Mistakes Were Made

I’ve made some massive mistakes. Uh, just in the last month!

Mistake One: I quit my job. The one I love, have a passion for, and completely flow in my giftings of organization, typing, creativity and details. I resigned.

My husband and I told our pastors after service one Sunday that I had to resign. I was going to babysit my granddaughter 4 days a week. They were amazingly supportive, understood and prayed with us.

As Pastor Judy prayed, I cried. Not because I was sad to leave, but because already I had a clue I wasn’t doing the right thing.

The next week there were moments of, “Man, I’m glad I won’t have to do this [particular task] anymore.”

There were also moments of, “I don’t want to give this [particular task] up. I don’t want to stop doing this [particular task]. I’m going to miss the people in the community I work with. I don’t want to give my keys back. Who’s going to do this job? I know I’m going to criticize the work that comes out of this office now; I don’t want to do that. Are we going to have to leave this church?”

Endless thoughts and questions!

The next week was also the most trying time of babysitting my granddaughter I’ve ever had. Crying and screaming that would. Not. Quit! One afternoon was an hour and 20 minutes by the time my daughter came to get her. I love the girl, but I was ecstatic to hand her off!

That was the night I sent a text to Pastor Judy and said, “Please don’t say anything publicly yet. Can we talk Sunday? I’m feeling confused.”

How was I ever going to do this four days a week? I’ve always said I’m NOT cut out for daycare. I don’t like it. It’s definitely different with a grandchild - it’s more enjoyable, it’s easier, but it’s not the thing I enjoy most. (I feel like a terrible grandparent when I say that.)

My passion? Office work. (I’ve been in love with forms since I discovered them at 7-years-old!)

My husband and I did a lot of talking. I think we over-discussed it. But we were in agreement that I needed to revoke my resignation. Office work is life-giving for me. It’s my creative outlet. Where was I otherwise going to have that?

The next Sunday we had lunch with Pastors Keith and Judy and they were relieved when I revoked my resignation. I was relieved. I knew it was absolutely the right thing to do.

Mistake Two: When I arrived at my job the week before Christmas, I was trying to set up for the day. Unlocking drawers, setting up my laptop, switching from boots to shoes, checking email on my desktop…ah, the email.

With too many things to distract me, I tried to plow through some emails to catch up and get them cleaned out. There was one from USPS Same Day. It told me a package could not be delivered because nobody was at our office to receive it.

True. I’m only there two days a week.

“Click on the attachment for further instructions.”

You know where I’m going, don’t ya? Yep. I. KNOW. BETTER! But distracted. *Click* and a flash. What was that? Hmm, nothing seems to be happening so I must be ok.

Then my laptop (thank you, Jesus, I had my laptop on!) started showing notifications about Dropbox files being updated.

Long story, short, I downloaded an encryption virus. I had to delete my Dropbox account, but fortunately the virus hadn’t made it to the server yet, so all other documents were safe. Although I’ve lost all my contacts and calendars because our IT guy had to rebuild my desktop.

It’s been 3 weeks since I did that and I’m still fuming mad at myself. I know better than to click on attachments, especially from a Canadian email address that claims to be from the US Post Office. How dumb can you be?

What is my point in sharing these mistakes? Life goes on. We can go back and admit our mistakes, ask forgiveness, change the situation as best we can and move forward.

The world didn’t end because I resigned, then revoked it.

The world didn’t end because I downloaded an encryption virus onto my computer that inconvenienced people for days because they had to work around that.

I know you’ve made some mistakes too. Some are way in the past - over and done with. But some may be recent. The past year, the past month - yesterday.

What can you do to resolve the situation? Sometimes we need to humble ourselves and admit our mistakes - then apologize for the inconvenience we cause everyone! (A la computers with viruses!)

Sometimes the only thing we can do is move forward, having learned from our mistake.

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.
Philippians 3:13 [NLT]

Sometimes it’s just therapy to write about it and share your stupidity with the world! Because I know I’m not alone in making mistakes, and I want you to know you’re not either.

Care to share any mistakes you’ve made and how God redeemed them? Let's encourage each other.

Just Say No To Resolutions

When I was in school, my teachers would almost always check the box on my report card that said, "Makes wise use of time." These many years later, it still makes me crazy to waste time.

Over the past couple of weeks I did some goal setting for 2017. I want to look back and see some accomplishments so I know I made wise use of my time. I am intentional about living a life of purpose - to tell a meaningful story with my life.

In January 2016 a few goals I had written were:

• Clean cupboards, closets, clothes, bookshelves, and give things away to Goodwill.

• Have coffee dates with long-lost friends.

• Lose Weight

• Finish an online course I had started, then put aside.

• Publish my health journal book.

I listed specific goals for each area - exactly which cupboards and closets I wanted to clean, which friends I needed to reconnect with, how much weight I was going to lose (and specifically how I was going to do it), when I would finish the course, and set a deadline for publishing my book.

Results? My closets, cupboards, drawers and bookshelves have been pared down by around 60% (and I still look for things to get rid of), I reconnected with 5 long-lost friends, I lost 28.4 pounds and discovered which foods I need to avoid, I finished the course and published my book!

I heard a stat that only 8% of new year resolutions make it to the end of January. That means by the time you read this, if you've made resolutions you're already struggling.

Pastor MarkPettus (Church of the Highlands, Alabama) said, "Resolutions depend on me to fix a problem I caused," and that's not a good idea. He said we need more than willpower, we need a Higher Power - Jesus!

Our resolutions are meaningless if we don't depend on Jesus to change us. I also believe we need to pray and be intentional about the changes we're going to make.

"Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth." Isaiah 43:19 [NASB]

For the past couple of years I've read James Clear's Annual Review on his blog. He looks back over his year and discusses the good, the bad, failures, improvements and where he can use those lessons going into the new year. I love his overview-style and it has helped me consider my year and where I'm going.

I also recently read a great article from Chris Guillebeau, "How to Conduct Your Own Annual Review." He's more specific in his review style using a step-by-step process, listing distinct areas, what the summary theme is for each, which 3 or 4 specific action steps it will require, and checking in with yourself each quarter to see how you're doing.

Even though we're already into January, I encourage you to take some time to look over your past year. This may not be a quick process; it may even take a few days, but that's ok so you can put a good plan together. What are your wins? What are your losses? What did you learn from them? Where do you want to go in 2017? What will it take to get there?

Even if you don't meet all your goals (I didn't in 2016), at least you've got something to aim for. You'll have a story of accomplishment to tell on December 31, 2017. You'll be excited and proud of living a story of purpose.

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Mary Kay Ash

A few of my goals for 2017 are to be consistent in daily time with God, walk at least 5000 steps per day, connect with 4 or 5 long-lost friends (the ones I didn't make it to last year), read 6-10 books, attend the Tribe Writers Conference in September.

Check out James Clear and Chris Guillebeau and let me know if you create a plan for 2017. Just say no to resolutions and yes to goals!

Happy New Year, Sweet Friends! Thank you for being on this journey with me.

And let's check in with each other on January 1 so we can see how well we did!

Weekend Reads

Photo: Drew Coffman

It's been super busy at my house this week. My daughter and her husband were finally able to move into their new home, prayer meeting Monday night, election returns Tuesday night, leaders meeting Wednesday night, and here it is, Thursday afternoon, and I'm finally able to sit down to write.

Hurry up, inspiration, where are you?

**crickets**

Ever have weeks like that?

In my rush to write with limited time, I have no deep words or encouragement or inspiration for you. Ideas, but not time to develop them.

But I have friends who did, so I'm going to share some of their work this week.

I hope that's ok with you.

Finding Sanctuary: Christmas, Philip Stephen Allen

I've sharedPhilip's music with you before, and I still have codes left if you haven't gotten your free download from him. Let me know.

Philip just released his new Christmas album this week, Finding Sanctuary: Christmas. Oh. My. Goodness! LOVE! Naturally, it's beautiful, soothing piano music. Get your download here for only $8, or wait a couple of weeks for the CD for only $12. Both come with other bonuses.

Lost In Translation, Jeff Blackburn

"You might find yourself in a parking lot…risking conversation with strangers because you are desperate for help. And you might cry…not because they have the all the answers…but because they saw you. They heard you. They touched you. And they cared."

What Can You Change Today, Nancy Bouwens

"In a culture which feeds selfishness it will take a collection of intentional choices each day to create a way of living where you are not sucked into the vacuum of an out of balance life."

Buying Dirt, Joshua Mikeworth

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field." [Matthew 13:44] I'm buying dirt. With everything I've got. Because that's where the lasting treasure is.

Are We A Moving Target, Doris Swift

"Our mission may not look like Esther’s, but it’s every bit as important. Keep seeking the face of God, keep persevering in the face of persecution, and keep serving to glorify Him."

Stress Relief In Your Why

A 2015 survey by the American Psychological Association reveals some of the top stressors for Americans. Money is the top stressor at 67%, followed by work at 65%.

Coming in fourth is personal health concerns at 51%.

Really? Only 51%? Considering the health crisis we have, I'm surprised that number isn't much higher.*

What Stress Does to the Body

A few of the many affects stress can have on the body are 

• Headaches

• Sleeplessness

• Depression

• High Blood Pressure

• Stomach Aches

• Weakened Immune System

• Back Aches

Psalm 62:7b-8 (NASB)

The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

It's not known exactly how the word Selah is meant to be used, but some suggestions are:

• rest, reflect, peace, pause and think, consider carefully

Stress comes from how we spend our time. 

We can't do everything we are currently doing. It's impossible.

I'm currently feeling stress to levels I haven't experienced in a long time. Some of the stress is because of the joy I have of being with my 14-month-old granddaughter four mornings a week. It’s fun, but it's work!

I also work 16 hours a week for my pastor, lead a health group at my church and want to write again. Mostly my time is spent working, babysitting and sleeping.

I'm exhausted. I know I can't do everything I'm currently doing, but I do have an end-date in sight. So I keep going, knowing the next few weeks are going to be the hardest, making sure to find time to breathe deep and sit outside for a few minutes to recharge when I can.

What about you? Are you keeping a schedule you find impossible? Are you spending time on things you wish you weren't; on things that don't matter to you?

Do you know your why in life? Your purpose?

When you know your why, that is what you should focus on. Then every decision you make with your time can be filtered through that. Maybe a movie with the coffee club would be fun, but how does it affect the time you spend on what's most important to you?

When you know your why, it will be easy to decide what to say yes to and when you need to decline invitations to events.

Right now, my why is supporting my pastor and helping my children as they work on making a new home for themselves. My why for writing is to encourage you to live a healthy life and have health to accomplish your why.

Live intentionally for your purpose.

If you need help or accountability, ask for it! Your friends and family don't know if you don't say something. Forget pride and be real - connect with someone who can help you. Open your heart to talk to someone so you can get free from the things that are holding you slave to time.

You need balance in your life. You need time to follow your passion and purpose, but you also need time to have fun with family; maybe that movie date is exactly what you need to take your mind away from stressors.

Be sure to rest and recharge, whatever that looks like for you. A day away on the lakeshore, a coffee date with your BFF, a Sunday afternoon nap - find your reset button and push it!

Jeremiah 6:16 (NASB)

Thus says the Lord, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls."

The best rest is to take time with Jesus. Search His peace, follow where He wants you to go, listen for His voice in the stress and chaos.

II Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

In your stress, remember to keep perspective. Follow your why, your purpose, your passion - but remember, in the end, it's all about eternity. You'll always have stress in life, it will never go away. But keep your focus on Jesus for peace in your stress.

Do what you must, eliminate what you can. Simplify and find time to rest. 

Hint: I actually have "Nothing" scheduled on my calendar so I don't make appointments or commitments. Schedule "Nothing" sometime during the week, whether it's for an hour, or a whole day. Do nothing! (Which means, whatever you feel like. Even if it's just watching TV, you can tell people you have an appointment!)

"When you understand your why, your what has more impact." ~Michael Jr.

This man's singing is a beautiful example of pursuing your why!

Did you know my new book, Be Real Health Journal, is now available for purchase? Check it out here!

*2015 Stress in America: American Psychological Association

Why This Isn’t Goodbye

Photo: Viktor Hanacek

Last week I had the opportunity to attend Storyline Conference in the Chicagoland area. I went last year and it was life changing; it was again this year.

We heard from so many amazing people who are living incredible stories. Please check out I’ll Push You (inspiring 5-minute video) and Jeremy Cowart (oh man, watch his TED Talk at the bottom the page!) and Bob Goff (and more) - you’ll be inspired too!

One of the breakout sessions I attended was with Joshua Becker. You’ve heard me mention him before. I had the privilege of having lunch with him in Nashville in August, I’ve talked about his blog becoming minimalist, and he has just launched The Hope Effect. (Don’t forget I need your help with that! I’m trying to raise $1200 for orphans.)

While Joshua didn’t really say anything I haven’t already heard him say, or have read on his blog, his story struck me in a deeper way this time. 

Living minimalist isn’t just cleaning the clutter out of our houses, but also out of our lives. I’m cleaning apps off my phone, unnecessary events from my calendar, relationships that don’t build me up or encourage me.

(I’m also cleaning out closets and drawers!)

The conference, paired with discussion with my traveling buddy, Nancy Bouwens from An Intentional Life, makes me believe God is leading me in a new direction.

While driving to church last week I thought about how the trees let go of their leaves in the fall, but it’s only for a season. The leaves will come back better and more beautiful in the spring. But if the trees don’t let go of the leaves, there’s no room for something new - there’s no growth.

For a season I need to let go of some “leaves”. They’re pretty leaves and I love my leaves, but just for a season I need to let them go. In the spring they can bud and be beautiful again. The only thing is, I don’t know what they will look like.

What I’m saying is, I’m going to take some time away from blogging.

One year ago after the Storyline Conference, I set out to write once per week, every week for this blog. I’ve accomplished that goal. I’ve told a story in 2015 that I wanted to tell, and I’m proud of myself for doing it!

Now, after Storyline 2016, I don’t know where God is taking me. I don’t know what story He wants me to tell this year. But I do know that my calendar is too full. My self-imposed schedule is too much for me to maintain. I’m making myself nuts with things I wonder if are really the most important things in my life to focus on right now.

So, for a season, I’m taking time off. I’m going to read the stack of books that I haven’t had time for. I’m going to coffee and lunch with people who love me the most and mean the most to me. I’m going to spend extra time with my princess granddaughter.

I’m going to be less of a slave to social media and spend more time connecting in real life and making memories for myself and my family and friends.

I’m going to take time to really listen to what God has for me and which direction He’s taking me.

I’m just going to slow down and rest.

I love writing and I will be doing lots of that as well. Maybe some of it will end up on this blog or in your email on occasion. Maybe I’ll be back with an entirely different blog in the new season. I don’t know.

So, this isn't goodbye, just a see you in the figurative spring.

Thank you for being faithful friends in this little community. You can still always reach me via Twitter and Facebook - I would LOVE to hear from you. ANYTIME!

Now go live your life and tell a great story!

Christmas for The Hope Effect

The little girl is my great grandma! Circa 1890

I hold my Danish and Lithuanian immigrant ancestors in hero status because I'm privileged to know a little of their stories of coming to America in 1860 and 1903, and what they left behind in the old country.

I know my great, great grandma Rasmussen (pictured above) was uncomfortable speaking English because she wasn't familiar with the language and didn't want to be laughed at.

I know that great, great grandpa Rasmussen didn't believe his children when they told him about skunks, until one day out in the field he tried to catch a kitty. "They convinced him," cousin Tina wrote!

I know the names of all of my great, great grandparents without having to think about it. I know the names of great, great aunts, uncles and distant cousins. I know family history and stories of how my grandparents met.

It's a blessing to know where, and who, I came from - to know all that makes up who I am today.

The sad part is there are 153 million children today who will never know these kinds of names or stories because they are orphans.

This past August I travelled to Franklin, TN for a writers conference. While there I was privileged to have lunch with Joshua Becker from Becoming Minimalist.

He told us about a new project he's been working on that will change the way we care for orphans, and will officially launch this Sunday, November 1.

Joshua has a dream to see orphans living in a family environment as opposed to an institutionalized orphanage. They will experience a home with 7 to 9 other kids with two adults in each home as parental figures to mimic a family. This will help the kids experience community and a loving environment.

The Hope Effect

Having read Joshua's blog for awhile now, I've been motivated to eliminate a lot of stuff from my home - I’ve given lots away. I've thought carefully about spending money and whether or not I really need an item that has caught my eye. I don't want to trade stuff for stuff - I want to trade stuff for savings, or time, or relationships. [Read more about that here.]

As Christmas is drawing close - only 56 days away - I'm already feeling the stress of having more stuff and clutter coming into my home. I'm also feeling the stress of buying more stuff and clutter to give to other people.

As a way to eliminate some of that stress, I'm supporting The Hope Effect, and I'm asking you to help me.

How You Can Help

I've set up a fundraising page - Be Real's Christmas for The Hope Effect - with a goal of raising $1200! Yikes! That's a stretch for my little community of you faithful readers and friends, but I believe we can do it. Whatever you can do to help would be awesome, whether it's $5 or $500 or something in-between. You decide. My campaign runs through December 31 of this year. 

I know you may already have other organizations you support this time of year and I don't want to take their place. No prob, bob! But then could you help raise awareness for The Hope Effect by sending a tweet or posting on Facebook with the link: http://my.hopeeffect.com/kathyfannon You never know who among your friends can help!

Christmas is all about family - and what could be better than helping orphans experience family? I'd rather have that than more stuff. And somebody you will never meet thanks you for a piece of your Christmas!

Again, you can donate by clicking here: Be Real's Christmas for The Hope Effect

Here are a few more places you can learn about The Hope Effect:

The Hope Effect Video

Why Hope Effect?
Blog Post from founder Joshua Becker

Please share this post with your social media network and let's help the orphans experience family!

Take Time: 12 Reasons You Should Never Forgive

12 Reasons You Should Never Forgive

You like to be stressed. 

Why should you forgive when you can be tense and nervous, especially when you’re around the offending person? Long live stress! 

You enjoy being unhealthy.

Forgiveness would cause you to release things like endorphins, which make you feel good and give you bursts of energy that would give you the ambition to eat well and sleep well. Who wants that?

You live to be bitter, angry and resentful.

I mean, if you forgave someone, who would you have to be bitter, angry and resentful at? Who cares what Ephesians 4:31 says, you like holding a grudge!

• Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

You like being confined.

Because when you forgive it sets you free. Why should you have peace in your mind and spirit? You’ll show them!

You enjoy being right.

They were wrong, after all! Everybody can see that! Never mind that they did what they thought was best, or had the best of intentions in their actions. They screwed up!

You delight in broken relationships.

Because if you were to forgive, you might actually have to be nice to the person who hurt you. Who wants to do that? Not me!

You like being a victim.

Because by forgiving you’re acknowledging what they did or said was ok. It’s not ok, it never will be ok, but that doesn’t matter. Poor you.

You enjoy the state of hopelessness.

Because forgiveness brings hope, healing and peace. And that might be too much for you to handle.

Obsession isn't just a Calvin Klein fragrance.

It’s what you live to think about during the day - the way they offended you like that, then acted like nothing happened. Pfffftttt. Keep obsessing, sister, they were wrong!

Heave ho, carry that load.

So, if you forgave the offender, you’d have a load off your back. A weight would be lifted. If that happened, then you might be free to run and dance, then what kind of workout would you get? Gotta keep those legs strong under that weight!

You enjoy beating yourself up.

You know you made poor choices. You know you did things that no sane person should ever forgive you for, so why should you forgive yourself? It’s better to live in depression and regret.

You like the wall you built between you and God.

Because it’s such a pretty wall! And look at all of the pretty things you decorated that wall with! Jealousy, envy, bitterness, vengeance, torn relationships, mistrust, hurt, offense - c’mon, who wouldn’t love to keep looking at that work of art?

OK, so I’m being a little snarky and sarcastic. (A gift I’ve been told I have - *ahem* - by my pastor!)

Seriously, forgiveness doesn’t mean what the offending party did is ok. It doesn’t mean you have to become BFFs. (If they are continually hurtful and offensive, you don’t even have to continue a relationship. Unless you work with them - or maybe sleep next to them - then just be nice and pray a lot.)

Forgiveness, if nothing else, keeps your relationship with God clear, open and honest. 

Matthew 6:14-15 tells us that if we don’t forgive others God can’t forgive us. Wow. That sounds a little harsh, but God knows what is best for us and we need to trust Him to take care of discipline issues for the offender.

And remember, sometimes you’re the offender too. (Whoops!)

Is there someone you need to forgive? Do you need to forgive yourself? Don’t wait. Do it today! I promise you’ll be glad you did. 

Care to share about it? I’m all ears. (Or eyes, really, because I’ll read your testimony!) Comment below, email me, or share via Twitter and Facebook.

Why My Unborn Granddaughter Is Like Jesus

Jesus by Akiane Kramarik

When a pregnant woman is about to give birth, we know the baby is coming because we can see the signs. We also know that Jesus is coming because we can see the signs. 

While our spiritual walk with God is as important to health as the food we eat, I don't do a lot of evangelizing on my blog. I'm not one of those people who feels compelled to shout salvation from the rooftops, but I'm grateful for the ones who are.

Nearing the birth of my granddaughter I see some obvious correlation between a woman about to give birth and Jesus' return to earth. 

Looking at my 38-week pregnant daughter, there's no doubt the time is short before the arrival of my granddaughter, whom I've been calling princess since I knew her gender. 

I can see my daughter's discomfort. She's got swollen feet and hands. She's having trouble reaching the sink to rinse dishes. It’s work to walk. She's not sleeping well. And recently pre-labor contractions have started. She’s having trouble functioning.

We don't know the day or the hour, but the arrival of the Princess is close! Now is the time to get last minute preparations ready!

Likewise, we can see what's going on in the world with all the turmoil, divisions, fighting, economic problems, tensions, earthquakes, strange weather, etc. Like my daughter, the world is having trouble functioning. 

Matthew, the tax collector, records Jesus as saying this:

You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars…for nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.  [Matthew 24:6-8 NASB]

Dr. Luke records Jesus as saying this:

There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. [Luke21:25-28 NASB]

We don't know the day or the hour, but the arrival of the Prince - the Prince of Peace, the King of kings - is close! There’s no time to waste getting ready!

I love you my friends, and I don't want you to be separated from God forever. I'm fully aware that not all of my readers are Christian or even believe in God. But I want you to know there IS a God, He's real and He loves you. He doesn't want to be separated from you forever. But the choice is up to you. 

It's easy to ask Jesus to come into your life and help you. Whether you carry burdens and pain, or life is generally good, God wants to be a part of it with you. The God of the universe wants to be your friend! How crazy is that?!

You can talk to Jesus like this:

Jesus, I'm sorry for ignoring you and not making you a priority in my life. I give up control of my life and ask you to help me, guide me and direct me in all I do. Come into my heart, be my friend and be my God. Amen.

That's it! Now keep watching those signs of the times, because it won't be long before Jesus arrives to take us home!

And it won't be long before my Princess arrives and steals my heart!

Did you ask Jesus to be your friend just now? Do you want to talk to me about it? Please email me and I’ll help you know what to do next. 

Wait, before you go, I had this thought. Do you feel like your past is so bad that God couldn’t love you? By any chance are you feeling unworthy of asking Jesus to be your friend? Oh, sweetness, He loves you more than anything you could ever say or do, no matter what! Seriously, email me and let me encourage you. We’ll do it in private where nobody has to know anything. You are loved!

UPDATE: Adia arrived on July 12 at 7:11 am, and naturally is the most beautiful granddaughter on the planet!

Read my previous post: Take Time: Make Memories

Celebrate God in the Little Things

Photo: Glen Carrie

We get so busy with life that we forget to celebrate the little things God does that happen every day. 

We often become negative and bitter because amazing things don't happen to us - we don't get the promotion, we haven't lost 50 pounds, we can't afford a new car, we feel sick and tired all the time.

Maybe you just struggle because your life seems too boring - there's nothing exciting about getting up, going to your job, coming home for dinner, then going to bed.

But I want to challenge you to notice the little things God does for you in the mundane, everyday life you live. There are so many that pass by and we miss them because we're trying to see a big picture and dreaming of what may never happen!

Grab a journal, a spiral notebook or your favorite writing app, and start to make a list of all the little things God does for you today. Add them up at the end of the day and see the big win!

• The green light when you were running a little late.
• The sale price on an item you wanted to purchase.
• Your choice to eat a salad when you really wanted french fries.
• A sunny, warm day.
• A favorite song playing at the grocery store.
• The "hot" cars that are out for the summer. (Especially a black '69 Camaro for me!)
• The little girl enjoying the ducks on the water.
• A puppy who licks your face in greeting when you come home.
• The gas price that dropped before you pulled into the gas station.
• The relaxing, steady rain.
• A friend who stops by unexpectedly.
• A smile from a stranger. 
• A bouquet of dandelions from your children or grandchildren.
• A rerun of your favorite episode from a tv show you watch.
• Pizza with the neighbors.
• Beautiful artwork in a public space.
• The smell of flowers.

There are so many ways that we can celebrate God's blessings in our lives, but we have to pay attention and look for them! It's a choice we make, a conscious decision. Life is too short to be upset by what isn't; rejoice in what is!

How has God blessed you today? I'd love to hear it!

Read my previous post: Food Focus: Asparagus
Read my next post: Health Survey Results

Are You Hollow or Solid

It's not Easter without a big, chocolate bunny. I used to get them in my Easter basket when I was a kid.

Let's look at the large, hollow bunny versus a small, solid bunny.

The large bunny looks good because he's big! The more chocolate, the better, right? Sometimes he even has colorful candy eyes, or a pink candy bowtie.

The small bunny looks good just because he's chocolate, but the amount appears to be less. He is smaller, after all. And the package is smaller, too; just a little, flat box.

Wouldn't you reach for the larger bunny based on appearance alone?

But bite the ears off; what's inside?

The large bunny is hollow, there's nothing in there. All you see is shell. Pieces may even crumble off as you nibble at the thin chocolate.

The small bunny is solid chocolate all the way through! You may even need a hammer to pound off a piece small enough to eat so you don't hurt your teeth trying to take a bite.

As Christians, which bunny are we when the tough times come? Are we hollow, looking good on the outside, but inside there is no substance? Do we crumble when the trials come?

Matthew 23:27 (MSG)

…You're like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it's all rotting bones and worm-eating flesh. People look at you and think you're saints, but beneath the skin you're total frauds.

Or are we the smaller bunny? Solid in our faith when the hammers of life fall on us. Are we harder to break apart because there is substance to us?

James 1:12 (NIV)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Be solid! 

If you want help in your faith journey don't be afraid to ask someone. There are many people who would love to spend time with you and mentor you. If you don't know of anyone, contact me and I will help you find the right person. Now is the time to make sure your walk with Jesus is solid!

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