Jesus – Let's Get REAL Together

Riding the Waves

March 1, 2021March 2, 2021by 4letsgetrealtogether2 Comments

I remember rolling down the beach, picking up speed as I went barreling towards the ocean. Hard packed sand finding its way into every crevice. Eyes squeezed tightly shut so the salt wouldn’t sting quite so badly. Breath held, seemingly forever, in anticipation of the wave.

Sometimes the waves gently rolled over me. Other times the waves violently crashed into me. But once, the waves greedily grabbed hold, pulling me helplessly out towards the ocean depths.

The feeling of this childhood experience, albeit decades ago, returned over the past few weeks. The splash, in the form of tears, suddenly running down my face. The palpable, crushing collision of finality pummeling my body. Waves of grief swiftly taking over, engulfing me, then quietly receding, leaving only fragmented traces: red eyes, the occasional sniffle, and slacken body accompanying my despondency.

There isn’t a right or wrong way to grieve, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Most don’t even realize there are multiple types of grief, outside of losing a loved one. We each process the heartache of loss differently. The one common constant is it comes in waves, taking on multiple forms. It’s a very real and deeply personal experience.

When that greedy wave threatened to steal me away, oh so many years ago, it was my dad who plucked me from its grips. Hands strong and sure. Arms readily embracing me. I felt safe, excited to get out there again, not realizing what could have transpired, had he not been there.

My father loved the water, as do I. He taught me the importance of looking up to make sure I saw the sun and out to the shore so I could keep my bearings, no matter what the waves brought. I find myself clinging to that wisdom today.

There are times when I think we all need a safety net. A constant, protecting us from the waves of life. Sometimes we may be carefree riding on top, while other times, we might find ourselves buried underneath.

Though it’s cloudy today, I lift my head to the Son, seeing His ever presence in my life. I look out and see my family, my anchor held firmly upon the shore. And I hold tightly to Abba, my Heavenly Father’s hand as I ride the waves today.

These verses have helped me on many occasion, and if you happen to be riding your own waves, I pray they will bring you comfort, my friend. This section starts with “Rejoice in the Lord always.” I must confess to you I’m not there yet. I am thankful my dad is at peace. I am grateful for the pure joy Christ provides through his gift of grace. I am overwhelmed by the assurance that I will see my dad again. But if I’m honest, my heart hurts a little too much to rejoice today. And that’s ok…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:6-9 NIV

My prayer for us is that we truly feel God’s peace in a very real way today. While we may be on different ones, I believe we both are simply doing our best riding the waves. Help me, Lord, keep my eyes fixed upon you so joy will come in the morning.

Heal

January 1, 2021January 1, 2021by 4letsgetrealtogether1 Comment

I think we can all agree 2020 has been filled with a boatload of challenges. So much hurting and brokenness…broken plans, broken hearts, broken bodies, broken dreams, broken spirits. Yes, there were also glimpses of happiness, joy even, but the heaviness of all the brokenness we experienced seemed to eclipse these moments. Or maybe it’s just my fickle heart…

As this year closes, I’m seeing friends post their 2021 “word.” Reflecting on where they’ve been and what they’d like to focus on go forward. I think it’s wonderful process. In that vein, this is the word that keeps resonating in my mind:

Heal.

Heal me. Heal the broken-hearted. Heal the hatred. Heal the hurting businesses. Heal our country in its division.

Heal.

Healing starts with us. It requires work and effort. But it also requires something else. Hope. One must believe that healing is actually possible in order to fully heal.

The Bible has countless healing references:

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise” (Jeremiah 17:14 ESV).

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 ESV).

“And Moses cried to the Lord, ‘O God, please heal her—please’” (Numbers 12:13 EVS).

What I want most in 2021 is healing—not just for myself but us all! Whole healing. The kind that doesn’t require a plastic painted on smile through pain. The kind that permeates through our skins right into our soul. The kind that cleanses our every fiber.

2020, I’m so done with your hurt. I wait expectantly, on my knees, for the great things He’ll provide in 2021. Because I have hope. Because He is good. And because, I believe, we all need to heal.

“O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me” (Psalm 30:2 ESV).

Delicate Diligence

November 11, 2020November 11, 2020by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

After my first physical therapy appointment, I’m trying to convince my body and brain that PT is my new favorite. Unfortunately, it’s not working. My quads are crying from the sheer exertion required to attempt standing. My biceps/triceps are exhausted from taking the brunt of the work. My head is pounding from the sensory overload of it all, as well as the determined focus required to coerce connections that once came freely. While PT is not my current favorite, it is the vehicle I must diligently utilize in order to transport myself back to normal.

Normal. That word has certainly taken on a new meaning, hasn’t it? We are living in a time where so many things do not look or feel at all normal. Try envisioning giving birth, grieving a loved one, getting married, graduating, or any other significant life event in this unprecedented time. None of it seems normal, not everyday life nor any special occasion, at least, not what we used to call normal.

However, life either continues on or it doesn’t. I’d like to say the choice is entirely ours but that would be a supremely arrogant statement. Truth is, now more than ever, we are reminded how little we have total control over. Frustrating, isn’t it? You’ve probably heard this at least once before: all you can control is your attitude, effort, and communication. I know this is something often taught to athletes. But I’d like to add one more: your faith.

You see, when things feel anything but normal, our faith (or lack there of) is what will guide our attitude, effort, and communication. Will we seek solace in our faith or lash out with our lack of it? Will we allow His Holy Spirit to fill us with peace or unfruitfully fester from fear? These are choices absolutely within our control and will unequivocally influence our attitude, effort, and communication.

All of these, including our faith, require diligence. It is especially easy to lose focus when there are so many things vying for our attention, the worst of which are rattling around inside our heads. Or maybe that’s just me? Maybe I’m the only one with a mind battle at war, the two sides being the easy way or hard way.

The devil instigates his evil schemes inside our minds. He bends and blurs truth until it is almost unrecognizable. He wants us to take the easy, sometimes sinful, way to lure us into his web of deception. However, Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations, and so can we.

“My dear children, you belong to God. So you have defeated them because God’s Spirit, who is in you, is greater than the devil, who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4 ICB

What settles the score in the easy way versus hard way mind battle is inevitably our faith. What we believe in our core. Whether we will listen to what the world says or heed scripture, which tells us this:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NLT

Jesus tells us point blank we will face “the hard way” on Earth through MANY trials and sorrows. It won’t be one trivial trial or simple single sorrow. Scripture, unfortunately, says “many,” of both (hence the word “and”). The good news, however, is if you’ve read the back of the book, then you know who wins: we do, through the gift of Jesus and all the sacrifices He made on our behalf!

So my friend, while whatever you may be facing might not be your favorite, it may even be painful, it does not hold the power of having the final say. We do, through our faith in Jesus Christ, when we allow Him authority over our lives. It is in this delicate dance of handing ourselves over to Him, following His lead, and allowing His spirit to move us in the right direction that brings us through with the least missteps. Let’s open ourselves to His sweet melody while we sing along in praise, even if sometimes, it requires a little more diligence on our part!

Pruning

April 9, 2020by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

My husband loves his knockout roses. We have several of them in our backyard. It is especially hard for him when I tell him it’s pruning time. During early Spring, when they just start blooming, is the best time to give them a hard pruning—cutting the roses back by 1/3 to 1/2 their size. To see the sudden wild and abundant blooms significantly reduced to a fraction of their size, is physically painful for my husband to endure. It’s like this for all of us…just on a different scale.

No one likes pruning. It hurts. It removes portions we think are beautiful and leaves a barren form in its place. It takes time to regroup, drawing strength from deep within its roots, before exploding again in an even more breathtaking explosion of splendor.

We are much like these roses.

Thorny, in the form of words or actions, “protecting” us.

Outstretched branches, or arms, “defending” our central core.

Blooms, which may seem perfectly lovely, only to be eclipsed by an infinitely more lavish display of magnificent blossoms than previously witnessed…

All of which require pruning.

“He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.”
John 15:2 NLT

Right now, my friends, we are being pruned.

It seems harsh.

We did not ask for it.

And yet, here we are today…

Waiting, in our reduced state, to bloom again, even more lavishly and magnificently than previously witnessed.

It will take time. But Scripture tells us, in order to produce more, we must be pruned. And yes, it absolutely hurts to have parts of our lives suddenly removed. But as we draw strength from our roots, renewing our covenant with our Creator, we unequivocally will bloom again…in a magnificent splendor, that not only pleases Him, but prayerfully, points others TO Him.

Today is Maunday Thursday. The day in which Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. The day of the Last Supper. The day where we are reminded to love and serve others. The day before Jesus was crucified for the sins we had not yet committed and assented into Heaven.

Today especially, let’s be mindful of this scripture:

“‘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

We serve a God of hope.

A loving God, who keeps His promises.

A compassionate God, who sent His son—saw Him endure temptation, brutal humiliation, ultimately crucification—all to save us from sinful ourselves so we could live an eternal life with Him in His heavenly realms.

Please don’t miss hear me. I do NOT COVID 19 is FROM God, rather, I DO believe this:

“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
Romans 8:26-28 MSG

God makes beautiful things, out of seemingly nothing. He WILL cultivate good from this strife. It’s ok if we feel frustrated, hurt, or tired during our pruning—He will carry us through, onto something good.

Self Care

February 4, 2020by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

January 3, 2020

REA/L Moment: yesterday was a migraine day. Woke up, holding my head, feeling awful, only to throw the sheets back, run to the bathroom, and proceeded to uncontrollably heave repeatedly into the toilet. Spent the rest of the day fighting waves of nausea, a pounding head, and supreme guilt that I simply wasn’t living up to my “mom duties” for the day.

Flash forward to this morning. Woke up exhausted, having only gotten a few hours of sleep (again), but functioning. Completed morning “mom duties,” returned home, and faced a decision. Should I lay my tired body back down, hopefully getting some additional sleep, or should I just suck it up and start knocking things off my list? The decision came easily, and remarkably, shame-free: I slept.

And that, my friends, is self care. I wanted to feel good today instead of having another set back, so I did the smart thing and took care of myself. Our current culture may shout “self care,” but in the same breath, shamefully look down their noses at us with distain for such an act of “laziness.” Not only is this added “guilt” associated with self care unhelpful, it’s all together unhealthy!

So in my REA/L moment with you today, consider this: on multiple occasions Jesus, withdrew, and went off by Himself to pray, to rest, to recharge so He could continue doing good work. We are made in His image; therefore, there are times we too need to spend time by ourselves to pray, rest, and recharge. This is not shameful or lazy in the least! It is being respectful of our bodies, where His Holy Spirit resides. Let’s stop listening to the lies the world paints as truths. Let’s start diving more into His word for actual truth. Let’s live a life worthy of the one we’ve been called to!

Perfection

December 11, 2019by 4letsgetrealtogether2 Comments

December 10, 2019

Have you ever liked the idea of doing something rather than the actual doing? Take Christmas cookies, for example. My college roommate and I have a tradition of getting together, a couple days before Christmas, and baking dozens of cookies in a multitude of variety. I say “we,” but it’s actually me. I do all the baking and she does the pulling, cooling, decorating, and transportation to our “finished” table. Since the arrival of our respective children, the kids have taken over the decorating, as well as the sprinkle/frosting explosion that inevitably happens.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do so enjoy our time together. I look forward to our annual “Cookie Day.” It’s a favored tradition in my family, after all! But if I’m honest, after about the 5th hour of baking, I’m plain exhausted. I look around at the colossal mess that’s taken over my kitchen, and I think, “why can’t we make this simpler?” Every. Year.

As I sit in a doctor’s office writing this while patiently (or not so) waiting for my turn, I begin thinking about the things I still need to do in order to make this day happen, and wonder why I exhaust myself planning, preparing, and making the myriad of treats so I can present the “perfect” plate of cookies? Why do I allow myself to work till I am absolutely worn, only to feel completely drained on the subsequent days of celebration? Why do I choose to keep up the pretense that “I’m fine,” starting on the next batch, when nothing is further from the truth?

The REA/L answer? Vanity. I don’t want anyone to think less of me if their favorite isn’t on that plate. I don’t want my neighbors to wonder why they didn’t receive their goodies this year. And frankly, I don’t want to admit that this Mom is tired of trying to making things “perfect.”

Perfect is a four letter word. It’s actually seven, but you know what I mean. Nothing is “perfect” this side of Heaven. Period. Then why do we debilitate ourselves striving for the impossible? Seriously, what’s the point?

I’m not sure where you are in this season that’s meant to be joyous, but can we agree to stop the madness and be intentional about things that actually matter? Can we commit to being present instead of pretending to be perfect? Can we refrain from getting wrapped up in how things look like and focus more on what’s genuinely important? Our friends and families care more about the giver (that’s US) than any gift they receive. So does our Savior…and since it’s His birth we honor in the coming weeks, doesn’t it just make sense to be obedient in our adoration of Him instead of things? Acknowledge His perfection. Spend time adoring Him. Prepare our hearts for His arrival. More Mary than Martha (see Luke 10: 38-42).

Let’s be intentionally present.

Let’s not lose the gift of today.

Let’s actually be merry this Christmas!

And in the doing, my friend, we will be able to truly rejoice together in all the beautiful things He gives us, not only in this season, but in each day we are afforded.

Organized Chaos

October 16, 2019by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

October 16, 2019

Does this picture remind you of your life? It certainly does mine of late! Organized chaos. I even have a t-shirt that touts the phrase “Chaos Coordinator.”

Macmillan Dictionary defines chaos as “a situation in which everything is confused and a mess.”

I think, most of us, operate in this state of being, the majority of our adult lives. We try to cram more than is humanly possible into our over-scheduled days. We constantly fill our spaces with noise, whether it be the TV in the background, the radio blaring in our cars, or audio books spoken directly into our ears through AirPods.

When we attempt to multitask the multitude of things we’ve piled onto our plates, in addition to all the noise we are inundated with, we cannot possibly, rationally believe we can master any single one of them. We simply exist in a constant state of chaos: a messy and confused situation of being. A life remiss of peace.

Jesus told His disciples, “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid” (John 14:27 CEV).

The world, and all its things, does not offer peace. It may come “packaged” in a wrapper that would make you believe peace is within; however, true peace is one without worry or fear. Worry of disappointment. Fear of failure. Worry of worth. Fear of disapproval. Worry of capability. Fear of the unknown.

Worry and fear are never present within peace.

Instead of hiding our cluttered mess by closing our doors, instead of celebrating chaos as a celebrity status, instead of attempting feigned organization of our current situation…my dear friend, willingly hand over that with which we desperately clutch, in order to “save face,” because all we are doing in actuality is building more layers for peace to permeate.

The more layers, the more time it takes to feel its presence. Peace is a fruit of the spirit He wishes us to feast upon. Peace brings about lasting change. Peace disperses like the warmth of a fuzzy blanket sitting near the fire. Only His peace breaks through the cancer called chaos in our lives, freeing us from its cyclical chains of bondage.

Chaos is the complete opposite of peace. Why do we keep holding onto the very thing that causes us such strife? Why not dump our drawer full of deception and start anew? Refreshed in His preciously peaceful presence each and every morning until THIS becomes our new state of being! Peace can exist within: ourselves, our family, our home, our community…a place free of stress, worry, fear and chaos.

This is my desire. Will you join me in daily pursuit of His peace? I don’t want the world’s chaos. Just give me Jesus! Through the power of His Holy Spirit, may we invite Him into any places in our lives where we have tried organizing our chaos instead of handing it over.