Making A Change

Well my friends, I feel it's time for me to step back and refuel.  I've felt for a while that something needed to change about this blog.  I believe it needs change from within, which means my being refreshed and renewed.  That is the only way I can be of help to those of you that so faithfully read these posts.  I've always taken the writings on here very seriously and tried to remain transparent in all of them, in hopes that something would be said to help you in your journey. 

Will I be back?  I sure hope so.  Although I will miss sharing with you, when I do return, hopefully it will be with better perspective, deeper understanding, greater love, and overall personal growth.  That is certainly my prayer.

Thanks to all of you that have visited and still keep coming back to this blog periodically.  You're support, insight, encouraging words, and love have been amazing!  I still can't believe its been 5 years already.  Wow!
You are truly my inspiration!!

Many Thanks,

Michelle  
                                                                                      

                                                                                               

Wisdom's Power

The person who has wisdom usually looks something like this:

· they put God first in their life

· they're loving

· faithful

· know right from wrong

· listen and learn

· they possess knowledge and discretion

· they hate pride, arrogance, and bad behavior

· they give good advice and have common sense

· they love correction and are teachable when receiving it

· respect and fear God

· trust God

Keeping these characteristics in mind, the benefits that come to this individual look a lot like this:

· divine protection

· favor with God and people

· they are successful

· they have a reputation for good judgment

· they are known to be calm and peaceable

· understanding

· constant learning, which leads to honor and riches

Proverbs 3 talks about wisdom.  Verse 21 encourages us to preserve sound judgment and discernment.  It says, "do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck."  In learning about wisdom, I've heard alot about the importance of having discernment.  I never gave much thought to sound judgment.  Honestly, I thought they were the same thing.  But they're not. 

So what's the difference?  Discernment/discretion is the ability given by God to help us make the right choices in life.  Sound judgment is given by God only to those that follow Him.  It basically takes discernment a step further.  It includes the knowledge that comes from learning, training, and discipline, and the insight that comes from knowing and applying God's truths.  (Life Application Study Bible Commentary)  Never regret going to Sunday School!  You DID learn. And if you haven't already, now is the time to apply those truths to your life.  I've seen lots of good hearted, smart individuals fall into pits from making choices that were hurtful.  I've not only seen it, I've done it.  Wisdom is powerful!  I need it.  You need it.  Having it is a daily process for me; one that I never want to abandon.  Sound judgment keeps our feet from stumbling into dark areas that displease God, and when we lie down at night, we can be sure that our sleep will be sweet and we will not be afraid. We don't have to settle for making another hurtful choice.  Pray for sound judgment.  God wants to keep us from falling into snares.  He wants us strong and full of vitality.  I'm going for it.  I'm pursuing it as if my life depends on it.  Because it does.   

Glancing Back

Shortly after marriage, in my young and eager mind, I thought for sure we'd be on the road in full time ministry, with no hiccups and plenty of support.  I was so naive.  I knew nothing about marriage, ministry,  or raising a family.  All I knew how to do was pray for miracles and I wasn't too good at that.  My faith was weak in alot of areas and I had no idea that adversity was what I needed to make it strong.  I hated anything that rocked the boat or caused any kind of confrontation.  I always wanted to blend in, just go with the flow.  I'd still rather do that sometimes but the difference now is the fact that life happened and I've been through enough to know that standing up and showing courage causes change.  At least in myself, it has.

Seven months into our lives together, we found out I was expecting.  We both cried for 3 days before we told a soul.  I honestly think we were in shock.  Totally unexpected.  My sweet hubby told me he felt like God was asking him to take a step of faith in leaving his secular job and going into full time ministry.  Talk about scared to death.  Can you go in shock while you're still in shock, cause I think I did.  The adversity that followed was unbelievable.  From financial difficulties, spiritual disciplines, family and friend separation...it was HARD.  Once our daughter was born, we seemed to settle into life with more ease.  She was such a gift from God.  And still is.  And the ministry calendar was actually staying pretty full by this time but God spoke again and changed our world.  We had such a desire to stay with a group of people, help them with their christian walk, and be a part of a body of believers.  Finally, we got an opportunity to pastor.  Wow, more adversity followed. 

Thing is, with every new level of adversity, there was a new level of courage.  It wasn't just our own tenancity or stubborness, although we had plenty of that for God to work with.  And boy did He!  He worked us over, inside and out, as many times as it took for us to learn it was HIM that would have all honor and HIS plan would always be the better one.  God was trying to teach us how to walk in balance.  He had a tough job and He's still teaching us 21 years later.  

My point in this?  Adversity hurts.  It brings out our ugly everytime. But it allows us to learn who God really is and how good He is at doing His work.  Its not good for us to be wise in our own eyes.  That brings Him shame and causes us to lose favor.  The only thing we should be shunning is evil, not adversity.  Allow all things in life (hard and easy) to be the catalyst of your learning more as God guides you through each one.  He doesn't stop being awesome at any point.  

It's Settled

Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens.  For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today." -Ruth 3:18

Talk about rocking his world!  Ruth was looking for a savior and Boaz was looking at her.  What a combo!  Even in the face of this shaky economy and overall gloominess that looms over our nation, there are those looking to make a difference in the lives of others.  And we are promised in God's Word that He will make our feet like hinds feet.  We can overcome the things that overwhelm us.  Its not only in God's heart to settle the matter today but He places the same measure of urgency in the hearts of his servants, to make sure things are not left null and void in your life.  Yes, you have to do something too.  YOU have to take the first step.  Ruth was willing to take the most humble position available but Boaz specifically told his servants over her, not to embarrass Ruth AND to leave things in her path that would help.  He was watching to rescue her from the very beginning.  She showed integrity and he made sure it was rewarded.  Right there in the low place where she found herself living and struggling. 

You don't have to be rich to make things happen.  You don't have to be well known.  You have to be courageous and willing to work at it.  Personally, I have watched my husband become such a man as this over the past 7 years.  Well, he's never been afraid to rock the boat.  I LOVE that about him.  He's no coward by any means.  I've seen people ridicule him, yes, to his face but mostly behind his back because he calls it like it really is.  He's been unsure of many things concerning our family but never afraid to step into the unknown for fear of embarrassment or failure.  And lately it seems almost on a weekly basis, he is required to handle challenges that are more like traps.  But God placed the tenacity inside his heart that causes him to keep working, to keep trying, even when the respect he deserves is not shown.  So I wait, and look to find out what happens.  God will not rest until matters are settled.  That makes my heart sing at such a loud volume!  Because, just like Ruth and Boaz, the rest of the story is one of such beauty and great lineage, there is no reason for you and I to expect anything less.