A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That...

     So, I have lots of thoughts floating around in my head today. If you are living in Missouri you know we are having the first snow of the winter.  I totally wasn't expecting it, and was planning on doing my grocery shopping but I think I will forgo that!  Aowyn made it to school, per Grandma, but I don't know if they will actually keep them all day or not.  Asher and Aurelia are watching movies, and I have been uploading pictures onto the computer in hopes of getting some printed off/ordered for Christmas. 
     Anyway, it was brought to my attention (per Facebook) that today is the birthday of two men who have been very influential in my life and faith. First is Chuck Hittle: he is the pastor of Shiloh Family Church (where I grew up and my family still attends) and was youth pastor for some of my high school years.  I still remember a lot of his in depth teaching, but the love and wisdom he operates in is what makes all the difference.  The second is Pastor David Gadbury: a pastor at Church of the Harvest in Oklahoma City.  Pastor David was in charge of the interns in 2002 when I interned at Youth America for the summer.  He taught most of our classes, and opened up his home a few times so that we could get off campus and out of the gym locker rooms we lived in!  Even though I have had little contact with them in the past 8 or 9 years (makes me feel old- I can't believe how much time has passed!), looking back I know they are an integral part of my foundation. I am so thankful for these two men who encouraged me, and spoke into my life. 
     Take a moment to locate, and maybe even write down or go thank, those people who have spoken into your life and invested in you.  It may be years since you have spoken to or seen them, and though you have come far, they helped bring you to where you are now.  Maybe this person helped you discover something about yourself, or encouraged you to pursue something you loved, or even challenged your values, thinking or faith.  Whether you are still in contact with them (maybe even every day), or have no clue where they are now, give God thanks and glory for the people who have influenced you and helped you become the person you are today!

Looking Ahead

     So, I feel the need to apologize, as much to myself as any of you who keep up with this blog!  I am not meeting my goals of posting as frequently as I'd like, but on the other hand I am getting lots of other things done and I am not going to focus on what lies behind but what lies ahead.  This fall at The Revolution we have been talking about getting ready for 2012- it is THE YEAR OF DOING IT!  I am already looking forward to next year, and am planning for what I want to accomplish personally and as a family.  What have you desired to do, and maybe have even started, but have yet to do or complete?  Those are God-given, and you should pursue them!  Sit down and write down five things that you have wanted to do.  They are probably things that have stuck with you for awhile now, right?  I challenge you to have a family meeting, and discuss what you would like to accomplish and what course of action you need to take to achieve it.  You can do this with your spouse, parents or best friend.  You will be amazed at how even just talking about it will give you new ideas and perspective!
     Some of my goals for this year were to have a garden (didn't happen), blog weekly (fell short there), and have a regular girls night (eh, but that wasn't fully dependent on me!).  We did set up a savings account, I did do a girls book study (though we weren't able to finish due to scheduling conflicts), and I got all A's on the rest of my pre-reqs for nursing school!  I have also wanted to write books (fiction) for a long time.  I started writing, found a friend in New Zealand who is also a writer who actually responds to my mile long emails and gives me feedback!, and also participated in NaNoWriMo (with another local friend) in November.  Even though I didn't meet the 50k word goal, I am going to try again next year.  I have grown leaps and bounds in leading worship, which has been a dream of mine for years.  I even started playing around on the keyboard!  And I have been asked to work on a children's book through a connection brought about by this blog! 
     I turned in my application for the nursing program this week, so that will consume a lot of time next year, but that isn't going to stop me!  I want to write more, blog more, sing and write more music... I have gotten lots of creative ideas.  I have someone who is going to be my PIG (partner in gardening, lol).  Abram wants to move into a bigger house, so we are going to work toward getting our house ready to sell.  I have made some crafting friends, so hopefully I can progress in getting my scrap booking done!  I have really been working toward getting more organized and keeping things clean, and I am going to keep on! 
     I realize that none of this sounds spiritual or seems to reflect a specific "be a better wife and mom" goal, but hold on!  One thing that I have always been a little intimidated by, but secretly aspired to, is the "Proverbs 31" woman, and all of these tie in and are moving me toward being who God created me to be.  I have experienced so much grace this year, and lots of things have been resolved and worked through.  All the glory goes to Him!  I am so excited to look back on 2011, and have so much hope for 2012!  I will try and post some pictures to prove I am actually doing things. :)  If I could give you all a taste of the apple butter Kristin and I made yesterday I would!
     If I could give you one word of advice it would be: begin with love.  "Faith works by love." Galatians 5:6.  A desire is deeper than emotion.  Take that step of faith, and know that whatever you do God's love and grace is there, and I am sure you have a few people beside you too.  I know I am not leaving this subject here, so prepare yourself and make your list! Thanks for sticking with me!
    

His Hope in Us

     This morning I was looking over words spoken over me earlier in the year.  Some have come to pass, and some I don't fully understand yet.  One was that I give Him hope.  What?  That seems a little presumptuous, right?  Then something just clicked.  The speaker/prophet/messenger- whatever you want to call them- was seeing me through God's eyes, and they saw hope.  God's hope is in us! 
     Let that just sit for a minute.  Say it to yourself: God's hope is in me.  He sent His son to die for us, that we might be reconciled with Him.  Back in the garden He gave us authority and dominion over the earth.  Everything that He wants to see happen on this earth has to be brought about by a person.  That is why we are commissioned!  His hope is in us to carry out His will and complete it. 
     Hope is a noun, defined as: "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen."  And don't get freaked out that He is expecting too much of you: He has given us the abilities, connections and gifts to do what He assigned.  2 Peter 1:3 says, "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that are requisite and suited to life and godliness, through the full personal knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence." And in verse 8: "For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful unto the full personal knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
     In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus gives the great commission, and says "surely I am with you, until the very end of the age."  Before that He said He was sending the Holy Spirit as a helper.  When you look at who has your back there is no reason to be intimidated!  God has great expectation in and for you, and it is not unfounded!  When He is for us, who can be against us? 
     I hope that gives you hope!  I was a little bit overwhelmed and in awe when I heard that the first time. Be empowered in the knowledge that you give God hope! 

No Pain, No Gain

     Yeah, yeah, I am sure you have heard that before, and probably believe it to an extent.  But do you really understand it?  This morning I woke up sore, and I fully credit it to my workout yesterday- the first since July!  And my thought was, "that was a pretty good workout!"  Then I got to thinking about how we judge how 'well' our work out was (whether it is to gain muscle or lose weight) by the pain we feel afterwards.  Then generally, in my case at least, I have to wait a day in between to give myself time to recover and that day quickly turns into a week or two (or more).  I have a hard time maintaining the habit because I want to give my body time to recover and rest, thus it becomes very inconsistent. 
    Are there any other areas where we view pain as acceptable or a good sign?  I think that we should change the way we look at things.  What have you put off because you know it will hurt or be uncomfortable?  So often we fall into the misconception, or trap, of waiting on God's timing (or any better timing! I will start working out again once we are back into a normal routine...) because we think that will take all of the pain of the change away.  Let's get real here: you wouldn't be fat, or out of shape, if you ate right and took better care of yourself.  Waiting for the stars to align is about as far fetched as thinking that you will one day wake up a size 2 or that brownies will have cleaned your house! 
     There are so many things I would love to accomplish, but the truth is that they will never get done until I take that first step.  It will most likely cost me some time, maybe money, and even blood, sweat and tears!  But when I look back that pain will be worth it.  Anyone ever had a baby?  After the labor comes the delivery!  Then you are holding the finished product (of pregnancy- it doesn't stop there!), and all the pain is suddenly worth it. 
     Last Sunday our pastor gave a great message, and one of the key things he said was "the cost of fulfillment never goes on sale'.  Whatever you are wanting to have or accomplish you will have to pay a price for.  The great thing is that the pain won't last forever.  It may burn at first, but then it will fade to an ache and the next thing you know you are stronger!  I am so glad that "when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10.  His grace is enough for me! 
     "Now may the God of peace...strengthen (complete and perfect) and make you what you ought to be and equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; while He himself works in you and accomplished that which is pleasing in His sight." 2 Corinthians 13:20-21 
     Now, don't go out and shred your muscles to the point that you can't walk in the morning!  But start stretching yourself.  Say 'no' to some things.  Say 'yes' to some others.  Make the first move!

Perfection Not Required

     When you are looking at having a relationship, or friendship, with someone, what qualities do they need to have?  Of course, being friendly and nice are something you look for. Common interests are a big factor too.  And though perfection is a lofty goal, I don't think many of us limit our circle of friends to the ones who are only perfect (and who wants to have perfect friends, anyway?).   But think about this: they need to be available.  It is pretty hard to be friends with someone who is never available, both time wise and emotionally. 
     God is the same way.  He made himself available to us, and he doesn't require us to be perfect, but to just make ourselves available to Him.  Way back, before Jesus died, there had to be a sacrifice and a mediator (priest), then Jesus became the perfect sacrifice so that we could openly have a relationship with Him.  "There is no difference, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.  God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood." Romans 3:23-25
     The thing is, it's really easy.  God created us to fellowship with, and gave us minds of our own (because, come on, how much fun can you really have with an imaginary friend that you control?).  When Adam and Eve sinned (ate from the tree that God told them not to) they were no longer perfect and they needed to make a sacrifice of atonement to cover their sin.  Then God sent His son, Jesus, who lived a sinless life to be a final sacrifice.  That sacrifice was made for you, but you have to accept it.  A gift you never open, never take out of the package, is never going to benefit you!  "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:9-10  Nothing else is required of you! 
     No real, meaningful relationship is developed by following a list of rules.  God wants you to get to know Him, and wants to know you.  The amazing thing of it is that the more you get to know Him the more you will understand and get to know yourself!  There will be a purpose for your passions!  He is available and waiting.

It's Gonna Be Wild

     If someone asked you what the heart's function was, I am sure your first response would be "it pumps blood", and you would be correct.  But think about this: the heart also has to receive blood.  It has specific chambers that receive blood, and specific chambers that pump blood back out to the body.  To complicate things further: it receives de-oxygenated blood on one side, sends it to the lungs, receives the oxygenated blood back from the lungs, then pumps it back out to the body!
     In the same way we need send that unlovely blood we receive to God and allow ourselves to be refreshed and renewed before we send any love back out.  Isn't that how it always is?  We get home from a long day at work- or it's the end of the day and we have worked hard at home!- and all you can do is grouch and snap at everyone.  There is no motivation to do much other than serve yourself. 
     It is so sad how guilty people feel about asking for things for themselves.  God doesn't want to just use you to get to other people.  He loves you for who you are and who He created you to be. When we are full of His vision of us, have experienced an intimacy with Him, and know how much He loves us, then we can love others .  Your heart won't have to work hard, because the flow is natural! 
     The lyrics of "Come Away" really hit me hard this morning:



Come away with me, Come away with me
It's never too late, it's not too late
It's not too late for you

I have a plan for you
I have a plan for you
It's gonna be wild
It's gonna be great
It's gonna be full of me

Open up your heart and let me in

 

     Let Him in today, receive His love and rest in His arms.  Go away with Him, if even for a few minutes.  Your love isn't going to lose any element of you, but be oxygenated and energized with His love.  And you will feel better!  Be heart healthy and open up your heart.

All the Small Things

     My oldest, Aowyn, starts kindergarten tomorrow.  I have never been a super sentimental person in the sense that I cry over little things (but I do SAVE every little thing!), and I don't anticipate tears to appear tomorrow.  We have made it through a year of preschool and a few weeks of summer school without them.  :)  But I am super excited (and this excitement is matched by hers!).  Anyway, as I was putting a picture of Aowyn's preschool graduation in a book to send to my grandma, I was thinking about how these small milestones rarely mean much to other people.  I always scoffed (internally) at people who made a big deal about their babies starting school, but now I find myself in the same position.  Sure, starting school doesn't seem as big an accomplishment compared to graduating high school, or college, but it is worth celebrating.
     I think that this attitude flows over into other areas as well, and we need to change it.  Someone getting up and receiving an offering, or welcoming people may not seem like a big deal, but God celebrates and rejoices over those little milestones.  Blogging may not seem like much, but it may be the beginning of writing books.  Playing a guitar and singing in a gym (with only the exit lights on!) for some fellow interns may not seem like an impressive setting or audience, but it can develop into leading a prayer group or congregation, and someday stadiums and conferences full of thousands.
     You may not care that my daughter is beginning to read and making friends, but she influences those surrounding her.  She is learning and growing.  And no matter what you do, you are learning and growing, and your circle of influence is expanding.  And God sees that and is applauding you! 
     Encourage people in the small things.  Some may grow and others may not seem significant, but they are all important.  "Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be."  Job 8:7
     "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." Zechariah 4:10  What little things can you appreciate and rejoice in today?  Keep it up!  Start taking steps towards your dreams.  And know that God is excited about those steps, even if they aren't a big deal to others.  He is excited to see you begin!

His, Mine or Ours?

     The other day I was at work and I almost said "this just isn't my day", but something made me stop.  I started thinking about whether it should even be my day to begin with, or if I should be declaring that it is my day no matter what is going on?  Everyone know the verse Psalms 118:24 "This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."  And I think I like the Amplified version a little better, it says: "This is the day that the Lord has brought about..."
     If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?  When you delight yourself in the Lord, He gives you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).  The Lord God, Who has shown and given us light, He has illuminated us with grace, freedom and joy (Pslam118:27)!  Obviously God wants us to succeed and has our backs. 
     On Sunday we sang "Arms Open Wide" and the 3rd verse says "Take my moments and my days, let each breath that I take be ever only for You oh God.".  He has brought us to this day, and the key to having victory in your day is joining with Him and giving Him the glory.  I would much rather give Him the glory for a good day than fail in my own strength.  It is no fun doing it on your own! 
     So, this day that God has made, He has given it to us!  It IS your day and He has given you the keys to the kingdom, so make good use of them! 

Anything I Can Do, I Can Do Better

     So, I must admit that I have been in a bit of a slump.  With summer's lack of a set schedule we have been lazing away the days, and while it is nice not to have daily commitments it can be frustrating to look at the end of your day and see that you really got nothing accomplished!  Added to that, my youngest has been up at the crack of dawn daily, leaving no chance of extra sleep or quiet time.  But thanks to my good friend's weekly "Happy Wednesday" texts (she is SO faithful!), I have Annie's (Oakley, not Orphan) challenge ringing in my ears, though with a slight twist of encouragement: "Anything I can do, I can do better!"  I don't need to be better than anyone else, I need to improve upon myself.
     It is always great to get encouragement from others, but sometimes we need to step up and encourage ourselves.  What can you do?  What have you done?  You can do it better the next time!  Whatever you can do: cultivate it, nurture it, water it, prune it!
     Matthew 22:14 says "For many are called, but few are chosen."  We know that we are each called, but what is the catch to being chosen?  It is definitely not a lottery!  Those who are chosen are the ones that are prepared.  If you want to be chosen then step out and get in line!  Start alligning yourself with the results you are seeking. 
     I am so excited to be worshipping this Sunday!  I have led a song or two before, and I get to do more this week.  I am nervous, and though I know it won't be perfect- I won't be Darlene or Kim Walker or Misty Edwards- I know that I can do this better than I have before! God has created me to lead as myself, and that is so freeing! 
     So, I am going to go sit down at the keyboard and continue to prepare myself- and even if all the laundry doesn't get finished, tomorrow I can do better!

Spring Training: Accountability

     This post is dedicated to my cousin and best friend, Amy, on her birthday!  I could not have a better friend and confidante, and the only thing that would make it better would be if we lived closer to each other!  I truly thank God for her.  This brings to me accountability.  Being accountable means being able to answer to someone or for some action.

"Iron sharpens iron;

so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend

(to show rage or worthy purpose)."

Proverbs 27:17 Amplified Bible

     Even more than holding somone to a moral obligation we need to focus on the covenant rather than the condition.  I want to sharpen the people around me, help them become better, pull on their strengths.  Who do you talk to regularly that you can confide in and lifts you up?  Who makes you feel better, but doesn't just say that whatever you do is ok? 

     Amy is encouraging, and we are constantly sharing what is going on in our churches and spiritual lives.  We have children of similar ages and can relate on the levels of being wife and mother.  I know that if I have anything going on she will stand in the gap for me and cover me in prayer.  And we will easily call each other out when we get too whiny! 

     If you don't have one of those friends, ask God for one.  Don't shy away from an intimacy of friendship when you have a peace about it.  (Note: this should be a same sex friendship!)  No man is an island, and we are called to lift each other up as a body of believers! 

Spring Training: Rejoice

     Joy comes in the morning, and we are to rejoice continually!  Not always easy.  I am finding that it can be easy to fall in to condemnation of myself.  God forgives us when we repent.  It is that simple.  Accepting it, and not beating yourself up for being so stupid can be another matter!  (Maybe I am just preaching to the choir here!).  I think, "I am a mature Christian!  How could I do that? What was I thinking- how could I let my feelings take me there?"  (There flares that pride again!  lol)
     Did you remember that you are human, prone to failure?  Yeah, we have the Spirit of God living inside of us, but you probably won't get it every time.  Hold on, I am not being a negative nancy here!  When this happens take a breath and step back into sync with God.  It may not seem easy, but it is.  Take off the hair shirt you put on and wipe the ashes off your face- they do nothing for your complexion!  Put on the garment of praise.  Go to the throne of grace, cause you need it!  Put on some worship music and rejoice, soak in His presence.
     The definition of rejoice is: 1 to be glad; take delight in, 2 to make joyful; gladden.  When you rejoice you are taking delight in who God is, with a thankful heart.  How awesome is He, even when we screw up?!  It is so much easier to go through my day being thankful for who God is than focusing on each step and trying not to make a mistake, thinking about everything I shouldn't do.  You may not be where you want to be, but you are on your way! 
     I think that rejoicing is a vital part of "remaining in Him".  I mentioned John 15 in my last post, and I just have to quote more!

"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." v. 3-4

     Do not disconnect!  Rest in His grace, accept His mercy.  Rejoice in that.  The fruit is coming!  

Spring Training: Pruning

     So, this humbleness thing is really getting to me.  It has been two weeks and the same issue keeps coming around, and the thing is- it's not alone.  Pride is usually accompanied by resentment and hurt, or offense.  And these things tend to be some of the first that get in our way when we have spiritual goals and callings.  That makes it even harder!  You can easily get into a cycle of condemnation of yourself, because we should be glorifying God in ministry, right? 
     Regarding my current battle to tamper down my inner selfish little brat who is screaming "it's not fair!", well, I've been there before.  What got my attention last time was when God asked me to step back from that situation.  Oh, it stung a little, let me tell you, but I was much better for it.  John 15:1-2 was what got me through:
  

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

     What an awesome promise!  Bottom line?  For me I need to let go and forgive, and that can be hard when you don't think someone will change or you will be suddenly recognized.  I need to cut off those feelings of offense and hurt, and when they are pruned they will no longer be in my way!  New shoots can grow, because there will be room!

     This works with physical things too.  There are so many things that can drain your energy and time (reading, for me!) and everything else suffers.  Take a look at the things you spend your time on.  Assess what your attitude may be towards an area that you feel called to minister or serve in.  Are you aggravated with what is or isn't happening, or with who is involved or in charge?  Ask God to give you solutions to what you can change, or how you can think differently. Humble your self and put yourself in His hands!  

Spring Training: Day 1

     So, as I insinuated, I am going to share about some of my goals and how I am getting things done.  For 2011 I made several goals: setting up a separate savings account (done, so it requires little up keep), planting a garden (weather has been too crazy, but I have supplies bought!), blogging weekly (so far that hasn't happened) and starting a girls Bible study (does 3 people count as a group?).  That may not be very inspiring to many of you, but there have been other successes! I made A's in both lecture and lab for Anatomy, and I got the oil changed in my Jeep before it was overdue! 

     Anyway, I really felt impressed for awhile that I should be at our church's prayer meetings, so I switched my classes to make that happen.  It has been great to be in that environment, and has been a stretching experience.  Last night Leigh led and spoke on 1 Peter 5, primarily verses 6-9, on humbling yourself.  This really ministered to me because I was frustrated with a situation, and I have had to stop my attitude about it several times before.

  "Therefore humble yourselves (demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation) under the mighty and of God, that in due time He may exalt you, casting the whole of your care (all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all) on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.  Be well balanced, (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours , the devil, roams about like a lion roaring (in fierce hunger), seeking someone to seize upon and devour.  Withstand him, be firm in faith (against his onset-- rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined), knowing that the same identical sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians), throughout the world.  and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace (Who imparts blessing and favor), Who has called you to His own eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you."

     I think that pride is something that gets in our way far too often.  We easily take offense at something someone has said, or complain about how something is done.  The devil preys on that, it opens a door for him to work.  It can be painful to put our feelings in their place, to be thankful  and not complain, but the awesome thing is that when we withstand that His grace overtakes us!  He is so faithful!  I want to be established and settled!  When I let God do His thing in a situation rather than get upset it allows me to be at peace and appreciate things. 

     Read 1 Peter 5 this week and ask God to show you something new.  Some things you may never move forward in until you have the right heart and mindset, no matter what steps you take.  When you humble yourself you are putting yourself in His hand, and that is the best place to be!

Spring Training

    It has been two weeks since my last post, so here I go again.  As usual I have had lots of distractions and haven't stuck to my priorities.  Can you relate?  We always have an excuse- as I have heard defined as "a lie wrapped in a reason"!  Thank goodness that His mercies are new every morning, and the morning comes like clockwork!
     We all need self discipline.  Paul said in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 "Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others , I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."  I am not saying that everything is a speed race, but we definitely need to have goals!  I am definitely preaching to myself as well, here.  And I want to be more productive in several areas (but let's just start with a few for now!).
     When you start training you don't attempt the full race the first time around.  Stretching is vital!  Strengthening and endurance are built.  You increase your laps and learn to pace your self.  Slow and steady wins the race, right?
     1) Let's become consistent in daily listening to God (keep that appointment with your trainer and hear what He has to say).  "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."  Isaiah 26:3  We need to discipline our minds first!  When you are trusting in God you have perfect peace.  Shut down that negative thinking and ask God for a new way to see things.  He is always faithful!
     2)Set some goals.  I think that this is two fold. "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2  When we have something clearly marked out we can follow it more easily (and more quickly!) and look ahead, rather than worrying about each step.  Our goals also need to be something that we find joy in, or bring joy (clean house, anyone?).  We are to delight ourselves in the Lord, and He created us with skills and desires for certain things!  Every step may not be a joy filled one, but the goal should be something that you find fulfilling.
     Anyone want to hear about my goals and desires?  Maybe I will journal that for awhile- my leading by example!  "Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose."  I want to be a motivator and encourager!  Feel free to post some of your goals on here and I will pester you about them. ; )
   

To Know and Understand

     I have been reading a book about intercessory prayer, and the author was talking about asking God for revelation and how He will reveal things that she missed.  I offhandedly asked God to not let me miss anything today (I was journaling at this point) and I suddenly got a picture.  It was of someone walking with hands over their eyes, then the hands were removed and the person behind them yelled "surprise!".  I felt like God was showing me how many Christians are living their lives, feeling as if they are blindfolded and waiting for God to surprise them with a miracle.  Many feel like they are walking in faith, but they have no vision of where they are going, or even desire to see the journey.  How frustrating to be sightless!  How discouraging to feel like secrets are being kept from you! 
     Now, I like surprises every once in awhile, but I rest much easier when I know what is going on and have something to look forward to.  Isn't the thought of a surprise date a little daunting, women?  To not know where you are going, what appropriate attire is, etc?  God has no intention of holding things from us.  He welcomes questions!  "You do not have because you do not ask!" James 4:2  I feel like we often restrict ourselves to asking for things, don't you think?
     I am realizing more and more every day how much God wants to share and reveal things to us!  He wants a deeper relationship, and that is not achieved by acting mysterious and vague!  He knows this, and His heart is wide open.  He wants us to know our purpose and where we are going.  The thing to realize is that He won't always tell you how - that would negate the need to rely on Him and walk in faith.  But He is always faithful to give you what you need today to walk into tomorrow.  Yes, we walk by faith, not by sight; but you have to have a knowledge of what you have faith in!  We are walking out and into what God has revealed and promised, not the present condition and circumstances.
   Ask Him: "What were you thinking when you created me?"  He will tell you!  Ask Him how He sees you, and what you mean to Him.  You will be amazed!  Of course we know He loved us enough to send His son to the cross, but He sees you individually!  I received a word a few weeks ago that I ministered to God.  How humbling is that?  I was brought to my knees, and at the same time I know and am awed that we each minister to Him! 
     I couldn't say it any better than Paul: Ephesians 1:17-19 "For I always pray to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation (of insight into mysteries and secrets) in the deep and intimate knowledge of Him, by having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones).  And so that you can know and understand what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength."
    

Love is a Battlefield... Or Not

     How many times have you felt that you were in an epic battle with, or over, someone?  You pray and pray for God to change that person and the circumstances.  All you can see is how you are justified.  Let me share something that I am learning.  Emotions are a magnifying glass to our circumstance, and quite often it can cause things to go up in flames! 
   Now, I don't tend to open up my Bible blindly and hope to find a great revelation, but a few weeks ago I picked up my Bible and it did happen to fall open to a page with a headline that caught my eye: "have fervent love."  At that time I had been struggling with a situation but was so clouded by my emotions that I had no discernment.  It was 1 Peter 4:8 "Above all things have unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins- forgives and disregards the offenses of others."  I am currently using the Everyday Life Bible, Amplified version, with notes and commentary by Joyce Meyer, and she says (right above this verse) "Love is actually spiritual warfare. This truth makes spiritual warfare fun, because loving people is very enjoyable."  So this culminates into 3 points for me:
    1) Love is not an emotion.  When I am dwelling in my emotions I can't focus clearly on God's will, and I can't put anything or anyone else first.  When I don't rely on my emotions- and I will be honest and tell you that I had to ask God to help me with that!- I have vision.  1 Peter 4:7 says "But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound-minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for the practice of prayer."
    2) Praying for others must be fueled by love.  Love isn't a battlefield.  Love is how you fight the battle, you are defending and covering with your love.  How often do we actually pray for someones destiny and purpose, rather than telling God what that person's faults and downfalls are?  We are eating the fruit of bitterness and death, instead of sowing life. 
   3) When I am walking in love, I am blessed.  Don't be deceived that you are going to be miserable if you always put others first and have to deny your feelings- you don't have to deny your feelings, but don't let them be in control!  "Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing (praying for their welfare, happiness and protection, and truly pitying and loving them).  For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing (from God - that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection)." 1 Peter 3:9  Don't deny yourself peace and joy!
     I pray that as you go through your day the Holy Spirit helps you bring your emotions under control, and that you are able to pray revelation over reality.  Rest in that perfect peace, and walk in the blessing!

Restarting Your Engine

     So, dear reader, I have to apologize for the long delay between posts.  Holidays were busy, and the beginning of 2011 has just snowballed.  Literally.  I can't believe that it is already February!  I have a list of goals and resolutions for this year, and have really had to stir myself up and not be discouraged that I haven't been consistent.  Besides the frequent snowfalls and blizzard: my grandpa passed away, Abram's dad was in the hospital, and we had ongoing colds and such. 
    The good news is that THIS is the day that the Lord has made, and His mercies are new every morning!  There is more of 2011 left than has passed and we can do it!  Spend a little time each day asking God to show you what you can work on that day.  Journaling helps me to work through what is going on in my life.  It is great to look back and see the prayers God has answered, and the peace He has poured out over certain situations.  And put on some music!  I love Pandora, and have a Hillsong station that always blesses me.  Raise your hands in your kitchen- you will be even more blessed when your kids do it as soon as music comes on!
     Unfortunately our engines aren't automatic, like my Jeep, but they are manual.  You have to switch from gear to gear.  I think we easily get discouraged when we can't go 0-60 in 3 seconds.  We need momentum, but you don't want to be going so fast that you miss your turn!  Be encouraged and go warm up that car!