Topped Out

Today is one of those days where I find myself lacking the ability to stay focused on any one thing for too long.  As a matter of fact, my mind seems to be void of really anything.  I am topped out, brain-wise.  There is nothing more I can think or focus on.  I am able to sit in the quiet and let my ears attune to the sounds around me.  It is calming.  I believe in the importance of taking time to be still, as you may already know from reading my blog.  Today is a still day.  Sometimes God forces them on me by not giving me anything in particular to think about.  He has to do so because I just go, go, go.  Thank you, Lord for the quiet, calm moments you provide.

Not For Sissies

I don't like the fact that satan knows exactly how to get me to doubt what I know God is doing.  He has the exact tactics that shake me a bit and cause me to get frustrated or question what God is doing. Satan is so slick.  It's never something that is super obvious to me.  It happens and I start talking to Dalton about the situation and then he is the one who says, "Boy, satan knows how to get you going."  Ugh!  Yes he does.  The good thing is, I have people in my world who remind me of what I know and more importantly who I know.  Thankfully, no matter how frustrated or distracted I am by the ploys of satan, the Spirit of God is at work in, around, and through me to get me back onto course.  When things start to go wonky, I'm getting better about taking that step back and looking at it from above with Kingdom eyes.  Being a Christian is not for sissies.

Prayer for More

Father, as the days progress and the time moves quickly, I pray that you would slow my course that I may come into deeper contact with you to bring about the real change that I know you desire for my life.  Give me the opportunity to grow my faith and strengthen our relationship. Amen.

Sorrow and Expectation

Today I'm thinking about the end of a season of life and taking time to reflect on how I've been shaped during this season.  This is not a one blog post type of deal.  It is really the start of a long process of gleaning how my relationship with God has changed and what He and I will begin to focus on next.  There is an element of sadness of leaving behind people I hold so dearly, along with an element of excitement as to what God has in store.  As life moves there is always seems to be the pairing of sorrow and expectation.  It is a beautiful pairing by God that gives us the opportunity to embrace all that He offers through life in Christ.  I hope to find the beauty in both the sorrow and expectation during this time.

Leadership of Jesus

I have spent time contemplating the leadership of Jesus and trying to put that to work in my own world of leadership.  It is not an easy thing to do.  Jesus gave grace to all in need, specifically those undeserving.  He was a servant to His disciples, to the point of taking on the lowest position and washing their feet.  He gave of Himself at all times, even when He was awoken from sleep to immediately calm the storm.  Jesus wasn't understood often times when He spoke to His followers.  He was cast out by those who were supposed to be His biggest supporters, the Pharisees.  So, how do I apply this to my leadership role?  Honestly, I can't.  The only way I can lead like Jesus, is to live in Jesus.  He has to make my heart His heart.  The Holy Spirit must infiltrate all aspects of what I do or I am nothing but a boss.  Leading others is not easy work.  It is being strong in your beliefs and holding firm, while allowing grace as necessary.  It is giving of yourself to serve others' needs and carrying the burdens of the many you hold in your care.  This is only done well and with impact when it is done in Christ.  Yes, I am called to lead.  Thankfully, by the grace of God, in Jesus, I can do so for His glory.

Enjoy the Ride

Some days you just have to enjoy the ride while you're on it.  There are so many different moments in every day, so to walk away with nothing from a day seems a little irresponsible.  Take time to look at each person you meet today.  When you ask someone how they're doing, actually wait for a response and respond to it.  Give of your time to someone, even though you may not have another second to give.  Even in the difficult moments, be sure to grow.  There is never a wasted minute when you consider the deeper meaning for who you are becoming.  God is everywhere, so enjoy Him!

Some Things Never Change

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought up peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Today the phrase "by his wounds we are healed" has been running through my mind.  I think that is because I have been convicted about my own issues that continue to creep back into places I do not want them.  Then I feel guilty and frustrated because they are something that I feel like should be taken care of already.  I have turned them over to God and yet find myself continuing with them on my own.  Sometimes I think we need to have an environmental change or a change in personnel within our walk.  I am reminded to think about where I spend my time, with whom I spend my time, and what I spend my time doing.  For some reason I think that those kinds of reflection only need to happen when you are a kid, but the reality is that we spend a lifetime adjusting our lives to put ourselves in the best possible place to see/hear/reflect Jesus.