Blue skies and sunshine remind me of all the good times in 2010.

Good Maternal Genetics

I had a great day today visiting my Great Grandma in northern Wisconsin, and let me tell you, I've never seen a 98-year-old woman look so great.  It had been almost 3 years since I had last seen her, and she is still as witty and wonderful as I remember.  She continuously teased my grandpa about stealing her chocolates and insisted that she hid them all before he arrived.  And my favorite memory of the visit was her answer to the question, "Grandma, you still have your walker?"  "Yeah, they still make me walk up and down the hall a few times each day."  They make her? Oh, no big deal that she has almost a century and can still use her legs!  And at the end of the visit, we told her not to get in any trouble until we see her again.  She responded with, "Oh, we don't do anything here anyways."  Seriously witty!

I love you, Great Grandma! Here's to an awesome 99th year for you!

December 18...

...and I'm writing graduate school applications.  Happy birthday to me.

An Advent lesson on HOPE.

I am not saved because I hope.  I have hope because I am saved.

I love this poem.

Phenomenal Woman

Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

The western coast of Pure Michigan.

My time in western Michigan is winding down, so I've created (and still am adding to) a bucket list for my last two weeks:

• Eat breakfast at Wolfgang's again.  Best breakfast ever. Period.
• Get to the GRAM to see the Princess Di exhibit.
• Visit local establishments (Founders, Hopcat, Republic...) with new and/or old friends.
• Enjoy a Peppermint Mocha at the Starbucks on Wealthy Street in East Grand Rapids.  It's the cutest Starbucks I've ever seen.
• Eat at the Pub one last time, to reminisce about the hectic recruitment week where we ate there every night.
• Make a killer dinner for some friends here to enjoy a quiet night in.
• Take the bus to the downtown campus.  I can't believe I haven't done this yet.
• Workout every day in the awesome GVSU recreation center.  Seriously, haven't seen one like this anywhere in the country.

Any additions, GRap friends?

My weekend

This weekend was full of friends for me, which, in my current lifestyle, is a special treat.  

The weekend was dedicated to rest and relaxation, and boy, was it nice.

Homemade dinner.
A sisterhood event on campus.
Breakfast at Wolfgang's.
A rainy nighttime trip to the beach.
Troy.  The Heartbreak Kid.  Notting Hill.
Coffee date with my Big.

So, how long will I have to wait for this all to happen again?

mmhmm... Love me some Ingrid.

Around You
Ingrid Michaelson


I call you my friend
And thats all that I do
Why do I have to pretend
To find ways to be around you?

You've been there all along
Holding my hand like you do.
Why do I feel that its wrong
To love to be around you?

And I think I'm losing my mind
maybe I've been hopelessly blind to your beauty
And you have a sweet sinful smile
I'm in trouble
Cuz you turn me upside down and around and around

Do you feel what I feel? Well?
Do you feel this way too?
That every wound seems to heal when I am around you

And I must be losing my mind
Maybe I have been hopelessly blind to your beauty.
And you have a sweet sinful smile
I'm in trouble
You turn me upside down and around and around and around

And I must be losing my mind maybe you have a sweet sinful smile 
I'm in trouble
Cuz you turn me upside down and around and around
Turn me upside down and around and around
Turn me upside down and around and around

My feet don't touch the ground when I'm around you
When I'm around you you you you you

Jars

I post a lot of lyrics from Jars of Clay, and if you haven't gathered, I think they have a lot of great things to say and a really powerful way of saying them.  Well, here is yet another case.  Their new album, The Shelter, is incredible.  While their last few record releases have been rockin', this one is absolute worship.

The most powerful moment for me on the new album comes with "Out of My Hands."  I often find myself needing this reminder- to find ultimate surrender.  Why do I think I can experience life on my own?  Why can't I realize what a burden that is?  I can surely give it my all and pat myself on the back most days for my accomplishments, but what is that really doing?  If I would surrender, however, my days, hours, and minutes to Him, I am able to wait patiently in awe of God's wonder.

One of my dear friends just sent the following quote to another one of my close friends:

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."- Luther

Yes, permanent possession through surrender.  Ah.

Might have found a new favorite...

In Christ Alone

I recently ran across a blog entry where part of it was this:

One thing is certain:

When He comes for His own, He will have no trouble recognizing me… because my banner will be clear.

What a beautifully confident statement.  Today my prayer is to refocus my journey to take me to this sort of confidence and beauty; to a point where I can be sure God will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Listen here.

Want this. Need this.

Macbook Air.

God speaks through email.

Today's Encouraging Word verse...

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Psalm 37:7

There Might Be a Light by Jars of Clay

Listen here.


I wait outside your house 
And sing below your window 
And I look for the light to show, I know 
I know that it will come on, come on, come on 
Come on soon 

There might be a light 
Somewhere in your mind 
When you think of you and I 
I wait for it to shine 
I know it will come on, come on, come on 
Come on soon 
It will come on, come on soon 

And it's just the way things go 
When you love someone and they don't know 
Sparks and hearts, they have to glow 
They just glow, they just glow 
You know they just come on, 

come on, come on, come on 
They just come on, come on, come on 

There is no delusion, to you I don't exist 
I am only shadow 
Only a ghost can wait as 
long as I have for this 
And I, I can't wait much longer 

'Cause there might be a light 
Somewhere in your mind 
When you think of you and I 
I know there will be a light 
It might not burn very strong 
But I know it's coming on 
It will come on, come on, come on

Today I tabled a hug with a friend.

And we laughed a lot afterwards.  Only in this crazy job do you take time to talk about tabling a hug...

No time like the present.

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.  ~ Isaiah 55:6

....Hailey!

Gosh, this clip gets me every time.

Today's Encouraging Word

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  Romans 12:12

This verse is a great reminder for me in so many ways.  Take a few minutes to think on each of these phrases and what they mean for your life.  Confident hope... gosh. It's life changing.

Today was a good day.

And it was just what I needed.  Along with this song.

Funks

I get in these stupid funks every once in awhile.  They tend to come during times that are stressful even though I don't feel like I'm stressed at all.

I guess that's the first sign of something... denial.

I get all mopey.  I lose any little bit of self-confidence I had to begin with.  I can't eat.  I submit to the idea that I have no good ideas, and I lose all sense of inspiration and motivation.  My co-workers call it "Elyse work mode".  I call it... ridiculous.

I'm at the point where I know I'm in "the mode" but I don't know how else to act in those moments where "the mode" comes out so I just stay in it.  Breaking free of this is no easy challenge, but tomorrow is dedicated to trying.

You can have your California beaches...

...I'll still take my Lake Michigan sunsets.

Back with the cooking

Be ready to be viewing some awesome meals coming up; the cooks are back in the kitchen!  I have some helpers this time too in Anna, Dori, and Jennie - so we'll sure be cooking up some masterpieces.

America's Pastime.

I love going to baseball games.  Honestly, there is not much better than watching a game with a hot dog and beer in hand.  At my last game, I found two other necessities that I think I'll need for every fall baseball game from here on out.

Pink scarf wasn't my first choice, but when you live out of a suitcase, you only have specific things available at certain times...

All I can say is... Bring on October!

The Ultimate Morning Routine

With over 4 million views on YouTube (20 are probably mine), you might have seen this already.  But if you need a new morning pump-up routine, here it is.  If only I was this cool.

Abed and Troy will always make me laugh.

And you should definitely watch this show. Check it out... New season starts Thursday, September 23 at 8/7c on NBC.

Some friends I've made on the road...

It's Back!

Mid-Day Moment of Worship

Bring on the Fall!

I'm in Mankato, MN,and I can't tell you how much I love today.

It's sixty-five degrees, sunny with blue skies and cool air. I'm on a college campus where the first-week-of-school buzz is still in the air, and I'm having my meetings in a glass room overlooking the center of campus.  On top of it all, I'm wearing one of my favorite outfits (black skirt and yellow shirt with a green-teal chunky necklace and kitten heals).  :)  Even with these simple things, life is certainly good!

Now, what's for lunch?

People-watching at its finest

Airports are such a crazy place, aren't they? I mean, where else do hundreds of people gather just for the sake of traveling for hundreds of miles - for business and pleasure alike?  There are happy hellos, tearful goodbyes, laptops galore, and more Starbucks cups than some cities probably produce in a week.  It sure is fun to people-watch here.

You never know what sorts of people you'll see.  On my first trip of the semester, it was a load of [roudy] debate team kids, two of which I had the pleasure of sitting next to on the 2-hour flight.  Last week, it was a tiny kid dragging a suitcase twice his size followed by his parents watching in amusement.  Then, it was an older gent jamming out to what sounded like Bob Marley as he waited to board.  Today, I saw a 20-something man carrying a huge pink Vera Bradley bag.  (OK, clearly it was his wife's, but still...)

You get my drift. I think I should start a photo journal about it.  Much like this blog which cracks me up.

When will it stop?

Turkana

I miss this place.



I miss the people, the quiet, the sand, and the trampoline I read on each night before bed.  I miss the peace I felt, the faith I saw, and the life experienced. The only thing I don't miss is the distance from my family.  Maybe I'll just have to take them with me next time...

15 Things You May Not Know About Sesame Street

[Via: Medical Billing]

via I Love Charts

Crush

Now, I'm not normally one for crushing (especially on celebrities) but how could I pass up Samuel Page who guest stars on some episodes of Greek?  With his killer smile, stunning physique, home state (Wisconsin!) and great style, I think he is quite the catch.  Don't you?

haha

Home is nice.

I just wrapped up a nice family dinner and evening celebrating my dad's birthday.

Sometimes, I wish we could all still live at home to have these nights more often.

But then again, I appreciate growing up, and I realize that the time between these memorable get-togethers makes them that much more sweet.

Celebrate!

Listen to this and celebrate the awesome healing that only grace can bring.

I'm feeling it today.

God is good.

"A broken and contrite heart, I will not despise."

I've been listening to the new Tenth Avenue North album called "The Light Meets the Dark" while working, and this song in particular stood out to me. This band has a great way of sharing the message. God needs our pain, hurt, and honesty to truly love us. Wow.

Take a listen, and if you like this, I guarantee you'll dig the rest of the album.

Don't say goodbye, don't say hello 

We're just standing on the surface 

Don't say alright, don't say I know 

I promise it's not worth it 

I want to know who you are 

Even if you're falling apart 

Reach in and touch your scars 

And all the shame you've kept in your heart 

'Cause it's not enough 

It's not enough just to say that we're okay 

I need your hurt, I need your pain 

It's not love any other way 

Let's not pretend, stop your parade 

Trying to convince me 

That you're alright and everything's ok 

Do you even know me?

'Cause I already know who you are 

And all things that kept us apart 

So reach in and touch My scars 

and know the price I paid for your heart 

'Cause it's not enough 

It's not enough just to say that we're okay 

I need your hurt I need your pain 

It's not love any other way 

A broken and contrite heart I will not despise 

Come as you are and I won't close my eyes 

I won't close my eyes 

'Cause it's not enough 

It's not enough just to say that we're okay 

I need your hurt I need your pain 

It's not love any other way 

'Cause it's not enough

It's not enough just to say that you're okay 

You needed my hurt, you needed my pain 

It's not love any other way  

Best. Wedding. Ever.

I traveled to Neenah, Wisconsin, this weekend to celebrate the wedding of two great friends, and wow, did we have a blast!  Here are some favorite moments from the day.

The bridesmaid bouquets were gorgeous!

On the party bus after bridal party pics.

The beautiful bride!

We definitely had the best entrance into the reception... hands down.

Jeff and I literally tore up the dance floor!

Reunited with Jessicita!

I ♥ G-Phis!

Accountability

A good friend recently blogged about starting a health kick, and after my "Amen!" comment, we've become somewhat of accountability partners for a healthier outlook on life.  Today, she texted me to start the day:  "Today starts the healthy mindset. :) Let us be deliberate with our calories and energetic with our steps!"

Thanks so much for the encouragement! Here's to many more deliberate and mindful days!

Yum!

Why is frozen pizza so delicious? 

Tonight, I enjoyed Red Baron's Four Cheese Pizza... Just the thing I was craving on a Friday night in.  Now, I hate to know what is in this, but I'll just take it as my Friday night celebration for good eating all week.

This afternoon, I had the most delicious sandwich- inspired by a co-worker.  I toasted some bread with cheese in a toaster oven and then topped it with tomato and avocado.  With a little salt and pepper, it was a refreshing and tasty mid-day meal.

Healing Begins

Am I Boring?

I tried to be "cool" and find a new background for my blog.  Something exciting and fresh, but this is what I ended up with.  Boring, right?

Well, maybe instead, I'll try to think of it as... simple. basic. straightforward. uncomplicated.

Here's to trying new adventures, but still reminding myself that simple and uncomplicated is my preferred way.

Intensity...

...gone wild!  Can you believe this story?  I guess this ultimately proves that soccer is a bit more intense outside of the US.

Top 25

Here we go... Twenty-five things I want to do in my lifetime.  This sort of came as a challenge so-to-speak.  When talking to Andrew, Dori's fiance, I said that I would love to visit all of the MLB ballparks before I die, but it would probably be in my Top 20.  But what are the other 19 things that would be there?  Well, I came up with 25 things, and here they are (in no particular order):

1. Coach a volleyball team (preferably high school)
2. Mentor engineering students
3. Work at a college/university
4. Sing in a church choir or worship group
5. Attend Saturday Night Live
6. Go to the Kentucky Derby (and wear a killer hat)
7. Own a full-sized bed (all to myself)
8. Try being vegetarian
9. Take a photo for a day (for at least a month-hopefully while in Denver)
10. Run a 10K
11. Visit every MLB ballpark
12. Attend the Passion worship conference
13. Visit all of my sisters at their schools
14. Learn how to sail
15. Go hunting with my grandpa, uncles, and cousins
16. Make Christmas and/or Thanksgiving dinner for my family (perhaps with my grandma's help)
17. Go to the Olympics
18. Learn to play guitar (finally)
19. Read the entire Bible
20. Learn how to make sushi
21. See Coldplay live
22. Visit Ireland with Kayla
23. Be in a musical
24. Grow a vegetable garden
25. Go back to Africa

Law and Order: SVU is going to be great tonight...

... with Sam.

Last day in Dearborn?

I just woke up and showered on what is potentially my last full day living in Dearborn.  Who would have thought that 13 years ago, it would have come to this?  Obviously, I hope to be back at some point, but it's hard to know when that will happen with how unpredictable my life is right now.  For now, I'll enjoy my last day by having lunch with my mom, taking a neighborhood walk in the sunshine, and enjoying Starbucks happy hour. :)

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

May 7th - what?!

This weekend is finally the culmination of this whole semester; the weekend where my 113 lovely ladies here at the University of Delaware get initiated.  I'm so excited for them and extremely proud of the love, determination, and loyalty that they have brought to this semester.  It's hard to believe that just a mere two months ago, I was meeting these women for the first time, and now, in two days, I'll be saying goodbye to some really dear friends.  I guess you could just say that Gamma Phi Beta is just neat like that.

More tasty dinners!

So, since Sam has been back, we've been super busy, but have still managed to make some good meals for ourselves.  Here are a few memorable ones:

Tacos! (with chips/guac/chunky salsa and carrot chips)

This was a great meal that hit the spot after a crazy day of work.  I felt a bit like a rabbit eating the carrot chips, but they are Sam's favorite and are quickly becoming a favorite of mine too.

Pork Chop (with balsamic vinegar), asparagus, and brown rice

The pork chops we chose were thin which made them easy to cook.  We baked them for just 10 minutes and they were perfectly done.  With sides like asparagus and brown rice, we couldn't go wrong.

Homemade Pizza! (topped with green peppers and mushrooms)

Couldn't get much better than this on a Friday night in!  The crust was a whole grain bread which was to delicious when topped with fresh veggies and lots of cheese. :)  I'm looking forward to these leftovers tomorrow for lunch!

Come Eat With Me!

I've started making myself some killer dinners, and while I ate them in the solidarity of my Newark, DE, apartment, I thought I would share them with you now to get feedback on these attempts and feedback for more tasty meals.  Now, I'm no Julia Child or anything, but here's what's been cookin':

DINNER 1

Chicken breast seasoned with basil and garlic, whole kernel corn, and asparagus

The chicken was delicious; just the perfect balance of spices and really well cooked if I say so myself. :)

DINNER 2

Salmon fillet, green beans with parmesan, and asparagus

I LOVE salmon, and when mixed with two of my favorite veggies, this was a meal to remember.

DINNER 3

Turkey burger with provolone cheese and guacamole, cottage cheese (Yes, I LOVE it!), corn with basil, and green beans with a bit of garlic

This was the best meal of the three though.  I seasoned the turkey with some Italian seasoning before cooking and added the provolone cheese just at the end.  When topped with guacamole... Gosh, you can't beat it.

Here's to more cooking adventures to come!

Encouraging Word

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

~ Romans 5:3, NLT

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

I have Scripture sent to me at the beginning of each day, and today's verse was this...

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

~ Ecclesiastes 8:15, NLT

Interesting, huh?  It's taken out of context, so check out Ecclesiastes 8 for the rest of the story!

Oh oh, we need each other

I'm feeling far away from where I want to be spiritually. After a weekend back in Valpo, I realize how much I valued the community there. I always knew this year was going to be a year in which I would be challenged to grow individually in my faith, but man, do I believe in the power of community more now than ever. These next two months are going to be a trying time as I work to really learn more from this time of individual growth, but as I do, I pray that God would give me a strong community in my heart, if not in person.

A prayer (from another blogger):

Thank you, Lord.

It’s an honor to be worked on by Your hands.

To know You love me and You choose to use me as I am.

And all I can bring are these confessions made in pure humility.

And it’s here in Your forgiveness that I’m set free.

Free to fall on grace and not my ability…

And the world will see that in my weakness You are strong.

A good reminder...

...especially in a super high-stress job.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19

Laughter really IS the best medicine.

I am sitting alone in my apartment, and I'm not afraid to say that I just got done laughing (yes, to myself) when I started recollecting events and conversations of last night. When Sam, Megan, and I are together, we LOVE to laugh. We have laughed so much while preparing for recruitment week at Delaware, that we've probably spent more time rolling on the floor laughing than actually working. (Well, not really... but you get the point.)

Even on very little sleep, after long days of talking and walking, I feel great. This leads me to even more fully believe that a joyful heart really is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22).

Take time today to laugh- at yourself, with others, and at life in general. God is good!

My week is crazy...

And this is what is getting Megan, Sam, and me through it.

Watch the Olympics!

I haven't had a TV for this whole month, but last night, I had the luxury of staying in a hotel, so I definitely was ready to take advantage of the 40+ channels! Well, I ended up watching the Olympics the whole night, and man, was it worth it. How cool that we have an event where representatives from the whole world get together and have fun?! I watched the men's and women's moguls freestyle skiing and saw Alexandre Bilodeau (Canada) win for the men and Hannah Kearney (USA) win for the women. I'm sort of embarrassed to say, too, that I got emotional watching them on the podium. What a moment. They have been training for 4 years and to finally feel that sort of accomplishment... Wow. That is awesome. It was so cool to see them reach their goals and to be so humble and excited for what the win meant for other people in their lives. If you aren't familiar with Alexandre's story, check it out.

So watch the Olympics! There are quite a few fun events to watch in the Winter Olympics too. Take some time this week to check in on them, and get into it!

My next year plans...

I've decided to sign-on for a second year as a CLC. This decision was not an easy one, and I'm definitely still praying for peace of heart and mind as God teaches me through this experience. I've learned so much this year, and I truly feel blessed by this opportunity, but I just don't see where God is taking me.

I have a terribly hard time making decisions. I mean, aren't we supposed to feel something, see signs, or know that the pros outweigh the cons while making decisions? Wouldn't that be great if it was so black and white? Well, this has been a great lesson for me as I learn to understand and be comfortable with making decisions and allowing God to bless the decisions that I make with his counsel. I'm just still getting better at it. I just started reading Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung, and I'm hoping his words can lead me to find God's will in a more honest and humbling way. Please pray for peace.

An outstanding sisterhood

This past week has been all about planning our parties for recruitment week at Florida Southern College. Dori and Sam (two other CLCs for GPhiB) have been here with me this week, and what a blast it has been! I mean, what could be better than planning a bunch of parties with two of your best friends? We've been crazy busy creating centerpieces, planning catering, ordering balloons and flowers, arranging a photographer, getting ready for the first new member meeting, and the list goes on... All of this while we are still meeting potential new members. What fun! I really can't even begin to explain how much fun I have had this week with Sam and Dori.

I love these women, and I can't even imagine my life now without them. We've laughed way more this week than I have in a really long time, and we've had time to talk about past relationships, our chapter experiences, and life questions. I feel so blessed to be a part of an organization that has introduced these genuine friends to me who challenge me, make me smile, crack me up, and really make me the best "me" possible.

Thanks, Gamma Phi Beta! What a sisterhood!

All of your soul...

The chapel I have been attending for the past month is the campus chapel at Florida Southern College. The chaplain is covering a series on "The Great Awakening", focusing on being great at the greatest commandment:

Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment" Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

Last week, we covered what it was like to love the Lord with all of your heart. Today's message was all about loving the Lord with all of your soul, and I couldn't help but wonder... what does that feel like?

I get so caught up in wanting to know and love God in my mind- the intellectual, logical, "make sense" sort of way. And that is part of it (I'll wait for next week's message...), but what would it be like if I really, wholly loved God with all of my inside? We are often preached to about a faith of deduction, but what about induction? What if all reasoning went out the window, and we were left to share God's love just because we feel it as a part of our being? I get so caught up in not wanting to just feel God in my life because I tend to think it's shallow, but to be moved in that way... to know that God is working and moving and using us... that's awesome. And really, AWEsome. That feeling of awe and wonder enough to move you to your knees in worship; that is God taking over your soul. How marvelous!

Here is a devotion to start your day.

Dare to Discipline

by Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Friend To Friend
I rarely watch television but occasionally flip through channels, in search of a few minutes of mindless entertainment. I especially enjoy shows featuring children in candid conversations because kids really do say the funniest things! The Bill Cosby Show is one of my favorites, especially the shows in which he dialogues with children - one on one. I recently watched an episode where Cosby was talking with one of Rudy's friends, a bright seven-year-old boy. "Do you have any pets?" Cosby asked. The little boy thought for a moment and then replied, "Well, I don't have any pets now, but I used to have some goldfish." Sensing a story, Cosby responded, "Tell me about the goldfish. What happened?" "Well," the boy began, "my science teacher said that our water is too hard for goldfish to live in but my mom puts stuff in the washer to make our clothes soft." Moans rumbled through the audience as the little boy continued, "So ... I got me some of that stuff and put it in the aquarium ... but Rudy said I put too much soft stuff in, 'cause the goldfish softened to death." A lack of Godly discipline in our lives renders us "soft" to the things of God. When we surrender our lives to Him, He sets our feet on the right road. To stay on that road demands Godly discipline.

I am constantly amazed at the arrogance of which I am capable, daring to think I have the power within myself to intimidate Satan or thwart his efforts in my life. I have no power apart from God. I am weak without His strength, vulnerable to sin and a prime target for temptation. I can easily get caught up in human affirmation, my own sense of self-importance or the flattery of others. The result is always spiritual arrogance. The solution is always godly discipline. Godly discipline is not only a hedge of protection in our lives; it is a catalyst for spiritual growth. James Dobson says, "If one examines the secret behind a championship football team, a magnificent orchestra, or successful business, the principle ingredient is discipline."

Now, I know the very word, "discipline", evokes distasteful images of pain, deprivation, sacrifice and surrender when, in fact, true discipline is simply a wholehearted "yes" to God. True discipline neither barters with God for control nor attempts to supersede His plan. Discipline does not make us worthy but is the result of understanding that we are already worthy in God's eyes and living life as a response to that love. We are chosen, loved, bought and purchased by God who has a sacred blueprint for each one of us. Discipline accepts that blueprint, following it with an eager obedience wrapped in sweet abandonment and absolute trust in the architect of the master plan - God. Godly discipline allows us to rest within the framework of God's sovereignty.

When our son, Jered, was seven-years-old, he fell while skateboarding, cut his chin and needed stitches. We raced to the nearest emergency clinic where we were greeted by a young doctor, who at first glance, seemed friendly enough. Jered, however, took one look at the strange man in white and panicked in the midst of his first experience with stitches.

After several attempts to gain Jered's trust and cooperation, the doctor grew impatient and threatened, "Son, this won't hurt. If you cannot be still we will have to put you in restraints." This man obviously did not know who Jered was - mine - nor did he understand that he was now dealing with the wrath of Mary, something too horrible to describe. However, I was more than willing to enlighten him. I could see the warning in Dan's eyes, but chose to ignore it.

I had two major problems with the doctor's statements. First, no restraints were going to be placed on my son. Secondly, of course the stitches would hurt. Glaring at the doctor I firmly explained, "If you will just tell Jered the truth and explain what you are doing he will be still for you." The doctor looked up at me as if I had just arrived from another planet and then, with an edge of sarcasm, spit out, "Right, lady. I know how to handle this." So did I - but before I could rip off his head, Dan intervened, telling the doctor that we did indeed have a plan! I knew what my plan was but thought it wise to consider Dan's plan.

Gently holding Jered's head in his "daddy-sized" hands, Dan softly explained what the doctor would do, how he would do it and sweetly instructed our son to fix his eyes on me while I told him a story. It worked! Jered calmed down and the stitches were done in a matter of minutes. The doctor even offered a sheepish apology, thanking us for teaching him a lesson in working with children. I decided to let him live.

Even though Jered did not fully understand the process or trust the doctor, Jered did fully understand and trust his father. Godly discipline is the basis for trust and is found at the feet of Jesus where we will come to know Him better, love Him more and find the discipline we so desperately crave.

Let's Pray
Father, I need You desperately in my life. I need Your discipline as a hedge of protection. I want my life to count, Lord, and I want to be Your fully devoted follower. Help me to see and do Your plan. Today, I submit my life goals to You and choose to line them up with Your purpose for my life.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn
Tucked away in my notes are the following words: "The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success!"

How would you define success? The world defines success in so many ways and most of them are wrong. I believe that a successful life is totally surrendered to God and fully devoted to discovering and doing God's plan for our life. Purpose in life produces success in life.

What are your life goals?

What will you be doing in two years or in five years?

Read and memorize Jeremiah 29:11.

Read and memorize Philippians 4:14.