Howdy, friends!
Allow me to reintroduce myself to you: My name is Lindsee, I was born and raised in Houston, TX, I’m tall with brunette hair and…
I’m only kidding.
It’s been well over two weeks since I’ve poked my head around these parts of the LPM Blog. While I literally keep the blog up on my computer screen at all times during the workday, I’ve only been present behind the scenes. I’ve not said hello!
So, hello! Or, howdy. Or, hi. Or, aloha. Or, whatever synonym you can come up with.
About two weeks ago I set out with my sweet roommate and we headed west to the great state of California.
(Is this where I admit my jealousy for you fine folks that live there ALL THE TIME. My word, it is stunning in every way. Minus the earthquakes, which, thank you, Jesus, I did not have the pleasure of experiencing.)
Anyway, one of the beauties of being single is having a little more freedom to travel, if you have the vacation time. I hadn’t used my vacation time to actually take a real life vacation in a while, so I did just that. We spent six days traveling all over Northern California, gallivanting through San Francisco, driving down The 1 (are you proud of me for using “The 1” correctly?), stopping every 15 minutes on the highway to take it all in, pulling out our iPhones trying to capture the beauty in pictures, rested, rode a few cable cars, ate some incredible food, were fascinated by all manner of people watching, toured Napa, stood inside big Redwood Trees and other fun things like that.
Listen, if you’re a creature of habit like I tend to be and desire to vacation to the same places over and over again, can I just encourage you to take a risk and visit somewhere you’ve never been? There is so much joy in seeing different cities and cultures and meeting new people. Just try it. And if you hate it, by all means, go back to your happy place.
Needless to say, I’m beyond grateful for that precious time off and a sweet time of rest and renewal.
A few days after I got back I was at lunch with my coworkers when I confessed to them that I had gone on my trip with the expectation that the Lord would give me some big revelation about Himself, or some insight on things I was praying about when, lo and behold, I returned with a phone bursting of breathtaking pictures, fun memories galore, but a journal full of empty pages. Although I spent most of my trip in complete awe of the Lord’s stunning creation, I didn’t get my big revelation.
Right after I shared that thought over lunch, Beth, understanding this phenomenon, shared that often when she’s in a creative setting (Insert: The California Coast) is when she is less creative. She mentioned that usually it’s when she covers her eyes with her hands and can see absolutely nothing that the Lord gives her the most revelation because nothing is distracting her from her goal.
I realize it’s not impossible to get revelation, creativity, and inspiration in stunning places, as this may be where some of you thrive, but for me, it made so much sense. The more beautiful my surroundings the less creative I am because I don’t NEED to be creative! Light bulb moment for yours truly.
I’ve sat at my desk 28 times since then and shut my eyes to see what might be revealed, and still nothing but black, but I trust the Lord. I trust that when we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him.
Because I tend to process things a little slower, I’ve thought about that statement every day since and tested it in myself to see if that is true of me, too. And, I think it is. Since then, I’ve realized that most of my inspiration, creativity, revelation or however you want to label it comes by sitting down with a friend over coffee, or simply reading. And sometimes, it just takes faith and a fresh piece of paper and a new pen.
Naturally, it got me thinking about all of you. Sometimes I read the comments from you ladies and am stunned at the revelations and words you share. The way the Lord uses you to encourage all of us stuns me. I often wonder what your relationship with Jesus is like. Isn’t it crazy that sometimes even through a computer screen we can sense someone’s intimacy with Jesus? Only God.
So I’m curious, where do you find that you are most creative? In what spaces does the Lord often reveal Himself to you? Is it on the beautiful coast of California, or in your day to day reflections and routines? When I was on staff at a church before coming to LPM, I was known to ‘preach’ to the students that they did not have to wait for summer camp for the Lord to do something big in their life. He wants to do something in us in the midst of our everyday lives. I still hold true to that. I’m a big fan of camp, and getting away, even Jesus did that, but I’m also a big fan of seeking Him in our routine days.
He is so faithful, my friends. So faithful.
And in case you needed some refreshment, look no further than the west coast.
Carmel, California. Yes, please!
You can’t go to San Francisco and not get a picture perfect postcard of the Golden Gate Bridge. Perfect Day.
Sunset at the Fisherman’s Wharf.
Napa.
The 17 mile drive. Stunning.
Deep sigh. It only took seven days to fall in love with California. I miss it already.
I feel closest to the Lord and feel Him reveal Himself most in the early hours of the morning (think 5am) while I’m pouring over His Word. It’s in those moments where the world is quiet, MY HOUSE is quiet (*grin*) and I have no distractions that He speaks most to me. I love Him so.
I feel closest to God when I am actively seeking Him. I can hear God so much clearer when I am not focused on the tribulations in life, but focused on allowing God to lead me through the tribulations. I find when I allow the world to get me down I also allow my focus to blur when it comes to God. I really try to push aside the junk of the world and ask God to carry me through. I also know that I am happiest when I focus on Christ and understand that “this to shall pass,” Whatever this may be.
Hi Lindsee,
Thank you for the pictures and sharing about your visit to California. My son moved out to the Bay area last summer. I was able to sneak in a visit last fall on my return home from Alaska. I had 3 days to spend with him and it was not nearly enough. We spent a day messing around in San Francisco, one in Napa, and one just catching up while hiking in the hills. Did you find those acres of vineyards as stunning as I did? All those beautiful lines stretching out. I will definitely stay longer next time and drive the coast with him. I cannot wait. It is soooo different from my Northern NY home.
I have pondered a bit since reading your post. I believe I find inspiration and revelation when I am quietly in His presence- usually in His Word. I think, like Beth, I just take in the magnificence of His creation as He shows me parts of Himself through it. He has used it to comfort me often. Thanks for your willingness to keep up the blog and get me thinking. Have a great day, Lindsee. K
Yes, Kristi! Napa was stunning in every way. I soaked it all up! Blessings to you, Sister!
As a Midwestern girl, I have only been to California once in the southern part of the state near San Diego and La Jolla. The awesomeness of God’s glory in the beauty of this part of our great nation left me speechless and taking several pictures, as well! Appreciate your openness and humility in discussing creativity and how it escapes us at times. Recently listened to an interview about the creative process and the guest described our most creative times are those when we are the most vulnerable. Vulnerability allows us to be more creative. Then, I am reading “So Long Insecurity” and this morning was learning about the insecurity root of Pride…Beth suggests when we are too prideful we need to own it, confess to God and let it go. In my mind, I connected the advice “ego drives our need to be in control” with “less vulnerability leaving us in a state of stagnant creativity”. If we confess our pride to God, we free ourselves to be vulnerable and thus more creative. Hope that is helpful – Be Free!
That’s, so good, Lisa! Thank you for sharing. I like that thought!
Now I know why I struggle with creativity especially in writing…I’m California born and bred, having lived the whole of my life within 7 miles of the Coast (only a 7 year hiatus while husband was in Air Force tours out of state…) Thanks for unlocking the mystery inside my head!PTL! We leave for the biggest adventure of our lives in just 10 more days…taking our 38 ft. diesel pusher on RV trip North to Alaska and pulling a new to us “tow-car”…all by ourselves! (That is over 58ft. of moving vehicles)…whoowee….! Prayers needed. I received “Children of the Day” and will be doing the Siesta Summer Bible Study solo while on our 8000 mile trek. Looking forward to some inspiration along the way, adventure and also evangelism opportunities. When GOD sends us, we are always “on mission…” So happy you love “The Golden State”…San Francisco and San Diego are my favorite California Coastal cities, I was born and raised in Long Beach, and got to go to Beth’s last LPM in LB! AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE…
Last night I was gardening while my 3 younger children were swimming and I got so teary eyed listening to them play together (and get along!). That moment was definitely a gift from God!
Psalm 27:13-14 KJV (one memorized a year ago for the Living Proof scripture memory time)
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the Living.
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say on the Lord.
Your post was a perfect illistration of this to me–and probably to many.
Hi lindsee! I live in northern california so many of the sights u mention are in my backyard. im glad you could come, but next time make room for yosemite and lake tahoe. you wont regret it. and id like to add you have got a pretty good eye with the camera girl!
I’ll be sure to visit again, no doubt!
Thanks for the photo’s Lindsee. Very nice.
About inspiration–I wonder if different kinds of inspiration come from different kinds of settings? But I have very little if anything at all to offer anyone if I am not actively praising the Lord. And the more I praise (this is very much to include reading my bible and also studying the same…two different ideas btw–to study is to learn to read is simply to soak and enjoy)…the more I see that is praiseworthy. And I can assure you life is plenty hard enough that if I don’t praise the Lord the bitter waters are ready to overflow at any given time.
So my main thing is to read the bible. Music is good and I like it–but ALL music takes on a new tone when I have soaked in the word of God. And I rather enjoy that….listening to a lovers song say and feeling very much that it could just as well be to the lover of my soul. But thats just an example.
🙂 Have a great day.
Tanya
Wow! I’m a cali native and live in Virginia now. I lived in Monterey for 5 years and girl, the Lord BLESSED you with AMAZING weather during your visit!!! Looks like you had a great time. I Miss it!! Thanks for the pictures!
I was born and raised in California. Lived in or near Huntington Beach most of my life. I moved to Connecticut 17 years ago. It is beautiful here, but how I miss California. It has a stunning beauty all it’s own, and I certainly miss the mild weather, along with the sun, the sand and the surf! My special times with God would be when I got up early and walked along the beach. It’s quiet, no crowds, and I could just about feel the Lord walking right along side me.
Beautiful picture —- ahhhh.
I’m so glad to have read back through past blogs! I just last weekend went to the Wa. Coast with same expectation and same result. Had much fun but did not get more than a few moments of alone time with God(which was original plan to only do but God def. Had other plans and brought a friend along and she was hugly blessed). I came back disappointed and bummed throughout the week. So this was VERY encouraging and a challenge I want to try as well. Thank you for sharing!
In April, I spent a week in Pacific Grove/Monterey and saw that beautiful blue water at China Cove near Carmel…your pictures are awesome! I missed it as soon as I left to come home to Wisconsin!
Lindsee
Thanks for sharing. My dad was born and raised in San Francisco. It is my favorite ciity. Never tire of visiting there. So true as the song goes I left my heart in San Francisco.
I feel closest to Him anytime I’m soaking up His beautiful creation. Whether I’m hiking, biking, driving, or just out for a walk I like to look for little signs from Him; a breeze through the air, the sun on my face, a birds song, the rustling of grass or trees. Today while hiking a small butterfly flew before me on the trail for a bit, I like think it was a gift for me. I was also in San Fran recently for the first time with my roommate, beautiful city!
Remember on Page 70 of the Sacred Secrets Bible Study. You offered your jacket to the clerk…Beth, Could it be that when you offered your jacket.. you were right on? I think you heard HIM loud and clear. Our expectations are the problem. HE, I think, had HIS way.. and showed you both something powerful.
I learned sooooo much from this study. I am going over the study for the third time (since we started it in January) and still I am in awe of the power of HIS SECRET. It makes me love HIM more. HE really does want me to be HIS friend.. close friend. I love you, Beth Moore and pray for you, your family and your team. Thank you for teaching in a way that, for me, is where the rubber meets the road. Your style drives me ever deeper into the Word. Warm hugs, Sharon (When you were in Fargo,ND.. I was the woman who gave one of your workers a beaded necklace for you. I do hope it is a pleasure to you.
Hi Lindsee,
My husband and I love to camp. I agree with you, that I don’t often get big revelations on these trips surrounded by beauty. But I do come home refreshed!
I thought about when I receive the most inspiration from God, and its usually after I have prayed about something and left it in His care – trusting that He will reveal Himself in some way… It never fails that He prompts me with some idea when I am least expecting it, and I know it was an answer to my prayer.