Country Music Jesus

Eric Church went for a run with me tonight and I must say, I enjoyed his company. I’ve heard a few of his tunes on the radio but most of the songs on my son’s ipod were new to me. I laughed and cried and replayed Country Music Jesus over and over, my feet hitting the pavement in gospel rhythm. I thought about how great this country music Jesus is and how much I need him in my life.

Let me tell you a little bit about this Jesus through the songs I hear on country radio:

1. Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood – Country Music Jesus will hear you when you cry for help. But not only does he hear you, he shows up. He rescues. He will always give you one more chance and he doesn't keep track of how often you bow your head to pray.

2. I Saw God Today by George Strait- His finger prints really ARE everywhere and if you just open up your eyes – I know you’ll see him loving you today. If you are lucky enough to have a child in your life it will be so much easier to see this Jesus.

3.  I Believe by Brooks & Dunn– You will find Country Music Jesus in times of loss. He is present in the middle of our pain. There IS more to life than what we see, than the day to day stuff. There is eternity and Jesus will be waiting for you.

4. Me & God by Josh Turner – He is a Father and a friend, someone you can talk to. Country Music Jesus forgives. He is a strong arm to lean on when life gets hard. You’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish walking with God.

5. He Ain’t the Leaving Kind by Rascal Flatts– Country Music Jesus is with you through thick and thin. He promised he would never leave you, never abandon you. Whatever you do, wherever you go, whether or not you believe – he is there!

6. Country Music Jesus by Eric Church– This Jesus doesn’t mind it LOUD – shouting, screaming & banging drums.  He comes. He saves. He revives.  Country Music Jesus is strong.

I’ll be honest; I really love classic, corny country lyrics. They make me smile and giggle. But what I really love about country music is that it is so connected to the soul of humanity. It’s not unusual to hear inspirational songs on country radio and even the name of Jesus. Brad Paisley put it so well, “Tellin’ folks Jesus is the answer can rub ‘em wrong, …this is country music – and we do.” My hat’s off to all the country artists who do. Thank you.

Losing Limbs and Finding Joy

I have the opportunity to write for a couple of magazines and although I enjoy it, it does seem to keep me from posting here :(

If you wonder what I've been writing, here is a link to my latest piece for Created Woman magazine.

My story: Losing Limbs and Finding Joy can be found on pages 50-52 of the May/June issue.

Inspired by my growing boys

and the wonderful children's story The Giving Tree

this article addresses one of the most challenging aspects parenthood - LETTING GO.

How are you preparing for the day your children leave home?

Don't Steal Your Joy Moments

It's a gorgeous fall day in Texas. I just finished writing the first draft of an article due Dec 1st, which is something to be proud of seeing it is only Nov 16th. I went for a walk with my best buds Big Daddy Weave (loving their latest project). A flock of red-winged black birds flew overhead and all I could think was God, I feel so alive! But before I could draw my next breath another thought hit, I wonder what hardship is around the corner that will suck the life out of me.

It made me so mad I wanted to swear. 

I hate that I do this - miss out on the glory of a moment wondering what event might steal the moment from me.  I am the one stealing those moments from myself. In her book Daring Greatly, Brene Brown talks about foreboding joy, approaching joy with the sense that surely this won't last long. Thinking that if I don't give myself completely over to the joy of this moment, then difficulty won't cause quite as much pain.

I'm done with this!

I want to live EACH DAY and feel EACH MOMENT fully!

I had an opportunity to put this new mindset into practice a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to go for a walk but didn't want to go alone so I extended an invitation to the whole household. My dear 12 yr old accepted. He rode his bike beside me on the way out, but on the way home when he stopped to check out the erosion that is talking place by our neighborhood lake, I climbed on his bike. He ran to catch up and jumped on the pegs. For a few precious moments, I pedaled while he stood over me with his hands on my shoulders. I leaned back to feel his nearness. We talked and I soaked it in, until we hit a patch of slick algae-infused mud and the bike slide out from under us. I scraped my knee and hit my cheek on the sidewalk. 

I was determined not to let this accident overshadow the joy of being with my son. I hugged him and told him how grateful I was for our time together. 

Sure there are bumps on the road of life and road-rash really hurts. I refuse to be consumed with the cautious apprehension of "what's next". When life happens, I'll get back up. If I can't get myself back up, I have friends who will help me. When the world slips right out from under me, I have a Savior to carry me.

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd 

and carry them forever.  Psalm 28:9

Don't steal your own joy moments. Don't let the "what ifs" sentence you to a life of self-protection. Get back on the bicycle and REALLY live today!

Shine like the Summer Sun

Summer officially begins on June 20th, 2012 at 6:09PM Central Daylight Time with the summer solstice - the moment when the sun reaches its farthest point north of the equator. Unofficially all Texans know that summer is here today. School is out and the sun is shining. Who needs a date and time? That sounds like summer to me!

I love the sun. Perhaps my affection could be attributed to my growing up years far from the equator in Bismarck, North Dakota. We see the sun a bit less up there. I think I was meant to be a southern girl.  I can't wait to get out in the summer sun.

I read this verse a few weeks ago in Judges 5:31"...may those who love the LORD be like the sun when it rises in all its brightness..."  It stirred up my longing for summer.  Another translation says may those who love you shine like the unclouded sun. How can we bring the glory of summer to those around us?

1. LIGHT -  Shine in the darkness. Share the light of truth today. Be bright!

3. LIFT - Sunlight is an all natural mood booster. Laugh. Play. Tickle someone. Have some fun!

2. WARMTH - Love is understood by all. Show some kindness. Hug someone. Share a smile. 

How can you be the sunshine in your world today?

I know the sun gets a bad rap sometimes and sunburn is a miserable thing but check out this article for 25 Health Benefits of Sensible Sun Exposure. Slap on some sunscreen. Grab a water bottle and enjoy!

Goals and Wishes

Goals are way too much like expectations and expectations can lead to disappointment, so for years now I've flat refused to set them.

I was on the elliptical the other day listening to an audio book on my ipod. Well, it's not my ipod. It's my husband's and its chock full of all kinds of leadership books. Normally, I would never listen to stuff like that. I don't know what got into me.

I was walking, running, ellipicalling away and I agreed with the gal reading the book. "I really should set some goals," I told myself. As quickly as the thought sprung up in my mind, tears welled up in my eyes. "I don't want to set goals, whenever I do that I just end up disappointed." I pedaled a little slower. Thankfully I was the only one in our neighborhood gym.

I do what I can to avoid disappointment. What seems to work really well is squelching expectation.

I had this little thought - mostly what I've done in the past is make wishes not set goals. There is a difference. Wishes are just floating out there. I"m learning on the audio book, which just grabbed my attention again, that goals need to be measurable.

I decided to give it a shot and just to hold myself accountable - I decided to share my plan with you.

I am setting a goal to exercise for at least 30 minutes 3 times a week - that sounds both reasonable and measurable, doesn't it?

I am also making a plan to track and celebrate this goal.

I will write down each workout on my closet calender. I'll number them each week Sunday through Saturday.

If I make it to three - I will celebrate reaching that goal for the week with a smiley face on Saturday.
If by some crazy scheme I over reach that goal I will be incredibly happy of myself, and I might tell a friend.
If I don't reach the goal - I promise to be kind to myself. I'll evaluate my schedule and spend a few minutes looking at what other thing became a priority in my life that week.

In three months I will look over my progress and adjust the goal or add structure.

This is my gentle approach to goal setting. What is your approach?

Spring Migration

A couple weeks ago, my husband and I were sitting outside on the back patio when I noticed something in the distance. A large skein of Canadian Geese was heading north east and about to pass directly overhead. I called the boys outside. Even though they were far above us, we could hear the steady rhythm of their powerful wings carrying them back home.




This weekend, my younger son and I noticed a flock of male Yellow-headed Blackbirds foraging on the ground in our neighborhood. They are still here today, fueling up for the rest of their migration which will take them far into Canada.



Today, I can't help but notice the abundance of butterflies. These fragile creatures also follow migratory patterns that carry them through the Austin area. Amazing how these delicate wings can make such treacherous journeys.


I have my own brief migration this time of year and enjoy spending more time outside our home. Spring in Texas is enchanting. Just as the sun begins to warm my skin, cool breezes waft in to refresh and invigorate. I can't get enough. I want to be outside.



Hopefully at some time this summer our family will migrate to the beach. I love the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean. I feel them calling me. So I'm thinking a lot about migration, seasons, life-cycles, beginnings, endings and all these creatures that must move. I believe to live well on the planet we have to embrace change. Movement. Migration.

Do you ever feel this need to fly? Where does it take you?

Why I Love The Wind

Whenever I go for a walk in the neighborhood, I am reminded why I love the wind. I walk away from our home for a mile or so. Its wonderful to get out of the house and away from all these things - into the living world. Everything is green and full of life. When I turn around to come back home, the wind washes across my face and wakes me up to life.

ALIVE

The wind reminds me that I am alive. I feel the touch of the wind on my skin. I breathe in the fragrances of Spring - fresh cut grass, blooming crepe myrtle, dark rich earth. I hear the wind whisking through young leaves. I see tall Texas weeds bending in the breeze. I am Alive.

NOT ALONE

When I feel the wind on my face I am reminded that I am not alone. It's like a kiss from God brushing across my cheeks saying "I Am here with you. Though you may not see me, I want you to feel my presence." I know God is in the wind. I am never alone.

MOVING

My hair is frizzing out in the humid morning air, flying freely away from my face and I am so glad to be moving, so glad to be free. The wind stirs up this gratitude. I know what its like to be stuck, to be stationary. Moving forward is much better.

I could not live where there was no wind.

He walks upon the wings of the wind;

He makes the winds His messengers...Psalm 104