My husband, Greg, was told recently that he had high blood pressure and needed to loose some weight in order to help it come down. As support (and because it can't hurt!) Mariah and I have joined him. I was pretty shocked to discover just how much and how often I was eating when I wasn't paying attention. My normal pattern is when I feel hungry; I head to the pantry.
I should learn to do the same with my walk with the Lord. Typically, I spend time with Him each morning; praying and reading the Word. Often, I will pray more often during the day, but I don't often read His Word.
In John 4 where we have been reading, Jesus talks about sustainence. In verse 14 He says, "but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water, welling up to eternal life." Water, what we need, comes directly from Jesus. We can't get it from any other source.
Verse 34 then says, "My food, said Jesus, is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish his work."
We need both - water and food. In order to live this life, we need to take in directly from the source and we then give away what we have taken in by doing the will of Him. He wants to send us out just as He sent Jesus out.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Take a Long Drink
As I was sitting on the deck of the lake house we were staying at in the mountains, it was so quiet. The world had yet to awaken and it was serene. I heard a Canadian goose honk to some other geese. Then there was a chorus of honking. They closer they got to each other, to create their formation, the louder they got. They were encouraging each other to come along. Holy Spirit - make me that type of cheerleader. One who "honks" lovingly to those around me (especially those in my own household) to keep going; to come along. May I turn away from being harsh, impatient, quick to put down when a mistake is made. Remind me, that just like me, those around me grow best where grace flourishes.
That is exactly what Jesus extended to the woman at the well in John 4. Verses 1 - 26 share this well known story. Jesus asked this person for help. Seems like an unlikely conversation opener, but it worked well. "Will you give me a drink?" When the woman asks why He has asked her of all people, He responds with "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." v. 10
Jesus tells us it's ok to ask Him for something, when He asks us for something. He asks me to be more patient and give more grace to my family. I ask Him for the patience, love and grace to give it away.
He calls me to share His heart with others. I ask Him to show me fresh each day, where and what His heart is to share.
Holy Spirit, like the woman, I need a long and deep drink today. I feel tired from the day to day life and I need YOU. I asked, not just for a long drink, I ask for you to put a spring in my heart today, so that it is continually overflowing with every person I meet today.
Take a drink - it tastes great!
When
That is exactly what Jesus extended to the woman at the well in John 4. Verses 1 - 26 share this well known story. Jesus asked this person for help. Seems like an unlikely conversation opener, but it worked well. "Will you give me a drink?" When the woman asks why He has asked her of all people, He responds with "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." v. 10
Jesus tells us it's ok to ask Him for something, when He asks us for something. He asks me to be more patient and give more grace to my family. I ask Him for the patience, love and grace to give it away.
He calls me to share His heart with others. I ask Him to show me fresh each day, where and what His heart is to share.
Holy Spirit, like the woman, I need a long and deep drink today. I feel tired from the day to day life and I need YOU. I asked, not just for a long drink, I ask for you to put a spring in my heart today, so that it is continually overflowing with every person I meet today.
Take a drink - it tastes great!
When
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
New Stuff
When you have been reading the Word for a long time, sometimes it seems like you've read the same verses over and over again. It may help to try a new translation or look at a different view point from a Bible study.
For my birthday, Madi got me a new Bible. It is gorgeous...my favorite color combination - brown and green. If any of you have ever tried to switch to a new Bible, you know it can be really hard! My other Bible has been my companion since I was 16. I can find things in it that I could never find in your Bible - I know exactly where they are.
The good thing about a new Bible is that all of the familiar verses are not old and familiar because they have yet to be underlined, highlighted or tagged. It is in this situation that I found John 3:34 "For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit WITHOUT LIMIT!" Did you hear that? WITHOUT LIMIT! My question: What am I waiting for? The Spirit of the living God is available to me each and every day, without limit. He is there to help me to say the right things, think the right thoughts, share Him with my neighbor, serve my husband, wash another load of laundry and ask for the miracle healing that friend in need.
As you know from my blog on John 2, I am asking the Lord for more "new". New ways of seeing Him in my life. New ways for Him to use me outside of the way He has before. Not because He is new, but because He is everyday making me new.
Today, let's ask Him to give us His Spirit without limit. Blow our minds away, today, Lord! I can't wait to see and hear from You!
For my birthday, Madi got me a new Bible. It is gorgeous...my favorite color combination - brown and green. If any of you have ever tried to switch to a new Bible, you know it can be really hard! My other Bible has been my companion since I was 16. I can find things in it that I could never find in your Bible - I know exactly where they are.
The good thing about a new Bible is that all of the familiar verses are not old and familiar because they have yet to be underlined, highlighted or tagged. It is in this situation that I found John 3:34 "For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit WITHOUT LIMIT!" Did you hear that? WITHOUT LIMIT! My question: What am I waiting for? The Spirit of the living God is available to me each and every day, without limit. He is there to help me to say the right things, think the right thoughts, share Him with my neighbor, serve my husband, wash another load of laundry and ask for the miracle healing that friend in need.
As you know from my blog on John 2, I am asking the Lord for more "new". New ways of seeing Him in my life. New ways for Him to use me outside of the way He has before. Not because He is new, but because He is everyday making me new.
Today, let's ask Him to give us His Spirit without limit. Blow our minds away, today, Lord! I can't wait to see and hear from You!
Monday, July 28, 2008
The Bait of Jealousy
I've had heard from a few of you through email and am glad you are joining in the study of John. We're still in John 3; it is so full!
In verses 22 - 35, John the Baptist is speaking to a certain Jew about Jesus. The Jewish man says to John "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan - the one you testified about - well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." Sounds kind of like a line I might hear working out at the Y someday? "Did you hear...?"
Same bait; new situation. The trap is set and the bait is laid out. The question was whether or not John would take it. "To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given from him from heaven...He must become greater; I must become less." That my friend, is exactly how to respond to the big green-eyed monster. (Why do they call it that any way? If anyone knows, please let me in on that!)
Do you see the trap and bait Satan is laying out in your path? I have struggled with several of these: other parent's relationship with their kids, other people's ministries, other's apparent closeness with Jesus, other's lack of struggle with their kids. Over the years, I have gotten so much better at seeing another rejoice and rejoicing with them. John talks in this passage how his joy is complete now that Jesus has come. His joy is in seeing Jesus do what He came to do. Like John, my desire is to rejoice with others as well.
Last spring, Greg and I had a house to sell. We put it on the market in November, right before Thanksgiving. Shortly after that, the market fell apart. Every time I would go to the house to get it ready for another showing, it was a test. Would I complain or praise? Would I fear or have faith? After several months, I had an idea. Every time I saw another house for sale, I would pray for the family that was selling it and every time I saw a house that was sold I would thank the Lord for selling it. This SO helped my attitude on a day to day basis. When our home finally sold 7 months later, I found I was so thankful and had grown through the process.
Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the bait when it is laid for me. Help me, like John to be "full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice". When I hear of another person's success, help me to say, "He must become greater; I must become less". Like John, may the true desire of my heart be to see Your kingdom come and Your will be done; however that may look in my life!
And now...help me to not pass out as I attempt to run in this high humidity we call summer in the Carolinas!
In verses 22 - 35, John the Baptist is speaking to a certain Jew about Jesus. The Jewish man says to John "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan - the one you testified about - well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." Sounds kind of like a line I might hear working out at the Y someday? "Did you hear...?"
Same bait; new situation. The trap is set and the bait is laid out. The question was whether or not John would take it. "To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given from him from heaven...He must become greater; I must become less." That my friend, is exactly how to respond to the big green-eyed monster. (Why do they call it that any way? If anyone knows, please let me in on that!)
Do you see the trap and bait Satan is laying out in your path? I have struggled with several of these: other parent's relationship with their kids, other people's ministries, other's apparent closeness with Jesus, other's lack of struggle with their kids. Over the years, I have gotten so much better at seeing another rejoice and rejoicing with them. John talks in this passage how his joy is complete now that Jesus has come. His joy is in seeing Jesus do what He came to do. Like John, my desire is to rejoice with others as well.
Last spring, Greg and I had a house to sell. We put it on the market in November, right before Thanksgiving. Shortly after that, the market fell apart. Every time I would go to the house to get it ready for another showing, it was a test. Would I complain or praise? Would I fear or have faith? After several months, I had an idea. Every time I saw another house for sale, I would pray for the family that was selling it and every time I saw a house that was sold I would thank the Lord for selling it. This SO helped my attitude on a day to day basis. When our home finally sold 7 months later, I found I was so thankful and had grown through the process.
Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the bait when it is laid for me. Help me, like John to be "full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice". When I hear of another person's success, help me to say, "He must become greater; I must become less". Like John, may the true desire of my heart be to see Your kingdom come and Your will be done; however that may look in my life!
And now...help me to not pass out as I attempt to run in this high humidity we call summer in the Carolinas!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Turn on the Light!
Some days, I stay in a chapter a day or two, so today we're still in John 3. Verse 21 says "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." Whoever lives by the truth...I know that I have shared before my huge issue with people pleasing. Each year I continue to take steps forward, but still find I have days where I fail. It usually happens like this: The question comes. The question may be "What would you like to do on your birthday?", or "Mom, can I go to the concert this Thursday with all of my friends?" and before I have time to think like the NEW person that I may, the old me responds and says something like, "It doesn't really matter" or "Probably" and I make the turn. The turn for me is the point at which I start heading down the slippery slope of being less than truthful. My motive may be to not hurt someone's feelings, to say what I think they want to hear or in the case of my kids, saying something to avoid an argument. Once again, through these verses, the Lord reminds me "whoever lives by the truth comes into the light". I want to walk in the light...not just in a general life-long sense, but in a moment by moment sense. I hope you do too!
By the way, I did clean my house on Wednesday with no yelling. How good it is when I walk in obedience!
My daughter, Madi, just asked me: "Mom, did you once tell me that Jesus will quit talking to us if we don't obey? If so, how do we get Him to talk to us again if He has quit?" Click on comments below and let me know how you would have responded to Madi.
By the way, I did clean my house on Wednesday with no yelling. How good it is when I walk in obedience!
My daughter, Madi, just asked me: "Mom, did you once tell me that Jesus will quit talking to us if we don't obey? If so, how do we get Him to talk to us again if He has quit?" Click on comments below and let me know how you would have responded to Madi.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Fun on the Lake & in the Mountains
Our family had the opportunity to meet my incredible in-laws in the mountains last week. We had a terrific time doing a whole lot of nothing!
My in-laws are the best in the world! They pray for us often and are so precious to our family! (My father-in-law, Gary, is smiling because he is trying to throw my husband off the tube!)
Cleaning With the Spirit
The Spirit. It seems to most of us He is the forgotten part of the Trinity family. As I was reading John 3, this occurred to me: What if every day I got up and talked to, loved on and interacted with my two daughters and ignored my son? How would he feel? What would I miss by not engaging him every day? How is the Holy Spirit any different?
This week my father-in-law shared with me that the Trinity is the picture perfect family; what a great analogy. Jesus is talking about the person of the Holy Spirit here in chapter 3 verse 5: "Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
I don't want to live by the flesh. As they say here in the South, "It ain't purdy". Today, I have to clean. When you combine cleaning with working with my children, it can sometimes get ugly. I have an agenda; they have a certain speed (less than a turtle at times). Next thing you know, Mama is yelling. So this morning, as my husband was leaving for work, I asked him to pray for me. He took my face in his hands (trying not to laugh) and prayed that today, as I clean my house, I would not yell at my kids, but clean with the help and power of the Holy Spirit. I believe today that I will not give into the flesh. (I'll let you know tomorrow how the new partnership went)!
What is your area where you struggle to walk with the Spirit? I'd love to pray for you!
This week my father-in-law shared with me that the Trinity is the picture perfect family; what a great analogy. Jesus is talking about the person of the Holy Spirit here in chapter 3 verse 5: "Jesus answered, I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
I don't want to live by the flesh. As they say here in the South, "It ain't purdy". Today, I have to clean. When you combine cleaning with working with my children, it can sometimes get ugly. I have an agenda; they have a certain speed (less than a turtle at times). Next thing you know, Mama is yelling. So this morning, as my husband was leaving for work, I asked him to pray for me. He took my face in his hands (trying not to laugh) and prayed that today, as I clean my house, I would not yell at my kids, but clean with the help and power of the Holy Spirit. I believe today that I will not give into the flesh. (I'll let you know tomorrow how the new partnership went)!
What is your area where you struggle to walk with the Spirit? I'd love to pray for you!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ordinary or Extraordinary?
Yesterday, we started a study of John together. I hope you had a chance to get your day off in the 1st chapter of John. Today, let's look at John 2: 1 - 11. Jesus' first miracle; keeping a party going. Not exactly what you would expect for the introduction for the King of the Universe! I love the fact that Jesus did the unexpected. He took ordinary water jugs - (possibly even jugs used to haul water for bathing and He used them to hold something very valuable. Something that brought pleasure to others.
Sometimes, I look at my own life and think, "I'm ordinary. I don't have an incredible job. I don't have any major life accomplishments. I don't even have a college degree." Yet, if this passage is any indication of who my Jesus is, He seems to work quite well with the ordinary. I believe this first miracle set a precedent for the way Jesus does things - He uses the ordinary for extraordinary things.
Lord, keep my eyes and heart open for the unexpected. May I fill the vessels you tell me to fill and may I obey each step you tell me to take so that when it is your timing, I've done what I need to do in order to be part of Your miracle.
Sometimes, I look at my own life and think, "I'm ordinary. I don't have an incredible job. I don't have any major life accomplishments. I don't even have a college degree." Yet, if this passage is any indication of who my Jesus is, He seems to work quite well with the ordinary. I believe this first miracle set a precedent for the way Jesus does things - He uses the ordinary for extraordinary things.
Lord, keep my eyes and heart open for the unexpected. May I fill the vessels you tell me to fill and may I obey each step you tell me to take so that when it is your timing, I've done what I need to do in order to be part of Your miracle.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Grace, Grace, Grace
Twenty five degrees hotter! Can you believe it? It is 25 degrees hotter here in Charlotte than only a couple of hours away in Cashiers, North Carolina. My family had a wonderful time doing not much of anything last week - such a wonderful thing in this crazy, busy world we spin in today.
Each morning I got up to nothing...no cars, no cell phone reception; just quiet. I started my time each morning in the book of John and saw some incredible things I had never seen before! If you would like to join me in this study, I would love to have you come along!
Day one the word I got was grace. John 1:16 "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." NIV
I went to a conference in June called She Speaks
At the beginning of the conference,Renee Swope said that the one thing we were all going to have for each other was grace, grace, grace. What is grace? Grace is receiving what we do not deserve. Kindness when we are unkind. Mercy instead of punishment. Patience when we are annoying. It is out of His grace to us - giving us every day what we do not deserve - that we receive one blessing after another.
So, who in my life can I extend this grace, that has been shown to me, to? My husband when he comes home from work exhausted or discouraged and needs a rest? My kids when they once again leave their "stuff" strewn through the house? The lady trying to scan the groceries but just can't seem to remember the bar code for shitake mushrooms? Maybe it is myself when I blow it once again?
Check out John 1 today and see what is your word that the Holy Spirit will speak to you today! It is so exciting to read a book that speaks to each person exactly what they need. Please click on comments below and share with us what He speaks to you!
Each morning I got up to nothing...no cars, no cell phone reception; just quiet. I started my time each morning in the book of John and saw some incredible things I had never seen before! If you would like to join me in this study, I would love to have you come along!
Day one the word I got was grace. John 1:16 "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." NIV
I went to a conference in June called She Speaks
At the beginning of the conference,Renee Swope said that the one thing we were all going to have for each other was grace, grace, grace. What is grace? Grace is receiving what we do not deserve. Kindness when we are unkind. Mercy instead of punishment. Patience when we are annoying. It is out of His grace to us - giving us every day what we do not deserve - that we receive one blessing after another.
So, who in my life can I extend this grace, that has been shown to me, to? My husband when he comes home from work exhausted or discouraged and needs a rest? My kids when they once again leave their "stuff" strewn through the house? The lady trying to scan the groceries but just can't seem to remember the bar code for shitake mushrooms? Maybe it is myself when I blow it once again?
Check out John 1 today and see what is your word that the Holy Spirit will speak to you today! It is so exciting to read a book that speaks to each person exactly what they need. Please click on comments below and share with us what He speaks to you!
Monday, July 14, 2008
De-stressed
Ask my kids. The time they would say that they like me the least is when I am preparing for a trip or preparing for company. Even though I LOVE both; I get uptight as I try to remember every detail so the time is full of great memories and perfect.
Today, that normal uptight, stress-filled gal wasn't around. I wondered why. I almost felt like maybe I was forgetting a bunch of details that I wouldn't discover until we were in the mountains miles away from the nearest Target.
Then I read today's devotional from which was a reminder that even though Jesus was a very busy man; there is no where that says he was stressed or in a hurry.
We sure can learn a lot from Jesus. We all need to take a deep breath, look at all we have to be thankful for and choose a de-stressed day.
See you in a week!
Today, that normal uptight, stress-filled gal wasn't around. I wondered why. I almost felt like maybe I was forgetting a bunch of details that I wouldn't discover until we were in the mountains miles away from the nearest Target.
Then I read today's devotional from which was a reminder that even though Jesus was a very busy man; there is no where that says he was stressed or in a hurry.
We sure can learn a lot from Jesus. We all need to take a deep breath, look at all we have to be thankful for and choose a de-stressed day.
See you in a week!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Created for Love
I woke up today feeling nostalgic. I don't know, maybe it has something to do with the fact that I turn 41 today. Nationwide is right; life comes at you fast.
I walked into my office, wanting to read something deep (whatever that means). I found an old book; one that I had first read when I was 19 "The Root of the Righteous" by A.W. Tozer. That is an old book.
As I read it, tears came down my cheeks. It brought back precious memories of first falling for Him. That sense of awe when I first discovered that I was not created to serve Him (although I do), I was created to love and be loved by Him.
"The fellowship of God is delightful beyond all telling...He loves us for ourselves and values our love more than galaxies of new created worlds." (p.15) "We please Him most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms with all our imperfections and believing that He understands everything and loves us still!" (p.16)
When I first discovered this truth about Him, it completely changed my life and has been the foundation of our love every since.
Many of you know, I have written a book. It is a Bible study for teen girls called "Crazy Over You". The purpose of this book is exactly this; that girls would uncover early in their lives that He is flipped-out, madly in love with them. I am in the process of looking for a publisher for this book. Some weeks I have encouraging progress; some I don't. Just yesterday, I was working on some revisions and caught myself thinking, "Your writing is not good enough. You will not find a publisher, because you just don't have "it". (Whatever "it" is!).
But today, I once again am reminded of the truth - He is LOVE. He is the foundation of life and without His love completely saturating a heart, there is little hope for a joyful life. My passion is renewed. I want to share this - in speaking, in blogging, in writing, in conversation - anywhere I can. He is just too good to be quiet about!
Is there some way that you might be able to help me to share this passion? Do you know of a church, school, or community event that may be looking for a speaker? I love to share with women, teens, parents, schools or community events. I just have to share this great news. If you know of a way to help me share, I'd love to hear from you!
I walked into my office, wanting to read something deep (whatever that means). I found an old book; one that I had first read when I was 19 "The Root of the Righteous" by A.W. Tozer. That is an old book.
As I read it, tears came down my cheeks. It brought back precious memories of first falling for Him. That sense of awe when I first discovered that I was not created to serve Him (although I do), I was created to love and be loved by Him.
"The fellowship of God is delightful beyond all telling...He loves us for ourselves and values our love more than galaxies of new created worlds." (p.15) "We please Him most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms with all our imperfections and believing that He understands everything and loves us still!" (p.16)
When I first discovered this truth about Him, it completely changed my life and has been the foundation of our love every since.
Many of you know, I have written a book. It is a Bible study for teen girls called "Crazy Over You". The purpose of this book is exactly this; that girls would uncover early in their lives that He is flipped-out, madly in love with them. I am in the process of looking for a publisher for this book. Some weeks I have encouraging progress; some I don't. Just yesterday, I was working on some revisions and caught myself thinking, "Your writing is not good enough. You will not find a publisher, because you just don't have "it". (Whatever "it" is!).
But today, I once again am reminded of the truth - He is LOVE. He is the foundation of life and without His love completely saturating a heart, there is little hope for a joyful life. My passion is renewed. I want to share this - in speaking, in blogging, in writing, in conversation - anywhere I can. He is just too good to be quiet about!
Is there some way that you might be able to help me to share this passion? Do you know of a church, school, or community event that may be looking for a speaker? I love to share with women, teens, parents, schools or community events. I just have to share this great news. If you know of a way to help me share, I'd love to hear from you!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Love for a Friend
Life. Like a crazy merry-go-around at the park. It looks like so much fun! You hop on; for just a little spin. You are still a kid at heart right? Then is starts going 'round, faster, faster, faster - until you fly off. You dust yourself off saying, "I won't do THAT again!". Months, maybe even years pass. New park; new merry-go-round. You see others laughing; having a good time. You can handle it. You even feel compelled; you have to get on in order to survive. Forgetting about your first experience, you grab hold of the bar and the spinning begins. "This isn't so bad." Then, the speed picks up. You're hanging on for dear life! Whip! Once again, you've been flung onto the rough, hard, dry dirt. You sit up and wonder, "Why is life so hard?" The real question is "Why did you get on the merry-go-round?".
Whatever your reason for trying the ride again, He is standing by you, with His hand of love saying, "Let me brush you off. Take my hand; let's walk together." "God...may sometimes chasten us, it is true, but even this He does with a smile, the proud, tender smile of a Father who is bursting with pleasure over an imperfect but promising son who is coming every day to look more and more like the One whose child he is." A.W. Tozer, "The Root of the Righteous" p. 16
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy...." You can check out the incredible ending of this passage in Ephesians 2 (NIV)
Whatever your reason for trying the ride again, He is standing by you, with His hand of love saying, "Let me brush you off. Take my hand; let's walk together." "God...may sometimes chasten us, it is true, but even this He does with a smile, the proud, tender smile of a Father who is bursting with pleasure over an imperfect but promising son who is coming every day to look more and more like the One whose child he is." A.W. Tozer, "The Root of the Righteous" p. 16
"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy...." You can check out the incredible ending of this passage in Ephesians 2 (NIV)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Name That Tune
My kids love to show me crazy You Tube videos. One of their favorites this past Christmas was of a guy singing "Oh Holy Night". It made me sad to hear them laughing so hard at this beautiful song that was being destroyed, but at the same time I couldn't help but think "Surely this guy knows how off tune he is!" Apparently, not.
Last week, my 17 year old son was jamming on his guitar. He stopped, looked at me funny, messed around with his strings and played again. "That is so weird" was his comment. "I could have sworn I was playing that cord right. It sounded pretty good, but as soon as I tuned one of the strings I discovered the whole cord really was off."
Sounds a lot like life. Things may look right; maybe even sound pretty good. But if we take the time to tune it up, using the Word as our tuner, we often find that we are in fact off a bit.
God's word tells us His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Not the advice of a good friend or family member, not the current issue of Southern Living, not even the words of a loving husband. His Word is the true pitch that we need to tune our lives to.
Solomon warns us in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." I am so often tempting, when I don't know the way, to call my husband Greg...surely he has all of the answers.
A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in Great Clips while Madi got her haircut, when I received a phone call. "Mrs. Cowell, you know the vacation home you rented from us for July (which I did over 3 months ago!). Well, it is no longer available." Those were not words I wanted to hear. I had carefully planned a few days for our family to be together up in the mountains; I didn't want to try to find another place a couple of weeks before we were to go. My first instinct was to call Greg. Then, I listened to that voice that said, "Ask me to take care of it." So, I asked my Father if He would do that for me. Minutes after praying, the reservation agent called me back to say she had found a place - better than the first- and we could have it for the same cost as our original place. Wow...so glad I asked my Father for help.
Last week, my 17 year old son was jamming on his guitar. He stopped, looked at me funny, messed around with his strings and played again. "That is so weird" was his comment. "I could have sworn I was playing that cord right. It sounded pretty good, but as soon as I tuned one of the strings I discovered the whole cord really was off."
Sounds a lot like life. Things may look right; maybe even sound pretty good. But if we take the time to tune it up, using the Word as our tuner, we often find that we are in fact off a bit.
God's word tells us His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Not the advice of a good friend or family member, not the current issue of Southern Living, not even the words of a loving husband. His Word is the true pitch that we need to tune our lives to.
Solomon warns us in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." I am so often tempting, when I don't know the way, to call my husband Greg...surely he has all of the answers.
A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in Great Clips while Madi got her haircut, when I received a phone call. "Mrs. Cowell, you know the vacation home you rented from us for July (which I did over 3 months ago!). Well, it is no longer available." Those were not words I wanted to hear. I had carefully planned a few days for our family to be together up in the mountains; I didn't want to try to find another place a couple of weeks before we were to go. My first instinct was to call Greg. Then, I listened to that voice that said, "Ask me to take care of it." So, I asked my Father if He would do that for me. Minutes after praying, the reservation agent called me back to say she had found a place - better than the first- and we could have it for the same cost as our original place. Wow...so glad I asked my Father for help.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Unplug
"So,do any of you guys miss school?" No response. I look in my rear view mirror to see three teens, each looking in a different direction, oblivious to the fact that I had just tried to start a conversation with them. Maybe it had to do with the cords hanging out of their ears or possibly it was the little thing with numbers on it in their palms. Either way, no one had a clue that I had just spoken to them.
I am sure that same situation happens by the hour with the Lord. He asks us a question, "How are you doing today?" or pays us a compliment "I liked the way you smiled at the lady in the grocery store today. That made me smile!" We just don't hear Him. The TV. The radio. The computer. The cell phone. It's not bad stuff; but it is stuff and it does drown out the best...His voice.
We can all take a clue from Jesus. In Matthew, when he spent some time with the Father, He got away; out into the desert. We need to copy His example. Shut off the stuff and get away. Even if getting away is to our bedroom, our bathtub or the hammock in the backyard.
What is your favorite place to get away? Share with us so maybe we can find that time too. Currently, mine is a big, overstuffed chair in my living room; around 6:30 - 7:00ish each morning. It is covered in palm trees and other tropical things which may me remember times at the beach. The light shines in and it is cozy. Great place to get away; even if it is only steps away from my kitchen.
I am sure that same situation happens by the hour with the Lord. He asks us a question, "How are you doing today?" or pays us a compliment "I liked the way you smiled at the lady in the grocery store today. That made me smile!" We just don't hear Him. The TV. The radio. The computer. The cell phone. It's not bad stuff; but it is stuff and it does drown out the best...His voice.
We can all take a clue from Jesus. In Matthew, when he spent some time with the Father, He got away; out into the desert. We need to copy His example. Shut off the stuff and get away. Even if getting away is to our bedroom, our bathtub or the hammock in the backyard.
What is your favorite place to get away? Share with us so maybe we can find that time too. Currently, mine is a big, overstuffed chair in my living room; around 6:30 - 7:00ish each morning. It is covered in palm trees and other tropical things which may me remember times at the beach. The light shines in and it is cozy. Great place to get away; even if it is only steps away from my kitchen.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Home Safe & Sound
The girls got back safe & sound! It is good to have them home...even if for a short time. Mariah leaves tonight already for church camp, but before she does we are heading out to celebrate Zach's 17th birthday which is tomorrow. Man, I heard that time flies, but to have your baby turning 17!!!! You know what that means - I'm old, I guess! Be sure and not tell my brain and my heart...they still thing I am young!
Happy Sabbath!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Give Them a Chance
I read a quote from her book that has changed the way I have been relating to my kids. "If I could tell my mother and father something and they promised not to interrupt or pass judgment or yell, I would tell them all the times I've lied to them, the times I said I was going places that I never went, how I told them all about movies I'd never seen. I would tell them about my last relationship, the stuff that they don't know. I would tell them about the time when we left the school dance and went to a secluded spot in the woods and how he tried to make me do things I didn't want to do and how he pressured me more than I could take. I would tell them how I cried myself to sleep every night and how he told me I was nothing and didn't deserve anything, how he told me that I was a hypocrite whenever I wouldn't do things sexually, how I came so close to losing my virginity. I'd tell my mom that her stupid curfew kept me safe. I'd tell them how he left bruises on my arms and how when I asked him if he loved me, he would say, "I guess so, as much as anyone really can." I would tell them I was sorry for breaking the rules, for bending them and wanting them changed. I would tell them that even though I thought the rules were stupid then, they kept me safe. I'd tell my parents that because of them, I am ok now." Amber, age 17. (T. Suzanne Eller, Real Issues, Real Teens, p. 96 -97, Cook Communications Ministries, Colorado Springs, Colorado)
I read this paragraph to one of my teens and they said they totally agreed. They had wanted to tell me stuff - some of it things that happened a long time ago - but they were afraid I would freak out or punish them. I then asked them if I promised to not freak out, would they trust me. They agreed. After they shared with me, I hugged them, we cried together and I told them I was more proud of them than ever before. I have a new relationship with my child.
I encourage you. No, I beg you. Make sure your kid knows that you love them NO MATTER what. I often tell my kids, "There is nothing you would do that would ever make me stop loving you. I may not like what you have done, but I will never turn my back on you or stop loving you." I think that has helped to lay the ground work for this conversation.
Give it a shot. Give your kids the opportunity to be totally honest with you. Don't freak out if they do. They live in a culture that is completely different from what we know; we need to set aside our experiences in order to be a part of theirs. Go for it. Get to know your kids. They really want you to!
I read this paragraph to one of my teens and they said they totally agreed. They had wanted to tell me stuff - some of it things that happened a long time ago - but they were afraid I would freak out or punish them. I then asked them if I promised to not freak out, would they trust me. They agreed. After they shared with me, I hugged them, we cried together and I told them I was more proud of them than ever before. I have a new relationship with my child.
I encourage you. No, I beg you. Make sure your kid knows that you love them NO MATTER what. I often tell my kids, "There is nothing you would do that would ever make me stop loving you. I may not like what you have done, but I will never turn my back on you or stop loving you." I think that has helped to lay the ground work for this conversation.
Give it a shot. Give your kids the opportunity to be totally honest with you. Don't freak out if they do. They live in a culture that is completely different from what we know; we need to set aside our experiences in order to be a part of theirs. Go for it. Get to know your kids. They really want you to!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Don't Ask: Don't Get
"I didn't ask you because I knew you would say no." Surely, my kids are the only ones who ever say this to their parents. I guess it is an indication that in the past I must have said "no" a lot! They often tell me of things they wanted after its too late: "I really wanted this cool shirt I found", "I wanted to go over to my friend's house" or "I really wish I had signed up for that sport". So, I am now re-programming them. My response is, "If you don't ask, you don't get. How do you know what my answer might be?"
As I was reading in Psalm today, this scenario came to my mind, so I decided to look up "ask" in my concordance. I found so many verses that applied! Jesus said more than once that we should ask. Take a moment and check out Matt. 21:22, Luke 11:9, John 11:22, John 14:14, John 16:23 and my favorite Ephesians 3:20. The one that surprised was in James 4:2. Now I regularly pray the verses before that in James 1:5...if any of you lacks wisdom ask of God who gives to all LIBERALLY (something I need every moment of every day!), but I was not so familiar with the chapters that followed "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask." Oh my gosh...the thing I am quoted to my kids is in the Bible.
What is there in our lives that we want desperately, but don't ask? Why aren't we asking...are we afraid of the answer? Do we think it is unimportant to Him? Maybe, to be honest, we are just too lazy to take the time?
I am convicted! There are so many things I want: more opportunities to speak and share my heart with woman and teens, to have my book published, for my husband to have a less stressful job, for my kid's to thrive in school and not jusr survive. These are all things on His heart too; I just need to ask!
What things do you wish for but haven't ask for? Are they things I can pray for with you? Please post a comment...I'd love to join you in asking for them!
(PS For those of you who want to know...Rodeo Rafting was incredible! The past couple of days have been a complete joy for me! I LOVE the outdoors. Zach, Greg and I have been living outside and loving it. Disc golf after dinner, late night walks with Oreo the dog and rafting. Wow...this is what summers are for!)
As I was reading in Psalm today, this scenario came to my mind, so I decided to look up "ask" in my concordance. I found so many verses that applied! Jesus said more than once that we should ask. Take a moment and check out Matt. 21:22, Luke 11:9, John 11:22, John 14:14, John 16:23 and my favorite Ephesians 3:20. The one that surprised was in James 4:2. Now I regularly pray the verses before that in James 1:5...if any of you lacks wisdom ask of God who gives to all LIBERALLY (something I need every moment of every day!), but I was not so familiar with the chapters that followed "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask." Oh my gosh...the thing I am quoted to my kids is in the Bible.
What is there in our lives that we want desperately, but don't ask? Why aren't we asking...are we afraid of the answer? Do we think it is unimportant to Him? Maybe, to be honest, we are just too lazy to take the time?
I am convicted! There are so many things I want: more opportunities to speak and share my heart with woman and teens, to have my book published, for my husband to have a less stressful job, for my kid's to thrive in school and not jusr survive. These are all things on His heart too; I just need to ask!
What things do you wish for but haven't ask for? Are they things I can pray for with you? Please post a comment...I'd love to join you in asking for them!
(PS For those of you who want to know...Rodeo Rafting was incredible! The past couple of days have been a complete joy for me! I LOVE the outdoors. Zach, Greg and I have been living outside and loving it. Disc golf after dinner, late night walks with Oreo the dog and rafting. Wow...this is what summers are for!)
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Swirling, Swirling, Round and Round
Water...I love to be in it; love to be around it. Yesterday, I asked for prayer for my daughters. Today, its for Greg, Zach and I. We are heading out to the US National White Water Park to give our try at the "Rodeo Ride" - extreme white water rafting.
The last time I ventured out into water with something rubber there was a drought. We had taken my husband's family to our favorite spot in Brevard, NC - Slippery Rock. After carrying our tubes half way and a trip to the hospital (Greg and Madi ran into a rock wall!), we chalked that trip up as one not to be repeated.
But now the adrenaline has returned, so we'll give the water another try.
Water can be so unpredictable. Fun on one turn; devastating on another. While my family heads out for thrills, family in the Midwest continue to help their neighbors recover from the floods.
In Psalm 69 David compares the agony in his life to a flood, "Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck! I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying ; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God." Later in verse 30 He says "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving."
Water is like our lives...one day filled with excitement; the next filled with frustration. It brings me so much comfort each day to know that no matter what the waters may bring, I can choose to praise Him. I can choose to magnify Him with thanksgiving.
What stage of water are you in - floods or drought? I'd love to pray for you today that the Lord will help you to
The last time I ventured out into water with something rubber there was a drought. We had taken my husband's family to our favorite spot in Brevard, NC - Slippery Rock. After carrying our tubes half way and a trip to the hospital (Greg and Madi ran into a rock wall!), we chalked that trip up as one not to be repeated.
But now the adrenaline has returned, so we'll give the water another try.
Water can be so unpredictable. Fun on one turn; devastating on another. While my family heads out for thrills, family in the Midwest continue to help their neighbors recover from the floods.
In Psalm 69 David compares the agony in his life to a flood, "Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck! I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying ; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God." Later in verse 30 He says "I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving."
Water is like our lives...one day filled with excitement; the next filled with frustration. It brings me so much comfort each day to know that no matter what the waters may bring, I can choose to praise Him. I can choose to magnify Him with thanksgiving.
What stage of water are you in - floods or drought? I'd love to pray for you today that the Lord will help you to
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