Trying to Find the Perfect Balance for My Today

The other day on facebook I updated my status with these words:  Trying to find the perfect balance....it's essential.

Essential for what?  At minimal, survival, I think, as sometimes this is as good as it gets  (...keepin it real...). But other times, to function at our greatest potential, maximize our gifts, strengths and abilities for maximum output.  Yes, I do believe this is possible. 


In our lives, we go through many seasons causing our schedules to change, forcing us to redo boundaries, evaluate activities, and rearrange priorities


So how do we find the perfect balance?


I think the first thing would be to make sure we have our priorities in the correct order.  Without God first, my life would be chaos.  After this would be my family, and the remaining items on the list could probably change from time to time depending on a variety of things.


What happens when we loose our physical balance?  We fall down.

I think a similar thing can happen when our lives are out of balance.  We burn out, we get dizzy (confused, tired, deceived) and fall down, we slip away from God, we neglect our family, we StReSs out.

With that being said, I am in pursuit of finding that perfect balance for me and where I am today. 

To my schedule, I added five classes, 15 college hours, for the next sixteen weeks (Deep breath.).  So I'm asking myself how do I  maintain my same level of commitment to #1 God and then to the rest of my "normal" responsibilities (family, church, home, writing, prayer/devotion, social, volunteering, etc)?

I think the answer to this question will be different for each of us.

In my biology class there is a mother of four small children who is pregnant with #5.  She is also taking a full load of classes.  Waiting at home for her is six loads of laundry, a sink full of dishes and an unprepared dinner.

I'm thinking as long as everyone has clean underwear, order pizza and wash clothes tomorrow....

One of my professors talked about how busy her weeks are and how tired she is in class, especially at the end of the week.  She used a small table for seating while discussing our slides and told the class that if she fell, just let her lay there for a little while because she needed the rest.  :)

I'm sure you could insert your own story here.

In our lab this week, we "played" with plastic models, breaking and forming bonds, creating Isomers.  Isomers are compounds with the same elements but different structures and properties.  So although they contain the same elements, those elements are arranged and joined differently, causing them to have different properties and different reactions, which determines their use.  In joining two of the isomers together, sometimes we had to add or remove a water molecule to create a bond between the two.

We are like isomers.  Although we may have the same  or similar "stuff" (elements) in our lives, that stuff is sometimes arranged differently depending on our own personal situations.   And that arrangement of our "stuff" causes us to react differently and also determines our use and abilities (properties).

And when my seasons change and I another element to my life, I may have to add or lose something to make everything fit together.  (I could always add a hired maid service...)

What areas can I decrease or let go of and still remain healthy?

What needs to be rearranged or re-ordered?

I pray that God will show me the perfect balance for me during this time.  And I pray, if you are feeling a little dizzy and out of balance, that you will seek God and find His structure and grace for this season you are in.  We are meant for great things!  It's not because we are great, but because HE IS!  (Kind of takes the pressure off, huh?) 

Receive His grace, and allow His greatness and His strength to flow out of you.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness..."  2 Corinthians 12:9

"My soul waits in silence for God only; From Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be moved." Psalm 42:1-2

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-31

"..casting all your cares upon Him, because He cares for you..." 1 Peter 5:7

Have an amazing weekend, my friends!  :)

Today I Lingered in the Moment...

There I stood, walking from my mother's house to my own, a small trail between the two.  My eyes forward, I watched my six year old bouncing toward me with his arms spread as wide as the landscape. Suddenly my heart pounded and I was flooded with memories and the realization that this place in time won't last forever.


I found myself breathing deeply, lingering in the moment, reluctant to let go just yet.


I took a picture in my mind, etching every detail of his smile, his face, his arms, his eyes bright with joy and innocence....recording his laugh and his six year old voice.

Though a new day, still, I have been here before.

Watching my daughter twirl and skip, laughter erupting from deep within.  She is now 18.

Watching my other son proudly ride his new bike.  "Watch me, Mom!"  He is now 14.


We blink, and in an instant a moment passes before us, recaptured only in the memories and mental files we have stored away for safe keeping. 

Today, like many others, I dig through those files, visiting another time and place.


I am thankful for moments that have come and gone. 

And for those moments, those gifts, waiting in my tomorrow.

Both time and my children are a gift from God and I look forward to the morning in great anticipation. 

For tomorrow, I have more pictures to take.  More files to open. 

My cup runneth over...

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. ~ Psalm 127:3


Lord, make me to know my end and [to appreciate] the measure of my days--what it is; let me know and realize how frail I am [how transient is my stay here].  Behold, You have made my days as [short as] handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Truly every man at his best is merely a breath! Selah ~Psalm 39:4-5 (Amplified Bible)

On the Outside It's Hard to Tell...

God stands knocking at the door of our soul, waiting for an invitation.


And He beckons us to come to Him.


He tugs at our heartstrings, gently pulling at the most tender places, wanting to heal and mend our brokenness, take away our unforgiveness, replace our hatred, forgive our sins, and fill our emptiness with His all-consuming love that we do not deserve.


But oftentimes, we isolate ourselves from Him.


On the outside it's hard to tell.


It's so easy to get caught up in the lingo and jargon that we, as Christians, are so familiar with.  The words roll off of our tongue effortlessly, but void of passion and meaning. 


Rituals replace relationship, and superficiality thwarts spiritual growth, pushing intimacy out of our reach.


We become Professional Christians, or participate in Christian Professionalism, or Professional Christianism....or whatever you might call it...you get the idea.


Reading our bible becomes something we check off of our to-do list instead of something we long for because we love spending time with Him Who is the Word.


Praying feels obligatory instead of a privilege to commune with, know and fellowship in the presence of the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of the Universe, Savior.


We wear ourselves out trying to "prove" our worth instead of allowing God to bring out the best in us.


As my friend Sharon said, "Faithful becomes Sunday worship."


Our lives become filled with unworthy substitutes, everything but the One for Whom we were created.


We have turned our backs and we don't even know it, because we have fooled even ourselves.


I have been there more than once before and it is a lonely, dry, unsatisfying place. 


Being a Christian is more.


It is more than Sunday worship.


It is more than an appearance.


It is more than a life "style."


It is our life.  Our being.  Our reason for existence.  Our hope when there is no hope.


Accept His invitation today.


Worship and know Him, offer your heart and the whole of your being.


Let us lose our professionalism and be real with God....so He can be real through us.

Time of Progression-Part 2: Arise and Go Over

Moving from one place to another always involves change.  Whether spiritually, physically, emotionally or mentally, change is imminent to get from here to there.


And since moving forward is an action, it requires that we DO. 


Do something or stay where we are.


Consider Joshua after Moses had died.

And God said..."Moses my servant is dead.  Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving them - the children of Israel." Joshua 1:2

The word ARISE in the Hebrew is QUWM which means to arise, stand, rise up, stand up, become powerful, come on the scene, to be established, be confirmed, be valid, to be proven, to be fulfilled, to carry out.


God was calling Joshua to ARISE.  Moses was dead and it was Joshua's appointed time to stand up and be established in the place that God had planned for him.


But in order for Joshua to ARISE, to be established and fulfilled, there was something else he had to do.


He had to GO OVER.


In this scripture, the word OVER in the Hebrew is ABAR which means to pass over, to pass beyond, to emigrate, leave (one's territory), cease to exist, to become invalid, become obsolete, to be alienated.


Are you getting the picture?


Joshua had to leave his territory, what was familiar to him.  Life as he knew it had to cease to exist.  His old methods, way of thinking and doing things were now obsolete.  He had to leave the past in the past.  God was doing a new thing.


Joshua was staring his destiny in the face, and he had to take action.


God had already commanded him in Deuteronomy 31:23 to “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”


So when God instructed Joshua to cross over, it should have been easy for him to say yes and answer the call, right?


Let's take a look at a few verses after God told Joshua to cross over.


God says in Joshua 1:6  "Be strong and courageous..."


And again in verse 7 “Be strong and very courageous..."


And again in verse 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”


Even though Joshua had already proven to be a great leader while Moses was still alive, I can imagine that somewhere between verses 1 through 9 there was (possibly) a war going on inside of him.  "Do I go or do I stay?"...  "I can't do this!"..."Moses was a mighty man of God, how can I lead these people as he led them?"..."There must be some mistake."  "Oh, God!  Are you sure?"

But in verse 10 Joshua took courage as the Lord commanded and began giving instructions and preparing for his time of progression, his time to Arise and Go Over.


And when the time came, you can almost hear the excitement and level of faith in his voice as he told the people...."Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you!”  (Joshua 3:5).



He knew he was called and as he moved out in faith he was expecting God to show up!

and then...the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses." (Joshua 3:7)

God trusted and knew that Joshua was able to do what He was asking.


When Joshua made the decision to answer the call, he learned personally that God is a Keeper of  His promises.  He trusted God with his whole heart and stepped into his destiny.


God is always faithful.  If He is telling you to do something, He will not ask you to go alone.

All He asks is that you go, and when you go...


Be strong and courageous.


Be strong and very courageous.

It is time to move forward into the plans and purposes that God has for you (and me). 


It is time to ARISE and GO OVER!

God still speaks.  I know you hear Him. 

What is it that He is asking you to do? 

Time of Progression - Part 1

I'm finding a familiar theme in my writing these last few weeks. Somewhat hidden among paragraphs and sentences, I've discovered a word and/or phrase that I believe will hold true for much of the body of Christ this year, if they so choose.


The word that keeps appearing on my blank pages and resounding in my ears is progression. Whether forward progress, moving forward, forward movement, or taking a step forward, it's all the same.  The words began to fit together for me like a jigsaw puzzle. 


I feel like this is going to be a Time of Progression.


Progression: 


*Definition- the act of progressing; forward or onward movement; advancement


*Synonyms - advancement, boost, break, breakthrough, development, evolution, forward march, going forward, giant strides, growth, headway, improvement, promotion, step forward


Let me just say, I get excited when I study words.  And this list of synonyms is reason for a little shouting!


On a hunch, (aka....slight nudge from Holy Spirit) I took one of the synonyms...evolution...and expanded a little more.  Are you ready for this?  You're not driving and reading are you?  If so, you might want to pull over.


*change, enlargement, expansion, flowering, growth, increase, maturation, transformation, unfolding


My. Oh. My.


Can you feel it?  God is wanting to do something big in and through His people this year.  And He's wanting His people to do something big in Him this year. 


Of course, there are pre-requisites.  We'll get to those a little later.


And just to make sure you understand, I thought I'd let you in on something else I found.


Since we got excited over a few synonyms, it's only fair that we give equal time to some antonyms.


*blockage, hesitation, withdrawal, decrease, halt, stoppage


So, basically, the opposite of progression , or moving forward (enlargement, expansion, growth, maturation, transformation), would be blockage, hesitation, withdrawal, decrease, halt, stoppage.


Makes perfect sense.


In Exodus 14, God had delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt, but at the first sign of trouble, they became very afraid and began to cry out to Moses..."Have you taken us out here to die?  Why?! We would have been better serving the Egyptians!" 


I can hear it today...


"Why, God?  Why did you bring me here if I was just going to get hurt?  Why is it so hard?  Can't you see the enemy trying to attack me?  I would've been better off staying where I was."

V.15 - And the Lord said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me?  Tell the children of Israel to go forward." (emphasis mine).

**The Hebrew word for forward in this verse is Naca, which means to pull out, pull up, set out, journey, remove, set forward, depart, lead out, cause to spring up.


They had been delivered from bondage, but they couldn't stop.  Action was required.  They had to depart from where they were, and move forward in order to step into what was next for them.


There are many scriptures in the Bible where God had already given the victory, but the armies of the Lord had to take action, and go forth, go forward, advance in order for the victory to become reality.  In other words, God had a plan and made a way, but He didn't just do it for them.


So God has a plan and has made a way for me, for you...our victory is certain, unless we stay where we are.  This will have a different meaning for each of us.  He wants to mature us, enlarge us, expand us, grow us, increase us, transform us.  What instruction is God giving you?  Where is He telling you to go?  What is He telling you to do, to get rid of, to repent of, to speak, to pray, to teach, to write, to apologize, to ___________?   What is the action He is requiring of you?  Only you know.


This year will be a time of Progression for many.


A year of Progression for those who say yes.


A year of Progression for those who push through their fears.


A year of Progression for those who aren't afraid of change.


A year of Progression for those who will hear God, and obey.


A year of Progression for those who turn a deaf ear to man's opinions.


A year of Progression for those willing and obedient.


A year of Progression for those who allow God to transform the ruins in their lives.


A year of Progression for those who find their place near God.


A year of Progression for those who do more than talk about what God has told them to do.


The choice is yours.  You can move forward.  I heard in my bible study this week from Beth Moore that we are the greatest obstacle we will face.  Sad, but true.  Don't be the reason you miss your destiny.

Jeremiah 7:24 - "But they would not listen to and obey me or bend their ear (to Me), but followed the counsels and the stubborn promptings of their own evil hearts and minds, and they turned their back and went in reverse instead of forward."

Help me, God, to hear you and obey and move forward with you.


To be concluded.....Stay tuned for Part 2: Arise and Go Over!.....coming soon....


*from dictionary.com
**from biblestudytools.com

FEARLESS - My Word For 2011

Fear can be crippling.


And, if you let it, it can steal your destiny.


This plundering thief, if given the power, has the potential to disable your spiritual authority,  take your vision, prevent you from speaking/writing/singing or whatever it is that you are supposed to be doing, and bind your feet together, prohibiting any progression toward fulfilling your purpose.


Scripture assures us that fear does not come from God.

For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ~2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

and the same scripture in the Amplified Bible:

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

So if not from God, then from the enemy of our soul.  From the one who hates every fiber of our being and wants nothing more than to prevent us from doing our part to further or increase the Kingdom of Heaven.

It's the voice that says you can't do it.  The voice lurking in your thoughts trying to convince you that you aren't good enough and God isn't big enough.  The voice that says if you try, you will fail.  The voice that laughs and says you'll never make it, they won't accept you, you're not smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough, rich enough, you will only get hurt ...


Truth is, some of those things may be true, but they do not matter.


Ever heard the phrase "Do it afraid"?


All throughout scripture we find many examples of ordinary people, like ourselves, who were called to do extraordinary things.  Just like us, they had a destiny, a little (or sometimes a lot of) fear, and a choice.


Open the pages of your bible and listen as God encourages Abram over and over to be not afraid.  Walk with Joshua and hear the Lord say "Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid..."  "Do not fear them..." "Do not be afraid"  over and over and over....

These mighty men needed to be encouraged and reassured that they needed not be afraid because the Lord their God would be with them.  This tells me that they were afraid.  And more than once they pushed through the wall of fear and stepped into the freedom of trust and fearlessness to obtain the victory that was already theirs.

They didn't wait until they were not afraid.  They stepped out with knees knocking and trusted that God would do what He said He would do.  And He did.

We are not offered the luxury of unending days, but with each new dawn we are are drawn closer to the end of our seasons on this earth.  Life as we know it, is short.  There is not enough time to wait until we are not afraid to do that thing which God has been telling us to do.

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom."  Psalm 90:12 NLT

 As I write this, I gain strength and can feel courage rising from inside.  By faith, I declare that I will FEAR NOT.  For my God is with me.  I have a destiny and I choose to move forward, not waiting but pushing through whatever fear may try to hold me back.  I am behind because I have allowed fear of man, fear of failure, fear that all my messy places will show - because they will -  to keep me stationary and render me immobile.  But man's opinion is of no value to me.  Without the risk of failure, there can be no success.  And God can and wants to work even in my messy places. 

So for the New Year, 2011, my word is FEARLESS.  God has given me a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. And I chose to walk in it.

And even when fear is present, I will do it afraid and trust and watch God do what He said He would do.

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9 ESV

I pray that you will find the courage to step out and answer the call that you have heard, probably more than once.   And hear God whisper to your soul, "Do not be afraid.   For I am with you."

FEARLESS.  That's my word.  And that is how I will take one step at a time closer to my destiny this year, hand in hand with my Father.

What is your word for 2011?

Ruin is the Road to Transformation

In my subconscious quest to find meaning in most everything, unravel the mysteries of why/why not, or capture a lesson in living, I often hear a word or phrase that kidnaps my thoughts and holds them hostage for a time.

Tonight, my captor existed in 6 words:

"Ruin is the road to transformation."
(from the book and movie Eat, Pray, Love)

And I couldn't resist the urge to study out some of the words a bit further.

RUIN
*Definition - situation of devastation
*Synonyms - bankruptcy, breakdown, collapse, confusion, crumbling, failure, the end, undoing, decay
*Antonyms - growth, development, building

TRANSFORMATION
*Definition - complete change
*Synonyms - about-face, conversion, renewal, radical change, revolution, shift, flip-flop
*Antonyms - preservation, sameness, stagnation

*from dictionary.com

RUIN IS THE ROAD TO TRANSFORMATION....

Holding these 6 words together is the hope that somehow something beautiful, something good, will arise from the ashes of destruction in one's life.  That out of confusion, out of our undoing or yet another failure, we might become stronger, more courageous, more....

With 2010 ending and the New Year approaching, it is not unusual for me (and I would guess most of you) to evaluate the past twelve months and imagine what the future holds. I find myself asking what can I do to improve or make better myself and the circumstances that surround me.  What did or didn't work and what can I do differently?

And of course, always at the forefront of my wondering is how can I draw closer to God and step toward fulfilling my destiny.  Because without Him, my life has no meaning and I have no purpose, no hope.

With all of this swimming around in my mind, the above mentioned phrase seemed to pounce on me the instant I heard it.

What things in my life currently lay in ruin? 

Where is there confusion, crumbling, failure, decay...an undoing?  In what areas am I lacking growth?

Although 2010 has had it's challenges for me, there has been nothing tragic or catastrophic to alter my course.    My faith has been stretched and I have had to trust God in areas where I was still trusting myself or my husband.  I am still learning to let go of control.  He is prying one finger loose at a time.  Can you see my white knuckles? :)

There are places, though, where my growth has been stagnant or unchanging.  And there are always areas I need renewal.

Maybe your ruins are a bit more extreme.  Maybe you have walked through the fire this year. 

Maybe you are there now.

RUIN IS THE ROAD TO TRANSFORMATION.

Allow God to take you from that place of ruin and raise up something good.  Don't let it be the end of you, let it be the beginning of a transformation in your life, a drawing closer to your Savior, a way to minister to and help others, even in your pain.

Some struggles or trials that we go through are intended to harm us, meant for evil.  But God can turn them around and use them for good  (Genesis 50:20-21).  During these times, our character can be proven or exposed.  Layers of pride that keep us from experiencing God's best can be peeled away.  And a way, where there seems to be no way, can be paved for God to do the miraculous on our behalf, showing forth His glory in our lives.

I am expecting good things in 2011.  I am expecting victory in areas where I need victory and strength to overcome obstacles that have blocked or hindered forward progress.  I know that I can't make things happen apart from God nor would I want to, but I also know that I can and must play a part.  Like my last blog post, I must find my place near Him.  I pray that the areas of my spiritual life that have been stagnant or unchanging this past year would be awakened and renewed.  I pray that where there has been confusion, God will bring clarity and give me the courage to step forward into the plans He has for me.

And I pray for you...that whatever it is that lay ruin in your life will be the road to transformation in 2011.  Set aside some time to seek the heart of God and His will, His plans and His purposes for your life.  He knew you before you were even in your mother's womb  (Jeremiah 1:5). And His plans for you are not to harm you, but to give you a future and a hope!  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Join with me in looking ahead with great expectation for 2011!

A Place Near Him (reposted)

(Reposted from earlier this year...)


One of my favorite passages of scripture in the bible is found in Exodus 33. Moses tells God that if His presence does not go with him, then he does not want to go. He then asks the Lord to show him His glory.

v. 18 And he (Moses) said, "Please, show me Your glory."

v. 19a ....Then He (God) said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you....."

v. 21 And the Lord said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock."

God said there is a place near Him....

In verse 21, the word place in Hebrew is MAQOWN, which means: standing place, post, station, city, land, region, place of human abode, etc. MAQOWN originated from the Hebrew word QUWN, which means: to arise, become powerful, to be established, to be fixed, to be valid, to be proven, to be fulfilled, to persist, etc.
I believe there is a place for each of us where we are more near God than anywhere else. A specific place. And when we are in that place, He will establish us there, causing His plans and purposes to persist in and through us.

Also in verse 21, is the word stand. The Hebrew word is NATSAB, which means: to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish, be stationed, be appointed.

This word is a verb, which conveys an action or a state of being. In that place, we will stand (we must take action, DO something, and BE that which God has called us to be).

v. 22 "So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by."

In that place, the glory of the Lord is so great that we, in our current state, cannot handle it. So much so, that God will have to protect us, lest we be destroyed. He told Moses He would make all His goodness to pass before Him and that He would proclaim the name of the Lord before Him. In that place, God's goodness is revealed! And His name is proclaimed so that all who see it will know that it is Him!

I believe that place has been created by God and is reserved for each of us. In it, is our destiny, our purpose. There, His grace is abundant to do that which He has ordained us to do. There, His goodness is undeniable. There, His glory is all consuming. It is there, in His presence, in that place that we are so near Him, that we are changed, made whole, healed, and set free! It is there, that we are able to give out what He has placed within us.

If His presence does not go with me, I do not want to go.

I pray that the glory of the Lord will be revealed in my life, that I might be near Him and know that which I was created for, that He might establish me in His plans and purposes (not my own) and so that others can see His grace and His goodness through me. That I might find that place....

I pray, today, that you might find that place and that His glory is revealed through you!

I Am Thankful

Soft white lights, dancing to an unknown rhythm, casting shadows across the walls of my living room.  My Christmas tree stands proud, up a week early, spreading excitement and the want to give.  Decorated not with the shiny new ornaments bought just last year, but instead with glittery paper candy canes, broken pine cones, Christmas tree cutouts, construction paper crafts, half painted wooden stars, all with the names of my children scribbled on the back. 

You see, while searching for my shiny new ornaments (to make my tree picture perfect), my five year old found a bag of these keepsakes, exclaiming "I made that!" and "Look what I did!" and "Mom!  Remember that?" 

I found myself discouraging him from hanging them on the tree.  "Wait, let's find the new ones."  You know, so our tree could look like the one on the cover of the magazine that came in the mail this week.  "Wait, those are broken."  "Wait, those are too close together, hang them like this....."

And then I stopped.

I started handing him the ornaments from the bag that had been stored away in the bottom of our Christmas box.  And I watched as our tree became filled once again with memories of years gone by.  Picture perfect?  Probably not.  But perfect.  A beautiful, perfect mess.  And now, a day later, as I sit staring at our tree, my heart is full.

I am thankful for memories that never fade, and simple reminders like broken pine cones hanging from pieces of yarn.

I am thankful for empty stockings hung, my children's names embroidered across the top, soon to be filled with favorite candy, fuzzy socks and little surprises.

I am thankful for Thanksgiving tomorrow.  Family gathered.  A feast prepared.  A time to remember why we are thankful, and give thanks....to the One from Whom all good gifts come.

I am thankful for laundry to fold and dishes to wash.  For toys out of place and socks on the floor.  For a house that's too small, because it's full.

I am thankful for a God Who loves me unconditionally.  Even when I mess up.  Because I do.

For a Savior Who died on the cross for me.  And forgives.

I am thankful for friends who have come and gone at just the right times.  And for those who've stayed.

I am thankful for my family.  All of them.  They are mine.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you who read my blog.  To those I know, and those I don't.  I am thankful for you. 

hugs,

Shelly

Truth or Tradition?

I read the following paragraph in the book I can't seem to get away from "The Soul of C.S. Lewis"....not in his words, but the authors of the book (Martindale, Root, and Washington):

"We are often too quick to dismiss those whose ideas are different from our own.  Perhaps we lack the life skills necessary to listen patiently to the ideas of others.  Perhaps we have not yet learned to treat all who are made in the image of God with the dignity that is due them....An inability to hear and engage well with dissenting voices will guarantee that we stay stuck in our prejudices.....It is in honest debate, rather than name calling, that we measure the strength of our beliefs." (pg. 10).

This one lone paragraph could preach many different messages.  But tonight, one.

Are we living, serving, worshiping, following, preaching....TRUTH or TRADITION?

Do we know why we believe what we believe?

How many of the things we do are done because of what we have been taught by man or passed down by our grandparents? 

Do we do what we do just because that's the way we've always done it?

A couple of definitions of tradition from dictionary.com:

• the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice
• a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting

Have we inherited the way we have church?  Five or so worship songs, offering, sit down and listen to a sermon for 30 minutes, altar call, dismissal.

Why does the "modern church" have "church" the way it does?  

Remember, this is a blog....I'm thinking out loud.  

This post is in no way to encourage you to seek out other religions or listen to anything that is contrary to the Word of God.  I believe the Bible to be the infallible Word of God, true in it's entirety. 

I'm challenging you (and myself) to ask why do I do the things I do and the way I do them?  If another Christian says something that challenges me or the way I think, do I immediately close them off, or can I listen to what they have to say?  

Is my perception of God based on what I have learned of Him through seeking His face, searching His Word, spending time in prayer and worship, lingering in His presence?  Or is it based on what others have told me or shown me?

If another Christian receives revelation that we have not, how do we know if it's true?  Do we take their word for it or do we seek God for our own?  Does it line up with the Word?  Can it be backed by scripture?

Is it right or wrong because someone told me it was, or because it's truth I found in the Word?

A.W. Tozer said it like this: "Among the gifts of the Spirit scarcely one is of greater practical usefulness than the gift of discernment. This gift should be highly valued and frankly sought as being almost indispensable in these critical times. This gift will enable us to distinguish the chaff from the wheat and to divide the manifestations of the flesh from the operations of the Spirit."

The Bible asks:

 Luke 12:57 (NIV) "Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?"

and warns us....
Hosea 4:6 (NIV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge

and instructs us...

Proverbs 4:1 HEAR, MY sons, the instruction of a father, and pay attention in order to gain and to know intelligent discernment, comprehension, and interpretation [of spiritual matters].

We should pray....Psalm 119:66   Teach me good judgment, wise and right discernment, and knowledge, for I have believed (trusted, relied on, and clung to) Your commandments

We have to be wise to know when something false presents itself to us, as the Word tells us there are false teachers and false prophets among us (2 Peter 2:1).  But we should also be sensitive not to resist change or transition or "a different way of doing things" if God is leading.

God is such a big God that there is no way we could ever know everything about Him.  And we are never right 100% of the time.  (Again....I'm not talking about our core beliefs or doctrine, the central message of the Bible...the gospel of Jesus Christ which never changes).

God is bigger and better than our biggest and best thoughts about Him!

Again from "The Soul of C.S. Lewis":  After hearing a sermon or reading a book or after deep conversations with friends, we may understand something about God we did not understand before.  Pieces of the puzzle come together and our vision of God may expand significantly."

"Images we have of God, if held onto too tightly compete against our having a growing, expanding understanding of God.....Welcome those experiences in life that would help you see things as they are rather than how you would have them be......If our estimation of Him does not grow, it will not be long before we will be worshiping a God of our own making and severing fellowship with all who fail to see things our way. Furthermore, we will paint "Thus Saith the Lord" across all our own opinions as we drift toward idolatry."

We should be ever increasing in our knowledge of Him and His ways, not holding on to one scripture and building a religious wall around it alone.  Don't be afraid to experience God in a new way.  Don't be afraid if He reveals Himself in a way that is different from yesterday.  Maybe yesterday you knew Him as Jehovah Rohi, the Lord your Shepherd,  but today He wants to reveal Himself to you as Jehovah Ropheka, The Lord your Healer....challenging your traditions that He no longer heals.

Don't be alarmed if you begin to have dreams and visions when you thought God no longer spoke that way. 

If you suddenly begin to speak in other tongues or have a word of knowledge or prophecy for someone, don't dismiss it because a denomination told you it was wrong.  What does God's Word say?

If you feel God leading you to worship in a new way, ask for the courage to step out in obedience.

Seek Him and you will find Him  (Prov. 8:17).

Call to Him and He will show you great and unsearchable things (Jer. 33:3).

There is so much to know about God.  We will never, ever, know it all until we are perfect and in His presence for eternity.  But we can seek Him while we are here, and know that He will be found.  We can draw near to Him and know that He will draw near to us.

Can't. Stop. Here.

The humming of the fan, distant voices coming from the T.V. in the next room, a continual pecking of the keyboard, the sound of a 5 year old rummanging through an overcrowded toybox....life keeps moving.  Time does not stand still.  Not even for a moment.


Hidden in the cracks and crevices of our soul, lie glimpses of days gone by.  Reaching back into time, pulling memories from mental files and folders tucked away in the depths of our being.  Played back, again and again like a worn out VHS tape. 


Trying to move forward while remembering....and wondering.....and regretting...and dwelling. 

CAN'T.

STOP.

HERE.


Missed opportunities?  Probably.


Mistakes?  Plenty.


Grace?  Oh... sweet grace.


Mercy?  New every morning.


Hope?  It's in Him.


Love?  Unconditional.


Forgiveness?  More than we will ever deserve.


In our search for meaning, purpose and what's next, often we turn around and trudge back through the what ifs, the could've beens and the why's.  It is easy to get stuck there.  But we must not.

Let us put our hand to the plow and not look back (Luke 9:62).

Let us move forward. 

Let us run the race that is set before us.

I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.  Acts 20:24

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Sometimes I'm a MESS

I began to think a little more about my last post, "Crowned World's Greatest Mother."  The post itself is not as the title might seem to suggest.  And this post is proof of, in fact, the contrary.

As I meditated on the diverse moods, actions, temper tantrums, sweet moments (and everything in between) of my five year old, I wondered how often I must appear as such to God.

Temper tantrums.

Mood swings.

Emotional outbursts.

Moodiness.

Crankiness.

Selfishness.

And I'm not talking about Logan anymore.

When last months bills still need to be paid and this months bills are knocking on my door, it is easy to lose focus and forget that TODAY my needs are met. 

TODAY, I am cancer free.

TODAY, my husband and I both have a new job.

TODAY, my children are all healthy.

TODAY, I have a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, a car to drive and the freedom to worship my God, privately and publicly.

My God shall supply all of my needs according to His riches in glory! Phil. 4:19

When my teenager is defiant, rude and uncooperative, pushing me to my absolute and outermost limits, it is easy to lose my temper and react in a way that completely destroys any credibility I had recently earned or gained with them.  How do they know just the right buttons to push?  Seriously, sometimes I just want to scream (and sometimes I do).  Tonight, though, I wanted to throw something. 

I'm thankful that I do still have a little bit of self control.

What do you do when your teenager grows horns and starts snorting and pawing at the ground with their right hoof, uh...I mean... foot?

Isn't life supposed to be perfect and easy when you're a Christian?

HA.

Aren't we supposed to have it altogether, never messing up, and always living up to the title of my last post "World's Greatest Mother?"

Ummmm.....well......

Truthfully, sometimes I'm a MESS.

And honestly, I NEVER have it ALL together. 

In those moments when I feel like everything is closing in and it's hard to breathe.....when nothing seems to go right.....when the fear of failure laughs at me and tells me "I told you so!".....when I make a complete mess of things...it's in those times I have to choose to rise up and start over.  When I fall down, I get back up.  I wipe away thoughts unworthy to entertain.  I remind myself of Who God is and who He says I am.

The impossible, possible.

That which isn't, is.

When my steps become heavy, I put one foot in front of the other. 

One at a time.

And that's ok.

Because even when I mess up and my imperfection becomes more than obvious, God still loves me.

Just like I love my children through all of their junk.

He still loves me.

And it's because of Him, His mercy, His grace, that I strive to become more like Jesus.  It's because of Him I can get up when I fall down.  It's because of Him that I want to.

It's because of Him that I don't have to stay stuck in that place.

For great is Thy mercy toward me...Ps 86:13.

Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, I pray that you be encouraged today.  Know that God loves you and He wants you to succeed.  If you fall down, get back up. 

Keep.

Moving.

Forward.

Even if (for the moment) it's only one step at a time.

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  Acts 20:24

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

Crowned Greatest Mother! :)

Sorry ladies.  I'm the greatest mom. 

Logan said so, and he's one smart 5 year old.  ;)

What on earth did I do to deserve this noble award, you might ask?

I simply made pancakes for breakfast and provided some warm comfy jogging pants for him to wear on this cold, rainy morning.   

Not every morning can be this storybook perfect, though.

Some mornings, it seems that no matter what I do, I cannot please him.  Getting up at 5:30 a.m. is not always easy for a 5 year old (or a thirty-something year old!!).  On mornings like these I quickly find that I am in desperate need of an extra shot of grace with my coffee and a side of patience with my breakfast.

Why is it that even though I make breakfast every morning and have never sent him to school naked, my similar efforts are met with such different attitudes on any given morning?

This morning I was praised to the highest degree...crowned world's greatest mother and clothed in gratitude and appreciation! 

Other times, not so much.

Sometimes my efforts, provision and love go unnoticed.  There is no appreciation, no thanksgiving and definitely no crown to be found.  Instead, I am met with all the reasons why he doesn't want to go to school, whining and complaining about how early it is and sometimes I even get a little feet stomping with arms crossed and lips pouting! ;)

I guess he sometimes forgets that I am the greatest mother.

How often do we - like our children with us - take for granted that God is going to provide for us and meet our every need?  Or forgive us?  Or heal us? 

Do we just expect that His mercy is new every morning and think it's no big deal?

Has He become "common" and familiar to us?

Have we replaced praise, thanksgiving and gratitude with grumbling, complaining and whining?

Let us get up tomorrow with praise on our lips and thanksgiving in our heart for the One who is truly the greatest!  Let us recognize His goodness and mercy in our life and remember that it really is a big deal. :)

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.  Be thankful to Him, and bless His name, For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100:4-5 

**To read more posts on Gratitude and Thanksgiving, be sure to visit Rachel's Olsen's Devotional Carnival!**

Today I Celebrate

Tonight the house is quiet except for the last load of laundry tumbling in the dryer.  My thoughts wander and then stop at a window of time from six years ago.

Six years ago this month I was in my last trimester of my pregnancy with my youngest, Logan, who was to be born December 13.  It was also this month six years ago that I had surgery to remove melanoma from my right shoulder.  And on this very day, six years ago I was at my sister's wedding. (Happy Anniversary, sis.)

I remember sitting on a porch swing at the resort where the wedding was to be held.  I could feel God holding me.  Praise music and earphones to my ears and also on my belly, my unborn baby and I praised Him together that all would be well. 

My unborn baby... who was a complete surprise and not in our plans.  

But God's plans are so much greater than ours.

I remember the doctor saying that because of the pregnancy hormones in my body, the spot on my shoulder changed more rapidly and the cancer grew more aggressively,making it easier to recognize that something was wrong, prompting the removal and biopsy.  In a sense, me being pregnant saved me.  I'm so glad His plans are greater than mine.

And I knew God had a special plan for Logan.

For many months of my pregnancy, Logan - while still in my womb - praised God with me.  Morning after morning we would pray, praise and listen together.  I remember after he was born how the same praise music would soothe him, because he remembered and was comforted in God's presence.

He still worships today and will declare to anyone who is interested that he is a worshipper.  I watch him dance and wave flags on Sunday mornings, declaring that Jesus is Lord.  I listen as he prays and talks to God as a close friend.  He is five.

This week we were at my moms and he walked on the porch with his left arm hanging limp and peering down as if looking at something.  My mom asked what he was doing and he said "God is holding my hand." 

I believe He was.

Just as He held me on the porch swing six years ago, and many times since then.  He now holds my child.

Oh God, Let me not forgot.  Let me not get too busy.

How many times during the day is God wanting to hold our hand but we are in too big of a hurry to notice?

Oh, that we could be as children.  That we could walk and know that God is holding our hand...That He is with us.

It is His presence that sustains me.

On this day, though my life is far from perfect, I have so much to be thankful for.  I pray that my heart remains sensitive and that I remain pliable in His hands.  That I might be molded for His plans and purposes that are so much greater than mine.

Today I celebrate.

I celebrate life and second chances.

I celebrate my children and God's plans and purposes.

I celebrate my family and friends.

And I celebrate my God, my Savior, my Healer, my Redeemer, my Deliverer.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Worthy to be praised.

A Holy God who loves me...and you.

Won't you celebrate Him with me today?

Announcements :)

I am on a quest to becoming FRUGAL!  My desire is that I become a better steward over what God places in my hands....I want to be a wise woman in every area of my life.  I have a long way to go.    Follow me on my latest journey at Let's Get Frugal! :)

I also published my first article at Blissfully Domestic this week. Find me there if you'd like.   And comments would be greatly appreciated, as I am the newbie beauty columnist! LOL...  Show me some love! :)

Today on my Facebook status, I offered up some advice along with my friend, Dr. Seuss......

In the words of Dr Seuss..."On you will go, though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl...Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak." Whatever you are going through today...keep going! And remember, God is on your side!

Happy Thursday, y'all! ;)

xoxo

Shelly

Out of These Ashes

A jumbled mess.

A pile of rubbish.

A collection of worthless things.

An array of oddments confronted with ruin.

Set to flame.

Intense heat rising.

Burning.

Take all that is in me that is not of You, O my God.

Burn away that which separates and hinders.

In the midst of fire, still, this is my prayer.

Reveal Your beauty.

Make Your glory known.

"To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord,
that He may be glorified"
Isaiah 61:3

Joy is the Serious Business of Heaven (C.S. Lewis)

(This entire post is taken from The Soul of C.S. Lewis by Martindale, Root, and Washington, pg. 134)

(Read my book review on this book).

Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.  Spread Your protection over them that all who love Your Name may be filled with joy.

Psalm 5:11

Do we take joy seriously?  How many of us stood in vacation Bible school in younger years, clapping and singing, "The joy of the Lord is my strength," feeling anything but joyful and just wanting to get to the good part - the snack?  Many of us were not taught to take joy seriously as children, and we take it no more seriously as adults.

One problem is that we don't have a good idea what joy really means.  We think joy is something we're supposed to have when we aren't happy but are expected to have a good attitude anyhow.  For most of us, joy seems more like a martyr complex than like the wild celebrations described in the Bible.  People danced uncontrollably with joy, wept with joy, made music, and had feasts.  Joy is not meant to be a grin-and-bear-it situation. It is exuberant and free and more than happy - not less than.  And joy, says Lewis, is the serious business of heaven.

What a crazy thought!  Isn't the serious business of heaven...serious?  Like chanting in Latin or serenely playing a harp - everyone calm, no one really happy.  If that's what we think, how much we have missed!  We often imagine heaven to be like an exercise in spiritual discipline, but we forget that one of the most neglected spiritual disciplines is celebration, which is directly linked to joy.  If the serious business of heaven is joy, then imagine the levity and the laughter we have to look forward to: heads thrown back and dancing with an exhilarating kind of joy.  Perhaps we can take a cue from David (and others in the Bible), as well as from Lewis, to begin practicing now for this most serious business of heaven. Why not be daring and begin today?  With laughter, celebration, thanksgiving, and praise, we can join the host of heaven in the delightful practice of joy.

A Season of New Authority - Power in Submission to the King

(The following post was taken from a card sent out by Chuck Pierce)

We are entering into a season of unbridled power.  Only by understanding, walking in, and aligning properly with the King can that power be channeled to overcome and transform a society.  The real question becomes: "Will I run with the wild herd or allow the discipline of the King to bring me into a new level of strategic power? "

Psalm 32:6-9 summarizes the year ahead, "For this (forgiveness) let everyone who is godly pray - pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely when the great waters (of trial) overflow, they shall not reach (the spirit in) him.  You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord,  preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance. Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)! I (the Lord) will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like the horse or the mule, which lack understanding, which must have their mouths held firm with bit and bridle, or else they will not come with you." (AMP)

The Ark of the Covenant is advancing and the Glory of God is increasing. However, we must operate in skilled wisdom and authority.  Who will master you as you worship?  Think of David as he brought the Ark into Jerusalem.  He had to realign and bring in God's glory in a new way.  In this season, a new foundation for apostolic/prophetic worship is developing.

Here are some key points for the year ahead: Let us GO UP! We begin a new spiritual ascent to the high places.  The Spirit of God will allow the glory to be administered by those who have been allowing their circumstances to discipline and prepare them for increase.  Multiplication will occur when ONE CAN BECOME ONE THOUSAND.  Many will be making a change in physical positions, out of necessity.  This can work for your advantage.  You will become very sharp as you worship and allow joy to transform you.  Many matters that have weighed heavily on you will now become full, and you will understand the "whys" of a matter.  The Body of Christ will resound with a hearty "AMEN" throughout the year as many blessings draw into reality.

~Chuck Pierce