I See You

I am reposting this message because many individuals who reach out simply need validation. You are seen. You matter. You are loved, friends.

I See You

I see you running your child to therapy when your friends are running their kids to Little League or ballet

I see you slipping out of the conversation when your friends are all chiming in about milestones and test grades.

I see you constantly juggling appointments and meetings.

I see you sitting at your computer for hours researching what your child needs.

I see you cringe when people whine about what feels like petty things.

I see you spread thin but still going the extra mile for your family.

I see you digging for depths of strength you never dreamed you had.

I see you showing appreciation to the teachers, therapists and medical professionals who serve your child with you.

I see you rising early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night.

I see you when you’re hanging on to the end of your rope for dear life.

I know you feel invisible, like nobody notices any of it. But I want you to know I notice you. I see you relentlessly pushing onward. I see you keep choosing to do everything in your power to give your child the best possible care at home, in school, at therapy and the doctor.

What you’re doing matters. It’s worth it.

On those days when you wonder if you can do it another minute, I want you to know I see you. I want you to know you’re beautiful. I want you to know it’s worth it. I want you to know you aren’t alone. I want you to know love is what matters most, and you have that nailed.

And on those days when you have breakthroughs, those times when the hard work pays off and success is yours to cherish, I see you then too, and I am proud of you.

Whichever day today is, you’re worthy, you’re good and I see you.

~anonymous

I See You

I am reposting this message because many individuals who come to me for help simply want to be validated. If you would like someone to walk with you on this journey. reach out. You are seen. You matter. You are loved, friends.

 I See You

“I see you running your child to therapy when your friends are running their kids to Little League or ballet

I see you slipping out of the conversation when your friends are all chiming in about milestones and test grades.

I see you constantly juggling appointments and meetings.

I see you sitting at your computer for hours researching what your child needs.

I see you cringe when people whine about what feels like petty things.

I see you spread thin but still going the extra mile for your family.

I see you digging for depths of strength you never dreamed you had.

I see you showing appreciation to the teachers, therapists and medical professionals who serve your child with you.

I see you rising early in the morning to do it all again after another chaotic night.

I see you when you’re hanging on to the end of your rope for dear life.

I know you feel invisible, like nobody notices any of it. But I want you to know I notice you. I see you relentlessly pushing onward. I see you keep choosing to do everything in your power to give your child the best possible care at home, in school, at therapy and the doctor.

What you’re doing matters. It’s worth it.

On those days when you wonder if you can do it another minute, I want you to know I see you. I want you to know you’re beautiful. I want you to know it’s worth it. I want you to know you aren’t alone. I want you to know love is what matters most, and you have that nailed.

And on those days when you have breakthroughs, those times when the hard work pays off and success is yours to cherish, I see you then too, and I am proud of you.

Whichever day today is, you’re worthy, you’re good and I see you.”

~anonymous

Discovering and Using Your Strengths in Retirement

Are you in a season of retirement or soon will be?  If so, it is important to have a plan.  Often, within months of retirement, individuals find themselves depressed and without direction.
Everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning. Do you know yours?

When I left teaching several years ago, I went through a period of loss and confusion. I lost my sense of identity. I had a vague sense of direction, but was suddenly unsure of my purpose in this new season of life. One of the things that helped me tremendously was discovering my strengths. My StrengthsFinder Coach, Ken Barr, Jr, not only helped me discover my strengths, but also helped me discern direction for my new path. One of the things Ken does is ask these three questions:

1)    What do you do with excellence - at a high level?

2)    What do you do with ease - those things you do without even thinking about?

3)    What do you do with enjoyment - when you lose all track of time?

Your answers to these three questions are indicators of your strengths. They are your obsession, your super powers. When you are operating in these areas, you are working at your best. You and everyone around you benefit.

Do you know what your strengths are? If not, there is an online assessment at www.gallupstrengthsfinder.com where you can acquire an individualized code.  The results of the assessment will reveal your top 5 strengths.  Once you discover your strengths, it is vital to combine them with your life experience.  Knowing your strengths is not enough. It is important to discern ways to use your gifts to encourage and serve others. One of my passions is helping others discover their unique purpose on their journeys.  How can I help you?

Our joy in this life comes from using the gifts God has given each one of us in order to fully love ourselves and love our neighbors. Retirement can be a time of anxiety, loss of direction, and purpose, or a time of excitement and adventure.  The choice is up to you.

m/CP��ј�GD

The Pearl of Great Price

I’m thankful for our unique callings - for our purpose here on earth. Jesus tells a parable about the pearl of great price, referring to the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:45-46). Since we have the Kingdom of Heaven within us is it possible the pearl also refers to our calling? I believe whatever calling we have here on earth is continued in Heaven. We don’t stop being when we die. Instead, we are given a new heavenly body that enables us to use our gifts with no limitations. 
How far will you go to find this pearl Jesus speaks about? What do you need to find it? Who can help you?
When we are not true to our calling, there is a great division in our spirits. Often this division shows up as depression and anxiety. We are not created with a division in our souls. The division occurs after many years of living a life as someone we were not meant to be. 
Create some space in your day to listen to what your soul is speaking to you. Seek out others who will listen as you take your soul journey. They are not there to offer advice, but to ask discerning questions, to love you and support you as you seek God’s highest calling on your life. Offer to do the same for others. 
We can’t afford to waste this one precious life we have been given. Not only will we suffer, but so will those who would have been blessed by our gifts if we had chosen to use them. If you need help discovering your “pearl,” I would be happy to help you. Reach out and let’s set up a time to chat.

Encourage Others To Use Their Unique Gifts

I am very thankful for people who recognize and call out the unique gifts in others. The other day in band, our director told the kids that one of our students has a gift he's guessing most of them don't have, including himself.  He proceeded to play notes on the trombone and had the student say what they were.  She got almost every note right.  I think she missed one.  I could hear whispers of "Oh my gosh!" and "I can't do that!"  It was really cool to watch. When it was over, the kids all burst into spontaneous applause.  It was incredible! 
Our director gave this student her moment to shine.  So often others only see the outward appearances and behaviors of our students with unique abilities.  This teacher gave people an opportunity to see a rare gift in this individual.  It was truly a moment I will never forget and I'm guessing the student being recognized and the others who witnessed the experience won't either.
What gifts do you have that you can share with others? 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 tells us there are many gifts, but the same Spirit who gives them. How can you encourage others to use their unique gifts and skills? Is there someone in your life who isn’t recognized for their unique gifts and strengths? Determine today to encourage that person.

rs�����

Share Your Gifts With Others

The other day I offered my services to help others find their strengths. As soon as I sent off the email, doubts assaulted me. I’m so new at this. What if I can’t help? What if I fail? That’s the enemy friends. Every time we put ourselves out there, we risk failure. But, we also risk success. What if we are wildly successful? What if lives are changed by what we can offer others? If we have gifts we aren’t using, everyone loses.
I had to remind myself that I am never alone, that God’s Power is made strong in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Together with Christ we are mighty and powerful. Apart from Christ we can do nothing, but with Him we can do everything (John 15:5-8). With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). If there are gifts you are holding back from the world, open your heart, step out in faith, and share them with others. We only get a short time on this earth to use the unique gifts and skills God has given us. By ourselves we fall short, but with God by our side, we are more than enough.

If you need help discovering your areas of strength, contact me at transitionbridges.com

n�q'Ӂ�

Discovering Your Purpose

God has a unique calling for each of us. Years ago, I read something by Debbie Macomber that spoke of her desire for a word that defined her purpose. As she prayed about it, God laid the word, “blessing” on her heart. Whatever she did from that moment on, she remembered her word and determined to be a blessing to everyone she met and in everything she did.
Her story resonated deeply with me and I began to ask God for my word. Days later my daughter Heather and I attended a worship service at our downtown waterfront. As the beautiful music played, I sensed God very clearly impress on me the word “encourager.” I was to encourage all those in my path. I felt the word settle deep in my spirit and remain there. I have never forgotten it.
God calls us all to something. Romans 12:6-8 speaks of the fact that we have different gifts, according to the grace of each us. EACH of us. God doesn’t skip any one of us when He gives us our unique gifts. He goes on to instruct us to use our gifts. What life word does God have for you? Tuck it into the deepest recesses of your heart and BE that word. This world needs all that you have to offer.

If you need help discovering your unique gifts and strengths, I can help. Contact me through my website or at transitionbridges.com

Let’s work together to help you fulfill your life’s purpose..

Youthful Spirits

I’m thankful that God keeps our spirits young. There is no doubt that outwardly our bodies change as we age, but when we stay close to God, our spirits stay young. He promises to renew our minds (Ephesians 4:23; Romans 12:2). He promises we can run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint
(Isaiah 40:31). As we identify more and more with Christ, His Spirit becomes more and more intertwined with ours. Maybe by the time we get to Heaven, it will be difficult to distinguish our spirits with His. I pray this is so. I know for me personally, this time with Jesus is transforming my spirit. I feel this change at a deep level. Believe me, I have a loooong way to go, but daily I pray He changes me. I find myself praying that my strength will equal my days (Deuteronomy 33:25).
Friends, spend time daily with your Creator. He who formed you will keep your spirit young all the way into eternity as you draw closer to Him day by day. I pray His Light becomes your Light. Shine on!

<

Small Offerings

Thankful that God can create great things from small beginnings. Zechariah 4:10 says, “Who dares despise the day of small things?” In other words, God sees even the small acts of obedience you perform day in and day out and loves to expand and multiply those actions into something great.
Sometimes we see the fruit of our actions, but often we have no idea how far one simple act has gone. When we follow God’s nudges to help someone or perform a simple act of kindness, it’s important to follow through. God is powerful!
Think of the feeding of the five thousand. Because of one small act of obedience of a young boy who offered five fish and two small loaves of fish, thousands of mouths were fed, with food left over (John 6: 5-14). Jesus first said a prayer of thanks over the small meal, opening the door for His Heavenly Father to perform a miracle. I believe many lives were changed that day because of the simple act of one small boy. I often wonder if there were others who brought food, but didn’t offer it to the disciples because they wondered what good it would do to offer a simple picnic lunch to the great multitude of people who had gathered. Were they disappointed? They received the miracle, but didn’t participate in it because they didn’t believe Jesus could do anything great with their meager offerings.
Friends, never discount the gifts God has given you. In His hands, even the smallest act can be transformed into something miraculous for His Kingdom. Give thanks for what God is calling you to do and pray for a miracle over your offering. What small act will you perform in His name today?

��>B}hH

Sharing Your Gifts With Others

I’m thankful that we always have something we can share with others. We often think we don’t have anything to give to others when they are going through a difficult time.
My husband Scott and I receive so many requests for donations in the mail every day. They are all worthy causes, but we simply can’t give to everyone. However, we are able to help a couple of them and so choose to do so.
Time is also scarce in this season of our lives, but we always have time to help SOMEONE. Proverbs 3:27 tells us to help others whenever we are able. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the needs in this world, but there is always something we can do. God calls each of us to use our gifts to make the world a better place. It doesn’t cost anything to share a smile with someone or offer a word of encouragement. Perhaps there is a nudge to send a card, make a phone call, or chat over a cup of coffee. Follow those nudges. One simple act of kindness may touch someone’s life more than you can imagine. Choose to do one thing today for someone else. Both of your days will be brightened.

m�*7����