Thursday, May 19, 2011

Question: Quit or Not Quit?

"Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime's work, but it's worth the effort." Fred Rogers

Quit ~ defined as stop, leave, discontinue

I had been pondering a decision: quit two of the three volunteer activities in which I am involved.  I journaled, prayed, quietly considered the matter.  Then one day, I decided: I will do it!  I will quit {stop, leave, discontinue} the two activities...

...until my overthinking, hard to let go, unsure mind relented.  

I couldn't quit?!!

So, when the notice arrived regarding a mandatory evening meeting for the two activities on the same evening I had committed to joining friends at a worship event, I was torn.

What to do now?

I asked the Lord and heard nothing...at least not until 90 minutes  prior to the simultaneous start of both the meeting and the event.

I picked up the phone to resign the volunteer roles.  As soon as I uttered the words: "I am discontinuing my volunteer duties," peace rolled in like a red carpet - and I walked on to the event with friends.

Why did it take so long to decide? 

Several thoughts came to  mind as I processed this situation:
  • the activities I volunteered for were worthy and suited my gifts and talents
  • since I completed training for these two roles, I felt obligated to give back
  • my hesitance in quitting, in part, reflected my tendency to elevate the routine and known over the unusual (or different) and unknown
For over a week, as I read Cassandra's blog posts about the retreat she recently completed, I longed for such a time. 

Problem: I had no room for a retreat. 

Well, now that I have discontinued some activities, I can give myself over to welcoming a new season.

I am beginning this new season with a whitespace break and a writing retreat.  While I cannot stop all activities, I arranged for a period of time where I am slipping out of some routines in order to embrace a new flow of creativity.

I will take a break from this blog for the remainder of May.

Looking forward to new discoveries. 

Sharing today's post on the Thursday Jam with Faith Barista

In Joy,













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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Walking the Path of Peace

On Saturday, I walked in the rain...for over an hour.  The rain began as a sputtering, hesitant, mist.  Slowly, clouds hovering low opened their pores and released big, drops of rain.  I kept going - halfway between here and there. 

When everyday life happenings find me between here and there - as it did last week - I am learning to pause for a moment.  In that pause, that Selah, I have an opportunity to re-orient my steps on the path of peace.

Sometimes, I right my steps with ease.  Other times, I stumble, eventually turning in the direction for me.  In both cases, I need help, i.e., "God-revealing light" to help me on my way.
Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise will break in upon us, shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.  Luke 1:78-79 The Message
Growth in gratitude helps me spot that Sunrise that breaks in on me.  I need a grateful heart - gratitude continues to transform me.  Giving thanks for:

#941 - #960
Sonshine even when rain falls
robin singing in the rain
gentle jogging in the rain
visible mercy drops
planting while drops fall


joyful sibling moment
once young, now adults
wise words, kind words
laughter seeping from stories
sharing food, sharing fun


upside-down world
finding life emerge from death
seeing through new lenses
Mama's peach cobbler
food for the body and soul


generations celebrating
Gift of Life acknowledged
prayers like conversations
rainbow arches
cool spring breeze

Walking still...





Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Why hope helps

I spent a long day working on priorities, listening to complaints, and writing crucial words.
Ordinarily, such a day would leave me feeling wiped out and out of sorts - like a forest stripped bare.

But, this morning before leaving the warm, comfortable bed, I remembered to hope, to call upon the Lord in my distress.  I read:
For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.  From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you...As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.  Psalm 71:5-6,14
Today, hope was a ladder I climbed - one rung at a time.  When I could not think creatively and did not see a way to resolve issues, I uttered words of hope and praise for the Sovereign One. 

Hope helps.

When was the last time holding onto hope helped you?




Monday, May 9, 2011

Transformed by Thanks-living

Viewing life through the lens of gratitude:
reshapes images in my mind;
reframes situations;
revives my soul;
rekindles relationship with my First Love;
reminds me that growing is a life-long process.

I spent several days away and met - interacted with precious gifts.

Humming, writing, speaking thanks today for His good gifts:

#921   playful Abby
#922   strong-necked Wills
#923   insistent Lotto
#924   busy butterfly
#925   sleepy LauraLee

#926   graceful bonsai
#927   fragrant honeysuckle
#928   rock garden
#929   family walk
#930   "deer chaser" bamboo and rock

#931   graduation celebration
#932   relaxing visit with family away from home
#933   linking relationships across families
#934   sharing meals, sharing family
#935   perseverance and grace to reach the goal
#936   a room with a view
#937   eyes to see gifts more clearly
#938   heart that beats with the rhythm of love
#939   cool breeze on hot, sunny day
#940   water - cool, clean water



 Each day as I grow in gratitude, I am changed by grace. 

What is transforming your life?


 


Tuesday, May 3, 2011

What to do when words are few

I have lived busy moments, but over the past two weeks moments became days and days became weeks.   In the midst of the busy-ness I continue to count gifts from the Giver of all good gifts.  Gratitude is a lifebuoy - providing buoyancy in this sea of life.

Thankful today for:

#901 -920

roasted fennel and carrots
surprise lunch date with Rach
preparing birthday dinner for hubby
stiff peaks of freshly whipped cream
crimson strawberries on sea of cream

lavender and white azaleas
window framed butterflies
shoes with bows an blooming flowers
slow Saturday stroll
walking and laughing

new morning mercies
homemade brownies
present focused thinking
hope for the future
walkway escorted by colorful impatiens

chatting with curious students
conversation with Julie about writing with authenticity
awakening to a bright sunny morning
stilling dizzy moments
learning to lean on Jesus

Wishing you joy moments and peace-filled days,