1. Facing our fears take practice, determination, and forward motion.
I guest posted over at Ifeoma’s blog, Purposeful and Meaningful, and shared what I learned from some flexible gymnasts about living free and growing in faith. Little did I know that God would give me plenty of opportunities to practice facing my fears this month with hard conversations, deciding to travel overseas this summer, and making a difficult decision about a new home.
2. Having a Life Coach is a wonderful thing.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Darlene over at Hearts with a Purpose. She is a dynamic life coach who delights in helping others get unstuck and live their purpose in Christ. Darlene is helping me work through law vs. grace issues as I grow healthier relationally and spiritually. I am so thankful for her coaching and highly recommend that you get in contact with her. My sessions with Darlene have been a highlight of 2015 so far.
3. Letting go and giving space, place and grace can help others grow and shine.
The other day I was trying to get the kids motivated to start their schoolwork. Darling daughter was immersed in her own craft project and was intent on finishing it. Our kids are big fans of the new PBS Show, Odd Squad. She was busy making these creations for her Odd Squad puppet show. She did a great job. I could have kept pushing her to do her homework but I would have missed the giggles that came from letting her be creative and do something she loves. Letting go of control makes room for others to breathe.
4. I am a maximizer.
I think I knew this already but had never had a label put to it. My life coach Darlene pointed it out to me.:) I like to help others develop their dreams and exhort others to take the “next steps”. I also delight in inviting others to participate in something that I believe in and am excited about. What are you dreaming of doing? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section and help brainstorm what the next steps are as you pursue what God has placed in your heart.
Lasting resolve for leading can be found as we help others shine brighter, and help them maximize their impact. Read more about my new motivation for attending the Declare Conference this summer.
5. I need to remember what makes me feel alive.
What are you created to do that brings a unique glory to this world?
I guest posted for God-sized Dreams as we explored our purposes and the importance of not concealing the gifts God has entrusted us with.
I also led worship at church two weeks ago and I felt so full and alive. I was reminded how much I love to sing and that I should be doing it more. We need to exercise our gifts regularly so we don’t forget how to use them.
6. I learned where Cambodia is located.
This summer I am going with REACH International on a two week trip to Cambodia. Want to come? You can read all about my wrestle here.
7. It is important to make a move instead of just talking about it.
I loved this post from Crystal Stine about reaching out to others instead of waiting around for someone else to reach out to us. A friend of mine and I finally had that tea date we had been talking about for months and months, it was nice (why did I wait so long to make it happen?!). I took a brave step and voxed some people to encourage them, they either were slightly scared or pleasantly surprised.:) Let’s take more risks to reach out and let someone know we see them, they matter and they are not alone.
8. I remembered how much I like to read.
I am making more time to read this year. I take a book with me most places and try to get a few pages in here and there (between the kids’ karate and swim team practices). On Sundays I try to read for longer periods of time; it is heavenly.
Are you on Goodreads? I set a goal of to read 26 books in 2015. I read two this month, The Fringe Hours by Jessica Turner (which releases on Feb. 17th) and Interrupted by Jen Hatmaker.
I am currently reading In This House We Will Giggle by Courtney DeFeo and will soon begin The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippetts.9. There are things you can’t explain away or fix.
This is a hard one. My friend is still waiting for her boys to come home. Several friends are going through difficult, on-going health issues. A blogger is bravely and beautifully battling her way to the end.
I can’t control their circumstances or give them easy answers; this frustrates me. Their pain makes me uneasy, it challenges my faith and causes me to ask hard questions. We reach the end of ourselves and God shows us huge and carries us through. We find grace in the unraveling of life somehow because He holds us together when we fall apart.
10. Favorite Quote from January was this via Amy P Boyd, “To slay Goliath David used his sling and stones, things he had used his whole life then trusted God. Learn to use what you have and trust God.”
Linking-up with Emily Freeman for What We Learned In January; join us?
Oh, #3. Yikes. A couple of friends and I were discussing control. Two of us have the control qualities. We were laughing then I said while stomping my foot, “But I’m a rule follower, not a grace giver.” Whoa. It’s true. Rules stomp grace over and over again. Thanks for sharing that print.
Yes indeed, “Rules stomp grace over and over again.” Here’s to the way of grace and His help to hold us there.:)
Such a great list! Congrats on making the investment in yourself of meeting with a life coach. I’m a coach myself so I totally believe in the benefits. And this “Letting go of control makes room for others to breathe.” So much YES!
HI Zochary- Thank you, having a life coach is so life-giving and helpful. Keep helping others- it matters!
It is important to recount the events that happen in our lives. I like your take on this.
Thanks for this thought provoking post.
http://purposefulandmeaningful.blogspot.com/
Hi Ifeoma- Thank you. Still learning all these things even though the month is over.:)
Oh my friend, I LOVE your list here! And that quote from Amy? NICE!!!
Hi Friend! Yes, love that quote from Amy- powerful. Sorry about the Seahawks.:(