Only Ship?

Do you ever feel like the only ship in an ocean full of water?
There is no land to be seen
You're floating for days, weeks, months, years
No one else around, no land to be found.

But every morning you see the sunrise and
 every evening you watch the sunset. 
You know something is out there
You can sense it...feel it
It gives you HOPE

Don't give up
Even when you have days like this
You can't find land
You can't see another sign of life

Look up~
Watch the sunrise
Observe the sunset
You're not alone
He is with you always

He is all around you
Going before you
Coming behind you
Protecting you
Leading/Guiding you

Don't lose heart
Don't give up
Have faith
An island is just beyond the horizon

Busy, Busy, Busy...but not SO busy!

Everyday I wake up to tackle the day and think today is the day that I am going to get "caught up", make some "head way" in the piles of paper on my desk and the longest "to do" list I've probably ever had.

A "to do" list that never gets done because things roll from one day to the next and more is added?

Yesterday was supposed to be that magical day where I got caught up, except 14 packages came in the mail for me that I needed to take care of right away because, frankly, they took up more space in my office than 1/2 the people in it.  But seriously...14 packages.  All of which required two people (two strong people) to carry up to my office.

Today I was supposed to be able to do this.  I even got up a little bit early so I could get a head start on it.  Today I was dealing with VIP visitors, immediate requests, meetings and more meetings...all while also training an assistant.

This evening, about 7pm, someone came to my desk and said...Put it all away and let's go grab dinner.   I stated I was almost done but had two more things I needed to get done.   Just two more.  The person asked, "how much longer" which I replied, "about 15 minutes".   "Great 730pm, I can pick you up outside the office."  "Ok, no problem", I said.   8pm I walked out of my office because I knew a colleague was waiting for me, and quite possibly a second.

Dang it....EPIC FAIL

It felt so great to get out of the office and do something non-work related...although we talked more work that I cared to.  Then, I came home, called my mom and talked to my mom and nieces on Skype for 45 minutes.  

Are you too busy?  Are your priorities in check?  Are you remembering to take time for you?

I know that I haven't been to the gym in 3 weeks.   I know I will feel better once I get an awesome workout in.   I hadn't talked to my mom since Father's Day (who can forget calling their Father) but before that it had been at least 10 days since I had talked to mom and dad.

Life is TOO short.  Your workplace will not be who takes care of you when you are older, or sick, or forgetful, or lose your eyesight, etc.   Family/Friends will.

Invest!   Invest in people.  Invest in family and friends.  You'll never regret it.  However, you might regret it if you invest in your job and the company folds, goes down, becomes bankrupt.  Invest in eternal things...you'll never regret it.

He is able.

Coming and Going

I live in a culture where coming and going is quite natural.  No one stays in one place long.  Quite often it's every 2-3 years that we get reassigned and move from one part of the world to another.  But I have had the fortunate pleasure of doing it every 12 months and as often as every 6-8 weeks.

For now, I'm established.  My household effects should be here soon.  Someone even told me the other day my place is starting to come into itself, meaning I've been decorating.   But now, people all around me are coming and going.

Because I've been in their shoes a hundred times, I'm really trying to be inclusive of people visiting for just a short time.   I'm trying to get them out and about in town, well it's still relatively permissive to do so, go to the beaches, wineries, museums, restaurants, etc.   I know how it feels to be stuck in my hotel room or short term rental with no where to go, no one inviting me over for dinner, not understanding the lay of the land. 

Look around.  Do you see people like I just described?  In your neighborhood, at your place of work, at your children's school?   You encounter people each and every day - which one is feeling like a loner?  Which one is looking for a girlfriend or a guy pal to chat up about things going on in their lives?  Who is searching for just a shopping pal?  A gym accomplice?

If you are anything like me you're thinking: when in the world do I have time to start a new friendship, to take a new colleague under my wing, to ask that newly divorced parent to coffee?  When?  I have a job...a family...I volunteer at my kids school...I sing in the choir at church...My family and I help feed the homeless on Saturday mornings.   When am I going to find time to make another friend.  Besides, I have plenty of them.

Imagine yourself sitting home alone day in and day out.  Imagine being the new person in the office and not feeling like you fit in.  Think for a second being the only mom not included in a mom huddle while waiting for the kids to get out of school.  

I know you have someone who is at the forefront of your thoughts right now.  Someone God has been laying on your heart to reach out to, maybe even become friends with.   (GASP) Yes, friends with.  Be His hands and feet.   Extend mercy and grace to someone who may not even know what those words mean.   Have compassion, but not pity!  Imagine yourself in their shoes...what would you hope someone would do for you - then do it for someone who really does need it.

Put your pride and status aside and let God work through you.    He is Able!

Changes

ChAnGeS

Have you ever had a dream?

And prayed and prayed that God would give you that dream?

Did you ever wonder if that dream would come true?

Did it ever come close and then slip away?

Have you ever felt like everything was falling apart around you but you knew GOD was in control, still on the throne but He was simply asking you to trust Him?

Fall 2012 I was excited about starting a new chapter in my life that was going to be very good for my career.  I was literally two weeks away from this new chapter when tragedy struck.  Nobody could have seen coming what occurred.  No one would have dreamed it on their worst enemy, but it changed my life forever and the lives of many I care about.  It also altered my career plans. 

I was confused, disappointed, frustrated, maybe even a little angry.   I thought I had done everything right to get me to that point, but tragedy struck.  It was completely beyond my control.  I thought it was God's way of giving me my dream.  Because tragedy struck, it looked like a door might be opening for me to finally have my dream.  Beauty from ashes, right?  That's what you and I have both heard, but God had different plans.  Instead...I was assigned back to Washington.   

Washington, DC:  A place that holds so many memories of a failed marriage.   The beginning of the end of my marriage.   Why would God ask me to go back there for two years?  Why would I have to drive the same roads, visit the same establishments, see remnants of my failed marriage any many corners and curves?   How would I survive?  Would I survive?

TWO LONG YEARS!

Are you asking why God would not only take your dream away when it's literally right in front of you, to only put you in a place that reminds you of pain and loss?   Are you wondering if God really cares about you?  and your happiness?

I took a job back in Washington that I knew would not give me opportunity for promotion but I would be fulfilled and happy during my time, at least professionally.   But alas, I had another terrible disappointment on the professional front.   I just didn't understand.  One thing after another after another.  On top of that, my sister now had 2 little girls and by Summer 14, yet a third.  Being 3,000 miles away was one of the hardest parts of my life, personally.  What was God's plan?  I had no idea!  None. And I didn't see answers anywhere.   

There are many things God has done in the past year to get me where I am today.   I will share a couple of those in the coming months and years but I'll tell you this much now: God is God!  He is Sovereign.  He is always on time!  He is never, ever late! He's got a plan!  HE IS ABLE!  No matter what happens, don't ever doubt that.  

Today...I write from my living room, truly living my dream.  I'm right where I have always dreamed of being, doing exactly what I love doing.   I'll tell you more about that in the coming month but just know...it is possible!  Seek the Lord, trust Him with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.  Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.