RESTORE
Definition: To give back (someone or something that was lost or taken) : to return (someone or something). To put or bring (something) back into existence or use. To return (something) to an earlier or original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.
Darn it, here I am again one month from my last post! I have had the best intensions this year to be more faithful in my blog post and doing what I truly love to do and that is writing from the heart. Yet sometimes life and our daily activities truly seem to just get in the way and keeping us from pursuing those desires that are locked up inside or derailing us from the train track temporarily…so as I have said before and will say again…It is time to begin again, here goes…
Just so you know, I have a warm scrumptious cup of Chai Oolong Maharaja tea that my children gave me for Mother’s Day savoring in my favorite cup, my laptop plopped in my lap, a fuzzy blanket wrapped around me in the wee hours of this beautiful morning. I can hear the dog snoring as she is curled up at my feet and my fingers ready to type all these random thoughts rolling around in my head. I have begun to think about what I want to share this week and the word “RESTORE” pops into my head. You see I have been working on several projects at home and at work to RESTORE a feeling of warmth, balance and refresh my surroundings. It makes me happy to visualize and make subtle changes whether it is painting furniture with chalk paint or changing the color of the wall to adding a pop of color with a new pillow for the couch. Even the fresh cut flowers sitting on the table makes me smile. It truly brings back a sense of peace in this chaotic world we live in.
I have a few antiques that have been passed down from generation to generation. In order to keep the wood luxurious I know I have to give it a good cleaning from time to time and put some tung oil on it, rubbing it into the grain and watching it come back to life. It is amazing. I also like to watch a parched plant from the heat of the day and what a little water can do to RESTORE its beauty and perk it right up. How many times do you have a computer issue and you have to RESTORE its data? Just recently my poor mother in law was hit with a severe Spring storm and a tornado blew though their little community. She had half of a tall pine tree come crashing down on her roof splitting the trellis in the attic and causing major damage to the sheetrock, ceiling, walls and rain pouring into the house. Fortunately she and the cat were safe in the center closet of the home and over the next few weeks we will watch the transformation of how the insurance company and construction workers can slowly RESTORE the present situation into a beautiful home once again. So thankful for her safety it could have been so much worse.
Last week I attended a conference where an incredible soldier, Shiloh Harris and author of Steel Will spoke what an inspirational being…he had everything going his way while serving our country and fighting for our freedom…then the tables turned in an instant and he was blown up, lost two of his friends in the accident and he really should not have lived either…but God had a purpose and he has an incredible testimony of surviving the unthinkable walking through hell to become the man he was meant to be. As he quoted “Everything in your life is a gift. Sometimes it may not be the gift you want, but you realize that your challenges are a new beginning.” His words RESTORED my soul and I realized my issues were not as severe as his and yet he overcame, prevailed and is RESTORED even better than he was before the accident. I encourage you to pick up his book or if you need a speaker at an event…his story is life changing and he adds quite a bit of humor even amongst all the tragedy!
I am not sure about you but God has a unique way of bringing individuals into our lives just at the right moment. Through their words, actions and simply their being they can bring you out of a funk or help to get you back on track. That is exactly what happened yesterday. My energized and very balanced friend who I feel knows me like no other gave me some wonderful pearls of wisdom. Her words keep replaying in my mind…what is stopping us from taking the next step in reaching our dreams? Is it fear, lack of confidence or self- worth, not the right time or simply that fact we need to RESTORE our souls. We need to take that leap of faith, stepping outside our comfort zone and simply make things happen. No more excuses and letting those big ole “buts” get in our way! What about YOU is there a buried dream, desire or goal that you have locked inside waiting to be unleashed? Maybe you need a little restoration to bring it all back to life! Take out the rag and begin rubbing it on the tarnished being….breathe in deeply, slowly rubbing back and forth let your mind wonder…I like to refer to it as “Takin Time Out”…what sparks an interest…keep rubbing slowly…is it a workout plan, renewing an old friendship, making a call to a relative or baking some cookies for a neighbor? What areas of your life need RESTORED? Health, wealth, spiritual, physical, or is it mental like lack of focus or clarity? Let’s build up that energy slowly, deeply and begin to envision what it is that has been holding us back?
The bible is very clear in several verses about restoration, restoring God’s restoration of our marriage, friendships, relationships, hope, health, faith, joy, purity, trust, broken relationships, family, healing and spiritual restoration. I encourage you when you are desperate or at your wits end to turn to him, read his word and find the hope and restoration you are looking for.
I think of poor Job, if you haven’t read this tiny yet powerful book in the bible I encourage you to do so. He went through so much pain and suffering yet he was RESTORED through his constant faith and trust in God. Job was a very wealthy man living in a land called Uz (no not Oz like in the Wizard of Oz) but Uz. This land no longer exists today and scholars are divided on the actual location, some have suggested it was near Damascus while others feel it was near Edom and I have read it was a home of the Arabs located in Syria and western Jordan. All I know is it was way far away from Texas…. Job had so much yet he lost it all including his wife, family, health, home but he did not lose his hope and faith in God. The scripture reminds us after all this devastation God RESTORED his environment and doubled his blessings. Job 42:10 “And the Lord RESTORED the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends, and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Where are YOU in life have you lost something or have had health issues? Jeremiah 30:17 “For I will RESTORE health to you and heal your wounds declares the Lord because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.” Psalm 23:3 “God RESTORED my soul” Keep the faith and restoration will eventually prevail! God is good…
As you are “Takin Time Out” this week what area of your life needs RESTORED? Do you need to drag out that tutu from your childhood and put it on? Let’s imagine for just a moment mine is pink, fluffy and oh how I can dance pretending I am on stage in New York, yes the childhood innocence of make believe, words I can do all, I can be all and I can have it all? Let’s RESTORE that feeling again.. I love Audrey Hepburn’s quote “People, even more than things, have to be RESTORED, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.”
Until next time my friend let’s all help each other to be RESTORED!
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