Summer is slowing fading away like a sweet distant memory. I welcome the change of pace with open arms. Fall is truthfully my favorite season. I savor the scent of the warm fall air and crisp leaves, wearing light flannel tops, and going to football games. There is something comforting and peaceful about it. I’m nearly ashamed to say that I actually miss the buzz of starting school. Continue reading “Letter to Me”
Author: Sydney Liesmann
Author of Thoughts from the Dock blog. A blog about faith and catching the waves of life.
Summer Eats
Summer is in full swing at the Liesmann’s which means early mornings, full days, late nights, and A LOT of boat time (and hey, I am 100% ok with the boat time!) Being on-the-go and on the boat a lot, it’s a lifesaver having healthy, yummy snacks waiting for me in the fridge to snag on my way out the door. I’m all about those snacks! If you work a lot of hours like Kirby and I, you know that it CAN be a struggle to eat healthy, BUT it doesn’t have to be! When you find your time in low supply and in high demand, it can be difficult to eat right, but I assure you, it’s not impossible! With that being said, today I’m sharing some tips on how we make it work to eat healthy as well as some of my favorite summer snacks!
Rise & Sh-grind (because you should shine as you grind am I right?!): Breakfast
Breakfast is my FAVORITE meal of the day! Never to be skipped!
For Him: Homemade, Frozen Power Wraps
Kirby needs something high in protein to start his day off right and something that will keep him full until lunchtime. These are SO simple and save us a ton of time. On Sunday evenings I brown 1lb of pork sausage or turkey sausage, drain and pour into a bowl. Add a small handful of shredded cheese and stir. Make some scrambled eggs with onion (I like the frozen chopped onion for the sake of time…and it keeps longer…AND no tears…YAS!) Mix the egg mixture into the sausage and stir. Buy a package of 12 burrito sized tortillas and evenly distribute the egg mixture onto each tortilla. Wrap them up and then wrap each individually in parchment paper. Put in a large zip lock bag and freeze! Easy as that! To make them you just unwrap from the parchment paper, wrap in a wet paper towel, pop in the microwave on defrost for 30 seconds and then 2 minutes on high.
For Her: Yogurt Parfait & Toast
I will indulge in a burrito every now and again, but my go-to is a yogurt parfait with cinnamon toast. Ladies, if you’ve never had the honey salted caramel Greek Gods Greek Yogurt you’ve been missing out! I dish a healthy serving into a to-go cup topped with Nature Valley Oats and Honey Protein Granola. If you can make your own…even better! I suggest this homemade coconut oil honey almond granola pictured to the left. Then I top it with a sliced banana or some strawberries. Right before I pop out the door I grab a slice of Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Swirl Bread hot out of the toaster.
For Both: Water, Water, & more Water
In the hot, humid Midwest summers, water becomes your best friend. Not only is it super great for your body, but it’s essential if you’re outside for long periods to prevent dehydration or heat exhaustion, and nobody wants that! Kirby would never drink water because it would get hot on the boat. Bubba Kegs are our favorite in the summer! Fill them with ice and water in the morning and it will stay cold ALL DAY LONG. It’s the greatest. You can find them at Target and Walmart.
Grab a Bite: Lunch
Lunch is simple! Sandwiches, fruit, crackers, nuts, or leftovers. We have a mini fridge at the office that we stock with water and sandwich supplies. I also pack a lunch box in the mornings with fruit, string cheese, cashews/almonds, or whatever we have on hand. If I have time on Sundays, I will also prep rice/chicken meals for Kirby – he likes these as they are a bit more substantial.
Take Five: Snacks
Those who know me know that these are my go-to’s! Especially in the summer I crave snacks that are healthy, fresh, cold, and a touch of sweet.
- Energy balls
- Loaded Apple Wedges
- Frozen Banana Nibblers
- Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Bites
- Dark Chocolate Almond Bark with Sea Salt
- Granola Squares (Kirby’s Fave! This was courtesy of Lauren Mixon – check her out y’all if you’re in need of some workout tips: she is a Fit & Free Fitness Coach and just so happens to be one of my very good friends! Check her out on Instagram at @laurenmixon)
Muscle Pump: Protein, for you athletes out there…
This is for you athletes out there. Please know that it’s important to choose what’s right for you, your fitness goals, and your lifestyle, but in case you were curious this is what we use and like.
For Him: Kirby uses Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 from GNC, vanilla flavored. He mixes it with V8 Tropical Blend Juice in a shaker cup and drinks it before he trains.
For Her: I really like chocolate Lean 1’s with peanut butter from Smoothie King. Recently I purchased my own to make at home. I’m excited to experiment with some different recipes and that I can use it as a meal replacement or as a snack during the day. In the past though, Gatorade protein drinks are my go-to when I workout.
Wind Down: Dinner
Sooo we aren’t so good with dinner sometimes. Getting off the water and home late at night isn’t the best time to make a heavy dinner (right before bed). However, we have been purchasing a lot of fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts. At the beginning of the week we clean, trim, and freeze part of them and marinate and refrigerate a few. When we get home in the evenings, we cook up one of these with rice/pasta, and a veggie (I really like kabobs on the grill). Easy and good for you. (Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and marinades to prevent chicken burnout…it’s a real thing)
Sweet & Refreshing: Bucket List Recipes
I may not always have time to make big elaborate meals, but I do really love cooking. So, when I do have some time, these are two things I’m itching to whip up.
Peach Lemonade
Source: Cooking Light June 2012 | Serves 8 if using 2/3 cup lemonade per serving
In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of coarsely chopped peaches (3 to 4 peaches), 4 cups of water, and 3/4 cup of sugar. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 3 minutes. Very carefully, pour the mixture into a blender or food processor and let it stand for approximately 20 minutes.
If using a blender, take the center out of the lid and place lid tightly on the blender, covering the top with a kitchen towel. Blend or process until smooth. Pour into a large container and refrigerate peach puree for approximately 3 hours (or overnight).
After the peach puree has chilled, press the mixture through a sieve (a small fine grit strainer) into a large container, reserving the liquid and discarding the solids. Pour peach juice into a pitcher and add 1 cup of fresh lemon juice (juice of approx. 6-8 lemons). Stir until combined. Taste and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to dilute if too concentrated.
Serve by pouring lemonade over ice and garnish with a peach wedge.
Peanut Butter Martini Mousse with Caramelized Peanuts
Source: Sweet Julia | Serves 4
[Special Occassion sweet – it’s all about moderation people! I think this would be the perfect cool, fancy desert to serve after having friends over for dinner after a hot summer day.]
Melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips in a bowl and set over a pan of simmering water. Use a spoon to drizzle swirls of melted chocolate into the insides of 4 martini glasses. Refrigerate the glasses while you make the mousse.
For the mousse: In a large bowl, blend 2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted), 1/4 cup whole milk, and 1-8oz package of cream cheese (at room temperature) until well blended.
In a separate bowl, whip 1 1/4 cups of cold heavy whipping cream into medium peaks (if the cream is cold it will whip faster). It should hold up its shape, but the curl is soft when you pull up the whipped cream with the whisk. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture with a rubber spatula.
For the caramelized peanuts: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 3/4 cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and melt to create a caramel, swirling the pan to cook evenly. When it’s golden, a few minutes, add 1/2 cup of roasted, salted peanuts and stir well to coat. Add 1T of butter (at room temperature) and stir in. Immediately pour the nuts onto the prepared baking sheet to cool.
Spoon the mousse into the chilled martini glasses. Once cool, break up the caramelized peanuts into small pieces by lightly chopping or snapping apart with your hands. Garnish each martini glass with a piece of caramelized peanuts.
This blog stemmed from the place of me learning to adapt and find peace in the midst of any situation I’m in. This isn’t meant to show tell you how you must eat or live, but rather to show you ways that God has helped me be the best me in any circumstance.
I’ll admit I sometimes fall victim to feeling like a failure based on my own expectations for myself as a wife. To do it all! To work full time, be the healthiest and look good for my man, cook amazing meals, keep the house and everything else clean and organized. It’s a lot to juggle! God is helping me to be satisfied, to see things more simply, to give myself grace, and helping me to be fruitful, not busy. My husband always reminds me that we are warriors and not worriers, and in the Name of Jesus, we will fight to stay in peace – laboring to enter into rest.
We fight the good fight of BELIEVING who God says we are instead of measuring our worth by what others are doing. I don’t have my life perfectly figured out by any stretch of the imagination, but I KNOW if I keep my mind stayed upon the Lord, He will keep me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). He will keep me on track of being the woman/wife/daughter/sister he created me to be. Being a planner, I just have to let things go and let God lead me day by day. If you relate to this, know that you are ALWAYS enough in God’s eyes! You’re doing a GOOD job. You are a warrior, not a worrier!
I pray that this post uplifts and refreshes you! Take a deep breath. Cooking is soothing for me haha, so if you’re like me, try one of these new recipes to try to make your days go a little smoother and healthier! Making small adjustments can help give you more zzz’s throughout the week and keep you feeling refreshed and healthy throughout the day! Though these things certainly help, you’ll never experience true peace or satisfaction without an intimate relationship with God. If you’d like to chat about meeting my very best friend in the universe and encountering true peace, shoot me over a message. Also, feel free to contact me if you’d like me to send you any of the recipes for any of what I have shared!
Only One Call Away
There are days when my legs can’t quite keep up with the speed of life – running full speed and never seemingly able to catch up. Summer is in full swing at the lake and Kirby and I have been busier than ever. We’ve been so blessed with full schedules, family and customers that we adore. Coming off of a marathon of late nights and early mornings with the wakeboard camp we host for 52 high-spirited kiddos, traveling, and lots of lessons, we were in for a day of rest…well, sort of rest – which has given me a moment to let my hands return comfortably to my keyboard to write.
Two things that have been impacting me greatly lately. The first being the story of Mary and Martha. Why? About two weeks ago, in the midst going nonstop and working to overcome some business challenges, I beat Kirby home and picked up fresh groceries, cleaned the house, did laundry, made dinner, and whipped up some breakfast burritos for him for the week in attempts to provide a welcoming, safe atmosphere of love and peace. When he arrived home we just sat on the couch and took a deep breath of relief. In that moment I had many tasks that remained unfinished. I nearly jumped off the couch and continued in busyness, but the second I considered getting up to keep “serving” him, the Lord reminded me about the story of Mary and Martha.
In the story, Jesus came to Mary and Martha’s home. Martha was busy serving as Jesus was a guest in her home. I imagine she was working hard to be a good hostess cooking, cleaning, and preparing. As she is rushing around to make everything just right she becomes frustrated with her sister who has not offered an ounce of help. (Has anyone been in Martha’s shoes before besides myself? Not necessarily with your sister, but with others?) So, what WAS Mary doing? She was sitting at the feet of Jesus hearing His word. Luke 10:40 says, “But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him [Jesus] and said, ‘Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her therefore to help me.’
At this point in the story Jesus addresses Martha so softly, but also gives profound advice. Luke 10:41, “And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.’ [Timeout! This was totally me! Ok back to the story…] “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Mary chose the good part according to Jesus. She chose intimacy with Him. She chose to step away from her tasks to make herself available to HEAR His word. Martha’s heart was to honor Jesus by doing all of these things for Him, but neglected the opportunity to hear and sit in His presence.
In life I think we too often find ourselves choosing busyness over intimacy, myself included. I can imagine there are times where more than anything, God just wants a moment of intimacy with you.. It’s the same with our spouses. Too often we get so caught up in “doing” that we miss opportunities to sit at their feet.
The second thing that has impacted me is this story in Mark…
“And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land. And He saw them [the disciples] toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And He went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.” – Mark 6:47-51.
I’ve heard this story many times and was always amazed that Jesus walked on the water and how He had made the storm stop. BUT it’s never stood out to me in the way that it has lately. It’s never occurred to me the fact that Jesus “would have passed by them”. Why?? He saw they were struggling, but the moment they cried out – He was there…consoling them and silencing their storm. How many times has your victory passed you by? Your healing? Your answer? Your provision? [This relates to the serving thing over and intimacy and hearing]
There is something to “calling out” to Jesus. I read in Luke 18:38 that Jesus almost passed by a blind beggar, but he called out to Him and was healed. Psalm 18:6 reflects the same value of calling out to the Lord. Our words are powerful, and I think we should be careful not to be passive in calling out to God and making ourselves available to Him to hear His word for our specific situation. For some reason I was mulling over all of this the other day while driving and I heard a song on the radio that had been on my Spotify for months, but this particular time I was hearing it differently. It was as though God was singing this song directly to me impressing on me the importance of this story even further. I encourage you to close your eyes (ignore the video) and let God minister to you through this song in the light of what I’ve been writing about. Superman’s got nothing on God. Until next time friends!
Caps and Gowns
As you may have noticed, I have been strangely absent from my blog the past weeks. Since I last wrote, there have been blogs partially written, but never finished.Today though, I write to you hours before my little brother’s high school graduation. Growing up, Richard was always my best friend and I could always count on him for late night Sonic runs, to be my tennis partner, and to always stick up for me. Tonight I’ll get to watch him walk across the stage as a high school graduate…the smart, witty, creative, kind man that he has become. I will refrain from being too sentimental because I know he would hate that, however, I wanted to write out a prayer of what I am speaking over his future. So, this is for you Richard.
God I thank you for the man Richard has become.Thank you for giving me the coolest brother I could ever ask for. He is a gift. Thank you that he reflects you. He reflects you in his sportsmanship on the soccer field and tennis court. In the way he values friendships. He reflects you in the way he leads with strength, integrity and confidence and determines his own path in life.
I pray Richard that you always keep your eyes on the Lord, never being swayed to follow a path that is wide and worn, but remaining on the narrow path God has created specifically for you.
I pray that you build solid friendships at Iowa State and be surrounded by friends that will constantly pull you higher and never drag you down. That they will be a support center to celebrate in your triumphs and build you up in your weaknesses. That you be a friend others desire to have…dependable, uplifting, and calling others to greatness.That you give honor where honor is due and operate in true humility.
I pray that you stand firm in your identity in Christ, not being moved to the right or left. That you are a light to those at college searching in vain to discover their own identity who may be trying to find it in the wrong places. I pray that you take refuge in God’s Word and are sensitive to His voice and leading. He will never lead you astray. He will never leave you. He will always be proud of you. You are always His number one.
I pray that you find balance. That you work hard, and are never entitled, but remain humble. I pray that your college years will be your best years so far. That you have eyes to see and ears to hear. I pray provision over your every need. That your school is paid for. That you shine – and that people wonder why things always work for you.
I pray that you have fun! That you always have your contagious laugh that you have when you think something is really funny. That you go to a ton of country concerts, play intramurals, that you study abroad and that you never regret freezing your face off at the ISU football games. That you go and not be afraid to pursue new opportunities and chase your dreams…to get off the dock of life. I pray that you be surrounded with a shield of favor. That no weapon formed against you shall prosper and no sickness shall come near you.
I pray that you grow closer to God than ever before and that because of Him you can pursue your future boldly and confidently. I pray that you are full of joy. Full of peace. Full of patience. Full of love. Full of compassion. I pray that you walk in Godly wisdom that’s beyond your years. That when you leave college you are more equipped and excited than ever before.
I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. I’m proud you’re my brother. You have a solid foundation in practical life knowledge that is absent in the lives of many today. I can count on you to fix, lift, or construct anything. I pray that you never take a day for granted. You are so capable. You make good decisions. You are trustworthy. You are healthy. You are strong. You are courageous. You are are kind. You are funny. You are selfless. You have a good heart. You are funny. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength.
I pray that whatever you do, you do it unto the Lord. I pray that God blesses whatever you set your hand unto. That you use your words to speak life and let God promote you. I pray that God will ignite and strengthen your passion for what He is calling you to, “that you prosper and be in health”. Make time to listen, make time to hear what God is speaking to you. May you never stop pursuing Him.
I pray that you won’t forget about your big sis and know that she is truly one of your biggest fans in life and always will be. I will always be cheering you on wherever life may take you. I love you!
If you have loved ones graduating or entering a new chapter of life like Richard, I encourage you to speak life and blessing over their futures as well!
On the Road with Grace & Favor
Another week on our Florida exploration has gone by! This trip is going so fast! As you may have read, last Sunday was me and Kirby’s six months of marriage celebration. I’ve said it many times, but God couldn’t have placed together the pieces to that corner my life puzzle any better.
To celebrate, we hit up the church that our friends go to in Fort Myers. We love the praise-giving, uplifting worship and the message really ministered to me personally. The pastor was teaching on the power and importance of teams and how we don’t always work with the people we necessarily want to or mesh best with, but gave advice to view people in light of who they are in Christ and their strengths versus stumbling over faults or weaknesses or the things that rub us the wrong way. While that may seem like obvious advice, that really helped me and my administrative, orderly, get things done right, by-the-book mindset.
After church we did some shopping around and took a day to just relax at the pool (surprisingly the first time we’ve had a chance to since we’ve been in Florida!). Side Note: It’s always funny coming inside in the evening and seeing every single spot you happened to miss with the sunscreen – this time it was my wrists (I know, so strange…haven’t figured that one out yet). We cleaned up and headed to the beach having a beautiful dinner beachside then cruised around looking for live music and watched the sunset (AND a proposal go down) on the boardwalk. Perfect night? I think yes.
This week we had the most important meetings of our trip. God continues to give us favor everywhere we go. I can tell you that whatever God is calling you into, in His timing, when you go…He has been there long before, paving the way for you. It’s reassuring remembering the needs we have back home and knowing that God is already ahead of us making provision for them while we are down here, walking in the place and provision He has already made. How cool is that? I don’t think I can possibly praise and thank Him enough. I encourage you to thank Him for what He is already setting into motion for your future and not grow weary or discouraged!
I also found out last week that my cousin, Alisha and her family were in Florida from Japan! Her husband, Michael is in the air force and they are here briefly visiting family. SO we connected with them and readily accepted their offer to go sailing with them and Michael’s family. We were heading to Orlando anyway, so stopping by on our way worked out s0 perfectly. Can I just say that sailing was one of the most relaxing experiences ever? Alisha and Michael are great mentors for Kirby and I and have amazing on-time words of wisdom. It was SUCH a fun, fun day. I highly recommend going sailing if you ever get the chance.
The rest of our drive to Orlando consisted of chatting, looking up random facts about the Bermuda Triangle and Strawberry Festivals on Google, and singing to the radio. The next morning we woke up at 4:45am…Kirby graciously got me to the airport (with no coffee) on time for my flight back to Iowa for my uncle’s wedding. (Yay for weddings! Yay for love!) Security was extra long that morning surprisingly, so I made it on the tram and to my gate barely catching the end of my boarding group (whew). On my connection in Charlotte, I had a two hour layover, no data on my phone, no book, so I was just chilling and observing, waiting at my gate. The first thing I noticed was that literally everyone was on their phones. The second was that Charlotte had bathroom attendants welcoming you to the restroom…strange, yes – wonderful, absolutely!
The third thing I witnessed twice. The first for the flight before mine, and the second was for my flight. I had a chance to chat with the attendants at the gate a bit – it was their first day and they were in training. In both instances were gentlemen that very loudly ridiculed said very rude comments regarding the way the attendants said the name of the destinations over the speaker. They even had the gumption to very loudly and publicly correct them as they boarded.
I wondered to myself why there is this entitled attitude present in our world today to ridicule and push others lower to elevate ourselves. Correction should be done in love (love, correction, love). It should also be done when there is a foundation built, where the person gives permission to speak into their life OR if there is not relationship present (like the instance at the airport), it can be done in a way that will save them face. I eventually built up the courage to explain to the man that this was her first day and I think we can give her a little grace. Not surprisingly, it went ignored. Today it’s so easy to spew and demand our way and opinions among others. Let’s instead be a light showing grace and mercy and positivity – lifting those around us up instead of using them to just propel ourselves higher. Yes?
Anyway! I’m extremely excited to be in Iowa and be around family. I’ve missed them! I hung out with my sister and brother-in-law in Ames. I also got to accompany my sister to Iowa State and finally meet a sweet, sweet friend I’ve never officially gotten to meet before we headed across the state to the wedding (hey girl!). I’m off again Monday, flying back to Orlando to finish the final two weeks of our Florida excursion! I hope you stay tuned and have an absolutely fantastic week ahead! Love you all!
The Pursuit of Peace
“And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” – Philippians 4:7 AMP
It has been another busy week in the sunshine state for the Liesmann’s. Our typical day begins with Kirby’s workout followed by us either jumping in the car and networking or getting on the grind at our computers. (We are putting together some really exciting things for the business.) P.S. I’m 100% loving Florida’s fresh fruit…especially the strawberries! Continue reading “The Pursuit of Peace”
My Grace is Sufficient
Today I am writing to you from Florida! What a whirlwind these last few weeks have been. Kirby and I have been prayerfully pursuing God about exploring Florida as an opportunity to expand our business since last spring. Finally, after a year of careful research and prayer, about a month ago we booked our flights determined to go scout out the land we feel like God is leading us to. Let me tell you, it is intimidating sometimes following God’s calling. Every now and then you get this feeling like “I don’t know if I can handle this God” or “I don’t feel qualified for this God”. Continue reading “My Grace is Sufficient”
Silver White Winters that Melt Into Spring
Happy Easter!!! Easter is the greatest am I right? The bright colors, the Reese’s Eggs, family, and of course spring dresses! Spring is in the air! (or at least on somedays it feels that way…Midwest life am I right?) The trees are blooming, I can hear the birds chirping in the mornings, and it smells…well, it smells so fresh outside. Continue reading “Silver White Winters that Melt Into Spring”
Let Freedom Reign
What a week it has been. I have an important announcement to make this week, but first off, I would like to say a heartfelt congratulations to Ben Higgins and his beautiful fiance, Lauren Bushnell. This season of the Bachelor has been one of my favorite shows I’ve ever watched. While the process is definitely weird, I thoroughly enjoyed the heart behind it. It was evident that Ben took it very seriously, it was no joke or game. He treated the women with the utmost respect and was a fantastic communicator. He acted in honesty and integrity and prayerfully made his decisions…I cannot be more happy for Ben and Lauren. Congrats!! I pray a long, happy, healthy life together and a blessed marriage. I also pray that people give them room to let them live their lives!
Now to the announcement. This week has been a week of revelation for me. My eyes were opened to some things that really rocked my world. Kirby and I made a decision to take three days stepping away from all screens (iPad, tablets, games, tv, phones, and computer) and all of our social media (unless work related). What we realized in this time really hits an emotional cord with me, especially after last week’s blog.
I realize how tunnel visioned I truly was. Throughout the three days, we found ourselves not easily agitated or tired all of the time, but rather peaceful and carefree. We were able to get true rest, having TIME to do things together and things we enjoyed. We sat outside, we talked and laughed harder than we have just being goofy, we were truly present with each other…I fell even more in love with Kirby over the past three days (if that’s even possible).
Most importantly, Kirby and I were able to more fully put a priority on God by getting in the word reading together morning and night, we made time for each of us to pray and spend time with God, we prayed together and for one another. I can say that these were the most refreshing, peaceful, carefree days that I’ve had in a long time. We need to be in tune with God and be full of His word so that when situations come up that we can respond in love and Godly wisdom, and be able to emotionally handle things and make good decisions!
I’m emotional writing this, because at the end of the three days I wept. I didn’t want it to end and I cried for realizing what I had been missing and not wanting the days we had to end. I didn’t want to be sucked back in to our devices anymore, into its tireless cycle. God’s brought me to the realization that I don’t need followers on Instagram. I don’t need to work tirelessly to promote my blog and do what other bloggers suggest. We have so many things pulling for our attention and time in the world we live in. It’s so noisy and full. How can God ever get a word in?
I’m choosing to finally say no. I’m finally free! I’m free to do as the Lord leads – I’m free to live my life!!! I’m free to continue my blog weekly, writing what the Lord puts on my heart, but I’m going to let the Lord promote it. If God called me into this, which I believe He did, then He will take care of the rest.
To be a leader you need to be someone worth following. I’ll make Instagram posts when I have a new blog launch or if I just have something neat to share, but it doesn’t own me anymore. You won’t find be being active on social media any more. I know I will lose followers because of this, in fact I already have, but it’s ok. I refuse to sacrifice my time with God or my husband any more putting them on the altar in the name of feeling obligated to social media.I refuse to step away from drinking from the well of life that satisfies to drink from something that always leaves me thirsty and anxious.
God has given me a beautiful life to live that’s better than I deserve. I don’t want to miss a thing. Those three days truly opened my eyes to how much I was missing out on. I was caught up in and a slave to something that in the light of eternity, doesn’t matter a single bit. I’ve never felt more free.
I realize that this week’s blog is a little different and probably not what you were expecting. So, I want to say thank you for listening and hanging in there. Thank you for reading, thank you for sharing, and thank you for your beautiful hearts full of support and love. I love ya’ll and I’m excited to see the direction God will take this blog every week now that I have made this decision to step away and be intentional about having ears to hear and eyes to see what He’s saying. I’m praying that you all remember how loved you are and that you are the light of the world. I hope you have an amazing week!
Lens of Perspective
Kirby and I have been doing a lot of driving lately…which means I’ve had a lot of seat time in the Mustang to think. Sitting in the passenger seat I see buildings new and old, businesses, a farmer working his field, small towns, and people flash by. I can’t help but think about perspective. My sister, Celinda, is a very talented artist and instructor at Iowa State University’s College of Design. I greatly admire her pure heart and compassion for people. In receiving her Masters Degree a few years ago, she did a powerful thesis highlighting the very topic of perspective called “Tunnel Vision”. You can download and read it here.
In fact it’s her project that I have playing through my mind like a movie reel as we roll down the road. To paint a picture for you of what the project looked like (paint a picture…appropriate right?! Ha! Okayy…anyway haha) Imagine entering on the end of a rectangular shaped room. Down the middle of the room you see a pathway leading you to the end of the room and the end of your journey. There is a clear material draped from the ceiling to the floor lining the sides of your path representing windows. There are projections of Facebook, Instagram, email, Pinterest, YouTube videos, and games on the floor for the entirety of the path. Beyond the clear material on the sides of the path are paintings of the scenery Celinda often sees on her travels between Missouri and Iowa.
Do you see where I’m going with this? What made journeying through her project unique is that the person on this journey had a specific choice to make. Walking through, we could look up and out of the window to take in the sheer beauty in the paintings or we could choose to look down with tunnel vision at the media projected onto the ground. Take a moment to think about this…
What Celinda created was a brilliant illustration of tunnel vision and how she is sensing the Lord’s desire for us to bring what’s important back into perspective. We live in a world where we are driven with staying connected and staying busy on our phones. I ALWAYS have my phone on me and check it often…even if it didn’t buzz. The things we can accomplish from our cell phones and the technology of our world today is absolutely mind blowing. Technology has opened so many doors of opportunity for business, for ministry, for outreach, and so much more including enabling me to write this blog; however, it was never meant to be a source of identity…rather simply a tool.
Riding in the car seeing life passing by before my eyes, glancing down at my phone in my lap, and then turning to see Kirby flash a smile at me…gosh I just get emotional. I don’t want to be so consumed that I live my life through the lens of my phone and finally look up to see that I’m an old woman and have missed it. I want to see, to feel, to experience LIFE in 3D even if a single sole never knows about it. What we feel like is so important on the screens of our phones is temporary, but what is happening through the window of the car for example, is only for a moment. We will never get that moment back.
What’s really important here? Are we placing value on what’s really meaningful?What about the little moments we miss because we simply aren’t paying attention. We are present, but not really present. Social, but actually rather antisocial. We leave these moments browsing Facebook or Instagram and find that not only has significant time passed by, but also feeling dissatisfied. We live life passively, neglecting opportunities to be authentic and genuine.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.” – Galatians 5:22
I needed to take a moment to remember that I have the fruit of the spirit within me, thus I have the self control to set my phone aside and not let my phone or work or whatever it may be control me. Time is so, sooo precious. I want to live with God’s lens of perspective for every moment, so I don’t miss a single thing. Let’s put life in proper perspective and value the things that God values. God’s lens makes things that we thought were so big and important seemingly insignificant in the light of eternity and His Word and His goodness. In thinking about your own life, is the lens in which you are perceiving life through right now going to produce the fulfilled, impactful, meaningful, significant life you have envisioned for yourself?
Thoughts from the Dock 