Sometimes We Have No Words...

Sometimes We Have No Words...
           ... and, in those times we hear the words of Jesus.
 
When life gets crazy, sometimes we just don't know what to say.  Right now, it's hard for me to think of much else than what has happened & is happening to 1,000's... 1,000,000's of people on the other side of the earth this March 11, 2011. Jennifer at the office has this scripture at the bottom of her email notes: "He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:2, NLT.

Photo by T. Getz  John 8:16

No matter how HORRIBLE life can seem, GOD IS OUR ROCK! He is present in times of trouble. Here's Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

I encourage you to go to God in prayer today for those suffering in our world... and for the things that break your heart! God hears His children!

Too Much To Do ... Too Little Time!

If I'm being honest here (and, I always try to be honest here)... I am a bit frazzled today. My plate is full & overflowing, so to speak! There are TOO MANY things to do in TOO LITTLE time. The thing I have to keep reminding myself is that if I will let God set my agenda, HE will accomplish what HE needs to accomplish through me today. Ephesians 3:14-20 is one of my very favorite scripture passages. The last verse goes like this, "Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope." It's not up to me to figure out HOW to get things done for God. Thank you Lord for the words in Zechariah 4:6, "‘Not by might nor by power; but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts." The notes in the Study Application NLT Bible say that... "It’s only through God’s Spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. As you live for God, determine not to trust in your own strength or abilities. Instead, depend on God and work in the power of His Spirit!" Ahhhhh... I feel better already :D

What's the Body of Christ?

The church.... what is the church?  It's the BRIDE OF CHRIST, the BODY OF CHRIST.  What does God want for his bride/body/church?  He wants them to have the best & use what He has freely given to them to shine a light in this world in order to bring glory to Him.  Romans 12:4-12a describes the church...

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body (the church). We are all parts of His one body, and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to do prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you."

Paul talks also of the church in Ephesians 1:19-23:

"I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe in Him... the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God’s right hand... far above any ruler, or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and He gave Him this authority for the benefit of the church... his body... filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence."

(written 26 Jan 2011)

I Don't Need Help!

Photo by T. Getz

 Life is often difficult. And, I find myself wanting to figure things out on my own instead of asking God what to do. I want to figure out what's best. I've been through a lot. I've learned a lot. I've got this one covered God. 


Yet, I'm reminded daily in God's Word that my dependence upon Him is where my strength lies. 


When I read His Word, He is faithful to show me things... guide me... comfort me... strengthen me! 


Let my heart cry be the words found in Psalm 119:59-60... "I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes. I will hurry, without lingering, to obey your commands."

NOTE TO SELF:  Your energy needs to be spent on seeking God instead of trying to slay your own dragons!

(written on 11Feb2011)

Dreams of the Young & Old

A dream land of snow & sunshine  :) 

In the words of "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables...

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die...

Before I was in kindergarten, I dreamed a dream...


A dream awakened me from sleep and is still as clear to me as if it happened yesterday. The dream was full of color and brought mystery while filling me with unexplainable peace and comfort. In the background of my dream, the song, "Open My Eyes That I May See" - written in 1895 by Clara H. Scott - played over & over. 


Considering that I'm a preacher's kid (yep, a PK) and had probably heard that song at a recent revival or church service, it could have been for that reason alone that I heard the song. But, the images that went with that song in my dream will go with me from this earth into heaven. Those same images flooded my mind at the very moment my father sighed his last breath & entered into heaven as I sat beside him holding his hand!


From that young age until today, my very spirit is stirred when I hear that 1895 song & when I read the scripture found in Psalm 119:18,


"Open my eyes to see the wonderful truth in Your laws." 


I dreamed a dream in time gone by... that will forever remind me of the love of God & the TRUTH found in His Word.  That truth is wonderful... and freeing... and comforting. Not a truth of condemnation. But a truth of hope, a new life & a rich future in Christ. 

I want him to OPEN MY EYES daily to wonderful things God has for me :)  Lord, continue to allow me to dream dreams which bring me into your presence!


From Les Miserables... 

What's It All About?

My dad was born to a steel mill worker & a lifelong stay-at-home mom... born in a little white house perched on a small hill on a street lined with a dozen or two nearly identical homes. His dad walked to work carrying a homemade meal packed each morning by his wife... my grandma. Most weeks Grandpa worked 6 days. But, Sunday was always his day of rest... yet, up early with his wife & the 3 children for a big homemade breakfast before heading to church. 

My dad led a simple, conservative life, born & raised in that Ohio town. Most of his entertainment consisted of listening to the radio. Movies were taboo for his family. Music was how he learned of the world beyond his own. Although he remained conservative throughout his life... as a child... a student... a young man... and finally a husband, father & minister of the Gospel, he appreciated & learned from the culture around him.

I remember him referencing songs & books from his lifetime in his sermons - as I sat there in the front row with my mom & 2 sisters listening to his every word. For some reason tonight I thought about one of his sermons entitled, "What's It All About?" I wonder if it had anything to do with the song?

I'm thinking that while we are here on earth, we won't be able to answer that question about most situations we face. The words below were penned by Hal David & Burt Bacharach and give a haunting view of life & love. For me, life's answers often aren't clear... the road is frequently steep & winding... the "why's" are many. Yet, for me, my faith holds strong in the One who hung the stars in space, spoke music to life & loves each one of us like a long, long awaited child.

What's It All About... 


What's it all about, Alfie? Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie, then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
I know there's something much more, something even non-believers can believe in.
I believe in love, Alfie. Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.

Sometimes... in the wee, small hours of the night... I weep over losses in my life. Tonight I say "Happy Birthday Dad! (12/8/27-10/20/02) Your love & your life helped me to answer the question... What's It All About?  ALWAYS, I know that our God is near.
 
"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

Before I Was A Mom...

This is for all the women out there who have adopted children (legally or IN THEIR HEARTS), the women who have balanced careers and/or stepped aside from them to make a difference in the lives of children, the women who've been the mom to kids who don't have the support of their own family, etc. With truly giving ourselves to others, comes inner joy -- yet, often, confusion, turmoil & heartbreak. Regardless, I believe that God created women with a heart that yearns to GIVE. In giving of ourselves (especially to children & young people), we bring honor to our Maker.

The following e-devotional from HomeWord Center for Youth & Families was in my InBox this morning:


"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28


BEFORE I WAS A MOM...
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.


Before I was a Mom...
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.


Before I was a Mom...
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Spit on.
Chewed on.
Pottied on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.


Before I was a Mom...
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.


Before I was a Mom...
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.

Before I was a Mom...
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom...
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much love or so much pain before I was a Mom.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.


— Author unknown.

MOMS (of all kinds), I count it an honor to share this calling with you. May we lift each other in prayer. May we go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of those around us - children, fellow parents & each other. May we look for ways to encourage each other in the dark times & celebrate with each other in the times of joy. May we extend grace & mercy in the challenging times yet, not hesitate to speak truth to each other in even the toughest times. May we seek HIS will & trust in Him for our daily strength & guidance.


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to every women out there who is a mom (by childbirth or by giving your heart)!

Nature vs. Nurture

I recently concluded a phone conversation with my mom. Her final remark to me was, "Well, you have not done a very good job with your children. They don't even know how to say, thank you." My thought...WOW... it all boils down to that!?! 

My "children" are 17 and 19 as I write this post. From what I remember of them as young children, they were very thoughtful with their words.  But now, they don't say thanks enough -- for her. They don't say thanks as much as I would - that's for sure. However, their dad doesn't verbally say thanks all that much either - come to think of it :)

So, how much of what we are is nature versus nurture? And, how much of NATURE is made new when we become a new creation in Christ. And, how much of the change is a process and not instantaneous?  In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes parenting (in the way you feel you should as a Christian parent) can be a huge pain -- with no reward in sight :) You can only do SO much. You can only show your values to your children through your consistent actions for SO long. AND, you can only hope they are watching, seeing the value of & adopting some of those values. Definitely at some point, they are going to do whatever they want to do. It might be a hard job to be a good, Godly parent. But, in my opinion, it's worth the work -- if for no other reason than to know that you did your best. 

As encouragement to all those parents out there who seem to be hitting their head against the wall with their children, here's some encouragement:

"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10 NLT

My comments: Be faithful & do the work. Let God be responsible for the results. Give HIM the glory for those results.

Oh and... THANK YOU for reading this - ha ha!

Opinionated Me :)

You know all those scriptures about God working through tough circumstances and bad things? Well, I have some opinions on that. I can't say it's exactly how GOD thinks about it but, it's my understanding & belief at this time. 

I look at God as a loving Father, one who cherishes His children. 

Matthew 7:11 "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" 

I look at Him as planning for the BEST for us in the future and in the long run - eternity. I take hope in those plans & trust in them. I try to so as the song says, I think I'll let God be God. 

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." 

Seeing down the road of life can get "foggy."
Trust the ONE who sees beyond the fog!

I believe He allows things to happen in our lives but, no matter what happens that He will work GOOD through it -- if we will allow Him to do that. There's just something about the "little girl heart" in me that doesn't feel like God PUTS bad things in my life. 

I love the story about Joseph -- you know, the one whose own brothers beat him & sold him into slavery. When Joseph was confronted by his brothers later asking for help from the brother whom they didn't then recognize, Joseph had some choices to make. He had every right to be upset with them & "give them what they deserved". 
Instead he said in Genesis 50:20, "As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the position I have today so I could save the lives of many people." 

I believe Satan is working overtime to persecute us & cause us to stumble. I think he wants to ravage our bodies... our minds... our spirits! 
John 10:10 "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

Despite that, if we will allow God, He WILL turn into good what was meant for evil & we can be put in a position to save others -- sometimes by merely bringing glory to God regardless of our circumstances. Sometime it's harder to do that than other times. But, a day to day relationship with God gives strength to do what we need to do each day. A new beginning each morning in Christ allows forgiveness, healing, restoration, renewal and the ability to be used by God and for His kingdom!

(14Mar10)

A Thousand Things Are Happening in This One Thing

I have a friend whom I met through a former job, AU & North Anderson Church of God (now Madison Park). She's a wife, a mother, a friend... a singer and a song writer... a Christ follower! Her name is Christa Wells. One of her songs, that I totally LOVE, continues to speak to me as I face challenges and as others face challenges. In the past 3-4 years especially, I have cried myself to sleep on numerous occasions.  Perhaps it will speak to YOU in what you are experiencing now. The song is "A Thousand Things." You can access it through iTunes. You can also listen to it for free on her site if that doesn't work. It's also available to download through Amazon.com. There are a few lines that just knock me off my feet :) God is ALWAYS at work in EVERY situation. He can bring GOOD from any mess... and, my life has been & is currently a mess! Wrap yourself in His promises!

This was photo was taken by a dear friend, T. Getz.  His words... "I've just witnessed something for the first time in my life...a perfect rainbow, in some portions even double, completely reflected in the dark water of the river...a 360 degree rainbow! It was very difficult to shoot because it was changing constantly and my little lens couldn't capture it in one shot. This shot is stitched, albeit crudely, from about 6 separate images. That is why the rainbow is a bit pointed at the top.
The real version was much more stunning. What a covenant!" 

A THOUSAND THINGS 
You’re gonna cry yourself to sleep
You’re gonna soak the pillow for many weeks
You’re gonna cry Why? Why me?
But in spite of the ache that doesn’t go away
You’ll be sharing your story one rainy day
And at the next table somebody catches your words
He hears a truth that he’s never heard
He takes it back to the marriage he’d given up on
Hands it down to his daughter who writes it into song
You didn’t know

A thousand things are happening in this one thing
Like a thousand fields nourished by a single drop of rain
So honey, wrap yourself in promise while you wait the morning light
A thousand things are happening tonight


You’re gonna cry yourself to sleep
‘cause for the moment all that you can see
Is what you’ve lost, lost Why me?

But in the midst of the most exquisite pain
you’re drawn into a peace that you cannot explain
and the praises you sing of a sovereign God
reach the girl whose last hope is gone
she never thought there was purpose in anything here
now the seed has been planted and it’s taking root there
You didn’t know


A thousand things are happening in this one thing
Like a thousand fields nourished by a single drop of rain
So honey, wrap yourself in promise while you wait the morning light
A thousand things are happening tonight
A thousand things are happening tonight


You’re gonna cry yourself to sleep
A thousand miracles you’ll have to wait and see

Christa has written many other great songs. She won Gospel Music Awards 2006 "Songwriter of the Year" for "Held", which was sung by Natalie Grant. Some of the lyrics: "... this is how it feels when the sacred has been torn from your life and you survive... this is what it means to be held..." 

HELD


Two months is too little
They let him go
They had no sudden healing
To think that providence
Would take a child from his mother
While she prays, is appalling


Who told us we'd be rescued
What has changed and
Why should we be saved from nightmares
We're asking why this happens to us
Who have died to live, it's unfair


[Chorus]
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held


This hand is bitterness
We want to taste it and
Let the hatred numb our sorrows
The wise hand opens slowly
To lilies of the valley and tomorrow

[Chorus]
This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held

[Bridge]


If hope is born of suffering
If this is only the beginning
Can we not wait, for one hour
Watching for our savior


[Chorus]


This is what it means to be held
How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive
This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held
We'd be held

This is what it is to be loved and to know
That the promise was when everything fell
We'd be held

This is what it means to be held.....


I hope you enjoy these songs. They are so very reassuring of God's promises to us and His faithfulness to keep those promises!

Shared with the Ann Voskamp 1000 Gifts community on Sept 26, 2012