Faith

Updates 3.8.21 :: Lake House + IF:Gathering

March 8, 2021 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith, House Flips Leave a Comment

It really does thrill my soul to be able to sit down and write you a letter today.

That’s honestly how I look at these blog posts – it’s me sharing my thoughts with you, my friend.

It’s been almost a week since I posted, or wrote to you and I wanted to give an update on a few things from my last post:
1. The #lakehousereno is almost fully complete! I cannot believe we are so close to the finish line {finally!!}. We are planning to spend the night there this week to be sure all the things work accordingly ? Because I would hate for our first guests to have a realization that we were unaware of…and our first official guests are staying THIS WEEKEND!! ?
Here’s a photo of the shelves from Pottery Barn I installed in the kitchen this morning!

Also…the house got painted last week so here’s a shot of the back from yesterday…Emory was fishing in the pool ?

2. IF:Gathering was incredible. Truly. My vocabulary is so limited, I cannot even express to you how wonderful it was.

First of all, let me just say that the women at our church are just delightful. I had the honor, or privilege, of working alongside fourteen of the most selfless women, whose desire above all things was to glorify the Lord and see his daughters praise Him. I’m pretty sure we hit both of those items during the weekend. I want to share a few takeaways with you from IF:

your trauma shaped you, it didn’t make you
the scars we bear are there to show we made it through
sometimes our shame is the biggest target God will use to heal us
don’t waste your pain and suffering
fire is where your faith is transformed
when you know WHO you serve, it changes everything
Jesus isn’t just a belief to me, He is breath to me
real Christians are the faithful followers
confess your sins and forgive as much as you walk, sleep, eat and pray
it is not safer in the shallow; Jesus will always be able to hold you when life hits you
courageous love should catch somebody by surprise
your impact on people isn’t dependent on your position
the darker things get, the brighter the light shines
history – God has the whole thing rigged
do Jesus, boo

That last one is probably my favorite. It came from Christine Cain and she was saying, essentially, we shouldn’t be saying, “you do you” but rather, “do Jesus, boo.” She had the whole audience giggling with that one.

All in all, it was an incredible weekend. I have every desire to go back and watch all the sessions over again and I have 17 breakouts to view!

This week is a busy one – as I’m sure it is for you as well. I hope to write again very soon, so until next time…

Monday Muse:: My Comparison Trap

February 15, 2021 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith, Life 1 Comment

First of all let me tell you that Emory is home today due to a teacher work day at his school. When he is home with us, we never know what will happen?.
Case in point: so there I was on the treadmill, because it’s raining yet again today, Andrew was sitting at his computer working, and above the podcast I was listening to I heard the lovely tune of a harmonica. Odd, I thought. I laughed and looked over to where Andrew was sitting and said, “Is he playing a harmonica?”

He’s played it off and on all morning…and dare I say he’s getting pretty good at it.

In between tunes, he screams at the tv. I messaged two friends this morning that he keeps yelling at Dora…he disagrees with everything she says ?‍♀️

Now that I’ve shared that with you and hopefully you had a little chuckle, here’s where my heart is today. I’ve recently started a new Bible study called Take Courage by Jennifer Rothschild. It’s based on the book of the Bible, Haggai and his four sermons to the Jewish people.

This morning I was reading and studying chapter 2, specifically verse 3 where the elder Jews are comparing the current temple being built to the former one of Solomon – the one that was destroyed.
Without getting too in depth with the study, the idea is that they were caught in the trap of comparison and thus became discouraged and started complaining. They even said it was “nothing like” the former temple.

When the study questions turned to a personal reflection, I recalled all the times where I’ve become like those of the Old Testament, lamenting of my shortcomings.

Maybe you can relate? I scroll social media {that trap of all comparison traps} and see someone’s house, possessions, look/appearance, etc. and find myself in despair over being “nothing like” them or what they have.

Even with my work, I go to our projects and start thinking about so-and-so’s remodeling ideas and projects, and wonder if mine are even good enough.

I feel self-conscious can become discouraged and even fall into despair. How about you?

A quote from my study book was a precious reminder this morning: Using someone else’s gifts or calling is a crooked measuring stick.

I pondered that for a bit…If using someone else’s gifts, talents, or calling is the crooked measuring stick…., then the straight measuring stick would be mine – issued by God. Right?

What are my unique gifts, talents and calling? What are yours? What if we focused more on our own abilities, ways we have been blessed by the Lord, instead of thinking, I don’t have her _______.

So, what do you have? What are your gifts and talents? What is your calling in life? In what ways has the Lord blessed you? If you haven’t cataloged all the ways in a while, let me urge you to do just that.

The best way to get out of the comparison trap is to look around and remember what you do have… “…once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent

I’d love to hear your thoughts on your own comparison trap if you’re so moved to share ?

Until next time…

On Being Overwhelmed and Anxious…

December 9, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life Leave a Comment

Yesterday I wrote a post summarizing part of a seminar/conference I got to participate in on Monday. In that post I spoke a little about being overwhelmed and/or anxious. Whether it’s related to the events of 2020 or not, we can all experience these emotions, physical paralysis and and other effects from either or both of these conditions.

Side note, I am no doctor, counselor or anything else with an advanced degree or expertise in these areas. I’m just a girl who deals with being overwhelmed and anxious from time to time, and these are my thoughts that follow.

I really wanted to ask first of all, what do you do when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious? My big two are prayer and reading my Bible. Sometimes a walk or exercise helps me clear my mind. Other times it’s talking things out with either Andrew or my best friend Ann. I find when I hold it all in…like a ticking time bomb, eventually I’ll explode. And that’s certainly not ideal for me or those around me.

Let’s start with being overwhelmed. I for one can become paralyzed and distant when I am overwhelmed. You?
Churning in my innermost person of all the things that need to be done, but yet, I can’t figure out where or how to start. Sometimes it helps to talk it out with Andrew, so he can help me untangle that which keeps me stuck and then I start writing lists. The lists help me sort out visually the tangles in my mind and then I am able to realize that everything that needs to be done doesn’t HAVE to be done now or today or this week.
When I finally am able to muster the energy and determination to start, I’m in a good place…but it can take me some time to get to that starting line.

A simple phrase, that we all learned from Nike way back when, is “Just Do It.” And I tell myself this a lot when I continually procrastinate on something that I know would just be DONE if I would do it already. Hello, laundry.

When I am feeling anxious I remember that I am a child of the living God. There’s a card framed on my desk at home that I received from a former co-worker a couple of years ago that reads:
I am a daughter of the conquering King.
Greater is He who lives in me than he who lives in the world.
I know this. I believe this. I commit to live this. And because of this, I will live a life of victory that brings honor and glory and praise to my King.
Amen.

MY King. He is mine and I am His.

When I am anxious, most of the time it has to do with my lack of control. Anyone else out there a control freak? Geez. Isn’t it so annoying?! I hate being this way – it is the thorn in my side.
So yes, I can recognize, after some 20+ years of trying to figure it out, that most of my anxiety stems from not being able to control that which is around me. Mostly situations.

The question I often have to ask myself in these moment is, “Do I trust myself more than God?”

What a question, right? The answer is no. But maybe it’s a “no?” instead of “NO!” Anyone else struggle with that?

>Sigh.<

Could we remember together that God is good. God is sovereign – Romans 8:28. He is on the throne when there’s chaos swirling around me. He lives in me by His Spirit and goodness knows I am so thankful for that truth.

He gives strength for today. His mercies are new for each day. Sister, if you are struggling with being overwhelmed and/or anxiety, I encourage you again today to talk to someone. You are most certainly never alone, especially if you claim Christ.

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you again today. Until next time…

Tuesday Thoughts : 12/8/20

December 8, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith, Life, Planning Leave a Comment

Yesterday I had the great privilege to watch Cultivate Your Year Live! If you are not familiar with Cultivate What Matters – think goal planner for the super “type A”. haha. Raise your hand if you’re in that camp with me 🙂
But seriously, I have really come to love the PowerSheets Planner and when I purchased my new 2021 planner back in October I also go the ticket to watch the live programming to be encouraged and challenged to make 2021 my best year yet!

I got to spend SIX hours with my sweet neighbor Laura, in her dining room, thinking and planning, stickering and getting creative. It was time WELL spent – figuring out how to make the MOST of 2021.

One of the interesting questions that was asked in the beginning yesterday was, “How are you?” and not just a passive question, where you just say “fine.” “great.” “kids are driving me bonkers but we’re surviving!” response, but a dig in and really think about HOW.ARE.YOU.

Almost every woman that was utilizing the chat box, and remember there were over 1,000 of us watching…almost every person who typed a response said either “overwhelmed” or “anxious”.

I tell you that for two reasons. 1. If you are feeling overwhelmed and/or anxious – because sometimes the two go hand-in-hand, you are not alone. Read it again. You are not alone.
You aren’t. Pick a friend and text or call her. Ask her if she’s feeling either of those and I bet you she’ll say yes. We are all in the same camp. Maybe especially with 2020, or maybe because of this season of life. But most assuredly, you are not alone.
Reason 2. Don’t let your feelings run your life. Maybe, don’t let your feelings ruin your life. “Easier said than done, sometimes”…amIright? I’ll be the first to raise her hand and tell you that I most often react based on my feelings/emotions. If you’re in that camp with me…let’s take hold of the thoughts, the feelings, the emotions of being overwhelmed and anxious and not let them get the best of us, or take the best of us away.

An exercise I’ve been working on lately is remembering to ‘take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.’ I sift the overwhelmed thoughts of “I can’t do this.” “I’m too busy/overwhelmed/stressed/anxious to think about/do that thing right now.” “I don’t even know where to start.” “I’m not capable of or smart enough to figure that out.” And I remember that HE has equipped me for that thing right now. I don’t need to be looking ahead to Friday when it’s only Tuesday. His mercies are new for me TODAY. Today. I can DO today.

Something else Lara of CWM told us, an example she gave, that I personalized and wrote in my 2021 planner is “Michelle, decide you can.” In my own mind and spirit I have to make a decision that I CAN. As a believer, I know I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

So, how are you? Be honest with yourself and tell someone else. Don’t hold all your emotions in, where no one else can see or help. No one can read your mind…as much as we wish sometimes they could or would.
Call a therapist if you are carrying heavy burdens. I’ll be the first to tell you that counseling has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. I’m a firm believer that more people should sit on the couch. 🙂

All this to say, be real with yourself. Talk to Jesus and someone – a trusted someone and remember, you are NEVER alone.

Until next time sweet friend…

Monday’s Muse :: Prayers

November 23, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith 2 Comments

Last night as I was trying to wind my brain down to the point where I could go to sleep, I thought, I’ll just pray.
It’s a simple statement, but the enormity of it misleads…

I’ll just pray.
As if praying is trivial…

I am a firm believer that the Lord wants to hear from us all the time. He is our Father, our Husband, our closest friend and he yearns for us to share our burdens, our excitements, our disappointments and fears. Just thinking about how often I call my best friend, and the conversations we have. That’s what Jesus wants from us {maybe not the gossip part…}. But he wants to be on speed dial. He wants to be the first one we reach out to for all the things.

Even as we pray and try to remember all the things in our prayers: giving thanks, acknowledging Him as Lord of all, confession, and petitions, you literally could be in some version or part of a prayer for a solid 24 hours. Especially in 2020 – all the pleading that we could do…

As I started thinking of all the people, things and situations for which I could pray I almost became overwhelmed. There’s so much. I debated even getting out of bed so I could spend a longer span of time in prayer.

Then I thought of this verse from 1 Thessalonians…

Paul is telling the Thessalonian people essentially, continually pray to the Lord; to be in a constant state of fellowship with God. And last night as I was lying there in my bed praying for various people, I could only think to myself, this is why.

You can’t just sit down at your morning table for your quiet time and pray for all the things in that short amount of time. I can’t possibly go thru all the people and things that need to be prayed for each night as I try to make myself drift off to sleep – someone is bound to get left out when I finally do nod off!

No, our prayers are meant to be constant…communion with the Lord. Beseeching Him on behalf of our loved ones and friends all day long. Bringing our burdens and laying them down at his throne of grace {and leaving them there for Him to deal with). Casting our cares on Him, while begging for His Spirit to lead…and praising Him for all the ways He cares for and loves His children.

May I not take praying to you for granted, Lord, but find joy and comfort in knowing that you are listening.

A couple of questions I have are:
1. If you keep a prayer journal – paper or digital?
2. How do you keep track of all the things that need to be prayed for, because as the day goes on I feel my list just keeps growing.

Until next time dear friend…

Expectations :: Marriage Edition

November 5, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith, Marriage Leave a Comment

This month is mine and Andrew’s anniversary month. In just 15 days we will celebrate our 10 year anniversary! And while our 10 years have gone by in a beautiful flash, they have not been easy. If you’ve been married to anyone longer than a year you probably know that marriage is not effortless or painless. It’s a lot of daily hard work and dedication.

I could go on and write a lot about this topic, but I’m going to save some of it for a later post. Today I want to focus in on a few things I’ve learned from my current Bible study, No Other Gods by Kelly Minter. She’s one of my favorite writers, especially of Bible studies – they are wonderfully drafted and cause me to really search the Scriptures as well as my heart.

This past week we were on session seven and each day’s study title is listed below. As you read the titles, pay attention to the person(s) you may think about as satisfying that <thing> for you.

He Satisfies Your Longings
He Rescues You
He Takes Away Your Sin and Shame
He’s the One You Can Trust
He Promises Blessing

Some of those are easy to say, ‘Oh I put God there, totally. He does that for me.’ But a couple of the others, it would be easy to sub in the name of your spouse or even a very close friend. I’ll admit to you that I have done that.

No one can truly satisfy these areas of your heart like Jesus can. I’m really bad at inadvertently casting my expectations and needs on others {especially Andrew}, and they constantly fail me. Andrew has failed me over and over in our ten years of marriage. Not because he isn’t a good husband, not at all. Rest assured he is one of the very best. It’s because he has failed the ridiculous expectations I have put on him and most likely kept those expectations to myself. How could he even come close to doing the things that only Jesus can do for me. I cannot put him on the same level as the Lord. Andrew cannot satisfy my soul’s deepest longings; he cannot rescue me from myself and the stupid mistakes/sins I often commit; sure I can trust him, but I cannot give my heart fully to him and expect it to never be hurt or broken, only the Lord can do that.

If you’re a believer and you’ve surrendered your life to Jesus, you know these things, but maybe you need a friendly reminder to put all your expectations and trust and hope in the Lord. He alone will satisfy your heart.

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

If you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus or you’ve never heard these things, know that Jesus is the only One who can fulfill the deepest longings of your soul.
I’m here if you have any questions or need anything.

Until next time dear sister…

Wednesday Wisdom

October 7, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith Leave a Comment

Some days I wake up overwhelmed. Do you ever feel that way?
It wasn’t anything in particular. I didn’t wake up in a tizzy over the craziness of my calendar {unlike the last two days…}. I didn’t have a terrible nightmare that had me in a sweat. No, I just woke up and felt the weight, the gravity of things that some people are dealing with and it drove me straight to the place where I like to be most.

As I sat down at my little desk for my Bible study, I glanced over to a little 3×5 note card…which listed the names of a few people who are in need of prayer. This week especially has been a week of some serious prayer needs for young and old alike. Friends have posted requests on social media, calling for ‘prayer warriors’ to intercede on their or someone else’s behalf.

As I considered the names, the stories, the petitions, I couldn’t help but feel the burdens, the pain, the questions. I’ve often heard that if you yourself are not presently in a difficult season, your responsibility is to pray for those that are.

I don’t have answers. I don’t have super powers. In most of these circumstances and situations, I really cannot do anything but pray.

Ah, but the power of prayer…[it] should not be underestimated. It is a blessing that God allows us the privilege to communicate directly with Him through prayer anytime 24/7 with no appointment necessary. What an amazing gift. – LivingChristian.org

When I am overwhelmed, and even at my wit’s end, I pray. When the situation is out of my control, I pray. When I am seemingly lost and destitute, I pray. When I am in need of anything, I pray.
I pray because I believe that the God of all creation hears me when I call out to Him. He desires for me to pray, to talk to Him, and so I do.

If you’ve got a prayer need, I’d love to pray for you – private message me with your request.
If you don’t want to share, I invite you in the quiet of your own time and space to call out to the One who already knows the burdens you bear, He’s ready and willing to listen.

Until next time, dear reader…

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