Laurie Russell

Why Can't I Sleep

Laurie Russell — Tue, 15 May 2012 10:31:02 -0700

My energy was low the other day due to not sleeping well. Why do our problems and concerns seem to magnify at night?

I woke up at 2:00 a.m. and began thinking about an issue involving our 11-year-old son Noah. It was nothing major, just some ongoing growing pains with our tweener. But the more I thought about it, the more I began to worry, feeding the issue and before long, it grew to Noah dropping out of school and making license tags behind bars with “mom” tattoo on his arm under a skull with crossbones.

I finally fell asleep and when I awoke in the morning, it all seemed frivolous but it had left me robbed of much needed sleep and an unproductive day.

Pete Wilson’s new book Empty Promises, shares how the ancient Hebrew mindset saw the beginning of the day starting at sunset. Even in the Creation Story in Genesis 1 illustrates this, “Evening came and then morning – that was the first day.”

He points out that our culture sees the beginning of the day at sunrise, the time that we begin doing. However, based on the Creation story, it appears God sees the beginning of the day when we’re resting and He’s on watch.

I don’t think anyone would disagree that we’re in the middle of a sleep-deprived epidemic. We pop pills to go to sleep and chug expensive drinks to stay awake the following day.

I’m not a good sleeper and after my sleepless nights, I’m a walking zombie, failing to emotionally connect with people or God.

“Uh mom, you haven’t blinked in 5 minutes.”

“Oh…I’m sorry! I had dozed off with my eyes opened.” This doesn’t truly emit love.

There are many theories to our struggle to sleep – artificial light, diet, lack of exercise/movement, too much screen time, hormones, etc. – and I’m guessing most of these theories are true. But I fall asleep okay; it’s the middle of the night and my worry-athons that steal my slumber.

I began to wonder if Pete has a point – am I invading God’s watch? If He is my refuge, my place of safety, why can’t I rest? Perhaps I’m preparing for the day a little too late by waiting until sunrise to put on my spiritual armor

When I was a missionary in Russia, I went through a period where I had reoccurring nightmares. An older member of my team believed it to be spiritual in nature.

She advised me to pray on God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10), not just in the morning but also at night (the beginning of the Hebrew day). She shared, “Satan will have a hay day with your mind when you sleep unless you cover it with prayer.”

I was reminded of this after reading Empty Promises. Before I went to sleep last night I prayed through on God’s armor. I still woke up but instead of worrying, I passed my worries back to God and thanked Him for keeping watch over us.

You know what, I slept the rest of the night. Thank God He’s got my back.

Do you struggle with sleep?

How do you handle anxious thoughts at night?

Never Judge a Person by Their Cover

Laurie Russell — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:44:38 -0700

This past week I worked at a conference hosting a booth with many of our books. People from all walks of life visited our table and it was interesting to see the different responses, especially to two of our books that are political in nature. One in particular, The Presidents and Their Faith, stimulated much talk on the faith of our current president, some harsh and some loving.

One gentleman approached the table and snidely said, “Well, well, the faith of the presidents. I want to know what you have to say about our present one.”

He picked up the book and began scanning the last chapter. His conservative dress, cropped hair and the sarcastic tone in his voice quickly told me what he believed.

I was a bit nervous – was this opinionated, loud-talking man going to make a scene? It was near the end of the conference and I was a bit “people-out”. I didn’t have it in me to politely listen and keep eye contact without rolling them.

He closed the book and the judgmental scowl on his face disappeared, “You know, I have a problem with anger. God’s really working on me with it.”

Within seconds he went from bitterness to humility. His critical words transformed into wisdom and love.

He began sharing how he’s doing a study on anger and how he believes many of the teenage runaways and drug problems are due to parents like him who respond to their kids’ quirks in anger or frustrated tones.

As he spoke I went from resisting him to receiving the message God gave him.

God spoke to me. I too had a judgmental spirit. I had jumped to label my new friend as small-minded with nothing to offer. In reality, he is a humble man, with an anger problem, who is proactively working with God on it and sharing his testimony to help others.

Later that night, my sister and I talked about this gentleman. His message had impacted us both. If I had of met him elsewhere, and based upon my premature judgments, I’d probably have mentioned something about being scheduled for an organ transplant and politely excuse myself the moment his banter began.

But…I would have missed God’s message – one I needed to hear.

Working behind a table kept me there that day but it made me wonder how many other stories and lessons I may have missed because I judged the person by first impressions. Being in the publishing business you would think that I’d know better than to judge a book by it’s cover.

Have you ever judged someone by first impressions only to discover a treasure inside them later?

Has God shown you any similar lessons that you’d like to share?

Sometimes a Sick Day is the Therapy We Need

Laurie Russell — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:02:28 -0700

It’s been a rough week, health-wise, in the Russell household. Anastasia’s been dealing with the coughing funk the past two weeks and I finally had to take her in (to the doctor, not the house, even though at times I was tempted to leave her outside at night, but I fear I’m sharing too much right now) last Thursday.

Noah’s cough started up this past week and today it was his turn to head to the doctor. When I signed him in at the doctor’s office, I swear the nurse looked at me funny, as if I were using my kids to get drugs or something.

Maybe I’m just being sensitive. Either way, I’m sick of the sickness and long for life to be back to normal.

However, I’ve noticed something different in Noah today…he’s talking with me more and even cuddling! He’ll turn eleven next week and each day he seems to pull more away from me and more towards his friends and his room.

Not today…he wants just me.

He smiled and perked up when I offered him tea. When I brought him his pillow and fixed a place for him to lie down, he didn’t protest. He even snuggled in to me at the doctor’s office as we played a game together. In a way, it was like old times when he was a toddler. (Can you say “old times” when you’re talking about a ten-year-old?)

It made me wonder, I’ve been working hard to urge Noah to take more responsibility – clean his own bathroom, fold and put way his own clothes, etc. – have I’ve neglected serving him in love for fear that he’ll depend on me to do these chores all the way to eternity?

Perhaps I’ve swung too far in the other direction. Who knows?

Well, as I try to figure this out, I think I’ll take advantage of having my favorite boy home with me and go fix him some lunch and eat it together.

Either way, it’s been therapeutic to our relationship.

What do you think?

How do we balance teaching our kids to become independent without pushing them away prematurely?

Any parenting advice out there?

Do You Flee From Pain or Face It?

Laurie Russell — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:57:33 -0700

Pain is something I work hard to avoid. It hurts and seem only a negative. A pain in my legs after exercise means an injury. A scratchy throat is the beginning of an illness. A broken heart represents losing at love.

Even though pain is not fun, there’s positive that can come out of it. The pain in my leg is my body adjusting to a new workout that’s making me stronger. The scratchy throat is due to long phone conversation with my loving mother. And the broken heart was God’s separating me from a bad choice until the right one came along.

My survival instinct many times causes me to flee pain.

Growing up adults repeatedly shared the famous quote, “When the going get tough, the tough get going.” However, the only “get going” I wanted to do was away from the pain.

We live in a hurting world and the pain many of us face can be overwhelming.

Not long ago I saw an interview with J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter. She talked about her mother’s death and the pain involved. She was extremely close to her mother. However, the pain she felt from losing her mother helped her fully capture Harry’s character. She was able grasp the pain he felt of not having a family.

Many charities were founded out of pain. Great works or art were created from pain. Scientific discoveries were motivated out of pain.

If we consistently flee pain instead of facing it, we miss out on a lot.

Facing pain – Awakens our souls to a deeper part of our being that has been touched by God. If we don’t go there, we miss God’s touch and seeing more of Him.

Fleeing pain– Closes up a wound faster but it leaves a scar on our heart that is numb. It prevents us from fully feeling love and life.

Facing pain – Initially breaks us down but after rest and healing we come back stronger, filled with wisdom.

Fleeing pain – Wears us down. When we flee, we are alone. When we are alone, there is no one around to help hold our arms up.

Facing pain – In time we become a source of healing for others. We can use our strength and pass it forward to others.

Fleeing pain - Stunts our growth and we become a burden. Insecurities develop and if we’re not careful, we pass it on to the next generation.

There are levels of pain that make it easier to face some over others. There is no formula to ease the process but there is a loving God who has experienced pain.

He was a refugee, poor. Maybe He carried the burdened of knowing thousands of babies were murdered because of his birth. He was betrayed. Single. Falsely accused. Spat upon. Beaten and treated like a thief.

Jesus lived in constant tension while here on earth. But, He didn’t flee. He was tempted to but instead of running He went to a garden, got on His knees and went face to face with God. And when He was done, He had the strength to not only face it pain that was ahead but to endure it.

He paid it forward to us. Because He faced His pain we can rest assured that one day our pain will be removed.

When we face God on our knees, He will carry our burdens and we can face anything.

How are you doing?

Are you fleeing your pain for facing it?

Maybe it’s time to go face to face with God in the midst of your pain.

Love Will Put Up With A Lot

Laurie Russell — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 08:10:53 -0700

Personal Goals Take A Team Effort

Laurie Russell — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:44:51 -0700

Mark’s turning 40 next month. Yep, my young hubby is growing up. For years he’s had the dream of doing a triathlon. So as a way to celebrate his new decade he decided he would participate in Boise’s 70.3 Ironman.

I was thrilled. I love triathlons – watching them, that is - but I’ve never considered doing one myself. I have this issue with open water swimming. The idea of not seeing what is lurking below me kind of freaks me out.

Growing up in the south, I heard urban legends of water skiers landing in beds of water moccasins who aggressively attacked the unsuspecting skier. I know – horrible. What if I swam through one of those? Oh and let’s not forget Jaws! No need to say more on swimming in the ocean.

However, Mark wanted me to train and do a triathlon. I was touched he wanted me to share in his dream with him but still unsure. He has a way of wearing me down, uh, I mean convincing me to do things I otherwise thought were impossible and I finally agreed.

I decided to start with the shorter sprint distance due to a bad knee. If that went well, then I’d try to work my way up to a longer race.

Our local YMCA in Boise has a great triathlon program that prepares people of all levels to complete in all distances of the triathlon. Our kids had participated in the youth program and we were impressed with the other members and coaches, so we decided to join.

My first day in the pool I was so nervous, I felt like I was drowning before I even got in the pool. I did track workout where I almost puked. And after my first time on the bike, I couldn’t sit comfortably for days due to a sore bum.

I didn’t see how I’d ever work my way up to completing any distance, no matter how short.

That was months ago and I still have a long way to go but I’m amazed with how far I’ve already come. I’m seeing for the first time that it is possible for me to complete the distance. I’m even losing my fear of open water.

Much of this is due to the people I’m around. They’ve helped me overcome my mental demons. They’ve shared their wisdom and stories – all of which has been a source of positive encouragement.

Personal goals are often achieved as a group effort…

1.) Surround yourself with experts. The coaches at the Y have been so valuable. They’ve given me tips on swimming, running and biking techniques, gear, etc. All of this wisdom would have taken me years to obtain on my own (if ever).

2.) Surround yourself with the experienced. Other tri-members have shared their stories, past fears and mistakes with me. These have all encouraged and reminded me that my struggles are normal and will soon pass.

3.) Surround yourself with positive people. I’m amazed with the positive energy in the group. This fuels me not to let a bad day get me down but instead to stay focus on the goal of finishing a race.

Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

God didn’t mean for us to race alone. He knew we’d need each other.

It’s much easier for someone to pull us down than to pull us up, making it all the more important to surround yourself with people of good character and common goals. Just as important, we need to be that person for others too.

When I do my first triathlon, it’s up to me to cross the finish line but it’ll take a team to get me there.

Who are the people you most spend time with? Do they help or hinder you in reaching the goals God’s given you?

Are you a positive force in the lives of others?

God Waits in the Wings and Blesses Us

Laurie Russell — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:18:28 -0700

Our 9-year-old daughter, Anastasia, is quickly outgrowing her bike. She likes to participate in the kid triathlons around town and is on the Youth Tri-team at the YMCA. Last fall, in the season’s last event, I watched her riding down the street, pedaling as hard as she could only to have a kid on a larger bike shoot past her. Not only was the bike bigger but it was a road bike. Needless to say, she noticed.

She decided then that she wanted to save up for her own road bike, sensing that she was losing most of her time on the bike (I know, she’s only 9 and already this competitive. Lord help me!).

If you’ve ever priced a road bike before, it doesn’t take long to see that they are crazily expensive – even the kid’s bikes (that they outgrow). Luckily cold weather was approaching so I told her if she really wanted one then to begin saving and we’d look for a used one the next spring. I gave her the amount we’d pay to help out with it if she could cover the rest. However, internally I figured she’d lose interest and settle for a larger, much cheaper, mountain bike.

Well, she worked hard and saved birthday and Christmas money and even started her own pet-sitting business with a friend, business cards and all. A couple of weeks ago she asked if we could begin looking for her bike. My heart dropped. I had seen her hard effort and her unending desire for the bike but I knew realistically that what she had saved and what I could afford to help her out with still wouldn’t cover the cost unless we found a good deal for a used one.

We shopped, she saw. I could see her heart and her mind colliding as she realized that she’d either need to wait to save more or settle for a mountain bike.

“I’d rather wait. I really want a road bike.”

Oh Lord, I know this is a frivolous request, but please guide me in how to help her here.

We were tired and disappointed but decided to visit one more bike shop before heading home. The manager approached us and I told him our situation. He perked up, “I think one of my employees has a used kid’s road bike in the back. Let me see if he’s selling it.”

OMG – Lord, if this is of you, please have the price match what we have saved up.

Out he came with a beautiful, gently used, red road bike, small enough to fit her but large enough to last her for a few years. The only hurdle left was the price. When I asked him, wouldn’t you know, it was exactly what we had saved.

Thank you Jesus!

We drove home with Anastasia’s bike in the back. She was beyond excitement, “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it! God gave me this bike. If we had come later, we would have missed it!”

It turns out the employee had brought his son’s bike in to clean it up in order to sell it on ebay. He was on his way home when we came in the store. If we had been 10 minutes later or if his manager had not approached us, we could have missed our opportunity. But then again, I believe God is in control and orchestrated the whole event.

I also believe God wanted Anastasia to have that bike. He was eager to give it to her as long as she followed His timing. He saw her sweet heart and her hard work to save enough money. He also watched her generously give some of her bike money away to randomly buy gifts for others. He loves her and loves blessing her.

It was a wonderful day and a beautiful thing to witness. In full circle I saw the desire of a child’s heart, followed by hard work and then wisdom as she decided to walk away and wait instead of settling for second best. Then I saw a loving God standing in the wings, arranging the events and when she obeyed Him, He swooped down and gave it to her when the time was right.

It played out before my eyes – it was awesome and what’s even more wonderful to see…she saw it too. It was beautiful!

How has God blessed you when you followed His time-table?

How do you know when He’s telling you to stay or go for it?

What Do You See in the Mirror?

Laurie Russell — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:30:16 -0700

A friend sent me an article the other day about what the author called "dirty moms". I posted it on my Facebook page, asking for opinions and received a variety of responses in all forms of my inboxes.

Based on what I read - we love beauty and beautiful things but resent feeling obligated to obtain it. Many acknowledged that inner beauty is what is important but still feel sucked in to comparing their outer beauty to what we see in magazines and on the screen. A few shared how this is amplified by physical disabilities, illness and lack of money. Another reminded me that when we criticize our appearance, we’re criticizing the work of God.

I believe God is aware of struggles. Perhaps Jesus experienced this to some point when He lived on earth in human form. Who knows?

It’s hard not to look in the mirror and see our imperfections. The other day I was in the locker room at the YMCA. I had done a swim during lunch and was putting my face back before returning to work.

The florescent lights highlighted my gray hairs and revealed every line and stray hair on my face. I was fretting over my fading eyebrows when I heard the woman sitting next to me speaking with her friend.

Lady #1: “You’re eyes look so good today!”

Lady next to me: “Thanks! I have about three eyelashes on each eye now.”

Lady #1: “It seems to take forever but once mine began to return, they came quickly.”

I looked over at my neighbors. The scarves on their heads and hairless faces told me they were probable recovering from some form of cancer treatment. However, the more they spoke, the more beautiful they appeared.

They were two friends who were lovingly supporting each other through a crisis. They weren’t focusing on what they lost but instead on hope and looking for what was returning.

God reminded me that morning, there is beauty in everything and we can see it as long as we’re looking for it.

I still don’t care for the florescent lights but I now view the lines on my face as a reminder that I’ve had much laughter and many sunny days in my life. The hair on my face is a reminder that I also have hair on my head. The grays are proof that God as allowed me many days to love and be loved here on earth and hopefully gained some wisdom along the way.

Take a long look in the mirror my friends – you’re perfectly made.

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Has God revealed anything to you under His lights?

Do Your Roles Trump Your Purpose?

Laurie Russell — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 14:31:58 -0800

In my last blog I shared some inspiration I’d received from Kristin Armstrong’s book, Mile Markers, and as promised, I’d like to share with you another nugget of truth I learned from her. It has to do with our roles and our purpose.

Kristin shared how women often tell her they feel called to be a wife and mother to which she replied, “Of course you are! You have a ring finger and uterus, but what is your purpose?”

At first her reply seemed a bit crass (I feel part of my calling is to be a wife and mother) but it got me thinking. I’ve never prayed about or tried to define my purpose before. I have many roles that I fulfill but why did God put me on this earth? Is there an underlining purpose in them all?

A role is position where we have a responsibility or duty but our purpose is the reason why God created us. It is why we exist.

I do believe our roles are part of our purpose but as I prayed I realized that I’ve allowed some of my roles to trump my purpose. They are good roles but at times ones I’ve taken on solely because I hate to say no or disappoint others.

Are my present roles ones that God is using to fulfill my purpose or are they a trap from the enemy to distract me from God’s calling?

I’ve prayed about this the past couple of weeks and by doing so I realized the importance of continually asking God to reveal our purpose to us.

1. My purpose has evolved through the stages of life, i.e. babies were born, started school and I’ve returned to work. My experiences and training have also fine-tuned my purpose over the years.

2. I saw how God has revealed different layers of my purpose to me over time.

3. The prayer kept me focused on God’s desires, not mine.

This was a valuable exercise. It showed me potential areas where I’m wasting my time or robbing others of realizing their purpose. Here are some of the questions I prayed through…

- What is a strength I can give that will make the lives of others, as well as my own, better?

- Am I allowing busyness to overshadow my God-given roles?

- Are my roles out of guilt or true calling? (Think areas of volunteering)

- Do these roles complement my purpose or distract me from it?

- Am I evolving as my roles change? (new baby, returning to work, leaving work, empty-nester, etc.)

- Am I a risk-taker?

- Do I avoid new challenges by using “my” roles as an excuse to dodge the changing roles and purpose that God is giving me?

Hopefully these questions will help you guide and stimulate you if you decide to do the same exercise.

What are your thoughts on roles and purpose?

Are there any other questions you’d add to the list to pray through?

Living out Lent and Life

Laurie Russell — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 07:55:21 -0800

I’m reading the book, Mile Markers: The 26.2 Most Important Reason Why Women Run by Kristin Armstrong, ex-wife of Lance Armstrong. I cringe writing that because this is not how she should be known. She’s an avid runner, talented writer, and a dedicated mother devoted to her faith. It’s not solely a book about running as it is about family, friends, fears, faith, goals, etc. and how running has helped her face them all. It’s filled with stories taken from her entries from her blog on Runner’s World http://milemarkers.runnersworld.com.

The whole book has been an inspiration but a couple of her insights have really challenged me and I want to share this with you in my next couple of blogs.

One is in regards to Lent. We’re 14 days into the 40 days of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter. It is a time where Christians usually give up something to imitate Jesus’ 40 days in the desert as a way to prepare for the Easter celebration.

Kirstin was raised Catholic and has always participated in Lent. Growing up she thought it she was supposed to give up something she loved, like chocolate or wine. However, one year while out on a run, she was struck with a thought. Why not give up something each day that interrupts her spiritual connectedness to God?

What a beautiful thought.

Each day it was something different – whatever plagued her that day and took her eyes off of God - negative thoughts, gossip, not picking up the cell phone, certain movies, etc.

We have so many distractions around us – it’s even hard for me to fully focus on my kids and they are very good at making themselves known (cell phones and kid’s don’t always peacefully mix). But I serve a God who is invisible and has a bad habit of whispering when He speaks so my attention often goes elsewhere.

But it’s not just distractions. Busyness, careless chatter and television shows often break my spiritual connectedness. My eyes and thoughts go inward instead of to God and others and I waste a lot of time and energy on frivolous things.

Instead of being peaceful and strong, I’m anxious and weak – all because I’ve broken my connection with God. How many days have I wasted and not fully lived because of it?

Kristin’s idea is such a great principle that it shouldn’t be limited to Lent. So, I’m offering out a challenge to myself and anyone else out there who’d like to join me.

As a test, through the rest of Lent, each day let’s give up something that is breaking our connectedness to God. Write down what God shows you, share it with others, challenge your friends and maybe by the time Easter has arrived, it will have become a healthy habit.

Will anyone out there join me?

Let us know what God shows you during this time!