Today’s Big Ask

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Amy

Today, as part of my Big Ask Experiment, I’m asking you for help. Would you please consider helping a family friend cover travel costs she incurs monthly to receive chemotherapy treatments?

Katy Giske has been fighting cancer for better than three years. She’s received several rounds of treatment at the University of Minnesota and is currently undergoing her second series of chemo treatments in Houston. Every month she goes to Houston for a few days for her “amped-up” treatment. As you might imagine, the expenses for travel can be hefty. Below is the plea I received from her husband, Ken, this morning:

Friends,
I am writing this to let you know that Katy is heading for Houston again on Thursday, the 29th for chemo.  She will be coming home on Sunday.  She is feeling pretty good except for getting tired more often. We are hanging in there yet it seems to get harder each month.  We have so much going on and that doesn’t include the therapy riding program we run.

We have certainly been blessed in so many ways during this journey.  The people have been so good to us in so many ways, it is overwhelming at times.

And yet, I need your help.

In the past we have had the money or frequent flyer miles donated to cover travel expenses to Houston. Thank God! For this particular trip, however, we used Katy’s folks’ charge card to pay for the trip. We need $650 to repay her folks. I am sure they are not worried about it but it would be great if we could. They too have done so much.

I know this may sound like it is begging but I need to ask. Katy has a benefit account at the local bank:
Katy Giske Benefit Account
River Falls State Bank
124  S 2nd Street
River Falls, WI 54022

It is hard to ask this of you, but I know you all would understand.

Thank you. And God bless!
Ken

If you can help the Giske’s, please send your donation to the River Falls State Bank. Thank you!!

Posted in Other people's stuff | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Update on The Big Ask Experiment

Posted on July 27, 2010 by Amy

Well, last week, I committed to asking something big of someone else every day for a month. It’s been a challenge to identify the big asks even just a few days into the experiment. The first few days my asks supported my work: asking for business from a prospect, asking for a meeting with a prospective client and asking for the opportunity to present to a company’s customers. It was empowering to make these request. It spurred my confidence to want to ask for more. A great thing!

And then came the weekend…

In my personal life, the opportunities for asks are fewer. Is it because I’m complacent in that area? I’m in a comfort zone and can’t see beyond it? Why can I not see ways in which my personal life could be expanded? I don’t have the answer. I just know that I need to look more closely.

Asking Big Things of God
It occurs to me that sometimes we need to ask big things of God rather than people. Many of us are afraid to ask of God because we think our requests may go against his will. Or we don’t really expect him to answer. Or my favorite, we don’t want to trouble God or be demanding. We don’t want to seem ungrateful for what we have by not being content. It’s like we don’t believe he wants to bless us.

Making Requests
Could it be that the purpose of the Big Ask Experiment for me is to be bold in my requests to God? God, bring me a new house soon. God, please help me land that new account so I can more easily afford that house you’re going to bring me. God, please help me be more loving and compassionate, to stop worrying. God, please bring peace to my relationships. These requests seem so self-centered and not relevant to my spiritual growth that I’m apt not to make them.

The reality is that nothing is impossible for God – the bigger the better. He loves to display his power and get all the glory. He wants to bless us because he loves us. So, let’s be bold in our requests and watch God work. Ask him to make the answers to your prayers obvious and share those answers with others.

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Selling Tack/Trailer to Cover Vet Costs

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Amy

A plea from my friend Barb:

Please let me know if you know of anyone that would be interested in a couple of saddles we have for sale. One of our cats is very ill, and needs further diagnostic testing, which makes it necessary for us to come up with the funds.

I really would only like to sell the J&M saddle, but the urgency and severity of Yoda’s illness means time is of the essence, and I need to be flexible as to what might sell more quickly. For photos, email Barb.Geibe@unilever.com.

Thanks for your help!

14″ Barrel Saddle w/Silver Trim14″ J&M barrel saddle with suede seat. Basketweave tooling. Rawhide-wrapped horn, stirrups & cantle. Silver trim. $250 firm, cash only. Serious inquiries only, please. 952-201-8362

14.5″ Court’s Sharon Camarillo Barrel SaddleTree: Sharon Camarillo light, rawhide covered, full quarter horse bars and gullet
Seat: 14.5″ Padded suede.
Gullet: W 7″ x H 8″
Cantle: 4″ Comfort, 2″ natural rawhide silver laced cheyenne roll, leather tooled overlay.
Skirts: Semi square, cut away, fleece lined, 24″ x 12″.
Fender Inseam: 31″ to 37″
Weight: 28 pounds
http://www.courtsaddlery.com/sharon_camarillo_saddles.htm
$1,000 firm, cash only. Serious inquiries only, please. 952-201-8362

Extra-tall Jackson 2-horse straight-load trailer
Inside dimensions:
7′ tall
62″ wide
76″ chest to tail
114″ nose to tail
5’2″ dressing room length

This trailer has had a complete overhaul. Anything needing to be replaced, repaired or added has been done. All new: green-treated floors, fenders replaced, all wiring replaced (including wiring connector/pig tail with 7-pin connector), hayrack with 48-gallon water tank, LED marker and brake lights, breakaway battery, safety chains, rear load light, DOT reflective tape, coated bridle hooks in dressing room. Also interior lights in stall area, under-manger tack, and dressing room. Newly sanded, primed, painted and caulked, bearings packed and brakes adjusted. Tires are brand new, spare tire included. Floor mats and wall mats in stall area. Two sliding windows with screens in stall area, two sliding windows with screens in locking, carpeted dressing room w/overhead vent. Two roof vents in stall area. Pull-out saddle racks in locking, carpeted under-manger tack area. Double-wall, insulated stall area. Escape doors on both sides. Manger divider replaced with vertical bars. $4,000 firm, cash only. Serious inquiries only, please. 952-201-8362

Posted in Other people's stuff | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Repeat Performance

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Amy

Week after week, people who compete in the show ring or rodeo arena go up against nearly all the same competitors they did the week before. In a way, it’s odd. If you beat someone last week, why compete against them again this week? What changes the outcome from one week to the next?

Changing Conditions
Actually, a lot of factors can change the outcome. One week you’re really on. You and your horse are communicating well. He’s responsive to your cues. You have the confidence of a winner. Your timing is flawless. All things are in sync. Meanwhile, the person who won the week before may have an off day.

Coombs Rodeo by Moosealope

We face another opponent repeatedly – every day of our lives. Satan. Some days he wins us over, some days we stand firm in our faith.

Perfect Conditions
I’ve noticed that there are certain times and specific ways he gets to me. When I’m tired. When I’ve not exercised or have been eating poorly. When a full schedule runs me ragged. Those are the times that I hear his lies more prominently and the truth of who I am in God’s eyes less so. I doubt my worth in God’s eyes. I am discouraged. I know he gets me in these times, so my best defense is to get sleep, stick to my diet and exercise routine, strike a balance in my schedule.

Sometimes he causes me to doubt God and his goodness and faithfulness. I find myself asking “Why me?”, “Why has this happened?”, “What have I done to deserve this?”, rather than trusting that whatever comes my way has been filtered through the love of God.

A Formidable Opponent
We need to consider Satan our most formidable opponent – the one we always want to beat. We need to train in this competition as we would for one in the arena. Day after day, we need to read the Bible, pray and surround ourselves with godly friends. We need to take care of ourselves and maintain a healthy balance in all things so that we don’t get overwhelmed and stressed. I also like to memorize scripture so that when I realize I’m listening to Satan’s lies, I can quote scripture repeatedly until my thoughts realign with God’s Truth.

Remember, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NIV)

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Big Ask Experiment

Posted on July 22, 2010 by Amy

Love, love, love this idea put forth by Justin Wise at BeDeviant: The Big Ask Experiment. Basically, the notion is this: every day for one month, ask for something outrageous, out-of-the-ordinary, or just beyond your comfort zone, and see what happens.

I love this idea because I believe too many of us live life safely. We’re afraid to take risks. We’ve settled for what’s come easily. And, ultimately, we’re living sub-standard to the life God has in mind for us.

I also love the idea because it requires us to be honest and courageous. We all have unspoken desires that we’ve been too meek to pursue. The Big Ask Experiment may help us pursue those desires. And, as we do, we’ll be empowered and lifted up by the experience and the adrenaline it brings.

I haven’t made my list of requests just yet but likely they will be around work – asking for new business from prospective clients. One ask might come in negotiating a house purchase. I also hope to be open to asks that aren’t planned – things that arise in a conversation.

So, check out the link at BeDeviant.com for more information and join in the Big Ask Experiment.

Posted in Other people's stuff | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Idol Dreams

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Amy

Like most everyone, I have dreams that are yet unfulfilled in my life. Some I pursue more intentionally than others. You might say some are active and some are idle.

The active dreams - like buying a hobby farm – are on my mind a lot. I’ve wanted to own a hobby farm for years. Periodically, I put my toe in the water and quickly squeal that it was too cold and retreat to my safe and predictable life.

Now the dream is one step closer, however, still a million miles away. The search for a house for Ernie and me takes my attention and my time. I daydream about what that home will look like and wonder how long until that dream comes true.

The other day, I heard a radio DJ ask, “What idols are keeping you from God? Your work? Your kids? Your dreams?” Wait, dreams? Our dreams can be idols in our lives? That got me asking if my dreams are idols in my life.

An idol is anything other than God that receives highest degree of importance in our lives. That which takes the place of God in our hearts. That which receives our undue time and devotion in our lives.

So, is my dream of a hobby farm an idol in my life? It may be – particularly when I take my eyes off from God, the Dream Giver. I need to stay focused on Him and his desire to fulfill my dreams since he’s the one who planted that dream within me. By faith, I continue to believe He will fulfill that dream.

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Romans 8:24b-25 (NLT): (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

When I try to fulfill my dreams in my own way and in my time, and allow the pursuit of that dream to interfere with my love and devotion to God, then it has become an idol. I need to keep it in check.

How do you keep your dreams and pursuits from becoming an idol in your life? How do you keep God first in your life?

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do Unto Others

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Amy

Can you imagine wearing a layer of dark brown hair all over your body when it’s 85 degrees and 80 percent humidity? Add to that a bevy of flies buzzing your head and biting you incessantly, and you can empathize a bit with my horse.

Yesterday, Ernie and his pasture mates took refuge from the scorching sun underneath the lean-to but that subjected them to more flies. They huddled close together to minimize the amount of exposed skin. Their tails flung ferosiously to brush away the biting demons. When I took Ernie from the other two, I really upset their established defense system.

Fly in the rain by Burning Image

I quickly brushed Ernie down and doused him in lots and lots of fly spray. I could sense his irritation subside as the misted of fly spray floated onto his body. He knows that stuff is magical against flies even if it temporarily makes his hair and skin attract the sun.

As I was grooming him in the beating sun, I was sweating. I hadn’t even put the saddle on and I was uncomfortably warm. I got to thinking, “what is the last thing I would want to do right now”? Exercise. I would not want to exert myself in any way in the heat and humidity, with the sun blaring. So, I left the barn without riding. It felt like a loving thing to do.

I wish I were able to put myself in others’ shoes more often, especially when conflict arises. That perspective would be so valuable in shaping my responses or my actions towards others. Unfortunately, all too often I’m caught up in defending myself, making my case, reaching the outcome best for me that I sometimes lose sight of the people with whom I interact.

In Matthew 7:12 (NLT), Jesus instructed, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

How often we lose sight of this direction. And these: “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

And this from Paul, “[Love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

What do I really want others to do to me? Treat me with respect. Love me. Don’t judge me. Speak kindly of me. Don’t second-guess my decisions. Don’t put demands on my time that I’m not willing or able to meet. Read my blog (thank you). Be patient with me.

How do you want others to treat you? How can we remind ourselves to treat others as we want to be treated?

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Attached to the Vine

Posted on July 17, 2010 by Amy

I was in denial. I saw the signs but subconsciously chose to ignore them. And then, one after another, people voiced that which I denied.

“You don’t seem to have that peace you’ve had in the past.”

“I sense frustration surrounding you.”

“You’re not trusting God.”

Losing Sight
In the past several months, I’ve been consumed by to-do lists and planning for and then moving. Ever so gradually, the activity caused me to take my eyes off from the Source of strength and peace.

Grapes by by Zest-pk

Staying Attached to the Vine
Writing this blog has become a challenge in the past few weeks. I thought because I was busy. The truth is, it’s been hard because I’ve lost my focus. I’ve not stayed attached to the vine as John 15 instructs us:

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5 (NLT)

It’s true that the closer I am to Jesus, the more fruitful my life is in every regard. My relationships are more enjoyable and peace-filled. My work seems less laborious and more fun. I’m more productive. And writing is a breeze because my heart and mind are fixed on Jesus and where he’s leading me. He gives me ideas and illustrations, and I long to write because it’s when I’m closest to him (except when I’m out with Ernie). It seems I have an endless stream of topics to share. I love it.

Pruning
This season in my life has truly been one of pruning. And, naturally, it doesn’t feel good. We tend to turn from the painful or the uncomfortable and I’m no different. Rather than causing me to bear more fruit, I feel like the pruning is bringing out the worst in me. Perhaps because I’m just in the midst of it? I hope and pray that this season of pruning will cause me to be a better person in the long run. I trust that God that it will.

So, if you’ve missed my more frequent posts, now you know why. If you’ve sensed uneasiness in my spirit, your assessment is accurate. But I’m on my way back. I’ve recognized that my separation from the vine is causing me heartache and stressing everything and every relationship in my life.

Draw Near
I’m off to spend the afternoon wandering with God, wandering wherever He leads. I trust His word that says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:8-9)

I’ve been humbled, now’s the time to draw near. I’m curious, how do you draw near to God? When you’re feeling far from God, what draws you back toward Him?

If you would, please pray that my faith would be renewed and that I would stay attached to the vine consistently. And because I don’t say it enough, thank you for spending some time with me, whether this is your first time or your 100th time here. I appreciate you and thank God for you.

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Going Where We Don’t Want To Go

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Amy

(C) Amy S. Lewis, 2010

Frequently when I ride Ernie alone, he fights me. It takes a lot of effort on my part to get him to leave the barn by himself. Spurring, spinning and frustrated words are not uncommon. I know I can’t let him turn back. I must persist in taking him where he doesn’t want to go or his negative behavior will continue.

God often asks us to go places we don’t want to go as well. To face an illness. To apologize to someone we’ve hurt. To forgive a friend who’s hurt us. To tell others about His Son. To pray blessings over people we don’t like.

Submission Ultimately Brings Blessings
Just like Ernie eventually submits to my authority, we need to obey God’s leading. When we do, he blesses us and uses us in powerful ways. We hear his voice more frequently and clearly. We feel a sense of victory and empowerment.

In God’s Strength
When God asks us to do things that are difficult for us, He always provides the strength, words and wisdom for us to do what may seem impossible in our humanly effort.

Anything is Possible
Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Consequences
The more we ignore God’s promptings, the less we’ll hear Him. Our lack of response is as if I let Ernie “win” by turning back to the barn. It’s letting Satan get the glory rather than God. Lean into God for the strength and will to honor His requests. You’ll be awed by the Spirit’s power working through you.

Zech. 4:6 – “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Questions for Reflection:
1. What has God asked you to do that may be uncomfortable? Why is it uncomfortable? What feelings surface as you think about the situation?
2. What uncomfortable situations have you been trying to resolve in your own power? What has been the result?
3. What or who may He have brought into your life to stretch you and draw you closer to Him? What have you been turning away from that God continues to bring to your mind?
4. How might that situation work out differently by asking God for the power to go where you may not want to go?

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’m Broken

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Amy

You’ve probably heard someone say, “She claims to be a Christian and then she does [FILL IN THE BLANK].”

It’s as if people who are Christians are supposed to be above human thoughts and emotions. We’re to be perfect and loving at all times.

Well, I (or we) aren’t perfect. We’re all human. We all make mistakes. We all hurt people. Even Christians. As much as I try, I can’t help it.

I’m broken.

The world seems to hold Christians to higher standards, thinking that we’re infallible and above human feelings and motivations. I wish that were the case. Christians are just like non-Christians except we’ve acknowledged our inability to save ourselves. We know we’re flawed. And only the strength that comes from Christ gives us the ability to change, to give up addictions or overcome temptations. We’d like that strength to always save us from our own stupidity and evil tendencies but sometimes, as humans, we just don’t yield to Christ and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Sometimes our human instinct (sinful nature) takes over and runs rough shot through our lives.

The result ain’t pretty.

We look a lot like the non-Christians around us. We mow over people and their feelings. We look for scapegoats and targets. We succumb to selfish motivations and worldly goals. We become prideful.

And then, the wake-up call comes.

If we’re true followers of Christ, we find our way back. We try to apologize or make peace as much as it’s up to us. But the memories linger. Even when forgiveness is offered, the pain caused by our actions doesn’t go away.

(Please! If you forgive someone, give up the right to hold a grudge!)

The closer we grow to Christ, the better we become at staying in step with him. We realize that his way is the best way to contentment and peaceful relationships. It is the only way to overcome sin and human weakness. The more we live in him, the less we look and act like the world. We’ll never be fully free from sin and mistakes and above hurting others, however, until we depart from this life. Until then, we’re dependent upon God’s grace and the grace and forgiveness of those we hurt.

My questions are these:
1. Why does the world seem to hold Christians to higher standards?
2. How do you explain Christians’ behavior when it doesn’t align with the Bible or people’s perceptions of a Christian?

Luke 17:3-4 (NLT)(Jesus speaking): If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments