Attitude Perspective... It's a Choice

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. “Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today.” So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. “Hmm,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. “Well,” she said, “Today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. “YEAH!” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

--author unknown
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Attitude is a choice. I am choosing mine for today. Have you?

How to Begin Quiet with Just 5 Minutes a Day

Do you feel like you are running with no time to rest?  Do you drop into bed each night exhausted and falling asleep before your head even hits the pillow?  Do you find days filled without time for even a minute to reflect?

Do you find yourself experiencing mounting frustrations?  Dreading what the next day, the next minute has in store because you haven't even completed yesterday's tasks... or can't even remember what those were?

I have experienced those very frustrations of busy, overwhelmed, noise, chaos, and no time for much of anything or anyone... especially time with what was most important... Jesus.

It was a desire of mine to learn and implement the rhythms of...

Quiet
Simplicity
Solitude
Pace Slowing
Moment Enjoying 
Time Treasuring

What if I told you I started with just 5 minutes a day?
 

Would you be up for the 5 minute challenge?

A Couple FAQ's I have been asked when presenting it to people:

~~WHERE DO I GO?
* a closet
* your car
* the back porch

Location doesn't matter so much as you find somewhere that you can get away for complete solitude.  


~~WHAT DO I DO?
Nothing!  That's right.  Don't do anything in that time but just be... you and God.

Start out without even bringing a Bible during that time.  So often my Bible reading became just another "to do". 

Just use this time to be honest with God.  Talk to Him. Perhaps even out loud. Be honest.  (He's even okay if you share your frustrations, anger, etc.  Just read the Psalms some time if you aren't convinced...)

And then just sit.  Be in His presence.  

Quiet.  

Listen.  

If you aren't hearing anything, just picture in your mind Him sitting there with you. 

His Presence.

I often picture myself just bowing at the feet of His throne worshipping and praising Him for all that He is...  and listening, and proclaiming with the heavenly beings... 

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.  Who was, and is, and is to come.  Worthy....

Note: you may want to bring paper and pen for the purpose of writing down any distractions that will come to mind.  I say "will" because it's almost guaranteed it will happen.  Write them down to refer to and deal with later.  Don't waste this precious time with what will fill the rest of your day!

~~SET A TIMER if needed

 I realize that even 5 minutes may seem like a very long time to begin with.

But be intentional.  Setting a timer helped me to not glance at the clock every 30 seconds wondering how much longer I had to go.  It helped me to really work at just quieting, knowing that the clock was keeping time.

~~NO EXPECTATIONS
Don't go into this time with any expectations other than to begin training your own heart and mind in the practice of sitting with Him in His presence.   

"Wasting time with God."

I remember beginning to train myself to this practice.  It wasn't easy in the beginning, but oh the benefits this practice and the sweet and special moments that have come out of it!

Once you have 5 minutes, increase to 10. And then 15.  And then 30.  And then 60. And then...

Once you begin to learn the rhythms of quiet, the stillness, the settled-ness...begin to bring in music, and Bible reading, and journaling, etc.

Quiet
Simplicity
Solitude
Pace Slowing
Moment Enjoying 
Time Treasuring

Keeping company with God...

Challenge Modifications:
* If you already have consistent time with Jesus, the challenge I issue to you (and that I am taking on) is to consistently increase that by at least 5 minutes.  And does some of that time include setting everything aside and just "being" with Him?


What about you?  
* Are you in?  Would love to hear if you are taking on this 5 minute challenge!  
* What other ways have you found to quiet and still yourself to just be in His presence?


 

White Knuckled Grip

Have you ever held on to something so tightly that your knuckles turned white; and when you let go it actually hurt to straighten your hands?
~~~~~~~

Has there ever been a time when it seemed that you were alone in the heat of a battle, a heart and soul battle? Have you ever felt that surely you would not survive that battle?
~~~~~~~

Until recently, I'm sure I have read over Eleazar's name many times without paying much attention to his story. However, his is now a name I remind myself of in difficult times. Even when it feels I am all alone... No...especially when it feels I am all alone, I challenge and remind myself to be an Eleazar. To stand my ground, to fight, to cling...

II Sam. 23:9:.....

(Msg) "When the Philistines drew up for battle, Israel retreated. But Eleazar stood his ground and killed Philistines right and left until he was exhausted—but he never let go of his sword!"

(NASB) and (AMP) "until his hand was weary and clung to the sword."

The army retreated and left Eleazar. He stood his ground. He fought. He clung... to his sword.

Stop. Put yourself in that situation. Imagine just how tightly you would have been clinging to your sword.

After fighting that desperately, I wonder... did someone have to help pry his hand from his sword in the end? Was the battle so intense and long that it was as if his hand and sword had become one?

(NIV) "till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword."
~~~~~~~

Sometimes my life battles feel ever so fierce. There are times I feel so alone in the midst of those battles. God has used the story of Eleazar as a challenge to my own heart.

Do I cling to my sword as desperately, fighting for my very life in the midst of life's fiercest battles?

Eph. 6:17 (NIV) "Take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Heb. 4:12 (NIV) "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword..."

Do I cling so tightly that my knuckles turn white? Is my grasp so intense that it is almost as if my sword, God's very Word, is frozen to my being? Is my grip so tight that to let loose would generate a pain of sorts?

In the heart battles that rage, by His grace and mercy:

Learning to not retreat.
Seeking courage to stand my ground.
Finding the strength to fight.

Determining to cling... with a white knuckled grip.... so desperately... for my very life...

To my sword... the Word of God.

My Season of Lilacs

Ah, lilacs.  As I glance through my windows I see that they are almost in full bloom.  Everywhere I go around town I see them... lilacs.  Their scent is even beginning to permeate the air without even necessarily being close to them.

Each year that they come and go, I do a lot of reflecting, remembering, rejoicing, and re-living.

It was this season 10 years ago (but I remember it like yesterday) that I missed the season of my lilacs completely.  It was in that season that our daughter found herself in the hospital facing death for the second time in her life.

We had just moved into our home and I was excited for the first season of my lilacs.  As they started to bloom, we left for what was supposed to be a short trip.  However, our daughter became very ill on that trip and was rushed to the ER as soon as our plane landed.  She was immediately admitted. 

Once she was discharged weeks later... the lilacs were gone.  The season had come and gone, and I had missed it entirely. 

Because of that one season...  Every season now...
* is a reminder to me of God's love
* symbolizes memories of God's mercy
* is a visible witness to me of God's faithfulness, grace and healing power

As I remember that year, I stand amazed at the way God carried us through.

I see His hand so visible in areas that seemed so lonely, frightful and more than I could bear.

If you ask me how I made it through that time, I would have to tell you... it was not by my strength, power or anything of myself. It was by God's very mercy, grace and presence alone that each moment was faced with hope and faith in the sovereignty of my God.

Every year now, their beauty helps to refresh my perspective of what's truly important in life. They serve as an inspiration to count the little things in life as great blessings... to be grateful for the schedules, the tasks needing to be accomplished, the things needing to be done.

These things are stark reminders to me that those demands are needing to be accomplished for one reason... we are living.

Every season, with each glance out of my window...with each fragrant aroma inhaled, I am again brought to a brief quiet moment in my spirit where I realize and remember... I serve a great God whose character and goodness is beyond comprehension.

As we celebrate life being given fresh and anew to us 10 years ago, their season is a heart memory to me of what God walked us through and never left us to face alone.

We are now 3 years past when the doctor said she may need more surgery.  We don't know when... but it will most likely come.

The season of my lilacs serve as a reminder, that regardless of what comes... my God is a grace giving, mercy loving, all sufficient, wisdom containing God who leaves His fingerprints all over every situation that comes my way.

I will forever treasure lilacs and their season in my heart. My "Season of Lilacs" serve as a reminder to me of "A season God alone sustained me."

Seasons

Once again it has been some time since I have been able to come and be in this place.  There was a time in the past that I would feel the need to apologize and rationalize my absence.  And yet, the irony strikes me that it has the name "quiet corner".  I have found that sometimes I need to be even more quiet than what this little corner of the world will allow.

I have also come to understand, and am learning in increasing measure, the lessons and lifestyle of "seasons".  There was a time that I felt to make a change, to have something be different than I had planned, vocalized, or even put plans into place for was negative.  A sign that perhaps I was losing my mind.

But now...I have discovered and am learning that seasons and change should be expected.  That maybe to change and have new seasons is the "normal."

"Maybe our normal is so subnormal that normal seems abnormal.  Maybe we need a new normal.  Bold prayers and big dreams are normal.  Anything less is subnormal. " ~M. Batterson

Various seasons and change represent newness.  Growth.  Rest.

I have also come to be at peace with the fact that to have changing "life seasons" is even biblical!

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.  A time to ....... and a time to....... "   (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

In fact, God created the world with seasons.  Same... but different.  And when we are nearing the end of one season, instead of complete dread, apprehension, or anxiety... we wait, almost longingly and expectantly, for the next season.

Why would I not also do that in my life?  When a change is coming... eagerly anticipate knowing He has something in it and it is for my good.  Knowing that He will meet me there.

And so, it appears that I may have opportunity to find myself back in this place on a more regular basis once again.

At least for this next season......

 

An Invitation. Will You Accept?

Rest.  Peace.  Solitude.  Quiet... Survival.

Life can be so uncertain.  So unknown.  All we know for certain is that there are a lot of unknown's.  Sometimes I get tired.  Tired of the unknown.

At times life's goal might be just to survive, smiling and rejoicing.  To take one day at a time, one decision at a time, one breath at a time.  And in the unknown and busyness, to find time for that so important place...



That place of
     Rest
     Peace
     Solitude
     Quiet 
 





One would think it so simple, to find time to rest.  Personally, I think it is one of the hardest things we are commanded to do.

Physical rest eventually demands it.  Lack of mental rest will lead to insanity.  Emotional rest comes easier after a major breakdown.  But spiritual rest?... a bit harder to come by.

Lord, continue to teach me how to rest in You.  Regardless of the change, the risk, the cost being placed before me.

Give me the willingness to accept it, the strength to face it, the joy to endure it, and the rest to survive it.  Teach me to find my deserted place with You and be willing to stay and rest there awhile.

"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." ~Mark 6:31

~~~~~

* "The earthly obscures the heavenly.  Human voices drown out the voice of God.  The world will confuse you.  Silence will speak more to you in a day than the world of voices can teach you in a lifetime.  Find silence.  Find solitude - and having discovered her riches bind her to your heart."

* "Your busyness wearies Me.  Small wonder you are yourself fatigued!  Your fretfulness grieves Me.  I long to take it from you and give you the balm of Gilead.  I will endow you with life so dynamic that you will serve Me before you have time to even think about putting forth the effort to do so."

* "The moving of my Spirit may at times be inconvenient to the flesh and may at other times be diametrically opposed to reason, but obey Me regardless of the cost.  The more difficult the assignment, the richer the reward."

~~Excerpts from "Come Away My Beloved" by Frances J. Roberts

~~~~~

If it comes to mind, would you please pray that I will readily accept the invitation to rest?  The same invitation with Him has been extended to you as well.  And I am praying that for you...

How are you resting?...

My Battle Plan... and a Freebie!

I shared last week that, although I don't have a "war room", I was using a journal and 3x5 cards during my prayer time.  I also shared that I was going to re-work them to be more strategic after having seen the movie "War Room".

I wanted to share with you what I have done in the event that it helps you to begin to picture how you might be more strategic in prayer if you can't create a room.  I combined my cards and journal into one...

Here, my friends, is my Strategic Battle Plan!

I found this ringed, plastic covered, elastic strap securing set with some blank cards already in it at the store for right at $2.  Sold!

I brought it home and, having already had a hole punch at home, took my current cards and punched them.

I also created cards for the different areas that I pray through every day.  These are all written out on colored cards and inserted into the stack.

Those categories are as follows:

* Preparation
* Praise (recognizing who God is)
* Confession
* Thanksgiving (recognizing what God has done)
* Silence
* Intercession (praying for others)
* Supplication (requests for myself)
* Guidance
* Commitment and Empowering

After each one of these colored category cards, there are cards with quotes and thoughts that help to get me focused, challenged, and thinking on that specific category of prayer.

I had already created and have used for a couple of years now 30 days of varying Scriptures on a document that I have put onto my Kindle that correspond with each of the categories listed above. (This idea and excerpts taken from the book:"Quiet Moments in Prayer: Experiencing Life-Changing Conversations with God" by Lloyd John Ogilvie)

When I get to the intercession part of my praying, I have cards in my ringed stack with names and specifics for those names included so that I can just flip right through my stack.

When I get to the supplication and guidance categories, again, I have cards outlining areas that God is working in my own heart and items that I need specific direction on.

At the very end of my stack are hole punched blank cards to have on hand at any time I want to add something else.  I will not need to go looking for a card or hole punch to implement it.  


Although I have been using this specific format for my battle plan for just a few days now, here are a couple of things I've already recognized that I like about it...

Portable:
It is in such a format that I can take it with me wherever I go.  I've prayed my strategy on the back porch, in my living room... I can even take this with me when I travel.

Changeable:
As the battle plan needs to change, that can be done with easily inserting or removing any particular card that I might need to.

What about you?  I would enjoy hearing about your strategy to approach the battle!  What is your Battle Plan?  Do you have a War Room?  Has this helped you to begin thinking more creatively about what that could look like for you?...

FREEBIE!:  If you would like an electronic copy of the 30 day's of Scripture that I put together that correspond with the categories listed above to begin praying through Scripture every day, please let me know, provide an e-mail address, and I'd be happy to send a copy to you!

 

War Room: What I Appreciated Most... and a Caution

War Room.  Yes, I've been to see it!

Here are a few things I appreciated about the movie...

It Models Praying Scripture

I remember years ago learning the importance of this for myself!  It used to be I would just ramble on and on to God, quickly losing momentum and interest.  Praying Scripture specifically helps me to:

* stay focused in what I'm asking and praying
* be reminded of the promises God has already given
* affirm God's will and heart in what I am praying and what He has already said

It Models Praying for Someone

I remember the moment God clearly convicted me that I needed to stop talking to my husband (more like nagging) and start talking to God for my husband!

Not that my husband was being ungodly, we just couldn't seem to communicate well.  (God also had huge lessons for me in learning to control my attitude that came out via my words.  Can anyone say "ugly spirit"?)

When I am tempted to respond to my husband in a manner that would not be helpful to the conversation in the moment... I try to use that as a cue to instead shut my mouth, say nothing to him directly, and instead pray for him. (and for my own attitude in the moment)  I also pray Scripture specifically for him every day!

This movie did a great job of modeling what that could look like.  (Although I have to say this transition in my heart was not resolved in 2 hours.  ha ha  In fact, this is something I have to work on daily... and sometimes even moment to moment.)

These same principle's and actions can be implemented for other relationships in life as well.


It Models Prayer

* As a first line of defense
* As a battle - the spiritual warfare that it is
* As practical and possible to every day living
* As more than just even a once a day event... but a happening all through the day event

I could go on and on about all the things I so appreciated, but these are just a few.

All 3 of these things I appreciated about the movie are still such areas for growth and change for me... and so the challenge the movie brought to these areas was exciting and inspiring to my own heart and resolve!


A CAUTION

Since the release of the movie there has been quite a "buzz".  And rightly so!!  However, in the midst of all of the conversations and comments, I have become aware of something that is directing how I pray for the impact of this movie.

Although I have not personally talked with anyone with direct connections to the filming, I would dare say they would have a similar message...

War Room is not about the room... but the war!

I have heard people that are concerned that they don't have a room.  A space large enough. A place to designate for just this.

I fear we can miss the point if we're not careful.

My take away was that it is about...

* Having a strategy
* Being intentional
* Being consistent
* Being willing to fight in prayer
* Implementing God's Words (Scripture) and not just my own
* Staying persistent
* Changing my own heart to be more like Jesus regardless of what another does

Let us not lose sight that the power doesn't come from the place, but rather from the One being prayed to.

Is it wrong to create a room in which to do spiritual battle?  NO!  By all means... if you can make it happen... DO IT!!

I love the idea of having a place such as this!

But it doesn't have to be a room... 

STRATEGIC & INTENTIONAL

Right now I am using a journal.  And notecards.  (And I'm re-working both to be even more strategic since having seen the movie.)

But what if it was....

* Post it's on a mirror?
* Or fun paper on a bulletin board?
* Or lists created on a kindle?
* Or other mobile device?
* Or a plain notebook?
* Or steno book?
* Or 3 ring binder with tabs?
* Or......

Friends, the options are endless, which is so super exciting!!

Be strategic.  Intentional.  Consistent.

I don't want to spend so much time wondering about the method that I lose the moments... to PRAY!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~
What about you?:  Have you seen the movie yet?  What did you most appreciate?  What were your take away's?  What is your strategy and/or strategy ideas?  Where/How do you be intentional in prayer?  And if you've not yet started... what obstacles are you facing to begin?
~~~~~~~~~~

P.S.  If you've not yet seen the movie, plan to!  It is well worth it!!

 

What Wins

Have you ever felt like something (maybe even life itself) was a battle?  Like resistance was rising up against you?  Like you may be consumed and defeated?

I know I have!  In fact, I'm in a couple different situations even right now that could cause me to feel this way.

In light of these times I think we can take our cue's and learn from a couple of different people... mentor's if you will...


Jehoshaphat

Word came that armies were rising up against him and the people.  (2 Chron. 20)

"The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord." (vs. 4)

Jehoshaphat then prayed and ended with these words,

"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (vs. 12)

As we face times that do not make sense and/or seem certain defeat, may we also not hesitate to say to God, "I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on You."


Jahaziel

After Jehoshaphat's prayer, Jahaziel stood and encouraged,

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." (vs. 15, 17)

Worship

It was then that Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground and all the people fell down in worship.  (vs. 18)

As we pray and seek God, His face, His plans in the situations facing each of us... may we not forget to also bow and fall down in worship to Him alone!

And as we continue to march forward in our battle, may we be encouraged by Jehosphat's words...

"Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld." (vs. 20)

The People

We can also learn from and duplicate the behavior of the people in their fight.  Let's...

"sing to the Lord and praise Him for the splendor of His holiness... 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever." (vs. 21)

Victory

For it was "as they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the" armies invading... and those armies were defeated.  (vs. 22)

Response for Today

I'm freshly reminded of my role in my battle.  I am called to:

* seek the Lord
* admit that I do not know what to do, but my eyes are on Him
* not be afraid or discouraged, for this battle is not even mine, but God's
* take position
* stand firm
* watch for deliverance that the Lord, alone, will give
* go out in battle and face resistance with the Lord in lead

In the midst of all of that... my top priority roles are to:

* fall in worship
* praise Him

For it was as the people worshiped and praised that the Lord responded...

Friends, in addition to prayer, I firmly believe that as we worship, sing and praise, the Lord is going to move.  At just the right time, He is going to set ambushes and we will experience victory...

I am being reminded that His victory most often looks and comes very differently than what I think victory will be!

His way in His time

And in that victory every last piece of it will belong to Him alone!  For HIS glory!

Though our "battle" is a different opponent, the strategy works much the same.  So as I stand and sing praises in my battle, I'm eagerly watching the horizon for the deliverance and victory the Lord is going to bring!

My prayer and hope for you is that you are also encouraged by these mentors of days gone by, suiting up for the front lines of your battle... leading out your fight in worship, song and praise to God.

Let's go friends... we've got a victory, HIS VICTORY, to witness and be a part of!


 

When Your Efforts Seem Useless

Have you ever felt like something you were doing or had done was useless?  Have you ever wondered if you were wasting your time, energy, and strength on something that didn't even matter? 

Recently I have been encountering a couple of different situations that left me with those same type of feelings. 

I have been sharing my mornings the last few weeks with Isaiah.  As my personal feelings of discouragement were increasing, he reminded me that he had felt the same way.  And then he shared with me what he did in his own moments such as these...

"I (Isaiah) replied, 'But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.'”  ~Isaiah 49:4

 And just a couple days after Isaiah modeled his response for me in this way, Paul encouraged me with the following:

My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."   ~I Cor. 15:58

And so I move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.  Just as Isaiah reasoned and determined, I want to do the same.

Regardless of whether I think a difference is even being made in what He has called me to... the results and reward for my obedience are competely up to Him and in His hands!  And so I trust completely.

Believing that He is working for His purposes and His glory... even when I can't see it!

Be encouraged today!  God sees and does not count it useless!  Leave it all in God's hands and trust Him for His reward!