Lessons from Buster

Buster is our two year old Beagle.  He keeps us constantly entertained by his hilarious antics (otherwise known as hard-headedness) and his incredible amount of laziness.  Someone once described a Beagle as a hyperactive couch potato.  They were exactly right.  Buster loves food.  He loves food of all kinds.  But he has a special, strange affection for cereal.  He recognizes the sound of the cereal box, or cereal in a bowl, and comes running from wherever he is. 

Last night, I was eating some granola (cereal, as far as Buster is concerned), and Buster was perched expectantly in front of me waiting for me to "drop" some his way.  I "dropped" a couple of pieces and he gobbled them up happily.  Then I dropped a piece, but missed, and it bounced under the couch.  Buster quickly took up his "reaching for an object under the couch position". This involves laying on his side with his nose and paws under the couch.  His legs are too short to reach beyond his nose, so he just lays there, wiggling his paws hopelessly, with no chance of reaching anything.  Occasionally, he would get up and move around to the side of the couch and take up the same position.  This went on for THIRTY minutes.  He could not be persuaded to leave his vigil.  I gave him another piece of granola, which he gobbled up, and he went right back to reaching for the lost piece.

Meanwhile, his food bowl sat across the room, untouched.  Now at this point, it was getting late.  We were ready to shut down and go to bed.  Buster was getting close to being put in his kennel for the night.  He was in danger of getting put up with no supper.  I called and called him to his bowl, but he would not let up on the lost piece of granola.  It was ridiculous and funny all at the same time.  Finally, I gave in.  I got down on my hands and knees and scooped out the tiny piece of granola, literally four or five pieces of oatmeal stuck together!  He swallowed his prize happily, and then went off to eat his dinner, just in time for bed.

As I got ready for bed last night, I was laughing at my silly Beagle when God reminded me that I am just like him sometimes.  God has prepared something much better than a bowl of dog food for me!  He has incredible plans and gifts for me, just over the horizon.  But sometimes I get so focused on something miniscule that I can't even see what He is offering me.  I often miss great reward because I am fixated on a tiny, insignificant issue.  God is calling me to something so good, and I risk missing it and "going to bed hungy".  I ignore God's calling, choosing instead to reach helplessly for something that isn't satisfying at all.  Thank the Lord He has mercy on me time and again, and allows me to get my focus back on him before it's too late!

A Radical Decision

Today the Supreme Court of the United States upheld a law that takes yet another swipe at the freedoms Americans supposedly hold dear.  Not too long ago, I would have sat down at this computer and typed out a political rant outlining the reasons why America is (to borrow a quote from an old friend) "going to Hell in a handbasket".  But God has been doing something in my life recently, and while I still hold very strong, very definite political views, I find myself thinking of something else today.

It is more important now than ever that I teach my daughters about the Lord, that I turn their focus to Him and to His Word.  We can no longer take comfort in the fact that we live in a "Christian nation".  We can no longer rely on cultural Christianity and basic morality to protect our families.  In fact, that very "comfort" is why we are where we are today as a nation and as a church.  The church dropped the ball years ago.  The family dropped the ball years ago.  "Cultural Christianity" has done more damage to the church and to the family than anything else I can think of. 

My girls will become adults in a world that has no respect for God or for His Word.  They are living in a world that scoffs at the ideas of fidelity, one-woman-one-man-marriage-for-life, and the protection of life at every stage.  The basic "truths" that I assumed were universal when I was their age are no longer even relevant in this world.  They are, however, still relevant and completely true in the face of Almighty God.   Comfortable, cultural Christianity will no longer get it.  This generation of believers, if they are to survive, are going to have to be totally and completely, radically, sold out for Christ. 

Everything has to change.  Every focus, every goal, every decision has to become a radical focus, a radical goal, a radical decision.  My job (and their dad's) is to point them in that direction.  We have always said that our goal is to raise Godly young women who love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, souls and spirits and who will be Godly wives and mothers.  We have never claimed to be raising super scholars or performers.  Their education, their talents, their gifts have all come as a distant second to their spiritual development.  But I am reminded today that that has to become even more intentional.  The world my girls will become adults in will challenge every belief they have.  It will defy their God, laugh at their convictions, and mock their lifestyle.  Living a Godly life will be a challenge every day.  They MUST know what they believe and why.  It must be completely real to them.  They must own their faith now, or they will stumble in it then. 

And so, while I will continue to voice my opinions in the political realm, while I will stand for what I believe to be right and vote for what I believe to be good, I will not let myself become so wrapped up in those things that I lose focus of my main goal.  No matter who runs our country, no matter what the current laws state, no matter what the world screams, my goal will be to send out from this house women who love the Lord their God with all their hearts, minds, souls and spirits, and who will teach others to do the same.

Bold Humility

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that He had come from God, and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing...and began to wash his disciples' feet."  John 13:3-5

Did you see that?  The Holy Son of God, the Great I AM took off his outer clothes and washed his disciples' feet! The One to whom all creation must bow knelt on the floor and performed the dirtiest of tasks, knowing full well that He was on His way to His own execution.  Doesn't that just make you gasp?  What is that?  What would make Him do such a thing?  One word, Love.  Love for His Father, and love for his followers.

Jesus knew WHO he was (and is) and WHOSE He was (is). Because of that security in His identity and his position, He was able to boldly follow in servanthood.

Bold Humility.

Being certain of our position in Christ gives us the security and boldness to serve others with humility.  We have no need to prove or defend ourselves.  Our proof is already complete in Christ.  Our defense is already made in Christ.  We can walk in humility without concern for what others might think, because we are holy and righteous and we are daughters and sons of the Most High God. 

What does this mean for us and for our children?  It means that we can teach them to serve, to minister, to walk in humility and to do it all boldly.  There is no fear, there is no shame in humility found in Christ.  That's where the boldness comes in.  Our boldness is also in Him.   

I have been troubled recently by the lost art of teaching girls and young women to be Christlike ladies.  Our culture has determined that ladylike characteristics are weak and less than desirable.  The world says that "girls can do everything boys can do".  The world says that riotous behavior is more fun that righteous behavior.  The world says that outward beauty is worth more than inward beauty.  And so our girls want to be funny, they want to be strong, they want to be loud and they want to be beautiful.  We have lost the art of teaching them to be graceful and gracious and quiet and...yes...beautiful.  We do them a great disservice. 

Instead, we should show them how to live in bold humility.  Not ashamed of their gracefulness or graciousness or inward beauty, but confident in their position in Christ.  That confidence is a most beautiful, most desirable, most Christlike trait. 


He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8


Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  1Corinthians 13:4


Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Sunshine Award

I was just awarded the Sunshine Award from K. Henriques Photography. Thank you! The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers who “positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere”. As an award winner apparently I am supposed to ask a few questions about myself and then nominate my favorite bloggers for the award. (I changed a couple of questions to suit me.)

My Questions
1.  favorite color : coral

2. My favorite animal : dogs, particularly mine
3. My favorite book of the Bible : Ephesians
4. My favorite drink : Hot, regular coffee first thing in the morning
5. Facebook or twitter : Facebook...Twitter annoys me
6. My passion : Jesus, then my family

7. Prefer giving or getting presents : giving
8. My favorite song : Virtuoso, by David Phelps (preferably as performed by Ballet Magnificat!)
9. My favorite day of the week : Sunday

10. My favorite season: Summer!

Now, my nominees are:
Proverbs31gal (Debbie)

PrayerintheTanningBed (Karen)

JoyfullyEverAfter (Lisa) (Ridley's blog is also a favorite, but I can hear him laughing now at the thought of completing this, so I am not nominating him, but I will mention him anyway! )

It's All About Us, and Therein Lies the Problem

I ran across this today, from a favorite blog of mine (Raising Godly Children):

(James Smith, Affliction Regarded" 1865)

"They shed innocent blood-the blood of their sons and daughters whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; so the land became polluted with blood!" Psalm 106:38

We may plead guiltless as to the shedding of the blood of the body - but there is the blood of souls! How many of us have sacrificed our children to the idols of the present Canaan - fashion, custom, dress, amusements, and worldly conformity in general!

Look at the poor example we give them!

Look at the worldly company we choose for them!

Look at the carnal practices we allow them to indulge in!

O how many of our children have been sacrificed to the custom, fashion, and the various idols of the world!

These words were published in 1865!  Yes, nearly 150 years ago, and yet look at what he said.    He refers to carnal practices, worldly company, idols of fashion!  If this was true 150 years ago, is it not more so today?

I was recently made aware of The Gospel Project , a new teaching tool from Lifeway with the aim of "immerse(ing) participants — adults, students, and kids — in the gospel through every story, theological concept, and call to missions from Genesis to Revelation."  Matt Chandler introduces the curriculum briefly in a video clip on the website.  I urge you to check out the website and listen to Matt's video.  He uses the story of David and Goliath to explain how the Gospel Project approaches Scripture.  Basically, he explains that many (most) people view the story of David and Goliath by putting themselves in the place of David, and their problems in the place of "Goliath".  But this isn't the point of the story at all.  David is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ and Goliath is sin.  David's victory over Goliath is, likewise, a foreshadowing of Christ's triumph over sin. (First and foremost, David and Goliath were actual people, and this account is an actual encounter.  But God used their encounter to demonstrate his plans for our future salvation. Don't miss the reality and truth of the Scriptures.) 

In thinking about this understanding of Scripture, and in discussing it with others, I made the observation that one of the reasons so many people, students and adults alike, have difficulty with God's Word is that our culture has developed a "me-centered" theology.  We think it's all about us.  We go to the Bible to find out how we are to live our lives, how we are to deal with our problems, and what God is going to do for us.  That is not at all what the Bible is about.  The Bible is God's revelation of Himself to the world.  Yes, we can learn from it and fashion our thinking and lives on it's premises (and we should do just that).  But the point of Scripture is to know God.  Once we know Him, our lives will naturally reflect that knowledge.  Our problems, likewise, will pale in comparison to His glory.  And understanding who He is, we see the immensity of what He has already done for us.

So, back to that "me-centered" theology.  Doesn't it permeate everything in our culture?  In our churches?  We are a generation who has been made to believe that our desires, our needs, our likes and dislikes dictate everything we do.  And we are raising a generation who believes this even more than we ever did.  We live in a culture of political correctness, fairness, "rights", and tolerance.  We make our decisions as a culture, as churches, as families, based on how our children will "feel".  We never allow them to hurt.  We never allow them to work.  We worry about them having fun, having things, having friends.  And so they believe that they should always feel good, should always get what they want, should always enjoy whatever they are doing.  And then,  we are surprised that they walk away from their "faith" (if it ever was faith).  To quote my husband, "If we keep giving them everything they want, how in the world will they ever understand grace?"  It's no wonder they don't understand the depth of the love of God for them.  It's no wonder they don't return that love with enthusiasm. 

Don't Follow "At A Distance"

Luke 22:  54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Peter spent three years with Jesus.  He witnessed miracles.  He walked on water!  He witnessed the transfiguration!  He was in Jesus' inner circle, one of the three Jesus chose to pour into even more than the others.  How, then, did Peter find himself denying that he even knew Jesus?  I think it started in verse 54.  Peter "followed at a distance'.  He got too far away from Jesus. 

Look at what happened next.  In verse 55, the Scripture says Peter "sat down among them"...them being the people in the high priest's house, maybe servants and officers.  Not only had he gotten too far away from Jesus, he got too close to those who were against Jesus.  He sat down with them, tried to blend in with them, tried to act like one of them.

But it didn't work.  Before long, someone called him out.  Then another did the same...and again.  And what did Peter do?  Peter, who had gotten too far away from his Lord and had gotten too close to the wrong people, denied he even knew Jesus.  In such a short period of time, a matter of hours, Peter had gone from fighting for Jesus to denying him completely.  It started with distancing himself, and it ended with bitter weeping (verse 62).

Isn't that how it always works?  We never start out planning to disown Him.  It's just a step away, then another step.  Soon we are backing off, not following as closely as we were.  We start to try to blend into the crowd.  We try to look like everyone else, act like everyone else, avoid being noticed.  The next thing we know, we are "sitting" with them; spending time with the world, conversing with it.  And then comes the opportunity.  We can either stand up in the face of evil and say "no", or we can deny the Lord and say nothing.  Even worse, we deny Him and condone the evil.  For Peter, it was fear of recognition, fear of association.  Isn't it the same for us?  Fear of offending, fear of appearing "judgmental", fear of being left out. 

Learn from Peter's hard lesson.  That path always ends with bitter weeping.

Interactive Blog Experiment

Well, I am putting myself out there. I may live to regret this. I may find out no one actually reads anything I write. But here goes anyway... This is going to be an interactive blog post. The meat of it will come from anyone who chooses to respond. I will post my own response later, but I want the responses to come from your experiences, not your reaction to my experience.

 What I want to know is this: As a parent, what has surprised you most at this stage in your children's lives? What did you not expect/plan for/anticipate? Feel free to share how you have responded to the surprise as well. Now...GO!

 Yes, that's it. Nothing more from me right now. The success or failure of this experiment depends on you. Keep in mind that any comments must be approved by me before they will appear. That's just the way I set up my blog.

 Now...really...GO!

Salt and Light

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  Luke 14:34-35


“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."  Matthew 5:13-14


I have been thinking about these verses a lot today.  But not in the usual way.  


Last night, I found myself in a discussion that really challenged how Christians are "supposed" to behave.  A friend had made a comment supporting a particular political position.  Or, more accurately, he had supported the political opinion that had been voiced by another person.  My friend was promptly bashed for his support.  What was it that was so offensive?  It wasn't his political opinion per-se (although I suspect this was the root of it).  It wasn't his tone or his words, he wasn't rude or crude or obnoxious.  No, the thing that was so offensive to his basher was this:  He is a minister.  According to the offending party, ministers are not allowed to have political opinions.  Her complaint?  That his opinion was "divisive" and not becoming of a pastor.  


Before I go off on a tangent here, let me get to the point of this post.  It isn't about political opinions, although I believe pastors have a right and a duty to be politically involved.  It is, rather, about Christianity in general and how we as Christians are to influence the world.  This person who was so offended obviously believes Christians are to be kind and gentle and peacemaking at all times.  They are never to engage in debate or in any conversation that might be perceived as "divisive.  I beg to differ.  This is where salt and light come in.  Most Christians should be familiar with the verses above and with the teachings on salt and light.  But today, God revealed something new to me.  


Salt:  Salt is a flavor enhancer and a preservative.  The comparison to the Christian life is obvious.  We are to enhance the world around us for Christ.  We are to make the world around us better.  But here is the thing about salt.  Salt on bland food brings out it's flavor.  Salt on meat will keep it good.  But what about salt on a wound?  Ouch.  It stings.  Salt on the open wound of sin is not going to be well received.  It hurts.  And salt is, well, salty.  It isn't sweet.  Salt is also useful as a cleaner because it is...abrasive.  Sometimes as the salt of the earth Christians are going to have to share truth that stings, truth that doesn't seem "sweet",  truth that may seem abrasive.


Light:  Light dispels the darkness.  Light brings life.  Light is healing and warming and good.  But have you ever been in a dark room, sleeping perhaps, and had someone suddenly switch on the lights?  It hurts your eyes.  Or have you stepped out of a darkened theater into the bright sunlight?  You draw back and cover your eyes because the brightness of the light is too much.  People who are hiding in the darkness, concealing their sin, are not going to be thrilled to have the Light shined on them-at least not initially. 


And so, as salt and light, it is important to remember that the Christian life is not always easy.  It is not always pleasant.  And it is not always going to be met with enthusiasm by the world.  In fact, it is rarely met with enthusiasm.  But we are still called to be salty.  We are still called to shine the Light. 

Lessons from Legion

Fifteen minutes of watching the news will convince you that in today's world, truth and freedom have both become relative terms.  I find myself surprised over and over.  Shocked, even.  Has our world really gone so far away from what is right? 

But then this morning I was reading in Luke 8, and I realized that things haven't changed all that much.  I was reading the account of Jesus' encounter with the demon possessed man, where the demons identified themselves as Legion, meaning many.  Although I know this passage well, I noticed something today I really haven't noticed before.  In verses 34-39, after the man has been released from bondage, Scripture describes the reaction of the people in the area.  Verse 35 says, "Then the people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid."

What?  He was dressed, in his right mind, and the people were afraid??  Were they not afraid when  he was naked and demon possessed; screaming and ranting insanity?  They were okay with him when he was crazy but afraid of him when he was in his right mind?  That doesn't even make sense.  I used to work in a psychiatric hospital.  I have seen people who are not "in their right mind".  I have seen people completely out of their minds, out of control.  It is a scary sight.  It is enough to make someone afraid.  But someone calm, rational, acting appropriately is certainly not a frightening thing. 

The account goes on to say in verse 37, "Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes  asked Him (Jesus) to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned." 

Here is where the connection comes in.  The Truth has always been frightening and offensive to the world.  People who are of the world would rather be in bondage, living in insanity, than be confronted by the Truth of God.  Satan has so blinded them that they believe their insanity and bondage is really truth and freedom.  The call of Jesus doesn't make sense to a lost world, outside the intervention of the Holy Spirit...

"And He said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.' " Luke 9:23-24

My Way Of Saying Thanks

Many years ago I had a conversation that I have never forgotten.  It impacted my life more than the other person probably ever dreamed it would.  It was a quick conversation, almost held in passing.  But it changed the way I have viewed my role as a mother, and this week I have fully experienced the implications of that conversation.

Many years ago,  a sweet friend was serving as a journeyman missionary in Tanzania, Africa.  Her mom (also a dear friend) had recently been for a visit.  On the Sunday after her mom returned home from the visit, I saw her at church.  I asked her about the visit and about the well-being of her daughter.  Then I said, "Wasn't it hard to leave her?  Didn't you want to pack her up and bring her back with you?"  Her answer stunned me, and it opened my eyes in a huge way.  She answered something like this: "No.  She is exactly where the Lord wants her to be, doing exactly what He wants her to do.  She is right in the middle of His will.  How could I want anything less?"

In that moment, my understanding of my responsibility as a mother changed.  Suddenly, I understood that my job is to prepare my daughters to be who Christ has called them to be, to do what Christ is calling them to do.  I love my daughters with all my heart, fiercely.  I love nothing more than being with them.  For years, when they would go away to children's camp for 5 days with our church, I would cry almost daily.  I would hate every day that they were gone.  But that was the day I started learning to let go.  It suddenly dawned on me in a real way that they aren't mine anyway.  They are His.

Then, a couple of years ago, I started having moments of panic when I would realize that they were getting closer and closer to being "grown".  I would wake up at night and be unable to go back to sleep because all I could think of was how many years I had left with them at home.  I would count how many more "first days of school" we had left.  That was not who I wanted to be.  I didn't want to be that mother who spent my children's high school years crying over every "last" thing.  I didn't want to be the mother who mourned the past.  I wanted to cherish every moment and look forward to the future with excitement.   So I began to pray and ask God to give me joy in the expectation.  As always, He is faithful.

This week, my oldest has been on the other side of the world, in a time zone almost opposite of ours, doing things I can only imagine.  As the time approached for her to leave, I was filled with excitement about what she was about to experience.  But I wondered what would happen once we got to the airport.  Would I crumble?  Would I cry when we drove away?  Would I lay awake that night, worrying while her plane was crossing the Atlantic?

I am here to tell you I did none of those things!  We spent our time at the airport joyfully anticipating her week.  We drove away and I smiled at the excitement she and her team members had exhibited.  That night, and every night since, I slept soundly (unusual in itself for me, since I regularly experience insomnia).  My prayers were fruitful.  The lesson learned so many years ago had taken root.  My girl was doing what she was born to do.  She was where God had placed her, doing the things He has created her to do.  She was right in the middle of His will.  How in the world could I want anything else for her?

She will be home in a little more than 48 hours.  I have to say I can't wait to see her.  I can't wait to hear about everything she did and everything she experienced.  I can't wait to hear about everything God taught her.  The girl I put on that plane won't be the girl who comes back.  She will have grown and changed.  I can't wait to see what God has done! 

I am forever grateful for that conversation all those years ago.  This is my thank you to my teacher. She knows who she is.

Chance Encounters

And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.   Mark 15:21

From all I can tell, that is all that God's Word tells us about the chance encounter Simon of Cyrene had with the Son of God.  This encounter has been depicted in film, in song, and in Easter and Christmas pageants.  But, in truth, this is all we know of Simon, except that he was the father of two sons.  I can't help but wonder, though, what impact this chance encounter had on him.

Was he changed?  Did he know whose cross he was bearing?  What must his sons have thought?  Simon is one of a very few people who are forever memorialized by a brief encounter with Jesus Christ in His earthly lifetime.  

What about the people who encounter me?  I bear the image of the Creator, and the mark of the Holy Spirit.  I bear the name of Christ.  People cross my path every day.  Strangers, whom I may never see again.  People who may be lost, hurting, wandering.  Believers who may be suffering silently.  Are they changed by our encounter?  Do I reflect Christ well enough to make a difference?  Do they know they have been in the presence of the Holy One?  

That is my prayer.  

And as I think about it, it is my prayer for my daughter and the team she is serving with in Latvia this week.  I pray that the people they encounter this week will be changed for eternity.  I pray they will know that they have been introduced to the Savior of their souls.  May their futures be forever changed.  May the name of Jesus be forever memorialized in that little corner of the world because 13 people decided to travel around the world to share Him. 

Little Faith, Big God

This morning I read the accounts in Mark of Jesus' encounters with Jairus and with the woman who touched His garment to be healed.  Both were familiar to me, but I asked the Holy Spirit to teach me something new. 

Jesus was not too busy to notice the woman who touched Him.  Even in the crowd, He knew her touch was different.  Even though He was on his way to heal (raise from the dead) the daughter of Jairus, He had time to give the woman his personal attention.  He isn't bound by time.  Stopping on His way meant nothing to Him.  The woman was healed, however, simply by her faith.  She accessed His power before Jesus even saw her or spoke to her!

Our faith can access the power of God.  Believing in that power gives us access.  There is no formal program or formula or activity necessary.  Our relationship to Christ and our standing as a child of God gives us complete access to His power.  And His power is as sufficient for a smaller need (the woman's healing) as it is for a huge issue (raising the dead).  The power is the same, and it is equally available.

So here is my confession.  I don't always live like I believe that.  I tend to think my need isn't big enough, or important enough to warrant God's attention or power.   God has recently used my daughter to show me how wrong I am about that.  When she was presented with the opportunity to go on this mission trip to Latvia, we all knew it was of God.  There was no hesitation on her part, or on ours, that this was God's will.  We knew that it would be expensive, and we knew that God would provide.  But in my own mind, that provision meant that He would help us work our finances and make the sacrifices necessary to pay for her trip. 

I didn't think our need was important enough for his provision.  Truly,  I didn't.  I had heard the stories of people in our church who had been called to go on mission and wanted to obey that call but knew that they could never pay for the trip.  I had heard how God had provided supernaturally for those needs.  But for some reason, I didn't think we "met the criteria".  After all, my husband has a good job.  He knew that by the time the trip came around, he would be able to manipulate our budget to pay for her trip.  I knew my parents had offered to help. And they have helped tremendously, but even with their help, we would have had a huge amount to cover.  I figured that God would provide by allowing us to work it out.

But God provided in ways we never imagined.  He has provided through people we would have never expected.  He has provided though people whose names we don't even know.  As of today, a $1700+ trip is almost completely covered.  We have not paid a penny of it.  God did not allow us to adjust our finances.  He provided completely outside of our finances.  
 

See, I didn't think we were worthy of His miraculous provision.  I didn't think our smaller need was as worthy of His notice as someone's bigger need.  I didn't think He would notice our "touch" in the crowd.  I didn't think He would take the time to stop for our need when He was on His way to take care of much bigger needs.  But Jesus isn't bound by time.  He doesn't measure our "need" the way we do.  And His desire is to provide for us beyond what we can ask or imagine.  My faith is not nearly big enough, but it is much bigger today than it was a couple of months ago.  My God, however, is as big as ever.

Good Enough?

I have a question for my sisters...believers, moms, wives, friends.  Do you struggle with being "good enough"?  Do you find yourself measuring your worth according to another person's standards?  Surely I am not the only one.  Don't we all let the words and actions of other people raise and lower our well-being thermostat? I'm not asking if we should...of course we shouldn't.  But we do. I do. Don't you?

Why is that?  Why are we so connected to the opinion of others?  Why do we have that innate need for approval, need to be liked, need to be accepted?  And why, when one person withdraws their approval or acceptance, does it rock our world?  What are we looking for? 

The "right" answer might be that we are trying to fill that "God shaped hole".  But if we are believers, then hasn't that hole already been filled?  I say yes.  So what's with the need for approval?  I don't think I have an answer.  But I heard David Jeremiah say something last night that resonated with me.  He was preaching on loneliness.  He referenced the end of 2 Timothy, when Paul asked Timothy to "come quickly".  Paul was lonely.  Paul.  The world's greatest missionary.  The unstoppable, bold proclaimer of truth.The one who stood up against kings.  He was lonely.  Dr. Jeremiah said that his loneliness was not a sin.  He said that many of us hide our loneliness, or our insecurity, behind a false smile and spout "church answers" to others.  "Of course I am not lonely.  God says He is always with me."  "Of course I am secure, God is my security."  "Of course I'm good enough.  God says I am perfect and complete in Him."    All of those things are true.  I believe all of them.  But I don't always feel them.  I am pretty sure you don't either. 

So I guess what I am trying to say is that it's ok to experience those feelings.  But it's not ok to stay there.  Whether it is seeking out prayer support, or burying yourself in the Word, or moving on and getting outside of yourself to serve others (yes, all three), there comes a point where we just have to believe what we know, cling to what God's Word tells us, and trust that we can live bold, powerful lives for the Lord.  Because He is always with us.  He is our security.  We are perfect and complete in Him. 

What say you?

A Godly View of Dating - Sermon Recommendation

I had never heard of Paul Washer before a couple of weeks ago.  I was "introduced" to him by a couple of friends via a Facebook conversation.  Intrigued, I went to the Granted Ministries website .  There, I found a sermon/series entitled A Godly View of Dating .  Having already been convinced that Washer was someone I wanted to listen to, I figured this was a good place to start.  After all, we have two teenaged girls.  This has been a topic of discussion at our house for several years now.  Not dating, per se, but our view of dating.  I ordered the cds for just a little over $6 including shipping.  A pretty good deal, I thought.  My sweet, observant husband later informed me that I could have downloaded the mp3 version for free. 

The girls and I have spent our time together in the car this week listening to this series of messages.  As a result, I have to recommend that EVERY parent listen to them and every parent of teens listen to them with their teenagers.  This is a powerful series.  Paul Washer has what might be considered a radical view of dating...not so radical for us, but probably radical for many others.  Even so, I urge any parent to take the time and listen.  Listen from the perspective of taking something useful away, even if you don't swallow the whole thing.  There is some valuable stuff in there.  It will make you think, maybe rethink, your opinions and convictions.  It will definitely challenge you. 

The one issue he continually goes back to is the issue of Biblical Manhood.  This was really timely in that our church is currently offering the Honor Begins at Home Bible Study based on the Courageous movie.  We are participating in this study.  My understanding is that the men discussed this very issue last week.  I really think parents of boys, particularly fathers of boys, need to hear these messages.  But they aren't just for boys/men.  My girls were very impressed with his message, his thoughts on Godly womanhood, and-interestingly enough-his thoughts on Biblical Manhood.  They told me that he put into words the thoughts they had about what kind of man they will look for some day. 

He also has some pretty pointed things to say about the church and youth groups.  I admit that I could have found myself offended,  had I not recognized that the church we are involved in is not the norm.  Sadly, churches that stand unapologetically on God's Word are fewer than one would like to think.  Youth ministries that challenge students to grow deeper in God's Word are not as prevalent as those created for entertainment.  Your church may also be "abnormal", so don't take offense at his assessment.  I think he is correct that there are a lot of churches and youth ministries out there who are leading families astray.  The church isn't perfect, but some are closer to God's plan than others.  All that to say, listen with a heart that is open to being challenged. 

If nothing else, I think these messages are valuable from the viewpoint of challenging the way we think about raising teenagers to become Godly adults.  Some of us will be closer to his view than others, but if you are interested in seeing your boy become a Godly man, or your girl become a Godly woman, Paul Washer has some excellent thoughts on the matter.

Confessions of a Political Junkie

Those who know me well know that I am a self-professed political junkie.  It is a malady I acquired early in life.  One of my earliest memories is of sitting on the floor in front of the television at my grandparents' house watching Nixon make that disgraceful walk from the White House to Marine One.  I was fascinated.  And I was hooked.  I was also slightly obsessed...eighteen years later I wrote my last paper of graduate school on Mr. Nixon. 

And so, I have eagerly entered this new political season.  I confess that I listen to the pundits on Fox News, watch the debates, pay attention to the polls, and wait for primary results.  It is, for me, similar to the way many of my friends experience football season.  Happily, I have a daughter who shares my fascination and gives me someone to talk to!

But my enthusiasm is tempered by one very important fact.  None of this really matters.  In the grand scheme of things, in light of eternity, in the face of the Creator, none of this matters at all.  Jesus could return at any moment and all of the world's systems will vanish in an instant.  The most important things I can be involved in are those things that have eternal value...things that grow the kingdom of God.  So why bother with politics?

Honestly, I have struggled with that question.  As of now, the best answers I can come up with are these.  First, I believe as a Christian citizen of this nation, I have a responsibility to participate in the political process both by praying and by voting.  Romans 8 makes it clear that God is interested in the governmental affairs of our world and that we are to be concerned for our leaders.  I have a responsibility to my family to do what I can to stand for the issues that will affect them and protect them. 

What God has been teaching me lately is that I can (and should) do these things, but that they should not consume me.  My trust is in the Lord, not my government.  I am also learning the fine art of keeping my mouth shut.  Few things make me want to spout off more than political "discussions".  My instinct, when I see or hear something that goes against "my" views, is to jump in the fray.  My flesh wants to engage in the debate and make my point.  But God is teaching me the value of a quiet spirit and a controlled tongue.  I can leave it to Him.  Don't get me wrong, it is not easy.  I have battled (and often lost) the rising blood pressure and the urge to "speak".  I am a work in progress.  I look forward to the next few months.  I hope to get to November and beyond as one who is pleasing to my Lord and one who has been a light to those around me. 

Now Is The Only Time

I was reading in Matthew 9 this morning, and was struck at the intensity with which people approached Jesus. Reading through that passage, Jesus was approached constantly, one drastic need after the other. Everyone needing a great miracle from him. He was interrupted, even as he was on his way to raise a dead girl, to heal a woman. As someone who needs order and structure, as one who values solitude and quiet, I felt almost anxious as I read through those verses. How must Jesus have felt with those constant needs and interruptions? He always responded patiently. He never said or did anything to imply that he was bothered. Then it hit me. God exists outside of time. Jesus was never-is never-constrained by time. He had no agenda except this: to do the will of His Father. He never feels hurried. He never rushes. He is never late. And he only sees people and needs. Matthew says, "When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." I need to let go of my agenda and my schedule more often. I need to let go of my need for quiet. I certainly need more patience and compassion. I need to be more like Jesus.

Yes, Lord.

I have been silent here for a while.  I can't really say why.  For a while, I thought I was just avoiding this blog, that maybe I didn't have anything worthwhile to share.  But I realized in the last few days that God has been working on me, and while He has been doing that  He needed me to be quiet.

Exciting things are happening though.  Some have expressed surprise that we have agreed to allow Kat to participate in a mission trip to Latvia over Spring Break.  Some are sure that we are doing it reluctantly, with anxiety.  Nothing is further from the truth.  Let me share why.


About four months ago, we were engaged in a conversation with Kat about school and her future options.  To be honest, she was experiencing a good bit of anxiety over the future.  We spent time explaining to her that there is no pressure on her to make decisions or plans at this point.  We reminded her that God has her future in His hands and that He will reveal those plans to her when He is ready.  Our instructions to her were to pray.  Nothing else.  And we committed  to pray for her as well. 


Beginning that night, my prayer for her was for God to give her a glimpse of His plan for her; not the whole picture, not a sweeping vista, just a glimpse.  I prayed that prayer every day for about a month.  In the meantime, I knew she was praying too.  I knew Jimmy was praying.  Sometimes we prayed that as a family, usually it was individually.  


Then one day, late in October, Jimmy called me.  He had been approached by a member of our staff (Kat's youth pastor). He was asked if we would prayerfully consider allowing Kat to participate in this mission trip.  Coincidence?  No, I don't think so.  Someone asked me the other day (tongue in cheek, of course) "Are you telling me that you think there is a connection between your prayers and the events in your life?"  Uh...yeah.  


So, you see, this was a no-brainer.  We pray for a month for God to reveal part of His will for our daughter's life, and He opens a door for her to go on mission with Him.  Why would I be worried?  Why would I be anxious?  I would be worried or anxious to say "no".  Frankly, I would be stupid to say "no".  I am so excited to see what God is going to do in Kat's life over the next few months, and especially during the week she is in Latvia.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to have prayed for her and to see those prayers answered in such a huge way.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to say "Yes, Lord" and to see my children do the same.