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Archive for the ‘General’ Category

No More Halfsies

Posted in General on January 4, 2014| 8 Comments »

canstockphoto12199525Initially, it seemed as if my focus word for the year was going to be a joyride.

The idea of being wholehearted conjured up enthusiasm and going for the gusto, awaking each day with arms open wide for whatever would transpire.

Piece of cake, having this word as my mental billboard… or so I thought.

This rosy cloud of wishful thinking soon began to evaporate, however.  Though God more than likely has some wonderful ways to help me be more wholehearted, I found that He also has some questions for me to ponder.

These have to do with the underside of the word.

Out of the blue (and isn’t God so clever about His end-around moves?), my eyes have been opened about more than one area in my life where my feelings and attitudes could use a bit more compassion, tenderness, or zest.

How could this be, that my soul has pockets that have been sewn shut or hidden from view – preventing me from being fully, earnestly engaged and excited?

What are the obstructions keeping my heart from loving and receiving love, fully and freely?

Seeing my halfheartedness is humbling.

Whoa, Lord…this focus word stuff is more than I bargained for.

Am I up to the challenge?

Well…I have committed –  and I am both slightly apprehensive and joyfully expectant about how wholehearted will unfold this year.

I am grateful for all of you as my partners in accountability.

That said, I am pushing off on this 2014 voyage – with a heart open to becoming more whole…

…Trusting in God, and asking for His direction, of course.

Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got! ~Deuteronomy 6:5 (The Message)

P.S.  If you have chosen a focus word  for the year and would like to be part of Julie Voorhees’ Facebook group, Gather Round One Word, (G.R.O.W.),click here.

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Oh, My Word!

Posted in General, tagged on December 28, 2013| 14 Comments »

canstockphoto4407279The thought that a meaningful arrangement of letters could serve as a guidepost throughout the course of one year seemed highly unlikely to me…

until I actually tried it.

This concept was introduced to me by Julie Voorhees, who described it as a One Word Challenge.

Julie states: The one word challenge is very different from making resolutions to achieve or setting goals to be met. A focus word is simply an invitation for God to work out His unique plan for you. This one word serves as a reference point for the next 12 months. Without obsessing about the word or His plan, you simply allow the word to creatively surface. And pretty soon, you naturally begin to notice how God is intimately working in and through your life.

So in 2013, rather than list my resolutions (which curiously seemed to repeat themselves year after year), I took the plunge.

After careful consideration and prayer, receive was chosen – and God certainly threaded this word into my life in many ways throughout the course of the year.

One of my journal entries early on: Lord, allow me to be a vessel through which others receive You.

This prayer, repeated often during the past months, has actually become my personal mission statement.

God has shown me that I need to receive others more fully – talking less, listening more. (Still working on that one.)

Though I would much rather be giving, He has presented opportunities for me to humbly and gratefully receive the help and kindnesses offered by others.

And sadly, I  had to receive the hard truth that something I wrote was deeply hurtful to someone who was grieving.

In whatever I read, receive caught my eye like a  flashing light, giving me pause.

Each time this word came to mind or appeared in print,  God reached in more deeply, and His guiding light grew brighter.

Having this focus word – and yes, one that challenges – has proven to be a purposeful way to journey through the year.

I love reflecting on the myriad of ways that God has used receive – to teach, to encourage, to help me grow.

For 2014?

My word surfaced in an instant.  I am both excited and intrigued about what God will reveal through wholehearted.

And in case I didn’t make myself clear…I wholeheartedly recommend choosing a focus word for the year.

If you choose to do so, please share your word with beWARM!

To read more about choosing a word for the year click here.

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What Kind of Parents Ditch Their Kids on Christmas?

Posted in General on December 25, 2013| Leave a Comment »

canstockphoto17403881BeWARM introduces its first guest writer (and dear friend!), Lois Swagerty…

For the first time in 30 years, we will spend Christmas away from our kids, and I’m feeling pretty weird about it—a little sad, a little lonely, a little neglectful.

It’s not as if we’re the first parents ever to experience such separation. Some people work, travel or spend time abroad. Others are separated by death, disease or distance—distance that can be locational, relational, emotional.

My friend Lauren reassured me, “It’s not like you took off on vacation and left them Home Alone. God clearly brought you to Santa Fe.  He is watching over your kids and will bless them in new ways this Christmas.”

I’m not the only parent to suffer from separation anxiety. I think of one who sent his son away on Christmas so we could spend the future together.

What kind of parents ditch their kids on Christmas?  Hopeful parents—following a star hitched to a wagon bigger than their own agenda. Trusting parents—knowing that surely goodness and mercy will show up, even though we’re apart.

And grateful parents—thank God for Skype!

www.loisswagerty.com

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Breath of Heaven

Posted in General, tagged on December 17, 2013| 7 Comments »

canstockphoto16337199Not much is written about how Mary was feeling about her pregnancy and the imminent birth of the baby Jesus.

Do you suppose she struggled with morning sickness, or had food cravings?

At the very least, the concerns of all first-time mothers occupied her thoughts.

The song Breath of Heaven expresses her doubts and fears in a beautiful way as she tells God she is apprehensive, and asks Him if there was someone else who might have taken her place.

She prays, Hold me together, Be forever near me.  Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness. Help me be strong.

My immediate reflection upon hearing this song was to remember the instances where I have felt unsure, fearful, or confused  – and how God (thankfully!) infused His peace into my heart, helping me trust Him with every situation.

Sometimes I could barely hear His subtle murmurs.

God is always there when we need Him the most….and when we least expect Him to be.

His quiet breezes surround us, each and every day, permeating our lives.

Have you sensed His presence recently?

Here are some recent Breaths of Heaven I have experienced….

  • An impromptu gift wrapping session that became a lovely sharing of faith and friendship
  • A dear friend’s mother, now in heaven with the Lord, after a battle with cancer
  • Little voices that are excited when they hear their Nana on the phone
  • Lunch with a sweet young friend – edifying and heartwarming
  • Hugs from those I love, anytime, anywhere
  • Being wished “Merry Christmas with stars on it!” by a woman at a Memory Care center (I just love that image!)

I invite you to close your eyes and recollect the simple ways God surrounds your day with Himself.

He is our zephyr, our background music, and our bright star. He has given us the greatest gift and life-force of all – His Son.

Let God’s gentle whispers wash over you…

And make you love and appreciate Him all the more.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! ~Psalm 150:6

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The Be G’s (aka Thanksgiving Fever)

Posted in General, tagged on November 25, 2013| 5 Comments »

canstockphoto16556763We welcome the arrival of Thanksgiving week, the grocery list growing by the minute, along with pleasant thoughts of a yummy love-filled dinner with family and friends

Words plastered on my mental billboard:  Be Grateful

And, am I ever – for many things.

Here are my top five Be G’s:

1. Eyes

  • for allowing us to see the incredibly beautiful world before us
  • for providing the window to gain knowledge
  • for twinkles, and smiles (the same in every language)

2. Voices

  • for praising and encouraging, and intimate conversation
  • for freedom of speech
  • for laughter, and singing! (heaven on earth)

3. Hands

  • for warm hugs and loving touches – and especially for little ones reaching up for mine
  • for allowing us to write, create, cook, build, make music, etc.
  • for helping – whomever, wherever, whenever

4. Hearts

  • for beats that keep us alive
  • for sharing love in all forms, especially within family and among friends
  • for the blessings of compassion and understanding, extended or received

5. God, without whom all of the above would not exist

  • for His faithful presence in my life
  • for His grace and mercy for all
  • for the peace that comes from spending time in His presence

May God invade your heart this Thanksgiving! Welcome Him in, and let His love add wonder and warmth to your Thanksgiving gathering.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
    His faithful love endures forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT)

What are your top Be G’s this year? I would love to know…

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