I love to explore. Love it. Like, the kind of exploring that generally means at some point I will be using my problem solving skills to get myself out of where my tendency to over-explore brings me. For a brief moment yesterday, I almost gave in to that familiar panic that only comes on a one lane road with steep drop-offs on either side. But instead, I kept going. Read the rest of this entry »
Climb…
Questions…
Not even two full weeks into 2012 and “Acceptance” is proving to not only be a difficult word to focus on, but also an all out fight at times. On one hand, I’m finding it very easy to pursue God and explore the blessings of this life through my first ever devotional book, as well as the Year Of Difference I’m doing. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed I find I’m so in love with Christ, and feeling that passion come back is amazing. But then there are the times when Read the rest of this entry »
Year Of Difference…
For as long as I can remember, even as a kid, I’ve been fascinated by sunrises and sunsets. Being forever directionally challenged, I find myself looking for the sun at the start and end of each day. Where will it rise today? Where will it set? What way do I need to drive or turn to see it? What happens when it’s cloudy or rainy? I recently came to the realization that while God gave us a constant promise of the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, each day will be different. The more I thought about that, the more I understood that not only would each day provide a different sunrise and sunset, but each moment of those constants would be different as well. From day-to-day, nothing will ever be the same. And that is beautiful.
Living in such a negative world, it is very easy to embrace the notion that “different” is ugly. Different is unworthy. Different doesn’t have a place. Different will never succeed. The list goes on and on. But that isn’t what God created. We were created in his image. A perfect Father made each of us to reflect every different fiber that he is made of. Each with a significant purpose.
For the next year I want to be fully aware of God’s creation. I want to absorb the beauty in the different. Even on the cloudy and rainy days that seem so miserable. Behind every storm is the warmth of the sun waiting to shine through if we just wait for it. Armed with only my cell phone, I can’t say that I know what that looks like entirely, but I’m going to follow the eyes of my heart. Let’s embrace the differences of the days this year. Let’s be thankful for the air we breathe and the joy of creation. I pray this year brings heart change and a more positive outlook towards the real blessings God has continually provided. What will your different year look like?
Follow a Year Of Difference: HERE
Two Words To End & Begin A Year…
Peace. My One Word 2011. I can’t even believe it’s been a year since I chose the word I would focus and reflect on for the past 365-ish days. As the end of the year has begun to approach, I’ve found myself thinking more and more about my one word. Did I choose well? Read the rest of this entry »
Remember That Time We…
Growing up in Casper, Wyoming, one of the greatest events you have to look forward to each year is the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo at the Casper Fairgrounds. Consider it your last hurrah before Summer break ends and you walk back into rooms that smell of pencil shavings & new clothes. For an entire week the grandstands are packed with people who come to watch the Quarter Horse racing. Rusted-white metal barns are filled with 4-H animals and ribbons hanging on stalls, and the pavement is a sea of carnival rides. The smell of corn dogs and cotton candy mixed with livestock signified nights of freedom to run loose with friends and family. Read the rest of this entry »
With Thanks…
‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving and I can’t sleep. This is a regular occurrence these days. Either I can’t shut my mind off, or I fall asleep and my heart wakes to everything I feel dead to during the day and my dreams leave me feeling exhausted when I wake up. I’ve been here before. Over the past few months I’ve withdrawn from things and people I care about. My heart simply isn’t there. And when my heart is involved, it hurts. Read the rest of this entry »
Better Days…
Last Sunday at Cross Point we kicked off a new series called Better Days. It was interesting to really grasp how much negativity our daily lives are saturated with. Our pastor Pete challenged us for the next week to find at least 3 things that we are grateful for and really examine the attitude shift that takes place. If I’m honest, Read the rest of this entry »
Proverbs 27:19…
It’s pretty rare that I find myself in a spot where I am overwhelmed to the point of wanting to completely toss in the towel. There are people from my life that might argue that rarity, but in the grand scheme of things, I tend to stick out my frustrations. Today is not one of those days. My inability to vocalize what’s wrong, to those that love me, in a way that doesn’t come across as completely selfish and immature only makes my heart hurt that much more. Read the rest of this entry »
Arms Up…
My twin brother and I once talked about things we remembered growing up. He said to me, “From as early as I can remember, you always wanted to be held…you always had your arms up…waiting.” Quite often in my day to day walk I want nothing more than to curl up in the arms of God. Some things never change. There is something about being held as a child or being wrapped in a hug as an adult Read the rest of this entry »
Ever Constant…
As I left my women’s community group tonight where the subject was “Confidently You,” I ironically felt anything but confident. I began my 45-minute drive home in complete silence, playing out the entire day and then the entire past year.
I mulled over my struggles with how much I worry about what others think of me because of some hurtful “truth in love” I received earlier this year. Once from someone who didn’t have my best interests at heart, and once from someone who did. I would give anything to erase the first person’s comments from my mind because they absolutely haunt me. Read the rest of this entry »
