yelled, high-fived, and laughed as we watched our favorite quarterback, Scottie Benedict, lead the Minnetonka Skippers to a homecoming victory.

Scottie, aka My Favorite Youngest Nephew, played his heart out.  (He is really, really good!)

We couldn’t have been more excited when his passes were complete and the touchdowns were made.  And when he got sacked…we stopped breathing.  We were so focused on what Scottie was doing.  Nothing was more important than Scottie that night.  (Our only distraction was the candy bars we threw into the stands every time we scored.)

I bet God cheers us on like that sometimes.

He cares so much for us…celebrates with us…and hurts with us.
(Although I don’t think He’s easily distracted by candy bars.)

What a great picture.

Not only is He in the stands calling our name and cheering for us…
He’s calling our plays.
He’s running with us down the 30-yard line.
He’s picking us up when we stumble.
He’s blocking for us when the big guys are driving.
He’s getting us back in the game when we drop the ball.
He’s giving us high-fives.

How cool is that.

God, thank you for caring about every aspect of my life.

Thank you for cheering for me.

Thank you for being a constant presence in my Game of Life.

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“When we honestly ask which persons in our lives mean the most to us,
we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions or cures,
have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds
with a gentle and tender hand.”

~ Henri J.M. Nouwen ~

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I wouldn’t call myself a great swimmer.  But my childhood swimming lessons at the pool in Crookston, MN and at Lake Linka in Starbuck, MN make it possible for me to stroke, crawl, and float.

I do OK as long as the water is calm.  It’s when the water gets rough and wavy that I run into trouble.  And when that happens?  I may have all the sheer determination and focus in the world—but it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to do much more than just keep my head above water.  I don’t have the knowledge, experience, or strength to meet the challenges of that moment.

Now Dara Torres could probably take on some of that rougher water.  Dara is the fastest female swimmer in America.  She has competed in 5 Olympic games, winning 12 medals.  She has the strength and (amazingly toned!) muscles to do more than dog paddle and pant when the waves are high.  Why?  She has studied.  Practiced.  Trained.

And yet…

There are some waves in life that we can’t conquer, no matter how trained or disciplined we are.  We can’t practice caring for a parent with dimentia.  We can’t train for the emotional devastation of losing our home.  All the disicpline in the world doesn’t guarantee cancer-free bodies.

What then?

“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help…”

“He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.” (Psalm 18:6, 16)

God is ALWAYS bigger than our situation.  HE will get us through the storm.

What are the waves that are crashing around you today?  Death?  Disease?  A runaway child?  Loss of a job?  Heartbreak and anguish that you feel as physical pain in your chest?

God hears your cry.  And He can rescue you.

Stop fighting the currents.  Let God reach down and draw you to Him.
Say “Yes, God.”

God didn’t promise us an easy life.
God promised that He would always be with us.

Oh, God, please reach down and pull me out of the waves.  Help me to trust you.  Give me the courage to stop struggling, and let my heart and my weary body rest in your arms.  Please slow my beating heart and give me your peace.  Thank you.  Amen.

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So I joined a Get Fit Boot Camp at my local YMCA.

Good grief.

I must have really been feeling motivated to kick some butt when I did that!

And now that motivation needs to turn into action.  Ooftah.

When I work out on my own, or with a trainer, I think I’m doing quite well.  How do I know?  Everything hurts and I thank God for every breath I’m still able to take.  And I’m only horizontal when the trainer tells me to get on the floor.

But now there are people to compare myself to – others in the Boot Camp.  And let me tell you, I’m not leading the pack!  I’m still huffin’ and puffin’ while others breathe gently.  I’m grabbing for my water bottle between sets hoping the water will keep me conscious.  And I’m just praying to stay vertical after lunges, while they “shake it off.”  (I’m exaggerating a bit – stay with me.)

Here’s what I’m so excited about…this is OK! 

The other ladies are fun and motivated – and we’re there to get “Fit, Fun, and Fabulous” (our team name) while not taking ourselves too seriously.

In our professional lives, we spend so much time focused on titles, promotions, being the best, getting the top performance rating, and not looking bad.  Right?  Right.

This is a great reminder that sometimes my best is good enough.  I’m pushing myself beyond what I think I can do, encouraging my fit, fun, and fabulous teammates, getting healthier, laughing a lot, and focusing on my own progress.  I’m leaving any comparisons to others in the locker room.

It’s good practice for the business world.  It’s not always about being better than everybody else.  Sometimes it’s about being your best. This is cool.

Feeling fun and fabulous today, and even closer to feeling fit…

By the way, I typed this post with my chin.  I think my arms are still attached to my body, but I’m not sure…

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I watched the  mother carry her young daughter down the sidewalk.  The little girl’s legs were wrapped around her mother’s waist; pink leggings and white tennis shoes dangling in complete relaxation.  Her tiny soft arms curled around her mother’s neck while her chin rested on the strong shoulder of the one who had carried her since conception.  

It was a picture of strength and relaxation.

I want someone to carry me like that.

Today it would feel good to not be responsible, to not make decisions.  I don’t want to be the adult—I want to be the child.  I want someone else—someone strong—to carry me. 

It would feel good to relax.

Dear Lord, would you carry me for a little awhile?  Would you let me just dangle my feet and breathe deeply while I find strength in your arms? 

And would you please keep reminding me that this is what it means to be your child? 

Thank you.

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God,

I don’t understand random acts of violence.

I don’t understand people shooting other people because they disagree.

I don’t understand children bullying other children.

I don’t understand cancer.

These things make me angry.  And sad.

I know you are Trustworthy.

And I know I should and can trust you.

Today it is harder to do that.

God, please forgive me for my lack of trust.

Please forgive me for my unbelief.

For those in our country today who lost loved ones in the senseless shooting in Arizona,
For those parents and families in ICU units around the country,
For those children who are hurting as they try and find their way in life,
Please wrap your arms around them and let them feel Your presence, love, hope, and peace.

Today I am going to hold on to the promise you made to Joshua and all of us who have come after him…

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (Joshua 1:5)

And Jesus, I am holding your words to your disciples close to my heart…

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:10)

Amen.

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Sometimes I just make life too hard.  And making it too hard steals my joy.   Not a good thing.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness, crazy-ness. and messy-ness that’s part of living in the real world.  Can you relate to this?

That’s when I need to remember that Jesus came to give us life – a full life, a rich life, a joy-filled life!  (John 10:10)

So today…

Let’s look for joy.

A giggle…
          A smile…
                    A warm word…
                              A thank you…
                                        A memory from the heart.

“…the JOY of the Lord is your strength.”  (Nehemiah 8:10)

Wishing you a day filled with moments that remind you of God’s strength and the JOY that comes from knowing HE is in charge!

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I love January 1^st.

Everything about it says new beginnings…dreams to be fulfilled…aspirations to be realized…love to be shared.

I found the devotional below on a website called Appleseeds.

It’s my prayer as we enter 2011. 

Thank you for sharing the journey with me.

“A Morning Wish” by W.R. Hunt.

“The sun is just rising on the morning of another day, the first day of the new year. What can I wish that this day, that this year, may bring to me?

Nothing that shall make the world of others poorer, nothing at the expense of others; but just those few things which in their coming do not stop with me but touch me rather, as they pass and gather strength:

A few friends who understand me, and yet remain my friends.

A work to do which has real value without which the world would feel the poorer.

A return for such work small enough not to tax unduly anyone who pays.

A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed.

An understanding heart.

A sight of the eternal hills and unbelting sea, and of something beautiful the individual hand has made.

A sense of humor and the power to laugh.

A little leisure with nothing to do.

A few moments of quiet, silent meditation. The sense of the presence of God.

And the patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to know them when they come.”

Guide words: An Anthology of Inspiration and Humor, p. 13

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It’s easy to get into a rut.  Same routine, same schedule, same activities, etc.  Same input, same results.  Of course, there are times in our lives when this is exactly what we need—when we’re recovering from an extremely stressful period, serious health issues, or emotional exhaustion, for instance.

Most of the time, however, this “sameness” just creates a safe, easy, and predictable way of moving through life.

But is “safe, easy, and predictable” what we really want?  Really?

What if there was more.  More surprises.  More care-free moments.  More challenges that give us the courage to say, “I can do this!”  More risks that bring us to new and exciting places.  More big deep breaths that remind us that life can be big and God is even bigger.

“What if I had given everything instead of going through the motions?” *

John writes in John 10:10, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

What’s holding you back?  What scares you?  What would you do if you were ten times bolder?

God knows your dreams.  He knows your heart.  He knows what you’re thinking about.  Let Him help move you to a place that is beyond the motions. 

Let God take you to the place of no regrets.  The place of complete abandonment to Him and his purpose for you.

Don’t settle for anything less than living life to its fullest through the grace and strength of Jesus.

“Cause just okay is not enough.” *

*  By Matthew West from his song, “The Motions.”

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Today I celebrated the life and legacy of my friend Ann’s mom.  Angeline Yelich was loved very much.  Her husband, children, and grandchildren shared stories, laughter, and many tears as they reflected on who she was.

During the Funeral Mass we sang the 23^rd Psalm.  The words were a little different from the versions I’m used to, and they were just perfect for the day.

Perhaps you are weary, sad, or feeling lost.

May these words bring you comfort.

God is my shepherd, so nothing shall I want,
I rest in the meadows of faithfulness and love,
I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

Gently you raise me and heal my weary soul,
You lead me by pathways of righteousness and truth,
My spirit shall sing the music of your name.

Though I should wander the valley of death,
I fear no evil, for you are at my side, your rod and your staff,
My comfort and my hope.

You have set me a banquet of love in the face of hatred,
Crowning me with love beyond my pow’r to hold.

Surely your kindness and mercy follow me all the days of my life.
I will dwell in the house of my God for evermore.

Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants,
Beyond my fears, from death into life.

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