but as for me...

Anticipation (part three)

2011-04-08T07:49:00.004-04:00

I think many of us would agree that much of the anticipation we feel here on earth circles around the idea that we can make this world better. Think about the efforts we put into our lives and making them better. We live in an anticipation of a better marriage, better children, better work, better health, better joy....It seems that in the depths of our souls is a longing so deep that we spend much of our time trying to satisfy it by making things "better". I believe with all my heart that this longing can only be satisfied when creation meets creator. We have a living God who knit each one of us together in our mother's wombs- just as he paints the skies and gives color to flowers. Our longing is for Him alone whether we know it or not. In my last post I wrote about knowing the Bridegroom, our creator, and how that is the first step in fulfilling the craving for something better. Being filled with anticipation for something out of this world. In this post I will write about how sometimes we get off course trying to satisfy that craving in our own way in what I call this life living. The truth is that we get caught up in this life living because we put time restraints on our lives. This astounds me. One of the greatest truths in scripture is that we are promised eternity. This life isn't IT. Read what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1: 9-10

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death, and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Destroyed death. Brought life and immortality. Wow. When we begin to fully grasp this wonderful truth we will then begin to understand what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

So if we know as followers of Christ we are promised eternity how should that change the way we live here on earth? Should we be frantically trying to cram it all in living with the pressing notion that our time is soon up? Should we be throwing all of ourselves into our earthly relationships? Should we be living with the idea that we can bring a better world and peace? How are we to live in sight of eternity? Well, I have an idea. First let's recognize that should we decide to live wholly committed to God, that doesn't mean we'll float through life without problems. Paul made if very clear above that in our earthly tents we will be burdened. Also, check out what was written in 2 Chronicles 16:9

"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."

His eyes are on us promising us strength as we live this life. As He watches you live what is it he seeing? This question comes to me everyday. How do I live? It's summed up quite nicely in Titus 2:11-14

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are is very own, eager to do what is good."

As we live this life and pursue "godliness" it is going to mean something different for each one of us as we are all dealing with our own personal sin. Ask God to reveal these things to you. I believe as we take this step we will begin to discover a wonderful anticipation in the blessed hope of Christ and that this life living will take a back seat to living wholly committed to God. Even as I sought 'how to live' today, I was encouraged by Paul's writing in Titus 2 where women are instructed to be "busy at home". I can handle that! Many times I think we confuse what God expects from us. He simply wants our attention (love) which brings about a holy anticipation for all that He promises. Are your attentions on Him today or on this life? Be filled with anticipation my friend.

Anticipation (part two)

2011-03-30T07:29:00.011-04:00

If you haven't read my last blog post Anticipation (part one), this post won't make much sense. So, I'd encourage you to start there. You'll find it in the blog archives.

I truly believe that as followers of Christ we should be filled with anticipation so great that it consumes us. A longing and desire so incredible that nothing here on earth can seem to quench or fulfill it. It's an anticipation that pushes past this life and into an eternity that our minds cannot even begin to comprehend. God allows glimpses of what is to come and certainly gives us pictures of things here that point us in that direction but, often times, we miss those clues all together and for various reasons. Today we start with reason number one.

1. Do you know the Bridegroom?

Thinking back again on my wedding preparations, I am certain that (at that time in my life) nothing could have quenched the desire I had to be a wife to this man. Everything I was doing in preparation for that big day was ultimately about being united with him in life. Becoming one. No other thing could have satisfied me. Just him. Why? Because I knew him. I knew what his plans were for our life. I knew that he wanted to care for me and my girls. I knew he was a man of integrity. When he proposed, Doug didn't appeal to my girlish romantic side, but something much deeper. He wanted to serve me. At the time, I didn't even grasp the depths of that kind of love, but I've come to understand that it's exactly the kind of love Jesus demonstrates to us. As scripture teaches (Matthew 20:28) Jesus declared that he came to serve- not to be served and to give his life as ransom for many. I believe all of our longings are wrapped up in this desire we have to love and be loved like this. Here on earth we can experience this love in marriage, but God is really pointing us to an even more incredible marriage- Creator + His beloved creation and the only way you could possibly be filled with holy anticipation for this event is if you know the Bridegroom. So, do you?

I could easily list one hundred reasons why I think you should believe that Jesus is the Bridegroom and the only true God. And I claim that right here and now. Jesus is the only way to God. But, the fact remains, you are on your own journey figuring things out in your own way and only the Spirit of God can reveal such truth to you- and I beg Him to do so now so that you don't live another second without knowing your source of life. Over much time and spiritual growth I've discovered that faith comes differently to each of us. Two of my dearest friends have always had enormous faith. They didn't need to know all the facts or study theology. They just believe. I, on the other hand, had to have answers. I needed to know why I believe what I believe and I still struggle with 'needing knowledge'. Knowledge doesn't equal faith. Faith is childlike and unpretentious. I will share with you one thought that a professor in college shared with me that has stuck with me all these years and was a turning point for me and my walk of faith. Christianity is the only religion where God revealed himself to man. Take a look for yourself. Never in Christianity do you see humans conjuring up God -as if he could be conjured up! He was always God, revealing himself to His creation as He wanted. Period. To me, that just speaks volumes. If I'm going to go out on a limb and have faith in a God, he oughta be bigger than anything I could dream up!

Knowing Christ is just the first step towards holy anticipation and the only thing that will quench that deep desire that lives within you. If you're life just feels like it's missing something, maybe it is! Consider this now- would you rather live a life anticipating death or live a life anticipating eternity? Meet the Bridegroom today and live the rest of your life certain of your eternity. Live a life filled with great anticipation of the Bridegrooms return for his bride. (Matthew 25)

Anticipation (part one)

2011-03-24T08:11:00.008-04:00

The greatest anticipation I have ever experienced was my wedding day. It came quickly, too. Doug and I met in January 1998 and were married by June 1998. Never had I experienced such a thing. From the day he proposed until the day of the ceremony, my thoughts were of that day. My dress. The flowers. The bridesmaids. The food. The decorations. The pictures. The music. The honeymoon. Surprisingly, I somehow managed to work and care for two little children during that time despite the fact that my thoughts were consumed with wedding details. Of course the day came and went and, like many a brides will tell you, much of it is a big blur. Isn't that strange?

Well, there is another wedding banquet being prepared even as I write, and I will assure you of this- IT WILL NOT BE A BLUR. Though I believe not enough believers give enough thought to this truth, the fact remains that the church is the BRIDE OF CHRIST and as any man would do after his proposal, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. In John 14:3 we read:

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and
take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.

So knowing this, why in the world aren't we filled with great anticipation? Seriously. We are talking about the creator of all things. The Alpha and Omega. Jehovah Jireh. El Shaddai. Adonai. Jehovah-Nissi. If He were to look down from the throne today, would He find you filled with holy anticipation of His return? Or, are you experiencing more anticipation with earthly things than you are anticipating the return of the Bridegroom? Jesus even warned us of this in the parable of ten virgins written in Matthew 25.http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25+&version=NIV&src=embed I urge you to read this story. Of the ten virgins only five were prepared and ready for his return! Which group would you fall into today?

I think there are many reasons we simply don't get this. I'm going to spend the next few blog sessions going over a few of them. Let me list them here to give you an idea of where I am going with this.

1. You simply DON'T know Christ.

2. You are caught up in "this life" living.

3. You DON'T grasp eternity.

Can you see that you may fall into one of these categories? Maybe not. Maybe you are filled with Holy Anticipation and this may just serve as an encouragement to share your excitement with someone! Whatever the case may be, please look for my next post on the subject of Anticipation. And, as I encouraged you to do above, read Matthew 25. I've put a link to it below. It will surely speak to you.

http://http//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25+&version=NIV&src=embed

The Despair of Stuckedness

2011-03-09T07:25:00.001-05:00

Yeah, you read it right. "Stuckedness". If one could find such a word in Websters, it might be defined like this:

Stuckedness- A period of time in which a person lives without examining themselves and their character to bring to light areas of wrong thinking, wrong living and wrong being which leads to a overwhelming feeling of being stuck (though they blame it on their circumstances not their behavior). These periods of time result in an overwhelming feeling of despair and hopelessness.

We all know people who live in stuckedness. Perhaps you've lived there before. Perhaps you reside there now. Whatever the case, I think we can all agree that stuckedness is not a joyful place. I'm not sure there is a more lonely place to live. But the good news is, you need not stay. If you are a true follower of Christ, sealed with the Holy Spirit, freedom awaits. The problem is the world promotes all sorts of solutions to your problem of stuckedness and, chances are, you've tried them all. The truth is, only the TRUTH can set you free.

If there has ever been a group of people who should not live in stuckedness it's Christians! All eternity awaits us, yet many of us live in gloom and despair! What the heck is wrong with us? Stuckedness. Listen, when and if you've accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, you were sealed with the Spirit. Hear these words Paul spoke in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22:

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.

If it doesn't blow you away that he put His Spirit in your hearts as a deposit, you need to stop right now and let that thought sink in. The very Spirit of God lives in you. The very Spirit of God lives in you. The very Spirit of God lives in you and is a guarantee of what is to come- ETERNITY IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

We know that God came to give us life not stuckedness. Life full here on earth and also throughout eternity. But, truth is, some of us are off to a real lame start. You may read the accounts of the Israelites wandering around in the desert for forty years (a great example of stuckedness)and think to yourself "What a bunch of goofs! The promise land is right there!". But, if truth be told, might a good examination of your life reveal the same? Are you wandering around the desert (stuckedness) ? Knowing what we know,we should be able to see this stuff in our lives! The veil has been lifted folks! Check this out:

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord
is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we,
who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into
his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the
Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:17 &18

Did you get that? Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! Freedom from actual death and freedom from the like death/despair of stuckedness my friend! A transformation awaits. And though we might want the quick fixes the world offers, only the transformation brought on by the Holy Spirit will truly work. Be okay with the fact that it takes time. A lifetime. But what else better do you have going on? Examine yourself today. Everyday. Right now. Repent. Accept forgiveness. Seek transformation. Don't spend another minute in stuckedness. You were called for something greater. A promise land awaits.

Winter Haters

2011-02-28T10:27:00.002-05:00

I know that there will be a few of you who want to punch me after reading this. I'll apologize now for rubbing you the wrong way. But what I'm going to write about today needs to be said and I have to believe there are a few of you who will totally understand where I'm coming from. At the end we will all still be friends, okay?

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard "I hate this snow", "I'm tired of the snow", "I hate winter"or "Think Spring", I'd have a purse full of money right now. In fact, just this morning as I was heading to the computer to write this, my husband wakes and comes walking through the house. He slows in front of a window only to pause and say "I hate this time of year". I had to laugh. I told him that my blog might be a help to him today. It's winter in Michigan and people are fed up. Year. After year. After year. Really? Yep.

Now, this is the part that may make you want to punch me. I honestly can never remember thinking any bad thoughts about snow. I never wish that winter was over. I certainly never think in mid February that we may not see anymore snow. Just doesn't cross my mind. It's winter. A time to hibernate with my family. Each snowfall delights me. When it get's brown and muddy I only wish for more snow to cover it up. This obviously doesn't make me anything special . It's just the way I am. I seriously put no effort into liking winter. It just seems natural to me to delight in it. It did get me thinking about you folks who are fed up with the snow though. How in the world could I encourage the Winter Haters? God knew exactly how. Let me share with you.

Isaiah 55:8-9 is one of my favorite passages of scripture. It says:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways,
declares the Lord.
as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your
ways and my thoughts than your thoughts....

Guess what God proclaims next in verses 10 &11?

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it
without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields
seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my
mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and
achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

The truth is that every snowflake that falls was designed and ordained by God to water the earth so that the spring bud may appear, bring seed and then bread. Wow. And then he parallels it with his word that should do the same in us! An even bigger WOW! Could it be that God in his infinite wisdom is trying to water you with his word causing you to bud and flourish? Bringing about a spring in you? I think so. Let his word change you. Instead of wasting another breath declaring how much you hate the snow or winter, declare instead how good God is to provide water to bring about the Spring bud. This glorious winter season ushers in another glorious season friends. Rejoice. Rejoice. Rejoice.

Called Religious

2011-02-18T13:50:00.003-05:00

On many occasions I've been described as religious. A resistance rises in me each time I hear this because, the truth is, I don't want to be known as religious. Now listen, if you're a friend who has referred to me in this way please know that I wasn't offended, but provoked to think. And I love being provoked like that. It always leads to personal growth and transformation. And just cause it needs to be said more often- Christians should practice being less easily offended and more moved to love deeply. Okay, so back to my thoughts.

So, why don't I like to be called religious? Well first let me start by saying this. I am a follower of Christ. I am not made holy or religious by anything I DO. I am holy and set apart simply because I know the one true living God. Truth is, many people appear "religious" but don't know God at all. What I desire is that people come to know God because they knew me- not because I'm something special but rather because my God is. God wants to be KNOWN. He's not satisfied with people behaving nicely just because the they think He may exist. Paul spoke to a group of men in Athens whom he referred to as religious. These men were great thinkers and were probably trying their darnedest to know God. They were probably very good people. Nice people. Happy people. Loving people. But they didn't know God- which just made them religious as Paul put it in Acts 17:16-34. Here's verses 22-23:

Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship I even found an altar with the inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship is something unknown I am going to proclaim to you."

Paul then proceeds to tell them of God. Many of them became believers that day. Their searches to know a God ended. They became followers of Christ. The unknown God they were trying to worship became KNOWN!

I'll leave you with these thoughts that Paul wrote in Romans 1:20. And, if you don't know God, drink in these words because God is trying to reveal himself to you. He desperately wants you to KNOW him.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

Know Him today.

To Marvel or Not?

2011-02-08T07:53:00.003-05:00

When a child is first born, we find ourselves marveling over every little detail of their bodies-even when they are not our own children. Their eyes seeing things for the very first time. Their soft fuzzy skin. Their tiny toes and fingers. The beat of their tiny little heart. And, even as they grow, we marvel at their new skills. They begin to recognize us. They form words. They show affection. They get angry. And we sit and marvel at it all. It's captivating to watch them. But, did you ever notice that there comes a time when we stop marveling? When that once very wonderful, captivating little being becomes "big"? Suddenly, there seems little to marvel at. Or is there?

Marvel defined: to be filled with wonder, admiration, or astonishment, as at something surprising or extraordinary.

There is something about children. They are trusting and unpretentious. It's no wonder they can capture our hearts so easily. They haven no hidden agendas- only to be loved and nurtured. Think of what Jesus said in Matthew 18:3.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

So, why does Jesus tell us to change and become like little children or we won't enter the kingdom of heaven? Could it be that he wants to give the world something to "marvel"? Could it be that He wants the world to see us 'big people' as trusting and unpretentious? Absolutely.

The problem? We can't even marvel at one another. We would rather make a list of a persons faults and character defects than be filled with wonder at how God created them. How do we intend to make a watching world 'marvel' as we knit-pick the daylights out of one another? Don't worry though, they won't watch for long! And your chance to show them the love of Christ will be forever lost.

I urge you today to be trusting and unpretentious. Be childlike. Marvel at someone. The people who surround you in life- they are extraordinary creations of God (whether you see it or not). Trust someone. Give someone something to marvel at in you. They might just catch a glimpse of Christ.

Loving our Children

2011-02-03T08:39:00.003-05:00

I remember the day so remarkably well. I only say that because I don't remember much well-a gift and a curse. But, that day, I remember. Junior high gym class. An office aide comes walking into the gym, pink slip in hand, and gives it to the gym teacher (whom I don't remember at all). The teacher then hands the slip to me. Weird. I've never been called to the office- well, that I can remember. So, I step outside the gym and find my mom standing there. I can immediately tell that somethings not right but had no idea what it could be. Such naivete. She then told me that my sweet cousin Barry was dead.

Now, if any of you have a family like mine you know that losing one is excruciating. We are family. Sure, we are cousins, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters....but we are family. It's been that way since I can remember. It was always "more" that what I saw in other families. Just different. Knit together so deeply in love that it makes losing one almost unbearable. Losing Barry was my first lesson in this.

While we were both very young, Barry made quite an impression on me in life. This is why: he told me I was sweet, and beautiful, and made me feel special. I believe he just had a way with people- the kind of "way" that just makes people happy. That was Barry- at least my memory of him. And, now he was gone.

They say you have experiences in life that forever influence you in ways you may not even know. Barry's funeral was one of those for me. Raw. Pain. Loss. I can still hear the cries of his mother, my sweet Aunt Shar. In fact, that's all I can remember about that funeral. That day hurt. And, now years later, that day teaches me.

My kids are breathing today. They are well or as "well" as we can be this side of eternity. God has given me another day to love them, guide them and encourage them. But, really, mostly love them. And, I will do my best to do that well. They will make me mad, disappoint me, thrill me, push me, make me smile, make me laugh and I will love them. This day. Every day. No matter what. Just like God loves me.

Still thinking about Jonah

2011-02-01T08:50:00.004-05:00

Now, I don't know about you but I'm not sure I would think of being in the belly of a fish as a gift from God. Seems more like punishment, don't you think? But look what the scripture says:

"But the Lord provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights." Jonah 1:17 NIV

A "provision"....really? To me that's just incredible. Without giving it too much (or enough for that matter), I've always taken on the idea that Jonah just got what he had coming to him. You're going to disobey God? Fine. Then you're going to spend a few days in the disgusting guts of a fish. There. Punishment and discipline for sure. But that wasn't it at all (or wasn't all of it). The fish was God's provision! God had planned and prepared for that great fish to be right there at that exact time.

Many times,when we do not heed the Lord's directions, we find ourselves "in the belly" per se. Perhaps a touch of discipline is involved. But what did this provision really "provide" Jonah? A time of discovering that God is God and we are not! Why do we think we should be able to call all the shots? Again we learn that God's way is not ours. And His way IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN OURS! (Isaiah 55:8-9)

I don't know if you are "in the belly" after going in the opposite direction God wanted you to go. But, if you are, think of this. First of all, God has given you this time "in the belly" as a provision! It's a gift. Secondly, the last thing Jonah said before being vomited out was "But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord." (Jonah 2:9) So, sing a song of thanksgiving at His great provision and at whatever He is calling you to do and see if you don't find yourself standing on the shore with another chance to serve Him.

Just like Jonah

2011-01-31T06:53:00.002-05:00

God speaks to me. I know this freaks some people out but it's true. God speaks to me as gently as the most tender and kind friend and the message is always clear and concise. I'm certainly not special by any means. He's spoken to his people all throughout time and the Bible is full of stories of how men and women have responded to His voice. The story of Jonah is one of those stories and I believe it holds a wealth of wisdom for all of us to this very day. This morning as I was pondering a situation in my life I thought to myself "I'm just like Jonah!". I don't know how much you know of the story of Jonah, but it goes something like this:

1. God tells Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and preach against it.
2. Jonah (because of his own personal feelings about how God should deal with Nineveh) decides not to go and heads to Tarshish instead. The exact opposite direction of Nineveh!
3. Jonah winds up on a boat, in a storm, tossed over, and swallowed up by a big fish.
4. After 3 days, he's vomited up on the shore and then decides to go to Nineveh.
5. After preaching to Nineveh, the people repent but Jonah pouts- still upset that God didn't handle things his way.

Okay, so how am I "Just like Jonah"? Well, God clearly spoke to me a few months ago about what I was to do in 2011. And guess what? For some reason I can't figure out- I started heading in the direct opposite direction! Before I could blink I got caught up in the storm, tossed overboard, swallowed up and spit out. Now I standing on the shore saying "Okay, Lord. Sorry about that. Please forgive me."

Now, I'm trying to end my story a little better than Jonah did his. I surely must know, having read the story of Jonah dozens of times, that God's direction for us and His plan for others is always better than anything I could possibly come up with! Right? Without a doubt. No use pouting.

So, if He's speaking to you today- listen to Him! If you are in the storm,in the water, in the belly, or on the shore- just turn to Him. His mercies are new everyday! And, even more incredible than that, HE WILL STILL USE YOU!

Are you barely getting by?

2011-01-28T07:27:00.003-05:00

I couldn't help but be moved this morning as I read these words from the book The Journey of Desire by John Eldridge.

"...even though we sleep, our desire does not. It is who we are. We are desire. It is the essence of every human soul, the secret of our existence. Absolutely nothing of human greatness is ever accomplished without it. Not a symphony has been written, a mountain climbed, an injustice fought, or a love sustained apart from desire. Desire fuels our search for the life we prize. Our desire, if we will listen to it, will save us from committing soul-suicide, the sacrifice of our hearts on the altar of "getting by." The same old thing is not enough. It never will be."

I don't know about you, but for me, "getting by" is a dreadful way to live. It scares me more than anything in life. It's so mediorche and, I believe, so far from how God designed us to live. Now, I know that there are times in life when we truly are barely getting by whether it be financially, spiritually, mentally, emotionally... The problem is that all to often we stay there in that sea of no hope where "desire" seems about as unreal as talking snowmen.

Have you been sacrificing your hearts to "getting by"? Look around today at every corner of your life. Are you living out the desires of your heart? Can you even recognize what they are? Do you know that in Psalm 145:16 it says the God opens his hand and satisfies the desires of every living thing? Imagine that! God already knows the desires of your heart, He's just waiting on you to move.

Don't waste another day just "getting by"- there is no real living in that friends. Search your heart, dust off your desires, and let God know your ready because He certainly is.

Submission to Rulers and Masters

2011-01-27T07:29:00.002-05:00

I think it strange that all over the world governments have been established despite the fact that people have always been in desperate pursuit of "freedom". Despite the Israelites freedom from a government in 1000 b.c., we find them begging for a King to rule over them in 1 Samuel 8. God granted their wishes and established their government and gave them their first king, Saul. I believe God continues to "govern" over our governments to this very day- putting in position people for His purposes and surely not because he's affiliated with a certain party! Sure, we have elections, but we must never forget the sovereignty of our great big God. He is ALWAYS in control despite how things may look to us.

As I searched for scripture regarding this matter, I came first to 1 Peter 2:13. This just made me chuckle. I love Peter. Peter was passionate, full of himself, scared, and definitely struggled with authority! Remember, he denied Christ three times! Yet, he gave these instructions:

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King."

Paul also wrote about this matter in Titus 3:1-2

"Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

and also in Romans 13:1

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."

Now, I KNOW those are some hard scriptures to really take in. It makes us squirm, grind our teeth, go crossed-eyed and let out a big "urggghhhhhhhh". But remember these two things:

1. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for ever good work."

2. Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Now, we may not like the shape our Government is in, but please remember this- WE WERE NEVER DESIGNED TO TRUST IN OUR GOVERNMENT! In 1 Samuel 8 God didn't allow the establishment of Israel's first government because HE couldn't handle the job, but rather because he wanted His people to see that they are ALWAYS better off worshipping and trusting in the one true King. So, where will you put your trust today? In the hands of very imperfect men and women (just like you and me I might add!) or in the hands of our Mighty and Powerful God?

State of the Heart Address

2011-01-26T07:37:00.002-05:00

If you were to stand in front of all your family, friends, neighbors and God to give a State of the Heart Address, how earnestly and honestly could you speak of yourself? How difficult would it be to dig deep into the brokeness of your heart to speak truth about how it shapes your life? We are so very good at telling the world what we think it wants to hear about us. We are strong. We are courageous. We are bold. We are smart, etc. ....WE WILL BE FINE! But, the truth is many days we are hanging on by a thread. Why are we so afraid of saying that? Do we fear it makes us look weak? Or that if we actually say those words, that we might suddenly lose grip of that thread? Well, what would be so wrong with that?

Could it be that when we admit that "we're just barely hanging on", that it gives God room to do exactly what He wants with us? Or that if we hold too tightly screaming "I AM FINE!" we allow God no room at all to do marvelous things in our life?

Let me share something with you today from the brokeness of my heart. I am scared for our great nation today. And I'm NOT afraid of the ideas from either party. What scares me most is that it seems that everyone is screaming "WE WILL BE FINE!" when in fact, we are hanging by a thread. Perhaps, if we join together crying out to God "WE ARE HANGING BY A THREAD!" we could allow Him room to do some supernatural, amazing things right now.

Friends, cry out today. If there is a verse that stands out to me more than any other in scripture it's "And, God heard the cries of his people..." He's listening.

Verbal Littering

2011-01-25T09:40:00.002-05:00

Just this morning a cousin of mine made a facebook post about someone he's been witnessing littering fast food trash while driving on Brushy mountain- a beautiful spot in eastern Kentucky where all my people are from. Apparently, it's happened frequently and my cousin (along with many others) are frustrated with such ignorant carelessness. Who just throws a bag of garbage out the window ? It truly upsets me. I just don't get it. But, I tell you what- it did get me thinking about something this morning.

I think if we get honest we would admit that many of the words we speak each day may fall into the "garbage" category. Despite the fact the we may be good people, we get careless with our words and "litter" per se. And I would bet that sometimes people look/listen to us and think just what my cousin was thinking when he watched that person throw garbage out the window- "Why would anyone defile this beautiful mountain that way?". But don't we do the same with our words? Look at the ugliness we see everyday in the media in regards to politics. All the horrible words spoken each day could make up an entire landfill I'm sure! Of course, we use the guise of "freedom of speech" and such, but who are we kidding? It's verbal littering and it's defiles the beautiful landscape of our country. It flows into our homes, workplaces and even churches as well.

Read what James wrote in chapter 3:9-10

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."

Our words are so powerful. What are you building with yours today- a landfill of garbage or a mountain of love, goodness and praise? Today I will make an effort to speak what is pure and good and not litter my beautiful mountain . Will you?

Gaining Perspective

2011-01-24T10:07:00.002-05:00

The very first paragraph from the book i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio says this:

"Life is the tale of two stories-one finite and frail, the other eternal and enduring. The tiny one-the story of us- is as brief as the blink of an eye. Yet somehow our infatuation with our own little story-and our determination to make it as big as we possibly can-blinds us to the massive God Story that surrounds us on every side."

I must admit that most days I am infatuated with my little story (and making it bigger and better) and so easily distracted from the bigger God Story going on around me. Isn't it so easy to do? We read about it all throughout the Old Testament. Time after time, despite the crazy supernatural things God was doing, his people were constantly caught up with their own little lives and troubles. Even though I've read the stories over and over and know how important it is to keep my eyes on HIM, every day I battle. Today I struggle with the following:

1. Wanting to be loved more deeply
2. Wanting my kids to always make right decisions
3. Wanting to be understood

Those are just three but trust me- the list could go on! Now, looking at these things they seem like good healthy things to think on, right? Perhaps. However, if I really get honest about what I know as TRUTH from the scriptures I would look at it differently. I would instead say:

1. The people around me are struggling with not feeling deeply loved too. I should only be looking to God to be loved completely.

2. My kids will fail miserably in life just as I did. God is merciful and good and will care for them just as he's done for me.

3. God understands me when no one else does. That's all that matters.

How frail we are though! Despite knowing "right" thinking, I still have to talk myself through it every day. Thankfully, His mercies are new every day. What a wonderful gift.

Though the "story of us" is all the wonderful and horrible things it is, a bigger story surrounds us.
An "eternal and enduring" story. A story so big that our minds cannot even begin to grasp a small portion of it. So, if you're caught up today with your story- give it a rest. Look up to the heavens and know a bigger story is being told right at this very moment. Wow.

"BORN AGAIN" IN A WORLD WHERE IT JUST AIN'T COOL

2011-01-22T10:29:00.003-05:00

From the very first time I heard the phrase "born again" I just thought it sounded weird. Just plain silly. Certainly not something you'd want to say around all your friends in high school or at a luncheon with lady friends. It always seemed to me like something only crazy church people would say. Ignorance often times leads us to feel or develop wrong ideas about all sorts of things though. So, I'm going to say it right here -

There is nothing cooler, nothing more incredible, nothing more magnificent,
nothing more wondrous than being "born again"!

And how do I know this? Because God himself told us! In the book of John chapter 3, Jesus explained this very subject of being born again. Check it out:

Now there was man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him. In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."How can a man be born when he is already old? Nicodemus asked. Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born or water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.

This certainly takes the "silliness" right out of being born again! We are born again so that we can enter into the kingdom of God! I can think of no other place I'd rather go!

If any of you have witnessed the "flesh" birth, you know just how incredible it is. There seems to be nothing quite like it unless, of course, you've experienced the "spirit" birth. Born just of the "flesh" our desires are just for the flesh- eating, drinking,satisfying all our physical and emotional desires. Born of the "spirit"our desires change and become those of pleasing our creator and spreading his great, immense love. It's like we are given new lenses that reveal a world that was hidden before. It's so much more intense-overwhelming at times. Being "born again" is cooler than anything I've every experienced in life, despite how it may sound. So, I guess the question is, are you born again?

2011-01-21T10:39:00.003-05:00

"...I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not it's measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."

2011 was here and I had nothing on the books. No big events. No big plans. No commitments. Nothing. Just a stay at home mom with meals to cook, laundry to do and kids to cart around . Now many of you I know are thinking, "Wow, what a life!". But for me- a passionate visionary and dreamer with a incredible desire for change and movement and action- I was petrified. I came back to that question I've asked myself a million times before "What is my purpose?". And, after a few days of good old worthless self-pity, I came across this scripture in Psalm 71:14-18 and was reminded (for like the millionth time) of what God's purpose for me(and even you) is.

Jesus said something similar to the disciples before he ascended into heaven, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Luke 16:15). That command was for me too and yet here I am standing in front of another year of my life wondering what to do. How silly.

"But as for me...". A declaration, right? The psalmist was making a decision about how he would follow and serve God. His circumstances mattered NOT. Declaring the good news of Christ is enough! And that is exactly what I will do this year. How busy I am matters NOT. How many ministries I am involved in matters NOT. Declaring God's forgiveness, mercy, love and salvation is now on my books for 2011 and that's plenty enough for me.