Give it away

We love because he first loved us. - 1 John 4:19

He couldn't understand why he had to give up his Wii time with daddy to go shopping.  Bundling for the cold to brave the over-crowded store.  An attitude so sour it made me pucker.  So gently I explained.  A big-brother with a sick baby sister.  A big-brother whose baby sister is going to die.  A big-brother whose Christmas could be sad.  a big-brother whose mommy and daddy can't afford Christmas.

And then he understood.

Freely you have received, freely give. - Matthew 10:8b

A Christmas for a big-brother, a Christmas for four who planned to go without.  $50.00 for groceries, a warm coat, new shirts and a few toys.  A meager gift compared to the first gift of Christmas.  But one that would bring joy and maybe a little hope.

...It is more blessed to give than to receive. - Acts 20:35b

An empty pocket, a full heart.  So it is!  Much more blessed to give than to receive. 

God, I have received much from you.  Foremost, your overflowing grace and love that comes through Jesus.  Thank you for loving me, thank you for forgiving me, thank you for blessing me.  Thank you for giving us the resources to be able to give to others.  I praise you for the hearts of my children that want to serve and understand you.  May you give us opportunities to teach and lead them.  We give you the glory, may our works reflect your love.  Thank you for loving us first.

Baby Story

 There was nothing super-natural about my children's conception.  There was no stress of treacherous travel just days before their birth.  No fear for lack of money.  No worry of a place to stay.  Their births both routine in a hospital sterile, and warm.  And each child was celebrated!  Surrounded by family praising God for the miracle of life, and the gift of a child.

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus"..."the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." - Luke 1:30-31,35

A super-natural conception

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David...He went there with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 

Hectic, tiresome, dangerous travel

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. - Luke 2:4-7

No birthing coach, no take-home outfit, no hospital, not even a cradle

There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby...the angel said to them "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good new of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger"...So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby who was lying in the manger. - Luke 2:8-16 (paraphrase)

Not celebrated by family, but visited by lowly dirty shepherds, strangers straight from the field

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. - Luke 2:19  

Not forgetting a single piece of God's unfathomable plan, not questioning the details - but simply treasuring up the miracle of God's love and provision. 

God, as the Christmas season comes to a close help me to treasure and ponder the way that you gave Jesus to us.  Give me understanding of your heart as I raise the children you've blessed me with.  Let me marvel in the miracle of life.  Let me trust in your provision.

The "C" Word

If you add up all the symptoms and plug them into symptom checker, web MD, google, the search engine of your choice etc. you'll uncover the same results.  And I've been plagued by the thought that cancer may be a reality for my friend.  So we cried, we prayed and we talked about it.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.- Romans 12:15

We are all dying.

What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14b

When I overt my eyes from the clutter of ME.  I see!  I'm not so big.  And with the realization that we are all dying whether by age or cancer, the real question is what does God require of me, the mist before I vanish away?  How do I want to spend my time?

You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden...in the same way, let your light before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise God in Heaven. - Matthew 5:13-14 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:37-39

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where  thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21

Forget the insignificant and really love God, which will flow into loving others.  A life filled with good deeds that reflect the ONE true good, the ONE true light. 

God, May my deeds point to you, and may I be building up treasure in heaven.  You've given me this heart, this body and this life - it is all on loan from you.  May I be a good steward and may you welcome me home someday. 

Truffles

The ingredients all the same, yet each one unique and filled with imperfections.  My hands stained, and sticky - palm to palm I rolled the truffles and they took shape.  The chocolate filled spoon cradled the imperfect sphere- back and forth, covering, until all it's imperfections disappeared.

The Lord formed man from the dust of the ground and breathe into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. - Genesis 2:7


..the gift is not like the trespass.  For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!  For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. - Romans 5:15, 19

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is format he west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. - Psalm 103:11-12

My life, from dust, shaped and formed.  Imperfected by my own choices and wavering heart.  Perfected in his blood that covers me completely and makes me perfect again.

God thank you for the life you've given me.  Thank you for Jesus and the forgiveness I have in Him.  I am covered, perfected in you and I praise you for your love, your patience and your power.  May I honor you by living a life full of worth.  May I always be mindful of my imperfections compared to you.  Thank you for covering me.

Footsteps




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Their strides were long, their shoes too big.  The path they walked, the narrow one; straight, 

consistent, guided by ONE greater than themselves.  I watched them love.  I watched them work.  I watched them forgive.  I watched them laugh.  I watched them hurt.  I watched them grow.  My shoes got bigger and I grew too.  I didn't always follow the path their feet lead, and they let me make my own mistakes.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.  You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things... -Colossians 3:5-8

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. -Matthew 7:13-14

How blessed am I!  I once sat in Sunday school under a grandmother's teaching, today I sat under my grandfather's and marveled as he quoted verses from a memory filled with scripture.  I listened as my dad interpreted scripture, and watched my mom, brothers and sisters flip the worn pages of their Bibles.  How blessed am I!  

 My son, do not forget my teaching,  but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. -Proverbs 3:1-7

Raised to see and enter the small gate.  A witness to their examples- striving to walk on the narrow road.  Submitting to HIM.

God, thank you for the blessing of my family.  May I follow in their footsteps of faithfulness.  I submit my life to you, that you may make my path straight.  Daily may I lay my will down so that I continue on your path, not my own.  I trust in you.  I am thankful for your word that guides me, and grateful for Jesus making a way for me to know you.  May I raise my children to know and follow you.  May my footsteps be worthy to follow.

Garbage

We lock it away in bags, it rots away in pits.  We rid our homes of it because it stinks.  But how often do we take out the trash that can clutter our minds, deceive our hearts, and stink-up our life?  I'm not talking about banana peels.

...But each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.  Then, after desire has conceived , it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grow gives birth to death. - James 1:13b-15

Our own evil desires.  My own sinful nature.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from the nature will reap destruction, the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. - Galatians 6:7-8

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. - James 1:21

Take out the trash.  Rid my mind of the temptations of my sinful nature.  Filter the things I allow into my life, and fill my mind with the seed of the word;  so that what I sow is of eternal value, making my life something worth reaping.

God, thank you for your word which is the wellspring of life.  May your spirit guard my heart and mind, and may I be mindful of the things I allow into our home and in my life.  I want to be a person filled with your word, planting seeds of your goodness in the world.  Guide my life.

Confession

I clenched my teeth, struggling to keep my jaw from dropping, as the words - "I don't believe Jesus is the Son of God" dripped with conviction from her lips.  My heart sank for her and we sat in silence.

Jesus answered. I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6

I am sub-consciencely aware I walk among those who don't know Him.  Sadly, I confess, I don't consciencely acknowledge it often.  Do you?  We hear their voices, and see their faces; we bump into them at the store, we pass them on the street.  They are our friends, they are our neighbors, they are our co-workers, they are our families.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  The he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. - Matthew 9:35-38

Am I working for Him?

God, forgive me for not asking to be a part of your harvest.  Shine a light on those I can be a witness to.  Soften the hearts of those who need to know you and give me the words to speak.  You are the good news, the healer of bodies and souls, our shepherd.  Guide me as I seek to follow you.

Why

It plagues me; the grimy muck of this sin filled world.  Hearing about it, reading about it, taking care of kids because it was thrust upon them.  And doubt begins to seep into my thoughts.  I question God and I ask why.  I seek answers I'm not meant to seek.  When my focus is in the gutter of sin it is not on the goodness of God.  When my counsel is of this world I'm deceived.  For the "truth" of the world is no truth at all.

Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm... - Job 38
The Lord said to Job:
"Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?  Let him who accuses God answer him!" 
Then Job answered the Lord:
"I am unworthy- how can I reply to you?  I put my hand over my mouth.  I spoke once, but I have no answer-twice, but I will say no more." - Job 40:1-5
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm...
"Would you discredit my justice?" - Job 40:8

With a hand covering his mouth and a tongue utterly unworthy to answer God. 
Speechless. 
All the turmoil, all the questions; Job was ready to give God a real piece of his mind.  And yet in the whirlwind of God's presence - silence.  For mearly witnessing God's presence, and hearing God speak of His power and his infinite presence was answer enough.

God may I be quiet and revere the qualities that make you, You. 
Eternal-All knowing-All powerful-Fair-Just-Loving
May I be fearful of your power and respectful of your name and your word.  You require more of me, and I will not question you, your justice or your goodness.  I repent for the doubt I allow to creep into my heart and I praise you.

Thankful

Styrofoam scattered across dusty wood floors, empty boxes, and garland threads.  Christmas decorations donned, lights glittering, stocking hung; I'm left feeling more full than I did at Thanksgiving.  Full of gratitude.

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  - Luke 2:10b-11

Much like his birth, seemingly common and unnoticed by many, the true meaning of Christmas gets lost.  A midst the bustle of gift buying, decorating, baking, and giving we forget the greatest gift of all.  Quietly born to a young mother and her obedient fiancee, in a dirty, animal filled stable a food trough for a cradle and shreds of cloth for his clothes.  Our Savior was born.

Who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  - Philippians 2:6-7

And I remember you, Jesus.  We tell your story as each nativity piece is set in its place and quietly we are filled with gratitude for you, Jesus, and thankful to you God - what an amazing sacrifice of love.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15

God I thank you for the gift of Jesus.  Do not let me loose Him in the busy of this season, but may He be glorified all the more in my words and actions.  May the lights we see remind us that you are the light of the world and we are called to shine for you.  May my attitude be one of thanksgiving in all situations and circumstances.  There is nothing that can compare to the generosity of you God, and I praise you!

Shine

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Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.  - Philippians 4:8

One small compromise after another, until the world swallows her and she's lost in a sea of choices she never foresaw.  Her tone full of regret, but hopeful.  As she slowly steps forward into the light.

If I say, Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will sine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well. - Psalm 139: 11-14

As the light steadily shines, she begins to see.  He has been there; every step, every choice - waiting.  Everyday meant to bring Him glory.  Valued and precious in His sight, called to something greater than this world.   And so she steps toward Him.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13b-14

God tonight she, who I can not name, is on my heart - you know her and I lift her up to you.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of her life, may I shine for you as I walk beside her.  Please give me the wisdom I need to be a guide to her.  God please, give her discernment and patience with the healing process as you work in her life.  Father give me perseverance and a discerning spirit in my life.  Thank you for your love and your grace, do not allow my light to fade.

Joy

The smell of cinnamon diffuses through the room from the pie baking in the oven.  Dirty dishes clutter the counter.  The chill of the fall air seeps around the window.  Trees bare, beautifully pointing up to their maker.  Music filters from the background to the forefront of my thoughts as I watch her dance.  And I stop to dance with her.

Praise the Lord.  Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.  Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.  Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,  praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.  Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord. - Psalm 150:1-6

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. - Genesis 1:31

There is such joy and beauty in all you've created!  Your goodness surrounds me.  I see your beauty in her smile and in the barren tree.  I hear you joy in song and in the wind that laps against the window.  I dance before you - You fill me with your joy.

God fill me up!  I praise you for your goodness and your grace.  May my life bring you honor and glory.  Continue to bless me.  May I recognize your beauty and have your joy in all circumstances.

Delight

I watch them grow, and watch them play.  I listen to their cries and laugh with their laughter.  I direct and instruct then wait as they choose to obey or go their own way.  I hold their hands, they hold my heart.  I read them a bible story.  I tuck them in and kiss them goodnight.  Is there anything more delightful than a peaceful day surrounded by your loving children?

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. - Zephaniah 3:17

How unworthy am I.  Yet you find delight in my life.  You are my father and I am your child.  I will be still.  And in the stillness, Your love washes over me; and my spirit becomes quiet - content in all you've given me, blessed in all you've done for me.  I will glorify you with my life.  I hear your song in the whisper of the wind, in the boom of the thunder and in the laughter of my children.

For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.  How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts! - Psalm 92:4-5

God I lift up my imperfections and ask for your forgiveness.  Have I been an obedient child?  Convict my heart.  I thank you for your love, so great that you would delight in me!  May my heart be still that I may hear your singing, wash over me with you love and quiet the busyness in my life.

Cry

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I blink and strain to dam up the tears.  But it's been too long since I last cried, really cried, and there is no stopping the flood.  My voice trembles as it strains to sing "How great is our God," God and the car my only audience, I surrender to to power of the words. And the tears stain my cheeks.

...You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed.  Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. - Joshua 23:14

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23

All He has promised, all he has done, all he has given me.  How great is our God.  Is He your God?

...For your Father knows what you need before you ask him. - Matthew 6:8b

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8

God you know my heart, you know my needs yet you ask I come to you and ask.  In this I see your love and desire for relationship with me.  What friend do I have that I do not talk to?  What friend do I have that I do not give my time?  So today I ask for a heart of gratitude for all you've done for me; that with that heart I might see my whole day differently.  I ask for wisdom and discernment as I raise my children.  And I ask for a joyful and fun spirit to enjoy the blessings you've lavished on me.  May I spread your light and joy to those around me.  How great are you God!

More like Jonah

Self-inflicted sickness and lives filled with self-pity.  The result of bad choices and years of suffering that follow.  I bring you medications, I take your vital signs and tuck you in, but I struggle to have compassion for you.

But the Lord said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow.  It sprang up over night and died overnight.  But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who can not tell their right hand from their left...Should I not be concerned about that great city?" - Jonah 4:10-11


"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20


All nations.
All people.
For all who do not know you are lost.  He softens my heart and reminds me that all are His and His compassion stretches beyond my imagination.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9


God forgive my attitude, give me your heart and as I serve others may they see you.  May I bring you light and your peace into their lives, if only for a moment.  May I be a disciple maker, first in my own home and then out in the world.  Thank you for your patience with me.  I love you Lord.

Fishy

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All your waves and breakers swept over me, in the the very heart of the seas, the current swirled about.  The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me...to the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. - Jonah 2:3, 5, 6 (paraphrase)


Sometimes life feels like a raging sea.  Tasks, people, responsibilities pulling us like a current - swirling, sinking and loosing control.

But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights - From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. - Jonah 2:17-3:1


I fear I've replaced the real story of Jonah with the veggie tale version.  Because this is the first time I've ever realized that the fish was not the punishment, but the grace for Jonah.  The great fish provided Jonah relief from the crashing waves, and solace to call out to God.

But you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord my God.  
And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. - Jonah 2:6, 10


In my distress God I call out to you.  I will not let the daily chores of this life weigh me down for the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10b).  I will not limit your power God, I will let you work in me and through me.  You provided Jonah with a fish, you will provide rest and strength for me.  I seek you this day, help me to remember the story of Jonah -because in it is your power, love, anger, justice, compassion and grace.  You are good and you are my God.  

Second Chance

Tear filled eyes and a voice as loud as a whisper confessed.  A broken heart more severe than a $6.79  treasured accent necklace. 

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19,21

Instead of being broken or angry over a necklace, so easily replaced.  I told him how much more he meant to me, how important he was to me and how proud of him I was for telling me.

...Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13b

Life is worth infinitely more than $6.79.  Jesus laid down his life and it was broken for me.  God's only son.  And I am forgiven because of it, all my faults, all my broken pieces, all of me.

Who can discern his errors?  Forgive my hidden faults.  Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.  Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgressions.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:12-14

God I make Davids words my own and I lift them up to you.  Convict me of sin in my life and may you continue to work in the lives of my children to make them transparent and willing to confess to us.  May I forgive others as you've forgiven me, completely.  Be my rock as I lean on you - you are my redeemer.

Hidden

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3


Covered up in his blanket of perfection my dull life shines in his glory.  And I die to self, knowing I will live in him.  Really live, surrounded by his goodness, his mercy and his love.
 
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin. - Romans 6:6-7

Time passes.  Temptation nags.  Stuff abounds.  Wants seem like needs.
But, In light of eternity, I have no need - except the need to know him more and give him the glory.


...I hide myself in you, Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. - Psalm 143:9b-10


God I make David's prayer my own.  Teach me to do your will, lead me on level ground.  Forgive my sin and give me the strength to die everyday.  I lay my will, my plan, and my way down, I hide myself in you - work in me.  Thank you for Jesus.  And may I take the grace you've given me and share it with the world around me.  Give me a bold spirit, full of love and grace.

Together

Milk meltdowns, lights-out stalling tactics, defiance, bad attitudes, know-it-all-big brother and argumentative little sister.  Smashed together, added up, multiplied times the hours in a day - it wears me thin.

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1


Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you 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. - Colossians 3:13-14


Laps full of kids, minds creating, hands busy, voices chattering.  The feathers tickled our noses and clung to our clothes.  The hot glue seared the tips of fingers eager to bedazzle.  She sat on my lap, and he sat on his.  And as an empty cup is filled with water, my heart was filled with this time together.

...My cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23:5b-6


God I ask that you would fill my cup.  Fill it to overflowing as I turn to you, as I search your word and as I refocus on the joys of this life you've blessed me with.  ...children are a reward from you - Psalm 127:3.  And father I am so unworthy of your rewards- your gifts, yet you give out of your love for me.  I am blessed, and I am grateful.  May we live together in your perfect unity full of grace, love and forgiveness for each other.  May your word dwell richly in me and may my heart and action be a reflection of you.

Pottery

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O Lord, you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. - Isaiah 64:8

The feeling of control fleeting, I remember it's not mine to have.  I am not in control.  I am just an ugly lump of clay.  I fight to be better, to be more, to change me.  But, only surrender to the maker will make me more than clay.

...Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?'... - Isaiah 45: 9

My heart has been feeling stretched; desiring to be the parent He wants me to be, longing to be the wife He's asked me to be, encouraged to be courageous, and ready to glow bright in service as a  light to this world.  

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. - 
1 Peter 5:6

God I lay my life down that You may work in it.  I ask for patience and strength as you shape me and make me more.  I will not question your plan for me, for your way is better.  Thank you for the word which spurs me on.  Your love, and patience as you continue to work on me is astounding -thank you for working on me.

Love

I watched the concern in her husband's eyes.  I heard the pain in his voice.  I helped him give her a drink, even when she wasn't supposed to have one, because he wanted to do something to ease her discomfort.  And I saw him love her.  Her mortal broken body holding captive the soul of the woman he loved, and so he cared for her.


This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.  And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  Dear children, let us not love with our words or tongue but with actions and in truth. - 1 John 3:16, 18


As I watched his heart broken and poured out for his wife, I caught a glimpse of how I am loved by God, and how I am to love his children on the earth.  And so I permitted the sips of water, and I prayed silently for the sweet couple who may soon be loosing each other.

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7


God forgive the weakness in the way I love others.  Let me first remember Christ and how Jesus was obedient to death so that I may know you and your love.  Thank you for the people you've place in my life that I love and that love me.  Help me to love them with a 1 Corinthians kind of love.

19

When I was 19 I knew it all. 

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18

Make plans by seeking advice... - Proverbs 20:18

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. - Proverbs 15:22

Almost 10 years later, I am well aware of the fault in that attitude.  God is stretching me, growing my faith and teaching me through his word.  I have dropped the facade, given Him my time, and let my heart focus on the truth He speaks to me.  I'm also not 19 anymore.

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. - Proverbs 16:20

...the Spirit of truth...will guide you into all truth... - John 16:13

God thank you for your word, and for your spirit which helps me in my weakness (Romans 8:26).  As I search your word may the Holy Spirit teach me (John 14:26).  Thank you for the wise counsel you've placed in my life, let my ears and heart be open to the wisdom and encouragement they offer. 

Choices

The heart is easily deceived.  Would that product make me happy or that restaurant my family closer?  If I could just make a little more I'd have peace.  If this then that...The flag goes up.  Surrender.

...Choose this day whom you will serve... - Joshua 24:15  

No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money. - Matthew 6:24

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied... -Ecclesiastes 5:10

I choose contentment.  I choose God my father.  I choose Christ my redeemer.  In them is forgiveness and love, security and satisfaction. 

...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:11-13

Paul, imprisoned and facing death, was content because he believed Jesus would match any trial with strength no matter the circumstance.  Paul's secret was Jesus.  Our contentment remedy is Jesus. 

God, I turn my eyes to you.  I give you my focus and trust in the strength that can come from you only.  Forgive my selfish focus.  You will provide for my needs - help me to recognize what my true needs are and be content with having enough for the day.  I want to be like that woman who did what she couldn't.  Because you can.  God in you I find my purpose, you are my prize, and my provision.

Inspired by the message today (Nov. 8) at Legacy Christian Church.

Belief

It's a fickle world, full of half-truths and surface conversations.  I'm "fine," you're "fine," everyone's "fine", then we slink away into the secluded darkness of our reality.  Grief, depression, worry, guilt, debt.  It's a beautiful lie we allow ourselves to believe; that we're the "only one," or that we're the "unforgivable one."

...the devil, He was a murder from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him.  When he lies, he speaks his native tongue, for he is a liar and the father of all lies. - John 8:44


God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man that he should change his mind.  Does he speak and then not act?  Does he promise and not fulfill? - Numbers 23:19


...it is impossible for God to lie... - Hebrews 6:18


I will not hide from God.  I am not the only one.  He will forgive me.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not die 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. - John 3:16-17


Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise - Jeremiah 17:14


I will not believe the lies meant to shake me, I will stand firm, and believe the truth that has been made clear.  I will root my heart in the Lord; my healer, and savior, so that it may not be deceived.

God forgive the weak condition of my heart.  I put my trust in you only.  I believe you are the God of the universe, more powerful than any, yet more caring than any.  You do as you promise, and I believe you will complete the work you've started in my life.  You have forgiven my sins and God as I walk in this world sometimes my feet get dirty, wash my feet and forgive me, again.  Thank you for loving me where I am, while pushing me to grow and be more.  I give you the glory.

Shhhhhh

My voice absent, held hostage by illness, a raspy whisper was all that could escape.  Quietly communicating, they strained to listen.  Two pairs of eyes gave me their  focused attention and all play and halted.

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."  Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake  After the earthquake came fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper. - 1 Kings 19:11-12                                                                                  

Too often I'm waiting for the earthquake or the rock shattering winds.  I'm waiting on God to break through my day to day noise.  

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For whoever asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:7-8 

God forgive me for allowing the noise of my life distract me from our relationship.  I seek you this day, may your whisper be clear, may my heart be quiet.  Thank you for your patience and your love, thank you for your promise that as I seek you I will find you.  I ask you today for strength and peace. 

                                                                         

This Ol'House

The smell of sawdust always clung to his clothes, he was skilled and wise.  I watched him build houses, I "helped" him build our home, we all did.  And on a night I'm tempted to complain about sewer systems and tree roots, I searched the word, and I remembered a wonderful man.

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. - Proverbs 24:3-4

The treasure of my house is not a functioning sewer system, although that is a plus, rather it is the people God has given me to fill my house.  A loving Godly husband, two children more beautiful and rare than any earthly treasure.  And it is because of God's great provision of family I knew how to build my house.

...And parents are the pride of their children - Proverbs 17:6b

God thank you for blessing me with a dad who loves you, who exemplified work-ethic, who loved my mom, and who is purposefully growing in you.  Thank you for blessing me with a mom who displayed a daily relationship with you, who is forgiving, caring and who holds me accountable.  Thank  you for the way you've filled my home.  Build a hedge of protection around us (Job 1:10).  I trust in your provision and I ask that you would guide me so that my life would look like the picture of that house.  Established in understanding, wise, filled with your knowledge and reflective of your qualities which are rare and beautiful.

 

Sparkle

The light danced in her eyes as she tried on the new fall outfits.  Spinning and twirling with delight; she was beautiful, she felt beautiful, she was happy and she was thankful.  And I was incredibly blessed to watch her sparkle.

Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?...He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.  Praise the Lord! - Psalm 113:5 & 9

There is no one like the Lord!

Which of you if his son asks for bread will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! - Matthew 7:9-11

When God gave me children and made me a mom He also share with me another piece of his personality.  The mom in Him.

For I know the plans I have for your, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

When I think of those beautiful blue eyes beeming back at me I can feel, again, the pure joy warming my heart and filling me up.  I wonder if that's how God feels when he sees us enjoying His blessings and His creation?   

God, thank you for my children.  And thank you for revealing yourself to me through my children.  May I walk in your way, following your plans not my own - that I may recieve the hope and future you have planned for me.  And may the life I live bring you joy.

Strength

My online reading took me to this today.
Take away my children, strip away my husband and my family and you will find a woman who is utterly afraid.  A woman who is brave from the hours of 9-5 only.  A woman who would sit with her hot tea and an overactive imagination listening to the groans of a quiet home after dark.

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9


Joshua was a warrior and leader.  His faith and trust in the Lord lead him to ask the sun and moon to stand still...

...As it is written in the Book of Jashar; The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.  There has never been a day like it before or since... - Joshua 10:13-14


...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you. - Matthew 17:20-21


And I wonder how two little distractions at my side can make me feel brave?  Why does holding the hand of my husband give me strength?  Why am I okay while the sun's shinning, but frozen after it sets?

For God did not give us a spirt of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7


God forgive my fear.  I take hold of the spirit which you have given me, and I put my faith in your power and in your renewing strength.  Make me a warrior for you.

Perspective

Usually the glass is half-full...usually.  But when it starts looking half-empty, it's most likely because I'm looking at the wrong half.  The half that is focused on me, and on tomorrow.

Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things... - Psalm 103:2-5a

So I stop and take a deeper look into my glass.  Filled with forgiveness, healing, redemption, love and compassion.  Is there anything greater to be desired?

He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" - Matthew 8:26

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things [food,clothing,drink] will be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:33-34

I will stay in the day.  I will cherish the little feet as they crunch the fall beauty scattered over the ground.  I will feel your love in the embrace of my husband.  I will put my faith in you, again, today and everyday.  I will fill my glass with your words and your perspective.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7

God I thank you for your words which gently rebuke my heart.  A heart which is so easily overcome with the cares of this world.  You are the great creator, and my redeemer.  I claim the promise of your peace as I lay down my cares to you; small nagging worries and the things that seem "big" to me.  There is nothing you can not accomplish. 

Tug of War

Self-control in short supply, and patience fleeting.  My words short and my tone lacking love - I lash out.  At what?  A cluttered kitchen, dirty underwear scattered over wood floors, short-attention spans.  For what purpose?  The appearance of order, of perfection?

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing.  For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, wagging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.  What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me for this body of death? - Romans 7:19, 22-24

An internal tug-of-war.  The appearance of perfection is not what I strive for.  It is the perfection found only in Jesus I long for.

Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!...Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 7:25, 8:1

Jesus doesn't care about my dirty dishes, or messy floors, he loved and welcomed children into his presence - short attention spans and all.  

He must increase, but I must decrease - John 3:30 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25

God forgive my actions that do not reflect you.  I lay myself down, so you may increase in me.  Help me to grow and display the fruit of your Spirit in my life.   I take hold of the hope I have in you and in your forgiveness.  Thank you for loving me where I am.  

Tick-tock

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,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and and time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace. 
- Ecclesiastes 3:16-8  


I'm unsure what season I'm in.  It feels busy, I feel tired, but I have great joy in so many things.  And I'm so thankful I don't have to pretend to be Miss Sunshine everyday.  That it's okay to be Partly-Cloudy with a chance of tear some days.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10


God thank you for all the seasons of my life.  Thank you for the fun and easy times, may I relish in them.  May I dance with joy and laugh with my whole heart.  And in the difficult times make me strong, courageous and grant me contentment.  I trust in you - I lean on you and I love you Lord.

Love Letters

The day long and the night not long enough, I awoke.   My mind clouded, and overwhelmed as my body groaned with exhaustion.  I didn't stop to pray.  There were needs to be met; little bodies to clothe, breakfast to be made, a house to be kept.

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him, She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." - Luke 10:38-40a


Self-focused and distracted by the day ahead of me I neglected the one who loves me more than another.  But it wouldn't be for long.  A note dangled from the bathroom mirror, and it read...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
*lay your burdens and stress at his feet.

Tears welled up in my eyes and I stopped to lay my burdens down.  Jesus didn't come over to clean my house, he didn't make breakfast, or help get the kids dressed.  But he gave me a husband who taped notes of scripture all around the house.  He listened to my stress, and he gave me a peace in my heart.

"Martha came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord-don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'  'Martha, Martha', the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.'" - Luke 10:40b-42


God forgive my selfishness.  You know I am a "fixer" a "doer," but God let me first be a seeker.  Let me lay down my stress and allow you and your word to guide me and give me the peace and rest you desire for my life.  I seek you today -

More like pumpkins

As we scavenged for the perfect porch decoration, the field held a numerous amount of choices, yet so many seemed imperfect and un-pickable. Some bruised, some broken and others rotting from the inside-out. And so we passed them by. Left to rot back into the dry earth whence they came.

The Lord saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become,and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time...and his heart was filled with pain. - Genesis 6:5-6

How much am I like those imperfect pumpkins I left to rot back into the earth?

There is no one righteous, not even one... - Romans 3:10

I am the bruised, broken and rotten pumpkin.

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick...For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. - Matthew 9:12-13

God I recognize the unworthy condition of my heart.  And you love me anyway.  Thank you for sending Jesus, thank you for wanting a relationship with me.  Forgive my sin that leaves me bruised and broken, and restore me so that from the inside-out my life will reflect you.

Pumpkins

The wagon bumped along the dusty path as the sun illuminated the field filled with the colors of fall.  The vines twisted and dry littered the ground.  And the pumpkins of all different shapes, sizes and colors reflected the creativity of their maker.  Our maker.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1
Then God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness...So God created man in his own image in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:26, 27
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.  - Genesis 1:31


My eyes shifted from the pumpkins lying in wait to be picked to the pickers.  And we too reflect His creativity.  Some tall, others round, some with lumps and bumps, diverse in color but all made in His image.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well. - Psalm 139:13-14


God as I live my life, may I take time to see your creativity.  And as I strive in the journey to give you a piece of my day -everyday, reveal yourself to me in your word.  Help me to appreciate the way you've made me, unique in mind, and body.  And see those around me as you do.