A Different Kind of Easter

All day I've been trying to figure out what was different about today. Was something wrong? Is this good or not so good? Easter is usually a very busy time. Of course with the changes in my life, things are different. (I actually was able to play the piano for almost an hour this past week. Did not realize how much I missed it after not playing for the better part of four years.)

Church was wonderfully simple. I'm sure many people were involved behind the scenes, but it didn't look complicated. Churches sometimes create big productions, but this song probably made the whole evening. I went to church feeling a little sad and came away singing this song. I am richer in my spirit.

"There's an anchor for my soul . .I can say all is well
Jesus has overcome
and the grave is overwhelmed
Victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagle's wing
Before my God, fall on my knees
And rise, I will rise, I will rise.

Worthy is the Lamb!"
by Chris Tomlin

I want to keep this richness and never let it get away from me again.

Almost There . . .

As I look at the end of this year, I realize I am well on my way through a process of change that began in 2005. During that time I was challenged by a thing someone called "Holy Discontent". It rattled my thinking and I've not been the same since. I sensed it would be a 5 year process in which I would emerge in a whole difference space. Four years into this process, it is happening. Who would have ever guessed I'd finish another degree in college and be teaching 4th graders? So painful at the beginning, I am much more healed now. I'm thankful . . .

Thinking for a Change - What does that mean?

Just picked up a book by John Maxwell. Previously I've used his books as motivational materials for my own business. I always grew when engaging his principles. Not always sure I did them as coming from my own heart as much as just believed they worked for other people so they should work for me.

At this time in my life, I'm less about rotely doing what someone else does and more about seeing if certain ideas/techniques are something I can buy into for my own growth. True to his style, Maxwell gives 11 ways to be a better thinker. Honestly, when I read the title, I wondered what it meant.

Thinking for a Change

What do you think that title means?

Trying to Explain a Foundational Shift of Thinking

Have you ever felt like you had something to offer that, if honestly considered, might change a whole thought process? It's a change of mindset . . . a different approach or systemic change.

Sometimes people want changes to fit along an already existing linear path. What if the different process fits in a different dimension parallel to the existing linear path? This process is not another "tick" along the line to be "accomplished" and then gone past. This process becomes the foundational source from which life is lived.

I'm talking about "mission". People have long asked "What am I here for?" I believe buried deep in the heart of every human is a desire to fulfill mission. Living in that place where significance is experienced. Every socioeconomic slice of humankind is willing to go beyond the "easy" when there will be a sense of value in the doing. How does that "sweet spot" come to experience? I think there is a simple process to help unearth those divinely embedded passions. The process may be simple; the wrestling with the process is not. When the wrestling is done, the product is a mission statement that gives purpose and joy in the reciting. The more it's expressed, the more it is owned by the speaker. The more it is owned, the more it is embraced. The more it is embraced, the more clear is the desire to clean away anything that does not flow through it with clarity and passion.

Consider . . .
My mission is to inspire, nurture and release creative purpose in myself and others so that we all my life to the full measure of our creation.

yep . . . I can imagine living my life for Christ fulfilling this mission!

What About This Holy Discontent?

In reading Bill Hybel's book, "Holy Discontent", I find I am trying to narrow down that change place where I want to make a difference. I thought it could be through the church I attend; I am not sure though. I do know that my personal mission statement "includes inspiring, nurturing and releasing creative purpose in myself and others" - the purpose being so we may live to the full measure of our creation.

After reading REVEAL, a monograph by some Willow Creek people, it seems there is a need to coach/mentor people who have followed Christ for awhile but seemed stalled. That's one of those situations in life where I absolutely do NOT believe we have to "just live with it". Yikes!

Two years ago, I chose a completely different way to think. I was told I was wrong, not going to be a "fit" and leaving my entire ministry behind. Any of those could be correct, but at that point, I could not continue where I was going. I knew I would die inside. Now, two years later, I'm about to graduate from university, have finished my coaching certification and still believe that God has ministry for me. I think I just trying to figure out how to live my passion daily. I might be making it harder than it needs to be. It could be I want it to look differently than it is at this moment.

What I Would DO for Enstrom's Candy . . .

Ok . . . I 'm pathetic, I know . .BUT . . . one of the blogs in our local online newpaper is written in tandom by three women who work at the newspaper. Their stories are great; something I check while supper is cooking each evening. At this point, I'm thinking I won't qualify for a "vote" in the contest for some Enstrom's Candy (oh man . .like nothing you've ever had before!).

This is my "tip" for keeping milk from flying all over the car on the way home from the grocery store. You like?

(If you're one of the Haute Mamas, seeeee?? I linked you!)

Thanks on this Day

I'm sipping Raspberry Cocoa by my woodstove as the flames lick the wood releasing warmth to our chilly house. Being the first cold morning (19F) of the season, I awoke at 5:30am to get the fire going. I'm by myself with my thoughts.

Having not blogged for over eight months, the time has come to get back to it. I'm inspired by my pastor as he began a blog several weeks ago. Another woman I just met last night also had a blog. As she and I chatted, I realized I now have time (and a bit of desire) to step back into blogging again. For a couple of years now my daily reading has included touching base with about 30 different blogs. Some of those bloggers post every day; some only once a week or so. A good blog feeder and coffee make good reading.

Why get back to it now? For the last year and a half my evenings have been full of college work. Writing three to five papers a week throughout my various courses seemed to dull my desire to write - not to mention the time factor. Two classes away from my May 10th graduation date, it seems now there is more time for writing in my life. So much really has happened in these last months. Those details might be for other blogs - or not.

Today though, enjoying the last of my cocoa with the crackling fire behind me, I am thankful for my Father's love for me. In these quite moments before the rest of the family awakens and we start cooking for our family Thanksgiving Dinner together, it is an awareness of the peace in my heart that seems to loom large in my thinking.

Thank You Father for this peace . . .