Tag: success

His Promises Endure

- dannalundstrom

I am a tremendously deep feeler in a terribly fallen world. I experience your success and your suffering, your communication, verbal and non-verbal, your actions and your inactions. I endure all your raw edges and finely buffed emotions. I sense your masks because I have worn them as well, but I long to see your soul. I carry your praises and your pain, and that is why I laugh a lot but frequently lament, too. Some people would say I am a mess. Some days I say, I am a mess. That is ok because it is in the sediment of tribulation that I discover significance when I have anchored my eyes, ears, and heart towards the eternal message that I know is always there. Right now the world sits raw and heavy upon my heart. I feel like I am in a tug of war between the desire to surrender to the sadness or continue standing despite its presence. There is only one choice for me; I know that. But, the fight is real! Thank you, Father, for your promises that endure all storms, whether we are standing well or weary.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

 

Diamonds Not Dirt

- dannalundstrom

cbc9db013b10803ece68b8cd45262734When we are secure in who we are and where our true identity resides, in Christ, hate, blame and complaining subside. We are then free to build-up, motivate, encourage, compliment and accept the beliefs of others that are contrary to our own without anger, resentment or protest. We are visual people. Of all the looking around we do, be one who looks for “diamonds,” not dirt.  I am always a work in progress.  You are loved.

A Beautiful Story

- dannalundstrom 2 Comments

Her successes humbled her; she softly accepted them with gratitude.  Her wounds filled her heart with compassion, and she knew though painful, they would mature into wisdom that she would rely on to comfort others.  Both together wrote her story; the story she drew from to minister to others with gentleness and grace.  You, my dear, are a beautiful story with pages full of pleasure and pain that have formed your unique and eternal purpose.

Share Your Story

- dannalundstrom 1 Comment

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People are like books. Our lives tell a story. Everyone has chapters of triumph and tragedy, grief and gratitude, success and struggle. All of our stories depict beauty and brokenness. Those parts of our story-the broken ones- are usually the most poignant. Embrace them. Search for the meaning and the message nestled within them. Share them. Our triumph over tribulation is for our growth and God’s glory.

Daily Prayer

- dannalundstrom



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In a world where entitlement is pervasive, and happiness is an objective, Father secure my eyes upon You.  For it is through imploding plans and serial struggles that we are afforded unique opportunities to magnify your character.  In all the areas, I wrestle; Jesus prepare me to be a good steward of your name.  I constantly fall short of standards for approval born of this world, leaving me vulnerable to comparison that is void of joy, but full of condemnation.  You look upon me with affectionate eyes laced with grace, not seeking superior performance, but a surrendered heart.  Allow me to rest, not in my critical view nor the criterion of this world,  but in the secure shelter of your abundant mercy and amazing grace.  Amen.

Divine Interruptions

- dannalundstrom 1 Comment

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This has been on my mind a lot this week. We go about our lives planning our days and our family’s days. We set our sights on goals, and achievements which is a good thing, but sometimes we get lost in the pursuit of those goals and we loose living, really living because our plans overshadow our purpose. The problem with this is that so many of these goals are not eternal, and in the blink of an eye they can be snatched from us with no warning and no apology.

Like a thief that has broken into our sacred space, we are left feeling stripped, lost and defeated. Interruptions to our plans steal our joy and our purpose when we are so strongly married to an outcome that we perceive as success. It’s hard to accept that something that feels so wrong could be right when these unwelcome interruptions come along, but it is a fact of life we must fight to embrace because we are not in control and our picture of success that is based on anything of this world is an illusion.

I pray to fight harder and believe stronger that these interruptions, are divine redirections even when it feels counterintuitive. I pray to not let myself be so warped up in an outcome that an interruption or providential re-positioning cannot move or shake me, but rather peak curiosity laced excitement about where my future surrendered to THE one who paves my paths, and my family’s paths will lead. Mostly, belief is a hard fight. I pray to keep my fighting gloves always laced up and ready to fight for what I know to be true by faith, and not necessarily what appears to be true by sight.