Weekly Inspiration

It’s How You See Things…

We all see things differently.

When I saw this scene for myself, in a shallow riverbed—it was breath-taking. I mean, in the middle of a riverbed—beckoning.

Irresistible…Serene…Peaceful…Beautiful…Appealing.

Didn’t matter how cold the water appeared. After all, it’s in the middle of Big Sur, CA. More of God’s beauty and what I call, “Godscapes.”

No, to me, I didn’t see two lonely looking chairs. I saw wonderful possibilities.

I was with my eldest son and daughter-in-law. We stopped at this café alongside Highway 1. As I walked closer and closer to the river, each step of the way I became awe-struck. I stood on the riverbed for a little while. Staring at the brilliance. My daughter-in-law decided she needed to cool off, and she walked into the cool, shallow water and sat on one of the chairs. I did the same. Sat, on a chair situated in the middle of the creek. Just amazing!

Even though this trip was during a busy 4th of July weekend, for just a few precious moments, no one else was around, I was alone, lost in my thoughts. It was a wonderful feeling. Not a care in the world. Feeling the cool water trickle across my feet, the stress of the work-week was washed away.

God has a way of doing that. Right when we need it most. He brings peace within our soul and directs us to a place where there are beautiful wood chairs.

I will be going back to that place when it is less crowded. Where I can really be at peace among the Redwoods and sit in a chair in the middle of a creek, that is now flowing wildly from the recent record breaking storms.

So, I ask…”What do you see when you look at those chairs?” Does it speak a gentleness to your spirit? Would you like to experience sitting in them, among God’s beauty, surrounded by redwoods? Magnificent redwood trees showing off their huge, yet peaceful, characteristics, reaching to the sky. It’s how I felt. If only you would be able to one day.Redwoods

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Deuteronomy 8:7 “The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills.”

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Miscellaneous Thoughts | Weekly Inspiration

Fitting In…Or Not, The Choice is Yours

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I’m more of an introvert, sometimes shy. Unless I know someone, I pretty much stand around and observe. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not from lack of trying.

Maybe it’s the way I look, or the way I stand, or how I act, or how I’m not able to articulate what I want to say, so I ramble. Not sure, no one has ever mentioned anything to me. But then again, what are they supposed to say…to an introvert? “Hey, introvert, cat got your tongue?”

I do know, I’m not alone. There are many of us floundering in a crowd. Or sometimes at a conference or a party. Maybe I should hold a sign that asks, “Introvert? Come and join me in the awkwardness?”

Someone once wrote, “If you would get to know me, you may find me interesting, loving, caring, and somewhat funny.” Oh wait, that someone is me. Knee slapper.

I found myself in many of those awkward moments at a place I worked. I didn’t fit in with what they considered the in-crowd. I wasn’t “like” them. They never gave me a chance. Only a handful did. For that, I’m actually thankful. God knew I needed those few in my life who “got” me and accepted me for who I am. I’ll forever be grateful to them. Believe it or not I learned a ton from those who pretty much shunned me, gossiped about me and quite frankly were rude. I would never treat anyone that way…ever.

Sometimes at churches too. One would think church would be a safe place. Where everyone accepts all types. No matter how old or young, women can be cliquey.

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines a “clique” as: a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially: one held together by common interests, views, or purposes.

So, church? Where common interests and purpose should be about the love for Christ and His church…His people? I’m not saying all churches. But I have had some uncool experiences.

When I see these cliques, I run as fast as I can. They are not for me. I don’t even bother with them. They may not intend to be hurtful, but for a sensitive, shy introvert, it can put anxiety in overload. Steer clear the mind says. A total sense of shielding the heart. Not worth it.

Sounds a lot like a rejection issue, right? In a way, I suppose it is. The difference being, knowing the difference.

I’m blessed to have family and close friends who love me and weave me into their fold, no matter what. And I, them. Blessed beyond measure.

Writing this wasn’t about woe is me, the pitiful introvert. I’m writing this because I know I’m not alone. And, I want you to know God loves you as you are, exactly where you are in life. He made you perfectly—You! He’s not telling us to “fit in” everywhere we go, but to pray for everyone we meet. Whether they know you or not. I do a lot of praying. ~smile. There may be pain behind someone’s smile, who needs your genuine smile. They may be going through something unbearable and just trying to get through the day. Everyone has a story not all are aware of. Introverts usually keep it all wrapped up tight and cozy inside.

So, the next time I/we go to a place where there is a crowd, smile, lift your head high and know you are a Daughter of a King. He will never leave you. He loves you right where you are. And why wouldn’t He? He formed you before you…were you.

We don’t fit into another’s mold. We aren’t borrowed Jello molds. We are, who we are. Embrace that. Right?

Be blessed.

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Weekly Inspiration

Color Pencil Shavings

pencilshavingsAll those bottled-up emotions and feelings—deep, hidden emotions bursting to the surface.

Some would describe them as, “peeling the onion layers.”

Me? I’d prefer to think of them like color pencil shavings after they are sharpened. I mean, wouldn’t you rather have colorful emotions pouring out than stinky ones? Unless of course, your pencils are fruited-fragrance. Then stinky could be good. Or not. If you don’t like fruit.

We all—and I mean all, have stuff we’ve buried. Many of us never get them out. Some don’t know how to express them, some of us can’t or won’t.

It’s a failure to communicate; if you don’t even try.

There are experts who can help. They sit and listen. Unbiased. Non-judgmental, experts, trained to peel those shavings.

But, there are those people who feel going to an expert is a sign of weakness, because they should be able to deal on their own. After all, it’s their feelings. No one knows you better, than you. Right? Kind of. How’s that working for you?

You are in relationships. Relationships, to succeed, must have communication.

“What if, I speak or write out my hidden emotions, feelings or thoughts that have been buried and then I’m totally misunderstood and my words are twisted and turned back on me?”

What if? What ifs will drive you batty. Sheering the layers will set you free, no matter what the outcome. This is my humble opinion.

It’s not healthy, holding things in. Men are known to be notorious for this. Not macho to share feelings. HA! Could be why men seem to die sooner too. (Not a medical or factual statistic—just an opinion). It’s a stressor one doesn’t need.  No one is a mind-reader. Although, some charge to pretend they are. (Again, my opinion). We need verbal communication.

The best way to trim those emotions, can be found in One who doesn’t judge, who knows every hair on your head, who knows where you’ve been and where you’re going, what you’ve said or not said, done or not done. And that One, is God.

If there is anything you think He doesn’t know about you—think again. He knew you before you were born. And He loves you. He would love to help you peel those shavings away and set your mind free.

There are so many scriptures in the Bible about laying your burdens at the foot of the cross, to trust Him to carry them. To seek His face. He wants you to come to Him. He adores  you and wants the very best for you…mentally, physically and spiritually. If you are unable to communicate with another person, be it an expert or not…He is the ultimate choice. And a very good listener. Allow Him to shear those color pencil shavings and make something beautiful out of you.

In one of the books I have an article in,  Inspire Promise, I wrote about how God will never leave me. He won’t leave you either. This book is filled with stories of other writers  who tell of how God’s promises never cease. Communicate with Him, and with the ones you love.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thought I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all our heart.

Psalm 16:7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel.

Psalm 27:7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy upon me, and answer me. When You said, “Seek my face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

Psalm 28:6-7 Blessed be the Lord, Because He heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped.

(Scriptures taken from NKJV)

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