This Knowing...It Changes Me

I stand at my sink and scrub potatoes dug from beneath the earth in dad's garden.

I slice squash and zucchini and take chicken from the oven and I know.

I know this mothering really is ministry. This loving of family with dinner cooked and laundry folded is more. This serving my husband is not just physical.

It's all things I know but as the words form my heart grows.

It is in this making of a home that God is seen.

It's in this loving that God becomes known.

My husband arises while it is still dark and kisses me goodbye and this daily sacrifice for our family is worship to our God.

I listen to the sound of our children sleeping, tucked in beds warm and safe and theirs. I count my blessings and thank God for this ministry.

This knowing ...it changes me.

Suddenly daily frustrations take on new meaning and I ask forgiveness for my unseeing eyes.

Like yesterday in the grocery store where my flesh ruled and my heart followed and this unsettling affected my spirit and took my joy...but I had provision to buy everything I needed.

Or at the doctor's office when things didn't go as I imagined they would and though my smile was present my heart was polluted and my thoughts impure...but my son is healing and my family is whole.

Or the pile of dirt by the front door from shoes thrown inside without dusting...but the game of front yard football was fun and we laughed.

Or this house that is too small and these dishes that fill the sink daily...but this family fills the table and my arms are full.

These things aren't meant to take our joy, although they can if we choose. They are for growing and reminding and changing and thanking.

I begin today with my eyes open and my heart bowed.

I stretch these hands wide and worship my God who causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

And, oh, how I do.
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Linking with beautiful Emily today.

Waiting on a Biopsy & Why Letting Go Requires Holding On

Flickr Creative Commons - Vic

Last week I told you I would be having a biopsy. Thank you so much for praying.

Here is what we found out: The lining of my uterus was thicker than normal (which was expected), but my doctor also found a polyp in my uterus and cyst in my left ovary. He biopsied the lining and polyp that day. We are scheduling a hysterectomy for sometime in May and during surgery he will also biopsy the cyst. I have a follow-up appointment next Monday for the results of the first biopsy.

I find myself once again in this uncomfortable place of waiting. Since having melanoma in 2004, every time something is abnormal I get to do a biopsy. I have had moles, cysts in my thyroid, and a lipoma all biopsied over the last several years.

I am so thankful all but the first report in 2004 have been good news. I think of my friends who have gone through and are going through much more challenging circumstances. We never know where our life adventure will take us or how many bumps we will encounter along the way. We do, however, know that God is the author of our story and our final destination is too incredible for words.

Each time I have a biopsy fear tries to direct my thoughts. But this time, it's different. Through this waiting I hear God saying:

"Let go. Let go of trying to figure things out. Let go of trying to avoid the bumps. Let go of trying to manipulate or control the outcome. Let go, but hold on. Hold on to Me. Hold on to Me when you don't have the answer. Hold on to me when the bumps are necessary... because sometimes they are. Sometimes the rough places empty you of you and fill you with more of Me. It's in these places My purposes for you can be fulfilled and My glory can be revealed. Let go of fear and anxiety and worry. Let go. And hold on to Me."

I wonder how many times I've allowed fear or distraction or negative reports to drown out these words?

Today I choose to let go. I choose to let go of the things that would try to paralyze me and keep me in this place, year after year, test after test. I choose to let go of worrying about what my future on this earth holds.

Today I choose to hold on. I choose to hold on to His promises. I choose to hold on to His Word. I choose to hold on to Him.

Lord, be glorified in every place in my life. The easy places, the hard places, the narrow places, the challenging places, the happy places, the rough places, the mountains tops, and the valleys.

Pour out Your glory through me.

Is there something you need to let go today? When our hands are full and gripped tight around things beyond our control, it is difficult to receive all He has to offer. How can we hold on to Him if our arms and hands cradle the very places we need Him most?

Let go today.

Let go, but hold on.

Hold on to Him and allow His glory to be revealed through your story.

Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for loving us and never giving up on us. We know that some things are too heavy for us to carry and we weren't meant to carry them. Today, we let them go. We place them at your feet and we choose to hold on to you. Be glorified in every part of our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Linking today with:

Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood


Michelle at Graceful


Shanda at A Pause on the Path


Laura at The Wellspring

Let Him Remind You

Today I am talking about the importance of Laughter over here.

And reminding myself of the word God gave me to "keep my faith in the narrow places" here.

Don't you love it when the words God gives you continue to speak life?

How they somehow find you when you need them (again)?

And soothe like a healing balm those places that have become dry once more?

Listen today.

And let Him remind you of the words He has spoken over you and the promises He has made to you, His child.

His promises won't be broken.

Hold on tighter.

Surrender more.

Rest often.

The things that God has prepared for those who love him are beyond human comprehension and imagination (1 Corinthians 2:9).

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Linking today with:

 

Put Down the Broom, Sister

My sister delivered another beautiful baby girl this past week. We are thanking God for this precious gift to our family. Meet Ms. Channing Grace :)

I drove four hours and missed her grand entrance by 15 minutes...we shall have a talk in a few years! haha! After spending countless hours and a few days staring at her and telling her how beautiful Aunt LaLa (that's me) thinks she is and how great God's plans for her are, I had to tear myself away and go home. It was hard to wake up this morning without kissing those sweet cheeks.

Of course, all of that snuggling gave me warm fuzzies and stirred up feelings I haven't had in quite a while.

Yep.

Those feelings.

But then I remembered our kids are 19, 15, and 7.

AND that I will be 40 this September.

Then my friends on facebook reminded me of a few other things:

• Potty training
• Two year olds (enough said)
• Missing meals/baths
• Feedings every two hours
• Dirty, stinky diapers

Now, don't get me wrong. In the middle of all these "inconveniences" with my sweet little angels, these weren't really inconveniences. I counted them as blessings (well, most of the time I counted them as blessings...).

But, yes, my time of child bearing is over. In fact, it may be over soon whether I want it to be or not. I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday for an endometrial biopsy to find out what is causing some unpleasant issues I am having (I am sure some of you ladies know what I'm talking about, but for the sake of my few male readers I will omit the details). Say a prayer for me?

(Flickr Creative Commons - The Italian Voice)

On another note...am I the only one who hears God speak during housework?

While a broken vacuum lay resting in the corner, I picked up the broom to sweep the carpet. Although this works well for surface cleaning, it doesn't touch the dirt that has worked its way deep into the fibers of the flooring. And, sweeping carpet is quite the job, I might add. My arms were worn out when I finished (I'm sure I burned some calories).

(Enter spiritual revelation and God speaking.)

How often do we wear ourselves out trying to "fix" things in our lives (sin, anger, unforgiveness, hurt, bitterness, strongholds)? Sometimes we feel like we have to "be" or "do" or "say" all the right things in order to be accepted in the church and our "Christian" cliques. But appearing perfect or saying hallelujah at the right time doesn't mean we are whole (or even saved). It doesn't mean we have allowed Jesus to heal those wounds that have worked themselves way down deep into the secret places of our heart. It doesn't mean we have found joy and forgiveness and grace and peace. It doesn't mean we have surrendered our lives to Him.

It is draining to try and do everything on our own. Trying to be perfect and always appear like everything is 100 percent okay 100 percent of the time creates an illusion to a life that doesn't exist and offers a heavy burden. Trying to "will" ourselves not to do something or feel a certain way usually ends in failure. How do I know, you ask? I have been there. And I found myself worn out, burned out, stressed out and far from God.

He is the One who forgives.

He is the One heals.

He is the One who offers grace.

He is the One who loves unconditionally.

He is the place we find peace and joy and contentment and mercy.

It's not what we can do to fix things, or how much effort we put forth, it's what He's already done.

Put down the broom, sister.

Allow Jesus and the Holy Spirit to do the work only They can do.


If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

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]. Hebrews 4:16

Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation). Ephesians 2:5

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Linking today with:

Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood

Michelle at Graceful

Shanda at A Pause on the Path

Laura at The Wellspring

Even If I Fail a Thousand Times

Flickr Creative Commons - Henrique Pinto

This past weekend I attended my first local writer's group meeting in person. After attending She Speaks last summer, I have numerous writer friends and relationships online, but locally, not so much. I love that we are able to transcend state boundaries and miles of highway and form relationships with the help of the Internet, but I also know the importance of face to face time. (And I am kicking myself for not getting a picture of all the lovely new faces I met!)

I know we go through various seasons in our lives, some more lonely than others. I have been there. And all those seasons are necessary. But I am thankful also for those times God connects us with people and partners and soul sisters.

There is something about being surrounded by others who share your passion.

It feels like community. It feels like home. And it feels nice.

But it's also scary.

It requires vulnerability and transparency and willingness to receive correction. And of course, there is always the possibility of rejection.

But what would life be like if we never took chances?

If we never risked being hurt for the chance to be loved? If we never risked failing for the chance to succeed? If we never opened ourselves up to correction in order to grow?

Just like relationships, the very calling on our lives can be (and usually feels) risky.

For me, putting my words out there for all to see and judge and criticize can welcome anxiety if I think about it too much (and sometimes I do). Writing a book seems overwhelming at times, and has actually caused me to lay the whole project down a time or two (or three).  Once published, there is no taking words back.

I could just sit home and socialize via facebook and email. And I could keep my words hidden in my journals and private files on my computer. (Some days this is definitely my reality)

But I've decided I don't want to miss out on all the good God has planned, even when there's some yuck mixed in (because you know, there is always some yuck).

Flickr Creative Commons - Abi Skipp

I've decided the chance for success and the hope of fulfilling my purpose is worth the risk of failure.

Even if I fail a thousand times.

(Remind me of this every so often, okay?)

All dreams and goals and big plans require risk on some level.

What is your response when faced with something that feels a little scary?

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Linking with:

Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood

Michelle at Graceful

Shanda at A Pause on the Path

Laura at The Wellspring

There is No One

(Flickr Creative Commons - epSos.de)

There is no one who loves me the way He loves me.

Even when I am unlovable. Even when I think I can make it without Him. Even when I am absent and far from Him. Even when I am rude and selfish and ugly and full of  pride. He loves me.

There is no one who knows me the way He knows me.

When I am lonely, He knows. When my heart is broken but my face still smiles, He knows. When I am overwhelmed or lost or afraid or discouraged. He knows every single thing about me, even when I don't say it out loud. He knows me better than I know myself.

There is no one who completes me the way He completes me.

No matter how hard I search, nothing I find will fulfill the place that was meant for Him. There is a place inside me created for His presence, His spirit. It is molded and shaped for His character and His love. Nothing else fits there the way He does. Completely. Wholly. Perfectly. When I am undone, He is my missing piece.

(Flickr Creative Commons - Nattu)

There is no one who will ever love you the way He loves you.

Jesus loves us so much that He died for us. He gave His life for us. Even in our sin, He loves and offers forgiveness. His love for us is unconditional. It is difficult to understand how someone could love us this much and never change. But He does. Even now, where you are at this very moment, near Him or far from Him...He. Loves. You.

"But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us." Romans 5:8

There is no one who will ever know you the way He knows you.

He knows every detail about your life. He knows your thoughts, your dreams, your hopes, your fears, your sins, your sadness, your loneliness. He. Knows. You. There is nothing that can be hidden from Him.

"O LORD, you have searched me [thoroughly] and have known me.
²You know my downsitting and my uprising; You understand my thought afar off.
³You sift and search out my path and my lying down, and You are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴For there is not a word in my tongue [still unuttered], but, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
⁵You have beset me and shut me in--behind and before, and You have laid Your hand upon me.
⁶Your [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high above me, I cannot reach it.
⁷Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?
⁸If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there.
⁹If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me and the night shall be [the only] light about me,
¹²Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.
¹³For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:1-13

There is no one or nothing who will ever fulfill you the way He fulfills you.

He is your missing piece. He is what you've been searching for all this time. It's not your spouse, your boyfriend/girlfriend, your children, your job, more finances, a better car, a newer house, another drink, another party, more friends, your local church. It. Is. Him. If you are incomplete and unfulfilled, if there is an emptiness you can't seem to fill, He is what you've been looking for.

"Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone." Ephesians 1:7-12 (The Message)

God Still Speaks & I'm Making a Garden

I love how God created living things to reproduce and grow and display His majesty. And I love how He speaks through His creation.

I can hear praise when the birds sing. I can feel Him in the wind and see His glory in the clouds.

Sometimes I get overwhelmed with His presence and overcome with love and emotion and no words have even been spoken.

I love how He does that.

I love how He loves us.

And I love how He still speaks.

For years now, I have helped my dad with "the family" garden. I have watched him year after year work faithfully and diligently to bring forth a harvest to bless our family.

Today, my husband and I started the process of turning our daughter's retired hog pen area into our very own garden. We are going to start small, but we are so excited.

I know God is going to speak to us through this whole experience.

I am expecting to hear Him.

While we were pulling weeds, hoeing, and raking, Logan surprised us with some blackberries he found along the fence line and at the edge of the horse pasture. God is so good. Can't you smell the blackberry cobbler already? ;)

After a couple of hours of hard labor, we had our new garden area free of grass and roots. We are going to bring in some new soil and finish preparing our foundation. Once the foundation is complete, we are going to plant tomatoes (for canned salsa), various peppers (for canning, also), and cucumbers (for bread and butter pickles). We may add one or two more plants, but we aren't quite sure just yet.

I can't wait to post more pics as we go and share what God is speaking.

Do you have a garden? I would love to hear what you are growing and if you do any canning or freezing. :)

Blessings, my sweet friends!

xoxo
Shelly

Today I am linking with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood :)

Happy Easter!

Below are links to three Easter posts I wrote last year:

Day One: Crucify Him!

Day Two: Is Jesus Really Gone?

Day Three: Jesus Has Risen!

Happy Easter, friends!

Crucify Him!

I close my eyes and I can see the trail left in the dirt.

I can hear the shuffling of His feet.

The sun beating down, the crowd unrelenting.

"Crucify Him!"....(click here to read the rest of this post)

Dare to Be YOU

The other day I was considering my life in the moment. Isn't it funny how we go through seasons and stages and up and downs and failures and successes and sometimes never learn what God is trying to teach us?

Rarely satisfied and often discontented, we are unable to live our lives fully and take advantage of opportunities right in the palm of our hands. We compare ourselves to other people and yearn for what we don't have.

Yes, I do that sometimes.

We can get so caught up in who we are NOT that we forget who we ARE.

We can spend so much time thinking about what we DON'T have that we forget what we DO have..

I read this quote this morning:

"Most successful men have not achieved their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity presented to them. They have developed the opportunity that was at hand." ~Bruce Barton

What opportunities has God laid before you?

What are you holding in your hand, refusing to release?

Honor God today by using the gifts and talents you already have.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us..." Romans 12:6a

Don't long to be like someone else, dare to be who God created YOU to be!

I'm rootin' for ya, sisters (and brothers)! But more than that, God is cheering you on!

And remember, God is always speaking. But if we are not listening, we won't hear Him. Position yourselves to hear from the King of Kings today! He longs to tell you great things!

Really, He does. :)

"Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
- Jeremiah 33:3

Photo credit: Ian Burt - Flickr Creative Commons

Won't You Join Me on the Swing?

Sixty whole minutes before time to pick Taylor up from the high school. I didn't want to drive home and have to come right back, so we headed to the city park. It would provide a much better waiting area than the school parking lot.

Logan bounced from the Tahoe and went straight for the playground and I, gifted with an hour of leisure (or so I thought), found the perfect spot on the grass for my blanket and books.

I tried to read a few sentences between glances at my wandering seven year old, but my mind had shifted into mama mode making it difficult to concentrate or retain any information other than what pertained to my little man. From the jungle gym to the monkey bars to the merry-go-round and finally to the swings.

Faster and higher and higher and higher.

As a kid, I remember swinging as high as the swing would go, pushing and stretching it to its limits and then jumping off. I remember the excitement and exhilaration I felt as I climbed as high as possible and then contemplated the exact time I should jump. I don't remember being afraid or even getting hurt.

But as I watched Logan do the same thing I did so many years ago, all I could think was, "Oh no, be careful! Not so high! Watch out!"

Where had my excitement gone? Where was the risk taker and girl who wanted to test limits and boundaries and gravitational force?

It seems part of growing up and "maturing" is learning to be afraid, learning to be safe, and learning to accept mediocrity. Now, I know there is an argument on the flip side about how all this is good, because certainly it is wise to be safe. But today, I am exploring the possibilities and opportunities often missed because we are too scared to move out of our comfort zone - our "norm" - and take a chance at greatness. We refuse to take risks because...what if...?

For me, attending my first writer's conference last summer was scary. Getting on a plane and traveling from Texas to North Carolina (without my hubby by my side), sharing meals and attending classes with six hundred women I had never met before, going face to face with two publishing houses for a fifteen minute pitch, sharing space with Lysa Terkeurst, Renee Swope, Ann Voskamp and countless others who are national and international speakers and published authors, having breakfast on the last day with two new friends and finding out one was working on her thirtieth book (yes, 3-0)...all this is a little intimidating.  Hang on I'm hyperventilating....be right back....

Ok.

Deep breath.

Sorry, I just remembered I'm signed up to attend again this summer and got a little anxious.

I also remembered I'm taking the speaker's track this year (plus writing classes and meetings) and will have to prepare two short speeches to be critiqued.

Have mercy.

When we refuse to break away from the norm (if God is asking us to do so) and live a dream, write a book, produce a CD, enter a contest, accept a speaking engagement, lead the local PTA or PIE at our child's school, facilitate a Bible study, start a business, coach a team, use our gifts as more than hobbies, change careers or accept another job, we could be missing out on God's plans and purposes.

God often asks us to do things outside of our own ability so His glory and strength and power can be known and displayed through our lives.

Don't listen to the voice that says you can't do it.

We may not all slay lions and fight giants and conquer cities or publish books, but He desires to use each of us to bring His glory to the earth and build His Kingdom (not our own) in one way or another. For some that may mean praying bold prayers and interceding for people you don't know, for others it may mean:

• raising Godly leaders for the next generation 
• being a voice in your community
• teaching children's church
• encouraging those who are hurting
• praying for someone in the grocery store
• going on a mission trip
• trying out for American Idol or The Voice - vote for Raelynn! :)

I haven't jumped off the swing yet, but I'm swinging. My stomach is queasy and I feel excitement building. I'm a little nervous, but I think that's ok. As long as I don't plant my feet in the ground and refuse to swing (I've been known to leave skidmarks).

Is God asking you to do something out of your comfort zone?

Is He asking you to move forward with something, to take action?

Let me take some pressure off and put your mind at ease. You can't do it. Nope. But He can do it through you. And that's exactly what He wants to do.

Won't you join me on the swings? I'll let you jump first. ;)

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Linking with Jen and the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood

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.