Minimize Uncertainty

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Wanting to minimize uncertainty is a common human tendency. But is it what we're supposed to do as believers?

Why do we have this tendency to try to minimize uncertainty? We’d rather put confidence in ourselves, in our own thoughts and understanding, then trust in God. But God told us not to rely on our own understanding. And He’s proven over and over again that He’s trustworthy.

Rather than attempt to minimize uncertainty, we ought to embrace uncertainty, as it’s during these very moments when the power of God is on full display in our lives. God uses our circumstances to mold us. Like a potter and his clay. Our lack of understanding brings us closer to God as we rely on Him wholeheartedly to guide us and carry us through life. Just as He intended.

To be fearful of our circumstances, and uncomfortable with our uncertainty, is simply a lack of belief in God’s providence.

To learn more about all God has promised to you, I highly recommend reading the Bible. If you have any questions about the Bible, http://www.gotquestions.org is a great resource!

If You Want to Write, Read

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if you want to write, read

Over and over again I tell people, if you want to write, read. The number one advice I have for other people interested in become writers, is to read.

I find it fascinating that whenever I’m going through a dry spell in my writing, I’m going through a drought in my reading.

The opposite is also true. As soon as I begin reading a new book, the creative inspiration and ideas begin to consume me in such a way that I have no other choice but to write.

The two activities are directly and positively correlated.

Reading serves as mental stimulation. It provides us with renewed inspiration.

As a general rule, we are readers first. And writers second.

So if you want to write, read.

P.S. Even seasoned writers experience periods of mental blocks and fatigue. I wrote a poem about that and you can read it here: https://vehicleofwisdom.com/2014/12/19/an-artists-dilemma/

Also, if you find yourself frequently dealing with writer’s block, I highly recommend you read, “The War of Art”. You can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026

Thanksgiving

Maybe you could bare your shoulders,
lend that jacket that you’re over
to the man who’s standing there
waving cars down at the corner.
You know he’s only getting older
and Christmas is getting closer.
Give before Thanksgiving’s over
’cause it’s only getting colder.

Halloween

Halloween has become a day for the living to dress up, wear masks, and pretend to be dead. The irony is that most people spend the rest of the year dressing up, wearing masks, and pretending to live.

Some People Say They Lose Themselves…

Some people say they lose themselves in new motherhood. But I think I’ve found myself. 

The slowed down pace of life, the presence, the simplicity, all things I’ve longed for and couldn’t obtain. 

The wonder, the curiosity, the delight, all qualities that I’ve struggled to hold onto through the years. 

The adventure, the joy, the humility, she brought it all back to me and some. 

Profound purpose, deep meaning, intense connection…all ingredients of a life well lived. 

Some people say they lose themselves in new motherhood. But I think I’ve found myself again. 

Wonder

I think too much of our time is spent trying to dissect God, to understand Him, and too little is spent simply allowing our hearts to feel awe.

It’s ironic; we deprive our hearts of wonder and yet, we need wonder. We all know that death is coming and we need something mysterious to happen after it. We need to know that God has things figured out, even if we don’t. We need there to be Someone bigger than us who has it all under control. I think this is our greatest form of worship: wonder.

If I Could Sum Up Parenthood in One Word…

If I could sum up parenthood in one word, it would be “surrender”. 

The act of surrender begins in pregnancy. It’s challenging to not try to control all the changes and outcomes. The unknown. The waiting. 

It intensifies the last few weeks as we prepare for baby’s arrival. Letting go of deadlines, dates, and expectations. Surrendering to our baby and God’s perfect timing. 

It peaks during birth as the contractions are relentless. Like a train coming towards us and we can’t get off the tracks. Nothing and no one can stop it. 

And then the baby is here. And a new phase of surrendering begins. 

Is the baby okay? Are we doing this right? Will we get to sleep tonight? 

Once again, we find ourselves letting go of deadlines, dates, and expectations. Putting personal to-do lists on the back burner and holding all external commitments loosely. 

Maybe this is why parenthood is so beautiful. This constant act of surrendering. This daily practice of faith. We surrender ourselves, over and over again, so we can stand back in awe at the faithfulness of our God. 

The Dichotomy of Motherhood

I can’t catch a break. // Everything falls apart without me. // I’m grateful to have a family that needs me. // It feels so good to be needed. // I have no time to get anything done. // My to do list just keeps growing. // It’s so nice to be present with my baby. // Everything else can wait. // I’ve never known a joy like this. // I’m so tired I could cry. // Her needs are so constant. // One day she won’t need me. // I hate how fast time is going. // It’s so wonderful to watch her grow. // I don’t want to miss a single moment. // All I want is a moment to myself. // I killed it today! // Today nearly killed me.

The dichotomy of motherhood.

A Parenthood Self Reflection

Being a parent makes you think of yourself a lot less. And what a relief it is, to think of ourselves less. 

It makes you think of yourself a lot more, too. Which is easy to do when someone is reflecting your self back to you. 

Children as Creative Geniuses

As children, we’re spontaneous more than we are analytical. We accept new information with delight, and without making comparisons to what we already believe.

We’re curious, not jaded.

Even the most ordinary experiences in life are met with a sense of awe.

Artists who are able to continually produce great works throughout their lives are those who are able to preserve these childlike qualities.

Practicing a way of being that allows us to see the world through innocent eyes, frees us to act in concert with the universe’s timetable.