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)