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May 4 2020

There Doesn’t Have To Be A New Normal

There Doesn't Have To Be A New Normal

Hello, my dear friend. How are you doing? Really doing? Not the “I am ok when I’m really not”, but the “I am ok, but this week has been tough in this way” doing. We are living in times we have never before experienced, so I thought this week we could talk about why There Doesn’t Have To Be A New Normal. You know the process, grab your favourite drink in your best mug and sit with me for a few minutes. I love your company!

What Is Normal Anyway?

As countries, provinces and cities start to relax social distancing measures, we are hearing people talk more and more about “returning to normal”. I am sure it is meant as a reassuring phrase, but for some reason, when I hear that phrase, it makes me a bit unsettled. I find myself asking, “What is normal, anyway?”

Merriam Webster Online Dictionary defines normal as conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normal). When I visualize “normal”, I see boxes lined up in straight lines and predictable patterns. Not necessarily a bad thing, or then again, is it?

When Our Normal Is Interrupted

Normal is generally comfortable, even in our discomfort, because it is familiar to us. It may not be working for us in every facet, but at least we know we know what to expect and when to expect it. We generally do not see anything wrong with our normal, until that normal is interrupted. Then we begin to see the cracks and imperfections in the normal that we had created and were living. We are in a season when our normal has been interrupted and I would be bold enough to state that in the last few months the cracks and imperfections in what we were living as normal, have begun to show.

Opportunities to Shift

So what happens when we realize our normal may not have been as unflawed as we thought? Out of this realization comes a perfect opportunity to shift. Anytime there is change, there is an opportunity to take it a step further and make a shift. We can let change happen to us or we can lean in, participate, be intentional and begin the process of shifting – greater change! I believe that we are in a season where the opportunities for shifting are greater than anything most of us have experienced to date.

Living Outside the Box

Think for a moment about the last few months. How have things changed in your life? The way you do things? How you understand things? The actual things that you are doing? What is different in this season? Make a list. I promise you, you will be amazed at how much change you are going through right now. Now, how many of these changes are things that you said you would never do? Perhaps things that had not even entered your mind? Or even things you hoped to do, but never got around to? Right now, whether you intended to or not, you are living outside the box of normal. How does it feel? A bit uncomfortable? However, some parts of it are exciting as well? If you could pick and choose through this experience, what parts would you keep and what parts would you discard? How much would it look like your old normal?

Greater Than A New Normal

Many people are talking about a new normal. When I visualize a “new normal”, I still see boxes lined up in straight lines and predictable patterns. The boxes may be different colours or arranged a bit differently but they are still predictable. What if there was something greater than a new normal?

Transforming Times

If we could get our minds around the fact that there is more to life than finding the place where we are comfortable, and then parking there. When we learn to live and function in our discomfort, we will find the place where there is no new normal, but rather a place of transformation. A place where we can react to change by shifting continuously, picking and choosing what parts to keep and what parts to discard, without waiting to be forced into this disrupted state by outside forces. What if this is a transforming time? What if this is the season in which we will learn to stop striving for normal. A reset season in which we begin to understand that there is more than normal; there is a way of life built around shifting despite the discomfort, lending itself to growth. When I visualize growth, I see a variety of colourful shapes, constantly moving in and out of beautiful patterns. Sounds more fun than normal!

What I Know

These are unusual times. They have not been easy for many of us, but that does not mean we have to settle for normal or even a new normal. As many are moving back to their previous normal or working to create a new normal, we have the opportunity to choose to shift. We can sit and reflect on what this experience has been like for us. What have we learned? List those things that are working. Make note of those things that have not worked. Now, what do we need to do to sustain what is working and change what is not? It does not matter that others’ are striving for normal or new normal or what that looks like for them. Despite the discomfort of this season, you can choose to shift and grow. Transformation is the greater normal!

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, that is all the time we have for today. So happy to have had time to sit and chat around the kitchen table. Stay safe and take the time to do some reflecting before moving on to a new normal. Do not miss this opportunity.

Your Turn To Comment

As always, there are many ways to stay in touch. I would love to hear from you! Let me know how our chats around the kitchen table are going and drop a note about what things you would like to chat about.

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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April 20 2020

Let’s Get Real – When We’ve Talked Enough

Let's Get Real - When We Have Talked Enough

Hello my friend – how have you been in the last 2 weeks? It seems like a long time since we chatted. How are things going in your world? These are unusual times we find ourselves in for sure. I spent a lot of time this week thinking about what we should chat about at the kitchen table this time and all I came up with was “Let’s Get Real – When We’ve Talked Enough” subtitled: “I’ve Got Nothing –When Blogs Get Real.” So let’s start there. You know the process, grab a cup of something in your favourite mug and pull up a seat at the table. It is time to talk about why we need to stop talking.

When Opinions Are Just That - Opinions

As I am sure you have heard many times already in the last few weeks, we find ourselves in unusual times. Unusual times call for unusual measures. In the last few weeks, I have read way too many commentaries on the current state of affairs, listened to too much mainstream media, spent way too much time on Social Media and have heard too many opinions. Many of which start or end with “what if?” In trying to determine the most important thing I’ve learned or have come to understand through all of this “gaining of information”, I have to confess that I have not gained great wisdom or sound knowledge about why this is all happening or when it will all end. If I could wrap up the most important thing I have come to realize in all of that, in these last few weeks, is that opinions are just that, opinions. Everyone has them and essentially, they all rely heavily on our innate biases.

Be Still And Know That I Am God

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In the last few weeks, I have also spent much more time in the Word, in prayer, dancing and sitting with God. I talked less and I heard a lot more. I got quiet and was amazed at how clear and consistent the sound was that came through. Not once did I hear “what if?” Instead of opinion, I heard truth. I read and heard the same consistent Words that I have been reading and hearing all of my Christian life. None of what I read or heard started or ended with “what if?” None of which changed from one day to the next. What I learned through this time was that I am no longer interested in opinions when I can have truth. That truth comes when I choose to be still and sit in God’s presence. That means choosing to turn off many of the other noises that often are a huge distraction.

Intentional Does Not Always Mean Busy

We have been talking a lot lately about being intentional, about leaning into and participating in change, to shift in this season. However, we need to be reminded that being intentional does not always mean you need to be busy. You also have to be intentional in taking the time to reflect, rest and rejuvenate.

Sometimes Words Are Not Enough

Sometimes we need to stop talking, stop sharing opinions, stop listening to every unsolicited voice out there and stop seeking the opinions of others. There are times and seasons when words are not enough; when words become a noise and a distraction. In that time and season, we need to choose to seek to listen for the truth. Not the opinion that comes clothed as truth, and changes from day to day, but the truth that never changes, and comes directly from the source. We have entered a time and season of listening. Sometimes words are just not enough.

Tune In/Tune Out

This time around at the kitchen table, I have a challenge for us all. Let us choose in the next few weeks to tune out of social and conventional media and tune into God. We can decide to be as intentional in reflecting, resting and rejuvenating as we are with our plans “to do.” One does not need to exclude the other. Let’s sit and allow the Lord to speak into our lives. Then, we can get up and move in the vein that we are being directed to. But not until we have listened.

Check-In

Now, at this kitchen table, let us take a few minutes to check-in with one another. How are you doing? Really doing? Not the “oh I’m fine” and move on but the “well, since you asked…..” At this table, we are concerned about one another. This is not a place meant for Laurie to talk and leave – this is a community, where Laurie talks to generate discussion and those at the table chime in and in the end, we care for one another more deeply. What are you learning at this hour? I would love to hear from you!

What I Know

At the end of the day, I may not know everything, but I do know we are going to be all right. I do not know how long this will go on or what things will look like. I do know that things will never look quite the same as they did before. However, in the end, I believe with all my heart, that each and every one of has the opportunity to come out of this with a new perspective on our lives and the lives around us.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, it is always nice to sit with you and chat. I hope you will take a few minutes to comment below in the comment section and let me know how you are really doing. Also, let me know what you would like to talk about at the table! My cup is empty and it is time for me to go. Take the time to share this blog with your friends and invite them to join us at the table. There is always room for new friends.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 4 Comments

April 6 2020

Why We Need to Live With Intention Right Now

Why We Need To Live With Intention Right Now

Hello, my dear friend, I am so glad to have you back at the kitchen table for a chat. If you are new to the table, welcome, we are happy you are here as well. There is always room for our friends and our new friends at the table. Grab a mug of something warm, pull up a chair and let’s chat. Last year I released a blog entitled Why You Need to Take Courage When You Know the Shift Is Coming. In looking back at that conversation, I felt that some of it was very pertinent for today as well, so to start things off I wanted to review a few points from that blog with you. Following that, I thought that today we would talk about Why We Need to Live with Intention Right Now.

Shift - The Greater Change!

First, let’s chat about the difference between a change and a shift. When I think of change, I think of something that is happening to me, with or without my agreement and/or effort. When I think of a shift, I think of something that is going to require effort on my part and, ultimately, is going to lead to growth. A shift generally requires digging deep for and/or developing a completely new set of skills. Shifts take us out of our comfort zone. They require that we move and think differently. In addition, if we lean into the shift, we will meet the possibility of revolutionary change in our lives. We can decide if those things that are moving in our lives are changes or shifts. Will we let it happen to us or will we consider playing an active role? Change vs. Shift! Shift – the greater change!

Shifting Requires Courage

Courage, like shift, is an active word. It requires us to “venture” which means to proceed especially in the face of danger. (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venture#h1). It requires that we dig in, find our mental and moral strength, and then push ahead towards the shift, even amid the danger, uncertainty, fear or difficulty we are encountering. Courage requires that we decide to stay the course. We know the shift is coming. We know that we know that we know. Now we need to commit to staying the course.

"Final Push" Courage

There is courage and then there is “final push” courage. Courage is what allows you to stay the course through the change and through the shift. “Final push” courage is that courage that allows you to lean in, lean forward and give it your all at that point when you feel like you have nothing left to give. When you have been moving toward the shift for some time and you know you are on the cusp, but you can’t quite see it because of the weariness that clouds your vision and you can’t hear it coming through your own cries of “How long, O LORD?”. But, you know that you know that you know, without a shadow of a doubt that you have come this far and you are going to go the distance. This is “final push” courage. It is the courage that mothers have as they are about to deliver their baby. Long-distance runners and athletes dig in and find this kind of courage when the finish line is close enough to touch. In addition, we, every day, find this courage when we are weary and frustrated but know that we have come too far to give up now and miss the shift.

On The Cusp Of A Shift

These are unusual times. Many people have described them in many ways. My thought, right now, however, is that it doesn’t matter so much how we label them, as long as we recognize that we are in a time where there is a great opportunity for shifting. In this time I believe we will need to decide though, whether we will be changed (willingly or unwillingly) by the situation around us or we will lean in and shift.

There Is A Sound

On March 23rd, as I sat with the Lord I received (in part) this:

“You have the key – open your mouth and release the sound in the atmosphere. There is a lock in the atmosphere that needs to be opened – the keys have already been distributed throughout the earth. It is time to stop knocking when you have the key to open the doors in the atmosphere – open your mouth – speak it and watch the doors swing open.

There is a sound that will unlock the doors of the atmosphere.

My people have gone quiet – open your mouth and release the sound.

Your sound is unique like a unique key. Stop staying “I don’t have.” It has already been put into place – use it. Who, having a key, refuses to use it to open the door in front of them? – you will grow weary knocking. Cry out and let your sound flow – the atmosphere is waiting.

Pastor Siadra of Agape House Church Canada, on April 5th, preached about a Seismic Sound that needs to come forth from the people of God at this time. Hear that sermon by clicking here.

How Will A Sound Go Forth Without A Plan?

If we are being called, in this time to release the sound that is within us to unlock doors in the atmosphere, to lean into the shift, how will we do so without a clear plan? I would suggest that for many of us, for some time, we have been moving forward, perhaps even attempting to release a sound, but in an inconsistent, hit and miss kind of way. Let us be honest. We are busy, we are distracted and we do not always take the time to sit and make intentional plans for our times.

It Is Time For Intention

Intention requires more than a desire to move forward in a particular way (resolve). Intention requires a prioritized and well thought out plan. A plan that is flexible to take a pivot but that is concrete enough that if shared with someone else they could put it into place without too much explanation. “WOW! Really?” you are thinking. That is a concrete plan. Well, here is the thing. We have 24 hours in a day. Work, sleep and basic activities around self-care take up a large chunk of that time. What we do with the time that is remaining has great potential. What often happens, though, is that we fail to understand that what we do not prioritize most often does not get done. Time moves quickly like sand in an hourglass and if we are not intentional about what we want to do with that time, we find ourselves at the end of another day, weary and not much farther ahead. If we would just learn to be clear about where we are heading then we would find it much easier to prioritize what we will say yes and no to, in our lives. When we are clear on our yes and our no, it becomes easier to turn away from those things that will not move us forward in the direction we intend to head.

Going For The Shift - Releasing A Sound

I believe in this hour, to release the sound the Lord has placed within us, we need a two-pronged plan. We need a Vision and a Strategy. Both of these things come to us by spending time in prayer, in relationship with the Lord and with time in the Word. Now is the time to buckle down and go deeper into your relationship with the Lord. For many of us, in this season, we have been given a gift of time at home. That is going to look a bit different for each one of us. However, right off the top, it is an opportunity to make more than a change – it is an opportunity for shifting. Everything has changed, it all looks different, from your roles and responsibilities, to how you interact with others, to how you work and what your finances look like. We could allow the circumstances to change us – panic, complain or just see this as permission to “check out”, all the time acting as if it is all out of our control. Or we can choose to lean in and initiate a shift. Some things are out of our control but some things are well within our control, such as what we choose to do with our time. For some of us, we need to start with some much-needed resting time, family time, and time for reflection. For all of us, quiet time in prayer and devotions should be at the top of our priorities. But what about the rest of the time?

Vision And Strategy

It is time to sit down with the Lord, with a pen and paper, and ask for the Vision and Strategy He has for you in this season

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” How will you know where to step next if you do not know where you are going? So let’s start by asking the Lord:

1) What are You saying to me at this time?

That is your vision. That is what you will look to each day to remind yourself of where you are going. This is where you will look when you forget what the Lord has promised you and has assured you of. This will be where you will look to keep your eyes on the Lord and the things of the Lord because you are a Kingdom citizen, not a citizen of this world.

Once you have a vision you need to ask for a strategy. The question for the Lord is simple:

2) What would You have me doing in this season?

This is the beginning of your strategy. Once you know what you need to be doing you will make a concrete plan. A plan you can refer to frequently and adjust as necessary.

This Is Intention

This is intention. You have promises, reassurances and a direction. You know where you are headed. You have a plan around what steps need to happen. You have the resolve and you have a concrete plan. You are now ready to begin releasing the Sound that Lord has for you to release into the atmosphere. You will be able to make wise decisions and prioritize your time accordingly. You will not look back at this time and season in your life as a missed opportunity or a time when you were moved by forces outside your control. Rather, you will be able to look back at this time and season as one in which you choose to lean in and shift and release a necessary Sound into the atmosphere.

What I Know

These are unusual times. I believe they are also pivotal times for you and me. Change comes whether we like it or not, but shifting is a completely different cup of tea. We have to choose to shift. When we find the courage and the “final push” courage to do so, our lives will never be the same again.

Once we decide to move with the shift, we must decide to move with intention. No one ever fully shifted who did not have the resolve and vision to do so and a clear plan.

The Lord is so faithful – if you sit with Him and ask of Him, He will give you guidance and direction. I would be so happy if you would commit to starting this process with me. Carve out some time at the beginning of this week and sit with the Lord. Listen to what He has to say to you in this hour.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time has come to an end. My cup is empty and it is time to move on for now. As part of leaning into my shift, I plan to develop some tools in the upcoming days to help you to move intentionally in this hour. I am planning on some material to help you set your vision and begin to plan the strategy the Lord has given you by helping you set some clear and achievable goals. These tools will be available online and free of charge. I am committed to helping you lean into your shift and to release your Sound in this hour.

If you are signed up for blog updates, watch your email for further information in the next week or so. You can also watch my Business Facebook Page for updates. If you like my page and then click follow and see first (all at the top of the page) you will get notifications when I post new information.

Click here to go to the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

I will also be putting these tools on my website at https://www.lauriehopkins.ca

Your Turn To Comment

If there is anything specific you would like help with, for me to comment on or tools you would like to see me develop, please let me know. You can contact me via any of the means listed below.

As always, I love to hear from you – so be sure to be in touch!

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT