Monthly Archives: July 2009

Cause and Effect

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I started using The Daily Plate on livestrong.com. It’s a web tool for recording what I eat and my exercise every day. It’s really a helpful tool. Some days I hate it, some days I appreciate it. It has given me an awareness of every calorie in every bite I eat and the number of calories burned by exercise. There are days when it tells me I’ve eaten my allotment of calories by 5 p.m. Other days, when I exercise a lot, it gives me “permission” to eat like a pig. If I eat something loaded in calories, I quickly see how it raises my tally for the day. I think subconsciously we consider cause and effect in our daily lives but The Daily Plate has helped me bring it to the front of my mind — at least when it comes to my eating.

I wish I had a way to see the cause and effect of other behaviors in my life more readily. Maybe then I could avoid unpleasant consequences. Could I possibly consider the effect of my hurtful comments or my confrontational tone BEFORE I open my mouth? Why do I not realize that without quiet time with God daily, I’m more likely to speak those hurtful words or gossip, or worry needlessly? Maybe then I would realize that when I put walls up around my heart and time that it would cause me to face times of loneliness when I need a friend.

When I’m tuned in, the Holy Spirit is the means for me to see cause and effect in my behaviors. I just need to get better at slowing down and listening for his voice and yielding to his will. He continues to work on me. I’m thankful he promises to continue his good work in me until it is complete.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

Seattle

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I recently visited Seattle. And as I often do when I travel, I ran the streets to see more of the town and get a sense of how the residents live. There’s a danger in that practice though — I have little idea where I’m going or how long the route I’ve mapped out will take. I don’t know if the neighborhoods are safe or where there might be killer hills.

My first day there the hotel suggested a route around the lake it overlooked. I thought it would be scenic and leisurely. Not so. A shipping town, Seattle uses its waterways for commerce. The route around the lake was industrial. The path didn’t edge the lake as I assumed it would. Instead, it was separated from the lake by buildings, shipyards and warehouses. It followed four-lane thoroughfares jammed with morning commuters. Not what I had hoped to see — even if it was the inner workings of Seattle.

The second day I picked the route based on the map and various sites I wanted to see. I decided to take the roads that followed the waterfront. I usually run about an hour — this run turned into two. It’s difficult to judge distance based on a tourist map! Not knowing the streets and neighborhoods I didn’t know which streets would be a shortcut or even went through. My only landmark was the Space Needle. As long as it was in sight, I knew I wasn’t too lost. So I stayed the course. Thankfully the new scenery kept my mind occupied so that I didn’t notice how weary my legs were getting.

At one point in the run, the Space Needle fell out of sight. I was at the bottom of a steep hill and it was on the other side. That made me nervous. I suddenly wondered if I was lost, if I had somehow taken a wrong turn. I wanted the run to be over at that point, even though I had enjoyed my pilgrimage up to that point. I kept on running, hoping I was on the right road. Eventually, the Space Needle came back into view and I knew everything was going to be okay. I wasn’t lost after all.

Just like the Space Needle was my beacon during my run, God is my beacon in day-to-day life. As long as I have him in my life, I know I’m not lost. When I spend time with him, my days go better. My spirit is refreshed and quieter. Others have people in their lives or a place where they can go that settles their spirit and brings them back to center.

Who or what is your beacon? What happens when you’re separated from your beacon?

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

Welcoming the Inevitable

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Well, it’s here. My 40th birthday.

I knew it would come eventually. Time keeps moving on, the calendar turns another year.

I’m okay with this birthday. I’m in a good place. God has blessed me immensely.
- I’m surrounded with a family, a boyfriend and a ton of great friends whom I love. They bring so much joy into my life.
- I’m healthy – probably healthier than I was on my 30th birthday. I can run and bike farther than I ever. I wear the same size I did in high school — and it probably looks better on me now.
- I have a successful business that’s supported me for more than nine years now.
- And, I am using the talents God’s given me in ways that truly feed my mind, body and spirit.

As I reflect back on my 30s, I see how much my life has changed. I still live in the same house and own the same horse. Other than that, much is different. My work, how I spend my free time, and I have new friends to join with the old. I have a greater faith today than I had when I turned 30. I think (hope) I’m more selfless than I was a decade ago, too.

I was looking over my top 40 list today — a list of 40 things to do before turning 40. It’s meant to remind me to live life to the fullest, to stretch my comfort zone, to do the things that I’ve always wanted to do but just seem to put off. I scratched many things off the list; a few remain. What was gratifying as I looked over the list was the memories and the people who shared those moments with me. It made me realize how truly full and blessed me life is.

In case you’re curious, here’s a run down of some of the top 40 list and the people who were there with me:

Take a faux painting class (Danielle)
Go to Cheyenne Frontier Days (Dad and Myrna)
Take a hot air balloon ride (Mom and Melede)
Race at ProKart (solo trip)
Test drive a convertible (Bill)
Tour wine country (Sheri)
Work a cattle drive/branding (Greg)
Host Thanksgiving dinner (family)
Tour a brewery (Greg, Tony, Dana and Cory)
Ride Mpls. light rail (Greg)
Go on a mission trip (team from church, including Greg)
Ride a mountain bike trail (Paula, Dave, Greg T, Rick, Darrel)
Fly a kite (Larry)
Run a marathon (my cheering section: Mom, Greg, Lisa, Kristin, Sue, Barb, Sue, David, Bill, Dave, Chris, Agnes)
Go kayaking (Greg)
Build a snowman (Greg)
Play disc golf (Greg, Tony, Cory)
Work the sandbag line (team from church)
Visit Seattle (Deanna)

I still have my sites set on a few things I didn’t get to. I wonder who will be with me for those? The experience is great — the people I share that experience with make it memorable and times I cherish.

Ready or not, 40, here I come!

Storm approaching

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I managed to get my run in this morning in between rain storms. After surveying the weather radar, I headed out on my normal route — 2-1/2 miles south of my house, 1/2 mile east and then back toward home.

On the first leg of the run, I was confident that I’d made the right choice. The weather looked fine. Then I turned the corner and caught a glimpse of what had moved in behind me. Yikes! Dark, ominous clouds that were pouring down rain. I thought for sure I was going to get soaked. The storm looked to be sitting right over my house. As I ran toward the storm, I thought there was no avoiding the storm ahead as much as I wanted.

It’s the same for the figurative storms in our lives. We would do anything to avoid job loss, financial difficulties, illness, periods of loneliness and depression. When we’re in the midst of those storms, we hope and pray for the storm to pass. But it’s during those storms that our character is developed. Our courage and perseverance are tested. We mature and perhaps even learn to appreciate life more. For many of us, it’s in those times that we grow deeper in our faith. God uses those difficult times to draw us to himself. My days of deep depression led me to faith and into a new life that I wouldn’t trade for a minute of the previous. He had a purpose in my depression. I didn’t enjoy that storm in my life but it became the turning point in my life.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Back to my run. I was tickled that as I approached my house, it had not yet started to rain. Yeah! The storm held off. I chuckled at myself because I had assumed the worst — that I was going to get soaked. Do you know how often I assume the worst? That pain in my leg must be something serious — it’s probably cancer. My friend isn’t returning my phone call; I probably did something to make her mad. That’s stinkin’ thinkin’!

As I walked into my house, I remembered the message at church this past Sunday. It was on being positive and speaking words of encouragement and affirmation. Again, I chuckled at myself. I guess I have a long way to go in living positively. Thankfully, God keeps presenting situations like this morning for me to remember that message. As long as he keeps prompting me like that, I’ll become more positive.

Are you like me in that you assume the worst in situations? If you’re not, do you have tips for the rest of us on how to stay positive?

“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)

Influencing Others

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(c) 2009, Amy S. Lewis

There are times when Ernie and I get along, communicate well and don’t have power struggles. He’s cooperative. Calm. Responsive. He’s settled, leaving behind his nervousness and prancing. It’s wonderful thing.

Reflecting on this blissful connection, I think Ernie’s nervousness is subdued because mine is. In recent years, I personally have more peace in my life as I have submitted to (or strive to submit to) the Holy Spirit. I am more self assured, less fearful and less concerned about outward appearance. My peace has influenced Ernie.

Just like my demeanor can influence Ernie, so too can our behaviors impact others. There’s responsibility that goes along with the ability to influence. Who may be looking to you as an example? Who looks up to you or seeks your advice? These are the people you influence, and your opinion and approval matter to them.

As Christians, we have the responsibility to honor and respect the people we influence. We have the responsibility to represent Christ. That means keeping conversations confidential, and loving people as Christ loves us. It means directing people’s attention and thoughts to Christ. In some situations, we may be the only person to speak godly truths to someone.

Romans 14:13 – “Decide to live in such a way that you will not put an obstacle in another Christian’s path.”

Keep in mind that we can also get people worked up by our example. In the book of Acts (chapters 13 and 16) those who opposed Paul stirred up the crowds against him – once leading to Paul’s stoning and another causing him to leave town. It only takes one person to start a riot and lead others into sin. That’s why Paul tells us in Philippians 2:14 to live lives pure and blameless.

Take a minute to reflect on your behavior and how it may rub off on others. Would God be honored by your actions and influence? If not, what will you do to change your behavior and be a positive influence? You may be a critical piece in someone else’s journey of faith. Is it time for you to step forward and be used?

Matthew 18:6 – “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.”

Questions for reflection:
1. In general, how do your actions influence others? Negatively or positively? To act or to stand back? Would God be honored by the way you influence others? What conscious changes can you make today to be a more positive influence on others?
2. How might God want to use you to positively influence those around you?
3. How can you step forward and influence others for Christ today?

Life, death and many moments in between

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It was an emotional day filled with self reflection. The message at church this morning talked about the majesty of God and how his majesty fills all the earth. It’s everywhere if we choose to notice; if we slow down enough to recognize it. He’s in nature. He’s in the tears we cry when we’re sad or lonely, or happy. He’s in the first breaths of a newborn baby.

Immediately after church we received word that my boyfriend’s sister lost a dear friend to cancer last night. We went and visited with his sister and her friend’s family. With the message from church fresh in my mind, I wondered where God might be in this situation. He was there. He was in the compassion and tears each of them shared as they discussed memories of Carolyn and the joy and laughter she brought to their lives. In times of loss, people pour out their comfort and love on others. They cry when they see others hurting. They offer hugs of support to help fill the void and bring healing. The majesty of God was there, conveyed by the people who shared messages of love and comfort, including the hospice nurse who spoke of being “blessed” for knowing Carolyn and working with the family. She said helping people in their dying days was her “calling.” She displays God’s majesty to people in their time of need.

Driving home, my boyfriend and I discussed Carolyn’s life and death, and how she clearly left a positive, lasting impression with many people. She loved to laugh — and her laugh was contagious. She loved to travel. She loved people. And she loved life. She didn’t live extravagantly but she had everything she needed. She will be dearly missed. Her orders to those who mourn her passing, “Buck Up!”

If I thought God wasn’t a part of the afternoon, I received a wake-up call driving home. We passed a sign that said “Psalm 46:10.” I knew the verse. It made me realize he was there. The verse says, “Be still and know that I am God.” My need to analyze the situation and figure out how God was working subsided. He’s there. And he will be there beside the family and friends who mourn. He’ll be wiping their tears and comforting them in the coming days when it’s hard to Buck Up.

The morning and afternoon caused me to be pretty introspective. What will happen when my time comes? Who will take care of me? And where else can I see and feel God? I headed for the barn. Self reflection and horseback riding go hand in hand. For me, I most realize the majesty of God when I’m riding my horse alone in the park. Today I rode noticing the singing of the birds, the clouds in the sky, the colors of the flowers and the movement of Ernie’s muscles more than I have in the past. God was there, of course.

God’s majesty is revealed in the beginning and the end of each of our lives and all the moments in between. He’s revealed in our relationships. In nature. In our staying home and our going out. Will you look for him in your every day? How is he working and moving and being in your life? Choose to notice.