Motivation Monday – Let's Get REAL Together

Heavenly Strides

June 3, 2024June 3, 2024by 4letsgetrealtogether1 Comment

What do you call a writer who doesn’t write? Me. What do you call a Christian who isn’t disciplined in reading His word? Also me. Spending quiet time reading the Bible, feeling His grace and mercy when I do, empowers me to share…His goodness, His truths, His gentle hand in my life. It’s truly a simple formula.

A (Reading the Bible)

+ B (Reflecting on Him)

= C (Writing inspiration)

I KNOW THIS! And yet, I’m mystified when I go through a “dry spell.” I’ll think about writing. I’ll wonder what’s stopping me from writing. I’ll shame myself for not writing. But for whatever reason, I’ll waste more time on the above fruitless efforts, scroll, or play games on my phone and find myself still stuck in the same slump. Here’s one more stinger: I “proudly” have a 100 day streak on a language app because apparently that’s of higher priority in my feeble brain! How utterly ridiculous is that?!

Why am I confessing this to you? Exposing my vanity might give you enough pause to reflect on yours. If that’s offensive, stop reading here. Forgive me friends. You will totally miss the point of what I’m trying to share.

It’s infinitely easier to “busy” ourselves right out of meaningful work, or toil as the Bible references it. Both are four letter words, and we can logicize our way out of it’s profane presence. Labor is hard and often viewed as punishment. But laboring in vain? That’s ultimately more painful friends!

“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 NRSV

Today, before starting this, I spent time in His word via the Bible app. Easy. Accessible. And in seven minutes, I navigated through the scripture of the day, guided reflection, and spent time with Him in prayer. Seven minutes y’all! That’s significantly less time than ANY of the aforementioned fruitless tasks! And what did it yield? Easing back into the familiar formula: A + B = C

I feel better about myself. I accomplished something meaningful. I found myself back on my purpose path. And as an added bonus, I started a NEW streak: 1 Daily Refresh. Day one is a great place to be friends! It’s a step in the right direction, away from my worrisome past.

The biggest irony of the day? I have the best image of our loving God chuckling as I share this. Here’s one of the verses from today’s guided prayer portion of the Bible app…

“And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”
Matthew 6:17 NRSV

So in my REA/L moment today with you sweet friends, instead of wasting time worrying, let’s commit to working our way back to Him. Be steadfast in the things that matter. Prioritize our streaks towards Heavenly strides.

This Moment

September 19, 2022by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

Because we arrive late (again), I scan the general area where we used to sit. “Used to” is important since our invisible “reserved” marker is no longer observed. Our sporadic attendance of late, due to a variety of reasons, brings momentary panic as we proceed forward.

What if there aren’t any available seats near the aisle? Would we be able to settle in somewhere with minimal disruption? How am I to navigate through without making a complete spectacle of myself on crutches? Thankfully, we find a “suitable” location and join in the service during one of the last worship songs before the sermon begins.

I look up at my husband, who jumps right in singing the words on the screen. He seems content and focused on worship. My lips join in, however, my mind requires a bit of acclimation. Taking in my surroundings, I begin noticing all the things.

The person behind us is coughing, which is equivalent to the plague these days. Are they directly behind me? Do they seem “sick” or just have a tickle? Movement catches my eye, and I see someone I recognize, though he’s not sitting where he usually does. I wonder why? Was his “assigned seat” taken? Then the lighting bounces off the lead guitar with a flash, and I’m redirected toward the front by the beautiful melody offered in praise.

Pleadingly, I will my mind to focus on the purpose of our attendance: worship. Forgive me, Lord. I am a waif, easily distracted. My noticings should be of your glory and goodness, yet I find myself easily flustered by all that vies for my attention. Misled by meaningless noise.

Whom shall I follow? Let it be YOU Lord. Draw all of me to you. Remove all that fruitlessly clamors. Fashion an unbreakable strand upon my heart that only you control.

“Do not forget the agreement I made with you. And do not worship other gods. Instead worship the Lord your God. He will save you from all your enemies.”
2 Kings 17:38-39 ICB

I sat ashamed with the realization I had allowed the world governance over me. I deeply valued my ability to “notice things,” prided myself as an observer, placed undo importance on this; meanwhile, all this internal commotion caused confused misdirection away from things that truly matter. I’d relinquished power over my mind to the enemy, who rapidly fired flares beaconing for more attention, luring me further away from the most sovereign God.

I repent, and plead for forgiveness, knowing all the while it is already mine.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 NIV

Friends, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a daily battle weeding out the false gods in my life. Things that I give pointless priority. And like most weeds, plucking does nothing when the roots remain intact—simply a temporary reprieve. Only complete removal, digging deep to eradicate all traces, will allow something more delightful to take up residence.

“We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect.”
Hebrews 12:1c-2a NCV

*sigh*

Maybe one day I’ll be strong enough to stop this battle once and for all, giving Him total dominion over me. There I go again, thinking this is about me—my strength, my ability. I can only offer this moment, fortified with the power of His Spirit, and rest with certainty that He will bridge the gap to the next on my journey closer to Him.

Let’s get REA/L together.

IMprove

January 10, 2022by 4letsgetrealtogetherLeave a Comment

When I pry my eyes open to see what time it is, my head begins to pound. I’m not sure if it’s just rebelling against the thought of getting out of bed or an actual headache. Well, let’s see…

I throw the covers off and swing my legs over the edge of the bed, eyes still closed. Once my feet hit the floor, I forcibly pry my lids open. So. Very. Bright. This sends an immediate signal to my head—thump, thump. I hesitate briefly, seriously considering crawling back into bed.

Not gonna do it (said in my best Dana Carvey as George Bush voice), and I open the doors to our bathroom. So. Very. Very. Bright. The brilliant morning sunlight fills the entire room. *Sigh* Ok, lemme see how I feel after I get dressed. Maybe it’s not a headache…

The chilly air necessitates long sleeves and pants. “Alexa, what is the current tempurature” I mumble—part of my daily ritual. “Currently, it’s 41 degrees,” she replies. Burr! Bright AND cold! Ugh, why did I say I’d go for a walk this morning?

Dressed, I walk into the living room and open the blinds. My eyes acquiesce to the additional blazing assault, calibrating as they continue to focus. My head decides it’s just unhappy I’ve ignored the multiple protests and falls in line as well.

Coffee. Must have coffee.

I sink into the couch with my favorite mug and let the warmth radiate into my hands. My mouth welcomes the smooth blend of beans with perfectly frothed milk. Can I simply sit here all morning? What if my waking partner cancels? Surely that would be my green light to stay comfortably situated and take the morning off.

As if on cue, my phone dings. Message reads: not feeling great and not ready to get up. *Sigh* Well, there’s my sign. Question is how should I read it?

As I consider, I continue sipping my coffee and start strolling. Lots of #10yearsChallenge and #21DaysOfFasting posts. Seriously? Ugh! FINE! I’ll get up and go on the stupid walk. “I’m taking you with me, let’s go” I say to our pup and grab the necessities for us both. She seems much happier about this than me, tail excitedly wagging.

I step outside. Did I mention it was 41 degrees? Burr! This Texas girl does not like the cold! Neither do my lungs, as they instantly protest the intrusion of blustery winter air. It’ll be fine, just a quick twenty minute walk I tell myself. I tuck the end of leash inside my pockets along with my freezing hands.

Once I got about halfway through my trek, my mind revisited those previous posts. What did I want to see in myself ten years down the road? For my husband and family? While I full well realize I cannot control their actions, I certainly have the power to influence them! Which got me thinking, instead of fasting, maybe I should consider incorporating.

January is the token month for resolutions started and usually dismissed, present company included in this faulty process. How many times have I said “this year will be different” and talked myself right out of any resolution or motivation? Usually in less than 21 days. Yes, pitifully, I’ll own it. *OUCH*

Improve, the voice inside me speaks with conviction. Improve! I think about the word, and because my mind works in acronyms, this revelation sobers me: I Must Prove to IMprove.

I must prove to myself I’m worth the work.

I must prove to my family that it’s possible.

I must hold tighter to my vision than vices.

Truly, what is twenty minutes (or more) of scrolling every day going to net me in 10 years? Will I look back and wish I’d wasted more of my time watching others live their lives? Does that actually benefit me in any positive way? I think not!

I want to write. I want to be healthier. I want to grow as a person. I want to do aerial yoga, like I saw some one post. I want to connect in real life with my friends. I want to pick an activity and have someone join me once a month. I want to travel.

I want more—for myself and my family—without the addition of useless stuff that I probably won’t remember, much less care about, come next January. Wow, this walk is proving to be of far greater value than I realized! As they say, “The proof is in the pudding.”

My steps become lighter, breathing easier, and body warmer. Despite my initial reticence to doing something so simple for myself, the Lord blessed me with this significant revelation.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8 NIV

Lord, thank you for helping me resist the temptation to give up on myself and you today. You desire so much more for my life. I know in my heart you immeasurably bless me when I seek and listen to you. Hold me accountable, Lord, to improving and turning from my slothful ways—not just this month but well beyond. It scares me to offer myself up to your correction for any missteps ; however, I know you are a loving God and will make all things good.

That was difficult to put into writing and share. Now, as I conclude this attempt to capture my morning, I leave you with this REA/L thought: whatever time it is, however busy you may think you are, consider what your actions are proving and to whom.

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!