Living Water

 A few nights ago, I arrived home after a smoldering, hot day. My beautiful, hanging plant on the back porch was shriveled and looked terrible! Sad, but determined, I immediately poured a cup of water into the pot. I seriously thought it was a lost cause. Three hours later, I glanced out the window and saw a beautiful, vibrant plant - completely revived! God spoke to my heart in that moment, "Danita, you are like this plant." We are created to need water more than anything. It is essential. Flip it to the spiritual. We are not designed to survive without the living water Jesus offered the woman sitting at the well. A daily dose is essential to a vibrant life! Spending time, daily, with Jesus  is not an item on the to-do list. We cannot survive spiritually without it. It is a daily soak that prepares us for the heat and pressure of the day. We might think we can make it without watering our souls, but eventually, we begin to look and feel like my shriveled plant. Doing whatever it takes to make time for daily, living water is essential! 

The Warmth of the SON

One thing is certain, Arkansas winters have a way of getting my attention. The past two weeks brought an abundance of white stuff - snow, ice and all the things. With it came the burst of freezing temps and lack of sunshine. Don't get me wrong, I do love a good snow day-wrapped up in a cozy blanket, a good book and coffee in hand, and time to just stay home. When a good snow day turns into snow weeks, my body craves some warm sunshine! It is no secret- sunshine is a natural source of goodness. God created it that way. There are a multitude of health benefits connected to time spent soaking up the sun. 

Today is the first warm, sunny day we have had in a while. After morning worship, I decided to go outside and just sit in the sun. I found myself literally closing my eyes and turning my face upward-just to let the glow of the sun completely envelop my face. Oh, it felt so good. I sat there for several minutes, just literally letting my skin soak it in. 

In that moment, I couldn't help but think about the comparison of health benefits connected to the SUN and spiritual benefits connected to time spent soaking up the SON. Just this week, I found myself having a conversation with a friend going through a dark time. We talked about how important it is to try to spend some time outdoors during the winter months. Winter seems to be the time depression rises to startling heights. Then, our conversation shifted to the importance of time spent with Jesus- the eternal source of light in our lives. 

You see, God designed our bodies to crave physical sunshine and our souls to crave the warmth of His Son. There is no artificial light that compares. Man-made light just doesn't have the same effect. In the same way, there is no substitute for time spent with Jesus. When we turn our gaze to Him, everything else pales in comparison. When we really take time to read His Word, speak to Him in prayer and focus on His strength and love, we cannot help but feel His presence warming and lighting our entire being. Even on the cloudy days, His light is readily available. Literally looking up to the ceiling and imagining Him pouring over us soothes our anxious hearts and brings emotional healing to us in the deepest places. 

Just as time spent in the sun leaves a glow to our skin, time spent in the light of the SON brings a radiance to us. Scripture tells us, we will radiate the light of Christ when we spend time in His presence. There is a light and glow to us from the inside out that no day on the beach or time spent in a tanning salon will begin to compare. There is a spiritual light that shines from within. 

How do we get and maintain this glow? It takes effort and determination. Make an intentional decision to spend time in the presence of the SON every day. 

How much does this glow cost? The only thing it costs is time.

You will not find an ad popping up on your phone for this glow. It is not another sales gimmick. There is no substitute or quick fix solution. However, there is an eternal promise connected to making the decision to live life everyday in His presence. The most beautiful people I have ever known, those who truly would light up a room, shared this secret many years ago. No matter where you find yourself today, take a moment to spend time with the SON, and if you can get outside, by all means do!

I think the words of one of my favorite hymns says it best:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus. 

Look full in His wonderful face. 

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim.

in the light of His glory and grace.

 

Recently, while traveling alone, I noticed something wasn't quite right with my navigation system. After a few minutes, I realized I simply needed to re-center. Once I hit that magic button, all was right again. I could see my exact location, and it made navigating the unknown road so much more clear. Even though, my current situation did not change at all, I could see more clearly. 

In that moment, God whispered to my heart- Danita, it is time to re-center. 

Just like my GPS, there are times I find myself moving at a rapid pace. I am on a mission, and I get caught up in the hurry to get to the next destination. Somewhere in the midst of the process, I loose focus on the present and on the most important details of the journey. I am not sure what causes a GPS to need a re-center, it just seems to happen. Isn't life the same way? We are moving along, trying to meet every need, moving from one to-do list, one obligation to the next. We meet ourselves coming and going. We think we are on the right road, but something just doesn't feel quite right. That feeling of not quite right, is our internal GPS- also known as- the Holy Spirit. If ignored, we eventually find ourselves lost with no real sense of direction. Thankfully, God understands our tendency to loose focus. He places this guide within His children as a way of prompting us to hit the re-center button in our lives. 

We are quickly approaching one of my most favorite days. January 1st  represents the opportunity to hit the re-center button on our hearts. This is a time to ask God to help us focus back on the core values that reflect the things most important to our purpose on this earth. A new year provides a place to start fresh. It is not shameful to admit it is time to re-center. In fact, this reveals the true character within us. It is a gift. Without an occasional re-center, we spend a lifetime doing many things, but never truly living out the life God intends. We miss the peace of clear direction. We miss the joy of the journey. 

With every passing year, I am reminded how quickly we are traveling through this life. I seem to be more and more aware of the urgency to live this life well- with purpose- with intention. We exist for a much higher calling. Every encounter, every decision lead us either closer to God's best for us or further away. The good news is, we choose when it is time to re-center. God is patiently waiting. When we ask, He helps us focus our eyes on Him. He helps us see where we are and what needs to shift in order to re-center our lives back to the most important things. 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.- Matthew 6:33

The Struggle is Real

 

I secure the leash, and brace myself as the gate swings open. Our nearly 50 lb  "puppy" comes barreling at me. He tugs, he pulls, he jumps and claws. He is determined. But, so am I. We spend about the first 15 minutes determining who is boss. Just about the time both of our wills are at the breaking point, he surrenders and falls into step beside me. I take him all over our hill. I let him roll and play in the grass and enjoy moments of safe freedom. We laugh and play. I scratch his belly, which he loves, and we have the best time. I explain to him, if he would surrender sooner, the other 15 minutes spent fighting could have been so much more pleasant and beneficial. It is in that moment, God speaks to my heart. 

I admit, I have places of struggle. My strong-will determination to attempt to control the situation. Fighting, wresting, and trying my very best to be free. All the while, God is the one holding securely to what is truly best. Maybe like me, you can relate. Our walk with Jesus becomes so much sweeter when we cease the striving and simply walk with Him. One. Surrendered. Day at a time. What if, just for today, we surrendered our will to God's will and chose to simply live in peace? Doing the next right thing. Choosing to pray instead of worry. Intentionally setting our minds on the good, and taking captive every thought that brings defeat. Just for today, what if we let go of all the worry over future "what ifs" and simply rested in the here and now? I am convinced, our walk today will be so much more enjoyable. And, if we make this choice again tomorrow and then the next day... suddenly we have a week of peace, then a month, and then a lifetime. Suddenly, our walk becomes a delight rather than a struggle.

It is true,  we cannot control circumstances, but we have the God of everything holding us securely as we walk out these days. 

"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You." 

- Isaiah 26:3

Just Because

 

It was early- very early, as I laced up my tennis shoes and headed out the front door. Where I live, the only other living creature I meet on my morning walk is an occasional deer, or armadillo (which I do not particularly enjoy), and my faithful side-kick Momma Kitty. These are my absolute favorite moments of the day. Just Jesus and me. A good praise song, hands in the air worship-yes, this describes my kind of workout. Jesus and I certainly do work a number of things out during these early morning moments.

This particular morning, my Momma heart was heavy. Weighed down with a few worries and prayers over the four children we are called, and blessed to raise. As I stepped off the porch, I told the Lord, “Ok- God- today I REALLY need to hear from you. I need to see you. I need to KNOW you are listening. Just as my feet hit the gravel driveway, something caught my attention. I squinted to see. What in the world was it? I walked a little closer and was literally caught by the most splendid sight.

A bouquet. A literal bouquet of the most beautiful lilies was waiting for me. Later in the day, I texted a picture to my Mom. She said, “Oh, those are surprise lilies.” What a fitting name- God certainly surprised me! He even arranged them in perfect bouquet form. The only thing missing was a vase around them- but who needs a vase? I froze. I was stunned. The night before nothing was there, or at least, I didn’t think so! Then, it hit me. This was no random bouquet. It was God’s bouquet to my weary heart. He planted it right there for that very moment just for me to see Him. To hear Him. To KNOW He was listening. Now, you might not think this is possible. I might wonder myself if I had not personally experienced it. But here is what I do know. Nothing is impossible with our God.

He goes to great lengths to show us how much he cares and loves us. No detail, or worry, or tear goes unnoticed. It is in the small reminders that we sometimes see and hear Him the most. He prefers to speak in that still, small voice. That is why he reminds us to “Be still and Know He is God.” In the stillness of the early morning, He sends a beautiful gift…Just Because.   

Have you ever experienced a “Just because” moment with God? Please share it in the comments.

It might be just the encouragement someone else needs most!

Steady My Heart

 

A heart out of rhythm can be a bit scary. We are moving along, and suddenly, we know something isn’t quite right. I am thankful for medical wisdom to help guide us in the right medical steps to bring our hearts back into rhythm and maintain the rhythm needed to pump life and breath into our physical bodies.

Recently, this physical wake- up call prompted me to take careful notice of the spiritual condition of the heart. We become focused on the day to day to do’s, overstretched in commitments, and sometimes preoccupied with distractions. We notice something doesn’t feel quite right. Our rhythm is off, it seems. But we press on. Until suddenly, we can’t go on. We struggle to catch our breath. We are unable to deny the fact that something is not right. We are not ok, and we know it is time for some changes. In our pause, we recap the days, weeks and months leading up to this moment. Were there warning signs? Absolutely. Did we listen? Maybe not as soon as we should have.

How do we avoid potentially fatal spiritual heart failure? First, we must put on our spiritual heart monitor. What is this monitor? God knew far in advance, we would need a guide to monitor the conditions of our heart. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit. When we listen and invite His guidance, He carefully sends warning signals when things are not quite right within. God speaks to us through His Word. He warns us when thoughts and feelings are out of rhythm with God’s best for us. The conviction we wish away is actually the blessing of our monitor in action. It sends the needed warning signals, and when heeded, it saves our lives.

Friend, let me share with you the importance of listening to your heart. No interruption or warning is too small to ignore. We are not designed to try to carry everything alone. We are not designed to push ourselves beyond healthy limits. God created our bodies and our souls on purpose for a beautiful purpose. ♥

Intentional

 

My Blog posting has been less often, lately. It happens in a subtle way. Like with many things, we begin strong, like a wind-up toy. Then, gradually, we begin to slow down... If we are not careful, and intentional, we will eventually stop. Whatever it may be. Our best intentions become buried under a stack of daily duties that ultimately steal our joy and our effectiveness.

The Christian heart is FILLED with good intentions. After all, isn’t that what the Holy Spirit is doing…filling us with the fruits of the spirit, so we bear MUCH fruit. It is God’s desire to see us bearing fruit and living fruitful lives. It is God’s dream for us to live a life filled with faith risks and adventure. 

A life lived on purpose, even within the most mundane tasks.

So why do we slowly loose our motivation and find ourselves standing still, rather than moving forward? It can be for a number of reason, really. One of the most common is distraction. We easily find ourselves moving constantly through our days, but like walking on a treadmill, we are caught in the day to day responsibilities so much we have no time left for the one or two things we feel most called to do. I have often heard the statement, we are doing too many things, and nothing well. There is much truth to this. What if we think about it this way..We are doing too many things, and nothing toward reaching the desires God has placed on our hearts.

One thing is certain, the treadmill of demands for our time will not stop on its own. We must be intentional about the way we are spending our hours. The first step is taking inventory of our use of time, then compare this to what we feel is our higher calling in life. How does it compare? Write it down. Where are the hours really going? Is this the picture of the life you feel called to live?

If not, it is ok! You are already one step closer by recognizing it.

It is time to take control of the moments making up our days, because they eventually become the moments that make up our lives. How sad, to get to the end of our lives and know we really never did that thing we felt God calling us to do. To know we spent a lifetime running a race on a treadmill that kept us in one place rather than on the adventure of Faith God had for us.

We cannot change how we have spent the hours of our past, but we can move forward with intentional decisions that will ultimately lead us to the sweet place of fulfilling our God-given destiny. And when we are living life this way, even the most mundane tasks become a little more enjoyable. ♥

 

Timehop Reminders and Memories

Do you ever have one of those nostalgic days when you find yourself cleaning out a drawer, and suddenly you find a photo or item that instantly ushers you back in time? 

Maybe the technology at your fingertips supplies the reminder.  

I'm referring to the fun feature on social media or google photos that provides Timehop Reminders or Memories. It enables us to see and relive places we were on this exact day one, two or three years ago and more. Now don’t get me wrong, I love seeing the faces of my sweet children pop up, and the memories certainly bring to light how much they grow and change in one short year! The reminders are good. They cause me to make a conscious effort to slow down and savor moments with them, because they are growing at warp speed!

But, I am also reminded how those reminders can be a tool of the enemy to steal our present joy. Suddenly a really good, productive day becomes sad or filled with past guilt or regret. Before we know it, we have spent too many minutes lamenting a time that once was.

Memory. Some say it is our most treasured gift. I agree it is beautiful and certainly something to never take for granted. But, what about the hard memories? What do we do with the thoughts that cause us to remember friendships or loved ones no longer present? Or a life that looks drastically different from our present one?

I don’t think we need to live long on this earth to encounter hard goodbyes. We are naturally moving forward in our story. That forward movement means there are things which naturally change.

The wise Winnie the Pooh once said, “The only way to get to where I’m going is to leave where I’ve been.”

So simple. So true.

Isaiah 43:18-19 is one of my favorite reminders in scripture:

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Recently, I shared lunch with a dear friend. This very subject came up. It is much harder not to dwell on the past in today’s world of constant reminders. Yet, dwelling in the past serves to hold us hostage there. It is impossible to appreciate today, in a world consumed with yesterday.

Jesus walked this earth before the printed or digital photos and social media reminders. He lived each day, noticing those right in front of Him. He lived in the moment; not staring at the past or fretting over the future. In His infinite wisdom, He knew how we would struggle with letting go of the past. He provided words in scripture to provide the answers to the hard questions of when and how to let go.

Heavenly Father,

Some days are hard. Some memories are hard. Help us recognize when a past memory is a tool used to steal our joy in you and the effectiveness of our faith.

Help us to “take those thoughts captive” IMMEDIATELY and not allow them to take one second of our present day. Help us to surrender those memories to you. Redeem our past mistakes with your Grace and help us to walk in the newness of today. Help us to see the NEW pathways you are providing. The blessing of the NEW relationships you are bringing into our lives.

The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy all that you are doing presently in our lives.

 We speak your name over his antics.

We choose to live in the gift of today ..Amen ♥

 

Worship Louder than Worry

What do we possibly do when we honestly have no idea what to do? When the worry is overwhelming. When the disappointment is too much. When we struggle to hope or dream again. When it seems like every door is closing. How do we respond?

First of all, if you are in any of these places right now, let’s pause together. I might not know you or your particular situation, but I am praying over you. In this moment. I am not brushing past this with a Mary Poppins smile or rose colored glasses. But my prayer is, that after reading this, you lift your eyes and dare to take on the impossible with a renewed determination to fight for your happy again, and to take steps to healing. You are worth it. There. Is. Hope. Because, hope is not in a feeling. Hope is not tied to a particular outcome, or place or circumstance. The true source of all HOPE is Jesus. And He is the ROCK that never rolls. He is the constant. The same yesterday, today and forever. He is not detoured by accidents or human choices. Nothing catches him off guard. He loves you. He is fighting for you. You can lift your hands, even in this moment and worship HIM. Let Him wash over your tired heart.

 I remember some of the hardest moments of my life, overwhelmed with questions and disappointment. I remember whispering the name of Jesus…And, Friend. He heard. I felt His presence like I have never felt Him before. And I have never been the same. I have never got over Him. I still have moments of struggle and worry. But I have never doubted the presence of the Lord again.

About 10 years ago, I started a Gratitude Journal after completing the powerful Ann Voskamp study, “One Thousand Gifts.” A simple practice of writing down 3 things we are grateful for at the end of every day. I was skeptical at the promise of it changing my life. I could not have imagined how much it would.

When we consistently choose to be thankful, our thoughts and perspective changes…possibly even BEFORE the circumstances change. The following is an exerpt from an article from  PositivePsychology entitled The Neuroscience of Gratitude and How It Affects Anxiety & Grief:

When we express gratitude and receive the same, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, the two crucial neurotransmitters responsible for our emotions, and they make us feel ‘good’. They enhance our mood immediately, making us feel happy from the inside.

By consciously practicing gratitude every day, we can help these neural pathways to strengthen themselves and ultimately create a permanent grateful and positive nature within ourselves.

A grateful attitude not only changes our hearts, it literally creates new pathways in our thinking. Here is another stunning fact, Gratitude and Worry cannot coexist within our minds. One dominates the other. So, if gratitude can interrupt my worry, I am all for it. Natalie Grant once challenged a crowd to “Not let your worry be louder than your worship.” I captured this quote. In the moments when the worry is deafening. I will choose to raise a hallelujah, instead.

Blessed Beyond the Measure of a Date

 A birthday. Everyone of us have one. It is the time stamped date – forever marked in our history- when we entered this world, took our first breath and our story began. It is the beginning date. It is our day. It is used for a host of purposes in our world of identity and calculations. We are often asked, “Do you feel any older today?” when, in all reality, we are no different than we were before the clock struck midnight. Only the calculation of time and years have changed.

For me, each birthday is a gift. I remember those I have known and loved who did not make it to celebrate another one. I am grateful and humbled with the gift of another year to celebrate this life and the many blessings and friendships I have made along the way. 

Today, I turned 42.

My story began February 16, 1980. I recently shared with some of my friends the truth that I have lived a lifetime already in this 42 years. I beat impossible odds as a pre-teen; once told by a doctor I would not live to see my 13^th birthday nor would I be able to hold a baby of my own. God chose to fill my arms with not only one but four little ones.  John and I have lived in many places, serving in different ministry stops. We have met and loved countless, incredible people. I have held prominent positions and spent my days nursing babies and homeschooling. I have stood on stages speaking to rooms filled with convention guests, and I have sat on the floor of the church nursery playing blocks with toddlers while singing Jesus Loves Me. I have assisted great, noble leaders, and I have served in unseen positions. I have dreamed big dreams. Some came true. Some did not. At least, not yet. I have loved with the deepest of loves, and I have hurt and been hurt. I have struggled with silent pain, and I have cried along with the precious woman who just found out there is no longer a heartbeat. I have lived with an abundance. And I have lived with little. I have learned neither are the answer.

You see, we are each given a birthday. We do not know how many years will be represented by the dash in between our bookend dates. It is our blessing to spend every day and moment wisely. To invest in the people in front of us. To make choices that honor God and reflect the priorities we hold dear. The choices that, if looking back from the grave, we do not regret.

The simple. The beautiful. The treasured moments often cost nothing more than time.

What if we no longer measured our birthdays in years, but in memories and moments instead? What if we made the phone call? Wrote the note? Scheduled the visit? What if we stopped focusing on how many years old we are and instead chose to measure our lives by the moments which make up those years.

This year, I see a few more wrinkles around my eyes. I do not look the same, nor do I move with the same ease or agility. But I do most definitely still turn up the music, grab my family, and dance like nobody’s business. I sing and worship at the top of my lungs. I literally loose myself in a moment spent with my Jesus, when a verse in my morning’s Bible study takes my breath away. I know how to enjoy a good cup of coffee and a big slice of Reese’s peanut butter cake…and lay my head on my pillow knowing, I am blessed far beyond the measure of a date. ♥

Did You See That?

 

“Momma, did you see that?” This has been the phrase of choice for our little Chace lately. At first I didn’t really notice it, until this past weekend. I was asked the question what seemed like one hundred times! It really caught me off guard. At first, my response was, “No, baby- I didn’t see it.” But then, I started paying very close attention. It shifted my focus from what I was doing to what Chace was watching, seeing and playing. I began intentionally watching throughout the day to make sure, when tested by my two year old, I could truthfully answer, “YES! I did see it!”

Wow..what a lesson! What began as a simple Saturday morning game, transpired into a much more intentional way of living for me. Of noticing. This morning, during my prayer time, it occurred to me the reason behind the lesson. I posted this on my Facebook page:

A sweet reminder to freeze frame moments today. Notice details of every conversation with children, your spouse, a coworker, friend and even stranger.

Make eye contact. Smile..Put aside distraction..really notice.

Each conversation and encounter is one of a kind.

May we live intentional lives today. Life is precious. Relationships are dear. Moments are fleeting.♥

 

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” –Psalm 90:12

What if we really practiced what Psalm 90:12 encourages? How would our lives change? How much wisdom would we gain?

I know God’s Word is clear. God says what He means and means what He says. Hidden in this verse is a promise of a life transformed and a life filled with sacred wisdom. We learn from circumstances and encounters with people. I was once given a valuable piece of advice from a wise friend. "Treat every conversation like it is the most important one." Engage and listen for hidden lessons. Some conversations are short and seem irrelevant to our day. However, as a child of God, we know He is directing our steps. He is strategically directing our walk and placing people in front of us. For a reason.

I pray, we make it our intention to notice, to learn, to help and to number our days. We never know when it could be our last day. Make sure those you encounter today know how much you cherish them. Don’t wait to share words of encouragement. Tell them what they mean to you. Thank them for serving you. And by all means, be ready when asked, “Did you see that?”

From Strong-Will to God's Will

From Strong- Will to God’s Will- 

Lessons from my Littlest Boy 💙

“No, don’t want it!” Four words that are bringing much defeat to my Momma heart, lately. My sweet baby boy has quickly grown into a very strong-willed, determined two year old. Mealtimes are a struggle, potty training is HARD, getting dressed, putting on a coat..you get the picture. All are just a few of the tasks each day that make it a bit challenging lately. Coupled with a Momma who is much older this go around and you have quite the recipe for a defeating day. I keep telling myself that it shouldn’t be this hard. I have raised 3 other humans, and they turned out healthy and ok…what is wrong with me?

I am the Mom who has been quick to tell other Moms, “This too will pass – don’t worry!”

And yet…I do worry.

Lately, I’ve found myself unpacking parenting books that I boxed away many years ago. Starting back through them again, trying to refresh my Momma brain for a few helpful ideas.

One morning, on the way to daycare, I looked at my little determined boy in the car seat behind me. So cute. So innocent to all that’s going on inside my heart. Oh how I love this boy of mine! Oh how I want him to understand I really do want to help him, despite his refusal.

“God, I prayed…I literally cannot do this.”

I feel like such a cry baby- especially with much bigger issues surrounding others. Why is it sometimes easier for me to surrender the big problems to an almighty God while holding tightly to the control of the little things, which eventually build into BIG things in my heart?

If God can part waters – He most certainly can help my toddler with potty- training obstacles.

If God can feed over 5000 with one boy’s small lunch- He most certainly can deal with my mealtime dilemmas.

If God can handle all the big struggles in my life, He will not fail when it comes to the little ones. But I must stop fighting so hard to make things happen my way. In my time. Because, like so many other issues in life, this really is not about me. It is about surrender of my ways to God’s ways.

When we find ourselves at our wits end, it is usually because we have exhausted all human effort and we are left completely bewildered and out of ideas. This is exactly where God needs us to be in order for Him to take over. His strength begins where our strength ends.

And, despite our determination of “No, don’t want it!” Our Father knows best and He loves us too much to leave us desperate. He gently guides us to the place of surrendering our strong-will to His perfect will.

Now..come on, Momma. God says - You can do this! ♥

 

Divine Interruption = The Rest of the Story

 

CREATE in me a clean heart, Oh God. And RENEW a steadfast spirit within me.”

~Psalm 51:10

 

Renew: Resume (an activity) after an interruption, Re-establish relationship, Give fresh life or strength to; Revive

 

Last week, we unpacked the beginning of this verse together – the beautiful gift God offers to create a NEW heart each and every day. As I ended last week’s post, I shared a glimpse into this week. The second part of this verse; the RENEWAL.

As I shared last week, the second part of the verse holds so much relevance to me, I wanted to dedicate an entire Blog post to it. As I researched and read the definition of the word Renew, it took my breath away. Scripture has a way of doing that. Sometimes, a struggle is so fresh that when a verse relates this closely, it brings to surface many emotions. If the circumstance is a hard one, it stings a little. If we are moving into more of a healing season, the verse acts as a salve to our wounded hearts, bringing fresh hope. This is where I find myself on this one.

Interruptions…as a trendy quote from a few years ago so clearly says, “Ain’t nobody got time for this!” I don’t know about you, but I do not particularly enjoy interruption. I prefer my nicely planned out schedule (predictable and comfortable) to work out exactly as I have it detailed in my cute planner; complete with fun stickers and quotes. I was once voted the most likely to be robbed at a bank I worked for, because of my predictability and routine nature! How ironic that God would choose to partner me with a minister for my soul mate, and a spontaneous soul. Just when I am settling into a little normal, up we go- following God into a new calling, a new place and new home. It has been a part of our story for the past 27 years of marriage, and a part of my life story as a preacher’s kid. I remember making a very bold statement to my Dad as a young pre-teen. “One thing I know for sure, when I grow up I will NEVER marry a preacher. I am going to live a normal life.” And God smiled really big at the sound of those words.

Why on earth would God place me smack into a life of change and unpredictability, when all my heart really wants is the normal, routine and expected? Why does God invite each of us to embrace interruption and trust His plan, even when it is more than we can possibly fathom? For me, it is because God is ever teaching me the gift and lesson of His all-sufficient Grace. (2 Corinthians 12:9). My life verse. In my weakest moments, God’s grace is the all sufficient source of strength I find I cannot possibly live without.

Our most recent life interruption came in the form of health and sickness. The call to leave our 5 ½ year church plant and life I honestly thought would be forever left me a little puzzled. After our move back home to Arkansas, I found myself confused and to be truthful, lost. Navigating the loss of a Church we watched literally sprout from a seed, struggling with the ache of hard goodbyes, carrying the difficulty of helping our four children (all at very different seasons in life) adjust to a move over state lines, one of which was a high school senior. The struggle to make sense of the sudden life change all the while knowing in my heart we made the right decision to help bring health and life back to my Mom, who had suffered a completely unexpected stroke. She too was struggling to find answers to her own questions of why.

This interruption was not an easy one, for any of us. When we were first faced with the decision to move back home, I was right in the middle of a Bible Study written by Teresa Swanstrom, “Beautifully Interrupted: When God Holds the Pen that Writes Your Story”.

Isn’t God’s timing stunning? I randomly discovered this study, having no earthly idea why it appealed to me so much. Coincidence? I do not think so.

I knew in my heart, this unexpected change was my own interruption, although in the nitty gritty of the details, it did not necessarily feel beautiful. As a daughter of the King, I had to remind myself, Trust what you KNOW, not what you FEEL. On the hardest days. Days with the most questions. Days with the most tears and anger over the loss of relationships and even my worst fear of all, letting people down. On those days, God held my head to His chest and reminded me; our stories do not end with an interruption. The interruption is the doorway to the next step in the journey God has for us.

It has now been 1 year and 2 months since our move. In that year, I have spent much time in prayer, in the quiet, in worship. Just being with Jesus. Remember our definition of renew? I could not find a better definition for my story this past year. I have spent much time re-establishing my purest relationship with Jesus, after 5 years of Church planting and ministry. I have experienced Revival – fresh life and strength in my soul. Now, my resume of activity looks much different, carefully thought out and prayed over. I am trusting God with the new activity He brings into my life. Lately, I have spent a great deal of time pouring into my children’s spiritual walk and sweet friends God has brought into my life, one by one. I have also nearly completed my certification as a Christian Life Coach and I am working on my Mental Health Coach Certification. I want to be intentional and recognize the new opportunity God places in front of me. Above all, I have hope. I am learning, after the interruption comes the new life, the new blessing and the new opportunity. I am reminded, the rest of our stories follow the interruption.

Maybe your interruption looks completely different than mine. Our stories need not look the same to connect or understand one another. Your interruption may be job related, family related or health related. It could include a relationship ending, or beginning. I do not believe God led you to read this today on accident. Maybe, for the very life of you, you need a reminder at this moment that God alone WILL renew a steadfast spirit within you again. You need to know, there is hope to resume again after an interruption. Your resume might look completely different than your life before the interruption. And, sweet friend, that is ok. Just dare to raise your head. Stand up. Take hold of Jesus hand today and lean on His all sufficient Grace to give you the strength to step into the rest of your story. ♥

 

A New Heart

 

CREATE in me a clean heart, Oh God. And RENEW a steadfast spirit within me.”

~Psalm 51:10

Merriam-Webster defines the word CREATE as: causing something new to exist

I love words. I enjoy every opportunity to engage in conversations or read what someone has penned on a page. I delight in looking deeper into why we choose certain words to share our thoughts. I am often guilty of “reading too much” into why someone responds the way they do or why certain words are used. However, there is one author I believe carefully selects every word for a specific purpose. The words within the sacred scriptures are not half-heartedly selected, I am convinced of this. Thus the reason we could spend a life-time studying scripture; always finding something new, a deeper meaning. Surface reading scripture deprives us of the in-depth love and purpose hidden within every word, verse and chapter of God’s Word.

Psalm 51:10 is one of the verses that I find most beautiful. So much so, I have literally written this verse on every type of paper; index cards, notebooks, sticky notes (hung on my mirror or computer screens) just to name a few. I have texted, emailed and typed it. Above all, I have prayed this verse more times than I could possibly even remember. It is the prayer of my heart every single morning. Why?

For me, this verse is the very key to opening the door to each new day with a heart at peace.

You see, like so many, I know the pain of past disappointments, misunderstandings, unmet expectations, fear of failure. I know what it is to harbor regret and unkind comments. Over time, layers of negativity form, overshadowing the person we truly are created to be.

This verse, prayed each and every morning, clears the heart of yesterday’s ugly layers. It creates a brand new heart, filled with opportunity to love and share our lives freely with those around us.

Only God is capable of creating a pure heart and then re-creating it each morning. He alone is able to shape it with His mercies which are NEW every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). All we need to do is ask Him. He is ready to create this heart within us every single day.

I love the thought of having a new heart each morning.

As if the creating part isn’t enough, the second half of this verse holds the promise of a RENEWED spirit. I dearly love the dictionary definition – to resume activity after an interruption. More to come on this with the next BLOG post. There is far too much to share. Let’s just say, I know a thing or two about life interruptions. We will unpack this together, next time.

Until then, take a moment to invite God to create a new heart within you today. Clear out the clutter. Unlock the door to a new day with a new heart. Oh…and let me say. God replaces the unpleasant clutter with beauty.♥

Your best days are ahead.

Release

 

A new year for me brings fresh anticipation. Yes, I admit, I usually spend a few moments lamenting and sometimes even grieving pieces of the past. I usually do a thorough self-examination of all the areas needing more attention in the new year. Resolutions and I do not agree. I tend to steer away from them. However, many years ago, I adopted the idea of choosing one word for my year. I begin praying and contemplating my word well before the Thanksgiving leftovers are cleared. For me, this word bears much meaning. It sets my focus for the year. I am always amazed how often God brings this word into my view throughout the year. It makes my heart smile.

For 2022, my word is RELEASE. I love researching the dictionary meaning of my word each year. Of course, I did my research for this one and discovered a beautiful meaning:

 “allow or enable to escape from confinement; set free.”

Now, at first glance, we might be hesitant. Is this relevant? Do we dare admit the relevancy? As Christians, we often say we have been set free. Yet, sometimes we are fearful or too prideful to admit there are areas of bondage with which we struggle to fully break free. Past hurts, relationships, mistakes, regrets, fears…just to name a few.

 Release also brings to mind a picture of letting something go; possibly releasing control. After honest examination, we will most likely identify areas we try desperately to control. We also might find the need to release ourselves from unattainable expectations, which quickly usher in bondage over our hearts and minds. No matter which form of release is most relevant, one truth is certain for me..

 There is an unrivaled freedom that sings over my heart with the thought of full release.

I tend to think in pictures or illustrations. The word release immediately brings to mind a butterfly, held  in its cocoon for a designated period of time. The cocoon is a safe place, a protected place. It is a place of growth and certainly serves a purpose. Then, one day, the time comes to break out of the cocoon and fly. The butterfly has no idea the brilliant colors crafted within its very own wings. The hidden beauty countless others will gaze over, once it is out in the open, doing what it is created to do. God strategically paints each and every color, unique and glorious. I wonder… is God sitting on the edge of His seat waiting for the first time the wings are spread and the colors are visible? I choose to believe time stands still each time a butterfly is released to fly.

Do you see yourself in this illustration? I do. We are uniquely crafted by our almighty creator with individual beauty beyond anything we could possibly imagine. We were not created to remain trapped in the cocoon. We are made to fly and share our incredible gifts with those around us. We were not created to remain hidden in all the things that hold us hostage. Oh no…life is far too important for this. Just as seeing a butterfly quickly changes my attitude and perspective, our lives are a gift to others; changing and interrupting the sometimes ordinary day. Our lives are a gift to enjoy and share with others. The beauty within us is beyond compare. God sits on the edge of His seat waiting for us to finally trust Him and fly. I like to think He calls the angels around and says, “look right there..this is my child who is about to do what I created them to do and it is going to be the most stunning sight.”

God is personally inviting you to live a life of release. He offers grace and forgiveness, which are the ultimate gifts of release. Go ahead, my friend…spread your lovely wings.

 

Full House and Polaroid Moments

 

Full-House and Polaroid Moments

 

One by one…they made their way “home” for Christmas. As parents of children in literally every stage, I am learning many lessons, every day. My husband and I are blessed with four, remarkable, unique children. Our oldest son, Trice, will turn 24 years old this March. Our youngest, Chace, is an energetic, literally bouncing 2 year old boy. Our 12 year old Garyn is making his way through pre-teen adolescent years. And, our only girl, Lillian, will celebrate her 19^th Birthday this month; navigating through her freshman year of college.

Yes. You read this correctly. The numbers 24, 19, 12, 2 represent the vastly different ages of our offspring. This Christmas, we also added a beautiful young lady to our family traditions. Trice’s girlfriend, Sam. We live in a small home, which was running over with activity and memory making this year. I learned a valuable lesson, closed doors work as beautiful concealers of a host of outfit changes and new toys. For the Mom who enjoys order, Christmas always ushers in the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and choose to ponder the “moments” over the “mess”. Cooking, baking, lots of family traditions and togetherness filled our days. Add to this a toddler on a sugar high, and you have our own version of the 1980’s-1990’s sitcom, Full House. 

Recently, our Lillian received the gift of a Polaroid camera. I love how certain fashions and trends make their way back around. Digital photos are quickly being replaced by memorable Polaroid snapshots. Physical photos, printed instantly and developed over the course of a few minutes. To be held in our hands and hung with the best DIY Pintrest has to offer! The opportunity to freeze moments in time, and instantly see them, hold them, and ponder them. I found myself living many of those moments over the past week. I couldn’t help but wonder, what polaroid moments would Mary have captured on the first Christmas? What are the moments that make us stop everything to notice? The moments worth printing and hanging in our hearts forever.

Just as with my very full house, life can quickly become very busy. Sometimes chaotic, cluttered and filled to the brim with the things that need done. We must make a conscious decision to look past the clutter and see the person. To look past the mess and see the gift of relationships and family and even different personalities. Each one of my children are uniquely different. Each one brings my heart a different type of joy. I am often tested and asked, “Mom, which one of us is your favorite?” I honestly answer, each one is my favorite for different reasons. Reasons I choose to celebrate, to ponder and to capture.

Like Mary, I want to choose to ponder the Polaroid moments and the Full House over to host of other distractions that hold no true value.

Whether within the walls of our own homes or within the course of our days. There is a very full house of people who need us to look past the clutter and notice them. To cherish them, to celebrate them. And if the opportunity arises, take a Polaroid snapshot of a memory or two along the way!

 

Jesus..Where Are You?

With December creeping up on us all so quickly, we ordered Chace a new toy. A simple Nativity Set. He is an extremely curious two year old boy. Like all two year olds, he listens and learns something every day. This little Nativity is sure to be a treasured piece. We learned the Christmas Story faster than I could hope. Chace played and role played..the angel..the shepherds..and certainly, the baby Jesus! One moment particularly caught my attention. He kept saying, "Baby Jesus, where are you?" 

I thought..how quickly we become absorbed in all the beauty, busy and to do lists of the most wonderful time of the year, and before we know it, we misplace Jesus. He never moves... yet, in our hustle, we rush right over Him. 

Before the Christmas season moves into full swing, may we pause to ask, "Jesus, where are you, in the midst of all our planning?" And may we keep Him..front and center. 

 

Life Lessons From Mom's Flower Garden, Chapter 2

 One day, after a visit at Mom's house, I noticed...my flowers were fading quickly. Just a few weeks prior, I had "post worthy" pics of some of these same plants. They were stunning and vibrant. It was hard to even fathom these colorless blooms belonged to the same plants from a few weeks ago. "What in the world am I doing wrong?" I gasped on the phone to Mom. I went through the long list of everything I was doing. Feeling very much like a defense attorney pleading my case! Mom agreed I was doing most everything correctly, but I failed to do one of the most important steps to a thriving garden...

Lesson 2: You must pinch off and remove the dead blooms to make room for new growth.

Mom patiently explained... removing the old, dead blooms was essential to maintaining brilliant color all season long. Without this step, beauty would only last for a short moment. 

This was time consuming and a little painful with each nick from the rose bush thorns. However, after a few short weeks, the bright colors of healthy plants again brought color to the green backdrop. 

As I pinched off each dead blooms and anticipated the new that would soon replace it, I heard God speaking clearly. "Danita, if you are going to truly bloom where you are planted, you must allow me to remove the dead, lifeless things you are holding in your heart. You must give me space for new growth, new relationships, new ministry and new beginnings." You see, I struggle with holding on to the past. I have also struggled with holding on to seasons of hurt. But by keeping the dead things in place, I was certainly not thriving or reflecting God's brilliant color in my world.

Isaiah 43:19a says it so beautifully, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? "

What new thing is God leading you to do, but you are holding tight to dead things? God created each one of us to add our own unique splashes of color in this world, but we cannot bloom vibrantly holding on to the past. Hand your Heavenly Father the shears, and allow Him to prune away harmful, dead, old blooms. My heart understands how this step is sometimes painful. There are harmful relationships and thought patterns that are well embedded in our hearts.  Maybe at one time they brought beauty, but maybe God is calling you into a new season. Trust the Master Gardner to create a life so full of beauty, you have yet to imagine it.

 Every day brings new opportunity. Seize this day with freedom, and bloom beautifully again, my friend. 💐❤️

Life Lessons Learned from Mom's Flower Garden-Chapter 1

 In the fall of this past year, my family and I moved across state lines. Leaving a blessed, full life in Texas to embrace a new journey. Family health struggles brought us back home to Arkansas. Literally. To the hills I grew up running, trail-riding and loving. My parents downsized, and my husband and I along with our three children still at home and a puppy moved into what I consider my home place. Life took a much slower pace, as we began settling in on what we call The Haven. A little over 72 acres. We exchanged a suburban home on a small lot with a pool for lots of vast space, quiet hills, our pet chickens and serenity. These hills have always served as a place of healing for me. One particular spot at the top of our hill has been my place to go, when life became too much, and I needed to feel and seek God's faithful presence like never before. It never ceases to amaze me how God plants us right where we should be. And then, provides the provision for rest and renewal through the most unexpected ways. Like Elijah and the broom tree. God provides shade and lessons through his creation. This is what led me to take particular notice of a few simple, yet profound lessons found in the strangest places. You see, by moving into my parent's home, I inherited my Mother's flower garden. Mom's yard was far more than a beautiful landscape. It was and is her masterpiece. Anything her hands plant or touch grows into something extraordinary. Often through the years, her yard has been described as magazine worthy. Suddenly, my not so green thumbs were given the task of trying to maintain the masterpiece. So, I literally spent hours watering, nurturing and even toiling over theses plants that have been planted and transplanted from generations! I began noticing and journaling over special lessons that seemed to come to my heart while spending time in Mom's flower gardens. This is the first of many sweet lessons...

Do not water too fast...take it slow. Let the water seep in slowly. Slow. Down.

One day, after much frustration, I called Mom. "My plants looked terrible!" I gasped on the phone. I explained to her I was faithfully watering, but my plants were dying! She asked how I was watering. I went on to say, "I turn the hose on high and try to make the most out of the little time I have to water." She smiled through the phone. "Sis, you have to turn the hose on low and just let the water slowly absorb...You are not giving it time." Lesson learned. I needed to slow down. Let the water soak in..or else, nourishment would not come.

How many times in life have I tried taking the quick route..rushing..drowning..trying to pour as much in as quickly as possible...only leaving my soul parched. I did not allow time for Jesus, my living water, to sink in. Absorb. Nourish my heart and soul. I read a host of verses so quickly, only to check it off my list. I rush through ministry, trying to fill far too many shoes, not giving my full attention to anything or anyone. Oh...how my soul relates to this lesson.

Turn the water on low. Take time. Let it sink in today. The miracle is, just like my plants, you will slowly begin thriving again. ❤️

Blooming Again 🌼

"To Everything there is a season. And a time to every purpose under Heaven."  Ecclesiastes 3:1

A walk this morning revealed the most beautiful picture. Trees beginning to bud and show signs of new life. The most stunning discovery came in the form of beautiful, fresh blooms directly over the little cross we placed at the entrance to our prayer walk. Signs of hope and new beginnings. My mind immediately went to our soon approaching Easter Sunday. This picture perfectly illustrates the gift Easter is to me. The evidence of God's power over death and pain. The proof that resurrection life belongs to each of us as believers. It also symbolizes the truth, Jesus brings beautiful life again..even following hard, wintery seasons. 

This morning, I sat and listened to a complete stranger share her story with me. A story of addiction, the loss of a child, a life left for a hopeless end. But. God. Changed. Everything. She has only been a believer for 4 months now. She has been clean and sober for 4 months. We celebrated this together. She beamed with a freshly blooming heart as she shared, "God is AMAZING!" She and I teared up as she told me how she wished she had come to know Him sooner. I reminded her..we cannot change the past, but we most definitely have the opportunity to place our lives as a pen in God's hands as He writes beauty again into our story. 

My morning conversation with this new, sweet sister shifted my mind back to my morning walk. 

Jesus alone has the power to make our hearts bloom again. 🌼💛