Inspiration

There are many things that come to mind when someone says the word "inspiration." The dictionary provides these options:

in·spi·ra·tion   (nsp-rshn)

n.

1.

a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

b. The condition of being so stimulated.

2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.

4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.

5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

While all of these definitions have a valid place in the English lexicon, I prefer to define the word with two of my own: Sara Todd. My mom has battled stage 4 bone cancer successfully for over four years.

Life can change in the blink of an eye. I've written about change in previous posts, but none has had more of an impact than the day my mom slipped going up the stairs, broke her hip, and soon thereafter was diagnosed. The initial shock led to thoughts of despair, questioning, and doubts. Quickly though, these thoughts changed to determination, fight, and faith. While we have watched and walked with Mom through ups and downs over the last four years, my enduring memory will continue to be the faithfulness that she has fought this fight with. 

From the countless people at the coal mine where she has worked for over thirty years, to the church family in a small Kentucky town, to the people who now know her as the face of Team Blondie, to the two sons that she remained strong for, and finally for the four grandchildren that she longs to see grow up, and for her husband, Larry, Sara Todd exudes inspiration daily for all of those people and more. 

The fight is long from over, but I am convinced that she will WIN. The cancer markers are showing improvement which is unexplainable medically, but not spiritually. For those who know Sara Beth, you know she will keep fighting until God tells her to stop! 

I pray that someday I will inherit the ability to inspire that my mother exudes. If I am half the father that she has been as a mom, or half the grandfather someday that she has been as my kids' MeMe, then I too will become the only definition of inspiration I will ever need: Sara Todd.

The Changing of the Seasons

As I took this photo this weekend, I found myself reflecting on the changes that come with each season of the year.  The leaves on the bush have changed from a lush green to vibrant red, yellow, and orange.  Before long, the leaves will turn brown and finally fall to the ground.  The leaves will give way to colder temperatures and winter will take their place.

Just as these changes occur in the weather naturally, our lives face changes on various scales daily.  My wife asked me a question that continued my contemplative mood: "If you could go back in time to when you were 20 without gaining any knowledge you've learned, would you want to go back and try again?"  I can honestly say that I would NOT want to go back.  I have made plenty of mistakes along the way these last seventeen plus years, but I am in a place in my life where I am happy with the season I am in.  The last year of my life has been one of many changes.  I married an amazing woman that loves me the way I am, but encourages me to become evene better.  My world was then changed even further with the birth of my beautiful daughter, Isabella Grace, pictured above.  As if those two life changes were not enough, we also threw in a career change for me and a new business start-up for my wife.  When the Todd family decides to make a change, we move from the calm of Spring to the snow of Winter as if it were nothing.

 

The one thing that I have learned through all the changes is to appreciate the change!  I am embracing the changing colors in the leaves, rather than lamenting the loss of the heat of summer that the golfer in me longs for throughout the year.  I encourage each of you to embrace the change.  I know many of you reading this think that is impossible.  Change can be hard, but trying to avoid it or ignore it will only make it worse.

 

But by avoiding change, we create even bigger problems such as lost opportunites, broken relationshiops, or sometimes a waste of our talent and purpose.  Millions of people who need change are drifting along with no real purpose, no joy, and feeling as if they are traveling down a dead end street.  The only way to make the changes that we all desire is to include God in our transformation.  He created us in His image and desires the best for us.  All we have to do is call out to him and Believe!  The great news about that dead end street you are walking down is that it is not a one way street....turn around.  Make the change you know you are being called to make.  Live the life you were intended to live. 

 

Take time to embrace the changes in yourself and those that occur naturally around you.  The freedom that you will experience from this acceptance is an amazing feeling.  God has a plan for your life. 

 

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my ramblings.  If you enjoy them, please take time to share and comment.  Also, if you have a topic that you think I should write about I would love your suggestions.

 

 

GT

 

 

 

Inspirational Verses for the Midweek Blues

What is faith??

               What is faith?

We all WANT to have faith, but so often we don't operate our lives in a manner that reflects the faith we possess. I am learning and growing in this realization as I walk through a season of transition. 

In certain aspects of my life, my faith is unparalleled. For example, I have jumped out of a perfectly good airplane on purpose because I had faith the parachute would work and that the adventure was worth the risk. I am confident that everyone has faith in some things whether they admit it or not. Here's my proof: most adults get behind the wheel of a car everyday and they have faith that when they press the brake pedal, the car will stop. Seems simple right?

Well, faith in its purest form is simple. Faith is believing that things we cannot see or explain are true. 

How do we increase our faith? Well now that is not as simple, but I believe I have figured it out. In any relationship, trust is the key component to success. The same is true with our relationship Jesus Christ. The more we learn to "trust" Him, then the more he will reveal himself to us. As He reveals himself and never fails us, then our faith grows. As you continue to grow, the cycle of confidence continues because with each passing situation you realize that your foundation is now solid and you have a track record of trust that you can have FAITH in. 

During the times when we don't "feel" like having faith, it is then that we MUST fall back on the foundation of trust. One of the best quotes about these times comes from my Pastor, Chris Hodges: "choices lead, feeling follow." We cannot wait on our feelings to make decisions and that includes the decision to have faith. I dare you to implement this action whether you "feel" it or not. Allow your choices and the promises of God to guide you and the feelings will eventually match because you had the FAITH to believe AND act. 

Follow your dreams. Believe that God has a plan even if it doesn't feel like it!!