Be Still and Know....

The knowing isn’t the hard part. It’s the “be still” part that gets me every time. I’ve got things to do on my “to-do” list. There is a mound of laundry. The kitchen needs a once over. The bathroom needs to be cleaned. The kids need something. My mother needs something. I’m being pulled in multiple directions. How can I possibly “ be still.” In order to “be still,” you have to make a deliberate effort to give God time. You have to give God time to be acknowledged, to be praised, and to speak. When we are still, we can hear God. We can acknowledge the small still voice that says, “rest in me.” We can cry out because we can’t do everything in our own strength. When we are still, we can have peace with things being undone. We can know that God will never put more on us than we can bear. Most of know that we can cast our cares on God, but we aren’t still enough to hear the encouragement. We miss the peace of God when we aren’t still. Mute the distractions around you and focus. Be still and know….I am God.

Buried Treasure

The Alchemist is one of my favorite books. The main character goes on a journey to find some buried treasure. In the end, he does find it, just not where he thought it would be. Many of us look for treasure where it can’t be found. Many of us bury the gifts and talents that God has given us. We do not take full advantage of all the opportunities that are given to us. Maximize today. Maximize every day, and every opportunity. Dig up those talents and gifts. Brush them off and give them a second try. I implore you to not die a buried treasure.

Broken being built

In my experience, God rarely uses things in a traditional sense. He uses pain to bless. He uses turmoil to elevate. He uses detours to direct. Why wouldn’t he use brokenness to build us? I’ve learned more about myself and God in isolation than any church pews. I’ve gained wisdom and insight through heartache that I never learned in any classroom. What lesson is God trying to teach you? Have you ever thought that maybe you’re broken being built?

Willing & Able

I’ve heard the term willing and able used so many times. I don’t think I grasped the fact that sometimes we are one or the other. Some of us rarely get to being both at the same time. Partially, I think it requires too much of us. We are willing to help, but we don’t have the time or resources. We are able, but don’t have the follow through. Truly being willing and able is about a resolve. You have to decide to make yourself available and open to whatever the universe needs from you. You must recognize that you are merely a conduit. You are a vessel. You are a steward. Ask yourself…are you willing? Are you able? Are you willing and able?

Worthy

I'm not sure exactly when it happens. I don't know when we begin to doubt ourselves, but it happens. We remember a past failure. We reflect on a situation that didn't work out the way we thought. Before we know it, those seeds of doubt have taken root in our heart. We don't believe. We distrust. We second guess. We focus on the negative. We forget. We forget our purpose. We forget to smile. We forget to love. We forget ourselves. We forget our worth. Remember who you were before fear. Remember who you were before the pain. Remember who you were before you stopped believing. Remember your worth. You're worthy of all God has for you. You're worthy of love and respect. You're worthy of kind words and acceptance. You're worthy. 

Windows

There are windows of opportunity all around you. Some are even disguised in doors you wouldn’t ordinarily walk through. Prayer is a way to filter through what opportunities you should take and which ones you should avoid. Windows have a way of filtering your perspective. Can you appreciate the rain the same way you enjoy the sunlight? Sometimes, our perspectives hinder us. We don’t see the opportunities, because sometimes the requirements are too high. Try to see the windows that are open to you everyday. Open a window and see how it changes your environment. Look into someone’s eyes and see the windows of their soul. See the majesty all around you. See the opportunities.

Don't Give Up!

I know it hasn't happened yet. I know you thought things would look differently. I know you expected a different outcome, but it's not over. You're not over. You're not done. You woke up today. There's still time. You're not too old. Your dream is not out of reach. It's easy to focus on the negatives. It's easy to see what's not going right, but don't give up. No matter what. You are more than capable of making your dreams come true. There are countless examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. So, don't give up on your dreams. Don't give up on that relationship. Don't give up on that business. Don't give up on that job. Don't give up on that kid. Don't give up on you.