Blooming Boundaries

 

Last night my friend’s message at Simonka Place was about boundaries. None of the poems I’d composed before seemed to fit quite right. So, once again an 11th hour poet, after work I sat in my car and wrote a new poem. I finished the first draft and scurried to the homeless shelter, sharing my newest creation with the ladies about 10-12 minutes later. God is good!
After some further editing today, here’s the poem:

“Boundaries”

It’s far too easy to lose your voice
when people-pleasing is a knee-jerk choice.
Instead, identity in Christ my King,
I have strength to overcome anything!
Though I’m not perfect, I’m so much better:
Bolder overall – more of a go-getter!
I’m so blessed a new “me” has bloomed,
dispelling the fears that had me entombed.
More sense of self than ever before:
If limits are exceeded, I use the door
to walk out or show it to another –
loving myself, not appeasing my brother.
Thankful that God has taught me to live
more intentionally, my all to give
to Him, in surrender, so I could see
each pitfall and needed boundary.
Stepping forward, then edging back,
trusting Him for the words I lack.
Knowing when to let go and when to stay.
What to allow, and what I should say.
Not automatic, but filled with power
relying on God’s wisdom each hour.
More of a holy dance than a tightrope,
for Christ set me free and gave me hope!
He will ever lead as I seek His face,
navigating boundaries by His love and grace.

3-9-18
©Ladeena Ashley

My poem focused mainly on boundaries in relationships, however in his message my friend spoke of boundaries across many facets of life. The part that hit home with me was in the area of self-care. Taking care of myself has always been something I “should do”, a basic priority of life. (In my mind, boundaries are mostly outward while priorities are inward.) I called it self-discipline, but I didn’t consciously sub-define it as using boundaries within myself. Yet that is so true.

The recurring verse my friend used was: “Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23). We all have choices but don’t always make the best ones for ourselves, and by extension, for others.

My main struggle is getting enough sleep. I am a night owl, and have been for as long as I can remember. However, the last few weeks I’ve found myself staying up even later than normal, and it’s beginning to catch up with me.

Alone time is important to me, and I do need some time to unwind if I’ve had an especially hard day or to process things after a tough conversation. Yet often I’ll stay awake for unimportant reasons, usually ending up looking at a screen of some sort. Honestly, I hate to admit it, but at times lately I’ve felt so overwhelmed. So tired but not wanting to hit the hay because then morning soon comes and I have to do it all over again. I get stuck in my own head, right where the enemy wants me. No one deals as well with anxiety and the everyday stresses of life when their resources are depleted. It’s a vicious cycle.

Yet this is the opposite of how God calls me to be. Through Christ I am more than a conqueror! (Romans 8:37) God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Instead of avoiding the morning, I must pray, leave my troubles in God’s hands and most importantly, not take them back! Only after a full night’s rest can I hope to awaken refreshed and excited about the possibilities and blessings of a new day. I need better boundaries to stay out of an unhealthy rut.

One point my friend made that struck me last night was: How can I be there for others if I have barely enough energy to function myself? I can’t. Jesus set the example for us by napping when needed, and going off by Himself when the crowds got to be too much. Even God rested on the seventh day once He’d finished creating the cosmos.

We all need to take time to recharge, but there are limits and healthy ways to do it. The Lord has helped me set outward boundaries, and now it’s time to tackle and refine more inward ones. I’m glad He’s not through with me yet!

He’s not through with you, either. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6). What boundaries do you need to set or adjust? Seek His guidance through prayer and His Word (and perhaps even some counsel of godly friends), and He’ll help you figure out what is both permissible and beneficial.

Blessings to you, this day and always!

©Ladeena Ashley
2018 All Rights Reserved (Blog content and photos)

Transformed Through Service

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Lately I’ve been thinking: why must there even be “the least of these”? While I understand it in the practical sense (being socially, emotionally or monetarily limited), something in me has always cringed a bit about that verse. Not so much out of regret – but because it’s just sad that in teaching His followers to serve others, Jesus had to acknowledge that such distinctions, labels or classes existed.

For myself, I’ve never subscribed to the hierarchical mentality, if you will. No one deserves to be pigeonholed, categorized or judged by their current station in life. It’s not only a waste of time, but also far too easy to make the wrong assumptions, which only lead to misunderstanding and dissension. Instead I simply respond to words, actions, and attitude; treating everyone as the souls they are: cherished and loved by their Creator. I ask questions and listen. While I may not fully understand what someone is going through, or where they’re coming from, God does. My job is to trust that He will lead me and give me the words to speak, sharing the hope I have in Him with all who ask (1 Peter 3:15).

Here’s a prose poem I wrote a long time ago, thinking about the needy among us…

“The Least of These”

They wipe off the food with
careful touches
Embarrassed to be seen with a
smudge
on their faces.
But I rub my coat sleeve
across my dirty face
Unable to find enough food to feed
my angry stomach.
I shuffle past the lively eateries
— The smell of a thousand herbs
fills my nostrils
If only someone would give me
something to
revive
my aching feet
Someone please care, give me
and others
something to hope for
something to live for.

5-12-94
©Ladeena Bell

True Service

We are all beloved souls wrapped in flesh, looking for love, hope and acceptance. In serving, we aren’t merely providing resources and help. On deeper levels, we are sharing our relationship with Christ through relationships with others: His hope shining into the darkest despair, His love healing broken hearts, and His truth exposing the lies that the enemy uses to keep the “least of these” believing that they are the “least of these”, and not the precious sons and daughters they truly are.

JOY

We all know: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), but I’m here to tell you that JOY (Jesus Others Yourself) itself indeed comes to vivid life when I serve! As I mentioned in my TRANSFORMED post, one of the ways I serve is by attending and helping facilitate the chapel time at Simonka House (women & children’s homeless shelter) once a month. There’s a song or two, a message, and a couple times I’ve shared my poems aloud. After our Spirit-filled time together, I feel positively giddy! As our group leaves, the guests and staff are always so appreciative, thanking us with frequent hugs that send us off with grins on our faces and thankful joy in our hearts.

The Bigger Picture

It truly is both humbling and invigorating to be used by God to bless others. Setting aside our own concerns to focus on the needs of others blesses us and helps keep life in perspective. In the bigger picture, serving also broadens and enriches our experience; building relationships that help pave the way for future ministry opportunities we can’t even imagine now. It’s a win-win-win!

Gifted To Serve

God has endowed each of us with a unique set of talents, skills, interests, and of course, material things, and He has a plan and purpose for them all. In fact every day should be lived to His glory as a form of worship, regarding ourselves as no better than anyone else (Romans 12:1,3). Some are called to distant countries, but most of us can love and serve wherever we are. God says in His Word that we should use what we’ve been given and network (Luke 16:9); leveraging it for the kingdom. It’s the best investment we can make. The best part is: we can’t out-give God. The more we give, the more His Spirit flows and we are transformed – and the world along with us.

Faith Notes

Here’s a “classic” song by Audio Adrenaline…
may we all be His Hands And Feet wherever we go.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23

©Ladeena Ashley
2016 All Rights Reserved (blog content & photos)

Heavenly Investments: Trading Good For Best

Labor Day weekend is upon us – a chance to squeeze in that last bit of fun and yes, hopefully some rest as summer winds down. My initial thought was: just what is it we’re resting from? Certainly for some, as a new school year begins, cumulative hours will be spent shuttling kids, attending games and events. For others, thoughts simply turn to fall activities such as sports, hunting and preparing for another holiday (!) season. It really all comes down to priorities and time management, which is a year-round struggle. So many activities vie for our valuable attention that it’s no wonder we need to be reminded to rest.

Priorities

It’s all too easy to over-commit, overdo and volunteer yourself into a frenzy…sometimes even to impress people who you may not truly like that much! Before jumping headlong into multiple commitments, consider this: you cannot draw water from an empty well. Sooner or later all that enthusiasm and energy will be depleted if you say yes to most everyone. A simple, healthy approach to life’s “should do”, “could do”, and supposedly “must do” enterprises: pray about each opportunity or responsibility, reevaluating what’s truly important to you. The roles you assume and even hobbies and other labors of love you enjoy are indeed good, but perhaps may not the best use of your talents that God has in mind for you. So, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8), guiding you towards what will most further His kingdom and purposes. I’ve personally found that prioritizing my time affords more margin for Heavenly Investments: praying, reading His Word, and just listening. I love the phrase “put God in the center and everything else will come together”. Over and over I’ve seen that it’s true.

True Rest

Okay, so we’ve set healthy boundaries by actively seeking God’s will…now back to the subject of resting. For me, to simply “Be still and know that He is God” (Psalms 46:10) is as essential and life-giving as breathing. That verse is also a loving command, a call to self-discipline for our own good, because He loves us and doesn’t want us to miss out on blessings because we’re tired. For some with physical challenges (even fairly minor ones like mine), it’s even more imperative to “unplug” and take a breather from life’s demands. If I wait until I’m running on fumes, I know I’ve lost my balance and need to refocus from doing to just “being”.  My own worst taskmaster, I must remind myself to not only draw liberally on His strength to labor, but then also rest in His love to recharge.

Nature: Just Breathe

One way I relax is by taking several mini-breaks outdoors in nature. It keeps my heart and mind lifted upward, which both soothes and rejuvenates my soul, no matter the season. I’m looking forward to the changing leaves, but I especially enjoy summer sunsets; their spectacular hues gracing the sky as the evening light diminishes, begging all of us to stop and breathe in His goodness and peace. As you read this poem, my prayer is that through your mind’s eye, your soul catches a glimpse of the awe and wonder I feel everyday, just “being” with Him.

“Sunset”

Gazing upon my garden,
the blooms take on a glow.
I go out to pick a velvet beauty.
As I near the threshold
cool breezes greet me sweetly
–A blushing cloud startles my eyes…
Bright pink, like cotton candy
Then deeper, deeper,
‘til only crimson waves are seen,
Licking up the sky.
Swallows soar, unburned, above
Quiet streets, shadows,
Winging home with dinner.

I forget my cares for now
Taking in God’s handiwork.
A priceless master piece
to be viewed by all…

Slowly, ever so slowly,
Crimson transforms to magenta,
magenta to rose,
rose to apricot,
apricot to plum,
Then plum fades into coal,
Studded with diamonds.

I silently withdraw, though in my heart I fly;
Holding forever the celestial splendor in the sky.

© Ladeena Ashley
February 1992

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:23a

© Ladeena Ashley
2016 All rights reserved. (content & blog photos)