Oh. My. Goodness. I wish I could explain how I feel when I have the opportunity to hear my teenage son preach. At times, everything in me wants to jump up and exclaim, "That's my boy!" At other times, I reach for my kleenex and look around for a small distraction to keep from crying like a ball bag.
Whatever end of the emotional gamut my body and mind choose to travel, the feelings inside are indescribable! I mean, I love watching him run track - he is quite speedy - I turn into the crazy, screaming mom in the stands faster than you can blink; but the emotions I stumble through while he is preaching the Word are just different.
The knowledge of how God has already used him.
The reality of how God is using him right now.
The tremendous sense of pride in who God is growing him to be.
It brings up a level of emotions, of pride (in who God has created him to be) that are off the charts. The only thing I can relate it to is God's love for us.
Each time I hear my son preach, I get a tiny glimpse of how God feels when His children are obedient to His call, a little taste of how it feels to fully, unconditionally love. Even if it is a small, minute peek into how God views us when we walk with Him in obedience, it has challenged my desire to walk humbly by God's side.
These indefinable emotions have raised the standard. I long to have more moments where God exclaims, "That's my girl!" I want to willingly walk in moments that matter in eternity.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Intentionally Thankful
I have so much to be thankful for, but how often do I even think about it?
I know it is cliche - We have so much to be thankful for. But, honestly, how often do we really think and mediate on all we should be thankful for? The answer for me: Not nearly enough.
It shouldn't take us watching the news, hearing of a tragedy from a friend or reading a gloomy post on Facebook to reflect on all God has given us. We should think about these things daily, constantly through our thoughts and prayer.
How different would our lives look if we focused more on the things we are grateful for rather than the things we're just not happy with or things we wished we could change. How differently would we see things? People? Situations? The World? Not only would we see these in a new light, we would also experience God in a new, amazing way. Being truly thankful in all things would transform us. Can you imagine the ripple effect true thankfulness would have?!
Our lives would be immensely different and completely changed if we were consistently, truly thankful. Transformation in us and around us would be inevitable!
I am striving to be more thankful, to make thankfulness a purposeful, intentional, every day way of life.
Give thanks to the Lord. For He is good. His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1
I know it is cliche - We have so much to be thankful for. But, honestly, how often do we really think and mediate on all we should be thankful for? The answer for me: Not nearly enough.
It shouldn't take us watching the news, hearing of a tragedy from a friend or reading a gloomy post on Facebook to reflect on all God has given us. We should think about these things daily, constantly through our thoughts and prayer.
How different would our lives look if we focused more on the things we are grateful for rather than the things we're just not happy with or things we wished we could change. How differently would we see things? People? Situations? The World? Not only would we see these in a new light, we would also experience God in a new, amazing way. Being truly thankful in all things would transform us. Can you imagine the ripple effect true thankfulness would have?!
Our lives would be immensely different and completely changed if we were consistently, truly thankful. Transformation in us and around us would be inevitable!
I am striving to be more thankful, to make thankfulness a purposeful, intentional, every day way of life.
Give thanks to the Lord. For He is good. His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Quik Trip. Lasting Impression.
I had to make a run to Wal-Mart, and it did not seem right to be so close to a QT without taking advantage of it, so my daughter and I stopped in for a quick thirst quencher. As we made our way to the register to pay, a lady came up and stood in another line to the side of us. When I paid for our drinks, I was instantly drawn to her actions. As she started to pay for her drink, an older gentleman stepped up to the counter, to wait in line to pay for his. But, before he could even think about it, the lady paid for his drink.
The look on his face was of sweet awe and absolutely priceless. He wasn't sure what to say, and after fumbling over a few words, he said, "Well all I can think of is, thanks. Thank you." The lady who purchased his drink replied, "You're welcome. Just pass it on when you get the chance."
Simultaneously smiling from the inside out, my daughter and I walked out of the store. She looked up at me and said, "How cool was that?! What that woman did was so nice!" I wholeheartedly agreed. It was "so nice" and simple, yet huge. Besides just the random kindness, one thing kept at my heart and mind: That older gentleman will remember that for a long time, maybe forever. He won't remember it because of the monetary cost; he will remember it because of the ladies' action. Someone stepped up and acted out of kindness and love for someone they don't even know (and may never see again).
I know God had to be smiling! My daughter and I couldn't quit smiling and talking about it for quite a while. I even called a friend and my husband to let them know what we had the privilege of witnessing.
This may have been a "Quik Trip," but it left a lasting impression not only on the older man, but also on those who got to see the kindness unfold (and I am sure it warmed the heart of the lady who paid). It is great proof that we don't have to have innumerable, inexhaustible resources to make a difference in the lives of others. What we do have to possess is love and the willingness to step out and share that love with others. Through our willingness to share, we can pray that the recipients of our love will do the same for someone else. Little things do make lasting differences.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Look for Me
Don't you just love it when you see God working! Whether it is a small glimmer of His reassurance or a huge banner He waves just so we remember He is there, seeing God at work is inspiring and amazing.
A few days ago, as I sat in a book club rummaging and rambling over what we were reading, I had the blessing of listening to a friend pour out her heart. Although I could not say I knew exactly how she felt, I could say that I knew we served the same God. A God that never takes a vacation - A God who hears our cries - A God who has a hope-filled future for each us. I encouraged her to look for the glimmers of God working around her, because I was sure the glimmers were there. As I encouraged her to look for God working, God reminded me to do the same: Look for Him.
How many times have I missed that glimmer of divine encouragement because I chose to look elsewhere? How many days have I missed God working all around me because I am just not looking? It really made me think about so many prayers, where I have asked God for some type of sign and just how many times I missed seeing that sign. Maybe I missed it because I did not diligently look or missed it because I expected some certain type of sign? Whatever the reason may be, God's message to me was: Look for Me.
When God shows Himself, in the midst of a tough situation or in our everyday circumstances, it is always a divine experience. The cool thing: He shows Himself even when we do not ask, and He shows Himself in ways we could never imagine. The thing we have to remember is: Look for God. Whether in a glimmer or huge banner, He is always there.
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
A few days ago, as I sat in a book club rummaging and rambling over what we were reading, I had the blessing of listening to a friend pour out her heart. Although I could not say I knew exactly how she felt, I could say that I knew we served the same God. A God that never takes a vacation - A God who hears our cries - A God who has a hope-filled future for each us. I encouraged her to look for the glimmers of God working around her, because I was sure the glimmers were there. As I encouraged her to look for God working, God reminded me to do the same: Look for Him.
How many times have I missed that glimmer of divine encouragement because I chose to look elsewhere? How many days have I missed God working all around me because I am just not looking? It really made me think about so many prayers, where I have asked God for some type of sign and just how many times I missed seeing that sign. Maybe I missed it because I did not diligently look or missed it because I expected some certain type of sign? Whatever the reason may be, God's message to me was: Look for Me.
When God shows Himself, in the midst of a tough situation or in our everyday circumstances, it is always a divine experience. The cool thing: He shows Himself even when we do not ask, and He shows Himself in ways we could never imagine. The thing we have to remember is: Look for God. Whether in a glimmer or huge banner, He is always there.
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Check the Mail
Inspired by a letter my mom wrote...
A few times I have wondered, "God, are you there?" Maybe it was in the midst of a traumatic personal experience, like a sudden death in my family. Maybe it was a heart-wrenching incident I witnessed someone go through, like losing everything they had in a fire. Or, maybe I just didn't feel that God answered a prayer I had prayed so many times.
Regardless of the the circumstance that led me to the lonely feeling, the lonely feeling eventually led me in a desperate search for God; and, as scripture promises, God will be found (Jer 29:13). Although so much could be said about God carrying us through the lonely times, there is also much to be said about possible reasons we even encounter the lonely feeling at all.
Imagine you have someone you consistently write letters to, and they in turn, consistently write letters back. As a matter of fact, the majority of your correspondence is dependent on these letters. Every few days you check the mail in anticipation of a letter, and every few days they do the same. You write a letter. They receive it and respond. You recieve and write... And it goes on and on. Think how this would change if, although you received letters every few days, you only opened and read them once a month? And - although you only opened them once a month, you still continued to write every few days. How confusing would this be to your friend? Think again, how much would change if you totally quit reading their letters, but continued to send them. That is just insane, right?! Your friend would wonder what your crazy ramblings were even about. There could be some very important information or questions in their letters, but you would never know because you don't read them.
When looked at alongside our relationship with God, this letter writing analogy makes sense. So many times we "write" to God (in the form of prayer, praise, or just talking), but we never read His letters (the Bible). We want to communicate with Him, but do we really desire to hear from Him? It makes me wonder if God turns His head to the side and says, "Huh?" when we ask Him things that, if we read His Word, we would know the answers. How does it make God feel when we question and search for answers to our situations and circumstances, when all we need to do to find the answers is get into His Word.
I know that too many times I have been guilty of "writing" letters to God and not reading His letters to me. How many times have I been in the midst of a tough situation or trial, prayed, but then didn't look for the answer or even comfort in His Word?
This only reiterates the importance of our quiet time with God - that one-on-one time that we have to "write" letters to our Savior and eagerly await the wonderful letters of love we will find in His Word. Jeremiah 29:12-13 tells us that God hears our prayers and cries, and if we seek Him with all our heart, He will be found. Sometimes all He is asking us to do is check the mail.
A few times I have wondered, "God, are you there?" Maybe it was in the midst of a traumatic personal experience, like a sudden death in my family. Maybe it was a heart-wrenching incident I witnessed someone go through, like losing everything they had in a fire. Or, maybe I just didn't feel that God answered a prayer I had prayed so many times.
Regardless of the the circumstance that led me to the lonely feeling, the lonely feeling eventually led me in a desperate search for God; and, as scripture promises, God will be found (Jer 29:13). Although so much could be said about God carrying us through the lonely times, there is also much to be said about possible reasons we even encounter the lonely feeling at all.
Imagine you have someone you consistently write letters to, and they in turn, consistently write letters back. As a matter of fact, the majority of your correspondence is dependent on these letters. Every few days you check the mail in anticipation of a letter, and every few days they do the same. You write a letter. They receive it and respond. You recieve and write... And it goes on and on. Think how this would change if, although you received letters every few days, you only opened and read them once a month? And - although you only opened them once a month, you still continued to write every few days. How confusing would this be to your friend? Think again, how much would change if you totally quit reading their letters, but continued to send them. That is just insane, right?! Your friend would wonder what your crazy ramblings were even about. There could be some very important information or questions in their letters, but you would never know because you don't read them.
When looked at alongside our relationship with God, this letter writing analogy makes sense. So many times we "write" to God (in the form of prayer, praise, or just talking), but we never read His letters (the Bible). We want to communicate with Him, but do we really desire to hear from Him? It makes me wonder if God turns His head to the side and says, "Huh?" when we ask Him things that, if we read His Word, we would know the answers. How does it make God feel when we question and search for answers to our situations and circumstances, when all we need to do to find the answers is get into His Word.
I know that too many times I have been guilty of "writing" letters to God and not reading His letters to me. How many times have I been in the midst of a tough situation or trial, prayed, but then didn't look for the answer or even comfort in His Word?
This only reiterates the importance of our quiet time with God - that one-on-one time that we have to "write" letters to our Savior and eagerly await the wonderful letters of love we will find in His Word. Jeremiah 29:12-13 tells us that God hears our prayers and cries, and if we seek Him with all our heart, He will be found. Sometimes all He is asking us to do is check the mail.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
50 Shades...
Be careful little eyes what you see.
Be careful little mouth what you say.
Be careful little ears what you hear.
It is not surprising that a "magic" movie and a "shady" book have people talking. What is surprising is who is watching and reading.
"Fifty Shades of Grey" could sadly be a description of many relationships with God. The only problem: There is no grey when it comes to God. As Christians, it is time we stop acting like we think God has any part in some choices we are making.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us not to "lean on our own understanding." Instead we are to "acknowledge Him in ALL [our] ways and He will make [our] paths straight." Human understanding says we can watch, listen, read, and do whatever we want and it will not change us. That is a lie! What is put in the heart and mind does change us. The cliche, "Garbage in, garbage out" is not only true, it is Biblical (Prov 23:7, Mat 15:15-20, Psalm 101:2-3). There is no way to walk the straight path God has laid before us when we do not even acknowledge Him when deciding what we watch, read or listen to.
It is easy to make excuses or exceptions for these choices. We may fool others, but God is not fooled (Gal 6:7). These choices we categorize as "no big deal" are, in fact, huge because they say something about our relationship with God. Every choice either pulls us closer to or further away from our Savior. And - what should break our heart - every choice tells other people, saved and lost, who we believe Jesus really is. This is the point where many will say, "No one judges me but God." For Christians, that just is not true. We are to hold one another accountable - to judge one another in love (1 Cor 5:12, 1 Pet 4:17).
This is about so much more than one certain book or movie. This is not about "judging." This is about being Christ-like. It is time for Christians to live the life God has called us to live, a life of accountability, truth and integrity. In Christ, there are no grey areas and we have to stop pretending there are (1 Cor 6:12).
For the Father up above is looking down in love -
Be careful little eyes what you see.
Be careful little mouth what you say.
Be careful little ears what you hear.
2 Cor 5:17
Friday, July 13, 2012
Get a Little Perspective
Perspective. God has kept this word tattooed in flashing neon on my brain for a seemingly endless amount of days.
Words. Thoughts. Body language. Reactions. These all serve as great indicators of where our perspective lies. It all comes down to this: Is our viewpoint coming from our disheveled heart and mind or the heart and mind of Christ?
I keep finding myself in different conversations, places and circumstances where God might as well yell out, "That's your perspective, not Mine!" And, He's not yelling at the people I'm talking to or the people I'm with; He's hollering at me! As I grit my teeth or even roll my eyes, I can almost feel Him slap me gently on the back of the head, reminding me that I need to share His perspective.
By adjusting my view of the situation and tuning into His, I see the situation more clearly. Things like selfishness, jealousy, pride and lack of understanding take a hike when I choose to see things as God sees them and choose to see people as God sees them.
Words. Thoughts. Body language. Reactions. These all serve as great indicators of where our perspective lies. It all comes down to this: Is our viewpoint coming from our disheveled heart and mind or the heart and mind of Christ?
I keep finding myself in different conversations, places and circumstances where God might as well yell out, "That's your perspective, not Mine!" And, He's not yelling at the people I'm talking to or the people I'm with; He's hollering at me! As I grit my teeth or even roll my eyes, I can almost feel Him slap me gently on the back of the head, reminding me that I need to share His perspective.
By adjusting my view of the situation and tuning into His, I see the situation more clearly. Things like selfishness, jealousy, pride and lack of understanding take a hike when I choose to see things as God sees them and choose to see people as God sees them.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Brave
This past weekend I had the privilege to not only attend the Oklahoma Ladies' Retreat, "Brave," but also lead seminars there. The whole experience was absolutely, all-around amazing!
God used this weekend to affirm works He is doing in my life - things that I had been wondering or even questioning Him about. I love it when He places people right in front of us, in our path, just to let us know He is still very much at work in lives! What an amazing God He is. What an overwhelming comfort, knowing that when we seek Him, pray to Him, and cry out to Him, He is there and listening! What assurance is found, knowing when we ask Him questions, He will answer (in His way and His timing). Most of all, it is inexplicably great to know we can rest in the fact that God's plans are always for the good, even when things seem tough.
Thank You, Lord, for loving me so much that You remind me of things You have reminded me of so many times before.
Thank You for giving me the chance and privilege to share Your love with others.
Thank You for placing people in my path to remind me, Your love is constant.
Thank You for being the Lord of my life.
God used this weekend to affirm works He is doing in my life - things that I had been wondering or even questioning Him about. I love it when He places people right in front of us, in our path, just to let us know He is still very much at work in lives! What an amazing God He is. What an overwhelming comfort, knowing that when we seek Him, pray to Him, and cry out to Him, He is there and listening! What assurance is found, knowing when we ask Him questions, He will answer (in His way and His timing). Most of all, it is inexplicably great to know we can rest in the fact that God's plans are always for the good, even when things seem tough.
Thank You, Lord, for loving me so much that You remind me of things You have reminded me of so many times before.
Thank You for giving me the chance and privilege to share Your love with others.
Thank You for placing people in my path to remind me, Your love is constant.
Thank You for being the Lord of my life.
Monday, March 26, 2012
A Future. A Hope.
In order for us to grow and mature in our faith, we have to be willing to change. Sometimes that change involves us giving up or letting go of something. It could be a newly acquired habit or ritual or something we have held onto (or something that's leached onto us) for quite sometime. No matter how long it's been in our life, when God says to let it go or destroy it - We have to do just that!
Too often we think that this change - life without our habit or ritual - is going to be hard or not as good as it once was. We justify whatever it is we're holding to so dearly, and sadly other Christians come alongside and justify it for us too. The thing to remember: If God's told us to get rid of it and we hold onto it, it is sin. Even if everyone of our friends does it, if God tells us to leave it alone and we don't, it's a sin.
God has really been working this in and all around me lately. I think of one of my favorite passages, Jeremiah 29:11-14... God has great things for us. A future. A hope. He will answer when we call. We search for Him, he will be found. And - He brings us back from the things that hold us captive.
He wants to bring us back from the sin that holds us captive, from things in our life that distract us from Him. But, we have to be willing to let things go. He wants to bring us closer to Him so that we can live a better, more abundant life. But, we must be willing to lay things down or even destroy them, if that is what He asks.
To grow, mature, and become more like Christ, we must be willing to let things go. God has better, actually the best plans for our life - A future and a hope - when we are willing to let go of what holds us captive.
Too often we think that this change - life without our habit or ritual - is going to be hard or not as good as it once was. We justify whatever it is we're holding to so dearly, and sadly other Christians come alongside and justify it for us too. The thing to remember: If God's told us to get rid of it and we hold onto it, it is sin. Even if everyone of our friends does it, if God tells us to leave it alone and we don't, it's a sin.
God has really been working this in and all around me lately. I think of one of my favorite passages, Jeremiah 29:11-14... God has great things for us. A future. A hope. He will answer when we call. We search for Him, he will be found. And - He brings us back from the things that hold us captive.
He wants to bring us back from the sin that holds us captive, from things in our life that distract us from Him. But, we have to be willing to let things go. He wants to bring us closer to Him so that we can live a better, more abundant life. But, we must be willing to lay things down or even destroy them, if that is what He asks.
To grow, mature, and become more like Christ, we must be willing to let things go. God has better, actually the best plans for our life - A future and a hope - when we are willing to let go of what holds us captive.
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