Remember

Remembering… lots of that this week, it’s been ten years since the Twin Towers fell, the Pentagon was attacked and a plane full of people lost their lives in Pennsylvania due to terrorism. The media is obsessed with covering every angle and facet of what happened, what changed, where you were when it happened and a hundred ways to analysis each one.

For me, ten years ago was a turning point in my life. I was at the proverbial fork in the road. Everything I knew to be safe, comfortable and normal was behind me, but God was calling me forward. Trouble was there was a drop off in front of me, from where I stood anyway. I knew I couldn’t “walk on air”, but I also knew that’s precisely where God was sending me. The only thing that seemed important in that moment was my answer to Him. It was “yes” or “no”, no qualifiers, no provisions, no explanations just raw obedience. No props to me for answering “yes”, I was too scared to say “no”. That was the only thing I was sure of… saying No to God is not wise, I had tried that a couple of times previously—the results were never good.

So I stepped off the cliff and you guessed it, God was there and He literally carried me through things that stretched every single part of me, cut some things off that I once thought were rather good and grafted other things in that I had no idea I’d need later. In His sweet Fatherness He gave me far more than I ever expected so far beyond my wildest dreams!

So now, ten years later looking back… I’m a different person, not because of 9-11 even though the time frame was the same, but because I said yes to God and went where He called me. I have thanked God a million times for calling me out of comfortable, for carrying me even for the cutting and grafting processes. There may be rewards in heaven in all of this, but I can’t even imagine them better than the ones I’ve received here. Most of my friends, peers in ministry, effects on my family even my overall relationship with Jesus is so much more meaningful. I would have never thought any of these things would have been altered by saying “yes” to God, but they all were. This one decision impacted my life in a huge way. I am forever changed and eternally grateful.

If you find yourself at that point of decision and God is telling you to jump. (You won’t wonder if He is, He’s pretty clear in those moments.) I eagerly encourage to follow Him. Turn off your reason and logic just long enough to say yes to Him. Then get ready for the ride of your life! Anyone who says Christianity is boring has never lived in radical obedience. In ten years maybe we’ll get to read your story…

Beautiful disarray...

We are a complex mix of order and chaos; a unique and beautiful combination of simplicity and mystery. Try as hard as we do to fit in we were made to stand out; to play a specific part. Sometimes, it's hard to find the path from mess to beauty.

I'm a design consultant. I love to mix colors; bringing in texture and patterns adds interest and depth. I believe (and give glory to the Creator) to do this artistically is a gift. Sometimes when I'm just getting started with a client there are so many options it can seem an overwhelming mess. Still, there's beauty in the disarray that's just not apparent yet... Options are good as long as you have a goal in mind; a point of reference. In decorating we look for an inspiration piece. Something you absolutely love! It can be anything; piece of furniture, a picture or a random item something that guides you to a particular style and color pallet.

Understanding where you are in life is like finding your inspiration piece your point of reference that gives you direction, but in order to move forward from there a good grasp of what you have to work with is important. Like looking at all the options, assessment tools created by social scientists can prove very helpful to identify what our tendencies are, how our temperaments come into play and when to let our preferences lead or re-direct them with self-discipline. Without that sense of guidance we wander aimlessly wasting time and energy. It is in our best interest to discover the gifts, talents and abilities God has invested into us. It will give us insight into both what we are good at and how to use those things to benefit others.

The first time you look at the pile of "options" it can look like a mess! Each individual piece may not look like it works, but when everything is sorted and set in place the finished project is harmonious and unique.

If I Knew

From Lisa's Journey of Purpose- Wings Team Member

If I would have known what I know now
I would have told myself to wait
If I would have known what I know now
I would have told myself I am beautiful
If I would have known what I know now
I would have told myself I am worth it
If I would have known what I know now
I would have told myself that time heals all wounds
If I would have listened
I would have stopped and been still
If I would have listened
I would have stopped and prayed
If I would have taken the time to see You
I would have stopped and praised You
If I would have realized Your heart
I would have looked to the Heavens for answers
If I would have known what I know now
I would have known You were the only way
If I would have opened my eyes
I would have known You were always there
If I would have looked to my side
I would have known that You never leave
If I would have opened my heart
I would have known that You love me
Knowing what I know now
I know I am beautiful, worth it, and healed
Knowing what I know now
I know You are always there
Knowing what I know now
I love You, Thank You, and Praise You

Amen.

Friendships (from 7/10/11 Wings Think-about-it segment)

So interesting to me that with the current trends of non-verbal communication; texting, Facebook, Twitter and e-mails coffee shops and other face to face venues are flourishing. Even through the fad is to communicate in these new ways there's something that still draws us together. How can we guard, build and experience the beauty of strong friendships.

Providing an atmosphere to network, develop and create new friendships is one of the primary purposes for Wings. We do not intend to orchestrate these friendships, but rather allow them to form organically. We encourage you to exchange cell numbers, plan a coffee date, meet for a walk or start a book study. Be bold and connect with someone new!

Oooh, that’s somewhat scary, huh? I’m sure every single one of us has been hurt by a friend at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, we have just as surely been the source of hurt to one of our friends, too. It works that way with friends… Any time we open up our heart in relationship there is the potential for pain. So, do we buy into the lie that it’s not worth it? Or the biggest lie of all, “If I don’t open myself to anyone again, I won’t get hurt.” REALLY? If we build walls like that we are just alone and hurting inside them. Those walls do not protect us, they are a prison!

Acquaintance—someone we’ve met or known about; that we may or may not recognize or remember in the future. We really know little about these people and they know little of us. These are surface relationships unless we choose to develop them further. They are not likely to inflect hurt because of the lack of heart connection.

Casual—people we’ve become more familiar with or met in one or more settings, sometimes through mutual friends. These friends have access to more information about us and us about them through life circumstances, familiarity and by our permission they could become close friends. We could be surprised by them, but the ability for them to really affect substantial pain towards us is minimal.

Close—friends. These people we have allowed into the soft part of our heart. This gives them the power to hurt and bless us by their friendship. We know them… and they know us. It’s both fulfilling and risky. Closeness happens in a moment at times—crazy when that occurs; others times this level of friendship develops over years. This doesn’t make them better or worse just happens differently.

Intimate—only a few friends arrive here. There are no words that describe an intimate friendship. Someone whom you trust to know your worst flaws and they choose to remain committed because their love is pure. Sometimes married couples get here, but sadly not all. When the silence doesn't have to be filled and the "look" doesn't have to be explained... when your name is safe on their lips. Usually some painful moments bring both of you to this point, but the pain worked through has left a stronger foundation.

Some friendships are seasonal parts of our lives, some blossom beautifully is an instant, sadly, some that have been built over years are destroyed just as fast. Some friends will precede through the stages, but some aren't ever meant to. Excepting and understanding the differences in friendships keeps us from unhealthy expectations and unnecessary pain.

We were created to be in relationships. It's the way we are wired. We need human connection to be healthy and balanced emotionally. Spiritually speaking too, we were created to be in close relationship with God. He created the perfect environment set us in the middle with only one restriction and when we blew that He gave again--His own Son to restore the loss of relationship our sin caused! Pretty intense commitment to us.

There are levels of relationship with God as well as people. We choose how close we want to be to God. The door on His end is always open. Though His invitation to relationship is there He will not force His way into our lives that's our call...

Commitment

Is there anything that a girl looks forward to more than her wedding? The past few I've attended have been so full of meaning and such a reflection of the couples. The cookie-cutter ceremony and receptions replaced by creative expressions of the man and woman who have fallen in love and are now standing ready to commit themselves to each other.

Our theme word for this (June) month is commitment. Ooh, we have some fun surprises for you all... here's a few clues. Flowers, flowers and more flowers. Unique arrangement instruction with hands on fun to try! Stories from a wedding planner, time to develop new friendships, a moment to consider what commitment means to you and of course, wedding cake:)

Come ready to have fun, learn new skills, discover more about yourself and be a part of something created just for you! Bring your friends--see you Thursday!

Like a Child

From Lisa (Wings Team Member)

Matthew 18:3 (NLT) Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven."

I recently read Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo (click here for info on the book). If you haven't read it, I seriously suggest that you do. It's about a little boy who goes to Heaven during an emergency surgery. The most endearing part of the book is as the boy, Colton recalls his memories of Heaven.

I was so humbled by reading this book. Here this boy so excitely believed everything and bodly told the story. Would I be so forthcomthing and so bold about a similar experience? Being a believer and having read the Bible, I wouldn't doubt, but would I be afraid of what others thought? Am I afraid of what others think of me about my personal testimony? Do I boldly proclaim my faith in a room of unbelievers?

What does faith like a child look like? Strip away the doubt. Take away all the fear of what others think and just live, live for God, live for the purpose He created you for. Go back to the days when Santa brought you presents and you couldn't sleep the night before Christmas in anticipation of tomorrow's presents and activities. That is faith like a child. It's no fear, no doubt and extreme excitement for Jesus! If anyone tried to tell you Santa wasn't real, would you have laughed at them and fought for your cause? Well stand up and fight for Jesus! There's not many times in life that someone will tell you to behave like a child.

Inspire

To inspire another is a powerful responsibility one that can be thoughtfully calculated or carelessly misdirected. We are not alone in this world. What we say and do affects those around us. Whether positive or negative our lives influence.

Places and things can inspire as well; a sunset may inspire an artist to photograph or paint it, a mountain may inspire a climber to the summit or a rainy day may be the inspiration to curl up with a good book.

What inspires you?

Let's focus on the positive side of the term. What calls out the best in you, causes you to reach farther than you thought you could or keeps you coming back for more? Is it a person, an ideal or something inside of you?

On, Thursday night (6:30-8:30) May 19th at the Sioux City Art Center we launch WINGS. The format has a layered feel that's fast moving and covers a lot of ground.  Inspire is the theme word that will be weaved through the night. We will take time to make new friends, learn about the Siouxland job outlook, have a lite bite to eat, do book/movie/music reviews, have photo opts. and be creative! Sound fun? RSVP @ WINGS on Facebook.

Dazzling, Inspiring, Radiant; that's what God sees when He looks at you! Before you were a glimmer in your mama's eye God dreamed about you, He planned out what you'd be like and gave you everything you would need to fulfill and complete that destiny. Your energy, abilities and dreams have purpose! You are young, beautiful and strong! You make a difference in this world! You are the young women of Siouxland!