Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 38
March 2, 2016
He Holds My Hand
Photo Credit
Once upon a time there lived a girl named Controller. She loved to put everything into place neatly and completely mark off her to-do list. Her favorite action words were lead, order, and decide.
On the outside, she appeared courageous and confident. But she wore a mask of bravado. A gnawing fear way down in her gut warned her that a big boulder would drop in on her tidy little world and wreak havoc on her picture perfect life.
Once before, an avalanche had crashed into her path, and she wanted to believe with all her heart that it would never happen again.
And so she walked brashly along the winding road singing her own song and enjoying the sunshine for many moons.
And then one day, the rain poured down hard and heavy. Nothing on the horizon had prepared her for this onslaught. The wind blew so fiercely that she could not stand.
On the ground in the midst of the mud and mire, she looked up and cried out for help.
Quietly, she felt a Presence beside her. He reached for her hand, and she surrendered her will to His. Her Champion picked her up and carried her through an overwhelming wall of opposition.
Hand in hand, they pierced through the darkness and despair to the other side.
A song of praise now fills her frame.
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Are you struggling to stand right now?
Look up and listen for His tender voice in the storm.
Surrender the path to your Savior. He knows the way better than you do.
Choose to sing a song of praise. It helps dispel the darkness.
He will hold your hand all the way home.
Something to think about…
Friends: I am praising God for reminding me again, again, and again that He was holding my hand these last two weeks during the time my man was battling pneumonia. Thank you for praying with us and for us. He is home now, but still needs healing.
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I’m sharing “He Holds My Hand” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.
Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post He Holds My Hand appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
February 13, 2016
On My Shelf
In case you forgot, I love to read. Stacks of books seem to pile up all over the house — most of them half read. Other women buy shoes; I buy books.
On My Shelf
What’s on my nightstand right now?
The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Your Sabbath by Mark Buchanan
The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst
Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer by Beth Moore
Meet the Bible: A Panorama of God’s Word in 366 Daily Readings and Reflections by Philip Yancey and Brenda Quinn
What am I learning about life and following Jesus?
True joy comes when I welcome interruptions as an invitation to slow down and engage in a Providential assignment.
I need to say NO to the good so that I can say YES to the best that God has for me.
I must purpose to choose rest until I’m overwhelmed by His presence, rather than live out my days overworked and weary.
I must die daily to selfishness. No gain without pain.
His miracles are unraveling as we watch and pray in community. #PrayBig #ArmorOn
What are some books I regularly re-read and why?
Daily Light on the Daily Path by Samuel Bagster
I incorporate this thematic compilation of Scripture readings into my quiet time every morning (It’s also available online for free here.)
The One-Year Bible by Tyndale
I read through the Bible once a year –using a different translation every year. (It’s easy to do because it’s also available online for free in multiple translations here.)
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp
This book was written for kids, but my hubby and I are “kids at heart.” We read this every year in preparation for Advent.
What books have profoundly shaped how I serve and lead others for the sake of the Gospel?
On Being a Servant of God by Warren Wiersbe
Becoming a Woman of Influence: Making a Lasting Impact on Others by Carol Kent
Restoring Your Spiritual Passion by Gordon MacDonald (reprinted as Renewing Your Spiritual Passion)
What biographies or autobiographies have most influenced me and why?
Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under God’s Control by Elisabeth Elliot
I started keeping a spiritual journal after reading the biographical works of Elisabeth Elliot, a spiritual practice that I’ve maintained for 35 plus years. Her life taught me the importance of surrender, discipline, and resilience.
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
This story showed me how faith perseveres in the darkest places. Corrie never regretted paying the price for sacrificing for others, and I am called to do the same.
Looking for more great reads? Join me on Pinterest for
My Favorite Books on Marriage
Great Books to Encourage Along Your Spiritual Growth
Devotionals I Love
Rockin’ Books for My Single Sisters
Inspiring Biographies
Reads the Rocked My World and Helped Improve My Life
P.S. — If you are a fellow book nerd, you might want to join me on Good Reads.
This post was inspired by a monthly series called “On My Shelf” on The Gospel Coalition blog.
I am sharing “On My Shelf?” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Weekend Whispers, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Essential Fridays, Live Free Thursday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Sharing His Beauty, and Playdates with God.
The post On My Shelf appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
February 12, 2016
5 Ways Love Makes an Eternal Difference
Photo Credit
In 1997, someone that I love was in the hospital. The relationship is a difficult one at best – I often found myself trying to “fix” and “correct” my loved one, who is a very prickly person. But there in that hospital room, God taught me a lesson.
“Could you bring me some water?” he asked. I took the Bible off my lap and got up to reach for the plastic cup and straw and placed it right under his chin.
My duty as “water girl” completed, I moved to sit down again, but that was when I heard my “tough cookie” relative saying, “You really love me, huh? I never knew you really loved me.”
Can I tell you how God broke me through this experience? For years, I tried to corral this person into better behavior, but I’d failed miserably. Now, the Holy Spirit was speaking to me clearly: Your job is to love him. My job is to change him.
That day, I learned that love can make an eternal difference. I made a conscious decision to choose love above all in this relationship, and I’ve seen greater transformation in my family as a result.
I’m sharing “5 Ways Love Makes an Eternal Difference” over at Missional Women today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
For Further Contemplation:
21 Words on Loving a Tough Cookie
The post 5 Ways Love Makes an Eternal Difference appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
February 10, 2016
Are You Aromatic?
Photo Credit
I came home early today and engaged in an hour of purely selfish enjoyment: I watched the Barefoot Contessa on the Food Network.
I know I’ll probably never cook up any of the complicated dishes that Ina Garten whips up with expert ease, but I just love watching her say “How easy is that?” as she puts together Coeur a la Crème. (I am not sure I even know how to pronounce that!).
On this episode, the master chef was creating an Italian meal for a friend who was a connoisseur in olive oils. I watched mesmerized as Ina and her pal participated in an oil tasting. In the bottles, the liquid aromatics appeared the same, but as the culinary gourmet sampled each oil, she highlighted their unique aroma, texture, and taste.
What grabbed my attention was when the expert explained how the best tasting olive oil is pressed immediately after harvesting.
It’s amazing how crushing impacts overall effectiveness, I thought. And, suddenly, I was no longer thinking about an olive oil.
My crushing has created a more savory life.
I’m less willful and impatient today than I was before God’s sovereign will allowed life to press down on me.
Just like Ina Garten, I’ve learned that no two flavors are alike. My spiritual flavor quotient increases as I surrender and let God squeeze out the selfish.
You may ask: How easy is that? Are you aromatic?
Today, my life will be more flavorful if I choose to
Press in to God and let go of my personal agenda.
Press in to serving others and stop demanding my way.
Press in to sacrificial giving, rather than submitting to my foolhardy flesh.
I’m going to keep pressing into the Master. He always creates spectacular fare.
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Are you Aromatic?” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.
Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Are You Aromatic? appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
February 3, 2016
Avoid Blind Spots
Photo Credit / Ps. 119: 35, MSG
I grabbed my sun glasses and rolled down the windows. The sunny day was calling me to cruise the expressway, and I simply couldn’t resist.
The cloudless blue sky made my heart sing. I turned up the radio and belted out karaoke style as I pressed down on the accelerator.
Zipping along like the Queen of the Road, I was confident and carefree.
I sped forward until I spotted a Grandma crawling in a tiny car in front of me. I decided to make my move and leave her in the dust.
That’s when reality hit.
HONK. HOOONNKKK. HONK.
My heart raced erratically, and I jerked the car back into my lane to avoid crashing into a tank that magically appeared on my right. I eased down on the brake and moved over to the far-right lane to cower in fear.
I never saw it coming.
I never see it coming ever.
I always forget my blind spot.
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Today, I got a call from an old friend. She shared how someone we love is about to crash. This is not the first smash up, and she’s worried for his safety.
If you neglect to pay attention to your blind spot, a total wreck is inevitable.
I don’t want to miss out on the journey that God has laid out for me. I pray for God to teach me to exercise wise judgment, rather than running roughshod over others on the road.
A wise traveler follows the rules of the road to avoid a washout:
Focus on the road ahead and turn off distractions: On the road of life, we need to create a quiet space and turn off the noise.
Drive defensively with a watchful eye: Pray for protection as you move forward. Ask God to help you heed His signposts.
Look in the mirror: God’s Word will point out obstacles in your path.
Glance over your shoulder: Look back at the terrain behind you and avoid colliding with someone who is not traveling in the same lane as you.
Leave space between yourself and careless drivers: A little distance creates space for you to respond wisely, rather than react out of fear.
The best way to avoid a crash is to stay in your lane and move forward on the path that God has lovingly laid out for you.
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Avoid Blind Spots” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.
Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Avoid Blind Spots appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 27, 2016
True Blue Friends
Photo Credit
Walking through the valley has clarified my understanding of friendship.
I used to think good friends make you laugh, split a dessert on a Friday night out, and give good presents on your birthday. But now, I know better.
Good friends bring a casserole dish when you are too weary to step into your kitchen. They sit on the couch and cry with you when your heart is breaking. They listen without judgment. They crawl down into the mire with you and get their hands dirty.
True Blue Friends are
Authentic: A true sister allows you to see her frailties and her foibles. She does not hide what she is really thinking. She is a truth seeker.
Accepting: Real friends will embrace your differences and celebrate your uniqueness. Rather then criticize or compare, they highlight your strengths and encourage your dreams.
Available: You must be accessible to others to develop intimacy and trust. True blue friends make time on their calendar for you.
True blue friends press in when life gets messy.
For Further Contemplation:
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “True Blue Friends” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.
Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post True Blue Friends appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 25, 2016
Are You Teachable?
Photo Credit
Recently, Relevant Magazine asked 10 successful innovators “What do you wish you knew when you were 27?” This online magazine seeks to speak into the lives of Christian twenty- and thirtysomethings who want to change the world. The question is will twenty year olds slow down and listen to wise advice.
I must admit that at twenty I was not very teachable. I pushed forward full-throttle and poured my life into ministry until I almost burned out on life. I didn’t understand the importance of self-care or Sabbath.
In Exodus 18, we see a weary Moses who is trying to lead the people of Israel like the Lone Ranger. Thankfully, he was more teachable than me. Jethro, his father in law, advises him to stand before God for His people, but to also disciple other leaders who can help carry the weight of responsibility. Letting go of some tasks would extend Moses’ ministry and make him a more effective leader.
A wise disciple cultivates relationships with godly examples who can look inside, see what areas need pruning, and speak the Truth that leads to greater growth. Do you have a Jethro that you rub shoulders with and listen to regularly?
Likewise, if you pushed past twenty-seven quite a while ago, then consider making an investment by sharing hard-earned life lessons with a younger brother or sister in Christ. Pray that God will point you toward someone that you can pour into on a consistent basis.
Our upside-down world wants us to believe that success means working overtime to be number one and walking over each other to climb the never-ending ladder to popularity and profit. This consume or be consumed mentality leads to destruction. Like Moses, we must listen and learn to delegate so that we do not take on too many responsibilities that are beyond our own limited strength.
The Word tells us that “the lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:21) May God help us to be teachable and listen to life-giving advice that equips us to advance His kingdom purposes.
Let’s Talk: Are you investing in godly relationships that will help you grow in your walk?
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For Further Contemplation:
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“Are You Teachable?” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.
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I am sharing “Are You Teachable?” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Still Saturday,The Weekend Brew, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Essential Fridays, Live Free Thursday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Sharing His Beauty, and Playdates with God.
The post Are You Teachable? appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 23, 2016
Welcome Life’s Interruptions
Photo Credit / Quote: Mark Buchanan
I was supposed to be on a cruise this week. Seven days of rest and relaxation sunk into an ocean of despair with one phone call.
Your grandmother is not well.
I hung up the receiver after my mom called me at the office and said a prayer for clarity before I shared the heartbreaking news with my husband.
Lord, make my way clear this week.
I chose to spend three days sitting quietly next to the two most important women in my life. I prayed for peace and comfort. I read from psalms aloud in Spanish. I gathered in close and let everything else float away.
I didn’t answer e-mail or return phone calls. I didn’t pack my sunscreen or camera. I didn’t check one thing off my to-do list or scour social media for the latest news.
In the world’s economy, I wasted a week.
But in God’s estimation, I made an eternal difference.
I pressed in and chose to be fully present for my people.
On Monday, my grandmother stepped into eternity and stood before her Savior. I plugged in to Jesus for a few hours before the service for some much-needed restoration. I picked up the book on the top of my nightstand pile and read this quote:
My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted until I discovered the interruptions were my work.
~Henri Nouwen
The author, Mark Buchanan, encouraged his readers to follow the example of Christ and “be generous with time.” Our Savior never hurried. He stopped along the way for children, the sick, the weary, and the lost. He accepted that miracles and ministry often happen when life is messy.
May the Lord help me
to see obstacles as opportunities for His Kingdom purposes.
to stop focusing on the urgent and invest in the eternal.
to set aside my agenda and be fully present for my people.
True joy comes when I welcome interruptions as an invitation to slow down and engage in a Providential assignment.
Let’s Talk: Has God ever interrupted your well-laid plans for His greater purpose?
Join me in 2016 and #ChooseRest.
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I am sharing “Strive Together” and joining like-minded sisters at Give Me Grace, Still Saturday,The Weekend Brew, Spiritual Sundays, Faith-Filled Friday, Blessing Counters, Essential Fridays, Live Free Thursday, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, Sharing His Beauty, and Playdates with God.
The post Welcome Life’s Interruptions appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 22, 2016
5 Ways to Develop a More Missional Mindset in the New Year
Photo Credit
The New Year is in full swing, and I am still trying to take down my Christmas decorations. Last year seemed to end in the blink of an eye, and I realize that I need to be more intentional about making wise choices that help me to redeem the time for His Kingdom purposes.
In order to do this, I decided to do some goal setting for 2016. I established a work out schedule, and I picked a reading plan to make sure that I read through my Bible. I also re-examined my budget, set aside time for fellowship on my calendar, and jotted down a list of books I want to read.
Just this week, I realized that I failed to do one thing as I was planning out my year. I forgot what my most important role is as a Daughter of the King. I neglected to create a master plan for mission-minded activity.
You see, right before the Resurrected Christ ascended to heaven, He gave His disciples marching orders. He declared what our primary goal should be as we live out our lives here on earth in His name:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
How am I going to share the Good News in 2016? What time am I going to set aside for discipleship and helping to equip others who desire to make Him known? If I don’t plan now, this year is going to slip by, and I will miss precious opportunities to make an eternal difference in the lives of others.
So, I jotted down some ideas of how I can be purposeful this year. I hope they will encourage you as you pray about doing the same…
I’m sharing over at Missional Women today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post 5 Ways to Develop a More Missional Mindset in the New Year appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 21, 2016
Follow the Pattern
Photo CreditDear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.
Philippians 3:17, NLT
She clothed me in garments stitched with love.
Abuela was a gifted seamstress. As a child, I remember standing still in her shadow often as she walked around me pinning a pattern together to establish the form of a beautiful dress.
As we laid her to rest this week, I realize how her kindness and grace tailored my life.
She became a living pattern — a devoted wife, a loving mother, a faithful congregant, a doting grandmother, and a hospitable friend. Her even stitches threaded through our lives hemming us in and creating beauty.
Seams sewn with strands of strong faith never completely unravel.
I will forever follow her pattern.
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Follow the Pattern” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
As a courtesy, please link back to 3-D Lessons for Life in your post. Grab and share the Thought-Provoking Thursday button to spread the word. Use #ThoughtProvokingThursday to share your post and connect on Twitter.
Check back later to see what other GREAT posts have been linked up! Visit the post immediately before yours and leave an encouraging comment.
An InLinkz Link-up
The post Follow the Pattern appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
