Daily Challenge #31
Sweet spot.
What do you think about when you hear those two words?
What's your sweet spot?
Some of us will be thinking about candy and chocolate. Some of us will be thinking about sports. Some of us will be thinking about relationships. Some of us may be thinking of a place where life feels perfect. Some of us will be thinking of something which makes us feel exhilarating.
How does your sweet spot feel? What emotions does it arouse within you? Do you get any satisfaction from even thinking about it? What reward to you get from your sweet spot? Could any of your friends or family name what your sweet spot is or do you keep it a secret? If found out, would you be humiliated? Is your sweet spot God-honoring or not?
Each of us has a different sweet spot.
So what is the challenge? The challenge is to share with someone what your sweet spot is. Then ask that person what their sweet spot is. You may be surprised at the answer.
When I hear the words "sweet spot" I think about this:
There's a place in South Dakota where I used to go when I was in high school. It's a cemetery on a hill near a large curve on a road overlooking a valley. I've been thinking about that place a bunch lately. I remember going up on that hill and pouring out my heart to God. He seemed to hear me there, and it seemed as though my heart was always mended after those moments up on that hill. I felt relief and freedom when I would go there. There was something magical (and mystical) about sitting among the dead while speaking with the Giver of life in that cemetery. For the record, no one knew how much time I spent on that hill, nor would anyone guess that is one of my sweet spots. Guess the secret is out.
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Daily Challenge #30
Another beautiful day is upon us.
As I sit here, staring out the office window, I'm reminded how fortunate I am to be American. Hot water every day. Internet that works. Power that stays on. Nearly everyone has a vehicle. Clean water. Medicine and medical technology to lengthen life and take away pain. Fire trucks. Trash service. Cell phones. Educational systems which provide knowledge. Freedom to worship without fear punishment. Coke. Peanut butter with honey. Trader Joe's. Ok, so now I'm daydreaming.
Anyway, what things in your life do you appreciate? What could you not live without?
After my 6 months in Tanzania, I discovered that there was very little which I could not live without. But there was one thing: I needed to able to communicate with people. I was forced to learn Swahili so that I could express myself. Without being about to communicate, I was dying.
Carson, our youngest son, is now 2. It's really hard for me to understand him. Most of the time I have no clue what the little guy is saying. I'm praying hard over him to speak clearly. I want so desperately to understand what he has to say. This is how my friends in Tanzania felt. They desperately wanted to know what I was all about, but we we couldn't communicate. One or both of us had to change, otherwise we would always struggle in our relationship.
The great thing about Carson is that he talks all the time, and I love that he doesn't get discouraged. He just keeps trying and trying to get me to understand what he's saying. I believe that he will speak clearly one day, and we won't struggle the way we do right now to communicate. What a glorious day that will be, because I can't wait to hear all the stories he will have to tell. It's going to be amazing!
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As I sit here, staring out the office window, I'm reminded how fortunate I am to be American. Hot water every day. Internet that works. Power that stays on. Nearly everyone has a vehicle. Clean water. Medicine and medical technology to lengthen life and take away pain. Fire trucks. Trash service. Cell phones. Educational systems which provide knowledge. Freedom to worship without fear punishment. Coke. Peanut butter with honey. Trader Joe's. Ok, so now I'm daydreaming.
Anyway, what things in your life do you appreciate? What could you not live without?
After my 6 months in Tanzania, I discovered that there was very little which I could not live without. But there was one thing: I needed to able to communicate with people. I was forced to learn Swahili so that I could express myself. Without being about to communicate, I was dying.
Carson, our youngest son, is now 2. It's really hard for me to understand him. Most of the time I have no clue what the little guy is saying. I'm praying hard over him to speak clearly. I want so desperately to understand what he has to say. This is how my friends in Tanzania felt. They desperately wanted to know what I was all about, but we we couldn't communicate. One or both of us had to change, otherwise we would always struggle in our relationship.
The great thing about Carson is that he talks all the time, and I love that he doesn't get discouraged. He just keeps trying and trying to get me to understand what he's saying. I believe that he will speak clearly one day, and we won't struggle the way we do right now to communicate. What a glorious day that will be, because I can't wait to hear all the stories he will have to tell. It's going to be amazing!
So what things in your life do you most cherish?
What could you not live without?
Who might you be struggling to communicate with?
Is there anyone in your life who you need to pray for lines of communication to be opened?
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Daily Challenge #29
Truth Versus Lies
These are some truths which I cling to:
I wanted to have this daily challenge be about exercising, and getting your life together, but.. I can't get out of my head this idea of truth versus lies. So how about we go with a little of both.
Exercise:
How does it feel? Can you feel your muscles stretching?Do some stretching - even if that means yawning with your arms stretched out over your head.Stand up and bend at your waist - trying to touch your feet with your hands.Balance on one leg for as long as you can stand. Switch legs and see how long you can balance on the other leg.Stand up straight, stretch your arms straight out in front of you. Bend your knees and then stand back up.
Ok, now onto lies versus truth.
Our past shapes who we are. I think everyone knows that to some extent. And we all to some extent believe that we are what we think. But the questions I'm wrestling with are "Can we control all our thoughts?" and "Why are some thoughts so hard to dislodge?"
Some of the lies which have sunk their evil talons into me are:
I realize these are all LIES. They are not the truth. I fight these thoughts/feelings often.I'm not a good momWe won't have enough money to cover the Nicaragua trip.I'm not a good wifeOur kids will fail because I have failedTroy will leave eventually and I'll be left with 3 kidsWe won't have enough money to cover all our bills
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut. 31.6)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29.13)So the second half of today's challenge is to name and write down what lies bounce around in your head. We all have lies which tempt us away from the truth. These lies will keep you for living life to the full. They will keep you from taking risks, growing in intimacy with your spouse, doing what God has called you do, etc.
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4.8)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Prov. 16.3)
Let the word of God dwell in you richly. (Col. 3.16)
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