Did you go to church? If you said yes, what was the message/sermon about?
How were you able to apply it to your life and day?

If you didn't go to church today, what was the reason? The truth is, if we don't go to church then no matter who you are, there is a reason. I'm not here to justify what is, and is not, a good reason to go to church. I didn't go to church to go. Yesterday a friend asked, "Will I see you in church tomorrow?" I explained she may, or may not because I was helping a friend. If we finished in time, I planned on heading to church for the service and to hear our guest speaker and enjoy the potluck. We accomplished the task but after church was over. I'm glad I was there to help.

Long story short, as the title of this blog states, I didn't go to church. Some might want to comment and reprimand me because the Bible is clear we are to enjoy corporate worship and go to church. I agree with this but I also believe that God knows our heart and mind, more than any person on earth.

I've thought about this in the past, if I have a friend or family member in need but I say, "Sorry I can't help you, I have to attend a church service. If you are still in need in an hour or so I'll be back."  What kind of message does this send to them? Did I share a positive or negative witness of who God and Jesus are? Sometimes I think we get caught in a legalistic trap of "must do's" at church and forget how much Jesus loved people and was never too busy to help someone in need. 

I'm not saying to skip church and go to the beach but when a friend is in need and asks for help, isn't it okay to thank them for asking you, then help them? The friend who needed a hand knows I go to church each Sunday and thankfully she knows if she needs me, I'm there. I don't have to wait until Sunday to pray, praise, worship, and receive a message from God - I can do this everyday from the comfort of my home or wherever I am because of the relationship I have with Jesus.

I did miss the fellowship and worshiping with other Christians but I also spent the morning and day with other Christians who sacrificed attending church in order to prepare a family friendly time of fellowship and gathering for our colleagues. I miss the church service when I'm not there but I'd rather "be" the church than a bad representation of God's love for others by closing a door God might have opened. You never know the connection, conversation, or friendship we might miss, by a "no".

Sunday morning I struggled to sleep, tossing and turning. Around 1:30/2:00 a.m. I felt a weight and need to pray for my daughter, a prayer of protection and peace. Rather than wrestle with this odd feeling and nudge by the Holy Spirit, I prayed. I prayed for almost a half an hour before I finally settled into a calm slumber. 

5:30 a.m., a few hours later, my husband and I both received texts and phone calls from the college's emergency response. There was a stabbing on campus earlier in the morning. My heart sank, my stomach lunged, and I thanked God for nudging me to pray. I prayed mostly for Mary but I always pray for the other kiddos at the college, all our kids need prayer. God knew what was going to, or was happening at the college in the wee hours of the morning.

I'm thankful to say our daughter was in the dorm and didn't know of the stabbing incident until she received the emergency notification herself, but one thing she knows and we know...I prayed when God nudged and gave me this feeling in the pit of my stomach. I'm glad I did, prayer was needed at the college while most of us were slumbering. I continue to pray for all the students at the college, for them to not live and fear and unite after this tragic and violent event.

I'm excited to share this book with all of you today. I LOVE it! It inspired me to write and offered creative and practical ways to make time and let the words flow from my brain to the keyboard and stick pencil. Nina's approach uses all the senses and she encourages her readers to not just read and write but to color, to paint, to get outside, and so much more. I received a "Reviewers PDF" of the book and guess what, it is a book I've already added to my wish list on Amazon because I plan to add it to my writer's library in my office. I might even use some of the strategies and techniques with my students at school. While this review is short, my enjoyment and appreciation of this book is greater. 

If you are looking for a book to boost your mood and trigger your inner writer, this is a book to add to your library. I'm calling this a "must have" if you are serious about writing. Thank you Nina!

I'm in my fourth decade of life so I've experienced and survived rough and smooth waters. As I looked for a photo for today's blog, this one kept my attention. The Bible tells us to be joyful, even if life seems stormy. Do you find it easy or difficult to remain joyful and joy-filled during the storm?

If you are like me and attend church on a regular basis, you have probably listened as the pastor or priest talked about being joyful when life isn't going right, when tragedy strikes, and other terrible situations. Some will absorb this and safe it for a day when they feel the pain, loss, or torment associated with these things. Others might start an inward conversation of "You don't get it", "You are one to talk", or "It isn't possible". I was one of those nay-sayers earlier in my life.

I'm thankful to have a heart looking for the positive and instances of God's blessing and provision in all situations, regardless of how difficult it might be. I'm not perfect, there are instances when I am the nay-sayer instantly, then ask for forgiveness and get my "Polyanna" on (as my daughter calls it). Other times, times that are more common than the latter though, I find a positive.

Here is an example, my husband and I got up early and went to a Pop Warner flag football game yesterday so I could surprise one of my students by attending a game. Guess what, the surprise was on me, he didn't go to his game. I was C-R-A-N-K-Y. I was tired, hungry, and now annoyed because the day was not going as I planned. Do you get that, "I"? My husband said we could leave and come back for the 11 O'clock game but if I left, I wasn't returning. 

I'm so glad we stayed! Ed bought me a slice of breakfast pizza and a drink from the concession stand and I took out my school bag and got some work done. We enjoyed conversation and talked about the week ahead. Since we didn't need to be engaged in the game, some bonding took place. I could have missed this positive if I remained cranky. It was a reminder, surprises can often surprise the giver more than the one receiving. Today I need to apologize to anyone I was grumbly with because this isn't the persona I want to share. I'm very thankful for my hubby, as he kept laughing at me. He is a roll-with-it kind of guy, unlike his goal oriented and pre-planned wife. LOL

life is too short to be so busy that we miss the moments. In anticipation of our daughter's departure to college I accepted a few new responsibilities this school year and volunteered for a thing or two. Now, in the middle of October, I realize instead of being busy, I NEED TO BE!

Instead of filling my time so I don't feel the pains of my passing over a year ago or our daughter's graduation and transition to college, I've got busy. I'm guilty.

I'm thankful for this realization. I could dwell on "how long" it's taken me to not only recognize this but to also do something about it. I have a renewed Peace within me. I have a renewed outlook and drive to move forward in faith to "be" the best Lisa I can be. I will continue to strive to be the best wife, mom, daughter, sister, niece, educator, author, and speaker I can be BUT only by allowing myself to "be Lisa" too.

I, you, can't be the best all around person God designed us to be if we aren't taking time to be this person - a time of reflection, renewal, and regeneration.

Earlier in the week my husband, Ed, and I joined the gym. We decided it's worth the $20 a month to dedicate time and monies to getting healthy. It also allows us time to talk and catch up. I'm learning it is common for "empty nesters", like us, to have a hard time communicating after the kiddo(s) fly from the nest and start their new journey. Who knew, not me. 

It makes sense though, think about it...for eighteen plus years, unless you are amazing and established a plan while the child was still "in utero", you can most likely relate to this new found time and communication barrier. This is the opposite of what I thought. I'm so naive, or is it that I just didn't have a lot of "empty nester" friends prior to this year.

Another challenge I face is to establish a healthy life style routine I can manage and continue with on a VERY routine basis. As I sat wallowing in my own pity one evening it came to me. Ed and I could join the gym. Not only would this help our physical health, it will renew our communication and dedicate time each week together. I'll admit, the first day, Ed put in both his ear buds and listened to the sports channel he selected as his entertainment. Meanwhile, I only had one ear bud in, the opposite ear of the side Ed was walking on his treadmill. I figured I could have the background of Channel 9's news in one ear and a conversation with Ed at the same time. Not so much.

I was annoyed at first UNTIL I realized something. Ed is a man! He doesn't know this exercise time is a date and a means to reconnect and communicate. He thinks, or should I say, thought, it was just about the physical activity. Duh, he's a man. How do I expect him to realize my intent and heart's desire, if I don't tell him? Guess what, the next workout date, he still used both ear buds but talked with me more than the first time. We are work in progress. I need to be more understanding of my husband (man brain)'s need for sports in the morning while he gives a little time for his wife (female brain)'s desire to "bond" and "reconnect". We are synergy in motion...literally! LOL

This is a work in process and I'm a needy wife, wanting his attention and thoughtful conversation at 5 a.m., before we even drink our coffee. I choose to be thankful he joined the gym with me and even more thankful that each time we go, the conversations get longer and a little more interesting. Who knows, we might even lose weight and establish healthy exercise routines. A win-win if you ask me! 

It is a brisk October morning with a warm day in the forecast tomorrow, the weather is an amazing thing, especially along the Great Lakes. My thoughts and prayers go out to all effected by Hurricane Matthew, the devastation and loss on the news each day is heart breaking. I hope you will join me in praying for the people and communities only beginning to look to their new futures.

This week for T.O.P.'s Tuesday I want to take a moment to remind everyone to "seize the day". Originally I was going to share a scene from Dead Poet's Society but found this beautiful song and think it's message is more powerful. What does the phrase or mantra, "seize the day", have to do with remembering my sister, Heidi Allen? It's a gentle reminder that our tomorrow or even five minutes from now aren't a guarantee. This is a fact so why do so many people say and do things they regret? Why do some carry unforgiveness and hate in their hearts? Why do some people not let their loved ones know how much they mean to them and are loved?

I don't have the answers to these questions and I'm guilty at times of saying or doing things I regret. Although this is something I, we, struggle with, don't dismay. It simply means we are human BUT we have a choice. Instead of carrying on or dwelling on the negative we can focus on the positive and live with a "seize the day" mindset. God is the only one who knows when we, or our loved ones, will breath the last breath here on earth. 

Today, I encourage you to seize the day and keep a positive focus. Our womens' Bible study this past month focused on some of these aspects and after our study last night, I know there is a group of women more determined to live this mindset. What about you?

I spent a few days last week horizontal, or running to the 15 minute reading room, needless to say it is a week I don't care to do-over. You are probably thinking, "too much information Lisa" yet it was in this down time and listening to K-Love on the radio that I heard one of their DJ's share the following poem by Blake Williams. It resonated with me and I want to share it with you. I was left with nothing but time to think, reflect, and pray about the message JD shared with me through Mr. William's words. I hope you'll take time to read them and let them absorb into your heart as you take a deeper look at your faith and faith walk. If you feel led, leave a comment below of how it touched you.