Spiritual Perspective Archives - Page 3 of 9 - LeeAnn G Taylor

It’s Okay to Not be Okay

May 21, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Have you ever felt like you just can’t keep it all together? That all the moving pieces of your life just don’t fit into a neat little puzzle?

It’s in those times that my control-seeking, keep-it-all-together nature kicks into high gear. I start looking for solutions to every perceived challenge in my schedule, convinced that all I need is to find the perfect planner or the newest organizational hack and I’ll be able to remedy the burdens of my overwhelmed heart.

Here’s the thing though.

Over and over I forget to seek the only One who can soothe my scattered spirit. Before Googling for an answer or chatting with a friend or asking my husband for his input, it is God’s face I must seek first.

I’ve been a Christian for over 20 years, yet this basic truth still escapes me in certain seasons of my life.

Somehow I feel if I can’t do it all, be it all, have it all together in my own strength, then something must be wrong with me.

Have you felt this same way, dear friend? You are not alone.

I was reminded recently of a simple truth I often forget.

It is okay to not be okay.

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Rest in that for a minute. Take a breath. Maybe even say it out loud.

It is okay to not be okay.
It is okay to not have it all together.
It is okay to not be able to live this life well in your own strength.

If you’re a rule-following, structured type-A person like me, this concept may feel so unsettling. It does to me at times. But I’m learning that it’s the times when I’m the weakest that I learn the value of submitting to the Spirit’s work in my life.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Instead of measuring our value by our performance, let’s measure our value by God’s perfect love and Christ’s power in our lives.

Sometimes I need a tangible reminder though.

Lately I’ve soaked in this reminder by listening to the Christian music artist Plumb’s new CD, Exhale. So many words in the title song speak life into my heart. Her powerful lyrics remind me not be to afraid, not to hold on to shame, that there is still hope, and that everyone, yes everyone, is welcome in the arms of Jesus.

Later in the song I find myself pleading with her.

♪ Spirit come tear down these walls that only You can. ♪

Today I encourage you to take 3 minutes to watch this video and soak in the truths in her lyrics. If they speak to you and you’d like to listen to more, you can find the whole album here. You’ll find your heart encouraged by the themes of grace and hope, and if you’re like me, you’ll be singing along with her powerful voice as worship to our God who provides so richly.

If you’re reading in an email click here to view the video.

About PLUMB:

Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, better-known by her stage name Plumb, is a songwriter, recording artist, performer and author. Plumb has sold more than 500,000 albums and over two million singles worldwide, co-penned songs for numerous other artists, including Michelle Branch, Mandisa, Mandy Moore, Jaci Velasquez, and Natalie Grant, and had music placed in many films and television shows.Originally signed as a Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) recording artist in 1997, Plumb is now known as well as or better in alternative rock, electronic dance music, and for the use of her music in film and television than she is in the CCM market.

About the album:
EXHALE, the seventh studio album from acclaimed multi-genre singer, songwriter and author PLUMB, expresses a new focus and vision. After the runaway success of NEED YOU NOW (the album, title track and book), which coincided with her own moving story of brokenness and ultimately healing, Exhale brims with worshipful songs of gratitude and hope.The defining concept of EXHALE was born from a sermon at Plumb’s home church, wherein her pastor Pete Wilson expressed the notion that the Church doesn’t exist for itself. Rather, believers come to church to breathe in grace and truth, be changed, and then go out and “exhale” that hope into their surrounding community.“That idea of exhaling hope hit me right away and I couldn’t get to the Notes section on my phone fast enough. I started writing the chorus of Exhale right then and there,” explains Plumb. “I have been made new by the ultimate hope, and I want to share and exhale that hope in every way I can.”

S O C I A L • C O R N E R

Official Website
Official Facebook
Official Twitter
Official Instagram

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a free copy of Plumb’s Exhale CD from FlyBy Promotions as a review copy. Also, some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Funds generated through affiliate commissions go toward our family’s Compassion International sponsorship of Eva, a little girl in Columbia. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Doubt, Control and Rest

March 23, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Have you ever wondered if God is real?

To some “good church-going Christians,” the thought of even asking that question may send them into a panic.

But while we may never verbally express this type of doubt, sometimes the way we live our lives is evidence of our struggle in this faith journey.

I’ll share an example from my own life this week.

I’ve been blessed to be a part of a ladies Bible study at a local church and we’re currently using Priscilla Shirer’s video series and journal, Breathe, to dig deeply into the concept of the Sabbath rest.

Some of us are so busy going from one thing to the next each day that the idea of rest seems impossible. Others of us can’t let go of the perfectionistic tendencies and our desperate desire to have things just so.

God stopped. He rested. And He prescribes the same for you and me. ~ @PriscillaShirer #SabbathRest

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I was convicted that my lack of willingness to stop and rest is evidence of my lack of trust in God.

While I might be concerned about ALL. THE. THINGS. around the house, with Chuck and the kids, responsibilities at work, paying off debt, selling our house, plans for the future, etc., what I’m truly revealing is my lack of faith that He will redeem that “lost time” for those of us who have a production mindset.

What about you? Do you also struggle with trying to control your time or do you remember to have a mindset of rest?

What tips do you have for remembering to take time to rest your mind, your body, and your soul?

This post is part of Five Minute Friday {Real} where we’re given a writing prompt and encouraged to write for five minutes of free writing. It’s a beautiful community of women sharing their words and wisdom each week! This post contains affiliate links {full disclosure}. Income from the blog helps fund Eva, our sponsored child through Compassion International.

My Plan or God’s Plan?

March 14, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

I’m a planner by nature.

I like order, lists, and knowing what’s going to happen.

My Myers-Briggs personality type is ISTJ. If you look that up, you’ll see words like:

organized
methodical
logical
fact-based

Despite a crazy schedule and a house full of energetic kids, my notepads for list making, a variety of productivity iphone apps, and a long list of Google calendars keep me organized and ready to tackle my to-do list for the day.

So it’s no surprise that releasing my {perceived} control over everyday situations is a challenge for me.

If you check out a portrait of an ISTJ, you’ll see the words “The Duty Fulfiller” prominently displayed at the top of the page.

There is no question that I relate my performance, fulfilling all of my self-imposed “duties”, to my value as God’s child.

Here’s the thing though.

It doesn’t matter how much I plan my days, weeks, months, or years, as a Christian, it is God who gives my life value. It is HIS vision for my life that is played out through my actions when I surrender my life to Him, moment by moment.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

I’d do well to remember to defer to God’s plans, not my own, as I seek to live a life full of purpose and meaning.

How about you? Do you struggle like me to remember to seek the Lord as you make plans for your life?

This post is part of Five Minute Friday {Plan} where we’re given a writing prompt and encouraged to write for five minutes of free writing. It’s a beautiful community of women sharing their words and wisdom each week! Also sharing with the Weekend Brew, Fellowship Friday, and Faith & Fellowship. This post contains affiliate links {full disclosure}. Income from the blog helps fund Eva, our sponsored child through Compassion International.

Finding God in the Seeking {Worship Wednesday}

February 24, 2015 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Are there days you question everything? Well, maybe not everything, but do you question whether or not you have any idea what you’re doing at this thing called life?

Oh wait, maybe that IS questioning everything…

Well, that’s me sometimes. So many questions swirl around in my head. At times the doubts become a tornado of thoughts that spin completely out of control. And I wonder.

Am I a good enough wife?

Am I a good enough parent?

Am I a good enough daughter/sister?

Am I a good enough friend/coworker?

My husband says I can be overly critical of myself. In reflecting on his observation, I’m learning I have a tendency to set expectations that are too high for myself. I doubt my own ability to become the best version of myself I’ve created in my mind. I forget on a regular basis to give myself grace.

In reality, I think what’s really happening is I’m trying to rely on myself.

In the past I’ve felt that somehow I should have already “arrived” at the strong relationship with God I’m seeking. I should already know the perfect thing to say to my 2 year old in the middle of the fifth tantrum of the day that will point him to Jesus. I should already know how to be the thoughtful and generous friend I desire to be. I should already have the perfect morning quiet time I’ve imagined a hundred times in my head.

I should, I should, I should.

All the expectations I have of myself can be crippling!

I know dwelling on “shoulds” and my own doubts is not particularly beneficial nor productive. Instead of focusing on the destination (the “I’ve arrived!” moments), I’m learning to find God in the seeking.

Sometimes we find God where we least expect him, in the middle of our seeking.

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And so, instead of looking toward myself for the answers when I feel like I just don’t measure up to my own unattainable standards, I’m looking to the Truth instead.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ~ Jeremiah 29:13

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ~ Matthew 7:7-12

I read these words and my soul feels a little more rest, just a little more at peace. The answer is right in front of me. I just need to know Him.

I’m learning that it’s a process. I need to keep on asking and seeking before I will find what I’m looking for.

And as I continue to feast on the bread of Truth, I will find Him in the seeking.

It is my prayer for you that you too find God in the seeking. I pray that together we learn to lay down our self-reliant, self-sufficient mindsets and remember who gives us life and breath to begin with. May today’s Worship Wednesday song remind us of how desperately we all need Him.

Oh How I Need You

Lord I find You in the seeking
Lord I find You in the doubt
And to know You is to love You
And to know so little else

I need You
Oh how I need You
Oh how I need You
Oh how I need You

Lord I find You in the morning
Lord I seek You everyday
Let my life be for Your glory
Woven in your threads of grace

Light glorious light
I will go where You shine
Break the dawn
Crack the skies
Make the way bright before me

Performed by All Sons and Daughters.

Marriage Reflection & Renewal: An Annual Commitment

November 17, 2014 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

It’s a Monday and in a normal week I’d be settled in at my desk by now, working on payroll, grant reports, or calling for a quote to fix whatever problem has cropped up with our office building that week.

Instead, I just hopped out of a shower with endless hot water and no interruptions from my toddler wanting to practice his “aim” in the newly discovered potty, all so he can get the promised one M&M for his efforts.

I’m all stretched out, my 33 week pregnant belly protruding as a reminder of what the coming year will bring.

It’s glorious, this lounging on a hotel bed with clean sheets in the quiet while watching my husband pack up our things as we head to our next destination, The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove for the Christian Blogger Retreat.

At dinner last night at a local dive we visited 11 years ago during our first end-of-the-year retreat as a married couple, we sat together and began the process of reviewing our year.

This reviewing and reflecting together, it’s something we intentionally take time for every year.

We first share the highlights of the past year together, remembering exciting events like my daughter’s first day of kindergarten, finding out we were pregnant with baby #3, the growth of my husband’s business, being brave and stepping into this unique ministry of blogging, and my husband writing and launching his first book.

Then we move on to talking through the coming year. We talk about the things we’re looking forward to, the challenges that lie ahead, and the opportunities for growth we’d like to capitalize on. We talk about what we personally want to focus on and identify a focus for our family as a whole. We talk about relationships we’d like to foster and experiences we’d like to have.

It’s my favorite time of the year.

In the midst of the mundane tasks of the day-to-day, we often lose our spark. We forget the why in what we’re doing. And we’ve learned over the years that a re-set is important.

This time to reflect and renew our commitment to one another, to our family, to our pursuit of God, and to our own growth as individuals is not optional, it’s necessary.

Over the years we’ve had many married friends ask us how we’re able to get away and take this intentional time together. Honestly, we’re blessed with fabulous parents who love our kids and understand the importance of investing in your marriage. But even if we didn’t have such great family support, we’d figure out a way to make this time at the end of the year a priority. It’s that important.

What about you?

Do you and your husband take time away to reflect on the year almost completed and to plan and dream about the year ahead?

I’d love to hear about some of your experiences – what you’ve tried that works and what doesn’t. Do you use any particular resources to assist you in your reflections? If not, what would be helpful to you?

My husband and I are passionate about our end of the year reflection time and would love to serve you in the future with resources for doing just this thing. How can we help you? I can’t wait to hear!

Blessings,

LeeAnn

Sharing with Marriage Monday, Wedded Wednesday, and Inspire Me Monday.

Parenting With Purpose: Day 13 – Memorize Scripture Using Music {Giveaway}

October 16, 2014 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Be sure to read all the way to the end for an INCREDIBLE giveaway you won’t want to miss!

Looking for more ideas and resources for Parenting With Purpose as you create a God-centered home? You can find the whole series here.

It’s Sunday afternoon and I realize we’re going to be late (again) to our discipleship group. I grab the diaper bag, just hoping it actually has diapers in it, and shoes for the still groggy kids I just roused out of their Sunday afternoon naps.

It’s an act of will and a healthy portion of God’s grace that helps me maintain my composure instead of giving in to the rising frustration I feel in these rushed moments headed out the door. Finally, the kids are safely strapped in their carseats and I’ve verified that we do, indeed, have two sets of matching shoes and a diaper bag stocked with wipes and at least two diapers.

I breathe a sigh of relief, thankful for the 10 minutes of relative peace in the van I will have before joining our group as we discuss whatever deep meanings we’ve gleaned from the text this week in our “read through the New Testament in a year” plan.

I turn the key and the CD player, left on from our last excursion around town, quickly spurts out a tune.

Remembering my husband was the last one to drive the van, I’m fully prepared to hear lyrics from Jimmy Buffett’s Cheeseburger in Paradise, since my daughter has taken a liking to the tribute song to all things beef and toppings.

Instead, I hear these words floating through the speakers…

Call to me, and I will answer you

And tell you, great and unsearchable things, you do not know

Call to me, Jeremiah 33:3

My soul, previously anxious and frustrated by all the rushing, in a moment’s time calms. I am almost instantly transformed from a momma caught up in the whirlwind of our schedule into a momma remembering who I need to be calling on in the challenging times.

Music and Mood

As parents, we aren’t particularly effective at creating warm, happy memories with our children when we’re stressed, anxious, and in “whirlwind” mode.

When we’re trying to cultivate a God-centered home on top of the warm, happy memories in the middle of the stress? Well, sometimes we just need something to “reset” our minds and hearts.

For our family, we’ve discovered the easiest way to quickly change everyone’s mood and turn our hearts back to God. It’s MUSIC!

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that music can significantly affect our mood.

While we all can turn on the Happy Song and change our family’s mood in a minute, one simple way to change your family’s mood AND direct their hearts to God is listening to music that focuses on God’s truths.

Music and Memorizing God’s Truths

My swift attitude change in the car that Sunday afternoon wasn’t a product merely of a catchy tune changing my mood from sour to sweet. Instead, it was the words of TRUTH spoken into my heart that changed me that day.

I’m a firm believer in the importance of daily remembering and reflecting on God’s truths. In this series we’ve talked about the value of having God’s word in your home.

For me personally, that often means investing in my morning quiet time.

For my kids, since they’re so young and the oldest is just learning to read, this means scripture memorization. While my husband and I have worked with our daughter to memorize a few scriptures and I’m now using tools like printable lunchbox scripture cards to reinforce them, I love that we’ve found a gem of a tool to plant seeds into our children’s hearts through music.

Seeds Family Worship

I’m thrilled to share with you our favorite resource for hiding God’s word in my children’s hearts using music – Seeds Family Worship.

Seeds Family Worship is a music-based ministry that creates modern, relevant word for word scripture songs for families. I absolutely LOVE that my kids are singing their way to memorizing scripture.

Music creates a connection between the mind and the heart and I fully believe these songs they’re learning now will translate into God’s truths being deeply planted in their hearts.

I love this testimonial I found on the Seeds Family Worship website about their newest album, Word of God. It speaks volumes about the power of these songs and reinforces the fact that both kids AND adults love this music!

The musical diversity, energy, and synergy they have going on this album is unmatched in my opinion. My appreciation for it only grows with each listen. My heart is drawn to the heart of God and his Word more and more through these songs.” ~ Rachel

4 Ways to Listen to Seeds Family Worship Music

We all consume music differently, so I wanted to share a few options for ways to listen to Seeds Family Worship music in your home or on the go!

1) Order the CDs or download the mp3 files.

You can order all the CDs on Amazon. This is especially great if you have Amazon Prime since you get free shipping. If you don’t have Amazon Prime, you can get a free trial with 30 days of free shipping.

Order them directly from the Seeds Family Worship Store.

2) Download many of the digital music files for free!

For those of you who use Amazon Prime like me, I’ve recently found out about a program called Prime Music. Prime Music gives you unlimited, ad-free access to over a million songs and hundreds of playlists.

There are almost 100 digital music files from Seeds Family Worship on Amazon Prime Music – here is the list of the 60 songs available for FREE!

3) Create a Seeds Family Worship playlist on Spotify.

I’m new to Spotify as a way to listen to music and maybe you are too. Most people are familiar with Pandora and Spotify works in much the same way. Choose your favorite music and create a playlist or listen to one already created. The service is free although there is a Premium service available as well. This is a great way to play music using your phone, tablet, or computer.

4) If you are really strapped for cash and aren’t able to purchase the CDs or MP3 files, there is still an option for you!

The Seeds Family Worship team has made many full length songs available directly on their website. The newest album won’t be available to listen to online until November 16, 2014, but you can still get a feel for the music by listening to the other albums.

The Heart Behind the Seeds Family Worship Team

One thing I love about Seeds Family Worship is their heart behind everything they do.

From their website:

[We created this music] to especially bless and encourage everyone, young and old to plant God’s Word deep within our hearts so we can genuinely proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord! We believe that no other book is “living and active, sharper than any two edge sword” given by God to instruct us and speak into our very own lives as nothing else can.

Everything they do centers around planting God’s word in people’s hearts and impressing God’s truths on their lives. As such, they include two awesome bonuses with their music.

Planting God’s Word – Buy 1 – Give 1:

When you purchase any Seeds Family Worship album, you will receive two identical full-length CDs. One album is for you and one is to give away.

They want you to be a ‘seed planter’ and encourage you to pray about who God wants you to share the second album with.

Scripture Memory Cards

If your children are old enough to read, you will love this bonus.

FREE Scripture Memory Cards are available on their site to go along with each of the albums. You can print them out on colored card stock and keep copies around in your home or in your car to reinforce the memorization process.

Enter to Win All 9 of the Seeds Family Worship Albums

Remember how I mentioned I love the heart of the Seeds Family Worship team? I wasn’t kidding! They are incredibly generous and have offered The Mosaic Life readers a chance to win the entire set of 9 Seeds Family Worship CDs. Remember, each one comes with an extra copy for you to give away, so you’re really winning two copies of each CD.

Click on the Rafflecopter widgit below to enter. Email subscribers may need to click over to the blog to enter.

There are lots of ways to enter and you’ll get extra entries for sharing the giveaway with your friends!

Giveaway runs from Thursday, October 16 – Monday, October 20th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post contains affiliate links {full disclosure}. Sharing today with Fellowship Friday, Faith Filled Friday, and Essential Fridays.

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