Category: Productivity and Perseverance

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Doing Scary Things

This week I did something scary.

First I signed up to be a member of U.S. Masters Swimming. I filled out the online form, paid my fee, and hit submit. And then I felt a bit sick to my stomach.

I had to do it, because I had to be a member before I could go to the South Dakota Masters Swimming website the next day and sign up for the swim meet on April 9. And then I felt even more sick.

What am I doing?! I’ve only been practicing since January. I’m not in the best shape (although I have improved). I’m scared!

But I will push past my fears and do this scary thing.

I’ll meet other swimmers. I’ll have fun watching other races. I’ll challenge myself in four events. I doubt I’ll win anything, but who knows? It could happen.

Tomorrow I fly to California for the Inspire Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon.

What am I doing?! Will I be able to share my writing project ideas clearly? Will my flights go well so I can meet some friends and get to the conference on time? Will everyone else be dressed better than me? Will they like my writing? I’m scared!

But I will push past my fears and do this scary thing.

I’ll spend time with other writers. I’ll get support and inspiration for my own writing and I’ll be able to encourage others. I’ll get a few days to really spend time with God and hear his direction for my book and other writing projects.

For the swim meet and the conference, I’m assuming the fear will turn into a sense of accomplishment once I get to the other side.

I have to keep that in mind when other scary opportunities come my way.

God will be with me, whatever I’m doing. He’ll be with you, too, dear reader, as you face your own scary thing.

That medical diagnosis? He’s there.

That cross-country move? He’s there.

That first date? He’s there.

That speech you have to give? He’s there.

No matter how scary it is (and you don’t have to pretend it’s not), God will help you and get you through it. Do it even though you’re scared.

I’ll make it through my scary things. I just hope I’m not shaking so hard at the swim meet that I fall off the starting block early.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

Do you have to face any scary things right now? How can focusing on God help you to get through them in spite of your fears?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Seeing the End

When I swim on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, the coaches write a workout on the board. After weeks of ignoring it (doing my own thing as I got back into swimming), lately I’ve been trying to follow it.

One day last week it seemed doable:

I think I can do this! So I swam hard, marking off my laps with a waterproof playing card every time I finished 50 yards. (My old brain can’t just keep track in my head.)

The coaches were talking off to the side while I ticked off more and more yards.

I can’t believe I’m going to finish a full workout this time!

And then Coach Cassie stood up and wrote the rest of the workout on the board.

And just like that my confidence was shattered.

Of course that wasn’t the whole thing. I should’ve known I couldn’t do it.

But I kept swimming. I didn’t complete the entire list, but I did swim 1800 yards within the hour I was there. That’s the most I’ve done since I started in January!

When I could see the end, I pushed toward it.

But how can we push forward when we can’t see the end?

When we don’t know how long our relationship problems will last.

When we don’t know how the struggle with cancer will turn out.

When we don’t know if we can ride out the ups and downs of depression.

We push through because we have faith. Even though we can’t see the finish line and we don’t know how things will end, we can keep going as we trust that God will get us through every single step.

I don’t know if I’ll ever win a race in swimming, but I know that if I press on in life, someday I’ll win an even better prize.

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NIV)

Is it hard to press on when you can’t see the end? How can focusing on God help you keep going?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Avoiding Legalism

When I moved into my new home office about a month ago I made a solemn vow: I will only bring water into my office. No snacks, no sugary drinks, no food at all.

I figured it was a pretty good rule. You see, I had been getting into the habit of dipping into a bowl of pretzels or a handful of candy while I was working at my computer when I had my desk in the living room. It was a mindless thing and I wanted to stop. I figured if I set that rule for my new office I might get more work done and maybe lose a couple of pounds in the process.

It didn’t work out as I’d planned.

Oh, I avoided bringing food into my office. That was no problem. But what I found happening was that every time I finished an hour of editing I would leave my office, go get a snack from the kitchen, and sit by my other desk in the living room and play a game of cribbage on my iPad while I munched.

And that got to be a very bad habit. Now I was snacking every hour instead of just once in a while throughout the day. Sometimes I would grab my snack and walk with it, making sure I finished it in the doorway before I entered my office.

I’m a very silly woman sometimes.

Seems like it all boils down to legalism. That happens when we say “I will never do this” or “I will always do that.”

Legalism gets us into trouble every time. Either we drive ourselves crazy trying to live up to the impossibly high standards we set for ourselves, or we fall into despair when we fail just once.

Is it possible to live without legalism? I sure hope so.

Avoiding legalism looks like doing our best to love God and others, letting the Holy Spirit guide us through our days.

For me, that may mean trying to find some other things to do that are more beneficial when I’m taking a break from writing or editing instead of snacking too much. Sometimes it may mean enjoying a light snack in the middle of the afternoon (in my office!) while I watch an inspiring video on my computer.

When we’re tempted to “always” or “never” do something, we need to watch out for legalism. Avoiding those extremes will help us live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3 NIV)

Can you see legalism in any areas of your life? How can focusing on God help you let the extremes go and follow him more closely?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Being Brave

Back in July, I wrote a post about being afraid to choose a paint color for my new home office (Click here to read it). I bet some of you have been wondering if I ever moved forward with that project.

Well, I’m happy to report that I did choose a color, and my good friend Michelle helped me paint last Thursday.

Thank you, Michelle!

She started doing the trim work along the ceiling, window, and baseboards, while I started rolling in the other areas.

It was kind of fun to see the walls turn from beige to blue.

After a couple of hours, my friend had to leave. We made plans to finish on Saturday. Before she left, I asked her to show me how she was doing the trim work. She demonstrated the technique with her angled brush.

“Do you think I could do that?” I asked hesitantly.

“Sure! Go ahead! I’m sure you can do it!”

“Okay, maybe I’ll give it a try,” I said as she was leaving.

I grabbed the brush and took a deep breath as I carefully applied paint along the window. So far, so good.

Then I sat down on the floor and went along the baseboard. That went well, too (even though I kept a rag close by to remove some drips once in a while).

I climbed the ladder and tried along the ceiling. I did it!

Working steadily, eventually I had the entire room covered. I checked for thin spots that needed a little more paint and ran my roller over them.

I stood back to my admire our work and loved it. I’m sure it’s not perfect, but I did most of it myself and that felt so good.

Like so many things in life, painting this room took bravery. It would have been so much easier to just leave it the color it was and not try something new.

I have to remember this experience when I’m feeling hesitant about other opportunities.

Holding back may feel safer, but it won’t lead to the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from being brave.

I’m moving on to my next scary goal. I’m going to be brave, jump in, and do it!

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24 NIV)

Have you been avoiding anything because you’re afraid? How can focusing on God help you to be brave and do it?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Writing Things Down

In my younger years, I prided myself on how much I could remember.

Phone numbers, addresses, Bible verses, trivial facts about the universe. I could keep it all straight and pull up the info whenever I needed it.

In recent years, I’ve clearly lost that skill.

The other day, my friend was helping me paint my new office. (Yes, I finally chose a color. I’ll blog about it soon.) As we worked, she mentioned a couple of books she had loaned me. One of them she wanted back after I had a chance to read it. The other one she wasn’t as concerned about.

I was shocked! I had absolutely no recollection of borrowing those books. I’m usually so good about writing down things I have borrowed and making sure I return them at some point. These books weren’t even on my radar.

I apologized and assured her that I would look for them and get them back to her.

Later that day, I dug into the back row of books on the shelf by my desk. Sure enough, both books were there, buried behind a row of other books I plan to read someday. They are on my desk now, and I’ll make sure I read them both in the days ahead.

It may seem like a silly thing, but things like that can shake me up if I’m not careful. I hate to think of people considering me irresponsible or careless.

My friend was gracious, and I’m so glad she asked. If she hadn’t, who knows how long it would have been before I figured out I had her books?

I didn’t beat myself up over my mistake, but it did remind that I have to write things down (and keep the note in a good place where I’ll be sure to see it).

My brain just doesn’t have the bandwidth to retain all of the info in my life.

I need to write down items borrowed, due dates for bills, times and dates of appointments, and things I need at the grocery store.

I also need to write down other things I don’t want to forget.

Fun things we did on vacation. How I got through a rough day. Times when I can see God working in my life.

If I don’t write it down, I just know I’m going to…

Now, what was I saying?

“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.” (Jeremiah 30:2 NIV)

Do you have a good memory? How can focusing on God help you to remember the important things in life (especially when you write them down)?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Letting the King Order Our Days

I love it when a verse pops out at me while I’m doing devotions in the morning.

Today I was reading in Nehemiah. There are many lists of names in that Old Testament book, so it can be hard to stay focused and find something inspirational.

All of a sudden, I noticed this sentence about the musicians: “They were under royal orders, which determined their daily activities.” (Nehemiah 11:23 NLT)

That thought really hit me and I’ve been pondering it all day. Am I letting the King determine my daily activities?

Way too often I drift through my days, jumping from one activity to another and not really accomplishing anything of significance.

What if I were to let God (my King) order my days?

My day might end up being more satisfying if I woke up in the morning and asked, “God, what do you want me to do today?”

When I feel that familiar wave of boredom wash over me, I might be able to ride on top of it instead of being drowned by it if I would just ask my King what he wants me to do next.

He might prompt me to work hard on my latest writing project.

He might suggest that I write a letter to a friend.

He might tell me I need to relax and watch a movie with my husband.

The possibilities are endless, but we need to develop the habit of asking God, “What now?”

We only have a certain number of days here on this earth. Imagine all we could accomplish if we let the King order each of those days.

“The musicians were under the king’s orders, which regulated their daily activity.” (Nehemiah 11:23 NIV)

Who determines your daily activities? How can focusing on God help you to find fulfillment in every day?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on a Restart

I hate it when I have to start over.

Whether it’s a writing project, an exercise routine, or healthy eating, it stinks when I get off track and let all of my hard work go to waste.

I’ve especially been noticing it in my eating habits lately. For a long time, I was making healthier choices and cutting out between-meal snacks.

For the last week or so, I’ve found myself in the kitchen way too often, consuming handfuls of M&Ms and marshmallows at all hours of the day. Why?

Is it stress? Is it boredom? It’s certainly not hunger. I guess I have some work to do as I look at what’s sending me to the kitchen.

But that’s not what I want to focus on right now. What I want us to consider is the fact that we can always start over, even if we do it fifty times in one day.

I don’t have to throw in the towel and pig out this weekend, telling myself I’ll start again on Monday. I can declare a restart right now and get back to making smart decisions about what I’m eating and when I eat.

If you’ve gotten into the habit of hitting the snooze five times in the mornings, you can declare a restart and get up the first time your alarm rings tomorrow morning.

If you’ve quit going to the gym or taking your daily run, you can declare a restart and do some kind of exercise tomorrow.

If you’ve fallen into the miserable habit of complaining about everything that happens to you during a typical day, you can declare a restart and start noticing things to be thankful for instead.

We don’t have to wait until next week, next month, or next year. Let’s declare a restart and get back on track!

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1–2 NIV)

Have you gotten off track in any area of your life? How can focusing on God help you to declare a restart and get back to better ways of doing things?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Life, Unedited

Today I edited some video clips into a two-minute movie to show our church members how to install our online church directory on their phones. Our administrative assistant, Melissa, and I had recorded about six parts that had to be pieced together to produce a coherent message.

She did a great job explaining, but at one point we had to switch from my son’s phone to another friend’s phone because he didn’t have space available for the app. The first part of one clip was good, but there was a little goof toward the end. We stopped and started that part over. I clipped and moved and added titles to clarify a couple of steps.

I watched and tweaked it about ten times before I was satisfied that it would sound and look good on Sunday morning. Done!

Do you ever wish you could edit your life?

I sure do.

It would be nice to always have people see me at my best.

When I stumble over my words or say something hurtful, it would be awesome if I could move the marker back in time, cut out my blunder, and start over.

I could scrub broken ankles, bouts with depression, and car accidents from my timeline.

Hours and hours of time frittered away scrolling social media could be deleted and only the productive moments would remain.

We all know that’s not how life works. We’re stuck living out every second of the life we’ve been given—the good, the bad, the exciting, and the boring.

Living life unedited can inspire others. Not trying to hide our failures and setbacks can encourage people to keep going when they have similar experiences.

Let’s do our best and enjoy the life we’re living—in all its unedited glory.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.” (Colossians 1:9–10 NIV)

Do you ever wish you could edit your life? How can focusing on God help you to do your best and live life unedited?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Enjoying Time Away

(This is the view from my parents’ house in Tennessee.)

I’m on vacation this week.

It’s strange, though, because I’m by myself.

Gary and I usually take trips together, but we decided I could just book a flight and go visit my parents and sister in Tennessee this week. Flying for the first time in about eighteen months was fun, but I missed sharing the experience with my husband.

Visiting my parents is nice, but I find myself fighting feelings of guilt for going off for a week and leaving my hubby to work and take care of things at home while I’m gone.

He’s not helpless and I know he’ll do fine, so I’m trying to just enjoy my time away. I’m taking long walks and spending time talking with my mom and dad and helping them do a few things around the house while I’m here.

As I’ve wrestled with my thoughts, I’m realizing that we often do this (or is it just me?).

When we’re working, we wish we could be playing.

When we’re playing, we feel guilty about the work we should be doing.

When we’re at home, we put off the tasks and responsibilities we have and fill our time with activities that can often be meaningless.

And when we’re taking time away, we too often think about all of the projects we left undone back at home.

If only we could focus completely on whatever we’re doing, balancing our work and play so that our tasks get done and we also enjoy our free time.

When I get back home, I’ll practice working hard when it’s time to work and enjoying my time off when it’s time to relax.

For now, I’m going to make sure I enjoy the rest of my time away.

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 NIV)

Do you enjoy your time away, or are you distracted by the work you left behind? How can focusing on God help you to work when it’s time to work and relax when it’s time to relax?

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Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Fighting Ourselves

I had a fight with a robin last week.

Looking out my kitchen window, I could see something in the dish full of jelly for the orioles. I went and picked a couple of twigs out of the dish, chuckled at the silly robin, and went back inside.

A little while later, I was shocked to see the beginnings of a nest!

I ran out and plucked the brush and twigs out of the feeder. Dumb bird.

I got busy with things inside and the next time I looked out it was worse.

Now I was getting mad! This bird was not going to win. I went out there every once in a while and tossed out the beginnings of several nests.

When I told Gary and the boys about it at lunchtime, Blake laughed and said, “It’s kind of like you’re fighting yourself!”

In the afternoon, Gary pointed out that I was being pretty cruel to the poor robin. She was just trying to build a nest so she could lay her eggs. He was right, and I felt terrible. I did what he suggested and put a bag over the feeder to force her to build her nest somewhere else.

It worked. I left the bag on for a day or so, and when I took it off she didn’t try to build there again. She must have found another spot.

As I fought with the bird that day, I realized that Blake was right. I was fighting myself. The silly robin wanted to build her nest in the wrong place, and this silly Robyn sometimes wants to stay in places that are wrong for me.

I put time and energy into things that don’t really matter way too often, and, even worse, I let negative ideas fill my mind and crowd out more helpful, productive thoughts. Instead of brooding over the bad thoughts, I need to catch hold of every single one and get it out of my head.

I could barely keep ahead of that ambitious robin, and it can be even harder to stay ahead of all of the thoughts that try to take up residence in my brain. If only there were a way to cover everything and keep those thoughts out.

That may not be possible, but there is something I can do. When I get confused and frustrated by my tendency to keep going back to the same old thoughts and sins, I can focus on something else instead. Looking to the Lord for his wisdom and strength just may help me stop fighting myself and find the perfect place to rest.

“I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15 NIV)

“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” (1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV)

Do you ever get frustrated by your tendency to do the things you don’t want to do? How can focusing on God help you to turn from those things and rest in him instead?