Three Things Right Now

 

Author Jen Hatmaker asks guests on her weekly podcast to name what or who is saving their lives right now. I love this question because we truly live in seasons where the answer will always vary. I think of this often when reflecting. My answer is in a set of 3:

1. Prayer: I'm not the go-to person when it comes to prayer. I pray BIG & BOLD prayers, and the devil knows this so he'll find everything possible to keep me from praying. I'm so glad God knows my heart and hears my prayers. When I do pray, I am so filled with balance and perspective and gratitude. This is definitely saving me.

2. Podcasts: Listening to a funny podcast (Office Ladies, thank you very much) easily removes the stress of the day.

3. Peloton: I have been using the Peloton app for cycling, running, strength training, yoga, meditation, and stretching for 30 straight days. I used to be the President and CEO of anti-exercise. Now, I actually look forward to working out. I almost don't recognize myself! Who am I?! I'm so grateful for the community within Peloton, as well as the routines I've been able to build. I may not see a difference in the scale yet, but for the first time in my life, I can jog/run for longer than 30 seconds. 

The best gift I gave myself in 2020

This is the story of how a mental breakdown led to a glorious weekend by myself (plus my 2 dogs).

After trying to put down the final directional arrow stickers on our concrete, in order to navigate around a construction zone and away from a parking lot, I broke down in tears. Getting ready to welcome back about 150 students on top of the already 150 students was weighing heavily on me. There was so much to be done, and I was glad to do it, but I hit the proverbial wall. Crying in my mask was my low point and I had to take action.

I found my favorite San Diego hotel was deeply discounted for the weekend. They allow dogs, and so taking my 2 pups was exactly what I needed to be pushed to be active, not staring at a TV for 48 hours.

Kids and hubby were off to my sister-in-law's house, so I could get grounded. This last minute change to programming would only be possible with a willing husband and his sister. I am so grateful.

I got in to the hotel super late, so dinner wasn't available. Better to hit the hay.

But I couldn’t fall asleep. It took a very long time to settle. Then, I woke up super early and couldn’t go back to sleep. I felt so out of balance on a night that should have provided rest.

That morning, I received a message from my prayer group leader, suggesting a devotional on the Bible app. It was called "Paul Tripp's Daily Thanksgiving Devotional." Day 1 was EXACTLY what I needed.

He writes that sin causes us to insert ourselves into the center of our world, making life all about us. I was in a terrible spot, filled with discontentment and envy --> totally selfish. The devotional talked about being right vertically and not horizontally. I committed the rest of my weekend to getting right vertically. I talked with God about my anger and resentment and asked for a pure heart. I have one life to give, and I need to do this right.

My only regret is not taking any photos.

New (and free!) Resource in my TpT store

 I present my newest addition to my TpT store: the editable to-do list!

I prayerfully considered what things I want to have in front of me for a great work day: tracking my water intake, a verse of the day, a prayer list, and space for keeping an attitude of gratitude.

It is a free download by going here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/editable-to-do-list-5962861

Thoughts about my Enneagram number

The Enneagram may be used in a variety of avenues, but I like what Franciscan Friar, Richard Rohr, wrote in his book, The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective. “[...] the Enneagram shows us, among other things, the dark side of our gifts. [...] people are destroyed by their gifts and talents. We are destroyed by our gifts because we identify too closely with what we can do well." I realized that when I was staying in the comfort of things I did well, I wasn’t living up to my calling. I do not live out The Great Commission when I’m comfortable. I am just being a Pharisee, ready to point out others’ flaws and teach them the gospel without having 1. Prayed for them, or 2. Identified myself just as sinful. Ones like me need to lead with love, not the law. 

A One is a judgmental Pharisee - judgment is an achilles heel of this personality type.

Basically, I can definitely use God’s help in this area. 

Life Lately

From The Lazy Genius podcast: 

"Noticing the simple things, makes us to continue to notice, and be thankful for them. Then, we put our energy into that simple enjoyment, instead of spinning out over things that don't matter."

Name some things that are simple right now:

1. the first sip of a nitro cold brew with sweet cream

2. snuggling under my Disneyland blanket with the fan blowing on me

3. watching my son take initiative to be a helper

4. listening to my son read

5. watching my daughter dance whenever music plays

6. my little Books and Coffee sign that lights up when I plug it into my laptop

Three Things Right Now

 

1. Distance Learning is in full swing. 

2. It is hotter than the surface of the sun.

3. Kids love the beach and the mountains. We need a vacation home.

Lessons from Thrive Conference

Thrive is a free online conference featuring some of the most prominent God-serving leaders. Here's my notes:

Dr. Raleigh Washington "Get better, not bitter."

Don't follow elephants or donkeys, follow the Lamb - Ricky Jenkins and Albert Tate

LaTasha Morrison "Be cued by the word of God."

In behaving with groups: Behave the way you would at a funeral - with compassion, not statistics.

Albert Tate: Bring down the monster of evil. Listen, learn, lead!

What is the opposite of a thief? Generosity!

The goal of racism is not saying you're not racist; it is being an anti-racist.

Racism is in opposition to the Gospel.

From Pastor Ricky Jenkins's breakout session:

-Galatians 2:14: Paul sees the racism and calls it out.

-Revelations 7:9-10- John has a vision of Heaven and saw God preparing a place of diversity. There won't be sections.

-Deep reconciliation is needed.

-Racism is old because it is sin.

-Racism, a disposition of superiority tied to ethnicity or culture, is learned.

-Who we hang with is who we can be influenced by.

-Racism must be called out.

-Get the feelings, get the facts, and get the friends!

What I Read Last Week

Today is the final, What I Read Saturday in my Everyday in May series.

I've got several books in rotation, but finished 3 this week. Loved all 3!