My "Word" for 2015

Kudos to you if you can keep your New Year's resolutions!  I can't!  The last thing I need is another list of something that I need to do, another reminder of where I'm not measuring up, and another list of goals that will be swallowed up by good intentions and the busyness of life.  Instead, I need something that is quick and easy to remember that I can pull out in a second's notice in order to determine if something brings me closer or pushes me further from God and from the person I want to become.  I need something that creates hope, inspires me, and pushes me to action.  And I need something that doesn't have predefined expectations centered around my limited faith so that God can bring about what He wants to see happen in 2015.  That is why I totally embrace the "word of the year".  This word encompasses what God is doing in my life and what I hope He continues doing, and it lends direction to where I want to go and who I want to be in 2015.

So my word for 2015 is:

RESTORE

Definition:
: to give back (someone or something that was lost or taken)
: to return (someone or something)
: to put or bring (something) back into existence or use
: to return (something) to an earlier or original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

Psalm 51:12-13

"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You." (NKJV)

Psalm 51:16-17

"Going through the motions doesn't please You, a flawless performance is nothing to You.  I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.  Heart-shattered lives ready for love don't for a moment escape God's notice."  (Message)

I love the synonyms for "restore" because God took us through the longest wilderness and we are finally on the other side of it.  I wish I could say we journeyed well through the wilderness, but the longer we stayed, the more I let it take from me and I lost myself in the journey.  However, on this side of the wilderness, there have been new seasons, new paths, new directions, and new opportunities that have taken me back to my roots--the things I enjoyed before I lost myself in the busyness and doing of ministry and the aimlessness of wandering in the wilderness.  How refreshing it's been to remember those things that I lost, to be able to make music again, to be able to go to church simply to worship God, and to find solace in things that were once fun and familiar.

Yet the more I remembered my roots and rediscovered former joys, the more I found 2014 going in a different direction than I had planned.  I freaked out because life wasn't going the way it was supposed to go.  I was straying too far from my expectations, others' expectations, and everything familiar.  It was taking me too far away from ministry as I knew it to be and it was leaving me with nothing recognizable. 

To compensate for that, I found myself in the all-to-familiar pursuit of perfection because I felt like my performance was the only thing I could control (until even that became out of my control).  Perfection at work, home, music, anything I committed to...it was exhausting and daunting.  Can't tell you how many times I quietly cried myself to sleep because I felt so high maintenance and kept getting on my own nerves...that's when you know you have a problem!

I felt like I was running in circles for nothing except to prove to myself and to others that I still have it, that I can stay in the game, that I can still juggle lots of things and come out on top, that I can still do whatever God wants me to do even though it's not "formal" ministry and there isn't any signs of formal ministry ahead.  I kept running toward the voices and expectations that others in ministry have had for me hoping that I'd run into whatever it is that God wanted for me when He's made it so clear that He has something else in mind and I keep resisting it.

However, a few weeks ago, I was floored when we began discussing Psalm 51 in our Sunday School class and God began speaking to me quite bluntly.  He began reminding me of all that He had done on the cross and what it represented.  God would send friends by to chime in with (not-so-) random thoughts about our identity in Christ.  Some friends were nosy enough to ask what's going on and to help me see what's at the root of all of this.  Through the unearthing, God began speaking even more and weaving this new theme of restoration into my life to where there's no escaping it. 

How I need to be restored -- and I love the synonyms of "restore" because they paint a picture of what I want to see happen in my life.  These words portray rest, strength and peace, not striving, manufactured faith, and running ragged to prove my capability to others.

These synomyns depict a much-needed shift that needs to happen in my mind, thoughts and actions. And they are such a great checklist for whether or not to add something into my already crammed schedule!

Psalm 51:12-13 is a process emptying myself of all that hinders me from real joy and destroying that root of pride.  And it also reminds me that God has a desired order...we cannot reach/teach others until we first are filled with Him.  Before I can make disciples, I have to be a disciple.  Before I can lead others, I must be led first. I'm giving to others what I'm being filled with...and that's a scary thought.  Am I giving the true gospel that changes lives or the man-made version that merely comforts lives?  (Yes, this is already stuff I "know" but have forgotten along the way!) 

Psalm 51:16-17 shoots down my tendencies toward perfection and performance.  All of that pales in comparison of being real before God, of knowing we are so broken and in need of Him.  But it means going beyond that place of acknowledging our need and purposefully living into what God wants us to be in Him.

Restore:  It's reconstructing what I've torn down over the years.  It's reinstating who I am in Christ and claiming it above circumstances and opinions. It's reintroducing the fundamentals of who God is and seeing His beauty and resting in His sovereignty.  It's finding those things that rejuvenate and revitalize my life...rediscovering my passions and letting go of the activities and hobbies that I simply don't enjoy in this season of life.  It's renewing my mind and replacing the defeatist thoughts and life's distractions with God's truth.  It's giving the reins back to God again so He can renew and revive my life in His ways instead of according to my agenda.  It's going back to all the things that I've learned over the years except for this time, it's purposefully letting it be more God than me.  It's purposefully living out John 3:30--"He must increase, but I must decrease."   

Restore ... it's perfect for 2015!  Sometimes, it takes way more work to restore something than it does to trash it and start from the beginning, so I love the promises God has given me in Ephesians 6:10-18, Job 23:10, Philippians 1:6, and Jeremiah 1:4-9.  Now it's time to hang on for the ride ...

RevQuest -- Where History Comes Alive

Mystery, secrecy (well, as much as you can have with amateur spies), intrigue and tons of fun describe our first experience with RevQuest:  The Old Enemy at Colonial Williamsburg.  RevQuest was exactly what our family needed to rediscover the charm and excitement of Colonial Williamsburg (CW)!

CW has been a part of my life since childhood as we've celebrated birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and school years there.  We are very familiar with the same sights and sounds that CW has to offer.  Some sounds, like the fife and drum corps, I can never get enough of, yet some of the houses and buildings have lost their luster over the years and we can recite some of the same spheels when we walk in the apothecary or tour the Palace.  However, RevQuest brought back that element of surprise and discovery that left us wanting more of CW!

Over the past year or so, we've seen RevQuest spy missions advertised.  We've found random clues and saw bandana-wearing families along Duke of Gloucester Street which further piqued our interest.  As we were deciding where to go on vacation this fall, we looked at CW once again because our child seemed to have the mental and physical stamina to attempt (and enjoy) this spy mission.  While we were doing RevQuest mainly for him, we were delighted to watch how RevQuest drew in our entire family as the mission progressed. 

We tried the optional online mission of RevQuest first to see if it was even worth doing in person.  Of course, I made the deciphering much harder than what it should've been but my husband and in-laws figured it out and completed the online mission quite easily.  We texted in our final answer and received a text back from CW stating that we can pick up a reward at one of the shops which further enticed us to try out the game in person.

 We picked up our RevQuest bandanas and secret mission orders at the Visitor's Center.  We already had the the RevQuest text # in our phone from the online mission...you use the same number throughout the whole mission to gather clues.  CW's reply texts are instant so you know on the spot whether your deciphering is right or wrong!

Note:  If you are a homeschooler (any state), go to Group Sales where you can receive discounted admission for everyone in your party.  Then go to the Visitor's Center and get 1/2-off yours and your spouse's admission by showing your teacher ID or NOI for the educator discount.  As an educator, you receive 15% off of all book purchases throughout CW as well!  Make sure to leave your email address with Group Services for info and deals.  Apparently they offered an annual CW homeschool membership for $20/person via email...can't beat that!

While at the Visitor's Center, there is a seven-minute intro video outlining the basics of the RevQuest mission, how to get help, and what you need to know, etc.  After that, you open your Top Secret orders where you find everything needed to complete the spy mission (including clues, maps, ciphers, a pencil, and more).  The first stop is with a Williamsburg Agent where you need an alias to use with that agent as well as members of the Committee of the Secret

Correspondence.  This alias comes in the form of clues and a text which we completed during the walk from the Visitor's Center to the Palace area.  These agents are the only ones that can help you with this quest as long as you mention the alias.  The agents are carefully marked so you know who you (and they) can trust with this mission.

One of the coolest parts of RevQuest is that you get a behind-the-scenes look at CW.  Though we started out in public areas, the agents always led us to secret, semi-secluded locations on various properties.  We could open up gates and go down paths that the regular public didn't go down.  We examined trade signs and saw them in a way we never saw them before as they were transformed into directions and clues.  There were moments when we felt like true spies as we "talked" in code with CW actors as we had to ask for documents along the way.  We were constantly on the look out for secret messages and others in the Committee of the Secret Correspondence and we also enjoyed causal game banter with other RevQuesting families along the way. 

The Agents did a superb job acting out their part and involving every child and adult on this secret mission.  They had this air of mystery yet belief and reassurance that with a little work, we actually could complete this mission and in a timely manner.  The Agents had a way of making RevQuest feel like a special experience, not just another visit to CW.

RevQuest truly was a fresh way of looking at CW for all of us--it appealed to my elementary-aged child all the way up to his grandparents.  Sometimes, my son was able to crack the code all by himself and other times, it took all of us working together in order to move to the next phase of the mission.

CW suggests that the play time is about two hours.  It would be two hours if you did each part of the mission back to back.  However, we stopped for lunch, browsed in the stores and houses and worked with our son to complete his children's CW map so he could earn his fourth CW pin.

Note:  Don't forget to pick up a children's CW map at the Visitor's Center or ask any of the CW cast members at the open houses/trades for a children's map.  You don't need to be a part of RevQuest in order to do the children's map.  We loved the way that CW redid this season's children's map because it made it much easier for the younger, shy crowd to complete it.  It gave it more of an "I Spy" feel and actually complemented RevQuest in a way.  

If you are interested in RevQuest, make sure to check out the Colonial Williamsburg/RevQuest website for the mission times because there aren't as many dates and times to meet up with the Agent, French Envoy and Courier in the off-season.  RevQuest runs through November 30th, so it's not too late to schedule a RevQuest field trip.   

Even though my child is on the younger side (second grade) and didn't fully grasp RevQuest and the concept of a secret mission on the outset, it didn't take him long at all to catch on and to get into the game.  He was all too proud of himself when he was able to decipher the messages and he used lunch time to cipher his own name!  It was amazing to see how quickly his interest turned toward ciphering, and the teacher discount came in handy as we walked out with a couple books on secret codes!  My in-laws enjoyed the challenge and family fun as well as mentioned how this reminds them of their favorite TV mini-series, Turn, and they can't wait to bring more family with them next time.  My husband and I enjoyed the novelty of the spy mission and being able to see CW in a new light.  RevQuest breathed new life, info, and perspective into our homeschool and reminded me that teaching history is fun when it's presented well.  We couldn't have asked for a better first RevQuest experience and we look forward to tackling more RevQuest missions in the future! 

Note:  No goods or services were exchanged for this review.  We simply enjoyed the experience and believe it complements the homeschool experience. 

Secret Code

Secret Paths

Secret Clues

Completing the Children's Map (available anytime during the year)

Receiving his prize after completing the map.  The ultimate prize was when this lady told us where we can get free milkshakes in our souvenir cup!  It was even more of a bonus when we discovered they were peanut-allergy friendly!

Showing off his 4th CW pin that he's earned since Kindergarten.

The Proverbs Challenge -- Day 1

Growing up, my dad told me that "A Proverb a day will keep the Devil away."  He encouraged us to read one chapter of Proverbs each day of the month since there are 31 chapters and 31 days.  I often begin the month well.  But mid-month, life gets super busy and my reading slacks off.  Guilt usually kicks in a week later so I have time to at least catch the last few chapters of Proverbs before a new month begins. 

Recently, I encountered two women who handwrite the Bible.  At first, it seemed really odd but they stressed the sheer amount of concentration and discipline that is required to write out God's Word.  They read it and then say it in their mind as they are writing it and then reread the entire chapter.  They shared how copying the Bible awakened them and transformed their relationship with God with each book they copied. The more I learned about it, the more I wanted to try it...but next month.  Then next month became the month after and so forth.  However, today, September 1, seemed like a good day as any to try the Proverbs challenge. 

My main goal with the Proverbs challenge is to cultivate a spirit of priority and discipline.  It's easy to read through a few chapters of the Bible every day and to pray while on the go, but it's harder to slow down long enough to internalize God's Word and to have those extended prayer times without any distractions.  I have been in a rut and want something fresh rather than study through another devotional.  I want God without all the extras and nothing gets one back to the basics like copying straight from God's Word.

Proverbs is one of those "hindsight is 20/20" type of books for me.  It is filled with wisdom that I wish I had put into practice because it would have saved a lot of tears, heartaches and mistakes.  I tend to cross-reference Proverbs with life lessons so there are notes and dates of painful life lessons in the margin next to their corresponding Proverbs so I don't forget those lessons learned (it's like a diary of sorts).  However, there are so many vital lessons in Proverbs that spare a person of trouble if heeded, so I figured this would be my chance to learn without all of the hard lessons time around.  There was no other place to begin aside from time in prayer and simply sitting down with a fresh notebook and my Bible.  

As I began copying Proverbs 1, I was waiting for this big, huge life-altering revelation to jump out at me.  Instead, I got distracted by what it must have been like to be Solomon, David, Moses, Paul or Peter.  They were close enough to God to hear Him and to pen the facets of His heart.  It almost felt too sacred to continue writing out Proverbs 1 because I know how unholy, how human I am.  At that moment, God reminded me that He chose imperfect beings to write down His Words.  These men were human in every way yet God redeemed them and had a plan to use them despite their imperfections.  He had a relationship with them and used them right where they were at.  But the key is that these men were living in such a way that they were attuned to God's voice.  Very thought-provoking.

About halfway through Proverbs 1, I thought about all the things my child and I have read together over the years in our missionary studies.  We've spent a lot of time talking about the 10/40 window and just how many unreached people groups there are that do not have a Bible in their own language.  I couldn't help but echo some of the prayers we've poured out for these people groups.  I kept thinking of the Bible translators who have a vision and calling from God to learn a new language so they can copy not only Proverbs but the rest of the Bible, word for word, in a language that has never seen the Word of God.  What a responsibility and challenge for these translators especially as they feel the urgency to spread God's Word but are confined to a slow, tedious process. 

After handwriting Proverbs 1, I read it in Matthew Henry's commentary only to be reminded of the truths and the why behind the Book of Proverbs.  I have a feeling that this handwriting journey is just a beginning--a place to rediscover the wonder of the Scripture with each word that is written down and an opportunity to reconnect with God in openness and hunger.  As it comes to mind, pray that God will speak to me through this challenge and that I may learn discipline through this process.