Russell Media - Laurie

I read an article this morning stating the Presidential election is almost 17 months away and I was instantly filled with anxiety. Thankfully it was not caused by fear of military take-overs or self-absorbed dictators fixing elections leading to civil war. Nope, I’m blessed to live in a democracy so thankfully that wasn’t it. Instead it was caused by a dread of division.

The economy is imploding and natural disasters are exploding around us. Our country is in need for us to pull together like never before – we need each other. Even more – the world needs a unified church. We all need the stability in the midst of chaos that only Christ can give.

There are many agents that divide – money, faith, betrayal, jealousy – but politics is possibly on top. Family gatherings have been ruined, churches have split, towns divided and on and on.

The night before His crucifixion He prayed that His disciples would be one, united like He and his Father. As Christians and citizens we should work to model this to our country and the world.

Here are a few suggestions that may help us model Christ around the dinner table and water coolers as we enter the primary season (and hopefully open our heart to God molding us to be more like Him)…

1. Don’t view issues as “left” or “right” – look for Christ’s view. Social justice, the unborn, the environment, the poor…we shouldn’t avoid them because they are one the ticket of the other party. We should look at them through the eyes of Christ. Allow God to open your eyes to how He sees the issues.
2. Look for truth. Taking our eyes off ourselves helps us to broaden what we see. Perhaps God will teach us through the views of others. But first we have to be willing to see it with a learning spirit.
3. Pray for vision and wisdom. Open and honest discussion/debate is tricky. Most are not working towards unity – instead their agenda is solely to prove their point. Only God truly can see the heart of an individual if it is open. Sometimes the wisest thing to do is avoid the topic. No use losing your voice trying to talk over a jackhammer.

My prayers are with you as next political season begins. May God use this time to show each of us what matters most to Him at this time of history. That our votes won’t divide but Christ’s love and model will unite us.

Do political discussions cause tension in your family, church, work?

How do you handle it?

Do your fears ever overtake you - paralyzing you, either momentarily or long-term, to the point where you sit out on life?

Fear is a strong force that God may use to protect and guide us but it’s also a tool the enemy will use to keep us in stalemate preventing us from experiencing and trusting God.

A few weeks ago our daughter had her end-of-the-season soccer party at a new gym in our area. It’s in an old warehouse and high above our party was the ropes course with six platforms and in-between each iss a variety of ropes and obstacles.

It looked awesome and the girls immediately asked about it. The manager offered us a deal if each child had an adult to accompany them. We couldn’t pass it up so we did the mini-training, strapped in and waited our turn to climb the rope ladder.

I was with my son, Noah, who quickly climbed the ladder as I belayed him. He made it look easy and I was eager to join him at top. However, as I began my climb the narrow ladder, it began to twist and sway. I quickly realized it was going to be trickier than it appeared.

I felt uncoordinated as I climbed. When it came time for me to reach from the ladder and step onto the platform, a fear of heights took over me that I had never experienced before. I stood on the platform, grasping the pole and afraid to move. I wanted to go down - immediately.

I didn’t want to let Noah down so I tried to gather my nerves. He waited for me to clip him in to his first course while I mentally tried to think of a way to get out of it and without disappointing him. Maybe he’ll hate and “need” me to go down with him.

No such luck – he loved it.

It was my turn to lean out, grab the rope and step off the firm platform onto a swinging rope. It was unnerving and I hated it at first but I didn’t fall and even ended the day with an adrenaline high.

Here are a few life lessons it taught me.

1. Straight paths are not always easy. In Proverbs 3 we’re encouraged to trust in God and not our own understanding. But just because God directs us to a path, it doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily be easy. My fears (understanding) told me to quit. However, if I had listened, I would have missed out on a great bonding time with my son. It was worth the struggle.
2. Taking the 1st step is not always the hardest part. For me, taking the 2nd and 3rd steps was harder. Each one took me further from the platform and my safety blanket. It was even scarier at the end when I had to take one hand off of the rope to climb onto the next platform. It required me letting go and reaching out to another for help. Every step of our path we are dependent upon God and others – and this is a good thing.
3. “Healthy” pride won’t lead to a fall. It keeps us from sitting out on life. I was with my son and his ability to continue on the ropes course was dependent on me staying with him. I didn’t want him to see me as a mom who quits on him. So I struggled on. My pride didn’t want to disappoint him so it spurred me on.

There have been times in life where fear kept me from trying. I didn’t send a query letter because I feared the rejection. I didn’t talk to a person because I feared looking foolish. I didn’t apply for a position because I feared I wouldn’t be able to handle the position.

God broke through that day. He reminded me that He enables us and He clears the right path for us. It may not be smooth sailing the whole way but the bonding and joy He gives us are more than worth it.

Do you have fears that prevent you from stepping out?

What has God taught you as you tackled your fears?

Do your fears ever overtake you - paralyzing you, either momentarily or long-term, to the point where you sit out on life?

Fear is a strong force that God may use to protect and guide us but it’s also a tool the enemy will use to keep us in stalemate preventing us from experiencing and trusting God.

A few weeks ago our daughter had her end-of-the-season soccer party at a new gym in our area. It’s in an old warehouse and high above our party was the ropes course with six platforms and in-between each iss a variety of ropes and obstacles.

It looked awesome and the girls immediately asked about it. The manager offered us a deal if each child had an adult to accompany them. We couldn’t pass it up so we did the mini-training, strapped in and waited our turn to climb the rope ladder.

I was with my son, Noah, who quickly climbed the ladder as I belayed him. He made it look easy and I was eager to join him at top. However, as I began my climb the narrow ladder, it began to twist and sway. I quickly realized it was going to be trickier than it appeared.

I felt uncoordinated as I climbed. When it came time for me to reach from the ladder and step onto the platform, a fear of heights took over me that I had never experienced before. I stood on the platform, grasping the pole and afraid to move. I wanted to go down - immediately.

I didn’t want to let Noah down so I tried to gather my nerves. He waited for me to clip him in to his first course while I mentally tried to think of a way to get out of it and without disappointing him. Maybe he’ll hate and “need” me to go down with him.

No such luck – he loved it.

It was my turn to lean out, grab the rope and step off the firm platform onto a swinging rope. It was unnerving and I hated it at first but I didn’t fall and even ended the day with an adrenaline high.

Here are a few life lessons it taught me.

1. Straight paths are not always easy. In Proverbs 3 we’re encouraged to trust in God and not our own understanding. But just because God directs us to a path, it doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily be easy. My fears (understanding) told me to quit. However, if I had listened, I would have missed out on a great bonding time with my son. It was worth the struggle.
2. Taking the 1st step is not always the hardest part. For me, taking the 2nd and 3rd steps was harder. Each one took me further from the platform and my safety blanket. It was even scarier at the end when I had to take one hand off of the rope to climb onto the next platform. It required me letting go and reaching out to another for help. Every step of our path we are dependent upon God and others – and this is a good thing.
3. “Healthy” pride won’t lead to a fall. It keeps us from sitting out on life. I was with my son and his ability to continue on the ropes course was dependent on me staying with him. I didn’t want him to see me as a mom who quits on him. So I struggled on. My pride didn’t want to disappoint him so it spurred me on.

There have been times in life where fear kept me from trying. I didn’t send a query letter because I feared the rejection. I didn’t talk to a person because I feared looking foolish. I didn’t apply for a position because I feared I wouldn’t be able to handle the position.

God broke through that day. He reminded me that He enables us and He clears the right path for us. It may not be smooth sailing the whole way but the bonding and joy He gives us are more than worth it.

Do you have fears that prevent you from stepping out?

What has God taught you as you tackled your fears?

Do you ever feel God blesses everyone but you? You pray for the job promotion but it’s given to a co-worker. Your dream school sends you a letter politely telling you to go away but your best friend is immediately accepted into hers. It feels as if your dreams are on the verge of being fulfilled but are instantly yanked away, sending your emotions on a wild roller coaster ride.

While in my twenties, I lived in Atlanta and was a dancer – a hip-hop dancer. Most people laugh when they hear this but I was a white girl who had a few moves and I dreamed of using dance as a way of reaching the inner-city youth.

I prayed, fasted and trained but I only met closed doors that were bolted shut. Every so often there were doors that were “cracked” open but never enough to lead me anywhere. I wondered why God refused to bless my dream when I was doing it for Him? Why did He tease me with the times of “almost” making it?

Unfortunately this was not a one-time thing. Many events in my life appeared as if God was about to bless me but changed His mind at the last moment – playing a cruel joke on me. However, now that I have more years behind me, I look back and I see that these times of struggle actually had purpose.

1. I wasn’t ready. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us there is a time for everything and sometimes that means waiting. Looking back I see that I wasn’t mature enough emotionally and spiritually to handle my dream. I wouldn’t have represented Christ properly and possibly would have burned-out.
2. I was too far ahead of God. Isaiah 30:21 tells us we have a voice that tells us which way to turn. I was so far ahead of the Voice that I didn’t hear it. God had to use the closed doors to slow me down to His timing. Once I did, I heard Him leading me to overseas missions – where He redirected my ministry passion (and I met my future husband – totally worth it I must say)
3. We bonded in the trenches. Soldiers bond in war. Missionaries become family in the field. I believe the same is true with God. In times of trial I’m knocked down on my knees and God hovers over me, with me, that bonds me to Him like nothing else. He helps me develop perseverance that strengthens my character and dependency on Him. If life were perfect – I’d miss that time in the trenches with Him – where I see Him most.

There are still times when I wonder why He delays in His answers - I’m an impatient one who has a hard time staying still. But I try to remind myself that it’s not that God is refusing to bless me – it was quite the opposite. He is leading me to the correct spot where I can receive it. And now that I’ve seen what He gives in the trenches, I don’t want to miss out on it – there is nothing like it.

Do you ever feel overlooked by God?

What has He taught you in the times He had you wait?

Do you ever feel God blesses everyone but you? You pray for the job promotion but it’s given to a co-worker. Your dream school sends you a letter politely telling you to go away but your best friend is immediately accepted into hers. It feels as if your dreams are on the verge of being fulfilled but are instantly yanked away, sending your emotions on a wild roller coaster ride.

While in my twenties, I lived in Atlanta and was a dancer – a hip-hop dancer. Most people laugh when they hear this but I was a white girl who had a few moves and I dreamed of using dance as a way of reaching the inner-city youth.

I prayed, fasted and trained but I only met closed doors that were bolted shut. Every so often there were doors that were “cracked” open but never enough to lead me anywhere. I wondered why God refused to bless my dream when I was doing it for Him? Why did He tease me with the times of “almost” making it?

Unfortunately this was not a one-time thing. Many events in my life appeared as if God was about to bless me but changed His mind at the last moment – playing a cruel joke on me. However, now that I have more years behind me, I look back and I see that these times of struggle actually had purpose.

1. I wasn’t ready. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us there is a time for everything and sometimes that means waiting. Looking back I see that I wasn’t mature enough emotionally and spiritually to handle my dream. I wouldn’t have represented Christ properly and possibly would have burned-out.
2. I was too far ahead of God. Isaiah 30:21 tells us we have a voice that tells us which way to turn. I was so far ahead of the Voice that I didn’t hear it. God had to use the closed doors to slow me down to His timing. Once I did, I heard Him leading me to overseas missions – where He redirected my ministry passion (and I met my future husband – totally worth it I must say)
3. We bonded in the trenches. Soldiers bond in war. Missionaries become family in the field. I believe the same is true with God. In times of trial I’m knocked down on my knees and God hovers over me, with me, that bonds me to Him like nothing else. He helps me develop perseverance that strengthens my character and dependency on Him. If life were perfect – I’d miss that time in the trenches with Him – where I see Him most.

There are still times when I wonder why He delays in His answers - I’m an impatient one who has a hard time staying still. But I try to remind myself that it’s not that God is refusing to bless me – it was quite the opposite. He is leading me to the correct spot where I can receive it. And now that I’ve seen what He gives in the trenches, I don’t want to miss out on it – there is nothing like it.

Do you ever feel overlooked by God?

What has He taught you in the times He had you wait?

I had a love/hate relationship with the training. I enjoyed the challenge but often asked, “Why am I doing this to myself?”

Race day was no different. There were moments of highs and lows. One in particular was as I neared mile 18. My energy began to drop and I feared I was about to hit the infamous “wall” where the body threatens to shut down. My legs became heavy and it took more effort to move them.

As I came to the 18^th mile marker the course tuned into a city park. It was there I saw a man holding a sign that read…

Where there is pain, there is life.

Yes the pain I felt at that moment was, well uh…a pain. But these words revitalized my spirit and showed me the power that can be found in discomfort.

One, I was accomplishing a goal I held for over 15 years. Big aspirations require hard work, struggles and moments of doubt. Goals teach us to push our limits. They take us out of our comfort zone and remove the unstable crutches we mistakenly depend upon. It is here that we are able to clearly see God’s hand holding us up and revealing to us what we are able to do.

Second, my pain reminded me that I was overcoming an obstacle. Two years prior I struggled to walk after having knee surgery to reconstruct my ACL. Now I was running and fulfilling a dream (well, some may not define my speed as actual running but that’s beside the point.) Hindrances are not pleasant and can be overwhelming but once you’ve passed them – whoa – what a rush of triumph. No interference that God allows in our life is unbreakable unless God is using it to redirect our course.

Third, the pain proved to me that my body and spirit were fully alive. The marathon didn’t just challenge me physically but also mentally and emotionally. Every part of my being felt the pain that day but every part also celebrated as I crossed the finish line. When we turn off part of ourselves in order to avoid pain or discomfort, it begins to atrophy. Before you know it you’re only partially alive and not experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers.

When you avoid discomfort, you avoid life. If Jesus had avoided the pain of the Cross we would have missed out on the gift of eternal life and the power of the resurrection.

Pain is multi-tiered and the level I’ve discussed here is pain in its simplest form so I pray I haven’t hurt or offended anyone who is presently dealing with a deeper. My desire is only to encourage the avoidance of building a permanent boundary around our lives that prevents us from experiencing life and God abundantly.

Is pain or discomfort something you try to avoid?

What has God shown you in the midst of painful trials?

Communication is a tricky thing. In your head you know what you are trying to communicate but it’s not always interpreted properly.

Some times this is due to body language, facial expressions or the choice of words. One time while we lived in Chile my mother-in-law came to visit. We were at the grocery store when she came up to me, “I think I just offended someone while trying to use my Spanish.”

Oh I love these types of stories!

She went on to explain that another customer asked her a question in Spanish to which she told them, “I’m sorry but you don’t speak good Spanish.” But of course she meant to say, “I don’t speak good Spanish.” Oh I got a good laugh out of it.

When Anastasia was in preschool her best friend was as little girl from Japan. Her mother’s English was good but far from perfect. One time I had invited her daughter over for a play date but had to cancel at the last minute due to an illness. When I saw her the next day I apologized because I knew she was eager for her daughter to make American friends and practice English.

“Aw…you don’t care about it!” (smile, laugh, smile)

Uh what?!  “Yes – I do care. I’m so sorry.”

“No, no, no – you don’t care, you don’t care!”

I was getting perturbed. I did care and I wanted to befriend her but if she was going to be this high maintenance and accusatory, maybe it was better to put my energies elsewhere.

I tried to blow it off. School was getting out so we gathered our kids and headed home. I had a weird feeling as if I had offended her but her facial expressions didn't match her words.

Then it hit me – it was a language error. She wasn’t telling me that I didn’t care. Instead she was trying to tell me, “Don’t worry about it.”  Ohhhhh – it now made sense.

This endeared me to my friend. She needed me to help her and to be a safe ear for her to practice her English and to teach her the ways of our land.

It’s not easy being the foreigner. Numerous times in the Bible God tells us to look after the alien. It’s lonely being the outsider. It’s even more painful watching your child be the one left out.

Jesus himself learned the hard way what it’s like to live in a foreign land. His new culture was threatened by Him because He was different. His message was often misunderstood. But those who patiently listened to Him found true love and peace – they found their Savior. Think of the relationship they would have missed out on if they had ignored Him.

Look around at the aliens (international or domestic) in your daily life. Reach out to them and invite them into your life. For what you do unto them, you’re doing unto Jesus.

Have you ever been the outsider in a new neighborhood or country?

Who was that special friend who reached out and brought you into community?

Is it just me or does the world seem to be falling apart. Wars all around us, natural disasters altering lives in the matter of minutes and the economy, etc. Do you ever find yourself wondering why is God not intervening?

Easter Saturday I walked with our daughter, Anastasia, to her soccer game. We talked about it being the day before Easter and wondered what the disciples felt that day. Were they scared? Did they feel as if Jesus had lied? Were they mourning the loss of Jesus and the hope they held in Him?

I’m sure they felt as if their life was imploding. Political unrest, Jesus was gone, their new “careers” as disciples seemed to be over and feared for their lives. They scattered, one denied, another betrayed. Stability had vanished.

Little did they know that God had a miracle waiting for them around the corner that would restore their peace and fill them with confidence and strength.

I know what I believe about God but sometimes it’s hard to believe what I believe about Him – especially when life around me seems to be spinning out of control. I often find myself crying out to God the same as Jairus, “I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.”

Three things I’ve found have helped me find God in these times of struggle:

1)   Serve – The women rose early that Easter morning to serve Jesus. They were going to care for His body. God honored their servant hearts by revealing Himself to them. Often when I serve God, in spite of my circumstances, He shows Himself to me.

2)   Express doubts – While in jail, John the Baptist questioned if Jesus was the true Messiah. He was about to be beheaded - why Jesus was not saving him? Jesus wasn’t offended – in fact He gave John the proof he needed and then praised John to the crowd as the greatest man to be born of woman. God is not threatened when I share my doubts with Him. He guides me to truth and peace through His word and others.

3)   Praise – Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people. When we praise Him, His presence draws near. When He’s near, peace reigns, even if chaos surrounds us. When I praise Him through music or words, my focus turns to Him and off the turmoil I face.

Life may seem as if it’s out of control but God has not left us. He’s a God who likes to give good surprises. But as we wait here is a verse to ponder…

“Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right.” Ps. 37:5 (CEV)

Believe what you know to be true of God and as you wait for Him to help you in your circumstance serve Him, talk with Him and praise Him.

What helps you find God when your life feels out of control?

When He seems distant, how do you draw near to Him?

I volunteered in Noah’s 3^rd grade class the other day. As it came to a close, only ten minutes remained in the school day. It wasn’t enough time to begin a big project so the teacher gathered the kids in a circle in front of her and pulled out a stack of cards that had random questions on them. She read this question to the kids…

Would you rather be the best player on the worst team or the worst player on the best team?

The kids took turns going around the circle, answering the question and randomly she’d ask a kid to give a brief reason why.

“I wanna be the best player on the worst team because I want to have the most home runs!”

“I’d be the best player on the worst team because I like being the best.”

As we continued going around the circle almost every kid said they wanted to be the best player on the worst team. My ears perked up when she came to Noah.

“I’d want to be the worst player on the best team.”

I wasn’t expecting that. He’s always in a dream world hitting the game winning home run or being the hero who destroys the enemy.

On our way home I asked him about his answer. “I want to be on a team that wins.”

Maybe I’m over-analyzing the thought process of a 9-year-old but his answer got me thinking. So often as individuals we strive to be #1 - top salesman, N.Y. Times bestseller, funkiest on the dance squad (uhhh...maybe that's just me in high school). Being number one is fun and give us a goal to work towards. But would we accomplish more if we focused more on become the top team instead of being the best on the team.

Jesus immediately formed team at the start of his ministry. His focus was not showing off his healing skills – rather to form a team of losers into a winning. It took a little time for the disciples to catch on. There were when they were more concerned about being the best – the favorite disciple, the one to sit at Jesus’ right hand, or the first to speak up, etc.

However, post-resurrection – the disciples understood. They realized it’s better to be the worst on the team (how can you beat Jesus?!) and to learn from the best. It catapults you to becoming your greatest. When you act and think as a team you have more strength in body, mind and heart. You’re victories are larger and in your failures you have others to pick you back up.

Jesus prayed that we would be one – an unified member of the winning team. When a team works together and allows it’s members to shine in their gifting – it’s amazing what can be accomplished.

How would you answer the question?

Why?

Have you ever run in a road race and the finish line is just up ahead? Doesn’t it seem like an eternity away?

Boise hosts a handful of road races for kids. Our kids love these events and make sure we sign them up every year. Their favorite is a 1-mile race held near the end of school. There are over 1,000 kids that participate in this spirited event.

Last year Mark and I placed ourselves a few hundred yards before the finish line. Usually the race runs one gender at a time and divides the kids into age groups – with the older kids going first in order to prevent overly ambitious14-year-olds from running over an absent-minded 6-year-old.

It was near the end of the boys run and Mark had taken off to find our son Noah who had already crossed the finish. I remained in our spot, awaiting the start of the girls. As I looked down the road I saw a little boy who had yet to finish. He was now walking. His face was red and his eyes were full of tears. He was coming in last place.

His father saw him and quickly ran out to the street to join him and finish the race with him. He encouraged his son; trying to get him to run again but the little boy wanted none of it. He squealed at his dad – he was embarrassed and didn’t want to run.

All the other parents on the sideline saw what was going on. As the boy approached us, the mom next to me began cheering, “Keep going! You’re about to finish 1 mile!”

The rest of us joined in with her and the cheering the began to spread down the line. The little boy looked to the crowd, realizing that we were all cheering for him. The defeated look on his face turned into determination and he sprinted to the finished and ended his race strong.

It’s amazing how our outlook can change when we have the encouragement of others. Our mountains become mole hills and what once seemed impossible becomes possible.

We are all going to have times when the finish line is like a mirage in the desert and want to give up. But – if we surround ourselves with  positive people who will sincerely cheer us on to finish the race that God has set before us – we’ll finished determined, not defeated.

There is a time to run and there is a time to cheer. It’s tempting to hog the spotlight but we need to be sure that we’re also spectators for others as they accomplish their goals. I’m not speaking of flattery but authentic words of encouragement.

The road can be rough and we’re not meant to go it alone.

Cheers my friends!

Has there been a time when the encouraging words of others helped you through a rough patch?