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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

#write31days - Oct 7 - WAITing for likes

In a world of connected technology, a little red circle with a number on it is always an excuse to check our phones...we have a notification, it needs immediate response. Someone has maybe "liked" something we have posted or maybe they have called, texted or emailed.

When I was in High School the equivalent would be getting a couple of notes that day at school, a message waiting on the answering machine at home or a face-to-face compliment. Having been back in a High School environment the last couple of years I have seen the impact of technology on self confidence.

Who's got the most likes, views, shares, re-tweets, messages, best #hashtag, perfect selfie and on and on. Somehow, those numbers have begun to equate to significance and self worth. But, this isn't just for teens/young adults. In my circles I have seen the social media/technology impact as well.

No matter what we can agree on one thing: we like to be liked.

But when you put something out to a social media platform or online posting, sometimes the WAIT can really begin to make us question our worth. Do I even have friends? Why won't they respond? Who are they with? Does anyone think I'm pretty?

When WAITing for likes becomes a conflict of worth, it's time to stop and take a real inventory, identify where your worth comes from. Consider that "likes" are only temporary clicks of a button, or not...why do you pass up some things but click on others? People do the same thing to us. Sometimes they just don't click the heart or thumbs up...but that doesn't change my worth.

My worth is defined by an audience of One. He calls me beloved, beautiful, precious, He delights in me and woos me to Himself every minute of the day. But, I will oh so quickly trade him, while WAITing for the one notification that I equate to approval, value and worth.

Writing a blog can be tricky and keeping in perspective of why I write is at times caught in lies. I can see how many people click to my blogs and sometimes the things that I feel are most soul-baring or what I think could be impacting never get many clicks. But, what seems insignificant to me gets lots of clicks. Does that mean one day my writing is better? Or worse another day?

No.

All "truths" I try to associate with notifications are LIES. What I believe is a gift to me and a calling to share my story does't get a scorecard of likes. When one person is drawn closer to comfort, hope and significance of themselves in Jesus, because of my obedience, He gets the like.

No matter how long I am WAITing, Jesus has WAITed much longer and will out WAIT me for all of eternity to seek him and my significance in Him alone. He likes me, on my best days and still also likes me on my worst days, in fact loves me - at my best AND equally at my worst. He just asks me to follow Him.

To do that I have to step away from the scrolling, looking and checking for notifications, let go of the WAITing for pseudo-validation and seek validation in Him alone.

He will deliver every time, no WAITing.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

#write31days - Oct 6 - WAITing for results

"Do you have my grade?"

If there is a question I (or any teacher) was most often asked while teaching it was this one and often within minutes of turning in an assignment, completing a test or presentation.

"No. I don't have your grade."

I was pretty good at keeping up with grades and posting fairly quickly so students would know their results. In High School those grades are a big deal and WAITing can be a challenge, especially if they need a grade to change their current average.

But what about when the Doctor says WAIT right here. It could be GREAT....you're pregnant! you're cancer free! Or it could be devastating...you have ____________. Either way, the results will change your life.

This year I have watched one of my besties walk this road based on results, that unfortunately are life changing and devastating when you allow yourself to think long on it. A diagnosis that was assumed "not probable" to being very real and resulting in great impact on her family.

I watched this same friend for years go through the "not pregnant" results, endure Doctors and treatments until she finally heard "You're pregnant", three times over. Beautiful children now 5, almost 3 and just turned 2 a couple of months ago.

She's also a gifted teacher who serves selflessly the special needs population and cares so deeply for her students.

Somewhere along the way we've become grown-ups, and we laugh about not liking it. Our little circle of 4 has had some very high highs and some very low lows over nearly 20 years. If only we could go back to the halls of high school and worries of test grades. But, we've grown up and we don't know what the next life result will hold.

And, now, after a period of WAITing for results, she's in a lifetime of WAIT for what's going to happen next based simply on one result: her husband has ALS.

However, this result isn't causing her to WAIT. You can't WAIT when you're given results like ALS. I've watched her selflessly serve her husband as his abilities are changing, listened when she needs only a set of ears, been amazed over research, trials and methodologies she has sought to fight for all of his days.

This one, ALS, it has no known cure. So we WAIT for results of procedures they are doing and we pray. We have hope in the WAIT, she is the definition of WAIT: her soul seeking God's guidance. They have eternal hope in Him no matter what the results say, they will never change eternity.

From the bottom of my heart would you pray for them? If you'd like to support them (no ice bucket required) you can donate to their fundraiser page (click here).

They aren't the only ones who are dealing with results in my circle or yours. WAITing for help, what's next and hope. I pray that if you, or someone in your circle of besties, has been told to WAIT for results that are life changing that you will cling to hope in Jesus and may your soul seek him through all the days of WAITing.

Monday, October 5, 2015

#write31days - Oct 5 - WAITing for help

A week ago I spent the day working with friends at a Cafe during Texas Antiques Week and was headed home late afternoon. My plan was to be home in time to get to the grocery store and do a few things around the house. Until I went to my car and it wouldn't start....in a field, 100 miles from home. If ever there was a place to be stuck this wasn't a bad one, but I was ready to go.

You should know that dealing with car "things" is one of my least favorite things. I am decently knowledgable about my car, thanks to lessons from my Dad, but I still don't like dealing with it. I have had a battery issue lately, and assumed this was somehow connected.

I WAITed a few minutes, but I knew I needed help. After a few more minutes I saw a guy in the parking lot who I thought could probably help me. Assumed if he had cables, we could attempt to jump start my battery. I know, I need a set of cables, mine were stolen and I just haven't replaced them.

He had cables and quickly agreed to help, and I WAITed to see if it would work.

Nothing.

He took a look, but didn't know what else to do. So, I thanked him and called home. We got a plan together to tow my car, trade cars and determine what was wrong with mine. #parentstotherescue More time to WAIT. I watched the sunset over the fields and was thankful for a place to be that I was safe, cooler weather and a plan in place.

If we are honest, asking for help can sometimes be hard. We think we can do it all ourselves. WAITing and trying to figure it out on our own seems like the better option, but really asking for help could often provide a quicker solution. As I was sitting I thought of times I have WAITed in what seemed like a far away desolate field for help, but really it was in the midst of everyday life.

Sometimes I felt like it was my mess to "clean up" and I didn't really need to bring anyone else in. Sometimes asking for help would bring on a feeling of shame. Other times a feeling of weakness. Who gave me those feelings? Me. No one else did. And, every time I do swallow my pride to ask for help I am immediately glad I did. Never once did I end up feeling weak, messy or shameful.

I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord;

And He inclined to me and heard my cry.

He brought me up out of a horrible pit [of tumult and of destruction],
out of the miry clay,

And He set my feet upon a rock, steadying my footsteps and establishing my path.

Psalm 40:1-2

Sometimes I just need a gentle reminder. When I surrender to help and working it out between myself and God, he will ALWAYS set my feet on a rock, steadying my steps and establish my path even, oftentimes putting a person directly in my path to help. Instead of WAITing for help with dread I can WAIT expectantly, which changes everything.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

#write31days - Oct 4 - WAIT, what's been going on?

I know it's only 4 days into the #Write31days challenge, but I don't want to neglect the things I want to remember, so Sunday will be a catch-up "WAIT, what's been going on?" in the midst of 31 days of writing about WAIT. (Click here) to catch up on the WAIT posts.

I feel like the month of September flew by! I started back to school. had 3 weeks with students and finished up teaching my classes before I started my new job. Those 3 weeks were mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting. I was so thankful to have a week off in between which included family time, seeing friends and a little pool time in the final hot days of Summer (it's Fall most everywhere else) in Texas.

The Pioneer Woman has released a new collection at Walmart and I picked up these super cute measuring bowls. They are $7.86 I think and are so fun. I even used one recently for soy sauce to dip sushi! I love the whimsical pattern, which is called "Flea Market" and they go great with my kitchen. I have solid white dishes and mostly pewter serving pieces, so these won't just be for measuring! Bonus, Ree or "Ree's people", liked my Instagram photo, it's like we're one step away from BFF! I've read her blog for many years, long before cookbooks, TV and kitchen collections!

Snail mail is one of my favorite things and I checked my mail one day to find 3 cards and treats in my box. What a sweet treat of words that encouraged me and new set of colored pencils + pouch for lettering and doodling.

Antiques Week is one of my favorite things and fortunately it comes two times a year! This year I "worked" (because it hardly seemed like work) with sweet friends from church and also did a little shopping. The back-roads there on a Sunday morning were church out of the box...I listened to music, had a sermon playing and relished the sites along the way. Plus I spent 2 days alongside my sweet friend Annalee filling drink orders! She's a part of that community I mentioned yesterday (click here).

I love County Fairs, was a long time participant and Fair Queen too, so having the opportunity to judge a Queen's contest is always a treat! I have also had the opportunity to speak recently about the impact of 4-H, FFA and show life and I am so thankful for those experiences, they honestly had a huge contribution to who I am today.

It's October and since I'm no longer in the classroom, that means no jeans + spirit shirt Fridays, and if you know me, you know I love jeans. #RIPJeansFridays For the month of October, I'm self proclaiming Fridays, #Pinktober Friday in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness. I've had a couple of friends who have fought this disease & WON and am a long time participant in Komen events. Feel free to join in and show your support! Post your #Pinktober outfits and tag @signature_stylespacestory on Instagram so I can see!

This day was joggers with a black shirt making a faux-jumpsuit/romper look paired with pink floral scarf and earrings. For other recently wearing outfits including real romper (click here).

Blue Bell is back and we are all happy! I hope they have had a banner sales month! I like my Blue Bell as a night cap straight outta the pint! It is time for a couple of spoonfuls and bedtime ahead of another week.

See you back here tomorrow for more on WAITing.

Saturday, October 3, 2015

#write31days - Oct 3 - WAIT for community

About 4.5 years ago I heard of a new church starting in Houston. At the time I was attending and very involved in one of Houston's "mega churches". I was teaching Bible Study, had a calendar full of events and activities to attend, abundance of church friends I saw often and was honestly a little nervous of leaving.

For about 8 months I went to church on Sunday mornings, mostly just in and out. I met a few people through a week night community group, and knew I had made the right decision in a new church, but I did miss the "community" aspect of church. I felt like I knew a handful of people but it wasn't the same.

Then I was laid off, packed up my apartment, moved to storage/home and hit the road traveling and working for a year. Anytime I was near Houston for a Sunday, I went to church but there definitely wasn't community.

Then I finally settled in to a new job, moved back to Houston area and was able to attend church regularly. I found my place in a few different areas of serving and involvement, and felt like I was making strides in re-building community.

Fast forward to what is now 4 years later after I first changed churches and the community I have is so sweet. Young to old, families and singles. I have rested through these years in knowing I was where I needed to be and God would open places for community on his time. I just needed to WAIT it out. I actively did that in a pew without much extra conversation and slowly it came. Lots of life happened to me in those 4 years, seasons of ups and downs, great joys and great pains.

Each year our church marks the "birthday" with a Vision Sunday, which was just a couple of weeks ago. Since that week I have really reflected on the new community I have found. Dear sweet friends who pray for me, walk alongside easy and hard, challenge me, love me and bless me. It is such a gift and so worth the WAIT of seemingly silent Sundays.

I was reminded of this clock, with no hands. We want all things in a short & defined amount of time, but really, most things are going to come with no defined time. Our lives don't have clock-hands to dictate timing and learning to accept only the hands of God's timing make the WAIT much easier.

Photo: Joanna Gaines - Magnolia Market

So if you're in a new place, give it a little time, it will come.

For previous posts in the #write31days: WAIT (click here)

As always connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Friday, October 2, 2015

#write31days - Oct 2 - What is WAIT?

Merriam-Webster: WAIT.
verb.

-- to stay in a place until an expected event happens, until someone arrives, until it is your turn to do something, etc.
-- to not do something until something else happens
-- to remain in a state in which you expect or hope that something will happen soon

Essentially to wait is to cease doing anything until something else happens or in expectation.

WAIT.

It is paralyzing.

But, it shouldn't be.

Though, so often, I have let myself get stuck in the WAIT.

WAIT on hold.

WAIT on a job.

WAIT on someone.

WAIT on a diagnosis.

WAIT on recovery.

WAIT on death.

WAIT on life.

WAIT in suffering.

WAIT on success.

WAIT on change.

WAIT in grief.

WAIT in hope.

WAIT on ______________.

You've probably, like me, waited on something. I have at times felt like "WAIT" is my cross to bear in life. Most things do not come quick or easily to me, and I find myself enduring some kind of WAIT. Some have resulted in hard seasons, others after a WAIT have brought great joy.

WAIT doesn't just appear in Webster's, it also appears throughout scripture, in fact 85ish times depending on the version of Bible you are reading. I will dig into a couple of these throughout October, but one that specifically hits home for me...

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Lamentations 3:21-25

So, as a believer in Christ, I know there will be times in life I have to WAIT. Good times. Hard times. But, I don't wait paralyzed. I seek Him. Jesus. His love never ceases. His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful. He is enough. He is good to me.

Even when it seems nothing good can come. To seek him through all the days of waiting, and He will deliver, minute by minute, to day by day, to year after year.

I can't be paralyzed in the WAIT.

I must seek him.

Even when it seems like nothing is changing.

Seek Jesus.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

#Write31Days: Wait

If ever there was a word I'm told over and over again, it is "WAIT". I've blogged about this word before (click here) and I'm am continually learning in the WAIT.

So, it's time again for the #write31days challenge, and this year I'm taking it on with one word, WAIT. Last year I wrote 31 days on stories of my life (click here) to read from last year.

Maybe you, too, are WAITing for something. Let's dig in and discover a little about the WAIT and how to WAIT well.