As I Wait...

Do you ever find yourself waiting in line? What's your immediate reaction? After discussing technology use with my students this semester, I made an effort to be more aware of how I was responding to those little moments of waiting in the midst of trying to be active. And, I must confess...I was a little disappointed in myself...at how quickly a simple line or a change of the stoplight to red made me reach for my phone...as if there was something I missed in the 10 minutes of driving or walking around the grocery store. I've even noticed it the past couple weeks...down time in a rehearsal or a lull in a group...my mind races to other things instead of simply soaking in the moment. AGH! I thought I was making some improvements in being more intentional with my time and thoughts. Clearly, I have a ways to go. How challenging it is in our instant gratification and response society to go against the grain...to be ok with silence and actually enjoy a moment to wait.


I think my frustration with waiting comes often when  I perceive that I can't get anything else accomplished, that my oh so precious time is being wasted. And, with that thought, I just have to smile and laugh...that laugh that comes from realizing you're being taught something for the umpteenth time. It's that humbling laugh of seeing where you've taken a step or two toward pride in claiming time as my own. It's that laugh that brings you to Your knees and drives you to His Word, grateful yet again for His grace and mercy that covers the shortfalls not seeing such moments as opportunities to actually think and thank Him for the overflow of blessings evident by simply looking around while there in line. And, it's that awkward laugh in realizing that the very words He gave me in prose a short while ago are now beckoning me to read again to draw be back to that moment of unity with His thoughts. 
Thankfully, His Word is full of waiting (I suppose that means we can collectively be pretty impatient for His timing), AND full of instruction of what to DO in our waiting. 

• In waiting, we HOPE..."We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name." - Psalm 33: 20-21

• In waiting, we are to be EAGER and STAND FIRM... "God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 1:6-8

• In waiting, we LISTEN with a JOYFUL heart..."The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete." - John 3:29

• In waiting, we  LIVE self-controlled, upright and godly lives... "It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." - Titus 2:12-14

• In waiting, we TRUST..."Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." - Isaiah 40:31

Forgive me, Lord, when I try to rush Your perfect plan;
For in Your presence I long to be walking through this season;
Draw me closer, Lord, as I cling to Your Word;
Father, light Your fire of purpose in my soul;
Lord, may Your mission be the contagious rhythm of my heart;

So grateful that His Word encourages and reassures my heart in the little moments of waiting, as well as in the waiting for the bigger moments of His plan. So, the next time you're standing in line waiting...join me in trying to remember to simply turn our thoughts to Him and how He desires to use those few moments instead of reaching for the phone. (I'm pretty sure we won't miss much in the world in those few minutes...but, what we could miss is a great opportunity for God to use us in an unexpected way.) To close, here's the prayer He put on my heart just a short while ago...may it be a blessing to you this day. 

As I Wait
Father, may hallelujah and praises be ever lifted to You;
From my lips to exalt my Savior with each day anew.

Forgive me, Lord, when I try to rush Your perfect plan;
Grant me patience to humbly submit and courage to boldly stand.

For in Your presence I long to be walking through this season;
Obediently I follow, trusting that in each experience my faith will deepen.

Draw me closer, Lord, as I cling to Your Word;
Holding fast to Your promises, may Your Spirit be stirred.

Father, light Your fire of purpose in my soul;
To see Your vision of my piece in the whole.

Lord, may Your mission be the contagious rhythm of my heart;
May I not tire to seek and serve in that which You have set apart.
Amen

Dissertating...

SO, what's your paper (dissertation) about? Ah...the inevitable question for all who pursue that final degree in higher education. Being in the proposal writing process, as I have learned, means that the answer to this question sort of evolves; so, if you asked me that question a few months ago...the answer has changed a little by now. It changes because you find other research that helps narrow your topic of interest. It changes because you find THAT article...the one that supports your ideas and encourages you to trudge forward with renewed interest, knowing that there is at least one other person in this world who thinks such research is needed. And, it changes because you just keep digging into the 'why am I doing this?' and 'how can this be most useful to others?' which makes all of the hazy direction become clear. These changes are good, even if they mean re-doing some of the work you already did once before. It's a process...trust the process (or so that's the saying I remember from Leadershape from a 'few' years back).

In regards to 'dissertating', this week is pretty exciting for me. Two reasons:
1. I'm actually making some good progress on my proposal. It may be at the expense of being able to spend more time with friends, but it is needed progress to meet my goal of completing my proposal and pulling my committee together for the first time later this fall. I'm learning it is indeed a delicate balance of making time to write when I actually write well and still maintaining some sort of balance in taking care of myself.
2. This week marks the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, where the new Sustainable Development Goals are to be adopted and officially put into motion. 17 Goals have been outlined with markers for progressive achievement through 2030. These replace the Millennium Development Goals that had goals leading up to 2015. These goals are a foundation of the research I am doing and desire to do...which essentially means you can probably find me watching the streaming of the UN meeting online come Friday (anyone else out there to provide some solidarity with this leadership and international development 'nerd'?) :)

With those two reasons in mind...I think I have figured out the basic description of my research:
I desire to study leaders in NGOs to understand their leadership development process that has prepared them to effectively lead their organization in helping to achieve sustainable development through international agriculture.

Or, in "fancy" research terms: I propose to explore the development of leadership efficacy in NGO leaders with focus on international agricultural development through a phenomenological study.

I'm excited because of the base this provides for future research, its application for leadership development and training, and its combination of my passions - leadership development and "missions." And, as I head into this being the focus of the next two years of my life to complete a dissertation (pending committee approval, of course), I'm glad that it makes me excited to dig in and explore. Thus, you are hereby forewarned of my excitement related to my topic of choice ; however, you can certainly tell me to just give the quick overview/update and spare yourself my giddy description of something you may just have to smile and nod at :). Now, on to a meeting about said dissertation proposal...

Grace on Mission

I knew after going out to do outreach just one afternoon during our medical clinics last year that I would go back to Benin again. This year, I went with the idea that my time in Ganvie would either bring closure to what I felt my unfinished task was there (outreach), or open my eyes to the people and see a strategic direction for our church's engagement there. 

Honestly, I stepped off the plane expecting closure; I drove away from the dock after our last day out in Ganvie with tears in my eyes, my heart captured by this people group whom I can't even communicate with if a translator is not around. Funny how God works like that. While strategy is yet to be determined, I'll just say that I still have a year left on my visa to Benin...

Here are a few highlights from my journey to Ganvie, Benin this year: 

- The very first home I went to, I met Delphine with her baby and young son (and a chicken who kept wanting to join us). She shared about the struggles facing her family; I shared the story of the demoniac, and my teammate also shared the Gospel. She was hungry for God's Word...and ready to accept the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We prayed with her, that God would use her decision to impact her family, and that she would continue to grow in knowledge and understanding of Christ. 

- On the second day, I was a little sick (which I've come to expect when traveling). I still went out...we stepped off the boat for our final stop of the morning...to walk right past a voodoo sacrifice altar area and into what seemed to be a voodoo worship area under construction. You could feel the oppression...but what an amazing opportunity to confidently declare the Word of God to those people! And, praise the Lord for keeping me well enough to make it through that visit and back to the hotel! 

- Another day, I went out with a translator who truly has a gift of working with children. At our first stop, we walked past a mosque and voodoo huts to get to a common gathering area...and we quickly had 75 kids of all ages listening intently to a story, then up singing praises and dancing!

So many more stories I could tell from our visits around Ganvie! Though I'm not one to lean on statistics...I much prefer the stories of relationships being built...our team visited with over 1,200 people in our 5 days of outreach and had 171 profess faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Many, many praises...and many, many prayers for continued growth in these new believers, that God would raise up leaders in Ganvie to forge the path of Truth to take root, community to form, churches to grow, and a harvest to come that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come. 

And, for the Lord to guide what Westside's engagement is to be in the future. It seems like part of my reflection time tends to be in poetic form, especially after trips like this...so, here's my latest: 

Grace on Missionby Natalie Coers 

Thousands of miles away from home, 

Yet Your peace covers me in this place.

Here, may Your Name be known, 

May I reflect Your love and grace.

Lord, they long for peace to fill their lives,

For prayers to bless and keep them well.

Without You, they blindly toil and strive,

But with Your grace, Your love compels.  

It compels to share each Truth-filled story,

To walk humbly and care deeply for those in my path.

Commanded to disciple and multiply for Your glory, 

Lord, bring the nations to our knees, spare us Your wrath.

In moments when practical and passion collide, 

Your call is evident each step of the journey.

Though struggles come with this heart divided,

I press on with purpose, to serve, follow and obey.  

And...if you've made it to read this...kudos and thanks for being interested in a couple stories and reflections from my trip! Some of my favorite photos to end out this long post...

Just Peachy...Muffins :)

Well, it wouldn't be a stressful, deadline forthcoming time without a good baking night. That's just how I roll. Or, perhaps this kitchen inspiration was out of necessity from having a bunch of peaches from my trip to Georgia last week that were quickly ripening. Maybe a little of both :). Nonetheless, these were a pretty yummy modification using both the peaches and peach cider I brought home from the trip. Though the argument still stands as to whether they are a muffin or more in the cupcake family, they are a delicious little peachy muffin. Enjoy whipping up a batch and think of me as I write away at my literature review for the next week or so (with gratitude for an extended deadline)!

Peachy Muffins
Adapted from food.com
Yield: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t.salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2/3 cup peach cider
1 cup diced, fresh peaches

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 375' F.
2. Whisk together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Beat butter with sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add flour mixture in two batches, alternately with peach cider, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until just incorporated.
6. Fold in peaches.
7. Divide batter among muffin cups. Sprinkle with sugar.
8. Bake until golden brown and springy to the touch, 18-20 minutes.
9. Cool to warm, 5-10 minutes.
10. Enjoy! :)

Layers of Grace

There's no question that I enjoy travel...the opportunities to see new places and meet new people...priceless experiences. Sometimes, I dread the process of getting to the destination though. Long layovers and hours spent in a confined space are a harsh contrast to the beautiful scenery of the destination itself. Yet, other times I actually quite enjoy the "getting there" for the simple fact that it is an excuse to unplug for even just a few hours to think, read, and write.

This past weekend I made a quick coast to coast trip, traveling to Sacramento to - as one of my drivers put it - do some "recon" work...otherwise known as checking out the 2016 site for our Association of Leadership Educators conference. And, as the semester is coming to a close, I welcomed the "getting there" time for some internal processing and reflection. After flight #1, my 3 hour layover at LAX lent itself to some writing time...the result is below. A friend mentioned that I may need some more travel on my schedule if this comes out of my "getting there" time...I'm just thankful for such opportunities and down time when He stirs my heart to write. I pray these words may bless and encourage you.

Layers of Grace
by Natalie Coers 

I look in the mirror and what do I see?
I see the person I think I should be.

Strong and confident in who I am becoming,
Yet, doubt creeps in to insecurities looming.

With a critical eye, I prod into the depths of my faults;
Then a gentle whisper brings me to a halt.

He whispers with love that dispels my fears;
Speaking truth to my heart, He draws me near.

Those faults I try to cover are beautiful scars to Thee,
Marks of growth as I become who He desires me to be.

Each doubting moment, He layers upon His grace,
Assuring me I only need to follow at His pace.

Lord, take captive my thoughts and renew my mind,
May I walk in wisdom and faith, in You alone my purpose I find.

A Golden Opportunity

"...keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.... In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." 1 Timothy 3:9, 11

Last year, I prayerfully selected a word and verse for the year; at the time I chose them - OBEY & Joshua 1:9 - I truly did not know what they would mean in the coming year. In both little moments and punches of truth, God showed me the layers of meaning that underpinned that selection. This year, I decided to repeat the practice, as it made such a strong impact on me. Yet, knowing the previous process and impact made it a little intimidating, but also a selection filled with anticipation of how God would use the word and verse in the coming year. Well, I found myself drawn to the word DEEP and the verses above. And, He is already teaching me so much from this simple practice. 

Turning 30 seems to be a mixed bag...some make it a big deal, while others dismiss it as just another year. For me...I've been looking forward to it for the simple fact that it's my "golden" birthday...turning 30 on the 30th...so, I'm viewing it as a great opportunity to reflect, dream, and have some fun. 

Reflecting...I've been thinking about various habits and practices, considering some things that I thought were for 'just a season' that turned into patterns...figuring out how I can be the best me to respond obediently with confidence to whatever and wherever God calls. It's been a good realization of some things that need to change (perhaps in baby steps, but change they will...) and lots of moments of gratitude for how He continues to grow me.

Dreaming...I find it really amusing to come across notes from middle school or high school of where I thought I'd be now. While timing may be different than imagined, I find that I still dream for similar things with the same foundational values...for a Godly husband and family of my own, meaningful work, and opportunities to make a positive impact on others' lives. In the midst of some dreams becoming a reality, He continues to inspire dreams that more deeply reflect His will rather than my own desires...that are humbling to consider and realize they can only be accomplished with great leaps of faith. There is certainly much anticipation for how my next decade will unfold. 

Having some fun...you had to know that I couldn't resist some sort of list to celebrate this golden birthday. My "30 for 30" list includes a combination of things to do with others, for others, and a few just for me. I'm excited to head into my final 30 for 30 week with a handful of things to do for others and a day set aside to unplug for some 'me' time. If you know me well, you know I really prefer to not be the focus of attention...but, my 'quality time' loving self is thoroughly enjoying the excuse of my birthday to make some sweet memories with the many people God has placed in my life! :)

So, here's to the final days of my 20's and great adventures to come with my 30's (and an item checked off my 30 for 30 list...)! 

   

Moving in the Margins

 “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” - Psalm 29:11

My calendar…I've been thinking a lot about it the past few days. Perhaps because I have failed to have much margin over the past couple of months and stretched myself a bit too thin. Perhaps because I am now having a little margin to reflect on the past couple of months. Whichever way I look at it, I come to one conclusion: I chose (and am choosing) that calendar, those priorities, and the benefits/consequences of them because of the person it is challenging me to become. I do pray that it is a season of such intense “busy,” as I long for that margin to sit, write, listen, and read. But it is a season I wouldn't trade for anything. Here are a couple of the main things I have learned and continue to learn in this season:

•            True friends are rare jewels in life; fierce loyalty is my gift and heartsong to these special people in my life. I am consistently in awe of the people God has brought into my life…how they come alongside to share their gifts and bless my socks off! And so many others who are sweet friends and connections…the way He connects our stories amazes me!  
•            The body of Christ working in unity is a beautiful and powerful entity. On so many levels, this has been observed and demonstrated to me…grateful and blessed are the two words that come to mind. I pray that more people could experience this true reflection of God’s design for the church.  
•          Regardless of level of “busy,” prayer is a necessity. I don’t think I have ever leaned in to my Savior more than in these past couple of months. In the midst of little details, He has given me strength to keep going and such a “big picture” peace about His calling for my life and excitement to move forward toward a dissertation that connects the passions He has put on my heart. He continues to grow me through realizing that prayer first is a lifetime of intentional choice.

Getting to “unhurried” is a process…in the meantime, I’m choosing to be intentional and loyal to the values I desire to uphold...taking little steps to get to the big idea. It’s a process that includes the stretching of my tend-to-be Type A self to be still and open to not just what I have planned, but how God may work. It’s one I’m learning to be ok with...because His plan is always better.

Lord, guide my decisions for how I spend my time. Grant me strength to carry out the tasks you set before me with excellence. May I be a light for you to those you place in my sphere of influence. And, may I honor You in prayer and time in Your Word. Amen 

Moving in the Margins
A ripe harvest awaits in places unreached;
But the workers are few to take the Gospel and preach.

You stir in us the desire to go;
Yet to where and when we may not know.

Actions so tangible with gifts You’ve provided;
But to simply do would be misguided.

You must slow us down and show us Your way;
No schedule can dictate the answers for which we pray.

Deeper You draw us to listen and be still;
To obey, to follow Your leading, Your will.

May I reach out in Your peace and grace,
to engage in the messy as You move through the margins of my pace.

Lord, transform my heart to be sent for You;
Each day living Your Commission, keep me in pursuit.