As an Executive Assistant, I can get pretty caught up in my to-do list. OK, honestly, as a human I get pretty caught up in it! There are so many thoughts coursing through my brain at any given time that a to-do list has been my saving grace. If I write it down, I am not as likely to forget something. The downside is that I have a ton of notes written to myself on the kitchen counter. About once a week, I sit down to compile my many lists into one thoughtfully detailed one. Which works great … until I have another thought.

I’m an odd mix of tasks and creativity but tasks are my default. I get a little adrenalin rush with every chore I cross off that never-ending list. And if I accomplish something that wasn’t written down, I write it down just to cross it off! Yep, I’m that person!

Recently I noticed that I was becoming frustrated with my beloved to-do list. I was overwhelmed with the responsibilities in front of me instead of calmed by the fact that they were safely written down. My system had become my taskmaster. 

It really wasn’t that long ago that I was dreaming of the life I would have as a grown up. A home, a husband, children, a job I love…. I would get to cook. I would get to plant flowers in my yard. I would get to rock babies and teach them so many things about the world around them. So how did all those “get tos” become “have tos”?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29

I lost my wonder.

There are times when I forget to yoke myself with God. I just charge out in my own strength and understanding, ready to get things done, and forget that this is really His work that He’s invited me into. Without Him, it all just disintegrates into stuff to do. The wonder of it all – the joy of partnering with the God of the universe – is lost and I become weary under the weight of it all.

Have you lost your wonder?

Are there places that God is calling you back to rediscover the joy of partnering with Him? Are there things that you’ve picked up in your own strength and understanding? Our loving Father isn’t disappointed. He understands that this is part of our humanity, and it doesn’t bother Him in the least. Instead, He sees it as an opportunity for us to choose Him. And He loves to be chosen by us!

Let me encourage you to pause, take a breath, and ask Him to restore your wonder. In Him. In His invitation to you. In His love for you. I am certain that in the midst of it all you will hear Him whisper…

You are adored.

So how has your week gone? Have you gotten to the end of a day and wondered if you actually accomplished anything? Have you gotten to the end of another day and felt like an Avenger superhero? Maybe a little of both this week?

Welcome to normal!

I was talking with a friend earlier this week and we were marveling at the whiplash effect of recent weeks. Major confusion one day and a world conqueror mindset the next. She told me of a recent study where more and more people are experiencing this whiplash and it is actually attributed to pandemic trauma. As members of the human race, we have experienced a tremendous variety of loss and our brains are quite literally having a hard time grasping it all in conjunction with “typical” life losses. The combo has thrown our minds into a tizzy!

OK, so I’m normal. Now how do I deal with it?

Well, I’m certainly no expert, but we are better when we learn from one another. So let me share what’s been shared with me lately.

• Pause.
  This could be a walk around the block, a nap, or a Netflix binge day. Listen to your body and give it a break when its needed.
• Acknowledge.
  Like it or not, we are still recovering from a whole lot of abnormal! Trying to run through it – or past it – is not effective. So call it what it is and make peace with it.
• Grace.
  LAVISHLY give grace to yourself and others. Sue it can be difficult to give grace to others when we are at our own wit’s end. But grace is a lot like a hug – the more you give – the more you get.
• Pray.
  You are not in this alone. The Father is not surprised or disappointed that you are human! He welcomes us with open arms and has all that we need to be equipped each day.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40:29

Maybe this is a season of strength of you! Perhaps you have turned a corner and can clearly see the Lord’s hand at work on your behalf. Or you might be one who is struggling to make sense of all that’s been entrusted to you. Either way, it is OK. Either way, this can be a new place of surrender and dependance on our loving Father. I’ll be the first one to raise my hand and say that I prefer the superhero feeling over dependance. But we are not created to storm through life on our own and in our own strength. And when we recognize that depending on our Father’s strength is what actually makes us strong, we will see more clearly and walk more confidently. 

Our Father loves you! He is delighted to welcome you into His presence, regardless of how you are feeling about yourself and your situation. He sees His beloved child and can’t help but smile. Oh, yes, my friends…

You are adored.

“Slow down.”

These are the words I heard from my Heavenly Father this morning. As I got ready for the day. As I hit every stoplight on the way to work. As I sat impatiently in the drive thru line waiting for my coffee treat. And as I navigated the semitruck that decided to navigate a sharp right turn by suddenly swinging left  directly in front of me, effectively cutting me off.

Slow down.

But, Lord, I have so much to do. But Lord, I need to be early this morning and I’m running late instead. But Lord, I need…. Yep, I need to slow down!

I’m sure that you have also experienced the frustration that comes from having a million things to do only to have a million and one things pop up in front of you. Like little prairie dogs of distraction popping out of their holes to trip us up! Sometimes they are spiritual diversions meant to keep us from our assignments, and sometimes they are our loving Father’s way of getting our attention. But, interestingly enough, both require us to slow down. We need to take the time necessary to pray and evaluate what we are truly facing so we can effectively respond.

In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9

As His children, we also reap the benefit of His redemption of time. Our God holds all things in His hands, including time. In other words, we when stop to pray, we don’t lose any time at all – we gain it back! As we slow down enough to ask the Holy Spirit what He is up to and how we can partner with Him – rather than the other way around – our effectiveness increases. I don’t know about you, but this is a game changer for me as an Executive Assistant! This is yet another reason to be continually prayerful as I walk through the day navigating tasks, conversations, and calendars. 

So, if you have found yourself hitting every red light and dodging large trucks lately, let me encourage you to do the very opposite of what seems logical, and s l o w d o w n. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and simply ask the Lord what He is up to. I think you will find, as I did, that He is quick to respond to you. Our Father is generous with His time and lavish with His love. Our God is quick to orchestrate time and events for His glory and our good. And He is quick to whisper the reminder that…

You are adored.

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

The famous quote from Muhammad Ali was often used in my home as I was growing up. It was the 70‘s and his career was at an all-time high. It was a call to be proactively light on your feet – float like a butterfly – when facing your opponent, and to be quick to act – sting like a bee – when you see opportunity arise. These days, that old voice echoes in my head as I navigate the bob-and-weave dance with my opponent named, “Change.” Perhaps you’ve heard of him? 

Float like a butterfly:

• Yes, as Assistants, we do need to be well thought out and prepared, but we can’t become glued to that one way of getting something accomplished. Floating like a butterfly keeps us flexible with those plans. Be the bug not the windshield.

Sting like a bee:

• Clear communication with the Lord helps us respond quickly when we see opportunity. Talk with Him along the way – out loud, if it helps – and ask Him to help you see His provision. Remember that this is HIS work that HE has invited us into so HE will show us the open door. If we approach our work with an open hand instead of a clenched fist, we are much more likely to recognize those moments and respond with precision.

Let’s be honest, there are days when we spend a lot of our time changing direction. Ducking. Dodging. Pivoting. Call it what you want, but we simply must learn the balance of well thought out preparation and the need to adapt when the winds of change come blowing through. Ah, but how do we avoid the pitfall of frustration that can quickly follow those winds?

I am not saying this because I am in need,
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13

I have frequently read this verse when I have been in physical need, and it certainly addresses that. However, the Lord has also highlighted it to me when I haven’t been floating like a butterfly very well. It is God who gives us daily strength for whatever He allows us to encounter. First, it passes through His hands and then He entrusts it to us with the strength He gives us. It is my decision to be content (to the best of my ability covered with His grace), not frustrated, in every situation. Even the unexpected ones.

If you’ve had a hard time lately floating like a butterfly or stinging like a bee, let me encourage you. Our God is not disappointed by our human responses to our situations. He isn’t deterred by our frustration or finished with us because of our tantrums. He has a loving smile on His face as He picks us up, dusts us off, and gives us another opportunity. He is a loving Daddy who cheers us on and shows us grace after grace. He wants us to know that we are His beloved children and…

You are adored.

This is the week that so many of our kiddos headed back to school. I’ve always seen this as the marker of all things Fall – my favorite season – about to make their grand appearance! As Assistants in ministry, this also means that we are gearing up for a big launch. We are about to add to our in-person services with more-normal rhythms of in-person ministry events and gatherings. Are you ready? Are you excited? Are you feeling a tad overwhelmed at the thought?

Look for the God-winks.

You know. The God-winks. Those brief glimpses of encouragement that seem to appear out of nowhere to remind us that He sees, He knows, and He is leading us in this holy work.

• Flowers that appear on your desk with a note of encouragement are tangible evidence that your heart is precious to Him and those around you.
• The image of daddies walking hand-in-hand with their little girls to school and mommas kissing their rough-n-tumble little boys as they bolt toward the playground – all of it a sweet reminder that your Heavenly Father protects, leads, and loves you.
• The first golden leaf that falls right in front of you during an evening walk that makes your heart leap with anticipation for a soon-to-arrive season of beauty.

God-winks are subtle in nature but profound in their ability to encourage your heart! God-winks are the nitrous boost that gets our engines revved again. God-winks are perspective clarifiers. God-winks are personal messages from your loving Father with an unexpected delivery system.

….”You are the God who sees me,”
for she said,
“I have now seen the One who sees me.“
Genesis 16:13b

You, my friend, are loved beyond measure by a perfect Father. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more … or less. He has decided to love you for all eternity and orchestrates the smallest of details and the biggest of decisions to bring good to you and glory to Himself. He is trustworthy in the confusion and kind in the difficult. The God of the universe dances over you! Yes, my friend…

You are adored.

It had been one of those days. A roller coaster of high highs and low lows through the day. With several years of experience in this field, in life really, they don’t come as a surprise. I realize that there are days when this happens and I usually roll with it. However, I found myself more wearied than usual that day. The swings, and my necessary responses to those swings, had me worn out.

Because personal life always intersects with ministry life (can I get an “amen”?!), it also happened that our drains were running slowly that day and I was out of Drain-O. So an after-dinner trip to the grocery store was now also on my list of to-do’s before I could kick off my shoes and begin processing the day. One of the things I love about our grocery store is the placement of the floral department. I have to walk right by it on my way to any other department in the store – there is no missing it!

As we walked through, I heard my husband say, “Well, look at that! Your favorite flower!” He was referencing a beautiful bouquet that included hydrangeas. In recent years, I have come to adore hydrangeas – their exquisite, delicate petals all work together to form heavy heads of beauty. Then, looking further, I noticed that they were paired with three ivory calla lilies. 

I have a family tree of wedding photos that hang on my entry wall. Each time we enter our home, we have to walk right by them – there is no missing it! They are a very personal reminder of where my husband and I come from, the stories of each couple, and the grace of God that covers our families still today. One of those pictures is of my Grandparents Crause, Waldon and Helen. Grandpa’s height was on full display as he proudly stood behind my petite Grandma, who was seated in her lovely dress with the largest bouquet of lilies I have ever seen.

Standing in the floral department that day, I was reminded of Grandma’s bouquet and her appreciation for the simple beauty in life. Even as a young bride, she had seen her share of difficulties but throughout life she took time to appreciate the simple beauty that God would place right in front of her – there was no missing it! One of the joys of being her granddaughter was the invitation to join her in moments of that appreciation.

So I picked up the bouquet. And the Drain-O. We even picked up ice cream bars before heading to the checkout stand. Just three things on our receipt representing real life that day.

• Take time to appreciate the beauty right in front of you – there is no missing it!
• Get the Drain-O because normal life happens – its normal.
• And don’t forget the ice cream. Because. Ice cream.

You are adored.

As we finish our work week, it is a good opportunity to look back to evaluate what we’ve accomplished. It is also a great time to look ahead to the upcoming week and prepare for a strong start. These are normal practices as Assistants – reviewing and planning.

However, there are times when we might find ourselves discouraged by the review part of this process – getting discouraged about the start-stop-start-pause-start rhythm of our week – and it can hinder our view as we begin preparing for the days ahead. There are seasons where each time we think we can move forward with something, directions change and we find ourselves trying to recover from a clumsy situation. It reminds me of two people learning to dance together – a bit jerky and toes get stepped on! At first we giggle at our missteps, apologizing for our awkwardness, then we find frustration setting in as we pause to rub our feet. If we stick with it, though, practice pays off and we’re dancing across the floor with much more ease. The more we practice, the more elegance we find to the dance.

…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6

While this process might be frustrating to us, it is good to know that God isn’t frustrated by us. He knew all along that this would be part of what He called us to. He trusted us with this before it even arrived. He prepared us with conversations, lessons, and situations throughout our lives to be perfectly positioned for such a time as this. He began a good work in us and has promised to carry it on to completion. In other words, He won’t leave us alone in the process.

I’ll be the first to admit that I prefer to be polished in my work. I want my oversight to have full confidence in me. When people reach out, I want them to know they are in good hands. When folks have a concern, I want to respond with grace and wisdom. When I present work, I want it to be presented with excellence. Sure, I’m aware that it can be a slippery slope into perfection, but my heart is truly to represent God, New Life, and my oversight well. So, when new dance steps present themselves, it can be annoying! However, if I am not willing to learn a few new dance steps, I hamstring the Lord’s work – in me and at my desk. 

We still have more to learn. Because we live on planet Earth, there are more changes coming that will challenge us and change us. If we keep our eyes on the One who is leading and teaching us, though, we will come out on the other side with more grace, more skill, more wisdom – the very gifts we need to better serve the people we are called to. And the best part is that He is with us every step of the way! So take a deep breath, dust yourself off, refocus your sights on Him, and let your Father guide you through a new dance. It is just another way He is reminding you that …

You are adored.

www.YouAreAdored.net

All of us have had conversations with people who feel they have been treated unjustly. Our children, friends, and even those whom we encounter as Assistants. There is something within our human makeup that rallies to be heard. To be told “we” are right, and “they” are wrong. To be validated. To be vindicated. 

To be brought in on these types of disputes with the purpose of persuading me to join a side has always been uncomfortable, despite my high-justice wiring. As a peacemaker/mediator, I want to see the right thing done, yet I hate the confrontation of slimy pride that comes with pointing out an offense to justice. This us vs them mentality is so contrary to the peace I seek each day. And it seems equally wrong that the most eloquent speaker is often able to persuade the masses even if what they are so eloquently speaking is … false. 

Yes, there are two sides to every story, and just as many variations of reports as there are witnesses to an incident. Seeing things through our own lenses is human nature. But intentional persuasion of falsehood as truth is rooted in sin – prideful, wrong and damaging.

As believers, how should we respond when we recognize these kinds of actions?

• Put on our armor.
  *The Lord has provided protection for us when we go into a spiritual battle.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and
against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:10-12

• Pray.
  *Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment as you enter the conversational fray.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
James 1:5

• Acknowledge the value of each person regardless of their position.
  *All of us have been in the wrong and even when we are at our worst, we are loved by the Lord. Compassion for all involved as beloved children of God helps us approach the situation with the intent to be kind, not necessarily to deem one person right and the other wrong.

Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

• Listen.
  *In order for productive listening to happen, establish honoring parameters for the conversation. This is no time for additional hurts to be added.

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement.
Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, “Raca,” is answerable to the court.
And anyone who says, “You fool!” will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 5:22

• Be peacemakers.
  *Unity with – loving – our brothers and sisters is one of the ways the world sees us as different and is drawn to the Lord. Peace has become a rarity, yet all creation desires it. Peace is a fruit of God’s wisdom, and it comes with a promise of righteousness.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:9

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17-18

Our loving Father has ordained us to be carriers of His peace, signposts of His grace, and lovers of His people. We are equipped by the Almighty to accomplish things far beyond our own ability. Not for our recognition but for His glory. He trusts us with this precious assignment, to be mouthpieces of His Truth. Yes, friends….

You are adored.

I think most, if not all, of us would say that we entered this ministry field in order to help people. After all, our titles have the word “Assistant” in them! So working with people was something we embraced. If you’ve spent any time at all in ministry – in life, really – you know that interacting with people can get bumpy. See if this sounds familiar: Cruising along in your lane, humming along to your favorite tune, getting things checked off your task list, and then WHAM lanes collide. Someone jumped in our lane! Or maybe we bumped into theirs. It can be startling. It can be surprising. And after a few of these collisions, it can be discouraging.

Years ago, I had a friend tell me that ministry would be easy if people were not involved. Of course, ministry, by definition, is only effective with people involved, sooooo….. What is a girl to do? Please understand that I am not making light of the profoundly discouraging interactions that can happen, but I do want to help us find perspective. We can’t set up camp in the discouragement, and we certainly can’t let it distract us from our assignment. 

Therefore,
since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the
sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

Stay the course, friends! We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who are cheering us on! Here are a few things that help me when those lanes collide:

• Acknowledge what happened and catch your breath.
  *God created us with feelings and emotions. Take a moment to recognize the hurt. 
• PRAY
  *That hurt? Hand it over to Him. That mistake? Hand that over to Him too. And invite His healing work in your heart.
• Forgive and ask for forgiveness
  *As believers, we don’t have the option of holding on to unforgiveness. Nor do we have the option of ignoring pain we have caused others. Forgive where needed and ask for it too!

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32

• Get back in the race. 
  *He has equipped you for this work and is with you in it!

Now may the God of peace,
who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great Shepherd of the sheep,
equip you with everything good for doing his will,
and may he work in us what is pleasing to him,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
Hebrews 13: 10-21

So brush off those knees and tighten your laces. Lift your eyes to look down the road and remember where you are headed. Focus on His grace and presence with you. Take the next step and find your way back into your stride – you have a race to run. And the Lord is with you each step of the way simply because…

You are adored.

You Are Adored sprung out of my desire to bless and encourage the Administrative Assistant Team at New Life Church. These women are a unique combination of dynamo and humble – fire and cups of cold water. I love them and serving alongside them every day is a JOY! So each week before I write these encouragements to our team, I sit down, close my eyes and ask, “What do you want to say to your daughters, Father?” Sometimes He gives me a specific verse, sometimes He asks me to share what He’s teaching me personally, and sometimes He simply wants me to remind each one how precious you are to Him.

This is one of those weeks.

Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Don’t be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows.
Luke 12:7

Are you facing fear or doubt? Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Are you wondering about the timing of unanswered prayers? Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Do you feel unseen or unvalued? Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Do you feel fragile and uncertain? Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. The Mighty God on High is also the loving Father who gently cares for you.

The God who designed the universe and keeps it running flawlessly is not too busy to see you. The Lord of Lords who receives worship on His holy throne day and night, night and day, cares for you. He has designed a beautiful and intricate plan for your life with mind-boggling details woven throughout decades – throughout all time. He has gone to great lengths to demonstrate His love for you and provide all you need for a godly life rich in relationship with Him.

And He does it effortlessly. But not carelessly.

Yes, you are the focus of His care. You are the recipient of His never-ending love. You are the one He equips for battle, yet He never sends you without His presence. You are His creation. You are His daughter. You are His treasure. And, yes,

You are adored.