The U.S. Army developed a strategy to help soldiers fall asleep, even in some of the most difficult circumstances. All it takes is two minutes and a little practice.
How to Fall Asleep in Two Minutes
The Journey: Week 1
Perfect timing?!
This blog was supposed to come out last week. Might as well come right out with that…
And there I was telling you how EASY it is to grow your faith! Umm, by any chance, did you happen to read the blog I posted on September 1st? It was titled “Why do I have trouble finishing things?” Oh, the irony. LOL. But here’s the thing, I believe God is using my weaknesses, the ones I exposed in that September 1st article, as an object lesson for all of us. A lesson that is the PERFECT way to begin The Journey.
Let me explain. It IS easy to have more of Him. In fact, it’s EMBARRASSINGLY simple to reconnect. Want to know how?
JUST ASK. He will answer.
For real. It’s that easy.
OK, Cherié, if it’s that easy, and if that’s all you have to say in The Journey:
- Why are you writing a blog?
- Why is it a series? And
- Why wasn’t your initial post on time?!
Because The Journey isn’t about finding the answers, it’s about making them part of who you are and how you instinctively react to life’s circumstances. Until then, even if you know the answers, like me, you will agonize, flail around, and forget.
How is my prideful word-smithing the perfect way to begin The Journey? I believe it is God’s way of reminding us that the answers are (relatively) easy to find, write about and understand. Holding onto Him in the midst of life? Well, that’s a different story! It’s everything BUT easy. Yet if we are willing to be changed, to be humbled by the dumb mistakes we make time and time again, we can have more of Him right here, right now.
My fellow travelers, my brothers and sisters, I hope you will join me on The Journey. The truth is, while I am willing to share what I know, what I have experienced and what I have learned, it’s just a glimmer of the Truth. Your insights and experiences will add to that light and lead the way forward for all of us.
In my next post I will share tips on “how to ask” and what to expect when you do. Until then, blessings and peace in the confidence of our shared salvation! As branches of one vine, we can do this. Together! (John 15:1-17).
Why do I have trouble finishing things?
That was the Google search I ran at 3:30 this morning. 
Squirrel moment for a second… it will make sense at the end of this article, I promise. Why did I use my real name on this blog? And why did I let my friends and family know what I was doing?! They are reading this right now, nodding their heads, “Yep! That’s Cherie. She’s always running late too!”
For future reference, if you decide to start a blog, keep it anonymous. That way, you can say what you really want to say and not worry about what “they” will think or say to each other behind your back. Also, it won’t hurt your feelings that they’re NOT reading your posts. Nope. Next time, I’m going incognito. And I’ll cuss if I want to!
OK, so back to the “I have trouble finishing things.” Some of you have this same issue. You are the reason I’m writing this article and “outting” myself (as if everyone in my world didn’t already know this about me).
Last night, I finally came to grips with the fact that procrastination isn’t my problem. It’s actually worse than that. When I get to the deadline and know it’s time to give a …., I just don’t have anymore ….s to give. There is NOTHING that can help me or make me finish.
What the heck?! Procrastination is a problem, granted. But it’s one I create and one I have the ability to change. Having no ….s, I can’t change that. And apparently, I can’t fake it either. Uh, oh!
Back to that Google search… Its clear that my Google thinks I’m serious/boring/not funny/insane. She didn’t point me to all of those fun Pinterest boards that joke about how having no ….s is liberating. Noooo my Google sent me links to Psychology Today. It should worry me that she knows me better than my husband, but hey… he’s a dude. Clearly, Google is not.
So, anyway, it turns out that this Psychology Today article helped me not only figure out why I have trouble finishing things, it pretty much summed up why I struggle in other areas of my life. (This is the part where squirrel moment will begin to make sense). What I learned is that I am afraid to fail. (See! Who would want their closest friends and family reading this? Anonymity, baby. It’s the only way to blog).
Finding out that I am afraid to fail might not sound like the most earth shattering thing, but when you start to find out the lengths I will go to to avoid finding out just how (insert negative self-talk) I am, you start to see that the fear of failure can be a cover for much deeper fear.
Back to you… If you struggle with finishing things like I do, after reading that Psychology Today article, I can confidently say, “You are NOT lazy, disorganized, irresponsible or rude.” There is a valid reason you can’t get the job done. Take some time to read this article, find out what’s reallly going on, and then you will have the power to do something about it. That’s the first step to getting some of your ….s back. 😉
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creating-in-flow/201402/5-ways-finish-what-you-start-and-why-you-often-dont%3famp
Giving Thanks on Labor Day
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a break! That’s how I’ve come to think about Labor Day. But is that how I want my kids to experience it?
As someone who has continuously held a job for more than 30 years, the same someone who is currently “enjoying” unemployment, it’s hard for me to understand why I’d feel the need for a break this weekend. And worse, why I’d feel entitled to enjoy this holiday for myself. But I do! I’m tired. Worn out. Ready to rest.
That’s what got me thinking; Labor Day isn’t just a celebration for employees. It’s also for the self-employed, the under-employed and the un-employed. At first, I thought I would offer a devotion, thanking God for the gift of our brothers and sisters who help us get through life. But then I realized a blanket thanksgiving wouldn’t capture the importance of what I learned today – to lift everyone up for the good that they do. All of us contribute. All of us are necessary.
Instead of that blanket prayer, I’d like to call out a few people who might be surprised to hear how important and appreciated they are.
Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com
Ladies at the Des Peres Licensing Office, you are at the top of my list. Man, you have a tough job! Most of us, myself included, walk in ready for frustration and a fight. I’ve lived in Missouri for just about ten years. We’ve moved a few times and, after experiencing other locations, I drive an hour to go to Des Peres instead!
I’d also like to give thanks to the “creative” people out there. The ones who look at the world, see its needs, and come up with some wild inventions – like blowing hot gas through a tube, running it through some fan blades and creating cold air. Who thought of that? Or the light in the refrigerator? Running water? Oh, and hot water! There are so many things we take for granted because they’re common place. Well, it wasn’t always that way. So this Labor Day, I wanted to thank the people who are “out there” dreaming up the kinds of solutions most of us don’t understand, but will look back on one day and wonder how we ever survived without them.
For those who inspire our minds; teachers, preachers, missionaries, public servants, volunteers… You’re often the last to be recognized and, considering the hours you work and the importance of your jobs, you need to know – Our minds are indebted to you, our hearts are grateful and our future is in your hands!
Always, we need to remember our service men and women, whether on active duty, retired or deceased. Not many of us have had to experience what life would be like without the freedom to express ourselves and the opportunity to become whoever and whatever we want to be. You are often recognized for fighting and protecting us from harm. This year, I want to be sure we’re also considering that you have given up your own choices in order to preserve ours.
Is there anyone in your world who would be surprised to hear from you this weekend? Someone who makes your life easier or better for the work that they do? Add to this post and we can look back on this Labor Day as the year we joined together to begin thanking the unthanked.
Moving Closer to God
The Journey: Beginning September 1, 2018
The journey of faith lasts a lifetime and whether you are a seasoned Christian or someone who is just beginning, there is an easy way to get more…
