Thursday, April 16, 2015

Stuck











There is no worse feeling, than that of being "stuck."  It feels like your world comes to a complete halt, and out of the mundane you start to feel yourself spinning in a directionless circle. It's like you're running as fast as you can, but not getting anywhere because of this huge gust of wind that pushes against your efforts. It's exhausting!  You find yourself living joyless, maybe burnt-out, and also a little hopeless. 
 
 I know...I've been there...
 
So,  what's the secret of becoming "un-stuck?" While there is no secret formula,  I think it first comes with realizing that we were not created to live mediocre, boring or dare I say, "safe" lives.   If we are created in the image and likeness of God, how can our lives be boring?!  God tells us in His Word; "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9  Not everyday, with every breath, will be exciting or adventurous. There will be mundane days; this simply means we won't allow the dry seasons to dictate our attitudes and/or our thoughts.   Second, I've learned that I needed to tell somebody what was going on in my heart.  After I confess to God what's going on, I told my husband; because I know my husband truly knows how to pray for me better than anyone else! James 5:16 "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for one another so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
I highly recommend, that you get a champion for Christ in your corner, don't just tell anyone! Tell someone who knows the Word and will speak it over you!

Third, and probably the most important point I'll make;  You find your JOY and PURPOSE in serving alongside others!  There was a long period of time where I went through my "Stuck" season.  I felt that I was barely getting through the day. I was so caught up in my own chaos, that I tasted the bitter tears of lost opportunities; A teachable moment with my children, a coffee date with a girlfriend who was struggling, a listening ear for my husband, or someone who just needed a helping hand. I had to realize if there was a need that I could meet, I should obey and do so joyfully.  Galatians 6:10 "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
 

If I'm being honest, this wasn't always easy to do. Sure, there were days where I was just too tired or would rationalize why I couldn't.  But when I did, I had some of the most joyous, rewarding and purpose-filled moments I knew I would've missed, had I not stepped out of my comfort zone. This has also lead me to some amazing new adventures! I challenge you today, to step out in faith and see what God can and will do in and  through you!

Where are you at on this journey? how can I pray for you?

Yours in the Journey,
Shannon :)






Wednesday, April 1, 2015

The Naked Truth




What can we learn from the Song of Solomon?




1.       Men are body focused and women are relationship focused. Women have a desire to be chased, cared for and loved. While, men are attracted to our look and want us. Our bodies don't have to be a perfect 10 in order for this to happen because God has created us to connect on all the levels of intimacy (spiritual and emotional), not just the physical.  It's interesting that God created men and women so differently in regards to sex. As with everything God does, it's purposeful. The purpose is for us to focus on how to meet the needs of the other person. For women to get our deepest relational needs met, we need to focus on our husband's need for sex. For men to get their deepest needs for sex met, they need to focus on our need for relationship!

2.     Sex starts in our heads. We get distracted easily. As queens of multi-tasking, the bedroom isn't the place for this. We actually need to try hard to stay focused. We see this demonstrated in the Song of Solomon when she keeps focused by talking about him, his body, his work, his reputation, and reflecting our their dating days because for her, it was now she kept her head in the game!

3.      Invite God into your bedroom. Pray and read scripture as part of the experience. (On a side note, I've tried this and it hasn't failed me yet!) Making love is a journey toward intimacy. It's learning together, laughing about the mistakes and awkwardness and enjoying the uniqueness that you've created together. Remember that God created marriage to express his love through a human relationship. Love, to be expressed through bringing total union of the physical, emotional, and spiritual. 

Until the whole world hears, 
Emily