Susan Call's Blog, page 8

How to Find Power in the Small

I almost didn’t see it there hiding in the leaves. But there in my garden was something small that I really didn’t expect – a baby watermelon – only about the size of a large apricot. Earlier this summer I had given up on the handful of seeds that I had haphazardly planted. I tried to remember to water the seeds but seemingly to no avail. I resigned myself to a watermelon-less garden this year and promised myself I’d remember to plant earlier next time.

Then one day green shoots popped up through the ground and greeted me when I checked on my garden.   Now unexpectedly a baby watermelon has appeared. Despite its current size, I recognized that what started out as just a small seed was well on its way to becoming something much bigger.

The same day I celebrated my baby fruit, I heard the story of the Chinese bamboo plant and how it is nurtured in the ground for up to five years before their tiny shoot breaks through the ground. While their growth isn’t seen above the soil, the plant spends a disproportionate amount of its growing time establishing its roots before breaking the surface. Then after five long years, the plant rockets up, growing as tall as 90 feet in just five weeks.  We can learn a lot from a bamboo plant’s journey.

5 encouraging reminders for life inspired by the bamboo plant:
1. Not all progress is visible.

I can’t imagine waiting for five years to see a small green shoot break through the soil’s surface. But, sometimes life is just like that. We dream big. We nurture our aspirations and suddenly we feel our attitude begin to shift. Yet despite our internal shift, we can become discouraged by ourselves or by others who don’t “see” the outward benefits of our choices. Don’t be discouraged during the seasons that progress isn’t  visible. Stay the course. Continue to water your dreams despite doubters and discouragers.

2. To grow tall, you need strong roots.

A 90 foot bamboo would topple over with the first light wind if it didn’t have a developed root system. Don’t push to grow faster than your foundational roots. Nurture your faith. Understand your values. Grow deep so that when you grow tall you can withstand the storms that will come.

3. Choices foster growth.

Daily choices add up. If we want a garden to grow, we must water and weed to provide the right environment. In our lives, our choices foster growth or they stunt it. Choose to develop positive habits that enable you to grow taller, impact further and increase your reach.

4. Don’t give up.

The five week journey to a 90 foot bamboo plant cannot occur without the five year journey first. Imagine if the farmer gave up on year two or on year five minus one day. It would be a journey of “almost.” In life, we are often closer to our breakthrough than we think. Don’t let your dream die just beyond your reach. Persevere. Don’t quit. Keep going so that when it is your season, you can soar.

5. Small now doesn’t mean always small.

I cheered for my bite-sized watermelon because I know it will grow into something much bigger. The bamboo plant hidden beneath the earth soil is an even smaller portion of what it will once be. Don’t be discouraged by where you are today. Continue to take the next step. Pursue a growth mindset and know that small today doesn’t mean small always.

Have you ever been discouraged when you didn’t see progress fast enough? The next time you feel that way, remember the bamboo plant. Then, nurture your goal, take the next step, deepen your roots, and repeat. In your season my friend, you will soar! Click to comment and join the conversation. I’d love to hear what you think!

If this encouraged you, please be sure to click to share. Tag a friend who could use the encouragement. And if you haven’t yet signed up, click to get my encouraging posts by emails – that way you don’t miss a post.

I invite you to enjoy a short video about the bamboo tree: Les Brown – “Chinese Bamboo Tree”

Until next time friend, be blessed!

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Is it just me? 4 Things to remember when you feel like it’s just you.

Am I the only one that’s a mess?

The other day while doing some gardening in my backyard, I was reminded about a daisy that grew there a few years ago. This one little flower was memorable because it stood by itself worn and tattered. Just past it stood beautiful bunch of daisies with bright white petals. The bunch looked so perfect in stark contrast to the tattered one. I almost felt a twinge of sadness for the lonely daisy. Clearly life for the small flower had been a challenge.

The scene brought back memories of a time that I felt like that daisy appeared – like I was the only one weary and worn, the only one who didn’t have it all together, or the only one whose life didn’t quite go as planned or look like we think it should. In life, it’s all too easy to look at family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors and think they have it all together. If only our lives could be more like theirs.

After taking a picture of the lone flower, I decided I wanted one of the pretty bunch too. Stepping closer I snapped a quick photo. As my eyes focused, I was surprised by what I saw. That same group of daisies that appeared so pristine from a distant was also tattered, worn, and broken.

I smiled. How like life is that? We feel like we’re the only ones who have been beaten down by our life’s journey. We often feel as though we’re the only ones whose life is less than perfect. But, when we get close enough to those around us, we see that they too have struggled. They too have been broken. And just like us, they aren’t perfect despite appearances from afar.

When you find yourself struggling and feel broken rest assured, you are not alone. Although everyone’s challenges are different, we have all been weathered a bit by life at some point in our journey – it just isn’t always visible from a distance.

Proof it’s not just you:

You don’t have to look deep into statistics to realize there are people all around dealing with all kinds of issues. It could be relational, financial, health, emotional, or pressure to fit it or succeed. These few statistics let you know, it’s not just you. I could have made this list much longer and included many more areas of struggles. Maybe I’ve listed what has challenged you, or perhaps not. Either way, let this remind you that you are not alone!

98% of teen girls feel pressure about their appearance.
14% of adults surveyed feel chronically overwhelmed.
Depression affects 16.2 million adults in the US.
Anxiety affects 6.8 million adults in the US.
OCD affects 2.2 million adults in the US.
50% of marriages are ending in divorce.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.
1 in 7 women and 1 in 18 men have been stalked by a partner.
74% of girls say they’re under pressure to please everyone.
Approximately 38% of people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.

 

4 Things to remember when you think it’s just you:
1. Get connected.

The tattered flower was just like the others, it was just standing alone. Together the imperfect flowers formed a beautiful bunch. When we feel less than perfect, we’re all the more likely to fit in with those around us! We need to stop worrying about being accepted by others and accept ourselves. When we allow others to see us for who we are, we can thrive. Choose to use your energy to grow stronger rather than using it to hide behind a facade. Get connected or reconnected to friends and family who can be your “bunch.” Or maybe you need to enlist the aid of a counselor or support group so that you don’t stand alone. Make and keep connections!

2. Decide to be grateful.

Don’t pretend things aren’t difficult or have been tough in the past. Instead choose today and each and every day to find something in your path to be grateful for in spite of your challenges. Today it might be the sun is shining. Or if it’s raining, you don’t need to water your garden. On the day I found the flowers, I was thankful that I stepped close to the bunch and saw their imperfections. It gave me a valuable reminder that we can bloom and be beautiful despite life’s difficulties. What are you thankful for today?

3. Recognize that you are needed!

Every day you encounter people hiding behind a smile feeling like that lone flower. Smile, encourage them. You may never know who is that person. But if you approach your day looking for a way to help others, you will make a difference. Pay encouragement forward. Maybe it’s taking a meal to someone recovering from an illness, or mowing the lawn for an elderly neighbor, or sincerely wishing the cashier a great day. Get creative and do something! It’s a win-win. You’ll feel better and help them in the process.

4. Don’t forget your faith.

When times are tough, don’t question your faith, rely upon it. A few good verses to memorize are:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalms 147:3

It’s your turn:

Have you ever felt like that daisy? Would being a little vulnerable help you stand stronger while providing valuable support to someone else who feels tattered? Share your story where appropriate. Refuse to let others feel lonely when they’re in your circle of influence. Let them know they are not alone. Remind yourself you are are not alone. Share this post to remind your friends and family that they matter and they’re never alone!

Together we make a beautiful, imperfect, brilliant bunch!

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Overwhelmed? 8 Practical Things You Can Do About It

The other night I collapsed into bed much later than my normal time. As I tried to shift my mind into neutral I couldn’t help but scan my mental to-do list one last time. You know the old saying “when it rains it pours?” It’s been my turn to prove that can be true.

No matter what you call it – overwhelmed, stressed, or ‘needing more margin’ when our days or weeks begin to become over full we can’t run at that hectic pace very long. We need to make adjustments – even when the sources of our challenges feel completely out of our control.

Recently I had been going through a few days of juggling enough challenges to keep me busy but all of that took an immediate back seat when I found the carpet in our finished basement completely soaked with water. Have you ever noticed that life has a way of throwing us curve balls? Just when we think our plates are as full as we can manage, we get a side order of crisis-du-jour.

From the conversations I’ve had with a few friends, I’m realizing I’m not alone in the daily juggle to keep life balance. Maybe you’re knee deep in a long to-do list or summer has your routine completely challenged with your children’s summer break pushing you to your limits.

What do you do when life is coming at you from every direction – when “overwhelmed” is the best one word to describe your day and margin sounds like an amazing dream?

8 things you can do the next time you feel overwhelmed:
1. Dump it

Do a “brain dump.’ Put the list you’re carrying in your mind on paper, in your phone, or on your computer to free up the energy needed to maintain the list in your head. Doing so frees mental real estate while helping your to see all that you are trying to juggle.

2. Prioritize

Once you have the list, ask two questions for each item. Is it important? Is it urgent? In the event several are both important and urgent, ask which is more pressing and give that item the higher priority. This week I had a choice, get this blog posted earlier or remove the soaked carpet from my basement. As much as I hate delaying a post, I had to go with the urgent need first.

3. Say “no”

In the words of my friend Cindy Bultema, “No is a complete sentence.” If new opportunities attempt to steal your focus and the new item is not a higher priority, respectfully say “no.”

4. Create a parking lot

Have you ever had one thing lead to another and suddenly you’re down a rabbit trail? A “parking lot” is a list of things that come up that need your attention when you’re done with your higher priority items. Rather than exploring the rabbit trail right in the middle of what you’re doing, identify and save it for later.

5. Ask for help

Be honest with yourself when you need help. Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to share the load. You’d be surprised how many people would be willing to step in and assist if they knew you needed help.

6. Add ½ hour to your day

You’d be amazed how much productivity can occur in that quiet ½ hour before the rest of your family gets up or in the ½ hour after the house is quiet at the end of the day. If you have a long list, consider giving yourself a ½ hour on either end of the day.

7. Rest

This may seem counter intuitive. If you are overwhelmed, make sure you get enough sleep and know when you need to exhale. Don’t allow yourself to burn the candle from the both ends. Take time to recharge and rest as needed.

8. Pray

Last but certainly not least, pray. God can give you His peace that passes all understanding. He’ll give you strength for the storm or may calm the waves that threaten you.

As for me, I used many of this list in the past few days. My basement is once again dry and life is returning to it’s normal busy pace. I’ll be back on track sharing encouragement twice a week as well.

What about you, what do you do when you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or need more margin? Did one of these reminders hit home? I’d love to hear from you!

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The Surprise I Found in the Deep

Skimming the surface of the pool, movement caught my eye near the ladder. Stepping closer I was started to see a cute little wide-eyed frog staring back at me. No doubt he was equally surprised by my presence. But when I reached the skimmer net towards him, he jumped, then pushed off gliding away. He stretched his little legs out appearing carefree and content as he jetted into the deep beyond the reach of my net.

Several days with staggering temperatures made the water look appealing to both of us. What my web-footed friend didn’t know was that because of the heat, I’d treated the water with extra shock to keep the water crystal clear. The sparkling water may have felt like a respite from the heat, but I knew that if he lingered, it would become toxic and kill him. I had no desire to share my swimming experience with the little guy and certainly didn’t want to let him die either.

A bit of a comedy routine ensued. Me reaching to scoop him up, him jumping off at just the right- or wrong time depending on your perspective. I was thankful no one was around to witness or capture my adventure in frog “fishing” that day. Eventually my persistence paid off. I managed to catch him and relocate him to the nice wooded area on the back of our property. So far he hasn’t found his way back to the pool.

As I thought about my little visitor, I realized in life, we sometimes respond like this frog. He left a few good nuggets of wisdom that are good reminders for all of us.

Don’t “swim away” from your source of help.

The frog didn’t realize at first that I was there to help him so he pushed away in fear, further immersing himself in greater danger. In life, fear can cause us to retreat, withdraw, or isolate, pushing us further away from our sources of help. When life catches you off guard and causes you to be fearful, instead of taking your next step out of fear, choose to step towards your support rather than pushing help away. It may feel scary at first, but when you carefully choose your direction and choose help over hiding, you’ll be much “freer” in the end.

Don’t ignore dangers.

Pretending you are carefree when you are swimming in toxic water is dangerous. Simply ignoring something that can harm you does not equalize the danger. The longer you stay exposed, the greater the risk. My frog friend could have paid with his life. There are some risks in our lives that are that hazardous. If for example you’re addicted to your phone and you continue to text while you drive, the longer you swim in that denial, the greater the risk of harming yourself or killing someone else. Be truthful with yourself about your behaviors and habits. Make changes where you need to. Don’t flirt with disaster any longer.

Get away toxic temptations.

When I first scooped the frog out, he jumped under the diving board to hide. When I reached my net to scoop him up, he jumped back into the deep end that was no doubt “calling to him.” It wasn’t enough for me to get him out of the pool the first time. He needed to be removed far away from the danger before he was safe. Danger and temptation aren’t a toy to be played with. In life when a situation pulls you into a place you do not belong, no matter how innocent in may seem – refuse to allow yourself to be drawn back in. Increase your distance. Get away and don’t look back. Physically put distance between you and temptations that are toxic to you.

Closing thoughts.

Thankfully as I write this the weather forecast shows our temperatures returning to normal. I’m thankful for the remainder in the heat with the help of a little frog that will serve to remind me how I want to respond the next time the deep end tries to beacon. If you don’t have a dangerous situation in your own path, you may have someone in your life who needs you to reach out and pull them to safety. Be their support and encouragement. And, if this encouraged you, please share it!

As always, I’d love to hear what you think. Click to join the conversation.

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4 Things That Matter When You Want to Grow Your Dreams

A Game, A Garden, and a Big Difference!

Do you remember the game “One of these things is not like the other?” When we were children, it was a catchy song on Sesame Street, designed to cause us to think and play along. If you’re not familiar with it, they’d show three similar objects and one that was different.

This weekend I could have easily played the same game with my zucchini plants. We have three incredibly large zucchini plants in our back yard. And, we have one rather petite plant in a second garden in our side yard. The striking difference in their size made me take notice – the three larger plants were more than five times the size of the other one. I found myself thinking through the differences and the reasons for the different outcomes. Then it hit me – the same factors also greatly impact the harvest of our goals and dreams.

4 Things That Matter in Your Garden and With Your Dreams
Soil matters.

When we tilled the soil of the new garden, we turned nutrients into the soil in preparation for the vegetables. I skipped that step with the old garden space. The incredible difference in size between the plants now has been a powerful illustration that the soil matters. When it comes to our dreams, goals, or calling, are we creating an environment that provides the rich nourishment needed to cultivate success or provide effective growth? Our soil matters. If you’re not experiencing the growth you would like, check your environment. Make changes as necessary so that your dreams reap the benefit.

Daylight matters.

My thriving plants in my new garden are exposed to much longer hours of sunlight than the other plants. They’ve flourished the most. Our dreams and goals given the most light of day do the same. When our hopes remain intentions rather than actions, they’re not given the light of day necessary to bloom. Why not write your goals somewhere that you see them regularly. Or create a vision board to capture your motivation and desired direction. Keeping your goals in the forefront of your mind and making them visible will help encourage decisions that support progress.

Time matters.

We planted one garden first with the other lagging behind a few weeks. It’s no surprise that the one planted first has had a chance to grow and even start to produce way ahead of the other. The sooner we plant our dreams and goals, the sooner they can produce a harvest for us to enjoy. Conversely, the longer we wait, we delay the impact of our actions.

Sowing matters.

You cannot harvest plants that are not placed in your garden. The same is true in life. If you have dreams and goals, you cannot harvest your vision without planting your feet on a path of progress. You never need to take more than one step at a time, but you cannot reap the benefit of your actions if they only remain wishes or intentions. Take the next step. Water your garden and celebrate your growth.

All of these thoughts about my garden have reminded me that it’s time to water my gardens. And, after doing so, I plan to look over notes from an amazing conference that I just attended. I came home equipped to take the next step on a few of my goals. I guess you could say that I’m adding nutrients to my soil and continuing to grow.

How about you? What’s your next step towards your dreams and goals? I’d love to hear from you.

If this post encouraged you, why not click to share it and encourage your friends too? Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

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3 Surprising Things That Happen When You Let Go of Excuses

Excuses vs Progress

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to find an excuse when you want to do something that feels impossible?  It could be something really big like run a marathon or a 5K, lose weight, organize your closet, clean out your garage, write a blog or take a class. But, that “thing” that’s tucked in the back of your mind feels so intimidating. Despite wanting to make progress it can be easier to grab hold of an excuse rather than dig deep into our resolve.

In the past twelve months I’ve successfully tackled three things that up until now felt completely impossible. I’ve lost 50 pounds, “found” my garage, and I’ve shifted my writing schedule so that I blog twice a week. Each one of them was a virtual mountain before I set out to conquer it. I’ve had years of developing the best excuses that overtime I had come to believe. Until, one by one, I gave up the excuses that kept me stagnate.

The results have surprised me so much so that I had to share a few shocking results that happened when you let go of your excuses.

You “find” time to get it done.

I’ve been amazed how changes that I’d told myself could never happen are possible. That infamous old excuse “I don’t have time” no longer held water. Why? Because I found that when something is a priority, you find the time. We all have 24 hours in a day.  How we choose to spend our time is up to us. When I consistently found small amounts of time in my day to work on my priorities, I made progress. If there’s an area you want effective change or growth, make it a priority, put it on your calendar and find time to get it done.

Momentum builds, habits form.

When I started in each area, the smallest steps took incredible amounts of energy. But as I continued to take new steps, each got progressively easier. Soon the progress came. Before I knew it the changes became habits that were easy to build upon. When you’re working to move forward in an area, don’t be discourage by the first few difficult steps. Keep going! You will find a rhythm creating forward momentum.

Your results exceed your expectations.

If a year ago you had told me that I really could lose 50lbs this year, I would have wanted to believe you but I wouldn’t have believed you. And, if you would have told me that not only would I find time to blog twice a week, but that in the first month of doing that my reach would pass my web traffic for each month for the last 4 years, I would have laughed. The truth of the matter is, when we follow where God is leading us, when we’re obedient to take the steps, He’s faithful with the results.

It’s your turn

What is that “thing” that deep down you want to do? Or, that idea that God’s place in your heart but it feels so much bigger than you? What are you waiting for?

Find the time.

Focus on your next steps.

Allow momentum to build.

Form new habits.

Be obedient to take the steps and leave the results up to God.

Celebrate when your results exceed your expectations!

What’s your “thing?” My next seemingly impossible project I’ll be tackling is writing my next book. I’m excited for the challenging journey ahead!

Click to comment and join the conversation. And, if you have friends who would benefit from this encouragement, why not share.

The post 3 Surprising Things That Happen When You Let Go of Excuses appeared first on Susan Call.

What You Need to Know Before You Attend Another Conference

For many people summer is a busy time for conferences and seminars. Whether you’re headed to an event soon or don’t have one planned for months, you’ll want to hold on to these great tips to help you get the most out of your experience. They’ll also help you diffuse the anxiety that can be common with larger conferences. Use the tips that resonate with you, exhale, let go of feeling overwhelmed, and make the most of your event.

Don’t stress about the sessions

Don’t stress about which breakout sessions you’ve picked. Ask yourself which areas you need to focus on as your highest priority and pick those. There may be several others you’d love to attend but they overlap. It’s ok. Look for sessions that are best for you, and don’t worry if they aren’t the same sessions that your friends or peers gravitate towards. Pick those sessions that “speak to you” and will help you to develop the skill set you’re seeking both in breadth and depth.  If you have the opportunity to look through handouts of the slides in advance, take a minute to thumb through the slides to ensure the sessions’ material aligns with your expectations. Once in a session if you find it isn’t what you thought, or you realize it wasn’t the best choice for you, politely slip out of the session and join another that is more appropriate for you.

“Flag” your notes

Conferences provide a wealth of handouts capturing session notes with space to jot down your own thoughts or takeaways. As you listen to a speaker, use the margin to flag content that you’ll want to reference after you’re home. This will allow you to quickly locate aha’s after the event is over. After the event go through your notes and assign yourself due dates for the action items in your notes. Be realistic and don’t sent them all due within the next month. Feel free to use these abbreviations or create your own:

AI – Action Item
R – Resource or Reference
Q – Quote
W – Wisdom

Plan to Connect 

One of the best parts of a conference is the opportunity for networking. Resist the urge to simply pass out a stack of business cards with brief to no real interaction. Instead opt to engage in conversation with those around you. It’s about connecting. Make the most of the time at a conference to reconnect with people you know, build on existing relationships while establishing new contacts. Participate in social media forums for the conference that allow you to connect to other participants online. After the event be sure to connect via LinkedIn or other social media as appropriate.

Make a note

When you meet someone new, jot down a brief note on the conversations you’ve had, something you have in common, or where you met your new contacts so that you don’t lose the context after the event. You can do this on the back of their business card or on a small sticky note that you attach to their card. At the end of the day or on a break is a good time to add notes to cards you’ve received before you forget or have too many to go through at once. This will give you points of connection when you have the opportunity to connect again.

Ask questions

Be bold and ask that question that you have. Often someone else in the crowd has the same question but lacks the confidence to ask it. If you have multiple questions, pick the most pressing or highest priority question you have. Don’t monopolize the question time; instead allow others in the room opportunity to ask their questions.

Play Musical Chairs

Switch it up. Don’t sit at the same table for each meal or in the same seat in sessions. Take the opportunity to sit on the other side of the room. You’ll meet people you’d otherwise miss. And, when you sit down to people you haven’t met, introduce yourself. You’ll be glad you did.

Pick three 

At the end of the event, look through the action items you’ve marked or jotted down. Pick three that you will accomplish first. Give each a due date and establish a plan to achieve those items. Resist the urge to tackle everything at once. Instead prioritize. Revisit additional action items as you complete your prioritized items.

Make an appointment

Make a date with yourself to revisit what you’ve learned. Pick a date a month or two out from the conference and plan time to read through your notes, assess your progress, and revisit your plan. Review your due dates for your action items and make a plan to continue your progress. This will help solidify the knowledge you learned at the conference and help your growth stay on track.

Follow up.

Stay connected with the people you met at the conference. Facebook groups and social media are great places to connect. If you enjoyed a presenter, be sure to sign up for their blog or email list so that you can continue to benefit from their knowledge and encouragement after the event. Drop an email to the people you met or schedule a time to call or skype. Continue to encourage one another as you continue on your path of professional or personal development.

Closing Thoughts

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned conference attender or a complete newbie. If you show up with the right attitude determined to make the most of the experience, and look for opportunities to learn and network, you will grow. When packing, leave fear at home. While you’re at it, leave anxiety behind as well. Even the experts were once a newbie. You will encounter people who are further on the journey than you, or you may find people who are at square one. The benefit of conferences is everyone can learn something from each other.

Are you headed to a conference this summer? What are you looking forward to most about it? As for me…in another week I’m heading to the fabulous Speak Up conference in Grand Rapids. It’s a highlight of my summer each year. I’ll be using these tips while I make the most of the event! If you don’t have a seminar or conference planned, why not search for one that interests you and give yourself the opportunity to grow professional or personally. Is there an area you’re feeling “called” to explore, or a skill  or hobby that you’d love to develop? You might be surprised to find what is available.

What are your tricks to making the most of a conference? Are there any of these you plan to try the next time you’re at a conference? I’d love to hear from you… click to comment and to join the conversation.

And of course… if you’re headed to Speak Up, I look forward to seeing you there!

 

The post What You Need to Know Before You Attend Another Conference appeared first on Susan Call.

The Powerful Lesson I Found in a Smoking Electrical Outlet

Electricity and Smoke Don’t Go Together!

A trail of smoke streaming from an electrical outlet isn’t something you ever want to encounter. It grabbed my attention as immediately as the distinct smell of burning rubber when I stepped into our outdoor shed yesterday. There was no time to panic. Instead, my response was pure instinct. I bolted through the house, into the garage, rounded the corner to the circuit panel to cut the power off at the fuse box. Just as quickly I returned to the shed, praying it wouldn’t be in flames. It wasn’t and I was quite relieved to find the smoke had subsided.

Deciding I should pull out the plug that had just been smoking, I tugged on the cord. Most of it came out of the socket, leaving a piece of it behind in the outlet. It was not at all how I planned to start the day!

Wow, that was close.

My mind briefly entertained a series of ‘what-ifs.’ What if I hadn’t gone back into the shed? What if cutting the power didn’t stop it?

Then it dawn on me, there’s much wisdom tucked into what had just happened.

What we give power to, has the ability to burn.

Good or bad, the thoughts, influences, and direction we give power to in our lives has the ability to catch fire. We can fuel our dreams, goals, passion and faith and gladly fan the flames. The oxygen we give those, through our attention time and energy pays great dividends. Likewise, we can fan the flames of discontentment or despair. We can take the smallest spark and allow it to turn into a raging forest fire that threatens to consume us. Be aware of what you give time, energy, or power to smolder or burn in your mind and heart.

What do we allow to burn?

Some situations we encounter steal our focus. We can’t seem to put them down. They entice us to mull, rehash, and even obsess allowing a spark that could have been denied oxygen to be fanned into a flame. Common risk areas include:

Peoples’ opinions.
Our insecurities.
The past.
Fear.
Doubt.
Areas we need improve.

If you don’t want fire, cut the power.

With smoke streaming from the outlet, I had to act fast. I knew cutting off the power at the fuse box was my best hope in containing the situation. My response was swift and focused – from the shed, through the house, to the garage, and back in moments. With the power cut, the smoke ceased and crisis was averted. We need to respond with the same intentionality in our lives. When something begins to simmer on the inside, or a distraction begins to consume our progress, do we hesitate? If we don’t want fire, we need to cut the power. Be aware of what you are giving authority to speak into your life.

Ignored fire is still fire.

Make no mistake about it, fire will burn even if we ignore it. Had I left the shed in denial, pretending there wasn’t an issue, it would have only been a matter of time before the smoke turned to a consuming fire. We can’t simply spray Febreze in our lives to mask the smell that something is wrong. Nor can we simply distract and call attention to other areas of our lives pretending there is no smoke where there is. Don’t allow denial to leave smoldering issues burn without your attention. Small fires are easier to extinguish. Choose to put out small fires rather than waiting to deal with the consequences of situations that have gotten more out of control.

Action is required.

Good intentions are absolutely necessary BUT action is required to change what is “burning” in your life. Actions not intentions leads to change. I had no time to spare getting to the fuse box. Are their places in life that you’re letting go by without action where it’s essential to take a step? Delayed response can cause the problem to grow or the situation to shift. What do you need to repair, replace, remove, or restore? Take action!

Fan the flames of “good” fire:

Flickering flames on a cold winter night warms the spirit. And, on a beautiful summer’s night there’s nothing quite like a fire toasting a marshmallow for a gooey s’more. Fan the flames of “good” fires,

Good habits.
Passion
Goals
Hopes
Dreams
Faith

What’s smoldering in your life right now? Are you enjoying good fires? Do you have ones that require action? You know what they say, where there’s smoke there’s fire. Pay attention to warning signs that something is off track. I’d love to hear from you!

The melted cord with the singed outlet from my shed.

As for my shed, thankfully the damage was contained to the cord and the outlet. Both have been replaced and are safe once again. I also bought a few new fire extinguishers for good measure.

If you enjoyed this encouraging post, why not sign up so that you don’t miss a future post. Click below and join my email list. And, why not share this on social media? Maybe it’s just the encouragement a friend needs.

The post The Powerful Lesson I Found in a Smoking Electrical Outlet appeared first on Susan Call.

Dad to the Rescue! A Father’s Day Story to Feed Your Faith

Dad to the Rescue!

I turned down the aisle at Walmart simply as a short cut. I didn’t want to stay behind the people slowly moseying their way through the crowded store on a busy Saturday morning. But the aisle I chose was unexpectedly brimming with displays for Father’s Day. My heart instantly ached. What I wouldn’t give to be able to celebrate just one more Father’s Day with my Dad. Oh how I’d gladly slow my pace to find just the perfect card and a thoughtful gift to remind him how special he is.

Suddenly my mind transported me back to a wintery day during my college years. Naively I had decided to head home for the weekend and hoped to arrive safely before the impending snow became impassable. But, within minutes of leaving campus, the blacktop disappeared under a thick white blanket as the snow intensified. My knuckles turned white as I gripped the steering wheel even tighter. I can make it I thought.

I attempted to reassure myself, but I couldn’t help notice a thin trail of smoke had started streaming from beneath the hood. It wasn’t just an over active imagination. Something was really wrong. I turned into the Pizza Hut parking lot hoping that they’d let me call for help, because it was a day before cell phones were really a thing.

I wish I could still remember his answers or that I could hear his voice reply.

Dad, I’m stuck.

I made it as far as Pizza Hut.

You’ll call AAA?

But how will I get home?

 Although his exact words have long since faded in my memory, I still remember how helpless I felt when I called and how immediately he responded. In the middle of a snow storm, Dad dropped what he was doing to come rescue me and get me home safely.

I can’t help but think that how my dad responded that day shows us a bit how God cares for us.

He’s able to find us in a storm.

On that stressful day, my dad called AAA before he set out from home. They should have made it to me before he ever did. But, they couldn’t find where I was in the heavy snow. Dad on the other hand found me right away. I called and he was there. While God is always close, we can lose sight of him through the chaos of our busy lives or when we’re overwhelmed by life’s storms. But just like I called to my dad and he came, when we call out to God, we can draw close to him. He knows right where we are and can reach us no matter how fierce the storm is that tries to consume us.

He loves us.

My Dad showed me not just with his supportive words, but with his actions that he cared for me. Out of concern, he traveled to where I was to help me. God gives us countless ways to measure His love for us. In the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12) the man with a hundred sheep leaves the 99 to rescue the one that has gone astray. Sometimes we’re that one. We’re lost on the path of life and we don’t know how to continue. Call out to God. Say a prayer. Ask Him to help you and show you in ways that you can see Him moving. You’ll be amazed how He can answer even the smallest prayer and remind you that you are loved.

He travels with us.

My dad didn’t simply just call for a tow truck. He came to where I was and traveled my journey home with me. God does the same for us. No matter where we are when we ask Him to join our journey, He’s faithful to travel with us. He’ll be right there next to us, as long as we invite Him to travel with us. And I don’t know about you but I’ve found the journey goes smoothest when I yield the steering wheel to Him.

Prayer doesn’t need to be more complicated than a conversation. Just as I picked up the phone and said “Dad, I’m stuck!” we can say “God, I’m stuck!” When life’s storms cloud our vision and we feel desperate and alone, He’s one call away. He knows right where you are. He loves you. And, the He’ll travel the rest of the journey with you!

Happy Father’s Day

Wishing you a very Happy Father’s Day weekend. Whether you’re a father yourself, you’re celebrating with your dad, or your dad is celebrating on the other side with mine, I hope you’ve been encouraged by my adventure through the snow with my dad. I hope the image from my sweet memory encourages your faith. I’d love to hear from you to hear how this post has touched you. And if it’s encouraged you, why not share it with your friends. Simply click on the social media share buttons below.

In honor of Father’s Day, and in memory of my Dad, here are a few other Dad-Inspired posts that you might enjoy:

3 Heartwarming Gift Ideas for Father’s Day
5 Ways to Make the Most of Today
The Unexpected Treasure in my Dad’s Shop and My Surprise Lesson on Brokenness
How Stepping on Toes Strengthened my Faith

The post Dad to the Rescue! A Father’s Day Story to Feed Your Faith appeared first on Susan Call.

The Risks Of What You Carry and How To Effectively Lighten Your Load

Carrying two kayaks and a load of anxiety

I’d been waiting for this day for weeks. Finally the weather was nice enough for our inaugural kayak trip of the year.  It had been months since we last loaded them up on the car to set out. In the back of my mind I couldn’t shake the story of a family member who nearly lost a kayak in the middle of the road when their roof rack let loose. I had no desire to make that story my own.

Maybe we should drive with the window open I suggested to my daughter, looking up at my car’s sun roof. I had already slide open the panel revealing the glass directly above us to provide a better view of the kayaks perched on the roof rack overhead. But no sooner did we pull out of our driveway that I realized I’d made an incredible mistake.  With the roof open, I couldn’t ignore the loud snarling wind as it swirled around the kayaks. It sounded so ominous. Despite closing it almost as quickly as I had opened it, it was just enough time to launch my own personal wave of anxiety. Watch them and tell me if they move at all, I firmly instructed.  A few moments later, one of the straps tapped nervously at the roof. Did it move?

 Nope. She reassured me. Nothing moved.

An excruciating ten minutes later we made it to the lake with no issues. As I think back to the feelings I had that first outing this year, I can’t help but think that how I carried our kayaks resembles how we often carry our own loads in life.

What you carry…
What you carry creates a distraction.

While I watched the road as we headed up the street, my senses were on high alert for any changes with the kayaks. I listened for any shifting or rattling that could warn of any issues. The smallest sound multiplied my anxiety. It’s the same with the baggage we try to carry in life. Out of sight does not mean out of mind.  Our attention and focus are impacted. If we want to improve our focus where we are trying to make progress, we need to be careful what we continue to carry.

What you carry creates resistance.

Even when empty, kayak racks on the roof of a car create resistance. With kayaks strapped on, the resistance is magnified. It comes at a cost. For my car, a load can reduce my gas mileage and make me consider what the safest speed is to ensure safe travel. In our lives, the load we carry also comes with a cost. Resistance can make moving forward difficult. Sometimes even the smallest step can feel monumental. When you feel weary, worn out, exhausted or just spent you may be dealing with resistance against your load.

What you carry limits where you can go.

When my kayaks are on my roof, my car is significantly taller than it is otherwise. Suddenly I’m no longer able to drive without consideration of where I might get stuck. Parking garages are just one example of a situation that becomes impassable. Our load changes which paths are accessible. In life if we’re going to have the impact we desire, we can’t allow our loads to make those spaces unreachable. Sometimes we need to let go of what we’re carrying to get to where we want to go.

Maybe all of this is hitting close to home, maybe even too close to home. You know the feeling of being distracted, burdened, impacted by resistance and feeling limited. If so, it’s time to lighten your load.

3 Ways to Lighten Your Load:
1. Create margin by learning to say ‘no’

The blank space in margin serves a purpose. It allows us to give the content of the page the attention it deserves. The space gives us the ability to enjoy what we’ve just experienced without crowding our thoughts. Life it’s no different. If we pack our days from start to finish without any “blank space,” we miss the opportunity to savor what we’ve experienced. Restore margin by allowing yourself down time to pray and process the day. God won’t fight His way into your cluttered day, allow for space to hear His still voice. You may need to say “no” to activities that seem good but rob you of vital down time. Choose to find margin in your day.

2. Unpack and move on

Leave the past in the past and step forward lighter. Everyone has a past. Some of us may have more drama in our past than others, but rest assured we’ve all been through something. If what you’ve been through is stacked like sealed boxes in the corner of a garage from a move 5 years ago, it may be time to sort through them and do some house cleaning. I’ve recently been doing some sorting in my family’s garage. Several of the boxes that seemed necessary to move several years ago turned out to be just stuff that took up space needlessly for years. I was amazed how little was left when I earnestly sorted through it. The same can be for our emotional baggage. Find a friend of a counselor to help you sort. Work through what has lingered so that you can move on without it.

3. Use what you’ve carried

A kayak stored well on a roof rack makes it available for use. The best part of having been through something in our lives is that we can pay it forward by helping someone else get through their challenges. Find a way to encourage someone else who is dealing with their own load. Compassion will lighten your load as well as theirs!

4. Remember your successes

When we become anxious, we remind ourselves of all the possibilities for things to go wrong. Take a step back and remember the times things have gone well. In my case, the more I load and travel with our kayaks, the more I’m reassured that we will get to our destination with everything still intact. Be sure to remember your victories and use them to help quiet the whispers of anxiety.

I hope my adventures with my kayak have helped to think a bit about what load you are carrying. As always I welcome your comments. Let me know how this has helped you consider what you carry. And, if this hit home for you, please consider sharing. You might just have a friend or family member who needs this message too.

A few other posts to enjoy:

5 Symptoms You’re Overwhelmed (And What To Do About It)
The Surprise I Found at the Bottom

 

A Special Note:

Last week the surprising suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain brought to light how burdens can feel unbearable. If you or someone you care about are dealing with a load that feels insurmountable, please know that help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 or via online chat.

The post The Risks Of What You Carry and How To Effectively Lighten Your Load appeared first on Susan Call.