Pause Devotional: Check Your Connection

"Are you kidding me?" I thought as I glanced up at the screen at the front of the conference room. "Why me?"

Just moments before, the introductory slide of my power point presentation shone brightly--everything seemed to be fine.

I'll be honest. I hate technical difficulties--especially on this day--in front of the 45 pairs of sceptical eyes that made up the audience before me.

I wanted badly to leave a "good impression" with this new team.

I was pretty sure that seeing me fumble with the equipment would not be the best start.

My mind raced. How could I present an hour workshop without my slides?

Sending a workshop participant to the Conference Centre desk to request help, I boldly started to speak--as if nothing was wrong.

Within minutes, a nice man from tech support arrived. While still addressing the group, I caught a glimpse of him calmly bending down to pick something up from the floor.

Of course! The cord.

The slide presentation wasn't working because somehow the cord from the LCD projector to my laptop computer disconnected.

Why didn't I think to check that?????

Now fast forward.

"That's weird," I think to myself.

The first thing I do upon my arrival at my office is fire up my computer.

Within seconds of pushing the "on" button, my laptop would turn off.

Did I mention I hate technical difficulties?

"Why me?"

Annoyed and hurried, I called the Help Desk. After navigating all the prompts, I finally heard a "real person's" voice.

Patiently he asked me questions, created a ticket, and assured me that Desk Side Help would be dropping by very shortly to take a look at the problem.

"Before you go Kathy, could I get you to check the power source your laptop is connected to?" asked the nice man from the Help Desk.

"Sure," I replied.

I rolled my chair back, and bent down under my desk to get a better look.

That's when I saw it.

Yep. You guessed it. My laptop was not connected to a power source. It was turning off because it was drained of all it's stored power. It needed to recharge, and in order to do that, it need to be connected to a power source.

More than slightly embarrassed, I told the nice man to cancel my ticket, that I was sure I had discovered the issue and would not need Desk Side to drop by.

"Why," I asked myself, "is the power connection the last place I seem to look to find a solution to my technical issues?"

A reality.

Why, indeed. Seems to be a theme in my life.

I often find my soul, the very essence of my being, overwhelmed with my self-inflicted/overloaded schedule; unloving to those who mean the most to me; impatient with a simple question; agitated by what I view as inaction, mediocrity or incompetence; and exhausted by the demands in my life--real or imagined.

"Why me?" I pout.

Until I hear the whisper. 

Not from the Help Desk or the tech guy from the Conference Centre.

Not a chiding or "talkin' to."

But an invitation.

To connect--again. 

To THE Power Source.

To spend time with Him. To listen to Him as I read His Word. To confess and repent of my heart attitudes. To pray.

Yet, often it's the last place I "check."

You see:

His power is all we need for life - (2 Peter 1:3)

By His power we are strengthened (Colossians 1:11)

It is his power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20)

Feeling hurried, overwhelmed, agitated--just downright powerless. Need to recharge?

Have you checked your connection--to THE Power Source? 

Why not accept His whispered invitation to connect...today.

An Ordinary, Everyday Opportunity for Transformation

It was annoying. Doesn't he get it?  How many times did I have to say "no" before he gets the message: I just don't want one.

The same man. Morning after morning.

Like watching my kettle slowly reach the boiling point for my morning tea, I was aware of that feeling of irritation deep within me rising to a "heated bubbling" state before even being dropped off at the subway.

I'm not sure why I was so annoyed. He was only doing his job.

Everyday he offered me a free daily newspaper.

Everyday I said no.

But that day, I walked right by him without acknowledging his free offering.

Looking back, I'm kind of suspicious I had a fairly grumpy look on my face too.

"Have a good day, Ma'am." he said with a thick accent.

"Did he just speak to me?" I thought. It caught me by surprise. That was the first time I had ever heard him speak.

In the split second that I turned my grumpy-looking face toward him, our eyes met, and he smiled. 

Not a "lady-if-you-want-to-have-an-attitude-with-me-then-I'll-show-you" mocking kind of smile.

No, it was a genuine smile.

I half-smiled.


But I also got to thinking.

Standing on a crowded subway platform with my fellow-commuters, I asked myself, "Is that how I always treat people who annoy me? What could I learn from this?"


Settled into a seat, I pulled out my notebook and wrote down the following:

Lessons Learned So Far Today (and it's only 6:50 am)

1. Keep things in perspective: I was annoyed and irritated day after day about being offered a newspaper. Like, hello? What was the big deal, really???

2. Look at it his way: After all, he is only trying to do the best job he can at his job.

3. Treat others with respect: I had disrespected him in thought and action.

4. I can choose my attitude: Yep, I had made a choice to be annoyed and irritated long before arriving at the subway station. If I made that choice, I sure could make another choice too--to be pleasant.

5. I had an opportunity to help make someone's day better: I may not have wanted the newspaper, but I still could have offered a smile and a cheery "good morning!"

6. Keep my eyes wide open - everyone can teach me something: Even the guy passing out the free newspapers.  Think about it. He taught me #1-5 today. And it's only 7:00 am!

Closing my notebook, my mind wanders. 

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

-Philippians 2:3-4

What would Jesus have done? 

I'm not sure, but the above verse speaks to what we must do to align our own attitude to  Jesus' example of humility in Philippians 2.

Out comes my notebook. I add number 7 to my list above.

7. God loves me so much, that He gives me ordinary, everyday opportunities that allow Him to transform me into the image of His Son, Jesus: God is in the heart changing business, and He wants to change me from the inside out. In His grace He allowed me to see an area of my current "state-of-heart" that needed His adjusting touch.

The Next Day:

Man: (passes me a copy of the newspaper)

Me: "No thanks."

Man: (smiles) "Have a good day, Ma'am!"

Me: (full-on smile) "And right back at ya!"

Me: (walking toward turnstiles) "Father, may he get even a small glimpse of You and Your love through our tiny interaction today."

What is annoying you today? What are you irritated about? What can you learn? Is it an opportunity God is using to transform you from the inside out?

Go about today with your eyes wide open. He is always teaching us! 

Remember, God loves you so much that He gives you ordinary, everyday opportunities that allow Him to transform you into the image of His Son, Jesus.

love you,

A Sabbath Pause - Is This Your Prayer?

I just can't put into words what is stirring in my soul.

I need help. 

I reach for my Celtic Daily Prayer Book. 

Slowly turning the pages, my eyes scan words. I am looking for just the right words.

I find them. 

Yes, this is is it.

The right words. For right now.

Lord, help me now to unclutter my life,

to organize myself in the direction of simplicity.

Lord, teach me to listen to my heart;

teach me to welcome change, instead of fearing it.

Lord, I give You these stirrings inside me,

I give You my discontent,

I give You my restlessness, 

I give You my doubt, 

I give You my despair,

I give You all the longings I hold inside.

Help me to listen to these signs of change, of growth;

to listen seriously and follow where they lead

through the breathtaking empty space of an open door.

(Page 220, Celtic Daily Prayer: Prayers and Readings from the Northumbria Community)

I wonder. 

Could these be the right words--for right now--for other women? 

The words that escape defining the stirring within their own souls?

So I share it with you...and ask.

Is this your prayer?

Then let's pray it again. Together.

Together, we boldly give Him our longings, our despair, our doubt, our discontent, our restlessness.

Together, we learn to listen. 

And we hear Him. Through His Word.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105 

He will teach us. Through His Word.

Because this is our prayer.

To Help You PAUSE: 

ONE:  If this is your prayer, write it out on a 3X5 card. Put it in your purse or daytimer. Or if you prefer all things digital, copy it to your phone or computer.

This week, pray your prayer--with a surrendered heart--throughout the day...while you are waiting for an appointment; during your commute; before you get out of bed in the morning; while you are making meals; while you are in the bathroom (we like to make the best use of ALL our time!!!).You get the idea. 

TWO: As you pray your prayer, read His Word. He leads us, speaks to us, guides us, and teaches us through His Word

THREE:  Ask Him to show you the breath-taking space of an open door that He may be leading you through. 

A Sabbath Pause - God Is Our Refuge In the Storm, Don't Be Afraid

Praying today for my American friends, colleagues, and blog readers who are in the path of hurricane Irene. 

Pause to remember that...

..."God is our refuge and strength, 

a very present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, 

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 

though it's waters roar and foam, 

though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Whatever storm is blowing through your life right now, 

pause to remember that God is your refuge.

Do not be afraid. 

Be still, and know that He is God.

Psalm 46: 1-3, 10 ESV

A Sabbath Pause - Only One Thing Matters

"There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all cost, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. (This includes meeting the needs of your heart.) One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life."

-Oswald Chambers

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

What really matters to you? 

Your job? Your home? The internet? The latest technology? Your kids? Pursuing youthfulness? Recreation and leisure? Protecting your time? Your stuff? Your (fill-in-the-blank).

Only one thing matters: A personal relationship with Jesus.

Everything else comes second.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. - Matthew 6:33 (The Message)

Take a Sabbath Pause. 

Decide today what really matters.

Because, the truth is, only one thing matters.

My View of the Workplace is Changing...Daily. Is Yours?

My view of the workplace is changing. Daily.

At times through the years, it was a place to be endured. At other times, an means to an end.

Sometimes I rather enjoyed it. And sometimes--well, not so much.

At all times, it was a place to fulfill a commitment to contribute financially to our family.

But it wasn't the place I lived my real life.

Coaching. Women's ministry. Church life. Speaking. Writing. Preparing.

Now we're talkin'.

Those were the life-giving ingredients to my real life. They fed my soul.

"Lord, when can I finally just do the life-giving things instead of the workplace things?" I would lament. "It's ministry that I want to do. Can't you see, Lord? Ministry."

"Kathy," He quietly whispered. "The workplace is ministry."

This time, I listened.

You see, my view of the workplace is changing. Daily. 

Sure. I get to be a Learning Specialist and Coach. I get speaking/facilitating/presenting opportunities every week. I get to coach individuals within our organization--to walk with them as they close sabotaging gaps in order to grow more effectively to their potential--and more.

I love my role...the things that I get to do.

But I didn't always have this role. I've had roles that I didn't particularly love.

In my listening, I learned it's not about my role--or if I love it or not.

It's about this:

I get to join God where HE is at work in my workplace. In the lives of people in my workplace.

He chose me for such a time as this in such a place as this. Isn't that amazing?!

Will you allow me to encourage you today?

My friend, it's not about your role--whether you love it or not.

It's about this:

That you get to join God where HE is at work in your workplace. In the lives of people in your workplace.

People, listen to me.  God is alive and well in the workplace. How cool is that?

My view of the workplace is changing. Daily. 

"Ministry Lord, it's Your ministry that I want consuming my brief life on this earth. Why aren't you allowing me to 'do ministry'?" my heart cried out.

"My sweet Kathy," He whispered. "Open your eyes. Look around. I've given you your heart's desire. For this season, it looks like this. Will you join me?"

God is changing my view of the workplace. Daily.

Will you allow Him to change yours? He chose you for such a time as this, in such a place as this.

In the Workplace: What I Know About Starting A Workplace Small Group

Every Wednesday at noon we meet.  For about 30 minutes or so.

Sometimes there are 10 of us. Sometimes 3. Sometimes 6 or 7.

Just depends if it is month end, quarter end, or summer vacation time.

All together, there are 18 of us.

The "us" I am referring to?

The amazing women from our Workplace Small Group.

That's what we affectionately call it.

All on a faith journey.  At different spots along the way, but same desire--to know God more.

We share prayer requests. I pray. I give a devotional. We share. We care. Sometimes, we cry. Lots of times, we laugh.

We took a picture of our hands today representing our support and care of each other.

Someone recently asked me how to start a Workplace Small Group.

So, here's what I know about starting a Workplace Small Group.


1. I don't know how to start a Workplace Small Group.

Yes it's true. The first thing I know is that, well, I don't know. Truth is, I was rather resistant to the whole idea. Who would come? Where would we meet? And wouldn't it be a bit weird to teach a Bible Study at my place of employment?

2. Pray

The nudge just wouldn't go away. I'd pray, "God, if you really want me to step out and do this, you've got to confirm it in some notable way." He would. Until one day I sensed Him saying enough with the "confirming." Time to do something about it. This is literally months after the first inkling of starting a Workplace Small Group.

3. Watch

Watch, because you will be surprised and delighted to see how God allows your path to intersect with other people's path in the workplace.  Those who are on a faith journey. Those who are seeking.

4. Be Bold

Make a move. Be bold to connect with the few that cross your path. Be bold to ask for a place to meet. In our case, the news travelled quickly, because the "few I connected with" were boldly spreading the word among their colleagues. They were awesome!

5. Have a Support Team Praying For You

My Workplace Small Group doesn't know this yet (they will after reading this post), but there are a group of seniors from my church praying for us each week. So is Sharon, my sweet friend and prayer partner. So thankful for all of their "behind the scenes" ministry to our little group.

So, that's all I know so far about starting a Workplace Small Group.

Just to keep leaning into God's grace and learning as we go.

Maybe, just maybe, God is nudging you to start a Workplace Small Group? I'd love to hear about it! Why not leave a comment.

Before I go, just want to send a shout-out to the special women who's hands you see in today's photo...I love you all! It's a joy being on this journey with you!

I am recording our series on "How to Listen to God" as podcasts and posted them here. You are welcome to listen in!

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