Whew, the month of March was a big wonderful whirlwind of speaking and traveling, but unfortunately that left no time for blogging! The good news is, that God has been at work big time in the lives of so many women that I have encountered over the past two months, and that has blessed me with lots to write about in the coming weeks!
On Thursday, I will be kicking off a new blog series, and I'll tell you about that soon enough, but in the meantime, I heard something so meaningful on the radio the other day, that I just felt compelled to share it with my bloggy friends. :)
This ministry radio show was focused on the importance of God's Word, and how we often do not place the Bible in a place of priority in our life. It was so interesting, that I pulled out my little notepad and began jotting down some notes. It was a fresh and incredible reminder about the importance of God's Word, that I did not want to forget it.
After listening to the sermon, I had to admit to myself, that although I love my Jesus dearly, I am sometimes guilty of not giving His Word the attention it deserves, and therefore minimizing God's authority over my life. So today and tomorrow, I want to share this insight with you, and hope that God pricks your heart too, leaving you with a fresh desire to delve into scripture with a new perspective, and a new passion to make God's Word a priority in your own life.
5 WAYS THAT PEOPLE TREAT THE BIBLE:
1. Some people treat the Bible like an hors d'oeuvre tray.
Whether at a fancy party, where servers are walking around with trays of food to munch on, or at a friends house where a few snacks are being served, we do the same thing. We look at the tray, and handpick the things that seem most appealing to our taste buds, while leaving the least liked items on the tray for someone else.
It is all too easy to embrace the parts of the Bible that we like, while leaving the parts that do not seem as appealing for someone else. For example, we love Romans 8:28, where we can embrace the promise that God uses all things to His glory - but we feel angry at God for allowing bad things to happen.
And all Christians love Jeremiah 29:11, where God promises a bright future and a plan for us - but what about Matthew 18:22, where Jesus tells us not to forgive someone just once, but seventy times seven - and we dont think someone in our life deserves forgiveness once, much less over and over?
What about Romans 12:2, where God tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to instead set ourselves apart - but we like watching those funny, popular television shows, full of bad language and crude behavior?
And what about Mark 12:31, where we are commanded to love our neigbor as much as we love ourself - but we dont like our neighbor at all because his dog keeps getting in our trash cans every week?
The Truth is, that God's Word is meant to be an instruction guide for our entire life, not just the parts we are willing to surrender to Him. Those parts that come easy to us, promise goodness, and do not require any personal sacrifice.
The Bible is not an hors d'oeuvre tray - God meant it to be consumed in its entirety.
2. Some people treat the Bible like car rental insurance.
A few weeks ago I traveled to Cape May, New Jersey to speak at a women's retreat. Due to the location being on the Jersey shore, I had to rent a car at the airport and drive an hour and a half to get to the hotel. The clerk at the rental car office suggested that I purchase several different benefits, all of which I felt were unnecessary expenses, and one of them was rental car insurance.
I have not had a wreck in at least twenty years. The likelihood of my having a wreck over the following three days seemed highly unlikely, so why would I want to risk wasting money on car rental insurance?
Sometimes we treat God's Word just like that car rental insurance. We know it is there, and maybe we will need to refer to it, but since we have been strolling through life just fine without making it a priority, do we need to make it a priority now? We know our Bible is available, sitting proudly on the bookshelf, but the likelihood of having a crisis today is probably slim, so we just keep in tucked away for an unexpected emergency.
We always assume that our day will go fine, even if we do not sit down and spend time in His word.
But the Bible is not rental insurance - we desperately need it, whether we think we do or not.
3. Some people treat the Bible like a seatbelt.
It is only in last several years, that the importance of seat belts has become top news, and even required by law. Even though we know that seatbelts can save our life, sometimes we just dont "feel like" putting it on.
I have to constantly remind my kids to put their seatbelts on, practically every time we get in the car, and although I continually tell them the importance of wearing a seatbelt, they still either "forget", or just dont want the inconvenience or physical restriction.
In the same way, we know we need the Bible to direct us in our paths, decisions and behaviors every day, but many times we dont "put it on" because it is inconvenient, or we are too busy. Maybe we do not want to feel guilty for sin we are committing. Or maybe, we just do not feel like reading it.
But God's Word is not a seatbelt - it not only saves lives, but gives life.
Any chance you have been treating the Bible like an hors d'oeuvre tray, a car rental insurance policy, or a seatbelt? Think about it.
Tomorrow I will share two more ways we often treat the Bible, so stay tuned.
(Reference: James McDonald, Walk In The Word)
Monday, April 4, 2011
How Do You Treat The Bible?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
God....... why?
I turned on the television last week, just like any regular day, expecting to see the normal morning news, but instead, I was immediately horrified.
As I watched the apocalyptic scenes taking place in Japan, with waves of destruction eating up what was left of the earthquake shaken city, my first thought was...... why?
Why did this happen? Why do these natural disasters, like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis, keep occuring?
Why does God allow so much pain, death and devastation? And does He allow them, or cause them?
These are questions that likely every human being is grappling with. Although we do not intend to question God, or His goodness, we cannot help but wonder why, as we hear of the tens of thousands of lives lost, and see the human suffering taking place right before our eyes.
It is easy to understand the logistics of why natural disasters occur, because of weather patterns, storms over the sea, or tectonic plates bumping together, but why does God allow it?
But then again, why does God allow anything bad to happen?
The answer is simply found when we go back to the basics of our beliefs ----- we live in a fallen world, a sinful world, and that is why Jesus came to save us.
GotQuestions.org explained it this way: "In much the same way that God allows evil people to commit evil acts, God allows the earth to reflect the consequences sin has had on creation.
Romans 8:19-21 tells us, “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”
The fall of humanity into sin had effects on everything, including the world we inhabit. Everything in creation is subject to “frustration” and “decay.” Sin is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death, disease, and suffering."
Knowing the character of God as it is described in the Bible, I have to trust that God's heart is breaking as He looks down on Japan and sees people suffering, just as His heart breaks when we sin, or suffer in daily circumstances.
But one thing is for sure - when things like this happen, we are forced to think about one question - "would we be ready?" Not would we be disaster-ready, with bottled water and food stored away, but would we be heart-ready, for eternity.
It causes us to examine our own foundation of beliefs, our faith and our future.
I have read that after such natural disasters, churches are filled with people who do not normally attend. People who have become acutely aware of the fact that life can end in an instant. People who are shaken up enough emotionally to see their need for a sovereign God.
Also, when we are faced with a life threatening situation, we are often compelled to realign our priorities. Our eyes are opened, and we suddenly acknowledge that the unimportant things of life have been taking precedence over the things that really matter.
We may realize that we have been taking our blessings for granted, and feel God calling us to pour out gratitude and thankfulness for who He is and all He has done for us.
Countless numbers of people are led to fervently pray for strangers they have never met, and will probably never meet.
People all over the world, of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds, come together to help raise funds to help those in need.
Christian ministries are given wide open doors to share faith like never before.
If you really think about it, the world actually seems to become much smaller, when we universally have one focus of love and hope.
Regardless of whether or not we ever know the answers to our "why's", we must hang onto to the truth that no matter what - God is good.
No matter what, God has a plan for everyone, as we are told in Jeremiah 29:11
No matter what, God has a purpose for everything, as we are reminded in Romans 8:28.
No matter what, God is love, as we are told in 1 John 4:8.
And Psalm 56:8 reminds us of God's goodness and compassion, as He catches every tear, "You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book." The Message
Despite the heartbreak that I feel for Japan, and the heartbreak and fear that I can physically see in the eyes of the survivors, I have to trust that God does have a reason, a purpose, and a plan for this disaster, and for all the people involved.
I hope and pray that many of the people who lost their lives in this disaster, are now sitting at the feet of Jesus, and that those who are left, may be led to meet Him here on earth for the very first time.
As I watched the apocalyptic scenes taking place in Japan, with waves of destruction eating up what was left of the earthquake shaken city, my first thought was...... why?
Why did this happen? Why do these natural disasters, like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis, keep occuring?
Why does God allow so much pain, death and devastation? And does He allow them, or cause them?
These are questions that likely every human being is grappling with. Although we do not intend to question God, or His goodness, we cannot help but wonder why, as we hear of the tens of thousands of lives lost, and see the human suffering taking place right before our eyes.
It is easy to understand the logistics of why natural disasters occur, because of weather patterns, storms over the sea, or tectonic plates bumping together, but why does God allow it?
But then again, why does God allow anything bad to happen?
The answer is simply found when we go back to the basics of our beliefs ----- we live in a fallen world, a sinful world, and that is why Jesus came to save us.
GotQuestions.org explained it this way: "In much the same way that God allows evil people to commit evil acts, God allows the earth to reflect the consequences sin has had on creation.
Romans 8:19-21 tells us, “The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.”
The fall of humanity into sin had effects on everything, including the world we inhabit. Everything in creation is subject to “frustration” and “decay.” Sin is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death, disease, and suffering."
Knowing the character of God as it is described in the Bible, I have to trust that God's heart is breaking as He looks down on Japan and sees people suffering, just as His heart breaks when we sin, or suffer in daily circumstances.
But one thing is for sure - when things like this happen, we are forced to think about one question - "would we be ready?" Not would we be disaster-ready, with bottled water and food stored away, but would we be heart-ready, for eternity.
It causes us to examine our own foundation of beliefs, our faith and our future.
I have read that after such natural disasters, churches are filled with people who do not normally attend. People who have become acutely aware of the fact that life can end in an instant. People who are shaken up enough emotionally to see their need for a sovereign God.
Also, when we are faced with a life threatening situation, we are often compelled to realign our priorities. Our eyes are opened, and we suddenly acknowledge that the unimportant things of life have been taking precedence over the things that really matter.
We may realize that we have been taking our blessings for granted, and feel God calling us to pour out gratitude and thankfulness for who He is and all He has done for us.
Countless numbers of people are led to fervently pray for strangers they have never met, and will probably never meet.
People all over the world, of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds, come together to help raise funds to help those in need.
Christian ministries are given wide open doors to share faith like never before.
If you really think about it, the world actually seems to become much smaller, when we universally have one focus of love and hope.
Regardless of whether or not we ever know the answers to our "why's", we must hang onto to the truth that no matter what - God is good.
No matter what, God has a plan for everyone, as we are told in Jeremiah 29:11
No matter what, God has a purpose for everything, as we are reminded in Romans 8:28.
No matter what, God is love, as we are told in 1 John 4:8.
And Psalm 56:8 reminds us of God's goodness and compassion, as He catches every tear, "You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in your ledger, each ache written in your book." The Message
Despite the heartbreak that I feel for Japan, and the heartbreak and fear that I can physically see in the eyes of the survivors, I have to trust that God does have a reason, a purpose, and a plan for this disaster, and for all the people involved.
I hope and pray that many of the people who lost their lives in this disaster, are now sitting at the feet of Jesus, and that those who are left, may be led to meet Him here on earth for the very first time.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
He Knows
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you;
plans for a hope and a future.
This a very familiar verse to most, and definitely for me. In fact, this verse has been the theme Scripture verse for my life for the past eleven years.
But today, this verse has changed in my mind. The words are still the same, but as I consider it, I have a new, fresh perspective about what it really means.
You see, on many occasions when I was searching for God's will, I used this verse as a walking stick for the journey.
I have always viewed it as a beacon of guidance from above; a reassurance that no matter what seemed to be going in life, that God had a plan and a purpose no matter what; a command to trust Him, without question.
God has used this scripture to help me learn to walk by faith, and not by sight, while believing that He sees the bigger picture, and the purpose for all things.
And all that is true - but now, it holds an even bigger meaning in my heart.
This week, one of our Proverbs 31 team members sent out a prayer request, asking for prayer and peace in a circumstance in her life. Many of us replied with words of encouragement and support, but one of our sweet sisters not only offered to pray, but sent out a nugget of gold, found in a scripture that I thought I knew like the back of my hand.
She stated that during a time when she was praying for God's will in an important decision in her life, several people reminded her of Jeremiah 29:11. She knew the verse well, but said she had always wanted to cling to the "plans to prosper you and not harm you" part. But God spoke to her heart, and helped her to find comfort and peace in the "I know" part instead.
When I read these words in her email, it was like a light bulb went off in my head.
God whispered to my heart, "Tracie, I know". I suddenly became acutely aware that God does know.......everything. He is not perplexed or surprised by what we are facing.
He knows.
And.... He has a plan.
On Monday, I wrote about feeling "helpless". God reminded me that He cares, as I watched Him intervene in a personal situation with my daughter.
On Tuesday, God used the words of a friend to remind me that He not only cares about us, but He knows.
He knows the things I am struggling with. He knows the needs of my family. He knows all of His children.
He knows who is hurting. He knows who is worried. He knows who is in pain. He knows what is breaking our hearts. He knows our fears. He knows our concerns. He knows our most secret burdens. He knows our needs.
And most of all, He knows us - like a father knows his own children; like good friends know each others secrets; like family.
We are often told that "God sees" and "God cares", and the Bible tells us those things are true. But today, let's cling to the comfort found in knowing that He not only sees and cares, but HE KNOWS.
And to top off that good news.. He has a plan. Now that, makes me smile. :)
But today, this verse has changed in my mind. The words are still the same, but as I consider it, I have a new, fresh perspective about what it really means.
You see, on many occasions when I was searching for God's will, I used this verse as a walking stick for the journey.
I have always viewed it as a beacon of guidance from above; a reassurance that no matter what seemed to be going in life, that God had a plan and a purpose no matter what; a command to trust Him, without question.
God has used this scripture to help me learn to walk by faith, and not by sight, while believing that He sees the bigger picture, and the purpose for all things.
And all that is true - but now, it holds an even bigger meaning in my heart.
This week, one of our Proverbs 31 team members sent out a prayer request, asking for prayer and peace in a circumstance in her life. Many of us replied with words of encouragement and support, but one of our sweet sisters not only offered to pray, but sent out a nugget of gold, found in a scripture that I thought I knew like the back of my hand.
She stated that during a time when she was praying for God's will in an important decision in her life, several people reminded her of Jeremiah 29:11. She knew the verse well, but said she had always wanted to cling to the "plans to prosper you and not harm you" part. But God spoke to her heart, and helped her to find comfort and peace in the "I know" part instead.
When I read these words in her email, it was like a light bulb went off in my head.
God whispered to my heart, "Tracie, I know". I suddenly became acutely aware that God does know.......everything. He is not perplexed or surprised by what we are facing.
He knows.
And.... He has a plan.
On Monday, I wrote about feeling "helpless". God reminded me that He cares, as I watched Him intervene in a personal situation with my daughter.
On Tuesday, God used the words of a friend to remind me that He not only cares about us, but He knows.
He knows the things I am struggling with. He knows the needs of my family. He knows all of His children.
He knows who is hurting. He knows who is worried. He knows who is in pain. He knows what is breaking our hearts. He knows our fears. He knows our concerns. He knows our most secret burdens. He knows our needs.
And most of all, He knows us - like a father knows his own children; like good friends know each others secrets; like family.
We are often told that "God sees" and "God cares", and the Bible tells us those things are true. But today, let's cling to the comfort found in knowing that He not only sees and cares, but HE KNOWS.
And to top off that good news.. He has a plan. Now that, makes me smile. :)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Helpless?
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength,always ready to help in times of trouble. (NLT)
I admit it, I have been feeling helpless lately.
My seventeen year old daughter has struggled with migraines since she was little, but since they had become much less frequent over the past year, we had hoped she was finally outgrowing them.
Unfortunately that was not the case. For the past few months, she has been struck with many debilitating headaches, several per week, causing her to miss a lot of school. As a mom, of course I worry about her school work and her grades, but there is a much bigger emotion that I have been struggling with - a sense of helplessness.
I cant help her, and I hurt for her. It breaks my heart to watch her lie in bed, with arms and legs tremoring, and unable to open her eyes for fear of the pain the light will bring. And just as much as I hurt, I am consumed with feeling helpless.
Helpless to fix the problem. Helpless to make her feel better.
Helpless to do anything at all - and that sense of helplessness has heightened over the past few weeks, as I have been trying without success to get her medical records transferred from our old pediatric neurologist, to a new one who had been highly recommended.
Helpless, in the hands of people who did not know me, or my daughter, much less feel the sense of urgency that I felt to get her records transferred.
Helpless, at the mercy of strangers who continued to explain their policies, procedures and red tape requirements, rather than help speed up the process to get my daughter the help she needed.
Helpless. So I continued to pray for help from the One who is never helpless.
I had been told weeks ago by the new neurologist, that once the infamous day came when they finally did have all of Morgan's past medical records in hand, that it would take several weeks, if not months, to get a scheduled appointment.
Yesterday morning I went upstairs to Morgan's bedroom to wake her up for church, only to find her trembling little body buried under the covers once again.
Immediately, I am overcome with familiar feelings of helplessness. Selfishly, I am overcome with frustration and exhaustion, and a twinge of anger - not at her - but at the situation. Then I am overcome with guilt for having those feelings - and feel even more helpless as we face another long day.
After spending twelve hours trapped in the darkness of her room by the pain that she has no control over, I went upstairs to check on her one last time before going to bed. And I cried out to the only One who could help.
I prayed that the records and referrals would all be sent over by today. I prayed that God would instill compassion in an employee's heart at the doctor's office, and compel them to act quickly on our behalf.
I prayed that whenever I did call the new doctor for the first appointment, that they could fit us in quickly, even though I had been blatantly told that was not a possibility.
I prayed for peace in this situation, and to help me trust Him.
I woke up this morning, and paced around the house until the digital clock showed exactly 8:30am, then immediately begin calling the medical offices.
Good news - success. All records were finally transferred due to a sweet woman who put our case at the top of her priority list. Answered prayer #1. I thanked her explicitly, hung up, and called the new neurologist.
The nurse put me on hold while checking the schedule, and then she came back with more good news.... "This is highly unusual, but we just had a cancellation, so there is an appointment available tomorrow at 9:00am. Can you come at that time?" Answered prayer #2.
Needless to say, I jumped on that appointment faster than a cat on a hot tin roof! Then I hung up the phone, and prayed, thanking God for helping me, when I felt helpless on my own.
I was reminded that He is our Helper. I felt peace and assurance. Answered prayer #3.
You see, God used this tiny intervention to reassure me that when I recognize my need for His help, in big and small things, the door is opened for Him to intervene.
Maybe you are facing a seemingly hopeless situation, and feel you have exerted all the human energy you have, with no positive results. Join me in lifting up the below prayer. Let it be the song of your heart today, no matter what big or small problem you may be facing. Our Helper is only a prayer away.
Thank you Lord for reminding me that with You, I am not helpless. You do care about the struggles we face, the heartaches we endure, and the details of our lives. Help me embrace a peace of mind, but also a peace of heart, knowing that even when we I am feeling helpless in my human abilities, You are there to help in your divine power. Thank you for showing me, once again, that with You, all things really are possible.
I admit it, I have been feeling helpless lately.
My seventeen year old daughter has struggled with migraines since she was little, but since they had become much less frequent over the past year, we had hoped she was finally outgrowing them.
Unfortunately that was not the case. For the past few months, she has been struck with many debilitating headaches, several per week, causing her to miss a lot of school. As a mom, of course I worry about her school work and her grades, but there is a much bigger emotion that I have been struggling with - a sense of helplessness.
I cant help her, and I hurt for her. It breaks my heart to watch her lie in bed, with arms and legs tremoring, and unable to open her eyes for fear of the pain the light will bring. And just as much as I hurt, I am consumed with feeling helpless.
Helpless to fix the problem. Helpless to make her feel better.
Helpless to do anything at all - and that sense of helplessness has heightened over the past few weeks, as I have been trying without success to get her medical records transferred from our old pediatric neurologist, to a new one who had been highly recommended.
Helpless, in the hands of people who did not know me, or my daughter, much less feel the sense of urgency that I felt to get her records transferred.
Helpless, at the mercy of strangers who continued to explain their policies, procedures and red tape requirements, rather than help speed up the process to get my daughter the help she needed.
Helpless. So I continued to pray for help from the One who is never helpless.
I had been told weeks ago by the new neurologist, that once the infamous day came when they finally did have all of Morgan's past medical records in hand, that it would take several weeks, if not months, to get a scheduled appointment.
Yesterday morning I went upstairs to Morgan's bedroom to wake her up for church, only to find her trembling little body buried under the covers once again.
Immediately, I am overcome with familiar feelings of helplessness. Selfishly, I am overcome with frustration and exhaustion, and a twinge of anger - not at her - but at the situation. Then I am overcome with guilt for having those feelings - and feel even more helpless as we face another long day.
After spending twelve hours trapped in the darkness of her room by the pain that she has no control over, I went upstairs to check on her one last time before going to bed. And I cried out to the only One who could help.
I prayed that the records and referrals would all be sent over by today. I prayed that God would instill compassion in an employee's heart at the doctor's office, and compel them to act quickly on our behalf.
I prayed that whenever I did call the new doctor for the first appointment, that they could fit us in quickly, even though I had been blatantly told that was not a possibility.
I prayed for peace in this situation, and to help me trust Him.
I woke up this morning, and paced around the house until the digital clock showed exactly 8:30am, then immediately begin calling the medical offices.
Good news - success. All records were finally transferred due to a sweet woman who put our case at the top of her priority list. Answered prayer #1. I thanked her explicitly, hung up, and called the new neurologist.
The nurse put me on hold while checking the schedule, and then she came back with more good news.... "This is highly unusual, but we just had a cancellation, so there is an appointment available tomorrow at 9:00am. Can you come at that time?" Answered prayer #2.
Needless to say, I jumped on that appointment faster than a cat on a hot tin roof! Then I hung up the phone, and prayed, thanking God for helping me, when I felt helpless on my own.
I was reminded that He is our Helper. I felt peace and assurance. Answered prayer #3.
You see, God used this tiny intervention to reassure me that when I recognize my need for His help, in big and small things, the door is opened for Him to intervene.
Maybe you are facing a seemingly hopeless situation, and feel you have exerted all the human energy you have, with no positive results. Join me in lifting up the below prayer. Let it be the song of your heart today, no matter what big or small problem you may be facing. Our Helper is only a prayer away.
Thank you Lord for reminding me that with You, I am not helpless. You do care about the struggles we face, the heartaches we endure, and the details of our lives. Help me embrace a peace of mind, but also a peace of heart, knowing that even when we I am feeling helpless in my human abilities, You are there to help in your divine power. Thank you for showing me, once again, that with You, all things really are possible.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Joy In A Glimpse
I witnessed a God-moment this past Sunday - and it was beautiful.
I was scheduled to speak at the eleven o'clock Sunday morning worship service at a church hosting a Women's Day Celebration. Even though it was a "women's day", there were men, women and children in the congregation, just like any other Sunday.
I have to admit that even though I love being a speaker, the thought of preaching at Sunday morning worship seemed a step out of my comfort zone. I felt the enemy lurking, trying to trip me up, and cause me to stumble in my delivery or my words.
You see, I had been struggling with a cough and cold for two weeks, and wondered if I would be able to get through my message without having an uncontrollable coughing fit. The fear of that happening left me feeling apprehensive, concerned, and unfocused.
I tried not to listen to the faint lies that he was pouring into my head - telling me, reminding me, confirming my worries - that I had absolutely no business standing in the pulpit on Sunday morning.
After all, that is the preacher's spot - you know, the one who spent years earning master's degrees, graduating from seminary, and learning the Bible like the back of their hand. The one who is more qualified than I will ever be.
I even secretly wondered why I had been asked to speak at this special service - and for a brief moment, secretly regretted accepting the invitation. Was I qualified? Was I good enough? Was I worthy? My head resounded the answers - no, no, and no.
So I prayed. I asked God to smooth my throat and heal my cough. I prayed for him to calm my fears and remove my apprehension; to drown out the voice of the destroyer who wanted to keep me from sharing the message God had given me; and to simply use me to make a difference in some small way.
As I walked on stage, and began speaking, I immediately felt His presence fill my spirit. I stood in front of all those peering faces, with a renewed purpose, and allowed Him to lead my words until the message came to a close - without a single cough. Then I closed in prayer, and returned to my seat.
A few moments later, I saw a young man walk down the aisle, talk to the preacher at the alter and exchange some hugs as we prepared to sing a closing hymn.
After the service was over, I received many kinds words and hugs, all of which were much appreciated - but nothing compared to the words shared by that one young man.
One young man who had been dealing with difficult circumstances and addictions in his life, but had recently come to a place of healing. He had overcome his problems, and although he still felt broken and unusable, he also felt God was calling him to be a youth minister.
The story began to unfold as his fiance came up and introduced herself, with eyes flooded with tears. She thanked me for the message I had shared, and said it was exactly what her fiance needed to hear. Then the father of that young man approached me, tears flowing, sharing how God had spoken to him and his son that day; and his mother followed suit.
Then, I came to face to face with the young man everyone was talking about. A handsome, clean cut, young man, who felt broken, unworthy, unqualified, and not good enough to serve a Sovereign God.
A young man who had listened to the discouraging lies of the enemy for so long, that he had come to believe that he was nothing more than damaged goods, and as a result, had been afraid to say yes to God's call. He had allowed his past to define him, and had hesitated to believe that God could ever use him - until now.
My heart was so full. Overflowing with excitement, yet stifled with humility. Apparently, the words that God put in my mouth that day were exactly what that young man needed to hear. We were both at the right place at the right time - just as God had planned.
God had been preparing us both for such a time as this.
God did not need me to get that specific message across to that man, but He allowed me the privilege of being a part of His plan, and the blessing of seeing His divine intervention.
What an awesome reminder that God orchestrates every detail of the lives of His children. He meant what He said in Jeremiah 29:11, when He promised us all a future and a hope, and a plan for our life that He destined just for us.
What we think is a small step of faith, could end up being an opportunity for life change - for us, or possibly for someone we touch. We just have to say yes, and leave the rest to God.
Oh how I pray that when I feel God speaking to my heart, that I will listen to His voice, and drown out the enemy's voice with a loud, booming faith.
How I long to follow Him, without worry, without question, and without hesitation.
We just never know what amazing miracles God may be orchestrating behind the scenes and in the hearts of others. If we trust Him, He just might let us get a tiny glimpse of Him at work - and it will always be a beautiful sight.
I was scheduled to speak at the eleven o'clock Sunday morning worship service at a church hosting a Women's Day Celebration. Even though it was a "women's day", there were men, women and children in the congregation, just like any other Sunday.
I have to admit that even though I love being a speaker, the thought of preaching at Sunday morning worship seemed a step out of my comfort zone. I felt the enemy lurking, trying to trip me up, and cause me to stumble in my delivery or my words.
You see, I had been struggling with a cough and cold for two weeks, and wondered if I would be able to get through my message without having an uncontrollable coughing fit. The fear of that happening left me feeling apprehensive, concerned, and unfocused.
I tried not to listen to the faint lies that he was pouring into my head - telling me, reminding me, confirming my worries - that I had absolutely no business standing in the pulpit on Sunday morning.
After all, that is the preacher's spot - you know, the one who spent years earning master's degrees, graduating from seminary, and learning the Bible like the back of their hand. The one who is more qualified than I will ever be.
I even secretly wondered why I had been asked to speak at this special service - and for a brief moment, secretly regretted accepting the invitation. Was I qualified? Was I good enough? Was I worthy? My head resounded the answers - no, no, and no.
So I prayed. I asked God to smooth my throat and heal my cough. I prayed for him to calm my fears and remove my apprehension; to drown out the voice of the destroyer who wanted to keep me from sharing the message God had given me; and to simply use me to make a difference in some small way.
As I walked on stage, and began speaking, I immediately felt His presence fill my spirit. I stood in front of all those peering faces, with a renewed purpose, and allowed Him to lead my words until the message came to a close - without a single cough. Then I closed in prayer, and returned to my seat.
A few moments later, I saw a young man walk down the aisle, talk to the preacher at the alter and exchange some hugs as we prepared to sing a closing hymn.
After the service was over, I received many kinds words and hugs, all of which were much appreciated - but nothing compared to the words shared by that one young man.
One young man who had been dealing with difficult circumstances and addictions in his life, but had recently come to a place of healing. He had overcome his problems, and although he still felt broken and unusable, he also felt God was calling him to be a youth minister.
The story began to unfold as his fiance came up and introduced herself, with eyes flooded with tears. She thanked me for the message I had shared, and said it was exactly what her fiance needed to hear. Then the father of that young man approached me, tears flowing, sharing how God had spoken to him and his son that day; and his mother followed suit.
Then, I came to face to face with the young man everyone was talking about. A handsome, clean cut, young man, who felt broken, unworthy, unqualified, and not good enough to serve a Sovereign God.
A young man who had listened to the discouraging lies of the enemy for so long, that he had come to believe that he was nothing more than damaged goods, and as a result, had been afraid to say yes to God's call. He had allowed his past to define him, and had hesitated to believe that God could ever use him - until now.
My heart was so full. Overflowing with excitement, yet stifled with humility. Apparently, the words that God put in my mouth that day were exactly what that young man needed to hear. We were both at the right place at the right time - just as God had planned.
God had been preparing us both for such a time as this.
God did not need me to get that specific message across to that man, but He allowed me the privilege of being a part of His plan, and the blessing of seeing His divine intervention.
What an awesome reminder that God orchestrates every detail of the lives of His children. He meant what He said in Jeremiah 29:11, when He promised us all a future and a hope, and a plan for our life that He destined just for us.
What we think is a small step of faith, could end up being an opportunity for life change - for us, or possibly for someone we touch. We just have to say yes, and leave the rest to God.
Oh how I pray that when I feel God speaking to my heart, that I will listen to His voice, and drown out the enemy's voice with a loud, booming faith.
How I long to follow Him, without worry, without question, and without hesitation.
We just never know what amazing miracles God may be orchestrating behind the scenes and in the hearts of others. If we trust Him, He just might let us get a tiny glimpse of Him at work - and it will always be a beautiful sight.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Living The Photographs
I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary when it happened, but it stopped me in my tracks.
I had gone upstairs to kiss Kaitlyn goodnight before she dozed off to sleep. Even though she is fourteen years old now, this is still our nightly routine. We laughed for a few minutes, and then I reached over and began tickling her softly under her neck, just like I used to do when she was little.
She giggled and tucked her chin into her chest, squinting her eyes and laughing, and trying to nudge herself deeper into her pillow, away from my hand.
It was in that instant, that I had the flash of a photograph pop into my mind. It was if I had seen this image blink across a television screen for just a split second, in vivid color, and full of life.
In that moment, I had a flashback of Kaitlyn's face when she was just a little girl. Her full, little cheeks, all rosy from playing; her big blue eyes sparkling with laugh wrinkles; her bouncy blond hair stacked on top of her head.
It nearly took my breath away. It was almost like I had a vision, of something that once seemed ordinary, but now is gone.
Being the sentimental girl that I am, I felt a few tears begin to sting my eyes. Tears that formed not because I was sad that she is nearly all grown up, but because I believe it was God's way of reminding me that in many ways, she is still that same little girl that I see in pictures taken years ago.
Despite the fact that she is now a beautiful, maturing, 5'8", young lady - deep inside, she is still that little girl that I once held in my lap and snuggled.
Despite the fact that her life now revolves around school, cheerleading, clothes and friends, instead of Barbie jeeps, stuffed animals and babydolls.... she is still that same little girl that needs to know she is loved.
And even though there are days when we just do not see eye to eye - she is still my little girl.
This moment, as silly as it may sound, was priceless to me. It was as if God allowed me to relive, for just a split second, not only what Kaitlyn used to look like, but what she still looks like on the inside, despite the all-grown-up exterior.
I will admit that I am one of "those moms" who is obsessive about picture taking. I always have been, and assume I always will be. Our house is filled with pictures of every one of my children in all stages of life, every vacation, every holiday and even just everyday moments.
As I look back through all of those photos, I am reminded of how life was then. As I peer at the little faces, staring at me from the old photographs, I try to relive how I was feeling, and allow my thoughts to be drenched with sweet memories.
God has really spoken to my heart this week, and helped me to be aware that I am now living the photographs of the future, and that every moment of every day, needs to be treasured in my heart, not just captured on film.
I think that as our kids get older, taller, and bigger, we can get pulled into the mindset that they are just small adults, instead of bigger kids.
As a result, it is easy to forget that although they seem big, they are still young at heart. They still desperately need all those things we easily and frequently offered when they were small - like affection, compassion, tenderness, patience, gentleness, and self control.
Those fruits of the spirit that seem to easily blossom when children are small and cute, sometimes seem harder to ripen when teenage hormones and differences of opinions kick in. But the little girl or boy still lives inside them, longing to be filled with the love that God created us all to crave.
Today, I want to remember to live the photographs that God is allowing me to experience; and to not only take physical photographs with my camera, but mental photographs with my heart.
I pray that God continues to prick my mind with images of things past, and to help me treasure the moments that are building the photographs of tomorrow.
I had gone upstairs to kiss Kaitlyn goodnight before she dozed off to sleep. Even though she is fourteen years old now, this is still our nightly routine. We laughed for a few minutes, and then I reached over and began tickling her softly under her neck, just like I used to do when she was little.
She giggled and tucked her chin into her chest, squinting her eyes and laughing, and trying to nudge herself deeper into her pillow, away from my hand.
It was in that instant, that I had the flash of a photograph pop into my mind. It was if I had seen this image blink across a television screen for just a split second, in vivid color, and full of life.
In that moment, I had a flashback of Kaitlyn's face when she was just a little girl. Her full, little cheeks, all rosy from playing; her big blue eyes sparkling with laugh wrinkles; her bouncy blond hair stacked on top of her head.
It nearly took my breath away. It was almost like I had a vision, of something that once seemed ordinary, but now is gone.
Being the sentimental girl that I am, I felt a few tears begin to sting my eyes. Tears that formed not because I was sad that she is nearly all grown up, but because I believe it was God's way of reminding me that in many ways, she is still that same little girl that I see in pictures taken years ago.
Despite the fact that she is now a beautiful, maturing, 5'8", young lady - deep inside, she is still that little girl that I once held in my lap and snuggled.
Despite the fact that her life now revolves around school, cheerleading, clothes and friends, instead of Barbie jeeps, stuffed animals and babydolls.... she is still that same little girl that needs to know she is loved.
And even though there are days when we just do not see eye to eye - she is still my little girl.
This moment, as silly as it may sound, was priceless to me. It was as if God allowed me to relive, for just a split second, not only what Kaitlyn used to look like, but what she still looks like on the inside, despite the all-grown-up exterior.
I will admit that I am one of "those moms" who is obsessive about picture taking. I always have been, and assume I always will be. Our house is filled with pictures of every one of my children in all stages of life, every vacation, every holiday and even just everyday moments.
As I look back through all of those photos, I am reminded of how life was then. As I peer at the little faces, staring at me from the old photographs, I try to relive how I was feeling, and allow my thoughts to be drenched with sweet memories.
God has really spoken to my heart this week, and helped me to be aware that I am now living the photographs of the future, and that every moment of every day, needs to be treasured in my heart, not just captured on film.
I think that as our kids get older, taller, and bigger, we can get pulled into the mindset that they are just small adults, instead of bigger kids.
As a result, it is easy to forget that although they seem big, they are still young at heart. They still desperately need all those things we easily and frequently offered when they were small - like affection, compassion, tenderness, patience, gentleness, and self control.
Those fruits of the spirit that seem to easily blossom when children are small and cute, sometimes seem harder to ripen when teenage hormones and differences of opinions kick in. But the little girl or boy still lives inside them, longing to be filled with the love that God created us all to crave.
Today, I want to remember to live the photographs that God is allowing me to experience; and to not only take physical photographs with my camera, but mental photographs with my heart.
I pray that God continues to prick my mind with images of things past, and to help me treasure the moments that are building the photographs of tomorrow.
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