~moments of peace~

But you would have none of it.

2012-02-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 30:15 has been haunting me this week. "...But you would have none of it." Have none of what? Rest. Salvation. Strength. What? Me? I want rest, salvation, and strength. But how bad do I really want it? Do I seek the Lord in humility, repenting? Do I quiet my spirit before Him, trusting His ways and waiting for Him?

Or...

Do I hold onto my frustrations and anger, feeling entitled to be indignant? Do I gossip without recourse? Turn unkind words to my children? Puff myself up with how "great" I am, how much "better" my way is than another's? Do I repent of my arrogance?

When God "just isn't moving fast enough," do I wait for Him, trust Him, rest in His presence, or do I run ahead, demanding a fix, demanding an answer?

Do I know how to be quiet? Do I even know what quietness looks like? It's not weakness. For here, it's clear that our strength comes from quietness and trust. Our strength doesn't come from wrestling away the reins.

So, this week, I'm really trying. I'm trying to lay it down myself before it becomes overblown with self-importance. I'm resting in who He is, not who I think I am... or am not. I'm trying to quiet the mutters in my Spirit and listen--trust. I know that I can only be a conqueror of my enemies when I submit myself to the One that Defeats It All.

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

True Love

2012-02-13T06:42:00.001-08:00

As Valentine's Day approaches, some of you will enact plans established several weeks ago, some of you will be surprised, some of you will groan, some of you will pretend not to care. But whether you're married, single, or widowed, we all want one thing--to be desired. We want to know that someone wants to spend time with us, wants to make us happy, wants to give to us.

For some of you, scanning your list will draw a blank; for that, I'm so very sorry. But even if that is the case, rest in the knowledge that there is One--one who has always loved you, always delighted in you, always wanted to spend time with you, and He's never stopped caring. He's not indifferent to you, apathetic or remote. He won't make excuses, ignore you, or let you take the lead. He's always seeking you, always loving you. And He knows we can't give Him anything in return. Our devotion is ever-weak in light of His faithfulness. And yet, it doesn't alter His love... not even a little.

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zeph. 3:17

Pure love is a willingness to give without a thought of receiving anything in return. Peach Pilgrim.

We have a winner!

2012-02-10T07:09:00.000-08:00

Congrats, Krissy! You're the winner this time around!! Your book will be arriving soon.

Connecting the Dots

2012-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

Psalm 147:5

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
his understanding has no limit.

Today I'm thankful for God's omniscience, his infinite knowledge of everything. We as muddled finite beings can't begin to wrestle that one down, but it's comforting all the same, isn't it? He knows it all. Nothing surprises Him. Takes Him away from His purpose or focus. He doesn't forget what He is doing. He doesn't question His choices, His thoughts, our actions, our responses. He "gets it"--so much deeper than we will ever get ourselves.

I've heard our vision described as a limited scope on the backside of a tapestry, but sometimes, I don't think we can even see the whole backside. Sometimes I think we only see a thread... our thread.

As God works His truth through my heart and adjusts my vision, I'm jolted by what He allows me to see (how overwhelming it would be if we "got it" all now). I've seen Him bring lessons full circle. I've seen Him utilize several different sources (Scripture, friend, book, a FB comment--yes, even that) in one week to point a big arrow at the truth. Get it now?! I've seen Him develop a belief as He would nurture a rose bush, giving it time to process and grow. His patience stuns me.

Sometimes He'll hand me little pictures--pictures I drew without even knowing what I was drawing and I have to sit back in amazement. You knew, didn't you, God? The whole time, you knew what the journey would look like and what end I'd arrive at.

Have you seen a three-year-old connect the dots. I have! It's so amusing, because, as an adult, I can quickly pull out the image. Oh, that's a flower, or a cat with a bow on her head, or an apple tree. But of course, my daughter can't see that. She's just obeying the rules of connect the dots. Follow the directions. Apply what we know about the truth (2 comes after 1, 3 comes after 2, and so on), and then we'll see what shows up. And then, when she finishes, her baffled expression turns to enlightenment and joy. "Look, it's a sunflower, Mommy!"

Job 37:16

Do you know the balancings of the clouds,
the wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge.

Isaiah 46:9

I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done.

A moment

2012-02-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Swapping the guest writer blog :)

Check out my post on Abby Lewis's site.

Wednesday giveaway

2012-02-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

I've decided to try something new. Periodically--I'm not sure if it will be once a month or what--I'm going to give away a book. I've encountered so many soul-nourishing books along the way; I want to share them with you.

In honor of my guest writer this week, I'm going to be giving away Abby Lewis's book, Blossoming out of the Valley.

Here's how we'll do the give-away this week. I'll pick a "follower" at random, depending on who leaves a comment this week. The pick will be on Friday. We'll see how it goes. :)

Guest Writer: Stop the Fight...

2012-02-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

Abby Lewis, a down-to-earth woman of God and a new and dear friend of mine, is writing her words of wisdom for you today. She's a massage therapist in town who loves to help others find healing and restoration in their bodies, but more importantly, in their souls. She's written a book that captures her story of finding peace through stillness with God. I'd highly recommend it!

My Journey To Healing » Blog Archive » Stop the Fight…Turn and Face Him
myjourneytohealing.com
“If you knew what I had in store for you, then you would stop fighting me so much.” These words came out of my mouth as I was getting my 1 year old son, Shia, ready to go play outside.

Read more...

Between the Rays

2012-02-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

Be patient, therefore, brothers,^[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. ⁸ You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. ⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. ¹⁰ As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. ~James 5:7-11

In our James study this morning, Beth Moore took us through these verses and gave us a session title Between the Rains. If we seek Him, we will find Him. (Deut. 4:29). And I'll share her five points with you, because they so encouraged me.

1. Accept the beauty of the process.

2. Actively acknowledge God's faithfulness.

3. Avoid a caustic undercurrent.

4. Ignite fresh resolve through the stories of others. (Romans. 8:26/Ex. 2:24/Heb.12:1/Gal. 4:6)

5. Ask of God like much is at stake. (I Kings 18:41:46)

[James Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore]

I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like a swinging lunatic. Some days, I'm overwhelmed with hope, joy, and perspective. And then other times seem like I'm stuck in a pit, unable to see anything but mud. But we all go through seasons. "You need to understand the laws of the harvest--He hasn't moved to other ground, He's moved underground. Continue to walk out your faith without sight (rain). The rain is coming." Beth Moore

Right now, I feel the rain. I know He's teaching me and wow, do I feel His conviction (every minute almost). I don't question the rain; I feel like I'm in vicious downpour... with a little hail mixed in.

Yes, I'm overwhelmed with the presence of my sin,

my hypocrisy,

my selfishness,

and my lack of joy.

The world is dense with meaning and I'm getting so much rain, I'm walking in mud.

No, what I crave right now, is a little sunlight--some warmth to dry my clothes and remind me that I'm loved despite it all. I need some rays through the forest. And they come. I may not "feel" the warmth, but it's there. It's always there because His love never changes. So, today I'm going to do a little sun-bathing and let my failings rest in His more-than-capable hands.

We can do this, friend. This journey through the woods is short, no matter how long it may seem. Faithfully, hold on to Him.

Music Moving Through

2012-01-30T06:38:00.001-08:00

Some mornings need a little reflective background music. This song just popped up on my Pandora station and took me to another place--a place of deeper meaning, love, and peace. I don't know how you respond to certain songs, but music has the power to move great emotional barriers in my spirit--especially piano music. I think it reminds me of hearing my mom play and the comfort it gave me as a child.

I am convinced that heaven is going to be filled with music, not just the continual vocal praises of the saints and heavenly hosts, but of the world around us. What if each creation had it's own theme song? It's own beautiful orchestration? I just can't wait to find out! I know whatever heaven sounds like, it will be perfect.

Celebrate the Random

2012-01-28T11:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated National Chocolate Cake day by making our own homemade devil's food cake, which I'm still celebrating and enjoying today. Maddie and I, hopeless chocoholics, tried to make it a little healthier by using only honey and stevia, but it's still pretty darn good.

If you want to celebrate some random holidays with your own family, try these:

February

3rd--Bubble Gum Day & Wear Red Day

4th--Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

7th--Ballet Day

9th--Read in the Bathtub Day

14th--Library Lovers Day

16th--Innovation Day

23rd--National Chili Day

And of course, don't forget Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, and Mardi Gras.

A Reminder

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a rough day in the security department. Not that any day is really easy, right? But some days feel like a wool sweater--you're aware of the discomfort, but it doesn't affect you too much. Wednesday felt more like barbed wire. My personal esteem dropped several points. Why? Because of people. Because of words attacking me as a mother, a teacher, a person. Because of neglect. Because of slander. Because of not being truly known.

Sharing my frustration with some close sisters, I received solid truth back--reminders of who I am in Christ (regardless of what other people say to me).

Read the lyrics to this song and let its truth impact your spirit.

I will change your name
You shall no longer be called Wounded, outcast, lonely or afraid
I will change your name
Your new name shall be
Confidence, joyfulness, overcoming one
Faithfulness, friend of God
One who seeks My face

And another sister encouraged me to believe in the strengths that she sees in me: aspects that I graciously receive from her... in faith. Why is it easier to believe the bad things people say about us over the good?

These words from Beth Moore soothed my soul further:

Have you ever feared that someone would cease loving you?

Not only have I feared it. I've experienced it!

God has carefully and graciously allowed

some of my fears to come true so I would discover

that I would not disintegrate. God taught me

to survive on His unfailing love. It wasn't fun, but it was transforming!

The one thing neither you nor I could survive

is the loss of God's love, and that is a loss we will never have to try.

His love endures forever.

That's what is meant when the Scripture says

that "perfect love drives out fear."

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. 1 John 4:18

Today I am thankful for truth. That what God says of us is reliable (even when we don't feel it). That He never lies to us or leaves us outcast. And today I am thankful for those people in my life who remind me of the truth--who breathe life back into my crumpled spirit.

Tuesday Trips--Local Indulgence

2012-01-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday we trekked to downtown Springfield to explore Askinosie chocolate. If you're looking for a traditional chocolaterie, you'll be disappointed, but if you want to learn a little more about how chocolate is constructed, you'll love it. Now, I'm warning you: this chocolate is not for the faint of heart. So, if you're not a fan of the darker variety, skip the sampling and go buy a bag of M&Ms. But if you love the pure soul of dark chocolate, you'll get swept away with the taste. This little gourmet bar was quite my favorite. It's not conched and has a delightful chopped vanilla texture--true to its name. Although they weren't in production over the weekend, on Tuesdays they do tours of the chocolate process, taking the raw bean all the way to the bar. In addition to crafting some deliciously pure chocolate, they also help contribute to their local community (Chocolate University for underprivileged kids) and the southern farmers they buy from. To read Shawn Askinosie's story, go here.

You can also read more by visiting: http://www.askinosie.com/

Mercies

2012-01-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

As some of you already know, I'm currently going through Beth Moore's study of James, Mercy Triumphs. The discussion times and video series conjure deeper meaning, but the one-on-one time every day has been precious too.

I'm learning a lot about mercy and what it looks like to be merciful. Frankly put, I need to learn some things about this necessary fruit of God's Spirit. Without it, we're just a bunch of hypocrites.

I've been trying to listen more, find out how God wants me to show mercy. One thing she noted last week in our viewing time involved the art of noticing people. Distinguish people by paying attention to them, listening to them, granting them your love.

And then I read Jesus' words out of Matthew 9 today, and these verses hooked me and wouldn't release. "Freely you received, so freely give."

How much did I give you? Everything

How much should you extend to others? Everything

Freely Give as you were freely given too.

God has been humbling me by showing me all the times I chose who I'm going to give to, who I'm going to "grant my favor," "acknowledge their presence," and just play favorites.

"Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure-- pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return." Luke 6:38

Thankful for His Extended Mercies

2012-01-12T06:10:00.001-08:00

God never promised us an easy life, a happy life, or protection from suffering. He does promise to guard our soul and hold it for all eternity. He says he'll never leave us. (Heb. 13:5) He also says we'll face trials (John 16:33), but it's a constant reminder that we were made for something better--a place of perfect peace, rest, and completion. Our pure and spotless Savior will be our light, our hope, and will take away every tear. (Rev. 21:4)

But for now....

He holds our tears (he knows the exact number) and holds our hands as we walk through the darkness of this world. He is the lifter of our heads.

He doesn't have to--He's certainly given everything to us already for his grace is sufficient--but He continues to grant us grace upon grace as we face the difficult.

Yesterday, God granted my family more mercy as Dad was wheeled into surgery. Dad lost his bladder, his prostate, and some lymph nodes, but God saved his life, gave him a highly-skilled surgeon, and allowed Dad to have cancer in areas that one can do without. The surgery took seven hours, but was free of complications. The tumor hadn't spread through Dad's bladder yet and the lymph node test came back clear.

Dad will have to adjust to a different life, but one that is relatively normal. We are so thankful for God's protective hand of mercy. And thank you to all of you who took Dad to God's throne. We are surrounded by many dear brothers and sisters.

Bringing a little warmth to winter

2012-01-10T09:59:00.001-08:00

Today I was scrolling through my emails and this advertisement for Better Homes and Gardens magazine popped up. I didn't order the magazine but I saw this photo and thought it was a brilliant craft idea--and I'm not a huge craft person.

I needed a little sunshine--everything is so drab outside--and thought it would be a great gift idea. Yes, it takes oodles more time than buying flowers, but they are unique and they'll last. The directions on the website are insufficient so let me clarify a few tips.

First, find an old book and start ripping out pages. Yes, it will feel awfully sacrilegious, but it adds a vintage dimension to the flowers. Use acrylic paints (thin down with water) and cover the paper front and back. After it dries a little, but before it is stiff, crumple the paper and then shake out and let dry. Cut out petal shapes (you're going for a guitar pick or shallow heart). Curl and bend and glue the ends together. I haven't done it yet, but I think I'm going to use green pipe cleaners, shaved and painted a darker green, and hot glue them to the rose.

You can put them in a vase for your table or give them away. They make a beautiful and lasting gift.

Living it Out

2012-01-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Lifelong friend criteria:

Knows you pretty darn well.... and loves you anyway.

There when you need her

Listens and "gets it"

Helps you clean up after a verbal vomit

Forgives quickly

No awkwardness--just pick up where you left off

I've got a few blessed friends who are just that. Here's two of them. And one dear girlfriend, front and center, acted out of selfless love this morning. Despite her crazy schedule, her already busy life taking care of three kids, she came all the way out to my house, picked up Maddie and took her home with her. Just so I could have a break and get some work done. She didn't say, "Let me know if you need help"--she just did it--living our her faith and speaking my love language. It was a huge gift! Thanks, friend.

Love this guy

2012-01-06T06:50:00.001-08:00

In order to understand the psyche of our kids just a little better. :)

Thankful for 60

2012-01-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

So thankful we're not looking at snow right now. I have the windows open, and the sun is streaming a gentle 60-degree breeze over my face. Sorry to those of you who really love winter (ahem... my husband), but this summertime gal loves me some springtime weather in January.

Maddie and I had a McDonald's lunch date and I actually got hot sitting in the van--HOT! Can you feel my enthusiasm? It's days like these that keep me motivated to hang on for April.

So blessed by the sun. So blessed by my devotional time with Aaron last night. So blessed by the women's Beth Moore study group at church this morning. SO blessed by the free babysitting at church. So thankful for walks, red wagons to pull kids, juice boxes, and nap times. So thankful for time to reflect and write and think and be.

So thankful...

Celebrating

2012-01-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

As my mom says, "There's always a reason to celebrate." And right you are! This year, as one of my resolutions, I am choosing to celebrate more, enjoy the moments, have fun with my kids, and bring in more laughter and memories to this otherwise overly-analytical and serious home. (Aaron does help balance me, thank goodness.)

I'm going to use the not-so-traditional holiday calendar to help me achieve that.

Here's one that looks like fun. Did you know that Sherlock Holmes' birthday is January 6th and Cookie Monster's is November 2nd? Popcorn day is the 19th of this month and there is even a Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, which I think must have been created for my daughter.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to make the evening fun and memorable. Pull out the creative stops. And celebrate!

Resting Past Worry

2012-01-04T05:37:00.000-08:00

I thought about titling this piece, Working Past Worry, but the verb didn't seem right.

Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere.
--Unknown

We need to stop the rocking chair and just sit back and rest in God's presence.

When we relinquish our wills (thought life, attitudes, and actions) to our capable God, we are able to move past worry. I used to think that I had to muster up the energy and focus to quit worrying. To some extent, I am called to work, but God is the one that brings me the peace. When I turn my focus away from my circumstances and my desire to control, then I center my thoughts on my Maker, my Sustainer, my Healer, my Provider, and my Prince of Peace.

If you find your mind wandering back to that circumstance or person, submit your worry to God in a list. Write down a detailed list of everything that is plaguing your spirit and read it aloud to God (for your benefit, not His, of course) and then place the piece of paper in a box or burn it, if that symbolism helps you. Remember that our God sees everything, understands everything, and knows the future. He knows what is for our good. Romans 8:28

Peace through Sacrifice

2012-01-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

My apologies if my redundancy starts to irritate you, but I sense the need to outwardly process some more thoughts.

As the year 2012 revs up, God keeps drilling the importance of sacrifice. True life is only found there. Sacrifice of self. Sacrifice of the temporary, the material, the mundane.

And ultimately, no life can come apart from Jesus Christ and his sacrifice.

"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Colossians 1:19-20

When it came to our peace with God, He gave up that which was most pure and precious--His only Son. As our pastor reminded us this past Sunday, "Jesus never said, 'I've done enough.'" He didn't stop short. He didn't quit sacrificing when it became unbearable. He gave up everything to bring us to peace with Him.

Reading the definition for sacrifice: the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something

considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.

I realize that I often view sacrifice as something comfortable or temporary. "I'm going to sacrifice my birthday gift to buy something for someone else, I'm going to sacrifice my alone time--that I deserve--to play with my kids, I'm going to sacrifice my night out to help someone move...." But I don't think that's what God called us to when He said, "Follow me." Sacrifice seems to involve more than an inconvenience; it seems to imply a deeper surrender--one that would almost be painful? Peace doesn't come through a one-time relinquishing, but through a daily denial--a sacrifice of self for "a higher or more pressing claim."

“If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offers an animal from the herd, male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD." Leviticus 3:1f

People that are truly relinquished to the Lord "are known as givers, not takers. Non-churchgoers tend to see Christians as takers rather than givers. When Christians sacrifice and give wildly to the poor, that is truly a light that glimmers" (Crazy Love 140).

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.
Napoleon Hill

listening

2011-12-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

This last year, more than ever in my life, I've tried to be a listener--tuning my ears to God's voice. I'd love to say it's been a wild success and I'm more connected to Him than ever. I ask, and then I automatically hear. But, it's not always that way. Ahem... rarely that way.

Let's face it: this world crackles static. And my heart yells obscenities sometimes. And sometimes my spirit is clouded with shadows.

The other day I was driving. The morning stretched my willingness to proceed, be patient, or desire change (at least change in me). You know the kind. You want everyone else to change, but you feel justified in your sour attitude. That was me.

But despite my ugly spirit, God penetrated through and whispered, "Turn off the noise." I didn't want to, but I clicked off the radio. The kids were surprisingly quiet for once. I started pouring out my heart to the One that listens and knows me best. I wasn't two minutes in when my three-year-old whispered from the back, "I love you. You're my best friend."

Even now as I recall the gentle words, salt water stings my eyes. I know God prompted my little girl to speak life into my otherwise dry and overburdened spirit. Would she have said it if the radio had been on and I hadn't been praying? Maybe. Maybe. But I wouldn't have heard it the same. I wouldn't have known that God was communicating his own love to me in that moment.

I have a friend who wrote a book that focuses largely on being still before God and listening to His voice. I know it is something I need to do more and more. Every day. Every hour. Oh, how I need to hear Him. http://myjourneytohealing.com/

If it matters, you make the time.

If it doesn’t, you make excuses.

The accomplishment of a day isn’t so much about accomplishing goals but abiding in God, and this is the thing that needs remembering. ~Ann Voskamp

my heart....

2011-12-23T12:59:00.000-08:00

....is really overwrought with a burden these past few weeks. But it's not a burden I want to let go or forget. It's the burden of being Christ's follower, His ambassador, His hands and feet. And sadly, I think my appendages have been a little handicapped lately.

As He usually does, God has been showing me--in several various words--that I need to be a doer and not just a hearer. Our pastor shared an illustration that hit the bulls-eye for me. He asked us, "What if I told my daughter to go clean her room, and found out an hour later that she hadn't touched it? When I asked her why she didn't do what I told her, she might say, 'But Dad, I've thought about your words to me, even memorized them, and in a little while some friends are coming over to discuss them with me.' Would that response be okay? Of course not." How then, do we think that God's commands to us are just suggestions to contemplate? Memorizing and discussing Scripture is admirable, but if we chose to listen and not do, we are not his disciples.

I'm doing a Beth Moore Bible study on James right now. If your familiar with the book at all, you know that James doesn't sugar coat his message or take it easy on us. He's the big brother that keeps you accountable and doesn't leave room for excuses. Read James 1

As Isaiah 58 reminds us, we are to loosen the oppression of others, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and provide shelter for those that need it.

And then Francis Chan's words penetrated deeper still, "Jesus is saying that we show tangible love for God in how we care for the poor and those who are suffering. Maybe you have already made sacrifices. You have witnessed the benefits of giving and are blessed because of it. But it gets harder too. The temptation to level off increases with each passing year. Pride tells you that you've sacrificed more than others. Fear tells you it's time to worry about the future. Friends say you've given enough, and that it is someone else's turn.

"A friend was faithfully giving 20 percent of his income to God, and suddenly his income dropped drastically. He knew he had to decide whether he should continue to give in a way that proved he trusted God. It wouldn't have been wrong to lower his giving to 10 percent. But my friend chose instead to increase his giving to 30 percent."

"If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:10-

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? ¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." I John 3:16-18

And then I read this out of Crazy Love, "Do you want to see God more than you desire security?" and felt a tangible pang. I've rested in mediocrity because I've valued my comfort more than my commitment to Him. I've been more concerned with securing my future, my health, my finances, my protective layer than I have in spreading God's good news, sharing with others in need, giving of my time.

"Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." ~Tim Kizziar

In this world it is not what we take up but what we give up that makes us rich. Henry Ward Beecher

This coming year, I want my life to be a more true reflection of sacrifice.

In order for it to be fully purposeful, I need to make sure that my reservoir is full. You can't give out of a depleted spirit without soon drying up yourself--believe me, I know (from years of experience). I want my sacrifice to come from an overflowing heart of love, which He is creating in me. I want people not only to see my time, my hands, my resources, and my gifts (actually, I don't really want people to see that at all), but I want them to see His heart.

So, God, I ask for your strength to do what you are calling me to do. Give me your heart so that my hands and feet work to the tune of your music.

"And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming." I John 2:28

2011-12-22T08:13:00.001-08:00

http://youtu.be/OBSJS66Pbac

Remembering Why

2011-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

Just give it away....

2011-12-12T11:13:00.000-08:00

Stuff binds us, complicates our lives, and creates cardboard idols. Although I've never considered myself a packrat (by most standards), my husband is an extreme minimalist. You know the advice, "If you haven't used it in a year (or six months), toss it,"? Well, my husband takes that quite literally. Doesn't matter if it was my first gift to him, doesn't matter if it's Christmas decorations or souvenirs from Europe, if we haven't looked at it or used it recently, it's better off in someone else's hands.

And I'm learning... that keeping something for later use, when someone can definitely use it now, is just selfishness.

Recently, we've taken some clothes to Christian Associates and given away some toys, which is all well and good, but the question I keep seeing in front of me is this: how hard was that? What kind of sacrifice is giving away that which doesn't matter to you?

A real heart of giving will give even when it hurts, even when we feel the loss of giving it away.

Francis Chan puts it bluntly. "LUKEWARM PEOPLE give money to charity and to the church... as long as it doesn't impinge on their standard of living. If they have a little extra and it is easy and safe to give, they do so. After all, God loves a cheerful giver, right?

"King David replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the Lord what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing" (I Chron. 21:24)

"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'I tell you the truth.' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on'" (Luke 21:1-4). [Crazy Love 69].

So, the next time you have an opportunity to give (don't wait to hear God's thunder from heaven to do so), give with a cheerful heart, and give away something special to you that will in turn bless someone else.

I Just Love How...

2011-12-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

God teaches us in clusters. When he really wants us to "get it" he throws us the information from all angles. Last night I just started reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan and this morning followed up with Ted Cunningham's latest message since we missed church on Sunday. And what has God been reminding me?

He is powerful.

He is holy, holy, holy.

And he is the only one we should fear... and yes, we should fear him.

Isa 8:12-13 (NIV) ...Do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.

Mat 10:28 (NIV) [Jesus] "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Ps 111:10 (NEB) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and they who live by it grow in understanding...

Prov 14:26-27 (NIV) He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Phil 2:12-13 (NIV) ...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

Mike Yaconelli: "I would like to suggest that the Church become a place of terror again; a place where God continually has to tell us, "Fear not"; a place where our relationship with God is not a simple belief or a doctrine or theology, it is God's burning presence in our lives. I am suggesting that the tame God of relevance be replaced by the God whose very presence shatters our egos into dust, burns our sin into ashes, and strips us naked to reveal the real person within. The Church needs to become a gloriously dangerous place where nothing is safe in God's presence except us. Nothing--including our plans, our agendas, our priorities, our politics, our money, our security, our comfort, our possessions, our needs.

You may ask, what in the world does all this have to do with peace, Kristin? Well, without the fear of the Lord, we will never have peace. We will spend our energy fearing man and the loss of our idols. And no peace will ever be found there. Peace comes when we have a right understanding of ourselves and our purpose in light of a mighty and holy God.

What the Christmas Tree means to me....

2011-12-08T08:39:00.000-08:00

Even though Christmas trees have their roots in pagan traditions, bringing an aspect of God's creation into the house has always been special to me. As a child, my family would go out the day after Thanksgiving and chop down a real evergreen tree. The pungent pine aroma and the prickle of needles floods my mind as I remember hanging homemade ornaments on the boughs.

Today, we've substituted the real evergreen tree for a fake tree, mostly due to practically. One, there aren't any tree farms in our area and the mold count drastically rises when you bring a live tree in the house. But, regardless of it's everlasting quality, the tree still reminds me of some significant aspects of our God.

While winter overwhelms the other trees, stripping them of their leaves and beauty, the pine tree stays green through the most brutal weather. We know that despite the harsh reality of this world, God's hope and presence is ever with us. He won't leave us alone.

Here is one version of Martin Luther's story.

Two slight variations of another story tell how Martin Luther was returning home after a sixteenth century Christmas Eve service. One version tells how he was so overcome with the beauty of starlight glistening in the icicles like diamonds hanging from an evergreen tree that he cut down a small tree and took it home
.

It's believed that Luther decorated the tiny tree with candles because it reminded him that Jesus was the light of the world. The second version differs slightly, in as much as Martin Luther was overcome at the sight of thousands of stars twinkling through the foliage of the evergreens.
http://lynda-osborne.suite101.com/the-christmas-tree-a158448

And A Child Will Lead Them

2011-12-07T06:20:00.000-08:00

Whose Birthday Is it Really?

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

Read Ann Voskamp's blog for today and try to find at least one way to alter your giving/receiving this year.

Getting in the Spirit

2011-12-05T06:31:00.000-08:00

Although I'm not an overly traditional person, when we get to this time of year, I love to rummage through my sentimental bag and pull out every tradition that brings me closer to the Christmas spirit.

As a child, we always had a little flip Advent calendar that took us through Luke 2 and brought us to the birth of our Savior. A friend of mine recently made her own and I was surprised at how fun and easy it could be. If you don't already have one, I'd encourage you to do the same.

This year, I purchased a Charlie Brown Christmas. I'm sure you've seen it, but if it's been awhile, take a half hour and refresh those nostalgic memories. Linus has a beautiful monologue at the end that will bring you back to the true meaning of Christmas.

If you're anything like me, aromas can conjure up feelings that the other four senses won't. This one I learned from my mom. It's natural, easy, and cheap, and it makes your whole home smell festive. Take the peeling from an orange you've just eaten and throw it in a small pot of water. Add a teaspoon (or less) of cinnamon and simmer.

And lastly (for today), get on Etsy and look up homemade ornaments. Figure out how to make some of your own, or better yet, support a local crafter. Here's one to check out--made by a family friend.

Of course, you need to put on some Christmas music while you are decking the halls.

And Yet I Will...

2011-11-30T05:48:00.000-08:00

Praise You.

This morning I was checking my work email and the Bb discussion posts. My students have access to a Prayer Forum Board where they can request prayer from me and their fellow classmates. I've mentioned my dad's cancer and requested prayer for God's leading and will to be accomplished.

I have one student in particular who has come along side me and diligently checked in and prayed. But it's not what you'd think. This student is my parents' age, and she has her own set of issues. In addition to dealing with Parkinson's, this woman has been taking care of her husband who has eye cancer. Not only has he lost some of his sight, but he'll have to undergo surgery over Christmas time.

Yet she hasn't complained and has only told me when I asked. She encourages me to keep looking to God and remember his grace and faithfulness. She doesn't promise a God that will let us "name it and claim it"--she's too wise for that. But she does remind me that God is good, whether we see it or not.

I'm blessed by the faith of a fellow sister--a relative stranger before these past few weeks--but someone I will spend eternity with.

And through this whole process of hope, struggle, disappointment, and acceptance, I'm learning that God has a plan that is outside my control (so thankful for that).

Because we need to laugh...

2011-11-09T17:22:00.001-08:00

Overlooking Me to See You

2011-11-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

You know how certain people in life have a label on them titled "Fragile: Handle with Care"? Regardless of the words you choose or your facial expressions, they play the defensive and are skeptics of your meaning. Usually those people have been hurt by others, doubted, subjected to ridicule by those who should have accepted them, and they are hesitant to make themselves truly vulnerable and trust anyone. Highly sensitive people, I call them. For them, overlooking an offense doesn't come without high sacrifice, because regardless of what you say or how you say it, everything is about them and their feelings. Most people have one or two of these individuals in their lives (if not more). And even though we may be called to be in such relationships, these people still drain you.

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Prov. 19:11

And then there are those friends who uplift your spirit. They are so outward focused that you can just be yourself (and they can be vulnerable t00). You don't have to double-back and explain or preface every phrase because they know you and understand your heart. You can laugh, cry, and express your fears without risk of being exploited or criticized. They hold you accountable because they truly care about your spirit and want what's best for you.

I am blessed by so many people in my life who are just that. I can turn myself inside out and they don't cringe, judge, or take personal offense. I can trust them to keep my heart safe and not expose it as something other to a listening ear. They are the dearest and truest friends.

I can't help but think that heaven will be comprised of these relationships solely. No masks, no misunderstandings, no self-centered sensitivities, no relational fears.

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Prov. 17:9

Finding God in the Sandbox

2011-11-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Feeling the need to meet with God and enjoy His creation, I sneaked out to the backyard while the kids napped. I didn't have a lot to say; I just wanted to listen. I paced around and tried to soak up some of that delicious sun.

Then... I got sidetracked, as all type-A, task-driven people do. I took care of some dead marigolds that were begging for a proper burial. I picked up the sidewalk chalk littering the concrete, and then I saw one of Maddie's sandbox toys in the grass. Thinking it a quick fix, I lifted her sandbox lid to toss it in, but was greeted, not with dry pebbles, but nasty sludge. Somehow, water had managed to infiltrate the barrier and the leaves that had already found haven were turning to a putrid muck. The decaying smell triggered memories of sandbox adventures with my brother. We'd mix berries and leaves in water and sand and concoct "remedies" and stews. But if we left them overnight, the next day they were a brownish slop of the most disgusting proportions.

As I started to scoop out the black-filmy water and dump the rotten leaves, God showed me that our hearts can be a lot like that sandbox. We think we have it covered-up, concealed from the outside, but the elements still get in there, effecting the ecosystem. If we don't open up the lid and let the sun dry it out, we'll start to see decay and fungal growth.

Maddie lost some sand in her box today because some of it needed to go. I had to get a lot of the water out, but I left the lid off so the sun can burn off the rest.

Sometimes when our boxes get dirty, the clean-up process is messy and painful, but it's necessary.

I am trying to open my heart up today. Honestly, it's not been very pretty lately. I've had some major temper issues and frustrations. I've been doubting and making assumptions... negative assumptions that is leading to some bitterness I need to scoop out right now before it promotes more sludge in my heart. And in a lot of these situations, I've put the lid over it, pretending I don't have a problem, pretending it's justified to keep it all in there. That it will just "go away" when it needs to. But it won't, not without God's help.

So, today, I'm leaving the lid off and letting the sun work.

Purpose in Suffering

2011-11-01T06:54:00.001-07:00

Right now, my family is suffering through spiritual, physical, and emotional weights. We don't know all the answers, we're afraid, uncertain, and trying to maintain a right perspective. We know that God uses the difficult times--more than the cushy comfortable ones--to shape us. But it's uncomfortable at best, and downright scary most of the time--like a dark cloud hanging over our heads.

My dad is dealing with one of those dark clouds. Last time the doctor checked, he had bladder cancer. We are still praying for complete healing, but we don't know that God's answer will be yes. We're praying that the cancer is only in his bladder and hasn't spread elsewhere. We're praying that this fight is short and victorious. But we just don't know...

So, we have to hold onto what we do know.

We know that God is good. Even when "good" doesn't fit our finite definition. Or when the tapestry looks like a nonsensical mess, we have to trust his goodness.

Our purpose is not found in the sum of our "happy" experiences on this earth. Our life's purpose is found in sacrifice, loving, giving, spreading truth, glorifying God.

Sometimes God glorifies Himself most through our suffering.

And through our suffering, our faith is strengthened, our dependence on God deepens, and our perspective focuses... if we let it.

I'm one of the first to resist, especially if I feel like I can "regain" control and "fix" the struggle back to a comfortable situation. But that's not always God's desire. I read somewhere that if God's answer does seem to be changing, it could be because he is changing us instead. Not pretty. Not pleasant. And certainly something we want to avoid. But it can also be beautiful, humbling, and intimate time with God and family.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - Affliction taught Paul not to trust in himself, but in God. God has repeatedly allowed countries to face wars, famines, and hardships when they became independent and failed to trust Him. Often this shows people their need for God.

Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoice in tribulations because they work steadfastness, approvedness, and hope.

1 Peter 1:6,7 - As gold is purified by passing through fire, so the genuineness of our faith is proved by trials. If suffering was limited to sinners and Christians never suffered, all people would want to be Christians, not because they really loved God, but just to avoid earthly problems.

Psalm 34:19 - "Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

adapted from here

Let Go

2011-10-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

I don't consider myself materialistic--I don't like to shop, spend money, or pay full price for anything. I'm a bargain hunter and I love to save. But God's been showing me how materialistic I've become in my hoarding. Even though I don't like to spend, I find security in how much we have sitting in the bank.

This week we received a bill for my ER visit back in February. Even though the doctor ran several tests, I left no better than when I walked in. They thought my inability to breathe might be due to pleurisy, but they weren't sure, and since I was nursing, I couldn't take any anti-inflammatory drugs. So, after a couple hours, we left.

We opened the bill for $1700. And that amount was after insurance "helped out."

Immediately, I felt discouraged, frustrated, and determined. I decided that day I would work more, spend less, and regain control of our finances. I apologized to Aaron multiple times for the wasted trip and the added burden.

And later that evening I took a walk, by myself, and tried to listen to God. He told me to let go. That my security wasn't found in my savings, that money is temporal, giving is essential, and He would be the one to provide for me... not me.

I've always valued hard work and helping oneself. Co-dependency on others, the government, or debt irritates me. But with that frustration comes a lot of pride and self-reliance. I forget that God is the one that enables me to work, God is the one who helped me earn a degree so I could do something I love... at home without paying for childcare. God is the one that gave Aaron a strong body and a position at CofO's landscaping department and just as He has given, so can He take away. We've been blessed by numerous and generous benefactors, we've been given much and yes, although we've tried to be wise with our money, all is grace to us.

As I walked, I understood more that God was saying, "regardless of your savings... or lack thereof, I will take care of you. Trust me."

And I walked some more, and God spoke to my heart again. You need to let go. You need to give away. You need to give till it's uncomfortable. You need to give even though it doesn't feel reasonable or "smart." You need to store up more eternally.

I'd love to say that I accepted God's urging on His terms and immediately obeyed. I debated with Him for awhile though. Truth be told, I haven't even shared my thoughts with Aaron yet. Why? Fear mostly.

And then last night, Aaron prayed a prayer that convicted me further while addressing some of the issues I needed to address with him.

What did I hear again?

Let go.

Paint a Pumpkin

2011-10-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

Take a break today, find a pumpkin, and grab some brushes. You don't need a child to do this either... although it is more fun watching a little one's creativity.

Enjoy some quality time together as you smooth paint on these beautiful orange orbs God created.

Peace in His Power

2011-10-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that

you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

God's power working in us--Holy Spirit--frees us from the bondage of fear, anxiety,

anger, materialism, impatience, bitterness... you fill in the blank. Our hope and

peace come from him, not from our delusional perception of control.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to

His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the

resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible

and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be

revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed me

to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the

brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the

prison to those who are bound. Isaiah 61:1

Peace in Chaos

2011-10-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Right now Veggie Tales is blaring in the background, my son is crying and screaming because he doesn't want to go to sleep, and my daughter is clamoring for a snack (even though she just ate breakfast). I have papers stacked up to grade, a messy house as a backdrop, and a do-to list that's collecting dust.

I haven't had a lot of peace lately: the main reason being, I haven't been going to the Source much. The main reason being, I have very little time to do so. The main reason? My children don't sleep. Yesterday I had maybe 45 minutes to shower and get in as much grading as possible before their short naps ended. This morning they got up at 6:15, and I'm so tired at night, I can't stay up very late. (My ten-month-old still nurses in the middle of the night).

But those are just excuses, aren't they?

After all, whose life isn't crazy, especially when you have small children and an outside job? When Aaron got home yesterday, I knew I needed to take a time out. And since exercise and outdoors rejuvenate me better than anything else, I chose to take a ten-minute walk with God. I needed to do some confessing, some listening, and yes, I did some complaining.

When the time came for me to return to the house, I wasn't ready. I didn't want the quiet reflection to end. I didn't want the solitude to end. But since most of us can't live like monks, we have to chose to take our peace with us into the chaos of life.

True peace can come in chaos though.

It's not going to be easy, and we do need those moments of solitude, but most of our choices have to come through the difficult circumstances, not in absence of them.

Even right now, as I write out my thoughts, I am interrupted every 30 seconds to answer a question, fulfill a need, hold a crying baby, etc. It's not easy to keep my patience in check. It's not easy to stay tuned into God's heart. It's really, really hard. But it is possible. And it's what He desires for us, to rest in Him when the world swirls and storms around us.

You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.

—Isaiah 26:3

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

—John 16:33

Fun Fall Facts

2011-09-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Fall colors are best when late summer is dry & autumn has bright

sunny days & cool nights below 40 °F.

In poetry, autumn is usually associated with

melancholy emotions.

The largest pumpkin on record was weighed in

last year at 1810 lb.s.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird

of the United States.

Although, Thanksgiving is widely considered an American holiday, it is also celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.

And this one just makes me laugh...

Turkeys have heart attacks. The United States Air Force was doing test runs and breaking the sound barrier. Nearby turkeys dropped dead with heart attacks.

Dreaming

2011-09-28T08:27:00.001-07:00

Eight years ago, Zach and I had the privilege to go to Ireland, all expenses paid. The trip was incredible, taking us through the romantic boughs and the ancient ruins of a land with ten times more history than ours. We were able to taste the castle life, the country life, and the districts in between.

But my favorite area, by far, was the southwest section of the country--more specifically, the Ring of Kerry. Little thatched cottages with twirling smoke and scattered sheep dot the coastal ring. Pictures just can't capture the serene scope.

Someday I'd like to go back, as it's the only country Aaron has a lot of interest in visiting. Since the kids are little, a long flight would prove more challenging than we'd like, and putting the Atlantic Ocean between us and then is not something I want to do either. So... we've been talking about saving up (with my sister-in-law's mad skills, we could do it with relative affordability) and taking our family before our first child leaves the nest.

So, right now, I have to be content to dream and revisit those memories from '03--take a trip with my thoughts. :)

Where do you dream of going?

Releasing Anger

2011-09-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Matthew 5:21-24 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift…” (Jesus’ words)

As it's nearly impossible to be at peace and be angry at the same time, it stands to reason that releasing anger is a necessary step to finding peace.

Our pastor, Ted Cunningham, spoke this Sunday on Jesus' words regarding anger. Despite the valid reasons for becoming angry (another's sin, hating what God hates, etc.), most of our anger stems from a prideful bed of selfishness.

I'm inconvenienced, therefore I'm angry.

You didn't meet my expectations, therefore I'm angry.

I'm not understood, therefore I'm mad at the person who just doesn't get it.

I can't control you or it or... well, anything, and so, I'm angry over that too.

When I find myself angry at other people, the root I pull up usually resembles fear of some sort. I'm afraid of what they could do to me, afraid of what they think, afraid that I... (you fill in the blanks).

Lately God has really been convicting my heart of anger, unreleased, bitter, festering anger that shows me how prideful I am, how entitled I feel, and how I need to extend more grace and mercy... even to myself.

With that anger often comes slander. I often justify my slashing comments by saying, "Well, I'm just blowing off steam... and it's usually only to my husband, and that's not really gossip because he's my other half." Right?

Then why does my heart feel so shamed and dirty after I speak the words? What good do they benefit me? or my husband? or my attitude? I've made a commitment to attempt (I know I'll fail) to first speak a prayer for the person who frustrates me than to speak a harsh word against them. I know that prayer softens us and reveals our own inhibitions or cold malice towards another human.

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." James 1:19-20

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:8, 12-13

It's already broken

2011-09-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

If you are a type-A, list-accomplishment-driven, controlling wife and mother like myself, life's difficulties can have you screaming in frustration. But as I was reading a current blog on finding peace, the author encouraged us to see the glass as already broken. When life shatters the delicate vase and leaves you with pieces, don't turn your chin up and wail. Life is already a beautifully broken mess and everything given to us, no matter how short the duration, is grace to us.

VEG

2011-09-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

I've got nothing today... nothing. I'm grasping at the wind, trying to alter my skewed lens and find gratitude in my heart.

Tonight was probably the worst I've had with my daughter--out and out fight over eating her dinner. Her persistent disobedience astounded me; I knew I had to put her to bed. I think someone needs to tell me to go to bed too. The last week and a half has sliced years off my life. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll make it to 40... without having to check myself in.

I suppose I should laugh; after all, it can't last like this forever. Right? ....Right???

So, tonight I'm going to encourage you to do what I'm going to do.

It's super spiritual.

It's healing.

It's productive.

Okay... no, it's not at all.

But, it's sometimes okay for your break not to be that. You know?

Here's what I'm going to do.

I'm going to sit down and watch an episode of Numbers.

Yep.

That's it.

That's my inspirational "moment of peace" for you.

:) Relax...

It is What it Is

2011-09-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

"Peace comes through acceptance." Linda Dillow

```````

Let me tell you an old Portuguese story that has been used by various writers*

An old man lived in a tiny village and owned a beautiful white horse. Everyone,

including the king were jealous of that horse, and offered him large sums to buy him.

And even though the old man was poor, he never accepted the money, for the horse

was dear to him, like a friend.

Then one day, the old man got up and found the horse was gone. The townspeople

ridiculed him saying, "If you'd sold that horse, you'd have lived off the money

quite comfortably. But now, he has been stolen and you will never get him back."

The old man replied, "Don't say he is stolen, but that he is merely missing. We

do not know all the details and should not make an assumption."

All the same, the people shook their heads and called him a fool.

Then two weeks later, the horse returned, bringing with him twelve wild horses

from the woods. The people clapped the old man on the back and said, "You have

been blessed indeed. You can train the horses and sell them for a pretty penny."

But the old man said, "We do not yet know if this is a blessing

or a curse, but that the horse came back with twelve others."

The next week, the older man's only son was training one of the wild stallions and fell off, breaking both legs. The townspeople, having not learned their lesson, said, "Indeed, you were

right. Those horses were a curse. Now your only son is laid up and unable to work."

"We do not know if his ailment is a curse or a blessing, but that he fell and broke his legs."

The people called him a fool.

The next week, the government raided the town, drafting everyone for a war. The

enemy was fierce and the townspeople feared that their sons would never return.

Because the old man's son was laid up with broken legs, he was not demanded to go.

The people proclaimed, "Indeed your son's accident was a blessing in disguise."

But the old man replied, "Why do you always draw conclusions? No one knows.

Say only this: Your sons went to war, and mine did not. No one is wise enough

to know if it is a blessing or a curse. Only God knows."

*Adapted from Linda Dillow's Calm my Anxious Heart and Max Lucado's In the Eye of the Storm

Intentional parenting

2011-09-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

10
Point Manifesto for Joyful Parenting

(any text in turquoise links to posts for more explanation & encouragement)::

1. Today, I will make our home a house of prayer.

I will pray at set times. And I will invite our children to come move into an interior space that lives with God.

2. Today, I will transfigure all things into beauty, and I will refuse to see anything else.

3. Today, I will not have any emergencies. There are no emergencies! Only amateurs hurry.

4. Today, when stress mounts, I pray to dismount it with gratitude.

My stress management plan will be intervention with verbal thanks. I can only feel one feeling at a time, and I choose to give thanks at all times. Fight feeling with feeling!

5. Today, I will pray to speak words that are only STRONG words, words that make these children feel strong. Grace words. Grace is the only non-toxic air. All other words I breathe are death words.

6. Today, I will pray to be consistently consistent. I will create safe rhythms that our children can find security in. I will create daily ceremonies because everyday we are CELEBRATING the gift of now!

7. Today, the moment when I am most repelled by a child’s behavior, that is my sign to draw the very closest to that child.

8. Today, I will hug each of my children as many times as I serve them meals — because children’s hearts feed on touch. I’ll look for as many opportunities to touch my children today as possible — the taller they are, the more so.

9. Today, my priorities will be all Things Unseen.

10. Today, I will laugh! And I will let the little children laugh! I will create a culture of JOY!

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

::Taken from

All is Grace

2011-08-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

I realize I cite Voskamp's blog frequently, but it's just so rich with thanks, meaning, and the words God is speaking to my heart in this life-phase. Please read today's blog, but even if you don't have time, watch the little Vimeo clip with Shaun Groves, one of my all-time favorite songwriters.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

How I See Myself

2011-08-24T06:15:00.000-07:00

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

This is how I often see myself--a broken, useless mess. But thankfully, God sees me differently. Because of God's all-encompassing grace, his love covers over me and he restores my soul to wholeness. And even though I'm still a broken mess, I'm covered by Jesus' nail-scarred hands.

And regardless of my circumstances, rotten attitude, or poor choices, God still loves me and treats me like a treasure--fine china.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor. 4:7

Peace comes through Thanks

2011-08-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

Unless we make it a habit to give thanks, we habitually give our family grief.

Unless we consistently speak praise, we consistently speak poison.

Unless we are intentional about giving God glory throughout the day, our days unintentionally give way to grumbling. ~Ann Voskamp

Check out Ann's blog. It's five minutes well spent.

I start teaching again today, and I'm reminded about how choice brings peace.

I can chose to gripe and focus on the negative and rob myself of joy... still completing the task but with a lack-luster attitude. Or... I can chose to rejoice that I have a job--any job--and a job that keeps me home with my children--who are sanctifying me--and a job that helps pay our bills, and a job that I LOVE.

I'm not especially enthused about spinning another plate, but all my plates are intentional and good. And I'm not saying yes just because. I'm saying yes to my good. I'm saying yes to blessing from His hand.

And so, as I reach for peace, I open my hands and reach up in thanks. Thanks for this time, this moment, this life of training, this hope for the future (eternity forever with the Lover of my soul), and a chance and chance to glorify him at every turn.

Mellow Monday

2011-08-15T11:38:00.000-07:00

Confession: I don't enjoy routine. Mondays always get me down. And although I love our home, I'm not a big homebody. Perhaps if I worked outside the house, I would be more so. My two-year-old doesn't like to be home either. It doesn't matter if she's been gone all day running errands with me, she never wants to come home. Perhaps it's because home is where discipline occurs more steadily, and sleeping takes place, and well, let's face it, where Mom is just preoccupied with tasks.

Yesterday I had to tell Maddie that life is not one big party and the sooner she learns and accepts that, the happier she'll be. And then I thought, "Have I accepted that?" Have I come to love and appreciate the mundane, the monotonous tasks that must be completed over and over again, the routine? Sadly, no. Despite my love for checking tasks off the list, I don't enjoy being home with my kids every day. I realize my attitude is all about perspective and gratefulness, but the honest truth is that, sometimes, I just get tired of being a mom.

So Mondays are days of catching up, cleaning up, and assessing my attitude for the week. Am I going to resign myself to the mellow Monday blues or am I going to choose joy? Despite the circumstances, attitude is always in my control.

Thankful Thursday

2011-08-11T07:05:00.000-07:00

*To live in America... and have the religious freedoms we do http://www.kidsofcourage.com/?p=1027 Not everyone does.

*To have clean water to drink everyday. http://www2.worldvision.org/?&r=t Not everyone does.

*To be able to be at home with my children. http://dinahsmanymusings.blogspot.com/ Please keep praying for Dinah and baby Wyatt.

*To know the deep grace and love of Jesus Christ my Savior. Not everyone does.

Creative Bounty

2011-08-09T07:17:00.001-07:00

Take a trip to a local produce market and reveal in the beauty that is God's creation--the variety of color, smells, tastes, and nourishment that He created for us. The vast assortment testifies to His intricate involvement in our lives. He doesn't just want us to live; He wants us to enjoy.

Not Lacking Anything

2011-08-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

This morning, I watched Soul Surfer at Mom and Dad's house. Always a sap for an inspirational movie, I loved it. But more than the movie, I loved Bethany's heart--her perseverance, determination, strength, and faith. When it was over, I commented to Mom, "I hope my kids have that kind of attitude when they grow up." My mom replied with, "I hope I can be that way when I grow up." Her response struck me, because I too felt convicted about how my attitude often reflects anything but the fruit of perseverance. In many ways I'm far from mature. Frequently, my attitude is one of fear and self-absorbed pity. And I'd just as soon give up than push harder.

When the shark chomped off Bethany's arm, the surfer was only 13-years-old. She lost nearly 60% of her blood, and her life was touch and go for awhile. But her and her mother had been praying that God would use her life for great things, and He certainly has. Her experience has brought her name and story into so many homes, testifying to the powerful and loving name of Jesus Christ.

Looking back at a few of my childhood experiences (ruptured appendix at 14), benign breast tumor as a teenager, and various normal ups and downs, I shamefully acknowledge that I did not "let perseverance finish its work so that I would be mature and complete" (James 1:4). I would whine, complain, ask the inevitable "why me?" and demand that God "deliver me." How pitiful. How sad. How arrogant.

To waste an opportunity to allow pain to bring about glory. And my "tests" where so minuscule compared to what many children endure. I've never lost a close loved one, dealt with chronic illness, or any other such tragedy. And still, despite all the blessings, my maturity has come about a little slower, and I've put up more of a fight. In fact, I'm still much, much further from where I'd someday like to be.

But what encourages is me is that God understands we are dust (Ps. 103:14) and He patiently challenges us and refines us with the level of heat we can handle. My goal is to keep growing closer to Him so that heat's intensity means little and little. And someday, as my gaze is fixed on him, my life will speak of His love, strength, and faithfulness.

2011-08-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

When you are waiting for a message from God...

http://www.aholyexperience.com/

Prayers of Peace

2011-08-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

So my last post was about a page long, but something happened to the Internet connection and it wasn't saved... alas, it is gone. :)

But I just wanted to ask that you pray for peace for some people that are on my heart.

*Dinah is a friend in the hospital right now, pregnant with their third child and only 26 weeks along. She's had some complications and has been sequestered to a hospital bed for 10 weeks. Aside from the mental and emotional strain of that situation, she also has two other children that need attending to. Thankfully, family and friends have been around to help, but it's still a trial. I applaud her faith and her attempts to continue to surrender, but please pray for her, the health of her baby, and a peace for her spirit. You can read her blog at http://dinahsmanymusings.blogspot.com/

*I have another dear and close friend whose husband just left for four months to prep. for a Custom's job. As he's already served terms overseas, Abbie is not unfamiliar with solo parenting or responsibility. However, their second child is due in September and she's going to have to do everything on her own. Please pray for God's surrounding peace and strength as she packs up a house, raises her daughter by herself, and transitions to two children.

*Another friend is going through a sad and messy situation that has left her heart more than a little bruised. Please pray that God would restore true identity to her thoughts, peace to her heart, and wisdom for the future.

Thanks, friends.

Peace through Suffering

2011-07-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my sister-in-law's computer now, listening to the sound of birds,

Found Photo

2011-07-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

Child of Mine

2011-07-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

I sputter... I speak... My head pounds a dull number of frustrated rhythm and I feel a scream start to erupt in my soul.

I've just spent emotional and physical energy getting an over-cranky baby to sleep and now my toddler is fighting the nap fairies too. I can't take one more "I need..."--which really just translates into "I want something... anything... to keep you in this room with me one... more... minute." I want to rest my head, I want to do something for me, I want to read... I... I... I...

But that's not what being a parent is about.

That's not what our Parent is about.

Even though everything should point to Him and His glory--He is the one who made THE sacrifice.

He is the one who reached out first...

He is the one who graced us with love...
He is the one who ushered us into peace...

He is the one who filled our hearts...

Such love convicts me.

Reminds me.

Shows me.

Inspires me.

To love like a parent should.

Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral: random fun facts

2011-07-15T05:53:00.001-07:00

A cheetah can run 75 mph and can accelerate to this speed in about 3 seconds, making it one of the most effective predators.

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth (3 feet per day at times); amazingly, pandas and lemurs consume enough bamboo to kill several men a day. The only way we can eat bamboo is to cook off the toxic levels of cyanide.

Diamonds were believed to ward off evil and the Romans wore them around their necks.

Lessons from the Bathroom

2011-07-11T08:16:00.001-07:00

For those parents out there, you know that sanctification rarely penetrates as deep until you start rearing children. I'm certainly no exception. I used to think I was a pretty good person... until I got married... and then had kids. And now, well, I see the sinful mess that I truly am. I can be pretty prideful, selfish, and impatient.

Despite my daughter's two and half years, she is extremely curious, sneaky, contemplative, and just a little too smart for her own good. She's started lying to get around situations, something we are trying to amend. But that's another issue.

A couple days ago, she was brushing her teeth (one of her favorite pastimes) and was in the bathroom unsupervised (I know. I know.). In the course of her exploration, she popped open the shampoo bottle and proceeded to dump out half of its contents. When I exclaimed that she was not making a good choice and what-in-world-was-she-thinking (an ignorant question for a 2-year-old, by the way), she replied with, "I'm cleaning the sink." She knows her momma well and how much I love to clean. But still, she got in trouble and was told she would have to be supervised with any other bathroom visits.

She got over it, but I didn't it. Despite the fact that it was only a couple bucks, I couldn't let it go. After all, not even one week prior, she'd done the same thing, emptying 3/4 a bottle of shampoo into her bath. Wastefulness drives me insane (instilled in me by my frugal mom) ,and we certainly can't afford to buy a bottle of shampoo every week. Am I not punishing her hard enough? Am I being to merciful to her? After all, she should know better? She's done it before.

And then this voice nudged my thinking the other way, "What about you?" "Do you ever repeat sins--things you should not do because you too know better?" "What about Me?" "Am I too merciful to you?" "I continue to forgive you, even when you are flippant about it?"

I wasn't letting this issue go, and neither was the Holy Spirit. Foolishly, I argued with Him a little further, justifying my indignation. I won't embarrass you (ahem,... me) with the dialog, but needless to say, God did open my eyes to the situation.

Do I still get angry? Sure. Are there still consequences? Absolutely. But I'm learning. Grace has always been a difficult concept for to receive and extend. But more peace comes when I acknowledge what's been extended to me.

In my shoes

2011-07-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

My daughter is all things girl, which I love. She adores jewelry, dresses, taking care of her babies, and shopping (even more than I do--which I guess isn't hard to believe, for those of you who know me).

In addition, putting on my shoes is a favorite pastime, even if they aren't the slightest bit feminine... they're mom's. That's all that matters. Admittedly, I'm not as bad as my husband, but I do tend to leave shoes by the door. My goobie girl found them and proceeded to clomp around the house.

As I watched her, I paused what I was doing and listened to my heart's murmurings. She's going to be fitting into those shoes before you can blink an eye.

And...

Are you ready for her to wear your shoes... to imitate your movements, your words, your attitude?

My heart responded to the last questioning and it wasn't pretty. God convicted me, showing me how I'd been acting lately.

As confession goes, yesterday was especially ugly. I fumed, unraveled, and raged. Aaron was around to see most of it, and the embarrassment was acute. I felt like a fool. Later, I apologized to my daughter for the lunatic mother who ran volatile at times. True to her nature, she responded with compassion, hugging me and telling me she forgave me. Honestly... few things humble you more than having your two-year-old say, "Forgive you, Mommy."

So, here I fall, failing more than I should, remembering that I'm weak in the same areas my daughter is (sorry sweetie), and sometimes I have to remind myself that I too need a time-out for my choices. Hopefully, my children will remember the love (not the scorn), the laughter (not the yelling), the instruction (not the impatience). And someday, when they are walking in my shoes, I'll be able to rest more fully, knowing that they are following the Lord and not just me.

Thankful Thursday

2011-06-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

* homemade key lime pie in the freezer

* clothes on the line

* two kids quietly down for naps

* my littlest brother's 18th birthday today--how did that happen?

* queen anne's lace and honeysuckle

* cool relief coming back into the house

* steam-cleaning my own carpet for free

* 1-hour massage gift certificate to use this month (thanks to my super-generous-ever-thoughtful mom)

* prayers for sweet friends answered... again... and again!

* a day of life in Him *

Walking Naked

2011-06-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sure the title captured your attention. No, this post is not about nudists or immodest dress, but rather, a condition of the spirit--letting your soul run naked.

If you grew up in my household, Ephesians 6:13-17 would be familiar text to you. Although we weren't raised Pentecostal, we were taught that the battle was not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. We were told to "take every thought captive."

"Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. " (Eph. 6:24-18 Message)

None of us would ever (I hope) consider walking out of the house without clothes on, but how many of us actually consider our thoughts? When I get up in the morning, am I clothing myself with truth or lies? Am I making choices out of faith or fear? Do I walk in righteousness or deceit? Often times, the answers to these questions falls in the negative.

Recently, I've been more convicted about my thought life--not that it's awful, but rather that's it's devoid of edification. I've requested the accountability and partnership of my brother and together we're planning to memorize James in a year. I'm excited about the layer of armor those verses are going to cover over me.

I'd also encourage you to keep "your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" (vs. 15).

Tragedy vs. Comedy

2011-06-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.
Mark Twain

Sadly, for some people laughter is the lost art, replaced with a self-pity that absorbs any attempts at humor. Experiencing loss, frustration, disappointment, and heartache, they say, "What's there to laugh at?" Life is an epic tragedy. But the beauty of the traditional tragedy is that it often ends with victory; the protagonist overcomes in the end, having endured great trials.

As Christians, we know that life ends with life! Death hold no sting and the grave has been conquered. In light of our eternal perspective, we can laugh, we can rejoice, we can find humor in life's upsets. Perhaps--just speculating here--that's why Jesus could laugh when others could not. After all, he/she isn't really dead, but merely sleeping.

Today, make every effort to hold onto an eternal perspective. We have overcome and these momentary troubles are but flickering shadows.

Tuesday Trip--Simple Pleasure

2011-06-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the privilege to see my daughter "discover" fruit origins. Up to that point, she thought blueberries--and all other fruits--came directly from the store. My parents and I took the kids down to Persimmon Hill Farms to load up on the sweet little blue orbs. Although the day sweltered and bugs swarmed, that little picker never complained but meticulously plucked the blue ones, leaving the green berries behind. Of course, she probably ate more than she picked. What a joy to watch her experience something new.

There's something fully satisfying about the simple task of picking fruit--a reminder of God's creative provision for his children. After all, he could have given us one or two fruits on trees, but he gave us a vast selection to enjoy.

2011-06-14T06:15:00.001-07:00

Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow for other's good, and melt at other's woe.
Homer

Covered

2011-06-10T12:43:00.001-07:00

“…there is nothing you can want, there is nothing you can ask for,

there is nothing you can need in time or in eternity,

there is nothing living, nothing dying,

there is nothing in this world, nothing in the next world,

there is nothing now, nothing at the resurrection-morning,

nothing in heaven

which is not contained in this text —

“I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

~Charles Spurgeon

Overwhelmed

2011-06-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

An hour ago, I had to grit my teeth to keep from pulling out my hair. Anyone that has kids knows how quickly mayhem can erupt in a house. Let me pull you into the scene.

My baby was screaming, inconsolable, my daughter had soap everywhere and had just dumped a load in her diaper, chicken on the stove was threatening to burn, and my own body told me I had better quit putting off that bathroom break if I wanted to make it in time. When every child demands attention and your tasks multiple with urgency, becoming overwhelmed seems inevitable.

But you can't just stand there in indecision. You have to start somewhere, and gradually the fires are put out... even if you do burn your fingers in a few spots.

When the chaos calmed, I ambled back to the kitchen, my bladder relieved, my son asleep, my daughter playing quietly in her room (that hardly ever happens, by the way), and my meal saved from ruination. And as I stirred meat, I rested in the fact that God doesn't get overwhelmed--ever. It's hard for my finite mind to grasp, but it's true nonetheless.

Psalms 121:4 reminds us that God never sleeps; He is always watching over us.

Our God is an everlasting rock (Isaiah 26:4)

All power belongs to Him(Ps. 62:11)

He is mighty to save. (Zeph. 3:17)

I'm so thankful that my God is in control. He knows how to calm the storm, but he also knows what's best for me--and sometimes that means letting the storm rage on.

But I'm thankful for moments of craziness that remind me:

Of my weakness

my dependence

my God.

What is Better

2011-06-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,

reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

Although my heart is often diseased with anger, impatience, and criticism, I am learning to lesson my expectations for others and myself--not in an-I'm-all-I-need-to-be-way, but in a seeking God's mercy kind of way. I know his grace over my inadequacy encompasses more than I can digest. I know--inward cringe--my to-do list will never be done, my children will never be perfect, my husband will never meet all my needs (thank you, God, that you don't allow for that to take place), my mouth will speak unkind, harsh, and judgmental words.

But...

I know that when I seek the Lord and His Spirit in my heart,

His grace always rises

and His mercy pours like warm water over my soul.

And my life...

my beautiful, misshaped, wavering life,

is a blessed gift

FULL

of good fruits.

And He never ceases to make the fruit grow, whether the season is bitter cold and oppressing, or sunny and calm, all is for the glory of God and the good of my spirit.

I'm no hypocrite.

I hate winter.

I hate drought.

I hate numerous overcast days.

But God create those days as well as the others.

And I want to open my hands to them in thanks.
For he wants to place gifts into them.

Good.

How ironic sometimes the good we see as good and the good we see as bad.

And then of course, there are those times when we refuse to trust Him, to accept what we can't yet see or understand.

Sometimes I pray for good, ask for good,

and He says, "No, but I have something better for you."

Better?

How could it be better?

I know what's best...

don't I?

On the way to Florida last month, after several hours of driving, yearning, longing to get out of the confines of the van and enjoy the family vacation we'd been anticipating, Aaron and I told Maddie that we were almost there. Having no recollection of the beach, since she was only 9 months when we last vacationed there, we told her what fun it would be. She only had our word to trust, for her own experiences couldn't testify to the truth. After a few minutes she declared that she wanted to go to the park and play on the slides (closest to fun that she knows). We told her "no, we weren't going to the park, sorry, but we promised that where we were taking her was so much better." She had to endure another hour or so in the van, but finally we made it. And she received... with surprise, excitement, and we were so fulfilled seeing that joy bubble up in her.

What...God, are you telling me to wait on?

To trust you?

To see that something better is in your hands if I'll just follow you?

Oh, how I long to walk on the beach with you, Father.

To be close to all that is good.

To hold onto You.

I want to receive what is better.

Oh Fair Summertime

2011-06-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday Thankfulness:

~sunshine cascading through broad oak leaves

~gentle breezes tickling grass and waving flowers

~water running into the bathtub

~the smell of fresh-picked strawberries

~sandboxes, slides, and plastic pools

~siblings laughing and not fighting with one another

~eggrolls and Jasmine rice

~work

~rest

~a deep sigh

One Thousand Gifts

2011-04-16T14:38:00.000-07:00

Voskamp's vulnerable poetic style and sensory imagery captivates her readers and challenges them to overcome the ugly of life with eucharisteo, a heart of thanksgiving. She doesn't tip-toe around the hard questions or the pain. Having lost a young sister to a neglectful truck driving by, she knows the struggle of why and and if only. Her book is a personal reflection on her love dare with God to write out one thousand gifts, disciplining her heart and mind to live in a constant state of thanksgiving, reveling in the beauty God merciful bestows on us.

Lent Readings: Psalm 107

2011-04-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

² Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—
those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
³ those he gathered from the lands,
from east and west, from north and south.^[a]

⁴ Some wandered in desert wastelands,
finding no way to a city where they could settle.
⁵ They were hungry and thirsty,
and their lives ebbed away.
⁶ Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
⁷ He led them by a straight way
to a city where they could settle.
⁸ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
⁹ for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.

¹⁰ Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
prisoners suffering in iron chains,
¹¹ because they rebelled against God’s commands
and despised the plans of the Most High.
¹² So he subjected them to bitter labor;
they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
¹³ Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
¹⁴ He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains.
¹⁵ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
¹⁶ for he breaks down gates of bronze
and cuts through bars of iron.

¹⁷ Some became fools through their rebellious ways
and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
¹⁸ They loathed all food
and drew near the gates of death.
¹⁹ Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.
²⁰ He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave.
²¹ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
²² Let them sacrifice thank offerings
and tell of his works with songs of joy.

²³ Some went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
²⁴ They saw the works of the LORD,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
²⁵ For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
²⁶ They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
²⁷ They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
²⁸ Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
²⁹ He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea^[b] were hushed.
³⁰ They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
³¹ Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
³² Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.

³³ He turned rivers into a desert,
flowing springs into thirsty ground,
³⁴ and fruitful land into a salt waste,
because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
³⁵ He turned the desert into pools of water
and the parched ground into flowing springs;
³⁶ there he brought the hungry to live,
and they founded a city where they could settle.
³⁷ They sowed fields and planted vineyards
that yielded a fruitful harvest;
³⁸ he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
and he did not let their herds diminish.

³⁹ Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
⁴⁰ he who pours contempt on nobles
made them wander in a trackless waste.
⁴¹ But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.
⁴² The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.

⁴³ Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.

Daily Lent Readings

2011-03-31T05:52:00.001-07:00

Psalm 86

A prayer of David.

¹ Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
² Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
³ Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
⁴ Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
⁵ O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
⁶ Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
⁷ I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me.

⁸ No pagan god is like you, O Lord.
None can do what you do!
⁹ All the nations you made
will come and bow before you, Lord;
they will praise your holy name.
¹⁰ For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
You alone are God.

¹¹ Teach me your ways, O Lord,
that I may live according to your truth!
Grant me purity of heart,
so that I may honor you.
¹² With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever,
¹³ for your love for me is very great.
You have rescued me from the depths of death.^[a]

¹⁴ O God, insolent people rise up against me;
a violent gang is trying to kill me.
You mean nothing to them.
¹⁵ But you, O Lord,
are a God of compassion and mercy,
slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
¹⁶ Look down and have mercy on me.
Give your strength to your servant;
save me, the son of your servant.
¹⁷ Send me a sign of your favor.
Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.

"When You're Feeling the Pressure"

2011-03-25T14:35:00.000-07:00

This link will take you to my blog read for today. I adore Amy's style and humility.

Beauty for Ashes

2011-03-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Our current church observes the season of Lent, something I didn't practice growing up Southern Baptist. I always thought it was so Catholic, and therefore, so "other." But I've found a beautiful time of reflection and humility in this season that makes Easter all the more meaningful. Last year, I participated in the church's artistic observance by writing a poem and this year I had the privilege to paint a canvas, both depicting the Agony of Sorrow Christ went through.

This year, I've been praying about what God would have me abstain from, but I didn't feel a calling in the conventional tangibles (movies, chocolate, etc.). Instead I sensed God was asking me to open up and clean out the filth: anger, a critical spirit toward others, and my "what-if" worry cycles. Yes, I realize this list is a lot to manage in 40 short days, but I think part of the beauty is that God's reminded me that I can't clean out the junk on my own. I have to humble myself before Him, seek His truth, trust His plan, and submit my emotions to Him. If I do that--plenty, I know--He'll clean my heart and turn my ashes to beauty.

Peace & Quiet

2011-03-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

In a world swirling with electronic waves, sounds and sights overwhelm the senses. The challenge lies in finding a chink of time to be still, to hear... nothing, to watch... nothing--to be in quiet.

For some of you, quiet brings an uncomfortable status, but the question must be asked, "if we're never quiet, how are we supposed to fully hear God's voice?"

As we approach the season of Lent, a time of remembering, repenting, and sacrifice, I'd encourage you all to give up sound. I realize that giving up all electronic devices is next to impossible, especially for 40 days--I myself can't do it because of my job alone--but we can give up time in the day, each day, when we shut off our phones, our computers, our I Pods and TVs. It is possible. And it's a good way to sacrifice in order to gain some quality listening time with the Lord.

What are you giving up for Lent?

rest

2011-02-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, of everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. ~ Phillipians 4:6-7 (Message)

How hard this act is--

of the mind,

the will,

the emotions,

and yet, how rewarding

to know,

to rest,

to abide

in Christ's redemptive work.

This life isn't always going to be peachy.

Sometimes you do get thrown a cowpie.

It's what you do with that counts.

Living in Community Brings Peace

2011-02-15T11:38:00.001-08:00

Many people think that others are just not worth the effort: conflict and disagreements arise making community difficult. Yet, living as isolated hermits doesn't bring about the joy and peace God intended. Furthermore, it doesn't accurately demonstrate the nature of God when we chose to withdraw. Growing up as a preacher's kid, I was amazed at the different families who claimed to follow Christ but didn't have anything to do with a local body of believers. They argued that their personal relationship with God and their family was sufficient. But they were missing out on a deeper dimension. John Piper, in his book This Momentary Marriage, "How members of that family, the church, relate to each other as married and single will witness to the world that our lives are oriented on the supremacy of Christ and that our relationships are defined not just by nature, but by Christ. [...] God's family is more central and more lasting than the human family that comes into being by procreation, the implications for relationships are very important." (117)

"The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer... " Dietrich Bonhoeffer (emphasis mine)

I honestly don't know how I would function or survive without the body of believers in my small group and church. My husband graciously loves and helps me, yes, of course, and my mom is an endless source of support, but we need to look outside our family to other believers, seeking their understanding, prayer, and wisdom. And honestly, we just need to know that we aren't alone. We need someone to laugh with us, cry with us, and say, "Yeah, been there. It will get better."

"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace..." I Peter 4:7-10

$ Money $

2011-02-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason, the trend the last few months has been spending. Christmas aside (we don't spend a lot on the holiday anyway), bills have been presenting themselves in an unwelcoming manner. Even though we have health insurance--a relative joke these days--our medical expenses for the birth of our son drains the savings account. On top of that, the Nissan required some engine repair totalling $1000, and Aaron just called me with the news that he has 13 cavities and a possible root canal that need attention (the up side is that he's going to be laying off the soda for awhile). Our utilities have gone up the last two months and I'm really holding out hope for a backyard fence come spring.
As I contemplate all of these money-sucking events, anxiety creeps in and I start to worry.
"What if..." Of course, I can't control the health expenses on having a child, nor when a car's timing chain decides to go kaput. I do my best to moderate our expenditures in a wise manner (a God-honoring endeavor as stewards of his money), but ultimately all that we have, or don't have, is up to Him. Aaron's job is a gift. My job is a gift. Our savings is a gift. Our possessions too.

If I look to money to rescue me, hold me secure, or satisfy me, I going to be greatly disappointed in life... constantly grasping at something that I can't control. And as the Bible says, I'll also come to ruin.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 says that "he who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity."

In Mark, when Jesus sends out his disciples, he commands them to avoid taking extra money with them. I wondered why that was. Isn't it a good thing to save money and have some security? My theory is that Christ wanted them to remember that their provision came from him. They were to humbly submit to Christ's leadership, spreading the gospel, and living in community and dependence on God. Their mindset was to be more eternal than temporal.

"Hold everything earthly with a loose hand, but grasp eternal things with a deathlike grip."
~C. H. Spurgeon

Winter Reminds Us...

2011-02-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

...of our frailty [we need fires, electricity, shelter, and clothing]
...of our dependence [we aren't as self-sufficient as we think]
...that we were created for community [those that crave the life of a hermit have a distorted view of relationships and how God intended our lives to look]
...basic thankfulness [ice on roads reminds me of that--what could have been a fatal collision ended as merely an eventful incident for my husband]
...God is in control of the seasons and his faithfulness always ensures spring [we can wait in eager anticipation of what is to come]

Peace Comes Through Abiding

2010-11-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

When people crave peace in their lives, sometimes they err when they seek God's hands over his heart. Peace comes through knowing our Lord--for he himself is peace--and living in trust and obedience to him. Any other option won't lead us to peace. Listen to what God has to say.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 34:14
*Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 32:17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence for ever.

Psalm 37:37
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.

Psalm 85:8
*I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints--but let them not return to folly.

Isaiah 26:3
*You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

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

Isaiah 55:12
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Isaiah 57:19
Creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near, "says the Lord. "And I will heal them."

Malachi 2:5
*My covenant was with him, a covenant of life and peace, and I gave them to him; this called for reverence and he revered me and stood in awe of my name.

Matthew 11: 28-30
*"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. *Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:33
"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace"

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

let Christ's peace rule

2010-11-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of
one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." - Colossians
3:15

Being thankful isn't always easy, is it? Especially when things
aren't going exceptionally well for us. Maybe the economy has
deeply affected your pocketbook. Maybe you've been battling
illness or depression or your in-laws. Maybe a dream fell through
or your plans failed. Maybe you're going through a divorce or
dealing with rebellious kids or have a job you can't stand. Well,
the bad news is, as John tells us, that in this world, we will
have trouble. But the good news is that Jesus has overcome the
world! And one of the best ways to NOT let the troubles of this
world take us down is to be thankful for the things we do have.
And believe me, if you lift up your head long enough to look
around you, the blessings in your life will become clear pretty
quickly.

Taken from the FaithWriters November 2010 newsletter

Thankful Thursday

2010-10-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Hillbilly songs and dance mix music and the fun moves they motivate my toddler to make.

Makes me smile.

Monday Moments

2010-10-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Monday carries a lighter weight this week as I'm now homefree with my last teaching session till the baby comes. Good thing too as completing grades and taking care of a newborn does not appeal to me.

I've dove into the house, cleaning areas that haven't received attention for some time and "nesting" in the general satisfying way. I'm focusing time on my toddler, trying to cherish the moments with just her... even the times when I want to pull my hair out over her defiance. She more than makes up for it with her sweet and adoring temperament.

Yet, despite that, I feel a lurking anxiety that taunts me, tempts me to say, "Cower! Be worried, be very worried." Any one that knows me well understands my sense of imagination, and yes, even paranoia. Trusting and relinquishing tomorrow's "what if's?" isn't easy for this fearful control freak. But alas, I remind myself, I don't have control over it... I can't hold tomorrow together... I can only trust in the One who can. And choose... Oh, make that difficult choice to look back (not forward) and remember how great His faithfulness is. I can trust Him. And I need to shift my perspective from the cynical "oh, no, what if?" to the "taste and see..."

So on a more focused direction, I choose to thankfully acknowledge God's
protection,
provision,
mercy,
and intervention

I chose to thank him for the ways He shows me he cares, subtle and small and sometimes overwhelmingly obvious.

I chose to say, "Yes, Lord, you are big enough for tomorrow. You are near enough for my shadowing fears."

This life is not all there is--praise His name--and I am merely trying to faithfully obey while here, waiting for that blessed time when I'm finally home!

Zzzzz....

2010-10-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Lately, I just can't get enough sleep, but even when my body is in the supine position, I find that the comatose state eludes me. Perhaps it's due to the large child near his birth time or perhaps it's my mind running laps. Either way, sleep is something I've always loved. As a child, getting me to bed wasn't a challenge; I looked forward to it. Still do.

I thought it was funny to get an article about the "Lazy Person's Way to Slim Down." Seriously? Well, it's just about sleep.

According to CNN Health, research from the University of Chicago showed that dieters who slept for 8.5 hours lost 55 percent more body fat than dieters who slept 5.5 hours

"The dieters who slept less reported feeling hungrier throughout the course of the study," CNN said, even though "they ate the same diet, consumed multivitamins and performed the same type of work or leisure activities."

The study authors concluded that "Lack of sufficient sleep may compromise the efficacy of typical dietary interventions for weight loss and related metabolic risk reduction," CNN said.
interrupted or impaired sleep can:

•Dramatically weaken your immune system
•Seriously impair your memory; even a single night of poor sleep—meaning sleeping only 4 to 6 hours—can impact your ability to think clearly the next day
•Impair your performance on physical or mental tasks, and decrease your problem solving ability
•Raise blood sugar levels and increase your risk of diabetes
•Accelerate aging -- Sleep deprivation prematurely ages you by interfering with your growth hormone production, normally released by your pituitary gland during deep sleep (and during certain types of exercise, such as Peak 8 exercises). Growth hormone helps you look and feel younger.
•Lead to hypertension (high blood pressure)
•Cause or worsen depression
•Increase your risk of cardiovascular disease – One recent study found that sleeping fewer than five hours a day more than doubles your risk of being diagnosed with angina, coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke.

But sleeping more than seven hours also increased the risk of cardiovascular disease; more than nine hours of sleep resulted in a 50 percent increase in risk.

(Dr. Mercola-- http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/20/sleep-more-lose-weight.aspx)

So, if you can, say 'no' to something else and say yes to a full 8 hours tonight. It does a body good. :)

Free Weekend Fun

2010-10-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

If you're trying to keep a tight watch on your funds--or even if you aren't--here are some fun ideas to do with the family (or friends):

*Fly a kite (When was the last time you did?)
*Have a picnic at a local park...or even your own backyard.
*Do a fall leaf mural
*Surprise a friend or family member and celebrate a half-birthday.
*Visit a bookstore with a friend or date and pick out a book for each other, telling why you chose that particular one.
*Play a game you haven't played in a while.
*Go for a bike ride.

Massage Therapy

2010-10-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Due to my husband's generous thoughtfulness, I was able to get my second pregnancy massage yesterday. Although some women prefer to avoid touch while pregnant, once past my first trimester, back massage is a welcome relief, especially when you're also toting a toddler.

I realize that massage therapy is a luxury--one most people can't afford even yearly. But with Christmas coming up, I'd encourage you to lay some hints to your family.

And if you live in the area, go to BCSS and support my talented sister-in-law. http://www.bransonclinicskinspa.com/Massage.html

Overcoming Depression

2010-10-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mercola had an interesting article on mental illness--some possible dangers with conventional drug therapy and some positive and natural ways to combat the depressive state.

He addresses research that shows dangerous side effects and some practical tips to tackle the depression without a pill.

*Exercise
*Yoga
*Nutrition (food additives, preservations, colors, and sugar are big triggers for mental downswings)
*Omega 3 oils
*Vitamin D
*Salt

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/06/the-real-cause-of-americas-mental-illness-problem.aspx

Thankful...

2010-10-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

....that nightmares aren't real....

*Phew* Woke up last night around 4:00 in a panic attack. Aaron and I were with my parents, split by sexes (the guys were working on something and so were the gals). We both thought the other had our daughter, but neither did. Three hours had lapsed and I rain outside in the downpour of a storm, screaming my daughter's name, having no idea where she might be and feeling this deep dread in my gut that we'd never find her. Immediately after that I woke up, my heart thumping and my breath ragged. Of course I had to go check on her. Incredible isn't it how vivid our subconscious can be?

I have to continually remind myself that my imagination is just that-- imagining. It isn't real, nor does it predict the reality to come (thank goodness). I have to let those anxieties go to the Lord, requesting Him to cover my thoughts and my tomorrows. It's not easy, especially in the dark before dawn, but He promises to be there and He understands what my heart can handle.

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~Deuteronomy 31:8

Mind over Emotion

2010-10-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

The will is like a wise mother in a nursery; the feelings are like a set of clamoring, crying children. The mother makes up her mind to a certain course of action which she believes to be right and best. The children clamor against it and declare it shall not be. But the mother, knowing that she is mistress and not they, pursues her course lovingly and calmly in spite of all their clamors; and the result is that the children are sooner or later won over to the mother's course of action and fall in with her decisions, and all is harmonious and happy. But if that mother should for a moment let in the thought that the children were the real masters instead of herself, confusion would reign unchecked. And in how many souls at this very moment is there nothing but confusion, simply because the feelings are allowed to govern instead of the will?

It is not the feelings of man that God wants, but the man himself.

Prayer: Lord, thou seest that with my emotions I love this sin, but in my real central self I hate it. Until now my emotions have had the mastery; but now I put my will into Thy hands and give it up to Thy working. I will never again consent in my will to yield to this sin. Take possession of my will and work in me to will and to do of Thy good pleasure.

Taken from Hannah Whitall Smith's book, The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life

Melancholy Monday

2010-10-04T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Definition of Melancholy
By Benjimester http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Definition-of-Melancholy

As a lover of poetry, the definition of melancholy was always a fascinating but elusive study. For a long time, the world fascinated me, but I struggled to find its definition. It's a concept in poetry that's often elusive and obscure. As I studied poetry, I was surprised to find that the language used by the poets on the definition and subject of melancholy was often purposefully ambiguous. They seemed hesitant to want to explain it, as though it's some feeling that none can define.
And as I continued to read the classic poems, I stumbled more and more upon the concept of an indescribable longing locked away deeply in every human heart, a yearning for something that no one can clearly define but to say that it's simply the longing to live life to the full, to seize the day. Soren Kierkegaard defined this phenomena of poetry in his book Purity of Heart: “It seems to him, according to the poets’ explanation, as if something inexpressible thrusts itself forward from his innermost being, the unspeakable, for which indeed language has no vessel of expression. Even the longing is not the unspeakable itself. It is only the hastening after it.”
The classic poets who often talked about this feeling of melancholy and longing, confirm what Kierkegaard said by leaving the feeling ambiguous. Here are some excerpts from a few poems that talk about melancholy. Notice the same inexpressible, ambiguous nature of the wording. The first excerpt is from “The Buried Life,” by Matthew Arnold.
“Light flows our war of mocking words, and yet,
Behold, with tears my eyes are wet.
I feel a nameless sadness o’er me roll”

The definition of melancholy is something evasive yet profound.
A nameless sadness, he says, something that makes his heart sigh that he cannot fully describe. Next from “Maud Muller,” by John Greenleaf Whittier:
“But, when she glanced to the far-off town,
White from its hill-slope looking down,
The sweet song died, and a vague unrest
And a nameless longing filled her breast--”
Again the same style of language is used. When talking about this thing called melancholy, always the poets are purposefully vague. And yet, I think that this ambiguous language about the human condition is what makes these poems so deep and powerful. They leave the feelings un-named, knowing that such emotions are hidden in every human heart, that they cannot be explained, only felt and drawn out through the beauty of noble things.
I have one more excerpt which talks about the definition of melancholy. I wanted to save it for last, because I think it's the most powerful. It's from “The Day is Done,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
“The day is done, and the darkness
Falls from the wings of night,
As a feather is wafted downward
From an eagle in flight.
I see the lights of the village
Gleam through the rain and the mist,
And a feeling of sadness comes o'er me
That my soul cannot resist.
A feeling of sadness and longing,
That is not akin to pain,
And resembles sorrow only
As the mist resembles the rain.”
There is a devious sadness to the world in which we live – a sadness that comes to find us in the night, when we're all alone under the canopy of a million stars. Something within us knows that we ought to be better – that our love ought to burn brighter and shine more fiercely – that our passion and conviction for life ought to be strong, and lead us through that nagging temptation to settle for the ordinary and mundane. Something within us knows that life was always meant to be lived to the full. And this something, when it comes to find us, convicts us of all the cheap and common things we often settle for. This feeling, in my mind, is the definition of melancholy.

Thankful Thursday...

2010-09-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...

Wednesday's Wise Words

2010-09-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

While reading in a Randy Alcorn novel last night (Safely Home), I came across these words and thought of how true and applicable they are. To the vast majority of Americans, ambition and material wealth is the end goal, but it's an empty one.

He who sacrifices his conscience to ambition burns a picture to obtain the ashes. (Chinese proverb)

Inspiring Story: Power of a Mother's Touch

2010-09-14T06:06:00.001-07:00

Mother saves baby that doctors left for dead:
CNN August 30, 2010 news.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/14/mother-saves-baby-that-doctors-left-for-dead.aspx

Abandoned to Him

2010-09-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

I'm currently reading Hannah Whitall Smith's The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life, originally published in 1875. Her words sink deep and I feel as if I must take several minutes to digest each paragraph.

In chapter four, she urges believers to fully abandon themselves (consecrate) to the Lord and joyfully proclaim, "thy will be done." She often utilizes analogies to convey her point more applicable. In so doing, she shares this story:

A Christian lady who had this feeling [all that's left for me to do is trust God] was once expressing to a friend how impossible she found it to say, "They will be done," and how afraid she should be to do it. She was the mother of an only little boy, who was the heir to a great fortune and the idol of her heart. After she shared her difficulties fully, her friend said, 'Suppose your little Charley should come running to you tomorrow and say, "Mother, I have made up my mind to let you have your own way with me from this time forward. I am always going to obey you, and I want you to do just whatever you think best for me. I will trust your love." How would you feel toward him? Would you say to yourself, "Ah now, I shall have a chance to make Charley miserable. I will take away all his pleasures and fill his life with every hard and disagreeable thing that I can find. I will compel him to do just the things that are the most difficult for him to do and will give him all sorts of impossible commands." ' "Oh no, no, no!" exclaimed the mother. "You know I would not. I would hug him to my heart and cover him with kisses and would hasten to fill his life with a all that was sweetest and best." "And are you more tender and more loving than God?" asked her friend. "Ah no!" was the reply. "I see my mistake. Of course I must not be any more afraid of saying, 'Thy will be done,' to my heavenly Father, than I would want Charley to be of saying to me" (47).

Smith also encourages us through a picture of a child playing peacefully in the home. Imagine the parent's sadness if the child was constantly worried and fearful of her needs being met. But our children don't do that; they don't think about where their clothes, food, or needs will come from. They don't worry about whether we will remember to kiss them goodnight or celebrate their special days. We to should understand that our Father desires us to rest, knowing full well that He is more than capable of taking care of us.

Discipline for the Journey

2010-09-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline, and understanding." ~ Proverbs 23:23

"True willpower and courage are not on the battlefield, but in everyday conquests over our inertia, laziness, and boredom." --D. L. Moody

"A spiritual discipline is necessary in order to move slowly from an absurd to an obedient life, from a life filled with noisy worries to a life in which there is some free inner space where we can listen to our God and follow his guidance." --Henri Nouwen

Read 1 Peter 2

It's Here!

2010-09-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

This weather makes me jubilant! Surely heaven won't be far off from this temperature. My daughter and I paired up with another mom and baby for a nice walk around the schools and subdivision this morning. It was so cool that we needed jackets... jackets! Who would have thought it two weeks ago?
Thank you, Lord, for the faithfulness of seasons--a reminder of your faithfulness and consistency toward us.

2 worry-free communication tips

2010-09-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

I was skimming through a Gary Chapman booklet from a marriage conference some years back and came across these two communication techniques. Although he encourages spouses to utilize these methods for better understanding, they could be applied to any relationship.

1. Repeat for clarity. "Are you saying...?"
---So often we just make assumptions or read between the lines messages that may or may not be there.

2. Rate your feelings.
---Using a scale of 0-10, how important is this to you. Or what would you rather do (0-10)? Numbers seems to work more effectively in coming to a decision.

2010-08-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

Quote of the Day:
The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.~William James

Happy

2010-08-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Today I am happy... today I'm not just choosing joy, I feel it.
In part the 8 hours of sleep sure didn't hurt,
nor does this delicious weather,
or the wink of the weekend,
and the hope of fall.

But today I'm happy, just because I'm alive and soooo very blessed beyond dreams and content, really content with life.

My sweet daughter (although the last few days have been miserable, rebellious toddler times) has learned the word "happy," thanks to the efforts of her grandparents. One afternoon while I was getting a haircut, she just decided to make the word work out of her mouth. It's the cutest version of the word I've ever heard. And when she says, "happy," which sounds a little closer to "hoppy," I grin and sometimes laugh (especially if she repeats it 10 times).

And I wonder...

Does God smile and laugh when we choose to just say, "God, I'm happy. Thank you"? I wouldn't doubt it. For when we choose an attitude of gratitude and walk in joy surely the Father smiles and says, "Yes, I don't want you to be grouchy, rebellious, and miserable. Thank you for choosing my attitude."

So if you're happy and you know it, then let your face surely show it. And let Him know it too.

~moments of peace~

But you would have none of it.

True Love

We have a winner!

Connecting the Dots

A moment

Wednesday giveaway

Guest Writer: Stop the Fight...

Between the Rays

Music Moving Through

Celebrate the Random

A Reminder

Tuesday Trips--Local Indulgence

Mercies

Thankful for His Extended Mercies

Bringing a little warmth to winter

Living it Out

Love this guy

Thankful for 60

Celebrating

Resting Past Worry

Peace through Sacrifice

listening

my heart....

Remembering Why

Just give it away....

I Just Love How...

What the Christmas Tree means to me....

And A Child Will Lead Them

Getting in the Spirit

And Yet I Will...

Because we need to laugh...

Overlooking Me to See You

Finding God in the Sandbox

Purpose in Suffering

Let Go

Paint a Pumpkin

Peace in His Power

Peace in Chaos

Fun Fall Facts

Dreaming

Releasing Anger

It's already broken

VEG

It is What it Is

Intentional parenting

10 Point Manifesto for Joyful Parenting

All is Grace

How I See Myself

Peace comes through Thanks

Mellow Monday

Thankful Thursday

Creative Bounty

Not Lacking Anything

Prayers of Peace

Peace through Suffering

Found Photo

Child of Mine

Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral: random fun facts

Lessons from the Bathroom

In my shoes

Thankful Thursday

Walking Naked

Tragedy vs. Comedy

Tuesday Trip--Simple Pleasure

Covered

Overwhelmed

What is Better

Oh Fair Summertime

One Thousand Gifts

Lent Readings: Psalm 107

Daily Lent Readings

Psalm 86

A prayer of David.

"When You're Feeling the Pressure"

Beauty for Ashes

Peace & Quiet

rest

Living in Community Brings Peace

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Point Manifesto for Joyful Parenting