The Bible states in James 5:16 that the prayers of the righteous are powerful & effective. Knowing this, we must constantly remind ourselves that the more prayers we pour on top of our strongholds, the sooner they will eventually break from the weight.
I am a child of the 70's & I remember a game we had actually called 'The Straw That Broke the Camel's Back' (don't worry you're too young to remember it). Anyway it was fairly simple - the plastic camel was in two pieces (front end & back end) held together by a simple rubber band. On each side of the camel was an open saddle bag.
All you had to do was take turns putting a plastic stick (the straw) into one of the saddle bags making sure your straw wasn't the one that broke it's back. Too many straws & the camel would start to sway & the middle would bend toward the table. All of the straws would eventually break its back & it would snap in two (still held together by the rubber band).
I think you know where I'm going with this - our strongholds are like that camel. Our prayers like those straws. By themselves they may not seem like much. But piled high one on top of the other, coupled with spoken scripture, fasting, psalms, hymns, praises, & spiritual songs, they (just like the camel's back) eventually break.
My friend, keep piling them up high one after the other & I guarantee the Master will eventually break those strongholds in two. After all, they are only held together by a simple rubber band.
Originally Shared with my home church on May 15, 2010.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
He Will, He Is, He Has, & He Does
When I woke up on the morning of Wednesday, March 24, 2010, 11:36 AM EST, God had this to say:
So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives. "And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression," declares the LORD. "And as for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD: "My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring," says the LORD, "from this time forth and forevermore." Isaiah 59:19-21
Here’s how The Message Bible states it:
In the west they'll fear the name of God, in the east they'll fear the glory of God, for he'll arrive like a river in flood stage, whipped to a torrent by the wind of God. I'll arrive in Zion as Redeemer, to those in Jacob who leave their sins." God's Decree. "As for me," God says, "this is my covenant with them: My Spirit that I've placed upon you and the words that I've given you to speak, they're not going to leave your mouths nor the mouths of your children nor the mouths of your grandchildren. You will keep repeating these words and won't ever stop." God's orders.
I do not know who needs this message today nor I am sure what you have to face today but I want you to be encouraged & know that God will not allow the enemy to prevail. The sovereign God of Jacob will come to our rescue and He will surely wipe every tear from our eye soon. Hang in there and don’t give up or start making your own plans. Continue to pray, stay in the word, sing praises to God and believe. He will…, He is…, He has…, and He does!
Be encouraged.
So they shall fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; for he will come like a rushing stream, which the wind of the LORD drives. "And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression," declares the LORD. "And as for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD: "My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children’s offspring," says the LORD, "from this time forth and forevermore." Isaiah 59:19-21
Here’s how The Message Bible states it:
In the west they'll fear the name of God, in the east they'll fear the glory of God, for he'll arrive like a river in flood stage, whipped to a torrent by the wind of God. I'll arrive in Zion as Redeemer, to those in Jacob who leave their sins." God's Decree. "As for me," God says, "this is my covenant with them: My Spirit that I've placed upon you and the words that I've given you to speak, they're not going to leave your mouths nor the mouths of your children nor the mouths of your grandchildren. You will keep repeating these words and won't ever stop." God's orders.
I do not know who needs this message today nor I am sure what you have to face today but I want you to be encouraged & know that God will not allow the enemy to prevail. The sovereign God of Jacob will come to our rescue and He will surely wipe every tear from our eye soon. Hang in there and don’t give up or start making your own plans. Continue to pray, stay in the word, sing praises to God and believe. He will…, He is…, He has…, and He does!
Be encouraged.
I don't wanna go through the motions.
I don't wanna go one more day,
without Your all consuming passion inside of me.
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"
Songwriters: Jason Houser; Sam Mizell; Matthew West
(This is a prayer request sent home church on Thursday, 1-14-10, 10:54AM EST)
As I reluctantly type this prayer request, the words to Matthew West's song are ringing in my ears. So once again our heavenly Father is urging me to send out another prayer request for Haiti. As I watch the news & listen to the radio, I see destruction, devastation, & heartache. If you are one of the many K-Love radio listeners, no doubt you have heard from many of your favorite Christian artists that have been there or are going there to help. A few of them already had established ministries to Haiti set up long before this disaster. People are still trapped, buried, missing or presumed dead. Lots of Haitians are digging through the rubble with no tools, just bare hands trying to find their loved ones & save others. Many of the buildings are unstable & they are afraid to go inside to look for their friends & family members. With my father already gone home & having just lost my mother I don't think I could camp out in the street of my neighborhood wondering if my kids & husband were okay. I'd be a basket case digging through that rubble with my own bare hands or running through a leaning house trying to save them especially if I could hear them calling for help. No amount of concrete could keep me from putting my own life in danger to save theirs.
Please pray about how God would have you help if you haven't already done so. Not sure what to pray? Try putting yourself in their shoes. What would you ask God for? What would you need? There are many established ministries & charities that are there or en route and they will need your prayers as well. If you personally know of a ministry in Haiti that could use your prayers or help, pray about helping them. Pray for the safety of our troops headed there and other workers headed there to help dig through the rubble. Many of those buildings look okay from the outside or look as If they weren't harmed but foundational cracks can't be seen from above the ground. Pray for the right people to be sent to assess the buildings that weren't damaged.
Is God leading you to go down there for a season? Is He leading you to adopt an orphan? Is He leading you to send food, clothing, water, tools, to give a monetary donation or something else? I have a sense from the Holy Spirit that God needs us to do more than just pray especially since they are reporting that many of these people have been open & receptive to hear the Word of God. This is going to be a big challenge when half of their population practices voodoo. So please also keep the Haitians that are brand new Christians in your prayers.
You can go to www.klove.com or www.samaritanspurse.com to find a way to help. You can also go to www.weatherchannel.com then click on "Relief: How You Can Help" to find both Christian & secular organizations such as the Red Cross, World Vision & Operation Blessing, if you'd like to help that way. Be lead of the Holy Spirit as you find an established ministry or charity in Haiti to give a donation to and always, always keep them in your prayers. Let's not just go through the motions with this one.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
I did not want to originally type this, but "Obedience is better than sacrifice." (I Sam. 15:22)
I don't wanna go one more day,
without Your all consuming passion inside of me.
I don't wanna spend my whole life asking,
"What if I had given everything,
instead of going through the motions?"
Songwriters: Jason Houser; Sam Mizell; Matthew West
(This is a prayer request sent home church on Thursday, 1-14-10, 10:54AM EST)
As I reluctantly type this prayer request, the words to Matthew West's song are ringing in my ears. So once again our heavenly Father is urging me to send out another prayer request for Haiti. As I watch the news & listen to the radio, I see destruction, devastation, & heartache. If you are one of the many K-Love radio listeners, no doubt you have heard from many of your favorite Christian artists that have been there or are going there to help. A few of them already had established ministries to Haiti set up long before this disaster. People are still trapped, buried, missing or presumed dead. Lots of Haitians are digging through the rubble with no tools, just bare hands trying to find their loved ones & save others. Many of the buildings are unstable & they are afraid to go inside to look for their friends & family members. With my father already gone home & having just lost my mother I don't think I could camp out in the street of my neighborhood wondering if my kids & husband were okay. I'd be a basket case digging through that rubble with my own bare hands or running through a leaning house trying to save them especially if I could hear them calling for help. No amount of concrete could keep me from putting my own life in danger to save theirs.
Please pray about how God would have you help if you haven't already done so. Not sure what to pray? Try putting yourself in their shoes. What would you ask God for? What would you need? There are many established ministries & charities that are there or en route and they will need your prayers as well. If you personally know of a ministry in Haiti that could use your prayers or help, pray about helping them. Pray for the safety of our troops headed there and other workers headed there to help dig through the rubble. Many of those buildings look okay from the outside or look as If they weren't harmed but foundational cracks can't be seen from above the ground. Pray for the right people to be sent to assess the buildings that weren't damaged.
Is God leading you to go down there for a season? Is He leading you to adopt an orphan? Is He leading you to send food, clothing, water, tools, to give a monetary donation or something else? I have a sense from the Holy Spirit that God needs us to do more than just pray especially since they are reporting that many of these people have been open & receptive to hear the Word of God. This is going to be a big challenge when half of their population practices voodoo. So please also keep the Haitians that are brand new Christians in your prayers.
You can go to www.klove.com or www.samaritanspurse.com to find a way to help. You can also go to www.weatherchannel.com then click on "Relief: How You Can Help" to find both Christian & secular organizations such as the Red Cross, World Vision & Operation Blessing, if you'd like to help that way. Be lead of the Holy Spirit as you find an established ministry or charity in Haiti to give a donation to and always, always keep them in your prayers. Let's not just go through the motions with this one.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
I did not want to originally type this, but "Obedience is better than sacrifice." (I Sam. 15:22)
Looking for the Living One in a Cemetary
1-3At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn't find the body of the Master Jesus.
4-8They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?" Then they remembered Jesus' words. (Luke 24:1-8, The Message Bible)
In today’s world I am reminded Daily that I am “just a woman”. People often mis-quote the scripture about me being the weaker vessel which doesn’t really bother me. It’s funny how those not lead of Christ can think that me being “just a woman” would hinder whatever it is He has called me to do. It won’t. I may be “just a woman” but Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.
Those women had no clue how they were going to roll that stone away nor did they care. Their one mission was to go and anoint his body with spices. No stone could stop them because they went anyway. When you allow Christ to truly use you, no stone can stop you. I pray that nothing hinders you from following through with what He and only He has called each of you to do.
In Christ Alone
No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
4-8They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, "Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?" Then they remembered Jesus' words. (Luke 24:1-8, The Message Bible)
In today’s world I am reminded Daily that I am “just a woman”. People often mis-quote the scripture about me being the weaker vessel which doesn’t really bother me. It’s funny how those not lead of Christ can think that me being “just a woman” would hinder whatever it is He has called me to do. It won’t. I may be “just a woman” but Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.
Those women had no clue how they were going to roll that stone away nor did they care. Their one mission was to go and anoint his body with spices. No stone could stop them because they went anyway. When you allow Christ to truly use you, no stone can stop you. I pray that nothing hinders you from following through with what He and only He has called each of you to do.
In Christ Alone
No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
God's Faithfulness
On the morning of March 19, 2010, I dropped the twins off to preschool & I noticed a small clump of snow attempting to hang on in these last days of winter. With a half smile on my face my mind drifted back to just 8 weeks ago when we had 10 foot high snow drifts, school closings, impassible roads, all the ear markings of a difficult winter. I remember the Holy Spirit so vividly repeat to me daily, "Don't allow what you see to get you down. Spring is coming & the snow will be forced to melt in the warm sun." Each day I watched more snow fall but I hung onto those words. Finally, a few weeks later I saw a robin & immediately began to worship God.
He is so faithful! He reminds us each day as we carry our crosses in the midst of our wintery trials, that spring is coming! When we see a robin let us rejoice for the end of our wintery trials. As His light shines brighter upon us when we draw nearer to Him, it begins to melt our sorrows away. One day we will see a glimpse of something that will remind us of the trial we used to face & how He brought us through. We will look back & think about how faithful He was during our trial. That problem will seem so insignificant like that small clump of snow. We'll think "Why was I so worried & why didn't I just trust you?"
When I went back to pick the twins up from school, that clump of snow was half its original size. Now in the fullness of the suns rays it didn't stand a chance. I thanked God that with my attention solely on Him, my problems didn't stand a chance. They would melt in the fullness of His light & I can resist the devil & he will flee.
With the promise of more snow on the way we have no choice but to be glad. The robins are here, spring is here, the warmth has come! When the enemy plans to attack we have no choice but to rejoice! God's truth is with us, Jesus has shed His blood, the light has come & God is still faithful forever and ever!
He is so faithful! He reminds us each day as we carry our crosses in the midst of our wintery trials, that spring is coming! When we see a robin let us rejoice for the end of our wintery trials. As His light shines brighter upon us when we draw nearer to Him, it begins to melt our sorrows away. One day we will see a glimpse of something that will remind us of the trial we used to face & how He brought us through. We will look back & think about how faithful He was during our trial. That problem will seem so insignificant like that small clump of snow. We'll think "Why was I so worried & why didn't I just trust you?"
When I went back to pick the twins up from school, that clump of snow was half its original size. Now in the fullness of the suns rays it didn't stand a chance. I thanked God that with my attention solely on Him, my problems didn't stand a chance. They would melt in the fullness of His light & I can resist the devil & he will flee.
With the promise of more snow on the way we have no choice but to be glad. The robins are here, spring is here, the warmth has come! When the enemy plans to attack we have no choice but to rejoice! God's truth is with us, Jesus has shed His blood, the light has come & God is still faithful forever and ever!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
After Easter Will You Follow Through?
As we prepare to celebrate another Passover, many people enter into this season of Lent with good intentions. They give up so many things for 30 or 40 days or however long suits them. From the time I was a young Christian I could never understand why people made a big deal of it and I still don't. I never said it but I always thought, "Doesn't God derserve your sacrifice everyday & not just during Lent?" If whatever your 'fasting' from or giving up bothers you that much, shouldn't you give it up altogether? God wants your attention all year, not just during this season.
How sad it has become that we make this one time a year such a big issue when sacrificing our entire lives all year long should be such a big issue. But I guess no one sees it. I often think about this issue whenever I listen to "The Altar & The Door" written by Casting Crowns own Mark Hall.
"Carless, I am reckless, I'm a wrong-way-travelin-slowly-unraveling shell of a man. Burnt out, I'm so numb now. That the fire's just an ember way down in the corner of my cold, cold heart.
Lord, this time I'll make it right, here at the alter I lay my life. Your kingdom come but my will was done, my heart is broken as I cry. Like so many times before, but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor, oh Lord I try. But this time Jesus how can I be sure I will not lose my follow through between the Altar & the door.
Here at the altar, oh my world so black & white. How could I ever falter what you've shown me to be right....?"
Strong words that cut so deep to the very soul or they should at least. Especially if you are living your life as a daily sacrifice to Him. Maybe next time when I think about how hard I try to sacrifice daily as I see others just casually for once a year coast by for 30 or 40 days, I'll get up the courage to ask them, "After Easter, will you follow through?"
"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your ordinary everyday life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:1-2 (The Message Bible)
How sad it has become that we make this one time a year such a big issue when sacrificing our entire lives all year long should be such a big issue. But I guess no one sees it. I often think about this issue whenever I listen to "The Altar & The Door" written by Casting Crowns own Mark Hall.
"Carless, I am reckless, I'm a wrong-way-travelin-slowly-unraveling shell of a man. Burnt out, I'm so numb now. That the fire's just an ember way down in the corner of my cold, cold heart.
Lord, this time I'll make it right, here at the alter I lay my life. Your kingdom come but my will was done, my heart is broken as I cry. Like so many times before, but my eyes are dry before I leave the floor, oh Lord I try. But this time Jesus how can I be sure I will not lose my follow through between the Altar & the door.
Here at the altar, oh my world so black & white. How could I ever falter what you've shown me to be right....?"
Strong words that cut so deep to the very soul or they should at least. Especially if you are living your life as a daily sacrifice to Him. Maybe next time when I think about how hard I try to sacrifice daily as I see others just casually for once a year coast by for 30 or 40 days, I'll get up the courage to ask them, "After Easter, will you follow through?"
"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your ordinary everyday life - your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:1-2 (The Message Bible)
The Poor Man's Diamonds
I live close to a quarry and now that the wather is warmer, I get to take wonderful long walks each morning (after my brood is in school of course) with my two best friends - "Goodness" & "Mercy", who follow me everywhere I go. I traveled amongst still knee high snow drifts left as heavy gifts by Old Man Winter during the week of February 8th. Today, to my amazement I saw huge chunks of clear rocks. Just abosulutely beautiful to the eye and sparkling bright in the last of winter's sunlight. I could not resist but to pick one up as they were everywhere. So by the time I was home, my pockets were full of rocks. It slowed me down a little but I was only thinking of the look on my son's face when he sees them.
I thought to myself, "My son the scientist (one day) will surely treasure these gifts." The road I travel is less than three miles and can be steep in some places. Nevertheless, as I listen to Chris Tomlin & Casting Crowns bellow out tunes, I ponder the road in my life that God has lain before me. I think about the sacrifice He made as I head toward celebrating another Passover. How thoughtful He was to put me before Himself & lay His blood on the door posts of my heart so that the angel of death would pass over me.
He too, sees beautiful pieces of quartz laying all around and chooses them. He picks them up to carry them to show His proud Papa. Some of the pieces break or shatter on the way back home as the road He travels is too rough for them and they cannot withstand it. So they don't make the journey. Others, become refined from rubbing against other pieces He has placed in His pocket and indeed at journey's end are even more beautiful than when the journey first began.
I want to be like the latter. So that when He presents me to His proud Papa he can say, "She wasn't this beautiful when I found her, but oh look Dad how the journey has made her gisten and sparkle. I am so glad I chose her. Even though I carried the weight of her sin & shame, I knew you would be proud when you saw her."
These little rocks may not mean anything to a jewler who searches for the most precious stones to be sold at auction to the highest bidder and the wealthy. They may seem to be just a poor man's diamonds but oh how they remind me of God's people.
"Many are called but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14
I thought to myself, "My son the scientist (one day) will surely treasure these gifts." The road I travel is less than three miles and can be steep in some places. Nevertheless, as I listen to Chris Tomlin & Casting Crowns bellow out tunes, I ponder the road in my life that God has lain before me. I think about the sacrifice He made as I head toward celebrating another Passover. How thoughtful He was to put me before Himself & lay His blood on the door posts of my heart so that the angel of death would pass over me.
He too, sees beautiful pieces of quartz laying all around and chooses them. He picks them up to carry them to show His proud Papa. Some of the pieces break or shatter on the way back home as the road He travels is too rough for them and they cannot withstand it. So they don't make the journey. Others, become refined from rubbing against other pieces He has placed in His pocket and indeed at journey's end are even more beautiful than when the journey first began.
I want to be like the latter. So that when He presents me to His proud Papa he can say, "She wasn't this beautiful when I found her, but oh look Dad how the journey has made her gisten and sparkle. I am so glad I chose her. Even though I carried the weight of her sin & shame, I knew you would be proud when you saw her."
These little rocks may not mean anything to a jewler who searches for the most precious stones to be sold at auction to the highest bidder and the wealthy. They may seem to be just a poor man's diamonds but oh how they remind me of God's people.
"Many are called but few are chosen." Matthew 22:14
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day
So my hubby asked me what I wanted for the "Red Hallmark Made Up Holiday" as he so eloquently puts it. Two things immediately come to mind, neither of which are gifts. The first being, of course he has no clue who St. Valentine was and has completely abandoned his Catholic roots, but nevetheless I keep praying. The second is being subtle is lost on a man. I mean really, "What do I want?" I am happy that he even remembered but gee whiz don't ask me what I want? It takes the fun out of it.
Anywho, I told him to get me flowers (duh!), a card (double duh!), & I wanted a Mercy Me cd entitled 'Undone'. So I get the cd & open the cover to read the intro & I was blown away by what Bart had said. First he quoted Phillipians 3 from the Message Bible then he goes on to write the following: "We decided on the title "undone" because it sums up where we are as a ministry & as individuals. We thought we knew where we were headed until Christ stepped in & everything came "undone". While His plans came together, our plans came unraveled. I believe that is exactly where God wants us...undone. Incomplete. Unsettled with what we think is best, & embracing Christ, who know's what's best. Trust me, we will never know all the answers or have it all together, but thankfully, we know who does. Undone, Bart"
That pretty much sums it all up for me. The minute I think I know exactly where I'm headed, BOOM! Everything comes undone & God's plan step in. I mean literally. Just like when I thought I didn't need marriage, then when I was perfectly happy with zero children, we get five in four years - talk about coming unglued! The hardest thing for me is to accept what He wants to give me instead of continually turning the pages of my imaginary catalog & asking Daddy for everything else on the pages. Of course He knows what's best for me but why is it so hard to accept?
Clearly I can't see the beauty that lies ahead because my head is down from being too focused on what is right in front of me. I don't have time to smell the flowers or enjoy the sunrise/sunsets because I am constantly needed, wanted or pulled in six different directions. So as Bart puts it "this is exactly where God wants me to be...undone. Incomplete. Unsettled with what 'I' think is best, & embracing Christ, who knows what's best."
I never expected to be thrown into this adulthood that has become my life - wife, mother of five, parents recently deceased, grieving over a sister who went home to the Lord over 5 years ago, immediate family is miles away, and the list goes on and on. But the last song in this cd (which is now my favorite Valentine's Day gift ever) sums it up for me even more:
"Another rainy day / I can't recall having sunshine on my face / All I feel is pain / All I wanna do is walk out of this place / But when I am stuck, I can't move / When I don't know what I should do / When I wonder if I'll ever make it through // But I gotta keep singing / I gotta keep praising Your name / You're the one that's keeping my heart beating / I gotta keep singing / I gotta keep praising Your name / That's the only way that I'll find healing / Can I climb up in Your lap / I don't wanna leave / Jesus sing over me / I gotta keep singing // Oh You're everything I need / And I gotta keep singing."
Keep Singing, Words & Music by Bart Millard, Barry Graul & Peter Kipley
Anywho, I told him to get me flowers (duh!), a card (double duh!), & I wanted a Mercy Me cd entitled 'Undone'. So I get the cd & open the cover to read the intro & I was blown away by what Bart had said. First he quoted Phillipians 3 from the Message Bible then he goes on to write the following: "We decided on the title "undone" because it sums up where we are as a ministry & as individuals. We thought we knew where we were headed until Christ stepped in & everything came "undone". While His plans came together, our plans came unraveled. I believe that is exactly where God wants us...undone. Incomplete. Unsettled with what we think is best, & embracing Christ, who know's what's best. Trust me, we will never know all the answers or have it all together, but thankfully, we know who does. Undone, Bart"
That pretty much sums it all up for me. The minute I think I know exactly where I'm headed, BOOM! Everything comes undone & God's plan step in. I mean literally. Just like when I thought I didn't need marriage, then when I was perfectly happy with zero children, we get five in four years - talk about coming unglued! The hardest thing for me is to accept what He wants to give me instead of continually turning the pages of my imaginary catalog & asking Daddy for everything else on the pages. Of course He knows what's best for me but why is it so hard to accept?
Clearly I can't see the beauty that lies ahead because my head is down from being too focused on what is right in front of me. I don't have time to smell the flowers or enjoy the sunrise/sunsets because I am constantly needed, wanted or pulled in six different directions. So as Bart puts it "this is exactly where God wants me to be...undone. Incomplete. Unsettled with what 'I' think is best, & embracing Christ, who knows what's best."
I never expected to be thrown into this adulthood that has become my life - wife, mother of five, parents recently deceased, grieving over a sister who went home to the Lord over 5 years ago, immediate family is miles away, and the list goes on and on. But the last song in this cd (which is now my favorite Valentine's Day gift ever) sums it up for me even more:
"Another rainy day / I can't recall having sunshine on my face / All I feel is pain / All I wanna do is walk out of this place / But when I am stuck, I can't move / When I don't know what I should do / When I wonder if I'll ever make it through // But I gotta keep singing / I gotta keep praising Your name / You're the one that's keeping my heart beating / I gotta keep singing / I gotta keep praising Your name / That's the only way that I'll find healing / Can I climb up in Your lap / I don't wanna leave / Jesus sing over me / I gotta keep singing // Oh You're everything I need / And I gotta keep singing."
Keep Singing, Words & Music by Bart Millard, Barry Graul & Peter Kipley
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sidewalk Prophets
My son has a friend he's known since kindergarten or first grade. He & this friend have been in several classes together since elementary school. He constantly talks about this friend & they both enjoy each other's company. Whenever we are out and about @ local or school sponsored events my son looks for his friend & vice versa. Over the past few years I have made several attempts to contact his mother by phone & in person to set a specific event for the two of them to spend time together & for she & I to become better acquainted.
She has yet to return a phone call to me but my son constantly asks for his friend to come over. I see this other mother conversing with other parents without any problems. But when it comes to me, she is at a loss for words. I have no other reason but to believe that she prefer her own color/race. My son is still too young to notice such things nor are my husband (his father) & I raising him to notice such things.
It is very frustrating to say the least especially after attempting to make the first move several times & having it not be returned as well as steering my son to other kids in his class. All this is to no avail as he wants to be with this certain friend.
Me being the strong praying woman that God has gifted me to be, I went to the Father about this. I let Him know my frustrations with this & how badly it hurts me to experience racial rejection based on what the other person perceives without really knowing me. I explained to Him that I realize that this type of rejection is more than 1000 centuries old but nevertheless it still hurts. I asked my heavenly father how to deal with this especially when I have to love these people (all people for that matter) just as He commanded me to do so.
As I went about my day I turned on the radio for praise music while I made the kid's lunches. I just love listening to K-Love & am always inspired by music that truly lifts of the name of God. Not shortly thereafter they played a song by Sidewalk Prophets. I am sure this was God using the Holy Spirit to lift me up (as He always does) & letting me know it was going to be okay.
"Be strong in the Lord & never give up hope. you're gonna do great things, I already know. God's got His hand you so don't live life in fear." Although I've heard this song a thousand times, this time what really struck me was - "Forigve & forget but don't forget why you're here. Take your time & pray & thank God for each day." The last thing that struck me was - "His love will find a way, these are the words I would say."
So until he is old enough to understand or until she decides to allow them to play together outside of school I am to "forgive & forget but don't forget why I'm here" & I'm to know that "His love will find a way." Doesn't it always when we allow it?
She has yet to return a phone call to me but my son constantly asks for his friend to come over. I see this other mother conversing with other parents without any problems. But when it comes to me, she is at a loss for words. I have no other reason but to believe that she prefer her own color/race. My son is still too young to notice such things nor are my husband (his father) & I raising him to notice such things.
It is very frustrating to say the least especially after attempting to make the first move several times & having it not be returned as well as steering my son to other kids in his class. All this is to no avail as he wants to be with this certain friend.
Me being the strong praying woman that God has gifted me to be, I went to the Father about this. I let Him know my frustrations with this & how badly it hurts me to experience racial rejection based on what the other person perceives without really knowing me. I explained to Him that I realize that this type of rejection is more than 1000 centuries old but nevertheless it still hurts. I asked my heavenly father how to deal with this especially when I have to love these people (all people for that matter) just as He commanded me to do so.
As I went about my day I turned on the radio for praise music while I made the kid's lunches. I just love listening to K-Love & am always inspired by music that truly lifts of the name of God. Not shortly thereafter they played a song by Sidewalk Prophets. I am sure this was God using the Holy Spirit to lift me up (as He always does) & letting me know it was going to be okay.
"Be strong in the Lord & never give up hope. you're gonna do great things, I already know. God's got His hand you so don't live life in fear." Although I've heard this song a thousand times, this time what really struck me was - "Forigve & forget but don't forget why you're here. Take your time & pray & thank God for each day." The last thing that struck me was - "His love will find a way, these are the words I would say."
So until he is old enough to understand or until she decides to allow them to play together outside of school I am to "forgive & forget but don't forget why I'm here" & I'm to know that "His love will find a way." Doesn't it always when we allow it?
Friday, February 19, 2010
11 Ordinary Men
My Jesus, my Savior, Lord there is none like you...
As I head to bed this morning @ 3:30am after my own private praise session, a funny thought occurred to me: "We have the gospel today because of 11 ordinary men - 2000 years later how the world has been turned upside down! Satan actually believed the lie he told to himself - "If I destroy Jesus in the flesh, His truth spreading will stop." This is where I had to laugh because well, we know how the story ends. An ultimate lamb sacrifice was made & now we can all bodly approach the throne.
As we enter into the season of Lent & prepare to celebrate another Resurrection Sunday, let's keep in mind those 11 ordinary men Jesus chose (who lived extordinarily for Christ) to help begin His ministry. We too can, just like they did, turn the world upside down one soul at a time.
...Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.
As I head to bed this morning @ 3:30am after my own private praise session, a funny thought occurred to me: "We have the gospel today because of 11 ordinary men - 2000 years later how the world has been turned upside down! Satan actually believed the lie he told to himself - "If I destroy Jesus in the flesh, His truth spreading will stop." This is where I had to laugh because well, we know how the story ends. An ultimate lamb sacrifice was made & now we can all bodly approach the throne.
As we enter into the season of Lent & prepare to celebrate another Resurrection Sunday, let's keep in mind those 11 ordinary men Jesus chose (who lived extordinarily for Christ) to help begin His ministry. We too can, just like they did, turn the world upside down one soul at a time.
...Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.
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