Life-Ministry

Ministry... It has known various forms in my lifetime thus far. Youth ministry, women’s ministry, children’s ministry, writing ministry, Bible study leader, etc.

But aside from all the descriptive titles and positions held, isn’t LIFE just…ministry?

Life-ministry?

It’s all encompassing.

And it speaks truth more than words written or words spoken or name plaques sitting on desks.

Actions really do speak louder than words (Some clichés are worthy of repeating.)

This life-ministry of mine, of yours, has a message.

What is my life-message?

Is it the words I write, the words I speak, the words I live? Are they the same?

When I share Proverbs 15:1 with my children do my actions confirm my message?

Am I a friend who loves at all times?

When I encourage others to keep going when the job feels too big, do I take those words for myself?

When I write of putting our hope in God instead of other things, do I?

Do I live as though in all things God really does work for my good?

True belief birthed on the inside is lived on the outside.

At church.

At home.

In Wal-Mart.

This morning, Dennis Rainey shared great wisdom on the radio. "We cannot lie and then demand truth from our children (or anyone else). We cannot cheat and then discipline the cheater."

Ministry is not separate from life. It is life.

Christianity is not lived in the church. It is lived.

What is YOUR life message?

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Photo credit: Flickr creative commons - lhar

Just Give Up

"The thing that is really hard and really amazing is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

Anna Quindlen

When I found this quote I was in the middle of a raging, internal battle. After years of people-pleasing and doing what I thought I was supposed to do, I suddenly found myself tired, confused, unfulfilled, without direction, and distant from God. Upon the realization that I had lived a large part of my life trying to be who I thought people wanted me to be and trying to be perfect, I was forced to see me behind the masks.

But guess what?....(to finish reading this post, please join me at Teri's Place, Keeping it Personal, where I am her guest today.)

**Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commmons - Balaji B

Crowned World's Greatest Mother

(For the next couple of weeks I will be re-posting some of my previous posts to give me time to finish a writing project I am currently working on. This post is from November 3, 2010.)

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

Stand At Attention

(For the next couple of weeks I will be re-posting some of my previous posts to give me time to finish a writing project I am currently working on. This post is from March 22, 2011)

This weekend during our Sunday morning service the presence of the Lord could be felt from the very beginning. All through worship the holiness of God was proclaimed by those with hands lifted high, voices singing, sacrifices of praise offered to the King of Kings....the Holy Spirit moved down the aisles of the sanctuary tugging at heavy hearts and giving invitations to come.

Healing and restoration....free gifts to all who would have the courage to receive.

The order of service was changed more than once. I am grateful for a Pastor who hears and is not afraid to obey. And I am thankful to those who so bravely shared some of the most intimate details of their lives and allowed God to use their testimonies to bring encouragement, deliverance and renewal to so many.

The Bible tells us that one way the enemy is overcome is "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of (our) testimony..." (Revelation 12:11).

While meditating on the events of our Sunday morning service, I felt like I heard the phrase "Stand At Attention." I knew this was a military term, but was prompted to look up its exact meaning. (All you military experts out there, give me some grace :)

• Standing upright with an assertive and correct posture: famously "chin up, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in".
• Arms fixed at the side, thumb or middle finger parallel to trouser or skirt seam, depending on military drill specifics.
• "Eyes front": head and eyes locked in a fixed forward posture. Ideally eyes unmoving fixated on a distant object. Blank facial expression.
• Keeping the heels together, toes apart
• No speech, facial or bodily movements except when as required by military drill
  (source)

When you look closely, the spiritual significance is obvious. 

We are the army of the Lord. 

God is calling us to STAND AT ATTENTION.

• We are to stand upright (raised or directed vertically or upward; righteous, honest and just), with an assertive (confidently aggressive or self assured) and correct posture. 1 Corinthians 16:13 ~ "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
• With our arms fixed at our side (removing all distractions of busyness)
• With our eyes locked forward (keeping our eyes on Him) and a blank facial expression (not literally , of course, but being unmoved and unaffected by our circumstances)
• Heels together, toes apart (He always has a certain order and way of doing things...although we may not understand or things may not always make sense, obedience is essential)
• Speaking and moving only as commanded (God, let us learn to move only when you say move and speak when you say speak...)

Another phrase I heard was "A Call to Arms." This is a command to war, to arm with weapons, a calling or grouping together to fight.

As we inch closer to the return of Christ, there is an enemy preparing to advance with intentions to kill and destroy.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of his world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).

The general orders are the same.

God is asking that we be ready. Stand at attention and be ready.

And in our waiting, righteousness calls and holiness commands obedience.

But our specific instructions will vary according to the gifts God has placed on the inside of us.

We wait for the signal to advance...just as those who came forward and shared their testimonies Sunday morning and just as those who were ready to pray for all who responded to the invitation.

The enemy is already being overcome.

Old systems of religion are being broken down.

His Kingdom is being established on the Earth.

Often, the battle may prove fierce, the enemy unrelenting, but our victory is certain if we answer the call.

We must resist the temptation to lay down our (spiritual) weapons.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not physical (weapons of flesh and blood), but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of stronghold.." 2 Corinthians 10:4 Amp).

Let our only thought of surrender be to the Captain of the Host, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the One Who has assured us we are not standing alone or fighting in our own strength.

Stand at attention. Be ready.

Hear the command.

Receive your instructions .

He is calling each of us to do our part.

"For You have girded me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me and caused to bow down those who rose up against me" (Psalm 18:39).

Photo Credit: Flickr creative commons: US Army Africa

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Linking today with Jen for Soli Deo Gloria and Michele for Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday.

The Tragedy of the Unopened Gift

It's so easy to get complacent and comfortable and self-absorbed and stuck in our routines until we eventually just...exist. No plans, no vision, no purpose, no desire to make a difference.

God has given each of us specific gifts and talents and abilities. He has entrusted us with a sphere of influence, a people waiting to know God through our emptying. Through our pouring out what has been deposited, not only are we re-filled and refreshed and strengthened, but other hearts are mended and souls are restored because.

Those assigned to our sphere of influence are waiting for us to do something.

But the choice remains ours.

The Tragedy of the Unopened Gift

To sinful patterns of behavior that never get confronted and changed,
Abilities and gifts that never get cultivated and deployed,
Until weeks become months
And months turn into years
And one day you're looking back to a life of
Deep, intimate, gut-wrenchingly honest conversations you never had;
Great bold prayers you never prayed,
Exhilarating risks you never took,
Sacrificial gifts you never offered,
Lives you never touched,
And you're sitting in a recliner with a shriveled soul,
And forgotten dreams, and you realize there was a world of desperate need,
And a great God calling you to be part of something bigger than yourself-
You see the person you could have become but did not;
You never followed your calling.
You never got out of the boat.
-Gregg Levoy

A few years ago I was teaching a bible study in my home and I ran across this poem. I used it in our introductory session as a reminder that each of us have a purpose and can make a difference, but we also have the choice not to. We have to encourage ourselves (as David did) and live each day with purpose, take risks, love, remember our dreams, and open the gifts that God has placed on the inside of you (and me!)!!! Don't wait until the end of your life and see the person you COULD have become, be that person now.

Write that book.

Start that business or non-profit.

Paint those beautiful images God has given you.

Speak your testimony.

Sing. Act. Dance. Create.

Serve. Help. Exhort. Pray.

Do.

Something.

The gift has been given.

It's time to share it.

(Photo Source: Flickr Creative Commons: asenat29)
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Linking with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood. You should join the party :)

Also joining graceful Michelle :)

Will You Consider Your Influence?

I was thinking today of the great ability we have to influence others. This tool that has been placed in our hands has super-power characteristics and super-natural capabilities. Within our own sphere of influence lies a variety of people: adults, children, teenagers, married couples, young singles, babies, recovering alcoholics, those on the verge of breakdown, those contemplating suicide, the abused, the abusers, those about to make a life-changing decision, those whose life will end tomorrow, etc.

What kind of influence are you having?

We come in contact with other people daily. Our words, our actions, our expressions, and even our attitude can have a profound effect on someone.

Is someone better, healthier, stronger because of their encounter with you?

Everywhere we go, someone’s life is hanging in the balance. A war is being waged against someone’s soul. A battle for eternity is at hand.

Do your words and your actions point them to Jesus or do they confirm the world’s values?

It’s easy to say what we believe, but when faced with certain situations, do we live those same beliefs?

If you were unable to speak, would your actions give the same message?

Do the photos and statuses you share on Facebook confirm your message?

What is your message?

In light of some tragic and life-changing events that have happened over the last couple of years in our community, I find myself asking more often what my influence is. Am I making a difference? Does my life speak of good without words? Do my words bring life or encourage death?

People young and old are watching. Men and women hurting and broken are searching. Teenagers misguided and alone are looking for examples. Children’s lives are being molded by their environment and the things they see and hear.

Will you consider your influence?

It’s affecting the world.

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Photo Credit: Anthony Kelly - flickr creative commons

What Are You Looking For?

(flickr creative commons - katieb50)

We’ve all heard the saying, “If it had been a snake, it would’ve bit you!”

The “it” referred to in this common cliché is the subject of our search, the thing or answer we are looking for but can’t seem to find, the understanding we desire but can’t seem to grasp.

And then when we do find “it,” we realize “it” had been practically right in front of our face.

Have you ever looked for something frantically only to be startled at its proximity to your original starting point?

Like the time I appeared as a mad woman searching my house for my cell phone while talking on it?

Or this morning, when I sat down quickly to apply my makeup and discovered my blush was missing…except it was sitting on my lap…right where I put it when I first sat down?

Sometimes what we are looking for is in plain sight but we don’t “see” it.

Maybe we are in a hurry and not paying attention.

Maybe we are not fully in the moment for whatever reason.

Or maybe we know it’s there but don’t acknowledge it as the answer to our question or the one thing that could satisfy our deepest longing.

And often the answer to our question or the solution to our problem lies waiting in our asking.

How can we receive an answer to a question we refuse to ask? How can we find something if we cannot see? Or how can we expect the right answer if we are asking the wrong person?

The Bible says in Hebrews 4: 16 (AMP), “Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].

What is it you long for today?

Do you have questions or anxieties or problems that need to  be answered?


Do you long to be loved unconditionally?

 

Do you have sins that need to be forgiven?

Still waiting for peace and comfort amidst your trying circumstances?

Maybe you’re looking in the wrong places.

Maybe what you’re searching for has been with you all along.

“… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, “ Hebrews 13:5b.

“Keep on asking and it will be given you; [b] keep on seeking and you will find; [c]keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you,” Matthew 7:7.

How can I pray with you today, friends?

Five Creative Ways to Share the Love of God in February

When you think of Valentine's Day you probably have visions of cupid aiming his arrow, romantic dinners, bouquets of roses and candy hearts that say "I love you." But apart from all the hoopla and at the very center of it's message, February 14th is about showing someone you love them.

And since God IS LOVE, why not use the month of February to take extra time letting others know how much HE loves them?

Although there are countless numbers of ways to do this, I have listed five to help get the ideas flowing:

1. Make scripture "love notes" to pass out. Leave them for your waiter along with your tip, hand them to the cashier as you go through your favorite fast food place, leave on a co-worker's desk, pass to a stranger, etc.
2. Pay it forward. Do something nice for a stranger without expecting anything in return, only that they "pay it forward" and do something nice for someone else. Leave an encouraging note or scripture with your act of kindness.
3. Invite someone to lunch for the purpose of exhorting and encouraging them (think of someone who has had a bad week).
4. Send out a mass email offering to pray for any needs or requests for those who respond.
5. Play "Secret Santa" and give God the credit. Bless someone with a gift and leave an anonymous note that says, "Jesus loves you or God's thoughts of you today are too many to count."

Notice how each of these is used as a tool to remind people of the love of God (or maybe let them know for the first time). The purpose is not to bring glory or recognition to ourselves, but to Him alone.

Do you have any creative outreach ideas you'd like to share?

"I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another," (John 13:34).

Joining today with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood :)

Top Five Consequences of Over-planning

Courtney Dirks (flickr creative commons)

My last post, "Top Five Consequences of Poor Planning," has inevitably led me to this one.

On the flip side to poor planning lies over-planning.

Some of you know this side quite well, as noted in the comments on my previous post (not naming any names but hers starts with J).

And yes, even I, the sometimes poor planner, can work myself right into over-planning. Actually, I'm quite good at it. So good at, in fact, the title of my book I am currently working on is Over-planned & Unfulfilled. It has guided much of my life, right up there with busy-ness (again, not naming any names but someone else knows about this one, too).

I know this is a little odd, that I am affected by not just one but both of these. Call it split personality or what you may, God certainly has His hands full with the likes of me.

The Bible clearly recognizes this problem of over-planning so I'm certain I'm not alone.

• Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps."

• And Proverbs 19:21 again exposes the issue, "There are many plans in a man’s heart," but reminds us that God is in control, "Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand."

God's call to surrender often requires that we let go of pre-made plans and ideas or solutions and remedies of our own making. If we hold on too tightly to those plans, trusting in our own ability and wisdom rather than relying fully on Him, we are certain to face some consequences.

• We have more stress and anxiety. When we rely on our own efforts to handle a problem or issue, we create undue stress and anxiety. Trust that no matter how big the problem is, God is in control, "...we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." 2 Chronicles 20:12.
• Our lives cannot declare His good works. How can we declare His works when we are trying to do all the work in our own strength? Psalms 73:28 says, "...it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works."
• Our strength, hope, and faith become small. We can wear ourselves out physically, mentally, and emotionally trying to do it all, have it all, and fix it all. Sometimes we need to let go and trust. "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," Isaiah 40:31.
• We miss important instructions. God has given us wisdom and trusts us to make good decisions, but what if He wants to move in a different direction? What if He suddenly changes things up, opens a door, or interrupts your schedule? Can you lay down your plans for His? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.
• Our problems and circumstances appear bigger than God. Without complete surrender, we are sending the message that our problems are too big for God. When we choose to surrender and recognize His authority and strength He is able to move.

JosephPete (flickr creative commons)

There are a hundred other points I could list. Our inability to let go of our plans and embrace His truly affect every area of our lives (and not in a good way). We must remain flexible, willing to move, and surrendered.

Even when we don't want to.

Even when we don't understand.

Even when our idea is brilliant.

Even when His doesn't make sense.

Even when it hurts.

Even when _________________.

I am praying today you (and I) have the courage to kneel and the power to surrender. His plans are so much greater than ours, friends. love, Shelly

"Lead me in Your truth and teach me,


For You are the God of my salvation;


On You I wait all the day,"

Psalms 25:5.

Top Five Consequences of Poor Planning

Photo Credit - flickr

Poor planning can lead to all sorts of problems. And if you're anything like me, you have your own Top Five list from personal experience. These are mine:

• Missed Opportunities. Many times I have come across great opportunities with every intention of participating. But if I don't write them down or put them on my calendar, guess what? I miss out. Dates are forgotten and deadlines are missed. Who knows what could have happened?

• Miscommunication. I have found when everyone in our household knows exactly what is going on, what is planned for the week, and what is expected of them, things tend to run much smoother. Just because I think something doesn't mean everyone can read my mind and know my thoughts. If I make my plans known and each person is aware of the details (in other words, if I communicate), miscommunication can be avoided or lessened.

• Stress/Frustration/Anxiety. This could probably be a subpoint under any of the other four, but it is a biggee so I decided to give it it's own bullet. Having a plan eliminates a lot of mishaps and the stress, frustration, and anxiety that come with them. Simple.

• Unfinished projects. Part of good planning involves scheduling time to finish projects. I have started many days with the intention of completing an assignment but not having a plan or designated time to do such. When this happens, I find myself at the end of the day with a lot of wasted time and a project still needing attention.

• Financial Hardship. There is an notable difference in how far my money stretches on the weeks I plan meals and expenses verses the weeks I don't. Poor planning can leave one at the end of a pay period with no money for gas, not enough groceries, and an overdrawn bank account.

As I said, these are my top five from personal experience. There are many more I could add to the list and expand on including regrets, overbooking, disappointments, discouragement, etc.

The Bible says in Proverbs 21:5, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." The word diligent is defined as constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything. A commentary describes "everyone who is hasty" as someone who manages his affairs rashly (acting or tending to act too hastily or without due consideration).

My Top Five list sounds less like plenty and more like poverty.

It seems it would be wise for us to take note of the instructions found in our life manual. We should be constantly attentive and persistent in our planning, not doing anything hastily or without due consideration.

(I am preaching to myself here, in case you were wondering.) 

Have you suffered any consequences from poor planning (or no planning at all)?

A flip side to this post is: Top Five Consequences of Over-planning.

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Today's post is linked with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood.

Still Persevering, Still Learning, Still Overcoming

Things have been a little quiet on my blog this week.

My apologies.

I have stepped back to get some things in order at home and in ME.

It's good to do that sometimes.

• Remind yourself where you're going and why you booked the trip.
• Make sure your laundry is washed, folded, and put away before you go.
• Reorganize your suitcase to make sure you have all you need.

I'm not talking about an actual trip, of course (unless someone wants to send me on a paid vacation).  I'm talking about this life journey once again.

Have I stayed the course?

Have I been sidetracked by detours, bad weather, or road hazards?

Does my car need to be serviced?

Does my GPS display the correct destination?

One of the things I am doing is reading more (still writing, but just not posting everything yet). I am doing two book/Bible studies, decluttering and organizing my home, working on a companion study guide for my Pastor, continuing to learn the craft of writing, and still working on two projects of my own (my book for traditional publishing and a short ebook).

One of the studies I have joined is an online study for A Confident Heart by Renee Swope (I actually met Renee at a conference last year where I picked up a copy of her book). I've read part of it before but I could read it over and over again. It speaks to the very center of me. It challenges me, reminds me, and encourages me. We are just on Chapter One this week, so if you'd like to join, there is still time.

Today, she asked us to reread Chapter One: Discovering the Shadow of My Doubts. In it, she compares self-doubt and uncertainty to an actual shadow on the wall.

• "...I turned around to put my makeup bag in my suitcase, which was on the floor. That's when I noticed a huge nine-foot shadow on the wall. I was surprised by how much bigger my shadow was than my five-foot-two-inch frame."
• "It was distorting my image on the wall by making my body look bigger than it really was. All of a sudden, it dawned on me. My uncertainty had created a huge shadow of doubt. Just like my shadow on the wall was distorting my shape, my doubt was distorting my thoughts and overpowering my emotions with confusion and questions."

This makes perfect sense to me. I can look back and see times in my life (and even now) where the shadow created by my own self-doubt distorted my thoughts while confusing and discouraging me.

I remember last year when I signed up for my first Writer's Conference, She Speaks. Boy, was that a huge thing for me. Once upon a time I had a little more courage and gumption, but these years as a stay at mom have become quite the comfortable norm for me. Traveling many states away to a conference where I did not know anyone took a little effort.

As I reflect on my pre-conference jitters, I can recognize the distorted images in my head:

• Why are YOU going? You are not qualified. Surely everyone there is a professional while you are just a stay at home mom.
• No one wants to network with you. What do YOU have to offer?
• You are not a writer, you are just a blogger who makes no difference.
• You never even finished college. How do expect to write a book?
• And speaking? That's funny. Don't embarrass yourself. Those girls at She Speaks are so much better.
• Just don't get on the plane. You will be relieved you didn't.

Yes, those are some actual thoughts I had. And even as I am preparing to register for this year and continuing to write, I hear some of them trying to revisit.

I am reminding myself of this week's memory verse:

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the lord their hope and confidence" (Jeremiah 17:7).

I am reminding myself that these words DO make a difference and I AM a writer.

Is there an area where the shadow of doubt has distorted your thoughts, overpowered your emotions and caused confusion?

Remind yourself of God's word. Remind yourself of the gifts and talents He has placed within you. And remind yourself He chose to use you as a vessel to bring His glory to the earth.

As Renee said in Chapter One, "We will find our heart's confidence in Christ as we learn how to rely on the power of His promises in our everyday lives."

Put your hope and confidence in the One who won't let you down.

I am.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrews 10:35-36).

A Place Called Wit's End

Photo Credit

My Pastor preached a sermon last summer titled:  A Place Called Wit's End. 

Have you ever been there?

Psalm 107:23-27 speaks of a group of mariners who have found themselves in the middle of the ocean in a dangerous storm. Their ship is being tossed to and fro, carried up and down and pounded by the waves brought on by fierce winds.  Their courage is failing and they have no way of being rescued.  It appears they have met their fate as their death seems imminent.  The storm is unrelenting, powerful and shows no mercy.  I can imagine the feeling in the pit of their stomach.  In fact, I know the feeling. 

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a storm....tossed around and bruised by circumstances and negative, discouraging news that offers no hope? Have you been in a place so dark that you felt there was no way out? 

Maybe you're there now.

God is not surprised or caught off guard by our troubles.  In fact, verse 25 says it is God who commanded the storm and the wind and the waves.  He allowed the sailors to come to the end of themselves....as vs. 27 says...they were at their wit's end.  All their wisdom had come to nothing and there was no way they could help themselves or each other.  The possibility for human intervention and deliverance did not exist.

The options were: surrender the circumstances to God or succumb to the storm.

Photo Credit

In their desperation, the sailors cried out to God and He rescued them. He calmed the storm and the waves stood still (vs. 28-29).

This storm is all too familiar to me. No ship, no waves, no ocean, but I have known the storm. Maybe you have too? 

Though the circumstances and details of our storms may vary, they are the same. Financial difficulties. Cancer. An unfaithful husband. Divorce. Children in rebellion. Death of loved one.

Why would God cause or allow this storm to manifest and threaten the very lives of these sailors? Why would God allow us to go through something that threatens to leave us with no hope?

There are times when we all feel the waves and the wind and the uncertainty.

But we also all have a God who is unrelenting in His love for us.

Our hope can remain secure.

Our faith in the God who never changes can keep us from going under.

And we can be certain that He will calm the storm.

Photo Credit

Sometimes our greatest victory comes at the end of our greatest challenge. Sometimes when we come to the end of ourselves, we find more of God than we've ever known.

Times like these cause us to draw nearer to Him. And the Bible says when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. Times like these make us desperate for the only One who can truly save us.

When we come to end of ourselves, when we surrender wholly and completely, when we finally trust that His plan is greater even when we don't understand, we find peace in whatever storm is brewing.  And we realize a greater knowing that He is God and He. is. still. good.

"God is life, and love, and blessing, and power, and infinite beauty, and God delights to communicate Himself to every child who is prepared to receive Him; but ah! this one lack of absolute surrender is just the thing that hinders God" (Andrew Murray, Absolute Surrender).

Surrender all.

Surrender those hard, sometimes painful, often-don't-understand-why, difficult circumstances to God.

Surrender wholly.

And watch God prepare you as a vessel, as an instrument of His glory to be poured out on the earth.

No Brilliant, Guaranteed Plan Yet

It's natural at the end of every year and the beginning of the next to do a year-in-review of our life, highlighting the lows and highs, remembering moments that touched our hearts, and racking our brains to come up with a brilliant  plan sure to guarantee monumental success and achievements in the next 365 days.

I hate to disappoint, but no brilliant, guaranteed plan yet.

(In fact, I feel like my brain has been on vacation for a month and just writing this post is a little challenging.)

But, as I browsed through my posts from the beginning of 2011, I found myself in a similar place.

• Hearing God's call to arise and go over (and part 2),
• trying to find balance in the middle of my chaos, 
• and still learning total surrender.

I also resolved to do something waaaay out of my comfort zone in 2011 and actually followed though:

• I stepped out of the boat and registered for my first writer's conference.
• As I prepared for the conference, I learned some lessons and  made some confessions (Confession #1 and Confession #2)

The conference was amazing and I hope to attend again this year. I made a lot of new friends, gained confidence in my writing, had my first two publisher meetings, and downloaded a lot of valuable information that is helping to push me forward (still have lots to learn and apply).

In 2011, I also made a lot of plans that didn't happen and started some things I didn't finish. For 2012, I am resolving to finish some of those projects.

I am excited about new opportunities and what sometimes seems like a blank canvas before me. God is moving and I am choosing to move with Him. What about you?

There are some areas I am (still) working on and (by faith) changing in order to put my best foot forward.

• Time Management
• Discipline (which goes hand in hand with #1)
• Organization (which goes hand in hand with #2)
• Focus (which goes hand in hand with #3)
• and Efficiency & Productivity (which will be a direct result of all of the above)

For Christmas, God answered a prayer by providing a new computer (free of charge) for my writing through the generosity of some sweet friends. And when Santa filled my stocking, he included the kitchen timer I've been needing (for my time management, ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique?) so I must get busy before the buzzer sounds.

With the kids going back to school tomorrow, I am hoping to finish a plan of action by the end of the week. Next week, the coffee breaks will be fewer and the alarm will ring early. I am ready for the challenge this New Year will surely bring (I am, really).

So, I don't really have a list of resolutions, just some things to finish and the desire to be better. As I said in my last post, "We are all on a journey to becoming." Becoming more like Him...becoming less of us. That doesn't take a list of impossible resolutions or unreachable goals. It takes acknowledging that we can't do this thing called life without the Life Giver Himself. It takes humility to recognize when and where we are wrong. And it takes willingness to change.

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Prayer:
Father, Thank you for the gift of another year to serve You. A new beginning, a fresh slate, a blank canvas. Give us courage to trust You to write this chapter of our story. Open our eyes to see areas displeasing to You and give us a desire to change so that we might become more like Your Son, Jesus. Show us the tools you've already placed in our hands and teach us how to use them. Let everything we do this year bring glory and honor to You. Thank you for grace as we sit on this potter's wheel, being shaped and molded and transfigured into Your very own image. Amen.

When the Job is Too Big

Photo Credit: Tin Bucket Photography

It's so hard when the very thing with which you are encouraging and counseling others slaps you right in the face. (I thought I had this all worked out?) And immediately the accusations come and bring their friends...feelings of unworthiness and the thought that God must have gotten me mixed up with someone else more together or more "spiritual."

Do you ever feel like a big, fat nothing? A nobody? A complete failure? Like, who am I kidding and what am I doing?

It seems like every time I start on a project (article, devotional, study, etc), I immediately feel unworthy and inadequate...ill-equipped to successfully complete the task before me. Sometimes it feels too big and out of my league. I am, after all, just a small town country girl who got pregnant before marriage, never finished college, has piles of laundry, occasionally yells at her kids and gets mad at her husband.

It's so tempting to say, "No, I can't do this."

But I know God has another plan. And He IS all-sufficient and more than adequate and overly equipped...and He will equip me and you to do whatever it is He has called us to do. No matter how many times we fail or how many times we sigh the sigh of frustration or cover our face in anguish or clench our fists or lay prostrate in desperation...He is there to pick us up and hold our hand and take us to that place of refuge and restoration. Again, and again, and again.

In our stretching, in our enlarging, in our growing...often we break open, spilling and exposing junk that has been there all along but covered and hidden and deceiving. It feels good (to our pride) to think we have arrived...we are among the spiritually elite (whatever that means). But, really, none of us have made it, nor will we until we meet our Savior face to face.

We are all on a journey to becoming.

Are you overwhelmed or frustrated or discouraged today? Do you feel like God must have made a mistake because the job is just too big? Do you feel like you have messed up one too many times and you're now disqualified?

You are not alone, friend.

You are not the only one who gets tricked into believing these lies from time to time.

God does not measure our worth the way we measure ourselves or determine our value by our accomplishments, education, past mistakes, or other people's opinions of us.

Can I get a Hallelujah?

For 2011, I had a word for the year: Fearless.

For 2012, I have a scripture. It fits well in this post and my life.

And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

As we continue to peek inside the Word of God and allow Him to reveal things, expose things, purge things...our journey of transformation continues. Our lives are living, breathing testimonies of what He can do when we cannot. Of what He can forgive when we fail. Of what He can do in His strength when we feel like we are going to pass out from weakness. Of what He can do when the job really is too big for us, because it usually is...and I think He planned it that way.

When you mess up, don't disqualify or count yourself out. Your Father doesn't.


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.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding ~Proverbs 3:5.


The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the [whole] person; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple ~ Psalm 19:7.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, that no matter how many times I mess up, You do not disqualify me. You are taking my blemishes and scars and wounds and traditions and unbelief and restoring my whole person. You have plans to prosper me and give me hope and a future. Help me to lean on, trust in, and be confident in You with all my heart and all my mind. Thank You for mercy and grace on this journey of transformation. I am a big fat nothing without You, but with You I am a daughter of the King. All praise and honor and glory to You, my God.

And the Stockings Were Hung

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care  on the iron thingee I bought from Kirkland's because I don't have a chimney...

Sometimes our lives are not storybook or fairytale material. They may start out that way, but usually change somewhere in the middle of the first sentence.

Over the years, I have learned that we each have our own story. Different characters, different setting, different plot. But it's our story. And it's the one God wrote for us.

December is a great time to refocus and get back to the basics. Spend quality time with your family. Cherish them. Love them.

Let them know how special they are and what they mean to you. Don't just buy gifts, give yourself.

One of the ways I like to give to my children is to fill their stockings with personalized, fun, and sweet surprises. I think it takes really knowing someone and what they like to make it special. If you're not careful this can get expensive, but it doesn't have to. The dollar stores have something for everyone!

Examples are:

• fuzzy socks in favorite colors or designs
• favorite candy, gum or mints
• hand-written coupons to be redeemed for their favorite things (favorite dinner or dessert, chocolate chip pancakes, movie night, game time, get-out-of-a-chore...although I wouldn't do too many of these lol, 2 hours in their favorite bookstore, a foot or scalp massage (my kids love these, too), popcorn on the stove instead of microwave, a ringtone for their phone or single song download from itunes, etc)
• puzzle books or magazines
• movies (I got some on black Friday for $1.96!)
• cards or other small games
• lipstick or nail polish
• homemade cookies
• items from the travel size bins (toothpaste, hairspray, body wash, body spray, hand sanitizer in favorite scents, etc)
• a new toothbrush and flavored floss
• favorite character bandaids
• a new ornament for next year
• ear buds
• craft supplies (beads or string for making bracelets, scrapbooking items, paints, glitter, etc)
• key chain or mini-flashlight
• inexpensive bracelet or necklace
• car scents
• mini-devotional
• $5.00 gift cards from Sonic, McDonalds, Starbucks or Blockbuster
• and I could go on and on and on...the possibilities really are endless. Use your imagination and get creative. :)

This year, in addition to the material gifts, I am going to add a hand-written letter to my spouse's and each of my children's stockings. I want to encourage them, build them up and let them know how much I love them and believe in them. I am going to remind them of promises from God's Word that apply to where each of them are at this point in their lives. Will you try it, too?

And just as we love to give gifts to our children, even more so does our Father love to give gifts to us (Matthew 7:11). All those years ago, He gave a gift that is unending...His Son and the reason we celebrate.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

What are some special things you do for Christmas or plan to do this year?

When I Don't Want to Pray Anymore

Setting this post up like our church service: Announcements first. :)

• I normally write for the Beauty & Fashion column for Blissfully Domestic, but this month I had the privilege of also writing for the Faith column. Would looooove for you to visit me there. :)
• There are only 2 DAYS LEFT to sign up for the Ornament Exchange! I'm so excited...it's going to be fun, fun, fun! Have you signed up yet? Click here for all the itty bitty teeny weeny details.
• I am giddy about Christmas, as usual. It is my very favorite holiday. In the spirit thereof, I have been doodling on everything in my sight with green & red acrylic paints - old ornaments, Styrofoam cups, empty paper towel rolls (yes, really), and even my paint palette (aka...Styrofoam plate).

(These are cell phone pics so not great quality, but you can see now that I was telling the truth. I am a writer & a doodler.)

Now on to more serious things (not that I don't take my doodling serious).

What do you do when God is silent on a matter? When prayers go unanswered and mountains don't budge? When you say all the right things and pray all the right prayers and it doesn't seem to make a difference?

How do you keep praying and believing and standing and Keep. On. Keeping. On?

How do I?

With thundering voices shouting in opposition and hard circumstances contradicting your prayers and challenging your faith and demanding that you just give up, how then?

When strength is gone and you're tired and you don't want to pray anymore?

And what happens if I never receive the answer I want? Do I trust Him enough to allow Him to determine the outcome?

Do you think God has previous knowledge of the probability of our getting tired some on this journey of ours?

Of course He does.

He knows that our strength in itself isn't enough.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" Galatians 6:9.

So in times when I feel like I'm beating my head against a wall without breakthrough and tempted to throw in the towel, I remind myself that even when I am depleted He is more than enough.

"He who brings an offering of praise and thanksgiving honors and glorifies Me..." Psalm 50:23.

And I give thanks. Because gratitude and thanksgiving take the focus off me and recognizes that God is here.

"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not grow weary, They shall walk and not faint" Isaiah 40:30-31.

And I trust that in my waiting, He is renewing my strength.

Keep on keeping on, sister. Remain in a place of gratitude and allow Your Father to renew your strength today. In your waiting, find assurance in His promises by meditating on scriptures that build your faith and remind you of His goodness. Soak in His presence and fill up once again so that you can continue pouring out into the lives of those around you.

He is more than enough.

Linking up today for the first time with three new communities: Good Morning Girls for Women in the Word Wednesdays, Tracy for Winsome Wednesday,  and Internet Cafe Devotions for Word Filled Wednesday (I realize my post is publishing on Thursday so I'm technically a day behind...story of my life Lol).

Cross Ornament Exchange

(Cross I found on etsy)

I thought I'd do something a little out of the ordinary for this blog. Sometimes an unexpected interruption is just what's needed (especially if it's fun).

I am hosting my first ever exchange (swap). I've participated in a few over the years, but this is the first time I am playing hostess. I'm sure to make at least one mistake (*wink*), so thank you in advance for grace.

Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Jesus, but the cross reminds us of why He came. During the holidays, we often need help keeping the right perspective - our new cross ornament can serve as a visual reminder of Who, what and why.

Each participant will be responsible for mailing one cross ornament or an ornament with a cross on it and will receive one cross ornament or an ornament with a cross on it.

(Another cute etsy ornament)

Sound simple enough?

The exchange opens for sign-ups today, Monday, November 28 and will close this Friday, December 2 at 10:00 PM. After 10:00 PM Friday, no more participants may be added to the exchange. I will randomly select names and will send an email letting you know who you will be making an ornament for along with their favorites/preferences. You will not know who is sending an ornament to you until you receive it (this will not be the same person you are sending to). I thought this would add to the excitement. :)

Once you receive the name of the person you will be sending an ornament to, you will have one week to make or purchase your ornament. Cross ornaments must be mailed no later than Friday, December 16 (out of fairness to everyone, please do not sign up if you think you cannot make the deadline). If there are international participants, some ornaments may arrive after Christmas - but you'll have your first new ornament for next year plus a new friend in another country! :)  *You may specify whether or not you are willing to ship internationally (as this will be more expensive).

If you would like to participate, please email me at shellyafaust@gmail.com with the subject line Cross Ornament Exchange. In your email, include the following information:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Favorite color
4. Favorite metal (gold, silver, bronze etc)
5. Favorite finish (rustic, distressed, shiny, blingy, etc)
6. Theme (shabby chic, Victorian, western, vintage, animal print, etc)
(If you do not have a preference, simply state no preference.)
7. Are you willing to ship internationally? (yes or no)

Cross ornaments can be:

• Hand-made
• Store bought
• Your favorite cross ornament taken from your personal tree
• Wood
• Fabric
• Glass (just make sure you pack it tight)
• Metal
• You get the idea... :)

If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to ask. And if you see that I have left out some vital information in this post, please feel free to let me know :)

I love receiving packages in the mail!  Can't wait!

Let the exchange begin!
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Linking up with Jen and others for the Soli Deo Gloria Party: