You're Not Obsolete

Whether you have...

• relocated to a new city or country
• chosen mommy life, currently
• dropped into an unfamiliar demographic
• been overlooked or side-stepped
• found a wrinkle or silver strand
• felt unqualified or disqualified
• blossomed late

Real or imagined, we all may feel a little lost. 

Recently, I felt lost and un-chosen. Rejected. I reached out to a dear friend. For several years she and I have held one another accountable randomly asking the other to spill it! On this occasion I let her know I needed to be transparent so I could move pass the disappointment weighing heavily on my heart. True to her nature, she surveyed the territory, unpacked the equipment and skillfully mined for gold. Her nuggets of wisdom spoke life into my dejected spirit.

There is still a place for your giftings and talents! Rediscovering your passions or reinventing yourself takes you into uncharted waters for your personal growth. Breathe. It will take courage. See with new eyes the creative ways to come alive and give encouragement and share your voice, grace and experience with others! Someone needs YOU.

If this has connected with you, summon your courage to share where you are or how you've come through it. Someone needs YOU.

The Voice of God

Psalm 29. The voice of God. Powerfully exact with one word. Merely the sound of it strikes with lightening! 

I am frightened and more than humbled to realize there is surely an incredible degree to which His voice is tempered when speaking to tiny me.

God speaks. I am rebuked, but not annihilated.

Insignificance and favor and holy fear braid themselves around my soul leaving me without voice.

God speaks. I am extracted, yet remain whole.

With hidden pride, selfish motive and miserly method instantly clarified, I am rendered undone.

God speaks. I am pure.

Blessed with peace and strength, I am, now, full with His voice.

Can you relate?

December Advent Week 2

Monthly fitness or food or photo challenges have been part of my new lifestyle for the past couple of years. But, it's December and those of the childlike heart await the arrival of Christmas and Santa and presents. The only challenge is to not sneak a peek! There have been eleven challenging months. December needs no challenge. December is expectant. December is celebration. December is the crossing off of days to something grand!

I choose to mark the advent of Christmas and the New Year with words of importance and contemplating how I respond to those words, daily. Will you sit with me to mull these words? Will you allow them to unlock a puzzle box inside your spirit preparing you for the future?

If we should accidentally drop a day, we will not sweat it, but will turn around from our too-busy stride to reclaim the word and the beautiful gifts of God's thoughts He has waiting just for us.

December Advent Week 1

Monthly fitness or food or photo challenges have been part of my new lifestyle for the past couple of years. But, it's December and those of the childlike heart await the arrival of Christmas and Santa and presents. The only challenge is to not sneak a peek! There have been eleven challenging months. December needs no challenge. December is expectant. December is celebration. December is the crossing off of days to something grand!

I choose to mark the advent of Christmas and the New Year with words of importance and contemplating how I respond to those words, daily. Will you sit with me to mull these words? Will you allow them to unlock a puzzle box inside your spirit preparing you for the future?

If we should accidentally drop a day, we will not sweat it, but will turn around from our too-busy stride to reclaim the word and the beautiful gifts of God's thoughts He has waiting just for us.

That Which Was Lost

When Jesus spoke these words, He had just invited himself to dinner with a man who had let greed (and short-man syndrome) govern his life. During those hours reclining around the table, the savior spoke life back into a man who had lost something from the time he was a boy to just before the moment he, now an adult, climbed a tree to see the Savior walk by. 

We lose stuff daily and are not aware we have misplaced glasses, keys, cell phones and t.v. remotes until that item is needed. Frantically rushing around the house, we attempt to recall the last time we saw it.

What if we lost something more valuable? 

Hope. Dreams. Talent. Joy. Desire. Self-esteem. Creativity. Passion. (You name it.)

What if for years, because of failures or distractions we kept choking down the lie that we'll never do or become what our younger selves set out to accomplish? When did life become about surviving instead of thriving? 

Feared lost, that uniqueness which God created in us is still there, buried deep under years of numbing denial of its existence. Perhaps the only reminder being the sting of contempt for ourselves ever having thought it was possible. 

All is not lost.

I believe the Son of God came to save us from sin. I am convinced He can help us locate and reignite the spark we slowly allowed to be snuffed out. Hope. Dreams. Talent. Joy. Desire. Self-esteem. Creativity. Passion. (You name it.) I know Jesus came to find us...every part of us.

Pride Abuse

Have you known of people in substance abuse? Individuals who are addicted to a chemical altering their mind, mood and behavior. After some time, the signs of abuse begin to appear outwardly on the body. Their body and brain are so accustomed to the intoxicating properties they cannot function without the next fix. Without intervention, this person will die.


Just as addictive is pride abuse. These abusers seek glory for themselves and live off the high until the next opportunity they can feed their gluttonous need for pride. Sadly, pride abusers fail to see the effects on their lives and on those around them.

How to detect Pride Abuse:

• A pride abuser is territorial. He/She dislikes sharing anything from the spotlight to authorship of an idea to the same room with someone who has similar talents and comparable strengths.

• A pride abuser is quick to interject self-praise into conversations, especially when he/she feels under-appreciated or under-praised or someone else is currently receiving the attention.

• A pride abuser is known by his/her mistreatment of others usually from a pedestal of power as in a leadership position. Rarely are the words like please and thank you uttered, much less any verbal attaboys. From some inner reasoning, this is viewed as a sign of weakness.

• A pride abuser will never ask for help...unless under duress.

• A pride abuser does not have healthy relationships. Most relationships are surface and do not extend past how they can serve the abuser. 

• A pride abuser feels entitled and deserving. All to often, this is expressed in excessive and extravagant indulgences. Typically, these self-indulgent treats are paired with ostentatious displays.

• A pride abuser will cleverly circumvent protocol or authority to push their idea ahead in attempt to get ownership or praise. Abusers are smart cookies! 

• A pride abuser's motivations are seeded in jealousy and a fear of losing status.

"Pride can disqualify us from long-term, effective ministry [service or employment]

quicker and more permanently than just about anything."

~Jodi Detrick, author~

How do we combat Pride Abuse in our own lives?

1. Recognize it and deal with it. Trying to deny it exists or passing it off as talent, confidence or taking initiative will cause the abuse to require more "fixes" to maintain the high.
2. Serve others quietly. Ask how you can assist with another's task list. Eventually someone will ask you, too!
3. Keep your mouth shut unless it's to give the praise to others. Boasting can deflate a good deed or helping hand.

Pride, as we all know, can have a useful place of balance in our lives. It is when pride tips the scale in its favor that use becomes abuse.

It's not all inclusive, but if this post registers with you, feel free to comment or pass the link along.

Smiling at 50: Training Week 2

"He is faithful to 'complete that which He started' (Phil 1:6) in me."

That was an excerpt of the post from last week after receiving what I believe to be a healing in my right foot and left shin. Since then, the pain I have experienced has been more related to fatigue and exercising the muscles in that foot. Who knows how long I have been walking stiff-ankled and on the outside of my foot? But, because of this awkward, halting stride, I am having to strengthen and stretch muscles and tendons that have not been used to their full potential. My heel strikes, first. Then, my toes kind of slap the floor instead of my step rolling through the natural heel-->midfoot-->ball-->toes stride.

God will finish the healing process, just like the Word promises.

This part of the healing process reminds me of when we do not move in our potential as children of the living, loving Heavenly Father. 

For whatever reason, we have incurred an injury to our spirit which restricts our "muscle" movement in a fluid manner. A person with a critical tongue causes us to withdraw from creatively expressing His passion. Fear of the past stiffens once flexible tendons until the atrophy has us hobbled in agony avoiding life that thrives in the fullness God intended. 

Sure, I want to rush or skip the therapy, but that would not enable a correct healing. I have to face some discomfort for the healing process to fully be realized. But, I have His promise. He is faithful, trust-worthy, constant, true, and committed to completing the process in me.

The 10K training has not gone according to schedule, this week. But, I have run, planked, walked, lifted weights, stretched and rested. And, I have served others, testified, cried and given glory to the Great Physician!

Riding with the Enemy

Needing a new and healthy looking Boston Fern for a showy, green, centerpiece in a large room, I stopped by a local roadside plant and veggie stand where they have the biggest and prettiest of everything, every year! They didn't let me down even at the end of the season. 

My helper directed me to an area out to the side where the leftover summer greenery was cramped in a tangled jumble. Together, we selected a beauty for which he cut me a steal of a deal and loaded into the backseat of my (fake) SUV. Off I went!

After the event, the fern was loaded back into the seat. With the weather mild, there was no threat of the plant dying as the car sat for a couple of days with the windows cracked, until I could unload. 

Who knows if either the fern or the storage box was the transport? It was just a short time afterwards when I noticed the web around the latch of the fold-down seat in the cargo area. I swept it down. It returned. I used a high-power vaccum to hopefully extract the little arachnid. Again, the web returned. Something in the back of my mind kept saying, " This web is different." Nevermind. It's one of those little ones. I've got road trips to make and more stuff to haul. Ugh. Spray the hole. Air the car. Go on.

Isn't that just like life? The evidence of a nuisance is there. I may temporarily rid myself of what's on the surface, but the fact remains there is trouble inside. It'll only get bigger if not dealt with. 

Past emotional wounds left to fester.

Offenses swallowed down, repeatedly.

Broken relationships. Unresolved conflict.

Bitterness. Hate. Jealousy. Insecurity. 

Eating Disorders. Fear. Anger. Depression.

Just to name a few.

We lifted the hatch. There she was clinging to life in that strong, sticky web, but still dangerous. Her colors revealed she was a fully grown, mature Black Widow still capable of inflicting pain and suffering. Now's the time to deal with the issue! How could I not?

It is unnerving to know she had been there all along. How did she manage to survive all that time? She could have hurt me. She could have hurt friends and family. All because I refused to take the time to explore what truly was the problem.

Are patterns in your own life repeated? Do you chide yourself for letting it happen, again?
Now's the time to deal with the issue! How could you not?

Valley of the Shadow of Death

In September of 2005, my son was diagnosed with a tumor in his left wrist. Imagine tremors quaking through me randomly each day throughout that month. Julie Wharton, my friend of many years, was beside me in a flash when she witnessed anxiety reach a point where I could not catch my breath. I do not exaggerate when I say fear would sneak up on my blindside, sink it's fangs into my jugular and chew.

Early in the process my husband, son and I used the Word of God (Bible) more like a table knife jabbing at something while blindfolded. But, then, it happened, that we got "our holy mad on" as faith was nurtured and our target came into focus. No longer wimpy saints, we wielded the Sword with spiritual strength, prayed the scriptures and aimed our hope, trust and faith into the heart of the matter!

To relieve stress, early morning jogs on the treadmill became a necessity. While in the middle of one such jog, Psalm 23:4 shot through my brain: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me.

At the end of that eternal month, no longer did my son's wrist ache and it was determined the tumor was not cancerous! 

I learned quite a few lessons during the actual testing period: When you don't have enough faith for yourself, friends and family strengthen you with their faith; With what you've nourished your spirit will come to the top; and, God desires to communicate with you.

Today, I was mulling over faith when, again, Psalm 23:4 shot through my brain while jogging. It occurred to me many people go through the valley of the shadow of death via different routes. Death of a dream. Death of the body. Death of a relationship. Death of a job. You get the picture. 

You may be there, now.

Convinced the Good Shepherd keeps His word and accompanies us through the valley, I am certain His staff is used to rescue us from the ledge. However, what would His rod -a different shepherding tool- be used for? I believe it is significant or it would not have been mentioned.

Here's what I think...

When my steps slow because of apathy, disobedience, anger or self-pity, He prods me forward with a strong prompting to the backside. When I'm distracted from the goal, the rod's nudge to my nose redirects my attention. When I'm frozen from fear, despair or depression, I hear the sound of His rod tapping against the hard surface reassuring He's there walking near me. And, when I don't see danger stalking me, His skillful handling of the rod clubs-in the head of the predator.

Let your faith rise. Encourage yourself in the Word. Keep moving! Some valleys simply are not meant to be inhabited, but journeyed through.

Humility

-Dwennimmen-
West African Symbol for Humility

The room was dim with the exception of stage lights illuminating a modest chair with a basin of water placed directly in front. The young minister knelt beside the basin. Waiting.

“God, we need a breakthrough. We gotta have You. Use us to be Your hands and may these students see You. Holy Spirit, do Your thing.”

The worship music softly playing in the background helped little to lighten the weight of the atmosphere. Finally, a student slid into the chair and quickly removed his shoes and socks and rolled up his jeans. Wide-eyed he watched as the young minister guided his bare feet into the water and began washing them.

This student had done just about everything he could to cause misery during the young minister’s first year. As if there were no memories of the past, the young minister spoke words loud enough for only the student to hear the prayer. Blessing not cursing. Clearly the student was not prepared for this encounter. After a towel was used to dry his feet, the student rejoined the group and sat with his head in his hands weeping.

Sniffles heard from around the room revealed the tenderness of the moment was not unnoticed. One by one, students and leaders, sat in the chair. That night their pride and resentment and pain were disarmed by the power of humility.

How would one simple act cause such emotion?

Humility is overlooked by the inconsiderate and scorned by the powerful. But, is adored by common man and rewarded by God.  

While Impatience stands with hands on hips tapping her foot, Humility sweetly smiles offering a hand to accomplish the task together. 

With her mouth agape, Demanding is shamed by the very presence of Humility quietly walking through the room. 

When Humility asks the question, “What can I do for you, today,” Stinginess harumphs and crosses her arms in realization she has been exposed. 

As Cruelty and Ignorance point their fingers and hurl insults, Humility drapes her arm around slumped shoulders soothing the wounds with her words. 

All the while Arrogance proudly toasts herself, Humility serves all a cup of refreshment.

An act of the will selflessly seeking to benefit others is the quiet strength Jesus fleshed-out as He served the broken, the spent and the dirty. This powerful substance brings piety to its knees and promotes servants to leadership. It is love in action. A verb. A trait that cannot be faked. Humility is not just a posture, it is the very nature of our Saviour. 

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” Philippians 2:5

Rise Up and Be Great!

Terry & me (with my great, big boots) on "The M" overlooking Missoula, Montana
January 2013 - Almost one month from his heart attack
(photo taken by Lowell Hochhalter)

I love my honey! Few know he has written songs and poems during our marriage. Terry's creativity usually comes from his quiet times when God stirs up something from deep in his heart. If you're needing an extra shot of encouragement, then, this is for YOU!


-Spirit of Courage-

I'm the still, small burn inside you
The ember refusing to relent.
I've been placed here to encourage
I'm the one that God has sent.

Though life has knocked your wind out,
You're still a favorite to One.
You're much stronger than a dark horse,
Breathe deep, get up and run!

Hear the whisper in your spirit?
Hear me calling you to come?
Make a break for the clean air.
Shed the rags of the norm!

Climb over tragedy and average,
Don't be a victim of fate.
You were made to conquer mountains,
Rise up and be great!

Written by Terry G. Allen
2013

I Love Mondays!

Yep, that's right! I LOVE MONDAYS! That has not always been the case. In earlier (and much younger) years, I was busy doing ministry and working and building a life full of fun and energy…until Monday morning. 

Monday morning, I hated the alarm clock and people and my job. My attitude was disagreeable. Cross me and you might be reduced to a melted form of skin and hair from my glare. I would keep to my desk under a dark, foul cloud of contempt for the day. If one's life is a reflection of what's going on inside, then I was a terrible representative of a life for Christ on Mondays.

This was actually on a Monday in Northern California
when my hubby caught me taking in the
fragrance of the Sierras on the breeze!

The Holy Spirit gently corrected me about my disdain for the day. It didn't feel gentle. I was convicted. It was as if a hot, arrow tip lanced my heart. I knew I was wrong.

You know the difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction is from the Holy Spirit whose job is to draw us back to the heart of Jesus. Condemnation comes in the form of thoughts like, "I'll never change. I'm not good enough. I feel like a phoney! Why bother?" Condemnation is one of satan's tools to get us to give up and pull away from our loving, living heavenly Father.

I wrote a note to myself for the following Monday to serve as a reminder not to settle back into the old habit. In time Monday came easier, somehow softer. A new feeling of expectation began to grow as to the possibilities and opportunities that Monday yielded.

“Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do; as though you were working for the Lord instead of people” Colossians 3:23 (NLT).

I choose to serve God with a smile, a ready hand and a pleasant attitude, because it’s all for His glory. I desire favor and opportunities to be deployed on my behalf as align my life to the Word. Don't you?

Worry: The Big Scary Shadow?

Do you remember seeing an old cartoon where the cat is after the mouse, when from around the corner a huge, monster mouse seems to be stalking the cat, but it's just the shadow of the little mouse?

_____

Worry gives a small thing a big shadow. Swedish Proverb

_____

Worry is just that. It's a big, hairy shadow stalking us. We cower in the corner awaiting the perceived dripping fangs to sink into our flesh and devour us.

Worry is never useful. It is destructive. It handicaps and diminishes us preventing clear thinking. As the mind begins to feed on its own natural reserves, our perspective is skewed or slanted and shadows play tricks on our mind.

The Bible asks this question: Which one of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life or an inch to your height? (Matthew 6:27)

My husband describes these worried imaginations as negative, mental pictures of the possible outcome of a circumstance. These imaginations are simply not real. And, worse yet, they are opposing ideas to God and His Word. There is no faith when worry is permitted to solidify into fear.

What should we do when worry begins to creep in?

1. Relax. Breathe.
2. Refrain from giving in to this crippling shadow-monster.
3. Recognize you're in a negative thought mode and retrace your steps back to the source of the thought asking, "Where did this start?"
4. Remind yourself of 2 Corinthians 10:5: Casting down imaginations and every thing that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and taking captive (arresting, disabling) every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Satan has been at his game for a long time and knows how to play it, but "...we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11) to "...steal, kill and destroy" (John 10:10a).

If worrying has become a habit, you must decide to be intentional about vaporizing the dependence on its company. We don't need to allow it to pull up a chair and stay awhile, anymore. Amen?

Share your thoughts.

~"Sam"