A Change in the right direction… Letting Go…
Light For Life February 2005
Things are changing, things are always changing, and change is another one of those things I am not greatly fond of. This last 12 months, in a lot of ways has been about change. I am coming to terms with the fact that it has to happen, and I am even accepting it more willingly, which is a breakthrough. I think I have been forced into it by situations beyond my control and realising it is inevitable, actually I can’t do too much about it.
Being very ‘routined’ in my ways, if there is something that I know and that I like, I think it will always be that way or be a part of my life, forever! Things like people, friends, hobbies, annual events, traditions, etc. In 2004, change was in the wind the whole way through, and it blew away a lot of things I thought would always be, along with concepts, ideals, things I have been a part of, and even some directions. I feel as if a great shift is taking place and because of it I am learning the art of letting go. Something tells me that it is going to be the same for 2005!
Normally by the end of the year I have a sense of what the next year is about; but this year I couldn’t quite say what I thought 2005 would hold, just that I know He has it in His hands. This year I have let go my 'hold' on things to a greater extent, and scary as it may be there is also an element of freedom in it; I almost feel as if it is empowering to let go of some things, and then there is anticipation of what could or will be! Our hold on many things in our lives leaves us ragged even though we don’t realise it, and then one something changes, for whatever reason it might be, and we realise we didn’t really need that after all.
I am one who believes that when we let go of one thing God brings the next to us. What will He bring to me? I have a feeling that there is more to let go of and I pray for the ease to do so and the courage to do it. Letting go is about shaping us and shaping our future, one thing may need to end in order for another to begin. Do I trust God to do it?
The things that have been a part of us for a long time are the hardest to let go. When life is complicated, as I have found it to be, sometimes it is hard to read the situation clearly to know what to do. I don’t know about you, but I have found it difficult to make these decisions, weighing up my motives, not wanting to steer my own boat and end up in a storm. Even though I don’t understand the ways of God at times, my foundation is still on Him and I am not foolhardy enough to think I know best and go it alone.
I needed to make some decisions/choices for 2005 and I was finding it difficult, then I came up with the one deciding factor that helped me. The deciding factor for me was a priority that demanded my attention, and when I looked at it, wisdom said ‘it’s right - listen’. It seemed obvious. I think I feel at peace about the steps I am taking, more peaceful than less anyway, so I will walk through and if I am wrong then I pray that God will give me His grace to retrace my steps. Releasing my grip, slowly, was the way to come to the decision, that way I would be able to sense if it was wrong – for me the release brought peace.
What do you need to let go of? Is change blowing around you? Is there a deciding factor – ‘The Determiner’? What would help you make this decision? There is only one way to find out – slowly release your grip!
A Note:
This edition of LIGHT FOR LIFE is the 2nd Year Anniversary of my group emails! Thanks for all the great feedback and encouragement that I get regularly, it inspires me to keep going - and after all, I have to use the lessons of my life for some good - hey! These emails go out each month to over 100 people which is amazing and I pray that my lessons will shed some light on the things that are going on in your life - and bring you some answers, you are not alone!
love
Cam
Word For Life
Determiner: A person or thing that determines. One that determines. An argument that is conclusive.
The Word
Psalm 24:4-5: Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. Guide me in your truth.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Saturday, January 01, 2005
A Step in the Right Direction
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Light For Life January 2005
In so many areas of our lives it is the shortest distances and words that can make the biggest difference! I am sorry, I love you, I forgive you, yes, no, are some just to name a few. In the race that we run, that is our lives, one step can make all the difference too. It can mean the difference between winning and losing, living and dying, passing or failing, and forgiveness and peace. One LITTLE step in the wrong direction can set out course in the wrong direction for life, which in the end can mean we are thousands of miles off course!
When I was about twenty or so, I remember one of the pastors at my church using this powerful illustration, and to this day I have not forgotten it. He was talking about how when we make one bad choice, or step, if we never correct that choice that in the end it takes us way off from where we are meant to be. You see, the angle grows wider the further you go along. If you keep going 1 degree off course for a length, you will end up many degrees off course in the end. It is VERY gradual, so you don’t even notice it.
Sadly, many don’t notice till it is too late, they look over only to notice they are not where they thought they were. A clear picture that comes to mind is that of being in the water at the beach. You set all your stuff up on the shore and you head straight out into the water. After a little while you look into shore to find your things on the beach and realise how far you have drifted, or that the current had moved you. Once the motion has begun it is doesn’t feel any different so it just takes you willingly.
Now, if you drifted far enough out, or the conditions were right you could get caught in a current, but even without a strong current you can find yourself far off. Then we try to back track, we may find that it is harder to go against that current to get back but yet we seemed to have just got there without any effort.
One of the easiest ways to get off course and not stay true to ourselves and to God is via compromise. A lady I heard preaching a few weeks ago said that ‘compromise is when we do something that we truly don’t believe in’. How often do we do that? You would be surprised at the other things that could take you off the course God has designed for you – a dashed dream, hurts and un-forgiveness, bad attitudes, the wrong friends, bad influences, bad experiences, negativity, fear and worry, doubt, unreal expectations, high standards, low standards, poor choices, peer pressure, pride, … If you recognize one of these as being a point where you headed off course I suggest you bring it before God, work through it and do what you can to come about.
As it is my first LFL for the year – I guess I would like to pose the question – Do you need to take a step in the right direction? I will tell you honestly right now – I do! My prayer for 2005 is that I will take every step in the right direction that needs to be made and that I will do it without delay. 2004 seemed to take me off course, but then was it really off course or just not the course I planned to take? I think we need to have focus and vision and yet be WILLING to surrender to God’s best for our lives.
This is a fresh day, a fresh year, a fresh path, these steps have never been taken before and these days have not been lived before. God please give us the grace we need each day to know the way and to choose to go! Now is the time to take an inventory and correct the course.
Word For Life
Direction: The act of setting and holding a course. The act of managing something. A line leading to a place or point. A general course along which something has a tendency to develop. Direction or advice as to a decision or course of action.
The Word
Deuteronomy 5:32-33: Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or the left hand. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord you God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
Light For Life January 2005
In so many areas of our lives it is the shortest distances and words that can make the biggest difference! I am sorry, I love you, I forgive you, yes, no, are some just to name a few. In the race that we run, that is our lives, one step can make all the difference too. It can mean the difference between winning and losing, living and dying, passing or failing, and forgiveness and peace. One LITTLE step in the wrong direction can set out course in the wrong direction for life, which in the end can mean we are thousands of miles off course!
When I was about twenty or so, I remember one of the pastors at my church using this powerful illustration, and to this day I have not forgotten it. He was talking about how when we make one bad choice, or step, if we never correct that choice that in the end it takes us way off from where we are meant to be. You see, the angle grows wider the further you go along. If you keep going 1 degree off course for a length, you will end up many degrees off course in the end. It is VERY gradual, so you don’t even notice it.
Sadly, many don’t notice till it is too late, they look over only to notice they are not where they thought they were. A clear picture that comes to mind is that of being in the water at the beach. You set all your stuff up on the shore and you head straight out into the water. After a little while you look into shore to find your things on the beach and realise how far you have drifted, or that the current had moved you. Once the motion has begun it is doesn’t feel any different so it just takes you willingly.
Now, if you drifted far enough out, or the conditions were right you could get caught in a current, but even without a strong current you can find yourself far off. Then we try to back track, we may find that it is harder to go against that current to get back but yet we seemed to have just got there without any effort.
One of the easiest ways to get off course and not stay true to ourselves and to God is via compromise. A lady I heard preaching a few weeks ago said that ‘compromise is when we do something that we truly don’t believe in’. How often do we do that? You would be surprised at the other things that could take you off the course God has designed for you – a dashed dream, hurts and un-forgiveness, bad attitudes, the wrong friends, bad influences, bad experiences, negativity, fear and worry, doubt, unreal expectations, high standards, low standards, poor choices, peer pressure, pride, … If you recognize one of these as being a point where you headed off course I suggest you bring it before God, work through it and do what you can to come about.
As it is my first LFL for the year – I guess I would like to pose the question – Do you need to take a step in the right direction? I will tell you honestly right now – I do! My prayer for 2005 is that I will take every step in the right direction that needs to be made and that I will do it without delay. 2004 seemed to take me off course, but then was it really off course or just not the course I planned to take? I think we need to have focus and vision and yet be WILLING to surrender to God’s best for our lives.
This is a fresh day, a fresh year, a fresh path, these steps have never been taken before and these days have not been lived before. God please give us the grace we need each day to know the way and to choose to go! Now is the time to take an inventory and correct the course.
Word For Life
Direction: The act of setting and holding a course. The act of managing something. A line leading to a place or point. A general course along which something has a tendency to develop. Direction or advice as to a decision or course of action.
The Word
Deuteronomy 5:32-33: Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or the left hand. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord you God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Annual Leave Anyone?
Annual Leave Anyone?
Light For Life December 2004
Don’t you just love holidays? When it gets to around this time of the year, I have one friend who tries to stop herself from getting into that ‘holiday mode’ to soon! Its that relaxed, laid back, easy breezy mode, she can’t let herself fully relax till its really the holidays as she is a busy Mum. Once we get into that 'holiday' frame of mind we begin to wind down, but in the midst of the crazy end of year season it is not time to rest just yet! Are you someone who has your annual leave around this time of year? Are you looking forward to a good break away from the usual routine, the mundane, the regular? Did you need it a month ago? Yep! Join the club.
I am a Mum who is on the go, I run kids around, am involved in many different things and I work. My work is part time, and my holidays can vary - not as rigid as ‘nine to five’ workers; which is fine because my job and my work are just perfect for me but when it is time for holidays I am hanging out for them and more than ready for them just like you. There are many people who are self-employed, and mums who work at home and don’t have an official title and so don’t have official paid or unpaid leave. If you are one of these, you don’t get this time off so you probably just keep on year round, that is okay for a while, that is until you are in a rough patch of life.
If you have followed my ‘Light For Life’ messages throughout this year, you may have noticed that I have learnt a lot of lessons this year, and not easy ones. We have seasons where things seem to come at us from every angle; I think this year was one of those seasons. Part way through this year, when things seemed most stressed to me I had ‘had enough’ of everything. I got this bright idea, a plan to provide myself an oasis in the desert. Actually it was most probably God’s idea, but it came to me very naturally so it seemed like me! I decided to put myself on annual leave. How about that? How you ask? Can I do that? Yes you can, it was quite simple. I looked at my diary, which is usually very full, and I decided that I needed at least three weeks break – right now would be good and I noticed that after the three weeks we would be going away for a week’s holiday, which we hadn’t had for a long time. Perfect.
So, I didn't‘ book in any more appointments and I cancelled a few as well to free up my time during this period of self-appointed ‘annual leave’. If anyone asked me if I could do something for him or her, or make an appointment, I was quite happy to say ‘Sorry I am on annual leave’. That seemed to work well and it was refreshing too, I felt a bit cheeky. It was so great to have a reason not to do anything, and a purpose in having a break. It was during the school term, so it also helped that the kids were at school and the time I had during the day was pretty much all mine.
I started to wind down, and I started to do some things around the house that I had wanted to do for a while. I did some things for myself; things that I enjoyed like watching a movie, reading a book or just go shopping and writing!!!. I think making this time for yourself should be do-able for most people if you give it a go. Another way of getting a break is by giving yourself, even one day off a month or a night or two a month. It doesn’t mean that you wag school or shirk work; it means you on purpose, free up some time for you. I used to try and give myself the last Friday in the month off. I don’t work on Fridays so that was the day for me. On that day I would do my best not to clean the house, make phone calls etc, just for that one day and it made a difference and was a welcome relief too.
So it is possible and do-able. Have a look at your diary today and schedule in some precious ‘you’ time. Give yourself a break and enjoy something, it shouldn’t need to be a luxury; it should be part of our plan to look after ourselves and our families. Like the nowadays work ethic, with power naps and other adjustments to make employees more happy in the work place, so too, if we are happy and fresh, those in our environment will also greatly benefit as will we, and it will be smiles all round. Go ahead – give yourself permission and make some space.
Thank you for you reading 'Light For Life' and for all the wonderful feedback and encouragement I get throughout the year.
I am His mouthpiece and these are His revelations not mine!
Bless you
Cam
God's blessing on you for the NEW year.
I pray that in 2005 we can trust God more in our daily lives and surrender ourselves to Him in
leading us into each NEW day and NEW experience. I pray that God empowers you with His grace
each day and that you will learn to lean on Him and His provision, letting go of the old so that
He can release to you the NEW! New creations, new life, new love, new peace, new start,
new leaf, new hope, new joy. He can make all things new!
Word For Life
New:
Having begun or been made only a short time ago, not used by anyone before, different from the earlier things done, just beginning or to be begun, new, fresh, recent.
God’s Word
Isaiah 43:18-19
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I will do a new thing now it springs forth; Shall you not know it. I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Light For Life December 2004
Don’t you just love holidays? When it gets to around this time of the year, I have one friend who tries to stop herself from getting into that ‘holiday mode’ to soon! Its that relaxed, laid back, easy breezy mode, she can’t let herself fully relax till its really the holidays as she is a busy Mum. Once we get into that 'holiday' frame of mind we begin to wind down, but in the midst of the crazy end of year season it is not time to rest just yet! Are you someone who has your annual leave around this time of year? Are you looking forward to a good break away from the usual routine, the mundane, the regular? Did you need it a month ago? Yep! Join the club.
I am a Mum who is on the go, I run kids around, am involved in many different things and I work. My work is part time, and my holidays can vary - not as rigid as ‘nine to five’ workers; which is fine because my job and my work are just perfect for me but when it is time for holidays I am hanging out for them and more than ready for them just like you. There are many people who are self-employed, and mums who work at home and don’t have an official title and so don’t have official paid or unpaid leave. If you are one of these, you don’t get this time off so you probably just keep on year round, that is okay for a while, that is until you are in a rough patch of life.
If you have followed my ‘Light For Life’ messages throughout this year, you may have noticed that I have learnt a lot of lessons this year, and not easy ones. We have seasons where things seem to come at us from every angle; I think this year was one of those seasons. Part way through this year, when things seemed most stressed to me I had ‘had enough’ of everything. I got this bright idea, a plan to provide myself an oasis in the desert. Actually it was most probably God’s idea, but it came to me very naturally so it seemed like me! I decided to put myself on annual leave. How about that? How you ask? Can I do that? Yes you can, it was quite simple. I looked at my diary, which is usually very full, and I decided that I needed at least three weeks break – right now would be good and I noticed that after the three weeks we would be going away for a week’s holiday, which we hadn’t had for a long time. Perfect.
So, I didn't‘ book in any more appointments and I cancelled a few as well to free up my time during this period of self-appointed ‘annual leave’. If anyone asked me if I could do something for him or her, or make an appointment, I was quite happy to say ‘Sorry I am on annual leave’. That seemed to work well and it was refreshing too, I felt a bit cheeky. It was so great to have a reason not to do anything, and a purpose in having a break. It was during the school term, so it also helped that the kids were at school and the time I had during the day was pretty much all mine.
I started to wind down, and I started to do some things around the house that I had wanted to do for a while. I did some things for myself; things that I enjoyed like watching a movie, reading a book or just go shopping and writing!!!. I think making this time for yourself should be do-able for most people if you give it a go. Another way of getting a break is by giving yourself, even one day off a month or a night or two a month. It doesn’t mean that you wag school or shirk work; it means you on purpose, free up some time for you. I used to try and give myself the last Friday in the month off. I don’t work on Fridays so that was the day for me. On that day I would do my best not to clean the house, make phone calls etc, just for that one day and it made a difference and was a welcome relief too.
So it is possible and do-able. Have a look at your diary today and schedule in some precious ‘you’ time. Give yourself a break and enjoy something, it shouldn’t need to be a luxury; it should be part of our plan to look after ourselves and our families. Like the nowadays work ethic, with power naps and other adjustments to make employees more happy in the work place, so too, if we are happy and fresh, those in our environment will also greatly benefit as will we, and it will be smiles all round. Go ahead – give yourself permission and make some space.
Thank you for you reading 'Light For Life' and for all the wonderful feedback and encouragement I get throughout the year.
I am His mouthpiece and these are His revelations not mine!
Bless you
Cam
God's blessing on you for the NEW year.
I pray that in 2005 we can trust God more in our daily lives and surrender ourselves to Him in
leading us into each NEW day and NEW experience. I pray that God empowers you with His grace
each day and that you will learn to lean on Him and His provision, letting go of the old so that
He can release to you the NEW! New creations, new life, new love, new peace, new start,
new leaf, new hope, new joy. He can make all things new!
Word For Life
New:
Having begun or been made only a short time ago, not used by anyone before, different from the earlier things done, just beginning or to be begun, new, fresh, recent.
God’s Word
Isaiah 43:18-19
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I will do a new thing now it springs forth; Shall you not know it. I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
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