I woke up this sunny morning (thank you, Lord) with a lot of words. Unfortunately, it was a lot of words that didn’t string together, but rather a handful of random thoughts. This isn’t very unusual the morning after Bible study when my mind is still rehearsing the lesson we were taught from our beloved Beth. Last night Beth taught us about the creative side of the Holy Spirit. It was equal parts fascinating, profound and edifying. She challenged us that while God created us, if we have the Holy Spirit, then He also invades us. This means that we can ask Him to give us fresh creativity in our home and workplace and He can do it! Does anybody need a breath of fresh creativity? Ask for it! I was riding home with Jenn last night and we were flinging words and thoughts all over the place. (There is just so much to debrief after Bible study and I’ve loved our car ride home together to do just that. And well, you would love her, too.) Anyway, one thing I mentioned was Hollywood. They bring their best and most excellent work ethic to their respectful jobs and it shows! I just can’t imagine what the Lord could do if we would bring our “A” game to our churches, our offices and our homes and ask the Lord to show off in our creativeness. That’s just a third of last night’s lesson, but it’s certainly some food for thought.
In other news (do you see how I’m trying to make this awkward transition? Far from creative. Laughing.), here are my random words for the day:
1) The Olympics start in two days. Yes and amen. Small confession: My roommates and I got rid of cable a couple of years ago but when the last summer Olympic games aired, the thought of missing them was mortifying to me. So, while Michael Phelps swam his heart out, I made a trip to Wal-mart to buy an antenna for our TV. Unfortunately, the only antenna left was super expensive and I needed another technical contraption to make it work, but desperate times call for desperate measures, so I purchased it, and watched the Olympics peacefully in the comfort of my own home. I actually returned said antenna within 14 days because I no longer needed it. Fortunately, we got a new TV so I purchased a new, updated antenna and here we are again, same place, same dilemma, except this time my antenna hates me and only picks up the channels nobody watches. Just perfect. Anyone up for hosting an Olympic watching party? Only kidding. Maybe.
2) I announced this last night on twitter, but it deserves to be repeated: A bowl of cereal at midnight is one of the more comforting things in life, no? Anyone with me? In fact, I’m curious now, what’s your go-to midnight snack?
3) Don’t ever underestimate the power of just being present. It is a strong ministry that might go unnoticed, but never unappreciated. No words necessary. Just an ear willing to listen and arms willing to hug. Life is hard, friends.
4) I salute you, ladies who can wear heels all day long without getting shin splints. Ouch. (This may or may not be due to recent personal experience.)
5) Anyone care to join me at Assumers Anonymous? Where together we’ll recover from assumptions we’ve made of others and assumptions made about us. I’m sure we could all use some healing in this area. I know I could.
6) Entitlement. This word and attitude gets under my skin. Maybe it’s because I see it in myself? Maybe it’s because I see it in others? But either way, it quenches my Spirit in the worst way. Assuming and entitlement, we could also label this as the “Things Lindsee is Working on in 2014”. Grace, grace and a little more grace. (Yeah. Things just got real.)
7) In more exciting news, I’m doing a new thing this year. I’m reading again. So profound, I know, but I’m serious about it. For Christmas I got a Kindle and it thrilled me to no end. You see, back in 2009 or so was when I received my first iPhone. While I LOVE my phone, it has put a serious delay to my reading and journaling, two things I love to do but have slowly faded away. Why? Because of the access and ease of my phone and all that is vying for my attention. The problem is, and I’m speaking for myself, so do not receive this if you don’t struggle with this, it has become such a distraction that it’s rewired my brain. When I used to read and journal at night before bed, I now scroll through the mindless (and I do mean mindless) updates on Facebook. Gag. So in an effort to rewire my brain, I’m picking up a book and pen. It’s just February 5th but it has been revolutionary to me. A discipline? Yes. I still want to go for my phone first, but I’ve finished almost two books and my love of reading is slowly seeping back in. And let’s be honest, my thought life and imagination is healthier. Thank you, Lord. My goal is to read 12 books this year, one book for each month. Yes, I just wrote that in stone, but maybe you want to join me? After all, “A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.” Proverbs 25:28. I’ve knocked my doors and windows out and left them unattended for too long. Time to lock down.
8) And in completely unrelated, materialistic news, I’m on the hunt for a new purse. Mine is a little over two years old and has started to shred. Ew.
9) Maybe, like me, you needed to read this today: “God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.” Isaiah 40:28
10) We love you ladies. Thank you for always putting up with our non-sense on the loud blog days and the quiet blog days.
Lindsee, I hardly ever comment on any blog I read, but just have to say that your words and style of writing blesses my heart! Thanks you!!!
My words exactly, Phyllis! I just love reading anything and everything that Beth and Lindsee have to say.
Hey there!! The swimmer is Michael Phelps………the amazing, fabulous & gifted Gospel singer is David Phelps 🙂
lindsee, here’s a book recommendation for your renewed habit:
The Beloved Daughter
you can get it from Amazon on Kindle. would be really interested to see what you think of it. don’t read anything about it before you read it, or you may think you won’t like it. trust me!
midnight snacks don’t exist in my life because i’m never up at midnight. such is the life of the opening shift barista. my husband, on the other hand, does like his bowl of cereal now and then too!
btw, i need a fresh breath of creativity, so i’m gonna ask for it! thanks for reminding me i can!
Lindsee,
I like how you called being present a ministry!! Sometimes I wonder if it is my only ministry!!
I feel alittle out of sorts too. Could it be an already too long a winter with few times of social intermingling and a sort of weariness sets in. I too got a Kindle Fire for Christmas and have a profound love affair with mine. I have downloaded tons of tunes to listen too and the sound is really quite good. I read waay too much Christian fiction but did pick up a couple of Beth’s I have not read, for free!! I need to read some heavy thing this year like D Bonhoeffer’s Celebration of Discipline or something more by Spurgeon.
I am at a crossroads with my writing. New Romans Times Twelve and proper style worry me! Why can I just not send someone my thoughts and have them put them in correct form etc. Am I being lazy?? Is this not my discipline to learn proper form and then submit my works or am I being lazy? I do not know. How do we ever discern the voice of God from selfish ambition?
Candy Crush!! A new evil!! I spend way too much time each eve pursuing these crazy internet games and burn too much time on selfish pleasure. Maybe therein lies my answer!! Spend less time in pursuing worthless pleasures and more time reading and studying??????
Thanks for my ramblings as well! Don’t know if my presence helps anyone or thing but here it is!!!
Love across frozen miles!
Betty
Richard Foster’s CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE is one of the best books I’ve ever read—-his book on PRAYER (can’t recall exact title without going downstairs to look) is also great. Did you mean “COST OF DISCIPLESHIP for Bonhoeffer? Also wonderful.
Praying for wise usage of time and energy for all God’s people….it really is a challenge.
I shall take your experience as a warning and not even begin playing Candy Crush…..I’ve wondered what it was.
Thanks!
Lindsee,
1) I always love your posts…and have some time to engage today! Hooray!
2)LOVE the list. I love lists, my mom and I often email each other in bullet points–usually just random things that we both have meant to tell each other and didn’t in person.
3)Your #7! I’m with you!!! I’m putting it in writing here, too! I’ve also been trying to rewire my brain in this new year, put the iPhone down and read and write as well. I actually finally grabbed my journal and wrote before bed last night, so that was just perfect timing on your post! Hallelujah! It was wonderful. So, YES, I will join you—12 books this year, and a journal filled. 😉
4)Thank you, Lindsee. You’re such a blessing to all of us, I know you are to me!
Lindsee, thank you for mentioning that you are going back to reading books again, and journaling. Those are two things that I have been intending to do for quite some time, and have not yet begun in earnest. Yes, I agree that all of our close-at-hand technical gadgets are keeping us from some good things that we need to pick up again. Thanks for the reminder!
Midnight snack? Yes, cereal is good. Peanut butter toast, even better!
Reading material? I am reading a book about the Vietnam war because I am writing a biography about my Dad, who was a POW. FASCINATING, is all I can say!
You are a gem, Lindsee. Good luck on the purse hunt – it’s so hard to find just the right bag that will go with the majority of your wardrobe.
Blessings!
Oh my word. I totally could’ve written 5,6, and 7 about myself. I don’t know if I’m brave enough to commit to the 12 books challenge but it’s certainly got me thinking… Thanks for this Lindsee Lou. In other news (wink), I’ve been super burdened for Beth and her family so I’m praying for them!
This post delighted me to no end!
I too have gotten back into some leisure reading. And I will definitely be watching the Olympics… I love figure skating (of course) and ski jumping and the luge even though it freaks me out a little.
Lindsee,
Thanks for the reading and writing encouragement! From the posts so far, apparently several of us are feeling the same way about that topic. I share your sentiments about Facebook and the iphone. They are taking up too much of my time, and my former loves of reading and writing have taken a backseat. Weather permitting, I’m planning to go meet with some other Christian writers in my area tomorrow night to try to rekindle my passion for the written word. Your post inspired me to keep moving in this direction this year.
12 books! That’s a worthy goal for a super-busy professional. OTOH, I’m retired and just finished my 8th book of the year last night. I checked and found I’d read 33 in 2013. May I suggest you start a little Excel spreadsheet record of your reading. It’ll save buying repeats! It’s also gratifying to be able to check your reading progress. Blessings.
1. I love your words and I have missed them immensely.
2. I too am reading and jouranling this year… So, what are you currently reading? (On my to read list is Chasing God by Angie Smith, Antalpoe in the living room, Melanie Shankle.)
3. Please do come over for Olympics party, I am only 24 hour drive away. 😉
4. I love random thoughts.
Lindsee, I enjoy reading your blog and today I got so excited about #7 reading & journaling. I’m with you on reading a book a month. And believe it or not it has been on my heart to get back to journaling the old fashion way.
I’m an old fashion girl still trying to get use to the 21st century. Although I do text! HA
P.S. I am currently reading the book by Anne Graham Lotz,
“My Hearts Cry”
Blessings to you!
Speaking honestly, I am jealous. Jealous that you all get to be at Tuesday Eve Bible Study and most of the USA doesn’t. Wow what a honor and privilege you all have there in Houston even if you did sit out one Tuesday because of threatening weather reports. Really was it that bad for all the many times you have had your socks blessed off?! LOL. Yes, I could use a breath of fresh creativity and just prayed for this and for a greater capacity/willingness for the invasion of the HOLY SPIRIT in my life and in all He has or will have me to do!!! Thanks! Love your blog. Love the honesty and encouragement and fellowship IN CHRIST, Deb
#1 Maybe you can Skype with someone that has a BIG screen t.v. during the Olympics.
#5 and #6 Guilty and healing!
#7 I am working on reading once again and just downloaded The Complete Father Brown Mysteries by G. K. Chesterton (reading mostly during 4 or 6 AM feedings:), Elders and Leaders by Gene A. Getz and Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin.
Which Kindle did you receive for Christmas? Was it the kindle ink, the paper white, or the Fire? Considering one for myself.
Hugs – Sarah
Sarah, I got the Kindle Paper White and I love it. Looks most like a book with no glare, so it’s really easy on the eyes. 🙂
Thanks!
Lindsee,
What a great post on a dreary day! We’re dealing with about 4-5″ of snow with about 1″ if ice on top of it here. Talk about Ew!
#2- It’s Cap’n Crunch for me when I need comfort cereal. The Best!
But I love the part of your post on creativity. I’m getting ready to open a little Etsy store, because I needed a creative outlet that was different than my regular sewing work. So we’ll see!
What a great goal to read 12 books this year! I love to read, and don’t have the excuse of a smart phone distraction, so I should get with it too. Your ‘random thought’ posts are the best!
I can help with that whole purse thing. If I were to get a new purse the following would be what I got.
http://women.duluthtrading.com/store/womens/womens-accessories/tote-bags/61752.aspx
Check it out. It’s trendy, weather resistant and has all sorts of stash spaces 🙂
Love Your sister In Christ,
Meagan Schober
Lindsee, I’d love to know what 12 books you are committed to reading this year. I have a pile that I need to work through. Trying to expand/broaden my range of topic. Currently reading “Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Many more to go! So….what are your 12? Maybe I’ll add them to my list. I also like the idea of the excel spreadsheet.
Hey Lisa! I don’t have 12 books set aside, but am always open to suggestions. I’ll probably mix in both fiction and non-fiction.
Francine Rivers has a new book coming out in April…can’t wait! And I have a new find, maybe you’ve heard of her. Glennon Doyle Melton. Carry One, Warrior
Carry ON, Warrior, not One. 🙂
Dear Lindsee,
I am what appears to my husband to be a random thinker, but it is all connected somehow!! We random thinkers may not be able to explain but there is order to it. There has to be.
I was extremely hungry last which rarely happens so it seems kind of ironic that you brought up midnight snacks. I do a lot reading about nutrition etc. and cold cereal is no longer in the house. I did once love it though. Avocado is what I dove for last night. My mouth was watering for it. Now, I know that is a WEIRD one!
God has used you countless times to bless me, thank you.
Awesome. I love that you can just be you and share it with us. We are here….just listening…#3 Showing love. No words necessary (or needed).
😉
Cindy
(@ the Nut House Bible Study)
Thanks for the wonderful post. Great challenge to me!
Concerning that purse…have you ever heard of Better Way Imports? A great place to purchase items that will benefit women who have been set free from human trafficking.
http://www.betterwayimports.com
Oreo cookies dunked in milk, and in the spirit of full transparency, I easily down a half a dozen!
While I prefer a good historical fiction for my “take me away Calgon” moment ( you might be too young to get that reference) I recently picked up a book that I couldn’t put down. “Love Does” by Bob Geoff It inspired me and simply delighted my soul. A fast read, with many real life examples of how this man and his family put God’s love in action. Still, I highlighted the heck out of it, complete with hearts, happy faces, and explanation marks!!!!!
I too have decided to be intentional and take back my down time. I told myself to think of it like foul language. You can chose to participate or not, and I’ve decided I don’t want to be known as that girl that … For me it was hours on Pinterest.
In closing let me just say I think we’d be girlfriends if we lived closer… The kind that have sleep overs and make something we’ve seen on Pinterest, while watching the Olympics and chatting late into the night about the books were reading… eating cereal or maybe Oreos drowned imilk…oh my! <
Lacy, I read Love Does about a year ago and it’s still one of my favorites!
Thank you Lindsey. Our church just finished a 21 day fast and of all things the Lord had me fast media…facebook and TV! My evening pattern had deteriorated into those two time-stealers! The time spent with the Lord and the deeper intimacy were so much better than any of the previous activities. I am changed by those 21 days!
LINDSEE,
Thanks for saying yes to our Lord and being open to Him. I am with you in reading – same goal. I am on my second. I use the Kindle on my phone. Try a Brighton purse. They are beautiful and last!
Lindsee,
I loved reading this blog this morning :-). The fact that someone’s mind works like mine is refreshing :-). I often jump and reflect from thought to thought, and I have to say it made for an interesting and fun read this morning when you did the same :-). I too am FB “junkie”, especially at night, and am trying to wean myself into more “productive” ways to spend my time. FB is wonderful, a great way to keep “updated” on family and friend’s activities but ………..I
I like your 12 books “attainable” goal and I am going to attempt this goal too :-). Thanks again for your random thought blog. Looking forward to another one soon 🙂 God bless – Karen
Lindsee,
I’ve found myself reading more novels this year as well! I’ve been reading the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series, and while I’m waiting for our library to get book #4 in the series in, I’m reading (and loving!) Kate Atkinson’s “Life after Life”.
For those who don’t know about it,I highly recommend the goodreads app, which I have on my iPhone (how ironic – *grin*). It is a great way to track the books you are reading, and to also put books on a “want to read list” so you don’t forget them. I started using the app last year and at the end of the year, it gave me a summary of the books I read in 2013.
Love and hugs,
Adrienne
I’m with you on the need to re-train my brain. I also used to read and journal much more than I do now. I get caught in the same trap of useless scrolling. I accept the challenge.
Lindsee, I have copied and printed out your paragraph regarding shutting down the iPhone, reading mindless Facebook chatter, etc. I needed to read this. Even more, I need to practice it. Thanks.
What you said in point #3 just lifted a huge burden that I’ve been carrying around since I had a stroke 10 years ago. This is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone give me permission to “just be”. With the brain damage I have suffered, I look like anyone else, but no one knows the vast limitations and the brain overload which taxes my body when I try to do the things that I was once active in doing. I just can’t physically participate in very much. Thanks for giving me your freeing words!
Because I’m just now reading this and it is the day the Olympics start (YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!), I have to share this… I, too, live in a world without cable. And, while I do have the needed antenna, I have not set it up since I moved in August and the Winter Olympics happen to be one of my very favorite things EVER (the ONLY event I don’t want to watch is hockey) so here’s what I did:
I have a friend who lives 2 streets over and I have convinced her to let me come over almost every evening to watch and asked if we can DVR all the coverage that they air in the middle of the night. I even convinced her to let me have an Opening Ceremonies watch party tomorrow night – at her place. All I have to say is: She is a wonderful friend! (I am making all the food for said party and have promised to bring snacks throughout! Food motivates.)
Happy Winter Olympics everyone!
I loved everyone of these from 1-10 BUT two of them really dug deep into my heart–#5 Assumers Anonymous-I am a charter member. I’m working this out with the Lord at this very moment. AND the other one is #8 I am a Purse-a-holic. Just ask anyone at LPM and they will confirm! I wish you could come to my house and shop at “Barbara’s Boutique”. I’ll bet you could find exactly what you want. Come on girl! My gift from the Lord is 1. Encouragement and 2. Generosity! Not bragging, just stating facts!
Barbara, you are so kind! I can’t wait to ask my coworkers about your purses. Grin. Have a great Thursday!
Thank you for your message today! I felt like I was reading something right out of my random brain. It was actually comforting to know that others have random writing times and are not afraid to share it. I truly appreciated it and many of the things you said hit me right on and I even took a few notes. Thank you for not holding back! Blessings to you!
-Gina
Hoping this Bible Study will be available to purchase after it is completed…. BREATH, oh His Breath falling afresh on us day after day..
Hi Shirley! Yes, it is being filmed and will be available at some point. We will let everyone when that occurs!
Lindsee – this blog made my day! I too think in random thoughts through the day like this, I loved all your randomness and needed all of it! You are a blessing to me! Keep up the great blogging…..you speak to this older lady’s heart on many occasions.
TJMaxx or Marshall’s for a new purse! Very cute, very affordable. Blessings to you.
The word entitlement was what The Lord showed me last year in my life. It disguised itself as faith. Then I hit circumstances that wouldn’t budge and I began to see it for what it was. I did what Beth says in the book of James study. My knees hit the floor, pulled my arms and legs into submission and raised my eyes to Jesus in prayer. He gives greater grace.
I love the Olympics and have HD direct tv. Want to come to Maine? Dress warm. 🙂
Your “random” thoughts are great! Just great to hear from you again.
My go-to middle of the night snack? Either cereal or cinnamon toast with a glass of milk.
Would you care to share what books you are reading? I’m always on the look out for something new to read; either fiction or non. Thanks!
Is there any way to get a CD or DVD of the Tuesday night Bible study?
We will be making this Bible study available, we will let you all know, but it will most likely be a few months out. Blessings!
Lindsee,
Saw this on a friend’s Facebook page. Perhaps you can watch the Olympics this way.
Hey guys, if you’re like me and you don’t have cable, but don’t want to miss the Olympics, download this app to stream free
NBC Sports Live Extra by NBC Universal, Inc.
That’s perfect!
I so desperately needed this post today! I, too, have been struggling with mindless phone use and mindless TV watching. The Holy Spirit has been convicting and I have been working on these things. I have also been getting back to my love of reading. I hadn’t thought of the 12 books idea so thanks for that. Anywho, thanks for the post and being “real” with us.
Lindsee, you are a kindred spirit! Totally agree on…well everything!! I could have written this! Not as well…
LOVE the Olympics. Do whatever you have to do, girl. DO NOT MISS IT. Girls will be ski jumping. Epic. And relay luge? There aren’t words…
Heels are a complete mystery to me. Bionic calves??
My go to midnighter is hot chocolate with peanut buttered toast. MMMM
I’m TOTALLY there with you on the reading thing too! I have actually read an entire book through so far this year too. Which I’m ashamed to say because I used to be an avid reader. I blame the book of faces.
Your words on entitlement, assuming. Ouch. yes…and being present. And of course, thank you for sharing about Beth’s teaching on the Holy Spirit’s gift of creativity. Need some of that here at the office. It’s a snow day, so it’s easy to think LAZY is in order. 🙂
Happy Purse Shopping! JC Penney has surprising selection lately. 🙂
Lindsee, I so agree with the midnight cereal snack…that’s actually one of the few things I don’t ever feel guilty about eating so late. 🙂
I love reading and for me I always try and challenge myself to read more than I have last year, which sometimes works really well, and other times, not so much. One book that I just finished was Wild Goose Chase (by Mark Batterson) such a good read on how the Holy Spirit leads and guides you. Strongly recommend it!
As for purses, I usually wear out mine too. 🙂 Hope you find what you are looking for. 🙂 Have a great day!
Love your blog…thanks…! I would love a list of some books to read for this 12 books this year….I’m up for this! thanks for everyone’s help.
WOW!! Ditto! I have been looking for a new purse AND am seeking more discipline in 2014 – wanting to journal and read more! You took the words right out of my mouth on this one! I am in need of some discipline in the area of eating 🙂 I am in the process of being a full blown menopausal woman and am TOTALLY hungry all the time it seems – so am trying to be more disciplined in exercise and eating as well as journaling, etc. 🙂
God has been so huge as I have been journaling through our “Sacred Secrets” study! It has been fantastic! So excited about what God is doing in our group and in my life!
THANKS so much for sharing – it truly blew me away that we were on similar tracks this 2014! 🙂 Lots of joy to you!
Lindsee, I love my Kindle!! If you are interested, there is a free website called BookBub. You can get free books. Just go to the site, enter the types of books you like and the will send a daily e-mail with different selections.
Re: number 3, amen. Last week I had a painful procedure done in the doctors office. While I’m slowly having an epiphany that I’m perhaps to be single forever (and that’s not a bad thing) – last week I desperately needed another human in that room to hold my hand while I was in so much physical pain. Sometimes, I just need, as I heard someone say once, “Jesus with skin on”.
Dear Lindsee,
I am reading again too!!! You really need to read Charles Martin, “The Mountain Between Us”. It is sooooo good (if you are looking for a good love story that will throw you for a loop). So worth it! I am in: 12 books this year! Have fun!
I love your posts
🙂
Number 3 was something I needed to hear.
Thank you.
I love this post, Lindsee, because I can so relate! Random is good sometimes:) My go to late nite snacks nowadays are protein supplement drinks, cheese, nuts, and fruit, because I know I might be up I the middle of the night with my little one, and If I don’t eat a snack, I get hungry and my stomach gnaws on itself…I am learning not to assume things about others or to compare myself to others right now too…those are powerful, powerful verses in Proverbs and Isaiah!…to be more creative in my home, and to be more Spirit-filled as I go about my daily activities at home would make a noticeable difference for sure, and what you said about being tempted to be in Facebook instead of being in a book or journaling, I can totally relate to that! What you are doing retraining yourself sounds like a good idea for me too. Whatever I am really looking for on Facebook, might just be somewhere else…lots to think about Lindsee, blessings to you today.
Lindsee,
Could you explain the Hollywood comment? I kind of thing of Hollywood as full of all things Sodom & Gommorah-ish.
Hi Helen! Aside of the obvious content that we do not always approve us, a lot of folks who work in Hollywood are very creative and bring their best to work everyday. I can’t imagine what good would happen if we as believers worked as hard as they do and strived for excellence and creativity like they oftentimes do. The world is drawn to Hollywood for their creativity and sadly, yes, the content as well. Oh, that people would be drawn to our excellence in work and get some Jesus as well. I hope that helped clarify!