Leaning In...

I like the phrase "leaning in".  I have learned that the really good stuff happens when I "lean in". I can see better, hear better, touch better, smell better. And, since I'm mentioning the senses, I'm sure I can probably taste better too. However, I've not really thought about that one too much.

Our dogs sure believe that the best things in life happen when they fully lean in. Charles Walter (Charlie) and Augie are masters at leaning in, They are so good at it, It's a common thing for them to find my husband or me and lay their heads on our lap, or to press their 90lb. bodies fully against ours (while we are sitting or standing), or to tuck their heads, with gentle purpose, under our elbows. They each know they will get a good scratch behind their ear, they will receive a gentle touch on their face or a full-out gratifying scratch on their behinds or their bellies, I've noticed they lean in when they are unsure, they are unsettled or they are just a little lonely. Leaning in is what they know to do. We are the safe place for them and the people that satisfy their needs. This is also, simply,  how they love.  Oh, to have the gentle heart of a Doodle!

What about me? I lean in when I am unsure, when I am unsettled and when I am a little lonely. Leaning in makes me feel comforted, makes me feel safe, makes me feel happy and secure. However, in order to lean in, I have to have trustworthy people, thoughts and behaviors that will hold me secure.

I've learned the really important thing is to lean in to the right people that will bless my life with God's truth. These people make me stronger and are strength-bearers for my heart. Be discerning. Lean in to those who LIVE love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Oh, and, people with a happy heart are also to be included (had to add that one). These steadfast people in my life continually teach me how to clothe myself in these beautiful garbs of Christ. In this way I am able to lean back against them and offer these same blessings. The give and take of LOVE.

So, I pray you are brave enough to lean in to the beautiful people, life and love that makes a difference in your life. Lean in to your "safe" places and ask for God's abundant grace to envelope you in the good stuff, You will learn that what you receive is also what you learn to give.

P.S. Ironically, at this very moment the song "Lean on Me" is playing on my Spotify station. Isn't that the absolute BEST - this blog post is God ordained. I'm always amazed at His simple grace:)

Laying it on the Altar

Fear Is In His Hands - Hannah Hurnard 

I said, "I can't stop being afraid."

"I'll teach you, Hannah," He said.  

Once, as I was looking out the train window during a train trip,

I saw a field covered with lovely fruit trees.

In the middle was a huge scarecrow and on his arms,

five birds were perched.

The Lord said to me, "Hannah, there are

foolish birds and wise birds. The foolish birds

are frightened by scarecrows and they fly away.

But wise birds know that all the best fruit grows

close to a scarecrow. When they see one,

they chuckle with joy and fly straight there

to find the best fruit.

"Your fears are like a scarecrow.

If you put your hand in mine and go up

to every scarecrow, you'll always find

lovely blessings."

And so I sit here - trying to write this blog and wanting to reach for God's hand as I try to face the scarecrow lurking in front of me...because, I know that the blessings are waiting for me; so, I want to face the fear. Why is this so hard? And, if this is so hard, why do I feel like I even need to share my heart? Where is God leading me on this familiar, yet unfamiliar, path?

One of my favorite books is "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard. I relate to the main character, Much-Afraid, as she travels to the high places where she can forever dwell with the Shepherd. She learns along the journey, though it is sometimes difficult and lonely, to make an altar of her fears so God can transform those things by love into things of beauty.  Along her journey she builds many altars to remind herself of the Shepherd's goodness. These are the lessons she has learned as she surrenders her heart to the journey.

"...He remarked quietly that the important thing about altars was that they made possibilities of apparent impossibilities..." - Hinds' Feet on High Places

I, too, am like Much-Afraid. God continues to teach me to build an altar at the hard places in my life with a heart of thanksgiving. I continue to learn that He transforms a grateful heart in the most astonishing ways. He turns fear into faith, lack into bounty, rough stones into precious jewels.

The Shepherd laughed too. "I love doing preposterous things," he replied. "Why, I don't know anything more exhilarating and delightful than turning weakness into strength and fear into faith and that which has been marred into perfection." -  Hinds' Feet on High Places

So, I am building an altar at this place and holding on tightly to the Shepherd's hand as I embark once more on this blogging journey, I pray this blog is a safe place, a thoughtful place and a helpful place. A place where I can show God's love and be a witness to others of His transforming grace.

"Whenever you are willing to obey me Much-Afraid and to follow the path of my choice, you will always be able to hear and recognize my voice and when you hear it you must always obey. Remember, also, that it is always safe to obey my voice, even if it seems to call you to paths which look impossible or even crazy." - Hinds' Feet on High Places

Much like the Shepherd's love transformed Much-Afraid to Grace and Glory I can't wait to see how His love transforms me!

P.S. Read the book. It will change your life!

Photo by Peggy Chmelicek

Prayer Warrior with a Fierce Faith

I believe there is no better way to love a person than to pray for them.

I have been blessed my entire life by prayer warriors who have lovingly prayed me through many uncertain times. I am humbled by the number of people who have placed me in the arms of Jesus. I know I have been protected over and over again by those with trusting hearts far stronger than my own.

Prayers for health, prayers for safety, prayers for healing, prayers for the known and the unknown - they have all been offered on my behalf. I am been loved in a mighty and powerful way. 

I have recently found myself in a group of 20+ beautiful women that are loyal to pray for me. These women were strangers a few short months ago. But, it is no mistake we are friends now. God has always had a beautiful way of bringing the exact  people into my life that I need at this moment - and for those who just might need me. I am amazed by His goodness and His grace.

We have a common ground. We are prayer warriors who have a fierce faith knowing that the safest place to bring those we love is to the One who will love and protect them the very best.

Listen to this song from many years ago that reminds me of the many who have loved me through prayer. I hope they know they can count on my prayers, too.  We need each other! And, like I said, I believe there is no better way to love a person than to pray for them.

https://youtu.be/NSkyXR0aacE