Undone

Undo:  (verb) to do away with; erase; efface

I am being undone.
It is such a slow process.  Because I am so rebellious.
Oh, how I want the new creation to be seen, and the old to die.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Eph 4:22-24

It's much easier to be forgiving, gentle, kind, humble and compassionate when it is well.  But what about when life happens?  Are we really expected to be joyful when the kids are acting out, the finances are stressed, the wait is long, the relationships are strained?

God's Word says, in 1 John 2:6, "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Ouch.  Nowhere in the Bible do we find that Jesus was anything less than gentle, kind, humble, compassionate, loving, and forgiving! 

I am so convicted that my circumstances should not affect my walk in the light (1 John 1:7).  I want others to see Jesus in me.  And I know this requires daily dying to myself.  My flesh clings to the riches of this world.  My heart clings to my Savior.

Lord, let me be undone for You.  Do away with the old, and let the New shine through...no matter what's going on around me.

GOD / me

He must increase, but I must decrease.

John 3:30

What If?

What if God really does want to use that thing I’m going through for His glory and for my good?  Is it true that something good really could come from this?

Have you ever thought there’s no way …

~this pain

~this loss

~this wait

~this illness

~this monotonous daily grind

~this workplace

~this hardship

~this relationship

…can be used by God?

Too often I ask God to just move the mountain and, you know, bury the thing, make it go away, or at least distract me from it.  And I think it’s perfectly okay to ask God to do that.  But what if He wants to grow me through it so I will acknowledge His sovereignty, His goodness, His justice, His mercy, His provision, His trustworthiness…and His glory?

Suppose He took me around the mountain when I needed to climb it.  Or around the mountain when I needed to tunnel through it.

What does it look like to trust God through these ‘things’ we’d rather not deal with?

Look at the churches in Macedonia who gave sacrificially, even though they were impoverished.  2 Cor 8:2 ~Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

What about James’ words in 1:2-3 ~Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

In 1 Peter 4:12-13, we read ~Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Paul writes, in 2 Cor 1:3-4 ~Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

We can trust these words in Romans 8:28 ~And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The more I get to know my Lord, the more I realize that rather than turning to Him only in times of great need, I must turn to a lifestyle of complete dependence upon Him, in all things.

 

Oh, to adopt Paul’s attitude in Philippians 10:12-13 ~I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Not only can I endure these trials, but I can do so with joy.

I have recently said that I know God will use one my most difficult trials (so far) for His glory, and He has so much to teach me through it…if only I would surrender.   I confess I’ve been so deep in the self-pity and the seeming injustice of the thing that I lost sight of who God is.  As if He had forgotten me.  Or the thing was too great for Him.  Or I’m supposed to go this one alone.  Those are all lies.

I don’t know if God will remove this trial in my lifetime, but in drawing near to Him, I realize He is the Source of all the strength, patience and grace to persevere.

And what if God wants to see us through these struggles in order to prepare us for something bigger than we can imagine?

TO HIM BE GLORY!

humble

The Lord has given me a word lately.

'h.u.m.b.l.e'

It's right up there with other dirty words like 'surrender' and 'submit'.  

Except, I've never had a problem with these words, so I thought.

Have you ever faced a situation that finally wore you to the point of saying, 'whateva'?

And so you did it - you released it!  *sort of*

But actually your heart became hardened and you began responding in ways that surprised even you.

Surely that hasn't happened to you.

For over a week now, the message I've gotten from the Lord is, "humble yourself in this situation...or I will do it for you."

I'm prone to believe a message like that because it's happened before.  When I've made idols and refused to put them in their place, the Lord has taken care of them for me.  It.wasn't.pleasant.

Pride.  Control.  I've been bowing to them.

Thing is, I don't want to be in control.  But my reactions and emotions reveal that I do.  

And what I think is discipline and chaos management really looks like control.  

As for pride, I'm pretty sure I trip over it every single day.

If the Lord sees fit to warn me, I'm willing to listen.  I think I'm on track, and then some silly thing derails me.  Then I lose perspective.  Maybe you know the spiral.  It's like I'm always looking for the next.best.thing. rather than cherishing the already.great.things.  I know He doesn't promise easy.  I know He doesn't usually snuff out the fire, but rather carries me through it.

When I rise up and open my eyes, I see His majesty.

I see hope.
*Hope in the things He is doing in the hearts of others.
*Hope in spring time.
*Hope in a determined little girl who can walk.
*Hope in a bright little boy whose file was days from being returned.
*Hope in a toddler making an amazing transition.
*Hope in a young adult with his whole life ahead of him.
*Hope in teenagers growing into leadership.
*Hope in a whole passel of girls with enough spunk to change the world.
*Hope in The Lord.
Because He knows what He's doing.
He hasn't chosen to change my circumstances, but He has given me given me a glimpse of His handiwork.
Even if I don't receive another blessing, I still have much to praise Him for.  

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.  

James 4:10

10,000 Reasons

I am currently doing a study on J.I. Packer's Knowing God, and I'm literally stuck in Chapter 12, The Love of God.
I'm stuck, not because I don't have time to read it.  Not because I don't understand it.  But because I am meditating on it and wanting the Scriptures to come alive in me, making the Truth become evidenced in my actions.  So, I am stuck.
Everything in this chapter speaks to me.  I am convicted.  I am seeking the Father.  
I want to share some of the chapter with you.

Packer writes, "God's love is an exercise of his goodness toward individual sinners whereby, having identified himself with their welfare, he has given his Son to be their Savior, and now brings them to know and enjoy him in a covenant relationship."

Then, at the end of the chapter, he lists questions to ponder.  I want to share these questions with you, just in case you are in a place of wondering if God really does love you.  I mean, I know that God loves me.  But the question that keeps me spinning is this: how does His love in me manifest itself toward others?  Ouch!

If, as a Christian, it is true to me that God is love, then:
1) Why do I ever grumble and show discontent and resentment at the circumstances in which God has placed me?
2) Why am I ever distrustful, fearful or depressed?
3) Why do I ever allow myself to grow cool, formal and halfhearted in the service of the God who loves me?
4) Why do I ever allow my loyalties to be divided, so that God has not all my heart?
5) Could an observer learn from the quality and degree of love that I show to others anything at all about the greatness of God's love to me?

Maybe these questions are easy for you to answer, but they have hit me hard, as in an up-in-your-face kinda way.

After all, I am a believer.  Have been for nearly 12 years now.  And yet, in the absence of words, would anyone know it by my actions?  

1 John 4:11 ~ Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

God's love for me is so evident, every single moment of every day.  And yet, I take it for granted, just like the simple act of having light via the flip of a switch.  Last week during the power outage, I realized how much I take for granted.  To keep my spirits up, I would thank God that He is the true Power, but why did it take the absence of light to appreciate it?  Though God will never remove His love for me, I realize I take it for granted.  And by taking it for granted, I mean I don't extend it as I should.

Today, my heart is full.  I am spending this day praising and worshiping the God who loves me.  And my prayer is that He will cause me to love differently.  Freely.  With abandon.  With grace.

"10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)"

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

[Chorus]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

[Chorus x2]
Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

Not In My Strength

I've been studying 'suffering' lately.

In the scheme of things it seems ridiculous to consider anything about my life 'suffering' (to endure hardship or suffer loss).

But the truth is, there are times I feel so defeated.

There are hours in a day in which I allow myself to give in to the momentary circumstances.  The effects of trauma.  The chaos.  The seeming hopelessness.
I'm not talking about the panic that sets in when I hear the school bus drive up at 3:35 and I haven't accomplished half of what I intended ;-)
I'm talking about the sense of isolation, momentary reality that seems eternal, loss of perspective, fear.  The times when I'm hanging on by a thread because I'm relying on my own strength.

When I really ponder suffering it reminds me of the unthinkable: the loss of a child or spouse, a terminal diagnosis.  You know, those kinds of things.

Usually, when I have these momentary lapses of  perspective (can you say pity party?), I am reminded of those who truly suffer.  Those who have no voice.  The ones who truly are alone.  Those who suffer silently.  With no relief.  No hope.  Those who cry silent tears.  The ones whose hearts are literally broken.  Day after day they wait for a shred of hope.  

I'm speaking of not only the orphan...the widow, but of the neighbor.  The friend.  The parent.  The student.  The pastor.  The teacher.  The ones we overlook in our busy-ness.  We think they should have it all together.

What 'suffering' have I endured so that I might extend hope to another?  

How can God use my 'sufferings' for His glory?

I'm not a martyr, but does my demeanor give the impression that I think I am?  (Oh, I hope not!)  Where is the joy?

When I've accepted defeat and lost joy, I've lost sight of Who God is.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The Prodigal?

Today I am reminded of Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son.  I'm sure some will think this is a simplistic view.  But have we forgotten Who is in charge?

Today we are proclaiming that we need to pray for our nation.

Yes, prayer changes something ~ it changes us!

Were we praying yesterday?  Last week?  Last month?

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14

It seems that somewhere along the way we stopped fearing God and started chasing the American Dream.  We started serving ourselves and turning our backs on unity and the principles that our nation was founded upon.

Now things aren’t going so well.  The American Dream is allusive, ever-changing, always outside our grasp.  And even when it is seized, many recipients still admit they are ‘missing something.’

Our Heavenly Father never changes.

The state of our nation is no surprise to Him.  

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  Colossians 1:16

And if we believe His Holy Word, then we must know that nothing catches Him off guard, and there is a reason for everything.

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God… Romans 8:28

After all, He put the human race in charge, right?  And since we aren't perfect, well...

We certainly have choices and freedoms that others do not.  We can choose to complain... or to act.

I believe He will use whatever He has to in order to get our attention.

We know from Scripture that God will never leave nor forsake us!  If we have never really relied on Him, maybe it's time we start.  And if we have been running away from Him, maybe it’s time we turn back to Him?

Luke 15:11-32 ~ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.  The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’  So he divided his property between them.
Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.  After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ..
So he got up and went to his father.  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’…
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.   For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’  So they began to celebrate…

The older brother became angry and refused to go in.  So his father went out and pleaded with him…
‘My son, the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Maybe it’s time we become alive again.  What if we were to humble ourselves and run into the open arms of our Father?

Lord, if I desire change, let change begin in me.

Rise Up, Dry Bones

11 Then he said to me: “Son of
man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up
and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say
to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My
people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring
you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know
that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I
will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own
land. Then you will know that I the Lord have
spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:11-14

There have been ‘dry bones’ moments in my
life. You know the ones: where the heart
is dry and hope is gone.

There are times I’ve spent too much time in the valley of bones. I’ve set up camp there. I’ve looked around me and felt right at home among the dry bones.

But what can dry bones do for the Lord? Nothing!

He alone can breathe life into them. He alone can restore hope. He alone can cleanse and refresh a dry heart.

So when I ask him to breathe life into my
dry bones, I’d better be prepared for change.
I will no longer dwell in the valley of bones. I will walk among the living.

When did I stop believing that God’s grace
is sufficient? That nothing is
impossible for Him? That He owns the
cattle on a thousand hills?

Because surely I lost sight of these truths
to have allowed myself to dwell in the valley.
Were my circumstances so bad? Had
I become complacent, camping out with the spiritually dead? How long had it been since I’d opened His
Word?

I never want to dwell in the valley of
bones again. I want to run this race with
the life-giving breath of the Lord. I
don’t want to save anything for myself, but expend it daily with Him, knowing full well that He will supply all I need.

My circumstances may change, but He never
does. His promises never fail, and He is
always good. I want to dwell in His Word
and on my knees.

Thank You, Father, for breathing life into
these dry bones. Help me to live
according to your Spirit within me. Show
me how to glorify You with everything I do and say. Let me not be influenced by my circumstances,
but driven by a heart desperately seeking You.
Amen

Follow Me...Now

(Luke 9:59-60) He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

This response is much different from that of Peter and Andrew who were casting their nets and “at once” left them to follow Jesus; and the response of James and John who
were in a boat with their father and “immediately” left the boat to follow Jesus.

The man, whose name we do not know, did not say no to Jesus,
but basically said, “Later, I will follow you.”

How that resonates with me. I want to be faithful. I want to jump out of the boat.

I want to drop my nets.But it’s so easy to say, “First let me do this, then later I will follow you.”

I wonder how Jesus feels about my excuses. Of all the things I would jump out of the
boat for, is a call to step out of my comfort zone one of them?

“Later, when my children are grown…”
“Later, when I retire…”
“Later, when my parents are gone…”

What if later never comes?

Parched Ground or Pool

The parched ground shall become a pool… Isaiah 35:7

This week as I read about the glory of the new kingdom, I am
also reminded of the new life God gives us here on this Earth.

My life was once a ‘parched land,’ and then I accepted the
gift purchased for me long ago with the shedding of Christ’s blood: salvation.

I’m certain He did not intend for me to enjoy the ‘pool’ only in eternity, but also as I live in this world.

Following Him can be difficult. He gives us a vision or, as I like to think of it, an invitation to join Him on a great adventure. But before the vision becomes reality, He must mold us into shape.

During the molding phase, we often lose hope of the vision. The enemy whispers lies we are inclined to believe in our weakness. We forget the Source of our strength. We may even forget the Source of the vision! We may become distracted by the temporary things. We may become busy with even ‘good’ things. We may become weary with discouragement or lack of understanding from others. Sometimes we veer from the path, thinking we can reshape the vision to our own liking. I can testify that doesn’t usually work out well.

Or perhaps, we endure the molding only to find that He
simply wanted us to say ‘Yes,’ and that is the fulfillment of the vision.

We can take heart that once God places a vision before us, He will not allow us to be satisfied with something less.

Uncertainty is Awesome!

*off topic* but regarding my new blog header, I can either have a ginormous picture or one that is off center. having it off center bothers me a lot, but I can't seem to fix it in the few moments I have to try. so please accept my apologies if it bothers you as much as it does me :)

Uncertainty
It seems like a negative thing, right? But my devo today puts it in perspective. Recently I've gone back to reading Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, and wow, is it just what I need!

"...it has not yet been revealed what we shall be..." 1 John 3:2

"Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life - gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God."

I find myself questioning 'tomorrow' more than I should recently. Since adding school to my seemingly already packed schedule, many days I question whether I'm doing the right thing...and I even question the outcome. But I clearly recall how God presented this opportunity, and it's the fact that He is the source of it all that keeps me going. I don't need to keep wondering what each 'tomorrow' will bring; I need to anticipate with joyful expectation what God is going to reveal as I seek Him above all else.

I already know that my plans will fail. And I know that His plans cannot be thwarted. So as I draw nearer to Him, I can be sure He will work out His plans in me, and all for His glory! As uncertain as I may be about tomorrow, I am completely certain that God is faithful!

Jesus Paid it All

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:44-46

I'm reminded on this Good Friday how willingly Jesus gave everything for me, and for you. Far too often I complain about having to give something up. Lord, please forgive me for my selfish, ungrateful heart. I know You paid the full price for my sin on the cross. And though for a moment it seemed death was victorious, that was not the end! O death, where is your sting?

Playing it Safe

In reading the parable of the talents in Matthew this week, I’ve asked myself many questions, but specifically, “Am I playing it safe?”

Remember the story: the master was going on a journey and left his money in the care of his servants, according to their abilities.

To one servant he gave five talents, to one he gave two talents and another he gave one talent. The servants who received the five and two talents went ‘at once’ and put the money to work, doubling the number of talents.

But the servant who received one talent dug a hole and hid his master’s money.

Some time later when the master returned to settle his accounts, he was pleased with the first two servants for using what he had left in their charge and growing it. He said to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”

The master, however, was not pleased with the servant who hid the money. By doing so, he had not put to use something that wasn’t his to begin with. Out of fear he put the talent away for safekeeping.

How does this relate to us (me)? God has blessed us with resources to be used for His glory. Some have abilities and some wealth, but none of it belongs to us. God is the owner, and we are the caretakers. When we prove faithful with little, He gives us much.

What are we playing it safe with to avoid obedience to Him?

From This to THIS!

I'm convinced God doesn't intend for us to stay like this:

Rather, like THIS:

And so He did this!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Eze 36:26

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 1 Cor 1:21-22

Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Psa 142:7

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psa 34:18

Praise YOU in the Storm

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all troubles... 2 Cor 1:3-4

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 2 Sam 22:33

The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock. Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior! 2 Sam 22:47

Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth... Isa 42:10

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isa 43:2

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

We have so very much to praise Him for! Even if no good thing happened today, He would still be worthy of our Praise because He is God! And yet, He does not withhold His good gifts from His children.

We are wading in the waters of trouble right now, but I CHOOSE TO PRAISE HIM! I cannot change troubling circumstances; I cannot change people...but I know One who can. I also know that all things are for HIS PURPOSE and HIS GLORY, even when they seem like razors to our flesh. I cannot see the big picture (and thank You Jesus, that I can't!). And I know that tomorrow has enough trouble of its own, so I can't worry about it. What I CAN do is immerse myself in Truth, stand firm on Promises and lift my hands in praise...no.matter.what!

Lord, I lift Your name on High!

Salt 'n Pepper

Something’s been rolling around in my heart lately.

Why is it so hard to be salt in this broken world?

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.”

What’s the purpose of salt? It’s to flavor and season. It should change the thing it’s placed upon, making it come to life!

Such is Jesus’ affirmation to us as salt. If our Christian walk has no flavor, if we blend in with the world, we are of no value. But no matter how radically independent we are, most of us have some desire to fit in. Especially when the goin’ gets tough.

Radically following Jesus can be so l.o.n.e.l.y.

So how do we pepper our faith with perspective?

In my flesh, I struggle to NOT view situations only in the present. The present is all I know. But if I truly trust God’s sovereignty (and I do), then I realize that He knows what is for my good and for His glory.

I don’t have to know about tomorrow, and I certainly don’t have to worry about it. I only need to seek Him in prayer and immerse myself in His Word.

I often think of Paul and the amazing transformation Jesus made in his life…and his desire to never turn back no.matter.what.

And sometimes I think of Peter after stepping out of the boat, walking toward Jesus when reality hits him, “Lord, save me!” That's where I'm at now. I just need Him to take my hand - no, pick me up and carry me through some days.

I really want to be radically transformed and radically dependant. Even when it brings loneliness and criticism.

I’m a long way from that, but in Paul’s words, “…if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Lord Jesus, please help me to be the salt of my environment, and pepper my walk with eternal perspective so that I may joyfully testify of your grace.

Change My Mind Heart!

Here it is the eve of Thanksgiving, and I've been complaining all day! One of my precious friends (to protect the innocent, I will not mention names) knows how I feel...because I've been so honest with her today. I love you, sister!!!

I'm not at all proud of how I'm feeling. In fact, I've been saying to myself, "I SO need to change my mind about how I feel today." Like that's gonna happen! I'm so human...and my mind isn't the problem. It's my heart!

For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34

So that's why my words are so ugly today - ack!

Truth is, I can be thankful just because God is who He is! Never mind the indescribable amount of blessing He has heaped upon me! Even without all of that, I can still praise Him just because He IS!

If I just weren't so stinkin' human and caught up with what's going on right in front of me at this very moment as if it's going to last a lifetime: One child would rather stand on the sidelines sucking her thumb than play with her sibs; one can't find a single constructive thing to do; four are competing for the l.o.u.d. championship...blah, blah, blah.

See, I'm imagining that everyone else's home is so much more pleasant, peaceful and...well, Thanks-giving-y.

And the Lord stopped me in my tracks!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

I need to stop whining, turn to Him and gain perspective! This Thanksgiving we have 2 more Treasures home! My college kid is home! My family is well! We get to host Thanksgiving on Friday! We are celebrating Baby Joy's birthday tonight! But above all else, my God reigns!!!

Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5:6

I'm reminded of this beautiful Josh Wilson song, Fall Apart:

Why in the world did I think I could
Only get to know you when my life was good
When everything just falls in place
The easiest thing is to give You praise

Now it all seems upside down

‘Cause my whole world is caving in
But I feel You now more than I did then
How can I come to the end of me
And somehow still have all I need
God, I want to know You more
Maybe this is how it starts
I find You when I fall apart

My goodness, though my life is far from perfect, I have so very much to be thankful for. And today I am especially thankful that God changes my heart, not just for eternity...but moment by moment!

My sweet friends, from our imperfect home to yours, may the Lord bless you in this season of Thanksgiving!

Folding Our Tents

Sometimes when I read the account of the Israelites' exodus I want to shake my head. It seems so obvious they had everything they needed, and that the Lord was directing their every move...in visible ways: "
...the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire." Num 10:15

When the cloud lifted, they moved. When it stayed, they stayed. Sometimes it remained many days, sometimes only from morning till evening.

Some days I wish I had a 'cloud.' But what about the days that are long and dry? Wouldn't I question the Lord, "Why aren't you moving? What is the purpose of staying here, close to danger...or in the blazing heat...or the freezing cold?"

Waiting with uncertainty would so make me wanna fold my tent! As I'm sure it was with the Israelites.


Waiting, without clear direction, makes me want to scramble and come up with a plan. I'm not patient. I like to be on the move rather than sitting still. But there's a problem with my plans. I can only see the small picture, from my limited view.
*************************************************************************************

I realize that even if I had a real-life, visible, fluffy cloud, I would still question it. After all, I have the whole Book! I have the Way to God. And yet, I ask why? And when? I'm still impatient.

Only when I draw closer to Him, leaning in to hear His heartbeat, can I settle into my tent until He tells me otherwise.

Mine...or His?

"Thank God for being able to see all that you have not yet been. You have had the vision, but you are not yet to the reality of it by any means.

It is when we are in the valley, where we prove whether we will be the choice ones, that most of us turn back. We are not quite prepared for the bumps and bruises that must come if we are going to be turned into the shape of the vision.

We have seen what we are not, and what God wants us to be, but are we willing to be battered into the shape of the vision to be used by God? The beatings will always come in the most common, everyday ways and through common, everyday people."

~Oswald Chambers~

So these 'common, everyday' things that have been a thorn in my side are actually the very things that God wants to use to shape my character? I will admit that rather than embracing them for what they are, I am rebuking and complaining about them.

But this week the Lord is gently nudging me back onto the path of the 'vision.' I can't honor Him with a complaining spirit. I can't glorify Him by running from the very tests meant to shape who I am in Him.

I constantly struggle with my right to myself. But how can I claim a right to myself and desire to be His? Sometimes being His is so.very.hard.

Offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life.

Rom 6:13

From Death to LIFE!

…Offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life…Romans 6:13

Wow! God always knows what we need, doesn’t He!

As I was reading my devo this morning it occurred to me how easy it is to list the things that oppress me. I can quickly name the ‘wounds,’ offenses, obstacles, failures, ‘giants’…whatever I want to call them.

But how easily do I recognize the successes? The triumphs? My lowly dreams that were thwarted by God’s bigger-than-I-can-imagine plans?

This passage stirs my heart. Truth is, He did bring me from death to life. But would anyone know it? Do I live like I’m still ‘dead’?

When I complain about the darkness and fail to see even the glimmer of light; when I try to climb the mountains in my own strength; when I settle for my own measly goals rather than seeking His plans; when I ask for a good day rather than the grace to react to the not-so-good, I’m living as if I’m ‘dead’.

The Lord gave me life for a reason! With His life comes power. But I have to yield my self. That’s so hard to do sometimes! But in yielding my self and disregarding the things that bother me, His life can be seen. For me it’s a daily, hourly, even moment-by-moment journey.

Lord, thank you for bringing me from death to life. Now help me LIVE!

Why So Serious?

When there's so much to smile about?

Like the fact that she must rub her hands through her hair at every meal?

Like first haircuts.

Like the fact I'm her mommy...
...and her mommy.
Like sisters singing in the back seat.
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Psa 126:2-3