by Karen Jordan | Oct 8, 2012 | Blog, Faith, Family
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. (Matt. 11:28-30 MSG).
Yes. Yes. And yes! I’m ready “to take a real rest,” how about you?
Stress. Most of the time, I must admit that I approach problems in my own strength. I get stressed out searching for the resources I need, and I try to conjure up the motivation to tackle problems on my own.
But recently I’ve been hitting a wall with my efforts. Even the simplest of tasks seem overwhelming to me–like writing a blog post or even planning a grocery list.
Not long ago, I could listen quite attentively to the problems of my friends and family. But now, I seem to overreact to the smallest issue. I can feel the stress building in my head, as my blood pressure rises. I tend to want to run from commitments and from heavy conversations. And my mind refuses to consider organizational ideas–I’d rather watch a Hallmark movie
My counselor friend encouraged me let go of the self-condemning thoughts (Rom. 8:1). She reminded me that no one is perfect (Rom. 3:10), and that I’ll never live up to my own perfectionistic standards. So, I’m trying to embrace that truth.
Promise. I want to “learn the unforced rhythms of grace,” don’t you? I’m tired, worn out, and burned out on trying to do the right thing in my own strength.
In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites His disciples to bring our burdens to Him. And He never intended for us to take on the burdens of others. He wants us to encourage others to take their needs to Him, too.
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.
(Matt. 11:38-30 NLT).
Photo/KarenJordan
Where do you find “real rest”?
by Karen Jordan | Oct 1, 2012 | Blog, Family, Stories
Several years ago, in a workshop for Christian Leaders and Speakers (CLASS), Christian communicator and author, Florence Littauer, taught us to ask ourselves two questions before standing in front of an audience to speak.
- Do I have anything to say?
- Do people need to hear it?
So, I ask myself that question every time as I prepare to stand before an audience—whether it’s a group of writers, a church group, or class of college students.
As a writer and a writing instructor, I recognize the need for people to tell their stories. And I’ve seen lives change as they listen to other people share their life lessons, especially their faith stories. Passing along our faith and family stories also help us make sense of some of the crucial issues that we face in life.
As a women’s Bible study teacher, I know the importance of sharing personal stories with other women, particularly in a mentoring or discipleship relationship.
But as a mother and grandmother, I also know the importance of sharing my stories with my children and grandchildren. My stories are my legacy to the next generation.
I believe in the power of story! And I love to encourage and instruct other people how to communicate their faith and family stories.
So, I want to ask you those same questions that Florence ask us at one of my first CLASSeminars.
Do YOU have anything to say? And do people need to hear it?
Photo/KarenJordan with Florence Littauer
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by Karen Jordan | Sep 26, 2012 | Blog, Faith, Stories
Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. (Matt. 6:33 MSG)
I’ve learned many important lessons in the waiting rooms of my life. I guess it takes some forced quiet time to help me focus on what’s important in life.
What do I need to focus on in my life? If I knew I had only a short time to live, what would be my priorities then?
Deep thoughts. I know these are deep thoughts that no one really wants to consider. But sometimes, it’s important to have a reality check, so we can get our heads out of the clouds and focus on the right things.
Waiting room. A waiting room experience brings my priorities back into focus. What is most important to me? If I could only focus on five things in life, what would they be?
- My spiritual life?
- My family?
- My work?
- My health?
- My friends?
- My personal possessions?
- My next vacation?
- My Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest?
- My next blog post?
Reflection. What am I willing to sacrifice to assure my focus is on track?
Food for thought in the waiting room ….
Image/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What are your priorities in life? How have your priorities changed over the years?
by Karen Jordan | Sep 21, 2012 | Blog, Family, Stories
Thank you to Kathryn Graves for the post today.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matt. 6:34 NKJV).
Don’t worry about tomorrow. In real life, how does that work? I just made a grocery list in order to prepare meals for the next several days. I need to get some writing projects finished because of deadlines coming up. I have a “to do” list longer than today.
We’re preparing for our son’s wedding in a couple of months. I have just passed the one-year cancer-free check-up, but the risk of recurrence for my type of cancer is greatest in the first two years. I have one more year to go. What if …? My husband is working too many hours every day, six or seven days a week. What if …? We will retire in a few years, but don’t have much money saved up ….
I could write pages of “what if” questions. They range from minutiae to great life drama. I could focus on any one, or all, of them and make myself sick. We know that stress either causes or exacerbates many illnesses and physical “conditions.” If the past few days were a test for me in this area, I failed with a capital “F.”
I’m the person people say they look up to because of the positive attitude I seemed to have throughout my cancer. Because I love to help others grow in their spiritual walk and because of the Bible knowledge I’ve gained. But there are times when I am a walking, talking disaster.
None of us ever becomes so mature that we don’t need to remember Who is in charge. The Lord is wise, and His words are soothing to us when we have allowed our thoughts to run ahead. He gently reigns us in, back under His wings where He can take care of us.
How does it work in real life? Choosing not to focus on the “what ifs.” Choosing to meditate on verses like this throughout the day. Choosing to trust God instead of the newspaper headlines. Remembering to close my mouth instead of blithering about my worries. We paraphrase this verse when we say, “Just take one day at a time.” God said it first, and it’s still true today.
Kathryn Graves has found that genuine beauty comes only from the Creator living within and seeks to lead women and girls to the Source of that beauty. Kathryn writes devotions, Bible studies, and life stories. Kathryn has a B.A. in psychology, is a CLASS graduate, and a pastor’s wife. Kathryn also writes at kathryngraves.com.
How do you deal with the “what ifs” in your life? Be sure to leave a comment below–I’d love to hear from you!
by Karen Jordan | Sep 10, 2012 | Blog, Family, Stories
” … Words are powerful; take them seriously …” (Matt. 12:36 MSG).
I noticed a big typo within a comment that I had posted on a friend’s blog. Instead of the word “power,” I had typed “poser.”
A minor mistake? Not for a writer! And especially not in this case!
My tiny error distorted the entire significance of this scripture. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Cor. 4:7 NIV).
One little word shifted my focus and the potential attention of my readers. All I could see was my mistake. I lost sight of the message and power of God’s Word. And my readers may have missed the entire point of my comment.
How many times do we let one little word spoil things for us? We speak a single word of profanity in the heat of an argument. Or we whisper a little white lie as we try to cover up a mistake.
We often regret the unexpected consequences that result from our words. One negative comment or careless thought voiced in frustration or anger can blind us from seeing God’s blessings in a situation.
As a writer, I cringe when I discover one insignificant word choice that turns a powerful point into a grammatical disaster. And I wince when I read an offensive term that will repel an audience of would-be readers.
As a writing instructor, I notice many writers resisting the editing process. They focus on the goal of finishing their writing task, instead of fine-tuning their grammar and mechanics. They get offended if anyone calls attention to one tiny mistake or unclear point, or someone suggests meaningful change. Then, they get angry or depressed when they receive a lower grade for their work, or the piece is rejected for publication.
As a Christian, I’ve also experienced the power of God’s Word. One word of encouragement can pull me out of the deepest pit of despair. A single promise from God’s Word can offer hope to me, when my circumstances seem overwhelming. My simple confession of faith can produce peace in my heart and mind “which exceeds anything (I) can understand.” (Phil. 4:7 NLT).
So, does one little word matter? God’s Word answers this question. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
Photos/KarenJordan
Have you experienced the power of one little word?
by Karen Jordan | Sep 7, 2012 | Blog, Family, Stories
Happy birthday, Tara! I hope you enjoy this great guest post by my daughter, Tara Ross. I wanted to offer this birthday tribute to my daughter Tara, a hard-working, stay-at-home mom with five children. Tara wrote this inspiring article last year, but she’s faced many changes in her life since then. Of course, her kids are all one year older, and she’s also recently moved from Central Arkansas back to her Texas roots. But you can still
find Tara online writing her humorous antics about her kids on Facebook. Plus, we’re working on a book together that I hope to be telling you about soon. Right now, I hope you will enjoy her story, “Listening To Their Hearts.”
When I found out that Bloom at my church would be studying the book, Parenting is Heart Work by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller last spring, I immediately ordered it online because parenting has been hard work for me, and I need all the help I can get!
I have five very different children in five different stages of development, all with different abilities, struggles, and very different personalities.
Anyway, I tend to have a few things on my mind at any given moment, and here are just a few of them.
I want to know why Ben, who is 11 months old, gives death pinches to whoever is holding him, which is usually me (and I have the bruises to prove it). Why does he do that?
I want to know why Julia, 3½ , wakes up in a mood that occasionally evolves into a full-blown, hysterical fit that can make the dog howl, over something as simple as wanting me to lift the toilet seat for her–which I totally don’t mind doing, IF I can understand what she is screaming at me!
I want to know why Ethan, who is almost 7, just last week, knocked over a lamp with a soccer ball, taught his sister how to jump from the coffee table to the couch, and put a hole through our window playing catch in the front yard. I have to admit, though, that I couldn’t be mad, when I saw his face streaming with tears.
I want to know why Aidan, 8½, doesn’t want to pray or talk about God, or talk about anything that he’s not already an expert on–like legos, or kickball, or history’s mysteries, or something random, just for shock value, that involves a toilet, a captive grasshopper, or perhaps the water balloon hidden in his pocket.
I want to know why Miles, a college freshman, is making these huge decisions for his life, and I have absolutely no control over his future. And why didn’t I know then what I know now, so I could’ve been a better mom … and it went by so fast … and now he’s ALL … GROWN … UP.
God has been giving me little windows into each of their hearts. So when I find myself worrying about them, I can almost hear their voices saying …
Ben: “Please forgive me, Mommy. I have no idea my pinches hurt. I just like the way your skin feels between my fingers, and it makes me feel secure.”
Julia: “Please be patient with me, Mama. I am female. I don’t know why I feel so grumpy sometimes. I’m probably just hungry, tired, or just need you to be gentle with me and hold me for a minute.”
Ethan: “Please try to understand me, Mom. I’m a BOY. I’ve got all this energy, and sometimes I don’t even know my own strength. I’m strong, and I’m tough. But please be careful with your words, your tone of voice, and the way you look at me, because I have a tender heart.”
Aidan: “Please keep pursuing me, Mom. I know lots of things, and I like to tell you about them. But I get uncomfortable when you want me to talk about things I don’t really understand, like my relationship with God. I might change the subject, or I might act silly, impatient, or bored. But don’t give up. Keep asking me questions and really listen to what I say. God wants you to teach me about Him, even if I think I already know everything.”
Miles: “Mom, please pray for me. I am legally an adult, but you’ll always be my mom. I need you in a different way now. I need you to give me space to grow. But to be ready to listen to me, when I need to talk. I need you to encourage me. Most of all, I need you to pray for me. My story isn’t over yet, I just started a new chapter.”
So, what is God doing in my life to make me “Bloom”? He’s giving me discernment, as I need it, to see beyond my children’s actions and into their hearts.
Tara Jordan Ross holds a masters in gifted education and degrees in early childhood and special education. She lives in Texarkana, Texas, with her husband Jonathan; they have five children. Tara was a special education teacher for several years before deciding to stay home with her children. Besides managing a busy household, she enjoys writing about her experiences as a mother and teacher.
FeaturePhoto/BioPhoto/KarenJordan
BookCover/Parenting is Heart Work
KidsPhotos/TaraRoss
What is God doing in YOUR life to make you “Bloom”?
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