YOUR CLIMB

Roman and I have joined a class at church. 
It has been really inspiring, really informative.
It is based on the bible but hits on the topics of christian marriage,
family and the core of just living a good life.

Not only do you learn and relate these things, but the ten to twelve
couples there, are able to share their own opinions
and stories, whenever they feel led to.

People have laughed, cried, felt a sense of relief...
And in some instances, at least we, have left, with a true renewed spirit
to take into the next week.

It's nothing that we've ever done before , but even within our own family,
has made a
difference already.

The topic for the first few weeks was FORGIVENESS, which you assume is one
whole idea. 
But as you dig deep into it, you cannot imagine how many letters are under that
roman numeral outline. Wow.

But the best class so far, was this past Sunday's---
When they added on-~stress, anxiety and worry.
Yup, something we have all dealt with, are dealing with right now,
or will in the future.
In fact, it is a guarantee.

Yes, it is promised that things will go astray or not as planned in your life. 
But you are in good company.
Everyone alive will be faced with these stumbles-
so if you are prepared and have faith, you will come
out better than you went in.
The class shared so many things this week, of course
because it is so freaking relatable.

Their were stories of job loss and the feelings of fear.
Stories of daily anxieties people have, and are constantly struggling
with, some for no reason they can even come up with.
One woman's words even put an older lady in tears, talking about something
she wouldn't elaborate on.
Just feeling each others emotions, brought you into their life. 
And even if your own tale wasn't comparable, you could take a little bit of it, and
bring it into yours somehow.

All of us have been there in one way or another.
And anyone that has had to walk that "unknown" so far, can only say one thing. 
It not only will get better, but it makes you better.

With each thing-there are two sides, the "scary" and the "new"
Scary is the change.
In life, change equals hard.
Hard equals unknown.
And the unknown equals fear.

Unknown is uncomfortable. 
And that explains why it is so difficult for people to move, change occupations,
add another child,
or have a health scare.

"I don't have enough information, I don't know if it will work, or how
I will feel., but most
importantly, will we be happier, more successful...?"

Newsflash.  Life is turning, and how the heck do you grow, or make a difference
if things stay the way they are, all the time?
And again, to change lives and people, there needs to be growth.
And growing hurts sometimes.
And other times, take a while.

What we rarely think about is the basic concept of  "our timeline".

We are on "on demand society" and the realistic side of us knows
that it isn't always possible
But the NOW NOW NOW people, that we have become,
expecting our outcomes to happen immediately.

"Oh my gosh, if this happened on Monday, and it's now
Wednesday, were doomed.
I thought something would have changed by now...
its not lookin good."

Think about anything in life that you are trying to change..
Joining a gym, to lose weight or get in shape.
Climbing the corporate ladder..
Even compare it to your kids in school--having to go through elementary
school, to middle school and then high school....
You don't learn, and grow, and see a difference in you life, without "the climb".

If you didn't have to work your way through a moment, or you
had a stage handed to you, you would
not only not learn struggle, you would have nothing
even close to appreciation,
for the lesson in front of you.

God isn't looking at this "page" in your life,
he's instead focused on your "story".
As you should be.

The book of your life is being written with each day that you get through,
and the last chapter can only be as amazing as you were throughout .

Just because today, or yesterday, has a question mark across it,
doesn't mean
that next week or the one after, isn't going to have
an explanation point. 
Your life can turn in a minute,
but it has to depend on faith.

One of the lessons taught Sunday said that with worry and fear, comes
a "diss" to God.

It is saying, you don't see your life safe in his hands. 
That you want the control, you trust yourself more, and aren't willing
to look back at your past-
How he's gotten you up your mountain.
And will again.  And again.  And again.

God wants the best for all of us. 
He will do anything to show and prove that to you.
But promises there will be time of need. 
Time of prayer.
Time of heartache. 
That is the way for him to become close to you.

You may not see for a while~
What it was, or why it even happened.
But it time, it will become clear ~
And you will become a stronger version of you.

I know my family has had it's share. 
After my sister was diagnosed, I could not imagine the tailspin my
life would take.
I could not envision ever having so many tears. 
Or living a single day without a sister I was never apart from.

But that chapter in my life was meant to be. 
It was meant for me, and hundreds of friends and people we knew,
and never knew, who were and still are, touched by her story.

A twenty five year old who chose her baby over treatments. 
Someone that wanted more than anything in the world to be a mommy and
wash a t-ball uniform.
And someone who would never get that chance.

So many moms will wake up and hug their kids
tighter now.
So many people will appreciate more than they ever would have, because
of her memorial service.
Meeting her son Noah, who will have an undying example
of the ultimate sacrifice.

Financially~ a less important, but difficult lesson.
It took us sixteen years to build perfect credit and attain properties for
or kid's future
But within eighteen months, lost bigtime.

Four years ago we came back from Ga, with our tail between our legs.
Sold some, lost some, credit trashed .
Prayers were abundant...but there was no changing that plan for us there either
.
We made all the right choices, were honest, and responsible. 
But the outcome was to be the same.
This was another lesson, understanding
again, was meant to be.

At the end of the day, it got us back near family and more open minded.
When we hear stories of hard work and yet struggle, we relate more.
When we see someone needing a break, we are less judgemental.
We have given our last dollars to friends in need, and somehow
things always get paid and work out.
But I don't think, the "goosebump" moments would be the same,
without having experienced it ourselves.

What's abundantly learned is that if we made a list of our struggles,
worries, fears...
only one thing is the common denominator ~
95% of our scary-list, are things, simply out of our control.

Seriously, get a pen and jot down yours-
How many things in front of you could you do anything about at this moment?
That is why you aren't to worry.
Where does it get you?
No matter what you decide to do today, it may not work for your tomorrow.

There's enough to take care of that you are IN CHARGE of.
God's letting you change your babies diapers, and get the groceries. 
He's fine with you driving to soccer and Christmas shopping.
And yes, you are to work for the things you have...

But put the rest in his hands.
He wants you to enjoy being here, 
being present in your story. 
And no human can do that the right way, along with all the rest.

2011 is getting out of hand. 
We aren't supposed to attain the mansion, brand
new SUV, clothes of Hollywood stars,
and then search to the heavens to be able to afford it all.
You aren't to live like that, because to do it, the stress and struggle
of providing for it, will hold you back from the best in life.

Were supposed to live simple,
welcome our "journey" and embrace our blessings.
No worry, stomach aches, migraines...
Think about it, how much more would you see
clearly, if you really did hand that heavy backpack over?

God's delay, is not denial.
Your troubles are no surprise to him...
and he already knows when they are fixing themselves-
Question is, how will you see yourself when it's all over?

Wake up, with your arms stretched out.  
Make your coffee, love your children and stay in faith.
No crying tears of worry, only tears of joy.
There are struggles you cannot imagine, that others are facing---

"The Climb" is part of your book--and your book has already been written.
You are now starring in the production, as we speak.
Will you have a captivated audience? 
What will they walk away learning from you and how you
handled your "action scenes"?

I am hoping for a standing ovation.
And one very, happy ending.


"I may not not know it, but these are the moments I'm gonna remember most "

"Ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about whats waiting on the the side,"

"Keep on moving, keep climbing...keep the faith, keep your faith, it's all about the climb."

Hugs!