Being a Mom of 2 now, online grocery shopping has become my best friend and I have no shame in my game. You order online and the next day you pull up to the store and they load your car for you, couldn't be easier or more convenient!
So Sunday night I ordered all our groceries with the plan to pick them up Monday morning. Except when I pulled up Monday morning they said they never received my order....you mean, the internet failed me?!?! (insert small temper tantrum here) So I went home with the thought that I would re-do my order and pick it up the next day, but then quickly realized the grocery shopping HAD to be done that day or my family would be eating peanut butter sandwiches for dinner. (Holla if you hear me Moms out there)
So I psyched myself up, put both kiddos in the car and geared with my shopping list walked into the store. I am happy to say that with wearing my nearly 3 week old newborn and having my almost 4 year old in the cart, we killed that trip to the grocery store! No melt downs, no hungry cries, no diaper blow outs, it was a success! I left the store feeling accomplished and confident in my Mom of 2 skills. (cue the Rocky theme song)
Why do I share that with you today friends?
See, for some of you reading this that may not seem like a big accomplishment because maybe you don't have children OR maybe you have 3 or 4 children...or more. But for me, this was a major success because it showed me my capacity had just enlarged.
Capacity -- the ability or power to do, experience, or understand something.
I am a BIG believer in always increasing your capacity. I decided a long time ago that I would be committed to always learning, always growing and always allowing God to stretch me in every area of my life. Its easy to remain comfortable in what we already know we can do, or to simply tap out and say "I can't do that" but we don't know until we try.
The beauty of our capacity being enlarged is we won't reach a new level until we just do it. Now friends, this doesn't mean if we don't nail it perfectly the first time we automatically fail or won't ever be able to do it. We must understand the beauty of the process is found in Gods grace. Only because of His grace, do we get better and better as we enlarge and take on more and more.
When I first began in full-time ministry, I quickly went from being the Childrens Pastor and Office Administrator to being the Childrens Pastor, Office Administrator, Worship Pastor and Youth Pastor.
And did I mention I was also a newlywed? I went from spinning 3 plates comfortably, to all of a sudden (at my own request) spinning 5 plates! I learned really fast what "enlarging your capacity" meant. (I also quickly learned time management skills) In that season, it took me time and a whole lot of grace to grow and excel, but leaning into God and following His lead, He equipped me to do it. I look back at that season of life and realize God used it to prepare me for so many things that come naturally to me now.
Thats the thing about enlarging our capacity; what once was the "gigantic-I'll never get the hang of this-way too difficult-cant stretch anymore-season" will soon simply become your warm up as you glide into the next season of growth.
For my husband and I, with our awesomely blessed full schedule, two children is obviously a new journey for us. A new journey that we are super excited about and have prayed for. Its a new journey filled with incredible God moments just waiting for us to unpack and explore. Its a journey in which it is necessary we lean on Gods grace in everything and realize that He has ALREADY graced us for these moments.
Being a Mom in full time ministry is a precious gift. As my capacity grows and stretches, I lean back into His grace, I listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. I recognize the power and direction of God in my life and I trust Him to speak to me, to guide me and to lead me.
You my friend must do the same. Wherever you are, you can grow past it. However much you can handle, you can handle more. If you are currently spinning 3 plates, challenge yourself to spin 4. Teach someone else around you how to spin plate number 2 and hand it off to them so you can take on the next thing God has for you. However it looks to you today, challenge yourself to enlarge. Take a hold of Gods grace, don't expect to do it perfectly, but expect to be blown away by Gods goodness in it all. And if you need to.....order those groceries online. :)
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Friday, July 29, 2016
Interruptions
Last night when I went to bed, I had my entire schedule for today planned out. From the start of the day to the end, I basically knew exactly what my Friday would look like.
That is until Friday morning came and I was awoken by a toddler with a crusty, sealed shut eye.
In a matter of moments the course of my planned day shifted and began with a Drs appointment for my daughter who clearly has pink eye. From there it was off to Walgreens to buy the prescription she needed and home to get her comfortable for the day, as she would no longer be attending school.
By the way in case you were wondering, none of this was on my schedule Thursday night as I laid down to sleep.
Ever had a day like that?
You have a schedule and your plan is to stick with it so you can get everything accomplished only to find the course of the day changed and the plan interrupted?
I had a choice to make....and when this happens to you....you have a choice to make.
I could have become upset and thrown a tantrum that the things I needed to get accomplished (which are many) would have to be put on hold and might not get completely done the way I had hoped. OR I could realize that maybe the interruption was my true assignment for the day.
Too often we allow our schedules to get the better of us and never slow down to really see the things which are most important. When interruptions come, they can be frustrating, but if we would just slow down and look deeper we could see what is behind the interruption.
That interruption at the office, may be a God appointment for you to share Jesus with a co-worker. That interruption at home, might be a chance for you to have the needed conversation with your spouse.
That interruption in traffic, could be an opportunity for you to spend quiet time with your creator.
I think if we pay attention we would see that sometimes all the assignments that we feel are so important, pale in comparison to the assignments God has specifically designed for us.
God never causes negative circumstances to happen to us, but He will use them in our lives. Its all in how we decide to view the interruptions we encounter.
Today, I choose to see the interruption in my schedule as an opportunity to love on my baby girl and spend the day with her, knowing I will still get everything else done, but fully enjoying my assignment in this moment.
We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9
Friday, February 12, 2016
Have We Become Numb?
It's so easy to look at our world right now and ask, "what is going on?!" (insert high pitched voice here)
We scroll through Twitter and are bombarded with school shootings, racism, hate crimes, out of control celebrities, insane news reports and I could just keep going on...and on....and on....our world is a dark place.
Just this morning there was a tragic, senseless shooting at a Glendale high school where two 15 year old girls lost their lives. As I was praying for their families and friends involved and for the culture of our community, I heard God say the word "NUMB."
It stopped me in my tracks because I thought...wow, have these occurrences become the norm? And if that is true are they so normal that we have become numb to them? Meaning, we scroll through Twitter we see the news report, we re-tweet it with a #PrayersUp and then we are onto the next re-tweet of the sale at Hollister? Like retweeting the news report was our daily good deed?
Because if thats it, we have failed. Miserably.
So my question to you is, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
The famous last words of Jesus before He went back to Heaven....
"Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 MSG
We scroll through Twitter and are bombarded with school shootings, racism, hate crimes, out of control celebrities, insane news reports and I could just keep going on...and on....and on....our world is a dark place.
Just this morning there was a tragic, senseless shooting at a Glendale high school where two 15 year old girls lost their lives. As I was praying for their families and friends involved and for the culture of our community, I heard God say the word "NUMB."
It stopped me in my tracks because I thought...wow, have these occurrences become the norm? And if that is true are they so normal that we have become numb to them? Meaning, we scroll through Twitter we see the news report, we re-tweet it with a #PrayersUp and then we are onto the next re-tweet of the sale at Hollister? Like retweeting the news report was our daily good deed?
Because if thats it, we have failed. Miserably.
So my question to you is, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
The famous last words of Jesus before He went back to Heaven....
"Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 MSG
This wasn't a casual suggestion. Jesus was telling His disciples (US!) to go out and change the world starting with the person right next to you and then another person around you and then your group of friends and then their group of friends and then that group of friends.....
We may not be able to reach everyone but we CAN REACH at least ONE.
Friends, what if when we read these words of Jesus we took them as: I am personally responsible for making sure every person I encounter knows Jesus and is going to Heaven.
Why? Whats the point? Because Jesus said we are the light of this world.
WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, not a burned out bulb and not a dimmed bulb but THE BRIGHTEST bulb that illuminates an entire room!
We may not be able to reach everyone but we CAN REACH at least ONE.
Friends, what if when we read these words of Jesus we took them as: I am personally responsible for making sure every person I encounter knows Jesus and is going to Heaven.
Why? Whats the point? Because Jesus said we are the light of this world.
WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, not a burned out bulb and not a dimmed bulb but THE BRIGHTEST bulb that illuminates an entire room!
When everything around us looks dark, we are the ones who rise up and bring light.
We are the ones loving when others are shunning.
We are the ones with joy when others are down.
We are the ones sharing Gods Words when others are sharing gossip.
We are the ones including everyone, when others are excluding.
We are the ones bringing the love of Jesus into every situation and to every person we know.
The world isn't getting better any time soon, but we can. We can stand up and bring the good news to people that they are loved by the one and only God who created them. That they have a Savior, Jesus, who died on a cross for them conquering sin and death and then rose again just as He said He would to go back to Heaven and prepare a place just for them! We can share with them the good news that they are loved and accepted just as they are and they don't have to "clean up" or "get right" before they come to Jesus. We can make a difference in the lives of others!
So next time you are scrolling through Twitter, go ahead and retweet with #PrayersUp but then I challenge you look around and see who needs what you have. See who needs love, who needs acceptance, who needs JESUS and then GO.
Why not begin today?
Why not begin today?
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Stretch it out...
I love our young adult small group and in our time together last week we were discussing being stretched by God. I commented how I feel that's my life on a daily basis right now! It seems every single day God is presenting me new. pretty large, opportunities to grow and stretch. With that one of my friends threw into the conversation....
#IStayBeinStretched
After busting out with laughter, I took that on as my new life motto for this season.
One of my daily prayers for so long has been for God to enlarge my capacity. To always give me new plates to spin for His Kingdom and the ability to spin them, WHILE passing off other plates to up and coming plate spinners. The thing about a prayer like that is God doesn't enlarge your capacity without giving you the things to do that will enlarge you. (Enter my current season.)
Just when I think I have hit a groove and am accomplishing things well, another plate or two come spinning my direction with my name on them. And to be honest....that's just as it should be and exactly how I want it.
God didn't create us to stay at the same capacity we've always been.
If a student who enters high school as a Freshman has the same intellectual level at Senior year, there is a problem and that is very clear to us. Yet in our daily walk with God we choose to stay at the same level as when we first got saved and see that as normal or acceptable. We do just enough to get by and never seek to grow and then wonder why things aren't changing and developing for us. Friends, God expects us to enlarge our capacity, to grow in every walk of our lives and every facet of our relationship with Him; emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. Not for our own purposes, but for HIS purposes! To reach as many people as we can, to grow His Kingdom and to live this life He has given us to the absolute fullest.
God didn't create us to be complacent or average.
When growth makes itself known in our lives we have 2 options.
1. Step into it, unknown and all. (Grab those plates and spin em baby!)
2. Back away into comfortability.
Maybe God is asking you to spin the plate of "serving in Childrens Ministry" or "get your finances in order" maybe its even "write a book" WHAT IF, its all 3 of those at the same time?
If God has passed us the plates, He has equipped us to spin them and will direct us on how to spin them well when we trust Him.
Growing pains aren't fun, but when we remember we are growing because God is entrusting us with more, then it turns growing pains into growing gains. Then, before long we look around and we're in a new place. What once was difficult, we can now do with ease. What once seemed impossible is just another part of our day!
Too many people, are backing away into comfortability when they know they are created for more. Shying away from spinning a new plate because of what it might cost them. Is there a cost to growth? Absolutely. But its a cost well worth it when we view it in light of the cost Jesus paid.
Then He said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it. Luke 9:23-24
Who's ready to spin some plates?!
Signed
Sincerely,
#IStayBeinStretched
Friday, September 11, 2015
Calling Your Name...
Having an almost 3 year old little girl is an adventure! She has entered the world of Barbies (already?), singing "Let it Go", dancing in circles when there is music in the air and even (gasp!) pre-ballet classes. She is a true girly girl; shrieking at bugs, twirling in dresses and loving all things Disney Princess.
I may be biased...but she is pretty amazing almost 3 year old. (insert cheesy grin)
A few weeks ago the three of us were playing and running around the house. My husband was sitting on the couch calling for our daughter as I was chasing her down the hallway. As she ran to my husband and jumped up into his arms she shouted "SAFE!" and giggled as she leaned back into his embrace. My breathe caught in my chest as I stepped back to take in that moment. The moment where my baby girl realized that no matter what, she is safe in the arms of her Daddy.
Friends, there is so much to learn from this moment in a toddlers life.
How often are we running into the arms of our Father and shouting, SAFE!
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:1-4
I may be biased...but she is pretty amazing almost 3 year old. (insert cheesy grin)
A few weeks ago the three of us were playing and running around the house. My husband was sitting on the couch calling for our daughter as I was chasing her down the hallway. As she ran to my husband and jumped up into his arms she shouted "SAFE!" and giggled as she leaned back into his embrace. My breathe caught in my chest as I stepped back to take in that moment. The moment where my baby girl realized that no matter what, she is safe in the arms of her Daddy.
Friends, there is so much to learn from this moment in a toddlers life.
How often are we running into the arms of our Father and shouting, SAFE!
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Psalm 91:1-4
He is our rescuer. He is our safe place. He is our shelter, our protector and our promise keeper.
When my daughter is with her Daddy there is nothing like it. She is unafraid as she flies through the air on his shoulders. She is brave as she holds His hand. She laughs like crazy when he tells her a secret. She is loving as she is loved. She is comforted when he kisses her "ow-ies."
I absolutely love to sit back and watch their relationship. I love watching her begin to understand her value from the love and acceptance of her Father. I am often reminded, if her earthly Father loves her this much, how much MORE does her perfect Heavenly Father love her.
How much more does He love me.
How much more does He love YOU.
I recognize, some of you reading this may not have benefited from growing up with an earthly Father who loved and adored you and my heart grieves for you. However, it is time to awaken to the relationship available to you in your Heavenly Father! The Father who... makes you unafraid as you fly in life with Him and makes you brave as you hold his hand. The Father who whispers secrets to you that make your heart laugh, equips you to love others as He loves you and yes, even kisses your ow-ies when life gets the best of you.
He is a good Father. The best we could ever hope for or want. He longs to spend time with us, dreaming and planning. He longs to fulfill the deepest parts of ourselves that we never show to anyone. The hurts, pains, joys and celebrations...He is there cheering us on.
No matter our age, no matter our background, He is calling our name.
He calls us to His arms....
SAFE!
When my daughter is with her Daddy there is nothing like it. She is unafraid as she flies through the air on his shoulders. She is brave as she holds His hand. She laughs like crazy when he tells her a secret. She is loving as she is loved. She is comforted when he kisses her "ow-ies."
I absolutely love to sit back and watch their relationship. I love watching her begin to understand her value from the love and acceptance of her Father. I am often reminded, if her earthly Father loves her this much, how much MORE does her perfect Heavenly Father love her.
How much more does He love me.
How much more does He love YOU.
I recognize, some of you reading this may not have benefited from growing up with an earthly Father who loved and adored you and my heart grieves for you. However, it is time to awaken to the relationship available to you in your Heavenly Father! The Father who... makes you unafraid as you fly in life with Him and makes you brave as you hold his hand. The Father who whispers secrets to you that make your heart laugh, equips you to love others as He loves you and yes, even kisses your ow-ies when life gets the best of you.
He is a good Father. The best we could ever hope for or want. He longs to spend time with us, dreaming and planning. He longs to fulfill the deepest parts of ourselves that we never show to anyone. The hurts, pains, joys and celebrations...He is there cheering us on.
No matter our age, no matter our background, He is calling our name.
He calls us to His arms....
SAFE!
Friday, September 4, 2015
You always have a piece of home here...
How do you capture the trip of a lifetime into one blog?
Im not sure I can, because in all honesty I am still processing everything I saw, learned and experienced on this trip. I know in the months to come I will STILL be processing moments, conversations and experiences I had while in Israel.
When I first received the email invitation almost a year ago I had no idea what to expect, I was simply excited for the opportunity. Now being on the other side of that invitation, I am a changed person in every way. I grew deeper in love with Jesus, was challenged as a leader, and I was deeply inspired by their understanding of community and respect for one another as people. Being on the other side of that invitation I can now say I have a genuine love for Israel and her people.
As we were leaving our tour guide, Yoav, at the airport he said something I will never forget.
"Remember you always have a piece of home here in Israel."
That sums up exactly how I feel. In only 9 days, Israel left such an incredible mark on my life.
I worshipped in the middle of the sea of Galilee....the place where Jesus called the unlikely to follow Him. The place where Jesus spoke to the storm and the wind and waves obeyed. The place where Peter understood the best place you can be in a storm in close to Jesus, so he took a chance and walked on water to his Savior. In the middle of this sea, God spoke to me "Peace be still" and quieted my heart, just as Jesus quieted the storm so many years ago.
I stood in the Garden of Gethsemane....the place where the fate of all human kind hung in the balance. This was the very place that Jesus settled the decision to save my life. Amongst these trees Jesus spoke the words, "Not my will, but Your will be done Father." In the last 7 years Ive prayed that verse in moments that had life changing weight to them and now here I stood in the same place they were spoken and it wrecked me....here in this garden God spoke to me "well done, good and faithful servant."
I looked over into a Bethlehem field....where Ruth met Boaz. Where David learned to sling by killing bears and lions not knowing one day he would kill Goliath in the same way. Where David practiced faithfulness by tending his sheep and the place where God knew to find David to promote him to King. In this field the angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them the good news of the arrival of Jesus. Shepherds, considered in that time as low on the society chain as prostitutes...yet God made known the arrival of His Son to them first.
I sat on the steps of what was the entrance to the temple in Jerusalem....the place where Jesus was found by his parents as a 12 year old boy "about the business of His Father." The place where Jesus spent time with His disciples and taught. The place we read about in Acts 2, the location of Peters message that brought 3,000 to know Jesus all in one day.
I stood in the tomb....I spoke the words "why do you look for the living amongst the dead?" in the very place the angel delivered that message. I got to experience what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene as, in her grief, she arrived at the tomb that morning to find her Savior and friend was no longer there. What a moment that must have been when He appeared to her. Its not lost on me that Jesus chose to appear first to a woman and gave her the opportunity to run and tell all the others of his resurrection.
I sat in the presence of an incredibly brave Arab-Christian Pastor in Bethlehem, Pastor Steven Khoury. He has purposed his life to see Arabs and Palestinians give their hearts to Jesus. He has been beaten and his church bombed 14 times, yet he stops at nothing. Bravery and Courage lived out.
I listened to a Greek Orthodox Priest, Father Gabriel Naddaf speak in Aramaic of his love for Israel. He stands for peace, unity and love in his Holy Land. His desire is to build bridges between Christians, Jews and all Islamic people. Because of that desire he sacrifices his safety and comfort daily. Such a gentle man with incredible love for Jesus and undeniable strength.
I was invited into the home of Jewish family, The Cohens, to celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) with them. This family has astounding love for people. They graciously moved all of their furniture onto the front porch in order to host over 34 of us. They cooked one of the best meals Ive ever had and they taught us traditional Jewish Shabbat songs all amongst laughter and dancing. The complete joy that exuded from their home wasn't just for us, it was who they are as people. Genuine love and community.
I had the opportunity to hear from Military and Political analysts and Israeli soldiers. A brave journalist and an Israeli Army Commander. Human rights activist and philosophers. All incredible people that I count myself privileged to learn from.
All in 9 days.
As I began, there isn't any possible way I could sum up my experience in one blog. Because of that you will probably be reading about this trip for the next couple of posts...hope you don't mind. :)
The reoccuring theme of the trip was, "you will come again to Israel."
I can absolutely say, I will.
Im not sure I can, because in all honesty I am still processing everything I saw, learned and experienced on this trip. I know in the months to come I will STILL be processing moments, conversations and experiences I had while in Israel.
When I first received the email invitation almost a year ago I had no idea what to expect, I was simply excited for the opportunity. Now being on the other side of that invitation, I am a changed person in every way. I grew deeper in love with Jesus, was challenged as a leader, and I was deeply inspired by their understanding of community and respect for one another as people. Being on the other side of that invitation I can now say I have a genuine love for Israel and her people.
As we were leaving our tour guide, Yoav, at the airport he said something I will never forget.
"Remember you always have a piece of home here in Israel."
That sums up exactly how I feel. In only 9 days, Israel left such an incredible mark on my life.
I worshipped in the middle of the sea of Galilee....the place where Jesus called the unlikely to follow Him. The place where Jesus spoke to the storm and the wind and waves obeyed. The place where Peter understood the best place you can be in a storm in close to Jesus, so he took a chance and walked on water to his Savior. In the middle of this sea, God spoke to me "Peace be still" and quieted my heart, just as Jesus quieted the storm so many years ago.
I stood in the Garden of Gethsemane....the place where the fate of all human kind hung in the balance. This was the very place that Jesus settled the decision to save my life. Amongst these trees Jesus spoke the words, "Not my will, but Your will be done Father." In the last 7 years Ive prayed that verse in moments that had life changing weight to them and now here I stood in the same place they were spoken and it wrecked me....here in this garden God spoke to me "well done, good and faithful servant."
I looked over into a Bethlehem field....where Ruth met Boaz. Where David learned to sling by killing bears and lions not knowing one day he would kill Goliath in the same way. Where David practiced faithfulness by tending his sheep and the place where God knew to find David to promote him to King. In this field the angels appeared to the shepherds to tell them the good news of the arrival of Jesus. Shepherds, considered in that time as low on the society chain as prostitutes...yet God made known the arrival of His Son to them first.
I sat on the steps of what was the entrance to the temple in Jerusalem....the place where Jesus was found by his parents as a 12 year old boy "about the business of His Father." The place where Jesus spent time with His disciples and taught. The place we read about in Acts 2, the location of Peters message that brought 3,000 to know Jesus all in one day.
I stood in the tomb....I spoke the words "why do you look for the living amongst the dead?" in the very place the angel delivered that message. I got to experience what it must have been like for Mary Magdalene as, in her grief, she arrived at the tomb that morning to find her Savior and friend was no longer there. What a moment that must have been when He appeared to her. Its not lost on me that Jesus chose to appear first to a woman and gave her the opportunity to run and tell all the others of his resurrection.
I sat in the presence of an incredibly brave Arab-Christian Pastor in Bethlehem, Pastor Steven Khoury. He has purposed his life to see Arabs and Palestinians give their hearts to Jesus. He has been beaten and his church bombed 14 times, yet he stops at nothing. Bravery and Courage lived out.
I listened to a Greek Orthodox Priest, Father Gabriel Naddaf speak in Aramaic of his love for Israel. He stands for peace, unity and love in his Holy Land. His desire is to build bridges between Christians, Jews and all Islamic people. Because of that desire he sacrifices his safety and comfort daily. Such a gentle man with incredible love for Jesus and undeniable strength.
I was invited into the home of Jewish family, The Cohens, to celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) with them. This family has astounding love for people. They graciously moved all of their furniture onto the front porch in order to host over 34 of us. They cooked one of the best meals Ive ever had and they taught us traditional Jewish Shabbat songs all amongst laughter and dancing. The complete joy that exuded from their home wasn't just for us, it was who they are as people. Genuine love and community.
I had the opportunity to hear from Military and Political analysts and Israeli soldiers. A brave journalist and an Israeli Army Commander. Human rights activist and philosophers. All incredible people that I count myself privileged to learn from.
All in 9 days.
As I began, there isn't any possible way I could sum up my experience in one blog. Because of that you will probably be reading about this trip for the next couple of posts...hope you don't mind. :)
The reoccuring theme of the trip was, "you will come again to Israel."
I can absolutely say, I will.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Lost Wallet or Divine Appointment?
My husband and I went to the movies for our date night last week. The theatre we went to is my favorite movie theatre because you can eat your dinner while watching the movie and the food is super good. We saw Mission Impossible 4 which I loved, but by the end of the movie you are wondering if Tom Cruise is super awesome for doing all his own stunts or just super crazy....I'll let you decide the answer.
The next morning I was getting ready to leave for our Church Appreciation BBQ and thats when I realized I didn't have it. Have what you ask? My wallet. It wasn't in my purse. I re-traced all my steps and came to the conclusion I must have somehow left it at the theatre. I called them to find out I was the lucky winner of a wallet waiting in the managers office....yay me!
Did I mention this super cool theatre is a 45 minute drive from our house?
Im not sure I could have been more annoyed with myself for leaving it there. So with a bad attitude I told my husband I wouldn't be making it to the BBQ because I had to go pick up my wallet and off I went.
Realizing I had a bad attitude I figured I should probably turn Spotify to a worship station so I could get myself right and this is what began to play....
"Away, away from the noise alone with You
Away, away to hear Your voice and meet with You
Nothing else matters, my one desire is.."
My first thought? Ok God, youve got my attention.
Then the song continued....
"To worship You I live
To worship You I live
I live to worship You"
And right there in the car I came undone in the sweet presence of my loving Father.
This drive that began with such frustration quickly became a divine appointment with God. See God can speak to us anywhere and in my car that day, 45 minutes to the theatre and 45 minutes returning (my wallet was complete!) God and I had quite the conversation. He turned what seemed like an annoyance in my day into precious time spent with Him where He spoke to some areas I have going on in my life.
When we take time away with Him, away from the noise, away from the distractions and tune in to our Fathers heart... oh the peace He has waiting for us! The joy and the love, the direction and the vision He is just waiting to download into our hearts!
When is the last time you really got away with God? Away from your cell phone, away from your laptop, away from whatever that thing is that distracts you the most. Don't be mistaken, getting away doesn't mean you literally have to leave and go somewhere different. You can get away in your bedroom, your kitchen, your back porch...it simply means you are quieting the noise and sitting with Him, not out of obligation but out of relationship. Talking with Him, worshiping Him, reading His Word. Sitting still and allowing His presence to be real in your life.
There is a Norah Jones song from back in the day called "Come away with Me"
"Come away with me in the night
Come away with me and I will write you a song...
I want to walk with you on a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee high
So won't you come
Come away with me and we'll kiss on a mountaintop
Come away with me and I'll never stop loving you"
Our gracious Father is asking us to come away with Him. He longs to walk with us on the mountaintops and in the valleys. He longs to be near to you and whisper to your heart.
Wherever you are, whatever you have going on, no matter your attitude.
Wont you come?
The next morning I was getting ready to leave for our Church Appreciation BBQ and thats when I realized I didn't have it. Have what you ask? My wallet. It wasn't in my purse. I re-traced all my steps and came to the conclusion I must have somehow left it at the theatre. I called them to find out I was the lucky winner of a wallet waiting in the managers office....yay me!
Did I mention this super cool theatre is a 45 minute drive from our house?
Im not sure I could have been more annoyed with myself for leaving it there. So with a bad attitude I told my husband I wouldn't be making it to the BBQ because I had to go pick up my wallet and off I went.
Realizing I had a bad attitude I figured I should probably turn Spotify to a worship station so I could get myself right and this is what began to play....
"Away, away from the noise alone with You
Away, away to hear Your voice and meet with You
Nothing else matters, my one desire is.."
My first thought? Ok God, youve got my attention.
Then the song continued....
"To worship You I live
To worship You I live
I live to worship You"
And right there in the car I came undone in the sweet presence of my loving Father.
This drive that began with such frustration quickly became a divine appointment with God. See God can speak to us anywhere and in my car that day, 45 minutes to the theatre and 45 minutes returning (my wallet was complete!) God and I had quite the conversation. He turned what seemed like an annoyance in my day into precious time spent with Him where He spoke to some areas I have going on in my life.
When we take time away with Him, away from the noise, away from the distractions and tune in to our Fathers heart... oh the peace He has waiting for us! The joy and the love, the direction and the vision He is just waiting to download into our hearts!
When is the last time you really got away with God? Away from your cell phone, away from your laptop, away from whatever that thing is that distracts you the most. Don't be mistaken, getting away doesn't mean you literally have to leave and go somewhere different. You can get away in your bedroom, your kitchen, your back porch...it simply means you are quieting the noise and sitting with Him, not out of obligation but out of relationship. Talking with Him, worshiping Him, reading His Word. Sitting still and allowing His presence to be real in your life.
There is a Norah Jones song from back in the day called "Come away with Me"
"Come away with me in the night
Come away with me and I will write you a song...
I want to walk with you on a cloudy day
In fields where the yellow grass grows knee high
So won't you come
Come away with me and we'll kiss on a mountaintop
Come away with me and I'll never stop loving you"
Our gracious Father is asking us to come away with Him. He longs to walk with us on the mountaintops and in the valleys. He longs to be near to you and whisper to your heart.
Wherever you are, whatever you have going on, no matter your attitude.
Wont you come?
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Message Prep and Potty Training....
Today is Wednesday, and I love Wednesdays! I have youth service in the evening so my Wednesdays are usually spent in preparation for that. Message prep, final video edits, prayer, texting students, final service prep, etc....
However today in the midst of my final message prep I found myself sitting on the bathroom floor encouraging my 2 and 1/2 year old to go potty in the "big girl potty" and I had to laugh. All I could think about was the message I am preaching tonight, yet all she could think about was getting this potty out and into the toilet!
I have a very special situation in that my office is at home and certain days of the week my daughter is home with me while I work. I treasure this and realize I am blessed for it but even bigger than that....I recognize Gods grace all around it.
"Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
I love being in full time ministry and I equally love being a full time Momma and Wife....I wouldn't trade any of it for anything in the world and so Ive had to learn to do it all together AND know that ONLY with Him I CAN do it all together.
We run three services on Sunday mornings and this past weekend in between each service where did I find myself? Yep you guessed it....I was in the bathroom encouraging my daughter to go potty while putting my in-ear pack back in place! Don't misunderstand me, this isn't to pat myself on the back, its to give God glory and also to encourage women to know it IS possible to do it all AND have fun while doing it!
We try so hard to compartmentalize our life rather than accepting Gods grace to do it all at the same time. Wherever I go I am a Wife, wherever I go I am a Mom and wherever I go I am a woman in full time ministry. There is never a time where I take off one hat to put on another. I have found when I keep Jesus first and center then everything else I do and everything else I am works AROUND Him.
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Mathew 6:33
He graces me to walk in my callings....ALL of them. He strengthens me to run and not grow weary. He equips me in the tough days to overcome and laugh at hardships.
I am because He is.....now back to the potty....
However today in the midst of my final message prep I found myself sitting on the bathroom floor encouraging my 2 and 1/2 year old to go potty in the "big girl potty" and I had to laugh. All I could think about was the message I am preaching tonight, yet all she could think about was getting this potty out and into the toilet!
I have a very special situation in that my office is at home and certain days of the week my daughter is home with me while I work. I treasure this and realize I am blessed for it but even bigger than that....I recognize Gods grace all around it.
"Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
I love being in full time ministry and I equally love being a full time Momma and Wife....I wouldn't trade any of it for anything in the world and so Ive had to learn to do it all together AND know that ONLY with Him I CAN do it all together.
We run three services on Sunday mornings and this past weekend in between each service where did I find myself? Yep you guessed it....I was in the bathroom encouraging my daughter to go potty while putting my in-ear pack back in place! Don't misunderstand me, this isn't to pat myself on the back, its to give God glory and also to encourage women to know it IS possible to do it all AND have fun while doing it!
We try so hard to compartmentalize our life rather than accepting Gods grace to do it all at the same time. Wherever I go I am a Wife, wherever I go I am a Mom and wherever I go I am a woman in full time ministry. There is never a time where I take off one hat to put on another. I have found when I keep Jesus first and center then everything else I do and everything else I am works AROUND Him.
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Mathew 6:33
He graces me to walk in my callings....ALL of them. He strengthens me to run and not grow weary. He equips me in the tough days to overcome and laugh at hardships.
I am because He is.....now back to the potty....
Thursday, February 5, 2015
When God says, "Do it"...
Well....here it is! The thing I've been challenged to do...write!
As you can see if you scroll down...my last blog post was in 2013. I am a serial procrastinator when it comes to keeping this blog updated.
This time is different. This time I know God is stretching me and telling me to write...asking me to share. Share what, you may be asking. My journey, my story, my studies and my day by day learnings as a follower of Jesus, a Wife, a Momma and a woman in ministry and leadership. And ya know if God asks you to do it....ya better just do it....faithfully!
My hopes are for this blog to encourage you, inspire you and maybe even challenge you. We have been given one life to live and its not so we can live it safe. God calls us to live boldly, rising up to be the people He made us to be, created in His image, designed to do the work of the Kingdom.
Won't you join me?
As you can see if you scroll down...my last blog post was in 2013. I am a serial procrastinator when it comes to keeping this blog updated.
This time is different. This time I know God is stretching me and telling me to write...asking me to share. Share what, you may be asking. My journey, my story, my studies and my day by day learnings as a follower of Jesus, a Wife, a Momma and a woman in ministry and leadership. And ya know if God asks you to do it....ya better just do it....faithfully!
My hopes are for this blog to encourage you, inspire you and maybe even challenge you. We have been given one life to live and its not so we can live it safe. God calls us to live boldly, rising up to be the people He made us to be, created in His image, designed to do the work of the Kingdom.
Won't you join me?
Thursday, August 22, 2013
He sees me.
Studying Isaiah 40:12-31 today and my heart is overwhelmed with the goodness of God. This entire block of scripture is about how great our God is, He has no equal!
- "Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?"
- "Has The Lord ever needed anyone's advice?"
- "To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble Him?"
- "He never grows weak or weary."
These are just a few of the verses within this block of scripture that knocked me out! God is so big, there is none like Him. When I begin to question where He is and if He cares or when I begin to question if He sees me, I have to come back to these truths.
He knows and sees all. Just because I don't understand His timing doesn't mean He's not there! These verses remind me, there is NONE like Him in all the earth...none even close! Vs 25 says "to whom will you compare Me? Who is My equal? Asks the Holy One."
He is the creator of all things and yet He knows me. Intimately. He loves me. Uniquely. He sees me. Individually. My God, who is unmatched, whom is all powerful, loves me, sees me and knows me....and you! He sees our heartaches, our struggles, our trials and not only cares about each and every one of them but promises us new strength when we place our trust in Him.
What an incredible love this is.
"Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord ? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the Lord ever needed anyone’s advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice? No, for all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand. All the wood in Lebanon’s forests and all Lebanon’s animals would not be enough to make a burnt offering worthy of our God. The nations of the world are worth nothing to him. In his eyes they count for less than nothing— mere emptiness and froth. To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble him? Can he be compared to an idol formed in a mold, overlaid with gold, and decorated with silver chains? Or if people are too poor for that, they might at least choose wood that won’t decay and a skilled craftsman to carve an image that won’t fall down! Haven’t you heard? Don’t you understand? Are you deaf to the words of God— the words he gave before the world began? Are you so ignorant? God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them. He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing. They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and they wither. The wind carries them off like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:12-31 NLT)
Friday, June 8, 2012
If Only...
Have you ever looked at someones life and thought, if only I could be them for just one day? Which of course leads to an entire list of "if onlys"....
Women especially are so good at this! If only I had their hair, if only I had their clothes, if only I had their confidence and talents. And the "if onlys" only get more serious the further you go..... if only I had their children, if only I had their spouse......if only I had their life.
Before we know it we've compared ourselves to believe we could never be as amazing as this other person and we've buried our self esteem 6 feet under in the dirt.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
Galatians 6:4 says, “Each of you should test your own actions. Then you can take pride in yourself, without comparing yourself to somebody else.”
I know God has a specific lane for me and a race for me to run within that lane. When I start trying to dip into someone else's lane, not only do I mess up my race, but I mess up their race as well! The thing we must remember is God has made us all in His image to use our lives to glorify Him. He has made us all to run our own race with the talents and giftings He has placed within us. And the most incredible thing about that is this; the talents and giftings you have, I may not have and what I have, you may not have so we work together as a big team to see Gods will accomplished here on the earth!!
Funny how God knows exactly what He's doing isn't it?! ;)
Choose today to be uniquely you....exactly who God created you to be, doing exactly what God created you to do.
Women especially are so good at this! If only I had their hair, if only I had their clothes, if only I had their confidence and talents. And the "if onlys" only get more serious the further you go..... if only I had their children, if only I had their spouse......if only I had their life.
Before we know it we've compared ourselves to believe we could never be as amazing as this other person and we've buried our self esteem 6 feet under in the dirt.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
Galatians 6:4 says, “Each of you should test your own actions. Then you can take pride in yourself, without comparing yourself to somebody else.”
I know God has a specific lane for me and a race for me to run within that lane. When I start trying to dip into someone else's lane, not only do I mess up my race, but I mess up their race as well! The thing we must remember is God has made us all in His image to use our lives to glorify Him. He has made us all to run our own race with the talents and giftings He has placed within us. And the most incredible thing about that is this; the talents and giftings you have, I may not have and what I have, you may not have so we work together as a big team to see Gods will accomplished here on the earth!!
Funny how God knows exactly what He's doing isn't it?! ;)
Choose today to be uniquely you....exactly who God created you to be, doing exactly what God created you to do.
Friday, May 18, 2012
I did it my way....
I'm sure you have heard the song "I did it my way" by Frank Sinatra.
Yes there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I chewed it up and spit it out,
I faced it all and I stood tall,
and did it my way.
Man, growing up that could have been my theme song! I did things the way I wanted, when I wanted and no one could tell me it wasn't right. After all I knew everything! :)
After many wrong turns and learning multiple things the hard way I learned a valuable lesson....its not about doing it my way at all.
"Abba, Father, He cried out, everything is possible for You. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Mark 14:36
Jesus prays this prayer to His Father right before He is arrested and put on the cross to die for us. Obviously He is struggling but, what I LOVE is His heart to do the will of His Father. He realizes it's not about Him at all, but about what His Father has asked of Him knowing there is a greater good. Knowing there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel....knowing if His Father is asking Him to do it, everything He goes through in the process will be worth it.
This verse has changed me to my core...changed everything about how I think through things and live my life every day.
When we live with the mind set that its not about us, it makes doing His will a whole lot easier.
Of course there have been times in my life where I have struggled with this and wrestled with fear and anxiety over what I wanted to do up against what God was asking me to do. I've struggled with what people think or say up against what God has asked me to do. But the thing I have come back to every single time is Gods way is better. I've settled it in my heart, His way is ALWAYS better. We may not understand why He does what He does or how He does it, but the thing we can trust is its for GOOD.
<3
Yes there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I chewed it up and spit it out,
I faced it all and I stood tall,
and did it my way.
Man, growing up that could have been my theme song! I did things the way I wanted, when I wanted and no one could tell me it wasn't right. After all I knew everything! :)
After many wrong turns and learning multiple things the hard way I learned a valuable lesson....its not about doing it my way at all.
"Abba, Father, He cried out, everything is possible for You. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Mark 14:36
Jesus prays this prayer to His Father right before He is arrested and put on the cross to die for us. Obviously He is struggling but, what I LOVE is His heart to do the will of His Father. He realizes it's not about Him at all, but about what His Father has asked of Him knowing there is a greater good. Knowing there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel....knowing if His Father is asking Him to do it, everything He goes through in the process will be worth it.
This verse has changed me to my core...changed everything about how I think through things and live my life every day.
When we live with the mind set that its not about us, it makes doing His will a whole lot easier.
Of course there have been times in my life where I have struggled with this and wrestled with fear and anxiety over what I wanted to do up against what God was asking me to do. I've struggled with what people think or say up against what God has asked me to do. But the thing I have come back to every single time is Gods way is better. I've settled it in my heart, His way is ALWAYS better. We may not understand why He does what He does or how He does it, but the thing we can trust is its for GOOD.
<3
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Be Still
Psalm 46:10 is one of my most favorite verses and funny enough, the one I can't seem to get through my thick skull the majority of the time.
"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."
The verse is so simple but requires greatness from us. I say that because if we're honest its difficult for us to be still. As difficult as a child with a new toy they want to play with on Christmas morning! In this day and age we want what we want when we want it and all that equals out to NOW. We and by we I really mean I, don't want to wait and especially don't want to be still in the process of that waiting. We want to be hands on and when we don't see things happening fast enough for our liking we have a tendency to get in there and try to MAKE things happen!
This reminds me of Sarah (Sarai) in the Bible. She wanted a child so badly and even though God promised her and Abraham (Abram) they would be parents, it just wasn't happening fast enough for her. So what did she do?
She got involved.
She told her husband to sleep with her servant to produce a child for her. Did it work? Yes, but did it cause more damage than good...YES IT DID!
That's what always happens when we take matters into our own hands. When will we get that Gods ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts?! :) He doesn't think like us nor does He do things the way we would do them, but the thing we can BE STILL in knowing is He is God and He will ALWAYS do them in a greater way than we ever could do on our own or even imagine in our minds.
Still = devoid of or abstaining from motion.
It all comes down to trust. The ability to be still before Him is all about trusting He doesn't need our meddling or negative speech about our situation. All He wants us to do is read His Word, do what it says and trust He knows what is best.
BE STILL........
"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world."
The verse is so simple but requires greatness from us. I say that because if we're honest its difficult for us to be still. As difficult as a child with a new toy they want to play with on Christmas morning! In this day and age we want what we want when we want it and all that equals out to NOW. We and by we I really mean I, don't want to wait and especially don't want to be still in the process of that waiting. We want to be hands on and when we don't see things happening fast enough for our liking we have a tendency to get in there and try to MAKE things happen!
This reminds me of Sarah (Sarai) in the Bible. She wanted a child so badly and even though God promised her and Abraham (Abram) they would be parents, it just wasn't happening fast enough for her. So what did she do?
She got involved.
She told her husband to sleep with her servant to produce a child for her. Did it work? Yes, but did it cause more damage than good...YES IT DID!
That's what always happens when we take matters into our own hands. When will we get that Gods ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts?! :) He doesn't think like us nor does He do things the way we would do them, but the thing we can BE STILL in knowing is He is God and He will ALWAYS do them in a greater way than we ever could do on our own or even imagine in our minds.
Still = devoid of or abstaining from motion.
It all comes down to trust. The ability to be still before Him is all about trusting He doesn't need our meddling or negative speech about our situation. All He wants us to do is read His Word, do what it says and trust He knows what is best.
BE STILL........
Friday, May 4, 2012
In love with the local church
I absolutely love the local church....there I said it!
It was in the local church that I found my relationship with Jesus, that I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. It's where I met and married my husband and where I stepped into the calling God has for my life. Its where I've met the most amazing people that I get to do life with every single day, and dream about the future with them. Its where I've met and had the privilege to lead the most amazing teenagers who I know will continue to go on and change the world we live in.
I LOVE THE LOCAL CHURCH!!
Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but why should we expect it to be? The local church is meant to be a hospital for the broken, a place where we grow up and grow THROUGH our growing pains. Is there the possibility of getting beat up a bit along the way...absolutely! But how foolish are we, if we allow that to get in the way of all God wants and purposed for the local church to do!
I LOVE Psalm 92:12-13 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." These verses tell me that those who are PLANTED in the house of God WILL flourish and we will continue to bear good fruit into our old age! How foolish to read that and still think we know better and think we don't need to be rooted in our local church!
One final thought: being planted doesn't mean we come in late each week and fill a seat either. It means we are sold out to the cause, active in the pursuit of winning the lost and serving/loving those who come through our doors each week. We never stop growing, never stop learning and choose to look past the things we may not like and remember there is a greater cause....the cause of Christ!
It was in the local church that I found my relationship with Jesus, that I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. It's where I met and married my husband and where I stepped into the calling God has for my life. Its where I've met the most amazing people that I get to do life with every single day, and dream about the future with them. Its where I've met and had the privilege to lead the most amazing teenagers who I know will continue to go on and change the world we live in.
I LOVE THE LOCAL CHURCH!!
Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but why should we expect it to be? The local church is meant to be a hospital for the broken, a place where we grow up and grow THROUGH our growing pains. Is there the possibility of getting beat up a bit along the way...absolutely! But how foolish are we, if we allow that to get in the way of all God wants and purposed for the local church to do!
I LOVE Psalm 92:12-13 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green." These verses tell me that those who are PLANTED in the house of God WILL flourish and we will continue to bear good fruit into our old age! How foolish to read that and still think we know better and think we don't need to be rooted in our local church!
One final thought: being planted doesn't mean we come in late each week and fill a seat either. It means we are sold out to the cause, active in the pursuit of winning the lost and serving/loving those who come through our doors each week. We never stop growing, never stop learning and choose to look past the things we may not like and remember there is a greater cause....the cause of Christ!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Supernatural...
Every morning I wake up I take time to say good morning to God. I take time to remind myself God already knows what is going to happen within the 16+ hours ahead of me and I let God know I want to go wherever He is going that day.
I do those things to remind myself God is so much bigger than me. God is bigger than anything I will face in my day, let alone face in life. God is the Name above all names!
Now I didn't always do this and believe me, just like anyone else there are times when my flesh fights doing this even now, but I have learned from past experiences there is simply no other way to live.
Romans 1:18-23 in the Message: What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.
There have been many times in my life where I have not reminded myself God is bigger. Many times where I have not believed God is bigger. When I look back to those times in my life they were times of crazy confusion and darkness. I know now I was lost because I wasn't treating God as He should be treated, just as this verse says. I was trading Him in for things I could understand, for things I could grasp with my own hands, rather than trusting His supernatural power. I was trying to make God "natural" just so I could, selfishly, get answers to my problems.
This can definitely be my greatest battle still to this day if I don't stay in my Word and constantly remind myself of who God is in my life. Things are going to happen that I don't understand. Things are going to happen that we will not have answers to, but I can assure you walking away from God and trading Him for worldly things is not going to bring those answers any faster.
When we take our eyes off of God, the God who holds our entire world in His great big hands, we
get lost. We get confused. We get wise in our own eyes. We begin to walk in darkness, when we are meant to walk in the light.
I challenge you to wake up every morning and remind yourself He is bigger! He created you and He knows what is best for you, whether it makes sense at the moment or not. He has your best interest in mind and as Jeremiah 29:11 states He has good plans for your life....for a hope and for a future.
I do those things to remind myself God is so much bigger than me. God is bigger than anything I will face in my day, let alone face in life. God is the Name above all names!
Now I didn't always do this and believe me, just like anyone else there are times when my flesh fights doing this even now, but I have learned from past experiences there is simply no other way to live.
Romans 1:18-23 in the Message: What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn't treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.
There have been many times in my life where I have not reminded myself God is bigger. Many times where I have not believed God is bigger. When I look back to those times in my life they were times of crazy confusion and darkness. I know now I was lost because I wasn't treating God as He should be treated, just as this verse says. I was trading Him in for things I could understand, for things I could grasp with my own hands, rather than trusting His supernatural power. I was trying to make God "natural" just so I could, selfishly, get answers to my problems.
This can definitely be my greatest battle still to this day if I don't stay in my Word and constantly remind myself of who God is in my life. Things are going to happen that I don't understand. Things are going to happen that we will not have answers to, but I can assure you walking away from God and trading Him for worldly things is not going to bring those answers any faster.
When we take our eyes off of God, the God who holds our entire world in His great big hands, we
get lost. We get confused. We get wise in our own eyes. We begin to walk in darkness, when we are meant to walk in the light.I challenge you to wake up every morning and remind yourself He is bigger! He created you and He knows what is best for you, whether it makes sense at the moment or not. He has your best interest in mind and as Jeremiah 29:11 states He has good plans for your life....for a hope and for a future.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Oh the favor!
I have not blogged in months and there has been so much blog worthy stuff going on in my world....so much to share that it may take me a while to catch up with myself!
However I'll begin with yesterday. :) I woke up early to have my quiet time with God before I left for the gym and during that time I talked to God about His favor on my life. I reminded myself, and Him (not that He needs it:)) that I am cloaked in His righteousness and I have His favor all over and around me every single day. I began to tell God I had a high expectancy to experience His favor and see Him all around me all thruout the day. Too often we just go thru our day not looking for God and expecting to see Him and its almost as if we're surprised when He shows up. But yesterday I made the decision to live intentionally, looking for Him and expecting to see Him.
So I go to the gym and then I stop at Starbucks. I pull up to the drive thru to see a semi-long line, but nothing out of the ordinary for 8am on a weekday. I order my drink and procede to sit in the line for about 5 minutes before I pull up to the window. As I get my card ready to pay, the cashier tells me my drink will be free today because they feel I waited in line too long. What?! Really?! Free Starbucks?! I don't know about ya'll but that is enough to make me sing! :) I proceeded to pull out of the drivethru and thank God for my free coffee!
You may look at that logically and say "well that was good customer service," and I would agree with you but to me I look at that and say "thats the favor of my God on my life!" That was an opportunity for Him to remind me how much He loves me! God delights in even the little areas of my life and desires of my heart. He knows that while yes, I love Starbucks....I also feel it is drastically over priced for some yummy coffee :) So He GAVE it to me yesterday! Just a little reminder of the prayer I prayed that morning....I was expecting His favor and He did not disapoint! I mean really...does He ever?!
Now while this is a little story about a free Starbucks coffee, I do hope it inspires you to expect to see God in your every day. I hope it helps you to remember He cares for you and loves you in ways you cannot imagine.....all the way down to the smallest things in your life! You are loved and taken care of by the King of Kings!
Now get out there and EXPECT to receive His favor and see how He knocks your socks off!
However I'll begin with yesterday. :) I woke up early to have my quiet time with God before I left for the gym and during that time I talked to God about His favor on my life. I reminded myself, and Him (not that He needs it:)) that I am cloaked in His righteousness and I have His favor all over and around me every single day. I began to tell God I had a high expectancy to experience His favor and see Him all around me all thruout the day. Too often we just go thru our day not looking for God and expecting to see Him and its almost as if we're surprised when He shows up. But yesterday I made the decision to live intentionally, looking for Him and expecting to see Him.
So I go to the gym and then I stop at Starbucks. I pull up to the drive thru to see a semi-long line, but nothing out of the ordinary for 8am on a weekday. I order my drink and procede to sit in the line for about 5 minutes before I pull up to the window. As I get my card ready to pay, the cashier tells me my drink will be free today because they feel I waited in line too long. What?! Really?! Free Starbucks?! I don't know about ya'll but that is enough to make me sing! :) I proceeded to pull out of the drivethru and thank God for my free coffee!
You may look at that logically and say "well that was good customer service," and I would agree with you but to me I look at that and say "thats the favor of my God on my life!" That was an opportunity for Him to remind me how much He loves me! God delights in even the little areas of my life and desires of my heart. He knows that while yes, I love Starbucks....I also feel it is drastically over priced for some yummy coffee :) So He GAVE it to me yesterday! Just a little reminder of the prayer I prayed that morning....I was expecting His favor and He did not disapoint! I mean really...does He ever?!
Now while this is a little story about a free Starbucks coffee, I do hope it inspires you to expect to see God in your every day. I hope it helps you to remember He cares for you and loves you in ways you cannot imagine.....all the way down to the smallest things in your life! You are loved and taken care of by the King of Kings!
Now get out there and EXPECT to receive His favor and see how He knocks your socks off!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Take me out to the ballgame....
I realize its been a pretty long time since I blogged last...I gotta get better about that. :)
Anyhow, it hit me today how super close baseball season is to starting. Players report to Spring Training the end of next week!!
I know everyone says that baseball is no longer "Americas Sport" but to me it definitely still is. I absolutely LOVE everything about it! The excitement of driving to the ball park wearing all your gear, getting there early to watch warm ups and just hoping to get an autograph or picture with your favorite player. The standing for the National Anthem, hearing the umpire yell "Play ball!" getting all your favorite treats from the concession stand...or bringing your own cause they are way too expensive now! :) The 7th inning stretch, a tie going into the last inning, a really mean strikeout, sliding into home....oh man I could go on and on I just love it!
My love of baseball started at a really young age. I remember being just a little girl walking into old Busch Stadium in St. Louis holding the hands of my Dad and Brother. Every game I wore my Cardinals shirt and my Cardinals hat that was WAY too big for my head. Back then, even though I thought it was exciting, I looked forward to the cotton candy the most...can't lie about that. :) But I grew up with it and it grew up with me. Its in my blood! The sounds and smells, waiting for Fred Bird to come over to my section and hoping Ozzy Smith would do some back flips during the game. Pure excitement! I have high hopes for my Cardinals this season...as I do every season. Here's to believing they won't break my heart. :)
Friday, January 21, 2011
The power of a choice...
Looking around on facebook and twitter I notice a lot of people having bad days or life circumstances right now. It happens...."life" gets in the way sometimes of what we want or what we would rather be doing or be with. But how we CHOOSE to deal with these circumstances makes all the difference!
We make choices every single day and those choices affect our lives in either a positive way or a negative way. Most of the time we don't take the time to think about it and THAT is what lands us in trouble. Or maybe we do think about it and we just choose the negative road....
Don't get me wrong, I have those days and those moments where I just want to choose to be in a bad mood or choose to not feel good or choose to let my circumstances weigh me down and get the best of me....of course I do! But on those days I have to evaluate my life and keep it all in perspective. On the days I'm tired or not feeling well....I'm still able to get up out of my own bed with a smile on my face and live my life.On the days where I don't like myself very much...I get to remind myself I'm a child of the most high God and He thinks I'm amazing. On the days where my finances don't seem to be enough....I still have a roof over my head and food in my refrigerator, God WILL take care of me!
Its all in our perspective! The way we think things are, is the way they will be. Let me repeat that: The way we think things are, is the way they will be. Sometimes ya just gotta call those things that aren't as though they were and get on with the day. When we dwell on the negative our whole life goes down into the pit. When we choose to see the positive, our life will be on the mountaintop no matter what!
Growing up and still to this day one of my Dads favorite phrases is "make it a great day!" Only now as I'm older do I see the wisdom in that simple phrase. Any day can be a GREAT one, if you choose to MAKE it one. You can be in the middle of a crisis and you can still choose the joy of the Lord which will make your day amazing...bad circumstances or not. Choose today to not live a circumstantial life. We are blessed children of the most high God....ANYTHING is possible for us!
Remember that people are watching you...your children, brothers/sisters, parents, friends, people you don't even know! They want to see how you live your life, how you deal with trials and struggles. You are setting an example...is it a good one? If you've been inviting people to church for the longest time and they just aren't interested....what are you showing them? Are you showing them a life that is more than a conqueror and lived thru the Power of the Holy Spirit or are you showing them a life that is defeated and just barely holding on?
So the next time you want to say a negative thing or write a negative status or tweet....remember to CHOOSE different and spread the positive to your world and all your friends. :)
We make choices every single day and those choices affect our lives in either a positive way or a negative way. Most of the time we don't take the time to think about it and THAT is what lands us in trouble. Or maybe we do think about it and we just choose the negative road....
Don't get me wrong, I have those days and those moments where I just want to choose to be in a bad mood or choose to not feel good or choose to let my circumstances weigh me down and get the best of me....of course I do! But on those days I have to evaluate my life and keep it all in perspective. On the days I'm tired or not feeling well....I'm still able to get up out of my own bed with a smile on my face and live my life.On the days where I don't like myself very much...I get to remind myself I'm a child of the most high God and He thinks I'm amazing. On the days where my finances don't seem to be enough....I still have a roof over my head and food in my refrigerator, God WILL take care of me!
Its all in our perspective! The way we think things are, is the way they will be. Let me repeat that: The way we think things are, is the way they will be. Sometimes ya just gotta call those things that aren't as though they were and get on with the day. When we dwell on the negative our whole life goes down into the pit. When we choose to see the positive, our life will be on the mountaintop no matter what!
Growing up and still to this day one of my Dads favorite phrases is "make it a great day!" Only now as I'm older do I see the wisdom in that simple phrase. Any day can be a GREAT one, if you choose to MAKE it one. You can be in the middle of a crisis and you can still choose the joy of the Lord which will make your day amazing...bad circumstances or not. Choose today to not live a circumstantial life. We are blessed children of the most high God....ANYTHING is possible for us!
Remember that people are watching you...your children, brothers/sisters, parents, friends, people you don't even know! They want to see how you live your life, how you deal with trials and struggles. You are setting an example...is it a good one? If you've been inviting people to church for the longest time and they just aren't interested....what are you showing them? Are you showing them a life that is more than a conqueror and lived thru the Power of the Holy Spirit or are you showing them a life that is defeated and just barely holding on?
So the next time you want to say a negative thing or write a negative status or tweet....remember to CHOOSE different and spread the positive to your world and all your friends. :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Promises Promises...
Hey everyone!
First I want to say I hope everyones new year is off to a great start! How many resolutions have you broken yet?! haha!
We all make resolutions...stuff we don't want to do anymore, or stuff we commit to doing. How many gym memberships are purchased at the beginning of the year, never to be used ever again?! :)
The thing I've been thinking about in all these resolutions is how many of us have expectations for the new year? Things we are believing God for and expecting to happen?
I have TONS of things I am believing God for and I have faith they will happen. Not because I present them to God like a wish list to Santa, but because I know they line up with His Word and I know He is faithful to those who serve Him. :)
What are you expecting God to do in 2011?
I love Psalm 91...I was reading it yesterday and verse 4 says "He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."
The Bible is FULL of Gods promises and all we have to do is read it! I keep His promises alive in my heart by reading them, thanking Him for them and reminding myself of them even when I dont' see them coming to life in front of me everyday.
There will be times when what we see from day to day definitely doesn't line up with what His Word tells us. But Psalm 91:4 reminds me that He covers me in his wings and His promises are my protection.
What do I need to fear??
2010 had bumps and bruises for me, as I'm sure it did for you, but it didn't stop me from expecting BIG things and even BIGGER things in 2011. No matter what comes my way I know I can continue to believe God for amazing things because He shelters me and His promises protect me.
So when trials come, which they will, remember His promises for you and know He has BIG AMAZING WONDERFUL things for you....always be expecting!!
First I want to say I hope everyones new year is off to a great start! How many resolutions have you broken yet?! haha!
We all make resolutions...stuff we don't want to do anymore, or stuff we commit to doing. How many gym memberships are purchased at the beginning of the year, never to be used ever again?! :)
The thing I've been thinking about in all these resolutions is how many of us have expectations for the new year? Things we are believing God for and expecting to happen?
I have TONS of things I am believing God for and I have faith they will happen. Not because I present them to God like a wish list to Santa, but because I know they line up with His Word and I know He is faithful to those who serve Him. :)
What are you expecting God to do in 2011?
I love Psalm 91...I was reading it yesterday and verse 4 says "He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."
The Bible is FULL of Gods promises and all we have to do is read it! I keep His promises alive in my heart by reading them, thanking Him for them and reminding myself of them even when I dont' see them coming to life in front of me everyday.
There will be times when what we see from day to day definitely doesn't line up with what His Word tells us. But Psalm 91:4 reminds me that He covers me in his wings and His promises are my protection.
What do I need to fear??
2010 had bumps and bruises for me, as I'm sure it did for you, but it didn't stop me from expecting BIG things and even BIGGER things in 2011. No matter what comes my way I know I can continue to believe God for amazing things because He shelters me and His promises protect me.
So when trials come, which they will, remember His promises for you and know He has BIG AMAZING WONDERFUL things for you....always be expecting!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
All of me...
In my studying today I read Psalm 139. FIRST I have to say I absolutely LOVE this entire Psalm...so many awesome things in it, but verses 13 & 14 totally stood out to me today.Its SO easy to get down on ourselves and pick ourselves apart. We're too short, too chubby, our hairs too straight or too curly, we're not smart enough, we don't like the way we talk, on and on and on!! We do it everyday, sometimes so much we don't even notice we do it anymore!
These verses remind us that God knit us together while we were still in our mothers womb and He made us extraordinary and wonderful! On top of that He made us in His image so that means HE is extraordinary and wonderful! The creator of the universe also created us and He says we are amazing!
David said "I will praise You!" David knew what was up! He praised God simply because He was alive to do it and he understood God made Him just how He wanted him to be.
We all have bad days...I'm sure David did too...after all He was being chased all over town by Saul ;)
But if we just take a second and remind ourselves who made us and who we belong to, it puts it all in perspective. We can always go to the gym, change the color of our hair and learn to apply makeup to fix all the rest! :)
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