Lessons Learned in 3-D: School of Hard Knocks

Lately, I feel like I am attending the University of Hard Knocks.  Adversity is a painful teacher, but it also helps clarify what is really important.  I don’t want to forget what I have learned in the classroom this month, so I am joining Emily and friends this week and creating a helpful list of the salient points I want to remember.

1. The first week in February, I spent 3 days at a friend’s house helping her prepare her husband’s funeral.  When I got home, my husband had done my laundry and made spaghetti for dinner.   I married really well.   I am very thankful for my man.  He rocks!   (I already knew this, but it’s helpful to be reminded.)

2.  My church family knows the secret to the awesome sauce.  They wrap themselves around the grieving with lots of love (and casserole dishes).  This is what the church should be, and I want to love like they do.

3.  Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is to take a nap.  (Can I get an Amen to that?)

4.  When you are going through a hard time, a new baby is excellent therapy for your weary soul.  (I love being an aunt!  My niece is perfectly yummy!)

 5.  Aaron Ivey of Austin Stone Worship is a gifted worship leader (Thank you, IF Gathering and Jennie Allen for the introduction.)  I have “Jesus is Better” on repeat play in my head, and that’s a good thing.

6.  Three words that were a game changer : Simple Enchilada Recipe

7.  If you go to see Jeremy Camp in concert three weeks after your precious friend dies of cancer, both you and your husband will cry the ugly cry.  Jeremy’s story of restoration encouraged us to keep pursuing Him with reckless abandon.

8.  A verse I am hanging on to right now:

“For the mountains may be removed

and the hills may shake,

But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you,

And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,”

says the Lord who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10, NASB

9.  If you lean in and listen to Jesus during your valley season, He will birth something beautiful in your heart that will bless others.  I saw that first hand this month when I learned about Kristianne Stewart’s story.   Her passion is to show and sow God’s love by providing Compassion Bags to women battling Cancer.  

10:  Formula:  Olympic Ice Skating + Wikipedia Article on Xena + Psalms 82 = I am a Warrior Princess 

Q4U:  What lessons have you learned in the University of Hard Knocks?

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