Our youngest son works in retail management and let me tell you, he worked some crazy long hours over the Thanksgiving weekend. When his eight days of work were complete we caught up on how his store did. Any injuries to report? None. Any thievery? Lots. Listening to him talk through this experience (it was his first year in a  management position), the clearer it became to me just how incredibly difficult it is for us to wait.

​For anything. Even a day of shopping.
 
The day after Thanksgiving has long been the “unofficial beginning of the Christmas season” and “Black Friday” has been around since the early 1950s. Apparently, it began when employees started calling in sick for work so they could begin their Christmas shopping. Were you one of them? Then, as it became more popular to play hooky from work, many bosses began to offer the day off  - with pay - as part of the Thanksgiving weekend. Back in the day, people celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday and then, on Friday, began shopping for Christmas.

Not too long ago, stores released their Black Friday flyers about a week before the big day with the announcement, “Doors Open at 6 a.m.” Then they transitioned to doors opening at midnight on Black Friday. Then we moved to opening Thanksgiving Day at 6 p.m. For some those holiday sales began even before Thanksgiving. So Black Friday begins – when?  And who decided people shouldn’t, or couldn’t, wait for Friday?  Maybe someone thought opening earlier might save lives? That was my son's theory: Opening earlier might prevent trampling or crushing others. 
 
Then in 2005 the phrase, Cyber Monday was birthed (my favorite way to shop). But this year I noticed another change as I began to gather Christmas ideas online on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday is supposed to be the Monday following Thanksgiving. Many stores were boasting about their Cyber Monday sales – on Sunday! What? So now I don’t even need to wait for Cyber Monday? I can shop Cyber Monday – on Sunday? Or Saturday? 

As Matt and I talked I found myself wondering, 

Who decided one day wasn’t enough?
 
And is it any wonder I have a hard time waiting – for anything? (I would say, “we” but I don’t want to jump to conclusions. That wouldn’t be right, would it?)
 
I mean, seriously, I get frustrated sometimes waiting for my food in the microwave; that minute can be a long one when someone is hangry. I notice impatience rise when Pat and I travel; it’s awfully hard to be behind another traveler going 45 when you want to go 65 (or 65 when you want to go 75… or more). And let me just say, waiting in line at a checkout when you’re in a rush – ugh. So aggravating. I find myself counting the items of others when I’m rushed and hoping for a quick checkout in the 20 items or less lane. Gasp! It can cause all sort of anxiety when the person in front of me has more than the allotted amount. I once stood behind a man with 33 items! I’m sure you can imagine what that did to my rule-following-lack-of-patience personality.  I’m always relieved when the lawbreaker and I don’t make eye contact. I’m sure they’d know I counted and am aware of their crime.
 
Maybe we’ve (whoops, I mean I...no…I mean we) we’ve just become conditioned by instant gratification so much so that we no longer have the patience for anything (I don’t even like it when our Internet is slow and we’ve had some s.l.o.w. Internet) or anyone – we just don’t have the patience for others. How often do children hear the words, "hurry up?"
 
Hurry up and get over here.
Hurry and get dressed.
Hurry, you don't want to be late. 
Hurry up and get ready for bed.
Hurry up and finish eating.
Hurry up and _________________.

Hurry, hurry hurry. Rush, rush, rush.
 
But, impatience gets us into trouble. Did you know the average age a child receives their own smartphone is 10.3 and the average age a child is first introduced to porn is 8?  This makes me incredibly sad. I heard the KLOVE radio team discuss this the other day and appreciated their advice: Don’t give a smartphone to a child for the simple reason of peer pressure. Some need it for safety but there are some who only need it to alleviate peer pressure. It might be tempting to give your young child a smartphone this Christmas - but if they aren't ready for the responsibility of it. Wait. It's okay to wait. 
 
​Is it any wonder we have a hard time waiting on God? We expect Him to answer our prayer – in our time; expect Him to show up – in our way. Expect Him to hurry, hurry, hurry – and He won’t. Peter explains, “the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV, emphasis mine).  He has a planned time, too. It’s just not ours.
 
He spoke through Isaiah about the Child to come…
 
“For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given;
And the government shall be upon His shoulder,
And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace,
[He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
from that time forward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7, AMP).
 
and it took over 700 years for Him to arrive.  
 
Time is important.
Waiting is important.
 
As we allow God to change our identity – one letter at a time - let’s not become so distracted by our desire to have everything in our time - and on our terms - that we fail to grow in the art of P- Patience.
 
God-plans are worth waiting for. “….. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3, NLT).
 
#BeYou
P-Patient
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

​Almost a year ago, I received an email from Dr. Josh Axe with an article entitled “7 Signs Your Salt Lamp is Fake.” The email arrived at the same time my social media became swamped with ideals suggesting how real Christians should be living. As I read his seven signs, a list of my own began to form: “7 Signs Your Christian Lamp Is Fake.” After a rebirth of the “real Christian search” began on social media - again-  the list of 7 signs did too.
 
Here is part two of The Seven Signs with Dr. Axe’s 7 Signs Your Salt Lamp is Fake and my own list of 7 Signs Your Christian Lamp Is Fake.

1. Poor Return Policy: If a salt lamp’s maker is extremely strict (like a “NO RETURNS” policy), then it makes you wonder if it’s a scam operation. 

God has an excellent return policy. If you come across someone extremely strict declaring a “no return policy” well, then, you might be wise to consider if you’re being scammed. Peter told us, “God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost” (2 Peter 3:9, CEV). His extreme patience with Israel gives us insight into just how patient He really is. God told Israel, “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you” (Isaiah 44:22, AMP). Real Christian’s know you can always return and will lead others back to Him.  God is the God of second chances, for sure.

       2.   Highly Durable: If your salt lamp is unaffected by a collision, it could likely be an imposter. 

Durable is defined as able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or value (Merriam-webster.com) A fake salt lamp is unaffected by a collision but the same should be said about a real Christian. Anyone with a genuine faith understands that while collisions in life are painful and hard to endure, without Christ - collisions would shatter them. When Jesus told the parable of the seeds He said, “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy.  But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word” Mark 4:16-17, NLT). If you want to know a real Christian keep your eyes open for one whose faith has been deepened by the collisions they’ve experienced in life. An imposter blames God for the collision – and walks away; a real Christian seeks shelter and purpose from Him. When trials come – and they will – does your faith deteriorate or increase in value?  

       3. Very Bright Light: A true salt lamp does not give off enough light to completely illuminate a room. If yours does - then                it’s most likely not the real deal. 

Well, guess what? While a fake salt lamp shouldn’t illuminate an entire room, a real Christian should. If the Christians you know don’t shine with the light of Jesus, maybe they simply aren’t the real deal. Jesus said, “‘You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house’” (Matthew 5:14-15, NLT). Have you ever known someone who – as soon as they walked in the door – gave the entire room a lift with the light of Jesus? Boy, I sure have. I want to stand next to them. I want to bask in the glow. I want to be one of them. Want to be the real deal? Let your light shine! Bright.
 
       4. Inexpensive White Crystal: So if you find a white salt crystal lamp that’s not substantially more expensive than                            the pink/orange versions, steer clear because this is likely an imposter. 

An imposter might lead you to believe there is no cost to living life as a real Christian but Jesus would tell you otherwise. When approached by someone who said, “I will follow you wherever you go” Jesus took him up on his offer and said, “Follow Me.” The man’s response was “Let me first go and...” Not once but twice the answer was “let me first go…” To which Jesus replied, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:57-62). The cost to a real Christian is substantially more than other versions would want you to believe. Without a cost, this is likely an imposter.

        5.  No Mention of Pakistan: Deep underground mines in Khewra, Pakistan, are the only source of true Himalayan pink                     salt.
​ 
No mention of Jesus and you’re missing the only Source of true Christianity. Jesus is the foundation of a real Christian’s faith. He went to the cross for us. He suffered and died for us. He bore sin and shame for us. Paul wrote in Romans 10, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (vs.9-10, NLT). A real Christian recognizes Jesus as the only Source of salvation and lives a life grateful and devoted to Him.

        6. Moisture-Resistant: By its inherent nature, salt is an absorber of water. If your salt lamp has no problem being near a               moisture source (like a shower), this is a good sign that you own a fake. A true salt lamp is prone to some sweating                       when exposed to moisture. 

A real Christian is prone to some sweating when exposed, as well. Paul wrote, “… all things become visible when they are exposed by the light [of God’s precepts], for it is light that makes everything visible” (Ephesians 5:13, AMP). A real Christian allows the light of Jesus and the conviction of the Holy Spirit to expose sin. And while they might experience some “sweating” while in the hot seat, real Christians seek to  “carefully determine what pleases the Lord” (vs.10) and live accordingly. Real Christians are quick to repent and confess when sin has been exposed. What’s a good sign of an imposter? No problem being near a sinful source with no fear of the Lord.
 
        7. Not Experiencing Any Benefits: If you’re sure that you bought the appropriately sized salt lamp for the space you’re                    using it in and you’ve also been exposed to it on a regular basis and don’t see any positive effects whatsoever, then you               may not have a real Himalayan salt lamp.  

Not experiencing any benefits as a Christian? Have you been exposed on a regular basis to Christians and not seen any positive effects whatsoever? – then you might not be exposed to a real one. I suppose this may sound disappointing to some – even harsh or judgmental to others – but the truth is Jesus said “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, NKJV). Real Christians experience positive change in their attitude and behavior—they don’t live according to CNN, Fox News, or MSNBC— they live by the standard of the Bible and it shows.
 
Dr. Axe says, If you buy a true Himalayan salt lamp and use it regularly, you may just notice easier breathing, a calmer demeanor and better sleep in your near future. I dare say - the same will be said for those who decide to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and use the Word of God regularly. You may just notice love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your near future. And the best part is:  others will too.
 
As we allow God to change our identities – one letter at time – real Christians remember, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned” (Matthew 5:13, NKJV)?
 
#BeYou
S-Salt
(but please make sure it’s real) 

During the month of October, while scrolling through social media posts, comments and articles, I noticed a consistent theme: the lifestyle of the real Christian. While I’ve become accustomed to the many points-of-view Halloween brings, I must say – I was a bit surprised by the presumptions we are quick to make in regards to the authenticity of another’s faith. Especially if convictions differ. The three opinions that caught my eye pertaining to Christians were these: You can’t be a real Christian and 1) celebrate Halloween, 2) send your children to public school or 3) vote for/support President Trump. According to some – your authenticity as a Christian is solely based on your involvement with any of these.
 
As you can imagine, these viewpoints led to much discussion (not all nice), which wasn’t surprising to me. Maybe Solomon was onto something when he wrote, “Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, but [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel”(Proverbs 13:10, AMP). Yikes. Some of the harshest words can come through the lips of Christians towards other Christians. 
 
I found the debates (or were they discussions?) in the comments of these conversations a bit perplexing and they caused me to recall an email that caught my eye several months ago. It was an article written by Dr. Josh Axe entitled, “7 Signs Your Salt Lamp is Fake” and it arrived in my inbox right after the election. At that time much of social media was focused on memes and articles analyzing the authenticity of Christians who had voted for Trump. Maybe you saw them too. (In fact, many can still be seen today). I saw quite a few memes revealing what real Christians should be doing with their lives, money and time. If you weren’t living up to these standards, well, it might be time to rethink your Christianity. At the time, I wondered if we really needed to know the signs for fake salt lamps or if the “7 signs Your Christian Lamp is Fake” was a greater need. After the social media scathing’s of last month – I wondered again. So, here I am .... wondering on a blog. 
 
I don’t own a salt lamp. Do you? I never noticed them, felt the need or desire for one. And because I was oblivious to salt lamps I didn’t know there could be benefits to having one. That is, until I read the article by Dr. Axe. He says benefits “supposedly include decreasing air pollution, negative ions and electrosmog caused by electronic devices in addition to symptom reduction for people suffering from asthma, allergies, and other illnesses.” Who knew a salt lamp could do so much? Not I.  Then I realized I wasn’t aware of my need for a deeper relationship with Christ until that was pointed out either. Raised with my backside planted in a church pew each Sunday and every special service – I was pretty sure I had all of the “Christian” I needed. It wasn’t until a time of great loss and suffering did it become clear to me that my Christian lamp was nothing more than a dim imposter.
 
There was nothing genuine about my relationship with Jesus. There was no security in my reliance upon God or the words written in His Book. I was simply a churchgoer who claimed the title, “Christian” because I attended a Christian church. Even after years of Sunday school, youth groups and Bible camps, I held very little knowledge of God and other than a few rote prayers I had no communication with Him. I lived my life according to the Kingdom of Kolleen and pursued happiness for myself. Sometimes it takes a great shaking of our faith to determine the actual depth of it.
 
As I read the article by Dr. Axe, he made it clear that real Himalayan salt is “located on the western edge of the Himalayan Mountains and is the only source of true Himalayan pink salt.” So, if you want a real Himalayan salt lamp, the salt has to come from the western edge of the Himalayan Mountains. Want real? It seems we must go to the place where real is found.
 
I’d say the same is true for someone seeking real Christians: if you want real you must go to where Christ can be found. Where might that be? Just as you must go to the Himalayan Mountain if you want pure Himalayan salt, you must go to the place where you going to find the purity of the Lord – His Word. Many are asking where the real Christians are – but would you be able to recognize them if they were standing among you? Perhaps the reason we can't see them is because, according to Christianity Today, there is an epidemic of Bible illiteracy. Seems many don’t care much for Bible reading but we do enjoy our presumptions. 

Dr. Axe also shared this little nugget with his readers: “a salt lamp is not a lamp at all if it doesn’t have the light and heat source within it. Without that, it’s just a block of salt.” Interesting. Jesus referred to Himself as Light. He said, “I have come as Light into the world so that everyone who believes and trusts in Me [as Savior—all those who anchor their hope in Me and rely on the truth of My message] will not continue to live in darkness” (John 12:46, AMP). So, if a salt lamp is fake without the light and heat source, it seems reasonable to say a Christian is not a Christian at all if they don’t have the Source, the Light of Jesus, within them.

Without Jesus, they are just a block of … what? 

As we allow God to change our identity - one letter at a time - may we become authentic lamps of the One, True, Light source.

#BeYou
​L-Light

​Stay tuned for part two of The Seven Signs...

 I wasn’t much of a football fan before Pat and I married. My football priorities were cheering my then-hunky-boyfriend, Pat, from the cheering squad as he played on our high school team. I never understood much about the game; football was, for me, much like high school - I was simply there for the social aspect. (And to spend extra time with Pat.) Now, when football season starts, our Sunday's are spent cheering together for the Green Bay Packers. With the vow of taking Pat as a husband also came the vow of cheering for the Green Bay Packers. A lot of football talk takes place here. Often. There are fantasy teams to attend to, games to watch and trivia to discuss. 

And I rarely pay any attention to any of it. 

That is, until recently when I began to take notice of a term I hear often: protecting the pocket.

I had a vague idea of what the term meant but looking it up — and getting the inside scoop from Pat — I discovered it is the “area behind the line of scrimmage where the quarterback is protected from rushing defenders. If looked at from above, it appears as if the quarterback is in a "pocket" of protection behind the offensive line. If a quarterback leaves the pocket, they put themselves at risk of getting sacked.” 

Even I know the last thing any coach, team or fan wants to see is your quarterback sacked. This indicates a defender was able to find a weak spot and break through the line. And a sack always comes with a price. It might be...

•    the loss of a down. – you only have four downs, or plays, to score or gain 10 yards.  
•    the loss of yards – you’ve gone backward and now have a further distance to go to get that first down. 
•    the chance of a fumble – losing the ball altogether.

There’s also the mental aspect that happens to a player when a sack occurs.

•    Fear of it happening again – intimidation.
•    Discouragement for those on the line for not protecting the pocket. 
•  The possibility of injury to your quarterback. (We saw this happen when Aaron Rodgers was sacked and suffered a broken clavicle ☹). 

I can see why protecting the pocket is an important part of the game of football. The tighter the line, the more secure the quarterback.  The more secure the quarterback, the better chance the team has of making the plays. The more completed plays, the better the chance of scoring the touchdown that leads to victory.  And that’s what every team is after, right? Victory.  

I can also see why God would want us protected in the pocket, too. 

Imagine for a moment your life as a football game and you’re the quarterback trying to make your way to the goal God has for you. The same is true for you as it is for the quarterback in football – leave the pocket of protection and you risk getting sacked. Why? Because of the many rushing defenders trying to hold your offensive line with the intention of preventing you from scoring the touchdown. Their objective is to break through the line, sack you and cause you to suffer; either a lost down, lost yards or the same mental crisis players face: fear, intimidation, and discouragement. 

Emotions such as these can become defenders on the line pushing back against our offense trying to break into the pocket for a sack. What do we have on our offensive team protecting us while we’re in the pocket? Paul put a great offensive lineup in place for us in Ephesians 6…

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17, NIV).

If your offensive line is weak, there’s a good chance your pocket is going to be unprotected and a sack may occur. I think every quarterback wants to know so they can be protected, don't you? 

So, where is your line weak? 

Have you buckled the belt of truth around your waist? For instance, who’s truth do you listen to and accept? If I were to tell you that as a result of Jesus death on the cross, you stand before Him holy and blameless, without a single fault, would you accept this as truth (Colossians 1:22)? Deception and lies are the defenders at the line trying to push back against the offensive line of truth. 

Is the breastplate of righteousness in place? Proverbs 4:23 tell us to “Guard our heart above all else for it determines the course of your life.” How do you protect your heart? An unprotected heart can leave us sacked and suffering. It might be a loss of a down, yards, or even through a mental crisis. I can testify to suffering a few sacks after allowing my heart to go unprotected. Disappointment and rejection can be defenders at this line trying to push back against the offensive breastplate of righteousness. 

Are your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace? Ready means having the ability to respond without delay or hesitation. What is your response time to peace? Peter wrote that we should search for peace and work to maintain it (1 Peter 3:11). If I'm not careful I can be consumed by worry. Are your days full of conflict either with yourself or others? Anxiety and Strife are the defenders at this line trying to break the line of offense against the gospel of peace. 

Have you taken up the shield of faith? Paul told us it’s this shield that is able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Not just a few: all. When the shield of faith is engaged we are able to step up into the eye of the storm while the offensive line pushes back against the defenders. In the eye of the storm, there is peace even when the storm is raging all around. Pat showed me a perfect example of this during the Patriot vs. Jets game when Tom Brady’s offensive line protected him perfectly so he could fall back and then step up into the “eye of the storm” and complete the play. While the storm is raging around you, in the eye of it, there's peace. How strong is your shield? Do you have faith to believe you can overcome what He says you can overcome? Doubt and unbelief are the defenders pushing back against your line of offense where your shield of faith stands ready. 

Have you put on the helmet of salvation? Football players never play the game without a helmet – why? Because they recognize the protection it provides. One hit without the helmet could be disastrous.  We, too, must always protect our mind. If you focus on the wrong thing - you’ll believe the wrong thing about yourself and others. Wrong thoughts lead to wrong destinations. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Insecurity and accusation are just two defenders pushing against your offensive line to break it. 

And then there is the sword of the Spirit – the word of God: How well do you know the Word? When trying to break through the line of defenders – it’s the use of the word, backed by faith that pushes the defenders back. Football players have a playbook; they study the playbook; and they know the playbook so when game day arrives - they are ready.  Our sword is the Word of God and when we know it well, we are able to recognize the defender's strategy as they attempt to break the pocket. Apathy and inconsistency might be two defenders seeking to break through your offensive line here. 

Pat also pointed out to me that in football the defenders never go anywhere—you must be on offense to move towards the goal. The truth is, in life, if you are always on the defense, you’re not going to move forward either. You may think you are – but in reality – you’re not. If you feel stuck and you can’t figure out why it might be time to do a little inventory and be honest with yourself.  Do you often get defensive when someone challenges your thoughts, words, or actions? Be honest. If you always feel the need to defend yourself maybe it's time to move from defense to offense. 

There are plenty of defenders on the line trying to break the pocket and bring you down with a sack. 

Deception and lies
Disappointment and rejection
Anxiety and Strife
Insecurity and accusation
Apathy and inconsistency

but there are others: bitterness, jealousy, pride, rebellion, shame, anger, as well as control.

If we allow God to change our identity – one letter at a time – we might just discover which defender is causing us the most trouble. Once it's identified - seek to repair the line. Victory happens when the offensive line is strongest.

#BeYou
V-Victorious

My good friend Kelley has a goal. After struggling with a few health issues, she realized that, for her, exercise was much more enjoyable when she spent time outdoors than anything she could do inside, so she decided to try hiking. She started by simply walking through the beautiful nature trails around her home. Then she began trekking on the trails within the Adirondack Mountains. Before she knew it she was hooked and began researching her way to complete her goal of climbing as many Adirondack Mountains possible.

I began following her journey when she started sharing pictures on social media of herself standing on the top of each mountain, or Fire Tower, she had climbed. There she would be - covered in sweat but clothed with a radiant smile and a gorgeous view behind her. It seemed every week she had embarked on a new adventure and was able to cross one more mountain off her bucket list.  After a few months she set a goal for herself to become part of The Saranac Lake 6er Club. It’s a club for those who complete the Adirondack Peaks of McKenzie Mt., Ampersand Mt., Scarface Mt., Haystack Mt., St. Regis Mt., and Mt. Baker. When you complete your sixth mountain climb you share your accomplishment by the ringing of “The 6er Bell” which hangs in downtown Saranac Lake and your name is added to an ever-growing member roster. Kelley rang that bell to the cheers of many almost one year to the day she took her first climb. She’d done such a great job of making hiking look fun and easy, I began to have a hankering to tackle a mountain myself. So, I mentioned to her one day that I’d love to join her when our schedules allowed that to happen.

Letting her know I was interested seemed easy enough. I was interested, after all. After several failed scheduling attempts she called one day to let me know she was heading out on a hike around Nick’s Lake in Old Forge. She said this hike would be great for a beginner, which I was. I finally had no reason to say, "I can't," or "It's not going to work for me." "Yes!” I said. Then she gave me the details … and just like that apprehension replaced excitement. I suddenly liked it better when my commitment level was simply the words of interest I’d spoken. On one hand it looked rewarding and fun, yet on the other hand it now sounded challenging, and her schedule was going to require a change in my morning routine.

While I am an early riser, my mornings usually begin with a cup of hot tea and quiet time in prayer. After years of providing daycare and now as a stay-at-home Mimi, quiet time before the busyness of the day is a must-have for me. However, meeting Kelley for a hike would require my leaving the house by 7 a.m. for the nearly two-hour drive to meet her. As the day approached I felt panicked hesitation growing within me for the commitment I’d made. It had been so easy to say I wanted to join her – at the time. But now I began to regret my “yes” answer as I realized not only would my morning routine be disrupted, I would be completely out of my comfort zone and challenged physically beyond what I had been in a very long time. This isn’t going to end well I thought. Would I be able to do this?

The evening before our excursion I felt conflicted as I dug through closets in search of a backpack. Of course, the only item close to a backpack was an old bag with a drawstring attached; there would be no guessing who the newbie was on this hike. How disappointed would Kelley be if I cancelled due to the fact I didn’t have a stylish backpack? Was that reason enough for excusing myself until a time when I was braver? My husband didn’t think it was. And so, going through the list of important items Kelley recommended I bring, I began loading them into the bag. “Whatever you do, don’t forget the bug spray. You’re going to want that!” She told me. “Great” I thought. The next morning I gathered my things—as well as my courage—and took off for the Adirondack Mountains to meet my friend and my new experience.

Deep down I had a feeling I would be rejoicing after our time together that day; and I was. I still am. Taking those initial steps on my first-ever-five-mile hike through the woods within the Adirondack Park was hard. My legs weren’t quite ready for the stepping, lifting, and bending that were required of them. Likewise, my arms weren’t ready for the reaching and pulling they were forced to participate in either. But I did it, and boy did it feel great to know I hadn’t been stopped by the fear of leaving my comfort zone. It all came down to making a sacrifice intent on doing something new and different. I can get so caught up in the safety found in my routine.
​
One of my favorite moments of the day was driving along the winding roads to Old Forge and having the beautiful Adirondack Mountains come into view. I felt such a sense of awe come over me and I found myself pondering these words that drifted through my thoughts. If you want to climb a mountain, you must go to the mountain. Well, didn’t that make perfect sense? Achieving any desire requires putting forth the necessary effort to make it happen. Whether facing a mountain of fear and insecurity, or debt and unpaid bills, the only sure way to fulfill the desire is to go and begin the hike. I had almost skipped out on the entire day because of my fear of the unknown. If I had stayed home that day, allowing myself to remain in the rut of routine, I might never have discovered my love for hiking.

My birthday gift from my husband that year was a pair of hiking boots, which not only have I worn for many more hikes with my friend Kelley, but several hikes with my husband too. We were able to hike a few mountains in Colorado in the fall of 2016 as well as enjoying our journey up Black Bear Mountain in the Adirondack’s with our daughter and her family. It’s quite entertaining—and a little unnerving—to hike with the grandchildren but it’s become an adventure I plan to continue taking.
​
Oh joy! Kelley just informed me of the Lake George challenge. After a long winter’s rest, I guess it’s time to dust off my hiking boots. John Muir said, “the mountains are calling and I must go.” It’s time to leave the comfort zone.
 

I’ve been thinking about writing a post on hope since March. Yes, that is correct, March. It is now September. I decided long ago I would title the post, Steadfast in Hope, because my word of 2017 has been steadfast. It seemed appropriate since I’ve been working to be steadfast: firm in belief, determination and adherence, throughout these months of 2017. (It took me six months to complete this, how's that for remaining steadfast?) Steadfast hope is like an anchor to me: while the boat may rock with the waves, it’s not going anywhere. (Just like this post) So, pressing on with determination - I finally post this article, Steadfast in Hope. 
 
After doing a word study, I discovered the word hope in the Scriptures, comes from the Hebrew word, tiqvah, and literally means, cord or rope, as an attachment. So, hope is the rope that attaches us to that which we desire with expectation of fulfillment (Merriam-webster.com). Maybe that’s why I struggle to cling to the rope of hope when life becomes messy. I’ve been attaching the rope to the wrong thing.
 
I’m not joking when I say there have been moments I’ve found my hands slipping from the rope of hope. I mean, seriously: spending five-minutes listening to the news, reading through social media or simply standing in the line at the store can cause the most hope-filled soul to lose their grip. Maybe that’s why I’ve been hesitant to put my thoughts onto paper; if I write them and proclaim ways to remain steadfast in hope does this mean I’m never allowed doubt or question again? I suppose that just seems silly. Who among us is free from ever doubting or offering up a question or two when hope clashes with what’s happening around us?
 
Solomon was incredibly wise when he warned us that, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12, NLT). Deferred as in withheld. I probably could be the poster child for this verse. Deferred payments on that loan might be convenient but when it comes to my hope being deferred, well, my grip slips. I know I shouldn’t attach my rope of hope to people – they have a way of disappointing and letting down, myself included. I also shouldn’t attach the rope to circumstances because just when I think I’ve got life figured out, change occurs. And goodness, attaching the rope to a president, the world, or religious leader leaves a sickness in my heart I can’t even describe when I perceive failure… of any kind. It’s just heartrending. I get it. I understand completely how easily the heart is bruised when hope is deferred. Maybe this is where I need to place a knot on the rope of hope and hold onto Romans 5:5 which says, “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (MEV). Hope does not disappoint – when we’ve attached the rope of hope to the heart of Who God is.
 
It’s taken me many years to understand the connection between attaching my hope to friends, circumstance, or world and religious leaders, and the downcast heart that arises and seeks to overtake me when all I’ve hoped for is only met with disappointment. However, expecting my desires to always be fulfilled in my time, and in my way, is unrealistic. This is why I need to attach myself to steadfast hope. It’s in these moments I must remind myself of David’s instruction to Saul when Goliath filled the Israelites with fear and hopelessness, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him” (1 Samuel 17:32). Regardless of what giant is standing before me, my hope needs to be attached to God, the God of hope, whom “fills you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13, ESV).
 
Steadfast hope is remaining encouraged and confident when life is messy and hard; it knows that regardless of what my eyes see in front of me, God is up to something inside of me. Holding onto the rope of hope in the midst of suffering is trusting God’s plan when I can’t trust my own. Oswald Chambers said, “Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” 
 
We’re all trying hard to hold onto the rope of hope for something, aren’t we? Especially now, after the horrible aftermath left by Hurricane Harvey, the wildfires which are consuming homes out west and news of Hurricane Irma barreling across the Atlantic. With our grip on the rope, we hope for…
 
- survival
- recovery
- healing
- opportunity
- favor
- discovery
- assurance
- freedom
- plenty
- self-control
- mending
- forgiveness
- approval
 
 
Yes, we hope and hope and hope.
 
The Psalms reveal to us David’s heart of hope, when he found his grip slip on the rope of hope he wrote, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence” (Psalm 42:11, AMP).
 
Hopelessness is a consuming force, and it wants to have its way in our heart and mind, leading us into despair and the belief that all is lost. If that’s you, ask the Lord to reveal where, or to what, you’ve attached the rope of hope. Let go of misplaced hope and grab tightly onto the rope of hope that attaches to Christ. If hope is deferred, then learn to wait. As we seek to change our identity – one letter at a time – we must learn to confidently attach our rope of hope on the Lord.
 
“And now, Lord, for what do I expectantly wait? My hope [my confident expectation] is in You” (Psalm 39:7, AMP).
 
#BeYou
S-Steadfast in Hope
 
 
 
 
 

Have you ever been presented with an opportunity yet failed to take advantage of it and then regretted your decision when the consequences were revealed? I sure have. I’ve missed opportunities, ignored warnings and, once regret had a chance to settle over me, I’ve tried to regain what was lost. I’ve gone so far as to ignore the consequences while trying to reset the opportunity. (One such event took place in high school when I broke up with my high school sweetheart, Pat, and then decided to fix him up with one of my friends. Girls, don’t ever do that.) Anyhow, I was reading through Scripture recently—Numbers chapter 14 to be exact—and was reminded again of this truth: the best life plan is always following God’s plan for life. Oh, and this: keep the complaining to a minimum.
 
For those not familiar with Numbers 14, let me give you a quick summary; the Israelites had just been given a “bad report” about the land the Lord had promised to them; the land they had left Egypt for. This caused them to complain (repeatedly) against Moses, against Aaron and against God, which eventually led to the Lord drawing the line. Really. He drew the line. He was ready to disinherit them (vs. 12) until Moses begged for a pardon (vs. 19). However, He would refuse entry into the Promised Land. All who rejected God would never see the land (vs. 23) and they actually received a death sentence for their grumbling and complaining (vs. 26-36). They would miss the opportunity to prosper in the land because rather than listen to the two who offered the promise of victory – they accepted the negative words of the ten who voiced defeat. 
 
But something happened when Moses revealed to them the cost of that decision…
 
They decided they would go regardless. Can you believe it? After hearing God’s message, they mourned the loss and then, “…they got up early the next morning and went to the top of the range of hills. ‘Let’s go,’ they said. ‘We realize that we have sinned, but now we are ready to enter the land the Lord has promised us’ (vs. 40, NLT). Well now. I thought this seemed a bit presumptuous and Moses confirmed he did as well when he said, “I spoke to you, but you would not listen. Instead you rebelled against the command of the Lord, and acted presumptuously and went up into the hill country” (Deuteronomy1:43, AMP). After all, they were warned. They had their chance and they blew it. But before I become too comfortable in the saddle of my high horse I am reminded presumptuous moments are common to all of us. No matter what our age. 
 
Quick flashbacks raced through my mind to some of the battles I’ve encountered through the years as I’ve spent a good portion of my life with children. I’ve had plenty of opportunity to listen to the grumbles and complaints about the food I’ve set before the kids in my care. After awhile I would say, “If you don’t eat your food, you won’t get one of the cookies I have for you.” I recall one little boy who refused to eat, left the table and when I tossed his lunch he walked away as if he had won. That is until the other kids received their cookie and he went without. Consequences usually sting a bit. But he wouldn’t be deterred from having that cookie. Walking into the kitchen a while later, I found the same little boy—toes dug into the handle of the cabinet—shoving cookies into his mouth. He may as well have said,  “I realize I was supposed to eat my lunch but now I’m ready to have that cookie I was promised, so I am taking it!” I bet we’ve all pulled a few of those stunts. I even recall a few instances as a teenager when warnings by my parents went unheeded, leading to consequences. However, with great determination I set out to do my own thing regardless of what they said (Sorry mom and dad.)
 
Discovering their plan to push forward, Moses warned them again saying, “‘Now why do you transgress the command of the Lord? For this will not succeed.  Do not go up, lest you be defeated by your enemies, for the Lord is not among you’” (vs.41-42).  Verse 44 says, “But they presumed to go up to the mountaintop.”  They went anyway. They were defeated.
 
Merriam-Webster defines presumptuous as, overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy) and taking liberties. Oh dear. I can see now that I too, have taken liberties and overstepped the boundaries God has set for me.  
 
I have overstepped bounds when I’ve presumed to know what was best for others.
I’ve overstepped bounds when I’ve presumed my way is the only way.
I have presumed to understand the “bigger picture” when in reality I didn’t have a clue.
I have overstepped with God when I’ve presumed He needed to bend to me, rather than my bending to Him.
I’ve overstepped when I have presumed my cares were too small for Him.
I’ve taken liberties with His Word of Instruction.
I have taken liberties with the holiness of His Name.
I’ve taken liberties with the time He has given me.
I have overstepped boundaries with my complaining and ingratitude.
 
I know I’m not alone in this. I have seen what happens to families when a spouse oversteps boundaries with a co-worker. I’ve seen what happens when liberties are taken through unethical standards in business. We presume, overstep boundaries and take liberties within our families and with our friends. We also take liberties with God when we press forward to attain a goal, a marriage, a job, a choice, not of His choosing – but our own. But you know what happens when we go up the mountain without God? Our attempts become as futile as the Israelites were. He's not going to be there. 
 
Changing my identity – one letter at a time – requires relinquishing my demands and presumptions as I learn to live in step with the Lord. I wait for His invitation and follow His instruction before I overstep any boundaries and take any liberties!

Be You
Be Willing to R-Relinquish 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 Every time the word steadfast appears before my eyes a reminder comes along with it. The Lord challenged me by giving me the word steadfast for 2017 – it’s my word to live by. In January, I felt He gave me understanding of my responsibility to live steadfast; by becoming firm in belief, determined to walk by faith and not by sight, as well as to, adhere to Him rather than people.
 
As the month of February begins so does the focus of love, after all, February is the month of love, right? And Valentine’s Day, draws our attention to all things love: flowers and candy. For some, the day might include jewelry or a nice romantic dinner, but even with all the sweetness, I can't help but wonder if we've become misguided in our expressions of love. Don’t get me wrong, as a lover of gifts, I’m rather fond of receiving my card from my sweetheart; I can also be enraptured by a good love story.  But what if love isn’t about flowers, candy, jewelry or romantic dinners? These days I find myself wondering if we’ve confused real love with a superficial love that “presents only an appearance without substance or significance”(Merriam-Webster.com)?
 
Merriam-Webster defines substance this way; ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change; and significance as the quality of being important. So true love is supposed to be the ultimate reality, which underlies our outward expression. If my love had substance to it, then everything—my words and actions—would flow from this place of truth and importance. I’ve grown weary of a love that only appears loving but has no truth behind it.  You too? In my perfect-love-story-world everyone is kind, there are no snarky remarks, hurt feelings or social media character attacks. I wonder if God is weary of it too.
 
Paul wrote, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good” (Romans 12:9, NLT). Wow. I guess it’s time to confess: I’m guilty of pretending. I haven’t always done an exceptional job hating the wrong, rather than the one I believe to be in the wrong. While “hate” is a strong word, and I truly don’t hate anyone, sometimes it takes effort to discover the good I’m supposed to hold tightly to, and honestly, there are times I don’t want to put in the effort. It’s easier to turn away mad. It has taken me years to discover that while I may not always agree with everyone—I may not even like everyone—God can help me genuinely love everyone, regardless of our differences. I know it's possible because I’ve come to realize this nugget of truth: love can’t be driven by feelings, sometimes…love just must be.
 
One characteristic of God that I cherish most is His steadfast love. It brings me great comfort knowing God’s love is firmly fixed in place. It’s not going anywhere. And it’s not superficial. He doesn’t lavish His love on us to make us feel good, or for public appearances. His nature is to love us. It’s who He is.  And those who are born of God share this nature of love. How is that possible?  “Because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5, NET).
 
When conflict arises we will never know how to correctly communicate and resolve the issue unless we understand that true love should flow continuously from of a heart filled with God’s love. For all those people who rub you the wrong way and you just don’t like, well, you are called to love them because God does. This is how Jesus was able to say, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45a, NIV). 
 
Loving someone who hasn’t made life easy can be a challenge. Yet, when I allow God to change my identity—one letter at a time—I am set free from pretending so I can display a love that remains steadfast, loyal and faithful.
 
“According to Your steadfast love refresh me and give me life, So that I may keep and obey the testimony of Your mouth” (Psalm 119:88, AMP).
 
Be You.
Be S-Steadfast in love.