Some days, I’m just tired
I don’t know about you, but some days I just feel tired. These last few weeks have been full speed ahead in all things. We have been in the midst of winter storms which requires me to be engaged both with civilian job and the military and that also means our girls are usually staying home from school. On top of all that, I am in the middle of a transition with my civilian employer since I was recently identified for a new role that is a significant change from my last. . Just a normal day, right? I get asked all the time how I do it all and the simple answer is, I do not. Through the years I have come up with a few simple steps that help me find balance in this chaotic world, accomplish what;s important, and not burn out. Today, I am going to share the one I used to help me make it through the day…even if all I wanted to do was take a nap! (Sign up for my free guide on my web page to receive the reaming tips!)
Nothing like a Carolina Sky
Currently, I am teaching a neighborhood Bible study by John Eldredge titled “Get Your Life Back” and last night’s session reminded me of the amazing wonders that God has created. How many times do you see things in nature; the running water in a meandering stream, a beautiful sunrise with the burst of colors, a deer walking in the woods at dusk, an eagle soaring in the sky, and never really see them? How many hours do we spend in the day scrolling through countless social media reels or watching mindless TV. Can you imagine if you spent just a portion of that time not just glancing at the beauty God created, but actually receiving this gift? None of what God created is happenstance, it was created in perfect harmony and with intent. He created the plants and trees to give us life-giving air, the rain to pour from the sky to provide us the water for all the living creatures to include the plants that provide our air.
The Lord will be with you wherever you go
I have served in the military for over 30 years. Throughout those years, I have traveled the world, experienced more than I ever expected, and worked with amazing people that have resulted in lifelong friendships. In all that time, I have been part of deployment ceremonies as a soldier and a spouse. I have attended countless deployment ceremonies and, regardless of the size of the unit or the mission of the deployment, each one brings me back to each of those ceremonies that I participated in as a soldier and a spouse. My husband’s first deployment after 9/11 occurred in 2003. I can still recall sitting in those stands numb to the hundreds of people in attendance. The only thought that continued to race through my mind was “what if”. What if he didn’t make it home? What if this was not just a see you soon hug, but a final goodbye?
Forgiveness, never easy but a must do
I love teaching Max Lucado’s Bible studies and have recently started listening to his daily devotional. As I was catching up on some of the older ones, the one titled “The Call to Forgive” described forgiveness in such a powerful way. In John 13, Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, all of His disciples including Judas. He knew that Judas would betray Him, yet He did not hesitate to wash his feet just as he did all the other disciples. Wow-how is that as an example of forgiveness? He knowingly washed the feet of the man that would lead Him to suffer and be crucified. Who are we to question the call to forgive when that is the example that has been set? What wrongs could be done to us that are any greater than that?
Not a chance meeting
It never fails to awe me when I see God working in our lives. This week was another one of those moments, just not for me. Like many around us, the New Year always leads to a refocus on physical goals and activities. Rob and I had a head start and started down this journey prior to our Mt. Kilimanjaro hike, but he decided he wanted to start F3 again. F3 is a men’s group focused on Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith that launched in Charlotte, NC. He reached out to a dear friend and fellow F3 member that, through Rob’s hike on the Appalachian Trail and recent adventures, he had not spoken to in quite awhile. He contacted him to re-engage with F3, but the results of that “chance meeting” for coffee was so much greater than a morning workout.
My Sisters in Christ-Boy am I thankful!
I shared that I am leading a neighborhood Bible Study on Lacy Rozell’s “What if We Pray”. I am thankful for the connections and discussion even on days when I feel so tired that I cannot imagine facilitating a discussion. I was excited for tonight’s study because the topic was on confession of sin and forgiveness.
Honored to Serve
Happy Veterans Day. Today I had the opportunity to speak at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars where one of my fellow combat veterans from 2004-2005 is a member. Throughout my military career, I have spoken at countless events, but today felt different.
To God be the Glory
I think anyone that has known me throughout my life would describe me as driven- goal oriented. I don’t want to say I always chased the next thing, but I rarely found contentment in any accomplishment. If I got promoted to Major in the military, it was always when do I make Lieutenant Colonel and what do I need to do to get there. If I graduate with a Masters, what is the next degree or certification I am going after? If I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, what is the next mountain (just kidding-think I am done climbing mountains for a bit!)
Humility and Submission
I have shared that I have been leading Lacey Rozell’s “What if We Pray” Bible Study in our neighborhood. Tonight, we had our weekly session. I will warn you, I have been all over the place today and this may feel a little like a ramble. Today was a difficult day for many reasons. As a dear friend reminded me today, sometimes when we get caught in the storm, we forget to see the Blessings-and the Blessings are there.
Virtual versus connecting circles
I continue to be amazed at how many read this blog or will give me feedback that a certain topic touched them. Today, I received a text from a friend sharing something she journaled last night. In typical God form, it fell right in place with recent events in my life…love these Godwinks.