Good Morning. I am off to Charleston today to enjoy a brief visit with my sister. She is vacationing in Myrtle Beach this week and we are meeting for lunch. I am looking forward to seeing her and spending time with her.
Yesterday was a day of conversations for me. I know that probably sounds funny. Most people have a fair amount of conversation everyday, but when you are in a new city and know barely a handful of people, conversation is infrequent. I spent a few hours with a lovely couple. We enjoyed a meal together and the conversation was easy and interesting. We shared with one another a myraid of topics--family, friends, our jobs and interests--the ususal "get to know someone" type of conversation. I walked away from that feeling uplifted and happy; content that it had gone well. I was at ease to be myself. Later in the evening, I went out with a neighbor, and the conversation was quite different. As I was sitting there, I became more and more aware of the fact that this conversation was not one that I really wanted to be part of. When I returned home, I had yet another conversation, with my Heavenly Father. This one was one of intimacy and based in years of relationship. This conversation refreshed me and washed me.
As I was laying there, trying to fall asleep, I began to think about the contrast of these 3 conversations and the basis for the contrast. Initially, I thought the difference lie in relationship, but as I thought about it a little longer, I realized that it wasn't relationship that made them so different, rather it was character. Please understand, I am in no way judging anyone here, just making an observation. As I spoke with the first couple (people I had never met and have no relationship with), I found the conversation easy because I could sense that they were people of substance, people with integrity and morality. The second conversation, with the neighbor, was base. I could tell immediately, that this was a person of folly. As the conversation continued, I grew more and more uncomfortable.
We all have our "qualifiers" when it comes to relationships. There are those who remain outside the realm of friendship, there are others who are aquaintences, there are friends and then there are those with whom we have intimacy (those who fully know us and vice versa). We choose the categories each person is in and often times certain individuals graduate to another category based on what we see and hear as the relationship progresses. I believe this to be a natural part of human nature. I also see it as Bibical.
Jesus was surrounded by the multitudes. Out of them, He chose 12 men--they were his closest friends. Out of the 12, he was more intimate with 3 (Peter, James and John). I just mention this as a point of reference!
It is ok for us to choose who we want to be part of our lives. I say this more to myself, because I have this thing about hurting people's feelings. As I brought these conversations before the Lord last night, He was saying that it was ok to choose; even wise to choose, who we are in relationship with. It is not the will of God for my life that I walk around unaware, but that I use the tools He has given me to make right choices for my life, especially when it comes to those I spend my time with!
A conversation can just be a conversation unless you really hear the person; the character of the person, behind the words. The Bible says, "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks."
Gotta Love the Lord, He covered it all!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
His Little Project
I am still reupholstering the chairs and God is still speaking! It's pretty cool; just me and God hanging out, working on my little project while He works on His little project! (that would be me, in case you didn't catch that) I found it funny, as I was reflecting on things today, that the first time I reupholstered these chairs almost 16 years ago, I had absolutely no idea how to do it. I got some advice and even a little help from a friend, but the project was one in which I had to fully rely on God to finish. I remember talking to God and saying, "I don't have a clue how to do this Lord, but You know everything, please direct me and use this project to bring Glory to your name." I remember the feeling of awe and pride I had when the chairs were finished. I remember the first Holiday we spent sitting on them and the compliments my handiwork received. It was quite the testimony as I shared the story!
I forgot, until today, how tedious the work was and how painful at times, (I stapled my finger and stepped on an upholstery tack! OUCH!) the process was. And once again, I began to liken this project to my walk with the Lord. At one point, I was pulling about 300 staples out the top of the chair and commented out loud, (yes, I talk to myself!) "gees, did you have to be SUCH a perfectionist?" Apparently, that was the invitation God needed, to start speaking.
He began to show me the lengthy process of removing the root cause of perfectionism in my life. With every staple I pulled, I had flashes of various memories where this particular "ism" reared it's ugly head. Let me stop right here for a moment. If any of my old friends or family members are reading this, please accept my apology and thank you for your long-suffering! I wish I could tell you that God just delivered me from this one day, but that would be a lie. The truth is that God has delivered me from perfectionism, but the process has taken the last 17 years!
I remember the day God revealed to me the root of it. I had just had a party for a dear friend's birthday. As usual, I wanted everything Perfect! I, on this particular occasion had delegated (something we perfectionist rarely do) the appetizer portion of the meal to another dear friend who happened to be a fantastic chef! This particular lady, was also someone who was seldom on time for things and I remember thinking this was probably not my best idea. The day of the party came and everyone arrived, except my friend who had the appetizer! Dinner was ready and I was freaking out. She arrived, after a phone call, about an hour and half late. Let's just say that I acted utterly childish and offended many of those I had invited to be my guests. The worst part of all was that I felt, at the time, justified in my anger. The real issue; I was to find out the next day at the alter, was not that I was a hot-head, it was the well-known fact, that I was INSECURE.
No one ( who wants to continue being friends with you) can tell you that you are insecure. That information graciously came from my Heavenly Father! And so began the great dig! I asked the Lord that day to root out the insecurity and thereby remove many of the "isms" that plagued me. I also asked my friends to forgive me for acting like such a fool. The "root" was deep; not like a dandelion, but like a yucca. Now, if you don't garden, you probably don't know that the root of a yucca plant is damn- near impossible to dig out, and if you happen to leave the slightest bit of the root in the ground, it will grow up again like crazy. I only know this, because I had one in my yard and it took a backhoe to get it out! I dug at that root for an entire summer one year and the following year that plant was back and hardier than ever--that is when I got the backhoe! Unfortunately, or maybe Fortunately, depending on your point of view, God doesn't use a backhoe! He does, however, continue to whittle away at the nasty roots until one day, they are gone. Praise God! He who began a good work in me is Faithful to complete it.
Today, I understand the difference between excellence and perfectionism. I would rather do things with excellence than perfection any day! It is a good thing to see growth in yourself. The Bible says, He brings us from Glory to Glory! Now, to Him be the Glory forever and ever. Amen
I forgot, until today, how tedious the work was and how painful at times, (I stapled my finger and stepped on an upholstery tack! OUCH!) the process was. And once again, I began to liken this project to my walk with the Lord. At one point, I was pulling about 300 staples out the top of the chair and commented out loud, (yes, I talk to myself!) "gees, did you have to be SUCH a perfectionist?" Apparently, that was the invitation God needed, to start speaking.
He began to show me the lengthy process of removing the root cause of perfectionism in my life. With every staple I pulled, I had flashes of various memories where this particular "ism" reared it's ugly head. Let me stop right here for a moment. If any of my old friends or family members are reading this, please accept my apology and thank you for your long-suffering! I wish I could tell you that God just delivered me from this one day, but that would be a lie. The truth is that God has delivered me from perfectionism, but the process has taken the last 17 years!
I remember the day God revealed to me the root of it. I had just had a party for a dear friend's birthday. As usual, I wanted everything Perfect! I, on this particular occasion had delegated (something we perfectionist rarely do) the appetizer portion of the meal to another dear friend who happened to be a fantastic chef! This particular lady, was also someone who was seldom on time for things and I remember thinking this was probably not my best idea. The day of the party came and everyone arrived, except my friend who had the appetizer! Dinner was ready and I was freaking out. She arrived, after a phone call, about an hour and half late. Let's just say that I acted utterly childish and offended many of those I had invited to be my guests. The worst part of all was that I felt, at the time, justified in my anger. The real issue; I was to find out the next day at the alter, was not that I was a hot-head, it was the well-known fact, that I was INSECURE.
No one ( who wants to continue being friends with you) can tell you that you are insecure. That information graciously came from my Heavenly Father! And so began the great dig! I asked the Lord that day to root out the insecurity and thereby remove many of the "isms" that plagued me. I also asked my friends to forgive me for acting like such a fool. The "root" was deep; not like a dandelion, but like a yucca. Now, if you don't garden, you probably don't know that the root of a yucca plant is damn- near impossible to dig out, and if you happen to leave the slightest bit of the root in the ground, it will grow up again like crazy. I only know this, because I had one in my yard and it took a backhoe to get it out! I dug at that root for an entire summer one year and the following year that plant was back and hardier than ever--that is when I got the backhoe! Unfortunately, or maybe Fortunately, depending on your point of view, God doesn't use a backhoe! He does, however, continue to whittle away at the nasty roots until one day, they are gone. Praise God! He who began a good work in me is Faithful to complete it.
Today, I understand the difference between excellence and perfectionism. I would rather do things with excellence than perfection any day! It is a good thing to see growth in yourself. The Bible says, He brings us from Glory to Glory! Now, to Him be the Glory forever and ever. Amen
Making Old Things New Again
There are times (and I love them!) when doing something that would seem to be so out of the Spiritual realm, so earthly in and of itself, that one would never imagine that God could use it as a way to impress His truth on the one doing it. (I know that is a run on sentence that doesn't say much!) Let me explain... Yesterday I spent the better part of the day reupholstering my dining room chairs--to be honest, I only completed one, but I did cut the fabric pieces for all--and in the quiet of the day, God was speaking to me about the spiritual significance of " making old things new again". Its always astonishes me that God is so mindful of me, that He would take the time to speak to me and comfort me right where I am at!
As I took off the old fabric from the chair, I couldn't help but see how dirty it was and how it had worn and faded in the last 16 years. The staples I removed were rusted and even though they were still doing their job of holding the fabric in place, when I went to remove them, they crumbled. I noticed that the underside of the fabric, the parts that weren't exposed to the world, were clean and bright; still looking new. I began to think about how this world and all the exposure to the "elements" of sin, can attach themselves to us, simply by being around them. I looked at the stains on the old fabric and thought about the "stains" that sin had left on me. I saw where the old fabric was frayed and pulled apart and couldn't help but remember that I too had been frayed and pulled apart from God.
I think David, in Psalm 51, realized all of this too. He prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, perservering and steadfast Spirit within me." As Christians, we are made new again in Baptism through the Grace of God. We are cleansed from all sin. It is an awesome gift! In addition to that gift, the Bible is pretty clear, that we must be continually washed: in the renewing of our minds by the Word of God, through prayer and fasting, through repentence and the list goes on. While the gift of Salvation is once and for all, a done deal so to speak; the work of regeneration continues on until our last breathe.
Simply put, being in this world, we are going to get dirty! There is no way around it. We cannot hide from it. We are called to be in this world but not OF this world. We are also called to be a light to this world. It is my opinion that we cannot be salt and light unless we are reupholstered by the Spirit on a regular basis.
I enjoyed so many dinners around the table, sitting on these chairs with family and friends. Laughing, celebrating, praying, crying, encouraging and teaching. These chairs have seen alot! The chairs still have alot of years of use in them, they just needed a new canvas. I'm alot like the chairs--I needed a new canvas for God to write on too. That's the real reason for my move to Savannah. My hope is that there will be many more friends, new friends and old, sitting on these chairs. Eating, celebrating, laughing, learning and encouraging one another: Making old things new again!
As I took off the old fabric from the chair, I couldn't help but see how dirty it was and how it had worn and faded in the last 16 years. The staples I removed were rusted and even though they were still doing their job of holding the fabric in place, when I went to remove them, they crumbled. I noticed that the underside of the fabric, the parts that weren't exposed to the world, were clean and bright; still looking new. I began to think about how this world and all the exposure to the "elements" of sin, can attach themselves to us, simply by being around them. I looked at the stains on the old fabric and thought about the "stains" that sin had left on me. I saw where the old fabric was frayed and pulled apart and couldn't help but remember that I too had been frayed and pulled apart from God.
I think David, in Psalm 51, realized all of this too. He prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, perservering and steadfast Spirit within me." As Christians, we are made new again in Baptism through the Grace of God. We are cleansed from all sin. It is an awesome gift! In addition to that gift, the Bible is pretty clear, that we must be continually washed: in the renewing of our minds by the Word of God, through prayer and fasting, through repentence and the list goes on. While the gift of Salvation is once and for all, a done deal so to speak; the work of regeneration continues on until our last breathe.
Simply put, being in this world, we are going to get dirty! There is no way around it. We cannot hide from it. We are called to be in this world but not OF this world. We are also called to be a light to this world. It is my opinion that we cannot be salt and light unless we are reupholstered by the Spirit on a regular basis.
I enjoyed so many dinners around the table, sitting on these chairs with family and friends. Laughing, celebrating, praying, crying, encouraging and teaching. These chairs have seen alot! The chairs still have alot of years of use in them, they just needed a new canvas. I'm alot like the chairs--I needed a new canvas for God to write on too. That's the real reason for my move to Savannah. My hope is that there will be many more friends, new friends and old, sitting on these chairs. Eating, celebrating, laughing, learning and encouraging one another: Making old things new again!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Be Still and Know that I am God
What a great passage that is. For some people I am sure that this comes easily. Their temperament and personality may line up well with this command. For me; not so much. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am a "do"-er, not a "be"-er. In the last year or so God has given me an awful lot of time to cultivate the skill of staying quiet and simply being in His presence. I have to admit that it still requires effort. I have no problem talking to God, reading his Word, studying, worshipping and the like, but being STILL--that's a tough one.
The message at church yesterday was excellent. (Good job Pastor Dave!) Pastor was talking about the Spiritual Disciplines. The part that stood out most to me was the constancy in which Jesus withdrew from everyone and went to be alone with the Father. As Pastor said, THE most powerful and pure person to ever walk the earth, the One with all wisdom, drew aside to commune with God the Father. How much more shall we go to that place, the desert, the Eremos to be with God.
For years, almost without really seeing it, I have read those texts; yet today Pastor really drove it home for me. I love the fact that regardless of how long I have been a Christian, I learn and glean from the Body of Christ!
Developing the skill of "being still" before the Lord is one that I practice. It is a habit that is learned and cultivated. It requires me to listen in utter silence, including pushing back all the thoughts that rush in (that's the tough part for me!). Like anything else, the more I practice, the easier it becomes and the easier it becomes, the more often I want to do it! But this text talks about more than this. This text is about FAITH.
To be still and know (that He is God) is an invitation to "keep the faith", if you will. It is God saying, "hang on, don't panic, I've got this". As I was praying this morning for my son and others, I had the sense that God was adding to that and saying, " it's ok, go about your day in peace". There are times, when after I have prayed, I walk away from that place and still have a heavy heart. Let's face it, life is hard; but today God was taking me a little deeper in my understanding of this text and His love for me. He was speaking directly to the heaviness of my heart, the lump in my throat, and ache in my head. He was saying that to really be still is to not have those symptoms, but to walk this out in Joy; which stems from the strength that He provides me, joined by the faith and assurances of His mercy and loving-kindness toward me. It was beautiful!
He truly is my Source. Is He yours as well? Leave me a comment, I'd like to chat!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The Wrestling Match
I awoke today with the feeling of dread in my gut. The feeling, I knew instantly, was that of the impending wrestling match I would soon be having with my son over going to church this morning. Foolishly, rather than taking the time to gird up my loins for battle through the reading of the Word and prayer, I decided to jump in the shower and get ready so that when the argument began and dragged on, I would be able to get out the door at it's end. O foolish woman! Do you not yet know that God alone enables you in spiritual battles? I was dressed nicely and my hair and make-up were done and I did make it to church on time; but I lost the battle. Forgive me Lord, for not having communion with you before my feet touched the floor.
Had I been smart enough to follow the order of things, the result may have been different. I may have opened Ephesians 6:10-18 . I could have been empowered through my union with God, drawing my strength from Him which His boundless might provides. I could have put on the "full armor" of God so that I may have been successful in standing against all the strategies and the deceits of the devil. I could have been quickened to remember that we are not wrestling with flesh and blood, but against principles and powers of wickedness in the supernatural sphere. I could have, but I didn't....
So, as a result, I went to church alone and extremely agitated from the argument that had transpired and at my failure to heed such a basic discipline of a Believer. BUT GOD...
Ahhhh! The presence of the Lord washed over me during worship and He allowed me to enter in. He reminded that He gave my children to me as a gift, and while that gift comes with many responciblities, He is the one in whose capable hands they (my children) rest. I am not the Holy Spirit--you can all breathe a little easier!-- and I am not the One who will ultimately draw my son unto Himself. My position is to pray, teach truth, discipline, and TRUST that God will accomplish His will in Mike's life.
When it comes to something/someone with whom you are so emotionally intertwined, it can be very difficult to "Let Go and Let God". I see the emotional anguish my son is experiencing. I see the self-destructive behaviors and the confusion. It literally breaks my heart in two. I mentioned in a previous post, "soul dividing anxiety", and this is one of those circumstances that can bring this about if I am not careful; because, on the one hand I see with my natural eyes and on the other, I get glimpses, through Faith, of what will come. It's tricky! But, we are called to LIVE BY FAITH. It is a command, but it is also a moment by moment choice. One that in times like this, for me, is a very conscious, take each and every thought captive and hold it up to the Word, kind of choice. It takes effort. More effort, for me, than running a marathon. There are days, in fact, that this is the only thing I can do, the only thing I focus on. It is the priority, the only priority, of the day. Today is one of those days...
I had plans for today, but spending it this way, in prayer in my hiding place, will be far more beneficial to me and my son then re-ulpolstering my dining room chairs.
Peace and love joined with faith to all of you, from God the Father
Had I been smart enough to follow the order of things, the result may have been different. I may have opened Ephesians 6:10-18 . I could have been empowered through my union with God, drawing my strength from Him which His boundless might provides. I could have put on the "full armor" of God so that I may have been successful in standing against all the strategies and the deceits of the devil. I could have been quickened to remember that we are not wrestling with flesh and blood, but against principles and powers of wickedness in the supernatural sphere. I could have, but I didn't....
So, as a result, I went to church alone and extremely agitated from the argument that had transpired and at my failure to heed such a basic discipline of a Believer. BUT GOD...
Ahhhh! The presence of the Lord washed over me during worship and He allowed me to enter in. He reminded that He gave my children to me as a gift, and while that gift comes with many responciblities, He is the one in whose capable hands they (my children) rest. I am not the Holy Spirit--you can all breathe a little easier!-- and I am not the One who will ultimately draw my son unto Himself. My position is to pray, teach truth, discipline, and TRUST that God will accomplish His will in Mike's life.
When it comes to something/someone with whom you are so emotionally intertwined, it can be very difficult to "Let Go and Let God". I see the emotional anguish my son is experiencing. I see the self-destructive behaviors and the confusion. It literally breaks my heart in two. I mentioned in a previous post, "soul dividing anxiety", and this is one of those circumstances that can bring this about if I am not careful; because, on the one hand I see with my natural eyes and on the other, I get glimpses, through Faith, of what will come. It's tricky! But, we are called to LIVE BY FAITH. It is a command, but it is also a moment by moment choice. One that in times like this, for me, is a very conscious, take each and every thought captive and hold it up to the Word, kind of choice. It takes effort. More effort, for me, than running a marathon. There are days, in fact, that this is the only thing I can do, the only thing I focus on. It is the priority, the only priority, of the day. Today is one of those days...
I had plans for today, but spending it this way, in prayer in my hiding place, will be far more beneficial to me and my son then re-ulpolstering my dining room chairs.
Peace and love joined with faith to all of you, from God the Father
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Answered Prayers
Good Morning! I woke up to another beautiful day here in Savannah! The birds are singing, the flowers are all starting to bloom and I am ushered into the presence of the Creator of it all! I received some great news today and it is an answer to the prayers of many.
A good friend of mine has just gotten the results from her P.E.T scan and she is now CANCER FREE !!!!!
She has walked through the fire of these circumstances, all the while clinging to the Father and now is rejoicing in what He has done! As am I.
I love when I get to see the answers to my prayers! It lifts my soul in a way that I cannot describe. I don't know why, but I am always so pleasantly surprised by it. Maybe its the timing of it that surprises me--when you least expect it. Or, maybe its the way the news comes to me (this morning it was facebook!), either way, I feel as though the world makes just a little bit more sense.
Ps. 116 says, "I love the Lord because He has heard and now hears my voice and supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live". I remember several years ago, I had been praying and seeking the Lord for a very long time in regard to a certain matter, and when the answer came, even though it was not the answer I had hoped for, I was so delighted that He heard me, I wrote a song about it! There is something so very special about knowing that the God who created the entire universe is so mindful of me, that He listens to my requests and it actually moves Him. He is pleased when I cry out to Him. He desires it. He longs to show Himself to us. When I really take the time to think on that, it blows me away. I can barely comprehend it.
David, in the Psalm above, is blown away too. I love the fact that in alot of his Psalms, he talks to himself! (Admittedly, I do that alot too.) He says "Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." He then goes on and asks, "what shall I render to the Lord for all of His benefits toward me? How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings? This is a full blown conversation with himself! He knows God. He knows God's desire is to be in communion with His people. He knows the first Commandment: so he answers himself saying "I will offer you the sacrifice of praise and I will call upon the name of the Lord."
So too, today and everyday, I will offer the sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving and I will continue to call upon the name of the Lord!!
A good friend of mine has just gotten the results from her P.E.T scan and she is now CANCER FREE !!!!!
She has walked through the fire of these circumstances, all the while clinging to the Father and now is rejoicing in what He has done! As am I.
I love when I get to see the answers to my prayers! It lifts my soul in a way that I cannot describe. I don't know why, but I am always so pleasantly surprised by it. Maybe its the timing of it that surprises me--when you least expect it. Or, maybe its the way the news comes to me (this morning it was facebook!), either way, I feel as though the world makes just a little bit more sense.
Ps. 116 says, "I love the Lord because He has heard and now hears my voice and supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live". I remember several years ago, I had been praying and seeking the Lord for a very long time in regard to a certain matter, and when the answer came, even though it was not the answer I had hoped for, I was so delighted that He heard me, I wrote a song about it! There is something so very special about knowing that the God who created the entire universe is so mindful of me, that He listens to my requests and it actually moves Him. He is pleased when I cry out to Him. He desires it. He longs to show Himself to us. When I really take the time to think on that, it blows me away. I can barely comprehend it.
David, in the Psalm above, is blown away too. I love the fact that in alot of his Psalms, he talks to himself! (Admittedly, I do that alot too.) He says "Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." He then goes on and asks, "what shall I render to the Lord for all of His benefits toward me? How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings? This is a full blown conversation with himself! He knows God. He knows God's desire is to be in communion with His people. He knows the first Commandment: so he answers himself saying "I will offer you the sacrifice of praise and I will call upon the name of the Lord."
So too, today and everyday, I will offer the sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving and I will continue to call upon the name of the Lord!!
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Whole of Your Cares
1 Peter 5:6-7: As I was reading today The Lord brought me to this Scripture. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you...Casting the whole of your cares on Him for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
Prayer is the humbling of oneself. It means to demote, and to lower yourself in your own estimation.
There is a word that is found over and over in the Psalms--Selah--it means to pause and calmly think on. I know that today these are the verses that God would have me pause and think on. There are times when I come to God in prayer that I forget to take the first step: the humbling of my heart. It's a crucial step and one that when I look back, I forgot to take, an awful lot of the time. It's the step that says " wait and remember who it is you are talking to". It is the step that ushers me into the very presense of the One I seek--it is Worship in its truest form. So often, being a "Type A" kind of girl, I rush in and get it done! God is requiring me to slow it down with this step, and it is for my benefit!
I believe the first step allows me to complete the next step in these verses. "cast the whole of your care". The whole of my care is all my anxieties, all my worries and concerns; but it also means that I cast them unto Him once and for all. If I don't really pause and reflect on WHO God is, then I take back that which I cast upon Him! And what's the point of that?
This is not to say that we don't come continuously to God with the same topic, ( at least I hope it doesn't) because God allows us to see different nuances of issues and we are able to take those back to Him, not as a reporting--cause He already knows--but as a means of unburdening ourselves and laying it at His feet because He cares for us!
The "whole of my cares" can also mean the experiencing of soul-dividing anxiety. I have had that more times than I care to say! The only way to deal with that is to fight back with the Word of God. My former Pastor taught us that we "don't have to fight, we GET to fight". Jesus gave me His authority to resist the enemy of my soul! He gave me the Sword! I can choose to use it or I can suffer under the anxiety.
vs 9 Withstand him: be firm in faith-rooted, established, strong and immovable-- That is the only time when being stubborn works for me!
Prayer is the humbling of oneself. It means to demote, and to lower yourself in your own estimation.
There is a word that is found over and over in the Psalms--Selah--it means to pause and calmly think on. I know that today these are the verses that God would have me pause and think on. There are times when I come to God in prayer that I forget to take the first step: the humbling of my heart. It's a crucial step and one that when I look back, I forgot to take, an awful lot of the time. It's the step that says " wait and remember who it is you are talking to". It is the step that ushers me into the very presense of the One I seek--it is Worship in its truest form. So often, being a "Type A" kind of girl, I rush in and get it done! God is requiring me to slow it down with this step, and it is for my benefit!
I believe the first step allows me to complete the next step in these verses. "cast the whole of your care". The whole of my care is all my anxieties, all my worries and concerns; but it also means that I cast them unto Him once and for all. If I don't really pause and reflect on WHO God is, then I take back that which I cast upon Him! And what's the point of that?
This is not to say that we don't come continuously to God with the same topic, ( at least I hope it doesn't) because God allows us to see different nuances of issues and we are able to take those back to Him, not as a reporting--cause He already knows--but as a means of unburdening ourselves and laying it at His feet because He cares for us!
The "whole of my cares" can also mean the experiencing of soul-dividing anxiety. I have had that more times than I care to say! The only way to deal with that is to fight back with the Word of God. My former Pastor taught us that we "don't have to fight, we GET to fight". Jesus gave me His authority to resist the enemy of my soul! He gave me the Sword! I can choose to use it or I can suffer under the anxiety.
vs 9 Withstand him: be firm in faith-rooted, established, strong and immovable-- That is the only time when being stubborn works for me!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Steadfast Patience
"For you have need of steadfast Patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away, and enjoy to the fullest, what is promised."
I was talking to my son last night and I asked him to clean up all the dishes that were in his room (he has a verocious appetite after I go to bed!) and put them them in the diswasher. After about an hour, I asked him again and then again. I'm sure some of you can relate! It's frustrating dealing with a teenager at times and for me, this particular teenager, exasperates me! After about the third or fourth time, he looked at me and said, "I thought you said my only job right now was school?" Now, in all fairness, I did say that his job right now was to focus on school, but I do not believe I said "your only job is school". This led to a whole other discussion, the end result of which being that he cleaned up his mess. It took all of 6 1/2 hours from the first time I asked and it was painfully executed! I long, at times, for when they were younger and eager to help... When I went to bed last night, with a clean kitchen, I knew that the morning would bring yet another mess, and the "discussion" would begin all over again.
I woke this morning and gave the day to the Lord and asked Him what is was that I lacked and needed for this period of time in my life. He led to me to the Scripture above. Patience...really? Not what I wanted to hear! I decided to keep reading... I read all the way to the end of the book of Hebrews, which is so full of passages regarding Faith and I was encouraged. But, as I took it all back to God in prayer, he lead me back to the word PATIENCE.
I could not help recalling all the times (well some of them) that God has been patient with me. I am, by nature, one who, like my son, drags his feet when I'm not ready or willing to do something. The streak of rebellion that runs down my back has been passed down to my child, and for that I repent. I have tried to justify for years rebellion and stubbornness, I have even tried to give it another name--a more christian-like name, but it is what it is.
Rather than trying to disquise it I have given it to God in exchange for His nature. Doesn't that sound Great? It is; but walking that out each day is difficult. I have to guard my mouth (put chains on it at times) and close my eyes, and know when to speak up and know when to be silent, and know which roads to take, and sit on my hands when I want to strangle someone, and, and, and...... Phew! In my own strength, it would be impossible. But God (there are those words again!) has given me the Holy Spirit! And the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. I love the fact that everything I need to walk out this time on earth has been provided. I love that I can pray in the Spirit, that I can sing in the Spirit, and most of all, that I can count on the Spirit to move me when I would have been stubborn and unyielding.
As for my son, well, like me, He is a fixer upper too! God is not finished with either of us and while construction is going on, things can look pretty darn messy!
I was talking to my son last night and I asked him to clean up all the dishes that were in his room (he has a verocious appetite after I go to bed!) and put them them in the diswasher. After about an hour, I asked him again and then again. I'm sure some of you can relate! It's frustrating dealing with a teenager at times and for me, this particular teenager, exasperates me! After about the third or fourth time, he looked at me and said, "I thought you said my only job right now was school?" Now, in all fairness, I did say that his job right now was to focus on school, but I do not believe I said "your only job is school". This led to a whole other discussion, the end result of which being that he cleaned up his mess. It took all of 6 1/2 hours from the first time I asked and it was painfully executed! I long, at times, for when they were younger and eager to help... When I went to bed last night, with a clean kitchen, I knew that the morning would bring yet another mess, and the "discussion" would begin all over again.
I woke this morning and gave the day to the Lord and asked Him what is was that I lacked and needed for this period of time in my life. He led to me to the Scripture above. Patience...really? Not what I wanted to hear! I decided to keep reading... I read all the way to the end of the book of Hebrews, which is so full of passages regarding Faith and I was encouraged. But, as I took it all back to God in prayer, he lead me back to the word PATIENCE.
I could not help recalling all the times (well some of them) that God has been patient with me. I am, by nature, one who, like my son, drags his feet when I'm not ready or willing to do something. The streak of rebellion that runs down my back has been passed down to my child, and for that I repent. I have tried to justify for years rebellion and stubbornness, I have even tried to give it another name--a more christian-like name, but it is what it is.
Rather than trying to disquise it I have given it to God in exchange for His nature. Doesn't that sound Great? It is; but walking that out each day is difficult. I have to guard my mouth (put chains on it at times) and close my eyes, and know when to speak up and know when to be silent, and know which roads to take, and sit on my hands when I want to strangle someone, and, and, and...... Phew! In my own strength, it would be impossible. But God (there are those words again!) has given me the Holy Spirit! And the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. I love the fact that everything I need to walk out this time on earth has been provided. I love that I can pray in the Spirit, that I can sing in the Spirit, and most of all, that I can count on the Spirit to move me when I would have been stubborn and unyielding.
As for my son, well, like me, He is a fixer upper too! God is not finished with either of us and while construction is going on, things can look pretty darn messy!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
New Home, New Church, New Job?
It's been three weeks since I arrived in Savannah. The time is flying by and so is the money in my account. While my intention was and is to open a little shop downtown, the reality of our situation requires me to look for a job and save some money while taking the steps necessary to make the dream a reality.
This is normally where I grow discouraged and get depressed. BUT, there are two words that I love to pause and think on and they are "but God". I love these two little words because they are the beginning of every encouragement that comes my way--whether from a friend or my inner self (soul). Today they are the words that my soul is rehersing! I love how the Psalmist puts it. "Why so downcast O my soul?" David is asking HIMSELF! " What are you afraid of?" He then begins to rehearse to himself all the things his God has done!
When you are alone in a new place as I am, it is important (vital even) that you stir up the things that are deep inside--the victories of God in your life, the Word of God that is the very thread of your being! The Bible says that His Word never returns void. It always is true. It depends not on our circumstances, but on the One who is the Word- Made Flesh. That's why David in the Psalm could be encouraged and that is why I can too.
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God, on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I confidently trust!" Now that is encouraging!!
All of that is not in itself the new job that I need, but it is the foundation that takes away the fear and doubts that keep me from putting myself out there and seeking that which God prepared for me in advance. I still have to take the steps--like updating my resume,(which I did yesterday), searching for jobs, and sending my resume out, and, of course, interviewing. While to some, this may seem the "Hard Part", but for me, getting my head and heart lined up with the truth of God's Word, so that I do not look only to myself and my own sufficency; that is the hard part. God gets no glory and I get no reward when I run in self-sufficiency. Boy, did it take me a long time to learn that!!
Maybe you are like me. Do you need to make sure you are aligned with the Truth before starting your day? I would love to hear about your routine.
This is normally where I grow discouraged and get depressed. BUT, there are two words that I love to pause and think on and they are "but God". I love these two little words because they are the beginning of every encouragement that comes my way--whether from a friend or my inner self (soul). Today they are the words that my soul is rehersing! I love how the Psalmist puts it. "Why so downcast O my soul?" David is asking HIMSELF! " What are you afraid of?" He then begins to rehearse to himself all the things his God has done!
When you are alone in a new place as I am, it is important (vital even) that you stir up the things that are deep inside--the victories of God in your life, the Word of God that is the very thread of your being! The Bible says that His Word never returns void. It always is true. It depends not on our circumstances, but on the One who is the Word- Made Flesh. That's why David in the Psalm could be encouraged and that is why I can too.
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God, on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I confidently trust!" Now that is encouraging!!
All of that is not in itself the new job that I need, but it is the foundation that takes away the fear and doubts that keep me from putting myself out there and seeking that which God prepared for me in advance. I still have to take the steps--like updating my resume,(which I did yesterday), searching for jobs, and sending my resume out, and, of course, interviewing. While to some, this may seem the "Hard Part", but for me, getting my head and heart lined up with the truth of God's Word, so that I do not look only to myself and my own sufficency; that is the hard part. God gets no glory and I get no reward when I run in self-sufficiency. Boy, did it take me a long time to learn that!!
Maybe you are like me. Do you need to make sure you are aligned with the Truth before starting your day? I would love to hear about your routine.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
New Church Family
Now that I'm here in Savannah and things have settled down a bit, its time to find a new church. This is a "Big Gulp" for me. Looking online, visiting churches and asking God for the discernment I need to make the right choice for my son and I. It's not only time consuming--which is ok, I have alot of time at the moment-- but it is also emotional. I said to a dear friend the other day that I was spoiled. I had a church where there was solid teaching of the Word and awesome Worship. That's a tough act to follow!
I am so blessed to know that the Scriptures tell me that my God goes before me and prepares a place for me. Now, I know that particular scripture is talking about eternity, but I believe with all my heart that God prepares many places for us here on earth. I like to re-visit the many "alters" of my life where I have seen the hand of God orchestrate on my behalf. My first home, opening my own business, going back to college and so many others. In each of those circumstances I know that He went before me and prepared for me the place or position that I would fill. He knew the friends I would make, the roads I would travel on, the teachers I would have and the the clients I would serve; He knew because He hand-picked it all, just for me and for His Glory because, as the psalmist said, I am the apple of His eye!
Since I also know that God never changes, I knew I could count on and expect that He had done the same things here in this new place! I visited a church on Sunday morning and I knew when I walked in and sat down that it was not the right one. I had no sense of His presense there. I could have given up and gotten discouraged, but I went home (after the service) and continued looking for the place which God prepared in advance for me to serve and share the gifts and talents He has given me and to glean from the teachers He has prepared for me. And, I am happy to report that He is faithful! I found the church, listened to sermons online, read their statement of beliefs, checked out all the ministry that was taking place locally and globally, read about the youth group and by the time I went to the 7pm service that evening, I knew I was HOME! Savannah Christian is my new church home and I couldn't be more delighted! I signed up today for a Life Group and will be having coffee with a few women this week.
God knew it all. He set it all up before I even arrived! I just had to cling to Him and walk through the steps. He lights our path. Usually one step at a time...
I am so blessed to know that the Scriptures tell me that my God goes before me and prepares a place for me. Now, I know that particular scripture is talking about eternity, but I believe with all my heart that God prepares many places for us here on earth. I like to re-visit the many "alters" of my life where I have seen the hand of God orchestrate on my behalf. My first home, opening my own business, going back to college and so many others. In each of those circumstances I know that He went before me and prepared for me the place or position that I would fill. He knew the friends I would make, the roads I would travel on, the teachers I would have and the the clients I would serve; He knew because He hand-picked it all, just for me and for His Glory because, as the psalmist said, I am the apple of His eye!
Since I also know that God never changes, I knew I could count on and expect that He had done the same things here in this new place! I visited a church on Sunday morning and I knew when I walked in and sat down that it was not the right one. I had no sense of His presense there. I could have given up and gotten discouraged, but I went home (after the service) and continued looking for the place which God prepared in advance for me to serve and share the gifts and talents He has given me and to glean from the teachers He has prepared for me. And, I am happy to report that He is faithful! I found the church, listened to sermons online, read their statement of beliefs, checked out all the ministry that was taking place locally and globally, read about the youth group and by the time I went to the 7pm service that evening, I knew I was HOME! Savannah Christian is my new church home and I couldn't be more delighted! I signed up today for a Life Group and will be having coffee with a few women this week.
God knew it all. He set it all up before I even arrived! I just had to cling to Him and walk through the steps. He lights our path. Usually one step at a time...
Monday, March 21, 2011
Never Alone
Hi there! I have arrived in my new city of Savannah, GA and it is lovely here. The weather is perfect and I am all set up in my new home! Wanted to share with you all what awesome things God is doing and some of the experiences he is using to continue working on this "fixer upper". For those of you who didn't realize--the fixxer upper is me!
Making a change like this requires alot of courage and a bit of insanity! I have been wanting to move South for about 14 years now and it just never seemed the right time. That is until a few weeks ago! People ask me all the time, "Why Savannah?" Truthfully, my answer is pretty lame. "the weather" or "why not". I have never liked Winter, and winters in CT seem to have gotten worse over the years, so here I am.
Upon arriving, I visited the school where I would be sending my 15 year old son and within a milisecond I knew that was not the place for him. So, I asked God to show me the way. He (God) doesn't usually respond so quickly, but within 4 hours (No Lie) I had gotten out of my lease, signed another lease on the island and registered my son at his new, far more appropriate for him, Highschool.
So, how bout you? Do you see the hand of God in your life on a daily basis? I would love to hear about it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)