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Unforced Rhythms of Grace

June 19, 2013 by 1 Comment

I didn’t post anything yesterday. Two years ago I would have agonized over that fact. Little by little I’m learning to accept imperfection. The good girl trapped in me really wants to do EVERYTHING by the rules. Believe it or not, there are not rules for blogging. Last year I made the switch from posting five days a week down to four… and even sometimes down to three. But I had yet to give myself permission to miss posting on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Don’t even ask where that OCD bit came from.

I spent yesterday packing my hospital bag and organizing my house. I’m nine months pregnant and nesting is in full swing. I don’t even have a kid yet and it feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to accomplish everything I have planned. So rather than beating myself up for not finishing every task, or for taking time to read over my lunch break, I’m learning just to let go. I’m a much more pleasant version of myself when I’m not stressed or anxious.

All of the progress I’ve made in the past year with my counselor is fueling the other aspects of my life. This self-shamer is leaving guilt at the door and learning to give grace more readily. My mantra…

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28, MSG

 grace

Here’s how I’m practicing grace this summer:

1. The house doesn’t have to be perfect. Invite people into your mess.

2. It’s okay to play hookie every once in a while. I don’t want to miss an appointment or be rude, but sometimes I also just need to tell myself that the world will not stop spinning if I don’t write a blog post.

3. Sometimes we say “yes” to others in order to bless them, even when there’s nothing gain on our end. I will always remember my mom telling me about the shift she made in her thinking about funerals. She doesn’t attend for the person who has passed, instead she attends in order to love on those who are hurting and grieving. There are a lot of things I don’t “feel” like doing – but it’s not always about me, is it?

4. Give the benefit of the doubt to the cashier, waiter, or staff member. We never know what kind of day someone else is having. Atticus Finch will always remind me how “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.” (Harper Lee, To Kill A Mockingbird) Demonstrating patience is a tangible evidence of grace.

5. Write letters. There’s something so enchanting, exciting, and wonderful about seeing your name on an envelope that does not contain a bill. Perhaps your note might be the perfect picture of grace to someone struggling this week.

6. Daily connect with the Author of Grace. I’m working through a book that I’ve owned for nine years and yet have never actually read. I needed a workbook so I pulled Soul Feast by Marjorie J. Thompson off my shelf. I’m only in the second chapter but this book is getting highlighted quite a bit. This section is sticking with me today:

“Spiritual disciplines are like garden tools. The best spade and hoe in the world cannot guarantee a good crop. They only make it more likely that growth will be unobstructed. They mystery of maturation lies in the heart of the seed, and the outcome of planting depends largely on the vagaries of weather. Still, tools are important in helping to ensure that planted seeds will bear fruit. Tools can remove stones and roots, aerate the soil, weed and water the garden.

Disciplines like prayer, scriptural reflection, and hospitality have the character of garden tools. They help keep the soil of our love clear of obstruction. They keep us open to the mysterious work of grace in our heart and our world. They enable us not only to receive but to respond to God’s love, which in turn yields the fruits of the Spirit in our lives.” (Marjorie J. Thompson, Soul Feast)

I know the list isn’t long, so feel free to suggest some more. This is just what came to mind at the moment. I’m sure I will be seeking more grace in the coming weeks and months.

Following,
Ginger

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Friday Finds: Top Picks

June 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I’m checking in on this lovely and HOT Friday morning to share some of my favorite posts from the past few years. If you can’t tell, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately. Something about “The unexamined life is not worth living…”  - you know, that whole Socrates thing. So the gazillion journals have been pulled off my shelves and I’ve been going through years of posts on Xanga, Blogspot, and this site. For those of you who have only started following in the past few months, there are a ton of posts on all sorts of topics on this website. Simply utiize the search button or key words listed at the very bottom. But rather than send you on a scavenger hunt today I’ve decided to collect a few favorites- mine and yours.

Here we go! (Thanks to Abby for sparking the idea!)

top picks

Favorite Series:

Hindsight (all sorts of talented guest bloggers)
Navigating the High Seas of Relationships (a whole series on dating)

Favorite Thursday Tips:

Combat Lies
Color

About Self-Worth:

Self-Perception
Uncomfortable in my Own Skin

About Friendship:

Staying Sharp
Heartaches, Together

About Spiritual Growth:

Apathy
Check the Connection

Tough Questions from “Dear Ginger”:

Dear Ginger: The Fear of Being Left Behind
Dear Ginger: Help Please

Most Read:

Famine to Feast (healing after heartache)
Interested but not Desperate (when you really wish you had more than just a friendship)
Passion, Not the Fruit (determining your passion in life)

Personal Favorite stand-alone post:

Timing

 

Thanks for two and a half years of conversation and community! Here’s to the next season!

Following,
Ginger

 

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Thursday Tips: Choosing to Remember

June 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment

remember

Catching the theme this week? REMEMBER. Today’s Thursday tip is a retro video post with a ridiculous popped collar, but it holds truth for today!

We begin in Psalm 105 again:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.

Remember the wonders he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced…”

Let’s take the time to remember all He has done! Catch you after the video:

Remember from Ginger Ciminello on Vimeo.

“I REMEMBER the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.”  Psalm 143:5

What will you choose to remember today?

Following,
Ginger

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Not to Forget

June 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Psalm 105: 1-7 (NIV)

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
    make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
    tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Look to the Lord and his strength;
    seek his face always.

Remember the wonders he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
    his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.
He is the Lord our God;
    his judgments are in all the earth.

REMEMBER.

Psalm 106:12-13, 20-21 (NIV)

“Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel… They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass. They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things.“

I do not want to forget. I want to remember the God who has done great things in my life…

He gave me a loving family.
He brought me to camp.
He gave me encouragement to live my passion.
He protected my heart and life.
He taught me to love through pain.
He showed me the way I should go.
He cultivated my story.
He directed my steps and journey.
He granted experiences.
He spoke to my heart.
He brought me to the desert.
He gave me countless opportunities.
He granted failure and favor.
He has given me a home.
He richly blessed me.
He granted the desires of my heart.
The Lord has done great things for me.
I will remember!

newtonPerhaps today is the day to make your own Psalm 105. Let’s remember what He has done for each of us, the way He has woven our stories. Let’s not forget.

Following,
Ginger

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Friday Finds: More Favorites

June 7, 2013 by 3 Comments

friday find favorites

I share a lot of purposeful blog posts, but every once in a while I enjoy kicking back and just sharing regular life with you. This is one of those days. I hope that’s okay with you. It has been a mile-marker of a week for me. I finished a MAJOR project (WOOT), stayed up way past my bedtime attending a Mumford & Sons Concert (outside, in Arizona, in June – yes, yes it was 99 degrees at 9pm), and then hit our one-month countdown for the arrival of baby girl. HOLY MOLY. You get the picture. I’m taking a cue from Maria Von Trapp this morning.

Without further delay, here are my favorite things from the past week/month…

 

1. A backyard concert of Awake My Soul

This has always been my favorite Mumford Song, and after the concert last night… its’ my favorite, favorite, favorite. I loved hearing 20,000 voices sing out

“In these bodies we will live,
in these bodies we will die
Where you invest your love, 
you invest your life…”

The dogs singing along, the rich harmonies… I thoroughly enjoy this little video.

 

 

unglued

 

2. Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst

Check out the subtitle of this book: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions.

I feel like there has been something good to glean out of every chapter of this book. It’s only taken me a year to get around to reading it, but I feel as if it’s entered my life at just the right time.

“I can’t control the things that happen to me each day, but I can control how I think about them. I can say to myself, ‘I have a choice to have destructive or constructive thoughts right now. I can wallow in what’s wrong and make things worse, or I can ask god for a better perspective to help me see good even when I don’t feel good.’” – Lysa TerKeurst, Unglued

 

3. A blog post by Emily P. Freeman

I enjoy just about everything Emily posts on Chatting at the Sky, but this entry keeps coming to my mind.

“Why You Need to Tell Someone How Scared You Are.”

Intriguing, right? I don’t want to give the whole post away, but suffice it to say, it’s definitely worth you taking the time to click on the link and read the entire entry! Here’s a little taste: Sometimes it’s good to let them see you sweat even when it feels awkward. Fear seems to grow in the darkness of isolation. But when you expose it in the light of community, it tends to lose power. Sharing my fear is often the path that leads to courage.

 

 3. Mentoring Girls 101 from the LivingProof Blog

If you are involved in mentoring teens, tweens, or even college students – this post has some great basic reminders for those relationships. Sometimes the idea of mentoring or discipleship can feel overwhelming, but Lindsee shares some practical steps to get you started. These aren’t the ONLY ways to mentor, disciple, or build a relationship – just some suggestions!

 

4. The Dollar Section at Target

If you haven’t been to Target in the last week, let me be the first to tell you that there are some great $1 finds. I picked up a new coupon book, some stationary, a cosmetic bag, and a bunch of odds and ends to have on hand for gift baskets.

target bag

Thanks to Target, my friends can no longer make fun of me for carrying my lip gloss and lotions in a ziplock bag. Thanks to the brand new photo app #ABeautifulMess for making my kitchen floor look WAY more exciting. (And also, fyi, it’s a great app.)

5. A post from The Storyline Blog

I wasn’t sure whether I was going to read this entry based on the title: “A Question to Ask When Faced with Conflict.”

I figured the answer was simply: fight or flight… cover an offense with love or confront in love.

But then I read the incredible story of Leon Fleisher. And now you should be clicking over to read about this world-famous pianist and a question from the Benedictine Monks: “God, what do you have for me here?”

 

6. A small medium large Strawberry Slush from Sonic.

I know there are about 1,000 more exciting choices for your next Sonic run, but there is something so cooling and comforting about this drink. Perhaps my preference is related to the high of 106 and being 8 months pregnant, but who cares. It’s good. And now I feel the impulse to drive to Sonic. ;)

 

Stay cool, my friends! Happy Friday.

Following,
Ginger

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Thursday Tips: Ask for Wisdom

June 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment

hope

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, 
   his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning. 
   How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). 
   He’s all I’ve got left.

 God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, 
   to the woman who diligently seeks.
It’s a good thing to quietly hope, 
   quietly hope for help from God.

Lamentations 3:22-26, MSG

Today I’m sharing a retro video post because I feel like the lessons from last spring are just as applicable to this current season. I still find myself looking for answers: waiting, seeking, and hoping. I hope you are encouraged by God’s promises for your situation today!

Thursday Tips: Silence from Ginger Ciminello on Vimeo.

I’m still learning to apply those three things to my situation.

1. Passionately wait.

2. Diligently seek.

3. Quietly hope.

And I would add to that list:

4. Keep walking by faith.

Sometimes I forget to continue moving while I’m waiting, seeking and hoping. Jesus demonstrated leaving the throngs of people and going off on a mountain to pray… but after a few hours he came back down and kept loving those very people.

So how do I face the unknown future?

I walk in the truth that I know, I claim God’s good promises, and I confidently acknowledge that He will guide the life I have entrusted to Him.

Still learning,
Ginger

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Six Years Later

June 4, 2013 by 2 Comments

In November of 2006 I moved from Texas to Arizona all by myself. My parents helped me pack, drive, and unload the truck before I delivered them and my last bit of home to the airport. I wanted to share this entry because I know there are many of us who are waiting for a transition to feel “normal.” 7 months into my desert adventure and I was still missing home. I think that’s to be expected. But I also want to remind us all that joy is available, even in the midst of lonely or challenging situations. We simply have to remember where to turn when we feel lost.

I wrote the following post on June 1, 2007.

az collage

- – - – -

The crazy thing is that I’ve spent the last few conversations convincing everyone (including myself) that things couldn’t be peachier out in the desert.  And yes, some days I might describe with a peach, however, other days are less like a peach and more like raw hamburger meat.  I’m quick to remind myself that no matter my location, my days would be varied.

As the plane left the muggy Houston runway on Tuesday evening I could not get control of my tears. I’m so glad I had the window seat because I’m sure I would have drawn lots of attention from the short woman next to me whose business suit was 4 inches too long at the wrist and ankle hems.  Instead I stared out the window at the greenery that is not the desert and reminded myself once again of Abraham’s journey from the land of Ur, a place he had called home for 80 years before he received quite a different calling from the Lord.  Surely he had to have had a meat day every once in a while.

(Speaking of meat, I must stop here and say that if I try to actually pay for a trainer…for someone to physically torture me, please fly out here and hit me in the face.  I can’t tell you how many times I have said the word OUCH today as a result of a disastrous gym workout two days ago.  Just now I nearly passed out from pain as I tried to bring a fork up to my mouth.)

Speaking of pain…this distance from all that is familiar and dear has left me pretty emotional lately.  Besides feeling like someone has beat my arm muscles into raw meat, I’ve been feeling slightly less than peachy.  It all came to a head as I pulled my car into my apartment complex and a song came on a mixed cd.  I lost it.  Not just the tears, the deep wrenching sobs.  I pulled into my brightly lit spot and prayed my neighbors would not choose that moment to make a trip to Wal-mart.  (Also, do not go to Wal-mart at 6:30 pm on a Friday.  Bad Choice.)  I managed to put the car in park and pull my knees up in front of the steering wheel.  It’s not that this is hard; per say…it’s just that being home would be easier.  I don’t want to live for easy…but boy doesn’t that sound…well, easier?

I could pack it all up and be home in a week if I wanted.  But I don’t really want to do that.  Things are just getting interesting, exciting even.  There are big transitions coming at work and I truly want to be a part of what is happening here.  I’m even going to take my first Seminary class in August.  Who would have thought?

So as I sat hugging my knees, the song continued to play and I heard these words over and over:

“You hold my hand, through all of my struggles, you carry me through.   You hold my hand; though dark surrounds me…you carry me through.  Patience, a thousand years and a day it’s all the same, O to you, the God of Space and Time…I will wait on You. Do not be afraid, for I am your God.” (My God from Freedom Time by Colin Bates)

I let my crying subside before I took a deep breath and popped the trunk.  I had groceries to take upstairs.  And somehow, even though my arms felt like they were going to rip from their sockets because of the weight of the bags, I knew I wouldn’t be crying anymore tonight.  No guarantee for tomorrow…but I’m hopeful.

“How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of me on those who take refuge in you.”  Psalm 31:19

—-

I want to remember the hard times that eventually became the good times. I need to remember the moments when I thought I was alone, but clearly He was beside me through it all. His good is so, so good.

“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.”  Psalm 57:2

Following and learning,
Ginger

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Friday Finds: On Waiting

May 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Friday

It’s been one of those weeks where everything is happening last-minute. I feel like I can’t stay on top of my own schedule. I have been furiously working through my manuscript and part of the process has been fleshing out my Bibliography and notes section. FAVORITE part of any project. (Not even.) Who knew I was actually going to need a page number for all of the quotes I utilized? Luckily for me this has meant a pleasant stroll down memory lane as I pull out the books that have influenced so much of my life. As I paged through Passion And Purity by Elisabeth Elliot, I was struck by a few passages that I wanted to share this morning.

Steadfastness, that is holding on;
patience, that is holding back;
expectancy, that is holding the face up;
obedience, that is holding one’s self in readiness to go or do;
listening, that is holding quiet and still so as to hear. (S. D. Gordon, Quiet Talks on Prayer)

Be still and know that He is God. When you are lonely, too much stillness is exactly the thing that seems to be laying wasted to your soul. Use that stillness to quiet your heart before God. Get to know Him. If He is God, He is still in charge. Remember that you are not alone. “The Lord, He it is that doth go with thee. He will not fail thee neither forsake thee. Be strong and of good courage.” (Deut. 31:8) Jesus promised His disciples, “Lo, I am with you always.” (Matt. 28:20) Never mind if you cannot feel His presence. He is there, never for one moment forgetting you.

Whether you are waiting, lonely, or at rest, I pray God’s presence would be real in your life this weekend.

Blessings!
Ginger

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Getting Ready

May 30, 2013 by 1 Comment

trust quote

Does anyone else find anxious thoughts to be a default mode when it comes to the unknown future? Anyone else feeling nervous about a coming transition?

Had you asked me  a month ago to identify my nerves on a scale of 1-10 (1 being totally calm, “ain’t no thing” and 10 being “I can’t fall asleep at night/these thoughts consume me”), I would have likely said a 6 or maybe even a 7. The more books on pregnancy, delivery, and child rearing that I read, the more fears I seemed to add to my list.

But in the last week I’ve felt and watched that worry level drop all the way down to a 3… and at times even a 1. I KNOW. It’s been amazing.

Although you aren’t likely in the exact same situation of anticipating the birth of your first child while finalizing the manuscript of your first book, I believe that the tools for combatting worry are the same regardless of the extenuating circumstances. These points carry over the various question marks in our lives.

1. LIST IT AND MATCH IT.

Once I’m able to take those circular thoughts that keep racing around my head and put them on paper, they seem to lose at least a portion of their strength. Often the list is shorter than expected. If it’s something stealing peace in your day then make sure you write it out, even if you feel like it’s silly. Sometimes seeing how silly a worry looks when written is all that it takes before I’m able to cross through it.

For example:

  • We still don’t have everything we need for a newborn baby.
  • My face might be swollen in our first pics together as a family.
  • Labor could be far more painful than I’d ever imagined.
  • I don’t get to eat while in labor. (I am the worst case of hungry [hungry + angry] you’ve ever seen.)
  • Embarrassing moments will happen at every turn in the hospital.
  • I will have to fight for my preferences in the hospital.
  • I will never finish the manuscript.
  • AND ON AND ON.

Once I captured every worried thought, I jotted down two Bible verses on the top of the list.

“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“ 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, NIV

“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3

So how do I take those thoughts captive and keep my mind steadfast, trusting in God?

I identify each fear and assign a truth match. Something like this…

Even if labor is more painful than I’d ever imagined… He will be with me, strengthen me, and help me. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Even if I have a gazillion embarrassing moments in the hospital… it really ain’t no thing in the grand scheme. I have to remind myself that the medical staff have all seen CRAZY things during their career. This part of life is beautiful AND messy. At the end of the day… I can cast all that anxiety upon the Lord, because He cares about my worries and fears. “Cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

2. CARRY THE TRUTH.

Once we’ve identified the problems and set out to get rid of all that anxiety, I believe we have to make the choice to actively walk in that truth. So after you’ve matched your fears with God’s Word, jot it down on notecards and keep it at your side! Memorize the verses. Choose to take God at His Word.

“Beloved, belief is not a feeling. It’s a choice. We may live many days when we don’t feel loved or lovely; but in spite of our emotions, we can choose to take God at His Word.” – Beth Moore, Breaking Free

3. TALK THROUGH IT.

I’d recommend that you talk through the whoppers on your list with someone who has walked a similar path, a specialist, or someone who is spiritually mature in this area. I have been asking specific questions of my doctor. I’ve talked through my specific fears with my husband and he and I talked about ways he could encourage me during labor and delivery. Sometimes keeping yourself in the dark can produce way more fears than you need. Vocalize what’s keeping you up at night to someone you trust. 

4. PRAY THROUGH IT.

Life up your fears and requests to the Lord throughout the day. Share any remaining fears with a prayer partner. I love when someone asks me to pray specifically for a need. As much as I enjoy writing out a long list of names, I am always challenged to pray more when I know what to ask my Heavenly Father for.

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:9-13

5. GIVE OUTWARD.

Sometimes I just need to get out of my head and concern myself with something other than MYSELF. Loving others is a great way to shift our focus outward. A laundry list of worries can keep us self-focused and isolated. Call your friend. Send a card. Pick up your neighbor’s paper. Hold the door open. Volunteer with the refugee family. You get the idea. When I start giving my capacity to worry decreases immensely.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7

Regardless of the date my daughter arrives or how prepared I feel, this transition is going to happen.

crib

  • You will start college in the fall.
  • You will find the job you’ve been hunting.
  • The move will happen.
  • The unexpected will occur.
  • Your friend might transfer to another school.
  • Your plans might have to change at the drop of a hat.

Transitions are coming. We can’t control much of the circumstances but we can choose to control our thought patterns.

I don’t know about you, but I would much rather spend these weeks in joyful expectation rather than anxious trepidation. Life is too short and our God too loving for us to spend it walking on eggshells.

“All around you, people will be tiptoeing through life, just to arrive at death safely. Dear children, do not tiptoe. Run, hop, skip or dance, but do not tiptoe.” -Shane Claiborne, Irresistible Revolution

Following more and worrying less,
Ginger

Filed Under: Life Lessons, Living His Story, Purpose Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Ready

May 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

“God called unto him… And he said, Here am I.”  Exodus 3:4

“Readiness for God means that we are ready to do the tiniest little thing or the great big thing, it makes no difference.  We have no choice in what we want to do, whatever God’s program may be we are there, ready.

Be ready for the sudden surprise visits of God.  A ready person never needs to get ready.  Think of the time we waste trying to get ready when God has called!  The burning bush is a symbol of everything that surrounds the ready soul, it is ablaze with the presence of God.”  (Oswald Chambers)

Getting ready for summer… getting ready for what the next months hold.

Following,
Ginger

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