Minister Where You Are

Minister: (noun) A person acting as the agent or instrument of another

                 (verb) to give service, care, or aid

   I have days now and then when I question why I am where I am; especially with my job.  Being a CNA isn’t hard and we usually perform most of our tasks “behind the scenes.”  We care for a patient briefly and quietly and move on to the next room.  So there are times when I question my importance and the impact that I am having on my unit and the patients that I care for.

   It’s easy to get busy and wrapped up in the tactical procedures that must be done.  At work I get stressed with phone calls and spontaneous bed baths and errands around the hospital.  I get overwhelmed feeling like I can’t keep up; feeling like I am missing the mark. 

10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

   This week I got a tiny glimpse at my “why.”  I was at work, finishing up a shift and one of my very sick patients mentioned walking down to the café to pick out something for dinner. My immediate thought was, “I don’t have time for this.  Where are the volunteers? Of course he waited until now to ask for this.”  I knew this was wrong to think but I was tired and trying to leave work on time.  In that moment, I chose the right thing.  It doesn’t happen too often, unfortunately but in that moment I chose to put my to do list down and spend a few minutes with this young man.  As he and I walked downstairs this quiet, depressed young man began to talk and ask questions and even sported a slight smile.  He surveyed his dinner options and picked out a Stromboli at the counter.

   It was then while we waited for the lady to package his choice that he turned to me, looked me in the eyes and threw his arms around me.  I asked him several times, “what’s wrong, what’s wrong, are you sick, do we need to go upstairs?” He answered with a whisper in my ear, “thank you for bringing me down here.” 

   Let me tell you, it took everything in me not to start balling like a baby right there at the pizza counter.  I had almost missed this!  This one opportunity to walk with this young man fighting for his life; a simple request led to a shift in my soul.  I had made excuses and tried to pass off the “task” and I had almost missed out on that hug and that moment when for one second he smiled and found happiness in a late night Stromboli. 

   It was as if I could hear God saying…. “Meagan, this is it.  This is why I have you here for this season.  I need you to minister to these kids, to take time to talk and walk and hug.”  So when my days are hectic and my schedule is full I need to remember to take time and minister, love on and share Jesus with the ones around me because those moments will matter so much more than all the checks on my list.

Power of Purpose

    This summer I spent some time soul searching, trying to figure out my priorities and what exactly I was working toward.  Were my goals my own or someone else’s? Did my agenda line up with God’s? As I spent time reflecting and peeling back layers of my own insecurities I realized that I had been playing a role in my own life that I didn’t want.  I had been working for other people, eagerly awaiting their approval and waiting to hear recognition.  I had taken very little time to look inside my own heart and pray for God to show me my true desires and passions for my life.

   It’s not hard to get wrapped up in the approval of others and the image that society portrays as the “good life”.  We’re shown every day by those around us, celebrities and popularity what we should look like, feel like and act like but as Christians aren’t we supposed to turn from the “popular” image? 

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. 20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. 29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:17-32

   So as I slowly turned from the ambition of others and began looking inside my own heart and soul, I discovered a lot about myself and what was important to me and my marriage.  Casey and I spent time sharing plans for the next year and what was going to be important to our marriage and family unit over the next season.  As a new purpose was birthed and grew in my heart so did new habits and actions on my part.  Suddenly my purpose was building a fire in my soul and a fight in my spirit.  When my passion and my purpose collided with my faith and my family it was so dear to my heart that it changed my perspective and my willingness to work towards bearing fruit.

   The simplest way I’ve seen this shift in my life is when I am running… yes running… like an injured baby rabbit… slow and crippled.  I haven’t always been a runner, I used to hate running because of the pain it caused and the disappointment I felt when I gave in to that pain.  That was until one day when I pushed through and beat my personal best.   I had pushed past the pain in that moment and found joy in the moments following and now I have a secret weapon that aids in the miles filled with pain.  My purpose during this season lines up with my running hobby and during those times of struggle and suffering; when my muscles ache and it would feel so good to stop and walk a bit; I think about that purpose, the reason that I am fighting through and as I run the pain fades away and I can keep going long past what I set out to do.  Now instead of dreading the pain I see it as a training exercise; an opportunity to push on and push past my false limitations.

   I think this is where we struggle at times… we’re always searching for our purpose in life and we make it bigger than it has to be.  A purpose for me in this season became clearer when I made a list.  For me, my first priority is to be a daughter of the King, to love His people and to share the Good News.  Secondly, to be an encouraging, loving wife to my husband and follow his leadership in our marriage.  Also on my list is to be a daughter and daughter in law that holds my family close and takes time to listen and lift up those around me.  One day I want to be a mother that leads my children to Jesus; I want to teach them how to love and how to enjoy each season in life.  It’s here, as you list the desires of your heart that you’ll find your purpose.  You’ll know when tears form and a swelling in your heart rises.  This week try to find a quiet space and make a list and share it with the Lord. 

11For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 

13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

   He has a plan for your life and He wants you to come to Him and tell Him the desires of your heart.  He’s already listening and He wants to join you in your journey.

Putting Down my Pen

   Casey and I spent a couple of days with my family at the beach this weekend.  This time was needed and we captured every moment to walk, talk and rest.  I’m not sure why but when I stand on a beach and look out across the waves, I feel small and my God feels so much bigger. Casey knows that a beach is my happiest place and this is one of the reasons why. 

   Saturday as we were walking; talking about plans for the next year, I couldn't help but feel my big God asking for us to let Him in to our conversation.  How many times have we asked Him this year about our future plans?  When have I taken my agenda and opened it to Him or better handed Him the pen? 

   I told Casey (since we all know I was doing most of the talking on these walks) that this next year I need to let go of the reins and bring God closer into my heart.  You see, I've always been a “planner” and even worse a “worrier”.  I will analyze something until the midnight hours and as I plan I will worry about whether I am making the best decision and in return analyze some more.  God has been pressing into this issue with me over the past several months and I have felt Him lean in as I turn my head like a misbehaving child. 

   The root of my issue isn't a need to control but a lack of faith. It’s taken me time and weak moments to see this in myself. Why would I ever think my God who brought me out of the trenches before would ever want anything but outstandingly, awesome moments for my future?  The same God in the Bible is the same God writing my life’s story.  It’s when I preach this to myself that I find it a bit easier to drop my pen, close my calendar and listen for God’s instruction. 

   As we continued to walk down that beach, I thought about some of our really good moments.  Like our engagement when Casey proposed in the woods beside our forever home, or when I got an email inviting me to join a women’s egroup led by our pastor’s wife, or when Casey bought a foreclosure which led to an investment opportunity which led to financial blessing or when a mentor at our church asked us to take a leadership role .  You see, I didn't plan these moments; I hadn't even thought about them or dreamed what joy they would bring but they are some of the sweetest memories.

   So looking back, when did I plan something that brought the joy that I knew it would, in the exact way that I had planned?  Nope, there’s not a single time.  I can’t think of one time in my life that all my worry and anxiety and planning was worth the trouble.  This blew my mind; all this time I thought I had control on my happiness by planning and worrying and preparing when it was the moments that God got through that brought the most joy. 

   So as Casey and I walked off that beach, I prayed and promised God that this year my agenda would only hold grocery lists, work schedules and holiday parties because this year is His and I pray that He shines in our marriage, our home and every unplanned moment to come.

The man I married...

My leading man turned 30 this past Sunday and I want to take a bit of time to brag…

Casey has been a radiant light in my life since the night we met. He’s not your ordinary man and certainly not the average these days.  He has a servant’s heart that doesn't just follow Christ but chases God’s Will. Casey is devoted to his family and loves our friends with his whole being.  He volunteers in our church and in everyday life.  Casey is skilled with his hands and never takes a “day off.”  Not only does my man know how to take a bland yard and turn it into a beautifully landscaped paradise but he can demo a car and put it back together, build a home from the ground up and look at a abandoned project and turn it into a breath taking finish.  He honestly is the most amazing man I have ever met and his love and beauty radiates from his soul.  I thank God every day for this man and for bringing me to him to be his wife. Never have I been in such a courageous and honoring presence of a man but yet been encouraged to stand beside him, not behind him.  I pray that God would bless him and lead him in His Will.  I know that God is just getting started with Casey and his life and I look forward to watching the next 30 years unfold.  

"The Flip House"

Casey has wanted to “flip” a house for some time now so when he came to me back in November I wasn't surprised.  We laugh about our journey with this house now because it all started when we took a side road off our normal route home.  We had no idea that months later we’d own this little, worn out ranch tucked back in the country. 

Construction started immediately. Casey had been waiting to get his hands dirty in a renovation for a while and he was ready.  Tear down took days and plans for a new kitchen and bathrooms were already in the works. I remember thinking, “What are we doing”, “We don’t have time for this”, We don’t have money for this” but I did know that Casey Smith never starts a project he won’t finish and he never performs half way.  He is a planner, a doer and a successful man.  I guess that’s where all my security laid during these past 8 months.  I knew that even though I had questions I also had faith.

I mostly remember the work after the holidays and through the spring. Popcorn ceiling was scrapped away, carpet ripped apart, cabinets torn down and the endless painting, oh the painting.  That is one project I have not quite recovered from.  Casey and his dad worked so many late nights rerouting plumbing and rewiring electrical.  I’ll never forget the silent moments as we stood in the kitchen and bathrooms listening for water leaks. 

          After all the old was gone; the fresh paint graced the walls, new gorgeous cabinets were installed, beautiful tile was laid and dazzling granite was placed.  Then came the floors, Casey’s hardest project on his body as he returned home with knees and back aching, yet the floors brought the warmth.  It was after these beautiful pieces were laid that the house became a home again.  Now, it’s been 8 months and this “flip” is finished. I remember my mom telling me, “Meagan, building a home is one of the most stressful things you’ll do in a marriage.”  I assume it’s the balance between wants, needs and management of money.  Little girls grow up playing house and what it may look like so I can imagine and now can attest that, yes, this project has been stressful but it has been most rewarding. 

          I am so proud of my husband.  I never doubted him for a moment; just me. Not only does Casey own and run a successful landscaping business but he saw an opportunity and a dream unite and he took hold.  I have loved watching him learn and grow and achieve in so many ways.  We've laughed, cried and now breathe a little easier as this “project” will soon leave our hands into someone else’s.  I pray that this home brings joy and happiness and shelters a beautiful family for many, many years.  It all started as an idea and now my heart is having a little trouble saying goodbye. 

          It sounds silly but this house represented 8 months of marriage and relationship trials and tests.  Casey and I have grown tremendously and this year will forever lie in our memories.  I thank God for this season; for stretching us and molding us; for teaching us to trust and to be patient and for bringing us out so much stronger.  I am so thankful.

          Dear friends… whether it’s a project, a sickness, a job transfer or a time of financial stress; don’t let the seasons that God brings into your life and marriage go untouched.  Take one another’s hands, look to God and ask Him how He wants to use you.  He can teach you in every moment, even in the midnight glow with a scrapper in one hand and a paintbrush in the other.  

Words

What words are you using today? 

Are you choosing words of life or of death?

Are you speaking into someone or adding to the destructive static already swirling in their mind?

   Last year I decided to make a few changes to better my health.  I started eating healthier foods, exercised regularly and took the vitamins my body craved.  I quickly noticed, especially when I was running, that the words I spoke to myself had a lot to do with my performance.  If I told myself, “you’re fat and you’ll always be fat” then it was much harder for me to pick up an apple than a sweet treat.  If I told myself, “you can’t run that far, you never have and you never will” then it was a lot harder to push past the pain.  I found ways to work past the negative talk and although the battle rages on, I know the truth behind the lies.

   Recently, it’s been more and more concerning to me as I listen to the way we talk to others.  Listening to the word choices we make as we speak to our family, friends and coworkers worried me that we may be making a very similar mistake just as I was in the example above.  When I have a conversation with my husband, am I speaking life into his day by telling him how proud I am, how incredibly he serves others and how much I love his passion or am I sending him off to work feeling defeated and weak?  As I share stories with coworkers and friends, am I using words that encourage and inspire or am I adding to their fears and doubts? 

   There’s a lot of static in our day to day lives.  Sometimes I sit in our home and suddenly realize just how much noise is around me.  The dryer is rumbling, the washer is running, the television in our living room is on, not to mention the mix of ceilings fan, random beeps and clicks from our phones and even music coming from my computer.  This static can be found in the people we surround ourselves with as well as how we speak to those people. 

   Everyone has their own struggles and many of our thoughts are negative or doubtful.  I certainly don’t wake up hoping to come across negative comments or destructive criticism during my day.   Reflecting on this, I need to be really careful about how I speak with others.  I need to put down my phone, turn down the static and make sure I am listening to the person in front of me.  I need to make sure that the words coming from my mouth are genuine and provide encouragement and love.  I want that person to walk away feeling better and lifted.  If that’s what I crave from others then I better be offering that as well. 

36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Matthew 22:36-40

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29-32

   I love this scripture but it’s certainly not easy in practice. However, what if each day I tried a bit harder to make a habit of choosing life giving speech?  How would my interactions change and how would others around me benefit?  I think it’s time to take hold of our tongues and to be “a light in the world” that the static is trying to cover up!  

Slavery Still Exists

As I grow older... as we welcome more nieces and nephews into our family and as Casey and I prepare to become parents in the coming years, my awareness of protection and safety grows as well.  I look at children that have been abused as they arrive at the hospital for recovery and anger grows in my soul.  To look at another human being and see abuse; to talk with friends and hear stories, it births a sense of responsibility.  I immediately ask questions in my head like, “if someone had known”, “if only they had spoken up”, “if someone had done something” maybe the hurt wouldn't have been so bad, maybe the abuse wouldn't have gone on for so long. 

It’s hard when we live in a world that revolves around ourselves.  All we see and think about are how is this going to affect me and how my needs are going to be met.  That’s how we’re trained to think through media.  So when does change occur?  When do we stop thinking that way and take a stand?  When do we tune our ears to the cries of others and listen to God as He instructs us to follow paths of obedience? 

I learned about the A21 Campaign at Elevation church when Christine Caine spoke during our Code Orange Revival.  A21 is a partner of the End it Movement and together they work to end slavery of all kinds. 

27 million people are currently enslaved.  8 out 10 human trafficking cases worldwide involve the sex industry.  The average age is 12 years and yet only 1 in 100,000 European traffickers are every convicted. 

Katja's Story by A21

I think somewhere in our past we were taught that slavery ended when really the “industry” brings in an estimated $32 Billion each year.  So… do we go on as normal, turning our heads the other way or pretending not to see what’s going on around us? What if it was your sister?  Your niece?  Your son?  Is it going to take hitting close to home to wake us up?  If you’re ready to see change and take action, there are lots of ways to get involved.  Don’t wait until it’s too late, start now and learn ways that you can help!

#ENDITMOVEMENT

Don't let the "What if's" keep you from "What's next"

The older I get, the angrier I get at my complacency.

When I sit down at night and look back at my day, how did I spend my time?  Did I use my gifts to bless others? Did I strive for greater works?  Did I take the time that God gave me and use it to make a better tomorrow?

I sit in complacency too often.  I wait for others to do what I should do for myself.  I give in and give up too quickly and too often.  The only one to blame is myself.  God has given me everything I need.  It's sad to look back on days wasted, time given up and moments missed because I didn't put in the work.

It's as I sit here on a border line between the past and the future that I must reflect, review and prepare.  There was something about this past year that showed me my weaknesses and my strengths, something about realizing how much time and how many moments I didn't grab and fulfill their potential that terrifies me.  I don't want next year or the years to follow to be the same.  I want to be better, greater.. a force.  I want to stand for my beliefs and use my strengths to make a difference in my life and others.  I don't want to be ordinary or "normal".

I let so many things pass by because of FEAR!  I feared confrontation, complication and failure above all else.  I let fears in me keep me from my potential.  I don't live with regret because it's out of mistakes that I have learned and grown but that doesn't give me the right to continue making the same mistakes and to remain complacent.  I let my "what if's" keep me from my "what's next".

A year from now, if I turn around and see the same person, that's my fault.  If I find myself in a place, in a job, in a debt, in a circumstance that I didn't want, that's my fault.  It's time to work, to put my head down and push.  Push forward with everything I have.  The time for weakness is over.  It's now or never that I take the reigns and run.

I have gotten so familiar and comfortable in this zone that I didn't realize the time passing by.  I kept saying tomorrow, next week, next year.  What if there isn't a next year?  What if my opportunity is now?  God is here, listening, ready to empower me with everything I need to achieve, to succeed and to be greater.

It's time.. now.. today.  I may start small but I will move forward, every day, better and better and one day, soon, I will turn around look back and smile because today was the day that made my future possible.

No longer will my fears, my hesitations, my What ifs keep me from my What's next!

Elevation Creative: I Will Fight

www.vimeo.com/83497843

Leave a woman alone in her kitchen...

Leave a woman alone in her kitchen….

                                                                   and she’ll get creative with her food!

This afternoon my husband headed off to work a bit and that meant Eva and I were alone in the house.  I lit a few candles, poured some hot tea and watched the snow fall outside our windows.  As I stood in our kitchen and rambled through drawers and cabinets looking for some fantastic junk food to devour, I found myself stranded.  Here I was, snowed in with only healthy food to eat… no ice cream, no chocolate, no potato chips! 

It was just before I had a cravings pity party that I remembered I had two zucchini in the fridge.  I had bought them hoping to make “noodles” with them in accordance with a recipe I found on Pinterest.  You see.. my husband and I have been trying to cut back on gluten.. for no other reason than we would like to eat a bit healthier and pay more attention to exactly what we’re eating.  We have a couple of friends that eat completely gluten free and have seen tremendous results but I realize that living “gluten free” is extremely difficult and practically impossible at times, so we’re trying to start with small changes and get creative with other options.

After searching through my Pinterest boards, I finally found the zucchini noodles recipe.  It was really very simple and seems like it would be fun to play around with and add your own touch.

                 

I took a zucchini, shaved off the exterior coat(not required), then (using the guard) sliced the zucchini with our julienne slicer.  After letting the “noodles” sit for a few minutes, I warmed a skillet with the “noodles”, some marinara sauce, basil, garlic and black pepper.  It’s amazing how well the zucchini held it’s texture and I promise there was hardly any difference between my zucchini spaghetti and regular pasta spaghetti.  It will definitely be a new staple in our house. 

                      

I was reminded that this was the exact reason we try not to stock “junk food” in our house… so that when you find yourself ransacking cabinets looking for chocolate or salty chips and find nothing, you’ll turn to the healthy stuff and that helps keep me on my path to a healthier lifestyle!