Apparently, my sharing has really opened up a flood gate of memories for my mom as she reads my posts and that is exactly what I am seeking to do. Help us all to open up that flood gate and let the memories come pouring forth so that we may begin to share.
Yesterday I asked you to start reflecting on your beginnings, the seeds that were planted. Seeds that you didn't even realize were seeds at the time. Today, we continue on that journey. There are so many memories to access that thinking we could just spend a few minutes reflecting on them would not do justice to the purpose of this time of reflection as we learn what our stories are and how to share our stories.
Take some time to briefly recall your memories from yesterday's post and then lets move forward (or maybe even backward). Just like dominoes, once one is set in motion the others follow suit. Our memories are similar one memory may jog another and another until we are reliving parts of our stories. Where are some of the other seeds sprinkled in your life? Were they seeds the took root or did they fall among a path to be eaten by the birds? (refer to Matthew 13: The Parable of the Sower)
As Christians, there are times when we grab hold of the word for a short time and then let trials of this life or even just other people get in our way of growing. As you think about these times of seeds being planted, allow yourself to explore those times when maybe it was a seed that didn't get a chance to grow. If we are going to bring others to know Christ and share our stories, we must be willing to share our faults as well. Also share about when those seeds did take root.
We are going to continue down this path of seeds for the next few days. Open your heart and mind and let the memories start flowing. Grow confident in allowing yourself to see the good as well as the not so good times. They are all a part of who we are and we wouldn't be the people we are now without them.
As always, feel free to share your story in the comments section if you wish.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Trinity United Methodist Church, Charleston, SC
What a beautiful place.
At the ripe old age of 4, I knew I was loved there. If memory serves correctly several of us were picked up for church in a station wagon or something like that at times...those back seats were so cool. (Of course if this is a ride from a different place and time, then I guess I have some jumbled memories, but hey I was young).
I absolutely loved getting to sit with a special lady at church. She would give me the coolest treat that I took a guilty pleasure in eating (guilty because I was scared about taking food from a stranger, but it was church right?). Tic Tacs....the orange were the best. And she would always have the cutest mini pack of tissues. Now, I can't tell you her name or even what she looked like, but I do get to cherish the memories. Someone taking an interest in me, loving on me. Of course, as I think back I did have a lot of adults who doted on me at one time or another.
But let's fast forward a little bit. Or maybe it is rewind since I don't truly know the sequence of events or the timeline. When you are 4 there are many things that are cool and from what I've been told....as I still have absolutely no recollection of this....I chose to temporarily borrow (okay steal) a pair of scissors from church. Yes, I apparently was once a thief and of all the places to steal from....church. You got it. BAD BAD BAD
And you know what's worse, I didn't get caught from someone at church. No, I couldn't even tell you how long I had those scissors before I was caught, but I assure you I was caught.
One night, I went to bed thinking I was a fairy princess or something, so I snuck a comb under my pillow and late in the night I would take it out and comb my hair. Welllllllllll, that was a bad idea. It got stuck in my hair. I mean really, really stuck and I just knew I was going to be in sooooooo much trouble if my mom found out I slept with my comb so I did the only logical thing I knew to do at 4.
I climbed out of bed, pulled those scissors from their hiding place, and I cut that comb out with those stolen scissors. Then I hid all the evidence under my clothes in my drawer.
See how smart I was!!!!!
Well, apparently not that smart because it became apparent to my mom when she was brushing my hair that something was seriously wrong as clumps of my hair kept coming out. Now I won't get into all that mess or the mess later when she found where I hid the evidence, but suffice it to say I was punished. And since I didn't have scissors of my own, my mom knew exactly where they came from. According to mom, I was supposed to hand them back to the teacher and apologize. So there may be a chance I also became a liar too. Mom suspects that knowing my personality, I probably just slipped those scissors right back where they belonged and just told her that I handed them to my teacher. I don't remember any of it so who knows????
Again, I may not recall a prayer spoken or a sermon preached or even a specific Sunday School lesson, but there are the seeds. The beginnings. Attending church and memories linked to it. Some good and some maybe not so much. But guess what, Jesus has forgiven me such antics and still loves me with open arms. And he loves you too.
Let us pray:
God, I thank you for this opportunity to reflect on my journey as I learn to look for the signs of your presence. I thank you for being there for me and all of us when our seeds were planted. Sometimes the seeds were just small moments and didn't take root at other times the seeds even had a chance to sprout, but for some reason withered away. God I ask that you be with each one of us as we continue down this journey as it is bond to become emotional and tough at times. I ask that you help each of us to continue to grow to thrive as we grow in our relationship with you through our exploration of how we got here. In your name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Sharing my Story Day 2: Beginnings
"Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
They are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so."
Remember singing that one as a kid? Any others?
At a Casting Crowns concert, Mark Hall shared that their new album, Thrive, has the symbol of the tree because in order to thrive we must have the roots going down deep as well as the branches stretching out. As he shared, if we are the kind of Christian solely focused on the roots then we tend to turn people away from Christianity. We become too engrossed in theology and the written word. If we only focus on reaching out to others then at times of adversity we have nothing to hold us to the faith. Instead we need a balance of the two.
Today we are going to start looking at our own life and where we need to start working. We are going to start digging deep to get down to the roots of our faith on a personal level. Where did it all start for you?
Matthew 18:3 reminds us that "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven."
As we begin this journey of reflection, we too need to become like little children. Whether our roots go back to our childhood days or to a point in our adult life, we still need to become like children. Children tend to be much more willing to share with others. As we age, we start to guard what we say and do for fear of what others may think about us. If we are going to truly get our stories told, we need to open our minds, hearts, and mouth and be willing to share out. Even if you think something is too trivial or insignificant, share, it is part of your story. A story that may bring others to follow Christ.
I ask that you take some time now to sit in the silence and open up your heart to begin this journey. To dust off the cobwebs and dig deep for those precious memories when the seeds of your faith were planted and the roots were beginning to take hold.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I invite you to share with others in the comment section if you wish. Now for my story.
Back to the song....
My story clings to Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called accoring to his purpose." But my story begins long before I even knew what the book of Romans was.
My story is not sensational~ it doesn't involve traveling down a terrible path and suddenly coming to know Christ. Instead my story is probably like many stories...ones that we may feel are insignificant if we compared ourselves to others, but it a story that must be shared.
For me, I can't recall a time when I didn't believe. Sure there are times of frustration and questioning, but I can't recall not believing. My earliest memories are of two specific churches where seeds were planted and my Christian roots began to grow. One is Trinity United Methodist Church in Charleston, SC and the other is Glady Fork Freewill Baptist Church in Pound, Virginia. I know...2 complete opposites if you ask me.
Today I share with you the seeds planted at Glady Fork.
I can distinctly remember feeling as if I was the only grandchild in the center of my Papaw Pilkenton's world. Either I would spend the night or he would pick me up and we would go to church on Sunday mornings. He smelled of Old Spice and Halls cough drops. He looked beyond handsome in his suit and tie, cloth handkerchief at the ready to wipe the sweat from his brow.
We would show up at Glady Fork and I would rush from the car. I couldn't wait. I absolutely loved what we called the Penny March and my favorite hymn (sung as a frequent request when I visited)....Jesus Loves Me. During the Penny March all the children got to go up to all the adults and collect 'pennies' to put in the offering plate. It was amazing to go up and down those aisles with everyone wanting to give you more and more to put in. It is also a tradition that still continues today and my own Tori got to participate recently. She loved it as well.
Now, I can't tell you a thing about any sermon preached or prayer spoken in those days, but I can say without a doubt seeds were planted and roots began to take hold. And the amazing thing....it was only a place I visited once in a while.
There are other parts to my story that helped to give me strong roots to become who I am today, but for now I share this one snippet. No detail is too small or insignificant when it comes to God's work in our life. So what are your moments? Are you creating similar moments for others in your life?
Let us pray.
Father, as we begin our journey and start sharing our beginnings, let us see the small moments and reflect on how they shaped our lives. Help us to become like little children and boldly step out of our comfort zones and begin sharing with others the work you have done in our lives. Amen.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
They are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so."
Remember singing that one as a kid? Any others?
At a Casting Crowns concert, Mark Hall shared that their new album, Thrive, has the symbol of the tree because in order to thrive we must have the roots going down deep as well as the branches stretching out. As he shared, if we are the kind of Christian solely focused on the roots then we tend to turn people away from Christianity. We become too engrossed in theology and the written word. If we only focus on reaching out to others then at times of adversity we have nothing to hold us to the faith. Instead we need a balance of the two.
Today we are going to start looking at our own life and where we need to start working. We are going to start digging deep to get down to the roots of our faith on a personal level. Where did it all start for you?
Matthew 18:3 reminds us that "unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven."
As we begin this journey of reflection, we too need to become like little children. Whether our roots go back to our childhood days or to a point in our adult life, we still need to become like children. Children tend to be much more willing to share with others. As we age, we start to guard what we say and do for fear of what others may think about us. If we are going to truly get our stories told, we need to open our minds, hearts, and mouth and be willing to share out. Even if you think something is too trivial or insignificant, share, it is part of your story. A story that may bring others to follow Christ.
I ask that you take some time now to sit in the silence and open up your heart to begin this journey. To dust off the cobwebs and dig deep for those precious memories when the seeds of your faith were planted and the roots were beginning to take hold.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I invite you to share with others in the comment section if you wish. Now for my story.
Back to the song....
My story clings to Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called accoring to his purpose." But my story begins long before I even knew what the book of Romans was.
My story is not sensational~ it doesn't involve traveling down a terrible path and suddenly coming to know Christ. Instead my story is probably like many stories...ones that we may feel are insignificant if we compared ourselves to others, but it a story that must be shared.
For me, I can't recall a time when I didn't believe. Sure there are times of frustration and questioning, but I can't recall not believing. My earliest memories are of two specific churches where seeds were planted and my Christian roots began to grow. One is Trinity United Methodist Church in Charleston, SC and the other is Glady Fork Freewill Baptist Church in Pound, Virginia. I know...2 complete opposites if you ask me.
Today I share with you the seeds planted at Glady Fork.
I can distinctly remember feeling as if I was the only grandchild in the center of my Papaw Pilkenton's world. Either I would spend the night or he would pick me up and we would go to church on Sunday mornings. He smelled of Old Spice and Halls cough drops. He looked beyond handsome in his suit and tie, cloth handkerchief at the ready to wipe the sweat from his brow.
We would show up at Glady Fork and I would rush from the car. I couldn't wait. I absolutely loved what we called the Penny March and my favorite hymn (sung as a frequent request when I visited)....Jesus Loves Me. During the Penny March all the children got to go up to all the adults and collect 'pennies' to put in the offering plate. It was amazing to go up and down those aisles with everyone wanting to give you more and more to put in. It is also a tradition that still continues today and my own Tori got to participate recently. She loved it as well.
Now, I can't tell you a thing about any sermon preached or prayer spoken in those days, but I can say without a doubt seeds were planted and roots began to take hold. And the amazing thing....it was only a place I visited once in a while.
There are other parts to my story that helped to give me strong roots to become who I am today, but for now I share this one snippet. No detail is too small or insignificant when it comes to God's work in our life. So what are your moments? Are you creating similar moments for others in your life?
Let us pray.
Father, as we begin our journey and start sharing our beginnings, let us see the small moments and reflect on how they shaped our lives. Help us to become like little children and boldly step out of our comfort zones and begin sharing with others the work you have done in our lives. Amen.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Getting Started with Sharing My Story....Why?
Psalm 22:22
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee.
Today starts my personal challenge and a challenge I give to you. As I prepare to begin a study on sharing your story of how God has worked in your life, I share with you who may be looking for a place to begin as well. Let's make the month of September a month where we take time daily to reflect on who we are in the Kingdom of Christ. How did we get here...to where we are today? How can we share our stories with others? Does our story even matter? How can my story really bring others to know Christ?
Why testify? Why share our beliefs? Our stories?
Scripture can be found throughout the Bible about testifying, about sharing our testimony of God's work in our life. What better way than to share through story? Even in the Bible stories are told to share God's work. People are more interested in hearing a story, to find that something we share is similar to something they have gone through themselves. They like to be able to relate to an experience.
Does our story have to be perfect? No. And guess what! You don't even have to be a great writer or speaker, you just have to learn what your story is and then be bold enough to share it just like is says in Psalm 22:22. Be willing to share God's name, to praise him to others.
As we begin this walk of discovering our own testimony, I ask that you spend a few moments in pray prior to drafting your story. Each evening I will post some scripture, a question to reflect on, and then I will share my own story as it relates to the question. You see, I do not feel that we have just one story. I feel we have many stories and we just have to learn how to find them. They may be right on the tip of our tongue or hiding in the depths of our mind waiting for the cobwebs to be cleared. Give yourself permission each evening to really explore and open up your heart and mind to hear God as you reflect. Give yourself permission to draft out a messy story. Just get the thoughts down. Then challenge yourself throughout the month to seek opportunities to share your story with others.
I leave you tonight with a prayer and look forward to tomorrow when we will begin digging deep into our testimony seeking out where the first seed began to take root.
Father God, I ask that you prepare us for the month ahead. I ask that you open up our hearts and minds and help us to listen for you. Help us to become stronger in our faith as we journey down this road of reflection and begin to do so much more than just share scripture with others as we learn to share our story. We seek to do just as you have charged us: become fishers of men, praise your Holy name, and testify to others. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee.
Today starts my personal challenge and a challenge I give to you. As I prepare to begin a study on sharing your story of how God has worked in your life, I share with you who may be looking for a place to begin as well. Let's make the month of September a month where we take time daily to reflect on who we are in the Kingdom of Christ. How did we get here...to where we are today? How can we share our stories with others? Does our story even matter? How can my story really bring others to know Christ?
Why testify? Why share our beliefs? Our stories?
Scripture can be found throughout the Bible about testifying, about sharing our testimony of God's work in our life. What better way than to share through story? Even in the Bible stories are told to share God's work. People are more interested in hearing a story, to find that something we share is similar to something they have gone through themselves. They like to be able to relate to an experience.
Does our story have to be perfect? No. And guess what! You don't even have to be a great writer or speaker, you just have to learn what your story is and then be bold enough to share it just like is says in Psalm 22:22. Be willing to share God's name, to praise him to others.
As we begin this walk of discovering our own testimony, I ask that you spend a few moments in pray prior to drafting your story. Each evening I will post some scripture, a question to reflect on, and then I will share my own story as it relates to the question. You see, I do not feel that we have just one story. I feel we have many stories and we just have to learn how to find them. They may be right on the tip of our tongue or hiding in the depths of our mind waiting for the cobwebs to be cleared. Give yourself permission each evening to really explore and open up your heart and mind to hear God as you reflect. Give yourself permission to draft out a messy story. Just get the thoughts down. Then challenge yourself throughout the month to seek opportunities to share your story with others.
I leave you tonight with a prayer and look forward to tomorrow when we will begin digging deep into our testimony seeking out where the first seed began to take root.
Father God, I ask that you prepare us for the month ahead. I ask that you open up our hearts and minds and help us to listen for you. Help us to become stronger in our faith as we journey down this road of reflection and begin to do so much more than just share scripture with others as we learn to share our story. We seek to do just as you have charged us: become fishers of men, praise your Holy name, and testify to others. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Dreams Bigger Than You Can Imagine
"So let go of your plan
Be caught by my hand
I'll show you what I can do
When I dream for you!"
About 5 to 6 months ago I was begging that God just speak to me like he spoke to Moses. He heard me loud and clear. So loud and clear in fact that on the radio that morning I was captivated by Pastor Todd Carnes from Radius Church was speaking exactly about this and why God doesn't speak to us that way. Now while that is a post for another day, it plays a part in what is happening in life right now.
Three weeks ago as I sat in meetings it was the first time ever that I felt I was in the wrong place doing the wrong thing. As a matter of fact, I had never dreaded going back to work as much as I had this past summer. And to make it even more frustrating I couldn't get out of the funk.
You see I feel like there is a place I'm supposed to be and I just can't figure out what that place is, but I know God is working on me to simply trust in him. Something I can do so easily on so many things in my life....you know, trusting that my kids are going to thrive and I just need to be patient, etc. I just can't seem to let go on parts of my life like job security, the future, etc. The only thing I knew I had to do and couldn't wait for was to go to the Casting Crowns concert.
For the past few months, the most energized I have been has been going to meetings to get our i-Reach team started at church. In other words...Evangelism. Bringing others to know Christ. Sharing Christ's love. Sharing our stories. So much in fact that I am going to be leading a study on Wednesday evenings helping others to learn how to tell their story, how to build relationships, and how to share God's love. I am so excited and nervous about this opportunity.
An opportunity because I stopped long enough to really listen. An opportunity because God laid it on my heart to share a brief testimony among strangers/family when visiting an old childhood church when I was in Virginia. Yes, shy very introverted me spoke out to an entire church of basic strangers. It was really quite remarkable as God laid it on my heart to do this the Thursday prior and I didn't even know what to say other than thinking back to some roots, memories. Ironically prayer concerns that day were for the children...returning to school, those who accepted Christ over the summer and returning to the temptations in the world. I knew then that my testimony to this group was that what they are doing, keep doing it because you never know what the future holds. I shared how awesome it was to watch my own daughter participate in the penny march just as I had when I was about her age about 30 years ago when I would go with my Papaw Pilkenton to church. While there is so much that shaped who I am and so many churches along the way, each piece plays a small part and no detail is too small.
From there God reminded me that part of my teaching passion and passions in general is writing. The idea was planted and is currently growing as we prepare to begin our new Wednesday night studies.
Then just last week I received an email:
**(Omitted personal information, but basically this email described an encounter with a parent of a child who is failing to thrive).....I told her that I would forward her your blog, and maybe she might find some insights or something she hadn't considered. So I ended up going to your blog myself, and clicked on LifeStory. Oh my! Talk about renewing my spirit today!!!! What words of encouragement you so beautifully share! From the songs (You have such a wonderful voice!!) to the scripture and God-moments, you bless and praise Him at every turn!!
I am asking God to abundantly bless you and your family as you continue to let His light shine through you! 
Have a great weekend, my friend!
Again a reminder about writing. While I know my blog doesn't get a lot of traffic, I believe strongly that the person who the posts are for will find the blog. Just like in teaching, it is a matter of making a difference one child at a time.
Speaking of children, I think there is a reason God needs me to stay still and trust in him besides the needs of my own children. During the past couple of weeks, He placed a child back in my life. A child with a story that absolutely broke my heart years ago and continues to break my heart today. So apparently I'm still in the right place, I'm just not patient enough to wait to find out his plans for me.
Finally the Casting Crowns concert arrived. God spoke so much at this concert through the songs sang.
The first few lines of "House of Their Dreams" hit so hard because it described exactly how I was feeling just a few short weeks ago:
"A corner office was his dream, more like a prison now it seems
Somewhere on the corporate climb, he left his warrior behind.
Now he's just a worker at a daily grind, steals his years and numbs his mind
His strength is fading, his dreams are blind, this is not the life he had in mind"
That's where the hitting home ends. But yes, it feels that way from time to time as I question how much of my beliefs about teaching and learning are being sacrificed to meet the requirements of the job.
Shortly after this, the following song was shared. A song I came across a few weeks ago. A song that revitalized me, comforted me, and has given me the strength I need. The strength to be open to what God really has in store because His dreams for me are so much bigger than any I can ever come up with on my own. While this song played at the concert, God spoke so loudly to me that not only am I in the place I need to be right now, but that He has so much in store for me starting with evangelism, stories, and writing. What all of it means, I do not quite know, but I do know that I have to let go of my plan so He can dream for me. A song he sent this time not to help me through the pain and trials of my children, but a song to remind me that he is still working on me too.
As I leave you, I ask that you pray with me.
Father God, I know I can be so frustrating for you at times as I hang on tightly to the world around me, to the safety nets I perceive to be there. I also know that your love for me is so amazingly all encompassing that you are the ultimate safety net, I just need to learn to trust and let go. I know your plans for me are so much bigger than any plan I can ever dream of. Thank you Lord. Thank you for loving me, holding me, strengthening me, your child. Amen.
Be caught by my hand
I'll show you what I can do
When I dream for you!"
About 5 to 6 months ago I was begging that God just speak to me like he spoke to Moses. He heard me loud and clear. So loud and clear in fact that on the radio that morning I was captivated by Pastor Todd Carnes from Radius Church was speaking exactly about this and why God doesn't speak to us that way. Now while that is a post for another day, it plays a part in what is happening in life right now.
Three weeks ago as I sat in meetings it was the first time ever that I felt I was in the wrong place doing the wrong thing. As a matter of fact, I had never dreaded going back to work as much as I had this past summer. And to make it even more frustrating I couldn't get out of the funk.
You see I feel like there is a place I'm supposed to be and I just can't figure out what that place is, but I know God is working on me to simply trust in him. Something I can do so easily on so many things in my life....you know, trusting that my kids are going to thrive and I just need to be patient, etc. I just can't seem to let go on parts of my life like job security, the future, etc. The only thing I knew I had to do and couldn't wait for was to go to the Casting Crowns concert.
For the past few months, the most energized I have been has been going to meetings to get our i-Reach team started at church. In other words...Evangelism. Bringing others to know Christ. Sharing Christ's love. Sharing our stories. So much in fact that I am going to be leading a study on Wednesday evenings helping others to learn how to tell their story, how to build relationships, and how to share God's love. I am so excited and nervous about this opportunity.
An opportunity because I stopped long enough to really listen. An opportunity because God laid it on my heart to share a brief testimony among strangers/family when visiting an old childhood church when I was in Virginia. Yes, shy very introverted me spoke out to an entire church of basic strangers. It was really quite remarkable as God laid it on my heart to do this the Thursday prior and I didn't even know what to say other than thinking back to some roots, memories. Ironically prayer concerns that day were for the children...returning to school, those who accepted Christ over the summer and returning to the temptations in the world. I knew then that my testimony to this group was that what they are doing, keep doing it because you never know what the future holds. I shared how awesome it was to watch my own daughter participate in the penny march just as I had when I was about her age about 30 years ago when I would go with my Papaw Pilkenton to church. While there is so much that shaped who I am and so many churches along the way, each piece plays a small part and no detail is too small.
From there God reminded me that part of my teaching passion and passions in general is writing. The idea was planted and is currently growing as we prepare to begin our new Wednesday night studies.
Then just last week I received an email:
Hello, my friend!
Since I don't believe in coincidences (I believe all our steps/paths are guided), I wanted to tell you about an encounter I just experienced, and how you have once again blessed my day!!Again a reminder about writing. While I know my blog doesn't get a lot of traffic, I believe strongly that the person who the posts are for will find the blog. Just like in teaching, it is a matter of making a difference one child at a time.
Speaking of children, I think there is a reason God needs me to stay still and trust in him besides the needs of my own children. During the past couple of weeks, He placed a child back in my life. A child with a story that absolutely broke my heart years ago and continues to break my heart today. So apparently I'm still in the right place, I'm just not patient enough to wait to find out his plans for me.
Finally the Casting Crowns concert arrived. God spoke so much at this concert through the songs sang.
The first few lines of "House of Their Dreams" hit so hard because it described exactly how I was feeling just a few short weeks ago:
"A corner office was his dream, more like a prison now it seems
Somewhere on the corporate climb, he left his warrior behind.
Now he's just a worker at a daily grind, steals his years and numbs his mind
His strength is fading, his dreams are blind, this is not the life he had in mind"
That's where the hitting home ends. But yes, it feels that way from time to time as I question how much of my beliefs about teaching and learning are being sacrificed to meet the requirements of the job.
Shortly after this, the following song was shared. A song I came across a few weeks ago. A song that revitalized me, comforted me, and has given me the strength I need. The strength to be open to what God really has in store because His dreams for me are so much bigger than any I can ever come up with on my own. While this song played at the concert, God spoke so loudly to me that not only am I in the place I need to be right now, but that He has so much in store for me starting with evangelism, stories, and writing. What all of it means, I do not quite know, but I do know that I have to let go of my plan so He can dream for me. A song he sent this time not to help me through the pain and trials of my children, but a song to remind me that he is still working on me too.
As I leave you, I ask that you pray with me.
Father God, I know I can be so frustrating for you at times as I hang on tightly to the world around me, to the safety nets I perceive to be there. I also know that your love for me is so amazingly all encompassing that you are the ultimate safety net, I just need to learn to trust and let go. I know your plans for me are so much bigger than any plan I can ever dream of. Thank you Lord. Thank you for loving me, holding me, strengthening me, your child. Amen.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Your Next Breath
"The moment we take our last breath on Earth, we take our first breath in Heaven."
Isn't that such a glorious thought? As I was driving past a church today, I noticed this on their sign and made sure I kept it in mind until I could write it down.
Think about it, of all the things that we need as living beings, the ability to breathe is one of them. For some each breath comes naturally and often goes unnoticed as we go about our daily life. For others with ailments such as a simple common cold, asthma, COPD, and so much more, there are moments that we struggle to get the breath that is so easily taken for granted. Yet we keep breathing until it is time for our last breath.
But then what?
Well, for those of us on earth who have come to know Christ as our risen Savior and have admitted that we are sinners who can only be saved through the one and only Christ, we get to take another breath. Our first breath in Heaven. A breath that will no longer know what it means to struggle to catch that next breath.
Can't you just picture it? Living your earthly life the best you could, striving to be who God wants you to be, then eternal life. Breathing your last breath here on earth and the next breath you take in Heaven with the Maker of it all. God our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The radiance of it all as you take in your new home, your true home.
And then, just like in school on that first day as you listen for your name to be called, roll will be called and you will anxiously await hearing your name, all the while realizing you took your first breath in Heaven.
Lord, I pray that anyone who happens upon this post will consider the eternal life you have to offer them. I pray that those who read this will continue to work on their relationship with you and will continue to work for your glory. For those who haven't come to know you, Lord, I ask that you keep this seed growing inside them and that they come to know you so that they too may have life everlasting. Amen.
Isn't that such a glorious thought? As I was driving past a church today, I noticed this on their sign and made sure I kept it in mind until I could write it down.
Think about it, of all the things that we need as living beings, the ability to breathe is one of them. For some each breath comes naturally and often goes unnoticed as we go about our daily life. For others with ailments such as a simple common cold, asthma, COPD, and so much more, there are moments that we struggle to get the breath that is so easily taken for granted. Yet we keep breathing until it is time for our last breath.
But then what?
Well, for those of us on earth who have come to know Christ as our risen Savior and have admitted that we are sinners who can only be saved through the one and only Christ, we get to take another breath. Our first breath in Heaven. A breath that will no longer know what it means to struggle to catch that next breath.
Can't you just picture it? Living your earthly life the best you could, striving to be who God wants you to be, then eternal life. Breathing your last breath here on earth and the next breath you take in Heaven with the Maker of it all. God our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The radiance of it all as you take in your new home, your true home.
And then, just like in school on that first day as you listen for your name to be called, roll will be called and you will anxiously await hearing your name, all the while realizing you took your first breath in Heaven.
Lord, I pray that anyone who happens upon this post will consider the eternal life you have to offer them. I pray that those who read this will continue to work on their relationship with you and will continue to work for your glory. For those who haven't come to know you, Lord, I ask that you keep this seed growing inside them and that they come to know you so that they too may have life everlasting. Amen.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Praised God Lately?
God is an amazing God even through all the ups and downs. From the random cards I receive in my box out of the blue that bring tears to my eyes and a smile to my face to blessing me with surviving "teaching" middle school (not only did I survive the 6th grade class, I was blessed beyond measure at only having to be with them 20 minutes by myself instead of 2 hours like I was scheduled), and even in an accident where I was rear-ended at a stoplight.
Although I was furious at the inconvenience and am frustrated to have one more thing to add to my plate to take care of, God is always right there. And I thank God for always being right there, even through the storms (no matter the size)
You see today I can be thankful and grateful that:
1. At least the vehicle didn't hit me any harder or force me into the intersection,
2. the police in that area are pretty quick so I didn't have to wait long,
3. no injuries,
4. I didn't have the kids with me,
5. my mom works right there and as late as it was she was on lunch (so blessed to be so near to my family) so she came when I called (of course I know she would've come even if she wasn't on lunch),
6. after the officer gave me my portion of the paperwork and shared with me what I needed to do from this point, he told me to have a Blessed Day (seriously those 2 words from someone are some pretty amazing and powerful words). and
7. as I started my drive to pick up kids and be part of an interview it was only moments before God reminded me that he always has reasons even when we don't quite understand them.
I don't like being in this situation or having that accident, but in just a short time I couldn't help but think that maybe I was there and prevented a more serious accident such as the man going through the intersection when the light was red and causing injury or casualty. I was there out of the ordinary because normally if I am working at the district office at the end of the day I pick up Aubrey, then Tori, and finally Bradley. Today I didn't do that because we are still trying to hire to fill some vacancies so I was actually heading back to work to put in some more time before getting the kids and heading home.
I leave you with this:
Psalm 50:14-15 I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word. Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.
Dear God,
I am so thankful and grateful that you have taught me to lean on you, to come to you in times of joy and peace as well as in times of fear, frustration, trouble. You are a God who is everywhere and even though I may not quite understand your purpose for the things that happen to me while I live this earthly life, let me trust in that purpose, trust in you. Let me continue to find the rainbow in the storm, the light in the dark, the blessing in disguise. Use me Lord for your will and let me always remember to praise your Holy name.
Amen
Although I was furious at the inconvenience and am frustrated to have one more thing to add to my plate to take care of, God is always right there. And I thank God for always being right there, even through the storms (no matter the size)
You see today I can be thankful and grateful that:
1. At least the vehicle didn't hit me any harder or force me into the intersection,
2. the police in that area are pretty quick so I didn't have to wait long,
3. no injuries,
4. I didn't have the kids with me,
5. my mom works right there and as late as it was she was on lunch (so blessed to be so near to my family) so she came when I called (of course I know she would've come even if she wasn't on lunch),
6. after the officer gave me my portion of the paperwork and shared with me what I needed to do from this point, he told me to have a Blessed Day (seriously those 2 words from someone are some pretty amazing and powerful words). and
7. as I started my drive to pick up kids and be part of an interview it was only moments before God reminded me that he always has reasons even when we don't quite understand them.
I don't like being in this situation or having that accident, but in just a short time I couldn't help but think that maybe I was there and prevented a more serious accident such as the man going through the intersection when the light was red and causing injury or casualty. I was there out of the ordinary because normally if I am working at the district office at the end of the day I pick up Aubrey, then Tori, and finally Bradley. Today I didn't do that because we are still trying to hire to fill some vacancies so I was actually heading back to work to put in some more time before getting the kids and heading home.
I leave you with this:
Psalm 50:14-15 I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word. Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.
Dear God,
I am so thankful and grateful that you have taught me to lean on you, to come to you in times of joy and peace as well as in times of fear, frustration, trouble. You are a God who is everywhere and even though I may not quite understand your purpose for the things that happen to me while I live this earthly life, let me trust in that purpose, trust in you. Let me continue to find the rainbow in the storm, the light in the dark, the blessing in disguise. Use me Lord for your will and let me always remember to praise your Holy name.
Amen
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Going Digital....What Do We Leave Behind?
"Wow Mom! You have a Holy Bible?! You should take that to church," exclaimed Tori, completely mesmerized by finding a copy of a Bible that I have had for a little more than 20 years.
But within these pages are also a more recent true life story. As I leafed through the pages of this once well used Bible I took a trip down memory lane. You see it contains bits and pieces of my own life as an early teen and into young adult hood. There are treasured bookmarks, Sunday bulletins, highlighted passages, and even notes passed on the bus and in the halls from a dear friend, Hope.
It hit me that Tori knows I read the Bible every day, but has only ever seen me read it in a digital format. Her realizing that I have a hard copy of the Holy Bible was simply astonished her. To hear her, you would think we own the most prized possession in the world. And she would be right, afterall, within these pages are the amazingly true stories of life.....love, hate, war, etc. Most importantly, within these pages, is the key to eternal life.
But within these pages are also a more recent true life story. As I leafed through the pages of this once well used Bible I took a trip down memory lane. You see it contains bits and pieces of my own life as an early teen and into young adult hood. There are treasured bookmarks, Sunday bulletins, highlighted passages, and even notes passed on the bus and in the halls from a dear friend, Hope.
These folded up pages contained a handwriting that I would recognize like my own, those of a friend who I will always and forever love like a sister and who I will always see with her smile that lit up her face as she would sing "Victory in Jesus".
We passed many notes in our 2 short years at the same school. Notes about boys, friends, likes, dislikes, songs, quotes, and Bible verses. These particular notes include words of inspiration, words about being a Christian, and Bible passages.
We passed many notes in our 2 short years at the same school. Notes about boys, friends, likes, dislikes, songs, quotes, and Bible verses. These particular notes include words of inspiration, words about being a Christian, and Bible passages.
As I think on these notes and other remnants left in the pages of my Bible, I realize that without meaning to, I have left a piece of me. Maybe something only I will understand, but still a part of my story. As we have moved into such a digital world, I too have selected to read many books electronically. I love that I can take notes this way and have my books with me at any given moment, but I learned a few years ago, I will probably always prefer my professional books in a hard copy.
Up until last night, I also LOVED my Bible being with me via my tablet as well. I can take notes, have a set reading plan, set devotional plan, listen to scripture, and receive my daily verse. All things I love, love, love having at the tip of my fingers. Now I realize that there is a part that I miss about my hard copy. You see I am more likely to highlight and take notes in my hard copy and these lead to a story that can unfold during those trips down memory lane. They also lead to a source of peace as I flip, read highlights or notes, and reflect.
As I leave you this evening, I ask that you take the time to stop and reflect. Do you have a Bible full of highlights, notes, or a paper or two? When was the last time you stopped to relive those moments?
As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
So, I probably won't be giving up my digital Bible anytime soon, but I can become more diligent on tracking my Christian journey and allowing my life to show up in my Bible. For me that will most likely be in the form of a notebook. What about you? How will you share your journey? How will you be a witness to others as well as to yourself when you go back to reflect? How will you take notice of scripture so that you may learn and teach from it so that you may be equipped for every good work?
Lord, I ask that you be with me as I continue my journey, as I walk down the path you have chosen for me. Help me to leave footprints so that I can see where I have been and so that others can learn from my journey so that they may leave their own for others to learn from as well. Amen.
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