Your Story Matters

I just saw this the other day and just loved it! It’s a tear jerker…

Then, I saw this…

Sarah is such a genuine, beautiful lady – so is Ellen. It’s so encouraging and inspiring when celebrities and corporations use their powers for good.

There are voices in my head. Too often they are accusing voices – enemies of my heart. I call these accusers the Barking Dogs. Even though they are loud, I often confuse their barks with my own voice. They growl sentences filled with phrases like “less than”,”shouldn’t have”, “never enough”,”fat”,”not enough”, “fake” and on and on it goes. They contribute to my fear of rejection saying “Once they find out what you’re really like or that you’re not as good as_____,  they will drop you, fire you, leave you, give up on you. You will never be enough. Hide.”. This voice makes me feel afraid, trapped and old.

There is another Voice in my head. I wish it were louder. I wish it would shout. It doesn’t. This Voice is quiet and gentle and persistent. I never confuse it with my own. His name is Jesus. He speaks words like, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”, “nothing can separate you from my love”, “you are wonderfully made”,”you can because I will strengthen you”, “come to me, I will give you rest”, “as far as the East is from the West so I have forgiven you” and on and on His Word goes. His voice makes me feel afraid, too. But, the fear is different – it’s more like being vulnerable, softer, new, hopeful.

I despise the Barking Dogs but they are familiar and louder. They demand my attention. The Voice of Jesus is becoming more familiar over the years, too. But, I must choose to listen for His voice. I must resist the Growl. Fortunately Jesus’ Words are written down. Hearing His voice makes me thirsty for more. Someday I will be satisfied.

I heard this Tenth Avenue North song today and it encouraged me to listen to the Voice of Jesus. I hope it encourages you, too.

What do your voices say? Who do you listen to?

Em & Mark...I love them.

On Tuesday mornings I get to walk my youngest to school. It’s a pretty special time. I look forward to it.

On cooler days, we hold hands underneath my sweatshirt sleeve or share my coat pocket. I like walking with her on cold days best.

Today I learned that she would like to go to Alaska. Stay for a week and learn how to dogsled. How cool is that? Awesome.

Moments like these bring a sweet connection. They’re so simple but go down so deep.

How about you? How do you connect?

"The Dip" by Seth Godin

Feeling the fog brain today and general discouragement. I’m in the middle of big project for work and I think I’ve hit “the dip“. The “dip” is that place where I (we) decide to quit or push through. All stories that matter hit it at some point. I know I’m going to push through but for now…this evening…I will procrastinate and wallow. It’s funny because I’m really excited about the project. It will be a life changer for so many people…for teenagers. I wonder if the size of the dip is directly related to the potential impact of the project?

Ever feel that way?

(by the way, “The Dip” is an excellent, encouraging, quick read. I highly recommend it!)