We’ve Arrived….Well, Maybe Not!

I think back on my life and the times I thought I had “arrived”. I had a boyfriend at last! I’ve arrived! I graduated from high school. I’ve arrived. I landed a great job. I've arrived! I got married. I’ve arrived. I had a baby --- then, two babies! I’ve arrived. In reality, those were never arrivals. They were simply journeys that still continue – even to today.

Once upon a time, I thought being a Christian was a “you’ve arrived kind of thing.” The truth is: I haven't arrived. I am still in great need of my Savior. I must lean on him...24/7. Sometimes I'd like to retreat -- even for a 10-minute nap! To say it’s often a battle puts it mildly. But the crazy good news is this – the battle is good. Good for us. It makes us warriors.

God has the game plan and assures us of a win....eventually. So I’ve come to be okay with the battle. We often get "bruised and battered" in the combat, but the battle makes us wiser and more aware of the same old schemes and tactics of the enemy of our souls. We get stronger. He gets dumber. He is such a loser.

The truth is our faith journey isn’t about arriving. It is about carrying on. We "pick up our cross and follow Jesus" -- no turning back. Our journey is about grabbing hold of the hem of Jesus’ garment and hanging on for dear life. And while we're holding on, we trust that the enemy is waving the white flag of surrender and shouting "CEASE FIRE"! But we don't cease fire. We are in it to win it and no doubt we will because the Lord is with us as a mighty warrior (Jeremiah 20:11).

I've had my times on the battlefield. I assure you -- all the battle scars turn into our testimony. People hear our story and are often star-struck at God in us. We point heavenward because you and I both know, it is a miracle that we’re still here and we’re still standing -- because of God's amazing grace!

This faith ride that we’re on isn’t a one-time ticket where we can say “I’ve arrived!” it is a continual commute. It is a consistent day-by-day, in the trenches of life, even being engaged in an ongoing battle that must be fought minute-by-minute. We are in the middle of it each day and we will not surrender. We will not give up because, in God’s sight and His all-knowing end of the story – we win. It all counts. It is all worth it. God sees. The celebrations will begin when we step over to the other side and it all will be worth it. In the meantime.....we suit up, show up and FORWARD march!

"Christ, the royal Master leads against the foe; forward into battle. See, His banners go! Onward Christian Soldiers! Marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before."

Living Life Out Loud

Living life out loud on Facebook has sure been an encouragement to me. I have found sweet peace in writing, which by the way, has been a gift I didn’t even realize I had. FB also became a place of solace because it connected me to thousands of friends, and family members. I needed that connection.

I’ve had the opportunity to write about my faith journey from my husband’s first diagnosis of Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, to his battle, victory over the disease, to our conquering and winning through it all……to his going home to heaven and to my new world as a widow. That diagnosis came as a complete shock to us. No words could adequately explain the roller coaster ride we were on. Yes, a roller coaster ride can be quite thrilling with its ups and downs and twists and turns..but it can also make you want to throw up!

Here's what I know for sure. All those things that seemed so important before, soon became so trivial. My priorities shifted to making moments count more than ever before. Now I know the stuff of life are those everyday precious moments that matter most.

I’ve learned that life can be lived in solitude, and that’s okay…because those quiet times often open up great conversations with God. But on this journey, I’ve come to realize the comfort of living life as an adventure. But even adventures, as exciting as they may be can often make you want to throw up. For example, my BFF Sheila Michie came over yesterday to BE and DO – BEING my friend to let me vent and DOING as my friend – helping me pack. Her presence allowed me to shed some tears about the unknowns of my future, in spite of my rock-solid faith and trust in God’s guidance and provision. Living out-loud opens us up to vulnerability, because we all know there are times when the journey gets rocky and uncomfortable. It’s okay…..because the rocks make us appreciate the flat roads more; the uphill climbs make us appreciate the downhill sprints.

I know my posts reveal my innermost thoughts – sort of like living in a glass house. But that’s the adventure I’ve chosen. I want my glass house to be a beacon of light for those who can follow in my footsteps, even board the roller coaster with me. So, excuse me, while I spend my day cleaning out my Tulsa house, moving over to a friend's home and appreciating this ride until I jump aboard the next wild ride. I’m in it to win it and of course, you’ll know all about it, because “living out-loud” seems to be this roller coaster ride's mode of operation.