Monthly Archive for March, 2010

God’s sticky note

Published on March 19, 2010 in Stir It Up!. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Yesterday afternoon (while cleaning out my landfill of a purse), I found a little note I had written for myself a few months ago…  Sitting on the floor with a pile of scattered papers, lipsticks, and other junk before me, I reached for the crumpled piece of paper and almost gathered it with the rest of the “odds and ends” destined for the garbage.  However, my eyes caught a glimpse of text penciled on the paper so I reached for it, opened it, and rediscovered the message below:

If we had no fear of loss, we would have no negative responses.

– Unknown

Several months ago, I met a seemingly “old soul and friend” in a very distinguished and down-to-earth Pastor who shared that quote with me.   I can’t recall exactly the conversation, but it was related to change and how we respond to it…  As he fumbled through his Blackberry to find the quote for me,  I pulled out this very piece of paper to jot down the quote for my future reference and contemplation.   I was really intrigued by the quote and the message behind it.    Little did I know, then, this message would become such an important reminder (and validation) for me right now!

The quote really touched my inner being because I think it’s so painfully accurate.  When we respond negatively to others (or to ourselves) either by speech or action, it’s because of some kind of underlying known (or perhaps subconscious) fear of losing something important to us.   Fear can have such a powerful grip on our lives — It can hinder us from moving forward, learning from our mistakes, and changing our lives for the better; it can also snuff out the breath of opportunity in an instant (like a candle blowing in the wind!).  *I touched on the fear of change in a previous post titled “The road less traveled”.

The note, I believe, was a reminder from God that He’s still in control.  He’s telling me, ”Dawn, YOU keep looking up and moving forward — no matter what.”

I know that God has great things planned for me despite how things may “seem” right now during this moment in time (Romans 8:28).   I also know that He has not given me a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).   Therefore, I’m going to keep going and seize change with an open heart and mind.   We can only receive His blessings when we’re willing to accept them!

Are you going through some difficulties or uncertain times?   Or perhaps you’re inching towards a major change in your life, too (perhaps planned or unplanned)…  Maybe you’re caught up in the world wind of change as a result of someone else’s choices or life circumstances.   Whatever the situation, it’s time to embrace it!   Let go of that fear you keep bottled up inside and take a step forward in faith.

What are YOU afraid of?   More often than not, our fears are completely unfounded and baseless, riddled with emotion.   “FEAR is an acronym in the English language for “False Evidence Appearing Real” (Neale Donald Walsch)… and the “only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

The road less traveled

Published on March 10, 2010 in Stir It Up!. Closed Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , .

The Road Less Traveled -- Robert Frost

Several weeks ago, I visited an area church to share my Windber Area Community Kitchen (W.A.C.K.) presentation [W.A.C.K. is a community mission project providing healthy, home-cooked meals to those in need.].   I stayed for the remainder of the service and the Pastor gave a wonderful sermon about how we, as Christians, ought to take the road less traveled (as so eloquently written by Robert Frost). Even weeks later, this sermon has been echoing in my mind as I wait to hear from the Lord about my future and the future of my family  (I’m presently unemployed and I am desperately looking for new work.   We live in an already economically-challenged area which seems even more desolate with the current recession, unfortunately.).

As Christians, we are warned to not conform to the world (Romans 12:2) and travel down the road the world would like us to travel down — yet it is so easy to do, isn’t it?   Yup, even the most dedicated Christians experience the flood of worry which can take us over at a moment’s notice!   I’m just so thankful the Holy Spirit rises up above the worry and feelings of defeat and lends me a hand just when I feel like I’m going under the water.   God is good!    (The really funny thing is He’s there all the time; we just have to have faith and reach up! —    Matthew 14:31).

What is the road less traveled for you?   Perhaps it’s the road of faith, humbleness, or something else?

For me, the road less traveled is about faith (completely trusting God and His perfect timing) and perhaps making unpopular decisions for myself and my family’s future (in regards to employment and relocation).   Simply put, it’s about having faith in God’s plan for me and my family and gently silencing the not-so-positive voices around me.   It’s about looking up,  staying focused, and taking baby steps to get us where we want to be.

As I continue to grow in my faith walk, I’ve come to sense and realize the importance of seasons — not just in a climatic sense — but in relation to God’s purpose for my life.   I do believe God puts us where He wants us and needs us… and just like our earthly seasons, our “assignments” must change, too.   It’s just the cycle of life (and circumstances).    For some, change is extremely difficult.    For me,  I welcome change because it ensures new opportunities for growth and understanding.   Change keeps things from getting too boring and monotonous, too!    If we cease to be challenged in our personal lives, faith, jobs, and relationships, we just stop growing and learning.   When we stop growing and learning, we lose our zest for life and become “too comfortable” and set in our ways  [which then morphs into "doing things the easy way" and allows FEAR of change to ultimately take root].   When we become too comfortable and set in our ways, we often overlook or simply ignore paths which can bring us new (and very positive) relationships and experiences.   Sadly, all of this can become a vicious cycle of disappointment, missed opportunities,  loneliness,  and unfulfilled dreams.    Add “location” to this formula and you just might need anti-depressants!  (I say this because I’m located in western Pennsylvania and the sun doesn’t shine here very often.   Yikes!)    This way of life (and thinking) can really hinder and unnecessarily delay the good things God has waiting for us, and it can negatively influence those around us, too.

On a more serious note, there are many instances in the Bible where God directed someone to go somewhere and do something they’ve never done before (i.e. Noah was asked to build an ark,  Moses was called to go and rescue God’s people out of Egypt, etc.).   It should also be noted that both of these men were afraid and resisted (and they made numerous excuses why they couldn’t do what God wanted them to do).   However,  God equipped them to complete their tasks and their obedience resulted in huge blessings for them as well as future generations!

Again, what is the road less traveled for you?   Is the road marked with FEAR?   Are YOU resisting the road less traveled and missing out on an opportunity for blessings in your life (and to bless others)?   It’s truly all about recognizing the start and end of our seasons and being at the right place at the right time.   Are you where you’re supposed to be?    Are you listening for God’s voice?   On the flip side, are you blocking the road for someone else?   Are you an encourager or discourager?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Change is inevitable.   How we respond to it determines its outcome for ourselves, as well as others.