Up and Coming

June 15, 2016June 14, 2016 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

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I’m not interested in going back.

I choose to live in the future. Our lives are meant to be faced forward, not dwelling on past days.

Ahhh, it’s easy to remember the good old days.

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I find myself tempted by that option. Goodness. My kids are growing up and I’m not as young as I used to be. There are loads of happy memories and experiences to wander through. But, I’m not camping out.

What was is done.

What God gave then–I hold with such fondness so many beautiful gifts. I love my kids and all their lives mean to me and all those beautiful memories.

But, to stay there is not life. Life is best lived moving forward.

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Some folks get caught in the golden memories. The way things were.

The answers and miracles and fondness of memories. I just wonder, though, if by refusing to move forward, what we are really saying is God can not be trusted. He will not do equal wonders in the future. They will certainly look different, but they will be no less awe-inspiring.

I choose forward.

God has great things planned for the future. The future days excite me!

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A new day calls for new ways (Let me be clear—not new truth.) Perhaps to not move forward feels safest and gives a more solid footing. God has future plans that are bigger and brighter than those of the past. If we stay in the past, we miss the opportunity of bringing along the new people here today.

The prophet told us clearly,

“God has a plan for our future. Good plans. Plans of hope and peace.”

God is always working with the future in mind.

That was the whole point of Christ’s coming.

photo-1440999189875-aec750e026f4 It’s easy to get caught up in the swooning over past memories. We tend to clean up and spruce up many of our memories. Sometimes we revise the history in our minds. Time is an equalizer. Anyhow, it is no longer with us.

I choose a forward moving life.

It’s a new day. What was is over.

Hopefully, I have learned what I can from the past and will be able to carry it into the future. There is such beauty and peace walking into the future knowing God has me. I am His.

Give me forward facing folks anytime.

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They understand the path is not charted and could get bumpy.

We don’t live in a utopian frame of mind. We know, because of experience, God is present regardless of bumps and roadblocks. If I have learned anything over the last years is God never leaves. Never. I fought that battle in my mind years ago, and now carry that hard-won truth with me into the future.

I wonder. Do people not think God will be present if they move forward? I imagine there could be that fear. But, that truth has to be won…even fought for…in our hearts. Better to learn this sooner, rather than later!

Forward.

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It is the seeking of what lies ahead.

Refusing to be held back by what may have worked or not have worked in the past. Not insisting I do it my way. Holding firmly to the belief that God is a God of wonders and mystery. Actively seeking a forward moving mindset.

It isn’t saying the past is invalid.

photo-1444011283387-7b0f76371f12 It is saying, “I am good with the past. I am at peace with the past. But, I am excited at what God yet has for me.” Pretty simple.

I won’t be defined by the past, but merely informed by and beautifully shaped by it.

The gifts I carry into the future are beautiful and costly. Rare and exquisite gifts. Gifts obtained by tears and prayers and even some sweat and blood. And, I hold dearly to these gifts as I move forward.

I am moving forward!

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Getting Through The Storm

May 26, 2016May 25, 2016 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

This week we have a friend of mine–a fellow blogger, Nicolette Pennisi, at https://thesoignesoul.wordpress.com–joining in with a guest post. Nicolette is a recent add to my world, but she has quickly found a dear, sweet spot in my heart. A young adult, a Senior at Regent University, she has a mature, yet sensitive soul. Thanks for stopping by this week. I know you will enjoy her perspective.

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Last week, Amberly wrote an insightful post on the Lord being the Great Designer of our lives. Walking by faith and not by sight is something that even the most seasoned believer has to be reminded of. This involves having faith during our sun-filled seasons and our torrential downpour seasons.

It seems the biggest confusion amongst new (and even mature) believers is the concept of following Christ on smooth road. It seems easy to follow Christ when we’re feeling the blessings of clear skies and calm waves. The minute the clouds cover and the waves clash about, my faith can falter. Often I find myself thinking my salvation is a guarantee for an effortless life, when I find that it’s the exact opposite.

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Your storms are meant to sprout you not stunt you.

Relationships start off positive. Never do we expect there to be any troubles because how could we ever disagree with the person we find wonderful from the start? Our relationship with Christ starts off on a high note: we are diligent in reading, praying, and worshipping.

We are hopelessly in love with our Savior. But just like our earthly relationships, our relationship with God is meant to grow. After I experience a hardship in a relationship, often that relationship is stronger prior to the complication. Christ expects that after our trials.

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When Jesus calmed the storm in Matthew 8, verse 23 tells us that the disciples followed Him into the boat. The next verse tells us that a storm arose while they were out at sea; the tempest wasn’t present when they came on. It was easy for them to willingly follow when there was no difficulty in sight. The moment the storm came, they allowed their fear to consume them. I bet they questioned why they even got in that boat in the first place. If they had known there was going to be turbulence, I’m sure they wouldn’t have placed a step on there.

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When difficulty arises, I question my choices in the same way. Had I known I was going to face the trials that I have, I wouldn’t have gone into certain situations. Some difficulties derive from bad choices and some are simply the result of following after Christ. What we fail to realize is the minute we follow Christ, a storm arises. That is, immediately, there is spiritual warfare being fought. The last thing Satan wants is for us to devote our lives to Jesus. He will do anything to deter us from our final destination.

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Salvation salvages your eternal destination and your earthly dilemmas.

If Christ is big enough to save us from Hell, He can surely handle our problems. In the midst of the storm, Jesus was asleep while the disciples were freaking out! Jesus knew it was coming. God knows the difficulties we will face, but He uses those to grow us into a beautifully new creation in Him. It’s up to us to choose to “walk by faith and not by sight.” Trusting in Christ is the only way for us to sail through all storms of life. Our faith will be made stronger through these.

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“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.

His victorious right hand will lead us through. Just as Christ rebuked the winds and the sea, He will do the same when we put our complete trust in Him. We can’t allow our fears to keep us from doing so.

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Jesus’ glory is bigger than your fear.

“And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” Matthew 8:27.

When Christ calms our storm, you will stand in awe of it.

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When we go through the fire, we are purified and are strengthened after it. It sheds away the new to reveal the new and improved. At the end of it all, we have nothing left but to praise our Savior for making it through.

Jesus told us that He overcame the world so that we may have a greater life. To live a greater life is to walk faithfully with Christ, letting Him rebuke the storms that may come our way.

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A Grand Design(er)

May 19, 2016May 18, 2016 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

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“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

Ain’t that the truth?

How many times have you looked around at the details of your life and wondered? Wonder what it all meant. It’s often for me! I imagine if we were all sitting around talking over coffee, we could attest to the fact that there is quite a bit different from what we ever imagined for ourselves. Perhaps there are plenty of unanswered questions.

When you are young, you’re not sure what this life will hold and what the painting of your life will look like. You often have hopes and dreams and plans. And yet, the twists and turns many times lead us on adventures we never anticipated. Some good; some less than stellar. But, they are your journey. And as Jesus followers, He takes the canvas and paints a beautiful picture out of the pieces and parts.

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Your picture is beyond beautiful.

He has shaded in hues and tones and textures you hadn’t even thought of. I know that’s the case with me. So many times the twists and turns seemed like detours and dead ends. Some looked ominous and scary; some looked bright and brilliant! And all blended together, a masterpiece is created. A one-of-a-kind original!

We are focused on the grit and grind. The battle scars and worn out spots. We wonder what the heck this is all going to look like at the end. He sees around the curves and bends in the road. He sees the light shimmering in the trees just beyond the rocky terrain.

So, rest assured. He has a plan. We don’t win a prize for working ourselves into a frenzy trying to figure it out.

His ways are not ours. He orders our steps.

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My oldest, who has just finished his second year of college, changed his major once again. This is awesome! I’m proud of him.

A year ago, he took a leap of faith and followed a path that was beyond scary for him, but felt compelled to launch into. During this last semester, he began to question his purpose and calling. He knew what he wanted, but just didn’t know if it would work or was even doable. After thinking long and hard, facing some tough questions, and seeking solid advice, he was shown a way to do both. And seamlessly!

He doesn’t have all the details or plans worked through. But, he is learning his purpose. He’s on his journey. I couldn’t have asked for more from or for him. It looks amazingly different from anything he would have planned for. And that is beautiful!

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His masterpiece will look vibrant and lively and multidimensional. And who knows the plot twists and detours and roadblocks he will face. But, that is all part of the portrait. God’s ways are higher than ours. Our thoughts, however masterful and wise, can never match the all-knowing heart of God.

And, I’m fine with that.

I don’t understand it all. There is much that is unexplained and confusing in my own journey. I don’t necessarily like everything I see. But, there is beauty in it. And I will leave it at that.

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So, rest assured. He has a plan. And it’s the most amazing and breathtaking masterpiece you could NEVER imagine on your own.

His ways are not ours.

Let go of your preconceived ideas and even the disappointments. There is no life in that.

But, there is exquisite beauty in walking by faith and not by sight.

Time to Get Off the Merry-Go-Round

March 24, 2016March 24, 2016 / morgancreynolds / 2 Comments

God is teaching me. He’s teaching me something important.

All those worries and cares and concerns. Those problems without ready solutions. The struggles and disappointments. They are all real. Very real.

But, the question He is posing to my heart is,

“Where is your focus? Is it on all of that stuff

or is it on Me?”

Yes. That is the question rolling around in my heart and mind today.

It’s not like I haven’t had to ask this and learn it before. But, here we are. He’s brought out the big guns this go around. This may be the biggest lesson in trusting God I have had to walk through.

I find I am weighed down with concerns and worries. As a Momma, I have three souls I am locked into. I watch and listen.

Remember when your babies were newborn, fresh from heaven, tucked into the cradle? Did you listen to and watch those babies breathe? I feel like that is where I am with my Loves even now. It just comes from deep inside of me.

Last night I realized I am tired.

I constantly roll around in my head all the concerns, trying to work out solutions. My brain runs from one issue to the next. And round and round it goes. Like a merry-go-round, my brain spins and spins. It wears me out. Because for these situations, there are no easy, quick answers.

I do believe it is the most bone wearying tired.

To carry burdens you were never intended to carry. Running around plugging holes, propping up the sides that start to sag, stitching up wear and tear. Running and running…round and round. I get one thing fixed and then something new pops up.

It makes me tired. And weary.

So, God is asking me an incredibly important question.

Am I focusing on the long list of worries or am I looking to Him?

The view is quite tiring if it’s the list of concerns. But, if I am looking to Him, I gain strength.

Today, as I was taxi for my baby girl, I was tired. Some things didn’t turn out as I would have liked today. Dealing with a chronic illness with one my Loves, my Momma’s heart hurt. I was disappointed for him. I was desperately working to look at this new information with a glass full approach.

And as I drove, I imagined having a serving tray.

As I drove, I loaded each concern on the tray and imagined handing it over to God. Piled high. A real “here ya go, God!”

Why was I feeling like I had to come up with solutions? His answers would be better suited anyway. They would be custom fitted and tailor-made specifically for each situation. Why did I feel as if everything was resting on me? That I am responsible to make all the answers and solutions and resolutions happen.

Crazy making that is!

And, oh, what a weight!

It’s just too much for one heart to carry. I was never created to carry and fix and solve them! Yet, I had taken on that burden on my own.

Was it because I didn’t think I could trust Him to come through? Or was it because I have an insatiable need for control? I guess it doesn’t matter why. It’s just not mine to carry.

Sunday night our pastor referred to Isaiah 53.

4 “Surely he has borne our griefs

and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;

he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

and with his wounds we are healed.”

Actually, the entire chapter is a beautiful perspective changer during this Holy Week. If you haven’t read it in a while, you should. But, my attention centers on these two verses. He bore all of our sin and shame and endured it all to death. He carried the weight and died our death so we wouldn’t have to.

And even yet, He wants to carry our grief, sorrows and cares. He is intimately acquainted with our anxiety and pain. He was beaten beyond human recognition for our very lives…for our salvation and healing. Why would we not want to entrust Him with all things? If He carried that, will He not carry those things we care about?

So, as I reflect on this passage and the beauty of

Christ and all He has done for me,

He has shown me I am not capable

of carrying around this load on my own.

He is my sorrow bearer.

It’s cool when the pieces of His teaching start to come together.

I know this is a lesson I have learned in the past, but seem to occasionally forget. We have to be reminded…and often. He loves us enough and is patient enough to do just that.

I am grateful.

What’s That Noise?

March 16, 2016March 15, 2016 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

There is so much noise.

Everywhere.

Do you ever get tired of it?

Do you ever just wish it would stop?

I do.

There are opinions from all corners of the globe. They run 24 hours a day.

Constant, instant, unsolicited and often discouraging. Anywhere, anytime, about anything.

Oh, there is beneficial and helpful information out there. But, I dare say, I know I open my heart too often to the negative and non-life giving chants of society. And it is anything but helpful!

What can we do to protect ourselves from the noise and chaos?

Set boundaries.
Unplug.
Meditate.
Focus on others.

To be quite honest, I struggle with most of these. It is almost impossible to shut out this flow of unending information. But, these are some helpful steps to eliminating the noise pollution in our worlds.

Setting boundaries. This simply means guarding your heart and mind. What do you subscribe to? What groups and people do you follow on social media? Do they uplift and support your values? If not, clean out your pages and feeds. Only allow access into your heart and mind, voices of life and wisdom. You are going to have to replace the negative with the positive.

Unplug. I am terrible at this one. My mother has even pled with me to give it a try. I unplugged the other day for several hours while on vacation. I had to be brave and make the jump at my husband’s insistence. I am way too attached to the constant scrolling and observing and mind numbing. But, I did it and it was wonderful! And, I learned I could make it just fine. I will do it again.

Meditate. We have to make a specific and concentrated effort to stop and listen to Christ. He has instruction and guidance and wisdom we need each day. I struggle to stop and quiet my heart. There are too many times I run through my day hoping to get it right. I too often fly solo without having taken the time regroup and recharge. I run on old information.

Focus on others. When we focus on other people and help them, we don’t have time to feed our souls with junk. When we serve, we are more like Christ. When we give to others, we aren’t searching for false validation from voices that haven’t earned the right to speak into our lives. As we give to others, we will find we need to have something to give away. We have to take away the negative and replace that emptiness with the positive.

Sometimes the opinions and narratives I tell myself create the chaos and noise.

When I have consumed a steady diet of lies or negativity, I retell myself this same stuff. We believe everything we tell ourselves.

A little scary, isn’t it?

I know I am guilty of tearing myself down. I listen to the stream of negativity as a captive audience.

Not the right weight.

Not smart enough.

Not strong enough.

Not good enough.

Not doing enough.

Bad mom.

Terrible at homeschooling.

Failure.

Rejected.

Disorganized mess……………………….

And, if I’m not careful, the list runs on and on. I wouldn’t allow someone else to fill my world, or anyone else’s, with that kind of noise. Why do I sit by and allow it for my own heart?

Honestly, it takes hard work to fight and resist.

It takes following the four steps to bring quiet out of the chaos of our world. Do the hard work. We can’t speak life and peace to our own hearts and minds if we are surrounded with negative images and noise. Otherwise, we won’t make room for the life Christ wants to give.

I need to be mindful of the voices I listen to and allow in my world.

I am so worth it

and so are you!

Life is Beautiful!

March 7, 2016March 6, 2016 / morgancreynolds / 10 Comments

During these last few months, I have been on quite a learning curve. If I’m honest, I have to say I recommend a mid-life plot twist and I don’t! It’ll be the ride of your life!

But, really.

Just imagine going back to graduation—high school or college—just as a young whipper snapper. With all sorts of possibilities and the world as your oyster, you look with anticipation toward all your options. That is where we are. And it is breathtakingly beautiful and scary–all at the same time!

I remember a couple of years back being envious of my oldest as he was setting off for his first year at university. So much youthful excitement and a no holds barred approach–I was envious.

I was so excited for him and all the unscripted future had for him. I remembered what it was like to have your whole life ahead of you. So much hope and promise. So much anticipation to follow new paths and dreams!

And, now, here I am. I am ready.

I have spent 25 years of ministry serving as a pastor’s wife. I use to tell my Love, I love being his wife, no doubt about that. Just maybe not a “pastor’s wife” sometimes. I learned much and gave everything I had. The role comes with difficult tasks. With some cool opportunities and blessings thrown in along the way, too. Now, though, I am ready to do new things…serve in a different way.

Our new beginning is before us.

Given to us as a gift.

Staring into the sunshine, the road is wide open in front of us.

Only this time I have three world-changers in tow. This road we chose over 25 years ago, has presented them with many unique challenges and opportunities. Each child has processed and walked them out differently.

As I sit and look at the bright and shining future, we have these amazing kids to guide and shepherd. This time around, it is not a solitary journey or private decision to be made. Change is hard for even the strongest of us. I have no doubt God has a beautiful future for each in my tribe. We just have to guide them into this bright new future.

Shepherding.

That was the word God gave me for this season with my babies (they will always be my babies. can we just agree to let me call them that? just humor me!) Even with all the excitement of a bright future the transitioning has been challenging. More so for some than others. Loss is hard. But God is greater.

My Love and I must shepherd our children well through this transition.

We have a responsibility to guide our children through the shadows. Through the tears. The goal is to get EVERYONE to the other side. I told my youngest Little,

“In this family, we are all for one, and one for all”.

We stop and sit with, pick up and carry, hold the hand, give love and receive love. We shepherd our children through the pain of rejection, loss, betrayal, and disappointment.

No one will be left behind.

I have always hated the pre-flight airline spiel about putting your own mask on first and then your children’s. I understand the logic and know it is best. But, my overly compassionate self screams, “I will put their’s on first, thank you very much!” But, that doesn’t really make sense, does it?

So, I have decided I am in a similar spot in my life. It is time for me to get my oxygen mask on first and then I can administer life breath to them.

These world-changers deserve the very best I can give them.

There is wisdom to give and hope to share. There are dreams to help them dream. There is a future brighter than anything of the past. Even with all the beauty we did experience, there is more to be had.

I need something to give to them. So, here is what I am going to do to strengthen myself.

Exercise and build physical strength.
Write…which is following my own dream.
Give creative Bible journaling a try.
Attend weekly worship at a safe and loving church.
Read for enjoyment and growth.
Stay accountable to wisdom.

There it is.

I have been busy working hard to keep my family between the ditches…putting out fires, battling fears and wiping tears. Because, sometimes life just hurts. All of that is incredibly important.

But, now it is time for me to get out of that defensive position and into the intentional, offensive position.

Now, here is the next important piece of the puzzle.

My Love is leading spiritually intentional and strategic discussions during dinner on Wednesday evenings.

With a preteen and a teenager in the house, it can’t get too serious or stifling. But, God gave this idea as the perfect way for us to shepherded them. Like most moms, I do much of the crisis management throughout the days; one of Dad’s roles is to give purposeful direction. They need his voice and strength cloaked in velvet.

We will not allow the negative to win. We will not leave anyone behind. We have bright future days. I will not live on the defensive, but work from a place of intention and strength. For what the enemy means for destruction, God transforms into beauty. He will shepherd us. We only need to cooperate.

Withering Cherry Trees!

November 4, 2015November 5, 2015 / morgancreynolds / 3 Comments

Sometimes I look around and become, well, unhappy. Dissatisfied. Discontented. Ungrateful.

Do you ever do this?

I see the laundry still hanging out long after its dry. I see the messy rooms just begging for me to put some order back to them. I look at my vehicle. It’s not the newest or shiniest—it has driven my family a lot of miles. It has some scuffs and little scratches and even a dent someone put in it and didn’t bother to leave a note. I have some drawers that are sticking and not closing right. And, gosh, the to do list. It could use some whittling down. Due to all of those many miles I taxi, and my own responsibilities, I can’t seem to figure out how to cook healthful meals as much as I want. And let’s not mention, a few pounds may have been added. I have a pile, or maybe a couple, that house several “to handle later” items. I hate those.

You get the picture. Life. It is going mighty fast. Some days stuff just falls through the cracks. Maybe it’s just us. But, I’m not thinking so. My husband has a favorite saying. I have to admit, it can drive me crazy. God love the man. He’s right. We don’t always want to hear it. But, he’s right.

Here it is. “You are going to have to reframe.”

God bless this man of mine. Yes, sometimes, I think if I have to hear that again, I may fall over dead. Right there, right then. One time I told him I already knew that. I knew all of his tips and tricks, but I just needed a good cry. Dr. Husband let me have that good cry. All of that minutia and wounded-ness from self-criticism had taken its toll. I had hit the tipping point and had NO interest in reframing ANYTHING!! (It may not have been said in an inside voice.)

Well, he’s right. In life, we are faced with stuff. The detritus of this crazy life. In the natural life, too much stuff, too many cracks for things to fall through, it all piles up. In the emotional life, we are faced with the constant refrain of “not good enough.” And it all seems to add up to “NEVER good enough.”

I have a passage of Scripture that I love. I think you will, too. Habakkuk 3:17-19:

Though the cherry trees don’t blossom and the strawberries don’t ripen, Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted. Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty. I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God. Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!

I know this passage is talking about seasons of life when provision is low and they are depending on God to save the day. But, it sure seems to fit life when things are not as we would like them and we just desperately need His help to reframe.

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So, look at the line where the focus changes.

It says, “I’m singing joyful praise to God. I’m turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.“ And from there to the end of the passage, the writer has done some major reframing. Dr. Husband is right. Imagine that! It’s true, you know.

Reframing is the key to taking the ugly and untidy, worn and used and shining them up to beauty.

I can look at any given situation—whether it’s the ginormous mess or the task overlooked, again and again or the critics who are unkind and careless—and look at it in ugly, harsh tones. Or, I can do some editing and enhancing, shifting the shading, perhaps zoom in or zoom out. It’s my choice. I can put the frame around it in a new and pardigm-shifting perspective.

We can look at the mess OR we can look at the blessing that caused the mess.

Our choice.

I’m choosing to look at the blessing that caused the inconvenience or mess or extra work or busy-ness. It’s amazing how my heart takes strength and God gives me just what I need to keep going. Many people don’t have the blessings I do and would appreciate a little inconvenience. I’m afraid the things I complain about, someone else may be praying for. Reframe.

We are going into the beautiful holiday season. My very favorites of the year! Many are clued into the “30 days of Thanksgiving”. I’m all for it. It’s important. But, honestly, gratitude and joy are the gifts of reframing any time of the year. God has these beautiful gifts waiting for us and we bypass them every time we choose the lifeless, flat perspective of not reframing.

I’ll repeat Dr. Husband, “You are going to have to reframe.”

Ugly shifts. Hard softens. And gratitude and joy slip in and sidle up next to you.

It really is all in the reframing.

Check Out The View From Here!

October 28, 2015October 27, 2015 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

I’m a crazy walker. When I go out for a walk, or even when I add in a run, I always look down. What am I looking at? I don’t get it. Am I afraid if I don’t look at my feet they won’t move right? Or is the sidewalk just so beautiful I need to keep my eye on it?

It’s weird.

I tell myself, “Pick your head up! You look goofy. Look up and see the beauty around you. You’re missing out!” Yeah. I will pick my head up…my thoughts center on the beauty in the sky and trees. I get lost in thought—maybe even whisper a little prayer. And, then, “Look at those feet walking. Look at that sidewalk. Yep, they’re still there.”

For goodness sake! I just don’t get it. This is a problem, I do believe. I’m missing out. Even when I have a walking buddy I do it. Before I know it, I’m focusing on the road right in front of me, instead of seeing all that is around me. They have been kind enough to just ignore it!

This has gotten me to thinking.

In life, what am I focusing on?

Am I focusing on the challenges and tough-going I have experienced? Am I looking at the past and wishing circumstances had been different or I had been dealt a better hand?

Where is my focus?

Perhaps I am focusing on how I wish I was different. Different gifting, different temperment, different anything.

Maybe I look at the ways I could have made different choices and would then be on a different and seemingly better path.

Focus.

What is my focus?

Too much introspection can lead to too much self-focusing. Sometimes I just have to get out of my head. It’s good to remember our past and what we have come through. It’s important to remember what we have learned. Gratitude is born out of remembering with grace our journey.

But, we can’t afford to get stuck.

A couple years ago I realized all my conversations were about all the negative things going on in my world. It was my habit. I was good at rehashing the injustices and idiocy I was enduring. My friends were so gracious. They commiserated with me. Even though it had to be like nails on a chalkboard, they loved on me and listened—and endured it!

I finally got tired of hearing myself talk about it. It was getting old. And, I knew it was a problem when I couldn’t think of other things to talk about. It kind of felt like a loser sort of life!

It’s amazing when God starts nudging you in a new direction.

I’m guessing He was tired of hearing all about it too—over and over and over and over—if you get my drift.

I was missing out on all the goodness He was giving. I was missing out on all the beauty and grace He so lavishly supplied. He was fully aware of all the injustice and rejection and hurt. He got it. He saw it and knew how it hurt. The Beautiful One was trying to give me beauty for my ashes. But, it wasn’t going to happen if all I kept focusing on was the pitiful parts. I was going to miss it all. What a tragedy—and He knew it.

I had to quit wallowing around in the ashes!

He spoke to my heart. He opened my eyes to the reality of what I was becoming. It wasn’t the image I wanted. I purposed in my heart I was done reliving it all and talking about it. I was done dwelling on the negative and the pain.

Oh, I remember. I have the scars to show for it. But, I was done allowing it to become my focus and driving force. I was done talking about and rehashing every gory detail of every injustice. I determined that chapter was done. I was moving forward.

You know, it made all the difference in the world in my heart and life.

It wasn’t easy. I had to think of new topics of conversation. I had to live purposefully in the here and now. Yes, I remember. And, at times there is still pain in those scars. But, it doesn’t drive me any longer. I no longer look down and behind but look up and ahead. This new way of thinking and being set me on a new trajectory. It is so much more beautiful here!

Psalm 103 is really great right about now.

It’s too long to post here, but I encourage you to take a couple minutes to read it. It helps in the refocusing.

What do I choose to focus on? Where am I looking?

Am I remembering all of His blessings?

Do I remember that He has healed my family and me and has raised us from our ashes?

Do I recall that He has redeemed me—that He has wrapped me in goodness?

That He makes everything come out right and puts victims back on their feet?

Do I focus on His grace and mercy and keep in mind He doesn’t give us what we deserve, but gives us what we don’t deserve?

Do I relish in His fierce love and His total awareness of me?

How about remembering His love is eternal–forever and always?

It brings into proper perspective the flaws of this world. No scheme of man will ever take me from His hand. I am His. Why so downcast oh, dear soul? Look up to the hills from which comes your help!

Change your focus! It’s beautiful up here!

Turning 40 Something

October 21, 2015October 20, 2015 / morgancreynolds / Leave a comment

My goodness. Well, here it is again. I have revolved around once again and I’m just a couple days away from the 23rd. That’s my big day. Thanks, Mom, for having me!

Life has a way of rolling by.

I can’t wait for the beauty and adventure of this new year in my life to unfold.

But, first, I have a few thoughts about this past year. Here they are.

I am grateful for my family. We have faced some challenges head on. Things unforeseen and scary. Things exciting, new and stretching. Challenges—some good, some tough. Mountains you weren’t sure how to climb. They haven’t stopped us and we just keep moving forward. We stay together and love each other. My children have grown and discovered new things about life and God. He loves them, even more than we do. God is there and walking with us every day.

I have taken on new adventures. During our crisis and its aftermath, I really had to unload my plate. My family and my emotional and spiritual well being were far more important than a loaded plate. God drew especially near and taught me wonderful truths. We are at the four year anniversary of learning of our child’s abuse. I have been in a healing cocoon since that time. But, this past year has been one of opening up and breaking out of my cocoon. It was necessary to step aside for a while, but now I’m ready to fly. God never leaves you—especially when we are hidden away with Him.

I have opened my heart to some wonderful people. I’ve expanded my circle and it has been worth it. Sometimes, after pain, it’s easier to shield your heart. It can be so hard to trust. But, a vulnerable heart grows more beautiful. You can learn so much from others when you just open up, look around and see. God brings special people into your life—you just have to look for them.

I have some friends who are my ride or die. They are deep water travelers. They don’t scare easily. They have lived my messiness and encouraged me to dream again. It’s a blessing if you have these sorts in your life.

I often felt lost, but my friends knew I really wasn’t . They knew I just needed a little push and I could soar. I’m not sure I believed in myself as much as they believed in me. I know I didn’t. It’s crazy how that is. But, I sure am grateful for their friendly shoves, reminders and words of encouragement which held me to the ledge!

They’ve made me laugh until I cry! They loved the confidence right back into my heart. God knows we need cheerleaders. He gives us just the right ones for our journey.

I have stepped WAY out of my comfort zone many times this year. Soaring requires a “look, ma! no hands!” lifestyle. I’ve tried my hand at several new things. I’ve done them scared. Sometimes, really scared. Most of the time, I wasn’t even sure what I was doing. But, I have enjoyed them all. God knows what we need, when we need it. We just have to cooperate with Him. It’s been the best adventure!

I am thankful for the growth and stretching I have done this past year. It hasn’t always looked pretty or perfect. Sometimes I felt like I was coming undone! But, God is faithful to complete the work He starts in our lives.

Life is a journey. Joy is an attainable goal. Healing is a choice and peace can come. There will always be questions without answers. But, even if there were answers for some things, they probably wouldn’t be good enough anyway. God is my leader. I just want to follow as close to His side as I can. Everything else will fall into place, just as He intends.

Where Are You?

September 30, 2015September 29, 2015 / morgancreynolds / 1 Comment

Esther.

Queen Esther.

Before she was queen, she was a humble and exquisitely beautiful woman plucked from a nondescript life. A woman minding her own business…an orphan raised by an uncle. In that part of the world, in that day and age, women were not destined to really be anything of consequence. They were property at best.

Maybe you are familiar with this story from the Bible. She was plucked from her home and taken to the king’s palace with hundreds of other women to win the contest of the most beautiful, most alluring and charming female. The king was done with the current queen and was ready for the newer and more malleable model. Queen Vashti was on the outs.

Esther was vetted and prepped and sent before the king. To make a long story short, he picked her. He was smitten. God was at work to preserve His people…her people. God is always at work. Even if we don’t see it and aren’t picking up on it. He often works below our radar. He has a plan.

There was one man in the kingdom who despised the Jewish people and Esther’s uncle in particular. His goal was to annihilate them. But, due to Esther’s great courage and God’s favor, she prevented this atrocity and saved her people. And, as a twist of fate, this vindictive man was put to death with the same gallows he had planned for Esther’s uncle, Mordecai. Talk about irony.

God doesn’t play. He had redemptive plans far bigger than man could see.

The amazing point of the story is this: Esther was willing to be used and stepped up to the plate. She prepared herself physically, intellectually and spiritually to carry out this audacious responsibility. She knew the risk involved. Death was a high possibility. God knew he could count on this one humble, Jewish woman.

What does this story have to do with my blog post this week?

obedience and risk

As we journey through this life, we enter different seasons. Regardless of the season, we have choices to make. Will we be obedient to what God is calling us to do? Are we willing to take the risks this might require? What is God calling us to do that is risky? Perhaps it doesn’t look as glamorous as the potential of becoming queen. But, you know there is a cost.

Submission isn’t really submission until you have to obey in something you don’t want to obey. Life is a series of choices. Each choice to obey Christ and his invitation makes us stronger. It becomes easier with each choice. Esther willingingly stepped up to be used for a greater cause.

Or, it could be, right now you are in a waiting season. Maybe He isn’t asking you to be in the business of doing a particular assignment at this moment. Then your time is now! There are some tasks at hand. This is your time to prepare. Like Esther, there is much you can do to prepare for the assignments in the future. Take a look:

Be patient. It’s hard sometimes in the waiting. It often feels like being stuck. It isn’t glamorous and isn’t always easy. You may have dreams, but God isn’t bringing them to fruition until you are truly ready. It won’t happen until His good time. Now is the time to get ready.

Learn. This is the perfect time to learn and grow. Find a mentor. Read and study. When God is ready is ready to send you out, you need to have grown deeper and wider.
Listen. What does He want to say to you? What treasures in the secret place does He want to reveal. There are things you need to know. Choose quiet instead of complaint.
Praise. Gratitude is the key to growing deep in the waiting. It makes the waiting a lot more enjoyable as well! It opens our hearts to His possibilities.
Keep the heart right. This is probably one of the hardest tasks in the waiting. It’s easy to doubt, get anxious, become frustrated, or maybe even turn bitter. Just don’t go there. Rest in the knowledge that no season devoted to God is ever wasted. Realize the beauty that will come if you allow it.

I’ve lived through many seasons of preparation and waiting.

At first glance, these seasons seem mundane, trivial and unproductive. But, if they are devoted to Christ, they are anything but wasted. The depth and strength developed through those times grew me to the level I needed, in order to properly handle the next task and season. Never despise the seemingly insignificant and ordinary days. The world calls for “doing” and “busy-ness”. In that paradigm, doing and busyness is the sign of importance and accomplishment. Not so in the paradigm of Christ.

Just like Esther, be ready! When the season of waiting and preparation is done, God has an assignment for you to join. He will call to you. Be watching and waiting. Keep your ears close to the heart of God. He will call. After all, isn’t this what you have been preparing for?

Amberly reynolds

sweet sage lane

faith