Net's Notes

Forced Rest

2012-01-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

I talk about rest a lot here on Net’s Notes. It’s not that I’m taking a lot of rest, or lazy. It’s that I often don’t get enough, I think.

This week we’ve been bombarded with winter weather. Snowstorms, ice storms, freezing rain, yeah—the fun stuff. And with all that “weather” comes snow days. Feels like an extension to the Christmas holidays. And very distracting. And it wasn’t just the houseful of peeps. It was the two large windows allowing me a view of all the changes in the weather. Don’t tell my bosses, but I didn’t get as much done as I normally do. Not for lack of trying, but every single day felt like a Saturday. I shook things up and *gasp* worked on my own writing during the work day (don’t worry, I'm not employed at a nine-to-five). Normally, I give my own projects the last part of my day or the weekend, but never the middle of a weekday unless I’m on retreat. But why not? Why not prioritize what God’s called me to do? I got somewhere. I think He was blessing that choice.

See how rambling this post is? That’s been my week. I played a little more than usual—the indoor games fitting for bad weather—Uno with my youngest. She’s gotten good! Who taught her the tricks and best strategies and helped her get so competent? Uh oh, I did. And I watched The Lion King with my big kids and beloved husband. We laughed, tried to sing those words in another language, and giggled over impersonations. Just gave ourselves permission to kick back.

Amazing what a bit of snow will do. Amazing what a little rest will do. This hasn’t been a 16-hour-a-day week and I think we’re all better for it. Hmm… rest. Who knew?

The Courage of a Lioness

2012-01-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

I didn’t hear the lion roar. He wouldn’t. Too docile that day as we stood in the cat house at the zoo. I so wanted to hear the lion roar, to tie together the symbolism of Jesus as the Lion of Judah. To witness the power and command of this beast who was tearing into his raw meat dinner.

People milled about. My kiddos were off with their grandparents at a different exhibit. C’mon, Lord, one roar? Nothing. Okay, maybe it’d scare the kids from families around me if the lion roared. I get it. Then, the Lord said, It’d scare you. Oh… *grin*

There were other big cats nearby: a few tigers, a lioness. As I was leaving, the lioness roared. Powerful cat. Courageous cat. I peered toward her cage. Too many people between her and me for me to see her clearly. But the atmosphere changed. Kids around me clutched at their parents for security. Spirit of fear slithered about, but didn’t bother me.

Fascinating.

If the lioness’s roar is that powerful, that frightening, that deafening in the room, imagine what it’d be like if the lion roared.

So, this year’s word for me from the Lord is courage. And the best picture of courage I know, the one God’s been giving me for two Januarys now (this year included) is that of a lioness. She walks through the jungle completely confident. She doesn’t fear. She doesn’t back down. She doesn’t slow down. Nothing keeps her from her mission (to hunt, to kill, to care for her cubs, to support the king).

Now, only God knows why He has given me this image again this year, paired with this word: courage. But, He’s the Lion this lioness will accompany through the days of this year.

Here’s the Scripture He gave me for 2012:

And Yahweh, He is the One who goes before you.

He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you;

do not fear nor be dismayed. (Deut. 31:8)

What has God been speaking to you about this year? Happy new year, dear readers. Let’s draw nearer this Lion of Judah, this Savior. He is so good. So powerful. So kind. And a million favorable descriptors besides.

It's All About Your Investment

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Are new years a big deal to you? I was chatting with a friend the other day, and she brought up how people make such a big deal out of a new year.

I like new years because there’s the hope of a new beginning of sorts. Of course, we’re not actually going back to something we can remake, but we can start over in the sense of changing habits and bettering our quality of life through our new, wiser choices. And with a new year, there’s hope we’ll succeed. We all have a reasonable timeline to work with.

FB lets you see photos from previous years. One of my dear friends posted photos of herself from last January. But she’s not the same person. Well, okay, she is, but she’s been very successful this year with her goals. And she looks much more content with herself now that she’s succeeded. She inspires me and others, I’m sure. She transformed her appearance all in one year and without outside help.

So, it occurs to me, that the new year can be what we make of it. Do you set goals? Do you make plans for change? Do you want to make changes? Why not go for it? That’s the hope of a new year. But it’ll only be as successful as your investment.

If I go into the new year without setting goals, if I decide January 1st means nothing, that it’s just another day on the calendar, then I won’t make plans for change. And guess what? I may change (let’s be honest, we all change) but it won’t be as I’m secretly hoping I will.

But, if I go into the new year with a plan for change, if I decide to restructure my schedule or rework my priorities or set goals, then I strive toward them, I will see the changes I want to see.

Here's what it will take:

Prayer.

Planning.

Investing.

Implementing.

Persevering.

Reaping.

God’s law of sowing and reaping will manifest in our lives, for better or worse. If we work toward positive changes we’ll see them, eventually, if we persevere.

So, where in that list above are you weakest? Do you make a plan you think is wise, but never discuss it with God, or better yet, get His leading before you begin? Do you prayerfully plan well, but then give up when things don’t go as planned? Do you have a hard time implementing the carefully constructed plan? Maybe you give up after the hard work but just before you would have reaped the reward.

I think the possibilities of a new year lie in what you make of it. Just like any restart. If you invest in it through prayer and planning and implementing, through persevering, you’ll reap. If you blow it off, you’re giving in to the inevitable changes and those might not all be desirable.

Isn’t it interesting God gives us plenty of chances for a fresh start—sunrise, seasonal changes, new years, birthdays? And He give us some means to make the changes we want to see. I say take advantage of them. Sow and you will reap, good or bad. So, sow good deeds and seeds, and reap good benefits. By summer, or by next December, you’ll be a new you. And you’ll be glad you invested all you did.

It’s gonna be worth it.

Memory Overload

2011-12-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

Twice in the last month, I’ve had notices about too much data: both on my phone and on our family’s internet service (modem and router).

Both resulted in us being unable to use the services as they were meant to be used: our computers stopped connecting to the internet, or our internet service became spotty. And my phone stopped allowing texts and even internet browsing.

I know, sounds all techy. But I have a point here. We can get overloaded with memories to the point we sequester ourselves away in our thoughts and become burdened, run slower, miss the moment because we’re distracted by what’s happened before.

Part of the reason for our rumination is because the memories aren’t pleasant ones, or we’re rehearsing arguments in our heads about painful situations. But those painful memories aren’t serving us in the moment.

Why do we hang onto them?

Why do we rehearse them, come up with better arguments?

Why do we waste one moment of the present dwelling on the past?

No closure. The issues may be unresolved and sometimes we don’t have a choice. We can’t go back to Aunt Susie and talk over the issues that happened twenty years ago. Aunt Susie is dead. In this case, we have to lay the situation down at the feet of Jesus. We have to forgive, if necessary, and trust God with the situation. When the negative thoughts try to come back, when our minds default and we start ruminating again, we have to take a stand. “No, I’m leaving Aunt Susie and that situation with the Lord. It’s not mine anymore. It’s His. He can handle it. I’m going to live this moment and the rest of my life in the light of the lessons, and without hauling that burden around.”

Regrets. We may have left the situation without having a chance to apologize. And sometimes by the time we’re ready to apologize, by the time we’ve agonized enough that we’re willing to do something about it, it’s too late. Again, we can only ask forgiveness of God, forgive others (as necessary), and let it go. Once again, only God is able to bear the past, present, and future. We’re finite. Let the infinite God have that situation. Hand Him your regrets and lay that thing down. Then, live in the Light of His love and forgiveness. Burden-less.

Pride. Sometimes we have the opportunity to seek forgiveness because the other party is still alive (for example), but we don’t because we’re ashamed or because our pride gets in the way. When you imagine addressing that other person, what comes to mind? Do you imagine them berating you if you sought their forgiveness? Do you imagine them rejecting you? Being indifferent? Yelling? Do you imagine yourself getting the last word? Best thing to do is ask God both for direction (maybe reconnecting with that person now would do more harm than good) and for softened hearts. Our ever tender-hearted God loves to redeem situations, soften hearts, restore relationships. If you pray along those lines, you’re very likely praying His will. Don’t let pride keep you from asking for forgiveness. God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. (see James 4:6)

Once we’d cleared the stored memories on both my phone and the modem and router, both systems worked again. Imagine how free you’d be to go about your day, your Christmas season, without all that baggage in tow. Imagine your memories under the blood of Jesus, your heart washed clean, and your burdensome or painful thoughts rendered powerless. Imagine freedom.

Perhaps it’s time to hand those ruminations to Jesus, cooperate with Him, and get free.

Reflections of the Season

2011-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

How do you prepare for Christmas, spiritually speaking? On a heart level, what do you do to connect with God around the real reason for the season?

Last night, my youngest and I set up the nativity scene in our living room. As we slowly unwrapped the figures, we talked about who each one was: a shepherd boy, three kings (the timing doesn’t work, but it makes for a more full crèche) and a few scattered animals. Seems the creators of this particular nativity scene used “The Little Drummer Boy” as inspiration, and those rhythmic “ox and lamb” were included. But it’s a good guess there were animals all around on that first holy night.

We talked about the placement of Baby Jesus, and my oldest and I discussed if we should include the cherubs someone gave us once upon a time. We decided not to since their design wasn’t biblical. Something inside us wanted to keep the scene pure; no baby-shaped angels allowed. There were angels, to be sure, when Jesus was born, but they weren’t shaped like naked babies with tiny wings. Back in the box with those figurines.

I think it’s fitting the nativity set is the first holiday decoration now on display in our living room. We’ll get to the tree. We’ll hang the lights. We’ll change out the wall art. But for now, there’s a symbol all in place to get our hearts focused on the real reason for the season.

There are presents to purchase and parties to attend, but what would any of it be without Jesus?

Without Him, there’d be no hope.

Without Him, no redemption, no eternal life.

Without Him, there’d be no reason to celebrate Christmas. He makes the season. He is the reason.

This season, take some time to reflect on Who Jesus is to you and what He means to this season.

And may none of us lose touch with those truths as the pace picks up and the parties commence.

Have a joyous, hope-filled Christmas season, dear friends, with Jesus right at the center.

Room for a Bible on My Desk

2011-11-16T11:32:00.000-08:00

Just cleaned my desk last night. This morning I had my devotional time and set my Bible aside, two Bibles, actually, stacked to my left. And then I thought there was probably a better place for them, a place I could put them off the surface of my desk so I can work. Hold that thought.

I’ve read a couple things lately that have me thinking. As a Christian writer, this post really spoke to me. Agent Karen Ball discusses including God in story and how old television series used to do just that, and it came across as genuine. We’ve lost that in our culture.

Then, during my devotional time this morning I read Isaiah chapter 1. There’s a clear call to repentance in Isaiah’s opening chapter. A call for a nation of individuals to come back to the Truth, to dive into the Word, to repent of ungodly deeds. A reminder that God honor obedience above sacrifice and that He longs to wash us clean from our sins. He is a forgiving God who delights to forgive.

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

There was a time when I didn’t make the Bible a priority in my day. I didn’t read and pray. Thankfully, that’s not the case now. There’s a new grace, a new determination to keep God first in my day.

A new place for the Bible on the “desk” of my life.

Is there room for God’s Word in your day? In your life? Maybe it’s time to clear away the clutter, even the things we think are necessities and make room for the Word in our lives. The Word of God can and will change us if we let it.

It’s time to let it.

I’m making room for the Bible on my desk. How about you?

Women of Faith, Part Two

2011-11-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God?

(from Romans 11:33 MSG)

That was the scripture for this year’s Women of Faith gathering: Over the Top. My friend and I had a great time worshiping, hearing the teachings, enjoying each other’s company.

Others have shared their WofF experiences with me, but I still didn’t know exactly what to expect. I’d never attended a Women of Faith gathering before. What a delight to go and pal around with a buddy in the welcoming atmosphere.

I’d heard of Patsy Clairmont, but never heard her speak before. She’s a hoot! Loved seeing Lisa Welchel and Selah in person. The music was great! Mandissa is so talented, as was the worship team that traveled with the women. You wouldn’t expect to see a male speaker at a Women of Faith gathering, but after listening to the wisdom of Andy Andrews, I know why they included him.

One of the highlights for me was listening to Sandi Patty sing. She really impressed me twenty years ago. As a vocalist, I was so impressed by her soprano range. So, seeing her in person for the first time, was delightful.

If you haven’t gone to a Women of Faith gathering, I highly recommend it. God will meet you there and speak directly to you. My friend and I were nodding as we listened because God specifically met each of us. We laughed and cried (especially in regards to the child sponsorships). A great weekend!

Winds of Change

2011-10-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Several cedar trees tower over our house. They’re about 80-100 years old, according to the arborist who came out. And this time of year, many of the fronds turn rust-colored. Not to be outdone, the leaves on a gargantuan maple tree in the yard also turn yellow edged with rust. Some of the leaves immediately go brown, fall, and bedeck the yard like craft-supply scraps. But many leaves hang on for dear life.

Switch gears. I’m a writer. I write novels, and lately I’ve been plotting one. Well, re-plotting really because it needed some serious work. Jeff Gerke offers some great tools for writers. In his Plotting for the Character-First Novelist eBook, he explains how we writers have to go about pretending to be the god of our characters. Now, hear me out because that doesn’t sound like something you’d expect to read here at Net’s Notes. Here’s where I’m going with this: as a writer defines her character and then puts that character on the fast track to change (80,000 – 90,000 words is all you get to accomplish a profound character arc), they have to push the character toward change. Writers motivate characters to change.

Same’s true in our lives, and that’s why this method of plotting works. It’s how God relates with us. As the Author and Finisher of our faith, as our God, He positions us in life so we’re faced with the option to change. Here’s the cycle: He points out a better way to live, we resist because we don’t like change, then He escalates the motivation until we’re convinced and finally relent. Resonates, doesn’t it?

Rack your brain with me. What are some changes you know you need to make, but haven’t? You’re semi-comfortable where you’ve always been. You’ve settled there like that fallen leaf in my yard. Bugs treat you like part of the landscape and make their way around or over you. Birds land on you. Nothing moves you.

Well, except for wind.

Confession time, and please don’t tell our neighbors, but we don’t rake our yard. We’re fenced in on every side, so that fact shouldn’t affect the neighbors. (I do regret that the huge maple spills leaves into their yards, though.) Why bother raking when the winds will come? What does the wind do? It sweeps the green lawn clean and tucks the leaves into the corners of the yard where we can get to them in spring, if we want. Wind changes the landscape and those immovable leaves get moved, like it or not.

Same’s true for those cedar fronds. Wind changes everything. Strong Autumn winds come along and clear the trees. Suddenly, there is no more resistance to change.

Then the trees rest. So does the wind. See the tie-in?

God’s asking us to change. He really does have the best for us in mind. And yes, change isn’t fun. It’s not comfortable. And it's not often pretty. But things’ll turn out better if we just get on with it. We’ll turn out better if we cooperate.

If we don’t? He’ll bring the wind. Ever since a huge tree missed our house by only a few feet as it fell years ago, I’ve been a bit apprehensive where wind storms are concerned. Remember those cedars I mentioned? Yeah. We’re surrounded. They come down, we’re toast.

But they’re not going anywhere. The other benefit of 80-100 years in our windy climes is that their roots are deep, strong. Those trees are anchored.

Wind storms make me pray. Intensely. I hold my breath waiting for the next gust and press really close to God. My “roots” go deep in Him. And the same’s true in my life. He brings motivation (wind), and I dig deep in Him. He’d been chasing me but suddenly I’m chasing Him.

And when the storm is over, I see His wisdom. The trees are cleared and the winds die down. And then, a season of rest. Followed by a season of new growth and beautiful life.

One night as I prayed about the wind storm roaring like a freight-train convention outside the window, God told me fall winds had to happen; that's how He designed things. It's how those fall leaves and dead cedar branches get cleared and make way for a new season. The trees cooperate and they earn their rest.

Will you?

Friendship and Women of Faith

2011-10-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Most of my extended family doesn’t live close so we don’t see each other very often, so I really appreciate my friends. And what’s better is we’re sisters in Christ.

In several weeks, I’ll attend a Women of Faith event, my first. We’ll share the worship, the teaching, the fellowship, and the fun of this event. Looking forward to it! But it wouldn’t be the same without my friend.

Same’s true in life. I think that’s why Jesus likes to be close. You know that feeling you get when you see something spectacular and you want to share it with someone? You want to say, “Hey, come look at this” so two of you can share the awe. Jesus is there for that moment. Your spouse can’t always be there beside you. Even your friends can’t always be there beside you. But Jesus is more than beside you, He’s inside you. That’s close.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

(Prov. 18:24 NKJV)

So, I’m looking forward to the Women of Faith gathering because I know we’ll all encounter Jesus there. And my friend and I will delight in Him together, even as He delights in the multitude of His friends.

Winds and Worship

2011-09-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those stellar weather days. And I appreciated it all the more because of the cold, rainy fall-like days we’ve had this week. It was 79 degrees (following days with highs in the 50s). Breezes carried leaves to the grassy yard while wind chimes played original melodies. But it was the wind that made the chimes harmonize.

Sounds like life.

Gentle days. We appreciate the blessed moments, the peaceful, joyful times because we know they aren’t a given. Tough days precede them, so we’re grateful when the sun shines through and the rain of trials eases for a while. It’s the comparison that makes us praise. Gratitude makes us worship.

Wind. Breezes elicit melodies from the wind chimes in my yard. In fact, the stronger the wind, the more beautiful, varied, original the tune the chimes create. Do you sing when you’re going through trials? I’ve learned worship is a powerful act/tool while suffering. Worship changes things. Worship brings anointing, and anointing breaks yokes. Worship can turn negative circumstances around, and trials inspire original worship. If you let them.

Sunshine. Light comes breaking through. Cloudy days can get to people, affecting moods and productivity, especially when dark weather runs on and on. So, when the sun comes out and the weather changes, it’s like a breakthrough in our circumstances. Doesn’t it feel great when your circumstances change? When the Light of God moves into the situation and brings clarity, relief, hope? When an ongoing problem is suddenly solved, or the pressure eases with new resolution?

Awake, O north wind, and come, O south!
Blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out.
Let my beloved come to his garden

and eat its pleasant fruits.

(Song of Songs 4:16 NKJV)

The Shulamite from the Song of Songs understood all this. In fact, she invited trials to come (equating trials with north wind and good times with southerly breezes) because she knew God would see her through. She’d grow closer to Him in the midst of it all. Her heart’s response toward God would only deepen as she was refined. She knew the best worship would flow from her heart in the midst of this pattern of tough times followed by relief. Her approach certainly banishes fear, doesn’t it?

So, though it’s not necessarily first nature to worship in hard times, I recommend trying it. Open your mouth. Don’t be intimidated by the pressures. Just worship. Meet God in that deep valley. Watch how your worship of God changes you, the circumstances, and your life.

Perhaps worship is the point. Sunny days. Cloudy, cold weather. Trials. Comfort.

What draws you to worship?

You're Right, Lord

2011-09-16T13:30:00.000-07:00

Ever talk with someone and hear yourself say, “You’re right, my friend. I did say that.” Or whatever? Well, the other day I heard myself say that to God. “You’re right.” It’s laughable, isn’t it? He’s always right.

I think we can run into trouble if we don’t remember that He’s always right. When He affirms us, He’s right. When He directs us, He’s right. When He gives us His perspective on a situation, He’s right.

One of the reasons we tell others “you’re right” is because we come into agreement with their wisdom or take on something. Our eyes are opened and it clicks. We “get it.” Well, with God, He’s right, even if we don’t “get it.” He’s right even when we can’t see what He’s up to. He’s right even if we don’t agree or can’t understand. He’s. Always. Right.

So, it’s not debatable. We still have a choice of course, but unlike with friends who are human (and flawed), God is perfect. He is always right. See, with friends we can debate something until we come into agreement, or agree to disagree. But with God we aren’t really debating, are we? We’re following. We’re obeying. We’re growing and changing. He’s in charge. We’re His beloved ones, trusting even when we can’t see.

It’s about considering the source. I talk to God like a friend whom I greatly respect. But I’m going to keep an ear out for this “You’re right, Lord” phrase. I have a couple options. I can probably do one of two things: 1) say it every time He speaks, or 2) drop it from our interactions all together. After all, I’m convinced it’ll always be true. :)

Trust and Faith

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Certain themes come up in my life over and over. Like trusting God. Opportunities to trust Him and invitations to leap from proverbial ledges keep coming up. So, I guess it’s also about faith, right?

Several days ago, my youngest asked for a Bible story. We read of Jesus sleeping in the boat and His disciples wondering why He wasn’t up and bailing water with them. Honestly, they probably also wondered why Jesus wasn’t as worked up as they’d gotten. But Jesus woke and immediately calmed the storm outside, which eased the storm inside of their hearts. Then he asked a simple, heart-felt question: “Why didn’t you trust Me?”

Wow, reading those words aloud hit me. There are concerns in my life where God has made promises to me and for some reason (trust?), it’s challenging to just leave it alone. I want to keep working on the “problem.” How will God solve it? Oh, He could do this, or this, or this. I pray about it over and over and over and over. (Is that importunity or obsessing? ;)

I don’t have everything figured out, but I know these things are true:

~ Worrying doesn’t help. So if I’m obsessing, it’s not helping. Worrying does not equate with meditating. Better to meditate on His Word than stress over the circumstances.

~ Worship changes things. So, rather than focusing on my problem, I should lift my eyes to Jesus and behold His glorious beauty, and delight in Him. Bringing worship of God into a situation changes that situation. So, in the midst of the tough stuff, worship Him.

~ Begging isn’t necessary. This is a good God we’re talking to and about. He knows our needs. He cares for sparrows, and they never stress out. He’ll care for our needs too.

~ God cares. The Bible says to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. (see 1 Peter 5:7) It’d be different if He didn’t care about each of us specifically, personally, individually. But He does. He’s a personal God on a mission to teach us to trust Him and walk by faith.

~ God is able. No matter what we’re facing, what we’re waiting for, the expiration date of our situation and how we’re clinging to Him to answer in time, He is able! Pair that up with the fact that God cares and we have a potent, charged scenario where the Miracle Worker Himself can move. He wants to. Remember that, God wants to move.

~ God is not inactive. He is moving in your situation.

~ God hears. He is near to you, and He hears your heart’s concerns.

As I read that Bible story, it broke my heart to hear Jesus quietly, pleadingly say, “Why didn’t you trust Me?” Wow. Makes me want to dig in my heels and trust Him no matter what. How about you?

God's Got It

2011-08-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I worry about stuff as if God isn’t mighty, as if He doesn’t have everything under control, as if He isn’t sovereign, or He won’t perfect everything that concerns me. As if I’m not His and can’t call on Him. Do you ever do that?

But…

God is mighty.

God is sovereign and has everything under control (no matter how we perceive things; He knows what He’s doing).

He promises that He will perfect that which concerns us. (see Psalm 138)

I love this passage from Matthew:

If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matt. 6:30-34 MSG)

Let’s remember to always live like we’re children of God, and trust He will meet our needs. He will minister to us, guide us, provide for us.We can rely on Him.

Whatever you’re facing, dear child of God, He’s got you and He’s got the situation. It won’t worsen beyond His control. Cling to Him. He’s got this, and even when He’s all you’ve got, He will never let you down.

Summer

2011-08-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Looks like summer is finally here in the Northwest. Sunny days. Warmer temps. Just in time for school to start.

We visited family in another state recently and their temps were much warmer than what we're used to. Made me grateful for our cooler weather. And while I bemoaned the air conditioner not being set cool enough, I realized I'd been complaining too much about the summer-less weather back home.

Sometimes it takes a change to see our behavior for what it is. I'm actually very comfortable this year with the high temperature rising to about 73. I love it. A few years ago we had 100+ temps, a very rare occurence here, for a week. We about melted into puddles. *grin* So, this has actually been a preferred way to spend summer.

I'm sure there are other areas in my life that need work, and I can count on God to keep showing me. He's great about that. He shows us how we need to change and then He gets us there.

Are you willing to change?

Too Busy?

2011-08-09T21:24:00.000-07:00

My schedule’s been very hectic lately. I’m buried under a gargantuan workload which I’m trying to cram between family obligations (some of them very fun), especially during this season. Sound familiar? And I don’t always give myself permission to spend time praying and reading the Word every morning.

Lately I’ve been wondering why I don’t. Am I just so trusting of God and that He’s got everything that I’m finally no longer trying to micromanage Him? (ouch) Or am I that nonchalant about my life’s issues right now? (Uh… no. I certainly spend enough time worrying about them.)

Or, have I lost sight of the fact that spending time with God will not, does not put me behind on my goals for the day, does not/will not sabotage my crazy busy workday. In fact, the opposite is true. If I can keep Him first, even tithe my time, I will have victories, productivity. Breakthroughs. It’s in worship we have breakthroughs, so in reality when I neglect my time with God, I’m sabotaging my daily schedule. (This is starting to hurt.)

But I used to feel that by spending my time with God I was earning His favor. What’s more, if I didn’t, I felt condemned and fearful that things would fall apart. That’s just as much bondage.

So, why do we pray? Why do we worship, get to the secret place, and commune with our Creator?

Because we love Him.

So let love woo you back to that special place with Him. After this past busy couple of weeks, that’s exactly what I intend to do. Now, where is my Bible and journal…? Crank up the worship music, Jesus is here.

Are Our Ears Open?

2011-08-01T15:58:00.000-07:00

Just finished reading a life-changing book for a church class. It’s called The Best Question Ever by Andy Stanley. He addresses living a life of wisdom. Read it, if you haven’t. It’ll change your life too.

The chapters got me to thinking: why do we avoid living wisely? Sometimes we don’t want to live what we know because we’re lazy or afraid or stuck.

When we get stuck, we ask God for direction. What if He tells us something we don’t want to hear?

Have you ever disregarded something a friend said simply because you disagreed or thought the advice was unfitting to your circumstances? Have you ever ruled something out because it scared you (i.e. they told you to do something you’d rather not face)? Guess what? Sometimes our friends are right, we’re just not ready to hear what they have to say.

So, how often have we asked God for direction, heard a response, and disregarded it? Thought it was our own inner voice? Or too obvious to come from our Almighty God? Or too challenging—we’ve already decided we’re not going to “do that” whatever that is?

What keeps us from living in wisdom? What keeps us from hearing what we don’t want to hear? Why won’t we let it in, follow through? Even consider it?

Pride. Or fear. But rather than being so quick to disregard something a friend says, or even that God says, we should stop and consider their words. Who knows, if we follow through, we might just have the breakthrough we’ve been praying for for years.

Knowing Forgiveness

2011-07-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

The heavy burden of unforgiveness can eat at us day after day. Our consciences weren’t meant to carry unforgiveness around with us. Ideally, our consciences can be cleaned. And when that happens, we’re free! Joy wells up inside because that heavy, horrible, monstrous burden has been not only removed, but obliterated.

Here’s how it works:

We’ve all made mistakes. That’s called being human.

We can’t erase our mistakes. Though we’d like to, we can’t go back and make better, wiser decisions, so unless someone steps in, we will carry the burden for that sin all of our lives.

Jesus knew our predicament. Almighty God wasn’t surprised (though I believe He was heartbroken) by Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden. He wasn’t surprised when I blew it, or when you blew it. He knows our condition.

One we blew it, we couldn’t fix it. We’re only human, and no sinner can rescue other sinners.

Jesus cared enough to step in. Oh, this is where it gets gooood. God, knowing the suffering we’d endure (due to sin) had a solution: the perfect sacrifice for our sins—Jesus!

God knew we needed a Savior. Without His intervention we’d only know pain and suffering and the burden of longing for forgiveness, knowing we couldn’t pay our own debt.

And Jesus stepped in to save us.

Now, all we have to do is say “yes.”

Say “yes” to forgiveness: Dear Jesus, I know I’ve sinned. You don’t have to look very far in my life to see a whole slew of mistakes. And I know You made a way for me to be forgiven. Please forgive me for my sins.

Say “yes” to His leadership: Take over in my life. Help me learn Your ways and hear Your voice and do Your will. I’ve already shown that if left up to me, I’ll make a mess of my life. But with You in charge, I can have hope.

Say “yes” to life: Help me live for You. Thank You for saving me and giving me eternal life, plus the abundant life You offer me as a child of God.

Say “thanks”: Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

If you prayed that, if you believe that Jesus is Lord, and say it aloud, you’re saved!! Now, let real life begin! Let joy reign! Let your relationship with God grow and flourish!

Read the Bible (start with the Gospels—I especially like the book of John). Pray often! Worship! And get plugged into a great church where they will support you, help guide you and teach you solid biblical truths. That solid biblical foundation will make all the difference in your world.

And rejoice! Your sins have been forgiven!

Five Good Choices

2011-07-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I hover in the bakery section of the grocery store. My daughter even snaps pictures on her cell phone of the delectable chocolate-covered strawberries or gourmet cupcakes. No, we don’t buy them. But we do ooh and ahh. To reach my goals I know I can’t load up on desserts.

I’ve come up with a strategy that encourages me toward my goals and you might find it helpful as well. It’s about making five good decisions each day.

So, take weight loss, for example. Say you want to lose ten pounds. What decisions can you make today that will help you get there? What wise choices can you make that will get you another day closer?

For example, breakfast: choose fiber and fulfill a fruit serving, maybe add a little protein. That’s one great choice down. Take a mid-morning walk. Choice number two! Healthy lunch, choice three. Kids are having ice cream after dinner, choose frozen yogurt (or a banana)—choice four. No late night treats. Bingo! Number five.

See what I mean? Five wise choices gets you closer. The opposite’s true too, so beware. Say you chose a donut for breakfast. It’s easier to choose to not workout that day. Then lunch rolls around and you have a bacon cheeseburger. Uh-oh, two not-so-good choices. And it snowballs from there.

But with five (or more) good choices, you’ll stay encouraged throughout the day. Yes, I’m on the right track. I’m headed toward my goals. I’m not giving up now.

It all goes back to the wisdom of small choices adding up to big changes over time.

Same’s true with seeking God daily. If you don’t have a daily devotional time, establish one. Dig into His Word. Worship Him. Delight in Him. Make Him a part of every area of your life. Spending daily time with Him will help you grow.

We can’t have those days back when we didn’t choose wisely, so let’s team up with wisdom and choose wisely today. We’ll thank ourselves later.

The Language of Big Dreams

2011-06-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Delight yourself also in the LORD,

And He shall give you

the desires of your heart.

(Psalm 37:4 NKJV)

God speaks the language of Big Dreams.

I’ve had big dreams in my heart for a while now. And I know God’s in them. We’re seeing some of them come true. But there are bigger dreams on the horizon. Once one is realized, we get to dream again.

How do you know your dreams (your aspirations) are from God? You get into His presence. Press in. Delight yourself in Him. In a word: pray.

Worship.

Read His Word.

Enjoy Him.

I recall a season when I felt far from God though I was pursuing Him daily. But I kept up with the prayer and searching.

And God let me find Him.

He’s waiting to be found. He wants to be found.

Go after Him. Delight in Him. Let Him replace your faulty foundations. Let Him refine you. Then, He’ll place His dreams for you in your heart.

And then, the best part: He’ll fulfill those dreams.

God speaks the language of Big Dreams. Get close enough to listen, and you’ll hear Him talking about yours.

The Power to Change

2011-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

For what I am doing, I do not understand.

For what I will to do, that I do not practice;

but what I hate, that I do.
(Romans 7:15 NKVJ)

Wouldn’t it be great if we always knew why we do what we do? If we did, we could change it.

God’s been showing me my utter dependence upon Him lately. Last time, I posted on how we need Him. This is an extension of that topic. We cannot change, permanently, deep down, for the right reasons and with the right outcome, without Him. In order to completely change, from the inside out, all the way down to the motive, we have to get to the root of why we do what we do. Not only do we have to get to the root, that thing has to be uprooted. (ouch)

So, take someone who is addicted to exercising, for example. Say their addiction is completely destroying their relationships and work life. All they can think about and do is exercise. Say they realize their obsession is running their lives and ruining their lives—they're enslaved. So, they want to change, to stop the behaviors. Great! The first step is to ask why am I doing what I’m doing? I mean, they could make some changes, say only jog 5 miles three times a day, rather than 10, but until they know why they’re doing what they’re doing, how long do you think the changes will remain in effect? A couple days? A week?

The key to change is finding the reason behind the behavior. Then, you can dig for the root. Perhaps the person who is addicted to exercising doesn’t like his/her body. Perhaps they fear aging or letting their strength wane, or letting their heart grow weak. Maybe this person feels in control when s/he is exercising and determining the numbers on the scale and in the log. Or maybe they feel completely out of control. At first, they controlled the addiction, now even the doctor is saying “Ease up.” And they can’t. (Happens a lot with addictive behaviors, first you control it, then it controls you.)

So what do you do when you're out of control?

When you don’t understand yourself?

When you can’t find the reasoning or the root?

What do you do when you can’t make the change you’d like to make?

You call on God. He breaks into your life’s circumstances and suddenly the Light comes on. You surrender the situation to Him, and let Him dig around in your heart for a while until He unearths the reasons you do what you do. Warning: pain is imminent. Anytime God uproots our “stuff,” it’s a painful process. (Raise your hand if you know what I’m talking about—just happened to me recently, so I’m waving back at you.) But, if you let Him in, He’ll bring the breakthroughs.

If you let Him in, He’ll show you how to get where you want to go.

If you let Him in, He’ll get you there.

If you let Him in, He’ll heal you, set your mind on the right track, forgive your sin, yank out the roots of the old you, and set you free!

Will you let Him into that place you keep hidden from others, the place you think no one knows about?

We don’t have the power to change ourselves from the inside out, only God does. It’s time to let Him in. Stop letting shame hold you back and hold you bound. God can set you free.

How We Need Him

2011-06-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power, having made purification of our sins, He sat down on the right of the Majesty on high, (Heb 1:3 MKJV)

Did you know God holds everything together? The universe, the earth, everything. Without the proper balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air, life couldn’t exist here. Or if our temperatures shifted to a new range remarkably higher or lower, we’d die. Who’s in charge of all that? Certainly not us humans. No, the Creator is in charge.

Something went wrong. God created humans and animals, the earth, the universe all during creation week. Then, He rested. Then, He took up a habit of communing with His dear people (Adam and Eve) in the garden, in the cool of the day.

Then, people sinned.

So, Creator God donned His Redeemer hat.

Jesus came, lived a sinless life and died a sinner’s death to buy back, or redeem creation. And He succeeded.

Did you know that everyone’s sins have been removed? The effects of sin are still here—we live in a fallen world. And you have to humble yourself and say "yes" to salvation to be saved and know forgiveness, but check this out:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said,"Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 MKJV)

Takes away the sins of the world. They’re gone. The Redeemer bought back sinners and creation. Now, that’s not to say everything’s as it should be or as it will be. The Bible’s clear that everything is going to be replaced—a new heaven and a new earth. But it does mean the Redeemer is powerful.

And right now, He’s holding everything together by the Word of His Power. We need Him. For breath. For life. For sunshine. He graces us with a new day, with rain, with food.

Where would we be without Him?

It’s nice to be needed and to hear people say how much they need you. Let’s let God know how much we need Him. Because we really, really do.

Choosing Courage

2011-06-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage.

Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed.

For the LORD your God is with you in all places where you go.

(Joshua 1:9 MKJV)

I work with authors and fellow writers all day, and I love it! One of the biggest challenges for writers (including for me) is perseverance. How many years does it take to reach your goals? For writers, a decade can zip by while we practice POV or characterization, while we fine-tune our plot development strategies, or research methods. Ten years before we have an agent. Ten years before we have a book contract. Ten years before we’re even on the radar of publishing decision-makers. See why perseverance is imperative?

But courage is a choice. And no matter what your goals in life, what your dreams or your calling, you have a choice to make: courage or not.

Jesus says to take courage:

I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me.

In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer.

I have overcome the world.

(John 16:33 MKJV)

He knew we’d have a choice. He knew we’d need Him. And oh, how we need Him. Everyone needs Him, whether they realize it or not. The oxygen we inhale is there because He sustains us, each of us. If He turned His face away, no one could stand. (see Hebrews 1:3)

Really, it all comes down to trust.

Trust that the God who called you will also bring it to pass. (see 1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Trust that God knows the best timing. If He released you before you were ready, you’d face many hardships (humiliation, failure, defeat, despair, etc.).

Learning to fight hard (for what you want) and to work hard, are good traits. Embrace that journey.

Learning to love people, to keep them foremost, is key. I don’t believe God will release us before we have that firmly established.

Here are some parting words from the Word:

Hope in the LORD; be of good courage,

and He shall make your heart strong;

yea, hope in the LORD.

(Ps 27:14 MKJV)

Faithful is He who called you, who also will do it.

(1Thess 5:24 MKJV)

The End

2011-05-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

It was 1988 and the rumor around school was that the rapture was going to happen that September day. What's more, God was going to come for His people, collecting us all in Noah’s Ark.

Ahem.

We’re still here. :)

Now, there’s a rumor that the Rapture will happen tomorrow, May 21, 2011. Haven’t people learned you can’t predict it?

For one thing, God cannot trust people with this kind of secret. Obviously. Look what happens when we try to figure it out. The only good coming of everyone hearing about this rumor is even atheists are considering what the Rapture (which is a true event) is.

So, what’s wrong with their predictions? (The lies are listed below with my comments.)

23 years of tribulation: Uh, no, the Bible says there will be 7. They'll occur AFTER the Rapture.

End of the church age happened in 1988: Uh, no, the Church is still on the earth. We are living in the church age.

God is no longer in His church: Uh, no. He visits us every week. At our church, we've seen people raised from the dead, healed, get out of wheelchairs, deaf ears opened, and blinded eyes opened. I know He’s still in the church. We experience Him every time we gather. And there are plenty of other churches who experience Him too. Not to mention the personal attention He gives His people. Prayer, worship, Bible reading are all pleasures!

Those are only a few of the misconceptions I noticed as I read their site.

Here’s what I know. God is good. He hasn’t left us. When the rapture happens, it will be unmistakable, unpredictable, and I believe most people won’t mock. (Because it will be devastating to those left behind. Not a laughing matter.)

And I thank God that He hasn’t given up on His church (the way they term it). He is with us and His Spirit is in the world, working, healing, bringing life. For now. And thank God.

I urge you to make sure your heart is right with God, to be ready for HIS timing. Being forgiven is the best feeling in the world. If you’d like to be saved, pray a prayer like this:

Dear Jesus, I recognize I need forgiveness. And I know you lived a sinless life, then died a sinner’s death so I could be saved. Please forgive me. Rescue me. Make me Yours. Help me live for You. Thank You for hope, for life, for freedom, and forgiveness. In Your name I pray, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, get ready for some changes. God’s about to bring adventure and newness into your life. And relax. You’ve just made the best decision you’ll ever make. Rejoice! God is yours and you are His.

His Majesty

2011-05-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

The first night we could barely make out the ocean view through the foggy, gray, misting rain. But the second day, the sky opened over us, now reflecting off the once-gray waters in blue. Oh, beautiful! We could see clear to the horizon all of a sudden. We still couldn't see the entire ocean, of course. We marveled as the expanse of blue dwarfed gigantic barges in its greatness.

Like the ocean views, we get clear glimpses of God sometimes.

I stood there with sand blowing in my face, trying to capture the magnitude of what I was seeing through the lens of my camera. Impossible. I had to settle for snapshots of this portion or that one. There is no way of capturing the ocean’s greatness in the frame of my camera. Even a panoramic image wouldn’t do it justice.

Same’s true with God.

There’s innate awe in viewing the ocean. You can’t gaze on it without feeling amazed. Or, at least, I can’t. And what of the other senses being overwhelmed? The sight is awesome, but what of the salty air, the roar? Can’t capture that with a photograph.

Same’s true with God.

You can’t capture all of God to then put Him on display. The entire earth cannot proclaim His goodness or greatness, so He expanded to the universe. Have you ever seen explosions in space? The colors! The power! And still God’s greatness isn’t contained or fully displayed.

But God does give us revelations of His greatness. He shows us facets of Himself here and there so we can experience Him in new ways. He’s so great, there’s no room for boredom in our relationship with Him. He wants to astound us and woo us, to soothe us and heal us.

People have said that going to the ocean is a healing experience. I agree. That’s definitely true for me. I’m very grateful. But greater than the ocean’s impact, is God’s. He created the ocean. He’s far greater.

So, like the sun filtering through the clouds, pray God’s light would illuminate another facet of Him to us—so we can see and enjoy, so we can be captivated, and we can marvel. Marveling at God brings worship to another level. Marveling in wonder recharges us and meets a need in our spirits.

Lord, I want to marvel at You. Show me what I haven’t seen—a new facet of Your majestic self. Amaze me.

Be captured by Him. Be captivated. Be completely won over and undone by His goodness. There is no one like Him.

Call On His Name

2011-05-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

I watched some extended news coverage of the tornadoes which swept through the southeast last week. Unbelievable footage. Amazing stories. I couldn’t help grieving with those who’d suffered such trauma. But thankfulness kept coming up. That and one other specific element: prayer.

Over and over through the testimonies, people spoke of praying throughout the story. While they huddled in bathtubs or covered their children, shielding them with their bodies, or waited it out somewhere; through the freight train-volume noise, the winds, the rain, the lightning and thunder, and the fear, they prayed.

And in every instance God got them through. Some were in the only room spared. And when the storm was over, as they stepped out of that room, and saw rubble all around, it was obvious God had heard and protected them.

Now, I’m not saying those who perished didn’t pray. Certainly not.

But what a testament to prayer. God hears. He answers. And more than that, He cares. He really cares.

Is there anything you could pray about again? More? Any fear you could turn over to Him? Any concern or need? Pray. God hears and cares.

“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:30-33, NKJV)

Good Friday

2011-04-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

I tried to think of a good one-liner for a Facebook status update this Good Friday. Quips like “Happy Good Friday everyone” or “Have a good Good Friday” just weren’t working. Well, happy doesn’t quite work with the gravity of what we’re commemorating, right? And “good Good”—well, that’s not working either.

But Good Friday and Jesus’s sacrifice are good.

First of all, Jesus dying on the cross is very good because God oversaw and accomplished His good pleasure. (see Psalm 111:1-2; 115:3; Isaiah 53:10) All for us.

Second of all, Jesus’s sacrifice gives us life, abundant life. (see John 10:10)

Third, Jesus’s sacrifice took away the sins of the world (see John 1:29). The perfect atonement.

Fourth, Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven (have a guilt-free conscience) and rescued from condemnation (including damnation). By accepting His free gift, we are granted salvation. Heaven will be our future home.

Fifth, Jesus calls us friends. We gain friendship with the Creator, partnership with the ultimate Bridegroom. What a generous, kind and giving God we serve!

We hand over our bondage to Him and gain freedom.

We hand over our worries and gain peace.

We relinquish our sins and gain forgiveness.

We hand over our hearts and gain His.

We hand over our lives and receive abundant life.

That’s why Good Friday is good. So, good Good Friday, dear readers. Be blessed in Him today! He has made a way for you!

The Bubble Truck

2011-04-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

We were just headed to our church offices for a meeting, minding our own business, when a bubble truck lumbered by. Yup, that’s what I said, a bubble truck. I couldn’t quite catch the writing on the side to see the business’s name. I did see the driver—young-ish male, seemingly unconcerned he was leaving bubbles in his wake as he drove. Can you picture this? A black business truck that produces bubbles as the driver idles or proceeds through unsuspecting intersections. Highly unusual.

For longs moments after he’d passed us, we watched the bubbles drift, living on among the crowded intersection as various lanes were loosed by green traffic signals. He’d left a witness behind.

What kind of witness do you leave behind?

Do people have good things to say about you after you walk away? Do you yell at store clerks or gesture at other drivers?

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately because twice I’ve come across known Christian leaders (unrelated to my church) who’ve come across in negative, even dangerous ways. How do you come across?

Bubbles imply youthfulness. When was the last time you got out the wand and bottle of soap to make bubbles for someone else to chase, or just for fun? Yeah, it’s mostly a kid thing. But being a good witness isn’t about a certain age. We don’t get another chance to leave an impression once we leave. So, we need to be intentional about the impression we leave.

If you’re not already doing this, try being intentional about the impression you make and want to leave, both in social situations, with your family and friends, and in life.

Will your “bubbles” (read: impact) be resilient, lasting as people come and go, rising with the wind, unconcerned about people’s opinions or busy-ness? The bubbles from the bubble truck left an impression I won’t soon forget. They didn’t burst at the first sign of air currents. They rose and swirled and didn’t mind the mocking of some passers-by who couldn’t imagine the whimsy of the bubbles.

And they floated by while we watched and smiled.

When people see you, when they catch your witness, will they watch and smile?

The Other Side of the Wall

2011-04-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

Our church uses half of a school gymnasium for services on Sundays. There’s a temporary wall with a doorway between halves. At a certain time every week, the worship team and other leaders meet before service to pray in the “quiet” half. This last week, I went over just before our appointed time. No one was there yet. So, I headed back through the doorway to see where the other leaders were. They were attending to last minute things. I sat down, chatted with one of them. Then we went over together.

It’s lonely on the other side of the wall.

Sometimes we get hurt and then erect walls. We fear rejection, but we wear an expression of “do not come near me,” which other people read loud and clear, and they give us what we want—space. Is that really what we want?

It’s lonely on the other side of the wall.

What we really want is to belong. To be loved. To know we matter and that people accept us. To know we’re making a difference right alongside friends who have the same purpose. That’s what’s so powerful about being part of a team.

But it’s our choice.

If you use guards to protect yourself, analyze them. Maybe you don’t need them any more. Maybe they’re actually sabotaging you, and keeping you from having your real needs met.

Maybe your walls are obsolete.

• Are you attempting to be your own guard, to protect your own heart? God wants that role. In the Psalms, David refers to God as his defense over and over. Yes, we guard our hearts and minds from evil, but we weren’t meant to block out all people as if we can live without them. (We can’t.)

• Do you feel vulnerable? Commit yourself, spirit, mind, and heart to God. Entrust Him with you more fully than you may have done before. He’ll be your guard. And when you get hurt (not if) go back to God and let Him comfort you and have His way with the other parties.

• Are you a sensitive soul with a tender heart hidden behind that wall? Jesus is ever-tenderhearted and He had no walls shooing people away. To be Christlike is to be like Him in that way. (I know, scary proposition.)

• If your walls are due to bitterness brought by unforgiveness, ask God for grace to forgive. You might find after you have forgiven that you feel so light you’re ready to risk relationships again.

But you have to ask yourself: is loneliness really better than a mix of joy with occasional stinging interactions with other broken people? I’m guessing the answer is no.

Come out from behind that wall. It’s lonely back there. It’s not where you belong. God has good plans for you on this side. And rather than continuing to “confirm” the lie that you are always “rejectable” by rejecting others first and watching them take clues from you and pull away, try being a giving friend who cares for others. That kind of lifestyle will come back around to bless you.

Password

2011-03-22T10:43:00.000-07:00

"On your feet now—applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.

Enter with the password: 'Thank you!' Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him." (Psalm 100:1, 4, MSG)

Ever have one of those days where you can’t feel God’s manifest presence, but you’d like to? There’s a secret for coming into God’s presence—thanksgiving.

“Enter with the password: ‘Thank you!’” (Psalm 100:4, MSG)

Begin by counting your blessings.

If someone in your family did something nice for you, you’d thank them, either on the phone or in person, right? Either way, it’s a personal thank you. When you approach God with specific thanks to offer, you get personal with Him.

God is a personal God. He creates things around you, forming them in your life, just for you. Favorite foods, gorgeous land- or seascapes in nature, family to love you. When you thank Him, you realize just how personal He is. And your heart softens toward Him. And when your heart softens, you enter into His presence.

When we thank Him personally, we connect with the real Him. We remember how much He cherishes us (which melts our hearts even more).

Thankfulness is humbling—another helpful heart state to have when approaching God.

And thankfulness endears us to Him. We see His goodness in our lives; He knows us so well and answers our prayers specifically. What's not to love?

So, let’s start thanking Him—it’s the key to entering His presence. He’s given us the password. Now, let’s enter.

“Lord, I thank you for breath today, for another day to worship and serve you, for…”

Favorites

2011-03-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

I picked up my smart phone today to call my husband. Cool thing about this phone is you don't have to scroll through all the numbers or worry about assigning speed dial. I can click on “favorites” and he’s right at the top of the list. Moments later we’re talking.

Got me thinking, who’s at the top of my heart’s favorites list?

One of the things that determines positioning on the favorites list is how often you speak to the other person via the phone (they call you or you call them). My husband’s first.

If my soul had a favorites list, would Jesus be first?

I was calling my husband with a question and good news.

Whom do you call first?

When you’re wondering about something or worried about something, do you pick up the phone or drop to your knees?

When you’re excited about something, when a breakthrough hits, do you pick up the phone or shout praises to God?

Is Jesus first on your favorites list?

He Knows Best

2011-03-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

Our dog hates the cold, and if the grass is wet, forget it. You have to toss him into the yard first thing in the morning for him to get his business done. And it’s both businesses he has to do that time of day, if you know what I mean.

When we first got him, we thought he could tell us if he had to do business 1 or business 2 or just one or the other. NOT SO. We learned the hard way that even if he returns after business 1 without having accomplished business 2, we should NOT let him in the house. If we didn’t demand he do both, pretty soon, there on the floor was the mess of business 2.

But Jack doesn’t know himself. He doesn’t know what’s best for him.

This morning, he shivered in our chilly temps from the moment I let him outside. Reluctantly he accomplished business 1, but then wandered back to the patio and stood there shuddering, looking up at me as if I should rescue him (let him back inside) before accomplishing what I knew must come next.

Finally, I had to chase him into the yard with the command and he took care of everything. Whew! Now I could let him back inside, where I knew he’d warm up and stop the violent shivering.

Was it fun to watch him resist what needed doing, even as he suffered? No.

Was I tempted to let him inside so he could warm up? Yes.

Did I worry what the neighbors might think, if they could make out his full-body quaking from the cold? Yes.

Did I know what was best for him (and our carpet)?? Yes.

Oh, so many parallels to our human experience with God. He’s sovereign, and He’s good. He can see what we can’t. And He knows there are no shortcuts. He knows us better than we know ourselves. If we don’t go with His plan, we’re likely to make a mess in our lives somewhere.

So, look to Him. Don’t look for shortcuts.

Trust Him to know you better than you know yourself.

Believe He’s good, even if he asks you to go the difficult route. It’ll work out.

Standing there waiting for our dog this morning, I considered the size of his brain—his intellect/wisdom/understanding/knowledge is so far inferior to ours. Same’s true of us compared to God. He gives us understanding, or we’d have none. So, ask for wisdom. Then follow and trust.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, NKJV)

Things’ll work out better in the end. And you’ll be glad you followed.

Sacrifices

2011-02-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

We make sacrifices all over our lives—for family, for friends, for our jobs, for the Lord. The question is how gracious are we? Do we resent it?

We’ve recently had a stretch of sunny days, but our temps have been below normal as a result of clearing. There’s a price to pay.

Want to have a family? There’s a price to pay.

Want to raise a family? There’s a price to pay (and pay and pay). *grin*

Want to earn a promotion? earn a degree? earn respect? Better pay the price.

Aren’t you glad God rewards you for sowing? If all we did was work toward learning a new skill or paying off our mortgages or raising our children and we never saw fruit, we’d get pretty discouraged. But God promises we will reap what we sow. How encouraging. Gives us hope as we plow through the difficulties of sacrificing repeatedly, especially in certain seasons.

So, if you’re in a particularly sacrificial season, remember, harvest is coming. Breakthrough is coming. You will have rest for your weary soul soon. Do what’s right and trust Him with the rest. He’ll reward you for all your sacrifices.

But we should not lose heart in well-doing,
for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint. Gal. 6:9

Waiting

2011-02-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

I’m waiting on spring. A lot of my friends have shared about all the snow they’re getting, record-setting, icy, stormy weather. I shouldn’t complain, since we’re not buried here. But I’d like some spring-like weather. Warm enough for walks or playing in the yard with the family.

You can’t rush spring. It’ll get here when it gets here. And it will get here. Groundhog’s shadow or not, spring will come. Eventually. It’s the waiting that’s hard.

You can’t rush God’s answers. He will answer. He does hear. Sometimes you have to wait. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes the answer is yes, but not yet.

You can’t rush warm weather.

You can’t rush blessings.

You can’t force good things to happen.

So, what do you do? Make the most of where you are.

I know of someone who keeps her Christmas tree up all winter (yes, well into February) and lights it on wintry nights. She’s making the most of the cold and snowy weather.

Waiting for a break at work? A promotion? Keep working hard. Be loyal, faithful, dependable. God sees, and He will reward you.

For my writing friends waiting for a contract: keep learning. Keep studying the craft. Don’t give up.

Recently, I struggled with one of my responsibilities. I wear a lot of hats (wave at me if you can relate) and one of those hats seemed a bit too heavy right now. I prayed about it. Why am I here? Is this where God’s wants me (in regards to my involvement with that role) and if so, am I on the right track? Know what God said? “Don’t stop now.” He's implying a breakthrough is coming. The waiting will pay off. The struggle will be worth it.

So, hang in there. Spring will come. A breakthrough may be just around the corner. God is faithful. He is working. Just wait. Trust Him. Be faithful.

Cling to God in the waiting.

Blinders

2011-01-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1, NKJV

We watched the movie Secretariat last night. Have you seen it? Great movie. Loved their inclusion of “Jesus” elements, such a rare thing. My husband and I looked at each other a few times with surprise. “Are they really doing this?” Oooh, I love “seeing” Jesus in films.

Secretariat was a famous race horse. While we watched, I noticed the race horses wear blinders on either side of their eyes (forgive me if this isn’t the proper term). These “guide” their attention to straight ahead. The animals probably don’t get as spooked by the horses on either side of them. They can focus straight ahead on their goal—that finish line.

God gives us free will, but sometimes wouldn’t it be helpful to put on spiritual blinders? We wouldn’t get so caught up in:

~ competition
~ comparison
~ worry
~ appearances
~ circumstances

Let's make this our prayer: Lord, keep me focused on the finish line ahead so I can “run with endurance the race set before me.”

Don't Get Too Comfortable with Discomfort

2011-01-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

I wear big, bulky wireless headphones to watch TV sometimes. Keeps the noise to a minimum. This morning, I turned off the television, set on getting some things done. Pulled out my phone, browsed the latest news on FB and was about to head down to my home office when I realized I still had those tight, uncomfortable headphones on. What? Hello, get those things off. I don’t have to go about my life with those on. Thank God! They pinch my ears and feel like they’re compressing my head.

I can ignore them when I’m watching because I get swept into the world of house hunting or some movie or show. But they grow increasingly uncomfortable. How I could forget I had them on, I have no idea.

Except…

I’d become comfortable with the tightness.

Immune to the discomfort.

Unaware I could be more comfortable if I just took those headphones off.

Sounds like life, doesn’t it? How often do we just learn to put up with stuff? Just learn to overlook how uncomfortable we are and get on with life anyway.

If there are areas of my life I’ve just grown used to overlooking, items that cause discomfort and that I have the ability to remove from my life, I want to do it. Doesn’t that sound like a good prayer for this new month of a new year?

All together now, Dear Lord, please help me change for the better. Show me what I don’t see now. Help me remove whatever is keeping me from freedom as You point it out. Thanks for Your heart state of wanting me free. I love You for that. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The Right Places in the New Year

2010-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

He’s doing it again.

Jack, our dog, sits on my lap pulling away from my arms, teetering toward tipping off because he’s busy sniffing the air. He wants to go wherever his nose will take him. Up onto my writing desk. Off on a new adventure. Straight into the trash basket in the kitchen. Head inside, feet kicking in the air. Well, not really. But he has pulled the entire three-foot-tall basket down onto the floor. And this is a twelve-pound pup we’re talking here. *grin*

He noses into dirty laundry piles, up trees (yes, he climbs trees), into the trash. This mini-Dachsie is completely ruled by his amazing sense of smell. Forever pulling on the reins as if he knows better what to get into than we know what to keep him out of.

Okay. That reminds me of someone… Me. I’ve been known to follow my senses and end up in places I shouldn’t be. It feels like the right time, the right place for me. But it isn’t. I’m just getting ahead of myself, getting ahead of where God wants me to be.

Why do we do that?

We have a need for attention. We want to go places and get noticed. But the only kind of attention we’re going to get if we’re naïvely somewhere we shouldn’t be is negative.

We want affirmation, to prove our value. Uh, God gives that freely and it’s never meritorious. We don’t have to do. We just have to be.

We want independence. I know what’s best for me, right? Right??

This New Year, I don’t want to be anyplace I’m not supposed to be simply because I forced my way in, followed my senses, took an unsanctioned initiative. I want to be where God wants me to be, to “bloom” there, and to follow Him to the next place, or be content if we linger. Being with Him is all that matters.

Oh, the lessons He’s teaching me through my pup, who has now settled into a tight circle under the blanket on my lap, sighed contentedly, and drifted off to sleep. Time to go curl up in God’s lap.

Happy New Year!

God's Giving

2010-12-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

I did it again. While shopping for the people on my list, I picked up some items for myself—a pair of slippers, some pj’s. I think it’s something moms do. Can I hear an “amen”?

As I perused FB this morning, I saw a “note to Santa” on someone’s profile. All in fun, of course, but it got me thinking, how much of Christmastime is spent thinking about and hoping for “things”?

Growing up, my parents very thoughtfully presented us with gifts Christmas morning. What great memories. I don’t ever remember being asked what I wanted for Christmas. Perhaps the adults in my life were trying to protect me from disappointment. Or, they already had such a fun plan, they didn’t need to ask. So, the first time (as an adult) that people began asking me what I wanted was a moment of speechlessness. This wasn’t how I thought. This wasn’t how I approached the holidays. And taking things back? Are you kidding? Thankfulness, people. *grin*

Of course, now I understand better the prospect of taking things back and how it’s logical and practical. But then, what a mystery. And as to what I wanted? A conundrum. I had no idea how to answer the question because I just didn’t think that way.

Problem. I’ve come to think that way. And it’s not always pretty.

But, here’s where God comes in.

God has good plans. Great plans. He knows exactly what we need, what we want and how to bless us in a way that will soften our hearts (it’s the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance).

I’ve recently discovered this about myself—my primary love language is gifts. I’m only now figuring that out.

But God knew all along. And His gifts are the best! Look to Him this Christmas. You will not be disappointed. Here's how Jesus put it--

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Matthew 6:30-33, MSG)

A Single Decision

2010-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

I have a new Android phone and I love all I can do with it. Games (no, not Angry Birds *wink*), browse online, read books, etc. I’m especially hooked on solitaire. I know. I know. It’s the same solitaire that tripped people up like twenty years ago. They’re supposed to be working, and they are glued to their computers, but they’re playing.

The cool aspect of this version of solitaire, though, is you can undo countless numbers of moves and you can restart a game. So, you figure out the place you went wrong and you restart. A little obsessive? Probably. Anyway, as I was playing earlier today I realized during a fated game that I was going down. But it also occurred to me where I had gone wrong—the one move I’d made that caused my downfall.

A single mistake took me in the wrong direction.

I restarted the same game, chose a different “black” king to drag to an opening and viola! A different outcome—I won.

Same’s true in life. A single decision can change the course of our lives forever.

When you first heard about Jesus, what did you do? When you learned about sin and that a life is required for its atonement, what did you do? When you learned Jesus was the only acceptable sacrifice, and that He, in His mercy, paid the price for you to have salvation and forgiveness, did you choose Him, did you accept His gift? Or not.

That single decision is the most important decision anyone will ever make and whether you think you need to make it or not, you do. Everyone has to choose between saying yes to Jesus or not. (If you don’t say yes, you’ve chosen no.)

But, what joy if you choose Him! What freedom. That painful burden of so many wrong decisions (can I see a show of hands raised along with mine if you've got a list?) can be healed with one decision: “Yes, Jesus! I need You. Please forgive me for my sins. Save me. Guide me. Heal my heart and redeem my past.” And He will! He loves to redeem!

This Christmas season, consider the real reason for the season. Jesus, God, coming to earth as a human to rescue you from sin, hopelessness, darkness and hell. Thank God He came as a baby and lived sinlessly so we could have salvation. Rejoice in Him.

Choose Him.

Reaching

2010-11-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

The rose plant near my kitchen window has been through a lot. When I first got it, there were plenty of buds, even blooms of mini-roses. Then, the little guy dried out, and I thought he was done for. But I repotted him, watered him with just the right frequency (I can be taught) and he rebounded. Yay! A year and a half later, he’s ready to bloom again. One bud is now opening. I’ll call it my Christmas rose.

This morning it was nearly open and something had changed. Rather than growing straight up from the plant, the little stem had reached toward the window, bending and stretching in that direction. So, I opened the shade a bit more to make it easier for my Christmas rose to drink in the muted November light. Isn’t it amazing how plants know just what to do when they need something?

Do you?

During all the busy-ness of the Christmas season, do you take time to be refreshed by God? Do you reach toward Him, looking to have your needs met through His loving care?

It’s so easy to chase our heartaches with food or idols of choice, especially this time of year. But God wants to fill us up. He wants to give us His joy which abides during the Christmas season and beyond.

I want to be like my rose. I want to recognize what I need (Light), reach toward Him (God) and drink my fill.

How about you?

God Takes Good Care of Us

2010-11-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

What’s worse in airport delays: grounded and waiting, or circling in the air and not landing?

Ugh. Double-up on the Dramamine, people! Apparently we missed our window to land in the fog. There we were circling our destination last week, waiting for clearance. For an hour. So a two-hour flight, took three. And usually a half Dramamine is all I need to make it through. Take a whole one and you’d have to carry me off the plane. Take a half one and I don’t throw up (whew!), plus I’m lucid. Well, mostly.

But I prayed and experienced God’s nearness while we circled. And we did eventually land. Yay!

On the return trip, I had to retrieve our pup from the boarder. Oh, the snow and ice. But the roads were clear and I left to pick up the well-missed dog. Got him home and we went about our day. At one point, as I was working away on the trip’s laundry, I said something to him (yeah, I talk to the dog) about how we needed to get his blanket washed or take him outside, or something and a feeling covered me. We were taking good care of him, out of love.

Just like God does with us.

The Lord got us to our destination, blessed us with a great trip, brought us safely home through snowy conditions, even graced me to pick up groceries before the snowstorm set in and the roads iced over. We’re well cared for.

Aren’t you glad God takes such good care of His kids? This Thanksgiving, thank Him for His tender, loving care. Watch for it. Don’t take it for granted. That TLC is His love in action.

Power Outage

2010-11-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

Camped in front of the fireplace last night. (Read: Didn’t sleep much. *grin*) There we were, watching A Season for Miracles during a windstorm. And the lights flickered. Watched for a bit more and suddenly the TV clicked off. OK. Dark house. The candle I’d lit earlier kept us calm, and the power kicked back on. We flipped through to find our scene in the movie, laughed over the back-and-forth of the great court scene, and click! off went the TV and lights again. And this time the outage lasted all night.

Let the camping begin.

This morning about the time the alarm would have sounded on my cell phone, the power resumed with a whoosh. Lights, furnace, fridge. Our home came back to life.

Power. Oh how we take it for granted. And how we miss it when it’s off.

With power, our home is warm, inviting. There is full access to a stocked fridge (which we leave closed during an outage). And our meal options are at full capacity. We have heat and lights in any room we choose. We can watch movies, rely on alarm clocks and garage door openers.

So, as power zoomed back to life around here this morning, I thought about the parallels with our spiritual lives.

Ever feel like you’re running dry? or cold? or dark? God never shuts down, He never sleeps. So all the outages are on our side.

Circumstances can shut us down with doubts. Where’s God? Why is all this happening?

The wind of trials can knock out our connection and leave us dark and cold. Why isn’t God doing something?! Doesn’t He care?

Time slips by without our plugging into Him and we end up distant, feeling powerless. Our prayers feel dull, like they’re bouncing off the ceiling.

Time for the zoom of God’s power to come rushing back to us and bring warmth, sustenance (remember that fridge full of food?) and light.

While we waited for the lights to come back on, we had to trust in the power company to be on the job and working hard. (Thanks, crew!!) When you’re stuck spiritually, ask God to bring you back. Trust God to bring you back. Seek Him. Get into His presence (through the Word and prayer and worship) and wait on Him. Won’t be long before heat, light, the sweetness of His fellowship, and His power will return.

God's Stirring It Up

2010-11-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

This week, I’ve been reminded over and over of my calling. The worship sets over the weekend, the sermon, my blog posts, Scriptures, even on Facebook. God’s up to something—a new thing. Here’s what I read in my Bible this week:

"Forget about what's happened;
don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it?"
(From Isaiah 43:17, MSG)

A new thing! It's a new season where callings are concerned.

And then, just when I thought I was on the right track, going the right direction, completely clued in, along came a reminder of something I’d forgotten—a different facet to my future. One little reminder from an odd source and bam! The memory of that calling came rushing back, fresh, but reminiscent of all the emotion of that first moment.

Has God ever done this in your life?

What has He called you to do? Where has He called you to be, to live?

I had to ask myself if I’m completely in agreement with His calling on my life and if so, what am I doing to cooperate with His readying season? If not, it’s time to come into agreement.

I’m thankful He’s stirring it up with fresh promises and fresh agreement from me.

Okay, God, let’s go!

The Beauty Inside

2010-10-14T15:04:00.001-07:00

I heard once that the fall colors we see on deciduous trees were always present, even if green is what you see all summer long. I was thinking today about that as I drove down tree-lined streets and saw the colorful leaves drifting all around. So beautiful as the sunlight glinted off reds, purples, pinks, oranges, yellows, and their variants. And to think, all that color was waiting inside.

As the temperatures drop and the days shorten, the colors come out.

That’s how it is in our lives, as the pressures come and trials hit, our beauty can come out. You know, no matter how hard you try, what precautions you may take, you can’t avoid every hardship in life. You could live inside a proverbial bubble, but troubles will still come. (For one thing, if you don’t get out and pay that power bill, you’ll be without lights and heat. *grin*)

The colors were best displayed in the sunshine. As we hold up during trials, God is glorified. Our beauty glows in the Sonshine. And others will be drawn to Him, to worship Him and seek Him because of it. As we press on and trust Him with the season we’re in, He’ll shine through.

Trials tempt me to complain, but God is good, no matter what. And He’s working on the beauty on the inside.

Worth Turning the Page For

2010-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

On October 1st, I flipped the calendar page to see gorgeous fall leaves clinging in all their red, orange and yellow splendor to a tree over a river. I can’t even remember the picture for September, the one that sat pinned to the wall for a month. This one takes over in my life now. Beauty. Color. Life. Vibrancy.

That’s how it is with life stages, too. Seasons of pain come to pass, not to stay. Gives me hope that the things I’m battling now won’t always be standing in my way.

And turning the page also brings a sense of newness. The joy of the following season won’t be affected negatively by the sorrow of this one. Good news, isn’t it?

Like those autumn leaves clinging to the tree on the calendar page, cling to Jesus. Draw your vibrancy from Him. Let Him use the season you’re in to make you beautiful. And hang on for the joy. Because one day, those leaves will all fall down, land in that river and be whisked away on the joyride of their lives.

All Is Not Lost

2010-09-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

I spent all morning editing the first thirty pages of a manuscript due soon. Then, as I prepped to back it up, I closed out of the doc and went over to My Computer. That's when I discovered the file wasn’t in the correct directory, though I’d been saving it often throughout the morning. Uh oh.

I’d been editing a temporary file. And since I’d already closed it, I couldn’t do a Save As (which I usually do FIRST).

Has that ever happened to you? A while back, I remember an author friend having a similar experience with some project or other. Eventually, she had to give up and accept the fact she’d lost the hours and start over. I didn’t want my scenario to end the same way.

The temp file directory is hard to track down, but by going back to pretend to save the downloaded file and through some desperate prayers, I found it—the edited copy full of track changes. Yay! All was not lost.

Same is true in our lives in Christ. He’s in the redemption business, if you will—redeeming our souls, first, then redeeming our past mistakes, hurts and losses. He makes it all work out for good. (see Romans 8:28)

Turn to Him. He is good.

Turn everything over to Him. He is kind.

Trust Him. He is able.

No matter what you’re facing, God will work it out. And no matter what the past held, remember, all is not lost.

Rise Up

2010-09-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come to you. Shake yourself from the dust, arise; sit down, O Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! (Is 52:1-2)

Do themes ever appear twice in one week for you? Sunday, someone delivered a prophetic word about this scripture in Isaiah 52 and then, as I posted a book review, it occurred to me the same theme was present there.

Sometimes the key to our breakthrough is in our own hands. We just need to recognize and utilize it.

I love this: Awake! As in “Don’t be complacent with the struggle you’re in. YOU can do something about it. Don’t be a victim of it!" Don’t wait for someone else to rescue you when God Himself is asking you to awake and put on strength.

He directs Zion to put on strength. Our strength comes from Christ. We're to put on beautiful garments—the robe of righteousness, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, the robe of salvation. Walk in what you know. Walk with Christ. Follow Him.

And He says “Shake yourself from the dust, arise.” Rise up out of those circumstances, at least mentally. See the bigger picture. See what God is pointing toward.

And then, right after He says “arise” He says “sit.” Sit in a new place. Find a new, fresh place to “sit” with authority and a new perspective. Find rest. That old place was not a restful place.

Finally, He knows you’ve been a captive. But here’s what He says, “Loose yourself from the bonds on your neck.” You have the key to those chains. You have access to the freedom. Step into it. Agree with it. Believe in God’s message to you. Come out of agreement with the old and into agreement with His promises, no matter how long you have to wait.

Get free.

Jesus Finds Us

2010-09-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

This morning, I ran across two verses in the Book of John about how Jesus finds two people whose lives He’s touched and speaks to them again. I think this demonstrates His heart. He intentionally created an encounter with these people.

The first was a case where He healed a man whose sin had brought sickness on him.

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him,
Behold, you are made whole.
Sin no more lest a worse thing come to you. (John 5:14)

He wanted to protect him—to impart wisdom and give him hope for a new life on the heels of his healing. Out of love, I believe, He reached back into the man’s life and gave him direction.

The second was a case where Jesus healed a man born blind and the religious leaders, in their hatred of Jesus (because He represented change and challenged their powerful stronghold on the people), cast out the man who was healed for speaking the truth.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and finding him,
He said to him, Do you believe on the Son of God? (John 9:35)

The second case is one where Jesus found the outcast and ministered life to him by revealing Truth to him at a greater level (that Jesus is the Messiah). Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Jesus wants to meet you in that place and minister to your heart. He is close to the broken-hearted.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted;
and saves those who are of a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

The other thing that strikes me about these men is they must have been in His vicinity. In His ministry on earth, Jesus was limited in where He could physically be at one time or how far he could travel in a day or week. So, these recently healed men must have been nearby. How that translates to us today is: by opening our hearts to God, by turning toward Him, we put ourselves in His vicinity. I’m not saying He won’t track people down who are “far away,” but it can’t hurt to make yourself “findable.”

Let Jesus find you today, in whatever circumstances or state of mind you’re in. And listen. Open the Bible and ask for understanding. Turn to Him and let Him minister life and truth to you.

Next time I’ll discuss going after God. We don’t have to be passive. We can search for Him and find Him ourselves.

Why Wait?

2010-08-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

The other night, I noticed my Bible on my nightstand. Earlier that week, I’d been doing a study on the strong right arm of God (which is Jesus). That night, I was thinking, “I can’t wait until tomorrow morning when I can have devotionals.” And it hit me, why wait? So I grabbed my Bible and flipped open to the Psalms. God met me there in beautiful phrases I’d never read in that translation.

I’m part of a prayer loop where requests are shared. As I read through them, sometimes I think to myself—I’ll have to remember to pray about that later. Then, one day it occurred to me: why wait? So I began praying through them as I went through my email inbox.

God has amazing things planned for His people. Heaven comes to mind. We’ll commune with God on a completely different level. And while there are aspects that are reserved for heaven, we can still have communion and fellowship with God now on a very deep level. Why wait?

And lastly, I’m reminded of a song I heard as a young child: “Plenty of Time.” Sometimes people put off thinking about God and the decision each person must make in regards to salvation and our eternal destiny. Heaven is real. Hell is real. God does not force Himself on anyone. You have to make a choice. Do you want forgiveness, a clean slate, peace and salvation so that you’ll go to heaven when you die? Or not. This is one of those “opt-in” opportunities. If you don’t, you’ll be condemned. If you’ve been waiting for “someday” to make the decision to follow Jesus, I have a question for you: why wait? Let today be the day you choose God, ask forgiveness, receive His Holy Spirit and become a new person.

There’s a way to have peace and freedom and joy and communion with God—choose Him.

Why wait?

Rewards in the Garden

2010-08-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

I pray as I garden.

I clipped away dead branches from my potted flowers today. Everything looks green again. While I worked on the hanging pot, around nose level, the aroma of petunias wafted my way, a reward in my labor.

I like being paid in fragrance as I garden.

Made me think of our work with God. There I am, following through on His directions to minister to someone or write a certain story or blog a devotional, and He blesses me with joy. There’s refreshing in the work.

I also took a moment to sit and pray in my garden, seek God’s guidance and aid in certain areas of my life. The warm breeze passed over me, soothing me. Another peaceful moment as I attended the garden.

As we pray and interact with God, we’re spiritually attending the gardens of our souls, working side by side with the Father who is the Master Gardener.

As we work with God in life, He will bless us with the fragrance of His goodness and the warmth of His love. There are blessings in the work.

click over to Net’s Bridal Notes to read the rest of my thoughts on this idea of rewards in the garden

Walking by Faith

2010-08-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

How much do you enjoy walking by faith?

Stretches ya, doesn't it?

God asks you to take that leap and you survey the depths before you. Or, at least that's the temptation.

But He's just asking us to jump. Leave the rest to Him.

I get to practice that in the season ahead. He's been very clearly leading me to take some risks and walk by faith and not by sight.

Thing is, I can't see what's in front of me. I can only guess, and so often fears cloud the truth of what's out there.

Only God can see and since He’s directing my steps and He is loving, I can trust Him to see to my needs and the needs of those counting on me. He’s faithful.

Next time God asks you to take a leap of faith, remind yourself how faithful He is.

If we do not believe Him, yet He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself. (2 Tim 2:13)

Don’t ya love that? He is a faithful God, no matter what. He can’t deny that part of His nature. He will take care of things for you.

Just follow.

Just leap!

Which God?

2010-07-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Had a great conversation with someone today. It was one of those magical moments. No distractions. No interruptions.

It seems she’s surrounded by those who would judge her for her clothes or wonder why she can’t get new stuff.

Well, maybe someone should tell them money doesn’t grow on trees. *grin*

More that that, though, it’s about whom we’re going to serve.

You know if you go after money and the latest this, or that, you’ll never be satisfied?

My God promises to satisfy.

With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation. (Ps 91:16)

Money will never give you lasting contentment.

My God offers Himself.

Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" (Heb 13:5)

Money cannot minister to your deeper hurts.

My God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound..." (Isaiah 61:1)

Money cannot encourage you.

My God promises to hold my hand.

"For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isa 41:13

Money cannot love you back.

My God is in love with His people.

"The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.' " (Jer 31:3)

It all comes down to these two choices: God or what Jesus called mammon.

"No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24)

Which one do you choose?

Beach Rocks and Burdens

2010-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Rocks make a fine collection. Sea shells, too. Soon, I’ll add some to my collection on my office shelves.

We just returned from vacation on an island—no, not in the tropics. In fact, every morning a marine layer kept the temps in their 50s. But, oh the glorious afternoons of blue skies and warm sunshine.

One day, I took a long walk with Jesus while the kids played with the grandparents. Along the way, I kept spying unusual rocks or shells I could not live without. I had my sweatshirt along, so the pockets became loaded down. See, unlike my oldest daughter, I didn’t keep my rock choices to smaller stones. Nope. If I liked something, no matter that it was the size of an egg, I’d tuck it into my pocket. Well, all these lovelies stuffed into my pockets resulted in a heavier walk the longer I was gone.

Reminds me of life. Only in life, the heavy “stuff” we pick up along the way isn’t lovely. They aren’t keep sakes. Those “things” are oftentimes offenses, negative memories or hurts. But, oh, how they weigh us down as we walk through life.

Once I’d returned to the house after my walk, I shucked my sweatshirt and went to spend a few moments chatting with my husband. When I wanted to show him the collectibles, I reached for my jacket to discover just how heavy it was. Amazingly heavy. And as I’d added rocks to the pockets, I hadn’t realized just how burdensome they were becoming.

Are you willing to keep carrying the weight of the things you’ve collected throughout your life? Sure, keep the great stuff—the good memories. But come to terms with the hurts—forgive or seek forgiveness. Let God give you a clean slate. Let Him empty your pockets.

Why carry anything along that isn’t lovely?

Then, set your good memories, your high points on the shelf and thank God for His goodness in your life.

Fragile

2010-07-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

We’re so fragile.

Your life is not really in your hands.

We think we’re in charge of our own destiny, but we aren’t. You can take care of your health and take every precaution and still be blindsided. Then what?

Recently, I received a prayer request for a man just having come through heart surgery. He had a triple bypass. He was in critical condition, post-op.

Made me think how fragile we are.

At the end, we may not be able to make the decisions about our lives we’ve always been capable of making. We’re out of it, unconscious. And, hopefully we make it through the surgeries, the sicknesses, have a peaceful end later. Much later.

But if not, whose hands are you in? Will your Creator take your hand and usher you into heaven?

Right now, while you can think straight, stop and think. If you haven’t made Jesus the Lord of your life, and trusted Him for your salvation, sought His forgiveness for your sins (we’ve all sinned against God), then do so. Don’t wait. There is no guarantee of time to make the decision later. And you will have to give account for your decision. In the end, it’s all about what you did with this question: Did you let Jesus save you? Or not?

Who's Your Leader?

2010-06-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Whenever we’re outside, we have to lead our dog around the obstacles or he’ll wrap himself around the boulders or chairs and get hung up. See, we connect him to the 40-food lead and let him roam, within reason. But I’m also an amateur gardener and with all the time and TLC I’ve invested in these lilies, if his lead saws them off at the stem before they bloom, I will not be a happy woman. :) So, I’ve put up chairs to protect my small flower bed. Guess where Jack (our mini-dachsie) always gets himself wrapped up?? Right there, around those prized lilies.

You see, there’s a right way to maneuver in our yard, and a wrong way. Now, adults figure it out right away. Children do, too. But our dog . . . ? Not so much. So, Jack needs a leader, someone who shows him where to go and where not to go. Someone who can get him unstuck if he doesn’t follow. Someone with a big picture point of view.

Sounds like life to me. We need God’s help, because from His perspective, He can help us navigate life’s obstacles.

Which leads me to point number two: Our dog has a choice whether or not to follow. If he decides he knows better—spies a “shortcut” and takes it—he’ll end up snagged or stuck. Or worse, he’ll decapitate those lilies I mentioned earlier and then, watch out pooch! ;D

God is a loving leader. He can see the obstacles so much better than we can. He knows there are no shortcuts to good character (drat!) and that there’s a right way and a wrong way to get places. Wisdom urges us to follow.

And point number three: sometimes, when our dog gets himself tangled up, he still has some lead, but it’s shorter than before because he didn’t follow the leader (us).

When we decide we know better than God and trust ourselves, our freedom becomes progressively limited. Areas we were once free to roam and explore are no longer open to us. God puts us where we’ve proven ourselves trustworthy—when we’re faithful with little, we’ll be given much. When we go off on our own, neglecting dependence, (without Him we can do nothing), our freedom is restricted. We basically get ourselves in a knot and our lives will need some unraveling.

I’m glad God’s there to take care of us then. But, again, wisdom beckons us to follow from the beginning.

So, who’s your leader? Through our pup, I’m learning the folly of thinking I know the best route. Better to let God show me, and then follow His lead.

Singing in the Rain

2010-06-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

It’s raining again. Our region gets lots of rain. And June is normally a gray month. So, the birds who had been frequenting the yard take to hiding in the Laurel hedge during the storms.

Funny, it rains so often here, we don’t call it a rain storm. Just another shower.

On those rare June days when the skies actually clear, the sun blazes down and you can tuck your sweatshirt away—for the moment.

Some days the finches and nuthatches don’t mind (or get desperate enough to disregard) the rain. They’ll brave the wash in order to swing on the birdfeeder and pinch at the seeds.

But most wet days they fall quiet. Rain makes them fly into the trees and duck under fat leaves for protection. I imagine them shivering in our 50-degree temps and waiting it out. No singing. No chirping. Just hoping.

I get like that. Circumstances are my rain. They pour seemingly down upon me, and I grow silent, watchful, thoughtful. Sometimes fearful. My song dries up as the “rain” pours down.

The other day, though, drippy as it was outside, I heard a bird chirruping away. She (I like to think the bird was a she—go with me here) didn’t care that it was “stormy.” After days of gray and rain, she let loose her song anyway.

That’s how I want to be. Sing anyway. Let loose the worries and trust God in His faithfulness no matter how hard it rains. Here’s to singing in the rain.

God's Personal Gifts

2010-06-08T10:52:00.001-07:00

Our God is so personal.

Did you ever dream of going somewhere when you were a small child? I did. Growing up in the Midwest, my idea of warm temps and beautiful waters was Florida. Our family took plenty of vacations, but never to Florida. As an adult, I put that dream aside.

Until this year.

My husband recently needed to attend a conference out of state. The option came up for me to accompany him. We'd cover my half of the expenses, and we'd have evenings free. And during the day, I could do my own thing. Guess where the conference was being held? Florida.

As we prayed about me tagging along, God reminded me of my little-girl dream. I'd seen the Atlantic ocean from farther north. But I wanted to see the ocean from the tropical locale of Florida, so during one of the days, I rented a car and God made that dream happen, too.

The weather was perfect. The temps bearable. *grin* And everyday I was so grateful to be there. To enjoy the pristine setting with my husband. What a gift!

God is so great about:

1) remembering our dreams

2) honoring our dreams

3) fulfilling even the ones we've laid aside

4) personally seeing to our heart's desire

I love Him for that! It's another way He woos us to Himself.

Worry or Worship

2010-05-30T09:37:00.001-07:00

Heard some bad news the other day. Don’tcha hate when that happens? Things are moving along just fine, and then, here comes some bad news. Kinda unsettles everything.

But I did something I don’t usually do. This is only by the grace of God, I know, because it’s taken a long time to get to this point, but I didn’t respond the way I usually do. Normally, I start to complain or point blame. This time? I said something to the effect that God has something good coming. He’ll turn it around. He’s up to something good. He’ll get us through.

You’ve heard problems are just opportunities in disguise. Opportunities to grow and rise to the challenge, practice problem solving.

But I think they’re also opportunities to remember God.

Remember, He got you through last time.

Remember, He has you in His hands.

Remember, He’ll hold you close.

Remember, He’s a great big God. He is King and supreme. He reigns over every circumstances. His promises will prevail. Delay is not denial.

Call to mind how big He is. Engage with Him. Speak about how good He is. Sing about how great He is, about His faithfulness. You’ll get a different view when you worship Him. Your problems are tamed in His presence, brought down to size.

I’m challenged to keep this up. I believe God will help me. Instead of worrying, worship. God will get you through.

Go Higher Eagle, Go Higher

2010-05-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

This afternoon a bald eagle surprised me overhead. It’s not so rare to see them down by the lake, but right here over our house? Amazing. He was pretty high up there. But, of course, a smaller bird darted around him, pestering him. What is with that? The crow or blackbird that pesters the regal one.

I think it’s a picture.

I say, “Go, higher brave eagle, go higher.” Somewhere, I read that eagles can soar higher than smaller birds (who need to both flap their wings more often and take more frequent breaks). So, if the eagle glided higher, the little bird might leave him alone.

Reminds me of our walk with Christ. If we can soar higher, get into God’s presence through worship and prayer and reading His Word, we will no longer be bothered by the same things that drag us down. Now, there are new threats, but I know this: no devil likes the presence of God.

So, go higher, dear friend. Soar higher.

Laughter is Love

2010-05-13T15:52:00.001-07:00

To me, laughter is love. To make someone laugh is to express how much I care for them. Dr. Chapman missed that one in his Five Love Languages ;D but I’ll forgive him. Tee hee.

It all started with my father. He has such a great sense of humor. He wanted to be the life of the party. He would tell stories and rally people around him to listen and laugh. And no one tells a story like he does. Maybe that’s why I’m a story-teller (read: writer) today. Anyway, that sparkle in his eyes, the tears of many chuckles spilling into the room. Can’t beat it.

Does Jesus make you laugh? Sometimes in our conversations, He makes me laugh out loud. Watch out. That crazy looking woman, laughing when “no one” is around is likely me, conversing with my best Friend.

So thankful God meets me in personable ways, speaking to me and loving me through our relationship, including laughter. Glory to Him.

When was the last time you laughed? It’s great medicine. Let go and laugh!

If You've Ever . . .

2010-05-09T20:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers reading Net's Notes today.

I love watching my kids grow and relate differently at different stages. This blesses me, especially when they cross over into territory I haven't seen before. Maturity. Kindness. Selflessness. Makes me one proud mama.

I know we don't often talk about God's Fatherly love on Mother's Day, but if you've ever snuggled your baby a little longer at bedtime just because, that's a picture of God's love for you.

If you've ever made up a song about your child, that's a picture of God's love for you. He sings over us.

If you've ever watched junior act on a new lesson and felt pride, I believe that's a picture of God's being pleased with you as His child.

If you've ever laughed at your child's antics in pure pleasure, I believe that is like God's pleasure in us.

And if you've ever simply enjoyed the company of your child, I believe that's a picture of God's enjoyment of us as members of His family.

If you're a mother, watch for those glimpses of God's nurturing heart, His love for YOU as His child.

To Bloom Again

2010-04-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

When I bought the miniature rose plant for my home office, there were about ten blooms ready to open. A couple of them did. Then, over the next few days, the others began to die and some leaves fell off. I watered the little plant. I repotted it. I put it in the sun, and took it out of the sun. I babied it, yet the leaves continued to brown up and fall off. None of the remaining blooms survived.

Looking at the brittle leaves and stems, I nearly gave up on the thing.

But, you should see it now. No blooms, to be sure, but long green sprouts shooting out in three different places. No more dried up leaves. It’s almost as if the move from store to home was too shocking, the adjustment was too much to support the blooms. Yet the plant didn’t altogether die. Glad I didn’t toss it.

Same it true for my relationship with God. My heart has shriveled up at times due to changes and adjustments and new climes. From one season to the next I’ve faced challenges and didn’t always overcome.

Good thing God didn’t give up on me.

Our Gardener knows just the right amount of sunlight and water and fresh soil, just the right place to position us for the best growth.

I stare at the varying shades of green leaves and think—I’m glad I didn’t toss it when it looked nearly dead. And I’m glad God never gives up on me when I face a tough season with less grace than I wish I could.

My plant has learned to adapt, which is exactly what I’m doing. God knows.

And both of us, in time and with proper care, will once again bloom.

Golden Moments

2010-04-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

The sun has just dropped behind the horizon as I sit here in my home writing office. Twelve minutes ago, the golden light bathed my room with a yellow glow. Sure I had to squint, but I positioned myself right in the beam of all that sunshine. Words poured into my computer as I worked in that quiet, golden moment.

Then, five minutes ago, I turned on FOTB.com to listen to their live “Student Awakening” service and felt the presence of God tangibly descend. I stilled the writing process and just received His refreshing. A golden moment.

Tulips are finally blooming in my yard. Yesterday, before my dog could destroy them, I snipped the stems and brought a red and a yellow bloom indoors. They sit in my west-facing window. Their petals opened in the wash of sunshine tonight, too. A splash of color after months of drab. A golden moment.

Hysterical laughter with my family. Trips to and from church where we work on vocal warm-ups, which annoy some of those riding in the car. Singing loud and proud. Lip trills! Giggling. Golden moments.

Our new pup enjoys afternoon naps. He curls up in my lap as I write, and falls asleep. Love those peaceful moments. He’s not getting into anything, barking at the slightest noise, digging around in the backyard, scrounging for crumbs under the kitchen stove. He’s still, warm, sweet. Golden moments.

They don’t happen all the time. If they did, we wouldn’t appreciate them. It’s the wisdom of God. But I want to recognize every golden moment, whether with my beautiful family, or with God, or by myself basking in sunshine, and I want to be grateful. These are graces from the Lord.

Thank God for golden moments.

Safe

2010-04-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

He’s curled in my lap again. Sooooo sweet, these afternoon quiet times.

Here on my blog, and in life, I usually liken my relationship with God to my relationship with my husband (bridal understanding) or my relationship with my kids (father/parent understanding). But today, God’s showing me a few things through my care of our new dog which have me reaching for tissues.

As our mini-dachsie mix curls up in my lap, peaceful after our few short weeks together, I hear myself saying words I think God has been saying to me all along:

You’re safe.

Safe in my lap. I’ve got you.

Safe in our family. We will never disown you. (he’s been in at least three homes in his two short years)

Safe in my love. I will never despise you. In fact, I enjoy you, even as we work together to help you better assimilate into the family. (i.e. no nipping)

Safe. Loved. Cherished. Appreciated. Adopted. (we got him from the pound)

God assures me His care is protective. I can rest in His “lap.” I’m safe in His family. God will never disown me. I’ve accepted salvation and God has adopted me as His own daughter. I am in His family. For good. Amen!

I’m safe in His love, even as imperfect as I am. Oh, this unmerited love of God—so past finding out. Not only does He not despise me in my weakness, He cherishes and enjoys me in it, while I’m growing and messing up.

God cherishes, loves, protects, appreciates and celebrates me. That’s so humbling and beautiful.

I reach down and pet my sleeping dog, thanking God for the pictures He gives me in life of His love, adding layer by layer to my understanding of the knowledge of God and how much He loves me.

No Way Out

2010-04-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever re-watched a movie and worried about the ending, though you knew how it would turn out? Have you bitten your fingernails as the hero faces death, fearing he won’t find a way out? He has to go through the battle to reach the breakthrough on the other side, but you fear for him and wish there would be an easier way. That happened to me last night. Only I wasn’t watching a movie. I was reading the Bible.

I reread the arrest and crucifixion in John’s Gospel last night, knowing what was coming. Dreading the violence Jesus willingly faced. Wishing there was a way out.

Wait a minute. A way out?

Where would that have left me?

The same place I was before I accepted Jesus’ free gift of salvation: with no way out.

See if Jesus had taken an easier path, a way out, I’d be hopelessly lost. I’d still be dwelling in darkness, hopelessness, fearing rejection, making horrible choices. Living to die.

But Jesus didn’t take an easy way out. He faced the bloodthirsty soldiers who had something to prove, the mob who couldn’t control their King, the authorities who couldn’t control the mob and the haters who just wanted this change-bringer taken down.

I kept reading the Gospel account, loving Jesus more and more, battling with the gut-feeling of “find another way” versus “thank God You took the way that would save me.”

Amazing sacrifice.

Amazing obedience.

Amazing love.

Amazing God.

Thank God Jesus didn’t take a way out. Thank God for giving me a Way out—Jesus.

Preparing for Easter

2010-03-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday, is this Sunday. In preparation, I made a shopping list with my preschooler today: eggs, baskets, dresses, dinner items. We’re preparing to celebrate around here!

But I’m also preparing my heart.

Some of my friends and family prepare by watching The Passion of the Christ DVD. Some plan to attend the Good Friday services. (We’re having one this at our church. First time I can remember us doing this. I’m very excited!)

If we don’t prepare our hearts, Easter could slip by (even if we attend church) without our hearts truly being impacted by the amazing gift Jesus gave us when He gave us Himself. The amazing sacrifice He made when He willingly went to the cross and died in our place.

I urge you to take some time this week, some extended devotional moments, and really contemplate Jesus’ sacrifice. Read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death. Consider His age. Consider His heart toward His people (John’s Gospel is beautiful for this). Consider His courage. Consider His humanity. Consider His intimacy with the Father, that He openly expressed His desires while accepting the Father’s desires. Consider the Father’s heart to send Jesus to the cross. Consider Jesus’ love to willingly go and die. Consider salvation. Now we can accept His free gift of forgiveness and become a part of His family.

And consider the victory of His resurrection. He is not in the tomb! He is risen. He was fully dead. He is now fully alive, seated at the right hand of God the Father. He ascended to heaven in His glorified body. He reigns. HE LIVES!

Hallelujah!!

Saying Yes to God: Part One

2010-03-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

All last week, God had me on assignment. Say “yes” to Him. Worried about something? Say “yes” to God. Waiting on God’s answer to a need or prayer? Say “yes” to God. Frustrated with waiting? Say “yes” to God.

Know what this exercise did?

** Redirected me from worrying. Yippee!

** Kept me from resenting Him while I wait. (Ugh, hate this about my response to Him.) Good news: saying “yes” to Him retrained and redirected me.

** Made the waiting more bearable.

** Gave me hope in the middle of my circumstances.

** Made me see God differently. In saying “yes” I had to remind myself of His goodness. He’s going to come through for me. He’s going to keep His promises. I can count on Him.

Now, this isn’t the same as saying “yes” to the pressures around me, or even the blessings around me. It’s saying “yes” to God.

God wants us to see Him as He is, not as we think He is. I will not now give you the lowdown on what God is really like, as if I have all the answers. God Himself wants to show us, individually. If we have our eyes open.

Sometimes we don’t want to know. We can control the “God” we’ve invented. We can control the “God” we’ve defined. He’s so unutterably good that He wants to 1) show up in the midst of our insecurities and misunderstanding Him and 2) bless us!

Sunday, during worship, we sang about God speaking to us, about Him unveiling our eyes so we can see Him clearly.

If God blessed us the way we hope He will (promises He’s made to us, special requests) without us really knowing His heart behind the blessing, we’d miss something. We’d miss a relational moment. God wants intimacy. If we can get to know Him while in the midst of trials, we’ll really know Him once through them.

So, in the midst of my saying “yes” to Him lately, I’m asking Him to reveal Himself to me as He is.

And guess what? He’s so much more “good” than I’ve ever imagined. You think you know He’s good? Ask Him to show you again, at a deeper level. He’s going to surprise you. It’s humbling and tenderizing to see His great goodness.

Say it with me now, “Yes, God.”

In a couple of days, I’ll post Part Two of this “yes to God” series.

God's Assignments

2010-03-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

There are a million things I need to do today. Stress overwhelms me, if I let it. Clean the house. Tackle the laundry. Rewrites on two manuscripts. Blog x 4. Garden. Cook. Parent. Train the pet. Etc. Time rushes by. Daylight Savings Time throws me for a loop, confirming society's need to rush.

But what does God have for me in this moment? in this day?

Maybe I give in too readily to the pressure of all I see which needs doing. The bully burden stomps up to me, and I willingly accept its yoke.

It's time to reword that opening line: “There are a million things I think I need to do today.”

And it's time to pray--

Lord, what do You have for me to accomplish today? Where should I spend my limited amount of time? What's Your priority?

I'm off to listen for His answer . . . Here's to a satisfying day following the Lord.

God Is For You

2010-03-08T08:58:00.000-08:00

Recently, my preschooler looked so worried and insecure, I had to stop everything, make eye contact, and let her know I was for her. I knew how to meet her needs, and I would.

God wants to do the same in your circumstances today.

The LORD is for me, I will not fear; (Psalm 118:6)

Sometimes in the middle of a stressful situation, we forget who’s on our side. Or in this case Who’s on our side.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Our new dog seems intent on proving himself to us over and over. Excitedly running from person to person. Looking up at us as if he needs our acceptance. Now, I don’t know much about doggy psychology. Does the fact than in his short life he’s had two previous homes mean he’s nervous we’ll give him away, too? Perhaps. Wish he would relax and know we accept him. We chose him from the humane society. We already love him.

Do you know you’re accepted? And chosen? God isn’t going to one day give up on you and reject you. He is a good Father, a faithful Husband. And you belong to Him. You don’t have to go out of your way to prove yourself to Him. Just let Him love on you. Know He’s for you. And He will provide for you.

God is for you.

The Best in You

2010-02-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

What brings out the best in you?

We've only caught a couple of nights of the Olympics, but I'm still amazed at their mental strength (which I discussed last week).

I consider the coaches who know how to bring out the best in their athletes. Or the figure skater whose entire country holds her to a high standard. Well, that standard seemed to bring out the best in her. She received over 150 points for her program Thursday night!

That kind of pressure would probably bury me. :) How about you? Do high expectations provoke you to be your best?

Recently I had a conversation with a fellow mother about grades. She said she went lenient on her older children, sympathizing, but she doesn't treat her youngest the same. No excuses. Rise to the challenge. And her youngest is thriving in school.

Got me thinking: what brings out the best in me?

When someone needs me, I tend to be my best. Probably because I'm a mother.

Affirmation makes me want to reach higher and succeed.

When someone draws from my strengths I tend to be my best. Teaching, comforting, affirming.

A writing teacher recently described how a group of aspiring writers brought out the best in her just by needing what she could give. I relate with that.

What brings out the best in you? And how do you bring out the best in others?

Mental Strength

2010-02-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

How much strength does it take to be an Olympian? That’s hard to quantify, isn’t it? And we’re only talking physical strength so far. Athletes train their entire lives to compete. Figure skaters can take the ice at age 16, then display their skills effortlessly. One Canadian skater, age 37, earned a bronze yesterday. Both of these competitors have likely spent their entire lives in “training” in one form or another. Just to compete. Just to succeed, physically.

What about mentally? Even leading up to the games, the participants had to go to the games with a mental attitude that no matter what, they were going to give it their best. They’d been training for this. They were getting their shot to compete (or compete again). Their coaches were counting on them. Their families, their fellow teammates, their country. And you watch them win. And you watch then handle “losing” with grace (mostly).

I sometimes wonder what it takes to have that kind of mental strength. That kind of “killer” attitude—to win no matter the cost. To give it everything without backing down. I’m more likely to sympathize (even with myself) than fight. What about you?

Going for your dreams, whatever they may be, takes guts. You have to face down your own doubts, naysayers, rejection, failure, fears and roadblocks just to approach the starting gate of your dreams. There’s fear of failing and of winning. Can you relate with that?

But as you watch the Olympians take the platforms to receive their medals (a fantastic display of heroism and celebration) you don’t see fear of winning—you see victory! They’ve overcome!

I think we can practice, in everyday life, the skills of being an overcomer. For some, this comes easier than for others. But I believe we’re all called to it.

Whatever you face today, overcome. Press into God who gives you strength and realize victory, even in small ways. The training process for athletes is filled with day after day of small victories leading up to competition on a grander scale. But it all begins behind the scenes in everyday choices and decisions.

Also, find a rooting section. Gather people around you who will support you as you follow your dreams. Don’t let naysayers hold you back.

Press through.

Press on.

Stretch that mental muscle.

Overcome.

God, who sees your potential and knows what He’s called you to be, believes in you. Go for your dreams in Him! Watch what will happen when you partner up with Him and go for the gold.

My Companion

2010-02-19T10:59:00.000-08:00

Are you a friend of God? You can be.

I’m in the midst of an in-depth study of the Song of Solomon as it relates to Jesus our Bridegroom God. This morning I ran across Zechariah 13:7 where God calls Jesus “The Man who is My Companion.”

Oh that phrase rang through my spirit. So tender. So open. So real.

Reading “Abigail” by Jill Eileen Smith lately (see Net’s Book Notes Monday for my review) has me thinking about husbands who have many wives (like King David). I told my husband last night that I’m so glad I don’t have to share his time or heart. Then as I prayed myself to sleep, I thought of how believers are the bride of Christ. Now that’s not polygamy! Here’s the thing: believers will have so much unity, so much common purpose, calling and focus, we will all be one in Christ. And Jesus is God; He is everywhere present. So, He can attend us each separately at the same time.

Years ago, I asked a pastor this question: “So when we get to heaven will we have to share Jesus?” I’m used to my prayer times now where it’s just Him and me. Two of us. Intimate. Quiet. Personal. The idea of giving that up in heaven gave me a heartache. He explained he felt God would continue to meet with us corporately (like church settings today) and individually. We will not regret going to heaven to be with the Bridegroom for lack of closeness and personal time!

For now, deep in the throes of lovesickness for Him, I will whisper a quiet word, sing a new song, delight in Him, listen for Him, commune with Him.

He is my Companion.

Lovesickness

2010-02-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

My heart is overflowing with a good theme;
I recite my composition concerning the King;
My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.
(Psalm 45:1)

Trying to think of flowery words or pleasing prose this morning isn’t working. But I long to express my lovesickness to the King.

Jesus, my Beloved, beautiful One, words fail.

My heart and soul long for You, for Your presence, not just for what You do or what You can give, but for Who You are to me:

Merciful God, who saw my need and came as a
Loving Savior and died for me so You could draw me close and become
My Friend who listens and speaks revelation that You are
The Bridegroom and I am a member of Your bride

Closer, Love, so I may hear Your heartbeat, see Your eyes, know You more and more.

Why Not?

2010-02-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Ever sit at church and feel as if the sermon was directed specifically at you? That's exactly how I felt yesterday as Pastor Michael shared his message about the "now moment" we're living in. He preached on having faith in tough seasons. The main thrust of his message was that mindsets can keep us from breakthroughs, even our destiny.

Then, this morning, as I was reading "Never Say Never," by Lisa Wingate (Christian fiction), she writes about a character dreaming for things far out of reach because she knows 1) she doesn't have to risk being disappointed because they’re so unattainable and 2) she doesn't really believe it'll happen anyway.

Yikes. Doesn't really believe it'll happen anyway??

I'm a dreamer. And a writer. (The two seem to go hand in hand in writerly circles.)

And after yesterday's message, I'm challenged to aim beyond the sky to the stars. I'm challenged to change my mindsets. I have big dreams, and I want to see them come true, now more than ever. But I had to ask myself about the mindsets behind those dreams.

One of Pastor Michael's instructions was instead of asking "Why," ask "Why not?" His point: asking "why me" is complaining, focusing on the negatives. Asking "why not me" is optimistic. God's goodness is for everyone. He wants to bless every one of His children. And He will keep His promises. We look at someone else and say “Oh, that’s just her way. She’s always joyful.” Well, why can’t that joyful person be you? or me? The same is true for other aspects while walking with God.

So, as I dream today, I'm asking "Why not me?" I will not disqualify myself based on my past, any fear of failure or fear of disappointment. By the grace of God, my mindsets will change to better match up with God’s plans, estimations, desires as He reveals them to me.

And I will dream beyond the stars, daring to hope.

Face the Light

2010-02-04T07:52:00.000-08:00

Pouring rain kept my windshield wipers busy while I squinted at the dark roads. Such weather magnifies the fact that those white lines off to the right have faded to almost invisible.

In driver's ed, they taught us when an oncoming car's headlights blind you, focus on the white line on the right to stay in your lane, until they pass. When those lines have faded, you're left with fewer options.

You can't close your eyes and drive. (Well, not for long, anyway. :)

You can't stare directly at the lights, or you'll be seeing spots.

If there is no car ahead of you in your lane, you can't focus on their taillights and trust they can see better than you can.

So, what's a driver to do?

I am very sensitive to light, even in day to day life. For example, if I am facing a window and trying to read something in front of me, I have to squint to make it out. It's the same effect of a camera trying to capture a backlit image. The light throws it off.

So, on a dark road, with headlights blinding me, I have a very difficult time driving.

But I found one thing which worked recently though it seems counter-intuitive. Facing the light. Not looking directly into the lights of those oncoming cars, but facing the lights. The headlights of the other cars illuminated the road ahead and my cars' lights helped and suddenly, it wasn't so difficult to see.

In our walks with God, sometimes we want to avoid the light of the truth. We'd rather hide than face shame.

But God calls us out into the light--His light, so we can see the truth and let the truth set us free.

When God shines His light, He isn't meaning to shame us. He is trying to free us.

We just need courage to face the light.

Bird Feeder, Part Two

2010-01-28T14:38:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I filled the bird feeder today. Still no birds are coming. Due to a long delay, I think they gave up hope of there ever being fresh bird seed for them. I know eventually, they’ll come back around, but for now there needs to be some kind of announcement to our feathered friends: “Fresh, wholesome seeds. Free for the taking! Come and get it!” ;-)

But I’m reminded of how prayer can feel sometimes.

First, some absolutes:

God is always there.

As a born-again believer, you always have access to His throne.

If you feel far from God, it’s either 1) a lie, or 2) due to shame from sin, or 3) distance because it’s been so long since you tried to connect.

That last point is today’s focus. The bird feeder is out there. Full of seeds. Ready to nourish whichever bird comes by. But there’s a dry spell. No birds. When you’ve had some time away from God (a few days when you didn’t pray, perhaps), it might feel like He’s not there when you go to pray again. But be diligent. He’s there. And your spirit will be sensitized again, and you’ll encounter Him. Just keep seeking Him.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners; and purify your hearts, double-minded ones. (James 4:8) (especially that first part)

And when you have found Him, do not let Him go. (see Song of Solomon 3:4)

What Good Does it Do?

2010-01-27T12:52:00.001-08:00

The other day I picked up a bag of wild bird seed at the local store. My feeder’s been rather bare for some time. Today we have glorious sunshine in the northwest, and every now and then I hear a bird chirping away outside. I think it’s time to fill the feeder.

What good does a bag full of seed do if the birds don't have access to it?

Do you ever feel like you have the tools you need, but you don’t avail yourself to them? Or even, the sustenance your soul longs for, but you don’t take some time away from the routine and access the source?

I have a stack of books on the shelf—writing craft related and spiritual growth related, but if I don’t avail myself to them, if I never take the time to read them, what good are they doing me?

Be honest. Have you ever purchased a “how-to” or a “learn-about-yourself” book and then let it go dusty on the shelf? I have. Yet, some of the insights within those book covers might just set us free.

What good is a book on the shelf if a reader never reads it?

It’s time to go fill my bird feeder, and it’s time to schedule opportunities to read the helpful books on my shelves.

Otherwise, what good will they do?

Take out the Trash

2010-01-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

How often do you have to take out the trash at home? Specifically in your kitchen? I have a theory that the number correlates with the number of people in your household. We "get" to take it out a few times a week. ;-) Or we should. Today it was overflowing while I added old straws and napkins and cleaned the kitchen. Time to take out the trash.

Sometimes the "trash" of old behaviors and mindsets need to go--tossed out of our lives for good.

Let's make some spiritual comparisons.

There are trash days. Specifically, the night before the collectors come around in their noisy trucks and disturb our sleeping neighborhood. I liken this to New Year's or birthdays. Self-examination. Set new goals. Make changes. Embrace changes. Out with the old and in with the new.

There are overflowing days--when the wastebaskets in the house just don't seem big enough. That's like our old mindsets trying to hold new, fresh information. Jesus referred to this as old wine skins. Fresh wine (fresh insights or understanding) does not belong in old wine skins. The process of fermentation will make it burst. The process of trying to live like a new person while espousing old mindsets will not work. Ya hafta get rid of the old way of thinking.

There are motivating days (like right before collection days or vacations). These are when you rush around the house dumping every basket into large trash bags. Every bin is left empty and ready for whatever's next. Those motivations spiritually are when something ugly keeps rearing up in your life; you see every area it touches, and you determine to change once and for all. “Lord, I hate being like this (i.e. living with this awful attitude, etc.). Change me.”

Are there areas in your life that need to change? Where old thoughts or behaviors have to go to make room for victory? Is it time to take out the trash?

Masterpiece

2010-01-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Reclaiming my living space from overrun Christmas decorations is always a fun chore. Fun because I like getting the rooms back to normal. As I was storing Christmas dishes in our hutch this year, I rediscovered my sister’s gift to me several years ago: a set of six placemats. They’re handmade, quilted placemats. She is a master quilter.

I am not a quilter, but I have witnessed some of her work in the past. She uses such precision to cut the pieces of fabric into perfectly measured rectangles, squares and triangles. A pattern dictates where the quilt blocks of different colored fabric are to be placed. She irons, pins the pieces together, runs them through her amazing sewing machine, irons again, bastes, stitches, quilts. It’s a phenomenal feat, if you ask me. And she made six of them for me. Individual placemats in purples and greens and yellows and browns. They’re two-sided, too, so either way they’re placed, they grace the table with beauty.

With all the hours represented in one creation, I imagine she spends time thinking about how much she loves the person she’s creating the quilt for.

Reminds me of God’s work in my life. At the turn of the year, do you spend time looking back and looking ahead, hoping for the future to be better in ways than the past has been? I do. But today, it occurred to me the intimacy with God that has grown out of the pain of recent months has become such a precious treasure to me. Were I to do it all again, I wouldn’t wish those painful times away, not if that means missing out on God.

So, all the piecing and stitching and ironing (refining) is for good in my life as God works out His best for me.

And when He has finished His work in us (i.e. heaven) it won’t matter what direction we’re viewed from. We will be a masterpiece.

Find "Selah" Time

2010-01-06T11:14:00.001-08:00

Reading through the Psalms, you're likely to run into a little word which we tend to skip over. It's Selah, and I've heard it described to mean "pause." So, you're reading along in the Psalms and the psalmist gives a particularly poignant or powerful phrase, then he says "selah," or "stop and think about that a moment."

Here's an example of where David used the word several times in Psalm 3.

Many are they who say of me, "There is no help for him in God." Selah
But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah
I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.

I was watching a popular teacher this morning on TV and she said we all need a little time for "selah" in our lives. A little time to reflect and stop the mad busy-ness of our lives. Can I hear an "amen"?

I've been rather swamped this season (beyond the holiday craziness) and now it's time for some purposeful "selah" time. Time to recharge. Time to connect with God, meditate on His word, hear from Him, reflect on what He's spoken to me.

Have you taken time for "selah" lately?

A New Beginning

2010-01-01T13:41:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year, readers!

There's so much hope inherent in an exchange of calendars--from one year to the next--isn't there? Hope this year will be better than last. Hope we can leave the mistakes we made last year behind us. Hope for positive changes in our lives and things that have gone wrong can be made right. Hope is a gift from God.

There are no guarantees. But there is hope.

There are no sure things. But there is hope.

We aren't guaranteed an entire year, but we have today.

Let's grab onto hope and fully experience it, fully engage with it. Ride it to the stars.

I've used this verse before, but it's fitting once again. It's a blessing.

Now may the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13, MKJV)

God bless you this new year!

Hang onto the Warmth

2009-12-26T12:08:00.000-08:00

The Christmas holiday has passed, but the warm memories remain.

The other night as I tucked in my preschooler, she smiled. "Wanna know what I was just thinking about?"

"What?"

"How much you love me."

That'll bring a smile to your face and warm up your heart.

It's important to remember how much we are loved, especially if we're in the crash of post-holiday cheer. What we're craving at Christmas isn't a gift. It's what we think we want, but in fact, what we're truly, deeply hoping for is something to fill the void inside. That's why we shop and hope and hint. But even if we get the gadget we longed for, we may find there is a hollowness in the experience.

Then what?

There have been lots of changes this year for our extended family's Christmas celebration. Usually we travel out of state. Not this year. A relationship changed so we won't see a certain member of the family this year. One beloved grandparent is in the hospital, so we won't see her. No snow. (For some of us this is important. I say it's important if you don't have to drive in it. :) But there is one constant. We have to hang onto the one constant in order to not be disappointed.

That constant? Jesus.

Keeping our gaze fixed on the heart of Christmas--the true celebration--will keep us anchored in the ups and downs, the disappointments, the missing of family members who aren't with us. That's the key.

And remembering how much we are loved by God and family and friends will bring a smile, helping fill up that void inside with joy and peace. That's how we'll hang onto the warmth even as the Christmas season fades.

Pointing Toward Hope

2009-12-22T11:03:00.001-08:00

This time of year is filled with highs and lows. Folks rushing around with joy, feeling the rush that shopping brings as they find their treasures. Christmas pageants and music concerts, plays and movies all celebrate the season. There's the warmth you feel sitting by the fire, gazing at a Christmas tree covered in lights. Perhaps you hold a mug of hot tea in your hands, and a favorite novel is your reward for a long work day.

But there are signs of another experience this season. Signs of people struggling. The recent economic climate has led to our seeing more homeless people as we drive through busy streets. They hold signs and try to hope in the kindness of strangers. I've heard the suicide rate goes up at Christmas time. People running out of hope in the midst of what should be a hopeful season.

So, what can we do?

First, hang onto our own hope. Christmas isn't about gifts--either giving or getting, really. Christmas is commemorated that way, but it's truly about Jesus, the Son of God coming to earth as a baby to bring HOPE. As if He's saying to the poor and downtrodden, "Look to Me. I came to give you hope." He would say to the hopeless who contemplate giving up on life, "I am the way, the truth and the life. Come and let me give you hope."

When you smile at people, you offer them hope. When you lend a helping hand, you offer hope. When you serve others, putting others first, you offer them hope.

The Psalmist said, "I would have fainted unless I believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (see Psalm 27:13) He was talking about hope. Without hope, people give up.

So, first, we hang onto our own hope, keeping it refreshed through recent time with God. Then, second, we share that hope with others. Reach out. Help.

Point toward hope.

Now may the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13)

Then, He Smiled at Me

2009-12-16T16:17:00.001-08:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved various imaginative Christmas songs, beyond hymns. We used to learn them for school programs. Words to The Marvelous Toy and Do You Hear What I Hear? still run through my mind this time of year.

One of my favorites is still a favorite today: The Little Drummer Boy.

From the first notes on the piano, I’m hooked. Then, the words describe journey of this little drummer boy to see the Baby Jesus. The little musician has nothing to give but his talent. In humility he asks permission to play his drum for the Baby. Mary nods and then . . .

Jesus smiles at the drummer boy.

Do you picture Jesus smiling at you?

Maybe when the day is going well. Maybe if you can’t remember losing your temper that day or making any mistakes, or giving into temptation. Then, Jesus must smile at you, right?

Jesus is full of joy (see Psalm 45:7 & Hebrews 1:9)! The only issue that could have concerned Him, the condemnation of the entire human race due to sin, He Himself conquered. He righted the wrong. He is full of joy when people accept His forgiveness, His offered gift of reconciliation to God. He is glad to see you come to pray, worship or read His Word. He wants relationship with you!

So, when you come to Him, He is smiling. Sure the stuff of our lives will need to be dealt with, but it isn’t God’s primary basis for relating with us. What revelation! What a gift.

He just wants you to come. Get close enough to see Him smiling at you.

Sing with me now,

“Then, He smiled at me . . .”

The Music of Christmas

2009-12-09T11:19:00.001-08:00

"O come, all ye faithful . . ."

"Hark the herald angels sing . . ."

"O little town of Bethlehem . . ."

"Silent night, holy night . . ."

Can you hear the melodies as you read those lines?

I imagine you have a favorite Christmas carol or song. Every year, new Christmas songs are written and recorded. Some will become classics like "Breath of Heaven" or "Mary, Did you Know?". Are you familiar with those? My mind immediately slips into the mode of recalling the words as well as the emotions. I think that's why we enjoy music. It touches our hearts.

That's why I love the music of Christmas.

My favorite Christmas hymn? "O Holy Night."

One year, nearly twenty years ago, my husband and I sang this as a special for a church near our home.

Before we began our a capella (accompaniment-free) rendition, my husband played the notes we'd start on. Mine first, then his, separately. For some reason, my mind clicked on his note, a third higher than the key we'd practiced in. Uh-oh.

That song goes super high (calling all singers--can I hear an "amen"?). So there I was, up in the rafters with the highest notes. Because of my mistake, my poor hubby had to ad-lib his harmonies on the spot. I wondered why he wasn't singing along like we practiced. Oops. We finished though, and people's comments were complimentary afterward. (Whew!)

I love the holiness inherent in Christmas carols. A hush falls on the gathered ones who stand holding lit candles and raising their hearts to the Lord. It's enchanting. Magical. Beautiful.

This week we'll attend a school band concert. One of my kiddos plays the flute. Next week we're off to a choir concert because one of my daughter participates in two school choirs. I love attending and listening to the well-practiced harmonies.

What's your favorite Christmas song or hymn? Why?

Enjoy the music of this season. It's a once-a-year gift.

Frosty Mornings

2009-12-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

The temperatures have been super cold here lately, unusually so for our corner of the country. We haven’t had snow yet, but we’ve had some serious frosts. We awake early in the morning to discover thick layers of ice on cars and plants, rooftops and yards.

Our summer months this year were unbelievably hot—lingering around 100-degrees day after day. One afternoon, sitting in my un-air-conditioned home office, I offered a silly prayer or promise to God—"I’ll never complain about being cold again (yes, cold). Just please cool things down." The other morning, warming up our frigid van in order to drive my middle daughter to school, what did I do? Complain about the cold. Good grief, I’m a finicky human.

So, this December, I’m trying to be thankful. Frost is pretty. Christmas is coming. Family will visit. I can be thankful for friendships, writing, church, etc.

As my focus shifts from one thing to another, I want to make a point of zeroing in Jesus. His love carries me through the frostiest moments in life. His faithfulness assures me He sees my needs.

May your Christmas season be filled with thankfullness and joy as you remember Jesus is the reason for this beautiful season.

It's So True, He Repeats Himself

2009-11-24T09:50:00.001-08:00

When was the last time you saw portions of a Bible verse bolded in your Bible? Or underlined (before you took a pencil in hand to underscore something)? You've probably noticed Bible passages don't include bold or underline. When God wanted to emphasize something, He repeated Himself.

This morning, as I read the following verse and tried to soak in all the affirmation I believe God was pouring over me, He said, "This is so true, I repeated Myself."

Let this bless you today. No matter what you think your status is with God, no matter how human (read: imperfect) you've been this week, as a believer, you are His beloved. God sees you through the righteousness of Christ.

Believe it.

It's so true, He repeated it for emphasis:

Behold, you are beautiful, My love;
behold, you are beautiful;
you have doves’ eyes.
(Song of Songs 1:15, ModernKJV)

Exclusive Time

2009-11-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

In the right column of this blog there is a widget for devotions. "Have you had your devotions today?" it asks. I especially like that one if I've had my time with the Lord that morning. Then, there's a widget about what I'm reading. (Right now? Bob Sorge's "Secrets of the Secret Place")

On Saturday night, our church's worship team met here at our home. We watched a teaching by Bob Sorge regarding worship leaders and our responsibility before Jesus as He woos His bride. A great teaching from the recent worship leaders' conference at Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Listening to him teach stirred up a desire in my heart to read more of his book which I've been reading in chunks lately.

Last night as I read, I found a phrase I couldn't resist blogging about: exclusive time.

So many things vie for our time: family, church, work, career, service, holiday preparation, etc. Some (most?) are good. But if they crowd out time alone with God, we have to re-prioritize.

Bob explained something in his book which helped me move from legalism to grace--when we don't have our exclusive time with God, He isn't disappointed in us as if we've failed Him, He's disappointed for us because He knows what we're missing out on.

Lately, God's been drawing me aside to speak to me about my future, my calling, my life, my hangups. Amazing the information He wants to share, but I have to set aside everything else to hear, to write down what He's saying (I love to journal). He will speak to me in the day to day busy run-around. But I believe He wants to fill me up through one on one time, just Him and me. And silencing the other things around me fosters that intimacy.

I want to get alone with Him today, everyday, so I don't miss out.

But you, when you pray, go into your room,
and when you have shut your door,
pray to your Father who is in the secret place;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
(Matthew 6:6, NKJV)

Have you had your exclusive time with the Lord today?

A Time for Giving Thanks

2009-11-19T19:57:00.001-08:00

Several years ago, as I lay praying one night before bed, I battled negative thoughts. Somehow, in God’s grace, I thought to begin thanking God for blessings. I listed family and our home, I mentioned all the things God had done for me, the ways He was meeting me in my dreams. As I listed the ideas, I saw how God’s heart had been so tied to my own. How He had heard my pleas, and how He met me in my hopefulness—my place of dreams. God is personal. He knew what I had been dreaming for, what I had been hoping for.

The practice of thankfulness lifted my heart that night. Joy flooded me. The barrage of negative thoughts was cut off—outgunned by the joy which followed my thankfulness.

This time of year we specifically focus on that for which we’re thankful. Thankfulness can be a tool for our freedom. And we can use this strategy at any time. The psalmists often referred back to what God had done for His people. They understood the practice of reminding themselves what God had done. Thankfulness is a surefire path to encouragement.

May this season of Thanksgiving bring joy to your life as you focus on what God has done and is doing in your life.

Dig In!

2009-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Last night, my preschooler sat down with her warm chocolate chip cookie in front of her, a glass of milk with a straw, and a napkin. Moments later, she popped back out of her chair to run to the kitchen drawer. What place setting is complete without a spoon and a fork? She uses colorful, plastic spoons and forks, and they’re easily within reach so she likes getting them for herself.

I love that she was so excited about her cookie that she wanted to get her “utensils” ready. That’s gusto! That says, “I’m going to dig in.”

Her actions seemed an appropriate metaphor for life. We should enjoy every little gift, every blessing.

The other night, after craving a certain type of meal for almost a week, I sat down with a friend and was about to take my first bite. Very clearly, I heard the Lord say, “Enjoy this.”

In other words, don’t rush. Don’t overlook the blessing.

Okay, that’s two food examples, let’s look at another type. Our family loves visiting the Pacific Ocean. This last summer during our trip, at the first sign of the rain letting up, we gathered our supplies and made for the dunes. Once over the grassy sand, we trekked out onto the packed sand. Wind immediately assaulted us once past the shelter. I remember my husband’s rolled shoulders, fists tucked into his pockets as he braced himself against the wind. As my older kids splashed around (nothing deters them from getting wet!) I was thinking, we can’t stay out here too long. It’s freezing! But we did. We lingered. We embraced the moment of solitude (what other family would endure those kind of elements for a moment at the water?) and the family time and just played. My preschooler used her sand shovel to explore the beach. She knows how to dig in!

Do you?

Overtaken

2009-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

And it will be, if you shall listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God,
to observe and to do all His commandments which I command you today,
the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth.
And all these blessings shall come on you and overtake you,
if you will listen to the voice of the LORD your God.
(Deuteronomy 28:1-2, MKJV)

This passage goes on to talk about multiple blessings for those who listen to the voice of God and do what God says--obedient children.

God promises blessings:

~~ in the city (public) and in the field (harvest) -- (see Deut. 28:3)
~~ the fruit of your body (children, your work, etc.) -- (see verse 4)
~~ your basket and store shall be blessed (foods, goods, business) -- (see verse 5)
~~ "blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out" (every season, entering new stages or seasons, moving on to other positions in the Lord, etc.) -- (see verse 6)
~~ protection (see verse 7)
~~ The Lord will command His blessing(!) on your storehouses and He shall bless you in the land your God gives you (see verse 8)

See all those blessings and that's only the beginning. I urge you to read Deuteronomy 28. The first 14 verses are all about God's blessing on the obedient ones. (The rest of the chapter are the consequences for disobedience. Motivation to obey.)

Do you need encouragement? Lots of us are struggling right now through a season of pressure--we're in the holy press where God is working on us, even bringing us to desperation and dependence upon Him. Press close to Him and hang in there. Soon, the promises will overtake us.

Listening to Love

2009-11-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

My preschooler climbed up into my lap this morning. One of my favorite parts of our day is our post-breakfast snuggle. We make up songs together or talk about rhyming words. This morning as we rocked together, I felt love for her wash over me. I started to tell her about it--how much I love her and have always loved her. How she owns a piece of my heart and no matter what happens, that will always be true. How I can't help myself. How invested I am in her life, her happiness, her--

That's when my big kid grew bored. "Let's make up songs, Mommy." So I shifted gears.

But it hit me. How often do I divert when God is trying to love on me? When He is attempting to express His affections, do I steer the conversation or the activity in a new direction? Or do I let the words sink in?

I crave His love. I ask Him to reveal His affection to me. I need it.

I think it's time to get close and listen.

P.S. - the little punkin in the photo is not my daughter, but she sure is precious

His Sanctuary

2009-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Last week, during my devotional time, I studied a fascinating truth. Do you ever do this? Word studies in your Scripture reading? My current Bible does not list cross references. So for the past several years I've made a hobby of connecting Scriptures, hand writing verses I feel relate in the margins of my Bible. It's fun!

Well, last Monday I took a look at this truth: God is looking for a sanctuary. That's amazing! He's God. He created everything that exists. Yet He is looking for a place to rest.

Here's the best part. You're it!

For the LORD has chosen Zion;
He has desired it for His dwelling place:
“This is My resting place forever;
Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.

Psalm 132:13-14

Since God in-dwells born-again believers, you can insert your name where it reads “Zion.”

“The Lord has chosen ____. He has desired her/him for His dwelling place.”

Look how else YOU are described in the Bible:

Like a lily among thorns, So is my love among the daughters.

(Song of Songs 2:2)

In a world where God is constantly rejected by people, imagine the joy of one person’s “yes” to His intentions, His heart, His indwelling. You offer that. You are a desirable dwelling place for God. A sanctuary.

Imagine that.

Enchantment

2009-10-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

I’m a writer. In my stories, I work toward writing captivating scenes. A scene that captures my imagination will hopefully catch the reader’s imagination as well. (If it doesn’t, my critique group will likely let me know!) ;-)

This time of year in the United States, you see a lot of evidence of Halloween celebration going on. Walk into the party supply store and you’re surrounded by echoes of screams and hanging skulls with fake spider webs. Turn on the television and see all the “spooky movies” out there to watch on several channels. Or investigations of darkness, specters, the paranormal.

I believe we were created to desire the supernatural. And I believe if we don’t turn to the Lord for that experience, we will look for it elsewhere.

~The chance to feel goose bumps during a horror movie.

~That feeling of fear as you share your latest nightmare in the evening with your siblings.

People go looking for the supernatural. From the lighter approach (Ghostbusters) to the extreme approach (horror films).

God is all-powerful. Those aren’t just words. He can do anything. Move a person from here to there, without causing them to travel by natural means. Look at this passage from Acts 8:

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot." So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth." So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

God can suspend the natural realm and rules to make something supernatural happen:

~Heal the leper.

~Mend broken or malformed bones in an instant.

~Remove cancer from someone’s body.

~Raise the dead.

~Appear in a locked room without using the door.

~Hold the universe together by the Word of His power.

~Redeem lives.

~Heal a broken heart.

~Erase a sinful past.

You can experience another Presence in the room. A good, beautiful Presence. And yes, there’s fear involved, but not the kind of fear that brings torment. The Holy Spirit can and will meet you in a supernatural way. I believe God Himself wants to satisfy that natural craving in our spirits for the supernatural.

Safe in the Center

2009-10-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I sat down to watch a nature documentary last night. On the screen, a school of silvery fish maneuvered as one through the ocean’s waters, trying to avoid predators. The safest place? The center of the school—the center of that moving mass of fish. Any fish on the outskirts ran the risk of being lunch for the marlins and yellow-finned tuna. They were easily picked off.

As a believer, when hardships come, sometimes it’s natural to isolate ourselves. We think no one can relate. Or we’re ashamed of the hard times we’re struggling through. We stop going to church because we think God obviously isn’t hearing our prayers. (If He heard us our circumstances would change, we reason.)

The enemy of our souls wants us to isolate ourselves. Then, he can torment us with doubts, fears, loneliness.

But if we stay in fellowship, if we reach out to a friend for help, if we humble ourselves and continue to seek God, we are safe. The best place to be when you’re struggling is right up front during worship at church. Right up front at the altar during prayer. Right there on your knees, crying out to God—trusting His heart is good even when you can’t see the answers before you.

Don’t isolate. Get right into the middle of the family of believers where it’s safe. Worship. Pray. Fellowship. Live in the center of the group of believers.