Risk taking in relationships

Life is full of risks. Will the new job work out? Did we choose the right investments for our portfolio? Did I consume enough coffee to make it through the day? Obviously some decisions have more lasting consequences than others, but the truth of the matter is that risk taking is part of life.

One of the greatest risks we take is in relationships. Opening our hearts and allowing someone to see who we really are takes amazing courage. I'm not talking about who we are on Facebook or Twitter, or even on our blog, but who we are deep down inside, in the places where our fears and insecurities reside. Revealing the depth of our hearts leaves us vulnerable to disappointment. Rather than risk the hurt, many of us build a wall so strong no one or nothing can penetrate.

Newsflash - people WILL disappoint you.

Expect it and it won't catch you by surprise. Not trying to be pessimistic, but it's the truth. At some point I will disappoint the people I love and they will disappoint me. That's life. I can choose to keep myself guarded so no one gets close enough to allow disappointment, but in doing so I am also choosing not to love. Alfred Lord Tennyson said, "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Absolutely Al! I would rather love someone deeply and be disappointed at times than to miss out on the gift their love brings my heart. I have only to hope there is enough grace on both ends to be able to forgive the disappointments, whether intentional or not, while not allowing them to hinder the relationship.

So if the joys a real relationship brings my heart means I also have to endure some disappointments along the way, then I will expect and even welcome it, knowing it is part of being real. Never loving at all is not an option - not in my book and apparently not in Lord Tennyson's either.

The road to Jerusalem

"...Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples." Luke 19:28

Jesus knows the religious rulers in Jerusalem want him dead and yet he doesn't allow the knowledge to deter him from his purpose. In fact, he recognizes the part they will play in the plan. He understands that what he came here to do will ultimately be fulfilled in Jerusalem in a matter of days. He faced it head on. He didn't shirk from his responsibility, but "went on toward Jerusalem"...towards the place he knew would bring about God's perfect plan. How many times had he walked that road to and from Jerusalem during the three years of his ministry? How many times had the crowds followed him, hanging on his every word? He must have known as he walked the dusty road that those same crowds would soon be calling for his death and yet he "went on".

He "went on toward Jerusalem" for me. He "went on toward Jerusalem" for you. His purpose in coming was being fulfilled with every step. Every purposeful step towards Jerusalem was one step closer to the cross and the fulfillment of God's amazing plan of redemption.

Thank you Lord that with each step you took on the road to Jerusalem, you were thinking of me.

Sunday Morning Praise

Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:1-3

Tips for taming the laundry monster

For a family of six, laundry is never ending. It's one of those things that will take over in a matter of days...or hours...if we don't stay on top of it. For a long time I dreaded it...hated it...would rather do just about ANYTHING other than folding the never ending piles that seem to be constantly covering every flat surface in our home. Seems I'm not the only one with a bit of disdain for laundry. Get a group of moms together talking about housework and I'll bet you a "grande non-fat extra shot no whip mocha" the topic of laundry will come up.

Here are a few things I've learned that have helped keep the problem in check.

We have a three bin sorter (colors, whites and reds) and a basket for towels/sheets. The kids bring their laundry into the laundry room every day and sort it into the right bins. Then, I can tell at a glance when I need to run a load. This works out to a couple of loads every other day or so.

Each kid in the family has their own basket over the washer and dryer. I fold the laundry directly from the dryer and put it in their basket. Did you get that? Don't move your laundry somewhere else thinking you'll fold it later. This eliminates the problem of laundry covering all those flat surfaces...I don't give it a chance. If I take it out and move it with the intent of folding it later, later becomes much later and it will most likely sit there for days (or weeks!). Just deal with it right then and there. It only takes me about five minutes to fold a load of laundry straight from the dryer.


I also have a hanging rack by the dryer so I can immediately hang things up. The only thing I hate more than laundry? Ironing! Hanging things up quickly all but eliminates the need for ironing. Oh hallelujah!

But my best laundry secret? The sock basket. Pull the socks right out of the dryer and throw them in the sock basket. No more sorting, matching and folding socks. Who has time for that? Life's too short to spend folding socks. When we need a pair, we know right where to find them.

Love it or hate it, what's your best laundry tip?

Redefining ministry

One of the things the Lord taught me through my depression is that my striving FOR Him is useless, a chasing after the wind. Sound familiar? I spent years working in ministry, doing all I could do on my own power. The whole "my yoke is easy" concept...never really got that. In striving and dragging the yoke myself, I was worn out. As the years went by the baggage mounted, but keeping it as neat and tidy as possible, I continued to pull it along. My body, exhausted, finally gave up.

It was the best thing that could have happened to me.

I'm stubborn. Yes I am. If I had not come to that breaking point, I guarantee you I'd still be working like a crazy woman, dragging the yoke behind me in the name of "ministry".

My definition of ministry has changed drastically over the last year. I now realize as I truly abide in Him, I don't have to go looking for ministry opportunities. As I cease striving and keep my feet firmly planted on the path He has set before me, He brings those opportunities to me. Interestingly enough, I wonder how many opportunities I missed before because I was too busy working my fool head off for what I thought was ministry. Now don't get me wrong. I know some of what what took place over the last 20 years was true ministry, but honestly He had to get me out of the way before He could really use me. Unknowingly, ministry had become more about what I got out of it, than about His purposes and plans. Ouch!

I am thankful He is able to take my warped ideas and baggage and use them in some way for HIS ultimate glory. Ministry has absolutely nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him...and that my friends is a very good thing.

Life is good and spring break makes it better!

Aaahhh...spring break. I don't think there are many other two word combinations I love the sound of as much as that one, unless of course it's summer break. Don't get me wrong. I l.o.v.e homeschooling my kiddos, but who doesn't enjoy a break now and then? I celebrated the occasion this afternoon by taking a nap. Never have been good at adjusting to the whole "spring forward" thing.

Now, what to do with a full week of beautiful weather and no school? I'm looking forward to spending time with two different friends who are just beginning their homeschool journey. Sharing the joys (and trials) of homeschooling is one of my favorite things to do! Beyond that, no current employment means no fun spring break getaways. Oh well...such is life. I've got everything I need right here under this roof. I'm sure I'll linger a bit longer over my morning coffee. Call a friend I've been wanting to catch up with. Watch the kids play and soak up some sun. (insert contented sigh) Yep...Life is good.

Thank you Lord for the promise of a good week. May it be used for Your glory.

Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:3-4