The Unveiling: Discovering God's Plan One Curtain at a Time

Lately, I have been reflecting on the topic of God's plan and the process of discovering it. As a visual learner, imagery and analogies mean a great deal to me, especially when it comes to my faith. To my surprise, after a long and meaningful conversation with a dear friend of mine,  an image immediately came to mind regarding this very topic. I feel prompted to share it with you and I pray it resonates with you in some way, shape, or form.

Curtains, drapes, yards of cloth cascading down window sills...the elegance cannot be described. Imagine a never ending room with hundreds of these hanging vertically from the ceiling in a straight line. An individual enters the room and is given a choice to stay in the space between curtains or to continue to walk and pull the curtains one by one. The space in between represents a stage of life that is known, comfortable, and provides stability and safety to the individual. Pulling the curtain draped in front of him/her would mean change and stepping into the mysterious unknown--acting in faith despite fear and insecurity. However, if the curtain is pulled, further discovery will occur, eyes will be opened, and the great adventure of life continues.

As believers and followers of Christ, we are guaranteed favor and blessing in our lives. It doesn't mean that we won't go through struggles, in fact, we will go through many in our lifetime. But God promises to remain our Rock and stability throughout every hill and valley. This room of curtains represents the journey of life and the free will God has granted us to dictate how far we are willing to go on the unknown path. God unveils his plan piece by piece through the leading of the Holy Spirit, but if we are unwilling to take the steps to discover our story, we may very well miss out on the fullness of God's magnificent plan. I don't know about you, but I don't want to experience merely a fraction of His will. I want to allow God to determine my capacity (what I can and cannot do) and reveal to me His incredible power in and through me day by day--curtain by curtain.

My challenge for you today is this: are there curtains in your life that you need to pull? Perhaps God has prompted you to pursue that ambition or dream He has placed in your heart but fear has held you captive. Perhaps He is asking you to let go of something that you have gripped onto for so long and begin moving forward. Or maybe he wants you to begin taking baby steps towards that next curtain...to begin acting boldly with the knowledge that He will not lead you anywhere he cannot sustain you. Don't stand in the way of what God is trying to do in your life. Don't allow the enemy to keep you in a state of paralysis as if someone has pressed the pause button--he is strategically keeping you from the people you could reach and the many blessings awaiting you on the other side of your act of faith.

No matter what stage of life you find yourself in, God is not finished with you. There are more things to discover...more things he wants to unveil to you...a road still to be traveled on. The question is, are you willing to pull the curtains?

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." - Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

10 Things I Learned from Mr. Rogers

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, would you be mine?"

I will never forget the Saturday mornings spent in my pajamas, eating breakfast, turning on the television and watching Mr. Rogers. Perhaps you share these fond memories as well...the gentle sound of his voice and colorful tones of his cardigans, the mail man, the trolly and puppets...oh and we can't forget the fish! I don't know about you, but Mr. Rogers did more than entertain me growing up. He inspired me. Of course, at the time, I was unaware of the impact he had on my childhood, but now I can say with full confidence that Mr. Rogers taught me a great deal about life.

 

Here are 10 things I learned from Mr. Rogers:

1. Love your neighbor (and fish) - Mr. Rogers stood on this simple yet profound principle. The very heartbeat of God is to love unceasingly. Whether the recipients are humans, animals, nature etc., if it's God's creation, then we are called to respect and care for it.   

“Love isn't a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like struggle. To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.”

2. Generosity - Give generously. Wherever Mr. Rogers went, he served. Whether through his finances, words of encouragement or time and energy, he never grew weary of giving.

3. Recognize others - Every episode, Mr. Rogers would either take his viewers on a journey via film (the vintage VHS tape) or perhaps visit places himself such as factories, performance halls, restaurants, etc. interviewing professionals in various fields. He encouraged them in their talents and inspired children to pursue their dreams in the process. Wherever we go in life and whomever we encounter along the way, may we never cease to build others up and remind them of their value, significance, and distinct purpose in the global community. 

"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” 

4. Character - No matter what happens circumstantially, never compromise your character. We watched the puppets experience great conflict and ethical dilemmas, yet grow to understand the vitality of maintaining character throughout. Praise and achievements will come and go, but a person's character is of the utmost importance--it's his or her legacy.

5. Consistency - Have you ever had a friend that you could consistently count on? That no matter what you were going through, they were faithful in supporting you? Mr. Rogers was that friend. Although he experienced challenges and every normal human emotion, he was not one person one day and a different person the next. Many articles have recognized Mr. Rogers for his genuine spirit--that he was the same person on screen as he was off screen. His character and integrity were something that never wavered. He was reliable.

6. Gentleness - There's power in a sweet, kind, and gentle spirit. A professor once told me that strength can be found behind the eyes and a smile. Although Mr. Rogers was a quieter man, his strength lied not within the volume of his voice. Rather, it was the soft and loving, yet profound words spoken that penetrated the hearts of children and adults alike. There is power in gentleness.

7. Joy - The older I get, the more I am faced with the harsh realities and challenges of life. However, joy is not contingent upon circumstances. It lies within the depth of our hearts. Mr. Rogers was a man of faith and his stability was not a result of his ignorance of these external factors but rather a decision to rest in the promises of his God.

8. Power in the mundane - Be faithful in the small things. Whether feeding your fish, picking up your mail, going to school/work, or watching the kids etc, understand that none of it is in vain. Dilligence is rewarded. Every day possesses opportunities to spread love and kindness. Instead of overlooking those around you, be attentive and watch God prompt you, lead your conversations, and make an ordinary day an extraordinary day.

9. Gratitude - In his 1997 Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech, Mr. Rogers emphasized the importance of acknowledging those that have helped us get to where we are today. Never forget your humble beginnings nor the people who have been there for you through the hills and valleys.

10. See the good - Great challenge and strife will continue to affect this world, yet we must never overlook the hope that still exists--the light still peaking through the clouds. In fact, choosing to see the good in the world is not an ignorant approach but rather a visionary approach. Believing in the present and striving for a better tomorrow. Our sphere of influence can and will expand with the proper amount of faith and motivation. Yes, this world is broken, but it is not a lost cause. We are the glue, thread and needle, that God has purposefully and strategically placed to mend what is broken. 

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Mr. Rogers,

On behalf of all the men, women, and children touched by your program, I'd like to say thank you for pouring into our lives and teaching us what it means to love our neighbor. Now you are reaping the rewards in Heaven and sitting next to the ultimate Neighbor. Looking forward to meeting you in person. See you soon.

Your fan forever and always,

Erin-Rae

Relevant magazine recently posted an inspiring article entitled, "10 Mr. Rogers Quotes You Need to Read." Would highly recommend! http://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/10-mr-rogers-quotes-you-need-read

Behind the Eyeliner

At the end of each day, I open my cosmetic drawer, whip out my cotton balls and eye makeup remover and gently wipe away the eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara that I had diligently applied that morning. Since high school my mom has always taught my sisters and I that makeup is wonderful thing when used in moderation...it is meant to enhance our natural beauty (the beauty we already possess), not transform us into a beautiful person. I have always gone for more of a "natural look," but I have grown to rely on makeup for the sake of boosting my confidence and looking a little less like a zombie and a little more like a human being lol! Its benefits are evident and yet something intended for good can become something we hide behind if we are not careful.

Last month, I was going through my daily makeup application routine and felt led to try something: only apply eyeliner on special event/school presentation days and on the other days limit myself to using a little mascara and eyeshadow. At first, I thought this was a challenge that would merely save me some time in the mornings, but over the last few weeks, I have been overwhelmed by how God has used it to speak to me.

The first week of following through with this challenge, was very difficult. I found myself more nervous, insecure, and afraid of what people were thinking to the point I could hardly make eye contact. It scared me that I had grown so reliant upon the eyeliner to feel beautiful--to feel worthy of peoples' friendships, attention, and care. Yet, the more days I pushed past these emotions and unhealthy perceptions of myself, the more I looked into the mirror and saw the true me...the Erin-Rae not trying so hard. As time progressed, my confidence returned, but at a different and heightened level. I felt lovely...lovely because I knew who I was in Christ. It was as if God needed me to remove the layers for Him to remind me of my worth all over again--that this life was less about my appearance and more about my heart towards Him and the people around me.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

--Proverbs 31:30

Three weeks have passed and this challenge has reminded me that our beauty and identity are not found in how fashionable our outfits are or how pristine our makeup or hair looks. God wants us to care for ourselves and I believe he uses makeup in so many ways to bless women and show them that they are His beautiful masterpieces. But he also wants us to feel that same value and worth when we whip out the eye makeup remover and wipe it all off. The person you see in the mirror at the end of the day is just as gorgeous as the person the next day after an hour of preparation.

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." --Song of Songs 4:7

Happiness V S. Joy

 "True Joy"

by

Erin-Rae Donaldson

Happiness

exciting, eventful

delightful, cheerful, blissful

dependent, circumstantial, momentary, contingent

pleasurable, desirable, experiential, liberating, fulfilling, purposeful

independent, unconditional, stable, reliable

Satisfying, enduring, hopeful

Profound, life-giving

Joy

Valentine's Day...

A day filled with happiness, loved ones, flowers, and of course, an endless supply of rich and creamy chocolates! Although the previous sentence is an accurate description, I believe it leaves out one critical element--joy. While joy and happiness are often classified as synonymous, I beg to differ. You see, happiness is often temporary and contingent upon positive circumstances. Joy, on the other hand, exists and permeates through one's heart, soul, and mind, independent of external circumstances.

So I challenge you with this:

1. Choose joy this Valentine's Day, not because you have everything your heart desires, but because God has granted you all that you need. His provision has and never will cease.  
2. Choose joy this Valentines Day regardless of your relationship status on Facebook. If your love life is uneventful at present, take comfort in knowing that God knows what he is doing and his timing may be different from our own, but it is never early nor late--he has never stopped orchestrating your future love story. He has written it to perfection.
3. Choose joy this Valentine's Day no matter your plans. Whether you are out on the town celebrating with that special someone or simply studying while watching a movie in your Star War's PJ's (like I will be doing), celebrate and know that you are loved. Don't allow the enemy to rob you of your joy or bombard you with thoughts of loneliness. Like my dad always says, "When we have pity parties, Satan is the only one celebrating!"
4. Choose joy this Valentine's Day because you have the ultimate gift--friends, family, and the greatest gift of all, God's care and affection. 
5. Choose joy this Valentine's Day because this joy is not your own human concoction. It's God-given and designed to strengthen and carry you through the storms of life. It resides in the depth of your heart...keeping you anchored.

No matter what season you find yourself in February 14, trust and believe that God intends to give you unconditional joy--a joy that extends beyond "the day of love" and momentary happiness and into a lifetime of fulfillment.

"My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy."

-Psalm 63:5-7 (ESV)

The Moment I Looked Up

You remember that girl in middle school who could barely look up to say hello without stumbling over her words or her face turning cherry red....the girl who you could just tell lacked confidence and struggled with insecurities just by the sight of her...the girl who allowed fear to debilitate her and hold her captive?

This girl I am describing was me.

While many could never imagine or comprehend this "version" of Erin-Rae, it is merely a testament of God's transforming power in my life.

This is perhaps the most vulnerable I have been on my blog, but I felt prompted to share this with you today. I am learning that there is a distinct difference between transparency and vulnerability. You see, transparency is merely sharing things that one is thinking about or reflecting on, but vulnerability is allowing others to see deep into our hearts where struggles and imperfections reside. There is power in weakness, because this is where God proves himself strong in our lives. I want people to see my humanity. I want people to see that this light...this strength...this power is not a result of motivational tapes or self-improvement books. This is a direct result of my God inhabiting my heart and soul. Because without Him, I am just a girl named Erin-Rae. But with Him, I am complete...a daughter of the most High King.

Here's my story:

I came from an incredibly loving and godly home. I was surrounded by friends and family who loved me beyond measure. I had every reason to be a confident young woman and yet I found myself in the opposite position. Never once did I harm myself physically. It was all internal--an emotional battle that I let very few people know about. I was afraid--afraid of failing, afraid of speaking, afraid of people and what they thought of me, afraid of everything. I was entangled in a thread of lies that told me I could never be a leader...never be strong. I never lost my ability to show kindness to others, but because so many assumed I was a shy person, I automatically believed that that was just who I was. The more lies I believed, the more my mouth closed up as if the enemy was sewing it shut.

These struggles continued until my freshman year of high school when a dear friend passed away. The grief seemed impossible to bear, but through the long and painful healing process, God revealed something to me about time: We may never know how long we have with people, but this should give us all the more reason to live our lives in service to others. From that point on, I never treated people the same.

As I traveled to El Salvador, Nicaragua, and other locations within the U.S for outreach and missions throughout high school, I quickly began to realize that God was reshaping the way I perceived myself, but in a way I would have least expected. Yes, His Word was breath in my lungs and His presence remained through all those nights I would quietly cry myself to sleep. But it was actually the moments of serving others that I began seeing myself differently. In other words, it was the moment I started looking up, that God helped me find my identity.

For so many years, my vantage point was limited due to the position of my head. All I saw was myself and my own insecurities. I may have learned every stitch, every curve, every design on my tennis shoes, but I failed to see the desperation around me. Disappointed that I had missed so many opportunities, I decided that some things needed to change. I began to learn the enemy's schemes. I knew that he would never be able to tempt me in the typical ways, but he would certainly do everything in his power to destroy me mentally and emotionally. He didn't want me to discover who I really was or all that God had for me. He didn't want my smile to be seen. He didn't want me to speak because he knew that this voice was meant to uplift and encourage and direct people to Christ.

I was no longer okay with the enemy bullying me around, so I began to fight back! The more truth and promises I believed, the more I spoke up, the more people I encouraged, the more love I expressed....the more I understood who God had designed me to be. To this day, I still struggle with confidence, but I am quicker to quiet and defeat the voices that I know are not true. God has not equipped us with armor intended for the shed, but rather for the battlefield. Do I believe in spiritual warfare? Absolutely. But do I believe we have victory over these powerful forces? Without a shadow of a doubt. 

^"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."-- Ephesians 6:10-12

If I have learned anything from this process, it is that discovering our true identity and God's purpose for our lives is a lifelong process. God wants to continue to redefine who we are and expand our capacity through different experiences--stripping us of the identity we have made for ourselves so that he can show us who he really created us to be. He wants to enhance and remodel our hearts in preparation for the journey ahead. I am grateful for the things I went through. Not because they were easy, but because they were like growing pains--essential for development and spiritual maturity.

Now, instead of looking down at my sneakers, my head is up. Not because I am the most confident person in the world nor am I the prettiest or most intelligent, but because I know my worth is found not in man, but in my Father in Heaven. I ended up graduating college with a Communications degree (confronting my fear of speaking and learning that I have a voice) and am now pursuing a Masters in Business Administration (confronting my fear of leadership and learning that God may have more in store for me than I realize).

So I leave you with this...

Keep your head up, because people need to see that smile and hear that voice. It was meant to change the world one life at a time.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."--Galatians 6:9

When He Speaks : Five keys to remaining sensitive and responsive to God's voice

Have you ever found yourself in your own little world? Either you're thinking about today's agenda, contemplating what you'll be eating for lunch, deeply engrossed in a book, texting, or staring avidly at your iPhone screen as you check your Facebook or Twitter news feed. Or, if you're like me, you're looking at the ground as you walk just to make sure you don't trip on the obstacle course in front of you.

If any or all scenarios such as these resonate with you, has this "in my own little world" dilemma ever resulted in your oblivion to someone calling your name or saying hello?  At times it registers soon enough for you to acknowledge them back, but other times you are about 15 seconds too late and the opportunity has come and gone.  I know I have had my fair share of those unfortunate circumstances. Light bulb turns on, head whips back, smile forms, hand raises for a brief wave.....and aww bummer! The person's gone. #awkwardmoment #sadday

As I reflect on situations like these, I am reminded of the subject of God's voice. The older we get the more we realize that there's a distinct difference between hearing and listening. You see, we hear a lot of things on a daily basis, but we have a choice as to what we listen to. Through the hustle and bustle of life we often tune out the unwanted or mundane sounds. However, it is my prayer and challenge that we will never become ignorant of the voice of God. This voice is no ordinary voice that only speaks when necessary. This voice speaks every second, every minute, every hour of the day providing counsel, discernment, and endless comfort. It is merely a matter of us tuning in. 

My dad once said,"Hearing God's voice is less of an art and more a desire of the heart." The older I get the more I hunger and long for God's direction. I find myself praying this over and over again: "Less of me and more of you, oh God." Phrases like these are easy to recite, but when it comes to  implementation it's no easy task.

Here are 5 keys to remaining sensitive and responsive to God's voice: 


1. Desire and Faith - In order for us to hear God's voice we must have a passionate desire to attentively listen to His words and the faith that He will speak.  If we lack these key elements, we become closed off and almost numb to the voice of God. We were given free will--we were not designed in a robot factory nor were we created with puppet strings attached. God is not a god of force. Therefore, the choice is ours. Do we continue to live our lives as we please and remain ignorant to His instruction or do we continually seek God out for guidance and direction?  Do you desire to hear from God? Do you believe that as you seek you will find?  

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8

2. Vision - Attempt to see things through God's eyes. Ask Him to provide clarity--to clear your vision and increase your understanding of why things are happening the way they are. Sometimes our plans don't align with reality, but in moments like these, God is trying to reveal something to us. The key is will we rely upon our own understanding or preconceived ideas to navigate our way through situations? We tend to see what's right in front of us, but God sees the big picture and every microscopic detail in between. He sees the entire scope....the grand spectrum...the beginning and the end. Trust Him and watch him bring clarity to the complexities of your everyday life.

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.." - Ephesians 1:18

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6

3. Surrender - What does "surrender" mean? Over the last few months, I believe God has tweaked my definition. You see, surrender means laying absolutely EVERYTHING down at His feet.  Not just the bad and the ugly, but the good things in life as well (material possessions, academic endeavors, professional opportunities, romantic relationships, future plans etc.) The moment we loosen our grip, it gives God room to speak--we are actively giving Him the reigns and allowing Him to change our plans if need be. If He asks us to give up good things, it is not to cause misery or sadness, but rather the opposite. If God has your best interest in mind, then he may need to make alterations in order to develop and strengthen you, and ultimately lead you into your destiny. Billy Graham once said, "God never takes away something from your life without replacing it with something better.” So surrender, loosen your grip, and walk in obedience, even if it involves temporary pain. As you do this, He will perfect your path, guide, and speak in ways you could have never imagined.  

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." - Luke 22:42

4. Solitude - God longs to take the complexities of life and create peace and simplicity within our hearts and minds. But where can we obtain this peace that passes all understanding? God is constantly communicating, but sometimes we must remove ourselves from the busyness of life to hear him more clearly and allow him to penetrate our hearts. His presence is life--breath to our lungs. So step away from the to do list for a short while and find solitude. As you give him time, he will show up in new ways and provide comfort and discernment where it is needed. 

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."- Mark 1:35

5. Word - Continue to stay in the Word of God. This entire book consists of His practical and applicable instruction. No matter how much or how little you read, know that every bit that goes into your heart provides counsel and comfort for both present and future situations. It may have been written thousands of years ago, but it is ALIVE! His promises are timeless. His words remain just as true today as they were back then. If you can't sense or hear His voice, just read His words.  

"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:9-11

"In Your Presence": A Poem

"In Your Presence"

By

Erin-Rae Donaldson

I sense you here

I sense you there

I sense you everywhere

Where can I go, oh God, without your presence?

It is the breath in my lungs, the rock on which I stand, my very essence

My troubles threaten to weaken my spirit and direct me astray

But your Holy Spirit calms the storm in me without delay

Where can I go, oh God, without your presence surrounding me?

Tears stream down my face as you fill my heart with glee

The Bread of Life permeates through my veins

Fears, anxieties, feelings of inadequacy race through my mind like a fleet of trains

But still, you faithfully remain.

Lord, even in my weakest moments you sustain.

I cannot comprehend your goodness, nor can I conceive the plans you have for me

To walk in your perfect architectural design is more than enough for me

Your will is my desire

Oh how I long to see your dreams transpire

Lord, your presence refreshes my soul

In you, I have every reason to extol

Lord, you are here

Lord, you are there

Lord, you are everywhere