Being Courageous

Once upon a time, an author started a group for people to come together and encourage and dream and work and grow. The group evolved and people chased dreams and changed lives and accomplished things. We became cheerleaders and friends to people across the globe who we never would have met otherwise.

One man in the group, Chris, makes these Courageous Turtles. Aren’t they cute?! And they pack such great meaning! Don’t know the story? Check out the video at the end of this post.

The blue became a gift for my mother; the middle one, Hope, is my best friend’s. She LOVES green and pink and the HOPE is a reminder.

The green one with the anchor is for me to remember three things. #1 – the sea rocks are each unique, like me. They also allow light to shine through -#2- and my life is better when I allow Jesus to be that light. #3 – Christ is my anchor and my refuge. When I focus on Him, I can be content no matter my circumstances.

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:18-20

They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.
They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.
Psalm 112:8-9

Want your own Courageous Turtle? Chris sells them at his website here or follow him on Facebook!

Save

Save

In Season

“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Moana

I think a strong message of Moana is knowing who you are brings life to you and everyone around you. Your family defines you, but doesn’t MAKE you. But at some point you must leave them behind or you will be stifled and not ‘yourself.’

There will be danger, you will be scared, but you must do some things by yourself. Even if you leave your family for a time, they are an important part of who you are, and you will return to them in way way or other.

Don’t settle for what others say you are. You define yourself. Don’t play along with what your society role is, follow the song inside (which we know is sent by Jesus).
And one day they’ll know, and you’ll know how far you can go.

The music is catchy, fun, and beautiful – which never hurts!

So…there is my review of Moana.

As Larry says, “I laughed; I cried. I was moved, Bob.” It’s funny and entertaining, but I’m crying by the end each time. Maybe because it’s speaking to me so deeply right now.

But I have a better guide than Moana. She had a demigod. I have the God of gods. And HE doesn’t refuse to help us or leave us or abandon us or try to eat our friends.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13:5-6

Save

Save

Save

When You’re Weary

Sometimes it’s been a hard minute or day or week or month or year and you (ahem, *I*) just need a little reminder that you and I, we have friends who pray for us.

And so that little reminder gets set in something beautiful from a random walk so you can remember often and share the love.

If you’re having one of those days/weeks/months/years…I hope this encourages you. I’d love to pray with and for you…drop me a note!