EMBRACE HIS TRUTH

IN THE WAITING...BEAUTIFUL BRIDE

2012-02-06T12:38:00.001-05:00

With your whole armor in place, can I say, “dahling, you look mahvalous!” (poor Billy Crystal character impersonation, I know). In the waiting, consider this time akin to the preparation for your wedding ceremony. A million to do’s make a bride’s list prior to the big day. And whether you have experienced this type of occasion first hand or not, you can certainly imagine its importance.

Can’t have a wedding ceremony without the groomsman lover, right? And in the waiting, the one who courts your soul woos and whispers sweetly these words…

“How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes are doves” (Song of Songs 1:15).

Let that sink in. Yet from heaven’s great throne, this call and answer emerges from the recesses of your heart: “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!” “But, I’m unattractive.” “YOU ARE PRICELESS!” “But, I’m worthless.” “YOU ARE LOVELY!” “But, I’m unlovable.” “YOU ARE WORTHY!” “But, I’m useless.” “YOU ARE PRECIOUS!” “But, I’m of no value.” “YOU ARE TO ME!” Can you hear the reverberation of lies? How they entwine within the trail of truth you have long wanted to escape. The past is past; nothing can change it; but if you are thinking can you ever replace the tattered clothes of the past for pure, sacred garments, a captivated groomsman lover knows better.

He says you can...through repentance. And it is in this waiting period eyes open to the depths your betrothed has gone through to ransom you to Himself. He fashioned a rugged cross into a banqueting table, a bloodied shroud into a robe of white, a lost and hopeless past into a bright and promising future. His sacrificial act of love fulfilled these words of life abandoned brides to-be have waited to hear...

“But now, this is what the LORD says – he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 46:1).

You are His! Beautiful… priceless… worthy! And everything He says about you is 100% accurate! “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Next step: Getting fitted...

Photo taken by Pamela Velez - 1iStudios en Theos

IN THE WAITING...WEARING THE RIGHT GEAR

2012-02-03T15:56:00.004-05:00

I believe outfits should fit the occasion. A coat, gloves and boots…proper gear for winter weather. A beach towel, bathing suit, rubber swim cap, earplugs and goggles…my ideal pool ensemble. Protective neck, shoulder, back and tushy padding? Worn to practice front flips in the back yard on an old mattress, of course. Held on by duct tape, that one stumped me until the visual screamed modern-day, spiritual battle gear. In the waiting…

What my child will do with duct tape!

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11).

God does not expect us to tackle the tough stuff ill equipped any more than a parent should send their child off to school wearing shorts and a hoodie during a blizzard. If you are one of those children unwilling to observe the sage advice of moms everywhere, heed the Word from the Great Physician...

“The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15).

Simply, skip the Kleenex and prescriptions. Listen to your mother!

Okay, back to my original point.

Wearing the right gear protects us from seen and unseen elements. Sunscreen blocks sensitive skin from damaging rays. Shoes or sandals buffers our feet from sharp objects. And, dare I say, a diaper more than comes in handy on a baby during incontinent moments. Mommies, do I hear an AMEN!

So if wearing the right stuff protects, where is the harm in sporting minimal coverage or not wearing the right gear? The harm lies festered in what we leave exposed. Though the sun’s purpose is to shine, it is no respecter of scantily clad, body parts. Those parts will blister and deeply burn. A sandy beach or unkempt boardwalk may invite your bare feet for a long stroll, but broken glass, seashell chards or jagged pine splinters will deeply embed themselves in uncovered toes and heels. The right gear protects you from the dangers you do not see. From a spiritual standpoint, we learn in the waiting…

“…our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

Puts an interesting twist on the whole “dress for success” concept, does it not? In my struggles through life, I had my share of spiritual “fashion failures.” I believed I controlled my own destiny. I believed I could live life my way. I believed that if I did all the right things and stayed out of trouble, only good things would follow. I wore the whole ensemble marked with a sinner’s price tag. Rags cut from the fabric of lost dreams, abusive lovers and shameful choices. My sinfulness exposed my garments for what they truly were – tattered, torn and unfit for a King’s daughter to wear.

Have you ever own or worn frayed rags you once thought covered well? If so, do you still hang onto those threadbare items? Are they stored somewhere in your heart’s closet out of guilt, remorse, regret or unforgiveness? You know it did not cover much on you then. Why believe it will cover much of anything on you now. In the waiting, we get to trade in the spirit of heaviness for a garment of praise. Fully covered, fully adorned, none exposed. Learn to…

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:13-18).

IN THE WAITING...THE JOURNEY BEGINS

2012-01-23T13:00:00.002-05:00

Last week, God took steps to get me to my mountain. Today, He opens my eyes to vistas long overdue in His making. In my sojourn, those jagged rocks and uneven terrain echoed some daunting voices in 2011, which nearly crushed my soul. But as I ached, I sat. I prayed. I waited. I cried out. I strained all the more to unearth the voice of truth concealed from my willing ears. In the waiting…

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told [me-but speaking to Elijah]. And as [I] stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:11, 12 - NLT)

The noise in our lives wails for our undivided attention. Its toxic charm demands devotion and will not stop at nothing to satisfy its insatiable desire. It knows nothing but to bring isolation, desolation, fear, unbelief, doubt, despair, hopelessness, worthlessness. And we oblige its tyranny because without waiting…

“I said to myself, ‘I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.’ But as I stood there in silence – not even speaking of good things – the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words” (Psalm 39:1-3 - NLT).

Lies ignite a fire. Truth extinguishes its flames with a gentle whisper. Earthquakes destroy the land. Truth “rebuilds the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago” (Isaiah 61:4). Lies blast through our lives like a mighty windstorm. In the waiting, The Way, The Truth and The Life…

“…rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm”

(Mark 4:39 – NLT).

Dear sisters, In The Waiting, be encouraged by the sound of God’s gentle whisper. He knows your mountains. He feels your pain. He more than understands the odds you’ve been up against. A rock and a hard place, maybe?

Your journey might have begun with Elijah…

“Then he went on alone into the wilderness traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said” (1 Kings 19:4).

…But today, allow your journey with God to begin with a whisper...BELIEVE!

WALKING THROUGH FEAR TAKING BABY STEPS

2012-01-17T06:30:00.033-05:00

Mountain Park Ranch - Phoenix, AZ

It may not seem like much to you, but as I stood before the mouth of my mountain, God spoke. “Do not fear. Take the first step.” I said a prayer. I inhaled a deep breath. And like Indiana Jones extending his foot toward an invisible bridge, my journey into walking through my fear of the unknown commenced.A few timid steps onto the smaller pebbles caused my mind and heart to race. “Lord, what if this or that happens? God, what if I reinjure my ankle? Papa, what if I come across something these size 11 shoes can’t squish!” It’s like that, you know.

In the waiting… “The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24 – NLT)
To understand Him became my choice and my choice became a step of faith. I wanted to place this fear in my Savior’s capable hands and now was the time. Today, Much-Afraid* would be put to rest as I waited for God’s directive.

In the waiting… “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”

(2 Samuel 22:31 – NLT)
With my sights on Him, I hummed and prayed. I walked across those desert stones to the first sizeable structure in my path – a boulder. No anxiety crept in. And as I extended a leg up, God spoke again. “Well done in the waiting. Celebrate your bold, first step!”

After tackling first steps in the waiting.

God didn’t call me in the waiting to tackle the mountain peak… yet. Because much like an infant exploring the world from a vertical view, those first steps are crucial in development. They wobble and hobble. They stumble and fall. But under the watchful support of a loving parent, soon their pace quickens their gait strides confidently. So I learned…

In the waiting… “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 – NLT)

Waiting Prayer – Release the grip of fear over my sister or brother. Their life has been purposed to walk in Your footsteps, to trust where You lead. Where fear may cause him or her to doubt those first steps, assure them of Your great love to walk confidently as you hold them up with your victorious right hand. AMEN.
Blessings to you – In the Waiting*The main character in Hannah Hurnard’s book, “Hind’s Feet on High Places”

BLACK FRIDAY'S ULTIMATE PURCHASE

2011-11-25T11:18:00.002-05:00

Up until now, the concept of Black Friday repulsed me. The impulse to spend hard-earned money and waste well-deserved rest time for the sake of cinching the best deals before Christmas was nothing short of insanity. If I knew the marketer who came up with this inferno idea, I would have hung him (or her) on a tree next to Judas Iscariot! Community got swapped out for commercialism; gratitude for greed. I wondered, “How high a price were we willing to pay for stuff with a limited shelf life?”

During our Thanksgiving Eve service, as I wept in my piety over the lost souls of man, the thought of another Black Friday loomed over two millennia. A lone shopper took His place in line for the ultimate purchase: Sins past, present and future. This purchase came at a premium no previous, earthly sacrifices could satisfy. Yet the lone shopper willingly took His place in line for the ultimate purchase. To Him, His sacrifice was worth the price. To Him, His sinless, yet gruesome death was worth sin’s gruesome exchange.

On that first Black Friday, the lone shopper paid the price at Golgotha on a rough and rustic timber between two sinners. But after the long exchange, the lone shopper emerged with the ultimate purchase: The keys of death, hell and the grave! No bartering for souls. No bait-n-switch for salvation. No bargain for Susie, Sally, Sarah or Sandy (or anyone else, for that matter)!

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16, 17 – NLT).

Although I still don’t agree with the concept of Black Friday, who am I to judge the beauty of the ultimate purchase from the lone shopper on that first Black Friday over 2000 years ago! To this, I repent and offer instead of criticism, Christ's ultimate purchase of eternal life.

I pray you and yours enjoy this holiday season immensely! Allow the “Lone Shopper” (aka Jesus) to be the real reason for the season!

THE SONGS OF MY PRAYERS

2011-10-29T18:42:00.002-04:00

1 John 3:19, 20 – This then is how we know we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (NIV)

1 John 4:4 – You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (NIV)

Colossians 3:16 – Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. (NLT)
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It’s not a debate over whether “White Rock rules!” or “Soul Train forever!” But I get more than a chuckle when life imitates song lyrics. All genres aside, a little ditty will flood my thoughts and a “Doom Gloom and Agony on Me” moment will turn into an “Oh Happy Day!” My mental discography varies with the mood, but sure as rain on a spring day, my psyche will bust out in song. Whether a somber dirge, gut-wrenching ballad, hopeful hymn, dancing disco, country-twangin’ jingle or Christmas carol in July’s spinning in the “Cobwebs of my Mind,” “It Don’t Matter to Me.” I feel the message unfold and much like a prayer of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, God moves me to creative action.

On the cusp of our son’s manhood – okay, he’ll be turning 13 next week – my head’s been spinning in Top 10 Musicland. As an attitude rises from his gut, a song rises from mine. Too old to keep him locked up in a tower (he’d find the key and we’d be skirting terribly close to breaking the law), I’m left lamenting in the moment, humming…

+ HELP! (Beatles)

+ Ball of Confusion (The Temptations)

+ I’m 18 (Alice Cooper)

+ Some People Gotta Learn the Hard Way (dcTalk)

+ Leave Me Alone (Michael Jackson)

+ All By Myself (Gino Vinnelli)

+ I Did It My Way (Frank Sinatra)

+ Every Rose Has Its Thorns (Poison)

+ Papa Don’t Preach (Madonna)

+ I Gotta Be Me (Robert Goulet – yeah)

But just as sure as the sun peers through the eastern sky, psalms, hymns and spiritual songs can also rise from the depths of frustration and eclipse into a lyrical prayer. So whether you’re dealing with your own brand of teen angst or an issue where words can’t quite convey your heart’s cry, know that God hears and He attends unto all our prayers. And if your prayers just so happen to carry with it a tune, sing it with soul! Here’s a few of my all-time favorite “spiritual” hits:

* God is Greater (First Call)

* Amazing Grace (any version)

* From the Inside Out (Joel Houston)

* Voice of Truth (Casting Crowns)

* Like You Lord (me & hubby)

* Resting Place (Daphne Rademaker)

* Your Love Oh Lord (Third Day)

* Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus (William Kirkpatrick and Louisa Stead)

* Less Like Scars (Sara Groves)

* First Song That I Sing (Sara Groves)

* Yes (Doris - me)

* What a Friend We Have In Jesus (any version)

* You Never Let Go (Matt Redman)

* Enough (Chris Tomlin)

Full Embrace
1. What are you currently going through?
2. What song(s) closely relates to the situation you’re currently facing in your life?
3. What song(s) or scripture(s) has God given you to eclipse the above situation?
4. To remember, keep a record of the song(s) or scripture(s) (Habakkuk 2:2, 3).

An Encouraging Word – You are an amazing God. Sing Your sweet words of truth over our lives, our homes, our families and our circumstances. Give us the patience to endure, the strength to stand and the heart to sing our prayers as psalms, hymns and spiritual songs when mere words can't convey. AMEN!

WHAT MORE CAN YOU SAY?

2011-10-02T17:37:00.009-04:00

Proverbs 21:23 – He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

We can’t help it. It’s in our nature to contribute more than our 2¢ to a conversation. Whether kibitzing over whom in the family makes the best tuna noodle casserole or coffee klatching over who deserves to preside in the White House, we have strong opinions and we believe they’re worth a listen. But in the heat of exchange, the price of words can cause dissension, strife and division, if we’re not careful.

Over the years, even heart-to-hearts with my own siblings proved costly. Due to the recent death of my father coupled with tending to my mother’s life-threatening illness, I’ve experienced more than a few harsh words being exchanged in the name of love. And I’m ashamed to admit to being a squeamish participant in one or two of those heated discussions. Did I say something I shouldn’t have said? Sadly, yes. It’s so easy to give in to our human tendency to “speak our mind.” But in the words of elders everywhere, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

(Picture from turnhimintoabetterdad.com/blog)

That’s why the sage advice found throughout Proverbs is worth its weight in gold. Solomon and others knew the power this muscle called the tongue contained. From a small spark to an out-of-control forest fire, an uncontrolled tongue can wreck havoc. But “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:27, 28).

In adversity, great wisdom lies in giving God full rein over our tongues. We learn to walk away when our contribution to the conversation will only escalate the situation. We are taught to find a way to redirect negative comments up to God silently in prayer. And if stepping away from the “fire” is not an immediate option, we can propose a cooling-off period to extinguish the potential flames smoldering on our tongues (again, something I should have done recently with one of my siblings).

By giving God rein, our creeping bitterness soon abates and a budding desire for sweet words slowly abounds from our lips. And with God what emerges from the depths of our being is less discord and more harmony, less disagreements and more empathy, less criticism and more praise. ”My lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous” (Psalm 119:171, 172). And with that depth of wisdom and understanding, what more can you say?
Full Embrace

Recall a recent experience where you spoke your mind. Did it cause discourse between you and the other person?
Have you ever had problems controlling your tongue?
Recall a recent experience where you used wisdom to hold your tongue. Explain what happened in the process.

An Encouraging Word – Dear God, with the same tongue that formulates words of adoration and praise, refrain it from devising words of dissension and criticism. In adversity, teach me Your decrees. Let not my tongue rein over my body, heart, soul and mind. If the words I say bring no edification to You or to the body of Christ, like a flame to a wick, snuff it out before it sets the relationship ablaze. AMEN!

A PLACE TO REST

2011-09-21T21:06:00.001-04:00

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. – Psalm 91:1

What part of your home exudes tranquility? Is it the peace and serenity of your bedroom with its matching shams, bed skirt and comforter? Or do you find your sanctuary amidst the infused glow of scented candles and soft music from your safe haven of a bathroom. I tend to vacillate between my “Chick Cave” of a basement and my eclectically-covered back porch. It may not be as fanciful as a House Beautiful magazine spread, but when I need a mental break from the chaos, it’s where I go to “rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” We all need a place to rest, a place to lay aside life’s burdens. But where do you go when tranquil space is not an option?

God understands the way the world turns. On meager fare, not everyone gets the luxury of a “Calgon-take-me-away” bathtub experience or a lavish weekend getaway. Because after the tub drains or the weekend is over, we only have a fragrance that wears off after a few hours and a memory that soon fades. So when the world’s problems turn on us, He is the ultimate, peaceful refuge who offers a place of protection. He is the perfect dwelling place harboring us in an imperfect world. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).

To dwell in the shelter of the Most High is to find the ultimate place of rest and no bedroom, bathroom, basement or back porch will ever compare!

Full Embrace

1. Where do you go when tranquil space is not an option?
2. What have you taken to God to find rest for your weary soul?

An Encouraging Word – Oh Lord Almighty, we need you. Be our place of rest when we’re weary. Be our shelter when we’re burdened by life’s hardships. We come to You. You draw us into Your comforting shadow. Thank You for a place to rest. Thank You for Your great peace. AMEN.

EVER WONDER...A POEM

2011-09-11T08:46:00.010-04:00

To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, I give you this poem originally written to my boss, Janey, as a source of comfort for the loss of her mother. Though she did not suffer loss at the hands of this atrocity, we all wonder why. Remember...
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Ever wonder why dandelions are a delight to a child, but a nuisance to a gardener?
Or why Winter is too cold for some and to the earth is a time of peaceful ponder?
Ever wonder why a creative soul can find anything on a messy desk
But to a “neat nick,” it’s chaos waiting to happen and there’s no time for rest?
And then ever wonder why the good ones die young with vibrancy to spare
And the curmudgeon hangs on to complain and gripe with dreams that go nowhere?

Well, I may not know the right answers to the simple or complex
And I may not understand the times and the roles that play out next.
All I know is that life has purpose in itself and God’s plans may appear tough
And though it’s never quite understood right not, it will be soon enough.
Winters come, yet Spring arrives to lessen the heavy load
And dandelions will grow amidst the blooms of wonders untold.

And if you ever wonder why stuff seems to happen and pain appears
Just know the wonder is in the delight of life – its joy, its laughs, its tears.
And if you ever wonder why chaos has a way of ruling out in the end
Just know there’s a time and place and order to embrace this pain we’re in.
The answers are not only blowing in the wind as the songwriter once confessed
But our lives are a beauty to behold and just leave God to wonder about the rest.

WEEDS: A MODERN-DAY PARABLE

2011-09-09T23:56:00.000-04:00

I had a notion this summer to plant a vegetable garden. Now before you gardening aficionados pass out from the photo, here me out. Remember, I’m no green thumb, but a modern-day parable emerged from that experience.

Set with honorable intentions, I was determined to produce something good from the ground. And just plain tired of the high cost of this, that and the other, I wanted my family to reap the benefits of fresh, healthy, and yes, inexpensive vegetables. I bought the seeds (10 packets of various varieties). I read the instructions (thoroughly). I prepared the ground (okay, my husband turned over the soil, but I made the mounds and poked the holes!). I planted the seeds…all by myself!

Quite proud of my accomplishment, I didn’t factor in what may have been obvious to the trained gardener…WEEDS! I know a dandelion when I see one, but there were just as many varieties of weeds as were the seeds I planted. My initial thought could have been, “Give up. There are too many of them out there and I can’t tell the difference between a radish leaf and ragweed!”

Honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference, but a deeper nourishment was growing in my resolve. I got excited when I uncovered cucumbers sprouting under prickly leaves and stalks. I enjoyed a wonderful long-distance connection with my mom after picking turnip greens (I had to get her secret on how to cook them to tender perfection). And I proudly shared my beautiful, leafy lettuce mix with my boss and co-workers who reaped the benefits.

I didn’t much care for the weeds, but they taught me to appreciate what good still remains in a fallen world. It’s true. From major metropolises to small-town Americana, our own borders are overgrown with domestic violence, drug trafficking, murders, rapes, pornography and every variety of sin you can imagine. But sprouting amid the weeds are caring souls making a difference in the gardens where they’ve been planted. They’re uncovering the potential growing amongst life’s thistles. They’re rejoicing over the U-turns of the last, the least, the lost. They’re proudly sharing their faith, their hope, their testimony with any and every one willing to listen.

Listen to what Jesus says about the Parable of the Weeds found in Matthew 13:24-30a…

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest’.”

You see, it’s easier to say, “I give up!” because quite frankly, garden variety weeds are a nuisance. But in the harvest field designed by the Creator of the universe, things that grow and thrive alongside modern-day weeds are beautiful!

Full Embrace

What are some “weeds” you have personally encountered lately?
What seeds (i.e., gifts, talents, abilities) do you believe God has planted in you?
Name 2-3 specific instances where you have been a nourishment to someone?

An Encouraging Word – Dear Lord, We thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit planted firm within our hearts. May we be a nourishment to those we encounter. And when the sins of the world sprout up attempting to choke life from the harvest You’ve planted, remind us to always choose to produce good fruit which satisfies a hungry soul. AMEN.

OBSESSION'S MISSION

2011-09-07T06:44:00.014-04:00

Obsession has a mission with nothing to do with fragrance. Obsession fixates without rhyme or reason. Its preoccupation leaves all else wandering for its place to be known. Once the object of one’s affection captivates the mind, nothing shy of divine intervention can break its intoxicating spell. Obsession has no conscience, has no friends and has no prejudices. Truly, obsession’s mission…to bring irreparable damage to God’s sons and daughters.

To prove a point with a bit of amusing flair, even our canine beauty, Ginger, has her own obsession. We call it “the Light of Zorgon!” (a reference to the “Men In Black” movie). You may know it as a harmless laser light pen. Her obsession…to capture and destroy “the Light of Zorgon!” She’ll nip away at the rugs, run into the furniture, bite her paws. She doesn’t care what it takes or what happens to her in the quest. She must capture what cannot be. We know, sadly to our sadistic amusement, this mysterious light will always elude her.

Life’s vices have a way of pointing a laser light at our obsessions. Whether we’re preoccupied with the “oh, that’s nothing” infractions or the “oh dear Lord!” entrapments, we’ll stop at nothing to gain ultimate satisfaction. Sadly, the object of our obsession finds great pleasure in promising what it cannot deliver. The chase: elusive and fleeting. The result: emptiness and dissatisfaction. I once felt I could never measure up. No matter how hard I tried, that “Light of Zorgon” called perfectionism toyed with my sanity. I looked like a tangled marionette before I finally came to my senses and fell to my knees in surrender.

God’s not elusive. He points us to truth. And no matter how far gone we may feel in our obsession, He encourages us with this…

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you may stand up under it. – I Corinthians 10:13

Full Embrace

What has been an obsession or vice for you?
What have you done to escape its grasp? Has it worked for you?
What escape has God provided for you in your obsession or vice? Has this worked out for you?

Encouraging Word – Dear Lord, our obsessions have left us dissatisfied and empty. We cry out “Help!” Remind us of Your faithfulness. Help us accept Your way out and not fall into the elusive trap of carving out a niche of our own. AMEN.

You LOVE me!

2011-09-05T08:00:00.008-04:00

Like any ordinary morning, you wake up, give God a quick, “luv Ya!” and you’re off to the races. But every morning isn’t ordinary and God will capture your attention, believe me. There will come a time when you will wake up and the magnitude of life will consume you, overpower you. Not to destroy, but to encourage. Not to depress, but to uplift and to cause your spirit to soar beyond the impossible. And that “luv Ya!” won’t cut it.

Struck without words, you listen. Faint at first, you lay aside the false pretense to only regard thunderous homilies from heaven. The peaceful presence of His presence leaves you breathless. You mutter something, but find it inadequate. The tendency swells within you. Become what you think…inadequate, worthless. You strain to know, to become what He thinks. The voice grows stronger drawing your undivided attention. “This is my beloved in whom I am WELL pleased.” The affirmations drown out the tendencies. He pronounces clearly His truths over you. “I Am your refuge and strength. I created you fearfully, wonderfully. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I Am the One who heals your diseases. I Am the One who dries your tears. I Am your hope and your future. I will uphold you with My righteous, right hand. I love you.” Then, all subsides.

“You love me?” The question looms over our past, our scars, our loneliness, our brokenness, our emptiness. Our ordinary morning becomes more than ordinary. And as the beauty of His Words overshadow our typical “luv Ya” morning, we move from navel gazing to the heart-amazing realization of who truly loves who. He loves you alright! Are you ready to get this day off to an extraordinary start?

Full Embrace

When was the last time you woke up to an ordinary morning?
What event or set of circumstances caused your prayers to become ordinary?
What affirmations have God pronounced over you lately? Write them down.

Encouraging Word - Dear Lord, We wake up daily to earthly realizations and everyday it wears away at Your pronouncements over us. Send Your reminders in and through creation. Lead us not into the temptation of turning a day in which You have made into anything but extraordinary. You love us and as Your beloved children, You find great pleasure in making that love available, accessible, free. AMEN.

ONE WISH...PROVISION (HATTIE'S STORY)

2011-08-27T16:10:00.003-04:00

She loved him but hated where his life took them. The man she promised to love, honor and obey back in 1958 and the father of her children had caused fissures in their covenant. Early on, minor infractions escalated to power struggles which stemmed from issues with gambling, alcoholism, infidelity and domestic violence. Hattie wished life were different, but on those nights her husband would come home drunk and broke, wishes didn’t stop the fights nor the 3 a.m. police calls.

Her only saving grace from the constant anguish came from her nightly scripture readings, “Our Daily Bread” devotions and prayer time. No matter how late or how tired or even how aggravating the power struggles got, she never missed spending time with God. She believed God beyond her pain. She trusted God beyond her despair. Her prayer: ”make Your provision known to my children,” lightened her burden until the next time she could meet up with God again.

God heard and answered that prayer in the parking lot of the local racetrack. Friday was payday. For Hattie that meant grocery shopping. If her husband came home in a good mood, all would be fine. This week was a crap shoot because he had mumbled earlier about playing a tip at the horse races. Normally, she made do on what she stockpiled in the freezer, but this week’s list included much-needed staple items. “Lord, we need your provision!”

The buzzing sound of the VW Bug engine puttered up the driveway. Hattie drew a deep breath and without a second thought, sent one of her daughters outside to run interference. “Dad, we need to go to the grocery store,” his daughter chimed in before the clutch idled into first gear. He seemed none too happy about the proposition, but within minutes, the family loaded into the tiny orb and headed for the grocery store.

From a human standpoint, I can’t say it ended with everyone happily joining hands around the dinner table thanking God for the meal. Hattie’s husband had a tip on a horse that day. After the grocery store, they ended up waiting in the VW bug, but Hattie opened up a pack of wieners and buns and prayed over that meal. “Thank You God for providing for my children. Amen.”
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EMBRACING GOD'S TRUTH & PROMISES

John 6:48 - Yes, I am the bread of life!" (NLT)

Psalm 37:25 - "Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread." (NLT)

Psalm 119:116, 117 - "Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live? Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees." (NLT)

Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)

STEP OF FAITH

2011-08-25T15:10:00.000-04:00

Dear Embrace His Truth Readers: Much like Paul's letters to the churches in Ephesus, Corinth and Galatia, I extend greetings in our precious Savior's name. The One who keeps us all from falling, I stand ready to honor His calling and I remain humbled by your faithfulness to read this blog.

Consider this letter one a friend would express to a companion in the faith. As God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, He knew in advance our destinies. If to teach, write, sing, speak, pray, give or serve, our Lord formed such giftings through the image of His Son...before foundations settled and the earth evolved. My encouragement to you...step out in faith!

I shall do the same and have been drawn to do so for quite some time. Each step, like being splashed by the waves in the ocean, overwhelms me with excitement and succumbs me with a bit of fear of the unknown. And now that I find myself more than waist deep in my passion to write and speak, God challenged me with two mandates from this year's She Speaks conference.

First, FIND MY VOICE -- I can either remain splattered all over the pages of my various passions or focused on the object of His affection. Finding our voice in Him alone defines me, defines you. Our voice embodies not only our words, but our actions, convictions and yes, passions. When asked, "what do you love?' or conversely, "what do you loathe?" our voice reaches beyond the diaphram and warmly embraces its role in the body of Christ. To find our voice is to find Christ in the center of ourselves. Its imprint unique to who He has created me to be. So as my voice grows stronger through prayers and posts, I encourage you to journey along with me. Find your voice...embrace your role in the body of Christ.

Second, LET GOD CHISEL A LEGACY -- In her keynote address to 650, God-ordained writers, speakers, and womens' ministry leaders, Proverbs 31 Ministries' founder, Lysa Terkeurst, set the high bar. "Let God Chisel!" What lies trapped in the granite of complacency, the sin of comparison, the fear of failure, the muck and mire of worthlessness is this fearfully and wonderfully made individual God has called out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

In the midst of the chiseling, Lysa posed this question: "What 3 things do you want to be known for?" I took notice. No one ever asked me that question before and certainly not in the context of such a painful proposition. I had to be willing to let God chisel away at areas in which He received no glory to be ultimately known for 3 things which would bring Him glory.

Bring Him glory any way He sees fit...that's my sole desire. As God chisels away to form my legacy, I sense this legacy inhabiting my voice. Though Passionate Encourager is the first to emerge from the good work He has begun, I believe He is truly faithful to bring the rest of this legacy to completion. Allow the tools of a gentle carpenter's Son to chisel a legacy within you.

In the coming weeks, I anticipate Him chiseling away at what I once held dear...this blog, my style of writing, my approach to ministry and prayer, my views on risk taking, my willingness to be obedient to the call of Christ. The One Wish post unveils but the start of the Master's workmanship. I will be soliciting stories from those passionate about encouraging women facing the tough stuff and I am working on redefining my tagline. In fact, email me your initial thoughts and comments on what I've come up with so far (it's not "chiseled" in stone yet)...

Perspective - Encouragement - Peace

Applying God's Truth To Your Past...

Embracing God's Truth For Your Future!

Blessings!

Doris

ONE WISH

2011-08-23T18:51:00.001-04:00

One wish. And like that; granted. What would your one wish be? A resolution to world peace? An end to famine, homelessness, disease, poverty? A second chance at life, at love, at forgiveness?

Remember, one granted wish. How about one wish that hits closer to home? Okay, "Make me rich." "Give me a brand-new home." "Make me young again." "Restore my marriage." "Heal my child." "Change the doctor's diagnosis." And though they may be our own personal wishes, they can sound more like desperate prayers. The only difference between the two...prayers get answered; wishes don't.

In the past, I can't tell you how many times I wished for a gazillion dollars...mostly when I didn't have a dime to my name! Did I get it? Nope! But as I matured in God's Word, my one wish turned into wanting more of THE ONE!

One wish. It may never come true.

"Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him and he will help you (Psalm 37:5)." Granted.

Full Embrace

Can you recall one wish from your past?
Did that wish ever get granted?
Is there one scripture that leaves you committed to trusting God for help?

Encouraging Prayer - Dear Lord, though our help comes from You, remind us daily to trust in it more than our wishes, to want You more than the object of our desperate pleas. You alone grant our heart's desires as we delight ourselves in You. Amen!

LIVE OUT YOUR MESSAGE

2011-07-21T16:20:00.003-04:00

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thanksful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. - Colossians 3:16, 17

Even as I write this, I know many of you may not ever attend a She Speaks conference. Over the past three years, I have come to expect great things from my experiences there. I find direction for my writing, a focus and forum for my faith and an encouragement from other aspiring writers and speakers living out the message of Christ's unfailing love as they blog, speak, write and lead in women's ministries.

So I sit in my hotel room with an expectation and encouragement I want to pass on to you and the conference has yet to begin. My encouragement - Live out your message! Christ lives and moves and has His being in you. He has delivered you from addictions, shame, abuses, regrets, fears and that message needs to be shared with your sphere of influence. Whether you impact one or hundreds, God's message is powerful, meaningful and irrefutable.

So live out your message! Write, sing, praise, teach...whatever it is, now is the time to live it!
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As I enjoy what God has in store this weekend, I welcome your prayers!

LEARNING OVER SUMMER BREAK

2011-07-07T06:07:00.001-04:00

With school out and my child relishing summer break, I'm stuck in an office wishing I could enjoy the summer with him. But I'm learning alot while school's not in session especially since I work in the office of an educational facility. Within these hallowed halls I have 2-1/2 months to drink in some much-needed peace and quiet. I have an opportunity to reflect over the past school year and right the mistakes I've made. And without the demands and deadlines that come with planning school events, I can concentrate on unrealized ideas I've placed on the back burner. To believe I would have the freedom to do all these things if I were at home would be an illusion. Why? Because someone or something would vie for my time and attention and believe me, this HGTV junkie would spend more time in front of the TV instead of in silence and solitude.

I know we have our perfect picture of how things should be in our lives. We want what we want when we want it, but we've a lot to learn in the most unusual of circumstances. God never steers us wrong when He teaches us. His lessons are always solid when we loosen the strong grip on our own agendas. We learn so much from His ways and they are much better than our own.

What am I learning over Summer break? I'm learning how to let go and let God have control of my Summer (and my life). How about you?
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Dear friends: I can use your prayers. I'm preparing to attend the She Speaks conference in Concord, NC (July 22-24). Although I'm still writing, I'm taking a big leap of faith and have enrolled in the Speaker's Track. Pray that all goes well and that God would open doors of opportunities for speaking engagements. Take care and blessings!

AN ETERNAL MEMORIAL

2011-05-30T07:39:00.004-04:00

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. - John 15: 13

I didn't know Frank Buckles. From his army photo, he was a handsome, young man born on a farm in Missouri. He had an optimistic attitude that carried him through near-death experiences and a three-year detainment during WWII. But in February 2011, Mr. Buckles became the last known living American-born "doughboy" of World War I. Honored by a nation, this 110-year old serviceman was laid to rest amongst his band of brothers and sisters on a knoll in Arlington National Cementary.

Like so many other unpretentious men and women called to duty (voluntarily or not), we set aside Memorial Day to celebrate their heroic efforts. For some, we're moved by the pomp and grandeur of patriotism. Touched as we raise our hands to salute them for the price they paid for our freedom, we gaze proudly upon a flag and recite the words that pledge our allegiance. I am honored, but what makes us free doesn't remain in the grave. Our dear men and women died defending our soils; Christ died to deliver our souls! Our brave soldiers have only one life to give for our country; God gave up His one and only Son, Jesus Christ for this entire world. Those who may come home to a less-than hero's welcome are eternally welcomed into the arms of a loving Savior who died that we might live, who loved that we might know His love and friendship.

My encouragement is that you are stirred this Memorial Day not only by the Frank Buckles of the world, but by an eternal memorial. Jesus may not have been born on a Missouri farm, but he came to earth with a purpose...to set captives free, to bind up broken hearts, to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who grieve in Zion, to rebuild, restore, renew and to bring good news to us all. And for this, Christ loves you and calls you friend! What an eternal memorial!

SINGING OVER MOMS - 100th POST

2011-05-08T07:00:00.012-04:00

Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the Lord. - Isaiah 54:1

I am not in the habit of bringing attention to myself. Some call it maintaining a private moment. I just call it discernment. I wait on God for His timing. When it's right, I do; when it's not, I wait...and wait. The waiting and doing transforms into winter and summer, layering and shedding. Each one necessary, yet only one having its own set of challenges.

Over the years, my husband and I met multiple miscarriages and eventual infertility head on. And much like a blizzard, we needed all the love, understanding and support to cover our mental and spiritual bare parts. In that season, my waiting scarcely resembled the singing nor joy I read in Isaiah 54:1. In fact, I wore tears like a long scarf, questions like a wool cap and sorrow like a parka.

Eventually came the shedding season. Psalm 40, Psalm 121, Psalm 124 and Isaiah 54:10, to name a few, brought hope and a choice to our circumstances. Hope that our help came from the Lord and a choice to believe Him for the strength that comes with each new day. The shedding season may have started with a touch, a kind word, an encouraging note from a friend. No matter. My seasonal garments were no longer fitting the season. He had "taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!" (Psalm 30:11b-12 - NLT).

This Mother's Day, whether...

you can't be a mom

you wannnabe a mom

you missed being a mom...several times

you would be a mom for the 1st time

you would be a mom...for the umpteenth time

you just became a mom

you're soloing as a mom

you became a mom in another way

you're in the throes of muthahood (Anita Renfroe reference here)

you're adjusting in the mental, physical, spiritual & emotional challenges of momhood

you're grieving a life payment from disease as a mom

you have a mom

you're an empty nester mom

you're caring for an elderly mom

you had a mom...

I wish to sing this encouragement over you. God had blessed me to write this song in my waiting season some years ago. My husband and I sang it at a recent coffeehouse. It's called, "Yes, Jesus Loves You." Enjoy & be blessed beautiful daughters of God!

BALLOONS IN THE BED

2011-05-03T12:52:00.004-04:00

Spontaneous? A piece of cake for me. But change the directive and watch the fun begin! My husband and I had been working through communication issues for months. So not to repeat previous miscues, I clearly asked, "so baby, what would you like for your birthday?" Even E. F. Hutton stopped dead in his tracks for a response. "Oh, nothing...much." Notice the emphasis on much, though my ears only heard "Oh, nothing." Quite surprised by the answer, I reiterated what I thought I heard and concluded with, "Okay, I guess we'll get you a card."

BUZZZZZZ!! WRONG ANSWER!!...Funny now, not so funny then! When the "big" day came, I handed my husband his card and watched this dejected look invade his face! It was now time for a heart-to-heart with God. As we engaged in "general fellowship," the Father revealed a few things. First, a laid-back demeanor doesn't exempt you from hurt feelings. It also doesn't exempt you from keeping those feelings to yourself for fear of offending the one you love. We needed to learn how to connect without fear of offense. And we needed to learn how to speak a language filled with love, grace and honesty. We listened closely as God gently pointed out past patterns -- the 14th anniversary surprise a few months back that didn't go according to plan; my not getting exactly what I wanted for Christmas; and don't even get me started on the confusing signals I gave my poor husband for my 50th ("No muss, no fuss, no party, no cake!").

We confessed our shortcomings to each other and to God and God forgave us. That simple. So what does this have to do with balloons in the bed? Plenty! Remember, being spontaneous is a piece of cake for me. When I heard, "Oh, nothing," that spontaneity was blocked. But when we met God with our hurts, a floodgate of ideas rushed through my head. As if the dam had broke, the lie had no power! So within 12 hours, I designed a birthday newsletter listing the gifts I wished I could afford, shopped and gift wrapped the perfect outfit for an upcoming wedding he's officiating and blew up a gadzillion balloons (it's good to have an overzealous child willing to test his lung capacity to your air pump!). The balloons ended up where else, but in the bed!

GOING COVERT

2011-04-20T13:35:00.003-04:00

Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. - Matthew 6:1

When my son attended elementary school, I was one active mama but no one knew it. Too often I'd cringe from comments like, "if you want something done, give it to the busy mom" or "Mrs. So-And-So has a million things on her plate. I'm sure she won't mind one more!" I was not interested in competing with Mrs. So-And-So, so I kept my works to myself.

I limited my acts of service to coordinating the school's book fairs since my son grew into a rabid reader. And when I needed help pointing 100s of eager minds to bookcases instead of the money-stealing fuzzy pencils and neon erasers, I recruited other parents who didn't want to see those minds go to waste. Then one day, I remember getting buzzed into the office by our school secretary. I walked over to the counter to sign in and she introduced me to a teacher I had not met. To my great surprise, she said, "Oh that's Mrs. Cush. She's our covert parent!" And without skipping a beat, I added, "That's right. I assess the situation. I get in, get out and nobody gets hurt!" I can tell you the teacher looked a bit puzzled, but the secretary and I burst out laughing! I've been covert ever since.

Have you ever found yourself facing an opportunity to go "covert?" It's the moment where you get to bless someone without waiting for a pat on the back or an "atta girl!" You assess the situation. You get in, you get out and somebody gets blessed! Try it at the grocery store when you see a mother short on her last nerve and needs a hand in the produce aisle. Try it at the office when your co-worker's on a deadline and needs to collate a gadzillion copies in 2 minutes. What about pouring a little love into a note for a less-than-lovable sister. Seize the opportunities because we both know where our true reward comes!

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TO ALL MY READERS - Thank you for your faithfulness. It has been a rough season, but as you have come to know me, I am all about embracing God's truth. I thank you for your prayers and ask that you continue lifting me up as I do the same for you. God has been doing some amazing things and as I stick to Him (like glue - smile) through the good, the bad and the ugly (Romans 8:28), I hope to continue offering encouragement and truth through my blog posts.

Have a blessed Easter! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

MY HEART'S JOURNEY

2011-04-01T22:23:00.015-04:00

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12

Heartsick. Desperate. Confused. Stressed. It's the journey I've traveled these past few months. The sights haven't always been breathtaking and not one postcard went out, "wishing you were here!" A deep sense of Psalm 23:4 has swept over my "even though." And though this King's kid knows her Abba Father is with her through the "valley of the shadow of death," I have to be honest with you. When you long for the destination, an extended stay in the valley can take its toll on the best of us. I know it has on me and I am desperately longing for a change of scenery.

And yet in the faint distance, I hear hope blowing ever so softly in the wind whispering, "my child, this is the way; walk in it." I have to remember that through the chaos of mounting marital miscommunication, preteen paranormal activity (believe me, that's what it looks like) and unexplainable medical abnormalities. I have to "be still and know" who is God. I'm not. He is and in the longing, God brings hope through His Word. It's in this faithful and ever constant reminder the heart learns to feel less sick. Hope moves from deferred -- which, by the way, means "suspended or withheld until a certain time" -- to delivered. It's His Word that delivers hope...my hope. And I am learning to be assured that He dries tears by morning's light (Proverbs 30:5-NIV). He's a hiding place from the storm (Psalm 32:7-LB), a contingency for every natural disaster (Isaiah 43:2-LB) and a renewed strength in weariness (Isaiah 40:31-KJV). Thank you for allowing me to share and blessings!

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SHE SPEAKS CONFERENCE & PROVERBS 31 MINISTRIES - That's how Embrace His Truth pretty much got (re)started almost 3 years ago. I stumbled over a link on a bible study site and was swept away by this ministry. This quote comes from one of this year's She Speaks' conference speakers, Ann Voskamp...

"The She Speaks Conference is about women connecting the hearts of women to the heart of our Father God."

My heart's desire is to write and speak. Okay, I might not know now what the journey may entail, but my job is to trust and acknowledge God with the details (Proverbs 3:5, 6). Are you trusting God with the desires of your heart? Is He speaking softly in your valley to speak, to write or to lead in women's ministry? If so, may I offer you what has been freely given to me? An opportunity to take the first step on a wonderful journey...She Speaks...She Writes...She Leads. Click the links below to begin your heart's journey and hope we connect along the way!

She Speaks Conference Website

Ann Voskamp's Website

FINDING HOPE IN A HOPELESS SITUATION

2011-01-15T08:42:00.000-05:00

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. -- Psalm 42:5

When I read this verse, my initial thought was to take the psalmist at face value. He posed the question to himself obviously angst-ridden over why he was so discouraged. Surprisingly, he mustered enough gumption to praise the Lord Most High. I had to wonder what caused him to be so "downcast?" Then I realized, isn't that how most of life's stories are played out? It's one thing to take situations at face value. It's another when you turn over the proverbial rock and unearth some pretty interesting developments.

In the Quest Study Bible (NIV), this particular chapter in Psalms was possibly written by David (though it isn't certain). "Most likely [the writer] was exiled far from Jerusalem, causing him to mourn the fact that he no longer could lead in worshiping God in the temple. Worse, in a foreign land and surrounded by foreign gods, he felt cut off from the presence of the Lord." If we go with this premise written in the side-column notes, we can infer a great many things. The writer was (1) having to adjust in a foreign land under foreign rules and customs (verse 9: I say to God my Rock, "Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?"); (2) not allowed to publicly worship God as he was accustomed in his own land (verse 2: My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?); and (3) expressing deep sorrow and inward distress over his somewhat hopeless situation (verse 10: My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long "Where is your God?").

It's a wonder anyone could stand under the powerful weight of separation from God both physically and mentally. Circumstances appear hopeless. The writer expresses a sense of deep despair. He is literally alienated and exiled from what had once given him his greatest joy and comfort. Yet through the hopelessness, beyond the Jordan River within his captivity, he finds in the depths of his soul hope. Hope defined is "the feeling that what is desired is also possible or that events may turn out for the best." Even in Proverbs 13:12, God's word tells us that "hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." God further provides us with an ultimate word of encouragement that leaps off the pages in Isaiah 40:31 -- "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Even in a hopeless situation, hope is possible!

With such wonderful encouragement, why would this psalmist -- and may I add, why would we -- be so downcast even when the situation appears hopeless? Today, all it takes is a layoff with no employment prospects in sight, a close friend or relative dying, a spouse openly confessing their infidelity or maybe a child sharing that they were just "born that way." Sadly, our hope is only misplaced if we find ourselves more overwhelmed by the hopelessness of the situation and not more encouraged by the hopefulness our God brings to it.

Our unknown writer knew that in order to rise above, he had to search for the One deep within -- "deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me -- a prayer to the God of my life" (Psalms 42:7, 8). In a hopeless situation, it takes more than just a pat prayer (although the simple, one-word prayer, "HELP!" works wonders). God calls us from the depths and meets us there when we respond deeply. Our situation requires no leisurely-serene walk on the sea shore only to stumble into God's footprints by accident. We must be wholly deliberate in our quest, blindly trusting of His great and precious promises and brutally honest with Him in our heart's cry.

Yes, we're human and it's okay to feel what we do. But as I once heard, we should never become enslaved to our feelings. They should act as a rudder that helps to steer the boat God has provided in helping us stay above the waters of our situation, not as an anchor weighing us down ultimately causing us to lose sight of God's truth and to lose hope in Him. Remember, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created" (James 1:17, 18). When you find yourself in the depths of a hopeless situation, rest assured that our Savior will be found and that you can put your hope in Him.

A JOYFUL ENCOURAGEMENT

2011-01-08T23:21:00.000-05:00

This prayer request went out for a dear sister struggling with cancer. Here was my final response upon hearing of her passing. Consider this a joyful encouragement!
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I truly believe heaven hears our prayers. From the faintest whisper to the outbursts from a broken heart, God hears and He attends to each one (Psalm 61). So when we send prayer requests, we expect (at least I do - smile) for God to answer exactly the way it was presented. How vulnerable a position to place oneself. Why? Because though the prayers of the righteous go a long way, God's answer to prayers goes beyond our comprehension. He knows the plans, purposes and provisions of life that are truly in our best interest. He weaves circumstances to make us stronger. He knits together choices to make us humble. He joins hearts to make us dependent on Him for that peace that continually guards our hearts and minds.

I forwarded a request earlier this week asking you to lift up a dear sister in Christ, Joy Harris. Her name was her personality and her life mimicked the joy of Christ. Last evening, she went home to be with our Savior and though I mourn her passing in my own way, I am at peace and rejoice over her home going. I confess that I truly prayed for healing because that's what I sensed from God to do. It challenged me to trust and now her passing challenges me to trust MORE! Do I believe God could have healed her? Yes "indeed-y-doodle!" Do I trust God's answer to her healing? Ah, there's the $64,000 question and I would have to say, faithfully, I WILL.

As a church, we have been called to pray for the sick, to bind up the brokenhearted, to preach the good news to the poor, to set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1-4). The moment our prayers part our lips, they will challenge us to trust more, to be more obedient and to be more vulnerable. But what an indescribable peace God gives us in the "the more." I encourage you dear family to never give up praying - pray without ceasing and trust God in "the more" (I Thes. 5:17, 18; Phil. 1:3-6; Eph. 6:18; Rom. 12:11, 12).

I part with this final encouragement. In our bible study last evening, this passage was read that set the foundation for how we are to live for Christ in prayer, in word and in deed. I pray this over you...

Colossians 3:12-17...Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(belated) CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

2011-01-04T03:16:00.000-05:00

Okay, the holidays got the better of me! Although my tree is still up (yes, it's true), I need to announce the remaining winners of the Christmas Giveaway contest...

Week 2 - The Gift of God's Son...LeeBird
Week 3 - The Gift of God's Grace...The Old Geezer
Week 4 - The Gift of God's Response...Sailor & Co.

Contact me via email and I'll make sure to mail out your choice of the jeweled lanyard or eyeglass holder!

Make 2011 a fabulous year!

THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S RESPONSE

2010-12-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

12.30.10...Revelations 3:19-23
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S GRACE

2010-12-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

12.23.10...Ephesians 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S SON

2010-12-16T00:02:00.002-05:00

12.16.10...John 3:14-18
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

12.09.10 CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY WINNER

2010-12-11T08:13:00.002-05:00

For week #1 of the Christmas Giveaway, give it up for...

"Watered Soul" (name unknown..yet)

A message has been sent to her, but if you also like to contact me on embracehistruth@gmail.com to claim your prize, that would be great!

Blessings and get ready for next week's Thursday Thought!

THURSDAY THOUGHT - THE GIFT OF GOD'S PROMISE

2010-12-09T00:02:00.002-05:00

12.09.10...Hebrews 6:13-20
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS GIVEAWAY

2010-12-04T09:16:00.002-05:00

"Kick

up a notch!" That's what I'm hearing as I vascillate between making time to write and actually getting it done. And then the idea hit me. "Doris, it's the holidays and you love crafting. Why not give away the gifts I've given you to create?" Okay, I'm game for just about anything and so here goes.

During the month of December, I will conduct a weekly drawing (let's say, posting every Friday). For every person signed up to follow my blog, I'll place your name in the drawing and give away either a jeweled lanyard or eyeglass holder (see the pics). Here's the kicker...for every person you introduce to my blog (and they must sign on as a "follower"), I will add your name again. The more people I meet of yours, the more chances to win for you. Haven't figured out a grand prize yet, but I will!

So far, I have close to 30 of you entered and here are the "rough & sketchy" rules:

All names stay in the drawing (except the one selected).

If you invite someone to join my blog, I'll collect information through comments to a special weekly Thursday post. Leave your name and email address with "I've asked [PERSON'S NAME] to join your blog" as your comment (the information in the brackets is the person you invited).

Winners will be notified by email for correct mailing information.

I'll post something on Thursday. Submit your comments on that post by MIDNIGHT to increase your entries. Drawing held on Friday and winner announced over the weekend...that simple. Thanks & blessings!

DECK THE PORCH W/DECORATIONS - PT. 2

2010-12-03T11:34:00.002-05:00

Lately, random thoughts seem to be the order of the day with me. Yesterday, I went from decking my porch to chuckling over God's sense of humor challenging my comfort zone. Thus, posing the question, "what spirit possessed me to operate out of my normal fare?" Well, a well-addressed question stems from a well-covered background. And so, here's my story...

My poor, small-framed porch, which consists of a paint-chipped wooden folding chair and millions of scaly-looking paint chips all over water-logged and worn wooden slats. Quite frankly, my "stoop" is a wannabe porch looking for attention. It tries so hard to be the best at what it is. It supports the grocery bags we transport from the car. It supports the weight of the guests who knock on our door. It supports our family's comings and goings. You might not want to linger on it for long periods of time, but eye sore and all, it holds up fulfilling its purpose.

And so, I couldn't help but chuckle as I stood back and marveled "my" handiwork. God uses us all, right? Whether battle weary or warrior ready, our purposes are well crafted in the hands of God. You see, in my deck the porch with decorations moment, God was singing "fa-lalalala-lalalala!" over my random absurdity to think my well-placed swags, lights and wreaths would somehow transform this worthless-looking landing. Our porch has purpose. And like so many others who may not look the part or fit the bill in the eyes of the world, they still serve a beautiful purpose in the body of Christ. They volunteer wholeheartedly. They serve insightfully. They donate sacrificially. They intercede faithfully. They exhort passionately. They challenge strongly. They listen dutifully. They choose with no regret to become pliable in the Lord's hands. Simply, their beauty comes from within and no outward adornment will ever define their true intent. If that weren't enough for God to get his point across, He reminded me of David's humble ascension...

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, Surely the Lord's anointed stands here before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." -- 1 Samuel 16:6, 7

In the eyes of his strapping siblings, David may have been good enough to tend the family's herd of sheep, but God anointed this shepherd to tend to His chosen nation.

Ah, "my" handiwork, how absurd of me! From decking the porch with decorations, I thank You, God for Your willingness to see the beauty and purpose within us all regardless of our outward adornment. May we always serve You well.

Enjoy the holidays, my dear sweet readers!

DECK THE PORCH W/DECORATIONS - PT. 1

2010-12-02T18:16:00.005-05:00

Some people just have the knack to decorate. I am not one of those people. I can rearrange furniture, kitchen cabinets or personal items in dresser drawers, but I am a novice, HGTV-diva wannabe! No worries because the other day I decked my porch with Christmas decorations. Needless to say, I not only surprised my husband and child, but stepped back and marveled at my handiwork (and God's wonderful sense of humor). "What festive spirit possessed me to operate outside of my comfort zone?"

Interesting thought for another day, don't you think?

THANKSGIVING PRAYER

2010-11-25T06:32:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful bunch of people you are! And in the pure spirit of this festive, family season drenched in tradition (and turkey gravy!), I pray this simple prayer...

Lord, may You "carve" patience and love upon our hearts. As we connect with our family over the holidays, teach us to guard our tongues and "pour" out love. May we not become "overstuffed" with trivial issues, but "garnish" hope to all who are weary and offer daily "bread" to those hungry for the word of truth. This Thanksgiving prayer we pray...AMEN!

GOBBLE - GOBBLE!!

ADOPTION FROM THE HEART-PT. 2

2010-11-23T13:51:00.006-05:00

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. -- John 14:18

November...what a beautiful month! In the midst of this luscious autumn season, November boasts the likes of All Saints Day (11/1), Veteran's Day (11/11), World Kindness Day (11/13), World Peace Day (11/17), World Hello Day (11/21), Thanksgiving (4th Thursday in November) and National Family Caregivers Month, just to name a few. Impressive, yes, but why the big hoop-la over a month? Because amongst the changing leaves and memorials, November is also National Adoption Month. A month dedicated to orphans (or what we call "waiting children"). A month, I believe, should be dedicated to the word becoming flesh...at least for a child.

When I first learned of the Heart Gallery of America almost 10 years ago, Diane Granito worked as a family placement recruiter for the New Mexico Children, Youth & Families department. In most agencies, the process in the adoption system was simple...pair children and families through a snapshot and bio. And if you've ever experienced the steps and stages of adoption, you know that the snapshots in adoption books greatly resemble mugshots and bios only list the barest facts.

Ms. Granito knew the drill and from The Heart Gallery of America website, Diane "thought the very least she could do for children looking for adoptive homes was to take a decent photograph. Not a snapshot, a portrait by a professional." She knew that for an adoptive child, a picture is worth a 1000 words. And since people are apt to adopt a younger child rather than an older one (or multiples), a basic snapshot may not warrant a second glance for them. That's where Ms. Granito's good idea -- taking a better photo -- turned into a beautiful vision -- feature portraits of waiting children in art galleries. This brought hope to children long considered difficult placements because of age or sibling group concerns.

Today, Heart Galleries have opened in 48 states with more than 1000 children placed in forever homes. "While Heart Gallery exhibits have helped raise awareness about adoption through foster care...119,000 American children are waiting for adoption as you read this. They need any and all support you can provide."

My encouragement to you...if you've ever considered adoption as a family option, visit a Heart Gallery nearest you. Support their efforts in your prayers, financial donations, volunteer acts or even through adoption placement. If there is no Heart Gallery in your area, won't you be the arms and heart of God's little ones by starting one in your church or community gallery? Contact the Heart Gallery of America online for details.

Until next time!

ADOPTION FROM THE HEART-PT. 1

2010-11-07T20:23:00.009-05:00

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. -- James 1:27

"Jesus loves the little children...all the children of the world! Red and yellow, black and white. They are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world!" Such a cute song from childhood, but oh, how I hate dating myself! But as songs and stories go, I don't mind showing my age to prove a point.

Keeping with the comical fashion of Sophia from "The Golden Girls" - Picture it. It's the 1960s. A little girl plays with her doll. Coddling, dressing, hugging, burping, tucking it in for a nap. The little girl envisions her dreams of motherhood as a mere stepping stone into maturity. But adulthood marches in quickly. The months come and go taking the now-young woman's hopes of motherhood captive. "I'm sorry Mrs. So-n-so but..." The "but" drifts off as tears flood her eyes. She is filled with anguish and disbelief. The questions bombard her, each starting with "Why?" But as the story goes, there is a happy ending. An ending that begins with a desire to please God in motherhood and a journey that carries this woman and her husband down the road towards adoption. She dreamt of being a mom. Now she's awakened to a deeper purpose.

My dear, sweet readers. I get excited over this time of year. Not because of the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays, but because someone out there decided to commemorate November as "National Adoption Month." Over the coming weeks, I hope to present stories awakened to a deeper purpose. Stories of a "pure and faultless religion" that pleases the heart of God. Stories of families embracing parenthood from a different vantage point.

When I grew up, I expected to give birth to 3-5 children. However, unforeseen circumstances squashed those expectations and nearly crushed my childhood dream. In my anguish, I remembered, "Jesus loves the little children." And then I remembered He loved my husband and I enough to honor the desires of our hearts. It's been eight years. Baby coddling, dressing and burping have been substituted with boyish laughter, silliness and more-than-occasional hugs from one "wild and crazy" blessing from God!

If you're interested in reading my recently-published article, Parenting from a Different Vantage Point, go to the Proverbs 31 Ministries website (scroll down to the article). Special prayers and blessings to such a phenomenal ministry and to their senior magazine editor (and fellow adoptive mom), Glynnis Whitwer, for giving me a forum in which to share my tapped passion for writing and my realized dream of motherhood.

I'll admit, adoption is not for everyone...directly, but in some manner, we all can play a role in "looking after the orphans." Whether sponsoring a child through an international children's fund, volunteering at a local adoption agency, becoming a court-appointed adoption advocate, providing temporary shelter as a foster parent, crafting much-needed items for overseas orphanages, whatever. Caring for God's children is one of the purest forms of religion for which He is greatly pleased. Until we meet again!

FEEDING THE WEAK

2010-10-30T07:05:00.001-04:00

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. -- 1 Corinthians 9:22

My husband is a hopeless carnivore. I don't mean "skip-the-flame," rare-meat eater kind. For him, it's quite the opposite. If the burger's still mooing, it's not cooked enough. And since he's the one firing up the charcoal briquettes, we're pretty much at his mercy. I don't like bloody meat either, but I'm not too keen on Holstein-flavored chewing gum! Our son shares my sentiment. He has no problem eating the burgers from Wendy's, but he has a hard time finishing his dad's home-cooked shoe leather on a bun (oops - I mean burgers).

Now some people can chew on the tough stuff; others operate from a different taste palate. If you're the one wearing the "Kiss the Cook" apron, the trick is to poll your hungry eaters and serve them a meal that whets more than their whistle. It leaves their soul hungering for more. Take for example, our presentation of the gospel. If you're anything like me, we can't contain our excitement over what God has done in our lives. Yet, sometimes in our zest to "reach and preach," we end up feeding the world the gospel according to our taste buds and it may come off as a little too tough to chew.

You and I both know God is phenomenal! We know He is awesome! And in my best vernacular, we know God is "all that and a bag of chips!" But there are those yet to "taste and see that the Lord is good!" They're either stuffed from the usual, yet unsatisfying fare of the world or starving for a more eternally-rewarding dining experience. That's why I believe Paul needed to share his recipe for witnessing to a gospel-starved world -- "to the weak, I became weak to win the weak."

The moral: When given the opportunity to present the gospel to a stressed-out co-worker, a bewildered friend or a perplexed stranger, take a tip from "Chef Paul." First, listen to their heart's order and present their request to Jesus, the Master Chef. His menu selections are cooked just right to win over a spiritually-hungry appetite!

ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY

2010-10-16T07:01:00.001-04:00

"There aren't enough hours in the day!" How many times have we heard that one? For most of us who suffer from "Notimetobreathitis," we understand the quandary time presents. From the second our feet touch the floor, busyness defines us. We juggle. We multitask. We wear several hats. We bear many burdens. But if you ask the average woman what she secretly desires more than more time, you might be surprised by the response. She desperately wants to slow down the pace, to stop living life in hyper speed. I know I do, but what's a poor woman to do?

We raised that question in my Bible Study a la Carte a few weeks ago. Okay, side note...Bible Study a la Carte is an elongated study we adopted for our women's small group. First, we wanted to be sensitive to a woman's time. By stretching each chapter over a longer, specified period, women unhurriedly feast on the bible study experience instead of fret over its fast-food pace. Next, we present chapters in a self-contained format. Simply, each chapter of a particular study stands on its own. Much like the toppings on a pizza, participants select their chapter preferences. If all a woman can accommodate in her schedule are three chapters over a 10-chapter study, she never feels disappointed in what she has missed. A pizza -- dough, sauce and cheese -- is still a pizza no matter the added toppings much like Bible Study a la Carte -- worship, teaching and fellowship -- still fulfills its purpose in meeting the spiritual needs of the women we serve.

So a few weeks ago, we tackled the issue of setting priorities. Most of us wanted to become better time managers. All of us just wanted God's perspective on the matter. So, in a la Carte fashion, we found ourselves in the throes of Nancy Leigh DeMoss' workbook, Lies Women Believe. Did you know Jesus had a to-do list? It's true! He came to do what the Father called Him to do. When He prayed for Himself and His disciples near the end of His tenure this side of heaven, He spoke these words -- "I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do" (John 17:4).

Jesus completed everything on His "to-do" list. Okay, I know you must be thinking, "Oh course He did! He's Jesus!" Before walking on waters unfounded, let's read the verse again. This time, embrace the truth of our Savior's message and not the lie generated from satan's insinuations. First, Jesus did things that brought glory to the Father, not to others. He received no applause for His actions. He sought no pat on the back for His efforts. He knew "doin' the stuff" for God would not always be popular, but necessary to fulfill His kingdom's purpose. Does our "to-do" list bring God glory? Or does frustration consume our next big "doing?" If so, then ask the Father what would bring Him glory, then do it!

I have completed "the work You gave me to do." Isn't that what Jesus prayed? He worked in conjunction with the Father to accomplish the order of His day. Whether dining with Zaccheus, witnessing to the Samaritan woman, curing the woman with the long-standing, blood problem or healing the Centurion's servant from a distance, Jesus set about the task of doing all the Father gave Him to do. Nothing more...nothing less. This led our study to the real kicker. Did Jesus ever say "no" to doing? Actually, He did. When He received word of Lazarus' illness, for example, "He stayed where He was two more days" (John 11:6). Even His reason for not tending to the immediate was to bring the Father glory (vs. 4).

You see, many times, we as Christians will say "yes" to things before checking with the Father. And before most of us can catch a breath, our "to-do" list morphs into someone else's "please do" list. "Can you please do this?" or "Can you please do that?" sends us into a reclusive state without a forwarding address! There's nothing wrong with doing. The real conundrum is doing what we're called to do.

It's so important to check with the Father on everything. He knows busyness' penchant -- to keep us burdened under satan's yoke. And you know what happens to a yoked animal who grows tired of doing? It stops doing things all together. Here's a word I hope you add to your vocabulary. When asked to do something that the Father has not called you to do, just say "no." I assure you the world will not end. God's work will get done, but it is the Father who supplies the laborers (Matthew 9:37, 38).

"There aren't enough hours in the day!" That may be true for some. Yet, in the light of eternity, twenty-four hours seem reasonable. When we find ourselves fretting over the hours in the day to finish our "to-do" list, just remember, "being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:6).

THE BOARD ROOM IN YOUR HEAD

2010-09-21T15:55:00.003-04:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5, 6

We enter as the climatic conversation reaches its passionate conclusion...

Teary-eyed and panicked, she concludes, "Look, I don't understand why all this is happening!" Her sympathetic responder chimes in, "Don't worry, God will not leave us nor forsake us!" The sympathizer then turns from the mirror with her anxious side a bit more assured.

Okay, we may not all admit to talking to ourselves, but we've all struggled at some time with internal voices. Filling our heads with doubt, uncertainty, fear and even worry, even the best of us succumb to their half-truth assessments. But a CEO of a utility company once shared this delightful insight: "There's always a board meeting going on in your head... you may not be able to shut them up, but you can control the agenda of their discussions and ultimately you have the final say."

With regard to "the final say," may I add, the true issue deals more with semantics than with circumstances. Simply, it's not about the why, but the "how." Take the above dialogue. I've asked myself on many occasions, "why, Lord! Why is all this happening?" Before I have a moment to breathe, a board meeting has convened in my head, taken up a vote and decided depression or discouragement would be the best recourse over my circumstance. But that's not "HOW" God calls us to conduct our "meetings."

At the first sign of "why," we are called to trust, to lean, to depend. We trust Him because we don't understand. We lean on Him because we are weak. We depend on Him because we would be lost otherwise. Anxious thoughts may call a board meeting in our heads, but our agenda operates within the realm of God's sovereignty because the "whys" of life will happen. Isn't that why the meeting was called? Loved ones will endure hardships. Friends will not always listen to wise counsel. We will struggle over life's issues. How we choose to deal with those issues gives us the final say over anxious thoughts.

A woman underwent chemotherapy. Given little hope over her optimistic outlook, she arose from slumber to find almost all her hair clumped on her pillow. Her morning routine found her in front of the bathroom vanity. In the mirror, she found three strands reflected atop her head. "Ooh! I think I'll wear my hair braided today!" she exclaimed. The next morning, the same ritual. Only this time, her locks were down to two. "Ooh wow! I haven't worn pigtails since I was a child!" she squealed with delight. Same routine the next morning. When she gazed into her trusted mirror, a lone strand remained. "Ponytail, it is!" was her response. Day four was not so kind. When she made her way to the vanity, she saw no hairs upon her head. She looked slightly puzzled for a moment then concluded with a smile, "Boy, do I look great bald!"

This isn't about the circumstances. Remember, they will happen much like a board meeting convenes. How we choose to control the agenda will determine the final say. Learn to choose God's word over the circumstances and He will "make your paths straight."

LABOR DAY PRAYER

2010-09-06T09:29:00.003-04:00

Dear God, You would think Labor Day affords us the opportunity to relax, rest and release. We try, but to no avail. Relax and rest turns to cooking, baking and barbecuing. And the only release (or relief, for that matter) is found after the picnics, partying and clean-ups are over. Help us to take a minute to reflect on You as the Maker of heaven and earth, to rejuvenate our relationships with the lover of our souls and to receive the joy of our salvation. We need You, there's no doubt about that, but help us to want You in our rest this day. Help us to want Your peace that goes beyond our comprehension. Help us to take the moments to appreciate the beauty of Your holiness long before our minutes are taken away by the busyness in our Labor Day. You alone provide rest for the weary, hope for the hopeless and peace in the chaos. Therefore, remind us of the reason You are there...You are "there for" us. Pour on the rest for the labor of Your people. In this we pray -- AMEN.

Make today the day you will rejoice and be glad in it. Happy Labor Day, my sisters and friends!

YET WILL WE TRUST YOU

2010-08-22T10:46:00.004-04:00

Waters crash against the hull of our hearts. Mercilessly pounding a painful rhythm. Its systematic ebb and flow resembles the realities of life. Children rebelling against an awesome God. Sickness and disease ravaging a loved one's body. Infertility and barrenness crushing the hopes of unsuspecting couples. Economic conditions leaving families one check away from homelessness. We gasp for air, we cry for help before the next big wave. Only a minute to send up an SOS. Our minds race for the words of life. What would you say?

After the lost of his only 4-year old son to Scarlet Fever, the great Chicago fire that completely destroyed private property and the lost of his remaining 4 daughters at sea, Horatio Spafford penned this powerful hymn...It Is Well With My Soul:

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When dark clouds like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
It is well with my soul

Lord only knows the devastation of life we carry within our souls. And while every one's life writes a story, God provides the final chapter through the pen of confession, redemption, grace and forgiveness. Whatever my lot THOU hast taught me to say... we are incapable of bearing up under the weight of the waves. God never asked us to. But as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1), He teaches us through the pain. He comforts us through the anguish, the disillusionment, the remorse. And in the storms of life, we learn to echo the words David did..."yet will I trust You." And prayerfully, may our eyes look up to the hills where our help comes because through it all, our help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121).

READY TO TAKE A TEST?

2010-08-17T16:25:00.001-04:00

Tests make me sweat up a storm! Alright, I'm exaggerating a bit, but the facts remain...I hate tests. During pre-marital counseling, one of the pastors who would officiate our wedding wanted my beloved and me to take a personality test. I panicked! My smart alack betrothed took my hand, turned to me and said, "honey, it will only be used to measure our compatibility, not whether you have a personality." I was not amused (okay, maybe cutely annoyed, but that doesn't count as pass or fail, does it?).

I don't know what causes me to become skittish at the mention of the word test, but I do have my theories. And as usual, my heart goes to the word of God for answers. Paul shared this with the Romans -- "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to TEST..." (uh-oh, there goes that word again). Okay, I need to get a grip because Paul provides these Christians with more information... "and APPROVE what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).

God urges us to put our lives to HIS test (definitely a contrary train of thought as far as the world is concerned). The world says conform; Christ calls us to be transformed. The world says settle; Christ urges us to seek. The world believes life happens by an act of our will; God's will is the wisdom of our lives in which we are called to act upon it. Think of His good, pleasing and perfect will as the litmus paper test -- His transformation drastically changes our outlook; our conformity only keeps us in the dark.

So here I sit, not befuddled and confused, but hopeful and optimistic. First, I need to get over myself for allowing "tests" to be my nemesis. And next, God's calling me to test "His good, pleasing and perfect will" as a writer. So I pose to you my litmus paper test...

I feel called to develop a series of short booklets addressing tough
women's issues. Infusing testimonies and God's truth within each subject matter,
I desire to cultivate seeds of hope in the fallowed hearts of women - young and
old - who have conformed to the pattern of this world.

I'm still seeking God on the logistics, but while I do, as my blog followers, would you partner with me in prayer and participation? If you have words of encouragement, testimony, correction or training (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) on some of the challenging topics below, drop me an email (embracehistruth@gmail.com). Limit to 200 words. Please include your name and email address. I will take it to prayer (a blessed way of saying, "God what should I do with this?"). Along the way, I will post excerpts in future postings and if I use any of your material for the booklet, I will be faithful to include your information. This test is only for my blog followers so if you know anyone who has something to say, encourage them to join Embrace His Truth.

Proposed topics...

Isn't love and sex one and the same? (defining your self worth)
What happened to my fairytale of having children? (infertility)
I can't take care of this baby (abortion)
He said he loved me (sex before marriage)
When wrong choices lead to prison (prison ministry)
I need that! (indulgences / overspending)
(still in prayer about other topics)

Ready to take this test with me?

LET IT RAIN!

2010-08-13T10:26:00.000-04:00

Apart from getting my hair wet, I don't mind getting caught in the rain. The smell of the wet grass permeates the air. The sound of the rain hitting against a pavement resonates in my ear. The feel of the botanical blades between my toes flashes a smile on my face. For me, raindrops against the skin is like a shower to the soul. It refreshes, it cleanses, it nourishes, it heals.

So imagine God pouring out His spirit over His people. Would a sprinkle be enough to quench or would a deluge satisfy a thirsty soul? Obviously for some, the answer is a no-brainer. We quickly say, "Bring it on, God!" But as I sat operating Powerpoint in church last Sunday, the congregation raised their voices singing "Let It Rain." Sweet music to my ears...until the following prophetic words came crashing down on us like a massive wave...

"When you ask for the rain, will you run for shelter when it
comes or will you stand and receive all of my blessing? The rains fall and wet the ground...they produce mud and mess. Being in the rain of My spirit will cause a mess but healing rains give sustenance and brings showers of blessings. And after the rain comes the beauty of the rainbow. The rainbow is a reminder of the promise of Your Lord and Savior."

Jaws dropped and as we stood there spiritually drenched, this question came to my mind -- do we truly desire ALL that the rain brings? Well, my well-coiffed do was in for an appointment to the Word of God. "This is what the Lord says - he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, [your name here], my servant, [again, your name], whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring and my blessing on your descendants" (Isaiah 44:1-3).

News flash...you will get wet in the rain...very wet! But wet is a good thing with God. His rain washes away sins. His rain softens hard hearts. His rain refreshes stagnant, weary, troubled souls. Because like the old joke, "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change," God gives us a choice. In the rain, we can either stand strong in His presence or fall short from the pressures of the world (Deuteronomy 30:19; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 68:35; Joshua 24:15). And when we truly weigh the options, the choice is clear -- LET IT RAIN!

PUPPY LOVE

2010-08-07T19:56:00.005-04:00

Did I ever tell you we have a dog? Her aliases include Mrs. Wigglebum, Baby Girl, Crazy Puppys (my husband's contribution) and Ginger Girl. A mixed beauty with a beagle bark and a Rhodesian Ridgeback prey drive, Ginger lights up our world.

Her flame hasn't been all that bright lately and in silent anguish, I took her to the vet hospital today. Pain meds and rest were prescribed (for her, not me). And as she climbed gingerly into the back seat with her hairless brother, God reminded me of His great love and care for us all. "All creatures of our God and King! Lift up your voice and with Him sing - Alleluia!"

Puppy, pooch or person, God loves and care about us all!

Psalm 104:24 - How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.

WILL YOU PURSUE ME?

2010-08-02T16:08:00.002-04:00

Baby of the bunch, my niece, Adora made it her sole purpose to hang back in a crowd. Very aware of her surroundings, her curiosity for connection rang evident. "Will anyone miss me if I'm gone? Will I be pursued? Okay, at first, this freaked me out. Hide-n-seek may translate well in a controlled environment, but not in a crowded mall or grocery store. But with a determined stance (and a wicked grin to match her curiosity), her message spoke loud and clear. She wanted assurance from the ones who claimed to love her. Will you pursue me, yes or no?

We grow "curiouser" and "curiouser" pondering the question as well. We know our Savior loves us...in our heads. The words echo from the pulpit and resonate from the bible studies in which we engage. But in doubt, we find ourselves hiding amongst the crowd of despair. God says "I will never leave you nor forsake you." But the assurance is as far from our hearts as the east is from from west. We think it doesn't translate well in our circumstances. It sounds foreign in our pain. But Jesus calls out our names. He calls us His beloved, His daughter, His friend. He responds to our hearts with His great and precious promises. And He says what He says and means what He means. Daughter, I will NEVER leave you NOR forsake you. Beautiful one, "I AM with you always even until the end of the age." He will not forget us because our names have been engraved on the palm of His nail-scarred hands.

Adora knew full well Auntie Doris would quickly assess her absence and scurry frantically to retrieve her, embrace her, remind her of my love. Do you know the same about a Savior passionately prepared to pursue you?

WHAT DOES "BO" REALLY KNOW?

2010-07-14T11:28:00.001-04:00

Okay, time to debunk a myth - we do not know everything. Maybe Bo knows (from 80's sports fame). Maybe our friends know. Maybe even our moms know (that's the impression we got growing up). Nope, hate to spring it on ya, but we do not know everything. Finite thinking clashes with infinite purpose. Narrow focus stifles the big picture. Human perspective gets in the way of Godly insight. It's how we're wired, I guess. It's hard being in the know when we don't know how to be.

For example, I have a tendency to play things by ear when I don't know what to do or say. I've gotten better at saying "I'll get back to ya on that one" when I don't know the answer. But for the most part, my humanness slips into a false pride when I'm called on to be an authority on a particular matter. And if I'm honest with myself, it's hard swallowing my pride when I have to apologize for not being the "great and all-knowing, powerful Oz!" (just kidding).

But what a mighty God we serve! He knows everything. For the One who created the heavens and the earth, He knows the stars by name. He knows our hurts and hangups. He knows our quirks and habits. He knows our shape and form. He knows what to say and when to say it. He knows the meanings of grace, mercy, wisdom and understanding and doles them out without discretion to those who seek Him. He knows how to enact justice, extol praise and extend comfort. Quite simply, God is the ultimate know-it-all! He instructs us through His Word to know the matters of the heart and the purposes of His kingdom. And we can know God works for our good (Romans 8:28) because He said so.

So maybe our moms did know a thing or two and well, maybe Bo did know something, but if we want to trust the One that knows it all, trust God. He knows everything because He knows you!

SHORT REFLECTION - GROWTH

2010-06-23T11:06:00.001-04:00

Life's journey is full of short reflections. And with school out for the summer, I'm feeling a bit hopeful about growth. About a week ago, I watched my "crazy little man!" walk across a stage to receive his commencement certificate and I thought, "Oh dear, where did the years go?" And though I'm just as proud as any mom would be to watch her child successfully complete elementary school, I can't help but to reflect and pray about the things that will mold and shape his future.

I don't know about you, but I'm praying for a memorable summer before he transitions into middle school. Although he's always been involved in some structured activity since he was six, who knew summer programs ran scarce for tweeners? In our area, opportunities abound for Kindergarteners through 5th graders, but fall short for those in the 11-13 year old category. It's no poor reflection on those who make up summer curricula, but from VBS to day camps, younger children are just more impressionable and less stressed over their future AND everything is just plain boring to a tweener (at least that's what comes out his mouth after 15 minutes of being outside).

As my son (and I'm sure you can attest for your tweeners) grows out of his childish ways, it's important to remember our role as parents. We are called to train UP our children so when they grow UP, they won't forget what we taught them (Proverbs 22:6). I may not be able to hang with our son 24-7 to be his sole source of entertainment, but I am with him in the decisions he makes and in the actions he takes. We reflect on their future. We pray they make mature decisions and remain "confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work...will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

Just thought I'd share a short reflection on growth.

TEMPTATION: LIFE'S BAIT & SWITCH

2010-06-16T08:44:00.010-04:00

I'm not a shopper, but I can tell you a few bait & switch stories. Friends have gone into stores looking for just that one sale's circular item only to find it sold out. Stores give out rain checks, but if you're not careful, you could end up walking out with more than you bargained for. Personally, I think this is more pervasive on Black Friday, but that's just me!

Much like a shopping trip gone awry, temptation is all about the bait & switch, isn't it? We believe we're getting one thing; we end up with something entirely different. Our original mother was lured by a false sense of happiness and she, along with her hubby, Adam, ended up evicted from paradise (Genesis 3). Jacob labored hard to get the woman of his dreams, but after toiling for seven years, he woke up with the wrong daughter thanks to Laban (Genesis 29). Even the old trickster himself tried his best to trip up Jesus. Not once. Not twice, but three times he offered the deal of a lifetime. Yet tempting as it may have sounded, satan's bait & switch offer was exposed by Jesus. His false claim in advertisement was countered with "It is written!" (Matthew 4).

Temptation is life's bait & switch. Though we all get tempted by one thing or another, we don't have to fall for its appeal. Skirt through any newspaper ad or magazine article and you're promised happiness in a bottle, beauty in a pill, satisfaction in a chance encounter, a dilemma to test your will (okay, I wasn't trying to rhyme here). But before falling for the hype, listen to what God's word says:

"These things happened to them as examples and were
written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No
temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he
will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,
we can stand up under it." -- I Corinthians 10:11-13

When we are tempted, God's "way out" requires choice. We can choose to accept His truth when lies abound. We can choose to remain encouraged when hopelessness sets in. We can choose to be self-controlled and alert especially when resistance seems futile (1 Peter 5:8-10). Our choices may not be the easiest to follow or the most popular with the world, but they do yield the best eternal benefits. And whether you're a shopper or not, who isn't tempted by that bargain? I know I am!

WHAT WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT

2010-06-09T17:46:00.004-04:00

Question: What can't you live without? If you asked a teenager, it could be their smart phone or music downloads. If you asked most of America, it might be their computer, cable or TV. I use my computer a lot, but the verdict is still out since my family only got cable recently and I don't have much time for TV viewing. But as I read an on-line article titled, "10 Things We Can't Live Without," I came up with my own list and mused over the question. First, let's see how surprised you are over the 10...

Portable computer

High-speed Internet access

Smart phones

Education

Movies

Music downloads

Pets

Booze

Coffee

Quite an impressive list, don't you think? Yet no where on there are the things we truly can not live without. "Now wait a minute," you say. "A lot of us can't function without that first cup of coffee!" Fair enough assessment, but what I'm eluding to is a sense of perspective. To think that one can't live without booze, for example, is to believe an alcoholic would die without it. And if you asked a recovering alcoholic, his or her life is literally worth living without it.

No, the list I mused over in my head was more about defining what was a need and putting things into perspective. Anyone will tell you an email is expedient and necessary, but a handwritten letter can suffice if you don't have a computer. Perspective gives us the benefit of options. But a need, by its own definition, "is necessary for organisms to live a healthy life" (okay, I admit I used my computer to look that one up instead of a dictionary). What encompassed the article's list are "nice-to-haves." The article's are things we can live without; we choose not to because they're simply nice to have. So after a great deal of thought, my list consisted of 5 things I believe we truly can't live without. Let me know what you think...

Water - the most important nutrient in the human body (not to mention we're made up of the stuff).

Food - the kind that sustains good health.

Oxygen - trust me, you don't want to hold your breath on this one!

Shelter - this one's the "roof-over-your-head" type, not the added amenities we've grown to love on HGTV's "House Hunters."

God - without Him, there is no life.

The world offers a lot of "nice to haves" we believe we can't live without. God offers the things we can't live without and they are not only nice to have but necessary in order to live life.

Truth is without God there is no life to live. He is the One who created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1 & 2). He is the One who supplies needs (Philippians 4:19). And He is the One who gives life eternally (John 3:15-17). The world may offer a lot of "nice to haves" guised in necessities, but trust me on this one, we won't die if we don't have them.

NO GREEN THUMBS ARE NECESSARY

2010-06-02T21:44:00.004-04:00

In the life of a gardener, green thumbs are necessary. As close to green as you'll get my thumbs is if I dipped them into latex paint. I'm not much of a gardener, but I do appreciate the deep beauty germinated on a landscape painted with day lillies, hostas, peonies and hydrengeas. And the splendor of it all is when we get to enjoy every stem and bud.

So you can understand why a great deal of work goes into a well-groomed yard. In mine, my husband's botanical handiwork involves tilling the ground, digging holes, planting seeds, fertilizing and weeding. I have an important role as well. I get to point my finger (the one next to my painted thumb) to places in our yard where the flora should bloom. Well, the other morning, my senses met up with wild honeysuckle and mulberries permeating fragrances along my back fence. I thought, "Hum, that's odd. We (oops, I mean, my husband) didn't plant that!" And to my amazement, the Lord also filled my sense with humility and thankfulness. I was humbled by His marvelous handiwork and I was thankful for the object lesson blooming in my yard.

We may not all have green thumbs, but we can still participate in the process of germinating salvation. Too often we tell ourselves, "What can I do? I'm not the pastor (teacher/leader)." But we can do plenty! When we share a timely word in due season to a confused mom, we are watering a parched ground with hope. When we befriend someone struggling to do the right thing, we are weeding the soil from worries. When we offer to pray for a stranger in a chance encounter, we are making the fields ripe for harvest. And the beauty of it all is God's just looking for workers willing to labor in His harvest field (Matthew 9:37).

So from those sweet fragrances, I learned no green thumbs are necessary. God points out the potential and we get to partake in the process of watching a soul reach its full bloom.

THE REASONS & OUTCOMES

2010-05-26T08:15:00.002-04:00

Growing up in church, testimonies were a ceremonial rite of passage. People shared their tribulations with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces. But when they sat down, warm rubs on the back and lilting hymns of approval awaited them from the congregation. As a child, the responses were a bit confusing. But as I got old, I discovered a thing or two about struggles. There are reasons, but there are also outcomes.

REASONS TO CONSIDER - When you hear of people suffering under the weight of trials, it's common to entertain some spiritually-diverse questions. "Did they lack faith?" "Were they praying enough?" "Did they trust God enough to see them through?" Yes, our questions vary, but have we extended our hand of comfort and compassion prayerfully considering the reason for their trials? What do you say to a woman who grew up under the painful past and shame of rape or molestation? What words of comfort can we share with a woman who shrinks inwardly under the constant verbal attack from her husband who long forgot she was his "blessing from God?" As the one on the outside looking in, I have learned to seek the heart of God. I have also learned to stop providing my own conclusions regarding a sister's struggles. "Did she lack faith?" may be the question at the moment, but it has nothing to do with God's reason, rhyme or rationale for the Godly part we all can play in a sister's struggle. Our Father is impartial. His love for one daughter is just as encompassing as His love for the next. And His offering of grace and mercy is as unique and personal to the person struggling. Considering the model our Faither sets for us, we have the glorious opportunity to put His heart into practice and His love into perspective for the brokenhearted, the wounded and the weak.

We may not fully understand the reason why some women go through what they do. Our response, however, should be to build them up with encouragement and prayer. We do that by being open and genuine in our support. When conversing, try not to judge. Listen and lend verbal support where needed. Trust God to give you an appropriate, Christ-like answer to questions if and when the time is right. Don't provide pat statements when a touch or a smile, a card or a hug works fine. Be sensitive to those non-verbal cues. Remember, "even a fool is thought wise if [s]he keeps silent and discerning if [s]he holds [her] tongue" (Proverbs 17:28).

And finally, earn the right to pry. This suggestion was particularly meaningful to me with one of my siblings. At the time, my relationship with my sister was defined as meager. We loved each other, but proximity made it difficult to stay in constant contact and personal preferences made it more difficult to maintain a civil attitude. One day, I was visiting my hometown and paid her a visit. She was dealing with some tough issues and began to share them with me. I, unfortunately, responded with cheap advice. With restraint, my baby sister matured right before my eyes. "Unless you have a solution or suggestions to my immediate problem," she responded, "then you have no right to add your unwelcomed two-cents!" That day, I made an immature choice in not extending grace. She, thankfully, made a better one - a wiser choice - by extending me mercy because, in retrospect, I did not deserve it. We earn the right to pry when we spend the time to care, when we "love from the center of who [we] are...and be good friends who love deeply" (Romans 12:9, 10 - The Message).

OUTCOMES TO ACCEPT - Being on the receiving end of a struggle is not pretty. We have a few questions ourselves. "Why would God cause such bad things to keep happening in my life? I've prayed. Why isn't God answering my cries? Is God angry at me? Am I being punished for my past? What am I doing wrong?" Dear sisters, those are all good questions - for God. And if He says to cast all our care on Him (1 Peter 5:7), our problems become His problems. No longer do we have to fret over the hand life's dealt. Our trials, as well as its triumphs, are at work in God's hands. And He works ALL things together for the good of those called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). That's not a pat response spoken by an angry God ready to punish; His Word is life and health and peace. His Word offers a comforting outcome worthy of acceptance.

God may be at work, but truthfully, sometimes feelings can get the better of our sound judgment. Many times in my past, I lost sight of God's provisions. I felt irritated and agitated focusing more on the problem of the day than the Problem-solver of the ages. But as I grew closer to God, I learned a jaw-dropping lesson. I was incapable of rescuing myself from my problems. Every plea I pitched failed. Every proposal I planned backfired. And for my efforts, I worked harder. Funny thing, my efforts never yielded favorable results. I found myself believing that He wasn't interested in my gripes and complaints, that my problems were too much of a burden to be heard. To my wondrous surprise, He was more than ready for me (and you) to cast all our cares His way, because He just plain cares about us. If you're hurting, you need to tell Him. If you're struggling, let Him know. If you don't want to deal with "this mess," show Him the mess you're in. By welcoming God fully into our worries, issues and problems, we are no longer enslaved by overwhelming emotions. We can be set free. We can be still and know the full presence of God. We can receive the peace which goes beyond all comprehension (Philippians 4:7).

The testimonies I heard as a child might have been confusing, but they comfort me today. I can testify that God's outcomes are always good even when life's not always so great. And though struggles may be as diverse as the reasons behind them, God does care about us, God does listen to us and God will work all things together for good! And with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face, my rite of passage is complete. Can I get an "Amen!" from the sisters in the congregation?

LIFE'S LITTLE ANALOGIES

2010-05-23T20:42:00.005-04:00

Life represents one analogy after another. At least that's the way God speaks life through me. In resolving conflict, offering encouragement or expressing praise, there's always a simple, yet pictorial way He conveys His heart to me. Recently, at a shaky point in my writings, He shared with me a "cake" analogy and I was compelled to share the "recipe" with my readers.

I was feeling the weight of discouragement and stress over issues of marital miscommunication, parental angst and fears of limited creativity. God's analogy -- place those issues in His hands as ingredients in the hands of a master chef. He would be faithful to complete the good work He had begun in my marriage, my ability to parent and in my writings. I just had to relinquish control of my agenda. God has since masterfully poured into my heart wisdom, patience, understanding and love without conditions. My beloved husband and I attended a life-changing marriage encounter weekend with New Life Ministries. We revisited counseling sessions with a play therapist for our son to learn to effectively navigate the pre-teen years.

As far as my writing was concerned, I found myself in this hiatus tasting and seeing the goodness of God. The enemy tried to deflate my rising aspirations all while God was acknowledging His presence in my literary development. I sensed from the master chef that I may have been struggling with writer's block in bringing closure to my manifesto, but it was only one article and it will be completed in His time, not mine. I was starting to believe my moving forward as a writer was hinged on completing this thing. God informed me in His most benevolent manner -- "DAUGHTER, THAT'S A LIE!" And with that, I felt a release to write again.

In boldness, God calls us all to walk in His truth and to step into His purpose (2 Cor. 5:5). I am called to write. I know that full well now that my "cake" is done. What is He calling you to do? I trust that if you relinquish control to the master chef, He will create a culinary masterpiece in you!

Expect a post in a few day (and no, it won't be the manifesto, but that will come in due time). And if my writings can bless you or someone you know, then in the glorious words of Marie Antoinette -- "Let them eat cake!"

IS IT CAKE YET?

2010-04-14T22:27:00.004-04:00

Okay, the pan is in the oven. The gooey batter surface bubbles a bit from the heat, but is it cake yet? Nope, not yet, but it is rising to the occasion. And so is this (short) season as God continues to develop the plans He started in me. I may not have submitted a writing lately (of which I'm sure you've come to expect - smile), but much like the cake in the oven, I hope you won't be disappointed with the outcome from the Master Chef.

Right now, a great deal of caring, sharing and prayer has been encouraging my progress. But there are times when you can feel like the impatient child anxiously awaiting to "taste and see!" This is where I get the strong sense from God that I'm to invite you into my "spiritual kitchen." It's the place where God works in the "process." It's where He does His best work in all of us. Our deep-seeded hopes, dreams, expectations, fears, joys and triumphs are stacked and stored upon our life shelves. When we invite Him into our spiritual kitchens, He begins to pull our heart's desires off the shelves. He takes those ingredients and creates in and through us a culinary masterpiece we get to enjoy and share with others. For His efforts, He produces beautiful daughters like you and me for great service.

But like I shared in the last entry, discouragement and stress began to mess up my kitchen. It doesn't negate the work God has begun in me so far. It just excites God more with the opportunity to prove His good work can (and will) come to completion (Philippians 1:6). Oftentimes, we tend to forget that even a great work in the kitchen is not exempt from spills and messes. We don't want to ignore the problems they potentially cause if left unattended, so we try and clean things up on our own. But what if the spill is more of a knee-deep puddle mix of discouragement and the stress of the mess is too much to handle? We bring in reinforcements! That's where our Master Chef, Jesus, becomes Master Cleaner-Upper! With prayer and patience, He comes alongside us. He teaches us how to get our spiritual kitchen in order through the acting power of His Word. And like scrubbing bubbles, He surrounds us with encouraging friends who work hard so we don't have to! (okay! I'm getting a little too slap happy with this cleaning analogy).

Cake takes time to bake. But I am thankful for your encouraging prayers and for visiting my spiritual kitchen during my hiatus! Blessings!

TIME TO BAKE

2010-03-24T08:56:00.005-04:00

Every cake takes time to bake. The ingredients are mixed together. The oven has been set to the correct temperature. The missing element is time. God calls it a "good work" and thankfully, He is faithful to complete the good work He began. And so is the case with the lapse in entries. I will return with the final entry to my Manifesto, but I will need time to "bake." God has stirred up His gifts in me -- desire to write, heart to share, passion to speak. Sadly, the enemy wants to throw a rather unsavory ingredient in the mix -- discouragement. But I know that prayer and petition counters its effects. And so while God is faithful to complete His work in me, thank you for your prayers and patience. Believe me, God won't leave me out there "half-baked" or "overcooked!"

Prayers and blessings!

MANIFESTO - PART 4

2010-03-10T07:45:00.004-05:00

Manifesto #3... I will expand my mind to feast on knowledge and understanding and not allow it to atrophy because learning gets a bit too complicated. My mind will not become a wasteland of mindless media facts, but an oasis of hope in fulfilling the promises of God.

As you walk in the truth of God's report, you will find that "a mind is a terrible thing to waste." How often have you heard that statement? Now, how often have you heeded its warning? It's not to presume that you personally prescribe to the "GIGO" method -- "garbage in / garbage out." But as a culture, we are more than inundated wth all types of visual stimuli. Today's magazines, billboards, commercials, movies and print media vie for a place in your mind. Oftentimes, we know more information about the latest celebrity midhap than we know the order of the first five books of the Old Testament. We've replaced moderation with sensory overload and have starved our minds from the added spiritual nutrients required in maintaining a Godly lifestyle.

You say, "what fun is there in being so spiritually minded that we are of no earthly good?" Good point and well taken. Let me offer this analogy to address your issue of concern. Consider what you store in your mind like that of an active reservoir. The strong and powerful flow of water that runs through these pipes is designed to receive and despense natural resourcing benefiting the whole. But place a cap on the receiving end and all the precious elixir of life spills over and its function is halted. Now what if you place a cap on the bottom of the dispenser? The reservoir will fill up but because it was designed to also flow out, the contents that are traped become stale, stagnant and eventually rancid for lack of not flowing in its true course. Water, in and of itself, as I've stated is a pecious elixer that keeps one alive. Yet without it, our bodies dehydrate, decay and eventually die.

Your mind was created to receive as well as dispense knowledge, wisdom and understanding. These are gifts from God. All throughout Proverbs, the writers reiterate the blessings which come from finding wisdom and gaining understanding. And if receiving God's Word into your hearts and minds makes you too "heavenly minded," then I'd check the contents of what you are allowing your bodies to consume. God's Word offers truth to your weary soul, healing to your tired body and peace to your troubled mind. God spreads a banquet of delicacies that all the world's chefs cound not duplicate. He prepared an inviting table of wisdom, knowledge and understanding in the presence of all your enemies. All He asks is that you "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8a).

What do you do? DON'T BE AFRAID TO CHANGE TO A HEALTHY, SPIRITUAL DIET!! Put into your spiritual body the food and drink that satisfies. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. Start your day off right by feasting on helpings of the gospel . Snack on Psalm and Proverbs. Digest scriptures like Matthew 6:11, Ephesians 1:17, Ephesians 6:11 and Philippians 3:14, just to name a few. Digest the Word of truth and watch lies burn off like fatty tissue burns away from healthy, wholesome food. You can get healthy as the truth of God's Word acts as spiritual antibodies warding off the disease of deceitfulness, worry, hopelessness, despair and doubt. God's Word is the best diet in the world!

A Willing Prayer... Dear God, I have feasted on the world's diet and it has left my spiritual body deprived of your nourishment. Teach me how to "eat properly" on the food that last -- Your Word. I want my heart and mind to be equipped for service. Give me You "living water" from the well that never runs dy as You fulfill Your promises in my life -- AMEN!

Next Week (& the final Manifesto)... Manifesto 4: I will respect my body as a priceless vessel. I will not give myself freely, under any circumstances, to another just to feel the conditions of love. I will not be quick to give my body away in union with one outside of matrimony. But as I wait on God, I will offer my body as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing.

MANIFESTO - PART 3

2010-03-03T07:16:00.014-05:00

Manifesto #2... I will accept the beauty of my heart and not the words of well-meaning disputers who don't, by their very nature, have my best interest at the forefront of their hearts. I will embrace the truth about me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Unequivocally, I truly believe peer pressure is a by-product of sin. Whether warding off taunts and teases from those who call you "friend" or doing everything to keep up with some one's standard of perfection, any "tsk" or "oh dear" is a trigger leading to criticism and disapproval. The harshness of being judged without trial or jury is, in my estimation, an injustice. But those with closed minds live a solitary life. They they live to oppress with condescension, coercion and repressed contempt, they themselves know of no other way to exist. It's not an excuse for their behavior; it's simply a sad commentary for their actions. They too, by God's design, have a choice to turn from their oppressive ways.

If you're on the receiving end, you have a different report to believe, don't you? The report you should believe is not from the lips of naysayers and oppressors. The truth that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made" casts a great light over the darkness of being called incompetent, worthless, dummy, stupid, ugly, good-for-nothing. Just knowing someone can spew such filth is enough to make the human soul sick to its stomach.

What do you do? STOP BELIEVING THE LIES! I will agree that statement is easier said than to put into daily practice. Trust me when I tell you many have gone before you in disastrous defeat simply because they had resigned themselves to believing lies. These precious hearts have grown weary from the pressure and resigned to become drug addicts, alcoholics, sex addicts, abusers, homeless, prostitutes, inmates and runaways. And sadly, some have died believing they were the product of such falsehoods. Is this the epitaph you care to be buried under or will you believe a different report which offers a hope and a future?

I humbly pose the question again -- Whose report will you believe? God sees things quite differently and He has more to say about the content of your character than any lie branded on your heart by those who oppose a "beautiful creation." Why wouldn't He when after all, He is The One who created you beautifully in your mother's womb? Some of you would say, "But you don't understand. All my life, people haven't been good to me!" You are right. I may never fully understand the hardships you've had to endure, but it's not about me. It's about finally believing the truth and living the life God created in you long before the foundations of the world.

"God don't make junk!" was once a rallying mantra causing us to take pride in who God created us to be. Today, more and more women are subscribing to lies from well-intention sources left and right. The truth is God's the only source for truth and He says you are an exquisite "pearl of great price." You are the radiant "apple of His eye." He finds you outstanding as His "treasured possession." In fact, I Peter 2:9 says, "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."

When you're uncertain if what people say about you is true or you feel pressure to believe the the words of well-meaning disputers, go to a clarifying source. Refute the lies by asking the Creator of your soul. He will tell you the truth. Once He does, you just have to believe Him!

A Willing Prayer... Dear God, my heart has only ever known untruths about my worth and my existence from those who pressure me with lies. Remind me to always embrace Your truth and to act upon it. And even when lies abound, help me in navigating through treacherous waters and set my course aright. You are The Only who has my very best interest at heart because You alone fashioned me in Your beautiful image -- AMEN.

Next Week... Manifesto #3: I will expand my mind to feast on knowledge and understanding and not allow it to atrophy because learning gets a bit too complicated. My mind will not become a wasteland of mindless media facts, but an oasis of hope in fulfilling the promises of God.

MANIFESTO - PART 2

2010-02-24T23:58:00.009-05:00

Manifesto #1... I will learn that my life is a purposeful one filled with endless possibilities IF I am willing to battle the odds and stay focused on my true course.

Ever try taking a trip and not where you're going? You haven't visited the local AAA for a TripTik or searched MapQuest for directions. You haven't visited the mechanic for a maintenance checkup nor pulled into the gas station for a fill-up. And if that weren't insult to injury, you haven't even saved up for the excursion. You may be sitting in the car, but the keys not in the ignition and the bags aren't in the trunk. Sadly, that's how we go about life. Without a plan, without provision, without direction and without a clue.

You see, our lives were created for purpose -- distinct, unique and complete in design. You and only you were created to fulfill your God-ordained destiny. It is in our spiritual genetic code, if you will. And when we don't take the necessary steps required to travel this journey called life, we fall into a rut of despair and hopelessness. And though we may be going about life without a plan, the road will point us in the wrong direction, if we aren't careful.

What do you do? STOP AND ASK FOR DIRECTIONS! Life was never meant to be a guessing game. The sage advice my grandma gave me was, "Honey, you live. You die. You pay taxes. You may get away with not paying taxes, but you can't escape living and dying." Don't shortcut your way through life, missing out on your purpose.

The course of your life is already mapped out if for no other reason than to give you a blueprint from with to travel. The space in between life and death is a choice. Learn from God to choose with purpose the direction your life should take. Start dreaming. Begin to imagine where you can go when you have a plan to get there. And when the map of your life hits a snag, don't get blindsided making reckless decisions and irrational choices. Pull over and seek wise counsel.

Too often, we as women, believe the lies that keep us stranded on life's highway. "You're not good enough, pretty enough, young enough, old enough, wise enough." Enough already! Listen to the instructions of those who have gone down your road. They have great insight and can assist you in not making the mistakes they've made. And if they're Christian sisters, know that they are following the instructions of a great roadmap -- GOD'S WORD! For it says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4).

Finally, just make it up in your heart and mind through prayer and petition (Philippians 4:6) that nothing will keep you from your true course ONLY when you travel with God. He is an awesome traveling companion! It is His promise that "He will not leave you nor forsake you." If people disappoint you; He won't. If life cause you to become disillusioned; He will bring clarity. Do you think that if His Word says that He will direct our steps, that He is incapable of fulfilling that promise?

Traveling with God requires acceptance and commitment. First, give your heart to Christ. Accept Him only as Lord and Savior of your life and in your life's journey. It's called salvation and I fashion it to an automobile. Don't be too quick to accept any old vehicle to get you through life. In my neck of the woods, we call such vehicles, "hoopties." They may run for a minute, but they never pass inspection and they break down unexpectedly requiring more and more, but giving less and less. When we accept the Lord as our personal Savior, it is like trading in the "hooptie" for a vehicle specifically designed to supply all your needs! The apostle Paul said in Romans 6:22, 23, "but for now that you have been set from from sin and have become slaves to God [don't think ill of this concept], the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Therefore, in the right vehicle, you can face life and with God as your traveling buddy, you can journey though life not alone.

Next, you can't get from point A to point B in your vehicle without gas and maintenance. Pushing a vehicle in your own strength only makes you tired and achy. There are "service stations" all over the place with just the right grade of fuel and just the right mechanics to address the problems that pop up along the way.. In the spiritual vernacular and from Richard J. Foster's book, "Celebration of Discipline," they are called spiritual disciplines -- meditation, memorization of scripture, scripture prayer, fasting, study, solitude/silence, service, confession, worship, celebration, questions, application, journaling and reading other classic books.

Reading the owner's manual is not a suggestion, but a mandate in keeping your vehicle at its peak performance. Read God's Word. Study it. Meditate upon its great and precious promises. Connect yourself into a good, Bible-based church with strong and faithful believers so you can learn to travel this journey called life with purpose. You'd be surprised by the endless possibilities if you are willing to battle the odds and stay focused on your true course.

A Willing Prayer... Dear God, I want to fulfill my life's purpose. Despite the odds, I am willing to trust You for direction, for wisdom and for guidance. I accept You as Lord and Savior and ask that You replace my old "hooptie" for a brand-new "vehicle equipped with purpose. And then set my heart and mind squarely on the road ahead of me believing in Your provision and companionship to get me there -- AMEN!

Next Week... Manifesto #2: I will accept the beauty of my heart and not the words of my opposers who don't have, by their very nature, my best interest at the forefront of their hearts. I will embrace the truth about my self worth because I am told by the One who knows the truth about me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

MANIFESTO - PART 1

2010-02-17T23:36:00.001-05:00

man-i-fes-to: man'e-'fes-to --noun: a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives or views of its issuer.

Why a "manifesto" and not some other way to convey a point? Because too often intentions, motives and views get sugar-coated and watered-down by polite triviality. We'd rather spare someone the harsh truth than to speak that truth in love. "Oh, it's none of my business what she does with her life" merely becomes an excuse to avoid what we find most difficult. God's love doesn't come sugar-coated and His truth is never watered-down.

If pressed for the reason why we sidestep the tough issues, I would contend it's because we never really learned the proper way to broach such touchy subjects. The media has been the world's teacher and the lessons all point to remaining politically correct, impartial and non-threatening. Any deviation from societal norm, labels one subversive, intolerant and meddlesome. When you've been on the blunt end of a lie enough times and are finally introduced to truth, you ultimately end up promoting the side of good and rejecting the opposition. And I, for one, have seen far too many suffering sisters accepting things about themselves that God never intended nor created in them. So if speaking God's truth and offering God's choice to brokenness, hopelessness and despair labels us, I hope it is the choice more of us will accept.

When God spoke to my heart as I formulated these declarative statements, I knew He was requiring a call to action. His encouragement was that although the journey may take a lifetime for His daughters to travel and the scenery may not always be picturesque, He was not going to disappoint His weary travelers. "My teaching is as precious as your eyesight -- guard it! Write it out on the back of your hands; etch it on the chambers of your heart. Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion" (Proverbs 7, from The Message).

Next week -- Manifesto #1: I will learn that my life is a purposeful one filled with endless possibilities if I am willing to battle the odds and stay focused on my true course.

MANIFESTO INTRODUCTION - THE ELEPHANT

2010-02-10T23:39:00.001-05:00

A lot of the subject matter I tackle in my blog can be considered touchy. Like the proverbial elephant infiltrating a room, we would rather leave him be or hide him under the carpet when folks come a-callin’. I’m more partial to watching elephants roam free on Animal Planet, not wreak havoc in my humble abode. It’s not an easy feat to rid your home of this huge monstrosity. Often he comes with an enormous appetite and after a while, peanuts – or small appeasements – don’t satisfy his hunger. He wants our undivided attention and we are compelled to give it to him. As he enlarges, so does our creative ability to give him what he wants – at any cost. One day, our pet has become a pest and our small problems have grown the size of Africa!

It’s not easy getting rid of the beast, but it is possible. An unknown philosopher once asked, “How do you tackle an elephant?” The answer – one small piece at a time! God doesn’t expect us to embark upon a hopeless cause. It took time to reach what we have considered insurmountable problems. No. He has provided us with ammunition, supplies and guides for the task. He gives us the whole armor. He supplies us with His word of truth. He gives us the Holy Spirit as a willing companion who assists us in difficult times. We are simply not alone.

Over the ensuing weeks, I will be tackling tough issues using a series of writings God gave me a few years back. I call the declarative statements in this series, Manifestos. Each was written to invoke life-changing thoughts to the way we view ourselves and our circumstances. The end result of each – to face the lies about our worth head on and embrace God’s truth. It is no secret that you are valuable, priceless, beautiful, deserving treasures. Therefore, join me as we tackle the elephants in our lives one piece at a time.

DO THEY SEE WHAT YOU BELIEVE?

2010-02-03T21:04:00.004-05:00

Describe a sunset to a physically-blind person. This spherical wonder may sleep below the horizon, but give detail to the beauty of its descent. Its palate may be breathtaking, but what hues and tints take your breath away? You’ve experienced its magnificence, but what of those encounters can you share without becoming emotional? And as the person becomes captivated by the verbal sketch, do their eyes reflect a desire to partake in the beauty?

Now describe the Son of God to a spiritually-blind person? Do you become increasingly humbled by His radiance? Are you enamored when you think of His goodness? Are the depth of your words enough to convey His beauty, His holiness and His majesty? And if words appear inadequate, are your actions sufficient orators? Are people captivated by the experience Christ brings to your life or are they put off by your mismatched life experience? Simply, do they see by your words and actions what you believe?

We’re called to captivate the beauty of God by our life through our words and actions. It wasn’t happenstance that multitudes gravitated to what was beautiful, genuine, lovely, truthful and sincere about Christ. They saw what He did. They heard what He said. They wanted what He had to offer – a life of heavenly purpose lived here on earth. He words and actions reflected what was missing in their own.

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said to His disciples, “anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these” (John 14:12). Not only do we get to reflect the beauty of God through our words and actions, but we receive a stamp of endorsement from the One who’s been captivating the hearts of men and women everywhere. We get to share with His people just how incredibly awesome He is!

Now describe the Son of God to a spiritually-blind person. In your description sketched from words and actions, you might just find them captivated by a pretty amazing Creator. He cared enough to give purpose to a fiery sphere after twilight. And He definitely cares enough to bring purpose to those who live a life blinded without Him.

VISITING AN OXYMORON

2010-01-27T21:49:00.005-05:00

Welcome to the wonderful world of oxymorons! A little pregnant, alone in a crowd, artificial grass, baby grand, casual Christian, devout atheist, dry ice, extended deadline, firm pillow, fresh frozen, guaranteed forecast, honest crook, Hell’s Angels, icy hot, jumbo shrimp, kosher ham, loose knot, liquid smoke, mild abrasive, man child, non-fat ice cream, numb feeling, one size fits all, oven fried, pretty ugly, quick fix, recent history, same difference, speed limit, true lies, unbiased opinion, vegetarian meatballs, working vacation, xenophobic foreign secretary, young adult, zero deficit. They all have a certain humor, but there are a few that make you wonder. And it was the phrase “casual Christian” which caused me to scratch my head.

As believers, there’s nothing casual about following Christ. For the one who died for and loves us, He is committed to the work He has begun in us all. Jesus gives us direction when we’re lost and strength when we’re weak. We receive joy for sorrow, wisdom for confusion, rest for weariness and provision for poverty.

Casual implies complacency, a sense of settling for the “whatever.” As Christians, we study to show ourselves approved. We suit up in the armor of God. We equip and train for all contingencies because casual Christians would rather wrestle with unforgiveness than know our battle is not “against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6). Casual Christians pay more attention to what the world says than to the adversary who comes in to “kill, steal and destroy” (John 10:10).
In my research, I came across a blog article from Steve Crain entitled “How to be a Casual Christian.” This is an excerpt from a sermon given by his pastor challenging the casual Christian. Feel free to pass it on!

You might be a casual Christian, if you value comfort and personal pleasure over the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22 NIV).

You might be a casual Christian, if your desire for independence is more important than God’s will. “A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD” (Proverbs 19:3).

You might be a casual Christian, if your friends have more influence on you than God does. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

You might be a casual Christian, if your eyes are dry and you have no passion for the lost. “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35).

You might be a casual Christian, if you listen to the Gospel without being moved to respond, again.

You might be a casual Christian, if your plans for your future end in retirement and stop short of “well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

You might be a casual Christian, if you have no pleasure in giving to God and hold your tithe for yourself. “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers…” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

You might be a casual Christian, if…
…your care for what other people think deters you from obedience to the Lord.
…your passion for Jesus was hotter when you were first saved than it is now.
...having fun is more important than serving God.
…what you have and the pursuit of having it is more important than the pursuit of God.
…you avoid the uncomfortable and opt instead to live inside the sacred comfort of your routine.
…you avoid burdens instead of seeking them and carrying them.
…broken relationships stop you from forgiving others.
…if worship is elevated based on the quality of the music rather than on a personal connection with the presence of God.

And you might be a casual Christian, if serving God is regarded as work for those whose rank is lower on the totem pole than yours, or you say that such work is not your “gifting.”

THE BEAUTY OF EMANCIPATION

2010-01-20T07:32:00.000-05:00

Four score and seven years ago. What an eloquent way to capture time and harness its meaning. Eighty-seven years between an ideal and its reality. Eighty-seven years from the signing of a document declaring independence and a speech which would set into motion emancipation for an enslaved race. Eighty-seven years of redefinition. In truth, “all men are created equal” was a luxury for some, an albatross to others. Yes, four score and seven years may have felt like a lifetime to bear the weight of captivity, but emancipation would replace it as its new overseer. The ensuing years would challenge those once held captive, but a choice was now their reward: walk in freedom or remain enslaved.

“Let my people go,” Moses said to Pharaoh. This warning was sealed in a prophecy and promise made by God to his descendent, Abram. “Then the LORD said to him, "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions” (Genesis 15:13, 14). The prophecy’s fulfillment resulted in a land of promise for the Israelites. And now God’s chosen were rewarded as well with a choice: continue to live in mental enslavement or embrace a spiritual freedom.

Today’s society unknowingly lives a life of enslavement apart from The Only Emancipator. The slave master is called sin and The Emancipator is Jesus. He rewards freedom to all who accept Him. This freedom He willingly offers is not earned. It’s not even awarded to the most deserving, distinguished or developed. Most people would ask the question, why. Why can’t we earn or purchase our freedom? Because it is our sin which enslaves us and only Christ’s death on the cross is its ultimate price tag. In return, our freedom is His gift to us, a gift which carries no strings or conditions. Simply, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1).

The beauty of freedom is in choosing the right emancipator. I pray you choose well!

MORE PLEASE

2010-01-13T23:05:00.001-05:00

In a scene from the movie “Oliver Twist,” the main character stands before a threatening figure who wields power over a pot of gruel and a ladle. Without permission and to a hushed orphanage dining hall, Oliver raises his bowl and dares to ask for a second helping. “Please, sir. May I have some more?” All he wanted was to satisfy his hunger. He had gone without for so long and just a taste was enough to make him want more. Simply, his hunger was greater than the rules which kept him and others in their place. Do the rules of this world keep you from wanting more of Jesus?

The Canaanites weren’t Jews and were viewed in the same unfavorable light as the Gentiles. But there was a woman – a Canaanite woman, who knew of Jesus’ reputation. This woman, despite the rules that kept her people in their place, was hungry for more. She was desperate for her daughter to receive a healing touch from The Healer. The world may have offered her something, but the mere thought of what Jesus had to give made her hungry for more. And she was willing to eat whatever Jesus or even the world dished out to satisfy that hunger. Are you satisfied with what the world has to offer or do you want more from God?

As all eyes remained riveted on the woman who came and knelt before Jesus, I’m sure you could speculate the crowd’s nonverbal response. “Who does she think she is asking the Lord for help?” She knew she was more than a despised Canaanite woman. But what the crowd didn’t know was she was hungry for a healer, hungry for truth. She knelt before Jesus with a bowlful of faith and a spoonful of hope. As you read her story in Matthew 15, the dialogue between her and Jesus was amazing. Jesus said, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table" (vs. 26-27). This Canaanite woman received more than crumbs that day. Her bowl was filled and her daughter was healed!

Do the rules of this world leave you feeling dissatisfied? Are you tired of what others think of your need for more? Our Savior offers the world endless morsels of life-giving bread (John 6:35) and living water (John 4:10). In return, He wants us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

Paul prayed this prayer over the Ephesians and I pray it satisfies your hungry soul (Ephesians 3:14-20):

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in Heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your Hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us! Amen.

KNOCK-KNOCK

2010-01-06T22:03:00.004-05:00

If you’ve heard one “knock-knock” joke from a child, you’ve heard them all. And to them, every one of those jokes is knock-knock funny. “Mom? Knock-knock.” “Who’s there?” “Banana.” “Banana who?” Adding the well-placed pause, he repeats the joke. Now, “knock-knock,” he’s says for the third time. “Who’s there?” You already know the punch line, but you don’t want to spoil the ending. He continues, “Orange.” “Orange who, honey?” (wait for it) “Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?” I chuckle slightly; my son’s rolling on the couch exploding with laughter.

I use to wonder, “what’s so funny?” But then I realized God gave each and every one of us a special gift – laughter. Laughter brings health to the heart (Proverbs 15:13). And with stress-related illnesses at an all-time high these days, a merry heart is good medicine that’s good for you.

Although not quite amusing or directive, I came to realize something else about laughter. We don’t do it as often as we should. For most of us, we take our lives quite seriously between “the dash.” That’s the reflective timeline between life and death and God gives us the choice on what we do with it. Some people live their whole lives in constant complaint; others choose to live life in fear. Some can’t wait for the day to end while others can’t wait to get things started. Either way, life is meant to be lived. And God wants us to live it to its fullest potential (John 10:10).

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Really? Yes, really! Life was never meant to be lived exclusively in either Candyland or in a Sour Patch. It’s okay to see the joy in the dour, to laugh every once in a while.

Okay, knock-knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you laughing yet?

WHERE DOES YOUR JOY COME FROM?

2009-12-30T13:18:00.003-05:00

“Write 100 words before contest end on where your joy comes from.” You would think the announcer was broadcasting a simple request over the airwaves; my heart responded to the contrary. At the time, my husband and I had moved into his first American-dream home – an old fixer-upper. I was, however, grappling with the news that the pitter-pattering sounds of children running across those beat-up floorboards would not be produced from my womb. To encapsulate joy in 100 words would be impossible to write in my present condition. But as I sat at my computer droning over the announcement, I heard the voice of God speak through my hands as I pulled up a Word document and started typing what I heard Him say.

That was almost 11 years ago and unfortunately, I didn’t save the document after I submitted it to the radio station. But I can tell you over the years, I have lived God’s brand of joy every day since. Joy isn’t a warm and fuzzy feeling like you see in the movies with a happily ever after attached to the end credits. God’s brand of joy is more of an unanticipated gift you receive at a most inopportune time. It’s packaged in trust when you’re going through the pain, the heartache and the heartbreaks associated with living life.

For me, God’s gift of joy and happiness was wrapped in character development. My heart was far from what I would consider joyful, but as I penned His words, I was reminded of Paul’s letter to the Romans. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. God was saying His brand of joy was in the knowing and that it was not going to be a disappointment to me, or for you.

About that radio contest—I did win. Still in shock when I walked up on the Civic Arena platform to have my essay read at that year’s “Women of Faith” conference, I heard God speak again. This time, He scribed His words on my heart so when I need a reminder, it would always be there to read. “No matter what may come, I am your joy!”

Where does your joy come from? If it’s difficult right now to know, ask God to scribe His brand of joy for you on your heart. If you care to share a 100 words, leave a comment. I can't guarantee you'll win a trip to a Women of Faith conference, but I can rejoice with you in the knowing!

Have a JOYOUS New Year! Blessings!

THE MOTIONS OF THE FIRST NOEL

2009-12-23T08:17:00.001-05:00

Despite the festive folly of the Christmas season, my good days aren’t always my best. If it’s not hurry here, scurry and do that, I am up in arms with family issues and concerns. It’s enough to just go through the motions and hope the day ends with a “ho-ho-ho” and not a “bah-humbug!” I am not Scrooge, but it wasn’t until I sat down and realized I was in danger of going through the motions of the First Noel.

Every year, the world is reminded of the blessed birth of Christ. Christmas cantatas and sacred holiday hymns herald the miracle of a child born to take away the sins of the world. A gift wrapped in an unassuming package of hay and stubble. Jesus who abandoned deity for a season and adorned humanity’s frail form gave himself as the greatest offering. This was His gift to us on the First Noel.

Yet instead of slowing the pace to reflect on this sacrificial gift, we jump into hyper speed. We simply go through the motions of the season. The moments that were once precious are now few and cumbersome and considered a waste of time. Eventually for some, they end up resenting the season as an infringement. What’s forgotten is the true reason for the season is not what we can get on December 25th, but what was given on that First Noel. He is the gift that keeps on giving all year round. And no amount of gift wrap or treks to the store for just the right gift for the relative that has everything can compare!

Take a moment to enjoy the gift of the First Noel. Without it, Christian or not, we can find ourselves in danger of being robbed of this season’s true meaning. Don’t end up going through the worldly motions and resenting the Christ-like moments.

You have all been a blessing to me. You have visited this blog and allowed me to encourage you with God’s truth. May He grant you peace in the moment, relief from the motions and hope in a Savior. Please accept this gift. May it remind you to never go through the motions of the First Noel.

Click and listen to Matthew West –The Motions.

Merry Christmas!

DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

2009-12-16T18:30:00.002-05:00

Who knew the sales industry employed trained, seasonal evangelists? Every radio station and department store sound system has been bombarding us with holiday tunes since before Black Friday. In the hopes of priming us for the festive holiday shopping experience, they have managed to change misers and spend thrifts into giving and generous people. I know their idea of a conversion experience is when the latest techno gadgets and toys go flying off the shelves after a rousing chorus of “Santa Baby,” but unwittingly they have also managed to do something else. They have kept Christmas alive in the hearts of non-believers.

The season has become extremely commercialized, but it is what keeps a light shining bright in the hearts of people every year. And that light, no matter how dim, points hearts to Christ, who as we know, is the real reason for the season. Their attempts at altering the consciousness with salutations of happy holidays are somehow derailed by their own devices. For every chorus of “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” there is “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Silent Night” reminding them of “The First Noel.” Do you hear what I hear? During this season, the name of Christ is heard in shopping centers, malls, bars and over airways just as much as it is heard on Sunday mornings.

So if one too many Christmas songs has you screaming for the exit, stop and thank God for using the sales industry to get His son’s name out to those who may not step inside a church. Wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

COFFEE BEAN CIRCUMSTANCE

2009-12-09T18:52:00.001-05:00

I can not take credit for writing this beautiful, illustrative story. The author may be unknown, but the message will speak volumes to us all when handling circumstances. Enjoy!
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A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see. ''Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich flavor. The daughter then asked, 'So what does it mean, mom?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water yet each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But after sitting through the boiling water, its insides became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling liquid, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?’

Think about it – Which one are you?

Are you the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do you wilt and become soft and lose your strength?

Are you the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did you have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have you become hardened and stiff? Does your shell look the same, but on the inside, are you bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, do you get better and change the situation around you? When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level?

How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

May YOU all be COFFEE BEANS!!!!!!!

EVER WONDER?

2009-12-02T07:07:00.002-05:00

My sister is going through a very rough time right now. Because of poor character judgment and loneliness, she found herself pregnant at 40something. Giving birth to a son a year ago, he is literally the glue that holds her life together. She knows her past choices weren't the greatest, but you couldn't ask for a more sacrificial mother lovingly raising her child. Recently, her ex-fiance-turned-vindictive-broken soul took her to court. She called today to say that he was awarded custody of their son. Wrought with pain and blindly disillusioned, she's now wondering why God allowed this to happen. Although she's always strived to do what's right, she now cries out bitterly for why justice awards for bad behavior.

I didn't know how to answer her question. And from the hysterical state she was in on the phone, she didn't need my pat response. She needed a thick-skinned Christ to unravel the emotional mess she was facing. How about you? Have you ever wondered where God was in the middle of your pain and disillusionment? Have you lost a loved one, miscarried a child or faced financial ruin? Did you think, "God I've been a good person. Why is this happening to me?" Again, I don't have the answer. What I can share with you is a poem God gave me for my boss who was wondering why herself over the loss of her mom and terminal illness ravishing the body of a close relative she considered a second mom. May it bring you comfort if and when you ever wonder...

EVER WONDER
Ever wonder why dandelions are a delight to a child, but a nuisance to a gardener?
Or why Winter is too cold for some and to the earth it’s a time of peaceful ponder?
Ever wonder why a creative soul can find anything on a messy desk
But to a “neatnick,” it’s chaos waiting to happen and a time for unrest?
And then ever wonder why the good ones die young with vibrancy to spare
And the curmudgeon hang on to complain and gripe of dreams that go nowhere?

Well, I may not know the right answers to the simple or complex
And I may not understand the times and the roles that play out next.
All I know is life has purpose in itself and God’s plans may appear tough
And though it’s never quite understood right now, it will be soon enough.
Winters come, yet Spring arrives to lessen the heavy load
And dandelions will grow amidst the blooms of wonders yet untold

And if you ever wonder why stuff seems to happen and pain appears
Just know the wonder is in the delight of life — its joys, its laughs, its tears
And if you ever wonder why chaos has a way of ruling out in the end
Just know there’s a time and place and order to embrace this pain we’re living in
The answers are not only blowing in the wind as the songwriter once confessed
Our lives are a beauty to behold and God’s wonder is in the rest.

OPEN OUR EYES LORD - PERSPECTIVE

2009-11-25T06:40:00.005-05:00

2 Kings 6:17 - And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Look, here's the story. Some bigwig in Syria is a little miffed that his well thought-out plans against Israel are foiled even before he can act. Not happy, he questions his staff. There's got to be a lead somewhere! To his surprise, he finds himself up against a prophet who's so into God that he doesn't have to go anywhere close to Syria to know what's going on. This is only the backdrop to the real story. Truth is you get to see how tight Elisha is with God. So tight that this Syrian king sends an army to surround Elisha's dwelling place. Morning comes and Elisha's servant goes outside for the paper (no, not really, but he did go outside), sees the army and comes running into the house screaming, "what shall we do?"

This servant has seen reality right out his front door and holy man, Elisha, who hadn't seen a thing, responds with "do not fear, for those who are with you are more than those who are with them." Hello!!!!! Mr. Elisha, you weren't the one outside! You weren't the one outside greeting an angry army ready to kick some serious...well, you get the picture. What do you mean, "do not fear?!" But isn't that so like us? We got bills due yesterday, creditors lining up calls today and no money prospects tomorrow! In our distress someone gives us a few words of encouragement and we think, "who do they think they are?" Prophet? Pastor? Well-meaning Christian friend? Ha! They're so heavenly minded that they aren't worth any earthly good and now they're telling us, in the midst of some major trouble to "fear not," or "don't worry, God is faithful." Reality check here!!!

But wait. With God's word, let's do a reality check, shall we? Elisha must have known something to obviously be so faith-driven that he didn't even have to look at the situation to know everything was going to be alright. What? Look at 2 Kings 6:17 - And Elisha prayed and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he say. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Whoa (no horse pun intended), wait a minute. Opened his eyes? Wasn't the servant just out there beholding the reality of an angry army? Yeah, but, isn't faith the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen? (Hebrews 11:6)

The situation remained the same, but what changed? The servant's perspective. This young man was seeing things in a totally different light. And God was not about to become inconsistent with His nature and with His people. Elisha saw things through God's eyes. That's why he was able to report to the king of Israel everything going on in Syria without ever leaving the comfort of his home. And when impossible situations presented themselves, Elisha was secure enough in his faith to believe the vision of a faithful God and pray that his servant would see things a little more clearly.

If you haven't figured it out by now, there is a moral to this story. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). Times are rough. Hey, don't I know it. Problems on every hand. Circumstances can, and I do mean will, get the better of us all. We've lived in the servant mentality from time to time because we just can't see beyond the reality before us. We're human and we do have a tendency to "see" with the human eyes God's given us. Hey, go figure. But a changed perspective -- no matter what the situation -- can save us a lot of heartache, grief, pain and sorrow. Fear not. That's right. Fear not. God is a perspective changer. Circumstances may never change but our perspective on the matter can and should. Life's too short to sped it worrying if things will ever get better. Diligently seek God's perspective on the situation and allow it to change and transform your sight!

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A LETTER TO AN ADOPTIVE HEART

2009-11-18T11:00:00.005-05:00

James 1:22 & 27 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...

Dear Adoptive Heart! Hello and how's it going? I thought I'd write a short letter to say how blessed we are to know you. You don't know me exactly, but we share a common bond. You have loved my brothers and sisters by taking us into your homes. We were once orphaned. I know that's not a very popular word, but it's true. Some of us were abandoned by our moms and dads and some of us are still working through those issues. You rescued us and for that we can say thank you enough.

Can you imagine? Our plight has stretched the globe. We were born into poverty of the soul, pain of the heart, abandonment and abuse of the spirit. We only wanted what every other child needs - love, security, shelter. There was a time we didn't think we deserved it, but then you came along and changed all of that. You cared enough to make us your sons and daughters. We all came with our unsightly baggage, but you were patient enough with us to help us unpack our troubles. You spent time with us. You gave us lots of hugs. You believed in us. Thank you.

Now if it's not too much to ask, can you do me a favor? Can you get the word out about my extended siblings? I have other brothers and sisters still orphaned. Everyday is a challenge for them. I don't want them to lose hope, but can you blame them? If everyone cared as much as you do and made a place for them to call home, my brothers and sisters wouldn't feel so lost in the world.

I know adoption isn't for everyone, but there are ways people can help my orphaned siblings. They can pray for them. They can be foster parents. They can be court-appointed advocates. They can adopt an orphanage overseas. They can sponsor an adoption fair or start an adoption fund at their churches for those who can adopt. There is so much to be done, but so few people to do it. You were one of the few. And I bet there are others out there just like you. They see how you've brought us into your homes and made us apart of your family. You can say you're a poster child for adoption!

Well, thanks for listening. Thanks also for doing what God's word says about caring for the orphans. I know Jesus is pleased; you can tell by the smiles on our faces!

Sincerely,

Anadoptive Child

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NOVEMBER IS ADOPTION MONTH - LOVE ON A CHILD!

TOYS, BIG BOOKS AND NESTING DOLLS

2009-11-11T19:48:00.004-05:00

Colossians 3:1-4 – Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Marketing the “Biggest Big Book Ever,” this popular toy store sells entertainment to children of all ages. Whether it’s the latest dual-screen game cartridge or the strangely-alarming, mind-reading head band (I am not joking about this one), today’s toys are worth their weight in fools’ gold. I have no problem with a toy’s entertainment value, but when one’s imagination is replaced with a power charger and batteries, I have to ask the question, “What message is being taught to our children?”

In my mother’s day (notice I refuse to date myself), all a child needed was a ball, a stick and a few neighborhood buddies. Get them outside and you had the makings of a sandlot team. Dolls and tea sets turned little girls into Suzy Homemakers…oops, responsible caregivers. Trucks and blocks sent boys on journeys uncharted. Yesterday’s toys were no substitute for the creative and inquisitive. They only lent a minor hand to the art of a child’s imagination.

A toy stretching the imagination is one thing, but if it has a built-in teachable component, I am all over it like a pit bull to a pork chop! Take the Matryoshka nesting dolls. Stacked one within another, these oval-shaped, wooden dolls became popular outside their native Russia. The concept is as simple as the design – open its crown and reveal its hidden treasure. Paul reminded the Colossians that they could set their hearts and minds on things above because their lives were “hidden with Christ in God.”

Open the Word of God and you find that earthly things expose our hearts and minds to all manner of maladies. We worry over bills. We fret over our children. We agonize over the next drama in life. As we hide our hearts and minds with Christ, we aren’t left alone in our struggles nor with the sole purpose of figuring out what’s next. He sits with the Father. We are with Him and He lives within us. His Word reveals purpose, direction, hope, a future. And as we study His Word, He reveals His truth.

Such a revelation uncovers another precious truth – hidden in Christ, we are less likely to entertain or eventually succumb to earthly notions and worldly mindsets. Much like Paul’s warnings to the Colossian church, Christ is the only one with whom we can place our trust and in whom that trust originates. The world may offer its options to true enlightenment; in Christ, He is THE way, THE truth and THE light. The world will make empty promises; in Christ, all His “promises have been thoroughly tested” (Psalm 119:140) and “no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Today’s toys are designed for entertainment value, but there’s a lot to be said for the toys of yesteryear. And much like the nesting dolls, God’s Word challenges our imaginations and arrests our spirits with its valuable lessons. The “Biggest Big Book Ever” may get published once a year, but God’s “Biggest Big Book” goes on forever in the hearts of His children!

ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVE

2009-11-04T06:17:00.004-05:00

Hebrews 10:23-25 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Here’s a test. Who said, “Ask not what God can do for you; ask what you can do for God? Actually, I did, but with a little poetic license borrowed from a 20th century, U.S. President.

Throughout Biblical history, many heroes and heroines of the faith looked beyond self gratification and placed themselves in the hands of God to be used for His plan and purpose. Ruth, Esther, Gideon, Joshua, Moses, Deborah, Jeremiah, Mary, Paul, Timothy, Peter – each one offering his or her unique, yet untapped gifts. And when the time came, they carried out great exploits for the sake of a coming Savior and a worthy King.

Most carried little clout within their tribe or amongst their people. That doesn’t matter to God. Joshua was an understudy to a stuttering Moses. Ruth was a transplant from pagan Moab. Gideon’s “clan [was] the weakest in Manasseh, and [he was] the least in [his] family” (Judges 6:15). Even so, the common denominator they shared was an unswerving commitment to be used by God. Their commitment was enough to bring encouragement to those needing it most.

Those willing to be used are just ordinary people placed in the hands of an extraordinary God. You’ve heard the story of how a multitude was fed with five loaves and two fishes, right? But did you know it is only mentioned in John’s gospel account of a child giving up his provisions to feed them (John 6:9)? The Savior used what this boy had and those benefitting from his offering left that mountainside well fed physically, emotionally and spiritually.

It is not the size of the offering, but the willingness to give of oneself in order to be used for a bigger purpose. Upon confirmation, Gideon had ideas of going into battle with thousands; God, however, instructed that “With the three hundred men that lapped [water to their mouths], I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands” (Judges 7:7). And as they say, the rest is HIStory!

What do you have to offer? Great or small, you would be quite surprised what God can do with an unswerving commitment to serve. If you’re like me, you may need a bit of motivation to get you started. Here’s a wonderful opportunity to be used by God and also be a blessing to others. I've put together a modified version of what my church called a "Month of Blessings Calendar." The calendar is formatted for Adobe Reader (.pdf file). Each day during the month of November, follow its daily instructions. At the end of the month, count what you’ve collected and donate the proceeds to…

~ Your church’s benevolent fund
~ Your church’s missionary fund
~ A local charity

In December, let me know how you answered the call to serve God and bless others either through a posted comment or via email!

For those interested in receiving a copy, click here to send an email. In the Subject box, just type "Calendar" and I'll get it out to you!

FEAR...NO BIGGER THAN A WASP

2009-10-28T07:30:00.005-04:00

2 Kings 6:15, 17 - When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked...And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

A co-worker and sister in Christ was once plagued with so much fear she thought God had abandoned her. She entertained all sorts of imaginings. "There must be sin in my life" or "I must not have enough faith," she considered. The trials were incessant; the troubles were insuperable. She simply had a difficult time truly seeing God respond in her situation and hearing God speak truth to her doubts. Much like Elisha's servant, her problems seemed to mount up like a mighty army surrounding the city and let's just say, fear is the front chariot leading the charge.

"Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" Isn't that usually the million dollar question for the day? In the heat of battle, trusting in God's great and precious promises comes across as second guessing what's behind door number three on a game show. We forget too quickly who's in control of our circumstances. That's where reminders are very important. Elisha had to remind the servant just how big God is compared to the army before them. His eyes needed a prayerful adjustment. God not only showed Himself to be a worthy opponent, but a "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

In the heat of her circumstances, this co-worker asked God to reveal to her the magnitude of her fears. "God, just how big are my fears?" was the cry of her heart. After much prayer, God did show her and to her great surprise, it was no bigger than a WASP! Unseen, our problems can get the better of us. But when we ask God to open our eyes, we find those same problems aren't as big as they appear. Yeah, intimidating at best, but never too big for an army of God's to subdue! He will provide the army; you get out the wasp spray!

INTERSECTED MOMENTS

2009-10-21T11:25:00.002-04:00

Jeremiah 6:16 – God’s Message yet again, “Go stand at the crossroads and look around. Ask for directions to the old road, the tried and true road. Then take it. Discover the right route for your souls. But they said, ‘Nothing doing. We aren’t going that way.’ (The Message)

When I think of the crossroads in this passage of Jeremiah, I think of intersected moments. What are intersected moments? Much like obeying the laws of the road, we meet life at an intersected point where time stands still for a moment. It’s where we get to be a blessing or a curse, a help or a hindrance in the lives of those with whom we intersect. At a busy intersection, for example, there’s no time to rationalize who gets the right of way when both vehicles arrive in the same instant, but it has the potential to speak volumes to the one bestowed the courtesy of being given the right of way.

In an intersected moment, we make the decision to stand up for what we believe or fall for what is acceptable. Here’s a true scenario. What would you have done? The screams were incessant throughout the grocery store. Up one aisle and down another, you could hear the cries of two little ones who refused to be comforted or bribed. They looked just as whipped as their frazzled mother, as she approaches the check out. She laid her purchases on the conveyor belt and fumbled in her massive purse for her wallet. Practically everything from this weighted bag got displayed on the counter much to the annoyance of the impatient customers in line. The woman was so apologetic to the peeved clerk as she counted out her cash explaining she only came in for baby formula, diapers, children’s cough syrup and a few items for dinner. Moans and groans turned to exasperation as the hope of her turning up her wallet produced a few dollars shy of her final bill.

QUICK – you’re behind this woman in line; what do you do? My friend quietly took out her wallet and handed the difference to the clerk. She gave this woman a warm smile and a touch on the arm for encouragement. And once the grateful young mother was bagged and gone, my friend graciously warded off criticism from the clerk and the person in line behind her. Without skipping a beat, she said, “I’m sure you would have done the same.” Would you?

Intersected moments come in many forms. Some are as obvious as being a blessing in a scenario like the one above; some moments aren’t so blaring. My friend could have reacted with criticism, but choose in the moment to respond with grace and wisdom. Even if she had had a bad day before meeting this mom at this intersection of life, she chose to set aside her flesh and get on board with God’s agenda.

Intersected moments aren’t always going to lead to favorable outcomes. Circumstances and life happen. People will continue to want more from your good intentions. Your kind gestures may go unnoticed, but as Mother Teresa once said of our response to such things, “do it anyway.” You will get the one-finger salute from irate drivers in rush-hour traffic; pray for them anyway. You may be publicly humiliated by an obnoxious co-worker; speak graciously anyway. Your child may give you more verbal objection than you’re willing to handle; act in love anyway. Remember, God’s Word tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).

Intersected moments are never about us though they operate with us in mind. These moments give us the option to either care about or judge someone who may have a hard time caring about themselves in the moment. I wasn’t expecting to intersect with a homeless man in the pharmacy store parking lot. My knee-jerk reaction would have been to turn him away. My past experiences in working for a homeless shelter said do not give him money under any circumstance. But when I looked into his eyes and heard him say he was only seventeen years old, I was faced with a choice. My heart responded to him like a mother would to her lost child. “Baby, are you okay?” and “Please take care of yourself, okay” were seasoned with “yes, ma’am” from this motherless child. He needed desperately to intersect with a mom; I chose to be that woman for that moment.

Have you had an intersected moment lately? If you handled it well, I pray God give you more. If you haven’t fared well, I pray God crosses your path again with someone who would benefit from your gracious intersection.

PART 3: HOW DO WE FORGIVE?

2009-10-07T15:36:00.002-04:00

I’m a huge fan of overstuffed sandwiches. Eating one may be too much to tackle in a single serving, but I can always come back to munch on the rest later. Last week may have been too much to digest in one reading. Yet like the layers of meat piled high between your bread of choice, true forgiveness takes time to absorb into our daily diet.

Before we address how to forgive, we need to know its meaning, what it is not and why it’s so important to our spiritual digestive system.

forgive (fer giv’). v 1. to grant free pardon for or remission of (an offense, debt, etc.); absolve. 2. to give up all claim on account of; remit (a debt, obligation, etc.). 3. to grant free pardon to (a person). 4. to cease to feel resentment against; to forgive one’s enemies. – v.i. 5. to pardon an offense or an offender.

A dictionary can only define this word; our life’s experiences identify us to its meaning. First, forgiveness does not devalue a person’s injury. The truth is there’s nothing false about our pain. And like an open wound needs time to heal, so does an injured person. Without a cast, crutches and medication, you wouldn’t expect a person to walk around on a broken leg and not experience a bit of agony, would you? There is a right time for everything, as Eugene Peterson encapsulates in his adaptation of Ecclesiastes 3:2-8. So if you are the injured party, allow yourself time to heal. Seek constant prayer and support from those who are safe and in which you can confide. And secure the assistance of a trusted, wise counselor who is specifically trained in such matters.

Next, to forgive and to forget aren’t inclusive. In forgiving, time can heal a wound, but as you know, a wound can leave a scar. There is quite a distinction in the two. The scar is not the injury. It is only the reminder that an injury had occurred. You may be branded with a scar for life, but you don’t have to live each day reliving its pain in grave detail. And if not careful, we can find ourselves relegated to a life of misery, bitterness, hopelessness and despair. And is this any way to live? We must process forgiveness and forgetfulness separately. Forgiveness says we release our offender from the obligation to make amends and forgetfulness says we place that obligation rightly on the cross of Christ. His cross is where our wounds can heal and our pain can be properly dealt with.

No longer abstaining from what forgiveness can offer, how does one learn to digest it in a way which could be beneficial to our lives? First, we bring the offense to God as we ask Him to walk with us in the process of our healing. Next, we learn to establish healthy boundaries that guard our hearts and minds from future offenses. We practice resisting the urge to want to enact revenge on the offender remembering vengeance is not ours, but God’s. We pray for our offender. We pray they don’t harm others, and we pray they cease in harming us. Dear sisters, we confess to God any feelings that prohibit us from walking in health and wholeness. As God gives us the tools of His word, excellent and praiseworthy thoughts become our new foundation (Phil. 4:8). Finally, as we no longer give our offenders the power to poison our lives by our bitterness, we are free to forgive and forget in a way that brings beauty and sweetness to our lives.

Dear God – These few weeks with my sisters have been a painful, albeit insightful journey into forgiveness. Continue to walk with them as they face the bitter taste from offense in a healthy way. Help them not to avoid the process, but to embrace the truth. AMEN!

PART 2: WHAT WOULD GOD HAVE ME DO IN RESPONSE?

2009-09-30T09:15:00.003-04:00

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. – Romans 12:19 (NIV)

“I’ll take ‘God’s Responses’ for 500, Alex!” I chimed. “With respect to revenge, this popular passage of the Bible gets quoted when retaliation is a reactive response of man but not an option of God’s,” the suave game-show host expounds. DING! “What is ‘Romans 12:19’?” When it comes to revenge, the blunt of our pain is not a game. Our hurts are genuine; our wounds run deep. But when we choose to take matters into our own hands when wronged, we are in jeopardy of sinning. We need to ask ourselves a tough question. What would God have us do in response to an insult or offense? You may be quite surprised by His answer.

When God’s Son came on the redemptive scene, His approach was quite radical even for the religious leaders of the day. Jewish laws seemed to run counter to Jesus’ teachings. Where it was prohibited to perform any meaningful function on the Sabbath, for example, Jesus’ disciples partook of grain from a field and a man’s hand was healed. From the religious leaders’ standpoint, such actions were considered a direct violation of what they held dear and deemed punishable.

This evidence is most crucial in laying the responsive foundation for the offenses done to us. When Jesus delivered His teachings in Matthew 5, His topics of discussion helped followers to better understand the laws of the day in a new way. Often such laws were misapplied and in danger of becoming a laundry list of rules and regulations devoid of true mercy, justice and redemption. In essence, “vengeance is mine, saith the Lord; I will repay” could be misconstrued as God’s wrath solely annihilating our offenders, but leaving no room for repentance. And like Jonah, we can become embittered over our offenders being left unpunished for his or her grievous offense. Our response is not “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” but rather harbor anger and bitterness. In doing so, we believe our actions justified because of how cavernous our offense. And by allowing the transgression to pervade our thoughts and actions, we have given our resentments a private cell in which to dwell.

“But wait a minute! I’m the one wronged here.” That may be true, but if our response is to take matters into our own hands, where does that leave God? He implores us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave us” (Ephesians 4:31, 32). Yes, vengeance is God’s, but our response should be to place the matter solely in God’s hands, to pray for our enemies and to forgive as God forgave us in Christ. These steps are never easy, but they are necessary if we want to live a life of freedom.

If forgiveness is a foreign concept, join me next week as we tackle this often painful issue.

Next week – Part 3: How Do I Forgive?

PART 1: WHY DID THEY SAY THAT?

2009-09-27T17:13:00.003-04:00

Day after day, year after year, a slanderer’s words play repeatedly in our heads. We dissect the meaning of their words like a crustacean in a lab experiment. We inquire of others. We rationalize to ourselves. We ultimately justify their actions or dismiss their presence in our lives. But no matter how we slice it, we’re simply left to ponder the question, “Why did they say that?” We know we’re not bad people, but nothing good comes from slander or from harboring the pain and resentment associated with it.

The journey of healing takes time, understanding and initiative. I hope to address these directives not as separate routes, but as cooperative landmarks leading to a promising destination. For you see, our Father has a wonderful plan for our future. And like a roadmap, He points the way to peace extending beyond our comprehension. First stop on the journey – tackling the “why” question.

Why did they say that? Ever wonder why bullies pick on the weak or some people spew harsh, offensive words at others? I use to wonder as a child why I was called “four eyes” and “egghead” by mean-spirited kids in my neighborhood. Forget the hurt feelings. There were days the taunting and the teasing became so obsessive, I’d run home crying.

As I became an adult, I began working on the process of my healing. It was on this journey I discovered a couple of strong possibilities battling for recognition and understanding. These possibilities operated like feuding kin vying for land rights to barren territory. And the heart of a bully is the land in which insecurity and poor anger management skills wish to stake their claim.

Insecurity and poor anger management skills have always competed for the coveted “Why” award. These character flaws take root in the heart that chooses poorly. This steady lack of self confidence and the consistent response to its vices causes many people to turn their frustrations outward. Those frustrations are eventually thrust upon family members, friends and loved ones. When confronted, their choice is to either speak the truth in love or to verbally attack. Unfortunately, there are some who opt for the latter.

Because I allowed God to reveal the roots, I could understand the weeds in their barren land. When one chooses to slander, bully, harass, intimidate, malign or defame another, he or she is operating from a place apart from God. And without God operating at the core of one’s being as an agent of change and a healer of hurts, past and present, in response, poor choices are made and innocent people suffer. Yes, there could be a million justified reasons why a slanderer or bully is the way he or she is, but “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear…your iniquities have separated you from your God” (Isaiah 59:1, 2). Simply put, there may be a reason, but God's response is redemption. It’s a matter of choice. When a bully or slanderer choices to confess their sinfulness, he or she is accepted by God and can reclaim the land insecurity and poor anger management skills have fought long and hard to keep.

The journey between now and not yet is long when waiting for change to occur. So what does one do in the meantime? It’s a valid question and one that warrants great consideration. Will you join me next time as we travel together seeking God for a response?

Next Week – Part 2: What would God have me do in response?

ROLLER COASTER RIDE

2009-09-20T23:12:00.002-04:00

Life can be a series of roller coaster rides. Whether the highs are chocolate induced or the lows hormone related, we girls know what it means to strap in for life’s twists and turns screeching our way faster than the speed of sound. So what kind of roller coaster are you on today? Right now, I’m gyrating between Phantom’s Revenge, The Beast and The Vortex. One minute, I’m sorting socks; the next, I’m ranting and raving over whether to hire a demolition squad for my child’s room. “He’s a boy. He’s 10. Get over it!” I hear echoing from the abyss. And my plummeting scream responds, “But, I don’t want to! This isn’t a room; it’s a bad lab experiment waiting to happen! AIEEEEE!!!”

Believe me; I could give you a blow-by-blow report of what I’ve been experiencing lately. But as I laugh at mishaps and cry over misunderstandings, I must remind myself of a few things. First, I’m not in this alone. I know Jesus encouraged his disciples to go out into the world and preach the gospel. But when I hear, “I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age” (Matthew 26:20 – The Message), the world of parenting, marriage and friendships is my mission field. God is with me through the tunnels of confusion, the turns of discomfort, the heights of elation and even the depths of despair.

Thoughtful question – Who or what is riding with you in your roller coaster?

Next, there is joy in the ride. I must admit, I don’t know about this one sometimes. The bills are due and the payments are late. The day is jam-packed and time and patience are threadbare. Stress has taken over my last nerve and joy is held hostage. Can you feel what I’m saying? Circumstances should never define our joy. Our joy is found in God; our circumstances get to reap its benefits. I mused when I read from Habakkuk. “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, YET [emphasis here] I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (3:17, 18). Sounds like the makings of an old Country and Western song doesn’t it? Yee-haa!!

Thoughtful question - Are you making a point to enjoy life even when life isn’t so joyful?

Finally, all rides have an end. Trust me on this one. Will the pain of hardships ever end? Will the sorrow of loneliness ever cease? Will the plague of fears ever subside? Yes, my dear sisters, they will, but here me on this. As long as we’re on this earth, we will be exposed to its pitfalls and pratfalls. Jesus had to remind his disciples to take courage in spite of inevitable struggles. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). It is in Christ we have peace not perfection. He simply gives us hope to cope!

Thoughtful question - Are you finding God’s peace in the ride?

WHO ARE YOU IN CHRIST - INTRODUCTION

2009-09-16T05:30:00.001-04:00

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that it may impart grace to the hearer. – Ephesians 4:10 (NKJ)

“What are you, stupid?!” How many times have you heard that in your lifetime? Competent or confident aren’t the warm, fuzzy feelings coming to mind, that’s for sure. It’s more than an attack on your character. It’s a personal insult to God as your Creator. When He tells us we were “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139), those aren’t glib platitudes tossed around like a filthy rag. Our self worth is at the core of His heart. Yet sadly, too many of us have heard such phrases over the course of our lifetimes. They lark about in our heads like a well-worn recording – difficult to listen and even harder to erase. So how do we exchange the old tapes for a better recording? I hope to share my thoughts and testimony over the next few weeks on how you can embrace the truth about who you are in Christ and how He sees you. Join me on the journey, won’t you?

Next Week…Part 1: Why Did They Say That?

ADD TO THE MIX

2009-09-13T23:53:00.001-04:00

You would think I never cook. It’s more complicated than that. Given a cookbook or someone’s favorite recipe, I’m great in the kitchen. The issue is not how to cook, but what to cook. I’ll eat anything except tomatoes, okra and liver. My husband has a handful of standards and our son claims he won’t touch peas and onions.

With the rest of the food groups at my disposal, I honestly never learned the fine art of meal planning. Try as I must, I end up kicking myself in the proverbial keister around dinnertime. Why? Because I’m missing a crucial ingredient from the menu: DINNER! Thank You, Lord for grace and a sense of humor. My family doesn’t go banging at the neighbor’s asking for a frozen entrée nor do they go lining up at the local soup kitchen. I’m not that inept. They understand my predicament and when the mood hits me, they’re willing to be eager participants to whatever fancy creation I concoct in my galley. And I can always win their hearts with my prize-winning standby: Dinner Cakes (that’s pancakes for dinner with a side of turkey bacon)!

Oh, don’t think me pathetic; I’m just being honest about my situation. I don’t know what to cook. Is this a plea for help? Yep, you bet! But before you throw recipes my way, let me explain my pickle. My husband hates cheese, but he loves leftovers. I love cheese, yet I have a 2-day tolerance level for leftovers. Next, we are such a busy family that I have no time to plan dinner, let alone a nap! Okay, don’t pull out the violins just yet. Finally, growing up, I was more occupied with Foghorn Leghorn than I was with having him as a main dish. Talk about the makings of an Everything Stew!

Over the years, I’ve asked for cooking tips and recipes. I’ve even feasted on a heavy dose of humble pie when I’ve had these discussions with friends. Now I pose the question to you. What are some of your favorite, quick-and-easy family meals that don’t require much long-term planning, cheese, liver or okra? I’d be more than happy to add them to the mix if they pass the approval of my family’s taste buds!

THE TRUTH SERIES...INTERIOR DECORATING

2009-09-09T02:13:00.010-04:00

You'll not see my home gracing the pages of Better Homes and Gardens. I have quite a unique decorating style. Nothing truly matches, but there are a few pieces that set off each room. There's the out-of-tune piano in the living room, the jungle of plants in the dining room, the mess in my kitchen. It's not pretty, but it is livable, inviting and extremely functional. Those were my ever-crazy thoughts as I gleemed over the truth about interior decorating and God's word. As you know, there are many decorating styles. But for purposes of this entry, I thought I'd present three general types -- monchromatic, eclectic and balanced.

MONOCHROMATIC - Everything is the same. The color palate is guised as sleek, unpretentious and clean. I liken it more to uneventful, unimaginative and frankly, just plain boring. There's nothing wrong with a one-color-scheme format throughout a room, if that's your preference. The reality is it leaves no room to deviate from the norm, no acceptance of differences. The message conveyed to houseguests, for example, is, "I like control, structure and order. Anything outside those parameters is unacceptable." That could appear to be a turnoff, and as the body of Christ, we can't afford to turn anyone off or away. The truth is the only common thread that binds us all together is our sinfulness and a need for a Savior. When a guest walks into the doors of the church, we want them to feel welcomed. We want them to feel comfortable with the invitation to "come to [Jesus], all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Someone once said that the "church should be a hospital for sinners, not a resort for saints."

Is our style monochromatic? Are we tolerant of those who are different from ourselves? What can we do as a church to be more inviting?

ECLECTIC - Nothing is the same. The huge hodge-podge of items generally decorating the room appears cluttered and lost, lacking focus or purpose. Again, there's nothing wrong with this style if it suits your fancy. But our goal as a church is to be purposeful in our presentation of Christ. God's word warns us "for the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3, 4). If we contnue adding to the dynamic of Christianity the fads of our day, we ultimately cause those seeking answers to forever lose sight of Christ, the hope of glory. For example, one of the messages that once confused the world was "if you come to Christ, all your problems would instantly disappear." How further from the truth is that? Christians still struggle. Stuff still happens. And when the first hint of opposition sets up shop, we reason away their issues with an unfair assessment. "You need to have more faith!" In most cases, more faith is not the issue; their struggle is, and we are called to communicate with God on their behalf. We are called to bear one another's burdens. In essence, we are to come alongside our sisters (and brothers) and become Christ with flesh.

Is our style eclectic? Do we respond to the lost with answers that lack substance? How can we present Christ in a real and purposeful manner?

BALANCED - I've watched enough home makeover episodes on HGTV to know every room has a focal piece. Whether a high-ticket item or something of great sentimental value, it's the one piece that brings balance to a room. In the heart of the believer, Christ is our main focus. He is the pearl of great price, the coin of lasting value. God stands at the door of our hearts awaiting access. Allow Him to come in for a bit of interior design!

HAPPY LABOR DAY

2009-09-06T20:25:00.002-04:00

Okay, I'll make this quick. Certainly not everyone will benefit from the extended weekend. Cashiers, wait staff, amusement park employees, I'm sure aren't too happy about the holiday we call Labor Day. Instead of Labor Day, why not call it "I've-got-to-work-a-few-hours-because-you-forgot-ice" day or "you-get-off-but-not-me" day? And even in the hustle and bustle of the one holiday that dictates wearing white pants and shoes as a fashion faux pas after its passing, there is rest for the weary. It's found in knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

If you're unable to take the day off, I pray that you're able to find some time to reflect and rejuvenate. If it means a 10-minute power nap or a 24-hour hiatus from the daily grind, reflect on God's goodness and rest in His truth. You might not be able to join in on a sanctioned day with the rest of us, but I pray you can be satisfied with whatever God brings your way!

To one and all - HAPPY LABOR DAY!

THE TRUTH SERIES - FOOTBALL

2009-09-02T22:42:00.003-04:00

2 Timothy 2:5 – Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Steelers…Cowboys…Raiders…Giants…Browns…Buccaneers…Packers…Vikings. If you know the names, you know the game. Football: the great American contact sport. But did you know football can be used as a spiritual analogy to life? No? Well, let me shed a bit of truth about the gridiron sport.

Apart from the rabid fan base, the obsession with team jerseys and the players that wear them, football follows some very basic guidelines. First, a team engages with an opponent. Next, football is a team sport. Finally, at the conclusion of a game, only one team comes out the victor.

Know Your Opponent – From the book, The Art of War by Sun Tzu, “You must know your enemy before going to battle. If you know your enemy and know yourself, you’ll come out of 100 battles with 100 victories. If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you will win one battle and lose the next. If you do not know yourself or your enemy, you will always lose. You need to know yourself and know your enemy in order to win.” As Christians, our opponent goes by many names, but his sole intent is purposeful. His team’s only game plan is to “kill, to steal and to destroy” (John 10:10). When God’s word tells us to “be self controlled and alert; your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour,” know your opponent and take his role seriously. Although I’d rather get tackled by a 300-lb. linebacker than to be succumbed with an incurable disease or family devastation, God provides us with the ultimate team uniform to absorb impact. That uniform is called the “full armor of God” and it protects us from the impact of the enemy’s schemes. And as you well know, the devil does not play fair. Therefore, we must remember to suit up daily with the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet covered in peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.

The Ultimate Team Sport – The game of football is not like playing the game of tennis. It’s not a solo sport competed alone on a field. From the quarterback to the wide receivers and the linebackers in between, each player has a position and role in which to take part. Linemen block for the quarterback. Wide receivers catch and advance the old pigskin. Kickers kick for the extra points. The significance of their position is crucial on the field of battle. Simply put, if they aren’t doing their job, the team suffers. And as Christians, we have a function as well. “Just as each of us has one body with many members…so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4, 5). Our roles as intercessors, encouragers, teachers, servants and leaders are crucial to the kingdom of God’s advancement over the powers of darkness. Simply put, if we aren’t doing our jobs, the enemy advances his agenda. His agenda includes the destruction of families, the diminishing standards of sexual purity before marriage and the annihilation of the unborn, just to name a few. We are called to speak truth in love, to be salt and light in the world and to show the love of the Lord to a lost and hurting world. And though we will grow weary in doing well, our strength is in God and in the encouragement from others. You’ve heard the adage that there is safety in numbers, right? Well, God’s word proves that “though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 2).

The Outcome of the Game – Giving a spiritual slant to the gridiron jargon, the world is in the 4th quarter of life. The opposition has mounted a full scale attack and although our outcome has been assured on the cross, the game only ends with Christ’s return to earth. Therefore, in these crucial last days, the best defense is to (1) submit to God’s strength (James 4:7), (2) study our ultimate play book, the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15) and (3) endure to the end (Hebrews 12:1, 2). This strategy promises a hope and a future to all who get in the game!

NEXT WEEK - The truth about...Interior Decorating!

PACKED TIGHTER THAN A CAN OF SARDINES

2009-08-30T08:00:00.005-04:00

Word on the street: budget cuts to state-funded programs. That was the summer buzz at work as our parents; teachers and employees followed the newspapers and awaited the decision from our program directors. Although most of the classroom staff was away for the summer break, the tension from us year-round employees was felt from every regional office. Worst-case scenarios played out in offices over each news update and interoffice email. When the initial bargaining unit date was moved to accommodate the changes in open-arena job bidding, stress and speculation ran rampant. At last count, potentially-lost jobs mounted pending governmental passage of a workable state budget. Adding to the scenario was how this would impact classroom openings, which certainly meant children and families without Head Start-provided services.

Oh yeah, the tensions, like the tides, were high! And during those weeks, I sensed from God a non-participatory role in the ensuing chaos. In fact, when possible “bumping” strategies were tossed around like a shuffled deck of cards, my only response to, “got any jobs?” was “No. Go fish!” I felt no worry. I experienced no fretting. And I made no deals. I knew God was in control and no amount of jockeying for position would change the final outcome. Was it “deal or no deal” to the escalating pandemonium? No deal!

Well, Friday the 28th marked the big day – arena bidding. In systematic order, two groups of classified employees were placed in separate rooms to await the outcome of those without positions. Once open job roles were filled, each group waited to “bump” an employee for a better position. Bumping, for those that don’t know, is just a fancy-schmancy term used for taking a position already filled by a less-senior employee.

For hours we were packed in those two conference rooms tighter than a can of sardines. The only spot available to sit was in a corner where they housed the electronic room dividers. It wasn’t much, but it was the roost on which I perched my belongings. I truly didn’t want to be there because of the assurance I felt from God, but it was strongly recommended that everyone attend. As the afternoon wore on, I had my own contingencies in place. Water bottle filled with ice? Check. Short stack of newspaper comics to read? Check. An unedited article to finish? Check. A stash of Christian women’s magazines to peruse? Check. I was ready.

Well, there were long pauses between job assignments. And the longer the pauses, the shorter the air supply. Almost two hours slowly dragged and I had developed a massive headache. You would think it was from the poorly-circulated air not flowing through the room. I knew better. I felt the spirits of fear and doubt manifesting themselves throughout disparaging sidebar conversations. Their presence was thick as fellow employees’ tempers mounted with each anticipated, passing minute. I walked out the room a couple of times just to breathe and pray. But once I re-entered the room, those spirits greeted me at the door.

I went back to my corner of the room to wait as well. However, when I sat down, I heard these words: “I am in control. There is peace here.” All righty then! “Peace. I have a headache from all this and I need aspirin!” Lo and behold, the woman sitting next to me had a bottle of Ibuprofen and within ten minutes, I was sleeping peacefully in my corner.

This story could drag on as long as my poor colleagues endured every angst-filled emotion those filthy spirits could dish out, but the purpose in the telling is quite simple. That Friday, God was in control throughout more than six hours of negotiations. Most of my colleagues fared well despite the stress they experienced. Some took a furlough package contingent upon state budget reconsideration. Some with mid-level seniority shuffled from one classroom to another. And a few with lower-level seniority found themselves surprised with a position where their colleagues, with much more service time, did not. All in all, the message was clear. When God is in control, there is peace in the peril, calm in the chaos and safety in the sanity. And like a mighty oak planted along the edge of a rapidly-moving current and its branches outstretched over the river’s raging waterfall, God continues to provide corners for His people in which to rest. In that room we may have been packed tighter than a can of sardines, but in heart and mind, we didn’t have to stay that way. Remember, Go Fish? Got any peace? Why yes, I do! And the picture on the card is Jesus!

THE TRUTH SERIES - TECHNOLOGY

2009-08-26T14:04:00.004-04:00

This week starts an open-ended series called "The Truth." Since I love analogies, I found great parallels to our relationship with God in simple everyday things. Join the journey and send your comments! Thanks and blessings!
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I love technology! I can navigate around most programs with a great deal of ease. From cut and paste to postings, mail merges and file attachments, most of the lingo doesn’t intimidate me. I say “most” because like speaking a foreign language, if I get stumped, I know enough about technology to ask “Donde esta el baño?”

As much as I love my current operating system and applications, technology has one teensy weensy flaw. It keeps changing! Oops, the correct terminology is upgrading. You buy your first laptop, for example, and before you can get it halfway stationed on your desk and booted up, your “universal integrated document reader” has an upgrade waiting to be loaded onto your computer from the internet. HUH!? See what I mean!

I truly believe the reason, rhyme and rationale for upgrades is very simple. Always have a plan for every possible contingency. Again, take the “universal integrated document reader” example. The premise behind the “reader” is to share files. Whether you prefer operating from a Mac or an IBM-compatible system, the reader will allow you to open and read a file. Making changes to a sent document requires a program upgrade. You want the reader to highlight text? Upgrade. What about copying and pasting text into a program on your computer? Upgrade. Document comments? Upgrade. Make coffee? Upgrade! I think I stopped accepting upgrades at version 8.0!

Anyway, why all the long-winded nonsense about technology? Because God’s word, unlike technology, never upgrades itself to fit every possible contingency. In fact, God’s word was originally designed to be the only response to the contingencies we face in life. In three of the four gospels, it states, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33). And when we’re told nothing changes until everything’s accomplished in the Law (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17), the absolute seems to resonate from every “jot and tittle” (King James reference here) penned on the pages of the bible. God’s not out there trying to make things right with upgrades. It is right! His word is constant. His word is consistent. His word never changes!

I still love technology, upgrades and all. But aren’t you glad God’s word is not in the upgrades? He meets our contingencies with the truth of His word, the comfort of His Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life from His one and only Son. If you love technology as much as I do, enjoy God’s Word – version 1.0!
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NEXT WEEK - The truth about...FOOTBALL!

CAR RIDE COMMANDMENTS

2009-08-23T19:58:00.004-04:00

Again, my child amazes me. On a family car ride the other day, he posed a rather odd question. "If you were president, what ten commandments would you create to change the world?" My husband and I were about to rattle off the obvious ten when he said, "oh, and you can't use the ones in the Bible." We each took our turn, but not without giving a great deal of thought to our selection.

We all have our opinions on how to change the world. One just has to read the newspaper to formulate attitudes and viewpoints. We grow numb to the senseless stories that fill the headlines and the pages from the local news. We wonder to ourselves, "why aren't people getting it?" But as God's people, we are given the heart and mind of Christ to want to obey God's commands. "This is the convenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people" (Hebrews 8:10). Encouraging words to those who get it; hopeful words for those who don't.

Okay, I admit we came up with some silly commandments during that car ride, but by the end of the ten, the responses became a bit more thought provoking. I'm still holding out for world peace, ends to prejudice and homelessness and yes, shorter work weeks for everyone. I'm not sure about the last one, but hey, there's no shame in dreaming. How about you? What world-changing car ride commandments have you dreamed up lately? Are you living them out in your life as you do with the ten God's given to us all? If so, great, because you are in the ride of your life!

CHRISTIAN DRIVER'S ED

2009-08-19T21:22:00.001-04:00

I am an aggressive driver. When I’m behind the wheel, my senses are heightened; my vocal chords are primed to emit exasperating groans. Why? Because I know from the moment I start the engine, my ability to maneuver around careless drivers will be tested.

While driving, I learn my escape routes (this one is especially useful in any form of traffic). I also know the rules of driving and I am a stickler when it comes to obeying them. I follow them because I know they are in place to keep me and the rest of the driving community safe. There are, unfortunately, a few drivers out there who love to make up the rules as they go along. Being considerate of other drivers is as foreign as driving on the opposite side of the road. If they don’t cause a fender bender from cutting someone off without signaling or create a potential, multi-car collision from riding so close to the bumper of another car, they consider themselves excellent drivers.

I’ve crossed paths with a few such drivers along my daily travels to and from work and my response is always the same. I’m thrown off guard when something out of the ordinary happens and I tend to react in a not-so-favorable manner. I do catch myself from time to time and I immediately ask for God’s forgiveness when my groans into scathing words. “Augh! That was so-ooo stuu-pid!” or “What are you, a moron!?” have spilled from my lips once too often, I’m afraid to say.

But as I have prayed some rather insistent prayers for cops to come out of hiding, I began noticing a biblical context for dealing with the enemy as it pertains to driving through life’s issues. We know all too well that the enemy has an agenda. And with a careless disregard, his vehicle of destruction is built on lies and character assassinations. He knows how to broadside our faith by rear ending us with doubt and anxiety. We may be aggressive in our Christian walk, but we inadvertently tend to react to his antics in a not-so-victorious manner. Instead of reacting in defense, we can take an offensive approach to life. Read your “driver’s manual” – God’s word. And if we flip to 1 Peter 5, you’ll find God instructing us to “be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Next, put into practice what you learned either in driver’s education or from the bold soul who taught you how to drive. When you’re faced with perilous circumstances, take a lesson from the Apostle Paul - “stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).

For anyone, it’s a good thing to reach our destinations safely. But as life goes, we are bound to encounter a few careless drivers along the way. When we do, remember your training in Christian Driver’s Ed!

THE CONSISTENT PARENT TEACHES

2009-08-15T17:28:00.005-04:00

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. - 2 Corinthians 2:9

Who wants to be perfect? Not me, but in my home (and I'm sure like yours) I have a son who believes he is. He allows no room for grace when he messes up. Piano lessons are a chore. Baseball practice is useless. Why? Because that would require admitting he doesn't know it all. My heart breaks for him as I hear the exasperated moans and grunts after hitting a G7 chord and it sounds more like a cat caught in a wine press. First year of little league found him proud of his place on an undefeated team. Year three. Well, let's just say he was ready to quit half way through the season as they loss game after game. For him, not being perfect is not an option. He becomes his own worst critic and imperfection is a sign of self-critical weakness.

As concerned parents, we are left with only one solution - consistency. When we hear the frustration behind the "I can't do this!," we have to remind our children time and time again in loving ways that they aren't perfect. We don't allow them to give up. We teach them how to press forward. They may not get things right the first, second, third or 20th time around, but life is full of wonderful lessons surrounding our imperfections and weaknesses.

What a beautiful picture of God's lessons for us. We all fall short, but we don't stay down for long. We will never be perfect, but we will always have a Father who forgives our sins and cleanses us from all things that aren't right. I believe that's why Paul found great boast in his weaknesses. He knew that in weakness we are made strong. And like we do with our children, we may have to hear the lesson over and over again. But thank God, our Heavenly Father is a very consistent parent!

REACHING OUT

2009-08-12T22:53:00.003-04:00

My silence culminated when I heard of the senseless shooting at a local fitness center, but the words have been formulating in my head the day Michael Jackson died. One George Sodini lived a painfully lonely life. His inability to connect with women was evident throughout his online writings. On August 4th, the signs of his torment played out in calculated fashion. When he finally carried out his misogynistic tirade, he open fired on an aerobics class killing three women and wounding nine others. As a final outcry, George Sodini turned his rage upon himself. The result: a self-inflicted gunshot to the temple.

Based on the articles that followed, a haunting tale began to unfold. This man lived a relatively stable life. He attended church, albeit for a very brief time. He held a long-term position with a company. He had no prior criminal record, no history of mental health treatment. To the community, he appeared to be a model citizen. But appearances aren’t everything, are they? The reality was George Sodini’s life was falling apart. And as the authorities and media are left to make sense of the pieces, I wonder who crossed paths with this tortured soul? Who made themselves available over the years to lend words of encouragement and support? There’s always a reason leading to an act, an antecedent preceding a behavior. And with great sorrow I ask, “who reached out?”

Michael Jackson: Along with the rest of the world, I was shocked to hear of his tragic demise. While others were trying to make sense of his death, that same question gnawed away as I reflected on his life and the death of George Sodini – “who reached out?” There seemed to have been a desperate need for acceptance despite the divergent paths they took to obtain it. One man living life in the spotlight; another one living life in the shadows. And yet, as their torment weaved through the lives of friends, family and strangers, who was there to extend a helping hand, well-meaning advice or even loving correction? The unadorned emperor may have sashayed down the streets of his kingdom to the approving gaze of his subjects, but it took one child to speak the truth without fear of the consequences.

As believers, we are called to be imitators of Christ. He set the tone for reaching out to the least, the last and the lost. All we have to do is follow God’s lead. As he made connections with a Samaritan woman at the well, a Roman centurian, a woman caught in adultery, and outcast from all walks of life, we learned that some accepted his genuine gestures and some did not. But it never prevented him from reaching out and making a difference. And those who did accept his gestures were never the same moving forward. We know it’s too late for George Sodini or Michael Jackson, but it’s never too late to reach out to those in need of a friend, in need of truth, in need of acceptance.

I once read the story of a young man standing along the shore throwing starfish back into the sea. When a wandering stranger confronted this young man, he became annoyed by what he believed to be a futile gesture on the young man’s part. He approached him and asked, “Why are you doing this? Your attempts won’t make a difference.” The young man stopped for just a moment, looked down at the starfish in his hand and said, “It will to this one!” and continued his quest. It only takes one to reach one. We have been created by God to make a difference. We don't have to be silent anymore because we can make a difference when we learn to reach out!

A TRANSITION HEARTICLE

2009-08-09T20:25:00.003-04:00

Some things just take time. Though you never want to rush into any new endeavor, transition is apart of that delicate process. I have enjoyed creatively flexing my appendages within past entries. I have found myself expressing a laughter in my soul and thought, "Surely, you have found your niche!" I wasn't surprised by the words of encouragement God was giving me to share with others; I was pleasantly surpised by its how God was setting up the delivery by using humor.

Last week, however, set up a whole new tone to my spirit that just needs time to work its way from pen and paper to blog entry. This upcoming entry will cause me to circumnavigate a topic of meatier fare. In Bridgeville, a suburb of Pittsburgh, a fitness center chain made national headlines. A local man entered one of their establishments and open fired on an aerobics class leaving three women dead, 9 injured and a lone gunman turning the rage from his trigger on himself. Please be warned that this is not the type of article you have grown accustomed to reading. Conversely, it is where God is. And as you know, our heart's desire is to be where He is. All I ask is that you pray. Pray for words. Pray for truth. Pray for a deeper sensitivity to what God would have me say.

A few years ago I wrote a song called "Speak" (not to be confused by Cheri Keaggy's song of the same title). Based on Samuel's response to God, this young man simply said, "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). What the Lord spoke was not pleasant, but it was necessary for His people Israel and for Eli, the priest whom Samuel served, to hear. Also God was entrusting this young man with a heavy message that caused him a certain amount of fear. He could have possibly feared the ramifications, but when ordered by Eli to reveal all God had spoken, "Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him" (verse 18).

The upcoming entry regarding these shootings has my heart feeling anxious over the presentation of contents, but as His daughter, I am called by God to speak the words He has entrusted me to say. Hiding nothing, I pray that the "words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14).

More on Wednesday...

A WRITER'S PARADOX...NO WORDS

2009-08-05T17:34:00.009-04:00

They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. - Psalm 145:5, 6

I believe I contracted a virus strain last weekend. It's called Awestruckastreptacoccus. It temporarily renders its victims from formulating complete and coherent sentences. This particular strain type lies dormant in its intended awaiting to attack the vocal chords. It's only triggered by a question and answer response. And yes, it is contagious. If that weren't enough, it renders its victims relatively speechless. The most one can come up is a simple 2-word response to the question, "so what do you think about the conference so far?" The answer - "No words!" Add a deep sigh and a glazed over stare and you have the makings of She Speaks 2009!

Okay, so there's no such virus, but there should be! I went to this writer / speaker / ministry leader / blogger weekend event with absolutely no expectations. I had no hidden agenda, no grandiose ideas of book signings and fat advances. Nope. I listened for God to speak if and when He did and I responded. When I met a sister in Christ, I allowed the Lord to connect us. From the elegant, yet informal networking dinner hosted by heart-of-gold newbie Tracy Vinson to the pre-conference marketing seminar on Friday conducted by founder, Rob Eager of WildFire Marketing; from the dedicated Proverbs 31 prayer team that matched the names of all 600 registrants with the names of God and even right down to the inspiring words from national conference speaker, Jennifer Rothschild, there were no words to convey the awesome display of God's faithfulness toward His daughters!

By weekend's end, I connected with so many gifted women. My assigned roommate, Lesia Glick, is no longer a stranger as she honored me with a critique of my article. The music of worship leader, Cheri Keaggy ushered me into the presence of God. I connected with gifted women like Laurie Jeron, Carletha Ward, Wendy Mueller, Wendy Blackwell, Julie Gillies, Susan Weagant, Jackie Gilbert, Tracy Jenks, Tanya Morrison, Sandy Cooper, Dawn Camp, Sanya King, Deb Brown, Charlie Hester, Lee Merrill...oh my! Woman of beauty, character and purpose themselves, they infected me with a deeper awe for our God. The pinnacle of this blessed time found me partnering with several other women to form an on-line writer's group we prayerfully called Sisters In Ink. As an aspiring scribe, the experience has me lost for words. Thus, the ultimate writer's paradox!

If you are one that desires to follow hard after the purpose, plan and direction of God, may I encourage you to consider joining me for She Speaks 2010! God willing, you'll find me infected with awestruckastreptacoccus. Feel the freedom to share in the virus for it is truly contagious!

THE FLIGHT THAT ALMOST GOT AWAY FROM MRS. RIP VAN WINKLE

2009-08-01T06:29:00.003-04:00

Psalm 121:3-7 - He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you...The Lord will keep ou from all harm - he will watch over your life.

I’ve seen the wings of a plane cut through the clouds like a knife to warm butter. I’ve witnessed the majesty of the heavens unfolding at an altitude of 30,000 feet. While up in the air, I’ve wanted to bounce up and down on the greatest, puffiest, fluffiest air mattress the world has ever seen. But Thursday at the airport, I became Mrs. Rip Van Winkle and almost slept through my departure to Charlotte!

It certainly wasn’t my intention. I’ve been so excited about the trip to the She Speaks conference in Concord this weekend that I tried to pace myself. Didn’t want to become a banshee the night before and try and cram everything that needed to be done for myself and my family between dinner and bedtime. So with less pressure, I ran errands throughout the week. So I went to the store to pick up incidentals. I packed my son’s gear for his week-long excursion to summer camp. I got in a physical therapy visit and a hair appointment (hey, I’m not going anywhere with my hair matted and nappy – smile). My husband and I even worked on the checkbook and paid bills. But as the night before the big flight wore on, I got attacked with all kinds of oddities. My shoulder mysteriously went into muscle spasms and the floodlight from the back porch decided not to illuminate the wet back steps. I’m use to counting stairs when I can’t see, but because I was so busy trying not to trip over the dog’s leash wrapped half way down the steps, I miscounted and landed hard on my uninjured foot (oh yeah, the left foot is still puffy and swollen from the last fall I had). This was no longer cute so my dear husband helped his poor wife out of her hysteria and then trotted off to the kitchen to get the Advil and my elixir of magnesium (a natural muscle relaxer recommended by my chiropractor). At that point, we were more than ready for bed.

Since I had only a couple of things to do before Dan drove me to the airport, I got up really early to pedicure and pray – definitely a fun way to pray without ceasing, don’t you think). More than ready to embark on this glorious adventure, we arrived early. I checked by bag, grabbed lunch and got to my gate way ahead of schedule. After eating, I did what any normal person would do – I took a nap. Oh, no, no, no, no, no! I stirred a bit and found no one boarding at my gate. With one passenger at the desk and a marquee sign announcing its flight to Boston, in full panic mode, I shouted out “Where’s Charlotte!” “Oh it got moved across the hall. It’s a good thing it’s running late,” she replied. “Late!” I glanced at my watch to find that it was 10 minutes after the original take off. Again, “oh dear!”

Don’t worry. I was able to board the flight and at full capacity. I chuckled all the way to my seat – mostly because I was too panicked to do anything else. As I sat down to write this on the flight to Charlotte, I was more determined that not only would “no weapon formed again me should prosper,” but that this would not be the flight that almost got away from Mrs. Rip Van Winkle!

WHAT GOES ON IN CONCORD COMES BACK TO PITTSBURGH

2009-07-29T06:57:00.004-04:00

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go... (Ruth 1:16)

Ever take such a leap of faith you thought you’d just die? Now I hope you don’t think I mean that in the literal sense, but following after your dreams is exciting, exhilarating, liberating, frightening and yet, just so right to do. Ruth was about to embark on the greatest adventure of her entire life as well. She had Naomi to thank because if she had responded like her sister in-law, Orpah, the lineage of David and ultimately Christ would not have been birthed through her! Take a minute to ponder that one. Naomi introduced her to a God…no, THE God of her salvation and the impact of that leap of faith changed MY (and YOUR) entire life!

I share this because the “Naomi” of my life has been a desire to write. I’ve written personal newsletters. I’ve written and edited for business publications. I’ve written music. I’ve written journal entries. Hey, I’ve even penned encouraging booklets for people who needed a word to hang onto. Why? Just because, I guess (smile). About six months ago, my hunger for more of THE God that feeds my creative soul caused me to run across an on-line devotional site called Proverbs 31 Woman. I clicked and joined. I began to feast on the writings from obedient daughters desiring to bring “God’s peace, perspective and purpose to today’s busy woman.” I thought, “Whoa! I am all about seeking God’s purpose. Where do I sign!?” A couple of months later, I was registered to attend my first-ever “She Speaks” conference. This weekend, I'm set to join other aspiring writers, speakers, teachers and women’s ministry leaders on a quest for their own peace, perspective and purpose. I can’t infer anything about Ruth’s response to Naomi, but I can tell you that what I anticipate happening in Concord, NC this weekend will no doubt change the course of my entire life!

If I could ask you for anything, I’d say keep me in prayer. I go to listen for God. I go to be directed by God. I go to be led by God. I go because I know God will be with me. Pray for safe travel for the other 595 delegates from as far as South Africa and as close as Concord itself. Pray for a double measure of God’s peace over anxiety, God’s perspective over discouragement and God’s purpose over uncertainty in every one of us. And finally, pray for the lives of all who attend – delegates and conference coordinators alike. Pray we are transformed and renewed, lifted and refreshed, invigorated and focused for incredible creativity to come bursting out for God’s glory. All I know is what goes on in Concord, NC this weekend is assured to come back to Pittsburgh and this blog!

FOLLOW THAT CADILLAC!

2009-07-25T09:56:00.009-04:00

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

Traffic and I aren't the best of traveling companions. It demands too much of one's precious time. And if you're a hopeless multi-tasker, you're simply left to root memorization CDs in the car or refereeing intense moments of fellowship with your angelic brood in the backseat. Heaven forbid you're one of those cell phone yackers without a bluetooth or speaker capability...but, I'm digressing here and it's best to step away from this soapbox.

Anywho, although Pittsburgh was ranked as one of the best top 10 cities in which to commute, like all the other cities of the world, you're still bound to go bumper to bumper sometime. Some people plan for the daily commute and can take the snail's pace with reasonably great stride. Others, well let's just say road rage is not the answer. And still there are some -- present company included -- who do not plan for anticipated (and for that matter, unanticipated) obstacles. And since I knew that my commute to work consisted of a redirect due to bridge construction and a commute that doubled my 3-mile journey, I was as ready as I'll ever be. Or so I thought as I sat on the detoured bridge the other day puzzled by the more-than 20 minutes it took to cross a 1/4-mile structure. Oh was I in for a shock as I saw barricades strewn across the detoured road and a line of cars leading up "Plan B Street!"

Oh dear, oh dear! This was not good because as I glanced at some of the drivers' faces, it was as plain as the nose on mine that we were in for a bumpy ride! I sensed that this was not the way to go so I maneuvered into the empty lane leading back across the detoured bridge. I thought that even if it took longer to get to work, at least I'll be flowing against traffic. So up Route 65 I went with a relaxed sigh and Toby Mac blasting on the radio. Seven miles later, I reached the bridge north of the under-construction one and I followed the signs leading me across the river to Route 51 southbound and Neville Island. Why would I mention roads of which you might be unfamiliar? Because they're a crucial piece of this story, I suppose.

I was somewhat familiar with Route 51 though I rarely traveled on it. So as I was humming to something else on my radio dial, I couldn't help but glance over to the passenger side of the road and notice that the river's horizon line looked a bit too high for my taste. I figured "what do you expect? You are on an island, for goodness sake!" The thought was then dismissed to the land of oblivious thinking. But as I rounded the bend on the next to final leg of my alternate commute, I was unprepared (really?! you say) for what came next. Yes, you guessed it -- a left lane back up leading all the way down my redirected hill. So I did what any sane person would do -- I PANICKED! No I didn't (honestly). Actually, I asked God what to do and after my famous "help me" prayers, I saw this vehicle break formation to get in the empty right lane. Although I was reluctant, I did hear, "Follow that car!" (it also helped that a sign for a neighborhood hospital was posted on the telephone pole).

So up and away I went leaving those poor souls to "fender" for themselves (oops, bad pun). As we got to the top of yet another T-intersected road, the SUV turned left and I got the notion to turn in the opposite direction. My advice -- resist the notion. Although the road looked somewhat familiar at that point, I was only over the river, but not out of the woods to get to grandmother's house (haha! there goes my brain enjoying amusing mental ramblings). What I meant to say was I wasn't at work yet.

After about 100 yards or so, I turned around, prayed my three-word prayer and followed the road I should have taken. I didn't have the SUV to lead the way, but I chalked it up as a lesson learned and to move on from it. Well, I got to the bottom of that hill and to my utter amazement, there was another long line of cars. This time they were coming from two directions waiting to converge into one infinite mass of rage and steel. My initial thought to following the crowd was "thank you very much, but no thanks!" What seemed to work for me so far? My three-word prayer -- "help me Lord!" Help me to either get a clue or to "buckle up" like the rest of the poor saps!

Again I looked up after that prayer and saw this old Cadillac putter from formation. Another vehicle followed his lead and I followed suit. Let me tell you it was one convoluted ride down one narrow side street after another. But this time, I felt a peace about the trip. There was no second guessing as I signaled when he did and drove where he drove. When we finally exited this roller coaster-like, joy ride, I rolled into another t-intersection that brought a broad smile to my face. I survived the journey! All I had to do was "TURN TO THE RIGHT!" (sorry again; another mental musing moment over Holly Hunter barking that line in "Raising Arizona"). The cool part was that I was only a 1/2 mile from my destination.

As I sat waiting to turn, my heart whispered a three-word prayer for the ones caught in the traffic jam to end all jams -- "Help them Lord!" And though I got to work more than an hour later, I called my boss to inform her of my comical commute. "You need to listen to your radio more," came her supportive response. "Did you know there was major flooding on Route 51 at the detour and on Neville Island?" Whoa! My three-word prayer after that phone call -- "Thank you Lord!"

THE MORAL - We're all bound to travel roads that throw us way off course and it's perfectly understandable to have some initial anxieties mostly because of life's uncertainties. But God never leaves us nor forsakes us. He always has a plan even if it's contrary to our ways, our thoughts on the matter and even our own agendas. You might be surprised to know that He's never thrown off guard. In fact, He is always on guard when it comes to leading us in the way everlasting. If it resembles a blaring answer from the likes of the SUV I followed or a well-worn, albeit convolutingly faithful road such as the one I traveled in pursuit of a '78 Cadillac, God will never, ever "steer" you wrong!

LIONS AND TIGERS AND PRAYER...OH MY!

2009-07-22T11:56:00.004-04:00

Ladies, even Dorothy realized she wasn't in Kansas anymore. What she knew to be her haven of rest got flipped around in a twister and plopped down on a witch! And all that before supper! Oh my! But even in the aftermath, Dorothy learned to use her head, trust her heart and find "da nerve" to face each strange obstacle. Instead of giving in to the schemes of the "Wicked Witch of the West"crossing through the field of beautiful poppies, her companions -- the Scarecrow (who used his noggin) and the Tin Man (who poured out his heart of compassion) -- helped her to gain the courage to not fall under attack. In the end, Dorothy realized that because of who she was, she had the ability to overcome all along.

Your Kansas might resemble a once-harmonious marriage that has faced a few twisters along the way. Your Kansas might even resemble your once-angelic children that are dancing too close to the proverbial fire. No matter your Kansas, God equips us with the brains of discernment, the heart of compassion and the courage of standing on our convictions. We learn to realize that Jesus may not be the great-and-powerful Oz, but He is the true King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We have complete and total access to Him 24-7 and He never goes hiding from our sight or cowering from our requests. "Seek first the kingdom of God...and all these things shall be added unto you." When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we eventually find great peace and satisfaction in knowing that "we are more than conquerors." Conquerors because though the enemy prowls around like "a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour" our assurance is in the one who is "the lover of our souls!"

As we walk our "yellow brick roads" filled with unexpected twists and turns, remember that you are never left to face them alone. God's promise is that "no weapon formed against you will prosper!" So lions and tigers may be a threat, but they are no match for the one who goes with you every step of the way!

OUR OBSESSION WITH TIME

2009-07-17T23:08:00.007-04:00

Who wants more than 24 hours in a day? Anyone? Oh what we could do with just another hour tacked on to the day, I tell you. That's what I've been thinking. What would we do with another hour per day? Would we get that spare closet cleared and cart the contents to the Goodwill? Would we get in an hour of exercise? How about a little "me" time to soak in a hot bubble bath complete with scented candles, instrumental worship music and not a child in sight? Ah, let's soak in the dream, shall we before our bubbles burst from the alarm clock announcing another day.

Oh we try to wish we had more time. We try to juggle things to make more time. We try and pray we had more time from God. And even some of us have dreamed of daily transcontinental flights to the other side of the globe just to gain a few hours of daylight savings time (sadly, this could get old really quick as sleep will catch up to us and we lose the time we gained in the flight). But somehow I've digressed and have possibly wasted your precious time.

We simply have to step back and laugh at our obsession with time. No matter how we wish we had more, we have been given by God the same 24 hours as everyone else. What we do with it is totally up to our discretion. Some people waste it away wishing for more. Others don't sit around wishing. They hit the ground running with their organizing and prioritizing.

So what's their secret? The truth of God's word, that's what. Jesus was having a mountaintop heart-to-heart with a multitude of people when He said to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). As we first make time for God, He makes time for us. Spending time with the Father allows Him to take back time spent obsessing over things that would otherwise vie for our attention. The desire for more than 24 hours gets replaced with the quality of the moments with which we're blessed to pass on and share with others.

My heartfelt prayer - Dear God, since the very beginning, You created time. Help us to yield our anxieties over why there aren't enough hours in the day and to wisely use the time with which we're blessed. In this we pray - AMEN.

A WONDERFUL LIFE INDEED

2009-07-14T22:30:00.005-04:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight. - Proverbs 3:5, 6

I have a confession to make. There are still a few people left in this country who have never seen the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." Sadly, I'm married to one of them. My husband is not a movie classic lover like I am. I could cuddle up on the sofa and watch the Golden Oldies for days. However, I choose not to, but believe me, I could.

Anyhow, valuable lessons of understanding and trust just oozes out onto the screen in this movie. The character, George Bailey, wants to travel the world, but ends up shelving his dream as he sacrifices for others. One day, the sacrifice becomes too great and poor George is faced with a painful decision -- he prayerfully entertains the notion of what would life be like had he not been born. Based on the current pressing circumstance, his understanding was that he was of no good use to anyone. Well, his prayers were answered and boy, was he in for a rude awakening. An elderly angel named Clarence safely guarded his charge as he is given the gift of walking out his request.

As George traveled from one familiar place to the next, he began to realize that his life did mean something. Each event from childhood on -- which is where the movie starts -- acts as a toppling row of dominoes. His brother died because George isn't there to save him from drowning. A squadron of soldiers died in the war because George's brother was not there to save them because George was not there to save him from drowning. You get the picture, don't you. If one domino falls, the rest follow.

So why the Cliff Notes version of this classic film? As believers in a moment of crisis, we sometimes entertain the notion ourselves that we have no impact within our sphere of influence. Whether you're a missionary trying to reach the lost in a hostile land or a woman just trying to make a difference in your not-so-friendly next-door neighbor, the difference we make is not in WHO we are but in WHOSE we are. As long as we trust the Lord and keep doing what we do best -- pray, encourage, serve, exhort, teach, whatever -- God can use us for His good purpose.

But let's say, for the sake of argument, that you hit a point in your life where things aren't so wonderful. You're beginning to doubt your ability to be effective for the kingdom. Not to sound trite, but stuff like this happens all the time. You may feel alone, but you're not. You may feel helpless. You aren't. God reminds us to acknowledge Him not just in some, but in ALL our ways. He, like the angel Clarence, will put things into perspective and make our paths straight.

So the next time you find yourself questioning your effectiveness, take this butchered, famous quote to heart, "if not you, then who?" You were created to be a wonderful life indeed. Now go out there and live it in the lives of those around you!

SILENCE - A GOLDEN RESPONSE!

2009-07-11T10:51:00.006-04:00

When I'm hurt, I'm a clam. It's not intentional. It's just where I go when things aren't quite kosher with me. The silence is not stemmed from the simple, "I've had a bad day at work" fare. It goes deeper with me. I draw silent when I lose my way or my nerve or even my temper. I hear this recording in my head that says, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." (WAIT! You have that recording as well? Wow, go figure).

For most of us, we learned to respond (or react) to whatever throws us off our game. And we can run the risk of saying or doing something that we'll regret. My pastor once gave a demonstration of how our words, for example, can be our undoing if we're not careful. Ever try getting toothpaste back into an already-squeezed tube? It's close to impossible and if you're daring enough to try it, you'll find that not all of it gets back in the tube without a mess. That's why I stop before I speak. When I grow silent, that's usually my cue to also grow deeper into the presence of God. It's there I desperately seek Him out for answers to my painful wounds. Silence, for some, may not be golden, but it can prove a precious commodity if spent well.

How about you? What do you do with the pain of the moment? Do you retaliate with scathing words or do you retreat into God for answers? God's remedy for silence is to be still and know who He is. He is a refuge and strength in times of trouble. He is a comfort to the weary. He is a healer to the infirmed. And He is peace that goes beyond comprehension.

Silence may be a foreign concept, but God knows how to interpret its language and His responses to us are golden!

WON'T BACK DOWN!

2009-07-08T18:43:00.003-04:00

While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. -- John 17:12

There’s a lot we do for the ones we love. A new mother would forego restful nights for the comfort of her newborn. A mother would surrender a piece of short-changed dessert to satisfy her hungry brood. Some women stay up late to tend to the affairs of their homes (if you’re anything like me, cleaning at night usually ends up being an intercession session with God).

When something’s broken, we’re ready to fix it. When someone hurts, we’re ready to make it all better. When someone cries, we’re on the ready with a Kleenex and a word of prayer and encouragement. And when things go wrong for our loved ones, we’re ready to sacrifice ourselves to make it right. Our shoulders may get soggy. Our arms might grow tired. Our hearts will get broken. And yet, we will hold firm to our convictions and stay faithful to our natures. Why? Because we care too much to give up, shut up or quit being who we were created to be -- moms, women, daughters, girlfriends, sisters, friends.

Not to get too off track here, but my son and I share a love for cartoons. I’m a product of the classic, Looney Tunes camp of yesteryear. My son can’t get enough of Pokemon. That’s one of our love connections. So imagine my surprise while watching the movie, “Barnyards” with him that I was particularly “moo-ved” (augh - very bad humor here) by the great lengths the head cow (Ben) went through to safeguard the barnyard from predators. When a pack of coyotes surrounded the chicken coop ready to pounce on the poor, unsuspecting hens and their roost, Ben burst into the coop with a confidence that made those coyotes quiver. The monologue from the cocky, head coyote honcho went on for about ½ a minute. Unfazed, Ben just stared them down. Then slowly whipping out the guitar strapped to his back, he started to sing -- “Well I won’t back down - No I won’t back down - You can stand me up at the gates of hell - But I won’t back down!”

I mean singing cows are cute and all for my son, but what I saw was the power of God reigning supreme over the predators that look to devour His entrusted flock. I literally got goosebumps! I mean how glorious is that that our Savior would speak in the strangest of venues! You see, we may feel helpless to fix the ills of our loved ones, but God stands up to the enemy on our behalf. We may grow tired from interceding on behalf of our rebellious children, our pragmatic friends and our stubborn relatives, but God hears our cries and attends unto our prayers! NO - GOD WON’T BACK DOWN!

Heartfelt Prayer - Dear God, thanks for keeping us safe in your care, but even better, thank you for keeping our loved ones safe for your keeping! Thank you that You never leave us nor forsake us. Help us to entrust the lives of our loved ones to Your tender and protective care. AMEN.