Yes, it's been awhile since the last blog. Things happen, life gets busy...
I'm glad this year is coming to a close. It has been an eventful one for me and quite honestly has left me feeling a little like Abraham might have felt when he set out on his journey not knowing where he would end up, but definitely headed somewhere. How is this year ending for you? I hope it is with joy and lots of anticipation for the new year.
I know we are right in the middle of Christmas Season and many of us are trying to make travel plans, arrange meals, and of course last minute shopping. I always wait until the last minute and have to deal with the traffic and accidents (not the ones on the roads...I mean the ones in the stores.) Somehow my outlook has changed this year. Blame it on my life experiences, people I've met, or just God using all of those things and people to shape a new me. For example, this year has brought about new friendships that I never would have made on my own. Death of a neighbor actually gave me a new family. The widow next door has become such a sweet friend. Her daughter, and also my new friend, was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year and we have watched her go through all the treatments and therapy, only to see the spark in her eyes begin to fade. So I'm entering this Holiday with a different perspective...thankful that my new friend is still alive, thankful that my family is growing, and grateful to God for keeping me in His hands.
As I join the many faces that enter the stores, I can't help but wonder what everyone is thinking about. Do we realize how close we might have come to death, not knowing that God's hand was our only safety net? How many times have we lost heart this past year only to find something in the Bible that gave us strength and kept us going? So I ask you this question...where has this year left you and are you going somewhere?
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Run Like the Wind!
That's what my flesh says when I am placed in the Lord's fire. I immediately want to run and sooth my burning feelings. We all do it at times. I guess that's why the Lord doesn't always choose to clue us in on the specifics. He knows how we will react.
Our work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss... (1 Cor. 3: 13-15) Let's just get real with one another here. None of us want to have our lives tested by the Lord's fire yet according to scripture, this will be a part of the journey. I'm reminded of an incident that occured with our daughter when she was around 9 years old. She had to be disciplined for something she had done and her dad was about to spank her. She said, "Dad, please can I say something?" He said, "What?" And she proceeded to plead for mercy. We do the Lord the same way! We know we have done things in the Kingdom with wrong motives and wrong attitudes but when it comes time for those works to be tested, we don't want to go through the fire. We plead and plead for His mercy wanting this part of the journey to be overlooked. But we forget that it's His mercy that is taking us in the fire! If His merciful hands didn't guide us into the fire, we would have absolutely nothing of significance to give to those around us. Don't we want to make a difference in the lives of those we are connected to?
My friend, believe me when I say I am one of the first to take off running when its my turn for the test. I don't particularly like the smell of burning flesh nor do I like the feeling of melting flesh...very painful and uncomfortable. And it can be quite embarrassing when I look at the works of my hands and find that some have turned to an ash heap. But it is necessary. Every time I am put through this fire, I believe more and more works have a greater chance of survival. I can learn in these tests. They can make me stronger and less dependable on my own abilities. This process will probably remain one of my least favorite but it's one that is remarkably effective. And for that I am thankful.
Our work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss... (1 Cor. 3: 13-15) Let's just get real with one another here. None of us want to have our lives tested by the Lord's fire yet according to scripture, this will be a part of the journey. I'm reminded of an incident that occured with our daughter when she was around 9 years old. She had to be disciplined for something she had done and her dad was about to spank her. She said, "Dad, please can I say something?" He said, "What?" And she proceeded to plead for mercy. We do the Lord the same way! We know we have done things in the Kingdom with wrong motives and wrong attitudes but when it comes time for those works to be tested, we don't want to go through the fire. We plead and plead for His mercy wanting this part of the journey to be overlooked. But we forget that it's His mercy that is taking us in the fire! If His merciful hands didn't guide us into the fire, we would have absolutely nothing of significance to give to those around us. Don't we want to make a difference in the lives of those we are connected to?
My friend, believe me when I say I am one of the first to take off running when its my turn for the test. I don't particularly like the smell of burning flesh nor do I like the feeling of melting flesh...very painful and uncomfortable. And it can be quite embarrassing when I look at the works of my hands and find that some have turned to an ash heap. But it is necessary. Every time I am put through this fire, I believe more and more works have a greater chance of survival. I can learn in these tests. They can make me stronger and less dependable on my own abilities. This process will probably remain one of my least favorite but it's one that is remarkably effective. And for that I am thankful.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Why Am I Here?
I would like to share my short story with you. I wasn't suppose to be born actually. I was scheduled to be aborted. It was 1970 and my mom was having a lot of difficulties with her pregnancy. After some tests the doctor determined that I was an ectopic pregnancy. I was in the fallopian tubes instead of the womb. My mom had to make a decision of whether to risk her life or take mine. She was devastated because she had already experienced an earlier miscarriage. She did not want to lose another baby. She began to pray. She did not believe in abortion, however the doctor expressed to her that was the only option, unless she wanted to die.
She continued to put the decision aside while praying for God to give her a miracle. The pregnancy progressed into the 5th month and her doctor told her there was no more waiting. The procedure had to be done now. So it was scheduled and she went home brokenhearted. The abortion would be done on Monday morning of the following week. The church where she attended was in revival that week so she made herself go one night despite the pain and discomfort she was feeling. She went up for prayer one last time. Nothing happened. The weekend came and she began to prepare for the hospital stay. Dad drove her into town to get her a new gown. Upon leaving the store, she got back in the car and just doubled over in terrible pain. Something was wrong for sure. A few minutes later mom felt me moving and knew I was alive. After arriving at the hospital, the doctor examined mom and discovered to his amazement that I had moved into the womb. It was a miracle! My moving had ripped her tubes and she would no longer be able to conceive but I was not going to be aborted. The doctor was then concerned that I would not be healthy and warned her and my dad that I would probably be handicapped. There was a high probability that I would not have all of my extremities. She continued to pray and carried me the full term. Upon birth, I was announced their baby girl and to the doctor's amazement again, I was perfect in form and very healthy. I weighed in at 6 lbs. and 10 ounces...mom says I smiled at her. She said that was her confirmation that I was indeed okay and all my mental capacities were normal. She said she had asked God to let me just smile at her if all was normal.
And I have been smiling since! I am SO grateful to God for the chance to live this life. It has been some of the hardest times to endure and some of the most wonderful times to experience. This life is definitely worth living! God does care about us before we ever greet this world. And He has a plan for each one of us that only He can deliver. Why then am I here?
To smile...
She continued to put the decision aside while praying for God to give her a miracle. The pregnancy progressed into the 5th month and her doctor told her there was no more waiting. The procedure had to be done now. So it was scheduled and she went home brokenhearted. The abortion would be done on Monday morning of the following week. The church where she attended was in revival that week so she made herself go one night despite the pain and discomfort she was feeling. She went up for prayer one last time. Nothing happened. The weekend came and she began to prepare for the hospital stay. Dad drove her into town to get her a new gown. Upon leaving the store, she got back in the car and just doubled over in terrible pain. Something was wrong for sure. A few minutes later mom felt me moving and knew I was alive. After arriving at the hospital, the doctor examined mom and discovered to his amazement that I had moved into the womb. It was a miracle! My moving had ripped her tubes and she would no longer be able to conceive but I was not going to be aborted. The doctor was then concerned that I would not be healthy and warned her and my dad that I would probably be handicapped. There was a high probability that I would not have all of my extremities. She continued to pray and carried me the full term. Upon birth, I was announced their baby girl and to the doctor's amazement again, I was perfect in form and very healthy. I weighed in at 6 lbs. and 10 ounces...mom says I smiled at her. She said that was her confirmation that I was indeed okay and all my mental capacities were normal. She said she had asked God to let me just smile at her if all was normal.
And I have been smiling since! I am SO grateful to God for the chance to live this life. It has been some of the hardest times to endure and some of the most wonderful times to experience. This life is definitely worth living! God does care about us before we ever greet this world. And He has a plan for each one of us that only He can deliver. Why then am I here?
To smile...
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Nothing But The Truth
"You can't handle the truth!"...words made famous by Jack Nicholson.
But can you? Seriously, can you handle the truth? We say we want people to be honest with us yet we feel our blood pressure rising when faced with statements that contradict the picture we've painted of ourselves. God desires truth in our innermost parts. He wants us to have an undivided heart. The world says do what you have to and say what you must to get to the top. But the Word clearly tells us that Kings take pleasure in honest lips, they value a person who speaks the truth. The world is trying to get to the top while the King is already at the top. I believe I'd rather walk in the path the King is taking. God's eyes are looking for those who speak truth.
Although the truth is hard to chew up and swallow at times, it is very freeing to our spirit. When we humbly accept truth and allow God to lovingly caress it into our hearts, then we can begin to experience changes that cause Kings to take notice. It is an admirable trait. Truth is progressive. It doesn't take steps backward. Yet, it is hardly to be found anymore. It is certainly not the norm. Why do we coward to integrity? Why do we stare blankly in another direction and allow truth to go unspoken yet again? Do you find it too difficult to walk this path? I encourage you to pray for the Lord to send forth His light and truth to guide you. They are sure to bring you to the place where He is. It might be the road less traveled but it doesn't have to remain that way. Just think...we could all be arm in arm, bringing strength to one another and going in the same direction toward the finish line. It can become a crowded street with the Banner of Truth guiding our every step forward.
But can you? Seriously, can you handle the truth? We say we want people to be honest with us yet we feel our blood pressure rising when faced with statements that contradict the picture we've painted of ourselves. God desires truth in our innermost parts. He wants us to have an undivided heart. The world says do what you have to and say what you must to get to the top. But the Word clearly tells us that Kings take pleasure in honest lips, they value a person who speaks the truth. The world is trying to get to the top while the King is already at the top. I believe I'd rather walk in the path the King is taking. God's eyes are looking for those who speak truth.
Although the truth is hard to chew up and swallow at times, it is very freeing to our spirit. When we humbly accept truth and allow God to lovingly caress it into our hearts, then we can begin to experience changes that cause Kings to take notice. It is an admirable trait. Truth is progressive. It doesn't take steps backward. Yet, it is hardly to be found anymore. It is certainly not the norm. Why do we coward to integrity? Why do we stare blankly in another direction and allow truth to go unspoken yet again? Do you find it too difficult to walk this path? I encourage you to pray for the Lord to send forth His light and truth to guide you. They are sure to bring you to the place where He is. It might be the road less traveled but it doesn't have to remain that way. Just think...we could all be arm in arm, bringing strength to one another and going in the same direction toward the finish line. It can become a crowded street with the Banner of Truth guiding our every step forward.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Where Are the Leaders?
The question remains whether leaders are born or if individuals can be trained for that role...
I have had so many experiences with both types of individuals which leaves me with one lasting opinion. Leaders are definitely born. Yes individuals can be trained for a leadership position, however, a true leader possesses a different caliber of spirit. There are those individuals who will boldly step out from among their peers and initiate a plan to carry forth vision. And if there is no vision (you can usually tell pretty quickly by the faces of every person there...ya know, the perishing faces), well, the true leader will create a vision that is worth putting into focus. That individual can find themselves in the back corners of a deep pit, in the bleakest of situations, and yet they will be the one others automatically gravitate towards for guidance. Remember Joseph? How about Daniel? I believe it is a special gift given from God himself. He decides what we are gifted with, and we decide what to do with it. True leaders are rare these days. They possess certain qualities that enable them to operate on a different level than the rest of us. How many people do you know that will rock the boat in order to break the status quo? How many individuals come to mind when confrontation is needed yet everyone around you is red faced and trying so hard to avoid it?
Leadership is not for the weak at heart. It is not for the prideful mind. It is for those that are strong in spirit, those that care when no one is looking. It is for the humble, the one that goes about everyday life operating with integrity and honesty. There are great leaders among us. Do you know them? Are you one of them? True leaders will outshine the rest of us when the day is over. Their excellent spirit will prevail in the end. Don't be caught with your head in the sand. Arise to the occasion. Call forth that person of valour that you are and get busy making a difference in your corner. It worked for Daniel. It worked for Joseph. And it will work for you.
I have had so many experiences with both types of individuals which leaves me with one lasting opinion. Leaders are definitely born. Yes individuals can be trained for a leadership position, however, a true leader possesses a different caliber of spirit. There are those individuals who will boldly step out from among their peers and initiate a plan to carry forth vision. And if there is no vision (you can usually tell pretty quickly by the faces of every person there...ya know, the perishing faces), well, the true leader will create a vision that is worth putting into focus. That individual can find themselves in the back corners of a deep pit, in the bleakest of situations, and yet they will be the one others automatically gravitate towards for guidance. Remember Joseph? How about Daniel? I believe it is a special gift given from God himself. He decides what we are gifted with, and we decide what to do with it. True leaders are rare these days. They possess certain qualities that enable them to operate on a different level than the rest of us. How many people do you know that will rock the boat in order to break the status quo? How many individuals come to mind when confrontation is needed yet everyone around you is red faced and trying so hard to avoid it?
Leadership is not for the weak at heart. It is not for the prideful mind. It is for those that are strong in spirit, those that care when no one is looking. It is for the humble, the one that goes about everyday life operating with integrity and honesty. There are great leaders among us. Do you know them? Are you one of them? True leaders will outshine the rest of us when the day is over. Their excellent spirit will prevail in the end. Don't be caught with your head in the sand. Arise to the occasion. Call forth that person of valour that you are and get busy making a difference in your corner. It worked for Daniel. It worked for Joseph. And it will work for you.
Monday, July 30, 2007
For Such A Time As This
I have to say Esther is probably my favorite story in the Bible. I know, I know...beauty pageants, great clothes, perfumes, jewelry, oh and I can't resist the great romance that takes place in this book. And just when you think its over, Wow! There appears a bad guy who has to be dealt with before he causes destruction. What a story! Just to highlight a few points...
Mordecai overhears a conspiracy against the King. He tells Queen Esther and she reports it to the King. The guys are killed and it all goes down in the history books. You don't hear of Mordecai whining and crying because he has gone unrewarded for his deeds. He continues to do the right things for the people he cares about. He didn't spend everyday wishing for greater opportunities to come his way. He lived in the moment and he was a servant to the people of that Kingdom...he watched out for them, spoke up for them, stood up to the evil of the day and voiced the need for justice.
Approximately four years passed and the King couldn't sleep one night. He decided to read the history books, maybe to lull himself back into la la land. He discovers that he never rewarded Mordecai for uncovering the assassination plot. We know that God chose to humble Haman and honor Mordecai at the same time. Mordecai was overlooked for a long time and deserved to be rewarded but God knew the perfect time to do it. God's plan was much bigger than just giving honor where it was due and handing out lavish rewards. His plan was to bring change to the entire Kingdom! Talk about being sent to the Kingdom for such a time as this!
So I encourage all of you that are walking in the shoes of Mordecai. Do what you know is right! Don't search so hard for new opportunities and miss the ones that are right in front of you. Take heart my friend...just look at Mordecai. The time did come for him to get what he deserved. Ya know he ended up second in command to King Xerxes. And God used him to bring about a great victory for the people of that day. Oh the things that can be accomplished when we determine to remain servants!
Mordecai overhears a conspiracy against the King. He tells Queen Esther and she reports it to the King. The guys are killed and it all goes down in the history books. You don't hear of Mordecai whining and crying because he has gone unrewarded for his deeds. He continues to do the right things for the people he cares about. He didn't spend everyday wishing for greater opportunities to come his way. He lived in the moment and he was a servant to the people of that Kingdom...he watched out for them, spoke up for them, stood up to the evil of the day and voiced the need for justice.
Approximately four years passed and the King couldn't sleep one night. He decided to read the history books, maybe to lull himself back into la la land. He discovers that he never rewarded Mordecai for uncovering the assassination plot. We know that God chose to humble Haman and honor Mordecai at the same time. Mordecai was overlooked for a long time and deserved to be rewarded but God knew the perfect time to do it. God's plan was much bigger than just giving honor where it was due and handing out lavish rewards. His plan was to bring change to the entire Kingdom! Talk about being sent to the Kingdom for such a time as this!
So I encourage all of you that are walking in the shoes of Mordecai. Do what you know is right! Don't search so hard for new opportunities and miss the ones that are right in front of you. Take heart my friend...just look at Mordecai. The time did come for him to get what he deserved. Ya know he ended up second in command to King Xerxes. And God used him to bring about a great victory for the people of that day. Oh the things that can be accomplished when we determine to remain servants!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Live From Daytona Beach!
Vacation time...oh so nice! I have enjoyed myself this weekend. I accompanied my husband to the Pepsi 400. Wow, what a race! It was a blast! And this morning, the highlight of my trip was going to Orlando and being in service with Clint Brown....oh yeah, that's what I'm sayin'!!! A great service...and the music was AWESOME!
Now I'm sitting in my hotel room enjoying the sound of the waves. I actually got a little brave and rode in a cable car that hangs over the pier...a little scary because it was rusty and creaky. I used the time to pray! Of course the prayers mainly consisted of pleas for protection. I almost missed the beauty that was outstretched before me, but I finally settled down in my seat and began to take it all in. God's creativity is limitless indeed! I hope you are enjoying your summer and taking in God's beauty in large doses. He is so good...oh taste and see for yourself!
Now I'm sitting in my hotel room enjoying the sound of the waves. I actually got a little brave and rode in a cable car that hangs over the pier...a little scary because it was rusty and creaky. I used the time to pray! Of course the prayers mainly consisted of pleas for protection. I almost missed the beauty that was outstretched before me, but I finally settled down in my seat and began to take it all in. God's creativity is limitless indeed! I hope you are enjoying your summer and taking in God's beauty in large doses. He is so good...oh taste and see for yourself!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The Disabled List
I admit it...I am a sports fan. Yet I am easily swayed from the game for a good shopping spree any day. I like to watch my favorite players because they handle themselves with such ease it makes me feel like even I could play. I am disappointed during the times they are on the bench and not an active part of the game.
As I was sitting in church this morning my heart began to cry so loud within me I thought for a minute those around me might hear it. I know the Lord has benched me for awhile now because of injury...I remember specifically asking him for it because the pain was so great I didn't think I could be any good for the team at that time in my life. So I gladly surrendered my position and had a seat. During this process as healing began to take place and wounds were beginning to close, I have had the wonderful opportunity to grab my gear and head back on the field. But not for the duration of the game. It has only been for short periods and back to the bench I go. I have often wondered why I remain there. It seems like the wounds are gone! I know my place is on the field with the rest of my teammates. Why am I still sitting here? But as I look at my heart with a more careful eye, I begin to see the scars that are still red around the edges. Scars don't go away but they do fade. They become a reminder of what happened but no longer a source of pain. Yes I am tired of the sidelines. I miss the action. I miss the fulfillment of going out there in my gear and taking my position on the field. I miss being out there with my team. Say what you want but it is not the same on the bench. Yes you are still part of the team but the exhilaration is not there. Instead it is replaced with loneliness. And you begin to second guess yourself, wondering if you will eventually be replaced altogether. So my heart was crying out this morning. I want to take my position. I want to use my gear, not just wear it. How long must I remain on the DL? Yes the injuries were painful and I have needed the rest. And they will always be a reminder to be more careful in the future. I am pleading my cause with the coach...please let me back on the field. I am strengthened by my team. I need them and they need me. I will listen to the instructors that keep telling us to brush up on the basic fundamentals. I have a new appreciation of the importance of practice. I don't know if my pleading will get me back in the game right now or not. But I have to ask anyway. As I sit on the bench with my heart at my feet I wonder if these scars will fade a little more by morning. Cause it looks like they are getting dimmer to me. I think I should point that out to the coach. I'm going over there right now. I tell him I feel ready and I show him the fading scars. He tells me that I am indeed getting stronger. I tell him I really want to get back out there. He tells me to be patient. I tell him I am lonely. He gives me a hug. So finally I ask him just how much longer will it be? He winks at me.
As I was sitting in church this morning my heart began to cry so loud within me I thought for a minute those around me might hear it. I know the Lord has benched me for awhile now because of injury...I remember specifically asking him for it because the pain was so great I didn't think I could be any good for the team at that time in my life. So I gladly surrendered my position and had a seat. During this process as healing began to take place and wounds were beginning to close, I have had the wonderful opportunity to grab my gear and head back on the field. But not for the duration of the game. It has only been for short periods and back to the bench I go. I have often wondered why I remain there. It seems like the wounds are gone! I know my place is on the field with the rest of my teammates. Why am I still sitting here? But as I look at my heart with a more careful eye, I begin to see the scars that are still red around the edges. Scars don't go away but they do fade. They become a reminder of what happened but no longer a source of pain. Yes I am tired of the sidelines. I miss the action. I miss the fulfillment of going out there in my gear and taking my position on the field. I miss being out there with my team. Say what you want but it is not the same on the bench. Yes you are still part of the team but the exhilaration is not there. Instead it is replaced with loneliness. And you begin to second guess yourself, wondering if you will eventually be replaced altogether. So my heart was crying out this morning. I want to take my position. I want to use my gear, not just wear it. How long must I remain on the DL? Yes the injuries were painful and I have needed the rest. And they will always be a reminder to be more careful in the future. I am pleading my cause with the coach...please let me back on the field. I am strengthened by my team. I need them and they need me. I will listen to the instructors that keep telling us to brush up on the basic fundamentals. I have a new appreciation of the importance of practice. I don't know if my pleading will get me back in the game right now or not. But I have to ask anyway. As I sit on the bench with my heart at my feet I wonder if these scars will fade a little more by morning. Cause it looks like they are getting dimmer to me. I think I should point that out to the coach. I'm going over there right now. I tell him I feel ready and I show him the fading scars. He tells me that I am indeed getting stronger. I tell him I really want to get back out there. He tells me to be patient. I tell him I am lonely. He gives me a hug. So finally I ask him just how much longer will it be? He winks at me.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Under Construction
Oh to live with no regrets! That would be so nice but seems almost impossible for most of us. It seems like I have something to confess every single day of my life. I'm just thankful that God hasn't grown tired of handing out grace to me everytime I approach Him. "Work in progress" is an understatement when it is applied to my life. "Demolition Site" seems more appropriate at times. My flesh fights God so hard when He begins to tear down old walls, old plumbing that wasn't put in correctly the first time, and light fixtures that aren't bright enough for others to be able to see without stumbling. God help me to stop fighting your hands! You are my father! I want to trust you with my life. This demolition site doesn't look very appealing right now and that causes me shame and heartache. But help me to see that you have drawn specific plans concerning me and you have already calculated the cost and paid for the completed project. And even though I'm still in Phase I and seem to be behind schedule, allow my eyes to see what you see. Help me to know your heart and believe with mine.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Love that Covers
I am learning that allowing love to cover a multitude of sins means that sometimes we choose to cover an offense done to us by not talking about it with others. Our testimony of how God has helped us will have a right time, place, and person where it can be shared for God's Glory. However, talking about it with all who will listen might help relieve our stress but what will it do to the one that you have forgiven the offense? Will they be edified by your telling of their offense or would they be better served by you keeping it to yourself? Love is not selfish, it is kind to others.
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