Laurie Hopkins

August 19 2019

I’m Stuck, You’re Stuck, We’re All Stuck – Why We Feel There is More Than This and What We Can Do About It

A few weeks ago we talked about murmuring and its ability to keep us stuck making paths around the same old mountains, learning the same old lessons. Some of us read that and thought, “oh, that’s interesting, but it doesn’t really apply to me.” But if we were to be really honest with ourselves and with those around us, we would say, “I’m Stuck, You’re Stuck, We’re All Stuck! This week I would love for us to chat about “why we feel there is more than this and what we can do about it!

Checking In

How are you doing? Really, how are you doing? Not the pat answer, “oh, I’m OK.” But the real, open up and tell me your thoughts, answer. I would love to hear from you and how you are doing with the life issues we are chatting about. Drop a note below or connect with me by email by clicking here. The last few weeks have been a real eye-opener for me. I love when I sit down and share with others because I always find it is for me first! Are you a murmurer? I am. There is no shame in that. At least I’m aware of it and because I am aware of it, I can begin to make a shift. Hang in there, change takes time. Don’t get discouraged, tomorrow is always a new day!

Stuck Defined

Merriam Webster has a Kids Dictionary (let’s keep it straightforward). So I plugged in the word “stuck” and this is what I got:

to put in a specified place or position
to remain in a place, situation, or environment
to halt the movement or action of
BAFFLE
to burden with something unpleasant
to cling or cause to cling
to become blocked or jammed

Merriam Webster (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stick#kidsdictionary

Well, I don’t know about you, but when I talk about feeling stuck, this is exactly how I feel; placed, remaining, halted, baffled, burdened, clingy and blocked. What other words or phrases would you use to describe the feeling of being stuck?

How Can You Feel Stuck When You Are Moving?

But, you say, I get up every day and take care of the day to day things, get to work, make supper, sometimes even meet with my friends for tea. Am I really stuck if I’m still moving? The question is not so much about how much you are moving; we have a tremendous ability to push through and keep moving in spite of how we feel and the circumstances we find ourselves in. Rather, the question is more about how are we feel about moving. My experience of feeling stuck is not so much about how much I am or am not moving, but rather about the thoughts that come; “there has to be more than this.” Or even more so, the thought “I am more than this.”

There Has To Be More Than This – (I’m Tired Of Running In Place)

There is an old saying about worry being like a rocking chair, lots of motion but not getting anywhere. Being stuck is similar to sitting in a rocking chair. We feel like we are moving and moving fast, but at the end of the day when we evaluate our progress, we see that we haven’t made much if any, headway. I don’t know about you, but I’m weary of this feeling of running in place. There has to be more than this!

I Am More Than This (Stuck Is A Mindset)

Further to this last thought, being stuck for long periods of time begins to do a job on our self-esteem. We begin to feel unable and unproductive and over time, we move from not just feeling there has to be more than this, but it becomes personal; I am more than this! Stuck is a mindset and mindsets are personal. They impact the very way we see ourselves, which over time impacts the way others see us and respond to us as well.

What Keeps Us Stuck? (Thought Life and In-Authenticity)

So why are we so stuck? Why this feeling of “there is” , “I am” more? Let’s look at 4 things that keep us stuck:

1) Our thought life – as we think, so we are (Proverbs 23:7). We often don’t realize the importance or necessity of keeping a tight rein on our thought life; so we allow it to wander where it will. But our thought life determines our direction. If we are entertaining negative, destructive, or self-defeating thoughts in our mind, that will result in like-minded actions in our life; the self-fulfilling prophecy.

2) In-authenticity – cognitive dissonance happens when we act in a way that is contrary to what we believe. How many of us spend a large portion of our time creating a beautiful and complicated facade to present to the world around us; carefully protected the real bits and pieces of who we are from the judgment of ourselves and others? We can’t move forward because we are using up our time and energy creating that which runs opposite to what we truly are. We find ourselves stuck in the dance of “how do you like me now?”

What Keeps Us Stuck? (Fear And Unintentional Living)

3) Fear – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the unknown, fear of what others will think. So many fears that can keep us paralyzed on all fronts. Fear causes a lack of forward movement. And stuck happens!

4) Not living intentionally – unintentional living brings us back to that rocking chair. We are busy, moving quickly, but because we don’t know where we are heading, we never feel like we are arriving. If you don’t know where you want to go, how will you ever know when you get there?

So What’s The Antidote To Stuck? (As Individuals)

1) Get control of those thoughts – “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” NKJV Search Results for “renewing” AND “of” AND “your” AND “mind”. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//search/search.cfm?Criteria=renewing+of+your+mind&t=NKJV#s=s_primary_0_1

2) Be the real you – “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” NKJV Search Results for “fearfully” AND “and” AND “wonderfully” AND “made”. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//search/search.cfm?Criteria=fearfully+and+wonderfully+made&t=NKJV#s=s_primary_0_1

3) Do it afraid – “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” NKJV Search Results for “do” AND “not” AND “fear”. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//search/search.cfm?Criteria=do+not+fear&t=NKJV#s=s_primary_0_1

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” NKJV Search Results for “i” AND “can” AND “do” AND “all” AND “things”. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//search/search.cfm?Criteria=i+can+do+all+things&t=NKJV#s=s_primary_0_1

4) Make a plan –“ The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD” NKJV Search Results for “the” AND “steps” AND “of” AND “a” AND “good” AND “man” AND “are” AND “ordered”. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//search/search.cfm?Criteria=the+steps+of+a+good+man+are+ordered&t=NKJV#s=s_primary_0_1

So What’s The Antidote To Stuck? (As Community)

1) Encourage someone else – know that if you are feeling stuck, others around you are feeling stuck. Actively reach out and check on those around you. Find out where they are, where they want to go and how you can be an encouragement to them on that journey.

2) Let others be the real them – you will begin to find freedom in being the real you when you begin to let others be their real selves. Expectations breed expectations. The search for real can begin with you.

3) Find your tribe – there is a group out there for all of us; a small or large group of people with whom we identify and with whom we feel able to be genuinely us. Go out and find your tribe.

4) Share your stories – unity and community will be built as we discover who we really are, live who we really are, and are honest with ourselves and others about our stories. Sharing creates connection. Connections lead to encouragement. Encouragement encourages forward momentum.

What I Know

I know that we are not alone in our feelings of being stuck. Somehow, I know that I’m stuck, you’re stuck, we’re all stuck! I also know that we feel like there is more than this because there is more than this.

We need to start by admitting where we are and then move on to consciously deciding where we want to be. In between we need to live real and build unity and community by sharing our stories and encouraging one another.

In doing this we will be able to trade in the rocking chair for something that will not just occupy our time and keep us moving, but will actually begin to take us somewhere!

Until Next Time

Well, it is that time again. The bit of tea that is left in my cup has grown cold. I so cherish our time together and I hope that you do as well.

I would love to hear from you. Are you feeling stuck? What would you like to do about it? How can I, or others around you, encourage you to trade that rocking chair for something that will allow for forward momentum? Drop me some notes below in the comments section!

If you are getting something out of our conversations and know others who would like to join us, share the blog using the email, Facebook or Pinterest buttons directly below the blog! The more the merrier!

If you are interested in more Devotional reading, head over to my Facebook Page where you will find a Weekly Devotion early every Monday morning. Click here to go directly to my Facebook Page.

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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August 5 2019

Why Do We Always Judge A Book By Its Cover – Why We Should Let The Word of God Speak For Itself

Welcome

Welcome, Welcome. It is that time again. Grab your favorite mug and come and sit down with me for a few minutes. It has been awhile since we chatted. The time moves so quickly, let’s anchor a few moments together. Last week we talked about this blog as a community waiting to be built. Remember, I want to hear your questions, your comments, your concerns, and your voice! Take some time and leave me some notes in the comment section below anytime!

Why Do We Always Judge A Book By Its Cover - Why We Should Let The Word of God Speak For Itself

This week I want to talk with you about the Bible – The Word of God. As human beings, because we are moving fast, we tend to look quickly, and see things quickly which leads to us making assumptions/judgments about what we see/hear quickly. Sometimes we refer to this as “judging a book by its cover.” Some things shouldn’t be judged quickly! My question for us today is: Why Do We Always Judge a Book By Its Cover – Why We Should Let The Word of God Speak For Itself

Judging a Book By Its Cover

What exactly do we mean when we talk about judging a book by its cover? When I think about this, I think about the word assume. About moving quickly, not taking the time to see things for what they are. Rather taking the shortcut of believing we know what we know with that first glance. Although we are often told that first impressions are important, I believe they can also be very inaccurate at times. Have you ever met someone, disliked them immediately, but overtime, came to love them, or at least respect them? What happened? Your first, quick glance, didn’t give you all the information you needed. You made an assumption, followed by a judgement. You made a decision out of context. In short, you judged that book by its cover.

The Book

Judging a book by its cover often refers to making assumptions about people, but today I thought we could talk about the judgement/assumptions made around an actual book, the Bible. The Bible is not just any book; it is the Word of God. And it is probably one of the most misunderstood books out there. Many people have made many assumptions, judgments, and decisions out of context, around what is written in the Bible. We often hear Christians and non-Christians alike quoting Bible verses, in the positive or the negative, to support their belief or non-belief. Christians are often defensive of the Word, working hard to sell it, and those who are not Christians often take offense. What I would suggest to you today, is that the defensiveness and offense are not necessary. They are primarily a result of judging this book by its cover. It often involves a quick look, taken out of context, leading to an assumption and then a judgement.

A Living Word

OK, so we’ve taken the first step. We have acknowledged that we do often judge a book by its cover, especially this one. Now what do we do about it? I would suggest the next step is understanding that we can let the Word of God speak for itself. It does not need to be sold, or defended unnecessarily. Rather it needs to be shared and then it needs to be allowed to speak for itself.

The Bible is the Word of God. It is not just words written long ago by those long since dead. It is a living and powerful Word. A Word that you will find will speak to you in any situation you find yourself in. Hebrews 4:12 tells us: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (NKJV Search Results for “sharper” AND “than” AND “any” AND “two” AND “edged” AND “sword”. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org//search/search.cfm?Criteria=sharper+than+any+two+edged+sword&t=NKJV#s=s_primary_0_1).

Why We Should Let The Word Of God Speak For Itself

When you sit with the Bible, sit in the Word, with an open mind and an open heart, it will speak to you. It will speak into your life; right into the very situations you find yourself in.

When you sit with the Bible, sit in the Word, with an open mind and an open heart, you will begin to understand the bits and pieces you have heard over your lifetime, within a context. Context helps to frame what you are reading and prevents assumptions that lead to judgments.

When you sit with the Bible, sit in the Word, with an open mind and an open heart, you begin to gather all the information you need. The information that is needed to really understand what you are reading, the One who’s Word it is, and yourself. You will actually begin to develop a relationship with this Word.

But The Bible is Boring and Irrelevant

The Bible is a book about love, faithfulness, power, supernatural moving, and relational living. It is a book of action, love stories, war and peace, miracles and so much more. There is nothing boring about the Bible. That is yet another assumption that has led to judgments.

As we talked about early, the Bible is a living Word. Because it is a living Word, it is always relevant. If you speak to anyone who actually spends time in the Word, they will tell you that no matter how many times they read the same passages of the Bible, that it continually speaks something new and refreshing into their current situation. The Bible is a book that is always relevant primarily because it is always speaking.

I Dare You To Sit With The Word

It is time for us to start really sitting in and with the Word of God. Christians need to lead the way. We need not be quoting Scripture randomly and out of context. There is a need for us to sit with the Word first ourselves. Really sit with it. Get to understand it in its full context and grow in relationship with it. Then we will be able and willing to share the Word with those around us. Not selling it, or aggressively arguing it with a few verses taken out of context. Rather, talking about our experience with it. An experience always outweighs an intellectual argument. For those who are not Christians, who have never actually read the Bible, who have not sat in and with the Word, I would encourage you to take some time and actually sit with it. Make a commitment to see what it is all about.

It Will Change You

I believe with all my heart, because it has been my experience, that you cannot sit in the Word with an open heart and an open mind and not be impacted and changed. It doesn’t matter how many Bible verses you already know or how little experience you have with the Bible. A living Word creates change!

I Dare You

So today, I dare you! I dare you to commit some time. Get out the Bible and start reading. If you need comfort, start with the Psalms. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John will help you learn more about the life of Jesus. If you love history, you may want to start in the Old Testament. Looking for a love story, start with Song of Songs or Song of Solomon.

Things to Remember

It is important to understand that the Bible overlaps and everything isn’t in chronological order. Some things are also repeated. Also, there are many versions of the Bible out there – New King James, Old King James, The Passion Translation, NIV, etc. It doesn’t matter which version you read. Preferably start with something that you can actually read and understand. Unless you love Old English, the Old King James may not be the best choice for you. You can find the Bible in bookstores, libraries, second hand stores and online as well.

Until Next Time

My favorite thing about the Word of God is that it is always relevant to my life and it continuously speaks to me. It never gets old or boring or repetitive. There is always something new to read and receive.

Well, it is that time again! I can once again see the bottom of my tea cup which tells me it is time to go! I’m so happy you dropped by and we had an opportunity to chat!

Grab your Bible this week and start reading. I would love to hear about your experience/journey with it. Drop me some notes below in the comments section as you begin to read!

If you are interested in more Devotional reading, head over to my Facebook Page where you will find a Weekly Devotion early every Monday morning. Click here to go directly to Weekly Devotions with Laurie.

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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July 22 2019

Community – The Antidote To the World We Find Ourselves In

Community - The Antidote to the World We Find Ourselves In

In today’s world there seems to be a lot of people who can find a lot of things to disagree on. But I believe we can all agree on one thing; that overall, the current vibe is a bit chaotic and quite negative. In the midst of it all are, what I like to call, the 3 d’s: discontentment, disconnection and division. This week I’d like for us to consider: Community- the Antidote to the Word We Find Ourselves In.

The Week Is New

The week is new! If you have been joining in regularly you know the drill. For those of you who are new to us, grab your favorite mug and drink and set aside a few minutes to sit and chat! You may have noticed it has been 2 weeks since we last sat together. Going forward this will be the new schedule. Every 2^nd Monday morning you will find a new blog post right here!

Be sure to check in regularly. I miss you when you don’t show up! Even better, to ensure you don’t miss any postings, see the directions to subscribe to receive this blog in your email on the right hand side of the page. If you are reading this outside of the website, click here to go directly to the website.

Step 1- Considering Community

What do you think of when you hear the word “community”? How would you define the word “community”? In contrast to the 3 d’s mentioned above: discontent, disconnection and division, community speaks of similarities, support and unity. A community is a group of individuals who gather together. That gathering can, but doesn’t have to, take place in the same physical space. Individuals in some communities may have never physically met one another, but are connected none the less. Communities have similar interests, visions and/or goals. They gather for the purpose of having a united voice. Communities also gather to support and encourage one another.

What Do Your Communities Look Like?

We are part of many communities. Our families, our social groups, our churches, our work places, the people we hang around with, groups that we find ourselves interested in, hobby groups, and sport groups are all examples of communities. They all represent people with common interests, coming together, with a united voice and purpose, supporting and encouraging one another. What communities are you a part of? Can you identify the common voice and goal of each of those communities? How do you support and encourage one another?

My Hope And Vision For This Community

This blog can also be a community. Although we are not physically together as I write and as you read this blog, my hope and vision for this time and space is that through it we can build a community; a real sense of being together. My hope and vision includes a two way dialogue that is more than me writing and you reading. I want to hear your voice, answer your questions and talk about topics that are of interest to all of us. Over time, I want us to grow together, supporting and encouraging one another, as we share our hearts, thoughts, vision for our lives and the lives around us, our dreams and the goals we will put in place to get us there.

Together, In This Time And Space, We Can Build Community

Did you know that we can actually chat back and forth through the comment section? I welcome your comments, questions, suggestions for topics of discussion and your thoughts. Your heart is what I want to hear! I want to hear all about your big dreams! Be the one to start the conversation and someone else will be more likely to join in. As well, you can always be in touch with me through email or on my Facebook Business page. Let’s make this a two way conversation!

Step 2 - Community And The World We Find Ourselves In

“The world we find ourselves in.” There is something about this statement that doesn’t sit right with me. I believe it is the sense I get, as it rolls off my tongue that we have allowed life and the world to happen to us; it has impacted us, but we have not moved in such a way as to impact it. We are meant to take an active role in life and the world around us. Sitting back and allowing life and the world happen to us, puts us in a situation where the 3 d’s have full control over us and maximum impact on us. Discontentment, disconnection and division; this is not the direction we want to be headed in. Discontent = lack of satisfaction or contentment. Disconnection=to detach or terminate a connection. Division=separation and disunity. The 3 d’s involve the breaking apart of connections and the resulting lack of contentment.

Step 3 -Community As An Andidote

I believe that the antidote can be found in the building of community. An antidote is something that remedies or counteracts. What are we counteracting? We are counteracting the fact that we have allowed the world to impact us, rather than impacting it. The 3 d’s of discontentment, disconnection and division that have resulted in a negative and chaotic atmosphere also need counteracting. Now what? It is time to build community. Remember, community is about connection; connection around common interests, vision and goals; connection that happens when we support and encourage one another. This connection is an active process. It requires a decision, on our part, to become part of a community, to work to grow within that community and to help build that community. Connection counteracts disconnection. The active process counteracts the inactivity of allowing life and the world to happen to us.

Who Is Your Community?

Where do you find community? How to you connect and grow in a community? We are already connected to many communities by the very nature of communities. We are human beings – we have interests, visions and goals. By the very nature of that we have a connection to communities that are already established. As human beings, we were created to connect. We are meant to be in relationship, not just with God but with one another. Communities are natural places for us. However, in the midst of the world we have found ourselves in, many of us have become discontented, disconnected and divided. There is no judgement in that statement. But it is necessary to state, because until we become aware of our current condition, we won’t be able to make a decision to change that condition.

Step 5 – Communities: Identifying Where You Need To Grow and Build

So, now for the fun part; it is time to find your tribe and start connecting. As mentioned earlier, this is an active process:

1) You need to make a decision to have an impact on life and the world around you, rather than just letting it happen to you

2) You need to identify your community

3) You need to commit to growing as an individual within that community

4) You need to commit to helping build that community

Do you have some communities in mind that you can step into and start growing in and helping to build? Or do you have a community on your mind or in your heart that you haven’t yet come across; a community that you believe is yours to build? Now is the time!

Step 6 -Community: You Can Start Here

This blog is a community waiting to be built. Although we are not physically together as I write and as you read this blog, my hope and vision for this time and space is that through it we can build a community; a real connected community. I can’t emphasize it enough, I want to hear your voices, answer your questions and talk about topics that are of interest to all of us. Over time, I want us to grow together, supporting and encouraging one another, as we share our hearts, thoughts, vision for our lives and the lives around us, our dreams and the goals we will put in place to get us there.

Community: What's Next?

Together, in this time and space, we can build community. Drop some comments in the comment space below. Let me know how you feel about what we are talking about. Throw in some suggestions for future chats.

Also, you can always be in touch with me through email or on my Facebook Business Page. Let’s make this a two way conversation! Let’s build a community.

Until Next Time

Communities happen in many different times and spaces. Step out today and identify at least one community to really commit to. Jump in with both feet and see what amazing things happen. I would love to have you actively join and begin building this community as well. Let’s see how many comments we can drop in the comment space below!

Well, it is that time again! I’m out of tea and so it is time for me to go. So happy you dropped by! Remember, if you are on my blog, there are directions to subscribe to receive this blog in your email, on the right hand side of the page. Otherwise, click here to go directly to my website.

Also, since we are building community, share the blog posts with your friends. By clicking on the symbols below the blog you can share with your friends, via email, Facebook, or Pinterest. Or direct them to the blog at https://www.laurie hopkins.ca

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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