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Archive for the ‘Joy in the Journey’ Category

Still Healing

Posted in Growing Faith, Joy in the Journey on March 14, 2008| 7 Comments »

Last weekend I attended an amazing conference. I’ve been struggling the past two months and I really needed some things I wasn’t finding very easily. Peace of mind. Spiritual breakthrough. A solid lesson reminding me WHO I AM and WHOSE I AM. I needed to hear that God delights in me. He’s not sitting around talking to Jesus and the Holy Spirit saying, “Well, there she goes again. She’s doubting AGAIN. How many times do I have to prove that I love her? Will she ever just rest in me? When is she going to learn that she doesn’t have to earn my love? That girl is thick-headed.” Nope. Instead he’s up there saying, “See that beautiful girl? She’s ours. She’s rising above even in the storms of life. She’s strong and she’s going to be just fine. I’m going to draw the joy out of her and show her how to shine. She’s my Beloved.” These were some of the words I came home with. Now that’s something to smile about. I’m hoping to share some of the lessons from the weekend in the coming weeks.

I’ve been fighting off sickness since the conference, but I’m going to be resting most of the weekend so I’ll be fine next week. We’re heading to Buena Vista for the first time since last July. We have some friends coming from Wichita and Alabama. It’s going to be a great week. 🙂

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OK Retreat Update

Posted in Growing Faith, Joy in the Journey on February 28, 2008| 4 Comments »

The weekend was great. I was so nervous and really it was for nothing. Was I perfect? No. Did I forget to say some things I was so sure were important? Yes. Did God use me anyway? You bet. I had the opportunity to share the messages he’s been giving me to share for the last month while I planned my talk. I loved on hurting teens and laughed with new friends and old. I looked into the eyes of a few of my favorite guys and told them, “You are God’s man and he loves you so very much. You are His beloved”. My heart swells just thinking about it. I learned a few things too. God spoke to me about possible ministry opportunities I’ll have in the future, but I’m saving that story for another day.

Every time I’m given the chance to live out the community example of the church in Acts 2, I cry. I feel so “one” with the friends God has placed in my life. This is strongest when we’re bound together by a common love and purpose, serving alongside each other, laughing, crying,and cheering one another on through the growing phases we all go through. It just makes my heart happy. So went the weekend seeing Trevor, Chris, and Allen. I was reminded of how much we are loved and how deeply we love our friends and their families.

We stretched some people way beyond their comfort zones, but my hope is that we planted some seeds that will grow into deep faith and belief in the power and love of the God we serve. I’m done putting restrictions on the Creator and letting others put their restrictions of belief on me. NOT that most of our friends try to do that, but a few do. I love them anyway. 🙂 I didn’t feel that happened this weekend, but I have to admit that it was a fear in the back of my mind. Silly me. I’m going to keep seeking God’s face and whatever He chooses to give me and show me regardless of who it stretches. It’s part of who I am. May I always pass along my experiences in love and without judgment.

There was one boy in particular that I spent some time with this weekend. He was hurting over a lost relationship with his father and he was feeling worthless and that he was a mistake. As we talked, a song we sing at our church came to mind, so I sang it for him.

Lord it was you who created the heavens.

Lord it was your hands that put the stars in their place.

Lord it is your voice that commands the morning.

Even oceans and their waves bow at your feet.

Lord, who am I compared to your glory?

Lord, who am I compared to your majesty?

I am your beloved, your creation, and you love me as I am.

You have called me chosen for your kingdom, unashamed to call me your own.

I am your beloved.

Lord it was you who came to save as a baby.

Lord it was your voice that raised the dead from the grave.

Lord it was your hands that took the nails in my place.

Even oceans and their waves bow at your feet.

Lord, who am I compared to your glory?

Lord, who am I compared to your majesty?

I am your beloved, your creation, and you love me as I am.

You have called me chosen for your kingdom, unashamed to call me your own.

I am your beloved. I am your beloved.

I am…and so are you. 🙂

Lord, I praise you and thank you from this place of joy and fullness.  You are amazing the way you orchestrate the revealing of your wisdom and power.  I thank you for loving so completely and pouring your grace on your children.  Father, I thank you for making me a seed planter and I ask that you water and grow those seeds into the beautiful gifts and purposes you have planned in each of the people you’ve given us to share our lives with.  Sprinkle them with courage, strength, healing, beauty, and knowledge of the truth.  Make the seeds of faith, compassion, love, and mercy blossom bigger than I can even imagine Lord. Keep growing us and using us as you see fit.  I love you Lord.  Thank you for calling me your beloved.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

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OOOOOOOklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain…

Posted in Joy in the Journey, Prayer Requests, Random on February 22, 2008| 5 Comments »

It’s 1:28 a.m. on Friday morning and I’m a dork.  I have to get up in about 5 hours to get ready for Friday school.  Then we’re leaving on our trip.  Benny and I will be in Oklahoma all weekend speaking at a youth retreat.  So why am I still up?  I’m polishing my lesson that I’m giving on Saturday.  I’ve written, rearranged, looked up verses, tweaked the order, pulled together pictures for my power point, edited some more, and I think I’m finally happy with my presentation.  I hate that whole ability to work well under pressure.  Crunch time was named after me.  When it gets down to the wire and I’m putting on the finishing touches for whatever I’m doing, I need something crunchy.  Food for the weary.  yikes.  I won’t even go there right now.  This completely defies not eating after 8 p.m.  🙂

I’m passionate about my topic, I know what I’m talking about, and God has given me the ability to share it.  So why am I nervous?  Why am I ALWAYS nervous standing in front of a bunch of people?  I do it every Sunday and still there are little butterflies creating a frantic flight pattern in my stomach right now.  It took me a year and a half to watch the DVD of myself speaking at the ladies retreat from back in September of 2006.  I didn’t want to see my nerves on video.  When I finally watched it, I was surprised how calm I looked.  Oh my friends, looks can be deceiving. lol

Do you suppose this is God’s way of keeping me humble and reminding me that it’s not about me, but the message that He gave me to share?  Yes?  Well, I can accept that.

The Nowell kiddos are staying with my wonderful Captivating friends Wendy and Kristi for the weekend.  Zoe is so excited about spending time with Wendy’s girls.  Being without sisters herself, Zoe adores them and craves the girly time.  I’m glad the boys will be together for the weekend.  Kristi’s son Levi is one of Max’s good friends, so they’ll all have quite the adventure I’m sure.  The neighbors are watching the house for us which is nice.  Paula is driving us to and from the airport so we don’t have to pay for parking (which is ridiculously high in Denver).  Yeah Paula! Everything is taken care of, so Benny and I can enjoy our time away and the time we’ll have with new friends and old at the retreat.

We would appreciate your prayers for safety and good health for us all this weekend.   Thank you!

P.S.  All three times I’ve been invited to speak in recent years, it’s been in Oklahoma.  What does that mean?  Hmmm…I have to think about that one…and try not to get a complex from all the other states.   😉

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New Year, New Goals

Posted in Creativity, Joy in the Journey, Prayer Requests on January 9, 2008| 11 Comments »

It’s already the 9th and I’m just now getting ready to begin a “new year”.  I usually have my planner finished for the next year by the middle of December. I just couldn’t get it together this time. 2007 was challenging, not that I want to be constantly looking back.  But sometimes that’s the best way to make note of what wasn’t- or still isn’t- working in my life so I can make changes. In my evaluation, I had to admit that I had been dragging a few dead horses for way too long and I had to cut them loose so I’d be free to walk forward with new vigor and purpose. It sounds so easy, but when you have been feeling the weight of something for so long, you get used to it and convince yourself it isn’t too heavy to handle. When you’re finally free, there is an adjustment period as your body gets used to the new “lightness”. That’s where I am today. And for the record, I used the cliche just for my husband – who teases me about using them at all.

I was supposed to go away for the weekend and enjoy 3 days of relaxation and refocusing (without my family) at my in-laws house while they’re out of state for a few weeks, but several feet of snow in the higher altitudes foiled my plan. I only cried a little. So I moved on to plan B. I went to the library and set up camp at a big table out of the main traffic areas. Like the cartoon in my last post, I pulled out a clean sheet of paper, surrounded myself with my favorite colors, and got to work creating my list of what is going to get my focus and attention this year. 4 1/2 hours later my writing hand was sore and my butt was asleep from sitting so long, but I had 14 pages of goals and notes and lists for 2008. Sound a little overzealous to you? Not really.

I needed a little refresher on goal setting and found The Goals Guy, Gary Ryan Blair. Out of all the websites I looked at, his was my favorite. It was straightforward and simple and I left the site prepared for my afternoon of planning. Combining what I learned at his site, and all of the seminars I’ve attended in the past, I came up with my own simplified plan. I’ve been influenced by many people and wish I could give credit to them all, but the list is long. If you’re interested in who these people are and how you can find them, email me and I’ll help you out.

Here’s the Niki Nowell formula for goal setting:

  1. State your goal clearly IN WRITING.
  2. Answer the “WHY?” question. Why is this a goal and how will it benefit you?
  3. Make a deadline. Is this a short term or long term goal? When will you expect results? Pick a date, write it on the calendar, and re-evaluate along the way. Adjust the deadline if needed.
  4. Rewards! Write down what rewards you will reap by achieving your goal. Are they physical? mental? spiritual?
  5. Define your plan. What are the steps you need to take to realize your goal? Be specific.

This is the simplified version, but works great for me. I remember things easier when I write them down. It’s also helpful when I go back later to evaluate if I’m on track to reach my goals. I have to admit, it’s been a few years since I’ve done this. I needed to get over the whole idea of New Year’s resolutions – which I now believe to be evil. 😉 The word “resolution” smacks of regret, moving away from something, and begins with feelings of past failures. I want to be moving towards something and begin with hope and anticipation of all my future holds.

My 14 pages was 20 goals covering the 4 major areas of my life: Personal Development, Family, Ministry, and Homeschooling. The overzealous part was that I color-coded the whole thing. (Stop laughing Tawnya!) I’m a J, remember?

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Updates

Posted in Humor, Joy in the Journey, T.V. on December 6, 2007| 3 Comments »

Just a quick reminder for those of you interested in the drawing for the free book. Today (Thursday) is the last day to put your name in the hat. Friday morning one of my children will draw a lucky winner. So leave me a comment or email me if you’re interested.

The air date for the episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition featuring my friend Kim and her family is quickly approaching. I’m not able to tell you exactly what it is yet (other than it’s in January) or whether or not it is a 1 or 2 hour show. I just want to keep it in the back of your mind. They still need our continued prayers. If you missed my post about the reveal of the house, you can read it here. I’ve been getting a lot of traffic (pun intended) from the people at FORD. I had to leave a comment on that post updating the info. about the car they received. The car pictured is a 2009 Ford Flex, which the family didn’t end up keeping. I don’t know the details surrounding that decision by the show, Ford, or whoever made it. But, they were able to go to a dealership in Colorado Springs and choose a vehicle of their choice. They have a beautiful new Ford Expedition instead of the Flex. Either way, I’m thrilled for them…and FORD rocks!

Many of you have requested a Christmas list from me and I wanted to let you know that I’m working on it. LOL I’m kidding. I just wanted to make you smile. If you do decide to get me something…I’d like World Peace please…I already have my two front teeth. 😉

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