Blessed Builder

In Sweet Remember Bitter

2012-01-26T17:49:00.001-06:00

The beach was abuzz with bronzed boys kicking soccer balls, elderly couples tooling along on their bicycles, and kite-flyers hanging on with gusto. As we, ahem, middle-aged vacationers “buzzed” along on our bicycles enjoying the slow, but powerful sound of crashing waves, the deep blue hue of the ocean matching the glorious expanse overhead, and the seashells crunching under our tires, I began praising God for our breath-taking experience and simultaneously I thought of those who are trapped in slavery; those who are in an entirely different setting enduring darkness and confinement.

I found inside my heart even deeper gratitude for my freedom to enjoy such magnificent beauty, and at the very same time a burden so heavy, I was near tears.

How can I give thanks without spending some part of me to help rescue those who cannot enjoy this liberty?

Isaiah 61:1-4

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me

because God anointed me.

He sent me to preach good news to the poor,

heal the heartbroken,

Announce freedom to all captives,

pardon all prisoners.

God sent me to announce the year of his grace—

a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—

and to comfort all who mourn,

To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,

give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,

Messages of joy instead of news of doom,

a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.

Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness”

planted by God to display his glory.

They’ll rebuild the old ruins,

raise a new city out of the wreckage.

They’ll start over on the ruined cities,

take the rubble left behind and make it new.

Interestingly when we returned home, we put in a movie we knew nothing about called “I am David” which was about a little boy in a concentration camp who had been separated from his family and endured the pains of evil men oppressing men. Someone helped David escape. The movie walks with him through his journey into freedom, and the same contrast I experienced on the beach a few days ago was on the screen before my eyes. I won’t give away any more of the movie. I highly recommend seeing it, but I will tell you it brought me to tears because of experiencing the emotions of the character.

I am glad that there are many things we can do to rescue those trapped in bondage. We can pray that the Lord will continue to anoint us to preach the good news of liberty for the captives and that He will empower and equip those who He has called to the mission field and rescue missions such as IJM and World Vision. We can also go where He tells us, and give what He asks us to give of our time, money and energy.

What is your part? Have you asked Him?

Father in Heaven, THANK YOU for liberty in Jesus from bondage to darkness in our souls, and thank you for liberty in our country to enjoy such delights as a ride on an ocean beach. May we not take it for granted and please enable us to spend what we have to help others be free in Jesus’ Name!

God Kisses Us With Grace

2012-01-24T07:32:00.000-06:00

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

In planning for my rare ten-day getaway, as is typical when planning a vacation, “visions of sugarplums” danced freely in my head. However, upon arrival there were the usual bitter fruits that make their way into the sugarplum bowl. I should know by now that “sugarplum” images rarely come to fruition from failure to factor in the “unknowns” and the differing personalities and interests of mixed vacationers-even if only TWO...

I have ALWAYS wanted to escape to a warmer climate in January from the below zero temps we typically get, however I had very small hopes of doing so due to the fact that my idea of vacation in Florida is quietly reading on a beach, while my husband’s is tearing up the beach in a four-wheeler and taking in most everything.

Due to the slow-down of the economy, as a Commercial Construction Supervisor, has been working away from home for the past two years in various locations. He is currently in Florida and while I am at home in Wisconsin. He receives travel compensation for “going home” during his time away. Since he is in a warmer climate, we decided I would go to him and we would have the weekend for our “vacation”.

Though I do like a little four wheeling on the beach, I cherish time alone with my thoughts or a good book. He loves to bless me, and is willing to give me the decisive vote, but I know from experience that if I was sitting on the beach next to him, he would not last more than 20 minutes before getting agitated and wanting to go, which would then make me feel agitated and defeat the whole purpose of pursuing my desire.

When we made our way into the historic city of St. Augustine, FL on Saturday, we found ourselves immersed in State Fair-like chaos. There were people everywhere buzzing in and out of little shops. We saw scooters for rent, horse-drawn carriages amidst heavy traffic, and signs beckoning us to visit major attractions such as “The Fountain of Youth” or “The Old Jail”.

God kissed us with grace when we found a free parking space at the site of the post office. The entire day of walking around the city, we saw no other free parking places. We wandered the city taking in the sights, the history and snapping several photos of old buildings and the historic fort where cannons with “blanks” were shot out over the water. It was enjoyable, but I was weary by mid-afternoon.

There are three bridges that exit the city toward the ocean. It is much quieter when you cross them, and we had booked a cheap room in an Oceanside hotel. We checked into our room late in the afternoon, and had a distant, but beautiful view of the ocean. I breathed in a sigh, and longed to sit on the balcony for awhile. True to his nature though, Dale was anxious to go onto the beach. Adding to his fervor, was him seeing vehicles driving out there. I was looking forward to getting out to the ocean too, so we drove out there and parked. He wanted to survey the terrain on foot. I wanted to take pictures and just sit and gaze. Together we walked the length of the beach area with me stopping several times. We returned to the truck, and he was a joyful boy as his longing to drive on the beach was fulfilled. God kissed us with grace by our choosing to stay near the only location that allowed trucks on the beach.

Sunday morning we went over a different bridge to discover more ocean shore. We parked at the site of a pier, and walked out to see people fishing off of the pier, and to look down the length of the shore to see people sunning themselves, surfing, biking and a variety of other fun things. It was breath-taking, majestic beauty! And I was longing to absorb it all in a quiet time on the beach. I didn’t say anything, but just resigned myself to doing the next thing. We had our bikes in the back of the truck, and I suggested a bike ride. He seemed resistant due to the fact that he had been unsuccessful in airing his bike tire with his little hand pump. I didn’t want to push, but asked if we might find a gas station. After deliberation, it was decided we would go!

God kissed us with grace once again. I was especially thankful since I hadn’t even asked Him... While biking along the beach, I was granted the thing I so desperately needed, time alone with my thoughts, while Dale was busy discovering new territory and the thrill of moving fast...

My joy in God overwhelmed me as I rode along. The beauty of the ocean, the colors of the water and sky, the sound, and the feel of the air ignited my heart with wonder at His creation. The gift of both of us having our longings satisfied simultaneously, when we never even asked, caused my heart to adore Him more.

As I consider the joy of seeing God throughout my vacation, it dulls in comparison to any sugarplum visions I had. The fact that two such opposite personalities could enjoy the same vacation is nothing short of a miracle. J

Moments That Take Your Breath Away

2012-01-20T23:17:00.000-06:00

The SKY and the OCEAN.

God's Majesty revealed.

My lens is quite inferior to reality

...but delightful nonetheless...

FLORIDA, USA <3

Waiting is Preparation

2011-12-30T14:59:00.001-06:00

There are times in life when we wait long. Waiting for answered prayer, waiting for a vision of a goal to come to fruition. Waiting for a time of trial or illness to pass...during those times we might have a vague question hovering in our heart, "Where is God?"

Yes, we know He is always there, but it doesn't seem like it sometimes.

Similar to the trees, and the perennials during the winter, or a baby growing in the womb, we can trust that God is always up to something that we cannot see during our times of waiting.

I led a study through Isaiah 40:1-11 over Advent and a quote from my study drew me to consider and read about the two 400 year periods of waiting in the Bible: Israel waited for deliverance from slavery before Moses was called (and Moses had 40 years of waiting) and Israel waited 400+ years for deliverance before Jesus was born...

The prophecy in Isaiah 40:3 of John the Baptist coming to "prepare the way for the Lord" prompted us to consider that "every great work of God begins with great preparation". The entrance of John the Baptist into the God's great drama was the transitional point, like the budding of a leaf in spring time...or the transition of labor into the delivery of a baby.

The picture became more clear through our study that we {disciples of Jesus} are {participating currently; constantly} in preparation for the second coming of the King of Kings...mountains of pride will be leveled, valleys of unbelief will be raised up...a highway is being cleared for our King to return (Isaiah 40:3-4). We are in a time of Advent...waiting...and preparation just as God's people have been in the past...and I wonder...could we also possibly be seeing something transitional happening?

I wonder.

May the Lord fortify us, establish us, and give us the perseverance to 'set our face like a flint' (Isaiah 50:7) and march on in our journey of faith wherever that finds us today..(likely waiting for something!), that salvation may come to His people and we will be watching and ready for His return!

Isaiah 40:1-5

Comfort for God’s People

¹ Comfort, comfort my people,
   says your God.
² Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
   and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed,
   that her sin has been paid for,
that she has received from the LORD’s hand
   double for all her sins.

³ A voice of one calling:
“In the desert prepare
   the way for the LORD;
make straight in the wilderness
   a highway for our God.
⁴ Every valley shall be raised up,
   every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
   the rugged places a plain.
⁵ And the glory of the LORD will be revealed,
   and all mankind together will see it.
            For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

May your New Year be full of God's Peace and may you experience great awareness of His Presence!

Combining Artistry

2011-12-11T16:36:00.000-06:00

My men are hard workers and take very good

care of me. My main man (hubs) is working

out of state for the next six months, and

situated me well to be cared for by our "boy"

of nearly 20 years...

who happens to be doing online college courses

from home, enabling him to haul wood and keep

the home fire burning (I have been

very toasty in our below 20* weather!!!)

So...Ethan was hauling wood in his modified

~*toy*~

and snapped this picture for me.

I then did a little "coloring" via picnik

and "VWALLA!"

Our "combined" artistry:

Here is a Christmas greeting for you from

our little farm in Wisconsin.

Christmas Cafe

2011-12-08T22:25:00.001-06:00

I'm aware this doesn't look a lot like Christmas...

But the men who look as if they are AWOL from

the tree-stand are our delightful

Christmas Cafe pre-entertainment!!

(Christmas Cafe is our annual Ladies event)

They are called something different every year

and often have variations in participation.

One year they were "Men in Aprons"..

This year, "Merry Men"...it was all about being

~Merry~

~The men dressed normally are our servers!~
Here they are...performing.

(The one stooping the lowest, btw, is our

Pastor...similar to the posture of his heart:

humble.)

Our speaker was Pati Kachel. A heartwarming

storyteller from Shoreview, MN.

We were beyond blessed!!!

Pati is Scandinavian as you can see
by the props in my photos!...in my

experience with Scandanavians
(and there are many in "these parts"!),
they are fullof life, and creativity,

humor, and depth...

and Pati proved once again, it's true!

Her stories and songs tugged our hearts

back to childhood memories of
shopping & baking with mama, &

White Christmas with the sound of Bing Crosby,

and then upward to the faithfulness
of our ever-present Savior.

Here is Pati:

We have a resident (very talented)
song re-writer in our midst
my very own "other mother" Mary.
(she adopted me and I her!
she is the one with the beautiful
white hair in the center of the video!)
Here is one of the songs she wrote
and the Merry Men performed for us...

Tidings of comfort and Joy to you!

Christmas Rescued Me

2011-11-22T21:34:00.003-06:00

Mind weighed with chains

Heart-ache and pain...

Dark prison cold

stone walls of shame.

Seeking release

Reach-straining for peace.

Seeing my sin

Oh, only my sin and

the cavernous crater of guilt within.

When the Deceiver

whispered to me, "no hope"

I searched and I yearned

for a rescuing rope...

The Liar, he said,

"you have gone too far...

The Mercy will never

reach where you are.

You have done

the abominable thing.

Trusted yourself

so you'll no longer sing.

Of that Christ-child

come down

with his promise of peace,

For you have

lost your place

and you have

lost your seat.

His table is no longer

open for the likes of you.

You are so filthy-dirty

you'll never be made new."

And came the glorious LIGHT

into my dark-long night.

The Truth of Love's

endurance.

Found me.

Gave hope.

Assurance.

The baby-God was sent

into the cold, dark night,

came to my chilled

burden-weary heart

with His oil-fire Light.

With His hand He

cupped my chin

Lifted my eyes to Him.

Stood me to my feet,

He made me whole.

I'm now complete.

My soul sings as Jesus prays

that I'll dwell in His Son-rays.

The light of His Love-face

beaming mercy and sweet grace.

I have come into the world as light,

so that whoever believes in me

may not remain in darkness.

John 12:46

because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness

and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace."

Luke 1:78-79

A Familiar Rut

2011-11-12T03:36:00.002-06:00

Prone to bear weights of responsibility and prone to fear failing at just about everything. Prone, but not always living in that rut in the road...I find myself stuck there still from time to time. Usually the times are full of "to-do's" and deadlines.

I found myself in such a rut a day or two ago. It seems that as I traveled along the past two weeks or so, the jagged groove in the road got deeper, but I didn't recognize it for what it was because it was gradual (and did I mention I am prone to it?). I should recognize the rugged ridges of the rut when I begin to feel weary, and when the familiar fear of dropping {failing} one of the things on my "to-do" list bears on my mind.

The surest warning sign should be the absence of joy and the pressure of duty upon my heart. Jesus doesn't lead one there. (Matthew 11:28)

The Bible calls it "leaning on my own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6). The rut is the hard, stuck place I find myself in when I have been once again living in my own strength, independent of God. I forget to "acknowledge Him in all my ways" so that He is directing my path {thus keeping me out of the rut}.

I took a "time-out" on Thursday night to watch Princess Diaries with my friend Holly and two of her sweet offspring. Afterward, when the two went to bed, we sat on her couch and talked about our dreams, and difficulties and Jesus and His never-failing grace.

She had wonderful reports of sweet ways that Jesus had spoken into her life and affirmed her in her new worship-dance ministry called Karar {Karar is a Hebrew word for dance} where she is teaching people to express worship to God through movement. {It's lovely by the way!}

Jesus spoke through her husband, through a friend, and through His word. I rejoiced with her and a longing was sparked in my own soul.

On my way home, I told Jesus I needed desperately to hear from Him. I needed a cup of His living water for my weary soul. I acknowledged that I had worked my way into the rut once again and I needed Him to deliver me out. To remind me that this life I live is not mine to live any longer. (Galatians 2:20). True to His ever-faithfulness, His Spirit spoke to me of the lesson I have learned over and over and over again...such great patience He has for me!

He invited me to sit awhile by the well with Him. (Psalm 23:2-3) He said to me, "walk free, Kathy. Remember live from my love, it casts out fear" (Galatians 5:1, 13-14; 1 John 4:18)

Sometimes we just need a "time-out" with a friend...

Water into Wine

2011-10-28T15:55:00.000-05:00

After receiving a postcard advertising a retreat near me, I went to the internet to research the speaker. Her name sounded familiar...Kelly Minter...It was on her website that I stumbled upon her book, Water into Wine.

Over summer a friend and I met every Thursday to study the gospel of John. We went chapter by chapter and listened in on Louie Giglio's messages (The Word series). An ember was kindled in my heart in my personal study of the miracle in Chapter 2 where Jesus turns the water into wine. (John 2:1-12) I continue to mull over the fact that the stone water jars were "the kind used by Jews for ceremonial washing" (John 2:6) which to them would be part of their method of preparation for entering the presence of God. (Psalm 26:6)

In the story, there is a crisis of sorts when there is no more wine for the guests at the wedding. Prompted by His mother to fix this problem, Jesus has the servants bring the jars to Him full of water, and as you probably know, he miraculously transforms the water into wine. When this miracle is tasted, it is found to be superior to what had already been served (John 2:10).

Reflecting further on wine as part of our communion with Jesus, our remembrance of His life-giving-that-we-might-really-live gift; and that He is the New Covenant Wine that we drink. (1 Corinthians 11:24-26)

By-His-blood we enter into the presence of God now and there is no need to wash our hands any longer, because He washes our hearts.

Did you know that alcohol enters directly into the blood stream where life is? (Leviticus 17:14)

...Is there a mystery (or three) hidden in this story?...Perhaps Jesus was saying to those who would see, "The first wine is inferior (the wine of the Old Covenant); the ceremonial washing is now obsolete as a means of approaching God. I am giving you a new and superior way of entering the presence of God. I am the New Wine. When you drink of the new wine, you are clean inside your heart, the place where life's blood is."

Perhaps too, there is a second message in this story. A rather obvious one if you see the first message. Washing with water is an exterior event that must be done over and over again. The receiving of Jesus inside of us, into our very life-blood, brings about a permanent transformation. New blood, so-to-speak.

This stokes my fire! You can imagine why I purchased the book "Water to Wine...Hope for the Miraculous in the Struggle of the mundane" by Kelly Minter... I wanted to know, 'What did God show her? Does she have any other insights into that first wondrous miracle that Jesus performed?' ...and I am not disappointed!

True to my suspicion, in the first chapter Kelly reveals things that I had not considered from the story. The water represents a "mundane" or "a usual, easy-to-come by element", and the wine (by way of the miraculous transformation of the water, not the crush-grapes-ferment-over-time process)...the wine represents the result of the touch of Jesus on the mundane offerings we are asked to bring to Him (mainly, and first-of-all, ourselves!)

The mundane when brought to Jesus...miraculously becomes a divinely-empowered, life-giving, into-relationship-with-God element.

"Intimate friendship with God is the true wine." ~Kelly Minter

Communion means fellowship or friendship. What has He really given us that we miss in the day to day living? There is so much more to be discovered!!! I am not halfway through the book yet, and the light keeps shining brighter. Join me for some Wine? You can purchase the book here: Water to Wine

Oil Me~Oil You

2011-10-20T16:45:00.001-05:00

A friend shared recently how she has lost over 30lbs...then she shared about how her son is being a light in another person's life. One woman then scooted over next to her enthusiastically and squeeled, "I want some of what you have to rub off on me!!!"

I laughed and shared with them what God has been teaching me about 'anointing' and oil.

In 1 John 2:20-21 John tells us (brothers and sisters in faith) that we have been anointed by the Holy One and have knowledge of the Truth (John 14:6). This is a common anointing that we receive when we turn to Jesus with our whole heart and He takes up residence there by His Holy Spirit. This anointing gives us knowledge of the truth and the ability to discern what is and isn't true. (referenced above)

The definition of anointing (or unction) is: shedding of Divine influence upon a person; manifestation of Spiritual inspiration.

The Holy Spirit is often represented by oil which is used in anointing. The anointing that is in us seems to be united with the Spirit of God. (2 Corinthians 1:22)

In the Old Testament, anointing was a sign of consecration (being set apart as holy) to God and it was done by pouring oil on the head. Moses anointed Aaron and his sons as Priests in Exodus 29:7-9. In 1 Samuel 16:13, David was anointed and set apart as King. This meant they had been Divinely enabled to do the work that God had appointed them to do. God was with them and His grace and favor (power by His Spirit) was upon them.

Reflecting on the common things I know about oil:

Oil is used in the potpourri that I sell in my shop-the fragrance is very recognizable to everyone who comes in. I believe it makes the fragrance "stick". (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
Oil also makes it look rich and shiny.
Oil evaporates and needs to be reapplied on a regular basis to keep the fragrance fresh and lamps burning. (Leviticus 24:2; Exodus 35:28)
Oil reflects light off of the thing it is applied to.
Oil keeps things like my maple butcher-block from becoming brittle.
Oil makes muffins moist and tasty.
Oil keeps my skin from itching and promotes healing. (Jeremiah 8:22)
Oil keeps engines running smoothly.
Oil fueled lamps of the past for light. (Matthew 25:4)

In conclusion: Oil carries fragrance, protects, shines, heals and keeps things supple. We can make application of each of those properties to the Holy Spirit of God inside of us and coming through the Word of God, the prayers and the hands of others who are anointed! (I love that we are fueled by our being with each other!)

The Greek word for 'anoint' is Chrio/ Christos and means "His Anointed". Jesus our Messiah is "The Anointed One". (Luke 4:1)

As Believers in Jesus, we are all priests of God (1 Peter 2:9) with the common anointing. We also have a distinct, God-given purpose in the family of God and there is a more distinct anointing on our lives for the mission God has given us according to our Spiritual gifts.

So you, dear Believer, are set apart by God, filled with God, and given everything you need to serve God with your consecrated life! Isn't that freeing? Doesn't that give you a sense of rest and peace that God will fulfill His purpose for your life as you keep your relationship fresh with Him? Psalm 138:8 (So His OIL will continue to rub off on you!!!) Also keep in His word, and hang with His people~You will then be a brilliant beacon of light!

Dear Father in Heaven,
Thank you that your fragrance of love is in us and on us. Bless us, your children, to honor you by believing that you give us everything we need! Don't let us get distracted by less valuable things than spending time with you each day. Help us remember your favor, grace and power are freely given to us. We walk by faith and not by sight, relying on You for everything we need. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Bearing Burdens Not My Own

2011-10-13T00:10:00.000-05:00

When we Jesus-followers are really about the other side of that unseen threshold, but the cares of this life seem to suffocate because they keep pressing in... when there is a continual flow of imposing concerns, and when worries invade my living, it seems before I can take and "shake the first out" the next is thrusting it's weight on my already-heavy heart and I groan under the load.

{Lord, my friends are pressed...}

Will I look up and recall the Mighty Power of the Living God who longs to show compassion?The One who has healing power in His Hands? The One who continues to add to the constellations and call them by name? Who knows even my name and the number of hairs on my head?

When knowledge of the Lord and His promises are attained, and stored, and when it comes time to need that knowledge, will I tap into it ? Will it transpose to wisdom and consolation for me? Or will I forget what I know and act on what I feel? How can I live in the light of what I know when I need it?

But by the grace of God go I...

& I get by with a little help from my friends,

and from their prayers...

Remember now the Love, Faithfulness and Power of God for those who believe but sometimes have doubts in our belief because of continual waves crashing into our shore...

You are LOVED by God. He will NOT let you down.

And please remind me of this when I need it. :)

If you would like prayer for something, please leave me a comment and I will pray for you.

Love~It's Fierce

2011-09-29T23:29:00.001-05:00

Philippians 1:9-11

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Do you get that part highlighted in pink??? I admitted to the Lord that it was confusing me... (My) love may abound in knowledge. (My) love may abound in depth of insight.

What does that mean?

I asked Him to give me a greater revelation of LOVE. What is this love? I understand that HIS agape love is sacrificial, Jesus died for us though we don't deserve it; He layed down His life for us in unconditional love. His passion is so fierce, He, the perfect one, hung on that cross in torturous humility to rescue us from deathly sin-shackles.

"But what about MY love abounding Lord?"

I heard a whisper, "Fierce Loyalty"
and another whisper:

...no matter what, He is fiercely loyal to His children (2 Timothy 2:13), and...

He requires and deeply desires fierce loyalty from His children (Luke 14:26).

And the first commandment: (Matthew 22:37).

And This: God is love (1 John 4:8)

So how does (my...and your) love abound in knowledge and depth of insight?

Knowledge of?...God!
Deep insight into?... the heart of God!

Love abounds in seeking/pursuing the God of LOVE!

A passionate pursuit of God........ Fierce LOYALTY.

How is my heart Lord? How would you rate my loyalty? Is it fierce? Am I willing to leave everything to follow you?

Lyrics from Michael Card : "I Left Everything to Follow You"
And the song:

It's A Happy Day!

2011-09-20T23:58:00.000-05:00

I love fall. You do too, right? It is so...cozy. The colors, the fragrances, the cool air...Today I spent OUTSIDE gathering cornstalks from a generous neighbor, sunflowers and gourds from my garden, twigs from our fence line, and bittersweet from our windmill.

My heart was simply delighted in nature. Me and God...hanging out, making things together...

My mom comes from a family who loves "jingles". We know lots of them, they stick with you. My siblings and I grew up singing songs...little "diddies" that we were taught by a great-uncle, or that were sung in our home by mom. The one that came to mind today that she sang often..."It's a happy day, and I thank God for {fill in the blank...the weather, Jesus, you}...living each day in the promises of God's word."

The wonder of the lavish gift of life, of autumn...pumpkins, corn stalks, branches, bittersweet, gourds, maple leaves... and a melody... Can you hear it?

Which Way?

2011-09-15T18:32:00.001-05:00

There are always two choices.

Right or Wrong.

Up or Down.

Heaven or Hell.

Good or Evil.

God or Satan.

Peace or Turmoil.

Joy or Depression.

In or Out.

Love or Hate.

Light or Dark.

Freedom or Bondage.

Obedience or Sin.

Follow or Leave.

Belief or Unbelief.

Surrender or Rebellion.

Good or Bad.

My self or God's Spirit...

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. ~Romans 8:5-8

Choose the good way.

Choose God's way.

Luke 9:23

Tell It ~ Dispel It

2011-08-31T14:17:00.009-05:00

When you find fear choking your heart, when the dark cloud of foreboding hangs heavy overhead, how do you break free? When we are people of faith, exhorted to trust Perfect Love ~1 John 4:18~, and we find the familiar fear-feeling gripping us instead of the peace we are abundantly given ~John 14:27~ how DO we access that peace?

I have had my share of run-ins with, and run-overs by fear. It has crippled me. It has held me back. It has stolen from me. Fear strangles out joy, peace, and light. Fear is darkness.

"Fear is the darkroom where Satan develops your negatives" ~Francis Frangipane

Understanding that fear is a negative, something related to darkness, it stands to reason that exposing it to the light ~2 Corinthians 4:6~ would be a good first step in overcoming it. So often I have hidden my fears; kept them to myself, and in doing so have given them power.

It is humbling to admit fear, but just in the act of telling it, it loses power. Then usually that someone that you trust can give you greater light from a "higher" view, a different perspective, and encourage you. En. Courage. Give you courage. Strengthen your faith. Better still, pray for you and remind you of the truth. That God is bigger, stronger, and loves to bring you good. Reminding you that God is God and He loves you. ~Romans 8:28~

We need that sometimes. Reminders. Peter ~2 Peter 1:12-15~ gives what I call "extreme expression" to the value of reminding and remembering. Because he knows that sometimes... we forget.

So be free in expressing your fears to a trusted friend and you will find faith coming to light on the other side.

For more "faith talk" go here:

Home and Happy

2011-08-19T20:04:00.001-05:00

I received a call late on Monday night, my brother's daughter Rita had fallen from their hayloft and was being airlifted to the Twin Cities because they may have to do surgery on her brain. Would I please put her on our church's prayer chain?

My brother's facebook status:

On Monday our daughter Rita Rose fell and hit her head, she was air lifted to Minneapolis where she underwent surgery to remove the blood buildup from inside her skull. I'm happy to report that all seems well at this time and the blood came from the fractured skull and not the brain. God is good!

God has answered several prayers for my family over the past year. A year ago my dad had an artery nearly totally blocked. He had been prayed over a day before, and on our prayer chains after being diagnosed and prepped for surgery. He was, two days later, out of the hospital riding an ATV.

Then one day late winter this year, my mom's heart had been racing for an hour, I happened to call her on my way home from a Moms In Touch prayer time for Ethan and his college, and I prayed with her over the phone. She was frightened. As I prayed for her, she suddenly said, "It stopped!".

"Really? It stopped? It's done?" My voice revealed shock {sorry Lord!}.

"Yes, it stopped!!"

We started singing together on the phone: "He is Mighty to Save". God moved through prayer again and it was an "auto-response" to overwhelming thanksgiving.

Rita had to have an incision to drain the blood-swelling from her head that night as we prayed.

My brother's facebook status yesterday:

Rita is coming home. No PE, playground, sports or recess until January at least. All things she loves, this is going to be tough on her! But thank God she will eventually be 100%!

My brother's words off of facebook today:

"My Rita my Rita, I'm so very happy to have her, home, healthy, and healing! her perpetual smile back home where it belongs!"

I have a feeling that God says that very same thing when we turn to Jesus, and He wipes away our tears, heals our heart and receives us home where we belong!

Word Tsunami

2011-08-12T18:16:00.003-05:00

Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119:89

Stand in Awe of God

¹ Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.

² Do not be quick with your mouth,
   do not be hasty in your heart
   to utter anything before God.
God is in heaven
   and you are on earth,
   so let your words be few.
³ As a dream comes when there are many cares,
   so the speech of a fool when there are many words. Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

In the tsunami of words at our fingertips, it is good to withdraw and dwell on the eternal word that stands in the heavens. :)

Do Joy and Burden Blend?

2011-07-25T10:44:00.001-05:00

As I pour out my heart to God for my friends and family hurting, needing healing, my heart hangs heavy with burden. I thank my God for the many blessings in the lives of my friends and family and joy envelops me.

I find there is a weariness in my heart that lingers though, for the ones suffering. I feel so helpless. I cannot get release, and yet I know that our God is mighty to heal and deliver and save. I wear the burden as a mantle of prayer. For if the burden were removed, the Source that can and does heal may remain untapped.

Dear God...El Elyon~Great and Mighty One. El Shaddai~Merciful Provider Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals. Please heal my friends. The ones who have non-treatable, ongoing illness weighing them down. Unable to function in the daily things. Waiting on you Lord. Heal them please. Give them grace to hope in your Sovereignty. My friends enduring chemo, Lord, give them grace to endure the tumultuous waves of anguish. Loss of appetite, loss of hair, loss of energy and clarity of mind. Bless them Lord to endure the wait. To praise you in the storm. I know Lord God in Heaven, that you are Good, Loving, Faithful, Powerful, Gracious, Kind, and able to lift the burden and heal the body. Bless them Lord, give them awareness of your love and peace as they trust you to provide...

So yes, joy and burdens do indeed blend, for all the while I have the heaviness of Burden, I have the weightlessness of Joy. The dance in my heart for the blessings too numerous to name. I sit before the Lord listing my thanks for His giving.

I marvel at the gift of family framed on walls and plastering my refrigerator; at prayers already answered, miracles witnessed. I thank Him for knowledge that I will have enough for groceries today; and grateful that I can throw this day's soiled garments in an agitating machine to come out clean. For there are many who don't have those things. Many whose burdens far outweigh mine. May the Lord meet their needs today I pray. Lord, you are strong enough to carry all the burdens.

In that knowledge, in the knowing that God can handle it all, I find that Joy wins. Yes, through the drone and the dance, in the hope and in prayer, I find that the drone dies, but the dancing endures. For God meets needs, God heals, God lifts the burden and with HIM all is good in the end. It's all part of life's song...

I recall the chorus:

For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

This Life Is Like A Dot On A Million Mile String...............

2011-07-15T01:40:00.000-05:00

...if I could help you see...but who am I?

One who needs the Light of Jesus to show the way.

It's narrow. It's steep. He went there. I will go too.

Better to go with nothing than to miss the way.

On the other side. That is where the glory is.

I will wait for it.

Here is dirt. And weeds.

Temporary trappings.

Things that age, and corrode, and fall apart.

There is eternity.

Live for then.

This stuff will end. What good will come of it?

If I live for pleasure on earth,

I may miss the treasure of heaven.

The one who made the mountains, the rivers,

the flowers and the people.

He will be there.

What more could one need? Or want?

Just the Maker of all things good

and right and beautiful.

That is all

{Could one ever describe what ALL is?}

We experience the Glory here.

But There~No darkness. No fungus.

No sickness. No fear. No devil. No evil.

No wrinkles. No rust. No lies. No pain.

No death. No brokeness. No hindrances. No weeds.

No drought. No poverty. No storms. No lack.

No lonliness. No rejection. No famine.

None.

None of the ills that we know here. None.

Not even politics.

Just one Good, Wise King!

All is grace and glory with Him.

People I love have died.

Yet, they live on forever.

I will die. You will die.

What matters is the forever.

After this then what?

With Jesus. Faith's goal.

This life on earth is like a dot

on a million mile string.................................

I will walk by faith, for what I see is so very small

compared to what I cannot see.

The God who said, "let there be, and there was."

He is readying Heaven. I can only imagine...

Power of One

2011-07-11T09:57:00.002-05:00

When Jesus was accused by the "lawbreakers" (His name for the Pharisees) of doing his miracles in the name of a demon, He made a statement:

"a house divided against itself cannot stand." (Mark 3:24-26)

I am sure you have noticed the walls of division in seemingly every arena of life today. There are "sides to take" and "points to make".

Differing ideas and deep desires to make "my way" understood.

Republican and Democrat

Conservative and Liberal

Pro "this" and Anti "that"

Sadly it seems in the Church of Jesus

there are walls of division too.

Calvinism and Armenian-ism

Pentecostal and Traditional

Conservative and Liberal

But Jesus has only ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT. Ephesians 4:4-6

The one Body is made up of the disciples of Jesus.

The disciples of Jesus have the Spirit of Jesus inside of them.

Jesus is the Head of the Body.

He says that among the wheat will be weeds. Matthew 13:28-30

He says that among the lambs will be wolves. Matthew 10:15-17

He says that among the sheep will be goats. Matthew 25: 31-34

So the ONE BODY will have people claiming to be part of it,

but who really are not a part of it.

Interestingly in Matthew 13:28-30 He makes it clear that

the weeds will not be removed from the wheat until

the day of the great judgement.

{*So how does the wheat manage to live and thrive among the weeds?}

Dissension is a word that the Bible uses in listing

the acts of the sinful nature or "the flesh" in Galatians 5:19-21.

1. strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord.

2. difference in sentiment or opinion; disagreement.

dis·cord

1. lack of concord or harmony between persons or things:marital discord.

2. disagreement; difference of opinion.

3. strife; dispute; war.

In light of the divisiveness in our culture today,

and out of a desire to keep us moving toward the goal

of BUILDING the kingdom of God

and LIBERATING those in bondage,

the following Living Words are our answer to the {*how}

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:27-29

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

Lord Jesus, help us to be wise and discerning in the way we act and treat one another. Help us to get rid of resentment, and do away with the pointing of fingers. Please bind us together in your love and establish us in unity for the sake of your Name and your glory. We know that Satan wants to bring division to topple us, help us to be aware of his schemes and resist him. Help us not participate with him by being accusers. Help us honor your anointed ones (each other). Amen.

My Top Books

2011-07-01T21:34:00.005-05:00

The following books have moved me to make changes in my life, see things from God's perspective, embrace the hard things (though that is a fight~always) and understand the power of the spoken Word of God which has changed many things in my life and in the lives of those I pray for.

Greater Health God's Way ~Stormie O'Martain
Gave me life-long food boundaries, motivation to exercise regularly, keep short accounts with God, drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest, fresh air and sunshine...Though I haven't followed the principles perfectly, I am grateful now 19 years later for the treasures I gleaned from this read.

The Uncommon Woman ~Susie Larson
I cannot say enough about Susie getting down to the wire on the issues and battles we face as women. Exposing the lies, making declarations, and committing to live the uncommon (Spirit-led) life.

The Confident Woman (knowing who you are in Christ) ~Anabel Gillham
I have been through this book three times. Once leading a study which is most beneficial. It is an essential book for renewing our minds, understanding REALLY who we are in Christ and what His love looks like. Another book on living in the Spirit.

Dealing with the Rejection and Praise of Man ~Bob Sorge
Who hasn't felt rejected...but Bob helped me see the VALUE, and the company of God's people who have endured rejection. God works ALL for good, and the painful rejection of man drives us to the place close to His heart where we rely on His unfailing love, and understand that He is all we need. It also helps take our expectations off of people and live to love more freely.

Prayers That Avail Much ~Germaine Copeland
This is not only a victory manual, but a training manual for prayer. Practicing it over the years enables me to intercede more effectively and powerfully. ~The Spoken WORD~

The following are my inspiration when I am tempted to feel sorry for myself or feel that things are too hard.

Hudson Taylor committed to eat only potatos for a period of time leading up to going to China. His vision carried him through many heartaches and trials, and God used him mightily!
Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret ~Howard Taylor

I cannot begin to tell you how glorious God is in this book, you have to read it for yourself...
The Heavenly Man ~Brother Yun

This one too. We in America have no idea of the depth of spiritual darkness that is in other lands. This book shows the power of Jesus' light overcoming the darkness and the power of His Spirit to enable men to lay down their lives and let Him live through them.
Lords of the Earth ~Don Richardson

I was only supposed to list five, but couldn't narrow it down...Other authors that have inspired me and fed me are Francis Frangipane, Francine Rivers, Staci Eldridge, and Stormie O'Martian's prayer series for husbands and parents (prayers for my children).

For more Top Reads visit here

Please Pass the Power

2011-06-22T12:21:00.003-05:00

My heart swells with wonder when I ponder the mysterious reality of John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:2 says, HE was with God in the beginning.

Jesus is the Word.

In the beginning God said, "Let there be...." and "there was..." all things created by His Word, at His command.

The powerful, life-giving, life-sustaining word of God. Is Jesus.

Does not that amazing revelation move you?

So, just as Satan attempted to kill Jesus, it stands to reason that he would like to snuff out the Living Word. He knows how powerful and life-giving it is. And as we know, he (our enemy) is out to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)

James 1:18 states that we are "given birth" through the word of truth, and James 1:21 says that the word planted in a soul saves a soul.

James 1:22-24 talks about not merely listening to Jesus, but doing what He says. (Jesus and the Word are interchangeable, right?) and in doing so, we will be blessed.

"Jesus", the life-giver, planted in our heart gives us life and freedom. When I intently look into the Word of God, I am intently looking at Jesus.

How precious to me is my Bible. We are so blessed to have such access to Jesus all over our homes and the internet. Would you like to share the Living Word? Look at the website for the American Bible Society. They zealously pursue getting Bibles in the hands of people with little access. A wonderful opportunity to share Jesus, the Living Word with others. :)

Sometimes I Doodle

2011-06-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

I was reading Zechariah 4:1-14 and I was moved by the imagery. I wanted to see it on paper so I scribbled it out. Within this passage is the verse I use so often to remind myself and others that it's NOT our responsibility!! Zechariah 4:6.

Knowing that I participate in one of those flames as a follower of God in my life's endeavors (see Ephesians 2:10) I rejoice in the picture of the Olive trees (Priest and King) as the source of the light that comes through me.

I'm reminded too of the song I sang w/ my children...or was that my mama singing it with me? "Give me oil in my lamp keep it burnin', give me oil in my lamp I pray, give me oil in my lamp keep it burnin'...keep it burnin' till the break of Day! Hosannah! He is the source. We are the vessel. Remain connected to the Source! Glory!

Carrying It is an Honor

2011-06-07T16:19:00.000-05:00

"At the center of the Christian life is a cross." ~Randy Zimmerman

I listened to Randy's message entitled "A Grace To Keep Going" and have been thinking about Jesus...and His death. About us...and death. About our suffering and our losses. And the resurrection that happens when we endure them; go through them.

Earthbound...or Heavenbound?
Where our mind dwells determines our perspective in life. Especially suffering, loss and death.

Those of us who have turned from sin and follow Jesus must keep our eyes fixed on the future. We must have a heavenly mindset. Randy also said, "Christians are a people of the future." It's what gives us the ability to endure the suffering, loss and death we face. We look forward, we hope in future joy.

Randy is husband to my friend Sheri. They lost their baby girl, Grace, after she lived only an hour. They knew for half of their pregnancy that they would lose her. By God's grace, they kept going. His Mother's Day message is one of a cross that Jesus asked them to carry. And how they have gotten through since.

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

If you have lost a loved one, it is definitely daily. Every day.

Even when we don't die or lose a loved one, our suffering and losses are a form of death...

Yet for your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered Psalm 44:22

****************

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies John 11:25

Why? Because we are not people of the earth. We live for the future. Our glory and our LIFE is with the King of Heaven.

Cain had an earth-bound mind and killed Abel because he couldn't see beyond the now, he wasn't willing to submit to living for Heaven. Jesus was slaughtered because he lived a heavenly reality and the earth-bound minds set out to destroy him because they didn't see the future, heavenly glory.

Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. He was short-sighted and earthly- minded. He lost his inheritance (what could have been his if he had looked at the bigger picture) because of it.

What is so amazingly precious about the death (self-denial and crosses) of God's people is the resurrection; the life that springs up from our cross.

Precious in the sight of the LORD

is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15

A CROSS from DEATH to LIFE.

Life springs up every time we choose to carry our cross. We may not see it, but often times we do. Like in the case of Jim Elliot and his missionary team in the 50's. They died taking the good news of Jesus and eternal life to the Waodani Indians. Eventually the entire barbaric tribe; the very people who killed them, became heavenly-minded and now live to love.

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. John 12:24

In whatever cross we are called to carry, we can be sure that many seeds will be the result. *If it is dying to our right to retaliate, seeds will come from it. God will bless the person you have chosen to forgive as they will know of His love through your cross. *If it is dying to a dream, God will bring more abundance into your life from what He gives you instead. *If it is letting go of a loved one early, God will bring many loved ones to glory from your faithfulness to go through without becoming bitter, faithless or hopeless. *If it is dying to your desire to end your marriage because it is difficult, but you know God wants you to keep your covenant, God will bring fruit from your faithfulness into lives of those around you.

Ultimately, we will have an eternal reward... a "weight of glory" in heaven. That is the foundation for our endurance. Eternal life with the Author of Life. The One who paints the sky and forms the mountains. The One who gave us the autumn hues and the starry skies...will satisfy with good things forever...

We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4:10-12

Here is our ministry, our mission, and our mandate in suffering, loss and death: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

What is your cross? Where do you find you need to "die" or "let go" and then hold on in hope?

Endure your cross in the joy of future glory. Death comes before resurrection & eternal life in the Heavenly City with Jesus. :)

Born To Be Wild

2011-06-01T14:13:00.001-05:00

Reborn to be free.................

You used to walk in these [wild] ways,
in the life you once lived.
But now [that you are free of]
you must rid yourselves of
all such things as these:

anger,
rage,
malice,
slander,
and filthy language from your lips.

Do not lie to each other,

since you have taken off your old [wild] self
with its practices and have
put on the new [free] self,
which is being renewed in knowledge
in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:7-10

The Uncommon Woman

2011-05-25T09:25:00.003-05:00

"The uncommon woman refuses to be bullied by her fears"...Chapter nine in The Uncommon Woman.

We just finished the book by Susie Larson in our Sunday school class. The message of the book could be summarized as "Living in the Spirit" or "Walking according to the Spirit" because to live the uncommon life is...well, spiritual...and it's holy.

If you are like me, sometimes "holy" seems elusive as I snap at my husband, fail to call a friend when I know they could use a call, or feel sorry for myself because I have such a large yard to take care of all by myself ...why do I default to those things???

A problem we have as women is we often don't know what we are dealing with in our mind-muddle, mulit-tasking mentality. We are going so many directions, dealing with so many issues at once that we don't understand how to assess what is residing in our hearts; what is causing us to react in ways that we often regret.

In The Uncommon Woman, Susie helps us bring the muddle of our hearts and minds into clarity on so many fronts. Whether we are struggling with fear, receiving forgiveness, or fighting the ongoing battle to remain in our TRUE identity and shed the labels of the past. She walks us through sorting out the muddle and bringing truth to light.

With declarations at the end of each chapter, we are built up in our faith. In making proclamations from our mouths, we become sturdier in our stand. This is one thing Susie does on a regular basis when she speaks, "Repeat after me...'I will NOT commit the sin of unbelief!', 'I will NOT commit the sin of comparison!'" It is empowering and freeing.

One woman in our fellowship has been battling several painful things in her life and sinking into bouts with depression and fear and sorrow, but she testified on Sunday that as she made the proclamations from the end of chapter nine, she gained a new stand. She received a fresh revelation of the victory that is hers in the battles she is facing because Jesus is her Lord!

As she described how she wasn't going to let the enemy bear down on her any longer but walk in a place of victory, my mind went to the story of David and Goliath. Israel had been being BULLIED by their fear of the giant for forty days. Then David came, full of faith, declared his faith, then advanced and conquered the giant.

Isn't that just like us? We are the anointed of God and yet, when we face the giants in our lives, we sometimes get discouraged and afraid. But in the depth of our being there is a "little David of faith" who comes to the forefront of the battle line, makes declarations of God's faithfulness, remembering who we are and Whose we are. Then we advance and take the giant with just a sling and a stone...which is really just putting feet to our faith in whatever circumstances our giant is manifesting. Victory is sure when Jesus is on our side.

If you are battle weary, under a weight of care, or living with regrets, you will be blessed if you hang out with Susie and walk with Jesus through her book, The Uncommon Woman.

Do It

2011-05-14T18:13:00.000-05:00

As for me, farbeit from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 1 Samuel 12:23

Powerful verse, right?

Samuel, as Israel's Prophet of his day, was overseer to the nation at the time before, and during Saul's reign as their first king. Samuel had been dedicated and brought to Eli, the priest, at a very young age. As I have pondered his life and devotion to the Lord, I believe he learned alot from Eli's mistakes. Eli's sons, as you may recall, had rebelled against the Lord and the Lord struck them dead. The Lord told Eli that it was partly due to the fact that he failed to restrain his sons. (story found in 1 Samuel)

God had given Eli authority over his family as well as the house of God. Unfortunately he neglected his family, and they suffered immensely for it. Samuel was told by God at a young age what God was going to do to Eli's family because of their rebellion. I imagine the strong impact that had on Samuel. There is not recorded any time that Samuel fell away from following God. He was steadfast and devoted. He understood God's authority and his responsibility as God's servant.

The above verse speaks to me about the responsibility (and privelege) we have on behalf of those given to us to lead. Wether we are parents, teachers, counselors, pastors, teachers, or any other office of leadership. We sin against the Lord if we are not prayerful for those in our charge. Yet another reminder of the fervency I need to have in approaching the throne of God daily. Going before Him on behalf of those He has given to my care. And oh, what a blessing it is to see the Lord answer! It makes me aware of His initmacy. His attention to every detail of my little life.

We have evidence all around of His provision and watchcare for/over us. I see victories in my life, and my family, and my friends, my church. Pray! Pray! As the saying goes: any failure stems from a failure to pray.

God, grant me the grace to be diligent to pray for those You have put in my circle of life. Thank you for your availability and attention to the cries of our heart.

Formation Of My Little-Girl Mind

2011-05-03T16:22:00.002-05:00

I will never forget Laura's silky, long blonde hair that caught my eye when I walked into my first day of first grade. My mom LOVED my own silky, long blonde hair. I knew from her admiration of it when she would brush it every day, and comment on it, that it was a crowning and a desirable princess-quality feature. (If you look at the ends of the curls in the photo, you can see I formerly did have blonde hair!) So it was a natural thing for me, when I learned I could sit anywhere I wanted, that I chose to sit by Laura.

The problem was, that Laura already had a friend named Jodi who she wanted to have sit by her. Laura asked me to move.

I said "no."

At first, I said no. But life got hard for me. I don't remember how exactly. Details are elusive, but I remember a day or two in, I found myself caving to her craving. Giving up my seat to Jodi.

And guess what? Laura "friended" me after that. Yes. We were fast friends when I did what she wanted.

Hence, as a first grader, I learned that I had power. People-pleasing, get girls to like me power. Yes, at the age of five I learned it. Learned that if I did what people wanted me to do, I was loveable! I learned it at home too. I was pleasing to my parents. A hard-working oldest-child, farm-girl.

I did like to make my parents happy, especially my dad. I also liked for me to be happy around him. You see, my little sister after me, well she was often called "the naughty, curly-haired one." or "naughty with brown eyes."

I feared negative titles like that. I empathized with my little sister, knowing how it would make me feel to be "the naughty one". I remember that I also felt guilty for being contrasted to her. Then at other times I gloated inside~puffed up from praise.

That is the nature of the beast isn't it? The sinful-inside-of-me beast. I had it from birth. The self-protective self. The fearful-of-being-exposed-for-what-was-really-in-there lest-I-be (gasp) rejected-self.

Only one thing kept me from becoming beastly proud. Compassion. I had been given a tender heart. It kept me (somewhat) humble.

If you can imagine, and perhaps I even described you or someone you know, this pattern went with me wherever I went, whatever I did. I was a bonafide Performance-Based, Type-A personality. Do it right, do it well, keep yourself likeable. Keep people happy.

Inevitably I would feel rejected by people (obviously we can't please all the people all the time. I'd heard this, but I still had to learn it) and always, I looked inward...where had I failed? I came up with excuses, "too fat". "acne". "poor personality". So I aquired another issue: Self-blame. I became a self-reliant, self-blaming woman. And fear of failure or of rejection was my constant companion, my steady motivator to work hard.

Eventually I found there was a problem with my method. It showed up at times in my life when there were too many people to please, too many things to excell at. All at the same time. Through the years, bouts with anxiety would be the result of too many demands on myself. Too high of expectations.

I tried and tried... then I fried...and I died. (well, the part of me that was trying so hard died.) I found myself unable to help my sssself...

There I was at thirtysomething, sucked in to a pool of anxiety and I spun around in it for several (one of them hellish) years...groping and hoping for deliverance. Clinging. Tightly. Pursuing healing passionately. Fear FULL.

[SELF]

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Posting Part 2 here...

The Royal Treatment

2011-05-02T23:10:00.000-05:00

On Saturday a bunch of us at East Lincoln Alliance Church will be blessing single moms again!

Last September we did it for the first time and I think we were more blessed in our giving than the ladies~or at least as much! We had about a dozen guys outside pampering the cars. Detailing them with cleaning and vacuuming as well as changing oil and oil filter. Inside we provided child care. Two hairstylists did cuts and styles. (We have three this time!) We had pedicures, skin care, and massage! (I really wanted one of those myself!) The ladies can choose what they want and have it all if there is time!

This time we are adding hand treatments. We also have a light menu and an inspirational message...by me!

Last time I talked about Living Water that satisfies. The perennial, refreshing, and nourishing water flowing from Heaven and offered to us by Jesus.

This time I will be talking about belonging to Jesus and the blessings of being connected to His people. More to come on that after Saturday! :)

I spent about 12 hours today praying, planning, studying, writing, reading and rewriting the message. It has been an honor to seek God's heart for the hand-picked-by-Himself women He will bring this weekend. (We pray diligently that He brings who He wants to come) We only take 10 women so we can make them feel like the royalty that they are. We want to celebrate them and make sure they know they are loved and have sisters and brothers who want to serve them and encourage them and bless them. We want them to know they are not in this journey alone. Here are a few pics from last time:

Pastor Randy came in last time and said, "This is about the most fun we have ever had doing ministry!" I said, me too! Working together, giving of our gifts and showing off our King is simply delightful!

Early Celebration

2011-04-23T21:13:00.000-05:00

~JOY~

family celebrations!

Andrew (Kayla's husband) is back from his Air Force

Basic Military training and Tech School.

Bennett is 6 months old already!

He was under 3 mo when his daddy left for BMT.

They got to see one another

at the boot camp graduation March 4.

And on skype since then. :)

They came over tonight for dinner. I gave Bennett his Easter gift:

A teething rattle. Ha! I got some flack for getting him a

SAW

to chew on. But he loved it! :)

Pops (that is what my son calls my husband) made dinner in

the crock-pot. I added some roasted potatoes and a juice beverage.

I gave my (big) kids several random fun things, one of which

was a jar of bubbles. Kayla blew them at Bennett.

He giggled.

It made our night! It was so funny!

I didn't get a photo, but this one is from the graduation

six weeks ago when they fed him his first taste of ICE CREAM!

They wont be with us tomorrow. It was delightful to have

them over and rejoice in the King of Glory who has

RISEN AND IS ALIVE!

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER FRIENDS!

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Jesus In Between

2011-04-13T21:01:00.003-05:00

I wrote this on a card some time ago, and in cleaning, I came across it:

"I have been judged by the word and driven to my knees for mercy.
Grace poured forth from my Savior's bloody hands and
He lifted my head to Him and drew me to my feet."

So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ,
that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24

Recently I was meditating on the story of the Woman caught in adultery who was brought before Jesus to be stoned. Stoning was God's idea~to remove impurities from among Israel. Jesus then stooped down and started writing in the sand.

I like to picture Jesus in those moments of confrontation that he experienced so often with the Pharisees. He remained so calm.

I want to know that composure in the face of conflict.

So after writing in the sand, Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
As we know, one by one, everyone left. The guilty woman was left alone with Jesus. No doubt she was a huge mix of emotions.

After having been caught in the act. Imagine it for a moment. Then to be drug away by angry, self~righteous men, perhaps she wasn't even half~dressed... then tossed to the dirt before the HOLY ONE. Her shame must have threatened to overwhelm her...perhaps she was close to passing out...

I am a huge fan of Michael Card. I love his song "Scribbling in the Sand" because though we don't know what Jesus was scribbling, it makes perfect sense that he would hold up the mirror of the law for the "stoners" to look into, and thus destroy any self-righteousness they had. It also would have helped the woman see, and know that the law that was about to condemn her was just, but...

Jesus was "between her and the law". Our intercessor, Mercy Personified, was there. Offering her pardon, which must have been another unbelievable moment. Who just moment's before was on the verge of death and condemnation, now was able to walk away free.

With Jesus' parting words to, "Go and leave your life of sin."

I think those words remained with her for the rest of her life. When I am vulnerable, and my emotional level is at a 10, it seems I remember everything said to me. Words sting when they are not meant to, and they can sink in deeper due to my emotional vulnerability.

Have you noticed that? When you are exposed. When you are tried in a firey furnace, you process things through your pain. You are more tender. More impressionable.

In the case of the woman caught in adultery, and in the case of me everytime I see in the mirror of God's word where I am missing the mark of pleasing Him...It is clear that:

The Law is good. Repentence is a gift. Mercy is sweet.
All are steps on the path to freedom.

Oh how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Psalm 119:97

My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. Psalm 119:20

Stand Your Ground

2011-03-30T09:41:00.000-05:00

Are you battle-weary? Does it seem like the storms keep raging one after another? Or, are you in a time of peace but have friends with battles raging?

As disciples of Jesus, it matters how we handle the battles that arise in our lives and in each other’s lives. Ephesians 6:10-20 implies that every follower of Jesus is a soldier, and we have to outfit ourselves with the armor he has provided in order to “be strong in the Lord” and to “stand our ground”.

Why fight? What is our ground?

In the Old Testament the ground was the Promised Land. Israel was promised Canaan, but they had to fight to obtain it. As you know, for forty years they wandered in a wilderness due to lack of faith. After the forty years, they learned Who God was, and that obedience to His word would enable them to do His will. So with Joshua leading them “carefully doing everything the Lord commanded”, they were given their first victory at Jericho. They fought for their ground that they had already been given. Once obtained, they had to keep it by “standing their ground.” After taking the Promised Land, they had times of peace and times of fighting in order to take more or keep what they already had conquered.

Similarly, we have been given ground. Jesus obtained it when He conquered our enemies, Satan, sin and death at the cross. Our ground is the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ. That inheritance is our own salvation and those whose eternal destiny we influence through our ministry to and through Jesus. We, like the Israelites, have to fight to take the ground that the Lord has given us. We advance against the enemy in establishing the Kingdom of God. The works that God has planned for us here, if done faithfully and in obedience to Him, will be rewarded in Heaven. Sometimes we work peaceably, and other times we will have to fight.

The wonderful news for us is that we always fight from a place of VICTORY. That is what it means to STAND OUR GROUND. It’s wearing the armor provided for our protection, and advancing against the enemy or standing in what we have already conquered.

As with any army, communication with the commanding officer is essential to victory: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for the saints. Ephesians 6:18

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23, 24

Our Defender

2011-03-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

for their Defender is strong;

he will take up their case against you

The Lord who has made you and I, has established our worth in His creation of us and in His redemption of us. (His cross) He has established the boundary stone around our new identity in Him. When people offer "insight" into our identity that doesn't jive with the truth of who we are in Him, we can come back to the place of rest.

Romans 10:4

Christ is the end of the law so that there may

be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Run to Him for your comfort and defense. He has rescued our self-worth because of our adoption! He has redeemed us from not being right!

Next time you feel boxed and labeled, or you fall victim to some form of rejection, just remember the Lord stands over you singing!

"Who's your Daddy?" HE's your Defender!

de·fend

to ward off attack from; guard against assault or injury(usually followed by from or against ): The sentry defendedthe gate against sudden attack.

to maintain by argument, evidence, etc.; uphold: She defended her claim successfully.

to contest (a legal charge, claim, etc.).

Law . to serve as attorney for (a defendant): He hasdefended some of the most notorious criminals.

to support (an argument, theory, etc.) in the face of criticism; prove the validity of (a dissertation, thesis, or thelike) by answering arguments and questions put by acommittee of specialists.

to attempt to retain (a championship title, position, etc.), as in a competition against a challenger.

Asking for More

2011-03-19T14:53:00.003-05:00

After having attended She Speaks in 2008 on a Women's Leadership track, I came home equipped with encouragement and resources for future assignments that were, at that time, still undisclosed by the Lord. Since then, He has opened up doors for ministry using the lessons learned at the conference.

Now I am asking Him for a scholarship to go to She Speaks again. God knows how much I have used what I brought home from the last time, and how I need to GROW in wisdom for the next phase of His work. He also KNOWS how I long to embrace some of my cyber-girlfriends who will be there. :)

A little over a year ago, I took on a new role as (I hesitated at the title..) Head Deaconess. What is that? The list of "duties" of the Head Deaconess didn't really appeal to me. They included visiting the hospitalized, assisting with communion elements, and baptisms, and prayer.

Though those things are important to me and I don't mind helping or doing them, that is not where my passion is for ministry. My heart is more in building, mentoring, and discipling women. I told Pastor this, and he said, "Well, we need that too! Would you be willing to take the position and add your heart to the ministry?"

I mentioned to him my aversion to the title "Deaconess", which sounded obsolete to me, and he suggested I put in a request to change it. So...I'm still working on that one, but my experience over the course of the year has been rewarding and fruitful! I attribute that to much prayer, the lessons learned in 2008, and the reading and listening I have done since returning.

Through my previous She Speaks experience, I learned to start with a mission statement, recruit to the vision rather than "duties", assess the needs of our women and set out prayerfully to meet them. By the grace of God, these things have been happening, and our women are growing in passion and community.

Besides the Deaconess ministry, I have had a few opportunities to speak to women, and would love to grow in God's grace to give effective messages, and to gain confidence. I've been helped by listening over and over to the CD of Micca Campbell's message "Capturing The Heart Of Your Audience" from 2008, and the recommended book by Andy Stanley, "Communicating For A Change".

So I am at a point where I feel like I need more. More encouragement, and fresh vision. I am excited that there will be workshops for event planning too since that is something we are working on and I have a dream to do in our small-town, up-North neck-of-the-woods.

So, here I am Lord (asking), send me!
Thank you Renee Swope, for this opportunity!

Take Him at His Word

2011-03-17T09:46:00.000-05:00

Standing on this promise. Do you want it too?

Joshua 1:5-9

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

A Scarlet Rope

2011-03-11T14:52:00.004-06:00

I wasn't sure if I should call this post "A Scarlet Rope"or "My Jesus Friends Fruit" because I want to talk about the scarlet rope that ties blood-bought children of God together for fruitfulness.

I LOVE God's girls! I do!!! My favorite "sport" is women's conferences, yes, they rev me up like a Cheesehead at a Packer game!!! I want to connect with as many women as possible. So, I keep my eyes open and my ears tuned to the Lord (and sometimes things just happen by ~~chance~~ Divine Design) and eventually there it is, a glimpse of the beauty of the tapestry that the Lord is stitching.

One of my new friends gave me the idea of the Scarlet Rope when,after asking me to encourage a friend of hers who was experiencing some of what I had experienced with depression, she said, "Through the blood of Jesus, even strangers are friends."

I love that! And it made me think of Rahab's scarlet rope that she extended from her window to be saved from the impending destruction of Jerico. Her rope tied her to God's people! That same rope is what ties us Jesus-friends together and knits our lives into a beautiful tapestry! (Maybe it is a tapestry of a fruit bowl!)

I have been pleading with the Lord to make my life fruitful. That I would not squander my days, my talents, or my time. He has enabled me to cross paths with many women who I have been able to minister to with the gift of encouragement that He has placed in me for His Body.

But something profound struck me today.

One of the most fruitful (heaven-rewarded) things I can do is to pray. If I pray for my husband and children, then their fruit becomes part mine. If I pray for my friends who have speaking ministries, then their fruit is part mine. If I pray for the authors as they write, then the fruit God bears through their writing I have a share of. When I pray for my Pastor, my friend's families, the ministries of the church, the missionaries around the world, those who are sick but holding out for a victory.... Think about it!

Without the covering of prayer, we are weak at best. With a prayer covering we have power, protection, passion, and victory. If we participate in other's ministries, we participate in one another's fruitfulness!

Suddenly, my boarders have expanded! The Scarlet Rope is extended further and further into the world. It binds us together in His love. Don't you love that?

I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your territory, and no one will covet your land when you go up three times each year to appear before the LORD your God. Exodus 34:24

Feeling Pressed?

2011-02-27T20:02:00.000-06:00

The Lord will relieve you...

I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. Psalm 31:6-8

Bearing His Disgrace

2011-02-16T17:23:00.000-06:00

And so Jesus suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us then go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Hebrews 13:12-14

Do you ever feel lonely? Have you endured insults for your convictions? Have you suffered for your obedience? Then there is good news! You are in the company of Jesus.

Jesus endured the rejection of religious leaders; He even endured their scorn, and attempts to trap him. He also was ridiculed by His own family... Have you noticed though that even when He was misunderstood and rejected, He continued to "set His face like a flint" and determined to do the will of His Father?

He told us we, as His followers, would be hated. He told us we would have a cross to carry. We can choose to pick it up daily, or we can choose to ignore His word, and fit in; or go with the flow. Will you set your face like a flint to be obedient to Him? Will you go outside the camp, and bear the disgrace He bore?

Not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit! I pray blessings for you as you walk in obedience out of your love for Jesus.

A Spacious Place of Security

2011-02-14T15:25:00.002-06:00

“He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16

[This is part three of a three part post on my journey through anxiety and depression]
Click here for Part one. and here for Part two.

This photo is from our 26th Anniversary celebration in Stillwater, MN, 2009. Ten years since I spiraled into fearful darkness. By Grace, I am now free!

The Light of the Truth of God's word is so very precious! The love of The Good Shepherd for His sheep is truly the most powerful, transforming force in the universe!

I didn't really lose years when the jaws of distress had a grip on me. I gained a solid footing on the Rock. I got to know the Presence of the Life-Sustainer! I became aware of the true meaning of Grace. The delightful experience of living in His strength when mine was gone.

I now (mostly) walk in the Spirit, lean on the Lord, live by faith, love by dying to myself, display His glory by obedience, and I have the great joy of giving the light of the Word to others. Teaching to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

When I was five, and I saw Laura, really I was looking for acceptance and security. A firm footing. A friend. It's just that I was looking in the wrong place. God, in His glorious wisdom has a way of getting His children where they need to be. Often. Probably most times, it involves suffering. It is in suffering that we are most teachable. We remember our lessons well when there is pain.

Isn't it the painful times after-all that one remembers the best? After all, how does a 46 year old woman remember the first day of first grade if there wasn't a painful experience there. I don't remember much more from first grade.

This lesson is one I don't want to have to repeat. I was fearful for a time that I would "go back in" but whenever that fear came, I heard the whisper, "Just keep holding My hand."

Staying in His grip in the spacious place and eating the choice food of His Word that sustains.

se•cure

–adjective

1. free from or not exposed to danger or harm; safe.
2. dependable; firm; not liable to fail, yield, become displaced, etc., as a support or a fastening: The building was secure, even in an earthquake.
3. affording safety. as a place: He needed a secure hideout
4. in safe custody or keeping: Here in the vault the necklace was secure.
5. free from care; without anxiety: emotionally secure.
6. firmly established, as a relationship or reputation: He earned a secure place among the baseball immortals.
7. sure; certain; assured: secure of victory; secure in religious belief.

Give a Listen

2011-02-13T14:19:00.000-06:00

This song expresses the struggle and the hope...

The Power of Words

2011-02-12T14:31:00.000-06:00

This is a perfect message to follow my last post~God's Word has the power to set you free from NEGATIVE words spoken over you and received into your heart.

Renee is having a give-away on her blog today! Check it out: Click here.

Rescued From Jaws

2011-02-12T08:38:00.004-06:00

This is part two of my story.

For part one click here.

I had a happy marriage. (that is Dale's grandma with us)

Dale and I met when I was 15, he had just turned 18. We were each other’s one and only. We got married three years later. His personality was risk-taking, adventure-seeking, confident and decisive. Mine, timid, shy, reserved, sensitive… We were the perfect couple balancing each other well, until we began to disagree on parenting methods. Until he was away at work so much and I was feeling like a single mom.

During that time other legs also fell from my “support” stool. Relationships were strained in several places in my life.

We had made the decision to put our oldest, Kayla in school after homeschooling her through fourth grade. I found myself trying to be the “perfect mom” to her by helping in the classroom, walking her to and from school with Ethan whom I was still homeschooling.

On top of that, I increased craft-production in my little crafting business and held a boutique in my home that fall.

That was when the dizziness from the anxiety began. I knew I needed to “not be anxious about anything, but with prayer somehow drop my burden on the Lord and I’d have His peace. I just didn’t know how to do it. I began to drown in guilt and shame, self-condemnation and spiraled downward to insomnia the following fall. Insomnia lead to depression and oppression, near to despair.

I reached for people, but none had a hand that could lift me. God wanted it that way…He wanted me to know the futility of flesh. My own and others that I tended to lean on in affirming my worth, or leading me to answers…

Continually I held a thin thread of hope at every place of hopelessness, and was upheld from going under. That is what my faith amounted to during those days. A thin thread.

My heart heard a whisper of truth from God’s Word in the darkest times; His living, wonderful, comforting, guiding, correcting, freeing Word. That LOVE was my sustenance. Though His love seemed elusive to me, and I scarce believed it at the time. In my mind, yes, but in my heart, no.

Accusation was constant, and when it came, I knew it to be true. I was a worthless, faithless failure and I believed I was possibly ruining my kids… Outside of Christ I would have been...

However, I was in Christ, therefore, I had to learn the lesson about putting on my new nature. (2 Corinthians 5:17) I had to remember it was no longer I who lived, but it was Christ Jesus who lived inside of me. (Galatians 2:20) I had to learn that it is by GRACE that I stand by faith (Romans 5:2). Not by MY ability, or strength. (Philippians 3:3)

The very first Truth God gave me to start me on the path to freedom was the dawning that I was NOT a VICTIM of my thoughts. I had a choice. It had gotten to the point that all thoughts that came to my head were received in my heart if they were negative. It just made sense to me…I had no doubt my flesh (my self) was dross.

But we (believers) have the mind of Christ! (1 Corinthians 2:16b)

Accusation: “you have NO faith!” Answer: “when we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 (GRACE)

Accusation: “you are ruining your kids.” Answer: “He will restore what the locusts have eaten.” Joel 2:25 (GRACE)

Accusation: “you will not be free of this.” Answer: “I [God] will deliver you and bring you into a spacious place.” 2 Samuel 22:20 (GRACE)

Accusation: “you are worth nothing.” Answer: “you will lead women in triumphal procession in Christ.” (not me but Christ in and through me~a personal promise given to me that day) 2 Corinthians 2:14,15 (GRACE)

In those years, Jesus sustained me as he refined me from the impurities of my SELF-reliance. I had been a Christian for ten years prior. I had grown in love with Jesus and knowledgeable about scripture. I was leading Bible study and teaching Sunday school when I fell. (FROM GRACE and RELIED on mySELF again).

“He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16

Tomorrow I will talk about the Spacious Place

Break From To-Do and Need-To

2011-02-02T20:27:00.001-06:00

This is the air I breathe. Cold air. Frosty likes it, but I find after Christmas I don't so much. I call myself a cold-weather-wimp. But not today! No, I had a date with a friend to go snowshoeing! We made the date long before we knew it was going to be only five degrees outside.

BUT I LOVED it! The sun was brilliant, the air was crisp, the trees held snow from yesterday's powder fall. Not only that, it was pristine listening to the chirp of a chickadee, the whisper of snow letting loose from a branch, falling and then a stop-and-gaze at the bare branches overhead with the sun peeking through.

Stephanie and I went single file through the trail, through the woods, but then walked side by side on the lake allowing us to chat. Girltalk warms my heart and my body was getting plenty warm by this time too! I could feel the working of my legs, I love that feeling. The one you have when you've completed a workout. It's a sweet strain. The feeling of having accomplished. Satisfying.

We climbed into the truck an hour and a half later, continuing our girltalk for another 30 minutes. Two hours away from "to do" and "need to" was a bit of an awakening for me. It seems that I have been lost in that to-do-need-to world since the turn of the year. I have taken small breaks, going to the coffee w/ friends. Visiting my grandbaby. But there was something about being outside. It was different. Somehow the list seems lighter now!

You know what I think it is? I have been missing a fuller revelation of the glory of God! I have been longing for the proclaimation, the voice of the heavens! After having just memorized Psalm 19, much of it while I was running in the autumn air, I have been missing the oneness with His handiwork. It's true!

Verses 1-4 :

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

Recharged! Refueled! Renewed!

Now I need to go find myself a pair of snowshoes!

High Priority

2011-01-23T22:13:00.002-06:00

Unity: 1. the state of being united; oneness 2. agreement

If you knew you were leaving this earth tomorrow or the next day, what do you think you would spend your time doing in your last hours? I imagine like me, you would want to make sure everyone who was in your inner circle was going to be cared for; that you had “covered” it all as much as you could. I have heard of some people making recordings of advice for their children if they are dying. Others make sure finances are in order and relationships are mended.

Jesus spent the time just before He was arrested in prayer. This prayer is recorded in John 17. First He prayed for Himself, then for His disciples, and then for us who followed them. Do you know what His main agenda was? His glory and our UNITY.

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

Why was unity so important to Jesus? So they will know WHO we are, and WHO HE IS. There is another verse that says we will be known as Christ-followers (Christians) by our love.

This makes me think about my family. It gives me much joy that my children are good friends. How wonderful it is when our home is peace-filled. Our relationships are stable. That helps me understand how delighted God is in us when we are living in unity & magnifying HIM to the watching world!

So, how do I/we look to Jesus? When He sees us does He see UNITY? Are we FOR each other? Do we yield to one another? Do we pray for one another? Do we honor one another? Do we serve one another? Do we build each other up? Each of us must search our own hearts before the Lord and ask Him, “How am I doing?”

Father, we pray Jesus’ prayer for your Body, please bring us to complete unity so the world will know that you sent Jesus who loves us, and that you love us as you love Jesus. Amen.

The Ways Diverge

2011-01-16T23:27:00.001-06:00

photo via flikr by Simon Whitaker

I saved a poem off of a church bulletin many years ago, I cannot find it right now, but I think I have it memorized, so here goes:

The ways diverge,
I stand and look them over
and hot thoughts surge about my heart.
And this I know,
I must choose one by which to go.
This one is flower strewn I see,
that one is rock strewn,
steep and foreboding,
dark and grim,
yet Christ walked there,
I'll walk with Him.

If you have read my blog off and on over the years, you might have glimpsed that I love contrast. Maybe it has to do with my "artistic leaning" (though I don't consider myself great at any of the art forms...I love dance, design, decorating and drama~well, at least watching the drama...)

As shadows enhance the light in paintings, I delight in observing how the bitter in life enhances the sweet. I love that in God's word we often find contrasts: Dark/Light...Evil/Good....Strong/Weak...etc.

Life is characterized by contrast and I feel it as well within my own heart. A contrast. Perhaps a synonym would be more appropriate: a conflict or divergence...

Since I invited Jesus to take ownership of my life, I desire to please Him, but often end up doing the opposite of what I want to do. Paul talks about that in Romans 7:21, 22 ...when I want to do good,, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind... and it hurts. It hurts when I fail...It hurts God, me and others.

...but he gives us more grace...(I am forever grateful!)

I sense contrasts in our society today as well; there are conflicting beliefs and ideas that are bringing a spirit of disunity. The devil is up to his destruction~inducing schemes. But we, His followers must not get weary, we need to remember the opposition Jesus endured and be encouraged. And we must remember what he instructed us to do in the face of conflict. Love and pray for our enemies, speak the truth in love, and do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

That is a tall order for someone who confessed a paragraph above that I don't do what I want to do...(being obedient in these areas), but the good news is found a couple of verses later in Romans 7:24, 25...What a wretched man I am!Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!

What that means is that I cannot do it. In my human strength I cannot love my enemies or overcome my sinful tendencies. That is humanly impossible. But by the grace of Jesus, after being baptized into him, and by His power in me, I can...I can! We can! You can!

Look at these contrasts: (I saw these on LPM blog today)

In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Acts 2:17 (GOOD!)

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 Timothy 3:1 (BAD)

Contrast?!? Yes! As we increasingly see the disunity and bickering, finger-pointing, and deception, immorality and rebellion, we will also be seeing more of God. (WAAAHOOOOO!!!) That is what I am determining to focus on and look for from this day forward. You see, it is easy to see the darkness closing in, but it is an act of faith to see past it to the Light that overcomes the darkness!

Lord, help me abide in You, to fix my eyes on You, the Light of the world!

★WALK BY FAITH★NOT BY SIGHT★

Digging Wells

2011-01-15T23:57:00.000-06:00

This is a repost from two years ago, but I needed to read it today, maybe you will be encouraged too.

Have you been pursuing something diligently only to encounter contention and opposition? Perhaps you have been praying for someone you love for a long time, with seemingly no answers from the Lord. Perhaps you have been pursuing a dream that the Lord has laid on your heart of writing or establishing a ministry. The more you put into it, the more you encounter obstacles or opposition. People doubt your calling, or you doubt it yourself. Or they oppose it, or get in the way...

Genesis 26:17-22

17 So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. 18 Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.

19 Isaac's servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. 20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen and said, "The water is ours!" So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him. 21 Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. 22 He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, "Now the LORD has given us room and we will flourish in the land."

What the Lord showed me in this passage is how Isaac persevered in seeking the water until he found it.

The first well was named Esek (contention).

The second was named Sitnah (opposition).

and finally the third Rehoboth (Broad places of fruitfulness)

This is a common experience for God's people in their journey with Him. If we think of stories of Joseph,

Moses, Nehemiah, David, Ruth, or modern ministers like John McArthur, or missionaries like Hudson Taylor...we find the same story. In any pursuit or calling there are wells of contention and opposition that come before the broad places of fruitfulness.

Hang in there! Press on, sister! Keep going! Never stop!

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

Force of Fear?

2011-01-05T00:42:00.000-06:00

Today my son-in-law left for the Air Force bootcamp. He is going in the reserves. I have been dealing with a certain amount of ~~concern~~ fear for his six week experience there.

He's so...young. He's...small. How will they treat him? How will he respond? Will they crush his spirit? Will he respond with faith? Will he remember that the Lord God Almighty lives inside of him and is right there with him?

For a woman of faith, the ~~concerns~~ fears lead me to cast my cares on the Lord who promises to care for me and my family. (and I must fight to believe it sometimes!) As soon as the questions enter my mind I turn them into a specific prayer: Lord, please make Andrew aware of your Presence. Surround him with the right people. Help him respond with faith to the hard things. Help him grow through discipline. Help him be the man that you desire him to be...In Jesus' name! ~how grateful I am to be able to message the King of the Universe on behalf of Andrew!

Amazing to me is how "images" from movies or news stories seem to effect my thought process...and it's the worst images that come to mind. It has been a looong time since I have seen "An Officer and A Gentleman". But I remember scenes...and they impact my thinking. They bring fears to the surface. Ideas that I received from watching the film. And Top Gun. I imagine if you have seen these, you have images coming to mind immediately. Powerful, isn't it?

I have been mulling this over for a few days due to other stories I have heard recently. People's fears in certain circumstances become exaggerated due to images and movies they have watched. So I wonder...should we be curbing our viewing more than we are? I wonder, are we making our battle more intense?

“Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12