Never Left Uncovered

Growth. Healing. Rest. All are vital to the strengthening of our inner mind, to the up-building of our soul. Each are a necessary component to transcend the painful, fear-laden scope of now and the uncertainty that lives in the horizons of tomorrow.

Although each is vastly distinct from the other, it is the collaborative power of all three that ensures our inner wholeness–our right to exist beyond the shadows of doubt, half-truths and somber visions of our purpose and destiny. It is this wholeness–this celebratory freedom fest–that causes us to breathe hope in the midst of angst, to sing songs in the face of sorrow and to stand when everything in us–in me–says to cower in fear.

Yes, it is in this valley–this trench of disparity–that growth, healing and rest partner to birth our renewed sense of self and value. They whisper into the ears of our hearts that these–fear, hopelessness, frustration–shall pass. They remind us that even in the most harrowing moments of our life’s journey, we are never ever left alone…never left uncovered.

Don’t Think. JUMP!!

MS Clipart

Don’t Think. Just Jump!

Ever have a thought, idea, vision or dream that seemed to call to you? When it first presents itself you chuckle, laugh even, because clearly it’s not something you could do. Clearly, this is for someone bold and determined. But the more you think about it–the more you let it stretch its wings and prepare for flight–you know that not only is this something you can do, it’s truly something you’re supposed to do.

In a moment teeming with excitement and awe, your mind, will and emotions align causing you to swoon at the thought of countless possibilities that await you. It lifts higher and higher, giving birth to spoken plans, written decrees and sheer joy. You’ve found your fountain of purpose and you love what you see…until you begin to think.

How am I going to…? ~ I can’t just… ~ Maybe this wasn’t supposed to… ~  How do I know I…? ~ People will think I’m… ~ How will I…? ~ Maybe I shouldn’t…

And the more you think about it–the more you let it take root and shape the innards of your mind and heart–you begin to believe you made a mistake. Maybe you misjudged the situation–moved, when what you should’ve done was  remain still.

And now, instead of your purpose taking flight and soaring so that others can see–far and wide–how it’s done, it is grounded with clipped wings and no where to go.

THIS IS ALL WRONG!!!

Fulfilling a dream, goal or plan doesn’t mean you have all the answers up front, it simply means you’re willing to allow yourself the opportunity to discover them as you move forward. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll fall and scrape your knee. You’ll climb uphill, not realizing the short cut was there all along–and it’s okay.

Life is not a journey of absolutes, but one teeming with discovery, joy and redemption. 

You CAN jump before you think yourself out of the abundance and joy you deserve. Here’s how:

• Write It – you’ll never get to your destination, if you don’t identify where it is. Identify the plan or goal. Put it on paper, in your journal or in your iNotes. If you can see it, you can do it!
• Own It – nothing hurts our dreams and plans more than procrastination. DON’T DO IT! Grab a hold of your dream and make it yours. Stop looking at what every one else is doing or comparing yourself to “so and so.” Your plans and dreams belong only to you! If you don’t breathe life into them, no one else will.
• Move It – faith without works is dead. What good is having a dream or goal if you have no intentions on doing anything about it? You know what I call that? Wishful thinking. Do you know where wishful thinking gets you? No where. Food doesn’t magically appear in your refrigerator, you have to go and get it. This is no different. Dreams and visions are meant to be fulfilled but it requires that you work for it, put forth great effort and above all believe in yourself. So, get to moving.

Thanks for visiting!

When the Answer is No

 

Sometimes the hardest thing for us to accept is when the Master says “no.” It makes no difference if we’re asking for a promotion, a new home or sometimes even a relationship, hearing Him say no is like taking a punch to the chest-it knocks the wind out of you.

First, we’re stunned; but then we become angry, despondent and sometimes, unruly and rebellious. Not because we don’t love Him or because we desire to be master of our own domain. No, it’s because that “no” cuts deeply and forces us to be honest about whose report, whose instruction, we’ll follow.

For the last year, I’ve been on a quest to align myself with the fullness of His glory in my life-to live out this thing we call the love of the Lord. It seemed all of heaven was open before me and whatever I asked was given to me-be it for myself or someone else, His answer was yes and amen. Until I asked Him: may I have this?

It wasn’t like I was asking for something that was out of the ordinary. God had placed this opportunity within my grasp. I frequently consulted Him and every step along the way I got a resounding yes. This was the next logical step in the course of things. Still, the Lord said “no.”

I was devastated. I didn’t understand His reasoning. I only understood my anguish.

Looking back, I see that His “no” kept me from making one of the worst decisions I could have made in my personal life. I understood His “no” didn’t mean I’d never have it. It meant that if I allowed Him to perfect and tailor it, and me, to His specifications, He’d gladly bless me. See, He didn’t want me to have just anything that came along. He wanted me to have a custom-designed original that’s intended solely for me.

Now, I don’t know about you but buying a suit is nice; but a one-of-a-kind designer original is much better!

Does it still hurt? Every day-sometimes to the point of tears. But I’m living out this thing called faith which the essence of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. And I’ve decided that no matter the cost or the pain, I want God’s BEST, not just what’s good. So, I’m waiting, expectantly, on Him. Will you?

Thanks for visiting, 

Selena