She's a worn out gal alright. With leathered skin, and pieces missing - what's not to love? There is not really much to see on the outside, in fact she would probably be ignored by most passer-byers. But to me, she is a treasure above all treasures. My very best friend in the whole wide world - my NIV Life Application Study Bible.
I decided to re-acquaint myself with her last night. She was replaced see, with a newer make and model some months ago. Mark bought me John Maxwell's Leadership Bible. This particular piece of art is displayed in the New King James version, sporting tons of leadership principles with every precept. It really is a must read for anybody who is called into leadership.
Maxwell's new design is flawless, fresh and innovative. It seemed like it was time to make the switch, for I was approaching a new season, which called for new companionship. So as a result, my old friend was set aside.
There was something so welcoming about picking her up again last night. The pages are starting to separate from the binding. Tabs are torn off, and every single page is marked with notes and highlights. Water marks, kid's drawings . . . you would think that I didn't even try and take care of her, but the truth is I really did. The wear and tear is proof that she has traveled many miles by my side.
I found myself missing that season in my life, when the Word of God seemed so fresh and alive. I was so hungry . . . meditating, memorizing - applying God's wonderful truths. But these days, I find myself caught in a terrible trap. I read my Bible, looking for leadership principles more than a fresh Word from Him. God please forgive me.
I've decided to put the polished version down for a while to re-acquaint myself again with my first Love. I'm thinking about taking her down to the Bible book store for repair. We have a lot of miles still to tread together, and I want her in tip top shape for the journey.
Question for you. What do you pick up God's Word for? Are you looking for answers to a particular question? Maybe you seek wisdom or solace. God will meet you in which ever way you show up. But don't cheat yourself of the intimacy His Word initiates.
Remember, relationship should always come before agenda. God is not just some quick fix or the latest pick me up. He is ever present through precious His Word . . .
wanting to be that comfortable worn out friend that we spend hours shooting the breeze with.
Saturday, October 27
Friday, October 26
Nap
I took the best nap this afternoon. I had just finished the last touches of my housecleaning chores, and then headed for my bedroom. All it took was to curl up on my side, and I was out.
I slept for a good hour - I must have really needed it. Normally when I indulge, I only take about a fifteen minuted cat nap. But today was a few of those puppies (or kitties) stacked up on top of one another.
I can't remember what I was dreaming about, but I know there were dreams. Dreams are so strange . . . I should start telling you about some of mine. You will probably stop reading my posts! A lot of times they don't make a lick of sense, and I will always find these random people accompanying them. Who can make sense of dreams? I like to steer clear of the people who try.
Now I feel rested, all wide eyed and bushy tailed. We are having Small Group here tonight, and I am really looking forward to it. We haven't met in a few weeks, due to this and that. It will be great to get together again.
Something great about our Small Group is that it never allows me to take an extended nap when it comes to my walk with God. When we get together, there is something amazing about the accountability we have to one another. No, we don't literally say, "This is what I want you to hold me accountable for." But as we wrestle with the Bible and we share our lives with one another, accountability just happens.
Our Small Group has become very much like a family through the years. It is great to watch other people's kids grow up. To roll with folks, through the valleys and the peaks. My Small Group has always been there when we've needed them, and vise verse. We get the chance to grow deeper in Christ, simply by being committed to one another.
I think the first century church definitely had things right. There was no stuffy ceremonial way of getting together. They simply spent a lot of time together, breaking bread (or brownies) and worshiping God in the temple courts.
Simplicity . . . this is what I am finding more and more to be true about this Christian walk. We make things complicated by over-structuring, when all the while God is simply calling us to love.
I wonder who will be bringing dessert tonight, and even better - I wonder what they will be bringing. You can tell that my mind is in the right place. What can I say? One lazy afternoon seems to be melting into food and fellowship.
What could be better?
I slept for a good hour - I must have really needed it. Normally when I indulge, I only take about a fifteen minuted cat nap. But today was a few of those puppies (or kitties) stacked up on top of one another.
I can't remember what I was dreaming about, but I know there were dreams. Dreams are so strange . . . I should start telling you about some of mine. You will probably stop reading my posts! A lot of times they don't make a lick of sense, and I will always find these random people accompanying them. Who can make sense of dreams? I like to steer clear of the people who try.
Now I feel rested, all wide eyed and bushy tailed. We are having Small Group here tonight, and I am really looking forward to it. We haven't met in a few weeks, due to this and that. It will be great to get together again.
Something great about our Small Group is that it never allows me to take an extended nap when it comes to my walk with God. When we get together, there is something amazing about the accountability we have to one another. No, we don't literally say, "This is what I want you to hold me accountable for." But as we wrestle with the Bible and we share our lives with one another, accountability just happens.
Our Small Group has become very much like a family through the years. It is great to watch other people's kids grow up. To roll with folks, through the valleys and the peaks. My Small Group has always been there when we've needed them, and vise verse. We get the chance to grow deeper in Christ, simply by being committed to one another.
I think the first century church definitely had things right. There was no stuffy ceremonial way of getting together. They simply spent a lot of time together, breaking bread (or brownies) and worshiping God in the temple courts.
Simplicity . . . this is what I am finding more and more to be true about this Christian walk. We make things complicated by over-structuring, when all the while God is simply calling us to love.
I wonder who will be bringing dessert tonight, and even better - I wonder what they will be bringing. You can tell that my mind is in the right place. What can I say? One lazy afternoon seems to be melting into food and fellowship.
What could be better?
Thursday, October 25
Strawberry
Makayla brought home a strawberry plant last week. It arrived in a rather large pot. With one tiny green speck breaking through, the pot seemed like overkill.
She was so proud - they had planted the seed at school. My little princess, a real live gardener. I do hope she has a green thumb. I decided to place the over sized pot right next to my kitchen window so that we could monitor things. With a little bit of water and some sunlight, this plant has really surprised me.
It is growing like crazy! I will take a look in the morning, and later on that afternoon it looks like a different plant. I marvel at God's creation. How that plant knows that it is supposed to be a strawberry one just baffles me. You could throw all of the science in the world in my direction, but the way I see it - life is an absolute miracle.
I thought the teacher made a good choice by picking a plant with a quick return. If Makayla was instructed to plant an acorn, it would have been a while before we got our oak tree. And with Makayla's attention span (and Mommy's too), we probably would have given up and tossed that bulky container.
The wonder of a seed, the expectation of it's fruit. I know that God will sometimes plant a strawberry seed of truth in my heart, and in minutes it takes root and bears fruit. Gorgeous, shiny, sweet and plump - a fruit of the Spirit is displayed in someone like me. Then there are other precepts that take a lot more time to fully mature. It could seem like years before I see any proof of growth.
The strawberry seeds keep faith interesting . . . they draw us into the wonder and grace of God. But every acorn, and all of those seeds in between serve a good purpose too.
I have found in my life, that it is in the oak-like truths that storms are weathered best.
She was so proud - they had planted the seed at school. My little princess, a real live gardener. I do hope she has a green thumb. I decided to place the over sized pot right next to my kitchen window so that we could monitor things. With a little bit of water and some sunlight, this plant has really surprised me.
It is growing like crazy! I will take a look in the morning, and later on that afternoon it looks like a different plant. I marvel at God's creation. How that plant knows that it is supposed to be a strawberry one just baffles me. You could throw all of the science in the world in my direction, but the way I see it - life is an absolute miracle.
I thought the teacher made a good choice by picking a plant with a quick return. If Makayla was instructed to plant an acorn, it would have been a while before we got our oak tree. And with Makayla's attention span (and Mommy's too), we probably would have given up and tossed that bulky container.
The wonder of a seed, the expectation of it's fruit. I know that God will sometimes plant a strawberry seed of truth in my heart, and in minutes it takes root and bears fruit. Gorgeous, shiny, sweet and plump - a fruit of the Spirit is displayed in someone like me. Then there are other precepts that take a lot more time to fully mature. It could seem like years before I see any proof of growth.
The strawberry seeds keep faith interesting . . . they draw us into the wonder and grace of God. But every acorn, and all of those seeds in between serve a good purpose too.
I have found in my life, that it is in the oak-like truths that storms are weathered best.
Wednesday, October 24
Blurry
One of my eyes is blurry this afternoon. I think it might be time to go and rinse out my contact lens. A friend of mine had this happen to her recently, and it wasn't her lenses. Having one eye blurry is a real annoyance.
I have been praying for clarity in my spiritual life lately, and I would have to say that one eye seems a but on the fuzzy side. There are moments when things are crystal clear, and I am certain of the direction God wants me to take. But most of the time, I can't see very far out in front of me. I am squinting through kind of a distorted view . . . due to my own sin and the sins of others.
I will say though, that God has given me a pretty good indication of where not to go. This has been helpful, I mean knowing where not to step is half the battle right? But for a heart that is eager to serve God with everything I have . . . waiting for my marching orders can be quite distressing.
My patience muscles have been really worked lately, through various times of testing and waiting. How is your patience bicep doing? Galatians 5:22 tells us that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Are those around you able to see God's patience manifest in you? If not, what could you do to bulk it up?
My suggestion? Wait. When the line seems longer than usual, God will have the checker go on a break. When you find yourself watching the clock (or the calender), God will a long-winded storm. Growth takes time, and time is what each piece of fruit we yield requires.
Resting in the palm of His hand . . . that is where this nearsighted girl wants to be. Surrendered to His will, I can be certain that every one of my footsteps will be eternally mapped out . . .
whether I can see the road or not.
I have been praying for clarity in my spiritual life lately, and I would have to say that one eye seems a but on the fuzzy side. There are moments when things are crystal clear, and I am certain of the direction God wants me to take. But most of the time, I can't see very far out in front of me. I am squinting through kind of a distorted view . . . due to my own sin and the sins of others.
I will say though, that God has given me a pretty good indication of where not to go. This has been helpful, I mean knowing where not to step is half the battle right? But for a heart that is eager to serve God with everything I have . . . waiting for my marching orders can be quite distressing.
My patience muscles have been really worked lately, through various times of testing and waiting. How is your patience bicep doing? Galatians 5:22 tells us that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Are those around you able to see God's patience manifest in you? If not, what could you do to bulk it up?
My suggestion? Wait. When the line seems longer than usual, God will have the checker go on a break. When you find yourself watching the clock (or the calender), God will a long-winded storm. Growth takes time, and time is what each piece of fruit we yield requires.
Resting in the palm of His hand . . . that is where this nearsighted girl wants to be. Surrendered to His will, I can be certain that every one of my footsteps will be eternally mapped out . . .
whether I can see the road or not.
Tuesday, October 23
Seatbelt
I had a panic feeling rush through my body this morning on the way to work. It wasn't because I came close to being in a car accident. It had nothing to do with a dog running out in front of my car, or the screeching of brakes. The rush of adrenaline was my conscience screaming as the barricade came into view.
There were dozens of them - police officers blocking the street next to Walnut school. Under my breath I heard myself mutter, "I don't have time for this!"
I wondered what they were stopping cars for - drunk drivers at 8:30am on a Tuesday morning? That would be strange, but I felt pretty certain that I would pass with flying colors. Then my eyes scanned the sign up ahead . . . SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT.
My heart jumped, my head felt cold and my legs shaky. I panicked. Forgetting to get Makayla's booster seat out of Mark's truck the night before meant that we were traveling illegally. I have to admit, I have been lazy about transferring that bulky thing back and forth. And this morning, it was payment time.
My eyes darted for the closest exit, and I took it. One right turn down the beaten path, and I managed to escape. Boy I felt guilty. I may not have received a verbal reprimand, or a ticket - but I felt terrible about not making sure my baby girl was securely fastened.
How many other things in my life are just like this? I will gloss over some set of rules, hoping that somehow I won't get caught. Who do I really think I am fooling, when God can discern every thought? Have I simply been lazy about securing my relationship with Him? Where have I been heading in such a hurry, that I don't even know what's missing?
Here is a better one . . . has your Bible become too bulky to lug around lately? Does it seem like too much work to make sure His Word is heeded?
God taught me today through that row of cops, about how easy it can be to get used to traveling illegally - without even recognizing it anymore. Sometimes when our faith becomes sort of hum drum, God will use a barricade of crisis or pain to get our attention. In this moment, we have a choice. We can either choose to slink down a side street, or we can face the music.
What will you do? I don't know about you, but I am tired of barely skating by in my Christian walk. I want to travel in righteousness, ready at a moment's notice for the Spirit's spot check.
It's time for me to buckle up. The battle is very real, and God's is searching for soldiers . . . warriors who are pure and ready to intercede.
There were dozens of them - police officers blocking the street next to Walnut school. Under my breath I heard myself mutter, "I don't have time for this!"
I wondered what they were stopping cars for - drunk drivers at 8:30am on a Tuesday morning? That would be strange, but I felt pretty certain that I would pass with flying colors. Then my eyes scanned the sign up ahead . . . SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT.
My heart jumped, my head felt cold and my legs shaky. I panicked. Forgetting to get Makayla's booster seat out of Mark's truck the night before meant that we were traveling illegally. I have to admit, I have been lazy about transferring that bulky thing back and forth. And this morning, it was payment time.
My eyes darted for the closest exit, and I took it. One right turn down the beaten path, and I managed to escape. Boy I felt guilty. I may not have received a verbal reprimand, or a ticket - but I felt terrible about not making sure my baby girl was securely fastened.
How many other things in my life are just like this? I will gloss over some set of rules, hoping that somehow I won't get caught. Who do I really think I am fooling, when God can discern every thought? Have I simply been lazy about securing my relationship with Him? Where have I been heading in such a hurry, that I don't even know what's missing?
Here is a better one . . . has your Bible become too bulky to lug around lately? Does it seem like too much work to make sure His Word is heeded?
God taught me today through that row of cops, about how easy it can be to get used to traveling illegally - without even recognizing it anymore. Sometimes when our faith becomes sort of hum drum, God will use a barricade of crisis or pain to get our attention. In this moment, we have a choice. We can either choose to slink down a side street, or we can face the music.
What will you do? I don't know about you, but I am tired of barely skating by in my Christian walk. I want to travel in righteousness, ready at a moment's notice for the Spirit's spot check.
It's time for me to buckle up. The battle is very real, and God's is searching for soldiers . . . warriors who are pure and ready to intercede.
Monday, October 22
Colic
My first born son turned eleven today. It is just so hard to believe . . . it seems like just yesterday when he entered the world. Mark and I had no idea what bringing a new baby home would really mean.
Oh sure, we had every baby thing imaginable, with two baby showers and a nursery decorated from top to bottom - surely we were ready to be parents. I had read every pregnancy book I could get my hands on. I had heeded the advice of every mother and grandmother who noticed my bubble like condition. I was ready, really - no sweat.
Matthew decided to arrive four days late, which to an expectant mother meant an eternity. With every cramp, every twinge and gas bubble - I was hoping that it was going to be time. But let me tell you, when the time came there was no mistaking it. I had never experienced my stomach and back caught in a vise before. Boy, what a feelin'.
Now I won't go into the details of the delivery . . . for the sake of time. But I will tell you that when that little lizard-like creature popped out, Mark and I were never the same again. I can still remember the announcement, "It's a boy!" That little creep grabbed the suck thing right out of the doctor's hand after he was delivered. Leader, this boy is definitely a leader - trying to take charge at his own birth. And he has been trying to run the show ever since.
I think back to those first few weeks of being a mother. Mark and I had no idea what we were doing, it is a miracle the boy is still alive. No magazine article or Lamaze class could prepare us for the bundle they actually let us take home from the hospital.
Matthew was a screamer. He cried the first six months of his life. Talk about building us in character . . . I think I remember being the one with the stomach ache - forget the baby. Every ounce of selfishness left in me was squeezed out by our new little package. Whether I felt like it or not - he needed to be fed, diapered, bathed and put to sleep - and this was a continuous thing. Parenting really is a 24 hour job. And I'll tell you, that shift between 2 and 4am was a tough one.
It has been so neat to see the unique ways God has gifted our born leader. He is very intelligent, funny as anything, creative, charming, compassionate and introspective. I couldn't be prouder.
Who would have thought that eleven years later, he would be participating in a Fall Ball game against the Jet Hawks? They may have lost the game tonight, but seeing my baby boy up to bat was worth it all.
Bringing that boy home from the hospital all those years ago, began the best season of my life. I love being a mommy. I thank God every day for my Matthew.
Oh sure, we had every baby thing imaginable, with two baby showers and a nursery decorated from top to bottom - surely we were ready to be parents. I had read every pregnancy book I could get my hands on. I had heeded the advice of every mother and grandmother who noticed my bubble like condition. I was ready, really - no sweat.
Matthew decided to arrive four days late, which to an expectant mother meant an eternity. With every cramp, every twinge and gas bubble - I was hoping that it was going to be time. But let me tell you, when the time came there was no mistaking it. I had never experienced my stomach and back caught in a vise before. Boy, what a feelin'.
Now I won't go into the details of the delivery . . . for the sake of time. But I will tell you that when that little lizard-like creature popped out, Mark and I were never the same again. I can still remember the announcement, "It's a boy!" That little creep grabbed the suck thing right out of the doctor's hand after he was delivered. Leader, this boy is definitely a leader - trying to take charge at his own birth. And he has been trying to run the show ever since.
I think back to those first few weeks of being a mother. Mark and I had no idea what we were doing, it is a miracle the boy is still alive. No magazine article or Lamaze class could prepare us for the bundle they actually let us take home from the hospital.
Matthew was a screamer. He cried the first six months of his life. Talk about building us in character . . . I think I remember being the one with the stomach ache - forget the baby. Every ounce of selfishness left in me was squeezed out by our new little package. Whether I felt like it or not - he needed to be fed, diapered, bathed and put to sleep - and this was a continuous thing. Parenting really is a 24 hour job. And I'll tell you, that shift between 2 and 4am was a tough one.
It has been so neat to see the unique ways God has gifted our born leader. He is very intelligent, funny as anything, creative, charming, compassionate and introspective. I couldn't be prouder.
Who would have thought that eleven years later, he would be participating in a Fall Ball game against the Jet Hawks? They may have lost the game tonight, but seeing my baby boy up to bat was worth it all.
Bringing that boy home from the hospital all those years ago, began the best season of my life. I love being a mommy. I thank God every day for my Matthew.
Sunday, October 21
Love
Love is a curious thing - requiring nothing lest than absolutely everything we have to give. And after we have been wrung completely out, a little more is required. That is why we desperately need Christ in order to love as God commands. 1 Corinthians 13 is a pretty steep fence to climb when it comes to love. This is what the Living Translation says . . .
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever.
As God calls me more and more into fellowship with Him, love seems to be crowding everything else out. If God's greatest command is to love, then there is not really room for much else.
Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. All the special gifts and powers from God will someday come to an end, but love goes on forever.
As God calls me more and more into fellowship with Him, love seems to be crowding everything else out. If God's greatest command is to love, then there is not really room for much else.
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