One Year Reflection When God Taught Us a Different Way to Live

Today marks the One Year Anniversary of the day God called our family to cross state lines and learn a different way to live. We traded our boots and jeans for flip flops and cover ups. 

This past year really has been a different way of living. I mean, Texas is it's own country. You could spend a lifetime exploring all of it's diverse regions. In both Texas and Florida, you have the opportunity to hunt for your own food, land or sea, and grill it up for your family. Texas offers beautiful skies as does Florida. People are very protective over their lands and take great pride in their environments, in both states. Because of the diversity of Texas, beaches and lakes to desserts and mountains, you find all sorts of people there, city folk, country folk, to those living off the grid. Same here in the islands. There is much in common between these two amazing places we have called home.

I never would have imagined us living on an island and being happy about it! I mean for vacations, yes. God has shown us a dream way to live. It's not that we have sharks, dolphin, manatee, turtles, barracuda, colorful fish and iguanas in our back yard. It's not that we see creation more that cement. But it's been how we lived for the past year compared to all we had previously known as normal. We have learned more than simple living in a smaller house with a community of limited choices. More than wearing less make-up and having less "things." 

For the first time, we have lived a life counting down our days. 

When God called us here, we knew it would be for a year. Every person told us we wouldn't be coming back but we assured them we would be. Denial? Fear? Maybe. 

Because we knew we only had a year, we have lived life counting down the days verses living the "one day we hope to" or "maybe next month" mentality. This was our chance to embrace everything island living had to offer. There were only 12 months and the countdown had begun. 

While we lived with intentionality in Texas, I realize now we never lived each day truly fully embracing that day or that place. It was a day in and day out, routine, familiar place we called home, where days stacked up one upon another. We certainly embraced the people (family, neighbors, friends, community), and we enjoyed Texas life but even then, compared to what we have experienced here in living fully embracing, we could have shared and embraced life more. 

After a long week of work, sports, running 4 different directions with the four kids, we found ourselves in a rut, collapsing on our own couches, exhausted, with nothing left to give...and besides, surely next week, next month won't be so crazy. But inevitably it was. 

Yes, we had people over, but rarely. And not because we didn't want to, but because we figured another time would be better, less crazy...and those days were few and far between! Our minds processed time with a future hope. Here, we could not process fellowship opportunities like that because we didn't have endless opportunities to share life with others. There were only 52 weekends to explore this place, these people, with our family of 6...365 days...364...363...100...99 days to experience what God had for us.

When we moved here to Florida, we really didn't have plans to make friends and dig deep roots here. We felt more on sabbatical, on mission. 

We weren't coming to establish ourselves but rather to experience whatever He had for us for each day, counting down each one, knowing God had called us here to release some of the chains of life we had been bound by and to cling only to Him. He moved us out of our rut, and into refreshment, serving Him, loving Him and growing in Him in fresh new ways. We were to embrace and renew our relationship with God individually and as a family. We also knew we were to find a local church to encourage and support yet not lead within. It was counting down lifestyle.

And we have. Every day is a day submitted and surrendered to God, His plans, His desires. I can only hope and pray that I have mostly accomplished all that He has asked of me. I have had my lazy days. I have had selfish moments. I have missed the mark often. But my heart has daily longed for His. 

No, I don't have a book published. No one has my photography displayed on their wall. I cannot strike a cord on the guitar. I did not lead my children through Bible studies and teach them all I know. I didn't learn to cook all the fabulous and healthy meals I wanted. I didn't loose those stubborn 30lbs. But, I did embrace intentional living and loving, exploring and embracing newness of life in Christ. 

No matter where God calls us next, I pray that we will continue to live embracing life, continuously counting down the days here as we look forward to each new day we step closer to the last day before Glory where our days will never end! What joy to look back over the years and know that even though we made mistakes and missed opportunities, at least we were intentional and gave what we had to give for each day as a whole. A life lived embracing!

I hope this has made sense to you. Sometimes the things we experience deep in our hearts and the way we process things, are hard to express without sounding random or obscure. I write this (as with each blog) as a place of remembrance for me personally to a place God has met me and changed me, but also as an opportunity to encourage you. It's not a happenstance you are here. 

Our lives are living testimonies to be shared. For me, this blog is just one of the ways He has given me. My life used to be so private, rooted deeply in insecurity and fear of judgement. How wonderful and freeing to live life with an Audience of One. There is way less pressure and way more pursuit!

I want to encourage you today, if you have found yourself living life in a rut, days are just days stacking up, you find yourself always wishing you could (fill in the blank) but you continually put it off, I pray you will ask God to lead you out of that rut and refresh you into His abundant living, counting down your days, instead of putting them off, until Glory. 

It's doesn't mean you will be called to sell everything and move. It doesn't mean your circumstances will all of a sudden change. But it does mean your heart and mind will be renewed as you are seek to find more joy, a refreshment of soul, embracing every day's breath with the purpose God has planned for you, wholly living for Him, in Him and thru Him. 

Life here is short. 

You won't notice the sunsets, the miracles, the needs of others, the love, the people around you when you are in a crazy cycle, busy intersection or a rut. They will be distant glimpses of something more, something hoped for. How glorious when we "get out" and experience it first hand!!!

Today, will YOU choose to live counting down? I'd love to know about it!

For those wanting to read about the call here, you can read about it on the blog .

Ephesians 3: 14-21 (ESV) "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 

 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 

may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Here are just a few of our 365 days....

©Shell Photography

Feast vs Fries

"A whole basket of fries," my son tells me after he returns home from work. (That's his favorite thing, aside from ice cream.) He ordered a whole basket of fries for his dinner, explaining how much he loves not only their flavor and texture, but the price at only $3. Of course, I repeat my "you can't live on fries and sugar alone" Mom speech. You need protein to sustain you, fruits and veggies to balance you. Well, not sure he really cares. Fries are filling, cheap and a quick fix to a hungry tummy and yes, a tasty one at that! 
After talking recently with friends who are struggling in their relationships, this sank into my soul...the act of substitution, settling, selfishness and taking in less than ideal. In essence, we are starving ourselves when what we need is nourishment  I began to wonder....why it is we sometimes are satisfied with just a "basket of fries" in our marriages, friendships, our walk with the Lord?! In marriage, we turn to pornography, adultery, movies, MA tv shows, avoidance, selfishness, etc to fill us in moments of hunger. Of course, it may taste good, it may fill you temporarily and satisfy your craving for something spicy, and it's a cheap, quick fix but it's not healthy for you (body, mind, soul or spirit). It will actually destroy you from the inside out, places you can't see constricting you at the core. Sometimes we just don't care because it's easier...and it's our version of satisfaction. But that is far from the truth. Other times we are so consumed by "fries" we can't stop feasting on them and even if we know we need to stop filling ourselves on whole baskets, we can't.
It seems our culture has become so easily enticed into whatever is quick, cheap and easy, rather than what is quality and of substance. We want what we want when we want it and will have it regardless of what is best for us. We either don't care or we are consumed to the point of feeling satisfied enough with just a "whole basket of fries."
In our relationships with others, we serve up tasty baskets of fries to each other out of fear of rejection, out of hurt or lack of trust. Because it's easier. We want quick, painless and easy relationships. It takes time, trust and energy to have beautiful, solid relationships and frankly, we fall into the pit of feeling either undeserving or pridefulness and we don't see the value of our "sacrifice" in order to richly invest. 
In our walk with the Lord, we feast on the whole basket of delicious salty fries even though He has a grand feast offering before us. We settle for less than the whole of what God has to offer. He has so much more to give than just fries.
Now don't get me wrong, I will be the first to admit I very much enjoy fresh, salty fries, and especially salty, sweet potato fries, but this is not the whole of my diet. It is a part of it. It's our favorite side to hamburgers on the grill. But a diet of only fries, which would certainly fill us and satisfy our tastebuds and growling tummies, will not provide nourishment that we need. We must have substantial nourishment and balance in order to thrive in body, mind and spirit. Here's the thing...you know you are going to get hungry...eventually. Why not plan for it? Be ready. Prepare ahead of time for the moment.
This is true in our marriage, our friendships and our walk with the Lord. We are enticed by "baskets of salty fries" and we fill up, leaving no room for anything else. We knew we'd be hungry. Why didn't we prepare? You want fries? Great...enjoy them on the side of something meaty, healthy, nourishing. Not every conversation we have with our spouse or our friend will be meaty, deep and soul-revealing, it's good to talk about things that fill us up like "life," "kids," "work," and "the weather" but we must have a nourishing substance for our whole heart and soul...with fries on the side. In a world that says take what you can, go the easy route, self-protect, do whatever it takes, God tells us to feast not on what is earthly, but eternal. Do not settle, excuse, or justify something less. Be satisfied in richness! Today, will you choose feast or fries to satisfy your hunger?! Filler or fullness?!
Psalm 34:8 says "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" 
Be salty, but be His salt!!! Mathew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." 

John 6:24-27, 33-35 "So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"

 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." 

Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." 

Psalm 23: 5-6 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Cooking in the kitchen...get the glasses!

I suppose it's just one of the signs you know You're Over 40. I'll be working in the kitchen, getting everything out for making my less than perfect meal, it's true, I own it, don't worry...and I pull out the recipe to begin the challenge of conquering a healthy meal (or sometimes an unhealthy but delicious dessert) but there is a problem...I can't read it. Literally. What has happened to my eyes?!? Does it say preheat to 325 or 375? Is it a tablespoon or teaspoon? How much of a cup? Well, better grab the glasses. Oh, now I can see. But I must also turn on the Light highlighting the directions (and pictures) in The Book. Now the cooking may begin!

Without the right ingredients, measurements, tools, glasses or the light, I probably could have guessed my way through the recipe, and if I got lucky, it may have appeared good enough but I am not so sure it would have tasted good enough. There is a huge difference in a tablespoon of salt and a teaspoon of salt! 

Can't we just make do with what we have and it be good enough? (I am not talking about about contentment here. That is another blog for another day!) It's when we settle or substitute.

So what makes us settle for attempting just good enough? Although I am sure the list of "reasons" are as long as my grocery list, the most common I feel are: poor time management/rushing/laziness, lack of preparation, prideful attitudes, low expectations, overloading our mind/busyness, substituting right ingredients for the wrong ones, using the wrong tools. Why do we settle when what we really hope for is excellence? And why do we get mad when things don't turn out how we wished or imagined?!? Oh my! Who to blame?! Surely not ourself?! I mean, the kids...our spouse....the schedule...the phone calls...the neighbor...the news...if they weren't so needy, it would have been better right?! The famous Blame Game! It's nothing new...read Genesis!

I'm afraid we do the same thing in our spiritual walk. We settle for good enough. But why when what we want is excellence?! For all the reasons we named above: poor time management, rushing or being lazy, pridefulness, low expectations, overloaded minds, hearts or schedules, substituting for the real thing, not adequately preparing...and on the list goes. And we wonder why we don't feel God, or hear His voice, see Him move in our lives. We want to blame the kids...the spouse....the schedule...the work...the schools...the church...the neighbor...the barking neighborhood dog...the bad hair day....everyone but ourselves. I know, I feel the sting too. Ouch! 

I actually am over 40 and my eyes are getting fuzzy. Yep, time for another eye check up for sure. I have done what I can to guess my best when I can't see something clearly and the results have proven so...barely good enough...or complete failure. This has been true for me spiritually too, settling for good enough, often resulting in complete failure....but why when what I want is excellence...to feel God, hear His voice, see Him move? Well, I know who is to blame: Me. Only me. 

The Holy Spirit is like my much needed glasses, making everything clear...crystal clear so I don't have to guess. Jesus is the Light that lights the Way/Directions in dark spaces. I have everything I need to walk in excellence, serving, giving and loving the Lord and others. Perfect? No. Southern Living or Pinterest Perfection? Nope. But with all my heart, soul and mind, it is my desire to love Him with all I am, to be prepared and equipped for whatever He asks of me. How could I give Him less than that? He gave His all for me. 

God has prepared a Way for us to walk this life in excellence. There is no substitute for Him. Aren't you thankful God doesn't settle for good enough? He is not a good enough God. He is more than enough! Our God graciously gave us His One and Only Perfect Son, Christ Jesus and His Spirit to lead us and guide us along the way of excellence, to prosper us, for our good and His glory! We don't have to guess our way through life and we don't have to settle. 

God, thank You for giving me all I need to live a life of excellence. While I know that to be true, please forgive me when I am lazy or rushed, unprepared or selfish. I know there are days I don't feel 100%, but Lord, help me accomplish with excellence all that You have called me to. Don't let me be satisfied with less than. I know You aren't. Let me see You clearly. Let me feel Your movement around me. Show me daily Your Way. Help me to walk in the path of Your Light and keep my feet from walking into darkness. 

God, wake me to meet with You and give You my first. Draw me back into Your Word. Help me prepare myself to hear You. Help me teach my children by living it out what walking with You looks like every day. May my life-walk outrun my mouth. 

God, I desire excellence for myself, my family, for others, please lead us towards You, prepare us and equip us, removing all our excuses, all that hinders and quenches the Spirit You have blessed us with. Bless Your Perfect Name, Holy God, amen.