August 21 A Couple of Failed Ideas or Faith that doesn’t Try

Affirmation: I am connected to God, myself and others.  

This affirmation reminds me that if I want to live a wholehearted life, it will always include God and others. 

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Ponder, Personalize, Practice: These two verses have strong meaning for Douglas and me. God used them to guide us to Cypress Meadows before we even knew there would be a place for us “in a sun-scorched land.” Ponder and personalize these two verses. What is God saying to you? Focus on the 3rd sentence today.

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭11-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬~~~~~~~~~

Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown

Guidepost 4: Cultivating Gratitude and Joy, Let go of Scarcity and Fear of the Dark.

Imagine you’re watching a movie. The opening scene is a beautiful, sunlight day in the mountains. There’s a young family driving along the mountain road. They’re laughing, and smiling together. The camera cuts from scene to scene, showing their joy, and watching them as they drive together.

…What do you think happens next?

If you’re like most people, you had a thought like:

“They get hit by a truck.”

“They drive off a cliff.”

“The dad has a heart-attack.”

This is what Brené Brown refers to as “Foreboding Joy.” It’s the fear that the other shoe is going to drop when good things happen to us in life.

Many people carry an unconscious belief that says “I can’t have too much of a good thing…”

This belief comes from a place of scarcity. It says “I won’t let myself feel this joy, because it won’t last forever.” (More to come…)

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Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews

7. I WILL PERSIST WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

I possess the greatest power ever bestowed upon mankind. I hold fast to my dreams. I stay the course. I do not quit.

I acknowledge that most people quit when exhaustion sets in, but I am not “most people.”

I am stronger than most people. Average people compare themselves with other people, and that is why they remain average.

I compare myself to my potential. I am not average. I see exhaustion as a precursor to victory. By persisting without exception, my outcome—my success—is assured.

(My note: you can persist, while taking care of yourself. Allowing yourself to rest and renew is not the same as quitting. I am persistent…sometimes for things that aren’t important. But an exhausted person who is persistent may easily fall into weak or misdirected decisions. Persist… but take care of yourself.)

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Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love by Bob Goff

                               AUGUST 21 

I’D RATHER HAVE A COUPLE OF IDEAS FAIL THAN HAVE A FAITH THAT WON’T TRY. 

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ISAIAH 41:10 

One of my favorite sporting events is the Summer Olympics. I love the opening ceremonies and the bright-faced athletes. The event reminds us of our shared history, our shared space, and our shared dreams. (My note: An example that shows we are connected to God & others. Last year we got to enjoy the Summer Olympics!)

As much as I love the Summer Olympics, it’s the Paralympics that capture my heart the most. The Paralympians had to overcome something more than tired muscles or waning willpower. They had to overcome learning disabilities or nonexistent limbs, stigmas, and probably a lifetime of naysayers. (Persistence)

One of my favorite people in the Paralympics is a guy named Lex Gillette. He’s a good friend and a blind long jumper. Yep, that’s right. He has no sight and yet sprints down a hundred-meter track and flings himself feet first into a sand pit he cannot see. 

What strikes me most is how Lex gets from the starting line to the landing. His trainer stands at the end of the sand pit and yells “Fly!” over and over. It’s not just motivation—the trainer’s voice is a homing beacon helping Lex to run straight as he sprints toward a voice he can trust. 

If you’re ever wondering if you should take that risk or run toward a big ambition of yours, think about Lex. And I don’t mean, “If a blind guy can do it, so can I.” I mean, learn from his heart, his courage, and his wisdom. See how he acknowledges the obstacles in his way and chooses to fly over them anyway. Take note of how he has voices in his life he trusts and runs toward. No circumstance will ever be perfectly suited to the big leap you want to make. Lose the fear and throw a little disregard at it instead. Even if it takes the help of a friend or two, make the jump. 

What situation do you find yourself in that is inviting you to be more courageous?

(Be courageous. Be compassionate. Be connected. Go for it!)