Value of "With"

In our culture today, we value "doing." If all we ever value is "doing," it inevitably leads us to strive because we are limited beings with limited capacity. In our modes of striving (I know I do this), others become things that help us achieve some impact or goal. Our families usually take the brunt of this.

This isn't the relationship God has with us. He doesn't see us as tools in his factory that help get the job done. He sees us as sons. He wants to be with us; this doesn't mean we sit around on the couch with him. He does call us to act, but his doing isn't striving. God doesn't need us to do anything for him; he wants us to do things with him. Everything flows out of relationship. If you add the simple word with, it changes everything. When you say:

"Son, clean up the yard."

You ask him to do things for you because you don't always have the time to. But let's add in the simple phrase "with me" and see what happens:

"Son, come and clean up the yard with me."

That sounds much more like an invitation to a relationship, doesn't it? If God desires a relationship with us, how would your sons (as image bearers) not have this same desire? Your sons want a relationship with you, not just to do things for you.

Your son might not even care what you are doing as long as you do it together. It moves from an action to achieve a goal into the pursuit of our son's heart.

Invite your son into life with you, not for you; it changes hearts in ways you will never fully understand.

Hands Up, Hands Down Rythm

Every day, we wake up with dozens of thoughts and emotions swirling in our Hearts. I (Chris) often feel the pull to do the bare minimum to quiet my internal world. Instead of finding true peace, I tend to get out of bed to tackle my problems immediately. Still, in the process, I ignore my Heart to "get things done." Work, my daily performance, and the To-Do list quickly become magnets that draw me away from being present with God before I jump into my day. This isn't what our Creator wants for us. He wants to give us the fruits of his presence (love, joy, peace, etc.), and we CAN taste those fruits, but we must be intentional.

As we walk through the Wilderness, we must detach or release our magnets (fear, anxiety, to-dos, our boss, our work, etc.) so we can calibrate to our Father's Heart and receive his Spirit's guidance for our day. This doesn't have to look like disappearing for an hour into the woods at 5 AM. This can simply be a few minutes in the car BEFORE you go to work. Or some time with a cup of coffee and a journal. Whatever the setting and time, we want to invite you into a rhythm of Hands Up, Hands Down. This rhythm only takes about 15 minutes and is a fantastic way to begin your day or take a mid-day to afternoon break. We recommend having your journal and a pen (though it's not mandatory). Here's how the rhythm works:

1. Find a quiet place to be alone (a study, your porch, a closet- anywhere).
2. Put your hands out, facing the ground. Pray off everything that is a magnet to your Heart. Tell him what is weighing heavy on you this morning and what emotions you're feeling as a result. Release them to your heavenly Dad. If it helps, imagine giving these things to him in your imagination.
3. Once you give him everything on your mind, turn your hands over. Ask your Creator, "What do you think about me?" "Want to say to me today?" and "How can I walk with you today?"
4. Sit in silence and listen. If you are struggling to push away your anxious thoughts, go back and repeat step 2.
5. Finally, spend some time in gratitude.
6. Once you are done, we recommend journaling what you heard God say.