exploring life, God and the world around us

Okay… I’m quickly rushing through my house, surveying it before zooming to pick up the in-laws at the airport.  In the mean time, I want to quickly say that really exciting, crazy-good, blow-my-socks-off news is coming my way; and as soon as I can release the joy, I’ll share it with you all!

In the mean time, enjoy your day, take a three-minute vacation, tell yourself you are getting better looking every year, and stay tuned…

For the past three months, my world has been a hurricane of chaos.  I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, but for now I’m afraid it might be a train. Floods have overwhelmed me, long-awaited great joy has been swallowed by the accompanying flurry of unending tasks and unanswered questions, and I find myself truly counter to what Ecclesiastes teaches … I keep focusing on the future rather than living in the beauty of each moment.

In all honesty, today I have found myself at a breaking point.  While the clock is ticking, pressure is mounting, stress stalks me, and questions lurk within my mind, I know that I simply need to sit still, slowly breathe in God’s love, and bask in his clear presence.  Here I find my peace.  Here I see the cluttered world around me dissipate.  Here I swim in the calming waters of his grace.  Here.

He did it again. My husband blows my mind. And usually when I least expect it.

As you may, or may not, have noticed, it’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything. My life has been a flurry of chaos: good, not-so-good, happy, frustrating, exhilarating, exhausting. Today was no different; except for his little surprise.

After a rather long day, as I was standing in the middle of the kitchen, scratching my head and brainstorming about dinner, I heard whispering in the living room. Quickly it was followed by a flurry of activity and suppressed giggles from our foster girl. Soon, Toby and A stepped around the corner, grabbed my hand and “kidnapped” me. To my utter joy, they had prepared an oasis in the middle of my whirlwind: a quiet nook in the reading area off of the living room, complete with A’s “snuggly” blanket, my laptop whirring and ready to go, a glass of iced green tea, and A’s jump rope for good measure. “It’s time to write,” she announced with the thrill of a released secret.

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For the past two weeks, the stirring that God has placed in my heart has kicked up a notch. I can’t sleep. I can’t think. I can’t eat. I can’t focus at work. All I want to do is bury my face into the floor and seek him.

He is pleading with me to take the limits off of him. I, in my grand wisdom, hesitate. My heart longs to trust him. My souls begs for relief from my self-directed will. My spirit aches for his freedom. My memories cry to be released.  My dreams yearn for wings.  And yet, I hesitate.

Yesterday, I was sitting in Starbucks, writing.  ”Take the Limits Off” came over my iPod, and as I sat there, listening, tears pouring down my face into my ice tea, God began to whisper into my heart…

take the limits off.  take the limits off.  release me.  release me. 

I feel a nudge this week to pray earnestly for those around me; to share in prayers for their lives, and dreams, and homes, and families, and fears, and healing, and hearts…

Can I pray with you?  Is there something specific we can take to God together?

enjoy the video we showed Sunday at The Journey in honor of mothers and kids everywhere…

Last night as I tucked myself into the green velvet chairs at Starbucks, reading, writing, and sipping my fav, Venti Iced Green Tea Classic, my mind swirled around the many tasks, topics, and goals I keep adding to my growing To Do list.

As I wrote last week, my mind feels led to pursue uncovering pieces to a few scriptural issues that have eluded me; yet my heart is led in another, seemingly tangential, direction.

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Yes. You read that right. I figured, if I’m going to confess, I might as well do it globally, via the blogosphere. Why hide it any longer? It’s beginning to get out.

It began quite innocently; via a garage sale.

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 With the winds of life swirling around me, I’ve found myself at a place of reflection, change, and redirection. In the midst of this, my heart has been longing to take on a few scriptural studies that have danced around in my mind for years.

As such, over the course of the summer, you may find my thoughts digging through two studies: living a Godly, holy life and learning to honorably disagree with family, friends, and leaders. 

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A month ago, I announced that on my birthday (today!) I’d host a Welcome Spring drawing to thank everyone for stopping by the site and sharing your thoughts, ideas, and comments.  Through a random drawing, I’d like to announce that the winner is…

Pete Wilson of www.withoutwax.tv!

Congrats Pete!  I always enjoy your comments on this site, and the thoughts on your own blog.

Pete has a choice between two of my favorite books…

  The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs

A hilarious and poignant one-year walk through New York City while living according to every Leviticus law.  This story is a beautiful, real-life illustration of the power of legalism and grace.

   Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott

Sharp, funny and transparent.  In her signature style, Anne takes a look at grace in the most challenging moments of life: family, work, politics, and the process of transforming into the person God designed us to become.

Congrats Pete!  I’m looking forward to hearing more from you.