Life in a glass house; no stones allowed.

Journey into a New Year

2012-01-24T10:57:00.008-05:00

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2012 has begun, and January is almost over. Life is already busy, overwhelming, and complicated. Isn't that encouraging? :) Seriously, it's just a reminder that things constantly change or don't happen according to OUR plan, so how much more do we need a constant, sovereign God? I was reminded of this lately, and God met me with a sweet revelation just this morning. Let me explain....

Most everyone knows we are in the process of adopting a little boy from Ethiopia. We've passed court in Ethiopia, so Levi is officially OUR child. We are his forever parents. So, what's the hold up? The U.S. Embassy. We are awaiting all our paperwork to be submitted so they can review it and decide if he can enter the U.S. as an American citizen. The problem is that we have been waiting since we passed court as his parents Nov. 21st. That would be 9 weeks, 12 hrs and 6 minutes. But, who's counting, right? Aaah, this wait has been so much harder than I had ever anticipated! Every week we wait to hear if this is the day we will be submitted. Every week the answer has been "no". There are logistics involved that I won't explain here just because I'd rather focus on what God is showing me in the midst of this wait.

I meet with two close friends once a week for prayer and Bible study. Yesterday, I just put it all out there. I'm feeling like this pause with Embassy has me paralyzed in SO many ways. I can't accomplish anything. I keep telling myself I'm going to jump in and ______ and it never happens. We've also had some major enemy fire in so many areas, both personally in our home and with our family, as well as within our church body. My dad was hit with random blindness in one eye and having surgery tomorrow that will involve a very difficult recovery time. There are families all around us that are being hit by destruction in so many ways. For just one example, our church family has been hit by sickness and death in VERY young people just in the past couple of months. It has been a devastating blow for our people! So, yesterday, I was just sharing about how I feel like the wait has me paralyzed in EVERY aspect and I KNOW that's not what the Lord wants. We prayed for one another and asked God to give us desires of His heart. After hearing a WONDERFUL sermon ;) on "Persistence in Prayer" we asked for the ability to be persistent in our prayers with faith, not as an action, but as an intimacy with the Father. We also prayed that He would speak truths to each of us and we would hear and act on them.

This morning, oh how HE SPOKE! I can only explain it as the Holy Spirit's doing. It sure wasn't mine. He told me to go to Exodus and to start writing. Huh? Write what? He said, "Go and I will show you!" Um, my name is not Abraham, but okay, I'll do it. So, I opened up and started reading in chapter 1. Revelation! I wrote in a notebook "40 Days towards Deliverance". There's 40 chapters in Exodus, and I felt like He wants to show me more of Himself in this journey rather than me focus on what *I* want in the end. Exodus is all about our Redeemer found in Christ. So, today I read chapter 1 and took notes. If you get time, check it out and see how He speaks to you. I recognized some characteristics in this chapter that hit home. Fears, bitterness, oppression,.... Ouch! Yep, that's me all right.

BUT look at the midwives! They feared God MORE than man. I don't always do that. God's blessing to their obedience was by giving them families of their own...relationships....and even more- intimacy with God. He redeems every negative circumstance in our life. Perhaps, not always how we want, but how He sees is best. In the midst of our trials, God continues to create and shape us. He doesn't just give us an answer. He gives us His very self! The Israelites were not free from their oppression right away, but they were on a journey to know the Redeemer! We are, too! He also gives us the body of Christ-one another-to encourage, strengthen, and lift each other up. He wants TODAY to meet us, change us, and more than an outward conformity, He wants to go deeper into our hearts. About this time as I'm writing all this down, a song comes on the radio. "From the Inside Out". I sobbed. The words to this song touch my heart so much. Go check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ-fghqc8Oo

What about you? Are you in the midst of a trial or trials? Are you paralyzed with fear, uncertainties, or circumstances? Are you oppressed? Bitter? Will you fear man(or circumstances) or fear God? God is interested in much more than outward conformity. This wasn't about just doing. This was about God speaking to my heart and my heart responding to His love. God wants followers of heart. A heart filled with His love responds in love-to Him and to others. This is where the foundations begin to shake!

We still wait to hear tomorrow. Whether the answer is "yes" or "no", my journey will continue in Exodus. After all, it's not about me and my timing. It's not about Levi. The God Who speaks to me in America is able to speak to Levi in Ethiopia. It's about the God Who created us and has appointed all things in His time and for His glory. "Your will above all else, my purpose remains. The art of losing myself in bringing You praise!" (probably my favorite lyric in that song!)

I realized nothing about my circumstance may change, but when God meets with me through His Spirit and His Word, *I* am changed! This is the joy of persistence in prayer! I'm excited to see what all He is going to show me in this journey. I pray you are encouraged as He has encouraged my heart today. My desire for 2012 is this: "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." John 3:30 (NLT)

His grace is truly sufficient. Manna for each day, my friends. Manna for each day.....

New Specs

2011-10-22T09:11:00.010-04:00

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My youngest daughter and I had eye appointments a couple of weeks ago an hour north of where we live. Yes, y'all we have to travel that far for things like this. It's the exchange you take for living around a lot of preserved land and bay restoration areas. Oh, heck, it's just small town coastal living! Who am I fooling? Anyway, it ended up that Sean and Ashtyn came along for the ride. If I was going to try on glasses, I wanted Sean's opinion. As Baylee came out from her exam, it was my turn to go in. I sit down with the doctor who seemed a little elderly to still be practicing, and he begins to ask me some casual questions.
"What school do you go to?"
"Oh, I don't go to school. I stay at home and run the rat race of laundry, cooking, and driving people everywhere."
Silence....
"You're the mom?"
Me smiling..... "Yes?"
Him smiling...."I thought you were the big sister....."and I thought he (Sean) was your dad."
Insert hysterical laughter.

Oh, how I was so puffed up that this optometrist who surely had excellent vision, and wasn't so old after all, had such wonderful words flowing from his very young looking lips. He had the be THE best eye doctor on the eastern shore!

Then came the deflation. By the end of visit......guess who needed BIfocals?!

Yeah, my glory came and went pretty quickly, that's for sure. I'm not sure Sean has still let me live this down. Although, just so you know....they're not bifocals. They're "progressive lenses!" I feel like I got my dignity back with that term anyway. :)

So, I ordered the glasses, and returned last night to pick them up. Of COURSE, I had to include this with a "Girls Night Out." Might as well make it into some fun, right?

So, we stopped to get my glasses, and I was blown away when I put them on. I could see! I mean I could see like I'd never been seeing. Like I'd not been seeing for a long time! A. really. long. time. I could see far away, I could read without holding something 2 feet away! I could read without taking my glasses off. I could see people's faces clearly and not like they were wearing some kind of weird mask or had a bad makeup job. I know my friend was thinking I was just a little 'too' excited over glasses, but it was incredible, I tell ya. I had NO idea how poorly I was seeing until I swallowed my pride, decided I didn't care what status I might be given or age I was considered. I got the lenses that I needed so I could see. I've known I couldn't see clearly for awhile, but I wasn't willing to do what it took to correct that. The rest of the night felt like I was seeing a whole new world!

"You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want." John 5: 39-40 (MSG)

Don't you and I act like this? We walk around with blurred vision so long, we don't even realize we can't see anymore! Things like pride, stubbornness, defeat, unforgiveness, hurts, and many more remain so long that they blind us. We go to the Word and read constantly, but we miss the power available because we've refused to put on the right lenses when we read. The eyes of God through the Holy Spirit awakens us to a fresh perspective and taps us into the power of seeing Him and knowing Him intimately. That is where power and freedom are found.

"The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. " John 1:9-14

Maybe our faith is weak because we miss the forest for the trees. Ask the Spirit to give you a fresh vision and understanding so that the Word is truly alive and active in your life. It's time to get rid of the things that blind -or bind -us, and see Jesus for Who He is. Humble yourself and grab those bifocals, er... progressive lenses! You can see near AND far so much clearly!

"It’s far more than that! I consider everything else worthless because I’m much better off knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It’s because of him that I think of everything as worthless. I threw it all away in order to gain Christ and to have a relationship with him. This means that I didn’t receive God’s approval by obeying his laws. The opposite is true! I have God’s approval through faith in Christ. This is the approval that comes from God and is based on faith that knows Christ. Faith knows the power that his coming back to life gives and what it means to share his suffering. In this way I’m becoming like him in his death, with the confidence that I’ll come back to life from the dead. " Phil. 3: 8-11

. Change the Music

2011-10-17T09:49:00.013-04:00

Back in 1989 soon after we were married, Sean and I purchased our very first C.D. player. CD's were the new craze and initially, we bucked at the idea. Once we realized that only meant we would not be able to listen to our favorite music with our albums from the 70's and 80's, we decided we could grow into this new technological world. Being huge music fans, we investigated CD players until we found one in our very small budget that would also last us for awhile. One of the features we loved on the C.D. player was the "Repeat" function. If you wanted to listen to a song over and over, you just clicked "Repeat" and it would automatically play that song continuously. After repeatedly listening to a favorite song, the soundtrack was ingrained in our minds so that we knew every word and beat.

The Bible study I am revisiting has been addressing this very fact. Whatever soundtrack you and I have continuously playing in our minds is what we ultimately believe. That can be positive or negative. We've been seeing how meditating on truth is so very vital for our spiritual health and remembering our identity in Christ. A lot of people believe meditation is something "new age" and for other religions, but there are many places in scripture we are told to meditate on something. Matter of fact, there's at least 37 references to meditate in the Bible. It simply means, "To keep the mind in a state of contemplation; to dwell on anything in thought; to think seriously; to muse; to cogitate, to reflect. To contemplate; to keep the mind fixed upon; to study." (Webster's Unabridged Dictionary)

What soundtrack is playing in your mind? Is it things others have said? Things you have said to yourself? Things that you feel? Things that you know to be true, but hurtful? Our soundtracks are not reliable unless they are first taken captive by the Holy Spirit. "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.." 2 Cor. 10:3-5

I've been guilty of believing so many lies of the enemy or others, and dwelling on painful memories of hurt and betrayal. By allowing that to become the soundtrack of my mind, negativity can steer my every emotion and eventually action. Do you ever even argue with yourself? Oh, how I have been there! Sometimes the enemy knows exactly when and how to speak to us, whether times of vulnerability, sickness, or trials, and especially in times when we have not taken up the FULL armor of God. It's very enlightening to stop and really hear the things you are saying to or about yourself. You may find there's simply no truth there.

Now insert God's soundtrack. Not sure what His sounds like? Try some of these:

"Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders which You have done,

And Your thoughts toward us;
There is none to compare with You.
If I would declare and speak of them,
They would be too numerous to count." Psalm 40:5

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand." Psalm 139:17-18

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,'
declares the LORD.
'As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.'" Isa. 55:8-9

"'For I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil; to give you a future and a hope.'" Jer. 29:11

Our truth to hide in our hearts this week comes from Psalm 19:14....

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer."

Did you know that the average human brain has 70,000 thoughts/day?! To even comprehend that is beyond me. So, the next time you are having a thought, aka "meditating," press pause, and see if there's truth in the track you're listening to. Is it "acceptable" in God's sight? Acceptable simply means "able to be agreed on; suitable." Would God agree with that meditation you think about yourself? Would it be suitable considering the One Who gave His life for you loves you more than anyone on this earth? Oh, that we would take every thought captive to Him and live our lives by the power of the Spirit Who brings truth to light in every soundtrack of our lives.

Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh, and take account of these things (fix your minds on them)." Phil. 4:6-8 (Amp)

Today's Blessings

2011-10-12T15:13:00.005-04:00

revisiting this Bible study

with some girlfriends

Aaaaaaaaah!

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:16

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

Jason Gray - I Am New

2011-10-10T16:40:00.002-04:00

Anybody besides me need to hear these lyrics today? They were quite a refreshment to my heart and reminder of truth to my mind.

Now I won't denyThe worst you could say about meBut I'm not defined by mistakes that I've madeBecause God says of me
I am not who I wasI'm being remadeI am new.I am chosen and holy, and I'm dearly lovedI am new. I am new.
Who I thought I wasAnd who I thought I had to beI had to give them both up'Cause neither were willingTo ever believe
I am not who I wasI'm being remadeI am new.I am chosen and holy, and I'm dearly lovedI am new.I am new.
Too long have I lived in the shadows of shameBelieving that there was no way I could change,But the One who is making everything newDoesn't see me the way that I do.He doesn't see me the way that I do.
I am not who I wasI'm being remadeI am new.I am chosen and holy and I'm dearly lovedI am new. I am new.
I am not who I wasI'm being remadeI am new.Dead to the old man, I'm coming aliveI am new. I am new.
Forgiven, belovedHidden in ChristMade in the Image of the Giver of LifeRighteous and holy, reborn and remade,Accepted and worthy-This is our new name.
This is who we are now....

"So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God. ⁴ When the Messiah, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." Col. 3:1-4

Fake Family

2011-10-06T11:40:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite posts from one of my favorite blogs. Love this!

Fake Family

Looking Back

2011-10-04T09:39:00.009-04:00

Nine years ago this week, my family and I were leaving all we had known as "home" and "the familiar" in Louisville, Ky. and moving 9 hours away to Wake Forest, N.C. Sean had surrendered to full time ministry and was going to finish his Master's program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We knew no one there, but from the moment the Lord made it clear that we were "to go", He also made a way to get us there. Our home sold in six weeks from the time we put it on the market! He gave us immeasurable faith to walk through a time of uncertainty, often having others around us wonder what in the world we were thinking or doing. All along, we just knew it was His will. Wecouldn't explain why, but we knew what He had told us, and saw Him providing every step necessary to leave as well as those necessary to live in a new land.

Since that time, we have served in two churches (currently in our second) and learned a lot of lessons (and re-learned a lot as well). We have seen God be so ridiculously clear, and we've also looked and wondered where He is and what is He doing. We've experienced mountain-top joys and deep-valley lows. It's almost hard to believe it's ONLY been nine years. It seems like an eternity since we lived back there in Ky. It also seems like we have lived so much of life the past nine years, when much more of our life was lived before that. So many things happened to lead us up to October 2002.

I was recently blessed to be able to return to visit with family and friends back in Kentucky. I visited my parents in the hometown where I grew up until I left for college. I even traveled 3 hours west to Louisville to visit what we still call "home" and is filled with so many of those wonderful friends who I continue to stay in touch with faithfully even to this day. I saw many of the spots I used to frequent on a daily basis- my old neighborhoods, our church, friends' homes, grocery stores, and restaurants. Lots had changed as far as developments, businesses, etc., but lots had also stayed the same- like friends. It felt like I was retracing steps of my past, and for a reason.

There are times in scripture when we are told not to look back. Yet, there are other times when we are. This visit was one of those times that I felt I needed to look back in order to go forward. Why? So that I could trace the hand of God in my life. So that I could know with certainty that He had been so present back then, and He would continue to be present in my now and in my future.

I recalled the tiny church I grew up in, and pictured the preschool chairs where I sat around an out of tune piano and learned songs about a God Who loved me. As I drove by the house where I lived from 2nd grade until I left for college, I pictured the many years I grew up there. I wondered if my bedroom closet still had the things I wrote (in permanent marker!) on the wall as a little girl playing make believe. I wondered if the basement made them feel secure like it did me every time a storm or tornado warning came. I had everything I needed with my blanket, cat, and a TV down there. :) I drove by the empty lot where my precious grandparents used to live, and where my "second home" once stood. Although my grandparents passed away 17 yrs ago and the house burned to the ground just this past year, that vacant lot brought back so many memories that I hold dear. I could still smell the spaghetti sauce that used to cook on the old gas stove, and I will always have the image of my grandmother pouring out to the Lord on her knees every single night before she went to bed. I then traveled 3 hrs west to Louisville, the place Sean and I consider "home." I thought of the amazing growth that I experienced at our church there as I sat under wise teachers with great genuine faith, a pastor who preached truth and loved us in Christ, and a place where I had the closest thing to family I have ever experienced to this day. I thought of how God was preparing us through that for a future we had no idea was in store for us in ministry. I saw the church truly being the body and never felt so loved in all my life. I recalled conversations and authentic relationships, where people knew everything about me....and loved me anyway. :) (and vice versa) I recalled the emotions and conditions leading up to Sean finally surrendering to ministry, and the pain that came as I thought about leaving what I had grown to love so much. I still have such a love and longing in my heart for the people there, and yet I don't have a longing to live there. I know that those emotions are for people and not places. God made us relational, not territorial. Look at Abraham for just one of many examples.

It was great to visit and recall so many amazing experiences. As I returned home, I had a lot of time to process this revisiting. There's a LOT of thinking and talking to God on a 13 hour drive by yourself! I saw how faithful God has been to me. I saw His provision and His loving care over my life, and it was a great reminder of how He will never stop doing that, even when I don't see it. As I retraced my past, I was overcome with His love for me and how He demonstrated it so sweetly. I recalled His guidance in those days of old, and was reminded that He will continue to guide me now and forevermore.

“Remember this, keep it in mind,
take it to heart, you rebels.

Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’
From the east I summon a bird of prey;
from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
what I have planned, that I will do." Isaiah 46:8-11

When you're in times of uncertainty, retrace the hand of God in your life. Looking back helps us remember the truths that we so easily forget. Then, know that God is there right now, speaking to you and guiding you through His love.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'” Isaiah 30:21

The Weaver

2011-09-30T06:20:00.012-04:00

My Life is but a weaving
between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow
And I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper,
And I the under side.

Not til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares,
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives His very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him.

This was one of Corrie ten Boom's favorite poems written by Grant Colfax Tuller. She often shared it and used an illustration about a tapestry weaving as she traveled, sharing her love of Christ. However, she always showed the tapestry from underneath. As you know, on the back of any tapestry is a mass of threads that make no pattern and certainly do not form a picture that looks beautiful or even makes sense. Then, she would turn it over and show the other side--a different perspective. A perspective that had a specific pattern, formed a beautiful picture, and made perfect sense.

Life, especially ministry, can be weary. We sometimes lose focus on our lives and what is true. We even sometimes believe the lies that the enemy and others speak to us. We easily find fault in ourselves, lose confidence, and want to give up. Yet, God doesn't have the same problem and He certainly doesn't look at us with the eyes of others- or even ourselves. (Thank You, God!) He is never weary, never loses heart, and always near. He sees us, even in the mess of threads, as the finished product. All we can view is what's underneath. The next time you take a look at a tapestry, remember this example as you think about your own life and calling. God is weaving a "tapestry" of your life and mine. We will not know what it looks like on the other side until God is finished. As we, the thread, are woven, pulled, and stretched, let's remember to rest and trust in the Weaver's hand of unconditional love and Divine purpose.

The Power of Words

2011-09-08T09:54:00.010-04:00

"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it." Ephesians 4:29

I've been thinking about the power of words lately. Of course, married to a pastor, I'm sure you can't imagine that. :) Sean has a great responsibility with words, and one he takes quite seriously. Sure, there's still times he opens mouth, inserts foot. He's human, and he's really open about correcting his mispoken words if someone hasn't already corrected him. But he never intentionally plans a conversation, and certainly not a sermon without much prayer and understanding that he is accountable to God for his words in a great way. He's never out to devour, but to promote healing. Unfortunately, the same rarely happens to him. As a wife, it's hard to hear your husband beaten down continuously. The positives don't come near as often as the negatives, and maybe that's a good thing. After all, he's not speaking for the praise of man, but an audience of One, so it does keep him in check with the Lord when the negatives fly. He can double check with God, and God does His job to either convict or affirm. Still, I personally struggle with the words others have towards my husband, the man I love and respect so much. If you aren't married to a pastor, I'd like for you to imagine that your husband's 24/7 job included 200 or so (insert the number in your congregation) "bosses" (or at least those who thought he was his boss), surrounding you every week with their thoughts, ideas, input, and "advice" on how he should do his job, and every time he didn't live up to their expectation or he made a mistake, they thought it was best for him (or you) to hear that as they await for him to please do what they've told him to do. Add to that the expectations they place on your wife and children, and every thing THEY don't do "in line" is checked just as hard. Yes, it's quite a unique occupation, ministry is. I have to admit, that my response to these constant words is not always good either. This is where I begin to squirm now.

You see, I am accountable for MY words just the same. Even in the ugliest motives of others, if my response is ugly even if it's in my thoughts, I'm no different than they are. Ouch. What a lesson. I've had the above verse as a signature reminder to me on email, and I love this version in the Amplified Bible. It digs down to the root of what this scripture is saying. Words can either tear down or build up. I'm not talking puff up as in produce a "big head" and I'm not talking about flattery or lying just to say something nice. I'm talking about encouraging one another in the Lord. We hold power in our tongues, and sometimes, what our mamas told us was really wise. "If you ain't got nothing nice to say, don't say nothing at all." (Kentucky slang included there) Not everything we think is necessary to speak. Absolutely, if something is unbiblical, then go to your pastor, teacher, or leader and share your concerns in love. If it's something you just don't like, why is it necessary for you to say it to make yourself feel better, make demands, and tear down your leaders or servants in the church? I don't understand that.

Sometimes, I ask the Lord why He would ever waste His time on stupid me. I mean really. I don't feel one bit qualified to do the things He's called me to do. I don't feel worthy, and I don't feel good enough. Matter of fact, I'm not. He is the One Who called and qualified and brings about anything good in me. If I thought I had 200 people breathing insults every time I didn't do what they wanted or I made a mistake, I'd quit for sure. Some days I just wish that was an option. That's not the godly response, but I'm just being honest. My heart's been so discouraged lately, and it's just where I am. I don't see what benefit it could possibly be to be so critical. I truly try to see the good and build people up on the good I see in their life. It's called encouragement. Oh, how we need that more in a world that is filled with so much discouragement!

"We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself. Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen." James 3:9-10 (NCV)

"Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit—you choose." Prov. 18:21 (MSG)

Father, encourage my heart today, as well as the hearts of those who have been hurt by words. Forgive me for the times my words have devoured and broken Your heart. Let me give life with my words, knowing that You have called me to build UP, and not tear down. Give me love in my heart for all people, grace for the unkind, and understanding that destructive words not only tear apart the one I speak to/of, but hurt myself as part of Your church, and ultimately You. I love you, Lord, and want to be a vessel that draws others closer to You. Let today be a fresh start with grace and love in my heart and let it follow to my tongue. Amen.

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more—Psalm 10: 17 & 18

All in A Week

2011-09-06T08:38:00.005-04:00

My oldest left for the Air Force one week ago. It was the hardest goodbye I've ever said. I know the Lord is with him, and I completely trust God to do His job with Andrew, but the finality of his leave just hit this mama hard. I haven't heard from him or seen him, and am not sure when I will. That's tough. I miss my boy!

Ashtyn is wrapping up her senior year at the community college. Her classes started two weeks ago, but this past week, she's been knee deep in writing papers, working a part time job, and studying for her driver's permit. She's not been interested at all in driving, but we're greatly encouraging her. Sounds weird, as most parents dread this, but she's ready, and we're ready to not be driving her all over the place every day! She's yet another step closer to independence and adulthood. This time next year, she will be leaving the nest to go away to college!

My baby girl, Baylee turned 14 on Sunday, and started high school today. She's been so excited to go to public school this year. Of course, I HAD to get her picture in the same spot where her brother and sister have stood every "first day of school" they had, too.

We received new pictures of Levi, our son who is still in Ethiopia. He lost his front two teeth, and looks absolutely precious. While the courts are shut down in Ethiopia for the "rainy season" right now, we wait for God's perfect timing to bring him to us. I wish I could share those pictures here, but until our first court date, I cannot. Just trust me....he's stinkin' cute!!!

This is definitely a new and uncertain season for me as a mama, but one thing is for sure. My kids are growing and spreading their wings, while one is still waiting to join us. We're entering children leaving and children coming. They're spread all over the place and not under my wing at this time. Initially, that can be a scary thought.....until I remember the truth of God's promises.

"'Who can hide in secret places
so that I cannot see them?'
declares the LORD.
'Do not I fill heaven and earth?'
declares the LORD." Jer. 23:24

"Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit?
to be out of your sight?
If I climb to the sky, you're there!
If I go underground, you're there!
If I flew on morning's wings
to the far western horizon,
You'd find me in a minute—
you're already there waiting!" Psalm 139:7-11

"So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing,'for she said,'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.'" Genesis 16:13

I'm grateful for the guidance of the Lord in training our children, and I'm even more grateful for the assurance from Him that when they leave the nest...or while they wait to come, they never leave His care, because He never leaves their side. He never leaves mine either.

The Calmer of Storms

2011-08-26T05:19:00.012-04:00

This weekend's hurricane is taking a back seat to the other event going on in my life right now. My son is leaving for the Air Force. This isn't just him going away to college and home on a weekend every now and then. He's leaving. He will no longer be a child living in our home, but an adult son who visits. Those visits will not be often, and we are not guaranteed when they will come. At this point, we are told we won't see him this Christmas, but maybe in January or February before he is stationed somewhere. I think I've been in denial, just because I didn't want to have to deal with the emotional aspect. The past few weeks I've been trying to get my mind there, and the tears have flowed often. It has brought about a whole new sense of what it means to entrust your child to the Father. Just when I think I'm there, and I am going to be okay with this, another wave of tears comes. I have been experiencing what it means to truly need Him every hour. I have this CD in my van and have been playing it often. It's Jadon Lavik's "Roots Run Deep", and it's a collection of some wonderful hymns of the faith. It has been such a solace for this mama's soul. I love the richness of every word in these hymns, but these two in particular have brought me much comfort. Even if you are very familiar with these hymns, I encourage you to listen to the links I've connected here before the lyrics to each song. They are peace to the soul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlNQLDn0pRc

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
- I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
  Every hour I need Thee;
  Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
  I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

The other hymn that has ministered to me on this CD is "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Only Jesus knows my heart and the hurts that it feels right now. He is the best Friend there ever is. Earthly friendships come and go, we are misunderstood, we let others down and we are let down, we walk on eggshells, we seek not to hurt or be hurt, and sometimes try to be what we are not. Every earthly relationship seems to take some type of effort to make it work. Even marriages, the strongest bond on this side of heaven, take work. But there's no trying with Jesus. I rest in Him. He already knows me fully. He accepts me and loves me just as I am. I don't have to try to explain myself to Him or tell Him even how I feel. He knows. He cares. He loves unconditionally. He loves Andrew more than I do, and He loves ME more than I love Andrew. He is a faithful Friend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd7ybpCidHY

What a friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear

What a privilege to carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.

"It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him." Lamentations 3:22-24 (AMP)

Heads Up!

2011-08-01T08:46:00.005-04:00

I just finished one of the longest runs I've been able to do in awhile. It always feels great to FINISH, as I'm not always sure that's going to happen.

I catch myself as soon as I begin running, looking at the time to see how long it's been. That's when I get discouraged the most. Seriously, Lord? I've really only been running TWO minutes....it seems like TEN at least! I also find myself looking down at the ground a lot. I'm not the most graceful person and in my clumsiness, I've been known to trip over my own feet. It was then this morning that the Lord told me to look up. "Stop focusing on the things that might trip you up, Beth, and start looking ahead. Better yet, "look up" to Me!"

God speaks this to you and I in our every day walk, too. Stop allowing the bumps in the road, the struggles, the trials, the things and people that rub you the wrong way, the job you hate, the affliction you're enduring, or the situation you're in to be your focus. HE wants to be our focus, and nothing or no one else. Oh, how this perspective changes our hearts!

Psalm 119 says that He is both the "Lamp for our feet"-the immediate step we take, but He is also the "Light for our path"- He, our Truth, lights the way ahead so we can see far enough to know what direction to go. The focus isn't the immediate step, or even how far ahead the journey is. The focus is Him. He is doing the work. He is enabling, guiding, and strengthening our steps in this adventure of life.

I am not sure I will ever say that I LOVE running, but I do love how God uses this thing I don't like to teach me more about His faithfulness and bring encouragement to my heart. I'll be keeping a "heads up" to hear from Him more.

"So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ- that's where the action is. See things from His perspective." Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG)

Hot as Fire

2011-07-25T10:46:00.007-04:00

I was dreading the humidity this morning. It doesn't matter how early you rise, there's just no avoiding it on these hot summer days. I'd have to get up and run in the dark to avoid it, and even then, I'm not sure that's possible. So, before my run, I read this devotion for a little encouragement and inspiration this morning. It said, "As you listen to birds calling to one another, hear also My Love-call to you. I speak to You continually, through sights, sounds, thoughts, impressions, Scripture. There is no limit to the variety of ways I can communicate with you. Your part is to be attentive to My messages, in whatever form they come. When you set out to find Me in a day, you discover that the world is vibrantly alive with My Presence....Search for me and My messages, as you go through this day." (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young).

So, I set off to see, hear and think of all God would speak to me. Unfortunately, not far into my run, I could only think of how horribly hot and sweaty I had quickly become.

Lord, what's this You're saying to me? Heat? Sweat? Burn? ....Really?.....

Then, just as quickly as I said these words, this image came into my mind. Refining. God's been showing me some things in my life He wants to remove, and others He desires to shine. I've not always been so cooperative on this. This subject has come up several times in my Sunday morning class as well. He's SO patient....yet persistent. So, as I continued my run, I thought about Him as a Refiner.

And just how does a metal get refined?

The Silversmith takes the unrefined silver and puts it right in the middle of the fire where it is the hottest. I have to admit that I don't like the idea of that. The HOTTEST part of the fire?! Why?

He can't leave it while it's in the fire. Did you know that silver left a second too long in the fire will be completely destroyed? He has to be right there, holding it, watching it, knowing the signs of when the silver has been in the fire long enough, and ready to snatch it back.

The impurities brought out from the heat of the fire gently get removed. While the silver is still hot and melted, He gently scrapes away the impurities, taking care not to lose any of the precious silver in the process. Precious. That's exactly what we are to Him.

Back into the fire. Say wha? ....I thought the impurities already got taken care of, God? Can I handle this? Not on my own, but remember He is holding me. Okay, Lord....as long as I'm in Your hands...of love.

The process repeats until the silver is refined. How does the Silversmith know that the process is done? When He can see His unblemished reflection in the silver, as though it were a mirror.

I paused at this point on the bridge to think about this. (Okay, and to catch my breath for a minute.) I looked out over the water. It was as still as glass. I looked down, and I saw this.

God gave me lots of lessons already this morning. His voice was loud and clear. The great Creator has a plan better than I could ever imagine.

Too much of me is still there.

So, He will keep refining me until I am a perfect reflection of Him.

It's a painful process being the silver, but that is okay.

As long as I end up a mirror image of Him.

I will trust the Refiner.

"God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole. I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of His victory. " 1 Peter 1:5-7 (MSG)

Strong Enough?

2011-06-21T08:26:00.006-04:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (NIV)

This is always a tough verse when first read. It always was for me anyway...I mean who really thinks a trial or a struggle is "pure joy?" Seriously? I'm not in the midst of a great trial, at least not as of this minute. However, that can change in a heartbeat for me, ....or for you. I do have a lot of times that my faith is tested. And I fail the test. I mean I really bomb it! I fail to believe that God is there. I fail to believe that He's at work and going to come through for me. I fail to believe that He truly cares for me. I fail to believe that He's doing what He says He will do if I trust Him. I fail. You fail. Our flesh fails...every time. In our failures, we tend to jump back and try to do differently. Isn't that what we are told in this world? Get back up and in the race! Jump back in there and give it your all! Only that doesn't work here. Why? Because we have nothing to give. Nothing to offer. What could the God of the Universe possibly need from us? He created it all and sustains it all.

We were recently watching some type of "Strongest Man" competition on television. Some of these men were pulling jet airplanes as a demonstration of their strength. I can barely lift all the groceries out of my van some days. I can't even imagine pulling an airplane. That would be the image of us attempting to carry the load of our trials though. It is NOT the image that God gives to us. We have nothing to prove. We bring nothing to the table with God. Why? Because He has it all, and He FREELY gives it to us.

The key to the joy found in a trial as our faith is being tested is letting go of us and trusting Him to do the work. There's a relief there that it's not up to us and that we can trust in our God. This joy found in the midst of trials only comes when we let go because God's at work and in control. He's got this! That verse doesn't say muster up enough perseverance so that you can be mature. No, it says "LET perseverance finish its work." Let God show Himself in you and through you, so you can watch Him in amazement and trust Him more. If you were told you had to pull an airplane today, wouldn't it bring you great joy to hand over the ropes to someone else...someone stronger? THAT is joy in trials, testing of faith, and perseverance in action by a great God Who is capable and willing to pull the weight. Let Him finish the work...the work that He began.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."Psalm 73:26

Going With the Flow

2011-04-05T09:41:00.008-04:00

I enjoy the many ways that God speaks to me in the quiet of a walk, especially here on the shore where I am surrounded by water. With Spring weather finally upon us, I am thoroughly enjoying being back into this daily pattern. This morning's walk brought a refreshing lesson. We experienced some storms last night here on the shore, and this morning's skies showed me my walk needed to be fairly quick, as it looked like another one was in the waiting. While the temps have been mild, the wind has picked up quite a bit since yesterday. As I was walking across the bridge towards our town's wharf on this brisk walk, I noticed the currents of the water. I'd never really noticed that many different currents at one time before, so I stopped to watch for a few minutes. There were several swirling currents as I looked out towards the bay. Some were going one direction; others in another. It looked a little chaotic to me at first. It's one of those images that makes us say "A storm's a brewin'!" This image stayed on my mind as God continued to speak, and I finished my walk. I came home to research just some basic information on currents. It is so amazing how alive, active and present God is in our every day life as I read!

Here's just some very basics that I discovered:

Currents may flow on the surface of the ocean, where they are shallow, or they may flow far below the surface, where they are deeper. Ocean currents are set in motion by the wind. The rotation of the earth moves them clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counter clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. In places where deeper currents flow below surface currents, the deeper ones flow in the opposite direction of the surface ones. Surface currents follow the pattern of wind above the ocean. The difference in water temperatures is another cause of water circulation far beneath the surface. .If the cold water from the poles did not displace the warm equatorial water, the heat within Earth would raise the temperature of the ocean floor. Sooner or later, it would be hotter than the surface temperature. The upwelling of water from the bottom would release devastating quantities of carbon dioxide, destroying both marine and coastal life.

While you may not be impressed with these basics, I was in awe of the lesson God had shown me. You see, as I watched these currents, I thought about how we often fight them, despite the force we know is there is so much greater than we are. I thought about howmuch we'd just rather fight the currents of life than surrender to the One Who is moving them. God is a Perfect Creator in that He knows just the right temperatures, the right winds, the right direction that everything must go in order to sustain life--not just life in the ocean, but MY life and YOUR life. When the storms of life come and things are swirling all around us, we tend to focus and get caught up in them rather than keep our focus on God. We'd rather frantically fight them or question them, than go with His flow and surrender to His Spirit. We have no idea what He is doing below the surface in the deep, but it's probably the opposite of all we are trying to do on the surface. He is the Captain of our ships of life. Did you know that large ocean liners and tankers actually "ride" ocean currents to speed travel time? How easier it would be for us, too, to follow that pattern and trust His Sovereign hand; to surrender to His perfect flow?

Peter had the same experience as Jesus told him to come to Him and trust Him completely...

“'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. 'Save me, Lord!' he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 'You have so little faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt me?' When they climbed back into theboat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. 'You really are the Son of God!' they exclaimed." (Matt. 14:28-33)

So, will we be terrified by the wind and the eaves or will we keep our eyes focused on Him, Who is above, below, in, around, and over the currents? What does the current of your life look like right now, and where will you turn your eyes? Will you keep fighting or trust Him completely?

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Your Hands with Lyrics JJ Heller

2011-03-24T07:44:00.000-04:00

The Security of Letting Go

2011-03-24T06:29:00.006-04:00

I am thoroughly enjoying the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It's written by a missionary in the field, from the perspective of God speaking to her rather than her speaking to God. Each day's devotion is so full of richness in depth and truth, and every day is perfect timing for all I needed to hear. Today is no different.

I've just returned from a 10 day trip to Central Asia, where life is quite different than anything I have ever experienced. The cultural differences are so extreme that it has really taken me a few days to get back into "American mode," which is surprising, because I imagined that going to Central Asia would be much more difficult than leaving Central Asia. Strangely, that wasn't the case for me. Why not? I've thought about this a lot, and I think the experience of a different culture has helped me to see things more simply and learn to let go of the rest....the rest that often stands in the way of the sweeter, more precious, and more importantly.... ETERNAL things of life.

This morning, I was reading this in my devotional about letting go: "In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete." I began to think of things that I am guilty of clinging to, as a human on planet Earth, as an American, as a woman, as a wife and as a mom. Even as a pastor's wife, I am all too familiar with the insecurities that can so easily arise with the critiques others feel so freely to share. :) It's sometimes hard to have so many different opinions of who you should be, what you should do, where you should go, and how you should live everywhere you turn, and living in the glass house of ministry tends to magnify the pressure at times. As I asked the Lord to assess this for me, I wrote in my journal this morning, "Lord, what do I need to still let go of?" Before going to Central Asia, I really felt I had surrendered a lot to the Lord, and I had. God has been doing a work in me the past year, and He has changed me in some huge ways-glory to His Name! Yet, as I pondered this question after my trip, I realize I still find myself *tempted* to fall back into the false comforts of clinging to the things that don't matter. To walk back into America where lifestyles, discussions, and yes, even churches can be so self focused, rather than focusing on what really matters in light of eternity. I have seen how difficult it can be to let go of things and people in our American culture. Why? Because there's so much more here to attach ourselves to. It's just so "comfortable" and we are so spoiled and self-focused. I have returned with such an appreciation for where I live and the freedoms I have, but also a hesitancy. If what God has done in me is going to remain, I will need to cling to only Him constantly. Not just sometimes, but ALL the time. I don't want to cling to the things of this culture or this world. It's so futile, and I've never seen this more clearly than the past few weeks! My prayer is that God would help me to be intentional to live only clinging to HIM as my security!

As I think of things that we as women often cling to some things that come to mind are: approval, acceptance, spouses, our children, control, possessions....the list could go on and on. As you look at these things, all of them change constantly. You might get someone's approval one day, and not another day. You might have a best friend one day and be betrayed the next. You might feel secure when your kids are obedient, but what about when they rebel? You might feel certain when everything is going your way, but what about the sudden death or the job loss or the sickness that is completely out of your control? Control as we know it only produces insecurities galore because there's absolutely no certainty there. But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never ever changes! Therefore, we can safely and SECURELY release all of these things we often "white knuckle" to Him, even our most precious ones. (Yes, moms, that means our children.) :) Today's devotion also says, "As you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand. Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstance can take from you." Just the knowledge of that brings security....think of what the reality of it could bring to us women!

What do you need to release today? The most precious of things are not kept because we hold tightly to them. They are kept most securely when we release them into God's capable hands. The same God that created the entire universe. The same God Who used those hands to create you and I. His hands are our safest and strongest security.

"I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand..." Ex. 33:22

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l3CEMWCxSk

Let's Dance!

2011-01-19T07:09:00.007-05:00

I am so excited to begin a new Bible study this morning with some of my favorite ladies. We meet in one another's homes throughout the year to study and pray. This group is a mix of ladies of all ages in all stages. I learn so much from their wisdom, experiences, and passion. This morning we are breaking out our "dancin' shoes" to begin this study:

As I was praying early this morning, I asked God to lead me in the dance. That He would show me the steps, one by one, until it's memorized. Not that it would become routine. Routine trusts too much in ourselves. But that His faithfulness and character would be something I would consistently trust. So often in our lives, we try to take the lead, which only leads us to destruction. To trust His plan, His timing, and His character completely means allowing Him to take the lead. Otherwise, we've got nothing but two left feet, and we're tripping through life. I have no idea if today's dance will be a waltz, a tango, or a jitterbug. I kinda like to just "rock out." Whatever the dance, this wallflower is putting on her shoes, because she's been invited to dance with the King. As He leads, I will follow. The dance floor is His to control.

"Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God.

May your gracious Spirit lead me forward

on a firm footing." Psalm 143:10 (NLT)

Resolve to Trust

2010-12-29T07:44:00.008-05:00

The end of December always brings me to a time of reflecting and planning. It's a time to reflect on the past year- accomplishments, failures, highs, lows, and special celebrations. It's also a time to think towards a new year-resolutions, goals, hopes, and dreams. As I reflect on 2010, I am in awe of how God has shown Himself to me. Not in the great highs of the year...actually very little faith came through that. No, it was mostly through the lows, the times of difficulty, desperation, and weakness. Those are the times that Beth McKenzie realized her absolute insufficiency and trusted in God's complete sufficiency like never before. The encounters I had with God this year have opened my eyes to how huge He is, and grown my faith to a trust that I had never experienced before. I have found Him not only Who He says He is, but bigger than I ever knew He was.

As the Christmas story is so fresh, I turned to the story of the wise men this morning. Matthew 2 gives us this story about their calling to go worship the Christ child and present their offerings.

"When Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, 'Where is the baby who was born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him....'" Matt. 2:1-2

At this point, they are searching for a God they do not yet know. They've only heard of Him through prophecies. I think of how often is our faith dependent upon someone else's experiences. Someone else talking about Him and sharing what He'd done for THEM. Maybe it isn't that you don't have a relationship with Him....I mean, you pray, you read, you trust Him.... in some ways,....but to completely trust Him and let Him have the chance to show Himself huge to you? To be open to God doing something you never even imagined? To be at a point where you let Him have it all? That's what He does for other people-not you, right? (Wrong!) Have you ever trusted Him for the big stuff? For things you never imagined He could do....for you? Have you ever truly experienced an encounter with the Lord that made you see just how BIG He is and how MUCH He can be trusted? Or have you kept Him small and just on the "safe side" where you are most comfortable with Him?

"When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, as were all the people in Jerusalem. Herod called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Christ would be born.They answered, 'In the town of Bethlehem in Judea.

The prophet wrote about this in the Scriptures:

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are not just an insignificant village in Judah.

A ruler will come from you

who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.' — Micah 5:2

Then Herod had a secret meeting with the wise men and learned from them the exact time they first saw the star. He sent the wise men to Bethlehem, saying, 'Look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me so I can worship him too.'" Matt. 2:3-8

The wise men encountered a situation. A difficult situation. Herod.

Ruthless Herod. The same Herod who killed hundreds, including his own family, out of jealousy and his ego to be number one to all. Nothing and no one stopped him when he decided to do something. He was certainly not a force to be reckoned with. What force to reckon with stops you from having the kind of faith that trusts God with everything? That even considers that God might want to do something big in your life in 2011? Something that you've never even considered He could do because you've never given Him the chance?...... What stops you? What's the "Herod" in your life? Fear? Insecurity? Doubts? Unbelief?

"After the wise men heard the king, they left. The star that they had seen in the east went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. When the wise men saw the star, they were filled with joy.They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their own country by a different way." Matt. 2:9-12

The encounter these wise men had with Jesus caused them to rejoice and to offer Him their greatest treasures. What about you? Have you encountered Jesus enough to experience the joy that only He brings? Can you trust your deepest fears, insecurities, even your doubts to Him? Can you truly say, "I am going to trust You...no matter what, Lord. Help my unbelief!"? We all trust someone or something. Who better to lay it all down for than the Creator of the Universe and the One Who is Sovereign?

What things do you think God wants you to trust Him for in 2011? I don't pretend to know what those are for you, but I can surely say God has given Sean and I a glimpse of some things that He has for us this next year. They are no small feat. They are absolutely things that we could never ever do on our own, and we would never attempt. Honestly, a year ago, I would have totally dismissed almost every one of them. All of them together ...in the same year....would have never ever been considered....had we not seen Him so big in 2010. So, we are excited and elated. Not because of anything we will do, but because we get to watch Him do some things that only He can do, and He's going to do it in and through us, such weak vessels! What an amazing, powerful, faithful God!

Notice at the end of the scripture, that when the wise men encountered Jesus, they went "a different way." They were not the same as when they came. They walked a different way. They no longer had to depend on someone else's testimony or someone else's experience with God. They had met Him for themselves. It was now personal for them.

I pray that in 2011, all of us will trust Him and look for Him to do what only He could do? Not so we can experience some emotional high or personal gain. What a fleeting thing that would be. God is so much greater than our emotions! My prayer is that we get to see and experience God as never before, so that our faith might explode and others would look to us and see something only God could do! That others might believe Him for themselves, and then give Him the glory He deserves! I pray that our faith might be contagious and His Name be praised among the people! ("In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt. 5:16)

Whether your circumstances are joy or pain, trust Him....no matter what! I am ecstatic to think of what great things we could see if we only trust Him with it all.

I wonder if the lyrics to this Chris Tomlin song could be our prayer today....

All your ways are good

All your ways are sure

I will trust in you alone

Higher than my side

High above my life

I will trust in you alone

Where you go, I'll go

Where you stay, I'll stay

When you move, I'll move

I will follow you

Who you love, I'll love

How you serve, I'll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow you

I will follow you

Light unto the world

Light unto my life

I will live for you alone

You're the one I seek

Knowing I will find

All I need in you alone

In you alone

Where you go, I'll go

Where you stay, I'll stay

When you move, I'll move

I will follow you

Who you love, I'll love

How you serve, I'll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow you

I will follow you

In you, there's life everlasting

In you, there's freedom for my soul

In you, there's joy, unending joy

And I will follow

Where you go, I'll go

Where you stay, I'll stay

When you move, I'll move

I will follow you

Who you love, I'll love

How you serve, I'll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow

Where you go, I'll go

Where you stay, I'll stay

When you move, I'll move

I will follow you

Who you love, I'll love

How you serve, I'll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow you

A Gift Wrapped and Placed

2010-12-22T08:54:00.004-05:00

We are visiting our families in Kentucky this week, traveling two hours between Ashland and Lexington to try to spend time with everyone. This morning, as I awakened early in Lexington, I took advantage of another still morning to get up before the rest of the house and enjoy the quiet. We had to take our live Christmas tree down before we left home, because we didn't want to return to a floor full of needles. Therefore, I am enjoying my mother in law's tree and the beautiful view of the pond beside their home. The birds and the ducks are busy already. There's a birdfeeder outside the window, and my inlaws are faithful to keep it stocked. There's also a supply of food kept here for the ducks, and they are out and about trying to find any leftovers. The critters sure are spoiled 'round these parts. :) The snow lingers from the past week of various fallings, and the sky is telling me another one is soon to come. It's just beautiful and peaceful. The gifts around the tree and along the hearth have all been wrapped and placed carefully, ready to be opened and enjoyed in just a couple of days.

I open once again to Luke. It's becoming so fresh to me. Just when I think I've read it before, something else comes off the page to show me, I still might have missed something.

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them." (Luke 2: 6-7)

Like the gifts all around me, Mary wrapped her sweet baby boy....in cloths, and she placed Him.......in a manager. God sent His Son from the glories of Heaven to be wrapped and placed in a feeding trough. He came to be near us in such a strange, yet personal way. To be wrapped and placed, not where He deserved or belonged.....but where He chose to lay.

"Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid." (Luke 23:50-53)

The precious body that was wrapped and placed in a manger at birth, was now wrapped and placed in a tomb at death. Crucified, not because of what He did, but because of what we had done. The plan of God to redeem mankind was accomplished, and it came in the sweet Gift that was wrapped and placed by the very hand of God-Jesus.

I don't think I will ever wrap a gift and put it under the tree ever again without this sweet reminder.

The splendor of a King

Clothed in majesty,

Let all the earth rejoice,

All the earth rejoice!

He wraps Himself in Light,

And darkness tries to hide,

And trembles at His voice,

Trembles at His voice.

How great is our God!

Accomplished Days of Christmas

2010-12-17T06:29:00.003-05:00

It's 5:30 a.m. and I am sitting in my family room in a stillness that only 5:30 a.m. can bring in a house full of teenagers who like to stay up late, especially with school not in session due to a snowfall yesterday. The only lights on are coming from our Christmas tree and a few pieces of a village collection I have acquired over the years. It's a stillness that I long for and have come to love and appreciate the older I get. It's a stillness where I love to meet with God and have the chance to really hear Him, ....a time where no other voices or distractions can drown Him out or distract my attention deficit mind. A cup of coffee sits next to me as I sit here pondering the Christmas story.....again.

I've attempted to be intentional this year about seeking God more through the month in the midst of a world that tries to rob Him of His glory at Christmas. Not because I'm "spiritual", cause I'm not. I enjoy many traditions at Christmas, just as much as everyone else does. No, it's just that I'm ending a year with Him that has had me on a journey of fresh faith and joy, and everything seems new again, and I don't want that to wane. I've realized the real joy of a relationship with God all over again in some amazing ways, and I realized how stale my life had gotten without that perspective. So, this year for Christmas, we've spent very little money, stayed away from malls as much as possible, bought fewer gifts, and tried to enjoy the presence of loved ones a little more. Another one of those ways has been reading and re-reading the Christmas story from the gospels, and asking God to allow me to see it with fresh eyes and a renewed heart. I continue to be amazed how many times I have heard andread the story of the birth of Christ through the years, and yet it just seemed so familiar, so common, ....so casual. Sad, huh? (I told you I'm not spiritual.) ;) I'm amazed at how another truth so divinely popped out to me, as I read Luke 2 this morning.

I normally study from an NIV study Bible, and make references to other versions or paraphrases occasionally. This morning I was taken back to my childhood, to a time where school plays actually consisted of the reading of Luke 2 from the King James version. It was very sweet.

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that,while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered." Luke 2:1-6

Did you catch that? "...the days were accomplished that she should be delivered."

How many times have we read that, thinking that it only meant it was time for Mary to give birth? The NIV says "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born." The NAS says, "While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth." Many of the other versions word it quite similarly. This morning, I couldn't help but be awestruck by two things.

1. "The days were accomplished." What days? The days of her pregnancy? Well, yes, but even moreso, the days of waiting. Waiting for what? What was accomplished? A Savior that was promised. God's promise of a Savior goes all the way back to the beginning. Genesis 3:15 is the first reference of many Old Testament prophecies that Jesus, and only Jesus, fulfilled. There had then been 400 years of silence from God before the New Testament. No prophets had spoken. Just silence. I couldn't help but think in the silence of this morning, what that would have been like. You see, my silence here in this moment is only silence from the world....from televisions, activity, people, and life all around me. I still have the voice of God. No, He has never spoken audibly to me, but I have His Word, and I have His Spirit that teaches, guides, comforts,and hears me. To think that I would not have that almost steals my breath. Silence from God. The wait had to be difficult and long and many probably felt abandoned. THEN......."the days were accomplished"! The wait was over! The time had come! A word was spoken, and a Promise was coming!

2. "That she should be delivered." Again, we instantly think of giving birth, but I couldn't help but think that Mary was giving birth to her Deliverer. To our Deliverer. The One Who would come forth and redeem the world from sin. Our Rescuer and Redeemer was born! The time had come that WE should be delivered! God's time had now come to redeem all mankind from the penalty, power and ultimately the presence of sin if only we would receive Him as Savior.

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." Gal. 4:4-7

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14

Behold the wonder of Jesus at Christmas! May it never become just another fading story, but an amazing truth of our God, Who exchanged His life for ours, by coming as a humble baby, growing as a man, and then dying as a Savior. The time had come to pass that our Deliverer came to earth. Now, we wait again....for His second coming, but we do not wait without a certain hope. He was faithful to every prophecy, and He is faithful to all His promises. He will one day return! The days will be accomplished that we will be delivered!

Lord, may I never grow accustomed to this truth. Let me never grow familiar with your everyday work. Remind me not just to wait, but to eagerly anticipate that first day of deliverance and the one to come, and live my life in light of that. Amen.

Only in America

2010-12-07T15:16:00.004-05:00

The girls and I had to drive up to Pocomoke, (MD for all you who aren't locals) to get Baylee's glasses ordered today. We each had coupons for free hot chocolate or small frappes at McDonald's. I'm all about some free stuff, so we stopped on our way back at McDonald's to get our free treats. As we're standing in line, a young 20-something punk began shouting expletives-many of which included the f-bomb-and turned around to walk off. I'm thinking what in the world is this crazy lunatic so upset about?! I mean...seriously, dude? So, do you know what was worthy of such behavior and language? His burger was wrong. And his wife/girlfriend/significant other stayed there at the counter to wait for them to get the order correct after his tantrum was over. Once I picked my jaw up off the floor, I couldn't help but think how ridiculous. I looked at my girls and said, "You know girls, something is seriously wrong when people get THAT upset over McDonald's." McDonald's for cryin' out loud! It's sad really. He evidently was not only furious over a wrong order, but he wasn't willing to stand around and wait for the order to be corrected.

My mind turned to people who are hungry. The kids and I had just talked this morning about giving, and how God is really showing us so much about others instead of ourselves in this season. We've been seeing how things like chickens, goats, pigs, and water are major needs for so many countries, and many ways our family can help to meet those needs this year. We had JUST had this conversation not two hours before this incident. I wanted to cry. Not because of some idiot spoiled rotten kid who was demanding his burger fixed the right way and right away. No, I wanted to cry because I saw myself. How many times have I gotten impatient and demanding of my own way, whether it's at a restaurant or with my husband, child, friend, ..... or God? While I don't throw out the f-bombs, my attitude can sure demonstrate just the same. In this wonderful "land of the free" America, our freedom has led to a sense of entitlement. We want things how we want them, and we want them NOW-or yesterday. We get furious when things do not happen how we want and when we want. Think about it. How long will you sit in a drive thru or a restaurant or a store and wait before you start complaining about the wait? We've gotten beyond ridiculous in our "must have" demands of only the best foods, cleanest places, finest clothes, and biggest houses. What used to be luxury is now expectation. Let's get a dose of reality now. How many families outside of America stand in line for hours to receive things like rice or beans? Not only would they willingly stand in line, but they would be grateful to do it because their very lives depend on it. The only drive thru they know of includes a line not at a restaurant, but a well to get clean drinking water. How spoiled are we! How many times have we had to wait for something, whether it's a food order, a grocery line, a store at the mall, .....an answer from God? All the while, we are crying and whining like a baby, stomping our feet, making our demands, and complaining about the wait? We've missed the point. We've missed the opportunity. What opportunity? The chance to be grateful. To remember this is a blessing, not a right. It's a blessing to be alive, to have our needs met. It's a blessing to get to eat out-especially to get anything FREE, to buy groceries, to shop for clothing,......to speak to the Creator and ask Him the desires of our hearts. Lord,Your timing is always perfect. Thank You for the lesson at McDonald's. Thank you for free frappes, grocery store lines, and teachable, visual moments for me and my children. Remind us of all we have, and let us never take ANYthing for granted. May we be radical, cheerful givers of all You have entrusted to us, and when we must wait, help us to trust You and Your timing. You are always right on time.

"You judge those who do wrong, but you do wrong yourselves. Do you think you will be able to escape the judgment of God? He has been very kind and patient, waiting for you to change, but you think nothing of his kindness. Perhaps you donotunderstand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives." Rom 2:3-4

A Confession

2010-11-20T12:52:00.007-05:00

I remember back as a child growing up in a small “country” church. We only had about 4 dedicated men in our church. At the end of every service, my dad would call on one of them to lead us in the benediction. Any time he called on Clifford, my brother and I would go, “Noooooo…not Clifford!” and then proceed to sit down. Why? Because this man prayed the same prayerEVERY time….and it was one very LONG prayer!! Poor Clifford has been gone for a long time now, but I could almost to this day still quote his prayers. You know the types of prayers I am talking about. The kind where you could almost repeat it word for word after you’ve heard it said so many times-the same way, the same words, the same order. Repetitious, robotic, and sometimes, just words said to be saying something. I don’t pretend to know why Clifford prayed that same prayer all the time, but I shared this example with the ladies in my Sunday School class to examine ourselves as we approach Nehemiah chapter 9. (We have been studying the entire book since August.) Did you know the prayer listed here in this chapter is the longest prayer in all of scripture? I shared with them that I hoped it would not just be another long prayer. It’s so much more than words on a page. It’s actually a focus on confession and repentance. Something God has completely convicted and taught new to this teacher as I typed this morning to them just a prelude to our lesson tomorrow.

When’s the last time you spent time in prayer with God confessing your sins? Naming them and taking ownership for them? How often do our prayers of confession exist only in the robotic statement of “Forgive me Lord for all my sins”? Or how about “Lord, if I’ve done anything to offend You, I am so sorry. Please forgive me.” ? Maybe genuinely intended to be confession. But is it? Let’s put this into a reality perspective now. Let’s say you and I had a rough week this week. Let’s say we sinned against the person we love the most. For you, maybe that’s a husband, parent, child, coworker, or best friend. Getting even more detailed, let’s name those sins-- lying, outbursts of anger, a bitter attitude, gossip-aka “sharing your heart”, impure thoughts, lack of love, and the list could go on. Now, go back to that one you love the most cause you’ve committed these sins against him/her. After committing those sins against that person, how do you think it would go if you just looked at them and said, “Ok, so forgive me for all my sins.” Or “Well, if I’ve done anything to offend you, I’m sorry. Just forgive me.”

Really? Would we ever be so rude and inconsiderate? Shouldn’t we be mourning what we’ve done to offend the one we love the most? Shouldn’t our sin cause us grief? Tear us up? Burden our hearts? Shouldn’t we be taking responsibility and ownership for what we’ve done to the one we love the most?

As I wrote to my ladies, I had just spent the previous hour and a half pouring out to my God specific sins I had to name and then honestly sought His face. You see, I struggled with this passage and how to teach it all week long. Each day, I’d come to read through it, pour over commentaries, look through Bible dictionaries, and still think, “I don’t know HOW I’m supposed to teach this, Lord.” This morning, He woke me early to show me just how. By reading it and applying it in my OWN life. Sin in our life can be so easily covered up –some of it’s known, some of it’s unknown until we come before God asking Him to bring to mind anything we’ve not yet recognized as sin. Oh, we can be good at praying for things, for one another, and for situations. But sin? That’s so easily overlooked by us…..but not by God. Sure, HE is faithful and just to forgive us, but how often do we overlook the first part of that verse? “IF WE CONFESS OUR SIN…. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Once again, we are so guilty of picking parts of Scripture that we want to claim, and leaving the tough parts behind. We become our own god every time we do that.

God’s Word is not intended for us just to receive it, but to reproduce it. So often, we think to ourselves, “What can I get out of this?” I am being challenged along with many others in our church right now by reading the book Radical by David Platt, and therefore, I want to challenge you, ladies. What if we changed the question whenever we gathered to hear God’s Word? What if we began to think, “How can I listen and read His Word so that I am equipped to teach this Word to others?” Doesn’t that change everything? You and I have a responsibility once we’ve heard the Word, and it’s to apply it to our lives, then go share it and teach it to others. Even if your gift is not teaching, you are accountable for what you’ve heard, not only for yourself, but as a DISCIPLE of Christ. The Word is never intended to stop with you. It’s intended to spread through you. Let’s approach the study of the Word of God tomorrow-and every time-with that attitude. How much more hungry would we come? How much more attentive would we be if we knew we were responsible for the Word we hear?

Sweet Monday

2010-11-01T09:16:00.012-04:00

I am not a morning person, and especially not when it's cold outside. Since the lovely curse of menopause entered my life, it's much easier for me to exercise when it's cooler though than when it's 90 stinkin degrees outside, and forget a hot sweaty gym. I think I would for sure die from melting. So, I have recently committed to walking in the early mornings with a friend. And baby, it's cold outside this morning! 40 degrees cold!

So, as I lay in bed early this morning, dreading getting up out of these warm, cozy blankets, I just spoke to God. It went something like this: "Lord, thanks for waking me up. Thanks for this day. Help me to rejoice in it. Give me the strength to get up and exercise. Give me the ability to trust You in the things I need to trust You for today. Help me to accomplish the purpose that You created me for TODAY. Lord, there are some things in my mind this morning I really need to get rid of....fears, frustrations, lies from the enemy, and so on. Help me to believe I am who You say I am, and nothing less -or more. Help me to believe You. Lord, do you ever get tired of me asking You to help me believe? Thanks for being so patient....." There were a few other things I said as I lay in the stillness of the morning hours. Some prayers for dear friends and family. I knew He was hearing. I just didn't know He would speak back so specifically, so quickly. I got up, brushed my teeth, got dressed, and ready to meet my friend. I had a few minutes to spare, so I opened up my devotional book for a quick Word before my walk. I opened up to November 1, and read...

"'Why are you troubled?' He asked them. 'And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet.'" Luke 24:38-39

This particular devotion book is by Beth Moore, and she writes, "Christ's willingness to continue drawing us to belief totally astounds me. At no time after appearing to His disciples in resurrected form did He say, ' You bunch of idiots! I'm sick of trying to talk you into believing Me!' When the sight of Him wasn't enough, Jesus said, 'Look at My hands and feet.' We ourselves have often seen His hands by way of His constant provision and glorious intervention. We have seen His feet as He's gone before us. Surely, we too, have beheld the hands and feet of Christ with the eyes of faith. May we look again today- and believe." (Believing God Day by Day)

Sweetest words spoken on a Monday morning! I thought of how He is so faithful inHis love and mercy in my life, but the sweetest joy was just in meeting Him. I'm in the beginnings of a study on the book Crazy Love. Francis Chan speaks about the fact that it isn't the ritual of a quiet time that should motivate our time with God, but the very motivation of just meeting Him. He says, "When we love God, we naturally run to Him-frequently and zealously. Jesus didn't command that we have a regular time with Him each day. Rather, He tells us to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' He called this 'the first and greatest commandment.' The results are intimate prayer and study of His Word. Our motivation changes from guilt to love. This is how God longs for us to respond to His extravagant, unending love: not with a cursory 'quiet time' plagued by guilt, but with true love expressed through our lives. Like my little girl running out to the driveway to hug me each night because she loves me."

God is showing me what this looks like because of His faithful love. I love because He loved me first. (1 John 4:19) He meets you and me right where we are EVERY time! And His love is demonstrated in so many ways. I thought of 1 Corinthians 13.... "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Every time a whisper of the enemy comes, He makes sure His voice is louder. Where the need is great, His grace is greater. His faithful love overwhelms me! There's no better place than in His will and His loving arms. HE is truly the best start to a Monday morning.

Our Sustainer

2010-10-18T13:31:00.011-04:00

We are so blessed with beauty all around us here on the eastern shore. This morning, the sunshine and crisp temps were beckoning me to get out for an early walk. After dealing with some pretty bad headaches and sinus/allergy issues all day yesterday, I just had to get out for some fresh air. I kept thinking that it wouldn't be long before winter was upon us, and I'd be facing the dreaded, boring treadmill. Yuck! If I have to exercise, I'll take outdoors anyday!

Often, I will use this time for prayer, and I did start off talking to God and praying for various others. Not too far into my walk, I couldn't help the interruption of mine and God's conversation though, and it was loud. Birds! Now, I'm not really a bird person, and honestly, I really hadn't taken notice of too many here on the shore outside the pesky seagulls. A side note: back in Ky. we used to throw our old bread out for the birds. I wish you would have seen this hillbilly girl throwing her bread out in the backyard the first week we lived here only to have a flock of seagulls engulf my entire yard. It looked like a scene from the Hitchcock movie, as I ran inside screaming for cover. Lesson learned. Have I said how much I hate seagulls?

So, anyway, I don't know that many types of birds outside your normal robins, blue jays, sparrows, and so on. Unlike my inlaws, I don't own binoculars to observe them, and I certainly don't know the sounds they make. However, I couldn't help but notice on my walk this morning (because they were SO loud!), how many different chirps I was hearing. There's really no words to describe it or paint the picture of all I was hearing. All I can say is that there had to be at least 15 different types of "bird languages" going on, and that was only in about a quarter of a mile. It made me silent as I just listened and continued to walk. About that time, I noticed some squirrels playing "tag" in someone's yard, passed another one digging a hole to store some acorns, walked over the bridge bythe marina and saw boats coming and going. People were leaving their homes for work, some were just waking to get a newspaper, while others were sitting inside their homes watching the morning news. As I strolled through our quaint downtown, various people were opening shops and businesses, and I passed a few other morning walkers along the way. I couldn't help but think that this is another day of life. The sun rose, the birds chirped, the squirrels played, and people were living their everyday lives, doing what they do, as monotonous as it may seem to all of us. So, what's the big deal? The deal is I had NOTHING to do with it. God, the Sustainer, kept it all going. He didn't sleep last night like I did. I didn't have to stay up through the night to spin the earth on its axis. It wasn't up to me to do anything. He was sustaining everything I saw throughout the night. The rest of us were just waking up to see it all.

I thought about things that have been pressing on my mind, things I've been praying about, and more importantly, people I've been praying for. If the God of the Universe could create all of this and keep it going, could He not tend to the things I brought before Him? I mean, last I checked, I haven't been able to speak ANYthing into existence. I can barely sew a button on a shirt , better yet use my hands to create a human being and breathe life into one! What a comfort this reminder brought to my heart today! The One Who created all of this, sustains it according to His perfect will, and He cares about the details in my life and yours. What a peace to bring it to One you know can handle it and has a plan greater than what we can see in our very finite minds. The One Who created also sustains, and His supply will never perish. Take your cares to Him, the God Who upholds it all. Look around you today and see He really does have the whole world in His hands.

"And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (Amp.)

Perspective

2010-10-08T12:18:00.004-04:00

I'm usually a beach girl. I love the water and everything about living on the water. I could stare at the ocean daily with the sand in my toes and see glimpses of God every time. The waves remind me of His faithfulness. The sand reminds me of how detailed He is that He can number it. The ocean reminds me of His power. His character is in every part of it, and I never tire of how I feel when I am there seeing, smelling, and taking it all in. It just never gets old.

I married a man who isn't a beach guy at all though. Oh, he goes to satisfy me and the kids, but it's not his favorite place to be when he wants to relax and unwind. He grew up vacationing in the mountains. So, as any good wife would do, I decided I would "sacrifice" a vacation one year early in our marriage, and we would go to the mountains. Well, I fell in love with the beauty! Oh, I'm still a beach girl, and moving to the eastern shore was a dream come true. I could "beach it" every day in the summer! :) Yet, every year, especially in the Fall, we enjoy visiting the mountains and enjoying the beauty of God's set of crayons. Normally, that would be Gatlinburg, but now that we live a little further away, we decided to hit the Shenandoah National Park area, which is a little closer to home. We took off last Thursday for a couple of days to get away as a couple and spend some time together. It was yet another amazing experience to see fresh glimpses of a whole different aspect of this amazing earth He has created. Sean and I took a drive on Skyline Dr. which is notorious for its views. It did not disappoint. As we started going up, we'd stop at one of the viewing sites to take it all in. We'd get to a spot that was 1,000 ft. up..."Wow! Look at that view!" Then, we'd drive some more and come to an area that was 2,000 ft. ...."Amazing! Check out that huge mountain!" Continuing to drive along the parkway with the sunlight streaming through the trees, we got to one of the higher points at 3,340 ft. Remember that mountain that looked so huge? We were now looking down on it! And there were more mountains yet above us. It just was breathtaking! I couldn't help but think how our perspective changed. Going from the ground to 1,000 ft., then 2,000 ft, and then to 3,340 ft. What looked at the start as a colossal expanse of mountains above us became something that was below us. What changed? Our view. That day I got a glance of how God sees everything. To us, the mountains are huge. Life is hard. Circumstances are difficult...sometimes overwhelming. Yet, His view is from above. Every mountain in our life may appear to overshadow us, but to Him....from His perspective looking down, they're all small. Nothing is too big for Him!

I was glad to get back home to the shore, but I will not forget the picture lesson I received last weekend. I encourage everyone to get out of their familiar environment at some time in some way and experience something unfamiliar so you, too, can see. All of God's creation has something fresh to show us about the Creator who made it. It was a refreshing reminder that perhaps, we just need to get a different perspective. God's perspective. He doesn't discredit our difficulties in any way, but He is over them all. Whatever is going on in your life and mine, He's big enough to handle them all. We can trust the One Who spoke it all into existence. He can not only enable us to scale a mountain, He can move them, and melt them. (Psa. 97:5) Trust Him Whose view is sovereign over your life. It's an amazing comfort to trust the One Who is higher than we are. We can go from looking up to the insurmountable mountains to becoming conquerors on the mountaintop. Whose perspective will you have?

"Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:1-2

Who's the Boss?

2010-07-15T08:52:00.010-04:00

Six months?! Seriously? I cannot believe it's been that long since I have written here. Can you say "slacker?" There's no way to explain or recap the past six months except to say that God just has wanted me to see how faithful and true He is, and it was a process we had to go through together-just us. And that we did! The pen has still been smoking--just in my journal. I hope when God speaks to you about wanting you to step away, you will listen. Although I fought it for a while, it was the greatest thing I ever did. Stepped away for some time of healing and recharging this winter and spring. When I say "stepped away", I mean dropped everything except what it took to wake up and tend to my family and nourish/recharge my soul spiritually. I wasn't just not writing here. I wasn't teaching in church, directing any type of ministry, singing with worship team, .....I had to as Psalm 46:10 puts it in the Message: " Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at my High God..." This has become a favorite life verse.

I love how God speaks to me and continues to speak to me even as I write what I think He wants me to write, only to find He's still saying something that needs to be put down. It's such a transforming and ongoing process. Even as I type now, I really have no idea just all that God wants me to write. It's a perfect way to just be open to all He wants to do and say as we become simply a vessel. You see, writing (or any other spiritual gift) not only edifies others who might read it, it sharpens, strengthens, and teaches the writer. That's how most spiritual gifts work after all. Encouraging others, but teaching, refining, and strengthening the one sharing the gift. Recently, I have felt the nudge to put the words down again to paper....or computer in this techy world we live in. It is the way God has wired me to let my light shine so that others can praise my Father. That is truly my only desire! I want to be used to help bring others to the Daddy that I know and love. So, here we go.....

I've just started reading and dissecting the book of Colossians .. I found a guide in a new Bible Study magazine (www.biblestudymagazine.com) (which I love by the way! A great tool if you are called to teach or lead small groups) I thought this study would be perfect for a personal quiet time this summer. The scripture that stood out was in Colossians 1:15. It says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

The questions asked were, "How would my life look differently if I fully embraced Christ as the One in charge of my life?" and "How would lives around me be affected if I demonstrated everyday that someone greater than myself has the ability to rule my life and my world?"

Lots to ponder, but I couldn't help think of this great example. Our youth pastor's wife has dropped her very precocious 4 yr old off at our house a couple of times. Her mother has to constantly say, "Now Kennidee, who's the boss?" To which Kennidee says with hand on her hip and every ounce of certainty , "Miss Beth is.....but I'M the boss of Max!" (Max is our dog.) :) You see, we all want to be the boss of something or someone....often ourselves. I chuckled as I thought of that this morning. Am I not the same way sometimes?

So, my answers to the above questions are this: My life would be different in that peace and purpose would reign a whole lot more than fear and questioning. Lord, remind me that YOU are the boss, not anyone else....especially not myself. Keep me on track in this place You have returned me to- for where You want me regardless of what others say or do-especially myself. Thus, here I am writing again. Thank You, Lord!

The other answer was that lives around me might just see what it's like to be a follower of Jesus instead of a leader who just speaks about Him and tries to be His boss. Lord, forgive me of the sin of listening to anyone outside of you and trying to be my own boss. Help me to be a FOLLOWER of You, the only One who has the ability to rule my life and the world-all at the same time! You are the firstborn of all creation, the Owner, the Supreme One! You are the Creator; I am the created. You and only You are the boss of my life! Continue to teach me what it means and looks like for You to live Your life through me.

Oh, and what Kennidee doesn't know is that Max would NEVER allow her to be the boss of him either. I bet God chuckles when we try to do the same. It reminds me of how God finally addresses Job-here's just the first 11 verses-but the beginning of 3 chapters of why God should be our Boss....

Job 38: 1-11(The MSG)

And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:

^2-11 "Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn't run loose,
And said, 'Stay here, this is your place.

Your wild tantrums are confined to this place....'"

and go on and read chapters 39, 40, and 41 while you're at it.

May our answer be that of Job's in chapter 42 (The MSG)...

Job answered God:

"I'm convinced: You can do anything and everything.

Nothing and no one can upset your plans.
You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water,
ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?'
I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me,
made small talk about wonders way over my head.
You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.
Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.'
I admit I once lived by rumors of you;
now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears!
I'm sorry—forgive me. I'll never do that again, I promise!

I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor."

So, how bout it? Are you trying to be the boss instead of trusting the One who knows all, is over all, and loves you more than anyone? Let Him lead. Be the follower. He's the Boss whether you acknowledge it or not, but your life sure is easier once you do.

Shaken

2009-12-30T08:19:00.004-05:00

One of my family's favorite movies to watch at Christmas is "A Christmas Story." You know, the one with the ole "You'll shoot your eye out!" infamous line. There's a scene in the movie where the family is going to look for a Christmas tree. The shady salesman is trying to sell the dad a live tree and exclaims, "There's no needles fallin' off THIS tree!" As he shakes the tree, all that is left are a ton of pine needles lying below in the snow and one very bare tree. That is often what represents our lives. Shaken to the core. I wish I could say that in every part of 2009, I've consistently been like David in Psalm 62 "He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." I've found trials, disappointments, betrayals, frustrations, critical life/death situations, losses of loved ones, and seasons of despair and doubt. Maybe you've been there, too? Life happens. The difference is do we allow ourselves to be shaken when the earth quakes all around us? There's a difference, you know. The earth around us WILL shake. We don't have to.

As we finish the Christmas season, there can sometimes be a letdown because all we anticipated is over. Or is it? A new year brings an anticipated hope of something fresh in our lives. Isn't that what Jesus came to bring us? Hope! If we'll stop focusing on the wind around us or even the needles in our lives, perhaps He wants to become our TRUE vine. How many things do we attach ourselves to? Education, occupation, knowledge, relationships, finances, popularity, approval, skills, ...the list is endless. Some may even think the church or their own religious system is their vine. Remember, our vine is Jesus Christ and Him alone!

"I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more...I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you cannot do anything without me. If you don't stay joined to me, you will be thrown away. You will be like dry branches that are gathered up and burned in a fire." John 15:1-3, 5-6

In Scripture, the word "true" is often used to describe what is eternal, heavenly, and divine. With a root like that, we need never be shaken. As we approach 2010, perhaps some evaluating of 2009 is in order. What shook you and why? Where has your trust been? Where will it be in 2010? Perhaps the Lord is sending the wind, so that when life shakes us, all that is left is Him. Our TRUE grapevine. There's no stronger anchor. Now, there's some HOPE!

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,'says the LORD, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10

Twenty Years

2009-12-09T13:45:00.004-05:00

Can we be that old? I mean, I remember MY parents celebrating 20 yrs of marriage, and they were old then. How’d I stay so young? Ha! Sean and I are preparing for a much needed, long planned and saved for celebration to Cancun for our 20th wedding anniversary. All the arrangements were made months ago for the details of this trip as well as everyone back home. His parents have graciously come to stay and tend to all things and people here so we could leave having a peace. So much has come to my mind today as I reflect on the past 20 years, and I just felt compelled to put my thoughts in writing.

Looking back at 20 years, I can do absolutely nothing but stand in awe of God. You see, it would be nice to say we made it this far because we stuck together- determined enough, stubborn enough, demanding enough, loving enough, or sacrificing enough. I remember at our 10 yr anniversary feeling so “proud” that we’d made it so far, as if it was something WE did. Yuck. So not true. Twenty years has nothing to do with US…. and everything to do with God. Just to be real here; it’s an absolute miracle that we even made it to five years of marriage. Not because we didn’t love each other…’cause we sure did. It’s a miracle because so much was against us from the start–immaturity, statistics, loss of a child, personality struggles, financial difficulties, insecurities, job changes, …the world! Most importantly, Christ was not at the center of MY life for many years. Almost all the things that most people split up over in today’s world, we’ve come through stronger only by God’s power and nothing of ourselves. Once HE became more of the center of our lives and only because of that, He became more of the center of our marriage. I can honestly say I love this man more today than I ever have before. There was a time I never thought I would say that.

We get teased, sometime mocked, a lot for how we speak to and about one another. As if we’re either being sappy, unrealistic, not authentic, or trying to make the other one just look good in public. The truth of the matter is we completely mean what we say and for no other reason than reminding one another and building each other up in Christ. It’s our love language. Our relationship is certainly deeper than terms of endearment, but that doesn’t mean we’ve discounted the importance of words. We also hope to use those words to be a witness not for ourselves, but for what God can do in a marriage. We want people to know that you can be married for 20 yrs and still be absolutely crazy in love. Let me clarify though. We sure don’t have it together by any means! We’re a mess to be completely honest….probably no different than you and your spouse. We still disagree, fuss at one another, find fault, and have many weaknesses. However, in a world where spouses think it’s the norm to bash the other one or speak of their faults to the public, I’d much rather overlook his faults and build my husband up. Sean feels the same way towards me. Despite our humanity, we choose to overlook and show grace to one another for the greater purpose of loving unconditionally. After all, isn’t that where people get to see the image of Jesus?

The older we’ve gotten and the longer we’ve been married, we have seen firsthand the power of words. Words can either build up or tear down. It’s one or the other. There’s no middle ground. It’s interesting that as Sean is a pastor and we are in this crazy world of ministry, the very thing that speaks love to us can be hard to find in seasons. Obviously, not that you want people to puff you up. That’s prideful, and I’m not speaking of that kind of talk. I’m speaking of words that encourage and show love. All you ministry wives are shaking your head cause you “get me” now. Ha! The fact is that churches are filled with people like you and me. Humans. Not perfect. Everyone has an opinion on how a church should operate and what a pastor is “supposed to do”, or not do, and so on. There are seasons where things are up and seasons where things are down. It’s a rollercoaster. God’s had to build some thick skin in us not just individually, but as a couple being in ministry. So, this is another reason why I choose to use my words to build up. I have been even more determined to speak words that edify -to and about -my husband, not because he’s perfect. Because he’s not. (Nor am I.) Not because he’s always right. Because he isn’t. (Me neither! And shew, that’s hard to admit!) Not because we’ve got the perfect marriage. (Because we absolutely don’t.) Simply because I love him and love nothing more than bringing encouragement, love, and support to him no matter what. It’s also been a great lesson to never feed off of praise in the good times. Makes for a harder fall in the bad. We try to listen to what God says to us more than anyone else. His words are always truthful, but filled with love and grace-with our best interest at heart. Isn't that how we should be with our spouses, too? Isn't that how we should be with one another? This attitude of building up vs. tearing down which comes strictly from God’s Word has been a huge key in our marriage and in ministry. When we feel the world is against us, we remind one another, “We’re on the same team.” We’re in this together…united….one. Me and Sean. Us and the church. We have the same purpose- ministering to others, being a witness and accurate representation of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. Doesn’t do any good to fight yourself, does it? I'm not saying overlook the problems, but you work through them with love, kindness, and respect. I don’t find this giving anyone a false impression. Goodness, most people can SEE mine and Sean's faults already. Why? Because we’re authentic. We’ve never believed in being something we aren’t or living a life of pretend. We do no one a service for the cause of Christ by faking it through life. Sean and I just want people to know when we’re struggling, where we’re weak, who we are…we have nothing to hide. Matter of fact, we want God to be seen in and through us. It’s only through the fact that we’re just normal weak people that others can see how great our God is if ANYTHING good comes from us. The bad? Well, we’ll have to take the credit for that. It’s through our weaknesses though that we find God’s strength and I’m all about that. We’ve certainly found that so many times! He is the most faithful unconditional loving friend ever.

This blog is primarily geared towards ministry wives, but I think this encouragement goes for all women who love God. Whether you’ve been married one month, one year, ten years, twenty, or more…. I can simply say this. Wives, honor your husbands. Show him respect. Do him good and not harm. As scripture says, “Be his crown…don’t bring him shame.” (Prov. 12:4) I’m not saying to make him out to be some superhero or something he is not. Speak graciously and kindly towards him and about him. Life is tough enough for husbands regardless of what their profession is. There’s always going to be somebody shouting discouragement his way, whether it’s the boss breathing down his neck, an annoying coworker, a job that seems out of reach, bills that seem insurmountable, or his own insecurities that he just can’t do the anything good enough. As provider and head of the household, that’s a huge weight to bear. Remember, his job is to love you as Christ loved the church-- and gave His life for her. Quite a charge if you ask me. We have it easy compared to that! Thankfully, God has equipped them for the job. They need your respect and your support. The heart of your husband will trust in you as you respect him as a wife. Sean and I have seen that firsthand. I must admit…it’s very easy to respect and submit to a man who loves God so sincerely, who I KNOW has a very real, intimate relationship with Christ, seeks His will DAILY, and who loves me so faithfully and unconditionally. He’s not perfect, but I know him so well and he dedicates his life so genuinely to Jesus that it’s very easy to respect him and want to honor him. When you seek to do things God’s way, you’ll find the greatest blessings.

A key verse given to us when we married was Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL (my caps) your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” In a world where divorce is the easy way out and words can fly off our tongues so carelessly, trust and honor God. Lean on Him in all things….especially your marriage. See what He can do with two very weak messed up people who simply ask Him to do something miraculous in and through them and want to be used by God. We’ve not “arrived” yet and some days we get off course and the end seems to be so very far away. However, it’s exciting to be where we are as a couple after 20 yrs, and see all the things our faithful God has done, knowing there’s always better to come! Hope. Jesus came to earth to give us that, and I’m thankful that today, over 2000 years later, we still have that promise fulfilled.

Hasta la vista, chicas. This gal’s gotta pack for Mexico now. :)

Shelter in the Storm

2009-11-12T09:58:00.008-05:00

I'm sitting here typing and praying that my power remains on at least long enough to finish this. A nor'easter has hit the eastern shore and we're dealing with floods, high winds, and threats of losing power at any minute. Schools are closed, roads are blocked, and everything just seems out of control in this storm. It's times like this that I can't help but think of words like "shelter," "refuge," "protection," and "rescue." Those words are very personal today!

You see, I don't think we could grasp the real meanings of them if we didn't experience the storms. Without a storm, a shelter is just a place we COULD go. Not a place we NEED to go. It's easy to say that a shelter is a dwelling place or a building to protect us from the elements, but it isn't until you really need that shelter that you understand the magnitude of what it is. We are so quick to fuss and complain over the inconveniences in life and times when our comfort level isn't where we'd prefer. A refuge is just a sanctuary that keeps things safe, but we don't understand safety unless we are faced with danger. Our local rescue units are on standby, waiting in case someone needs to be rescued today. We don't give that a second thought unless we are the ones needing to be delivered from whatever peril might have overcome us.

James tells us not only to accept these storms, but to "consider it joy". Now there's a perspective that's difficult when the rains are pouring down on YOUR house. After further reading though, it's much easier to take on that attitude though. An instant delivery from trials leaves us immature and under developed. God can be trusted when the trials of life come. I love how 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you." Notice it does not say to give thanks FOR everything. I don't have to act like the "rain on my parade" is the joy of my life cause to be honest, it isn't. God's not asking us to put on an act. He's never about that. He's always about our hearts and authenticity. The reality is that our storms are tough! However, with the right perspective, I CAN give thanks in the midst of it. How? Because I can see things that God brings to me in the midst of it and as a result of it. Like the shelter, refuge, rescue, and safety that ONLY He can provide.

"My help and glory are in God-granite strength and safe harbor God-So trust Him absolutely people; lay your lives on the line for Him. God is a safe place to be." Psalm 62:7-8

I can't say that my honest prayer is that Jesus "bring the rain," but when it comes (and it will!), I can know there is a safe place to dwell. There's no safer place than in the arms of the One Who created it all cause He calms the storms and seas....and He even calms me.

This video is a song we sang on Sunday. It's been resounding in my mind all week long. Where else COULD we go, but to Him?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rTlhRO0E8k&feature=related

More Than Enough

2009-09-26T11:31:00.012-04:00

The other night in youth group at church, our student pastor did a quiz on texting. He'd put the text on the big screen and we had to guess what it was. Yours truly got them all correct! (Disclaimer: I must admit it is ONLY because I have teens who've had to teach me how to even use my cell phone!) :) One of the funny text comments was some people guessing, "Less than 3!!" for the heart symbol. (If you text the less than symbol and the number 3 it makes a heart symbol in text land.) I find it so strange that the symbol for love involves something with "less than" in it-something that should not at all represent love.

As a pastor's wife, I see women who feel less than just about everything and everyone, and honestly, I have frequented this place myself. We just never feel we measure up or that our problems don't compare and therefore they just don't matter to God. Several friends are currently struggling with this around me today. I mean several! It's actually been a resounding prayer request I've heard and seen this week. So much that as I was praying this morning for each of these various needs- personal, financial, workplace, church situations.... I was in awe of how God took all these separate needs and showed me how He fills them ALL with one thing in common- His all-sufficiency. He's not just big enough, He's also interested in the details so much that He's working out the solution to every single situation.

Ladies, He is not holding back on any of us. We are insecure, and He's our Rock. We are incapable, yet He's all-powerful. We feel inadequate, but He provides for every single need! He's not just willing to meet our needs. He's willing to be MORE than enough. This song written by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio popped into my head as I was praying for all of the needs, mine included....

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You are my supply
My breath of life
And still more awesome than I know
You are my reward worth living for
And still more awesome than I know

All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough

You’re my sacrifice
Of greatest price
And still more awesome than I know
You’re the coming King
You are everything
And still more awesome than I know

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know
More than all I can say
You are more than enough for me

So, whatever it is you are struggling with and there doesn't seem to be "enough"....security, self-esteem, rejection, your marriage, family, friends, finances, school, job, church, ministry, .... know today that God is truly enough for what you need, and then He's more. It is not selfish at all to ask your Father when you are in need. He desires us to bring it ALL before Him. We don't have to bargain with God. "Lord, if You will only do this for me, then I will _____." He's not into bartering...He's a giving, gracious, loving God. He's into a personal relationship with you, sweet one. The sweet blessing in return though is that He is more than enough for all of us-whatever we lack. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are very much alive and active in our lives and our needs today. That's enough to make me okay with texting less than 3.

"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better? " Matthew 7:7-11
Here's an amazing video of this song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW-toYBiF8o&feature=related

The Latest Thing

2009-09-17T13:04:00.005-04:00

I am such an old fogie when it comes to technology. Sean and I always seem to be on the old fashioned end when it comes to all the new gadgets. We didn't even own a computer until 1999, and by then all our friends had had email accounts for several years already. It was the joke that we might get out of Yabba Dabba Doo Land....one day. If it weren't for the fact that the church provides his blackberry, he wouldn't own that either. He still doesn't know completely all the things that are available on it. (Just last week he realized he had "blue tooth"....and well, I'm trying to figure out why he needs to do anything with his teeth on his phone??) I'm the first to go for "user friendly" anything! Don't get me wrong...I think there are lots of new things that are certainly a thing to celebrate. New medications for disease, hybrid cars and front load washing machines to conserve energy and water, air conditioning has saved many a life even though we can all agree it spoils us too. Of course, this is one menopausal woman speaking, so when I say it saves lives, I really do mean it. My family can attest.....

I was taken to this verse today in light of some amazing miraculous blessings I've been witness to the past few days.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10.....
"God's wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don't find it lying around on the surface. It's not the latest message, but more like the oldest—what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven't a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn't have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That's why we have this Scripture text: No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love him.But you've seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you."

It's such a comfort to know that we don't have to discover the latest message, the newest trend, or discover a new thing to find answers today. The old is still good on its Word and not affected by upgrades. It never changes. In an ever changing world, I'm thankful for something that's steadfast and true. I think of all the times that I couldn't figure out what, when, where, why, or how. But this passage says that "...long before we ever arrived on the scene,"....God has had it figured out. I don't have to figure out what the best way is. He's already done it. Long before I even realized the problem, He had the solution. Long before I even knew there would be a need, He had the answer. Whatever my need....whatever your need. Our God--the very same God Who spoke the world into existence, yet created us so personally with His hands. This great God of ours has had a plan in place since we were ever placed on His Kingdom calendar...., and it is perfect. When you are struggling with anything, remember that He's got the answer, and it's all about His timing of laying it out before you. He laid it out long ago, but it's His revealing that shows us how amazing He is. The next time you can't figure out what to do, where to go, why it's happened (or not happened), where's God, when's He going to come through for you....., whatever the problem, anticipate the timing of His goodness. We couldn't have imagined something so wonderful. Our finite minds cannot comprehend such an infinite God! He will lay it open before us. I pray that we will trust Him until the great reveal.

"Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see." 1 Peter 1:3-5

Mother/Daughter Time

2009-09-16T08:24:00.012-04:00

This past weekend was full, but also very fulfilling for me as a 40 yr old woman and a mom. It began with me running the 5K race I've been training to run. Some of us gals from church ran together and encouraged each other along the way. It was such a fun morning and there's no feeling that compares when you finish the race. I really don't enjoy running in itself to be honest, but something keeps pulling me back to this exercise. I feel like it's such a great way to relate to our life's journey. I am just a short distance runner. I have zero desire to go for the 10K or half marathon at this point, but I do keep going back to running 2.5-3 miles as part of my weekly regime. I think because I just see how it relates so perfectly to this earthly life. We're just in training for a race where the finish line comes and there will be no comparison to what lies there. Of course, it isn't a sprint or a competition. I'm not running as a competitor. I'm running for the benefit that I know it brings to my life. As I run, I often find myself talking to God, looking to Him, trusting in Him, and listening to Him. It's strengthening me in so many more ways than physical. So, after the race, Baylee and I attended a "Secret Keeper Girls Event" in Bowie, MD. You can find more about these conferences at http://www.purefreedom.org/. We attended with 4 other moms from church and their daughters, ages 8-12. It was such a special time for us, and a memory I know that these girls will take with them always. One of the young gals also prayed to receive Christ at the event! It was icing on the cake of a great day!
Finally, yesterday started our first day of homeschooling both my girls. Things went well, and I am loving the curriculum in addition to the fact that I get to invest not just education but precious time with my girls in the process. This was certainly not a route I would have chosen in the past when my kids were first school age. Many years ago, I used to utter the words, "I will NEVER homeschool! God's not called me to EVER do that." Ha! It's obvious I do not have the gift of prophecy. :) About 7 yrs ago God began changing my heart on the issue and called us to take this route initially with all our kids and to this season of our life with just our girls. It's also been neat to see how He's changed my attitude about it over the years, equipped me completely for the task He's called me to do, AND given me a love and satisfaction for the calling. Here's a picture of Baylee on our first day. Nothing greater than getting to do your work in your pjs. It won't happen every day, but it sure was fun the first day! :) Ashtyn woke up with a bad cold, and did not feel like having her picture taken, so I'll add one later.

Here we go....taken today during school.... I am treasuring these days with my girls and so grateful for the blessing and calling to invest in their lives in this way at this critical time.

Ecclesiastes 3:22
"So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?"

Feeling Weak?

2009-09-10T06:24:00.003-04:00

Sean and I got a new digital camera last year for Christmas. I love it except for the fact that it sucks the batteries. It seems we are forever recharging batteries for the doggone thing. I thought about how my life should be that way. I, too often want to be the energizer bunny and be able to go too long without recharging, but God's not equipped me for that. He loves me too much. He wants me to recharge daily! Not out of obligation, but out of a desire to sit at His feet. One of the things I love about teaching a class is that it keeps me disciplined about Bible study time. However, I can be faithful about that every day and still miss the power. How can that be? It can become monotonous and routine when sweet fellowship with my Savior is not involved. Even with a regular study time, we can become weak, discourged, and despaired if we are only meeting out of obligation. We miss out if we're not recharging the relationship.
What about you? Are you feeling weak today? Discouraged? In despair? We all have those days. I was brought to my knees this morning to be reminded again of the power that comes only through a relationship with Christ and prayer. In the past, pride would have prevented me from saying I am weak. Not now. I have learned that out of weakness comes His recharging, and only through the connection with Him can we find His strength and His power! There's many "thorns in the flesh" we encounter weekly, even daily-especially in ministry, that can cause the power to go out in our lives and deplete us. Only through recharging can we experience the sustaining power and understand the unconditional love and grace of an all powerful Savior.
Life is filled with disappointments and discouragement. Recharge in sweet fellowship with Him this morning. Refocus from the power outage to the One Who charges! It's much easier to get the big picture with fresh batteries.

Corinthians 12
7-10Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

Back to School!

2009-09-08T08:12:00.007-04:00

Well, at least for one in our household. Andrew is a junior at public school this year. Here he is being tortured by mama for a picture. We have taken their pics every year that we've lived here in this same spot. So, yes, next Tuesday when it's the girls' first day of homeschool, mama will torture them here in this spot for a picture, too! (insert evil laugh)

The scripture I sent him off today with is..

2 Timothy 2:15
Make every effort to give yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who is not ashamed and who uses the true teaching in the right way.

I'm reminded of the differences of each of my children this morning. What a blessing that God has gifted them uniquely and called them uniquely. I love the freedoms that one can go to public school and two can be homeschooled. I love that one is gifted in leadership, another in mercy, and yet another in encouragement. I love that He has called me to parent them AND to have them educated in these unique ways. Whew! It's a responsibility I don't take lightly and feel very unqualified on my own. Knowing God has called and equipped them individually, I can't wait to see what He does with their lives. Therefore, I depend on His strength and direction. It's an exciting time for sure. We are ready and reporting to duty!

So, this morning, I'm praying for kids, parents, and teachers returning here on the shore. I know there will be many tears AND celebrations....maybe even both. :) I have to admit I got a lump in MY throat as I sent my only son off to school, thinking there won't be too many more of these days. Treasuring this in my heart.....oh, and then celebrating with a girlfriend at lunch, too! :) hee hee...

The passage God has taken ME to this morning is 1 Corinthians 15. I love how The Message words this and just want to put the entire chapter down today. It's too good to leave even one verse out this morning. I'm celebrating and thankful for every single part of the body of Christ today and want to be an encourager of them all. Know who you are- who HE has called you to be. Live where you are called to be and live it out loud today!

1 Corinthians 12 (The Message)
Spiritual Gifts

1-3 What I want to talk about now is the various ways God's Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often mis-understood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable. Remember how you were when you didn't know God, led from one phony god to another, never knowing what you were doing, just doing it because everybody else did it? It's different in this life. God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can. For instance, by using your heads, you know perfectly well that the Spirit of God would never prompt anyone to say "Jesus be damned!" Nor would anyone be inclined to say "Jesus is Master!" without the insight of the Holy Spirit.

4-11 God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:
wise counsel
clear understanding
simple trust
healing the sick
miraculous acts
proclamation
distinguishing between spirits
tongues
interpretation of tongues.
All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.

12-13 You can easily enough see how this kind of thing works by looking no further than your own body. Your body has many parts—limbs, organs, cells—but no matter how many parts you can name, you're still one body. It's exactly the same with Christ. By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.

14-18 I want you to think about how all this makes you more significant, not less. A body isn't just a single part blown up into something huge. It's all the different-but-similar parts arranged and functioning together. If Foot said, "I'm not elegant like Hand, embellished with rings; I guess I don't belong to this body," would that make it so? If Ear said, "I'm not beautiful like Eye, limpid and expressive; I don't deserve a place on the head," would you want to remove it from the body? If the body was all eye, how could it hear? If all ear, how could it smell? As it is, we see that God has carefully placed each part of the body right where he wanted it.

19-24 But I also want you to think about how this keeps your significance from getting blown up into self-importance. For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of. An enormous eye or a gigantic hand wouldn't be a body, but a monster. What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, "Get lost; I don't need you"? Or, Head telling Foot, "You're fired; your job has been phased out"? As a matter of fact, in practice it works the other way—the "lower" the part, the more basic, and therefore necessary. You can live without an eye, for instance, but not without a stomach. When it's a part of your own body you are concerned with, it makes no difference whether the part is visible or clothed, higher or lower. You give it dignity and honor just as it is, without comparisons. If anything, you have more concern for the lower parts than the higher. If you had to choose, wouldn't you prefer good digestion to full-bodied hair?

25-26 The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part, the parts we mention and the parts we don't, the parts we see and the parts we don't. If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance.
27-31 You are Christ's body—that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything. You're familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his "body": apostles prophets teachers miracle workers healers helpers organizers those who pray in tongues.But it's obvious by now, isn't it, that Christ's church is a complete Body and not a gigantic, unidimensional Part? It's not all Apostle, not all Prophet, not all Miracle Worker, not all Healer, not all Prayer in Tongues, not all Interpreter of Tongues. And yet some of you keep competing for so-called "important" parts.
But now I want to lay out a far better way for you.

Interesting how this leads right into chapter 13.....LOVE.

No Regrets

2009-09-07T19:41:00.032-04:00

You know, there's PLENTY of things I could say about my past that I regret. Things both said and done. Things NOT said and done. So, back in June as school was nearing an end, I couldn't help but think about how fast the time was passing with my children and the many regrets I probably could list as a parent. I used to laugh and often ignore the comments I'd hear my parents, grandparents, or others say about kids growing up. "Oh, they grow so fast. Before you know it, they're grown and gone. " Or "Enjoy them now while you can. They leave home too soon." All of the sudden, these people were right! My kids grew up! What in the world?! The Lord began to impress on me just how precious my time with them was, and that I did not have to have regrets. He wanted me to be intentional about our time together as a family this summer and my time pouring into others in general. It's so easy to hide behind computers and doors instead of put ourselves out there for real relationships. So, I did. And boy did I learn a lot! I am SO grateful that as summer ends, I can say I have NO regrets. It's been a wonderful summer in every way! Just a recap of all we've done, seen, and experienced.....

June began with Beach Days. Several moms from church and their kids go out to some of the local beaches once a week. Two groups went this summer due to the various schedules of families. Our day was Monday. What a blast! A summer full of memories right there! While I love hanging on the shore with the moms, I could also be found out riding some waves with the kids. It was so much fun! Ashtyn got to go to CreationFest with some of the youth in Pa. and came back renewed and strengthened. I could really see some changes in her, and it warmed this mama's heart. I realized we didn't have to be together for us to experience some awesome times. Letting her go was a hard job for me, but just a glimpse of a couple of years ahead. So, it helped me to trust God and to cherish our time together even more through the summer. I do love my girl! Also, beach days not only allowed the opportunity for me and the kids to be together, but also strengthened friendships around me. I really grew close to some other families through that time. Fun stuff!

July was here before we knew it, and that meant our annual July 4 Block Party. This is the 3rd year we've held this, and there were no disappointments this year! So much fun! We have a moon bounce, water games, He-Man Horseshoe tournament, face painting, and a Blue Ribbon Dessert contest. Just good old-fashioned fun with our church family and neighbors. Oh, and it's not summer on the shore until you go to the Wachapreague carnival!

Our church held a Movie Night downtown at the Gazebo area later in July. We showed a family friendly movie and served popcorn. It was a lot of fun getting to meet more people out in our community and offering this to them. We also rented out the bowling alley and had a blast as a church family. Andrew has been playing guitar and singing, so several of his friends were found here at our home this summer banging their guitars together. Yes, the walls were shaking, the earth was quaking, and my mind was aching,.....but I kept thinking of the fact that I would miss this one day. It changed my perspective and I got to the point that I LOVED hearing it...most days. :) They still tend to congregate here, and that's just fine with me. Some girlfriends from church and I did a Bible study starting in July that truly changed my life. You can read more about it here on my blog, but I cannot say enough of how powerful this was in my life. In addition, through those 6 weeks, I formed new friendships and deepened old ones. I've never experienced such authentic friends in such a short time. It was a GOD thing for sure! We continue to stay close despite the fact our study is over. We are committed friends! True sisters! My Bible Fellowship class has grown as well. Many of these gals were in both groups actually. Like Ally, the little sister I never had. She's in the pic above, but you can't see her there in the back, so I had to put her on here. God's taught me so much through this little gal. I can say "little gal" cause she's almost young enough to be mine. She has such a fresh perspective of faith and encourages me so much. We have shared a lot this summer , and I am thankful for her faithful friendship. Sean performed the marriage ceremony for her and her hubby almost a year ago now, and they just found out they are expecting a new baby in late April/early May!

The ladies from class have such a great time studying together and hanging out. Between these two groups, this summer has been a great time of growth and fellowship! I've found prayer warriors and accountability in new friends and grown in older ones. It's hard for Minister's Wives to find this, so I count it a real blessing that I have. If you are in ministry and struggle with intimate friendships, I encourage you to take the initiative. Put yourself out there. Invest the time. Gather some friends for a small Bible study and see what God will do with a heart that is honest and open. Go ahead...I dare ya! :) Towards the end of the month, one of my lifelong forever friends, Mori and her family got to come spend some time with us here on the shore. We call ourselves "Thelma and Louise." It's a long story... Regardless of the distance in miles or time apart, we can always pick up as if no time has passed.

August brought some exciting news. God brought us a new student pastor, Shane Becton. He doesn't actually start until Sept. 13, but I served on the search committee, so I had the privilege of getting to know Shane and his wife Holly earlier than most. Holly and I have so much in common, it's almost scary! We instantly clicked,...much like our worship pastor's wife, Anne and I. We view ministry very much the same, and have already shared so many ministry stories. We've prayed together, laughed together, and already become great friends. I cannot WAIT to have them here to do life together. It's so cool to see how God has brought this staff together. Here's a picture of me, Jodie, our Admin. Assistant, and Anne. We can't wait for Holly to join us. We share a VERY special bond of friendship and I am grateful for these gals! It's very exciting to see the great fit of Shane in our staff. My kids are the most excited I have seen them in a long time, too. Such a blessing to see them pray for this and see God move. Beach days wound down after the first part of August, and then we went on vacation to Gatlinburg. We are so thankful to not only serve in ministry with a wonderful staff, but to also be best of friends with them, too. Many churches cannot say the same about their staff. We went away to Gatlinburg with the Griefs for 4 nights in August. It was a total blast. Now, I know why many churches send their staff away together on a "staff retreat. " It only strengthens the relationship, which strengthens the church. It's just a privilege to call them "friends". After 4 days, we each went our separate ways for the rest of our vacation, and the five of us visited with family in Kentucky. It was a whirlwind few days, but we were very grateful for the chance to see our parents, grandparents, and siblings, since we probably won't see them the rest of the year. We sure do miss them. Andrew turned 17 on August 20th. I couldn't help but think of this being his last birthday as a minor. Sniff, sniff. What happened to my baby boy? We equipped him well with more U.K. stuff while we were in Ky.! :) The last week of August, Sean, Baylee, and I got to serve here on the shore in one of the migrant camps. (I wrote about this below.) It was a local mission project here in our community...at least we thought. God's been showing us that it isn't just a project, but something we must pour our lives into. So, we are anxious, yet expectant at all He might do in our midst there. My heartstrings have been pulled tightly towards them, and I know where God calls, He provides. Please pray we will continue to be obedient and faithful in this.

So, here we are in September. Our baby just turned 12. One more year and we've got 3 teens in the household. Yikes! The local schools start tomorrow, Sept. 8th. Andrew will be a junior. Both our girls who are homeschooled will start Sept. 15th. Ashtyn a sophomore, and Baylee a 6th grader. We've been busy getting all our curriculum ordered and setting up our school room. We're especially excited to have friends from church homeschooling at this time, too. We are anticipating a GREAT year!

In conclusion, it's been a wonderful summer. I'm thankful for the ability to hear God's voice and the strength and ability to obey. There are so many things that distract us or vie for our time these days. Before you think that our life is just a bed of roses, I do want to say that this summer has certainly also had its challenges. Things have happened that have brought frustrations, fears, sadness, tears, hurt, and anger. Our lives are NOwhere near perfect. Nobody's is. We do have a perfect God though, and I've just chosen to be intentional about looking at things through the eyes of His blessing. It's amazing what you will find when you do that. Even in the difficulties, God is faithful and there is good to be found!

So, if I had to write a paper, "What I Learned Over the Summer" as many kids do on their first day back to school, it would be summed up by this simple statement: Relationships matter. My relationship with Christ being of utmost importance. Then, my husband, my children, my family/ my church family, neighbors, friends, etc... Difficult as some may be, they are always worth the investment because people matter to God. I am to be the "aroma" of Christ in all of them, and you can't be the aroma of Christ if you don't get out there face to face with people. I want to leave others always with the fragrance of Christ. I've sure got a long way to go to get THERE, but I've also learned a lot this summer by seeing things through fresh eyes and feel like I've been changed and it's a start. Yes, the time is flying by, but I am relishing every single minute....every single day....and grateful for it all!

"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5

What's the Point?

2009-09-01T08:53:00.007-04:00

I was running this morning in the cooler mild weather the shore has been experiencing since yesterday. The sky was the clearest blue. Crayola doesn't even MAKE this shade of blue. It was gorgeous! The temp could not have been more perfect for running, especially compared to all the humid sticky mornings I've run in this summer. I thought how different today was compared to yesterday. While the temperature was about the same for both days, yesterday, it was very cloudy, dreary, and sprinkling as I ran. Not pouring, but enough that it made it hard to see as I ran and the drops sprinkled on my glasses. God showed me yet another important part about waiting.

Those dark days have a purpose of preparation. A rainy day prepares us for a beautiful sunny day. The rain nourishes the ground and the air around us. While dark cloudy days may seem to be "downers," they cause us to stop and reflect more. They keep us indoors.....they keep us still....a very important place to be. It's through the stillness that we seek God, and when we seek Him, we find Him. Every time. It's those rainy days that I have sought God and found Him and was strengthened because of it. Why? Because I was being nourished.

I also thought how yesterday prepared me for today in that I appreciated it so much more. As I ran, I was praising God for such a beautiful day because just yesterday it was not. My environment was drastically different, although my God was not. I was so much more thankful for today....because of yesterday.

So, what's the point? Well, the point is that whatever it is you are waiting through, God is working. You may not be able to see for the rain pelting your face. You may not be able to understand because of the dark clouds. You may not be able to get out and do all the things you want to do because of the weather conditions. Yet, God is not confined by that. He is at work, preparing you and so many more in the midst of your situation so that something glorious is the result. The verse I've shared often this summer-because God's continually reminded me of it- is Isaiah 40:31 ("..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.") As I was running this morning, I was taken to the lyrics of this song that go along with that truth.

I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting I will serve You

While I'm waiting I will worship

While I'm waiting I will not faint

I'll be running the race Even while I wait

I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve you while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Our waits come in many different scenarios. Whether you are waiting to say that word you want to speak, to act on a situation you think you must, for God to heal your loved one, for that long standing prayer request to finally be answered, to be validated in what you know to be true, to be cleared of false accusation or someone's gossip, for forgiveness you can't seem to accept, for the ability to forgive someone else, for your marriage to be restored, for that prodigal child to return home, for the job to come, the bills to be paid, ..... Whatever the wait, He is working and preparing something glorious. I'm not sure that we will see all of it this side of heaven, but I do know that we will see glimpses through the clouds and rain. One day, we will see it all...and it will be PERFECT. Glory!

"We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!" (1 Cor. 13:12 The Message)

Allow yourself to be strengthened in the wait. Beauty can be found in the run, whatever the weather. Keep running!

Forever Changed

2009-08-28T06:14:00.010-04:00

I don't ever want God to stop changing me. Here's just another example...

I've had the privilege of serving in a local mission project right here on the shore this week. We've been ministering at the local migrant camps in our area by providing food, clothing, and fun activities for the children each night, as the gospel is shared in the process. I wasn't sure what God wanted me to do specifically, but just felt the call to be available- whatever that looked like. The first of the week I had hurt my back, so I was very discouraged about not being able to "play a part" in something I had anticipated so much. God redirected that discouragement to excitement when I realized that my part was prayer for those two nights. My 11 yr old daughter got to participate, and it truly impacted her to the point that she was coming home and gathering up all her Barbies and other toys to donate. She was actually in anguish over the things she saw, and that was an answered prayer for me as her mama. I also heard of the things God was doing and the souls saved which was reason to rejoice all the more!

The next two nights I had the blessing of getting out into the camp and serving. I got to share a Bible story and do games with the children. It was instant love! I was especially drawn to a little 5 yr old girl. She didn't want much to do with us at first, but as we continued playing games, she was drawn over and started to smile a little bit. Before the end of the first night, she was all smiles and enjoying every bit of it. As I shared the Bible story that night, I was talking about how Jesus is always there for us. When we are afraid, we can trust Him. She instantly piped up, "I will trust Him!!" There was no fear or hesitation in those words. Just total trust. The simple abandoned faith of a child. Last night, as this sweet little one was sitting down listening to another Bible story, she was hanging on every word we spoke. As we shared about the hope of heaven when we accept Christ, little Anita raised both arms up, lifted her head towards Heaven, closed her eyes and smiling, she exclaimed, "I will hug Him!" She continued for several seconds with her head raised up, grinning from ear to ear, eyes closed and shaking her head.... soaking in the love of her Father. It was genuine and uninhibited WORSHIP!

Once the lump in my throat cleared, I couldn't help but pray, "Oh, that I would be that abandoned to You, Lord. Arms high and lifted up, completely surrendered, no unbelief, no fears, nothing to inhibit me, focused on nothing but YOU.......just total trust to hug my Daddy's neck and enjoy His presence and believe His promises!" That was my prayer then, and that is my prayer today. I am forever changed by the worship of a 5 yr old girl to a Father Who made Himself known to her. That sweet girl ministered to me much more than I could have ever thought I would do for her.

This song of worship came to mind....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6suBrSFaiM&feature=related

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare
Your promise
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours.

(Lyrics by Joel Houston)

Thank You, Lord for teaching me through the faith of a sweet child what it means to be abandoned to You and to truly worship. I am forever changed.

I Spy Something.......

2009-08-21T08:45:00.003-04:00

Have you ever played the game, "I Spy?" You know where you "spy" something in the room and someone else has to guess it? Jennifer Rothschild used an illustration of this in our summer Bible study (which just ended and I am soooo sad!) I've never experienced intimacy and learning in such a short period of time as I did the past 7 weeks! It's been a life changing summer for me! Anyway, back to the illustration.....Jennifer shared that she was impatiently waiting on the tarmac for her plane to take off, and the captain came on the speaker to announce that the wait was going to be a bit longer. She and the other passengers groaned and just weren't in the mood for a longer wait. She thought to herself that it would be a miracle if the plane takes off when they said it would. She wasn't looking for miracles though, but pulling things from her "thought closet" that were only making her more tense. For those not familiar with the term "thought closet" it's what we call "self-talk." What we say to ourselves, our evaluations of everything we and others do, how we compare ourselves and others, even calling ourselves and/or others names. So, back to the story.....All of the sudden she heard behind her a little girl saying to her Daddy as they passed the time, "I spy something blue.".....and the game went on as the Father cheerfully guessed. Then she said, "I spy something GOOD." He then began listing all the good things he could think of. Jennifer's critical spirit began to change and soften upon hearing this. Why? Because she started hearing and focusing on "something good" in her thought closet versus the negative.
This illustration has stuck with me for the rest of the study this summer and I believe (and hope) for the rest of my life. How easy is it for us to spy something bad? How quick are we to be critical and not edifying? If you've read my blog, you will find this is just a continuation of what God's been showing me this summer. The two groups I have been intimately involved in are my Bible Fellowship ladies class, "The Well" (aka "Sisterchicks"), and our Tues. night study ladies (aka "Siestas"). Yes, I have nicknames for everything! My Sisterchicks are doing a Bible study on authentic friendships every Sunday morning. We're learning through various biblical examples what it means being a friend to others by being real, open, honest, and faithful, and being more like Jesus. My Siestas have been studying on cleaning out our thought closets, so we can know who we are according to Christ and think, speak, and act like Him. They go hand in hand! How we think of ourselves and talk to ourselves affects how we think and talk and act with others.
I sometimes feel like a broken record, but God continues to bring lightbulb moments to me as I am seeking to be one who edifies others. It's a process....a daily process because I can be one hormonal mess as a menopausal woman. (Can I hear an "amen, sister?") I can hear and believe Christ one day and choose to speak truth and encouragement to myself and others, then a situation arises and my feelings start to lead rather than truth. It's so easy to follow my feelings and opinions instead of truth. That's why I think God's been so gracious to give me frequent reminders this summer of truth and a wonderful accountability support of godly girlfriends. It's an intentional work, but thankfully one that I am not left to my own efforts.

A very wise pastor once shared that there are three areas where we must ask ourselves before we speak, based on Philippians 4:8

1. Is it encouraging?
We were each created with gifts whose only purpose is to edify the body (church) which glorifies God. If it's not going to edify the church, perhaps it is something I should not say. And if it's something I should not say, perhaps it's something I should not even be thinking and need to take to the Lord to clean out my thought closet.

2. Is it truth?
Obviously, some truth is tough and needs to be spoken and handled. However, are we sure it's truth? Is it something I just think? Something that's just my opinion? Something I've only considered in the context of "me" without checking biblical truths or with the source? Is it something I've heard someone else say or do I know for a fact it is true? Am I basing my words on what others have stated? Is it something I may have only heard a part of....out of context? Have I verified what is true before responding or sharing?

3. Is it necessary?
Even truth sometimes is not always necessary for us to speak. Ever been around a 2 yr old that asks when that lady is going to have a baby, only to discover the lady's not pregnant? Yeah....you get what I'm saying now, huh? Maybe its an issue that God is already working on, and He doesn't need your help. Sometimes, the Lord asks us to shut our mouths so HE can speak. He is much more effective than we are. The changes He makes last. Our words do not carry that much power. Even speaking truth can be gossip when it's done with a critical spirit or wrong attitude. How does it edify the church to talk about all the weaknesses of others? How would we like it if others did the same towards us? It could be that God might just be wanting us to show grace because we need to recognize how much we ourselves need it when we've messed up.

Remember, too, that a lot of these are concerning ourselves as much as others. If you are like me, you can your own worst critic without needing someone else to jump on the bandwagon, too. But God's sure been transforming and cleaning out my "thought closet" this summer, and I am LOVING the new styles! He is ALWAYS a God of fashion!

So, I challenge you once again as God has challenged me. I wonder if we all kept a daily diary of our thoughts, words, and actions, would God spy something good or something bad? Are you thinking negatively of yourself instead of focusing on the truths of who God says you are? Get that settled through prayer and focusing on the Word of God-the only source of truth. Remember, a negative thought life not only affects you and your walk, but affects how you deal with others, and can eventually impact an entire church. Know who God calls you, remember the grace He lavishes on you daily, and in recognition of that be a light and encourager to others- a vessel of GRACE.

I spy something GOOD! See if you can guess all the good things around you today!

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. " Philippians 4:8 (The Message)

Sisterchicks and Siestas

2009-07-24T06:53:00.010-04:00

I've got nicknames for EVERYthing, but here's two very important groups in my life right now. The first are some of the gals (aka "Sisterchicks") from our Bible Fellowship class, "The Well." I got Sisterchicks from one of my favorite fictional series of books based on girlfriends who just do life together and have fun. (Great series of books by the way!) We love celebrating one another, so here's a pic of us celebrating Jodie's bday last night. (We were minus a few- Sarah, Jenn, Vickie, Melissa, and Lorie)

Here's another of us rockin' out to Rock Band on the Wii a couple mos. ago....

And this is how we started...a few girlfriends who love God and desired Him to do something greater than us! LOVE these gals soooo much!!!

Here's my "Summer Siestas" Bible study group. (See here for definition of "Siesta" http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/06/siesta-bible-study-kick-off.html ) We are doing Jennifer Rothschild's Bible Study, "Me, Myself, and Lies" and have instantly bonded as a group. This pic is minus two ladies who couldn't be there, and of course, myself takin' the pic.

Wonderful godly women.....couldn't ask for better friends to "do life together" with! Thank You, Lord for the blessing of friendships!

Not Just Another Face....

2009-07-22T08:55:00.004-04:00

Listening to the news earlier this week, I heard about another soldier killed in Afghanistan. It hit me how we have grown so indifferent to hearing news like this. I got on the internet and looked up the story. No names were mentioned at that time. I imagine they are still contacting family and giving them that deserved respect at such a horrific time. Yet, the next day I still couldn't find much information other than a story. No names. No details. The next day, the story is "old news." I wondered if that were MY son or husband, how I would feel about that. I would want the world to know all about him...every detail of the person he was, the details of how he gave his life for his country, and how he died, who he left behind that will go without because of that sacrifice. I would want people to stop and acknowledge just what he did for them! It hit me really hard thinking about that. I discovered a website that "The Washington Post' has that keeps an updated list of those who have died since this war began. http://projects.washingtonpost.com/fallen/

I had no idea it even existed. I've been going there and clicking on some of those names and reading about these men and women. Don't they deserve that? For us to know who they were? I mean they gave their lives for us and the generations to come. Some have pictures up. Others are just a shadow outlined of a figure for their picture. That breaks my heart. I want to SEE them, know who they were, what they did, and the people that they were. I wonder who they left behind and how they are even able to pull themselves together enough to go forward. All the while, the rest of the country is going on as if they didn't even exist. It has really broken my heart. I'm keeping this link on my "favorites" so I can check in each day and acknowledge these sacrifices, as well as pray for each of these precious families.

I think the reason God tuned me in to this is because it's very much a lesson He's been showing me. I am NOT just another face in the crowd either. Both my "Sisterchicks' in Bible Fellowship Class and my "Summer Siestas" Bible study group on Tuesday nights have a resounding theme in what we are studying, and that is this. We are bringing our "stuff" (that's sister language for junk, weaknesses, and struggles) before the Lord and one another. Why? Because by sharing our lives with one another-especially our weaknesses and fears, we don't find condemnation. We find every one of us struggles with very much the same thing. By sharing, we are then turning to truth for healing, and finding contentment, encouragement, forgiveness, and GRACE. We're not believing the lies of the enemy any more! I'm not sure I've found such deep friendships as I have this past year since we left Kentucky back in 2002. It's more than a blessing....it's truly become LIFE CHANGING!

In the same way, I continue to be taken back to the greatest sacrifice ever- what Jesus did for me. I think about how many still don't know that sweet face of our Savior. He paid the ultimate price-greater than even any of our soldiers. His sacrifice is the way to eternal life...the ONLY way! How could we possibly think of ever forgetting that? How could we not run this race and encourage one another? How could we not want to press on and share Him with others? How could we not want to live our lives as a sweet offering to Him? Grace- getting what we don't deserve- God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Grace is costly, but it didn't cost me a thing. It cost Christ everything. As I show it and receive it daily, it still doesn't cost me. He paid it all. How could I NOT pour it out? I am truly learning what it means to be a vessel of His grace. It has me on my face here lately,..... and then on my feet to walk in light of that truth. He knows my name, my weaknesses, my "stuff", and yet He chooses to love me and use me anyway. GRACE!

This song, written by one of my favorite songwriters, has been my prayer the past week. Gals, let's walk in the power of His daily sufficient grace. It's not only enough...it's more than enough. It's the route to victory in our lives! Hallelujah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FribXzqHVE

"See, I have written your name on my hand..." Isaiah 49:16

Thank You, Lord for each of the names of men and women who have sacrificed for my freedoms. Thank You most of all for the sacrifice of Christ so that my freedom is eternal. Please help me to walk in light of that freedom as a vessel of Your grace to others and to myself. Let the "soundtrack" of my mind, my heart, and my life be based upon truth, not faulty assumptions. Help me to pour out my life to You completely, because You poured Yours out for me while I was not even your friend. Your grace is truly AMAZING, Father! Oh, how I love You! Amen.

Amaaaaaazing!

2009-07-15T06:01:00.008-04:00

Yep, there's not much in the thesaurus that would best describe this Bible study outside of "Amazing!"

I first read about this on Beth Moore's blog actually

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/06/siesta-bible-study-kick-off.html and how her staff was doing this study together this summer. I thought, "Hmmm...looks good. Wonder if anybody would want to do it with me this summer?" My mind was thinking maybe 4 or 5 gals MIGHT be interested. After all, it's summertime, a time of vacations and activity... and aren't we all busy? I was astounded that 15 "siestas" signed up! (Check out the previous link to define "siesta" too.) hehe We began the study this week, and met for the first time last night. Instant connections! I love it! The group is a great mixture of ages, stages, and even some new faces. The first night, ladies were already opening up and sharing more than I'd ever imagined. Did I say "Amazing" yet? :)

This is a Bible study for women to encourage them to clean out the junk in their thoughts and replace these hidden negative thoughts and failures with positive truths from God’s Word. It has gone perfectly with what our Sunday School class has been studying as well as some personal truths God's taught me the past 6 months on freedom in Christ. In addition, this past Sunday in worship, scriptures from this very study were shared from the pulpit by both our pastors! How cool is God? I love it when He pulls everything together like that!

I was just talking to a girlfriend as we were hanging out with our kids on Tuesday and telling her that I'm at a place where I know I'm supposed to be for this season. I've sure lived enough times outside of that, so when these times come, I want to rejoice and relish it. Contentment. This year has been a time of strengthening for me through Bible study, through forming deep authentic friendships at "The Well" (my Sunday School class), and in allowing God to teach me more about grace(giving and receiving) and freedom. I'm doing things that I am passionate about, serving where I'm supposed to serve with the groups I'm supposed to serve. I'm also finding new avenues of sharing Christ in my community in a very real way. There's JOY there! This summer Bible study group is certainly one of those places already. I remember seasons of my life where this was not always so. Where I was burnt out and tired of serving. Where serving felt like more of a chore than a joy. If this describes you, I want to encourage you. Strength will come as you wait. That's a promise out of Isaiah for us! There is nothing wrong with stepping aside and waiting for God to fill you so that you can become a more effective and more joyful servant. Everyone has seasons where they need that refreshment. For me, last year brought a season of waiting and trusting. I did not feel a peace or a definite leading of the Spirit to initiate Women's Ministry activities. We had many who were either burnt out or feeling led to serve in other areas. I was totally okay with that, because I felt like God was just saying, " Just wait!" Women's Ministry became my Sunday School class and I felt such joy serving and ministering there..and still do. God's done such a work there in all of us! There has been much for me to learn in this wait, and I have grown stronger as a result. Thank You, Lord.

I don't know if you have struggled with this as I have, but for me, it's so easy to want to "take off" from Bible study over the summers. I have good intentions of staying in the Word on my own, and then I get lazy, busy, have no accountability, and fall out of the habit of a consistent time with God. I want to encourage you ministry wives (or anyone reading this)...don't take off! Three months of no Bible study leads to two and a half months in a pit! (Another favorite Beth Moore quote!) I want to be more consistent than that, dont you?! No wonder my life can seem like a rollercoaster sometimes. I decided this summer, I was gonna find a short study to do, and what better to do with than other godly women? Even if there was only one, I was good with that. Find someone-even just one other girlfriend, or a group if you can, and dive into the Word together. There's nothing like having a group of gals you can be real with and opening the Word together. It's just more fun AND you will learn more from one another! Last night was a BLAST! We not only meet for Bible study, but we exercise by walking a 2.8 mile route together after the study (and several days a week). These "siestas" are training in many ways! We're even planning to form a team to run in an upcoming 5K race together! How cool is that?

Back in May, God began giving me fresh insight and direction for our Women's Ministries to be reignited. I began writing down things as He brought them to mind, and before I knew it.... A new vision and new ways to connect for our Women's Ministry this fall. It's so exciting as I look at all He's doing and anticipate all He's going to do. Strength WILL come, ladies. Draw near to Him and one another for encouragement and support.

"So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." Hebrews 10:22-25 (The Message)

Look for more updates as the "siestas of summer" continue! :)

IN MEMORY

2009-07-11T07:16:00.004-04:00

I wrote these words down on this day last year, but feel it's worth the reminder- for me and all of us. Darren, you are still missed so much. I am grateful to know there WILL be a reunion one day. In the meantime, we are living life to the full because of Christ and thanks to the lessons He taught us through your life. I can honestly say I am not the same and I'm living more and more in that abundant life of grace and freedom today than when I wrote this even just one year ago. God's work continues..... praise You, Jesus!

It looked harmless enough. After all, I was the "cool mom"….the "cool adult"……"the cool pastor's wife." I rode all the rollercoasters and loved every second of it. What's the big deal about "The Drop Zone?" You know one of those rides where you are taken up 272 feet and it drops at a speed of 72 mph until finally stopped just short of a crash to the ground? Yeah, no big deal…right? So, not letting my fears known, I agreed to get on without an ounce of fear showing….although I did hesitate. It sure looked like it went up pretty high, but so do rollercoasters, right? I got on and buckled up my seatbelt. We began to go up, and I got really nervous. "Uh, this is going up pretty high." All I could hear was my friend and our youth leader at the time, Darren yelling, "Yeah!!!!" All the while I'm starting to think, "Nooooo!" We went up, up, up…..and I began to panic. I closed my eyes. Darren is now screaming at the top of his lungs, "Wooooooooo Hoooooooo!" I'm ready to cry, or maybe throw up. I find myself screaming, too, only it's a prayer that if the Lord would just let me live through this, I would be a much better steward of my body and never allow it on such a contraption again. All I can hear is Darren screaming at me, "Open your eyes, Beth! It's awesome! Open your eyes!" So, I peek one eye open. I saw Darren who was watching me, and then all I heard was his hysterical laughing again. I then look out and see it is higher than I EVER imagined we would be. I guess the look on my face said volumes because he began to squeal with more laughter almost to the point of tears. "Open your eyes, Beth! Open your eyes!" I just couldn't do it. Before I knew it we were free falling. I survived the drop and we got off the ride. Darren with the biggest smile ever. Me with a green tint to my face and weak in the knees. Whew! As promised I've never gotten back on that thing again. Darren was ready to go again right away…..right after he got over hysterically laughing at ME. Hmph.

That's how he lived his life though. Eyes wide open, ready to do the task at hand, joy in his heart, and lots of laughter on his lips. Today marks the one year "anniversary" of a tragic accident that eventually took his life here on earth- way too soon in my clouded vision. As I've reflected on this day, I have sadness for his wife, my sweet precious friend, Amy and their two children, Ty and Kenli. All of them having had to walk through every "first" the past year without their godly husband and father. What a difficult road to walk. I think about that time at King's Dominion a lot. How my fear kept me from the joy that Darren and many others were experiencing. How Darren's life was a model of pure joy. I never met someone who truly and passionately loved life like Darren did. You rarely saw him without a smile on his face. He just loved living, and he loved living life to the full for the Lord. He was crazy in love with his wife. I never heard him say an unkind word about her or towards her. He modeled a loving godly husband. He was just crazy about his children, too. Yet his passion was most rooted in His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was the model of the abundant life on THIS side of heaven. It wasn't that he just cut up and had fun, although he could do that, too. He also knew when to be serious. He was passionate about his Savior and he knew Him intimately, so life was rich, full, and he lived it in sweet abandon to Christ. His death only reminded me of his life and it pointed me to my Savior who is the only One Who can provide such a joy.
I've had a family picture of Darren and Amy up ever since he passed away last July. It was a reminder so that a day would not go by that I would not pray for Amy, Ty, and Kenli in this difficult road. Yet, it also was a reminder for me of something else..... Ride the ride, Beth! Get on! Squeal! Open your eyes! Hoot and holler! There's MUCH to be seen! Much to enjoy! Much to live for! Much to scream out to the world! We serve a RISEN Savior who is alive! We have the answer the world is searching for. The ONLY answer because Jesus is the ONLY way! Open your eyes! Live out loud!

I have been taken to Hebrews 12:1 this week several times as I came upon this anniversary date. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. " Darren ran that race to the end, and is now in that great cloud of witnesses cheering us on because his faith is now sight and he knows it is better than even he imagined. He was an inspiring example who testified of the power of faith- God's faithfulness -and lived his life eyes wide open. So, today, may we open our eyes as as Hebrews 12:2-3 goes on to say, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

This past year, I have learned to open my eyes more and squeal with laughter, live more passionately, and love with more heart. If Darren squealed that loud on earth, can you imagine the volume as he sits at the feet of Jesus today among thousands others and says, "Holy! Holy! Holy!"? He does not have to "imagine" anymore. His faith is now sight, and he is an eye witness to the truth that he lived. I can even hear him urging us on…"Open your eyes, Beth! Open your eyes……there is much to be seen…and life is to be lived!" I think Darren is exclaiming a new song now and it goes like this:
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!" (Phil 1:21)

Darren, we are one year closer to seeing you, buddy. I cannot wait. Even more, I cannot wait to see the One we served together, Who is LIFE to me. Life on this earth is only a weekend compared to eternity! May I live it for HIM to the full!

Training in Righteousness

2009-07-01T13:47:00.004-04:00

I spent the day with all 3 kids and an extra teen yesterday. (There's ALWAYS an extra teen around here!) I had lots of errands to run getting ready for our huge block party July 4 and VBS next week, so I decided to incorporate a fun day with the kids in the meantime. We went to lunch and a movie, then I ran my errands and we stopped for pizza on the way home. They are soooo much fun! While I couldn't get them to rock out to my 80's music (when did 80's become oldies anyway???), I did manage to take this opportunity to introduce youngest daughter and son's friend to the holy food.
"Train up a child in the way they should go...."

Shore Life

2009-06-30T09:30:00.012-04:00

We've officially been introduced to shore cuisine- steamed blue crabs! A sweet couple from church had us and the Griefs (our worship pastor's family)over the other night to show us the "proper way" to eat blue crabs. Sean, Jamie, and I jumped right in. I have to say they were yummmmmy! What a fun experience, too! Yet another thing we LOVE about shore life. Good stuff!

In the meantime, Anne and Emily watch from a distance.....hehe

Cheetos Assault

2009-06-28T20:12:00.001-04:00

Masterminds need not apply...

Cheetos Assault

Shared via AddThis

So, are these deadly weapons now??? Man, I'm just glad WE don't even like the orange puffy snacks. Whew! Although, I guess there's always pita chips....especially dangerous with hummus. You could put someone's eye out with that now!

You can't make this stuff up, folks.

The Hope of Hollywood?

2009-06-25T22:20:00.006-04:00

Michael Jackson rented his current home for a reportedly $100,000.000 a month. His body awoke in that luxurious home this morning, but tonight that body lies on a cold slab in a municipal building that houses every other dead body in Los Angeles taken to the coroner. I can’t help but think of the drastic change that has taken place here. And not just Michael Jackson, but with the very recent deaths of Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett, the reality of death is all around. I'm so sad. I’m sad, not just because they died, but sad that none of these "icons" ever professed to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. I'm not saying they couldn't have had some deathbed confession, but their fame and fortune certainly got them nowhere in heaven or near God. All we are left to remember are who they were, not the hope of where they are now. Listening to people eulogize them breaks my heart. Cher just now was talking to Larry King and said, "I'm sending positive energy to them and know their spirits will be lighter because of this." Uhhhhh whatever! It's sad that Hollywood is such a large realm of satan's playground. Ed McMahon had such a successful career, and died poor in so many ways. His health had failed due to some injuries, and he nearly lost his home to bankruptcy had Donald Trump not come to his rescue this past year. A man who was a sidekick to one of the best talk show hosts to ever live, who went on to enjoy fame and fortune for himself in TV, and have so much financial success died a poor man because he couldn’t manage his money or be content with how much he had. Farrah died of anal cancer which was sadly reported to be caused by STDs,. Her live-in, Ryan O’Neal finally wanted to marry her after 25 yrs of being together, but it was too late. He didn't think much of marriage or feel it was important until she was on her deathbed? Wonder how that made her feel? And now, I am watching clips of little Michael singing those sweet songs as a little boy, and wondering, "What in the world happened to that boy as a child that made him turn out to this?" I have such fun memories of his songs in the 80's, too. All that success led to one very sad and disturbed man. It breaks my heart.
I keep thinking of the scripture in Ecclesiastes, "Everything is meaningless...." and, "He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end……. And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose is that people should fear him. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again."
One of my greatest memories of Michael Jackson was when I was a little girl watching him sing with his brothers. I still remember the first time I head him sing, “Ben” the song about a dog. It made me cry then, as it still does right now.

Ben, the two of us need look no more

We both found what we were looking for

With a friend to call my own I'll never be alone

And you, my friend, will see

You've got a friend in me (you've got a friend in me)

Ben, you're always running here and there

You feel you're not wanted anywhere

If you ever look behind And don't like what you find

There's one thing you should know

You've got a place to go (you've got a place to go)

I used to say "I" and "me" Now it's "us", now it's "we"

Ben, most people would turn you away I don't listen to a word they say

They don't see you as I do I wish they would try to

I'm sure they'd think again

If they had a friend like Ben (a friend) Like Ben

These lyrics are such a testimony to how that little boy would sadly feel all his life. That nobody was there who cared and loved him. So much that one of his best friends was a chimp named "Bubbles." I wish that he would not have listened to a word that Hollywood would say to him nor how they would see him. Who could ever live up to that? I wish that the gospel would have been prevalent around him and that he could have seen God’s purpose for his life…..that he might have feared the Lord. I can only pray that others in this business will start to wonder, “Surely, there’s GOT to be more to life than THIS…..”

“And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.” 1 Cor. 15:19

Sweet Summertime

2009-06-24T20:20:00.002-04:00

I’m on a Facebook sabbatical this summer. Due to various reasons, I needed to take the time I’d usually spend there and invest it in other areas for this season. Not that God hasn’t used it for some good, because He sure has. It’s been wonderful to reconnect with old friends, and stay in touch with current friends and family. It’s allowed me to share my testimony many times as well as the prayer factor. Facebook is one sure quick way to get some prayers now! God’s allowed me to use my gifts of encouragement to minister to many there, and I so love that. And don’t even get me started on the mission field there! Whoa! However, I also found that too often lately Facebook was taking the place of more personal relationships. In light of recent deaths of many precious people in our midst, I started rethinking priorities and where I want to invest every breath of my life TODAY. I think my order had gotten mixed up, so it was just time to re-order. I still think Facebook is an amazing tool of outreach and encouragement to others, and Lord willing, I plan to return in the Fall. God’s put many on my heart to be in prayer for who are there. But at least for this summer, God’s pointed ME to invest time in people personally-face to face . Just a disclaimer…. I do not believe for a second that this makes me more righteous or any closer to God than those still on there. I’ve tried to make sure my decision is just that…what God wants for ME, not necessarily for anybody else. If there’s something I can’t stand, it’s legalism, and that is soooo not what I’m about y’all! (Okay, I just heard Paula Deen talk and I love her!)
Anyway, I’m excited! Just three days into the Facebook Fast, I’ve found that I talk to God a lot more in the mornings. This is so much more personal than anything I could find on Facebook! When ya think about it, the Creator of the Universe or Facebook?? Hmmmm….why would I choose ANYthing else? I'm so stupid.
I am now running in the early mornings instead of shouting out a “Good Morning!” to all the FB folk and reading all the latest and sittin’ on my bum. My running had gotten sporadic, and I found I’d wait till the evenings or not at all. This sure gets my day going!
I’m reading more, too. Reading has always been a hobby, but one I’ve not allowed myself to relish except for Summer. Even then, I could see how that would be pushed to the back burner if I spent much time on Facebook.
At church, we have two groups of ladies going to the beach together this summer. What a blast! I’m going out and spending time with girlfriends in the most beautiful location ever…the BEACH! I never tire of the sights and sounds there. It’s also an outreach, so I am looking for ways to invite new friends/neighbors to join us. Again, it’s about real live relationships. Plus, it’s time with my kids! And let me tell you, this mama gets right out there in the waves!
I have set some new personal goals just this week: running more, continuing with healthy eating, POSSIBLY starting to train for a Tri if I can find a cheap bike! (Gasp! NEVER thought I’d do that!) Also, I’m livin’ on the edge here...my Summer 2009 Goal?.......….surfing lessons! Yes, this 40 yr old mama is shootin’ for a hang ten. Does that sound cool? Okay, so probably not…I’m such a nerd. I DO know that a Hang Ten is a difficult maneuver, so I will be most appreciative if I even manage to get on my knees on the darn thing and hang on with ten fingers, but I’m sure gonna try!
So, there’s lots to do and most importantly, people to see.

Ministry wives, don’t forget to invest time in people. Your God first and foremost. Your family second. And the people that God has placed in your path behind that. It’s so easy to go about our lives, whether they are busy days or lazy summer days and forget to stop and acknowledge this day is not ours. It’s God’s. So meet with Him, and treasure that time. I say this all the time, but make time to date your man, ladies! I've written about this so many times, and know I sound like a broken record, but I truly believe it's as vital as breathing. 'Nuff said. Then, spend time with your kids. It’s so easy to send the kids off to play vs. getting out there with them yourself. I can find so much “to do” that really doesn’t have to be done in light of eternity. Will the kids remember that my house was clean or that I loved being with them? I have to remind myself that it’s not only acceptable, but it’s GOOD to go play at the beach, sit by the pool, go to the mall or the zoo..……hang out TOGETHER! Take the time with your family this summer! . It’s also so easy to walk in on Sunday morning, see the people at church, then walk out and not see them again until the next Sunday. I’m not content with that though. I want to pour into others God’s grace, love and encouragement. I want to walk beside my sisters in Christ. I also know I need the same. If we didn’t need each other, God would have never created the church as the body. God gives the body different parts so they can work, not separately, but TOGETHER. We can’t be all things to all people, nor are we supposed to, but we can help and encourage at least one on one. As I very recently heard “The one most effective in reaching the many is the one most faithful in reaching the one." One on one....personal relationships. In the age of technology, it's too easy to forget this necessity.
So, let’s look to The One to help us do that!

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10

Get ready, dudettes…this summer’s gonna be "da bomb!" (See, I’m already learning the surfing lingo….) I told y'all I was a nerd!!!

What Should We Say?

2009-06-15T07:41:00.003-04:00

What Should We Say?

There’s been a lot of grief in our community lately. Deaths from car accidents, cancer, and other tragedies. Every time we hear of a death, especially when it’s someone near and dear, it causes us to rethink a lot about our own lives as well as our own mortality. Our church family recently lost a dear brother in Christ, Robbie Taylor. I did not have as much of an opportunity and privilege to really get to know Robbie as well as many others in our church family who have grown up here. We have only lived here on the shore two years, and he has battled cancer the past year. Yet, what I did know about him was that he had an amazing resolve and strength as well as one of the most tender hearts around. My first meeting with him was him serving in the kitchen for our church’s community Thanksgiving Dinner. That shows you a lot about the servant heart he had. I also saw a man whose faith became fierce when faced with an overwhelming challenge. But Robbie became sick not long after we began to really get to know him. A lot of the times when Sean would go to visit, Robbie was just so very sick, he couldn’t even talk. But many who knew Robbie before his illness have shared some wonderful words about him both in person and on Facebook the past several days that have shown me even more of a glimpse of the gracious and kind servant of God he was. It seems many really thought well of him and had such kind words to say. No doubt, he is in the presence of Jesus and we will one day see him again!

The reflections of Robbie’s life makes me think about the power of our words. There’s nothing more comforting when you’ve lost a loved one than to speak of the person they were and reflect on the positive characteristics and impact that this precious person made on us and others, and especially the difference they made for Christ. You will rarely ever hear negative comments about the deceased. Why? Because in light of the precious gift of life, we reflect on the things that matter. It makes me wonder why we don’t speak such words of blessing to one another while we are living. While we have the chance to bless that person. Why is it that we get caught up more in finding fault with others than in finding blessing? And of all places, in the church, the very representation of Who Christ is.
James speaks about this very thing when he says, "With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can't go on.”
Paul also spoke of this in Philippians 2. He begins by talking about our attitudes. Boy, do I ever need an attitude check sometimes, don’t you? Paul says, “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Wow, now there’s a concept…it’s not about us!
He goes on to tell us what that looks like and how we are to behave, or not behave when he says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out the word of life.”
Everything? Without complaining? Is that even possible? …..
Of course it is. When our attitude is right. I find the times I am complaining the most are the times I am most selfish because things have not gone my way or how I like or how I want. Notice how many times I said, “I”?
Do you see how important that our behavior is? If we’re so busy grumbling about one another, why would the world want what we have? If all that comes out of our mouths in the church and outside the church are grumblings over stuff that just doesn’t matter in light of eternity, how can we then hold out the Word of Life to others?
I love how The Message reads in this very passage. It says, “Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns.”

What if instead of complaining, we spoke blessing to AND about one another? What about instead of complaining and getting stressed, we used that energy and our mouths to share the gospel and encourage one another? What if we really DID consider others more important than our own selves? What if we worried more about those who didn’t know Christ and how to reach them instead of how we can be comfortable? What if instead of talking about all we don’t like (people that don’t do things our way, the music at church, the way things are run, our own agendas,etc.) What if we spoke about what is good and all God is up to and celebrate Him together? What if instead of cursing or gossip, we spoke highly of one another, and considered others better than ourselves? What if we actually walked the way we talked? What if our mouths became tools of blessing? Can you even imagine the impact that this would make on our relationships, our churches, and our community…..even more important, on the Kingdom of God? What IF we resolved to not complain? What would that look like???

One of mine and Sean’s favorite movies is “A Christmas Story.” It’s a comical movie that takes place in the fictional Indiana town where 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: an official Red Ryder BB Gun. The old fashioned antics in the movie leave us in stitches almost every time we watch it. One of my favorites is Ralphie having to suck on a bar of Lifebuoy soap due to his “mother of all cuss words” expletive. He later dreams that his parents will come back and feel sorry for giving him soap poisoning. When in reality, the poison was in his words, not the soap.

I say all this as one who is not blameless by any means. The past several months God’s been showing me a thing or two about the power of my own spoken words. This week it has really been driven home and you can bet that I am once again standing looking at the options. A bar of soap ready to clean or a choice to speak words of blessing and BE the soap? Be one who is refreshing to others. Because I have seen what my words have done to others….. because I see how others’ words affect me,…… and most of all, because I see how our words affect the cause of Christ, I’m making the choice to bless.

The lyrics to this Steven Curtis Chapman song put it perfectly:

There a hole the size of a cruel word
In a wounded heart somewhere that's learning to hide the pain
There's a thorn stuck in the conscience of
Someone who spoke a word in anger
And they can't wash away the stain, sorry's such a hard word to say

CHORUS
But while it's still called today, won't somebody make it right
Before the day slips into night and the moments waste away
While it is still called today, we've got to say the words
That are longing to be heard 'cause tomorrow may be too late
Go on and say what you need to say while it is still called today.

There's a girl who's waiting day after day
To hear her daddy say "I love you," now the days have turned to years
There's a wall that silence has turned to stone
Between a man and woman, she's holding back the tears
And he's holding on to his fears
'Cause there's a time when the sun goes down
And the flowers are laid on the grave
Will the tears that fall to the ground
Be the tears of regret for the words someone didn't say.

…………………………………………………………………………………………….
But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today , so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. Hebrews 3:13

The gospel is too precious for us to not start cleaning up!

Pressing On

2009-06-09T09:13:00.002-04:00

Pressing On

I just want to warn you. I’m getting ready to talk about a four letter word. This blog is definitely not for the faint of heart or any spiritual babies. So, are you ready?……. The word is …..(whispering)….. “diet.” (I warned you!)

So, I’ve been on a roller coaster journey the past 11 ½ years since the delivery of my third born child. I had major problems in pregnancy that required bedrest and hospitalization, and by the time I delivered back in 1997, I found myself heavier than I had ever been in my life. NOT fun! For a few years, I did nothing about it. Just didn’t have the motivation. I was enjoying my life as a stay at home mom and keeping busy with friends and ministries in our local church. Besides, the busyness kept me from thinking too much about it. Deep inside, I knew I had to start at some point, but being the procrastinator I am, I kept putting it off for “another time.” About three years ago, out of the desire I had to relieve some stress in my life, it finally clicked in my mind what my heart was already feeling. NOW is the time! I began with Weight Watchers and started walking with a friend each day. I ended up losing 40 lbs that entire year. Pretty good, but I still had more to lose. (I told you I was really big!) In the spring of 2007, we went through a move in ministry and once again, I discovered a busy life of new places and faces. Fortunately, I was not one who “gained all their weight back” (thank You, Jesus!) However, I fluctuated between 5-10 lbs back and forth, never really doing anything. In the winter of 2008, I decided to get back on board, and this time it was going to be a focus on exercise. I began training to run a 5K race. I did not focus on any specific diet, but my main focus was getting into shape to run. For four months straight, I trained and finally ran my race at the end of April. The most frustrating part for me was that I was training religiously….I mean really dedicated to running, something I had NEVER done before. Yet, I only lost a total of 5 lbs.! How could that be?! Ugh! Talk about stinkin’ frustrated! Hmph. I continued running pretty faithfully until June of 2008, then, all the fun of summer began. Once again, my ADD brain got distracted. Add to that I began having some physical complications with allergies and other female problems, so the running turned to walking, and even then only about 2-3 days a week. I continued walking on the treadmill the rest of the year. Once again…I hadn’t really gained much back, but hadn’t lost much either. Another 5-10 lb. fluctuation back and forth. At the end of winter 2009, I found myself just feeling really bad and blah. Having had my one and only ovary finally removed, I was put into instant menopause, which only slows a woman’s metabolism down even more. I knew I HAD to be proactive with my health now. It could not be an option! I decided I was not comfortable with hormone replacement therapy. After all, there are some very serious side effects from those like stroke, blood clots, heart attacks, and death. The side effects from not taking them are simply uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. (Maybe life threatening for others, but not me!) :) So, I began a regimen of vitamins, calcium, and herbal supplement teas. I also kicked my “rear in gear” to get onto some type of diet program that will work for me. Weight Watchers was great, but I’d get to a plateau and not be able to go further. I wanted something that would really kick my metabolism into gear and also be healthy and realistic. I’m not a drink two shakes a day kind of gal because reality tells me when I start eating normal foods again, the weight comes back and I’ve not really done anything healthy for my body by doing that. I discovered that the South Beach Diet was the plan for me. It’s a diet that teaches you to heat healthy lean meats and vegetables, detoxing your body from sugar and bad carbs, and teaches you to combine healthy carbs and proteins. It’s a diet many diabetics are advised to follow. So, Sean and I both decided to jump in together. The first week of April was very difficult as we “de-toxed” our bodies from sugar and other bad carbs like pasta, potatoes, and white bread. But after two weeks, I was feeling better in many ways. Some days it’s been hard because it can get old and boring, but I’ve found many sites to help freshen up the menu. I’ve even tried cheating, and found my body got sick from eating some of the sweets I used to enjoy! Cool! Not that I can’t have a little something sweet from time to time. All things in moderation, right? Just that my body has adapted to healthier, and I like that. I even “cheated” and had some sushi a couple weeks ago on a night out with hubby, and ended up losing 2 lbs. I REALLY like that! :) It isn’t something I could do all the time, but it sure was fun to “splurge” once on something I enjoyed and not have to suffer for it. Grace! I did find myself at a plateau with this for a few weeks. Sticking to the diet, yet not losing any weight. It was then that I discovered something else. I’ve often tried to diet without exercise. Other times, I’ve tried to exercise without diet. I’m one of the “lucky” ones who has to do both. And let me tell you….that stinks! It really does! There are people out there who eat everything they want to eat and never exercise, but for whatever reason, their bodies remain a size 2, 4, or 6. I am fighting for 12’s right now. Ugh! But that’s my reality, so there’s no use sulking in it. It’s the hand I am dealt, and my responsibility is to respond. So, what is my purpose in baring my soul here? What do I intend by sharing this very personal story?
It’s this: I have a choice. Healthy or not. Blessing or curses. God gives me the grace to pick which one I want to do and what consequences I want to reap. I can choose to keep my eyes on myself or my weight (although I KNOW I am not my weight!), OR I can choose to focus on the goal in sight and go towards the finish line.
I can’t help but relate it to my spiritual life. I can choose to keep my eyes on myself or others. When I do that, I will remain stagnant….dry…..stale…..rollercoaster of emotions……back and forth…..up and down. Paul describes this as, “infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men ….”
Or I can choose to keep my eyes on Jesus. “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Heb. 12:1-2

Let me make myself very clear. I still think it stinks that I can’t eat whatever I want whenever I want. But I can’t help but think that God’s going to teach me more through this denial of self than what I would have otherwise learned. It’s MY lesson to learn for an eternal purpose. While I don’t like that it’s my “cross to bear,” I can’t complain either. I’m not alone. God promises to give me everything I need to grow up in Him. Everything! The strength, the endurance, the power, the ability, the perspective, the perseverance, and the GRACE! I often looked at this as confinement, but I am finding now that it is actually my road to FREEDOM. A freedom He’s been showing me I already have and could have been living in on this side of heaven! So far, I feel like a new person. I know my insides are healthier and eventually it will be evident on the outside. I’m 13 lbs. down, eating healthy, and exercising 5 days a week! 27 lbs still to go, but I have a glimpse of the finish line!

“I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.”Phil. 3:12

Whatever your cross, PRESS ON, sweet sisters! He goes before and behind us every time! The reward is already ours- His sweet Presence, and we can do all things through Him Who strengthens us! :)

Soul Survivor?

2009-04-25T08:38:00.002-04:00

Sean and I were having lunch on our “Date Day” yesterday at Ruby Tuesday’s. It was a beautiful day and we were out enjoying it together. I love that after almost 20 yrs of marriage, we still date each week- even if it’s just a cup of coffee, a walk, or a lunch together! We make time for one another, and in such a busy world, if we didn’t intentionally plan this time, someone or something else would take it. Just so you know-our relationship is nowhere close to perfect. That’s why we do this! :)
Anyway, as we were sitting there in our own world talking about our current day lives- plans for the future, parenting, school, church, mission trips, etc., I noticed Sean looking behind me frequently. It was a little disturbing because,…. well it’s rude to act like you’re more interested in something other than your wife right? :) He must have noticed my curious looks because he said, “There’s a man over there with a hat on that says ‘Pearl Harbor Survivor.’ You don’t see that much.” Ummmm…ok? And I continue my conversation. Sean’s attention was back on us again, and we enjoyed a delicious lunch together. We were getting ready to leave after paying the bill, and Sean says, “I’ll be right back.” I had lipstick to apply, so I said “Okay.” A few short minutes later, Sean returns to the table, and then, I noticed.
The tears. He couldn’t even talk he was so choked up. I looked at him and said, “You are SUCH a softie.” I have the strongest and yet most tenderhearted husband in the world! When he could swallow his tears, he finally said, “Beth, that man gave SO MUCH of his life….he sacrificed everything he had so that we could enjoy what we have today. The very least I could have done was thanked him.” I looked over and the elderly man was being helped up by what appeared to be a family member. He was barely moving on a walker with assistance. I saw the hat that Sean had first seen, but then, I saw more than that. I saw a precious soul who believed in something to the point that he was willing to sacrifice his life for it. He probably saw a little of the reward for this, but WE had truly seen more of that reward in our generation’s upbringing. He not only sacrificed his very life, but the precious time with his family, with his wife and kids…… “Date Day” was surely only a dream for her. He sacrificed his health-physical, and most certainly emotional. I will most likely never see what he has seen despite working in the Emergency Room for years. He has most likely sacrificed a good night’s rest for many years due to what he experienced. All for his country to be free.
I looked at Sean and said “Just think if we Christians had the same passion for the gospel that this man had for his country……what if we poured our energy into sharing Jesus with the world despite the cost?” I mean I’m sure he had many distractions from enemy lines along the way but his mission was accomplished because the distractions were not worth the cost. The mission was. Distractions of persecution, legalistic traditions, arguments, personality differences, laziness, judgment, and pride are just a few we encounter today. What if we set those aside for just the simple mission- to know and share Christ? It is such a small sacrifice in comparison to what Christ did for us. It’s even a small comparison to what this man did for us, Americans. I’m glad that Sean showed me what it meant to be grateful and to demonstrate that gratitude as much as possible. I learn so much about humbleness from my husband. It was so sweet to see the man’s appreciation for such a small thing that Sean did and to hear Sean tell me of the man’s brief recounting of his Pearl Harbor days. Such a small reward and recognition for such a great act.

I’m also glad for the lesson God Himself showed me yesterday. We are most thankful for something when we recognize the cost involved, especially when we did not have to pay the price. It was paid on our behalf. If that man can put his life on the line for his country to enjoy freedom, I can truly pour mine out to sharing Christ despite the many distractions that come my way. Oh, that we, the church, would get back to the basics. Back to the mission. It’s been hindered by “enemy fire” for too long. Heck, it’s been hindered by “friendly fire” too. My ladies class has been studying this very thing in Galatians, and Sean shared with me yesterday that he is preaching on it tomorrow. Coincidence? I think not. Godincident? Absolutely! Christ gave His life for us to have freedoms here on earth, and even greater when we die. We’ve yet to see the greatest reward of His grace……"Do not be afraid,…. I am your shield, your very great reward.” I can’t wait to see HIM and I want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Let’s let Him live in and through us so that others see, hear, and know the reason for our hope! THIS is what it’s all about! I’ll let Sean do the preaching, but with this message all around me….all around us at OBC….the past few weeks, I think God’s trying to tell us something. We are promised Survivors, but there's many yet who need to be saved, and we know the Savior.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12

The Rest of the Story

2009-04-09T08:58:00.004-04:00

On February 28th of this year, one of my favorite radio broadcasters passed away- Paul Harvey. Harvey was known for catch phrases he used at the beginning of his programs, such as "Hello Americans, I'm Paul Harvey. You know what the news is, in a minute, you're going to hear ... the rest of the story." When he'd tell a story, he'd say, "This day's news of most lasting significance." His quirkiness made the stories he shared quite intriguing. He had such a way of sharing news .

THE most amazing news story of lasting significance ever unfolds as we approach the Easter season each year.

I love Easter! I think I love it even more than Christmas! There’s something about the “rest of the story” that just makes it worth celebrating. I can think of no greater reason to celebrate! As a child, I have fond memories of going shopping for an Easter dress, receiving a chocolate bunny, going on Easter Egg hunts, having a great big meal with the family, and hearing the choir sing, “He Lives!” Those truly are some wonderful memories I treasure. Even today as an adult and a pastor’s wife, there’s much activity going on in our homes and churches during this season. Yet, just like Christmas and the “hoopla” that tends to come with that season, it’s very easy to miss the real reason to celebrate Easter. Sometimes, I’m afraid we anticipate more of the ending...the benefits -time with family, good food, Easter plays or cantatas, Spring Break, our traditions, etc.- instead of Christ Himself. Christ alone. His sacrifice. I even venture to wonder- do we anticipate more of the benefits than simply celebrating the resurrection?….

Even sadder, we tend to fast forward through the whole “Good Friday” remembrance. Why? It’s just easier to jump to the end. Who wants to dwell too long on the pain and suffering of Christ, when we already know the ending? I can’t help but think today about the disciples and followers of Christ on that day. They were told what would come-that Christ would be raised from the dead, but did not KNOW it. Their faith was so weak. Much like ours. It sure did not look so promising to see what was happening to their Savior…to OUR Savior. I bet if they could talk to us today, they would demand that we stop and think about the cross a whole lot more. After all, they were eyewitnesses to a horrific scene that we only see depicted in pictures- a man on a clean cross with a crown of thorns and a few drops of blood. I would even venture to guess that they might scream at us to remember such a precious sacred act. They watched something that they did not understand. We understand, and choose not to watch. Christ’s blood was poured out, and in a more thorough study of the Bible, we know it was quite more than a few drops. It was gruesome….probably the worst “crime scene” ever to this day. Except….. that He willingly surrendered His life. He knew the pain and suffering that was coming and chose to endure it for a greater plan and purpose. For us.
Romans 5:6-8 says, “Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.” (The Message)
The NIV versions says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
That truth should bring us to our knees daily. That truth should cause us to stop and reflect on the cross instead of quickly jump over to the Resurrection. Without the cross, there is no resurrection. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Heb. 9:22)

You know, sometimes discovering a surprise too soon makes it not so much a surprise. It’s already been revealed. I’m grateful that “the rest of the story” has been revealed to us today, but let’s not skip the journey to get there. We miss the beauty of it all. We might also miss a humbleness of heart, a gratitude for our salvation, and a deeper love for Christ. We are unworthy of such a redemption! It is only by walking to the cross that we can find forgiveness and peace. Yet, the suffering and death necessary was accomplished by Christ in our place. May we meet Him there in the days ahead.

When Paul Harvey would share a story about someone, he would often end it with, “He would want us to mention his name.” Sometimes, it was a silly story, sometimes offensive, sometimes ridiculous. The story of the cross is a true story about a man, who suffered and died in your place when you did not deserve it and before you would ever believe it. He would want us to mention His Name. Jesus Christ.

Then, and only then, in 3 days can we say……..”Good day.”

Opinion Polls

2009-03-26T14:17:00.004-04:00

Did you know that there’s a website you can check out that lists the approval ratings for everything from politics to the economy? It’s called Gallup.com. They keep a daily track of the general public’s approval of things such as the current president, past presidents, economy, the stock market, and so forth. Each day’s poll depends on what the people participating think. Their website says this: “Gallup's data provide irrefutable evidence on countless issues that are faced by 95% of the world's adult population. Before you make another decision that global issues and attitudes influence, make sure you have all of the facts. Acquire the power to understand and act on what the world is thinking.”

So let’s backtrack a week….
At “The Well” we began an in-depth study on Galatians this past week. (“The Well” is the official name of our new ladies SS class! It’s based on John 4.) This study’s already hitting home! Freedom. You’d think it’d be something really cool and well….. “free-ing” to learn and to grasp, but there’s more to it than that. One of the first questions that was asked of me by God as I prepared the lesson was, “What do YOU need to be freed from, Beth?” I already knew, but I think He wanted me to just come humble. After all, it’s an area that He’s already been working on in me this year, so it was an all too familiar question that I knew the answer to. I have to agree with one of my favorite Bble teachers when she says that before God ever allows me to teach a lesson, He has usually stepped all over my toes first! Ouch! Our study this week was Gal. 1:1-10. Verse 10 was God’s specific question for me. “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
You see, I have a history of allowing people’s opinions to steer me. Not all the time and maybe absolutely not in certain issues, but often enough that it keeps me from being truly free. God began revealing this to me many months ago, and I can honestly say that I’m a lot more free today than last year, six months ago, and even three months ago…..and yet, I’m still not free. Why? Because I still occasionally return to that pattern. Old habits are so hard to break! Even when it’s a pattern only in my mind, and not in ALL my actions, I’ve still allowed my emotions and attitudes to be in bondage....even some of my actions. I believe it is especially easy for people in ministry to constantly face this battle, so I don’t suspect I’m alone in my chains here. After all, everybody has opinions about what is best for the church, for the worship service, for the music, for missions, for your family, for your time, for your money, and for just about everything and everyone. Every minister (and his wife) hear lots of opinions every week.

Sean and I had to make a very difficult decision recently. It’s a decision that needed to be made several months ago, but we allowed various influences to impact our decision. Exhaustion, sickness, others’ opinions, the fact that maybe it didn’t really make so much sense to us, the why’s, how’s, and fears that came along with the uncertainties of figuring it all out first. I’m certainly not blaming anyone or anything, but ourselves though. It’s just easier when you already have enough fires to fight that you keep the fires to a minimal, right? Or is it? Isn’t that a lie? It’s not easy at all when you ignore what God’s telling you to do for what you know most will not approve! THIS fire needed to be our priority and it wasn’t. So, because we chose not to fight it, we ignored it. Stupid! The results were nearly disastrous for our family. I don’t want to go into great detail, but it concerned our teenage daughter’s education and her well-being. So, we spent the past week backtracking and doing what we should have done a long time ago. I’m so thankful that this “do over” did not harm or hurt anyone in the making too much! God’s grace! So, what did we do? We removed her from public school just 3 months shy of the end of the school year to homeschool her. Yet, it is clearly what God’s called us to do, and He has made it ridiculously clear. He’s even been sweet enough to affirm it to the point that I’d have to be an absolute idiot to not see it so clearly now. I love when He gives me billboards! LOL
Have you ever faced anything like that in your life? How did you respond?
I was pouring out to a very close friend this week, and she said something so true and necessary to me. I am so grateful for friends who love enough to do that. As I was talking about this situation and the reasons for doing it, I told her that I knew it was right, but wanted to be sure I respond with grace when other family/friends don’t agree or when I hear what they have said. She said, “Beth, you can’t worry about what other people say. Isn’t that what you are trying to teach your daughter?” Wow! She hit the nail on the head. One of the very truths I wanted my daughter to grasp was one I’d been caught up in my self! Paul says in Ephesians that it isn’t possible to try to please men and still be a servant of Christ. If I’m seeking to please people, I am wearing this “yoke of slavery” to sin. If I’m a servant of Christ, I’m free! Isn’t God as our Master so much better (and easier!) than man? That’s a load off right there!
Going back to this truth time and time again must become my new habit. How sweet is the Lord that as I am learning this truth, He would have my daughter beside me so that we learn it together.
My prayer is that she doesn’t seen the latest Gallup poll for her future decisions. Me either. I pray we both know the facts…the only source of real truth, and that we act on how HE leads us. Only there, will we find consistent and lasting freedom!
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Gal. 5:1

It's the Rainy Season

2009-03-17T11:21:00.004-04:00

Well, March has really come in like a lion. It began with a rare snowfall here on the shore where I live. Not much, but because it's so rare and unexpected, it makes for quite the talk of the town. Then, we had some really beautiful sunny days. You know those days that just brighten your soul and make you feel like a kid again because you get this great burst of energy! You feel you could run a few miles and not be out of breath! (One of my personal goals right now!) Flowers and trees started budding prematurely, and I found myself digging in the garden just getting the soil prepared for planting time. What a tease! Then, it hit. RAIN! And TONS of it. We knew it was coming though, right? After all, Spring is knocking at the door! I just returned from a trip to Kentucky to be with sick family members for a week. Even there, it was the same--dreary, cloudy, gloomy rain. (and a day of snow, too!) The sun hasn't been seen by many of us for over a week now. We know it's there....just can't see it. Sometimes, that leads to sadness, hopelessness, and despair.....lack of energy, feeling blah, and little energy.

I wonder what the dreary days in your life are at this season? In your ministry? The possibilities vary..... A sick family member? A lost loved one and the grief is overwhelming? A disgruntled church member? The betrayal of a friend...or the feeling that there are none? Gossip that has nearly destroyed you, your spouse, and your reputation in future ministry? The feeling that you have no purpose and you're just wandering in the wilderness? Failures...disappointments....let downs? There are many "thorns in the flesh" that have the ability to bring us down and keep us down.

What keeps me going in these dark, cloudy, dreary days of rain is what comes on the other side. The rain is preparing for a great harvest. The days of warmth, lots of sunshine, and growth. Did you know that God promises the change of seasons will never end?

For as long as Earth lasts, planting and harvest, cold and heat, Summer and winter, day and night will never stop." Genesis 8:22

Even the coldest Winter will end with Spring. Even the rainiest Spring will end with Summer. Even the hottest Summer will end with the beauty of Fall. Even the changing and falling leaves of Fall will end with the stillness of Winter.....and it starts all over again. What a beautiful picture of beauty, variety, and faithfulness of God.

Knowing that this "rainy season" in your personal life will end with something glorious helps to keep going. I personally don't like Winter, but I'm learning that this "stillness" of Winter is really a time of rest. It's like something great is getting ready to happen.....to explode, and we are just waiting with great anticipation and faith to see it unfold! SPRING!!!! It causes me to stop and reflect, and then to start acting and re-acting to these cloudy days with the hope that I know to be true.

Ecclesiastes 3 begins with "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven..."

One of the commentaries I read says this about a "season" and "purpose."
A season - A certain time appointed by God for its being and continuance, which no human wit or providence can alter. And by virtue of this appointment of God, all vicissitudes which happen in the world, whether comforts or calamities, come to pass. Which is here added to prove the principal proposition, That all things below are vain, and happiness is not to be found in them, because of their great uncertainty, and mutability, and transitoriness, and because they are so much out of the reach and power of men, and wholly in the disposal of God. Purpose - Not only natural, but even the voluntary actions of men, are ordered and disposed by God. But it must be considered, that he does not here speak of a time allowed by God, wherein all the following things may lawfully be done, but only of a time fixed by God, in which they are actually done. (Wesley's Notes on the Bible)

Knowing that it won't always be this way helps me to get through the toughest seasons of life. That doesn't always necessarily mean my specific circumstances are going to turn out how I want them, What it means is that they will turn out how God wants them, which is always for my benefit. My job is to not try to work it out. It's to trust that He already has!

Endure the rain, ladies. Even know you can enjoy it. The sun's on it's way, and even better...the Son's a comin'!

Exercise= Habit=Lifestyle

2009-02-23T20:25:00.003-05:00

So, this is pretty much more of the same. Last week, I felt prompted to "exercise" the Holy Spirit's presence in my life through various things each day. What I discovered was that Monday's exercise was such a blessing that it carried over into Tuesday. Tuesday's exercise was such a blessing that it carried over into Wednesday, along with Monday's. And so forth. Not that every single day I continued practicing them completely. I did actually get back on the internet after a 4 day fast (outside of writing obviously). The cool part was that the more I recognized Him, the more I enjoyed Him, and the less I overlooked Him. It wasn't that He was any more active in my life. It was that I was seeing how much He is active in my every minute! Wow! My perspective was changing and therefore *I* was changing. THAT, my friends, is what it's all about. The change starts on the inside and is demonstrated on the outside. Why am I so amazed by that truth?

He is truly a very present Help in time of need. This week has brought that to reality, as I've been sicker than sick and preparing for surgery on Friday. I'm also walking through a dark valley with one of my bestest girlfriends. We have precious friends from church who are struggling with great loss right now. I am standing in the gap for them and praying that the Holy Spirit be just as real to them right now as He's shown He is to me this week. Please lift them up with me. You don't have to know their name....He already does.
Also, prayers that I will be able to have this much needed surgery on Friday. My current sickness is the determining factor of that. Ultimately, the Great Physician is. :)
Thanks, Sisterchicks!
Open your eyes and see Him, and then share with me how He is real to you, too!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Who's Your Idol?

2009-02-19T06:34:00.004-05:00

So, I have another confession. I’m an American Idol crazy. Even worse, I am unashamed about it. I mean…. I’ve watched every season, and I had the past 3 seasons still recorded just in case I wanted to watch it between May and January whenever I was having withdrawals. Well, that is until DEAR husband erased them recently. (Still steaming about that one; counseling is inevitable. Sigh….. ) Seriously, I love music of many genres and enjoy that aspect of the show. It also really isn’t about the “idol” themselves, but the idea of someone “randomly” getting that chance in a lifetime to fulfill their dream. It’s so cool to watch out of thousands and thousands of people, ONE is chosen. The chosen winner gets a recording contract and for the most part, becomes one of the most famous recording artists in the country. The stereotypical crazy, er fan, just loves their “idol” too. They prove this love by knowing all kinds of crazy details about the person-this object of their affection. Sometimes, it’s downright scary. Why Because this love is “one sided.’ How many “idols” know the details about their fans? While the fan knows everything about them, to the performer, they are just another face in the crowd.

To God, we are not just another face in the crowd. This relationship began on HIS part, and yet it is a two-sided relationship. We are not just a fan of God, and He doesn’t know the details about us. No, God delights in us and wants us to know Him intimately, too. Isn’t that cool? It astounds me!

One of the challenges God’s been giving the ladies in our class is to start recognizing the “dailyness” of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He, the Holy Spirit, is key to the intimacy of our relationship with God. Too often, we don’t even acknowledge Him, praying to God and then wondering why He never answered. All along, we miss His answer because we don’t understand the Person or work of the Holy Spirit inside us. He isn’t some “force” or power. He is a PERSON in us! Right there, available 24/7. Wow! Part of that last week for me was taking time to be still and hear Him. (http://glasshouseministrywives.blogspot.com/2009/02/waves-of-mercy.html). This week, it has been actually exercising His presence.

Exercise. That is such a word I dread. Even though, I know the benefits will be glorious and well worth the effort, it’s just always difficult to get into a pattern of doing something that you are not accustomed to doing. Because I’ve seen just enough glimpses of God doing a new work in me recently, that has been the spark for me to press on in this. I know it will be for my benefit and God’s glory. I can already see some changes. I’ve had different exercises each day that God has put before me. One day, I decided to cut out computer and television, and not allow any distractions to my mind. I found more of my time was focused on Him because there was no noise or others distracting. Another day was recognizing Him in my words. Not allowing any conversation to come out of my mouth without consulting Him first. Amazing how much our mouths want to open without ever thinking through our words! I’m not even talking about dealing with difficult people. I’m talking about every single word we say. Interesting. Another day is with my body and eating/physical exercise. Seeking His counsel and strength as I am sensitive to what I allow in this temple I share with Him and how I’m using it. And a few others are in store the rest of this week. You wanna know the coolest part? I thought one day of each of these would just be something to try, but after trying them, I find I enjoyed the time so much with Him, I’m making it more of a habit for me. THAT is the coolest part ever! Too often, when we recognize we need change, we decide we’re going to change and make changes on the outside without dealing with the inside. We’ve got the order all wrong. By concentrating on the Spirit inside us, it is natural for our outside to be transformed because our relationship is being nurtured.

Ministry wives, don’t forget that the most important thing you can do is nurture your relationship with God. Don’t set yourself up on a pedestal or allow anyone else to do such a thing. God will not share His glory and who wants it? Like I shared with a close friend just this week. The ground at the foot of the cross is level. We're all a mess in view of the cross. We were never called to be all things to all people, nor should we try. However, we can’t be anything to anybody if we’re trying to do things on the outside without dealing with the inside. As we strive to know God more, we can rest that He intimately knows us and loves us unlike any other idol out there. The fruit of an intimate relationship with God will be the greatest ministry any of us can provide to others, because in that intimacy, God will show us things we never saw, people we never dreamed of reaching, and HOW to reach them.

I’m still following American Idol by the way. I’m thankful for the freedom in Christ to do it. Danny Gokey rocks! I can say that cause he’s a worship leader. Ha! I’m also thinking I could end up an Adam Lambert fan. The guys definitely have the better talent this year than the girls. I’ll definitely be writing more about this as the season goes on. Rest assured, that this nor anything else is coming even close to the greatest Idol in my life right now, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7

An Unconditional Love

2009-02-14T08:52:00.003-05:00

I came in from a night out with my girlfriends last night. You remember…my “Sisterchicks” from class. You’ll find I may end up writing a lot about them. They’re some of the coolest, funnest gals ever! Well, Baylee snuggles up to me and just nuzzles her face in my shoulder. You’d have thought that I was the greatest mother in the world. She acted like she really missed me and wanted to be close. I was loved and cherished and she couldn’t wait to just be with me. Aren’t I so blessed? All was right with the world.

Until, I found out the REAL reason. She wanted something. Aaaah, conditional “love.” Kids are such strange species, especially pre-teens and teens. One minute they love you, and you feel like the coolest parent on the block. The next moment, you have ruined their life and you feel that they can’t stand you. It is a crazy rollercoaster of emotions at this season in our home. Reminder: 3 kids, ages 11 (1/2), almost 15, and 16. Wow. I’m brave or crazy…maybe both? (no comments please) One of the hardest things to discern as a parent is when it’s an acceptable outburst of emotions, i.e. tears, sadness, depression, and when it’s sin-rage, anger, backtalk, etc. You see, even though it’s a real experience for them, the fact that they are responsible for self-control cannot be overlooked. If they don’t learn how to deal with those emotions, we are doing them a disservice in life. After all, whose life is ever consistently smooth? I think hormonal rages are certainly God’s preparation for life and learning how to deal!

On a different scale, church members can do much of the same, too. When the pastor is doing things they like, they think he’s the greatest man for the job. Not a doubt. He gets lots of words of encouragement, cards, and support, invitations to dinner, and so forth. They have no doubts that “he’s the man!” But the first time that he begins to go in a direction that they don’t like, prefer, or understand, or lead the church with (dirty word warning) c-h-a-n-g-e, (Gasp!) well then, that’s a different story! There’s the doubt that begins to creep in that maybe he’s NOT the one. He’s doing it “all wrong” and they know exactly the way the church should go. All of the sudden, they don’t love him so much and they know everything there is about how to lead a church despite the fact that God has not called them in this way. The words of encouragement begin to be discouraging words and gossip. The close relationship once there begins to separate. No more friendship, no more cards, no more support and interest in him as a person. After all, the relationship was founded on what he did or didn’t do. It was conditional. They haven’t really taken the time to get to know him and really love him. They just liked him for what could benefit them. Can anybody relate? Sadly, I know you can. It’s a reality of most every ministry at some point or another.

Let’s get real and personal now though, ladies. I wonder how much different we are when this happens? When we are falsely accused? Persecuted? When others gossip about your husband? Do you return evil with evil? Do you back off from them? Do you love people even when they don’t agree with your husband and don’t love you as they once did? It’s one of the most difficult things in ministry. When you hear they’ve been spreading gossip, talking about your man, do you instantly want to distance yourself, too? Or talk about them instead of pray for them? To love people who don’t love you or who are acting unlovely is most difficult. Yet it is adamant that we do this! Without love, we have NO ministry! It just becomes a “clanging cymbal.” Senseless. Without purpose. It does NOT glorify God. That becomes a ministry in vain. How sad is that?

Let’s go even deeper here. (I know it’s tough, but keep going!) How different are we with our love for God? How many times have you snuggled up to Him only because you wanted something from Him? Maybe you were desperate and really just needed an answer… and a timely one? How many times have you really needed Him to come through for you on something, so all of the sudden, the relationship became more consistent and intimate? He becomes your “best friend” at times like that, huh? But does the relationship stay as close when life is going well or even worse, when He doesn’t answer how you wanted or expected? When you get your answer? When the healing came through for you….or didn’t? Yes, I’d say we’re no different than that selfish child or fickle church member.

I got to visit some precious girlfriends back in December when we were in Kentucky. People who really have meant a lot to me over the years. Girls whose friendships have sustained despite the fact that we live 12 hrs apart. We don’t get to DO things together because of that fact. Yet, our relationship has been built upon not what we do for one another, but who we are. Just loving, faithful friends. When we got together over the holidays, we didn’t care what we DID. Just seeing each other and being together was the greatest blessing in the world. I treasured every second of it. The time spent together was precious! There’s joy simply in the relationship and getting the opportunity to be together. Oh, that we would truly love God in this way. One of the questions He’s put before me the past few weeks is this: “Beth, do you love Me and desire Me more than the benefits that I can bring to you?” In other words, do I enjoy and love Him because of things He gives me, like peace, guidance, direction, forgiveness, the promise of Heaven, joy, healing, etc.? Or do I love Him because of Who He is? In all honesty, I think I’ve never thought about it much before. Tough question: If I had to choose between His benefits and His presence, which would I choose?

Christ wants a relationship with us. HE initiated this relationship. We had nothing to offer Him. He has no need, and yet He desires to intimately know us. 1 John 4:19 says “We love because He first loved us.” There are certainly times that one of my children wants to just come and show their love for me. No strings attached. Just because they know they are loved and enjoy that security. There's a sweetness in the relationship. That’s what God wants us to do. For no other reason than the fact that He is our Dad. Our Father. Our “Abba.” You’ll find no greater Valentine than Him.

Lord, forgive me for when I’ve loved conditionally. Remind me that You intentionally loved me first, and because I have received a love I did not deserve, I can then share with others this great love, too. Help me to especially share it with others who are unlovely so that Your grace is demonstrated and that You will be glorified in and through me. Let me be a vessel of Your love to my family, my friends, my church, my neighborhood, and to the world. Amen.