Identity

How To Make God Like YOU Better Than OTHERS!

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
a man holding a laptop

The question that keeps me up at night is:

How can God like me BEST, BETTER than other people?

My “Therapist” (What does SHE know?) says that these thoughts of comparison and drivenness are rooted in some sort of neurosis deep down, but I doubt that! Anyway, practically speaking, don’t we ALL want the teacher to like US best? Or the boss? Or even our friends?

Of course!

So, those are the types of questions that keep me up at night. And then God seemed to help me understand how to be his favorite! (I DO know that sentence is “Officially” a “Heresy” or whatever, but stay with me, because what God showed me is -Surprise! – theologically accurate, once you understand my point!)

Anyway, this is what happened.

It seemed God was highlighting the word “Beautiful” to a few of us.

How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!

Ancient Text

There was something God wanted to reveal to us about this word.

As shown in this quote below, God isn’t quite as hung up about physical beauty as we are.

“Looks aren’t everything . . . God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.”

The Message

So He couldn’t be talking about that.

And in my prayer time, God seemed to show me a picture of two golden cups, one tarnished1, one polished.

Does one of these cups have less value? He seemed to ask my soul.

No! Of course not. Bought by a gold buyer, they would pay equally for both cups as they have EQUAL value.

So it is with my children, He seemed to whisper.

I think God was saying that ALL of his children have EQUAL VALUE in His eyes.

But some are a little more polished or beautiful.

I wondered how to polish oneself. I suddenly realized that a cup can’t polish itself! “How do we get polished a bit more?” I wondered

Let Me polish you, He seemed to whisper. As you draw near to me and seek me, I am polishing you.

And so I thought I would share what I learned here today with you so that maybe God will EVEN like you as much as He likes me!

Or maybe The Point is that:

If we knew how much God valued and loved us, we wouldn’t care how much He loved anyone else.

And I felt calmed, somehow, loved, and like I could finally take my unbearable list of “To-Do” items, the ones that I unconsciously think will help God to “like me” a bit more, and put it over there, far away, in the pile of stuff that God longs to burn. And I felt a bit more free. Maybe I don’t need to be better than others.

My therapist must be wrong!

(At least, I think that’s what she was getting at. See Paragraph One, above, but I am a bit confused whenever she speaks if I’m honest).

God LIKES me, as I already proved definitely HERE. And He LIKES you, too, and finds you more and more beautiful as you allow Him to purify your golden cup in the fire of His Presence. And there is our freedom.

If you still don’t know what I’m talking about, read this ancient story and let the metaphor sit inside your heart for a bit as you ponder, reflect and thank God for this truth.

(And God will be polishing your gold cup a bit more, even as you do this, friend.)

Photo Credit – Good News! by Jade Destiny on Unsplash

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

1 (*I DO know that only silver tarnishes in real life, not gold, but this is a metaphor, remember? And I believe God considers each of His children to be of the highest value, of gold, so that’s why gold is in the picture. Can we return to the point now?)

How To Find Solutions To Global Crises: Ask And Pray – One Inspiring Example

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
a large field of dead plants in the middle of the day

I suddenly realized I was not Little Red Riding Hood or whoever that hooded girl who carries her lunch to grandma is, stopping to smell flowers.

I’m the wolf.

I sometimes wear a Little Red Riding Hood cape because I want to go about my life, enjoy my kids, and laugh while we enjoy a day beside the lake. But more and more often now, I feel constrained like old caterpillar skin that needs to be shed. And I’m afraid of what may come out of me. It seems I am a caterpillar about to transition into a fire-breathing dragon.

And I don’t know what to do or where to put the fear and anger that has been stirring quietly under the surface for so many years that sooner or later, it’s bound to come out as an explosion.

I would sort of rather not do that.

I would rather be a butterfly fluttering about and minding my own business.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 

The Lord Of the Rings

And is there hope for these situations in the news and our lives that threaten to overwhelm us with darkness?

This is God’s Word on the subject: . . . I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

The Message

Yep.

I was so startled by a surprising story of hope at a prayer group meeting that I burst into tears unexpectedly.

There, we learned the remarkable true story of a group of people praying together over issues today that bothered them. One person recounted that in that prayer group, he felt God giving him an idea of how to help clean up plastic from the ocean. I know this way to get new ideas sounds far-fetched, but stay with me1 before you snap your laptop closed.

And then this guy from the prayer meeting went out with his company and built the thing that is another piece in the puzzle of our astonishing plastics problem.

And therein (listening to God and responding ) is our hope.

What global or personal problem threatens to suffocate you, friend?

For me, lately, it’s climate change. But the good news is that God holds a part of the solution for every difficulty we face. He offers different jewels, different parts of the solution to different ones who listen to him and obey his promptings.

Will we humble ourselves and ask him to help us clean up this mess we’re leaving on Earth?

If . . . my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you . . . I’ll restore their land to health.

The Message

As the song below plays, can we sing together that we, too, together are “aching for the yield for you to harvest from this hurt?”

Photo Credit: Land Needing Restoration by Md. Hasanuzzaman Himel on Unsplash

Footnotes:

1 Chemist August Kekulé and Physicist Albert Einstein discovered the shape of the benzene ring, and theory of relativity, respectively, after insights gleaned from their dreams at night and many similar examples abound.

In a dream, for instance, a vision at night, when men and women are deep in sleep, fast asleep in their beds—God opens their ears

The Message

And to mess with your mind a bit more, the entire scientific process is only possible with a Christian understanding of the world that God values and is the TRUTH. Think about it. If EVOLUTION were to underlie the scientific process, TRUTH wouldn’t matter and couldn’t be trusted – Only things that helped propagate your genes could be relied upon accurately, not TRUTH. More on this another time.

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

Blind to What Actually Matters Most? The Forgotten Step You Need To Soar

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
a horse standing on a beach next to the ocean

Last time, I told you the story of me getting connected with an online group aiming to dig deep spiritually, past the muck and hard earth and to help each other shovel as deep as the soft parts of our hearts, where God feels most welcome.

So, to connect with this online group in person, I’ll be boarding an airplane this week, waving goodbye to you all and STARTING – Wait, I mean CONTINUING of course! – my new identity as a travel blogger!

But there’s a bit more to the story, a part reflecting how God is already there working in all of our lives, and to see this, we need only open our eyes.

This is what happened.

I mentioned last time that I sensed God asking me to join this online group, and I was surprised that God actually knows what He is doing and even knows more than I do! The surprise was that I fit right into a group of people with similar backgrounds, that God was wooing, it appeared, in a similar direction. I had no idea where to begin looking for a group like that, and wouldn’t have thought to try. And over the months, I felt more connected in this group and felt called to continue walking and digging deep with these people.

There’s a story and a surprise kiss from God at this part of the story, too.

Last summer, I thought I sensed God asking us to eliminate clutter in our home. As I sold stuff, I felt Him nudge me, saying He wanted me to buy something for myself with the money I earned. But what? I couldn’t think of anything, which may sound funny, but is true. Do we always need more stuff from Walmart or different clothes when duct tape makes stuff last sooo much longer? (Did I mention I’m Canadian?)

But then, when I realized a few months later that I wanted to take more courses with these people, I counted the cost, and the amount for me to study the courses for the year was within about $10 of what I earned from selling stuff last summer.

As the icing on the cake, I received an email from the group administrator last week saying that I miscalculated the PayPal fees and owe them another $10.

So what?

A coincidence?

Maybe.

Or maybe God is opening my eyes and vicariously opening your eyes, that He DOES offer us little jewels along our path if our eyes are open.

And so what is the forgotten step to removing spiritual blinders?

ask

you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it

Ancient Text

As the song below plays, ask God what He has been whispering, but your ears lie on the floor. Where is He standing next to you with a key to solve a problem that disturbs your soul, but you are too busy to stop and notice Him standing next to you?

Help us, God, to remove the blinders from our eyes and the cotton balls from our ears so that we can soar into who we are meant to become, we pray.

a large bird flying through a blue sky

Photo Credits: Horse With Blinders by rhoda alex on Unsplash, Large Bird Soaring by Alfonso Betancourt on Unsplash

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

The Surprising Truth – It’s Time To Fuel Your Anger To Unlock Cultural Restoration

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
white clouds over snow covered mountain

The Bible story pictures often portray Jesus sitting on the grass, Buddha style, with some children frolicking nearby, spewing truths that people fell over trying to catch.

Which would be true.

But Jesus also got angry.

Anger fueled by the love that erupts within our souls like a volcano sometimes contains the seeds that can eventually heal culture.

Click HERE to continue reading.

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

3 Tips You Need To Know To Become An Amazingly Successful Human And Writer! (Like Me!)

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
a monkey with its mouth open

In his effort to build up my fragile self-esteem, my husband reminded me lately that people from twenty-eight countries have read my online writing, which is still shocking to me!

Riding on the heels of this life success – And of course, now I can finally rest assured that my life has purpose and meaning – is that several people have been asking me lately if I’m thinking of writing a book!

Of course, I have been thinking of writing a book, but the trouble is that I can’t figure out what topic I should write about! Sure, I could write up those embarrassing stories about me that make people laugh when we have dinner together, but those stories make me look stupid! I would much rather write about something I’m an expert in so that people will respect and look up to me!

The trouble is, I can’t come up with anything that people would think I’m an expert in.

But I must be an expert in something, obviously, because I write stuff online!

Since I can’t find anything that I’m an expert in yet, or at least anything that I can convince others that I am an expert in (Which my editor says isn’t EXACTLY the same thing- Whatever!) I guess I could write up those stories about the stupid things I did that make me look like a complete idiot.

Well, these are the things that sometimes we need to do for fame and glory!

And that’s what life is all about, wouldn’t you agree?

And so, as a potentially inspiring author yourself, looking up at me with eyes of wonder, what should YOU write about, you ask me?

Great question!

Tip #1

Well, of course, write about the idiotic things you’ve done so that you’ll look stupider than I do, and then I’ll feel better about myself, and we can both share in the fame and glory! (I wouldn’t share any of my fame or glory, of course. I’m not “sanctified” enough for that, which is a Christian way of saying,  “I don’t want to.” But I wouldn’t try to take yours if you have your own share of fame or glory. Unless I could.)

Anyway, please send me what you write!

I won’t read it because my therapist says I’m too self-important (That’s the same thing as being important, right?) to read other people’s stuff, but if I’m having a bad day, then I can think about the stupid things that you’ve done and feel better about myself!

Thank you! And it’s nice to have a friend and do these kinds of activities together – It is a wonderful bonding experience! Blessings on your writing!

And the best part about writing online is that we can tell people what they should do to live a successful life like us!

I hope this advice makes you feel “successful1,” too!

You’re welcome!

Good luck!

Tip #2

Write headlines that grab people’s attention and are (mostly, in a relative, limited way) true!

This is the second piece of advice!

For example, I thought of titling today’s newsletter “Blathering About Nothing,” but that headline doesn’t rank as well in the headline analyzer, for which I pay $1,000 annually.

And now, getting down to the nitty-gritty of the advice in this newsletter, I will take off my mask and set aside my neurotic whiny online persona, which, of course has no reflection at all of my actual personality.

So you wonder what to write about or whether you should be writing at all or doing something else?

Tip #3

We want to align our life to do whatever it is that God has set before us as our path in this season, whether it’s something that gives us no accolades or glory, or which may (even!) cost us financially, relationally or culturally.

And when we’re busy doing these things together with Jesus, who strengthens us, we find out that the things that used to be so vital to us surprisingly matter a whole lot less!

And then it’s also critical to connect with a group of people that already like you so you don’t have to pretend to be important! They like you because they have to like you, of course, but what difference does that part make? And then you’re soaring.

a large bird flying through a blue sky

So you’ll go out in joy, you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.

The Message

As the song below plays, ask God, “How do you long for me to pivot my life?” Ask yourself if any of this stuff that I am pulling my hair out trying to attain matters once I’m dead?

And then, once you wake up to the fact that you’ll be dead soon enough in the big scheme of things we call “Life”, you’ll be ready to live.

And when Jesus is responsible for your success, life gets more fun.2

Photo credit: Amazed Monkey by Thomas Oxford on Unsplash, Bird Soaring by Alfonso Betancourt on Unsplash

Note: The photo of the monkey symbolizes you, of course – NOT me! Why would you think that? Refer to my opening line.

But take comfort!

The soaring bird symbolizes you, too.

1“Successful” relative to my life success, I mean, of course!

2 And funny, but that might be something unique to do with my life, so I have the advantage (over you) of being able to tell others about the stupid things I’ve done.

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! Let’s journey together!

Are You A Forgotten Plant In An Old Pot? Water For Your Beautiful Blossom Is Found Here

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment

The amaryllis opened its two enormous blossoms this week, revealing pink and white splendor and raising the scent profile of the room to a higher level.

And I am that amaryllis.

And so are you.

Let me explain.

Click HERE to continue reading this previously published post.

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How To Make Homeschooled Kids Cool

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment

Photo credit: Blimey Cow

Yah! I know! My homeschooled kids had phases where they looked (a bit) nerdy.

And we all know that being cool MATTERS.

We know that our kids fitting in MATTERS!

Click HERE to continue reading this previously published post.*

*Let’s admit it! – You weren’t really listening the first time you read it!

Thank you for liking me! I like you too! (Proven HERE, HERE and HERE!) Let’s journey together!

How To Be Successful? Loudly Flaunt More Of Your Ego!

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment
monkey looking at mirror
Photo by Andre Mouton on Unsplash

So it’s my birthday!

dog wearing party hat
Photo by Delaney Dawson on Unsplash

My blog’s birthday, that is. My blog is two years old this week*. I can’t believe you found me in this unknown, unvisited corner of the internet!

And wow!

I can’t believe that every day, 10 of you** (No, I didn’t forget any zeros. Why do you ask?) read this stuff! And it’s not just the people in my family I bribe with food anymore! Whisper: Don’t people have anything better to do nowadays?

What I meant to say is: Wow! You must really like me!

Wait. What I meant to say is: Think of all the fame and glory I have!

Click here to continue reading this (previously published) post.

Thanks for reading Restoring Life! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my ego!

How To Begin The Dance With God – 3 Hints Found In What God Repeatedly Says

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment

Sometimes, God says the same things over and over.

It’s because we’re too dumb or deaf or arrogant to hear the first time.

That’s ok!

He repeats it! Maybe we’ll bother to pick up the words that will heal us this time! When we pick them up and insert these words into our ears, the peace and joy are like beautiful music!

This reminds me of the point of this post – God sometimes speaks through music, and when we stoop to pick up the words He dropped and put them into our ears, we often find joy and a song to dance to.

Take this song:

This song spoke to me in the same way the other song did in the last post, in these three ways:

1.The sun shines on every patch of ground of earth.

Lyric from Who Am I by NEEDTOBREATHE: You won’t let go

God won’t let go of us – of me, of you, regardless of what we have done, haven’t done, what we have seen or have failed to see.

This is hope, friend.

2. Winter carries the promise of spring.

Lyric from Who Am I by NEEDTOBREATHE: You grow your roses in my barren soil

He grows an amaryllis from a 20-year-old neglected pot! He grows a lilac after ten years on a (perceived) dead bush! He grows a peony in a 13-year-old weed-filled “flower garden”. He can grow beauty through my barren life, too!

This is hope, friend.

3. Surrendering the throne of my life to its rightful owner, to God, instead of to the insecure, bossy child (me), is what releases life.

Lyric from Who Am I by NEEDTOBREATHE: I push you away, but you won’t let go

Sometimes, we push God away without even realizing it, pushing Jesus aside in our rush to get out the door when He has been standing there all night, knocking. Maybe it’s time to set aside the fact that we know best and let Him steer the ship.

This is hope, friend.

And this is how we begin the dance with God. He takes one step toward us, offering hope in the form of a flower, and we take one step toward him by receiving the good gifts He offers us. Ready yet to take another step on your adventure?

How To Avoid A Midlife Crisis – 3 Drops of Preventative Medicine

/ Lori Lawe / Leave a comment

So we decided to take surfing lessons in our summer holidays this year.

I had never tried surfing on the ocean before, but as you know, I tried surfing for the first time behind a surf boat on a lake this summer.

As I was putting on my wetsuit for my first ocean surfing lesson yesterday, I was surprised that our group consisted of about two dozen teenagers, with my husband and me. We have kids their age. There were three parents nearby.

“I’m glad at least there are a few parents,” I whispered to my husband.

He nodded appreciatively. The parents didn’t suit up. They were there to watch.

“Should we be concerned about that?” my huband and I asked each other silently.

I wasn’t quite sure of the wisdom of this whole surfing gig, even without the fact that this seemed to be a teen activity. As you know, I spent a month this fall in bed with a back problem. Was this really wise?

I felt God whisper to try, to do less of the lesson, but to give it a go.

Also, the pain specialist said that often, people get stuck and won’t do anything new after their injury. Their backs freeze up, and they get stuck in cycles of every-more-limited mobility.

I don’t want to be constrained by fear.

The surfing lesson was super fun! Except I did have to ask one of the teens to help me carry my surfboard down to the beach because it was too heavy for me, and I didn’t want to explain about having a sore back last fall lest one of them ask, “Lady, what the heck are you doing in a surf lesson then???” But apart from the minor hiccups, it was great fun!

My husband said we should continue to do this kind of stuff, meaning that we should push ourselves outside of the limits that we set for ourselves, i.e. as non-surfers. I agree with his philosophy. Before the trip, he said, “This will be a great trip because we have aspirin!”

But this got me thinking about midlife crises.

The teen instructor asked us, “What made you want to get into surfing?”

“Trying to avoid a midlife crisis?” I offered.

But there may be some truth in expanding our horizons a little bit and in allowing ourselves some room to grow to avoid a midlife crisis.

So here are some thoughts on avoiding a midlife crisis:

  1. Here’s a picture of me surfing. I didn’t stand up on the thing, but it can’t be that much harder to stand when you’re surfing, can it? And then it’s not much of a jump to imagine myself as a surfer person with a few more (billion) hours at the beach under my belt. Sometimes, stretching our identities and ideas of who we are takes a bit of a physical challenge.
  2. I think many of us get fat in middle age because we obsess about constantly seeking comfort. Our lives of comfort become boring. For example, do you ever notice yourself dreaming about lunch right after breakfast? Or thinking about your afternoon sugar snack right after lunch? This could signify that our lives need a little spicing up instead of our menus.
  3. If we’re open to adventure, God has something new, friend, and exciting for each one of us. If we open our spiritual eyes and are willing be honest, thirsty and surrendered.

Why be satisfied with our old identities and a boring turkey sandwich when God offers us His world to soar into, friend?

Ready yet for adventure?