The first time I met Rosco, he looked depressed and withdrawn.  The other dogs around him were jumping, barking and trying to get our attention.  But, I found myself drawn to the quiet one.  He wanted my attention, but he was incredibly subtle about it.  It didn’t hurt that he was a 5 month old puppy and couldn’t get any cuter if he tried.  When I went to put him back in his cage after our acquaintance time, he didn’t want to go.  Even though he was shy about it, the connection was mutual.  He wanted me to be in his life, and I knew it. Still, I knew this was a big decision and didn’t want to make it on impulse.  In fact, I made myself drive away to “think about it.” Within an hour, I drove back to the Nashville Humane Association as quickly as I could, ran to the front desk and said I wanted to adopt “Herman.” I immediately renamed him “Rosco,” and the rest is history.

I never did find out much about his history before life with us.  I just knew his heart was hurting and that he was sad to be surrendered.  Though he let me pick him up and hung out near me in the beginning, he was pretty introverted in our early days.  I could tell I needed to earn his trust.

Over time, I noticed I was earning that trust I longed for.  It wasn’t long before he was jumping up on my bed and sleeping next to me.

[Rosco was before the days of Kyle and Clara].

We have quite a history together.  Prior to the year 2014 when my sister moved in, I was super independent.  I never really had to look after anyone, but me.  Between my sister and then Rosco, I finally felt like I was getting a taste of parenting.

The one thing I never did understand about Rosco early on was the fact that he could never seem to enjoy car rides like the average dog does.  I thought if we simply went on more car rides, he would grow more comfortable and trusting of them – but he never did.  Now, here we are years and years later, and his car ride anxieties remain.

It didn’t take me long to figure out that something negative clearly once happened to him on a car ride.  My best guess has always been that he remembers his car ride to the humane society where his previous owners left him and never returned.

Anyone who has a border collie understands what I’m about to say:  Their mind is said to be very similar to that of a toddler.  They are known to be incredibly smart, and they seemingly have a remarkable strong memory.  Their deep thinking disposition can be good and bad.  Unfortunately, Rosco spends A LOT of time in his head and forgets how to just be a dog.  He seldom understands how to be carefree. So many times I’ve wished he would just wag his tail and immediately accept every person and dog he meets without question, but I know that isn’t him.  If he’s scolded in any way, you can rest assured, he will hang on to that correction, until I say, “It’s okay, Buddy. ”  My words usually aren’t enough.  I often have to pet him and give him a treat to assure him that we are “good again.”  Many nights, he goes and lays in his bed located in our master bedroom and just hangs out by himself:  Likely overthinking life.  The mind is always going, and I see it when I look at him…..especially in the car.

Whether he goes on a short drive to the lake or a long car trip to Ohio, he tenses up, pants and is unable to enjoy the view around him.  His shedding gets even worse than it already is (and his normal shedding is already really bad), and he refuses to eat or drink anything unless the car is completely stopped.  I try to pet and encourage him.  I try to tell him we are just going to see his grandparents.  Over and over again I’ve said:  “Rosco, buddy.  I’m not taking you to the pound.  It’s been “x” amount of years now.  When are you going to trust me and realize I love you, and I’m keeping you?  You should know me by now.”

I found myself thinking about that today.  What is it going to take for him to trust me? He’s 6 1/2 years old, and he’s been with me for a majority of his life now.  Haven’t I proven myself?  Doesn’t he know my track record?  Can’t he just simply remember all of those car rides that ended well?  Why does he still think about the one that didn’t?  Why is that one time still his dominating thought pattern?  Why can he not just accept the treats and water I try giving him?  I’m trying to nourish his body on those road trips.  Why does he reject my help and instead choose fear?

But then, I sensed God turning it back to me.  Something along these lines was placed on my heart:  Sometimes you’re a lot like Rosco, Holly.  We’ve been together a long time now. I’ve proven my faithfulness to you over and over again.  Sometimes instead of rehearsing all of those past victories that you’ve experienced through me – you sometimes still find yourself thinking about the traumas and disappointments you’ve experienced instead.  At times, you’ve let the bad outweigh the good.  Sometimes you get so taken up with your fears and anxieties that you struggle to nourish your mind, body and soul with what I’ve already provided you with.  Sometimes you get so focused on the “what ifs” and what you’re afraid of that you forget to enjoy the view and the beauty around you.  Haven’t I shown you enough to where you too can sit back, take a deep breath, relax and take in the beauty around you?  Haven’t I shown you enough to where you too can “just be,” sometimes?  I said I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you, and I meant it.  I won’t take it back.  You are my child, and I want to continue to take care of you.  It’s time you believe me, my child.

…..And there it was.

Perhaps I have a standard for my dog that I myself cannot always meet. Perhaps he has learned to trust me in most areas, but has struggled to trust me with that one.  Maybe I’m a little like that too.  Maybe I give God most of the rooms of my house, but maybe I hold back on giving him that one area. Maybe one day, I’ll squash all my fears, remember His track record, trust him so much that I forget all my fears, sit back, completely relax and just enjoy the view.

Maybe one day, Rosco will do the same too.  In the meantime though, I’ll continue to give him grace, pet him, comfort him, offer him treats and water and dab anti-anxiety essential oil on him – because I love him, and it’s my job to care for him.  I’m not going anywhere, and I want to remind him of that promise even if he doesn’t always readily accept it.  I will continue to pursue him.  He is my fur child.  We are in this thing together.

Wow.  It’s true:  God can even speak through border collies.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  -Deuteronomy 31:6

The post When God Speaks Through A Border Collie appeared first on Homestead Holly.

Now, that’s not to say that consistency and discipline is always as easy as it sounds.  Life gets in the way.  I know with me personally – I have dealt with some non-life-threatening physical health challenges this past year – some challenges that make me tired and cause my mind to shift at times.  Even so, I’m reminded that first having a healthy mindset is everything.  If I’m not spiritually and mentally healthy, it’s extra challenging to be physically healthy.  There are things I can change, but then there are things I cannot change.  Getting to know the difference has been an interesting learning experience to say the least.  And then, learning to plan after that, has been extra interesting.

However, I got just what I needed this weekend:  I received that much-needed “revelation push” after listening to our youth pastor speak yesterday.  The message is called, “Unfazed,” and I am linking it so that you have the chance to listen as well.  I cannot even possibly begin to give a summary of the message in a way that will do it justice. In short (and what inspired me to write this blog), Pastor Rob was talking about unmet goals and not getting to where we want to be in life.  He reminded us to not allow ourselves to go to a place of assuming God has forgotten us.  He spoke about how we can wear ourselves out while aiming at an unclear bullseye.  He suggested that maybe our targets are simply too vague.  Maybe we kind of sort of put a goal in place, but maybe the “what I want” isn’t really all that specific.  Maybe there needs to be more clarity attached to it. Maybe we don’t always know exactly what we are really aiming for.  That one hit me hard.

As an example, he was talking about a woman he knew that went from misery to a world-renowned speaker.  She used to be the type that would write out some goals, put them in her drawer and forget about them.  Subsequently, nothing ever changed. However, when she wrote down 4 or 5 very direct and specific goals she had in her life, and actually followed through:  It was life-changing for her.  Sure, I’ve written down goals before and somewhat follow through to some level…..but my ultimate goals tend to get lost in the shuffle.  The results are never quite was I hoping for.

So, I have made a decision.  Here is what I’m going to do going forward. Feel free to join me if you want to:

1.  I already wrote down 5 goals that are important to me in the year 2021.  WRITING THEM DOWN is the first step.  For you, it may be 3 or 4 goals for the year.  It can differ from person to person. For me personally, these 5 goals are not over-the-top, difficult goals.  They are actually quite simple.  Without getting too personal, I’m going to say that these goals are faith, family, health, career and “to-do-list” related.  But I didn’t want to miss Pastor Rob’s point, so I got VERY specific on each one.  I wrote down everything from the goal of the number of “date nights” I want one-on-one with Kyle this year, to a realistic number of “creative playtime with Clara” that I want to aim for each day.  Under each “goal overview,” I made some very specific subpoints.  Example 1 for you could be:  Growing in my faith.  But then,  you have to ask yourself what growing in your faith looks like, and what it needs to consist of.  So maybe sub-point A) could say:  Give my first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes of my day to God.  (Yes, this is first on my list, in case you’re curious.  Pastor Rob and Pastor Jim have long taught this principle, and I believe it is truly life-changing and can determine everything).  B) may be:  Do the 52 week bible plan, or it could be, begin physically attending church regularly again, or it may be watch a live-stream every Wednesday night this year.  It could look different for different people.  Maybe you don’t need sub-points like me.  Maybe yours is straight to the point from the get-go.  Maybe it is is simply, “attend church every Sunday this year.”  Whatever works for you, do it. 
2. Put your goals on display in a place where you will regularly look at them. It may be in your calendar….it may be on your mirror.  To keep it simple, you may want to two lists:  One with with your overviews and sub-points in your calendar or Bible, and then maybe your simple “straight-to-the-point” list on your mirror, so that you remember your “hierarchy of priorities,” and what doesn’t qualify to interrupt your day.  It could even read like, “Did I do something for ME today?”  “Did I give my children quality time and attention today?”  (Whatever works for you).
3. Tell someone you trust about your goals for accountability purposes (this doesn’t mean you need to share every single personal detail if you’re not comfortable with that).  I have already provided my list to my mentor so that she can ask me how those goals are coming each time we talk.  In my case, I felt comfortable sharing pretty much everything on my mind.  We talk about 5 times a year, and it is one of the smartest decisions I ever made for myself.

   

4. With that said, I suggest checking in with a mentor a few times a year.  Choose a mentor that you see as someone who is a couple steps ahead of you in life.  Look to someone successful whom you admire – someone you see as being disciplined and consistent in the way they live their life.  I see a mentor as being different than a friend:  I think of my mentor AS a friend, but I think of her as an unbiased outside source that will continually ask me the hard questions and help me spot blind spots.  My mentor isn’t someone I talk to every single day or even hang out with outside of our sessions…..and yet, I fully trust her and know she has my best interests at heart. Your ideal mentoring situation may look a little different than mine.

   

5. Cross off goals and “to-do’s” as you achieve them, but remember some goals are not a “one-time” accomplishment – there are plenty of goals in my life that are continual daily goals, in which I must remain disciplined and consistent.  I imagine most of you may be able to say the same.

   

6. Give yourself grace when you fall short, and then get back to work.  As the simple old saying goes, “When you fall off the horse, get back on.”  Our days can be unpredictable.  Unforeseen circumstances come up.  Remember that a little rearranging and an “off day” is okay.  Don’t allow one off day to dictate your days in the days ahead.  Do remember the fine line between an “off day” and suddenly just quitting and never going back to what you were doing though.  Remember having a flat tire certainly doesn’t mean you should slash the other 3.  Block out the negativity and the urge to quit.  Fix that flat tire…and move forward.  Consistently getting back up and remaining disciplined is what matters in the long-run.  Consistency is the key to victory. 

Now, to end, here are a few verses to encourage you on your 2021 goal setting (and achieving) journey:

2 Chronicles 15:7 “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Proverbs 3:6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.”  (Pastor Rob made this one the key verse of his teaching).

Habakkuk 2:2-3 “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that whoever reads it may run with it.”  (He also shared this one)

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

With all of that said, happy goal setting, and may 2021 be your best year yet!

How have you been doing with your goal setting?  Have you been rockin’ that to-do list, or do you find yourself struggling (like me)?  For those of you who have reached the next level in the goal setting arena:  What are some principles, applications and disciplines that work for you?  What is some advice that you can give the rest of us? Please feel free to share your comments in the comment section below!

The post 6 Goal Setting Approaches in 2021: Vision, Consistency, Discipline & Accountability appeared first on Homestead Holly.

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but this has been widely debunked.”  (Inserts fact check link).

Everyone’s a world-renowned expert these days, aren’t they?

“Fact check this, fact check that…….Snopes says…….CNN reported…..Fox revealed…..MSNBC responded…..YouTube allowed…..Info Wars was censored…..QAnon shared….USA Today just broke the news…….even the New York Post is reporting this…..Facebook removed this post due to “false or misleading information,”……Twitter has also removed this and that……Instagram is still full of influencers wanting affirmation, likes and followers above all…..Parler is saying what they cannot say on Facebook….this poll shows this state has been awarded to this candidate, but not this one…..this other website shows this candidate’s electoral number at this and his at this……and on and on.”

It’s a sign of the times guys.  Confusion.  So much confusion.  Lies.  So many lies.  So many different directions.  So much manipulation.  So much strategy.  Reverse psychology on top of reverse psychology.  And again.  Lies.  Confusion.

And who checks the fact-checkers, I mean, right?  Aren’t they people too?  Can people not be wrong or have ulterior motives, even if they have the title of “fact-checker?”

I imagine God must look down and fact-check constantly (in love of course).  The all-knowing one doesn’t need any article links thrown his way.  He knows every truth….and every lie.  I imagine what’s actually truth and actually a lie may surprise some of us if we were really see what God sees.

Because we are not God….right now, all we see is a jumbled up mess full of conflicting reports.  Both sides claim they feel good.  Our only hope at possibly figuring ANYTHING out?  Seeking Him.  Yep.  Our ONLY hope.  You read that right.

….And have we forgotten who the author of that confusion and those lies are?  His name isn’t God.  When the internet and our TVs are constantly taking us in a thousand different directions, there is only one source we can count on. Again, God.  He promises to give wisdom to those who earnestly seek him.

James 1:5-6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will given to you.”

And what is the actual truth of this election?  We should ALL want the truth in this life…..even if that truth doesn’t always fit our own personal narratives, right?  Even if that truth means we don’t get the outcome we want in the end.  We should also want to win fairly….not by cheating, correct?

So here I am making that rare political post yet again.  I made one the other day, and as expected, I was met with opposition.  I’m still learning how to handle when I feel “talked down to.”

There are a lot of things I am and a lot of things I’m not.  However, “stupid,” “uneducated,” “brain-washed,” and “uninformed” does not fall on the list of things that I am, despite what some of my “fact-checkers” (who I don’t remember hiring), may pop up to assert.  God knows my heart, and the time and effort I try to put into His word and studying the world around me.

He’s been watching me on my not perfect but SINCERE quest for truth (in this particular realm) since 2015.  I knew it would be impossible for me to learn ANYTHING about the real truth of what’s going on in this nation, without taking him along on the journey.  Without Him, I have no hope in knowing anything I’m researching is true.

He’s watched me turn down the noise, give up things I once held dear….and humbly seek Him. Am I claiming to know everything out there that there is to know?  No.  Not even close.  Still, I chose to boldly trust in James 1:5-6.  I was hungry for wisdom.

However, I do believe that 5 years of extensive studies while seeking him has brought me wisdom and discernment.  I do not say that arrogantly, as I do not have any “special inside track” with God that you cannot also have.  We can be as close or as far from Him as we want to be.  It’s our decision.  I am a flawed human speaking of my personal experiences here.  Something I should be allowed to do, even as our right to free speech seems to be fading.

And yet…the very few times I post anything political in social media world, there is always someone who feels the need to set me straight.  Ironically, it’s often a person I never hear from otherwise.  It must be their duty to tell me what’s up I suppose.  They post their MSM links and fact-checkers, and they think they’re revealing something ground-breaking and earth-shattering to me.  Something I’m too stupid or uneducated to figure out on my own. They try to school me with the TRUTH.  Their TRUTH.

But I think what many are forgetting is there is still THEE truth, and in this election, we are struggling to find THEE truth.  THEE truth isn’t always what WE want it to be.  The MSM/journalism, social media and what comes out of the mouths of high profile people doesn’t equate with automatic truth…and that’s on both sides politically.  Even the side I vote on.  I really do believe there are wolves in sheep’s clothing all around us.

I believe we have to be really really careful who we listen to right now, and that goes for me as well.

Again….we must look past the surface.

Right now, despite what everyone wants to believe…there is only one REAL, unwavering source of the truth.  Our God.  He hates lies, deception, cheating and stealing….and He is a just God.  If lies, deception, cheating and stealing have been a part of this election (it’s obvious there is SOME level of this, guys)…..there will be a price to pay.  It may not look like it now, but let us remember:  The truth always comes to light.

With that said, He also doesn’t want us going down unnecessary rabbit trails either.  There is a balance.  Even on my side of the coin, I realize not everything that is out there is factual.  Sometimes I’ll be scrolling past a post in favor of my candidate or against his opponent and think, “well, I think that’s a bit out of context, or I don’t think that one is actually true.”  I’m objective enough to realize that even in my world where I want and believe certain things, I may not be able to trust every “source.” I’m not delusional.  I’m also not too proud to admit I don’t always have a great answer for everything.

Still, I am VERY much my own person.  I have never been easily influenced, and I never will be.  I’ve never pandered or simply participated in what’s popular.  If I don’t fit in?  Oh well, I guess!  (Just ask those who have known me for 30+ years).

You can bully me with your truths, thoughts and opinions all day long, but rest assured…..I’m a person of conviction.  My convictions are solid, and I don’t allow anyone or anything (except God’s word) to tell me what those convictions will be and won’t be.  I personally think it’s a mixture of both hilarious and infuriating that celebrities think they have the authority to tell ME how to vote….as if I’m somehow less than them.  I also find it equally infuriating when people take what the media says about my candidate’s character and automatically decides that what is alleged about his character….is also true of MY character as well.

That’s the power of the media, folks.

Just when I was starting to think that the only scriptures so many people remembered from the Bible these days are the verses, “Judge not” and “Love your neighbor”….I find myself getting judged and experiencing the opposite of love from those who are pounding the “love drum.”  With that said, explain to me, how I’m being loved AND not judged when you make assumptions about my character and tell me I cannot believe how I feel led to believe?

Now, this is kind of where the rubber meets the road in my life.  I don’t know if I was disobedient in not sharing this 5-6 years ago, or if it was always simply meant for today.  But I do have a reason for telling all of you this (deep breaths):

Once again, I am my own person.  While I ended up staying on the path my parents raised me on, they will both tell you, I came to where I am today because I really studied and sought the Lord.  I do not follow Him because of “what’s been fed to me.”  I wanted to figure out what *I* really believe and why.  I began what I would call an imperfect and genuine (not an “I was raised this way”) journey of faith when I was 20 years old.  There have been a lot of bumps and bruises along the way.  I haven’t always listened, and I haven’t always been obedient…..but man, He always pulls me right back in.

What few know about me is that I went on a MAJOR “truth quest” right before president Trump even announced he was running for president. I’m referring to the year 2015, before we even really knew who would be in the primaries.

First of all, I am not claiming to have a gift of prophecy.  I think this is something I must be very careful about.  I am not claiming that God tells me ground-breaking insights every single day.  I am certainly not a physic or a fortune teller (the Bible forbids me of that anyways).  The point is, I’m just an average person who genuinely sought His guidance.

While I won’t get too much into what put me on this quest, we will just say keep it simple and say I had a very detailed and descriptive dream one night.  And then, I had another.  These dreams were definitely not my favorite dreams, but looking back….they were needed dreams.  While I wasn’t living a crazy lifestyle – I was a bit “in the world.”  I wasn’t just in the world – I was on top of the world.

I had just walked the red carpet and had been jamming out to Miley’s “Party in the USA” in my fancy all-expenses paid hotel room nights before (Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the many celebrities staying there at the same time as me if that tells you anything.  I was treated like VIP royalty and sipping my Starbucks while my stylist was getting me ready for my next camera appearance.  Later that night, my limo driver would escort my sister and I to dinner.  I didn’t need my car.  I had all those “black secret service” looking vehicles to transport me around.

……It was the most important I ever felt.

While I still wasn’t that important in the eyes of the world…..I had a small taste of what the catering and the pampering felt like.  This experience was just kind of the cherry on top of all the exciting things that had been happening to me for years.  It took me 10 years to get to this point of royal treatment, and I wasn’t about to let it rain on my parade.

Life was undoubtedly hard on me in many ways (which few know about), but I told myself the most successful people often have to face the most adversity.  I was okay with getting beat up and bruised to reach the top of the mountain….and man, did I suffer injuries….but I also reached new heights.  I took in views that I never thought I’d get to see.    I was on the “inside.” Life was great.  I was on my way.  Or so I thought.

…But my bubble was soon about to burst.  I was about to feel a weight on my chest: I wasn’t living in Nashville to catch my big break….or *sigh*…..to even be liked.  I was the world’s most non-confrontational person, and I REALLY liked to be liked. THAT was a tough one for me.

And here we are at…the dream.  Just days after the most exciting week of my life (up to that point), I woke up in the middle of the night from the dream I’d never forget.  I’ve always been a dreamer, but this dream was in a league of it’s own.  I had never experienced anything quite like it.  (This was all pre-Kyle and Clara).  Therefore, my sister and dog Rosco were the only ones in the house with me.  I woke up shaking and my head was throbbing.  I felt like I had been through a REAL life battle, but it had been in my dream.  Why did my body actually feel like I had just been through a real war?

As I described the dream to my sister in vivid detail, it all became clear that it was a spiritual dream that would change me.  I know, I know.  You’ve probably heard people say something like this before.  Therefore, I won’t get into specifics, I will just tell you this:

I believe our time is short.  I just do not know how short.  Remember, only He knows the day or the hour, so I’m not going to make any predictions.  That’s not my place.  We’ve been in the last days, but since 2015, I’ve felt it very strongly that we are in the last, last days.  Remember 5 years in Heaven is not like it is here on earth.  Five years equals nothing compared to eternity.  It doesn’t even make up a drop in a bucket.

To put it mildly:  I saw chaos in my dream, and I experienced severe persecution.  I was surrounded, and yet I was protected.  Fully protected.  I was there to help, but I wasn’t getting through.  “Wolves in sheep’s clothing” circled me, threatened me, and berated me…..but no one was ever able to make me submit to their plans for me.  No one was ever actually able to hurt me.  I was in the minority, but I knew I had to stand firm.  I had to continually “look past the surface” of those around me.  And I won’t get into specifics, but a sharpie marker out of all things (because it’s “permanent” was being used in a very corrupt way in this particular dream).  When I saw the sharpies in the news with the election, I couldn’t help but remember that part of my dream.  Sure, I don’t think the sharpies are the *most significant* part of the election, but man….it weirded me out a bit.  And then, there was a “second scene” in my dream, which I didn’t realize at the time matched up with prophecy in the Bible.

(I’m sure someone is reading this right now and laughing.  Laugh away.  It won’t hurt my feelings.  My skin is thicker than it was in 2015).

My main point of this (though the dream was very end times), was that God was telling me to wake up to “less obvious truths,” and to look past the surface of the people and the situations around me.  He even woke me up out of my sleep.

….I experienced a shaking and an awakening (literally).

Not long after, I had another dream.  Without going into much detail, several things from this dream have come to pass in this country the last few years.  During the time of my dream, I didn’t even know these issues were “on the table.”  And let’s just say, I experienced some similar “incidents” during COVID-19.

The full content of my dreams isn’t nearly as important as the fact that I was forced to wake up from my slumber.  I was told it was time to let my worldview be challenged…and time to face some hard truths I may not want to face.

Please understand, I am very sensitive to his spirit.  I never want to be deceived, or to deceive others.  This is why I’m not declaring any “for sure claims.”

This is not a “believe me or you’re not saved,” kind of declaration.

I also do not believe every single event that happens in our lives is to be shared in their entirety, but I do speak up when I feel that nudge of His.

So with the dreams?  God put it on my heart that wanted me to number my days and to start focusing on what was most important.  I knew he wanted me to start looking past what I see on the surface.  This meant a lot of things.  He wanted me to realize that the red carpet has snags and stains that aren’t always visible to the naked eye.  I also realized he was dealing with me about the media.  He challenged everything I believed about my “role models” and people in the public eye.

As a journalist, this was a really really tough one for me.  He soon let me know he was shedding the “pop culture” writing away from my life.

He challenged me on politics.  I once thought that it was all about “Democrat or Republican.”  He allowed me to see that as politics stood, the divide between the two “party terms” wasn’t as real as I had once believed.  The two were ultimately ran by the same world system.  I began to see the deception…

I once thought that if I voted a certain way, I was definitely honoring him. In that moment, my political affiliation became, “independent”….though if we are talking about liberal vs. conservative, I think anyone who knows me, knows which I am and will always be.  So, let me be clear:  I look at everything from economy to healthcare to everything in between….but I will never vote for someone who I believe will further the war on Christians.  And yes, there is a war.  Do not tell me that there isn’t (this is a different topic for a different day).

I soon came to find that this media/journalism world I loved wasn’t what I thought it was.  These newscasters and journalists weren’t telling me the truth about politics….or much of anything really.  I started to see that they were strategical in the stories they chose to push.  Like a child fascinated by a shiny object, they knew what stories to use to distract the people from something bigger and more important.  I had been taking the bait for years.  That candidate I voted for when I was 18 years old?  I no longer trusted him.

Remember once again, this was BEFORE I knew about Donald Trump.  This was BEFORE I heard him say the words, “fake news.”  Around that time, I started researching and looking into every alternative outlet I could.  Little by little, I began to read and watch horribly disturbing information.  Keep in mind – I didn’t always accept everything I was reading and hearing as “absolute truth.”  I took everything like a grain of salt, continued to pray and ask God for wisdom.  I knew rabbit trails were dangerous, and if I felt myself getting even close to one….I’d shut down my studies for a bit.

In my mind, I developed kind of a system.  I had a “Wow, there’s no disputing that,” category, “A maybe,” “A probably not,” and a “No way” category.  I tucked away what I was learning, yet still lived life and had fun.  I never once pushed my views on anyone.  In fact, I was scared to share what I was learning with most people, because I feared they would think of me as crazy.

I spent hours upon hours studying.  There were times I felt that my studies were confirmed, and other times, where I still wasn’t (and am maybe still somewhat unsure).

With that said, instead of going out and living my old lifestyle, I spent more time studying history and looking into what was being “kept” from all of us.  At times, it got heavy.  There were times where I felt God’s nudge to get solely back into the word and to watch something uplifting instead.  There were times I just needed to watch “The Bachelor” for a good laugh and light-heartedness. There were even times where I would stay away from the “scary stuff” for a good month or two at a time.  It was a balance.  I didn’t want to become too inundated in the negative, fear the devil or get into anything too crazy and out there.

By that time, those millions of views I had on my pop culture articles?  All gone.  In fact, so many of the articles I had worked so hard on years before disappeared into thin air.  My writing wasn’t going in the direction I thought after all.  I had zero future in the media.

My money-making website closed down. I knew without a shadow of a doubt I needed to do this blog instead…so I started this in 2015.  I still have about 30 drafts I’ve never published.  Why?  I didn’t want to fight.  I didn’t want controversy.  I still wasn’t ready for people to possibly not like me and want to unfriend me.

So, I chose the “comfortable middle ground,” which also meant probably not all that many people were reading it.  While I can see the stats and they aren’t bad….I know I don’t have near the “following” I once had when I was writing about the “world” and writing what people like to read.  Those days are now over.

I am now okay with that, because I know reaching ONE person for Christ is more important than reaching the masses with the temporary and the fleeting.

I accept that I won’t always be popular, and that I may just be that “kooky Christian” to you.  That’s okay.  It’s a title I’m blessed to have, because I know no matter what the outcome of this election is, I have hope beyond this world.  I have the hope of Heaven.  If that makes me kooky….then so be it.

I personally care about the eternal over the temporary.  I hope you do too.

Now to bring it all around.  Some of you may have laughed at my dreams and backstory, but instead of making some of you laugh again….your laughs will probably now turn to anger.  This is that time that I will likely ruffle feathers.

Fast forward to primary election time.  As soon as “said candidate” announced their run, I felt a stirring in my soul.  Though there were many candidates in front of my eyes, I kept going to the unlikely choice.  As a believer, you’d think I’d go for one of the ones most openly declaring their faith.  You’d think I’d go for “pastoral, kind or gentle”….but I didn’t.  Just as I had learned earlier….there was so much past the surface I couldn’t see, but this time I knew it.  (Now, Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see – Hebrews 11:1) comes to mind as I write this.

This time I chose to go against my logical thinking.  I knew it was going to take ALL of us a long time to see God’s plan in this.  It didn’t make sense to me in some ways. And yet, I knew that candidate was made for this hour.

It was odd at the time, because I remember thinking….but this isn’t logical.

“I don’t operate on the logical,” was what I sensed from the Lord.

….But wait, there’s more:

While I cannot remember the exact wording of everything that came over me as I spent time with God, here is my very paraphrased version.  No this was not audible:  “Are you really seeking me, or just looking at what you see on the surface?  Far too many of those who call themselves Christian and Pastor are not getting my work done.  They are not standing up for the truth.  I am seeing too much weakness, too much pandering.  They are not exposing corruption, wrongdoing.  When they don’t do what I need…I have to use someone else.  Do you trust me that I don’t always work in obvious ways?  Do you trust that sometimes you have to really come to me in prayer for true wisdom rather than just pick the “obvious” choice…..and are you willing to go against what most of your peers (even Christians) are saying?  Many of your fellow Christian friends do not like this candidate and won’t for some time…but trust me here.  Even if you stand alone for awhile.”

Again.  This is a paraphrase.  I want to be careful when it comes to “speaking for God.”  I do not speak for God.  He speaks for God.  I think this is much of the reason that it’s taken me 5 years to share this post.  I also know I can talk to one Christian, and they’ll claim God told them another candidate or another story.  I’m just telling you about what I experienced in MY life.  I think I’ve kept it under wraps for too long.  And I don’t know now WHY is the time to say all of this really?  I just know now is the time….

Those drafts I told you about?  I’ve had drafts in my inbox for YEARS that I never posted revealing who I support and why.  It’s kind of a shame because sometimes I spent HOURS on these posts before talking myself out of them.

But to bring it back around, I began studying scripture and seeing how this could all line up.  Now, I realize, Jesus is Lord of ALL.  Not just America.  If you’re looking for the exact words in the Bible of “You need to vote for said candidate”…you won’t find it.  Yet, I believe he provides clues to those who are really willing to pray and dig in.

I also soon found out that some had been prophesying about this very same candidate (one of these people died in the year 2007, long before this candidate ever announced he was even running for the presidency).  And yet, this person said he would lead our country and become a trumpet for truth.  He also said that all major news outlets would eventually have to say what GOD wants to say.  I found several other people who were thinking just as I was.  They were interested in the book of Amos (especially scriptures like Amos 3:6).

I had goosebumps.  I began reading scriptures that further gave me peace about this direction I was heading.  I STILL told myself, well don’t read too much into everything.  You have to be careful about prophecies, people claiming to hear from God.  I suppose there can be coincidences, etc. etc.

But still, I deep down kept believing this candidate was going to shake things up in the last, last days.  Why wouldn’t God want to expose corruption before Jesus returns?  Why wouldn’t there be a big “come to Jesus because he’s ALL we have” event before he returns?  We have to get to a place of revival somehow right?  We have to come to a place where our faith is stretched, and we are down on our knees.  We have to come to a place of uncertainty to TRULY seek the certain one, don’t we?  If everything is in “peace and harmony” and we are just living in our entertainment bubble….we can miss a WHOLE lot.

I even began to understand why he had to be a bit loud and abrasive to do it.  Sometimes gentle, slow and monotone just doesn’t get the job done.

We needed a trumpet….not a harp.

We weren’t listening.  The other candidates weren’t going to bring us to any kind of a higher truth, though I believe at least a couple in the running had the best of intentions.

The media had been our ultimate source.  We believed “presidential” was of the utmost importance.  We believed the president of the United States must look, talk and act a certain way, without ever questioning any wars, our financial ruin, or why we were all struggling on so many levels.

Truth is so much more important than tone…..and sometimes truth has to get a little loud.  Sometimes you have to sound the trumpet, I realized.

We had been looking for our answers from the classic 3-piece suit well-spoken man, rather than above.  We thought just because he donned a flag pin that he was FOR US.

These politicians were all telling and promising us the same things – just in slightly different ways  We had developed what we thought the “logic” was for how a president should look and sound.  We took what the Bible said about being “kind” and assumed that kindness is ultimately what is needed in a world leader….every single time.  We assumed that a choice word here or there while addressing the nation meant God had zero plans to use that person for the good….didn’t we?

Sorry to ruffle feathers, but…..when God couldn’t find the obvious “pastoral choice” in the Bible…he went on to someone else.  He used the flawed time and time again.  Can he not still do that today?

I was stretched, and I was challenged.

I slowly began to confess to a few very very close Christian people who I believed our president should be/was going to be whether people liked it or not (and this was before the primary election).  One or two people agreed with me….the rest talked about tone, the nuclear button and used words such as “unhinged.”

“I’m sorry guys…but I’m not backing down here.  I know he’s rough around the edges.  He’s even going to make me bite my nails at times.  I’m going to wish more than anything he would hire me as his speech writer, but of course he won’t.  But you just wait and see….  He is a bull in a china shop….and there is good reason the media cannot stand him.  Take notice of that.  He’s going to say some pretty outrageous statements sometimes.  It’ll ruffle feathers….but eventually you’ll see what I see,” I would say.

There were those times I wondered if I could be wrong.  I mean I’ve been wrong before.  I will be the first to admit that I have been wrong on some pretty important issues throughout my life/will be wrong on more in the future, but deep down, I knew I wasn’t wrong this time.  I began to see this person’s REAL heart more and more:  Not the heart that was being “reported” to me.  Still, I told God I wanted to “see more,” and that if what I heard from Him wasn’t correct…I wanted Him to show me.

Around that time, I walked into my workplace cubicle, just as I always do.  I didn’t really pay attention to the fact that my Bible was being held open with my printer cord.  I was just kind of doing my thing, when a fellow Christian co-worker came over. If I can recall correctly, I believe we were even talking about the upcoming primaries.  I told them what way I was leaning and why.

Eventually they said, “Hey, did you notice your Bible is being held open with your printer cord?  Or did you do that?”

My reply was, “I didn’t do that.  Did you?”

“No,” they replied.

“Why don’t you see what’s on those pages?”

……I looked down, and there it was again.  The book of Amos.  A book that I’ve paid almost no attention to throughout my life.  A book that isn’t one of the wordiest books of the Bible.  If my Bible was going to randomly open to a section I frequently looked at, I can assure you it wouldn’t have been Amos.

“It’s the book of Amos,” I replied.

“And honestly, I’m weirded out because this is the book that’s been on my heart concerning the upcoming election.”

….And here is just a snapshot of what I found:

⁶ Whether a trump shall sound in a city, and the people shall not dread? Whether evil shall be in a city, which evil the Lord shall not make? (Shall a trumpet sound in a city, and the people have no fear? Shall evil be in a city, which evil the Lord did not send?/which evil the Lord shall not come to fight against?)

⁷ For the Lord God shall not make a word, no but he show his private to his servants (the) prophets. (For the Lord God shall not do anything, unless first he tell his secret, or his private, plans to his servants, the prophets.)

⁸ A lion shall roar, who shall not dread? the Lord God spake, who shall not prophesy? (A lion shall roar, who shall not be afraid? the Lord God hath spoken, who shall not prophesy?)

To sum Amos up:  Amos was a fiery prophet with a powerful message.  He was concerned about the “little man.”  He didn’t like oppression, and he didn’t like mistreatment of the poor.  He hated corruption and injustice.  He challenged the establishments around him, and he wasn’t exactly polite in doing so.  And God used Him.  Big.

….And then the goosebumps ensued for both of us.

I quickly asked another Christian co-worker if they were the one who had opened my Bible.  I knew it was probably only one of two people.  That person also denied touching my Bible.

…More goosebumps.

….Out of ALL the pages.

Spoiler alert:  I never found “the person.”

Now, it’s important to say this kind of thing does not happen to me every day.  I don’t think we always get a big grand sign, but I believe this is that rare time I was meant to.

And as I said, as time went on, I saw the things I had dreamed and studied come to pass.  I believe we are still in the middle of that right now.

Do I know EXACTLY what is going to happen with this election?  I do not.  However, I like to think I have a good idea.  But still, that is where faith and HIS WISDOM comes in.

I’ve just simply held back for way too long.  I’ve let important drafts sit in my  draft box for way too long.  I don’t like conflict.  I like encouragement.  I like to think this post even now contains some of that.

However, guys….let me leave you with this:  If we are looking to our televisions, iphones and computers for the full truth right now, we aren’t going to find it.  I’ve known that since 2015, and though I certainly research and sometimes even repost something I’ve read….I certainly know it now.   I believe God knew ahead of time we were going to enter a great “shaking and awakening.”

I was somewhat prepared for this hour.  Some things have been a little crazier than I pictured….but I’m not shell-shocked.  I wasn’t blindsided.

But here’s the deal.  Here is what is right in front of us:

People are so adamant about “fact-checking” right now that I think some would try and fact-check Jesus if he appeared before them….especially if he told them anything they didn’t want to hear.

Just remember “fact-checkers” are people too.  People are flawed, and I’m one of them.  Maybe that is why I waited FIVE years to share this post, and now I’m only sharing it as the election hangs by a thread.

There is only one who isn’t flawed.  His name is Jesus.  He is our ultimate source of knowledge.  The only true fact-checker.  He is the one who knows this election inside and out:  He knows what happened and didn’t happen.  He knows where fraud is taking place, and where maybe others are overreacting to something that isn’t there.

But here’s a challenge, instead of only looking to what “could be true,” “is hopefully true,” “probably true,” “what we want to hear,” or “not want we want to hear,” how about we all come to the one who PROMISES to give wisdom to those who ask?  His wisdom is better than any report out there.  How about we call each other and pray?  I wouldn’t say that to you if I hadn’t been doing the same.  To date, I’ve prayed with 6 separate people over the phone….because “where two or more are gathered.”

Like I said….I don’t know the end result of this moment in time….but I do know the end, end result.  I know what the last page of the Bible says. I know who wins, and I take comfort in that.  I look forward to the day in which we don’t have to worry about what’s true and what isn’t.  There aren’t any fact-checkers or doom and gloom news in Heaven – just facts and peace.

I absolutely believe we should stay informed.  It’s good to share our findings, our experiences and to discuss this present time.  However, until we get serious about our most high, we cannot see or hear clearly.  So, where is your ultimate information coming from?  Who is your ultimate source?  Who is your ultimate fact-checker?  Who is your ultimate news source?  Politifact, Snopes, CNN, Fox………or Jesus?

You are not the ultimate expert.  I am not the ultimate expert.  Let’s ultimately leave this to the one who is.

The post The Great Shaking & Awakening: The Ultimate Fact-Checker Revealed appeared first on Homestead Holly.

No courage in conformity.

No courage.

In conformity….

These words have been running through my mind a lot these days.  Maybe “courage” is always on my mind because of what is currently going on in our world today.  So many are so afraid to stand for the “truth” and the “right” that they already know.  I have a confession:  Sometimes I am too.

As it’s been said a million times before, “courage is not the absence of fear, but being afraid, and doing it anyway.”

If one isn’t a little “afraid”…..then where’s the courage in anything we do?  So that is what I am doing today:  Having the courage to post this blog, though I’m slightly afraid of being bashed for it.

There are a lot of things I am and a lot of things I am not, but I know one thing I do want to be, and one thing I do not want to be:  I want to be courageous, and I don’t want to be conformed to the world.

Sometimes my flesh really wants to be conformed to the world though.  It’s much easier, you know?

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

God created me as an original.  I don’t want to die a copy.  He also created you as an original ….so why would you want to die a copy?

There isn’t any bravery in fitting in with the crowd, blending in and looking like all the rest.

As much as we may like to tell ourselves it does, it doesn’t take any courage to make secular decisions, or any courage to follow the pop culture favored way.  I promise you that.

It’s easy and comfortable to live and look like the rest….but how much of a difference will we really make in the world?

Those who follow the crowd usually don’t go much further than the crowd.

God created you to stand out….so why live to blend in?  He has better for us than that.  To say that he doesn’t is to underestimate Him.

Have courage.

Have the courage to pursue your God-given talents rather than simply choosing the major or the pathway all of your friends are.

Have the courage to dress to your heart’s content rather than settling on what is simply trendy, or what the cool people are “wearing.”

Have the courage and the integrity to pay back what you owe others.  By all means, don’t make them ask for it.  It’s just plain awkward.  Do more than what’s expected.

Have the courage to stand up for the ignored, forgotten and the “least of these.”  Have the courage to be “seen” talking to these people and have the courage to actually befriend them.

See, it doesn’t take courage to choose the same career path all your friends are choosing….unless of course it’s your God-given passion.

It doesn’t take courage to simply dress trendy or to copy another person’s style.  What does take courage is dressing according to your roots and your heart’s content…..whether or not it’s in style at the moment.

It doesn’t take courage to ignore your dues or to hope your “debt” to someone just goes away.  What does take courage is admitting what you owe and working until that person is paid back in full…and maybe even a little extra.

It doesn’t take courage to hang out with the “popular in crowd.”  It doesn’t take courage to get plastered drunk along with the 40 other people at the party you’re at, when they’re doing the same exact thing.  What does take courage is being the odd one out and saying, “I’ll take a water.  Who needs a ride home?”

It doesn’t take courage to laugh at dirty jokes, or to join a group of non-believers in a “Christian bashing conversation.”  What does take courage is sharing the gospel, inviting someone to church and bringing Jesus into your conversations.

I love sports just as much anyone, but it doesn’t take courage to cheer loudly for the winning team along with everyone else in the stadium (especially when it’s the home team), but it does take courage to cheer for Jesus, to be baptized and to show your commitment to him publicly.

It doesn’t take courage to wear a team logo.  But it does take courage to boldly wear the cross.  (Well, okay, maybe it takes a LITTLE bit of courage to wear the logo of a team with a bad record…..and a little bit of courage to wear, say, a Michigan shirt in Ohio).  Still, you get my point. 

It doesn’t take courage to use God as a spare tire:  To ask others for prayer and to acknowledge God only when things are going badly.  What does take courage is praising him in the storm and speaking good of him all the time.

It doesn’t take courage to want to “be” another person.  What does take courage is owning “who” you are and trying to make the best of “who” you are.

Plain and simple….it doesn’t take courage to blend in.  It never has and never will.  Whether to stand out or to blend in is perhaps one of the hardest choices all humans must face.  We want to be well-liked.  We want to respected.  We want to be cool.  Ultimately, “conforming” seems so much easier.

Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

This verse pops up for me frequently.  I’ve had to really take in what it’s telling me….even when I don’t feel like it.  Even when I know it’s so much easier to join the inappropriate convo and so much easier to blend in. Notice God COMMANDED us to have “courage.”  Nearly every reputable bible translation I’ve found uses the word “command”….King James included.  He’s not just asking or suggesting we have courage….HE IS COMMANDING we have it.

Have some individuality, friends.  I’ve heard it said that if you want to make a difference in the world….you have to be different.

It’s easy to spot authenticity and courage in the world, because honestly, there’s more counterfeit and cowardice in the world than anything.  When we see authenticity and courage…..we know it.

Lack of courage in choosing your desired career path or even lack of courage in joining an inappropriate conversation alone certainly isn’t going to keep you out of heaven.  No.

However, those who refuse to come to the Lord often refuse to do so because of a lack of courage.  Those who simply say the sinner’s prayer, yet never really explore their relationship with God, because of a lack of courage, greatly limit their present and future. Cowardice is our worst enemy on many, many fronts.  It stops us from being all that we should be, and it ultimately robs us of our callings.

It’s when we have courage to step outside of our comfort zones and dare to be different when we have a real lasting impact.

Ironically enough…..lack of courage is what took me so long and posting this blog. I had a lack of courage in talking about a lack of courage.

But here is is.

What the Lord did for us on the cross was the ultimate act of courage:  “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

I know I’ll never be as courageous as Him, but that doesn’t mean that I won’t strive to be more like him.

Clearly, I have a long, long way to go…..but I do know what I desire to be and what I do not desire to be.

How about you?  Do you stand for truth even when you stand alone?

Do you choose the conforming easy way, or the courageous way?

If you’ve been choosing the conformed way, just remember it’s a new day, and God always welcomes a new courageous decision to start again. 

The post No Courage In Conformity: (Standing For Truth Even When You’re Standing Alone) appeared first on Homestead Holly.

To be honest, I don’t feel all that safe out there anymore.  It doesn’t mean I’ve stopped myself from living life, but I’ve become more skeptical and extra careful in comparison to what I once was.  I’ve been burnt by people I never suspected, and I’ve felt in danger more than once.  I keep my close friend circle small.  I keep my doors locked and my home alarm set.  If at all possible, I never go out alone late at night anymore.  It’s okay to be wise, guys.  There is a difference in being fearful and being wise.  God certainly doesn’t want us to be fearful….but he does teach us to be wise.

Let me clarify.  I’m not a pessimist when it comes to the world in general, but I do think I’m a seasoned realist.  Even more than a seasoned realist of the world, I’ve learned Jesus Christ is my ONLY hope.

He’s the one I never have to be pessimistic or even a realist about:  He’s the one I can ALWAYS be optimistic about.

I learned this lesson the hard way.

Though I gave my life to Jesus when I was a child, I admittedly still deeply had my hope in other outlets until the last couple years.  I didn’t even realize it.  I was looking towards earthly things to make me “happy.”

Something changed my perspective, however.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. -Nehemiah 8:10

You know what else has been life-changing for me?  Realizing the difference between happiness and joy.

See, I can joyfully live in circumstances that aren’t necessarily happy.  How?  My hope isn’t in those circumstances.  My hope is in the Lord, and that is where my joy and strength comes from.  In difficult situations, I can be certain that he has my back and that he will give me the strength I need.  I know I’m still blessed no matter how much my earthly situation tries to convince me otherwise.

We can always rest assured, the world is going to let us down.  At some point, people are going to let us down.  Circumstances are going to let us down.  Finances are going to let us down.  Employers are going to let us down.  Our sports teams are going to let us down.  Our bodies and general health are going to let us down.  Role models are going to let us down.  Our plans are going to let us down.  Our cars are going to let us down.  Our homes are going to let us down. Our dreams are going to let us down.

This isn’t a bad news blog though, friends.  This is GREAT news. This is a reminder that no matter what this world throws at us, we ALWAYS have a never-changing, always truthworthy, always dependable, always loving, source of hope.

The Lord is not fickle.  He is consistent.  He is perfect.  He cannot lie, and he cannot disappoint.  He will reveal himself daily if we’re willing to see and willing to listen.

I know we’re living in scary times.  I know the outlook in this world is discouraging right now.  I know it’s beyond sad out there.  I know it’s frustrating.  I know evil is running wild.

We may not be able run from what is around us…….but we can run to God.

Though he has never let us down….we have all let him down at some point.  The good news is, he is always going to have his arms wide open waiting for us to run back to him.  He doesn’t discriminate.  He doesn’t determine your value or your worthiness by your past track record, by the amount of your sin, successes, failures, resume, job title or bank account.

He never says, “You messed up too many times.  I’m done with you.”

Have you worn out people and lost relationships because of your mistakes?

The same isn’t true with God.  While a sincere apology or asking for forgiveness may not work with a friend, employer or a past relationship……it will always work with God.  You just have to mean it from the heart and allow him to work in you and through you.

Okay….now this a different blog for a different day, but:  The Bible has revealed more than enough for us to know that we have a lot of “end time” signs going on.  No one knows the day or hour, but so much of what God tells us would happen during those times…..is happening RIGHT. NOW.

Christ followers don’t have to be discouraged by this either though.  Our only hope (which is the only hope we need) has also given us the hope of Heaven.  He’s given us the chance to eternally live with him in a place where suffering, pain, evil and discouragement don’t exist.  We just have to humbly accept his invitation and admit our need for him.

We’re just passing through, guys.  This life is just a drop in the bucket compared to eternity….and all the good ahead of us.  The older I get, the more I’m reminded of this.

It isn’t complicated.  Though the Bible is a huge book full of guidance and wisdom, the way of Jesus is a simple concept.  You don’t have to know the whole book cover to cover to be accepted into his kingdom.  It’s by accepting his grace….plain and simple.  Then, if you’ve truly accepted His grace, you should want to live for Him and to help others along the way.  Is the Christian life always simple?  Of course not!  We live in a fallen world, and the Bible tells us we will experience different trials and hardships while we’re here.

However, a believer always has the ultimate hope:  The only hope needed.  ONLY is not a small word here….it’s a huge word.  Though “only” often has a negative connotation, believe me when I say it has a positive connotation in this case.  “Only” doesn’t mean “lack” in this situation….it means “sufficiency”….and “more than enough!”

God does want us to enjoy the here and now.  He wants us to laugh, live joyfully, to relax and to experience good relationships.  He loves blessing us.  As my pastor always says, God wants us to enjoy our Christian lives…..not endure them.  If we’re enduring our Christian lives rather than enjoying….then we’re doing it wrong.

Let me challenge you today though:  Let’s start ultimately focusing on what matters.  If it isn’t going to matter five years from now, maybe it doesn’t deserve your utmost attention right now.

It’s never good to be self-centered, self-absorbed and self-seeking, but with the times we’re living in?  It’s a really, really, bad time to be that way.

If your ultimate focus is your outer beauty or selfish goals, which have nothing to do with the Lord or people….I encourage you to dig a little deeper.

Is it wrong to want to look good and/or want to pursue your dreams?  Of course not! Just make sure he’s the center of it all.  Just make sure that your ultimate motivation for whatever you’re actively pursuing is the Lord and the good of people.

What is my platform here?  Well, I’m just a real person who has experienced real things.  I’ve had some harsh reality checks a time or two.  I’ve been FORCED to learn what matters vs. what doesn’t.  I got exactly what I wanted a time or two in the pursuit of my dreams and still experienced emptiness.  Why?  There was NOTHING else that could fill the void of Jesus.  I had that void, because, although I knew Him….my ultimate hope wasn’t yet in Him.

Yes, only God knows the day and hour when he will return.  However, it’s always possible he can return on any given day at any given time. I know if he is to come back this week, I’d rather he see me investing in Him and people, instead of selfishly just doing something All.About.Holly. OR chasing the pleasures of this world.

Is it wrong for me to invest in myself?  NO!  I need to do some meaningless, relaxing, “Holly things” here and there.  Otherwise, I’m not healthy, and I’m spread way too thin.  Then, I’m of no use for God and for people.  It isn’t required that every single day of my life be incredibly significant and life-changing.  He doesn’t mind if I watch a good, clean TV show for rest and relaxation.  He doesn’t mind if I want pretty nails.  He doesn’t mind if I want to go enjoy a sporting event on my Saturday afternoon.  I’m convinced he smiles when I occasionally sleep in.  It’s okay for me to NOT take on every ministry assignment offered to me and to say “no” sometimes. Rest and relaxation is healthy and his word encourages it.

It’s all about balance and perspective though, guys.

What is REALLY getting our attention….and where is our ultimate hope?

Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Remember, anytime I talk to you, I’m also talking to myself.  This blog is for you to relate to.  It’s to help us walk this thing out together.  God has been challenging me in this area in a big, big way.

What about you?  Where is your focus?  Where is your hope?  I encourage you to think about that today and in the days ahead.  Let him speak to your heart.

The post Our Only Hope Is The Only Hope We Need appeared first on Homestead Holly.

Hey, I have a confession. Sometimes I really try to have it all.

Do it all.  Say it all.  Hear it all.  See it all.  Save it all.  Dream it all.  Figure out it all.  Solve it all.  Experience it at all.  Accomplish it all. Be it all.

……And the worst?  I often expect others to have it all.

I came to this realization of myself several years ago.  It was a hard one to accept, simply because I didn’t want to accept my shortfalls or the shortfalls of other people.  Though I’ve gotten better, I still struggle sometimes with my standards of self and my standards of others.

Another confession?  I set such high standards for myself when creating this blog that I rarely post. In my mind, if it’s not an A+ piece to me, then no one else needs to hear it.  If it’s not earth-shattering, then I have no business in posting it when the world is already loud and full of countless, self-proclaimed experts (especially when I may overlook a typo)!

But today?  God is nudging me.

He knows I know I’m not an expert, but he’s also reminding me he doesn’t call “experts.”  He gives gifts, and it’s our responsibility to use those gifts and to go where he sends us.

So…..I’m hoping that just maybe, this simple, transparent, genuine blog post will help someone else out today.  Maybe it doesn’t have to be the deepest, the most articulate and the most revolutionary thing I’ve ever shared with you.  Maybe the message is in the shortfall of this blog in itself.

Maybe a little simplicity is what this complicated world needs right now.

So here it is guys:  NO ONE has it all.  There isn’t a writer that produces A+ material every. single. time.  They may tell you they do, but they don’t.  They probably just aren’t sharing their B+ material with the world.

There isn’t a basketball player that makes every. single. shot.  You just may not ever see them miss.

There isn’t an actor who gets everything on the first take, every. single. time.  You just happen to see the completed film.

There isn’t a doctor who never gets stretched, challenged or confused by a patient at some point.

There isn’t a photographer that takes the award-winning shot every time.  Sometimes even the best realize the pose or setting just wasn’t quite contest worthy.

There isn’t a family, a friendship or a marriage that never ever experiences conflict.  The social media photos people post only give you a tiny look into their lives…..not the full picture.  My Pastor once said something along the lines of, we often compare our lives to other people’s “highlight reels.”  Man, has that stuck with me.

Highlight reels are not the full picture, all day, every day….because:

There isn’t a talent that has it all.

There isn’t a career that has it all.

There isn’t an area that has it all.

There isn’t a home that has it all.

There isn’t a “dream come true” that has it all.

And most important to remember, there isn’t a person that has it all.  Does it seem like some people come close?  Of course!  Sometimes I play the comparison game and think, “DANG!  I wish I could be more like them.”  Does it seem like some families or relationships can come to having it all.  YES.  Some are so close to perfect, that you’ll never even be able to see the few flaws, that only God knows they have.

Does this mean we shouldn’t strive for excellence?  No way!  Does this mean we shouldn’t work to be the best Jesus follower, employee, parent, sibling, friend and spouse we can be?  Of course not!  In fact, I hope you’re working on that every day.  In the meantime, I will be too.

Here’s why we can’t have it all though, guys:  There is only ONE who has it all, and only ONE who will EVER have it all.  HE is the only one who is even capable of having it all.  His name is Jesus Christ. He knew no sin, and he knows no limits.  We knew sin, and therefore we have our limits, but if we serve the one who is limitless…..the results can be limitless.  We can’t be Him, and we never will be.  However, when we put our lives in the hands of the one who has it all, he can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ever ask or imagine.

We can and most definitely should strive to be like Him, but ultimately, He’s always going to be above all.

Honestly, that feels like really good news to me today.  I don’t know about you, but for me, it gets exhausting trying to have it all.  It gets exhausting on the hamster wheel.  It gets exhausting being a perfectionist.  And exhausting trying to take on roles and do jobs that only He can do…..and it gets so exhausting trying to solve problems that only He can solve.

There is a time to do a serious inventory of oneself, and there is a time to confront others.  There is a time to reevaluate where your life is going, and there is a time to make changes.  But sometimes?  There is a time where we just need to relax and be content with “not having it all.”

Why?  Well, because when we’re content with not having it all, we open the door and invite God’s limitless power into our lives. God’s power is best magnified in the humble….in those who realize they don’t have it all.  It’s best magnified in those who realize how much they need Him.  It’s really difficult for an arrogant, prideful person to enjoy the abundance of the Christian life. If we think we’re equal to God, and that we have it all, how can we really live our best lives?  How can we really have an authentic relationship?  How can we really see the results we want to see?

When I expect others to have it all, I’m holding them to an unfair standard.  I’m expecting them to be perfect like God…and they’re simply not capable of it.  When I expect myself to have it all, I’m holding myself to an unrealistic standard that I’ll never ever be able to achieve.  I’m simply not capable.

It’s days like today that I think of what the Lord has been laying on my heart for about 12 years now:

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  -2 Corinthians 12:9.

Friend, you don’t have to have it ALL.  Please free yourself of that expectation right now.  Why?

Because HE has it all, and HE is more than enough…..  Therefore, today and always, you are more than enough, simply because you serve Him.

Let his power rest on you.

The post I Don’t Have It All…..And That’s Okay With Me appeared first on Homestead Holly.

This time, I felt God nudge me about ants.  Yes, ants.  The gross, sneaky, little obnoxious things that like to invade our food, crawl all over our possessions and get into everything.  This is definitely a “first” for me.

Why ants?  Well, they’ve been everywhere in my life lately, and they’ve been making me want to bug out.  (No pun intended).  But I can’t bug out, I must face them and defeat them.  Therefore, I apparently should learn a lesson or two from them while I’m at it.

About once a year, these creepy little insects visit me in my home.  I’ve tried to seal up different areas in the kitchen, yet around this time of year, they find their way in, no matter how clean the kitchen is.  It doesn’t matter if there are dishes in the sink or not….the unwelcome visitors insist on invading my personal space.  Before I know it, I have to buy some kind of ant killer.

A month ago, they kept coming in spurts into my kitchen.  I wouldn’t have any for a bit, and then, before I knew it……they were back.

Finally, I was feeling beyond fed up.  I did some research and ran to Wal-Mart.  None of the previous ant buttons worked, so I knew it was time to get serious and find a product that actually works.  I bought an ant killer called Terro upon seeing that this product consistently receives five star reviews.  After putting out the Terro gel traps, it was soon obvious that Terro is truly the best ant killer on planet earth.

It wasn’t long before the ants began congregating and flocking together like crazy…..ultimately flocking to their death.  Though I put out multiple traps, one trap in particular was much, much more popular than the others. I woke up the next morning to realize Terro had mostly killed a whole entire ant colony.  Though it was a disgusting experience, I stood back pleased with myself.  I also figured out what area in my kitchen needs sealed up to prevent them from re-entering again (I think at least).

Then, later that morning, I arrived at work……and…lo and behold…………I spotted a couple ants on my desk.  Just a weird coincidence, right?  Nope!

Before I knew it, I heard co-workers around me talking, saying they have a ton of them in their cubicles.

NOOOOOOOO!!  I thought I was free!!  

The week prior, someone had came to me and asked if I was having a problem with ants in my cube.  I told them I wasn’t…not realizing it was another co-worker nearby.  Then, just a week later…my cube neighbors were grabbing the clorox, sanitizing their cubes and suffering from the heebie jeebies just as I had been.  I was just kind of sitting in my cube in disbelief that I was actually dealing with these creepy insects yet again.  But then…I decided to write this blog, because it was a slow morning, and I was having weird ant revelations.  Or maybe they’re God revelations.

As I was sitting there that morning, I heard something in my spirit that went like this:  “Just as it is with the ants…..flocking with the crowd always leads to death.”

WOW!…

This may not sound all that profound to you, but it does to me.  An ant on its own isn’t necessarily “bright,” but it feels the need to be part of a colony.  Together that colony is a nuisance to people.  Together that colony destroys food.  That colony also bites if their mood strikes them right. However, it is “that colony” that often leads them to their death.

As I wondered what God was really trying to say, I thought about those gel traps I observed the night before:  Those ants just couldn’t help but follow one another……to their death.  They had no individuality….no rebellion….no anything…..except a desire to follow the crowd.  Though it may not have seemed that way at first, their need to follow the crowd ultimately cost them their lives in the end.  Pretty soon, there wasn’t any “lone ants” left.  They were so attracted to those gel traps they just couldn’t help themselves.  They were led by chemicals and smells, just as we are often led by the flesh.  Brainlessly, they all headed straight for what they thought was the land of milk and honey…..but unfortunately for them, it was a toxic land.  They were on their final destination, and they didn’t even know it.  They were fooled….just like we sometimes are when the devil appears as an angel of light.

The very thing they were drawn to was the very thing that was going to kill them.  How often does this happen to us?  Obviously, we don’t always “die” in a lifeless kind of sense, but we kill our inner workings.

No one actually gives orders in an ant colony, but they all decide what to do next….which is pretty much the same thing as their siblings. Though there is a “queen,” they’re all very much alike in the end – like a carbon copy of one another.  Ants communicate by chemicals, and that is how they mostly perceive.  They use their antennae to smell.  They don’t see well, so this is basically how they face the world and make their decisions.  Though no one mortal human specifically gives us orders….how often do we simply follow a mortal human as if they know the best way?

Can I be honest?  Today’s pop culture scene has a lot of America looking like a bunch of ants.  I often have to remind myself not to join the flock.  I often have to remind myself that in the end it leads to spiritual death.  But everywhere we look, people are traveling in droves down the path of destruction…. without even realizing it.

Not many seem to question if something is wrong with being part of the “majority.”  Not many seem to realize that what is popular in the eyes of the world….often isn’t right in the word.  Therefore, many are afraid to be different….afraid to break apart from the flock….and afraid to take the uncommon route.  The result is disobedience, and the result of disobedience is the death of the dreams, the death of callings, the death of hopes, and worst of all?  Spiritual death.

As Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

You see….satan lays a new gel trap for all of us every day.  They’re all around us…and they’re designed to entice us.  The devil wants us to be led by our flesh…..God wants us to be led by the spirit.

Still, satan knows so many of us desire to be part of the flock.  He knows so many will have the desire to go the way that seems right.  But in the end, the devil wins when we follow his lead…..and we lose.  He knows our weaknesses, and he knows what will lure us in.  He has all sorts of strategical “gel” for humans.

The good news is….if we’re staying in the word and using our discernment, we will recognize the traps of “death” and know to avoid them. 

It’s been said that those who follow the crowd usually don’t go any further than the crowd.  Think about it folks:  God created you for more.  He created you to love, to be a light, to lead, to learn, to make a positive difference and to live for Him.  Don’t just become part of a colony or the “in crowd.”  It may seem right today, but God sees the bigger picture.

He needs us now more than ever – to rise up and to stand firm for him.  In the end, he will reward us for doing so.  Avoiding the traps is what will one day bring us to the land of milk and honey….even if it doesn’t look like it today.  Walking into the trap will rob us of the land of milk and honey….it will rob us of our God-given talents and all the amazing plans he has for us……even if it doesn’t look like it today.

Romans 12:2 says,  ^“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

God is always looking for “unique, courageous, non-conforming, available, individuals” to accomplish his good and perfect will.

Do we want to be purposeful, or do we want to be a “can’t think for myself/want to simply fit in,” ant?  It’s up to us….God has given us free will…..but friends…..I really do hope you decide against being an ant at a time like this.

Now….I’d get back to ant killing, but I don’t see any, anywhere……

The post Don’t be an ant at a time like this: The cost of disobedience & following the crowd appeared first on Homestead Holly.

1.   Meet new people whenever you can, but don’t be afraid to have your “inner circle.”  Find a balance of allowing new people in, but first, nurture your already established relationships: It’s a big world full of so many fascinating people with so many fascinating stories.  Be a listening ear.  Be transparent when you feel led.  Whether you’re in an airplane, at a convention, waiting in line or at a concert, don’t be afraid to meet the stranger next to you.  You just may meet a new person who adds something small but special to your day.  You just may add something small to their day. You may exchange a business card which results in a future partnership.  You may meet a new friend.  You may change that person’s life….or they may end up changing yours. My pastor always urges us to walk through crowds slowly.  Our stories and the stories of others bring an immeasurable amount of healing and inspiration to the world.  In that same sense though, be sure to nurture the already beautiful friendships and the relationship you have.  Don’t forget about your family, your children, your spouse and your oldest friends in the process of serving others.  Not everyone is meant to be part of your inner circle.  Be open and loving to the outside world, but don’t be afraid to draw the line between acquaintances and close friends as well.  You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can certainly be something to someone!  2.  Have friends of all ages:  I like to think my friends range from 9 months to 99 years old, and in all honesty, that’s all been true at some point in my life.  Age doesn’t matter when it comes to being friend of mine.  In fact, different ages bring so many different facets, revelations and stories to my life.  Children remind me to still find beauty in the simple things.  Teenagers remind me of who I was not long ago.  They remind me to keep a young energy.  I enjoy inspiring them.  While some make me want to yank my hair out, I find many who I believe will grow up to make an incredible difference in the world.  I find many I can relate to, laugh with and hopefully encourage whenever possible.  Friends my own age help me celebrate who I am today.  We can relate.  We can share similar struggles, victories and general commonalities.  Friends slightly older than me give me a good idea of what’s to come.  They help me to stay mature and to plan ahead.  They have a wisdom I admire.  Speaking of wisdom, anyone who doesn’t befriend the elderly is doing a serious disservice to one’s self.  These individuals have truly “been there, done that.”  They can serve as an adopted parent or grandparent figure in our lives.  I have several of them, and they mean the world to me.  They tell stories of the past and give us a sneak peek into the future.  I can’t say enough about having friends of all ages.  I think that should be a blog post in itself.  Oh…and never underestimate making friends with animals.  They teach us much more than what some are willing to believe.  A life without dogs is a life not reaching its potential…..just saying.  Back to friends of all ages though:  It’s been one of my greatest keys to success in life.

3.  Do what you love and love what you do:  I write this knowing full well that not all of us are currently able to work full-time at our God-given passions. The creative world isn’t exactly a financially sound world for the majority, but that doesn’t mean the creative mind can’t embrace and enjoy the results of a creative mind.  It also doesn’t mean one should assume that a delay is God’s denial.  Good things take time.  A slow growing oak tree is always better than a fast-growing, brittle one.   It goes back to the old saying, “bloom where you are planted.”  I think of Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”  I fully believe that God wants to see how we treat non-dream jobs, little opportunities and our humble beginnings before he brings us to higher levels.  A grateful and appreciative person continuously sows positive seeds into their talent knowing it will reap a harvest in due time (check out Galatians 5:7).  Whether you have 15 minutes a day or 15 hours a day to focus on your passion, I truly believe what matters most is how you spend that time and the attitude you have during that time.  I believe God makes creative people creative for a purpose, just like he makes business analysts and accountants analytical for a purpose.  I think life comes together when we simply know what we want and know how to go about getting it.  For some that means a certificate, a Bachelors, a Masters or a PHD. For others that may mean starting their own business or being a flight attendant who travels the world.  Just trust that your talents are a gift from Him, bloom where you are planted and consult with Him for wisdom concerning your career path.  Never stop setting goals.  (Note to self).

4.  Take care of yourself:  I don’t know about you, but while I’m taking care of everyone and everything, sometimes I forget to take care of me.  Sometimes I have to remind myself that it’s okay to sit on the couch, sip my favorite hot tea and just do nothing.   I also have to remind myself that I’m probably always going to feel much better after a grilled chicken and steamed broccoli meal than I ever will after eating a big piece of chocolate cake for my dinner (though sometimes I just have to).  Taking care of ourselves covers a broad spectrum.  When one isn’t fully taking care of oneself, they are unable to give to others in the way they could and should.  For some, taking care of oneself may mean a monthly pedicure, a movie night, setting aside time to write a blog or to browse a flea market. For many, taking care of oneself will put them in mind of exercising and general healthy living.  Whether it’s a long walk, a trip to the gym or working hard around the home, it all typically makes a person feel active.  Meal plans, natural remedies and juicing machines – whatever healthily works for you, do it.  Craving a quiet weekend at the beach?  Do it. Oh, and here’s the best way to take care of yourself:  Spend time with Jesus.  A life that aspires to be healthy spiritually has already taken the first big step to a well-rounded life.

5.  Get organized and de-clutter your life:  I know I mentioned this in a previous blog, but it just happens to apply to so many life principles.  I know this because I’ve struggled with organization and clutter for much of my life.  God has been dealing with me concerning this for the past year.  Too much “stuff” gets in the way, creates stress and wastes a whole lot of time.  I’ve been cleaning closets, bagging, boxing, pitching, selling and giving away.  My rec room right now should probably be called a “wreck room,” but it’s because I’m going through all the junk and filtering through what will be kept, sold and donated.  Though “stuff” may seem harmless it can hinder and hurt many aspects of our lives.  An organized person will always be one step ahead of a disorganized person, allowing more time for a purposeful, peaceful life.  I truly believe our home lives can either make or break our lives.  I believe treating our homes lives right is key to having peace in our outside lives.

6.  Do good for others:  We were created to love and to do good for others.  God’s word encourages us to be a helping hand over and over again.  I’ve always believed that one should give away whatever it is they’re needing.  (IE – if a hug is needed, give one.  If some encouragement is needed, give some).  Pastor always reminds us to “live to give.”  It’s also true that we must remember to take care of ourselves in the midst of our giving, as I mentioned above.  Interestingly though, I love giving so much that it feels like I’m doing it for “me,” and I almost feel selfish for how good it makes me feel (Lol).  Giving is just good for everyone.  Always has been….always will be.

7.  Try something new:  Whether it’s skydiving or a new recipe, never deprive yourself of adventure.  See new places….try new activities.  Again, meet some new people. If you cross off your entire bucket list….find some things to add to it.  A well rounded, well lived life never stops discovering, learning, exploring and enjoying.

8.  Celebrate and take in your success:   While we should never stop setting new goals, I think it’s equally important that we stop to celebrate and take in our successes.  Over the years, I had the “never stop setting goals” thing down, but I really didn’t have the celebrate and take it in thing down.  In fact, I never stopped, took in or celebrated any of it, period.  It became a “more, more, more” thing for me, which was certainly not God’s will for me.  I think when we don’t stop to simply take in success and be thankful, it becomes more difficult to be thankful in general.  If we simply see success and reaching a new level as the norm, rather than as a blessing, our thankfulness depletes.  In the long run, this non-stop pace causes passion to fade out and discontentment to fade in.  Then, guess what happens?  Total burnout.  Eventually the burnt out individual will wonder what they even really got out of all their hard work in the end.  They are likely to even question their calling and God-given talents if not careful.  Their success won’t feel lasting, and it won’t feel fulfilling.  Don’t ask me how I know.  I’m learning just like you…

9.   Live more, spend less:  The bible warns against a love of money.  It’s God’s design that we be good stewards and not be bound by lenders.  Materialism is everywhere in our culture.  It’s promoted in the magazines, on the internet, on our television screens, in the movies and everywhere we look.  Sadly, they don’t show us how it feels to struggle to put food on the table or to keep our lights on.  On that same note, it’s hard to experience new things and “live” with zero money to our names.  I believe that if we spend less, we will in the long run, live more.  Sometimes sacrifices have to be made and trade-offs have to happen, but it’s hard to truly live when we’re living far far beyond our means.  When nothing is changing financially, it’s time to look at what you can change:  Get it on sale, use the coupon, pray before making the large purchase, think before getting another credit card, wait to buy the new vehicle you’re not quite ready for and ask yourself if you’re financially in a good position to do what your heart is currently desiring.  Your future self will thank your current self for this. Again, don’t ask me how I know.  Also, remember, just because something is free or cheap doesn’t mean it isn’t fun and just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it is fun.  There are plenty of entertaining activities that don’t cost you your first born.  Don’t be afraid to pull out an old board game, to set up your corn hole boards, to cook at home or to re-watch a movie on your dusty DVD shelf, sometimes.  Oftentimes the best times are the most simple times.

10.  Seek first his kingdom:  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33:  It all comes down this, folks.  If we seek first his kingdom, we don’t really have to worry about if we’re being “well-rounded” or not, because if we seek first his kingdom, he has a way of letting everything else fall into place.  When we put him first, we are blessed and highly favored:  Doors are opened, the wrong ones are closed, burdens are eased, direction is given and the right people and opportunities are introduced.  We just have to be willing to move our feet, to work hard, to be responsible and to joyfully go where he sends us.

Leading a well-rounded life starts and ends with Him.  It’s the only kind of life that fulfills.  Again, don’t ask me how I know….

The post Are You Living a Well-Rounded Life? appeared first on Homestead Holly.

I have a confession.  I used to kind of hate you.  I used to feel incredibly annoyed nearly every time you started pouring down.

You always had a way of interfering with important events in my life.  You always had a way of messing up my already difficult hair.

I used to feel that you hated me right back.  You always had a way of pouring down during the best and the worst days of my life.

When I went through losses…..when I had job interviews…..when I needed to walk clear across campus without an umbrella….when I had to drive 450 miles in rush hour…..there you were.

When I planned (and then had to cancel) my first ever beach trip as an adult….AND every time I sat up for a yard sale……there you were.

You never really seemed to come visit me when I was laying home in bed snuggled under my covers.  I mean, of course you did sometimes, but during my all important events, that was always your favorite time to check in.

It didn’t matter if it was April, July or November….there you were.

When I had just endured a breakup, when I had a flat tire, when my master cylinder went completely out while driving, when I was doing door to door sales all by myself without a car close by, when I would go on 5 mile walks, when I had a modeling shoot, and when I was having the saddest day of my life….there you were.

It didn’t matter if the sun was shining when I left or if the forecast had predicted you….there you were.

Frankly, it always kind of felt like insult to injury.  I was already going through hard times in my life.  I was chasing dreams, working multiple jobs and going through trials in nearly every area of my life…..but there you were.

I can recall one time (nearly a decade ago), I was home for a short break with family in Ohio.  You arrived just before I was set to head back to TN.  Because of you, I realized my tires had suddenly gotten really bad while driving through my hometown.

I slid through a stop light and went to the only tire shop open on that holiday.  They replaced my tires before that 450 mile drive.

I decided for five minutes that you just might have been my friend that day, because it was certainly better to realize my tire’s poor condition then, than in the midst of busy interstate traffic.

Still, life was hard, and you just kept pouring down on my drive back.  Why couldn’t you ever let me have one long drive without being so dramatic?

That day on the way back, I prayed, “Lord, in life, please help me to see the rainbow after the rain.”

Would you know that just minutes later (maybe even just a minute), a gorgeous full rainbow appeared in the sky?

It was beautiful, and I knew right then that God was with me.

Though that day was incredibly special, I still didn’t want to give you too much credit, rain.  You would inconvenience me again very soon.

I was right.

You continued to visit me during nearly every important life event following that day.  You messed up my hair, you made my makeup run down my face….and none of my umbrellas could withstand you.

And here’s the kicker?  You decided to even come visit me on my engagement day!  

My engagement day was CHRISTMAS EVE!  I mean, seriously?  Christmas Eve is supposed to bring snow….NOT rain….but there you were.

My fiance had scheduled a photo shoot for us on East Street Bridge that morning….but you just had to pour down.  Just to avoid you, we went inside Union Station Hotel for the photo shoot instead.  You made it in some of our pictures outside, but it’s not because I liked you or anything.

The photo shoot turned out absolutely beautiful, but I wasn’t going to give you any credit for that, rain.

How dare you try to interfere!?  What was next?  My actual wedding day?

Anyways, my new fiance and I drove back to his hometown to celebrate our engagement with his family…..as you continued to pour while he drove.

Then came time to plan my wedding.  I chose August for various reasons, but I hoped one of them was to avoid you.  August is usually a dry month after all.  You had interfered with too many happy times in my life, and you certainly weren’t going to interfere with the day a little girl dreams of her whole life.

I refused to book at any place that didn’t offer a completely indoor reception, just because of the heat and my previous relationship with you.

I did decide to tentatively book an outdoor ceremony (knowing it will only take about 15 minutes), but not without being assured I had a plan B and C.

Oh rain….don’t you dare.

Coming from a family of farmers and knowing droughts in general are not a good thing, I always had to appreciate you for that much.  And of course for the prevention of wild fires. But just that much. I couldn’t ever find much else to thank you for, however.  You never could water the crops when I was simply inside in my pajamas it seemed.

All through my early wedding planning, I found myself wishing against you.

But then a funny thing happened….

It was inauguration day for President Trump, and when he came to the platform to start his speech, you showed up.

Donald and I must have something in common, huh?  What’s your deal, rain?  Can’t a guy get inaugurated for the most important job in the country without you coming to interfere?

Well, Evangelist Franklin Graham came to the platform and said something I didn’t expect him to say:  “Mr. President, in the bible, rain, is a sign of God’s blessing….and it started to rain Mr. President as you came to the platform.”

Say WHAT!?  You are a sign of God’s blessing?

I had NEVER thought of you as a blessing.  I’ve been in church my whole life and somehow missed that whole concept.  It’s true though.  Ezekiel 34:26 says, “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

What’s more?  Rain is mentioned in at least 58 verses in the Bible.  Rain is actually very significant to God.

I guess this means I was kind of wrong about you.  Yes, you sometimes slow up traffic and make my day more difficult, but I really should have given you more credit.  I will from this day forward.  I just have one favor though:  If you do decide to show up on my wedding day, can you please show up right after the ceremony when we’re all inside for the reception?

Sincerely,

Learning to like you.

*******************

How often do we do this, friends?  How often do we just find the cursing instead of the blessing in the things around us?

How often are things not quite as they appear or seem?  How often do we misjudge a situation?  Pretty often in this girl’s world.

See, God has used rain to teach me something:  My perspective and perception is often incorrect.  When I feel God has left me, he’s closer to me than ever before.  When I feel the rain pouring down on me, I’m actually growing.  Nothing grows in a drought.  He was with me every step of the journey every day, even when it seemed dark and gloomy.  He was pouring his blessings on me, and I didn’t even know it.  Some of these big rains were even necessary to bring me to today.  They’ve made me stronger, more compassionate and better in many ways.

While I waited in the rain, I found true faith, growth, dreams, accomplishments and the right people.

Yes……I was being showered with God’s blessings, but up until recently, all I could see was wet frizzy hair, tired eyes and MY ruined plans.

God has a sense of humor.  If he can speak to Moses through a burning bush….he can certainly speak to this girl through rain.  He can speak to you too.  Just be willing to listen and willing to dance in the rain.

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