by Liz Clark | Jul 9, 2015 | Boundaries
I lay awake in bed trying to calm down. Staring at the flitting shadows cast by the ceiling fan. Breathe in. Breathe out. A beautiful Saturday afternoon shone brightly behind the room-darkening shades pulled low over my bedroom windows. I was up early that morning to do laundry and clean the science-experiment-gone-wrong that was supposed to be my kitchen. Knowing I had to leave for work in an hour, I told myself that taking a “power nap” would help. But lying there, I only felt a sense of dread: soon I would have to push back the covers and face the world. “Pull it together,” I said out loud, trying to ignore the elephant-sized weight that felt as if it was sitting on my chest. You see, this version of me – this person hiding in bed with the shades drawn – wasn’t a familiar person. As far back as I can remember, when I would make up my mind to do something, I committed my plans to God and just got busy getting it done. Period. No matter how hard it was. I had dreams, a willingness to learn and a stubborn refusal to give up. That was the only “me” I knew. I knew about overcoming adversity. I put myself through college juggling 3 jobs to pay the bills. I spent the first 6 years of my marriage having 400 kids (ok, 4 kids, but I swear there was enough sleeplessness for at least 400 kids). I survived my husband’s Army career, including a deployment overseas, while working my fingers to the bone to get out of... read more
by Liz Clark | Jul 5, 2015 | Uncategorized
I’ve spent a long time thinking about this website. Thinking about what I wanted it to look like. Thinking about what I hoped I would have the courage to write. But, thinking was as far as I got for almost two years. I filled up my already-busy days with distractions to avoid working on it…because my focus was in the wrong place. My focus was on ME and MY thoughts. Slowly, with the help of a unique community of Dreamers and Builders, I began to understand that this website is not about ME. It’s about helping and connecting with a community of people. What kind of people? People who know there is more to life, but need a little encouragement or guidance to reach it. People with compassionate hearts and incredible dreams that are fighting doubt and fear. People who need practical advice and an inspirational advocate who knows how to overcome adversity and isn’t afraid to help you overcome it, too. People who are willing to be part of a community by encouraging others and participating respectfully. People like YOU. Once YOU became the focus, my daily schedule changed. I found time. It was hard. Some days I am still amazed at the interest that people have shown in what’s being built here. So, why did I start this site? What’s it all about? I want to use my writing, my experience and skills to help you find and reach what really matters in life and business. I want to build a community of like-minded folks who are reaching for what matters and are willing do so together. Last weekend, I... read more
by Liz Clark | Jun 21, 2015 | Family, Mom Matters
Once upon a time a long time ago in a land called Ohio, a tired mom was facing a problem. It wasn’t really a big problem, but to her, it felt like one. She didn’t really “see” the problem until she got to church each Sunday. It was as if something magical happened when her growing family pulled into the church parking lot. She would suddenly “see” her 4 kids in a whole new light: toothpaste smeared on shirts and mouths, mismatched socks, cowlicks – why hadn’t she seen any of this before they left the house? She was tired of looking like a Target-ad-gone-wrong and made a special effort one Saturday to make absolutely sure her family had their Sunday best ready to wear to church the next day. She ironed. She steamed jackets. She matched socks. She rose early Sunday morning and administered the getting-ready-for-church ritual with military-like precision. As the young family neared their church building that Sunday, she felt relieved. FINALLY a Sunday where she didn’t have to walk in feeling a little embarrassed. She was wearing a dress and her husband and kids were all wearing button down shirts, dress pants and jackets. It was then that she saw bright orange balloons. People wearing bright orange T-shirts along the church’s driveway holding signs waving enthusiastically. What was going on? The mom hung her head as it dawned on her: This was “Biker Sunday.” The ONE Sunday a year where the church hosted an “outreach” to Bikers including a contemporary service followed by a church picnic / pig roast outside. Everyone was wearing jeans and orange t-shirts. How could... read more
