Month: November 2010

The Game of Life

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Last night I was hanging out with friends and we decided to play Jenga.  I had never played before, so I opted to set out the first round.  I claimed to be a spectator who wanted to see how the game was played, but in reality I was fearful; fearful of someone watching me and scrutinizing my every move.
As I sat back and watched, I studied the game playing strategies.  There was the risk taker who made his move silently and in a calm manner.  There was the big game talker who bragged about his success.  Then there was the anxious player; the one who was was worried that the wrong move would cause the structure to fall.  I, myself, was the anxious player; in that game and in the game of life. 

What was supposed to be a simple night of fun, turned out to be a bit stressful.  I dreaded my turn and kept hoping the person before me would make the costly mistake, not me.  But as time progressed and as I lightened up, I started to enjoy the game.  It was just a game after all, and the pieces could be put back together as easily as they fell.  At least, that is what my friends kept telling me.


I’m sure this sounds very trivial, but what happens when we take this approach with our life?  We are afraid to make a drastic move because we fear the worst.  We don’t live out our dreams because we are living out our fears.  We’re afraid to write the book for fear of it being rejected.  We’re afraid to pursue the relationship for fear of a broken heart.  We’re afraid of taking the job for fear of failing. 

So I am curious, what is your game playing strategy?  Do you take risks, step out on faith, or are you a spectator of your own life?

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

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When Nothing is Enough

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Since the holidays and especially Black Friday are fast approaching, I seem to be inundated with coupons and sales ads all luring me to come to their store and shop.  I am a frugal girl who loves good bargains, and I hate to pass up these fantastic deals!  But the attempts and tactics made my retail stores are getting ridiculous.  Target is opening their doors at 4 am on Black Friday.  Some stores are even opening on Thanksgiving day.  Madness!

Our need to buy more and more stuff has over shadowed the true reason of the holiday season. 

I have been reading Sabbath:  Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives by Wayne Muller.    The information is so valuable and can provide immediate relief if applied to our lives.

Muller said something so profound in regards to what is missing in our lives.

When we are trapped in seeking, nothing is enough. Everything we have mocks us; we see only what is missing, and all that is already here seems pale and unsatisfying. In Sabbath time, we bless what there is for being.

Maybe it is time to stop seeking and give thanks for the blessings we do have.

In the End

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Nobody ever said that walking with God would be easy.  In fact, it is written that we would be persecuted for our faith (Matthew 5:11). Some days are tough and I want to give up.  But then I get a glimpse of what my life has become and what it could have been, and I am reminded why it is worth it to go the distance with Him.  Yesterday, God showed me exactly why it is better to walk with Him. 
“The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be. It may seem to be much worse, but in the end it’s going to be a lot better and a lot bigger.” ~ Elisabeth Eliot

What has He shown you lately?

The Secrets in Which We Keep

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My niece loves to tell you secrets.  When she tells you she has one, it sounds like “cigarette”.  She’ll say, “I have a “cigarette” to tell you.  It cracks me and my family up every time!  Sometimes her secrets and little kisses on your cheek or maybe she wants to tell you she loves you.  But her secrets are always important and they express what lies in her heart.

But for the most part, our secrets are not so positive and we wish nothing more than to keep them in the dark.  From what I’m learning on my current journey of resting and being still, is that sometimes those dark and ugly secrets need to be shared.  My friend just told me “you’re only as sick as your secrets”.  I found a little poem that I would like to share with you.

You’re only as sick as your secrets

The things you keep inside
The stories so awful, so hurtful ~ YOU think
The ones you choose to hide
The feelings you wall off and keep at bay
The past you regret each and every day
The memories you wish would never be
The stuff you hope no one ever sees
You’re only as sick as your secrets
The longer you hide them you’ll find
They’ll rob you of joy and sanity
They’ll drive you right out of your mind
They’ll keep you from living life to the full
They’ll tug at your heart, push and pull
You apart ~ like a puzzle, piece by piece
Turning others away ’cause your thinkin’ stinks
You’re only as sick as your secrets
And make no mistake, my friend
When you dig them up and throw them away
Your heart will unburden and in the end
You’ll be free of guilt, shame and false pride
The Lord will protect you and give new life
You’re only as sick as your secrets
Aren’t you tired of being sick?
Then turn them over to God right now
Do it this moment… hurry, be quick
He already knows everything you hide
He’s just waiting for you to stop living the lie
That your secrets define you ~ that they’re who you are
That’s the work of the devil and it’s so far
From the Truth ~ give it up and throw it away
Walk in the Light… today is the day
You’re no longer sick ~ you’ve no secrets to hide
Give it to God… there’s the key to life
Yes, you’re only as sick as your secrets
But that’s not you…
anymore.


I’m not sure about you, but I am tired of the secrets that rob me of my life.  It’s time to shed a little light on the secrets in which we keep.