Out of your comfort zone into the convergence zone!

Last week Lia and Ellie went to a drama camp.  I think I mentioned that in a previous blog.  On Friday they had a performance at the end of the camp.  It is seriously amazing how much they get those 5-12 year olds to learn in just 4 1/2 days.  This is my sweet Lia at the microphone.  She had a couple of lines and a solo.  Ellie elected to not take any lines or solos.  Both were a part of the chorus and did a great job with all of the dances and songs.  Here they are during the show!

I don't know if I could have done something like this when I was 7 years old (like Ellie) or 10 years old (like Lia).  I don't remember a time when I was even in any kind of school program until I was in 8th Grade!  It is quite brave to get on stage and sing and dance.  Lia and Ellie have both been in several plays and done other camps like this.  But all I could think about was how amazing it was that they seemed so comfortable in front of so many people.  

I have been doing a lot of thinking about what exactly I am supposed to be doing in the future.  I am not talking about a job. What I am thinking about is ways to serve others.  Ways to use the gifts and talents that I have been given.  Ways to tell others about Jesus.  I am quite comfortable speaking to groups of people - especially if I am speaking on a subject that I am passionate about.  It's like that isn't it?  When you have something to say, it is much easier to speak clearly and even loudly.  Recently I heard a speaker talking about the "Convergence Zone".  How he described it was those times when you were involved in a task and you just KNEW that it was exactly what you were supposed to be doing.  When everything went well and you could see the purpose and the outcome.  Most importantly, you just know that whatever it was that you were doing was part of that bigger plan and purpose that God had created especially for you.  This speaker pointed out that most people don't ALWAYS operate in that zone.  As a matter of fact, the actual pattern is usually that we move in and out of that zone.  The idea is to DEFINE that zone and then seek to spend as much time in that place as possible!  He also pointed out that most people don't even realize what their Convergence Zone is until they are at least 50 years old.  And then it can take years to define that zone and determine how to stay there.  

This was interesting to me.  When I was 40 I thought I knew exactly what Jesus wanted me to do.  And I set out to do it!  Over the next 10 years or so I was more or less in that convergence zone.  I was creating programs for children's ministry, executing those programs and then sharing about those programs with others.   Somewhere around the age of 50, I realized that what I was really supposed to be doing was educating ADULTS about children and God's plan and purpose and destiny for children, rather than working with children.  And while I knew that was what the convergence zone was SUPPOSED to be, I don't think I really operated much in that place during those years.   And here I am at the age of 62.  In all honesty I have no idea what that convergence zone looks like for me right now.  At 40 I had both a message and a platform to share/execute the message.  At 50 I had a message but no platform to SHARE that message.  And, alas, here I am at 60 with no seeming message and no obvious platform.  

AND THEN IT HITS ME......EVEN AS I WAS PUTTING THOSE WORDS ON THE PAGE!

My current message is really very simple.  It includes the message that I was first given at age 4.  Jesus is real.  He died for ALL of us.  He loves us more than we can imagine.  He is always with us and He cares for us.  More than that, every person - no matter what age - can hear Jesus.  All you have to do is stop and ask.  I know that he will speak to you.  And as far as a platform goes......... well, here I am, writing this blog to you all.  This blog is my platform.  It allows me to share from my heart in total honesty.  It is amazing to me that anyone else would care to read my every day thoughts.  But the thing is, tonight I realized that what makes my blogs readable is that I am writing from my convergence zone!  When I am putting these words on the page, I know that somewhere out there in cyber space, someone is reading them and Jesus is using this blog to touch someone else.  

Be encouraged tonight.  Even if you can't identify right now how you might be walking out God's plan for your life, you can trust that there IS a plan for you!  And as you go about your day to day life, be aware of those convergence zone times, when you just know things are "clicking".  Take notice of those times and then seek to recreate them!  

So at the beginning of this blog I thought that I did not have a message or a platform.  And just in the writing of this blog, Jesus reminded me exactly WHY I am even writing this blog!  Isn't Jesus simply amazing?  Well folks, that is just how fast Jesus will speak to you, if you just ask.  Sometimes you will get an answer just by putting words on a page.   Here I was tonight - in my comfort zone.  Blogging about my life.  Then suddenly I found myself smack dab in the middle of my convergence zone!  I'm going to need to think about this blog for a bit!  Hope it blesses you - I've been blessed!

Jesus, thank you for turning my thoughts in the right direction.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the nudges that help us realize those wonderful convergence zone times.  Help us all to hear Jesus speaking and leading us.  Keep our ears tuned to His voice and His word.  Thank you for showing us the way to move out of our comfort zone and into that convergence zone!  Amen

Playing in the snow and praying with strangers

Today I did something that I don't remember EVER doing (at least as an adult!)...... I went to a playground and played in the snow!  Or at least the KIDS played in the snow.  I did a lot of watching but also some swing pushing!  Gwen had a meeting later in the day and had planned a "play date" with another home school mom, who also has 4 kids!  We met at the local park in their neighborhood.  There is several inches of snow on the ground and the kids were fully decked out in their "snow gear".  Those 8 kids played together for almost an hour.  It was about 36 degrees out, but there was a bit of a wind.  Not really WARM but also not bitter cold.  It was so fun watching Anna.  She spent most of her time eating the snow.

She did make more than one trip down the very slippery slide after watching the big kids do it.  We all came home with rosy cheeks and it was good for the kids to burn off some of that always inside, winter energy.  I confess that I would not have chosen to spend this hour outside, but I am very glad that I did.  The kids were not the only ones that needed some fresh air!

On the way home I was thinking again, how thankful I am to spend time with my grandchildren.  Over and over they push me out of my comfort zone and bring me into experiences that I would never have without them.  Playing in the snow on a sunny- warmish winter day, would not have been on my agenda. I am convinced that this is the season and time to expect to find yourself in situations that are not "normal" for you.  

Recently I met a young gal at the Sunday night meeting I attend.  After praying for her, I gave her my phone number.  We have had some wonderful conversations since that time.  Stepping out and praying for a stranger and then going a step further to give them your phone number is really out of my comfort zone.  But what a blessing this has been for me.  I have been challenged in discussions on topics that are sometimes difficult.  It has been a faith affirming and uplifting experience.  So I've been asking myself, "why do you hesitate to reach out to strangers?"   

Yes, I was refreshed and energized after my outside playtime today.  And I've been blessed by my new friend.  Not so bad for "out of my comfort zone" experiences.  I don't think I'll be so hesitant to take chances from now on!  You never know when a stranger will become a new friend.  And you never know how much fun a little snow can be!  Trust me!  

Jesus, thank you for another reminder to trust your leading and enjoy every part of each day, even when the circumstances are out of the familiar for us.  Holy Spirit, give us grace to walk out of our comfort zone.  Thank you for kids who remind us to breathe in fresh air and taste the snow!  Amen  

Fighting fear leads to victory and joy!

For the last couple of weeks, my friends and I have been talking about how often FEAR is the root of our issues.  Fear of what someone might think of us can keep us from sharing.  Fear of the "what ifs" can paralyze us and keep us from moving ahead.  Fear of change.  Fear of nothing changing.  Yes, fear seems to be at the bottom of many, many troubles.  I mentioned yesterday that my family just returned from a wonderful time away at an indoor water park.  Needless to say, this is a favorite of the kids (and some of the adults!).  But this park, while it is amazing, offers some very challenging things for the young ones.  Lia (age 10), Ellie (age 7 - almost), Zeke (age 4 1/2) and Anna (age 2)  faced many fearful things during our time at the park.  That is except for Zeke!  He didn't seem to be fearful of anything!  He charged ahead and went on any slide that he was allowed to be on!  He is quite the kid!  Anna also, was not very afraid.  As a matter of fact,she thought she should be able to do everything that the older kids were doing.  She really believes that she can swim!  The first couple of times on the slides in the toddler area, she needed to hold a hand going down the slide.  But after that, she was determined to go it alone.  

Lia was a wonderful big sister, helping her up the stairs and onto the slide, over and over again.  But Lia was a bit afraid of the "big" tube slide that mommy and daddy wanted her to try.  She had done this slide last year, but she was still worried about trying this again.  Gwen finally convinced her to try it, and then she asked to go over and over!  She conquered that fear!

Ellie was very fearful of the indoor/outdoor hot tub.  She really wanted to try it, but the transition between the two spaces was very scary to her.  I took Lia and Ellie and promised that we would not "force" Ellie to try the outdoor space.  Slowly we showed her that it was not really that scary and within a few minutes, she was happily experiencing the wonder of being warm and wet while it was cold around you! 

Ellie was fascinated by the steam (fog) hanging over the pool!  I just loved to see the wonder on her face!  After she conquered her fear, she asked to go back to the hot tub over and over!  Ellie was also a bit afraid of the lazy river.  But after several times around with all of us, she was ready to go! 

The lazy river was a bit tame for Zeke.  He just sort of tolerated the time going around and around.  It was a good time to let the kids actually take a breather from the constant motion! Not so bad for the adults either!  It's really good exercise to chase after 4 little ones at a place like this!  

It was clear that Zeke much preferred a bit more action on the tube......

As I said, not much fear in that one!  He loved the action and went on this slide over and over and over.  

Anna was about ready to jump out of the tube on the lazy river every time we passed by the waterfalls!  It became a game to her and she looked for those waterfalls at every turn!  She wanted to play in that flowing water!

By the time we left the water park, we had 4 very tired kids and 6 very tired adults!  But what a great lesson this time was for me.  I watched the kids face some really big and real fears.  And they pressed through, accepted help from people they trusted, and then celebrated with joy when they were successful. I need to let that sink in and learn from their example!   

The phrases "fear not..." and "do not fear" or "don't be afraid"  appear over and over in the Bible.  It is as if God knew that we would all face fear every single day.  He made sure that His Word would be the help that we could lean on and trust to help us press through into victory when we are fearful.  I am going to make a list of all of these "fear not" verses and focus on these!  Here are a few to get you started on your own journey..........

Psalm 118:6 -  "The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid"

Hebrews 13:6 - "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid"

Isaiah 44:8 - "Do not tremble, do not be afraid"

Isaiah 41:10 - "Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God"

Acts 18:9 - "Do not be afraid, keep on speaking"

I am going to start each day with a "fear not" verse and then I will remember the joy and excitement of Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna from this weekend.  What a wonderful lesson learned at the water park!

Jesus, thank you so much for family time that fills me up and spills over into lessons that keep speaking to me.  Holy Spirit, help us all to face our fears and hold on to the promises in your Word.  Thank you for the smiles and laughter and fun of children.  Help us all to climb to higher places (outside of our comfort zones), be willing to lean out of our safe zone to splash in your living water (that is pouring out to the world around us), and most of all celebrate!  Amen

On the homeward stretch.......

My blogs over the last week or so have been about our vacation.  We have started the homeward stretch of the trip with our final stop Memphis.  We spent a really enjoyable day in New Orleans yesterday.  We stayed right downtown on the Mississippi River.  We walked the French Quarter, visited some amazing food places and even took a ferry ride on the river! We decided to try to eat "local" foods on this vacation and for the most part, we have succeeded!  We ate shrimp and fish during our entire stay on the gulf coast.  In New Orleans we even tried this.....

Alligator and Fried Catfish!  I thought the alligator had a very odd texture and really didn't care for it.  Ken ate it all!  I loved the catfish.  It was crispy and mild!

 

We had been told not to miss Cafe Du Monde so it was one of our first stops.  These pastries are simply decadent!  There must have been a pound of powdered sugar on our plate!  We both loved these!  It was a great day in New Orleans.  This morning we drove to Memphis, heading north towards home.  We are actually staying here tomorrow also, so we will have more time to look around.  Today we walked around and saw a bit of the "downtown" area.....

On our way to have "Real Memphis Barbecue".  We walked on Beahl St. and heard lots of blues music and jazz.  And then we ate.....

at a local barbecue joint recommended by the bell hop at our hotel.  It was really good food.  

Its been interesting to eat local.  You really get to see the regular people rather than just the tourists.  I think you also have the chance to pick up on the true "vibe" of a place when you do this.  We have been really surprised by the economy in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.  There are lots of people living way below the poverty level.  In all three areas we could still see signs of hurricane damage and ongoing repairs - even though it has been years since Hurricane Katrina.  The local people have for the most part, been friendly and helpful.  One thing that I noticed was far fewer churches than we are used to seeing.  In spite of that, I have sensed the presence of the Lord very strongly in these places.  New Orleans is very dark spiritually.  There is a lot of occult activity and I felt that as we walked the streets.  But even then, the presence of Jesus was clearly walking with us. There has been peace and calm as we have walked among the people.  There is a very real divide between the poor people and the wealthy.  We saw it yesterday as we walked through an "upscale" shopping area on the river just a block from a park filled with homeless people.  Today was a similar situation with our very nice hotel just blocks from the "real" downtown Memphis where there are bullet holes in the signs on the streets.  This has given me a lot to think about.  As we were driving through Mississippi today, I looked up some facts about the state (isn't it amazing that we have all this knowledge available at our fingertips on our phones?  Today especially I was aware of how blessed I truly am to have this).  Ken and I couldn't believe what I read.  The average income in the state is around $36,000 and many of the families are below the poverty level.  Let that sink in a minute.  WOW.  All I could think about is all of the children who don't have enough to eat or don't have proper clothes to wear.  It is good to help people in foreign countries, but then you hear a statistic like that and it makes you think!   Yes, it is good to see your country for yourself. It is good to walk the streets and meet the people and really LOOK at their homes and see into their spirits.   

Ken accomplished something else on this trip.....he crossed another state off of his list of states to visit.  He had never been in Louisiana.  Our list of states to visit is shrinking!  Ken has only 6 states left to visit (Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Montana and Wyoming) while I have 11 (Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Vermont and New Hampshire).   We will be planning more vacations and taking time to really see these states.  It is really eye opening.   It sure gives you a better idea how to pray!  

In just a couple of days we will be home.  It is always good to be away and even better to be back home.  This has been a trip of many stops and seeing many different things in all new places for Ken and I.  It has been a trip for us of going "outside of our comfort zone".  And that is good.  

Jesus, thank you for encouraging us to go into new places and see new things.  Thank you for opening my eyes to the poverty of the south.  Holy Spirit give me wisdom and opportunities to make a difference for these people.  Thank you Jesus for your presence with us and your protection over us.  Thank you for new food and new sights.  Amen

Memories of a long ago vacation....

So I spent a bit of time tonight making the final hotel reservations for our upcoming vacation.  I was thinking about some of the great vacations that Ken and I have taken.  And the photos above are one of my favorite memories.  This trip to Florida was in April 2006.  It was the first time that we had used these new kayaks.  These really amazing, inflatable kayaks each pack in their own "suitcase".  We drove to Florida on this trip, but on future trips, we checked these as luggage on our flights! (Of course this was before the checked bag charges!).  We are still using these same kayaks - yes that is 9 years later!  We have had some wonderful times and seen some amazing things from these kayaks! 

We just decided NOT to take our kayaks on this trip.  Part of the reason is that we are going into Canada and really don't want the hassle crossing the border.  Part of our vacation plan DOES include (weather permitting) a canoe trip down a river in Pennsylvania.  I have never been canoeing, so I am hoping that the river is neither too high or too low for us to enjoy this activity.  We may also get to go tube riding down the same river!  Another activity that I have always wanted to do.  Lets face it, lazy rivers at water parks are not the same as being in a tube on an actual river! 

I can't help but blog again (since I know I have most likely mentioned it a time or two) about my change of heart regarding these kayaks.  I was not very thrilled when Ken suggested that we try kayaking.  It just wasn't something I was really interested in doing.  We found a really inexpensive inflatable "double" kayak and tried that out.  It was miserable!  You could not steer it at all and it was very hard work to paddle.  So we ditched that and then found some cheap inflatable kayaks.  We used those most of 2005 and did have some great times on local rivers.  But we were constantly getting leaks and they didn't feel very safe.  Ken did the research and found these Advanced Elements kayaks on line.  I was not so sure that I really wanted to invest the money in these (boy was that silly!).  But Ken did a bit of arm twisting and I finally agreed.  We ordered them directly from the company in California.  We were a bit surprised when we found out that we had to license them, and then to find out that we had to pay "vehicle sales tax" before we could GET that license!  We have had hours and hours of adventure and fun, along with some good exercise and time outdoors, thanks to these kayaks. 

Here's the thought for the day.  How many really good things have we missed out on, simply because we did not let ourselves be pushed out of our comfort zone?  I've been thinking a lot about this in the last couple of weeks.  I for one, get very comfortable and then get lazy and don't really want things to change very much.  I'm always a bit wary of new things and new ideas.  This whole kayak thing is a reminder to me that I need to take those chances and try new things!  Even at my age! 

On Sunday night at a wonderful worship gathering, several people spoke encouraging prophetic words over me.  It was so good to sit and be bathed in the messages and let the Holy Spirit speak the words into my spirit.   It seems that this is a new season for me, and a time for stepping out and trying new things.  So I am thankful that the Holy Spirit has been reminding me of this kayak story.  It may be outside of my comfort zone, and it may make me feel a bit unsettled and wary, but I will be courageous and take a deep breath and step out into those new things that Jesus has ahead for me!  

Jesus, thank you that you use every part of our life to speak to us - even our vacations and even kayaks!  Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking through those wonderful people on Sunday evening and filling my spirit with your encouragement and love.  Help us all to be willing to be shaken and pressed to move into new things that may well be huge blessings for us.  Jesus thank you for Ken and his persistence to encourage me to try new things.  Amen