Chapters

It shouldn't amaze me that raising a teenage daughter is difficult... Most days it isn't and sometimes it's harder than giving birth to them.

My daughter has moments where she panics and allows anxiety to vester. She's terribly afraid that she's missing out on opportunities or is lacking in certain experiences.

She's plaqued with this fear that her whole life is determined by the here and now.  I can't fault her as I'm wired the same exact way at times.

In hindsight, I am able to see how my life had been broken out in chapters.  I know I haven't done a great job in some of those chapters.

Some chapters were very short.  Some very long and boring.  I'm enjoying my current one, but know even it will end at some point.

I would love for my daughter to see that her life can be a great adventure even just one chapter at a time.  The whole story isn't yet written...

JUST JESUS

Too often I tell myself that I JUST need to do XYZ and everything will be great.

If I run that marathon or climb that mountain or get that promotion…

My mind says “Just do it.”  

But as I get older I see that no matter what I do in my best efforts it’s never going to be  enough.

No mater how many things I accomplish that only thing that matters is ... JUST JESUS.

I am not able to do anything good it apart from him. 

I must live just like Jesus:  Loving others, forgiving sins and healing this broken world.

Reflecting on my life.. I am not living Just for Jesus. 

I am not loving others, forgiving or doing much to heal those around me. 

I need to constantly remind myself that I need to be closer to JUST JESUS.

He will continue to love me, forgive me and heal me…

He continues to remind me that he’s all we need. 

Just Jesus!

Regrets and opportunities

A friend recently asked me if I regretted leaving my former employment for my current... Having seen some of the major changes and disappointments.

In addition the recent acquisition that doesn't leave me with the confidence that my job responsibilities will get any better or even guaranteed a job in a year.

I honestly don't hate my job but it's so easy to be discouraged and left wondering... What did I do? 

I've never been one to have regrets and even with leaving a great job working with great people. I honestly said I didn't have any regrets.

I truly believe in God's work and his plans on my life.  I've learned a lot about what it means to trust him over the years and this is no different.

Over the past year, I've learned a lot about business and leadership and how people handle all sorts of ups and downs. 

I've also meet some really awesome people that have humbly reminded me how amazing our God is.  Even in the midst of the greatest storm they could ever face.  He's faithful.

So when I think of regrets and opportunities I know that God doesn't make mistakes and is always pointing us in the right direction... We just have to be paying attention.

Nobody

I have been in a funk for sometime now.. the Devil keeps telling me that I am not enough, I am not important, I will never measure up, and that I am nobody.   

I constantly struggled with feeling that I am suppose to be here for something … something bigger.  While on a run last week the song Nobody by Casting Crowns came on.

(I love how God speaks to me through music… especially while running.)

In the song Nobody the Chorus sings:

‘Cause I’m just a nobody

Trying to tell everybody

All about Somebody

Who saved my soul

…

I’m living for the world to See

Nobody but Jesus

I love that I am often humbly reminded it’s not about me… so I just need to tell the devil I’m nobody… but JESUS!