God?! Is that, really, You …

A thing or two that I have learned about hearing from God. 

1. Why can’t it be super simple?

I have to admit, I am a bit jealous of Moses. I mean, not only did he actually, truly see God with his own eyes but God spoke to him out of a burning bush; out of a pillar of cloud; the Bible even says that He spoke to Moses face-to-face as one speaks to a friend (Exodus 33:11). In my book, that makes hearing from God super straightforward. Fast-forward 2500 years and we are still yearning to hear from God but it doesn’t seem quite so simple. 

2. Actually, it just might be.

While I think we would all like the solidified confirmation of a shrub fire or a booming, ominous, distinct voice I believe that God speaks to us in a variety of ways … all which are contradictory to the resonating bellow of an audible vocalization. It is the power of the whisper that catches us at that exact moment. It is the check in our spirit when we are veering off the chosen path. It is the inexplicable series of events that supernaturally fall into place and give us favor.

3. Jiminy Cricket knew a thing or two.

Let your conscious be your guide. As the Holy Spirit lives in us He becomes our conscious and will help navigate us in all situations. And … insert the dreaded pause … surrender to it. Don’t ask why. This goes against the grain of all human nature especially the nature of women. But, we are not given all the answers to our whys. Actually, the more I learn the more I realize we are rarely provided with the why. We are asked to merely walk in obedience. 

4. Don’t look for human validation.

The first thing we tend to do as women is look to our closest friends for confirmation that we are not crazy. Joyce Meyer’s says that if it sounds crazy to you how do you think it sounds to others? No one is walking your path therefore why would we think our course would make sense to them? Walk to out; no matter how crazy it sounds; obedience is key.

5. Peace of mind.

No matter how ridiculous it sounds if we are walking in obedience we will always have resounding peace. We will not have to explain it. We will not have to justify it. We will just have to live … peacefully. And, that is the greatest place to reside.

6. Never lost … completely.

God will ALWAYS meet us where we are when we take one step of faith. Miraculously, He always shows up to do the rest. I have found that even when I missed His voice and wandered so far off course that I thought a Navy Seal would have to rescue me back to reality I found that God never left me. And, when I finally did take that one step of obedience He was right there with open, loving arms to bring me back to Him.

If we are truly looking, we will always hear from God!

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27

Surrender! Again and again ...

I have found that it is easy to do something once. I have even found that when we ask God for something He helps us do it although it may take us weeks, months and even years to walk out. But, I have also found that He asks us to do it again and again regardless of the timeline in which we comply. And, I think it is because it is easy to (finally) surrender something once. It is that repetitive sacrifice that may trip us up. When we come to God He asks us to give “it” with an open hand - not a clenched fist holding on for dear life. Is there something you are standing, holding before Him with a closed fist?

Romans 12:1-2 - Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Vision! Wait for it ...

We are riddled with the need for “right now” as the years and generations pass; as modern technology invades every area of our lives the want for “it” instantaneously becomes stronger and stronger. So, why is it that God gives us a vision years if not decades before it ever comes to pass? We have all been there, right? God puts a desire in our heart. Then, it begins to grow. It even begins to take on traction. All of the sudden God intersects with the (dreaded) … wait. And, we cringe. We cry out. Every fiber revolts against the delay because that is not how we have become accustomed to obtaining things. 

As I have walked this waiting game out (very intimately) for the past three years I have come to learn a few things. We all know the parable that good things come to those who wait. It’s true. When we have to wait or save or cultivate something for any extended amount of time we appreciate it so much more. I think that is how God has wired us. If He were dolling out blessings left and right we would become callous to them. We would not appreciate them or the One who gave them to us. But when we have to yearn; when we have to cry out for those desires of our hearts repeatedly God purifies that dream or blessing in us to ensure we are ready and mature enough to not only handle it but, also, appreciate it.

I feel vision is like those blessings. To be successful at something there needs to be countless hours of effort, sacrifice, obedience and much determination. I believe God places that vision in our hearts long before it comes to pass. Just as little kids, we all have a vision of what we want to grow up and become. It takes years in the making and many times our minds change to actually decide what that really is. We start with one career path in mind only to change our major in college (twice) before we graduate. Then, as if that wasn’t enough we need a larger degree in a totally different field because the first one just wasn’t working as we intended.

So why do we expect it to be any different with God? We are created to crave; we are wired to grow; we need to work toward something. Therein, lies the need for Vision.

What vision has God put in your heart? Are you cultivating relationships and works to achieve that vision? Are you continually working with Him to achieve all that He has made you to be?

A to Z from 2014 ...

I love to reflect on a past year to see what I have learned and how I have grown. Below is a word for each letter that immediately came to me upon reflection of 2014.  A – attitude. It ‘s all about the attitude in how things are approached. Once the attitude changes it’s so surprising to see how the situations change.

B – brave. Be brave and watch what unfolds!

C – chapters. There were many chapters that I finally closed and said good-bye to forever - with a very heavy heart; but I know that God has something so much better!

D – devo. What a difference it makes in your day!

E – evolve. Our way of evolving is usually vastly different than the way God is trying to evolve us. Be receptive!

F- faith. Such a simple word. Such a huge requirement!

G – God. Is. In. Everything. If you just let Him.

H – heart. It is the vessel through which the Holy Spirit speaks. Listen!

I – influence. You have such a huge sphere of influence. Remember someone is always watching and learning from you even in the minute things.

J – justification. I had to let it go. Some things are just as they are.

K – knowledge. Never stop thirsting for knowledge. The more you know the more you grow! (Insert NBC chimes here)

L – love. It all starts and ends with love.

M – movement. Propel forward. Don’t remain underdeveloped.

N- nice. Just be nice! Have the maturity and courage to talk to someone that hurt you. Don’t be so opinionated on things you many know nothing about and tear others down as a result of your pain (especially through social media outlets). The receiving end just hurts.

O – openness. Be open to see where God is leading you. It is often down a path that is narrow, challenging, and very far from the one you thought you wanted/needed to be on.

P – productivity. Learn to use resources and words efficiently. Ensure that what you are doing has meaning … and significance.

Q – quiet. When I wanted to retort I just stayed quiet and turned in a different direction. There is power in silence.

R – react. Careful how you act and react. Consequences of innate reaction are often much more treacherous and long lasting than your immediate gratification.

S – sin. No sin is worse, less or better than another. Careful with your judgment.

T – truth and trust. Be truthful so you never have to watch over your shoulder; justify; or double-step. Trust in the truth!

U – unwavering. No matter how hard it gets remember that you asked God to grow and stretch you. No growth comes without pain. Don’t waiver from your course!

V – victory. Be in tune with small victories that you accomplish as well as the ones God accomplishes on your behalf.

W – wilderness. Sometimes is seems like we wander and wander in the wilderness. Take heart! If you are obedient it is amazing to see what’s at the clearing.

X – (e)xellence. Everything that you do; do it with excellence!

Y – yearn. Yearn for something more. Dig for something deeper. Never settle.

Z – zealous. Be passionate!

Simply, Faith ...

Faith is ~ taking a chance even if you're wrong. It is about letting go of something, anything, all the things we cling to ... to step out in total trust and reliance on God. Don't be pulled apart, emotionally or mentally, by trying to make something rational out of what has been placed in your heart, spiritually. It is all, simply, a step of faith ...

7 random questions ...

I love reading and am totally "geekily" inspired by articles that ask questions. So, I wanted to do an experiment on social media that depicts that. Here are 7 questions that I love to know about anyone whom I meet. And, because this is transparent and, therefore, a bit intimidating I thought I would go first. I would love for you to respond to this post or send me your answers via facebook. What is the best advice you give?

Do what you love! No matter how much money it does or does not pay you should always do what inspires you in the morning and lets you sleep peacefully at night.

What is your worst failure and what did you learn from it?

My marriage. I wanted to be whom he wanted me to be and I wanted him to be whom I wanted him to be and we were so far from that. Marriage is about accepting the other where they are and making a commitment to grow together rather letting life tear you apart. From this I learned to be honest about all situations (although the lesson was not instantaneous). But, always evaluate things and people for what they are and not what YOU aspire them to be.

What is your proudest moment?

I think it is when I finally made VP of my company. I had worked so many years to be great at my job. I have always loved my career and have worked very hard at being the best. I left the comfort of a company I had been a part of for many, many years because I knew the ceiling was low. There were so many talented leaders that I was up against for the next level and while I loved the company dearly I knew I had to branch out to grow more quickly.

What do you think is beautiful?

People who are and can totally be themselves. God made each of us unique. Those who recognize and thrive in that are the most beautiful to me.

What do you love most about you?

My intuition and wisdom. For years I steered cleared of what my gut and heart told me. Lately, I have learned that had I listened to them both a long time ago I think I would have saved myself from much heartache.

What is your most influential moment?

I am not sure I have had ONE profound moment but I hope that amongst my small circle of #3CCF I am influential often. I am learning that just because I have an opinion or can see the forest through the trees does not mean I need to help the other person see or do the same. Holding my tongue has been a huge lesson in maturity for me.

What is your most prized possession?

Things my sister creates for me. I have always had a work ledger in which all notes and thoughts of the day are recorded. Right now I have one in which my sister made me and every few pages it contains encouraging phrases that, truly, consist of no more than a five words but are extremely inspiring and motivating.