A day off

I have today off of work (hence the late blog.) I got to drive my son to school – one of my favorite things since I rarely get to now because of work. I went to my chiropractor – much needed as I haven’t been consistently going. I washed my van. Not fun but necessary and it’s a big payoff. I was getting tired of brushing off my clothes after I leaned against my filthy car. I get to have tea with my eldest daughter. A back to school tradition we haven’t had a chance to do yet. She will be starting college in a few weeks so today is perfect. The rest of the day is open for whatever. Such a nice feeling. I have a book I may finish. I might paint my toe nails. I may even watch a movie on Amazon Prime. No agenda. When was the last time you had a day off? A day for whatever?

Whether you work outside the home or are a stay-at-home mom, schedule a day off. A whatever day. A day to have time for tea. A day for a few home chores but nothing major. More like sorting a drawer kind of day than scrubbing the toilet. A day to catch up on thank you cards. A day to read a book. A day to hang with a friend for a few hours. Mostly, make it a day that’s more about you. Do things that you want to get done not need to get done. You will make time for the needs another day. I am so used to taking time off to accomplish. Today, it’s whatever. Plan one of those. Even if you only have 4 hours of whatever, that’s fabulous too. Let the day unfold.

Once in a while, we all need a day off. Not a day to catch up, but to just be. I know scheduling that “me” time is hard. When we do schedule it, we schedule it to death. We pack in all we can when we get “me” time. This is not what I’m suggesting. I’m suggesting a block of time to do whatever. A loose plan is OK but not nails at 9, brunch at 10, run to the store at noon, late lunch at 1… It’s not a break. It’s another marathon.

I am encouraging you to find a block of at least 4 hours of whatever time and enjoy it. I’m off to put on a pretty dress and do my makeup so I can go to tea. I’m sure we’ll walk around the cute town where the tea shop is located, or not. No agenda. Just a pleasant afternoon tea. The next time you find you have a block of free time – don’t schedule it to death, keep it open for whatever. These are the best days. They are few and far between but when they come, embrace them.

Dream Big! Pray Big!

Jesus Wept

In John 11:35 is probably the most memorized passage in scripture. It’s just 2 words, “Jesus wept.” I have heard sermons on this for years discussing how Jesus had such great compassion and empathy for his friends, that He wept with them. This is true. He is a compassionate God. However, yesterday I heard another reason why He wept. He was troubled by their lack of faith.

You see when He arrived, days after Lazarus died, both sisters of Lazarus, Mary and Martha, came to Him separately and said, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” They had seen Jesus perform miracles and heal many. Why didn’t He come on time to heal their brother? They were sad, mad, frustrated, angry and confused. Why didn’t He come and help His friend.

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. – John 11:33 NIV

Troubled is the key word in this verse. This is the clue that Jesus wasn’t just moved by compassion, He was also troubled. They didn’t realize He was able to conquer death. He could heal beyond their understanding. They had seen miracles but had given up hope that Jesus could do anything now that Lazarus was dead. Their lack of faith moved Jesus to tears. I’m sure He was frustrated. How many times have I shown them what I can do? Why do they have so little faith? Is that how Jesus was feeling?

Our pastor shared that they trusted Jesus as a friend but needed to trust Him as their Savior too. He challenged us to look at areas of our life where we interact with Jesus only as a friend not as a Savior. Where do we need His salvation power? Where do we need Him to not just show compassion but to move in a mighty way as Savior? He is wonderful as a friend. He is life changing as a Savior.

Where in your life have you forgotten He is more than capable to handle it? Strengthen your faith by believing Your Savior can move mountains!

Dream Big! Pray Big!

Dream Big

I close each blog with Dream Big! Pray Big! Pastor Tate is doing a sermon series on Praying Big! I have only heard the first sermon but felt the impact already. He shared a few of his dreams and how they came true. He started preaching at a church of 7 people and found himself teaching at the Rose Bowl to thousands recently. Dream come true! He said after that event he heard God say, “now it’s time to fulfill some of My dreams for you.”

How often am I pursuing my dreams and neglect to see what God’s dreams are? God is so good to open doors and give us good gifts. He’s a good father.

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! – Matthew 7:11 NIV

When was the last time I asked God what His plans and dreams are for me? It’s been awhile. He has been providing abundantly for me. He is in my daily life. He has shown me His love and been merciful. However, He and I haven’t chatted about what’s next. What does He have on my agenda? I want to know.

The next few weeks I will be asking Him and listening. I want to know what plans He has for me. I know He has them. He told me so.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I can’t wait to see what they are. I think I dream big. God dreams even bigger. He knows what I am capable of. He knows what He and I together are capable of. Show me Your path Lord!

Dream Big! Pray Big!

P.S. Sorry to miss last week. We were on our annual beach trip. Amazing as always!