Play Hard In The Water

I could kill any plant.  Even a cactus is not safe with me.

I'm not the neighbor you ask to water your garden while on vacation.  Come to think of it...no one does. (smile)

But this spring, I had my heart set on a beautiful front porch.  I dreamed of draping petunias flowing over white flower boxes.  I made Pintrest boards and googled landscaping arrangements for flowerbeds.  I searched and searched for colors and set a gardening budget.

I bought spray paint and gave old pots fresh faces.

Long and hard hours brought life and color to my front porch.  I was proud of my Zebra petunias, pink begonias and marigolds.  Fresh Basil and mint.  Mmm.  My porch spoke of spring.

But between then and now,  I forgot something a little important.

Water.

Yes, I know.

Now, in my own defense...the back yard is doing just fine.  (I even have a little veggie garden - proud grin) but the front porch.  Bless it's heart.

O LORD, the hope of Isreal, all who forsake you shall be put to shame; those who forsake you shall be written in the earth for they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living water. Jeremiah 17:13

Jesus spoke to a deep place on Saturday as the brown leaves of my petunias frowned from neglect.

Water them, Becky.  There is still life there.

Can't you see yourself in these pots, Becky?  Do you see it?  Do not forsake Me.  Your leaves will surly whither.  Come to the Fountain.  Every. Single. Day.

Yes Sir.

There are seasons that our plans for spiritual growth start big.  After cold winters, aren't we ready to start fresh? We scan bookstore shelves for new books and journals.  We sign up for studies.  We buy fresh soil and lay out our spring designs.

We spend hours digging and planting.  And God breaths life and beauty into our home.  Growth begins.  Our hearts change.  

But when the heat of summer comes, we lose gusto.  Watering our spiritual gardens becomes an every other day affair.  Maybe we get busy and forget the crucial ingredient of growth....WATER.

By 3 o'clock the sun is hot and over head.  The kids have worn us down.  The boss is on our tail.  The deadline has come.  Or that co-worker.  Oh, that co-worker. 

And then it is too late. Our soil is dry and our leaves droop south.

Are you feeling me on this?

The Lord - a fountain of Living Water.

"Living" as used here in Jeremiah means ALIVE

a) green 

b) flowing, fresh

c) lively, active

d) reviving

This is offered to us.  Every. Single. Day.

He is an endless wealth of Life! 


Flowing, fresh, lively, active, reviving FOUNTAINS of LIVING WATER.

It doesn't matter how brown your heart feels.  Or how south your leaves droop.

There is still life there.  

It just needs water.

I am committed to my front porch... again.  And I invite you to hold me accountable.

Here are pictures...(gulp - swallowing pride)

I am committed to these pitiful little guys.  The Lord has a lesson for me here.  A parallel to show.

Every. Single. Day.  They will be watered.  Every. Single. Day.  They need attention.

I am committed.

In the meantime, go and enjoy your Source of true Life.  

Put your swimmies on and play hard in His streams of Living Water today.

Turning In My Kitchen Chair

Am I my biggest hindrance in having God's Spirit poured out on me?

According to Proverbs 1:23, possibly so.

If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.

I want nothing more in my life but to have God's Spirit poured out on me.  I mean that.

This Proverbs makes me search myself up and down, seeking any area of my life that is not completely surrendered to the Lord.  

Look a little closer...

Turn {shuwb} - to turn towards any one; repent; to turn from evil; to come back; to restore

The Lord asks us to come back to Him.  Turn away from sin and towards Him for restoration.

Reproof (towkechah} Correction by words; rebuke.

I ask myself - Becky, where is the Lord correcting you?  What rebuke do you receive from His Word?  What specific area needs restored in you?

Pour out my spirit {naba} to gush forth.

Oh need I say more??  His Word promises me that when I do this...when I turn towards Him in response to correction...His Spirit will GUSH FORTH upon my life.  

Holy Smokes!  What am I waiting on?  Can you imagine?  Don't we want this?

Is there an area in your life that you need to turn at His reproof?  Are you in Spiritual dry patch?  Could this be why??

I know exactly where these areas are in my life.  I hardly have to think about it. 

This morning, I sit at the head of my kitchen table, turning and turning and turning in my chair.  Coming back to my Daddy.  Expecting His Spirit to GUSH FORTH on this day.  On my life.  On my home. On my family.  

I throw my head back and open my mouth wide! Oh, let it rain!  Open the floodgates today, Lord Jesus.

Friend, will you walk with me this morning?...

.... Let us search our hearts.  And surrender our lives.

Be filled with His Spirit today.

Dollywood's Got Nothin' On You

Two mornings ago, the sun shone brightly through my bamboo, Roman shade. 

 My eyes opened and immediately I heard Him speak.

"This summer, be filled."

His voice, quiet and clear.

"Be filled."

He is faithful to answer my questions.  The past weeks, I had been asking...

Lord, what is Your purpose for this summer?  

Give me a word.  Give me a Scripture to claim.  

What do you want me to teach my boys?  Let's get creative.

And intentional.

"Be filled," He said.

Each summer I have focused on something.  Summertime Sanity, remember?! And then last year we planned a Summer of Significance.  We've read books and made crafts and kept calendars. 

And it was great!

But this Summer, the Lord is having me keep it simple.

"Be filled."

Parent, you don't need a new book or catchy moto this summer.  

The Holy Spirit lives inside you.  

You are in dwelt with the power that called light into existence.

Do you know this about yourself?  

If you haven't thought about this earth-shattering truth in a while sip your coffee and smile...

The Spirit of the Creator God lives in you and empowers your life.

This summer, be filled.

What does that mean to you?  What does that mean for your summer?  For your children?

How could this summer look different if we walk fully in the creativity of His Spirit?

Dollywood ain't got nothin' on you, honey.  This summer may just be the ride of your life.

As I have researched the word "filled" and prayed about my boys, I have asked the Lord what He wants me to do for the next 76 summer days.  Again, He answered.  Giving me one thing I thought I'd share.

It is simple.  But has been a blessing.

My two older boys (ages almost 9 & 6) have a new morning routine.

Each day, first thing when they come downstairs, they look at the chalkboard.

On it will be a passage reference.  Theirs to look up.  

I bought them each a new journal (spiral Mead notebook) and gave them pens and markers.

Quietly, they grab their Bible and start to flippin'.

I ask them to write out the verse. And next write down a few observations.

Ethan is younger, so sometimes he draws a picture or simply decorates the verse with fun color letters.  Then we will talk about it.

Either way, they are handling the Word of God.  First thing every morning.

They are old enough to begin embracing their own quiet times.

Yesterday, this verse graced our chalkboard.

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

After Ethan wrote this down he said, "That's it?"

I couldn't help but laugh.  I said, 

"Yes, that's it.  But what are two things we know about Jesus' disciples from this simple phrase."

"Umm.  They were happy?"

"Yes, full of joy. What else?"

"And they had the Holy Spirit?"

"Yep.  The Bible says they were full of that, too.  Filled with His Spirit.  Do you think that we are full of joy when we are filled full of God?...."

And on we went....having a casual conversation about a life-changing Biblical truth.

I told you, simple.

But intentional.

Today, I pray the Lord would speak to you about your summer. 

Or maybe He has already!

 I hope you'll share.

Share a word.  Or His vision.  

For your children and the next 76 days.  

Thanks for letting me share mine {smile}.

This calls for a pedicure!!

Do you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16,17

The past few weeks I have been reading through 1 Chronicles. Towards the end, God gives King David a vision to build the temple. A building where His Spirit could dwell. A temple so great, that the King held a ceremony to present just the idea to his son, Solomon (1 Chron 28). David worked the floor plans with great care and precision. Describing every detail. Charging his son to fulfill the task.

But the temple would be only another ornate building until God's presence arrived.

Years prior, God instructed Moses to let the people of Israel "make a sanctuary, that [He] may dwell in their midst." Exodus 28:5

This sanctuary would be a Holy place, much like the ground at the burning bush. A place made Holy, only by the presence of the LORD.

Do you know that You are God's Temple? v.16

You. God's sanctuary. A place made holy with His prescence.

Your heart. God's Home. Your Body. His dwelling.

I abused His temple for many years. Trying to perfect it on my own. Attempting to make it beautiful. A task to great for me.

Spurgeon says, "Feeling the presence of the mighty God in the gift of his dear Son, you will put off your shoes from off your feet, because the place whereon you stand is holy ground."

This calls for a pedicure! Love. This. Anywhere you go, Christian, take off your shoes. For where you are, so is He. His presence dwelling inside of you.

Holy Ground.

What if this is how we viewed ourselves today? Everyday?

Sanctified? Holy? Like a burning bush? A sanctuary? (breakfast: Eggs with sauteed spinach, garlic & onion. A side of fresh salsa)

I love heath and wellness, not because I want to encourage others to look better. But because a healthy lifestyle is good housekeeping. Keeping the temple healthy is another way to honor the presence of God in our lives.

God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. v. 17

Sometimes, I let my temple get tired. Or run down. I don't always hydrate well or eat my best.

But as a whole, I want to strive for good health. For His Glory. Not mine.

How would we treat ourselves differently if we viewed our bodies as a dwelling place for the Living God?

What would we change?

What will you do today for His temple?

By His Spirit and Grace {a guest post}

{It is my great privilege to introduce you to my sweet friend and fellow blogger Sue from Living Free In Him. Sue is a Jesus loving, wife, mom of three. writer, speaker and servant hearted lady. I am honored to know her. She has a deep down passion for encouraging women into a richer walk with the Father. I heart this girl. Enjoy a little guest bloggin' today. Afterwards, hop over to Sue's blog and look at what the Lord is doing over there.}

By His Spirit and Grace

I am so excited about being a guest poster on Becky’s blog today. I adore my friend, Becky. She has been such a blessing to me, and I know she is to all of you as well. It is a privilege for me to share my writing and my heart with you today.

In fact, I was so excited that my mind went to work last week planning what I was going to write. I prayed about it, but more in a “What do you think about this idea. God?” sort of way. I told my husband, Chris, exactly what I was going to do. I just knew I had a great idea!

In my zeal, confident of my idea, I sat down at the computer and began to type. Words were typed on paper, but they were not flowing. I love to write, but it is excruciating to write when it does not flow. Toiling. Striving. Laboring. Not fun.

Two hours I struggled and tried on my own effort to take my idea and content and make it work. It was all in vain. At the end of two hours, I realized this was not what God wanted me to write. (I’m embarrassed to say it took that long.) Discouraged and exhausted, I went to bed.

Lord, what is it You want to say?

Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6

I knew exactly what the Lord meant. I have been trying to do things in my own might, in my own ability. I am nothing without Him. I cannot do much of anything without His Spirit. I need Him.

When I strive, I quench the Holy Spirit by not allowing Him to work.

I cannot remember if I ever have read this whole passage in Zechariah before today. How often do we go to that book for our daily devotion time? The above verse is referring to how Zerubbabel was going to build the Lord’s temple. The next verse says, “He shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of Grace, grace to it!”

He would build it not by his own might or power, but by the Lord’s Spirit and Grace. It was to be magnificent, so much so that everyone would acknowledge its beauty and know that it must be the Lord.

Now, I am not in the temple building business. However, I am into His Kingdom building business. I want my life to reflect His beauty and grace. I want people to acknowledge that there must be something else behind my life because it shines with His Glory.

There is no amount or striving, toiling, laboring that will cause us to shine for Him. The ONLY way we can shine His Light in this dark world is by His Spirit and by His Grace.

His Spirit and Grace will empower you to do whatever He wants you to do. His Spirit and Grace are all sufficient.

Oh Lord, forgive me for trying to do for you what only you can do through me. Forgive me for striving to perform instead of resting in Your Grace. I pray that whatever I do that it would be unto You and purposed by You. I pray this post glorifies You and that Your purpose would be accomplished through it. May we stop striving and know all our strength, all our power, all our resources, all our provision, all our everything is by Your Spirit and Grace.

When Busy Gets Your Best

We are in the thick of busy around here. Campus Crusade - busy. School-age children - busy. Fall sports - busy. Caring for Mamaw - busy. Fall is our craziest time of year. Not to mention, the kitchen sink is clogged, we're going out of town, the yard needs mowing, I'm co-chair of a 5K...I could go on.

Life. Is. Busy.

With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; O let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from your commandments. Psalm 119:10 AMP

And when I'm busy, things slide. I slack on recycling, laundry piles up, I skip flossing my teeth, I'm snappy at Brent, and even worse ... I jip myself of time with the Lord.

My marriage and my walk with God - I am always amazed by the similarities of these two relationships. Both take similar amounts of intentionality. Time. Affection. Talking. Loving. But when one goes south, usually so does the other.

If I'm not intentionally pursing the Lord, I switch to spiritual auto pilot.

If I'm not intentionally pursuing Brent, my marriage sets to auto pilot, as well

My busy gets my best. My Best gets my last.

O let me not wander or step aside. Psalm 119:10 AMP

Oh, the subtle act of stepping aside. What a word picture - this stepping aside.

Can't you just see it!? "Oh, life is so busy Lord, I will just be right over here. Let me step aside for just a minute while I take care of this. And this. And this, too ..."

Stepping aside even sounds dainty doesn't it? "Oh pardon me, Lord."

Well, I tell you, the pardon I really need from the Lord is for my negligence.

There's nothing dainty about wandering from the Lord. Careless is a better word.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Get this ... to "keep in step with the Spirit" simply means to stay in line.

Let us go forward walking in line. Gal 5:25 AMP

Walking in a line - that is Kindergarten 101. Stay in line. Keep your eyes on your Leader. Don't wander off.

I got one spankin' in Kindergarten. For what? Getting out of line in the cafeteria hallway and talking to another class who was passing by.

Ahem, thirty years later, here I am. Still wanting to get out of line.

Today, let us get in step with the Spirit! Let us not wander from our God, but seek Him with our whole heart.

Lord, forgive me that busyness has gotten my best. Let me keep in step with you today. Let me not wander or get out of line. Today, I love You first. Today, I will intentionally love Brent well. I say "no" to auto pilot. Let me walk forward, not wandering from your commandments. Forgive me of any negligence on my part. Today, I keep my eyes fixed on You. I love you, Lord Jesus.

Does busy ever get your best?

Ramblings of a Prideful Woman

This summer began with goals of being a significant one.

My list was written early May. Spiritual, physical and relational goals for myself and my family.

However, when making my plans, I could have never dreamed just how significant this summer would be ... in 1,000 unexpected ways.

The heart of man plans his ways, but the LORD establishes his steps. Proverbs 9:16

If my life was a roller coaster ride, this summer the wheels came off of the track.

Especially spiritually.

If you've followed my blog for any length of time, maybe you've sensed it. Something different? Yeah, me too. I couldn't put my finger on it for the longest time. It is still hazy to be quite honest, but this is what I know...

The Lord has brought me to a place of sober judgement.

Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3

Sober Judgement (sōphroneō)- to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of one's self soberly

Magnifying mirrors are of great use. I have one in my bathroom. Quite handy for plucking eye brows. But if you are not use to looking at yourself in one, it can be quite alarming. Just when I think my complexion looks pretty good.... Ahem. Or wrinkles, I don't have too many. Oh yeah? Look again.

This summer, the Word of God has taken a magnifying mirror to my soul. Embellishing every area of my life that is not fully surrendered to Christ.

Come to find out, my spiritual complexion was in need of Proactive. I was broken out all over.

So off I go to the Divine Dermatologist to diagnose. "Well, Becky for one, you have way to many attachments to that blog of yours. You need to release it for a while."

What?

Release it. But its my baby. I love that blog. I have grown so much through it. And my readers. What about them? They check in and follow along. I can't let them down.

"Release it."

I'll just back away a little. Not blog so much.

"No, release it. To clean up your blemishes, I need all of your morning. Even your blogging time."

A few days later, I was online, probably blogging, when a storm blew in. And with it, I am not kidding, a lightening bolt struck near our house and took out our Internet. No lie.

"I said release it."

Yes, Sir.

It is very difficult to articulate in written words what is communicated in the Spirit. But I'll try.

First, I started a study. This one...



A Call To Die, by David Nasser. And that is exactly what I've been doing this summer.

Dying.

To my flesh. To my sin. And to any distractor that comes between me and my God. And by golly, He loves me so much, that if I wouldn't give it up, He'd go ahead and take it.

This blog, as good as it has been, has become quite an identity for me. My strings became much too attached. So He snapped them for a while.

(Confessing now) I realized that numbers became way too important. Comments became quite an obsession. And the unspoken "blog competition", even in Christian circles, became an issue for me. I wanted my blog to rank with some of the best.

Ugh. That was hard to type.

I heard one time to never become too consumed by the numbers of your followers. Jesus only had twelve. And one betrayed Him.

So. I am back. My Internet back up. And the Lord has refreshed my heart. I have come to realize that this blog can not - can not - can not take time away from my nose in His Word.

I need the Word of God like my body needs coffee. I mean water.



I need time in His presence. In my living room, on my knees, before Him. Singing praises to the Most High. O my goodness, ya'll. I am so in love with Him.

That lightening bolt, and this Call to Die have been so good. So renewing.

Forgive me for my pride. Forgive me for not constantly viewing myself with sober judgement.

So back to blogging. The Lord back as the Commander in Chief.

I am just the hands that type.

31 Days of Praying for our Children will resume. I just had to let you know what was going on in my heart.

I am so thankful for you all. No sufficient words for that one.

What Hinders You?

What is the biggest distraction between you and a deeper relationship with God?

What consumes your thought life?

Are you one to make "promises" to God and break them?



I am so sick and tired of anything competing for my affection with Christ. He is so much better than "whatever it is" that might hinder a closer connection with Him.

A hindrance may be as big as alcohol, pornography or overspending.

It may be as simple as gossip, laziness, food or television.

Oh, He is better.

Read this and meditate on its depth...

Surely then you will find delight in the Almighty and will lift up your face to God. You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. Job 22:26-28

You will find greater delight in Him. He hears your prayer.

Today I am making a decision.

A decision to go deeper. A decision to move closer to my God.

A decision to die.

To die to the thing or things that cause my growth to slow.

To die to anything that hinders my walk.

We are called to die. So we can live.

What is it today that needs to be put to death in you?

Pray about it. Make a decision.

And in the power of the Holy Spirit, you will fulfill your vows.

Are you in?

Get On Top Of It

There are better Spin instructors than me. Many instructors at the YMCA are true cyclists who ride there very nice road bikes for miles and miles every week.

I have an old mountain bike in my garage from college.

I've ridden it three times.

A true cyclist I may not be, but I don't claim to be either. Good thing that is not a requirement of a Spin instructor.

But what I can offer is encouragement. If you come to my class, I am going to tell you how great you're doing. How hard you're working. How healthy your heart is. How good you will feel. And how proud I am of you. (for what that's worth)

And I have a few tag lines that automatically come out of my mouth when teaching:

* Go! Get after it!
* Whoo!
* You're not tired.
* Get on it! Don't let it get on top of you!

The last line is where I've been. Trying to stay on top of it.

The "it" can be anything. In a Spin class, it may be a sprint, a climb or a time trial.

In daily life, it may be parenting your children, being intentional in your marriage, your finances, family relationships. Or spiritual warfare.

I started the summer sprinting as fast as my little seven's could pedal and now I am having to tell myself, "Get back on it, Becky! Don't let it get on top of you!"

I don't want to give too much credit to my Adversary because Jesus defeated him on the Cross. I live victoriously in this life.

But. The enemy sure has given us the 'biz this week.

Brent and I have had conflict. My boys have been at each other's throat. Brent lost his wallet. And his keys. We had dead birds in our bathroom vent. We've encountered unexpected, large expenses .... On and on. And on.

Did I walk in the power of the Holy Spirit 100% of the time this week? Um, no.

I allowed my circumstances to climb on top of me. And weigh me down. I've cried. I've yelled at my boys. Snapped at my husband. Looked to ice cream for comfort. And I may have even cursed.

"Get back on top of it."

The Word of God tells me...

In all things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, stand firm. Ephesians 6:13

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. 1 John 5:4

Therefore be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Romans 15:58

This is true of me. And you. We are immovable in the power of the Holy Spirit. It's when I'm in my own efforts, my own strength that I can't stand up.

It is so important to remember who I am in Christ and to allow the Word of God encourage me out of a pit. And to remind myself that I have the victory. I am an overcomer. I am a conqueror. And I am steadfast.

Doing this is much more effective than ice cream.

Stand up. Get on top of it.

And don't let it get on top of you.

****

{I am so enjoying your "Significant Summer: How's It Going?" feedback. I am still accepting and compiling your comments! They have been so great! If you've written a blog on summer activities, let me know that, as well. I will link to your blog from here. Thanks!}

Knocking At The Door Of My Heart

This morning, I was startled out of a sound sleep.

Knock, knock, knock.

Loud and alarming.

A quick gasp. Head off of my pillow.

The clock read 4:00. Exactly.

I strain my ear through the silence. My husband sound asleep beside me. He heard nothing.

I hold my breath and listen. And listen.

Nothing except the shush of white noise from the boy's room. The buzz of a fan above me.

But knocking? None.

I lower my head slowly to my pillow.

Then I hear, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Luke 11:9

Jesus.

Whispering to my heart. Knock, Becky. Seek me. Rise up and come. It is time. Walk through the door that I have opened. Knowing now who was knocking. Not at the front door of my house, but standing on the front stoop of my heart.

I obediently wrap my robe around me and go down to make coffee. (I'm pretty sure that is the first thing I was to do. Make coffee. Right?)

I come, Lord. Seeking.



Seek (zēteō): to aim at. To strive for; desire. To crave. TO SEEK TO PROMOTE THE GLORY OF GOD.

Yes. To promote His Glory. My deepest desire.

Lord, this weekend I walk. With boldness, as Your Word says, through an open door. A retreat that You prepared, in your Sovereignty, before the foundation of the world. When I was being knit in secret, You were event planning. This weekend. For me. And for the twenty-seven other ladies who will come. We come...seeking to promote Your Glory. We come... Craving. Desiring. Striving to enter into your rest. Anticipating Your meeting us there. Expecting your Holy Spirit to fall upon us. Thank You. In advance, thank You.

Will you pray?

Today begins a weekend retreat for the women of God who attend Fellowship Bible Church, Knoxville. Will you pray over us? Pray for God's Spirit to fall, for His Word to move and touch our lives. Please pray for our protection. Please pray for our speaker (ahem) that she would be less so He could be more. Pray God would knit our hearts to His and to each other.

And speaking of open doors, the Lord continues to point me towards the She Speaks conference this coming July. If you, too, are still praying about God's plan for you as a speaker, writer or women's ministry leader, then this conference may be a great opportunity. Ann Voskamp's is offering a scholarship to the conference on her blog this week. Visit here for more information.

I am learning to act on my God-given passions. And never to ignore His prompting. Heaven forbid me to miss Him. Ever.

If You Older Child Has A Crisis of Faith...

I thought this might be of encouragement to some of you....

As soon as Grant asked me the, "Mom, is God really real?" question, I remembered an email that I received the week PRIOR from a friend/reader, Amy.

Talk about God's perfect timing.

She was sharing about her son, Cody, and a sweet night of growth he had in the Lord. Here is her story:

Monday night my 10-year-old was having a bit of a "crisis of faith". He made a decision for the Lord when he was very young, so I knew that conversations like this were bound to come up. Like me, he doesn't remember the decision, but he knows he made it. He loves the Lord and considers Him a huge part of his life. But the other night, he was struggling with really feeling like He was real. He said that he knows He's real, because that's what he has always known, but it's so hard to really feel it when he can't see Him.

We had a lengthy conversation. I was honest with him and said that I've had moments (of doubt), too. I told him of a time when I was in college (Bible school, even!) and was going through that. I encouraged Cody to seek God ~ to pray and read the Bible, asking God to speak to Him. I told Him of scriptures that say that when we seek Him we will find Him. I also told him that the Psalms are great during times like that.

About 30 minutes later, he came into my room and plopped his Bible down on my desk, with it opened to Psalm 34. Of course it has all those marvelous verses like, "I sought the LORD, and he answered me, Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" and others that have to do with calling to the Lord and Him hearing. It was really cool! Then I showed him my favorite (Psalm 27), and then he skipped over to Psalm 20. That's when I sorta freaked him out, because I starting singing "The Blessing Song" unexpectedly! Anyways, I thought you'd enjoy that story of how God worked in my boy's life! He is so good! :)

Isn't that amazing? The Holy Spirit moved in Amy's house that night. He confirmed in Cody's spirit that His Word is truth, that God is real and when you seek God he may be found.

I thought this to be so insightful for those of you who have older kiddos with questions. The Word is living and active to them as they knock, seek and find.

"Mom, Is God Really Real?" II

As Grant and I sat at the kitchen table, more and more questions came. Great questions. (Ahem, hard questions):

Grant: "How do we know that God is real? I've never seen Him."

"You know, God is so glorious, so holy and perfect that the Bible says we can not look at him with these eyes and live. His Glory is too bright! But, when Jesus came to earth he told the people..."Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9) He also says that He and the Father are One (John 10:30). Jesus was all man. But he was all God, too. Is that confusing?"

"Not really. But not everybody got to see Jesus. I didn't get to see him. What about that?"

"Well look here..." We lean in towards my Bible, Grant running his little finger along the words, "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me." (John 14:11) We must believe. Faith is believing in what we can't see (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is what pleases God so much. (Hebrews 11:6)."

I continue, "We can look all around us and see God, as well. You know mommy's favorite tree in the front yard?"

"Yeah."



"Look at those big, beautiful, white cherry blossoms. Think about all of the tiny, little details of each pedal. We can look at God's creation and see Him. His beauty. His majesty. His power."



I turn to look at our back yard. A perfect Spring day.

"Look Grant. This didn't just happen! God did all of this. For his Glory. So we can know Him. The Bible says that no one is without excuse. Let me show you..."

We turned to Romans 1 and read:

For the truth about God is known to [men] instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Romans 1:19-20

"God wants everyone to know Him. And even if people say "Well, I can't see God so I can't believe in Him," then that isn't true. The Bible says we instinctively know him. Deep down in our hearts, everyone must know that God exists. Even if they don't admit it."

I then ask, "Can you see the wind?"

"No."

"Well, the wind is like the Spirit of God...."

"Oh, waaaiiiittt! I get it. We can't see the wind. But we can see what it does. It moves things and blows things around. We know it's there, even though we can't see where it is."

"Bingo. The wind is kind of like God's Holy Spirit. He lives in us. He moves in us. He is here with us. We just can't see Him with our physical eyes. But we know He is here, don't we! We know - by faith."

"So if someone, like at school, says, I can't see God. I can tell him the wind story, right?"

"You sure can."

(Sweet boy.)

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Have a fabulous weekend...

A Taste of Heaven

Some would think that a house full of women, closed in confined spaces for a full weekend might mean trouble. Conflict. Comparison. Catty-ness. Cruelty. And they might be right if watching some reality show on Bravo.

But, put thirty or more women, Jesus-lovin' women, in a house together. One full weekend. And what do you get?

Heaven.

Just a taste. But Heaven still.

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like‑minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:1&2

It is amazing how all these women (some not pictured because they had to leave early), can come from their different lives, different homes, different families, and drive up in different cars, and leave, two days later, all of the same spirit and accord. Like‑minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Sisters in Christ Jesus.

A true family. An undeniable spirit of sisterhood that can only be explained in the things of God.

The Lord took us all, gently by our hands, and ushered us into His Presence. His Word, moving us into His rest, into deep refreshment, led to repentance and longing to remain in Him.

This morning the only way I can say it is....It was the bomb.

How's that for poetic?

Thank you PepMoms, for having me.

And as Andrea Engle prayed...there really are just "no words."

Love you all.

The Quiet Sin of an Unforgiving Heart

The unforgiving heart is so costly.

Read what Jesus says about forgiveness...

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25

I am 100% in love with Jesus, but I am also 100% human. My feelings get hurt and I can be offended, not easily, but offended still.

And every so often my Mama likes to manifest on me. She could be feisty. And heaven help the man or woman who crossed her.

I'm not saying this is good...but it is true.

She was could be a fiery dart and was known to hold a grudge like nobody's business.

Do you know someone like this? Is it you?

Well, left to my flesh, this is me.

My words are sharp and fiery...just ask my husband.

Brent has said before, "I'm not going to have this fight with you. I know I won't win."

Yuck. Isn't sin so ugly?

So. I have to be on guard. I try not to lash out with my tongue. I know "better than that".

People might see my sin. Or hear it.

But no one sees my heart.



Right?

Wrong.

God knows when I sit down and when I rise up; He discerns my thoughts from a far. -Psalm 139:2

And He loves me still? Amazing.

Unforgiving: unwilling to forgive; Having or making no allowance for error or weakness

Unforgiveness is a very quiet sin. It lingers in the soul of its carrier, rotting away, destroying compassion, deteriorating the tenderness of the heart.

Unforgiveness breeds bitterness.

And no one likes a bitter person.

The Lord warns us of the effects of this unforgiving heart. He warns us against bitterness.

HE SAYS IT HINDERS OUR OWN FORGIVENESS.

Lord, help us. Think about that.

If I went to the Lord this morning, mad at my husband - not forgiving him for something he did (or didn't do) yesterday...if I spent an hour in praise and prayer to the Lord, it would be rather ineffective.

Example: Brent and I got into a tiff yesterday. A petty quarrel about sweeping the bathroom floors. But the enemy wanted to blow that up and make us hate on each other all day. He will try to breed bitterness in my marriage. Brent and I have to stay on guard. ALL OF THE TIME.


I can not go into the Most Holy Place with the Lord when I am full of sin. When I have an unforgiving heart. No. I go into that place with the Lord....cleansed of my sin.

Cleansed of all of my hidden sin (ahem...unforgivingness).

Put on then, as God's chosen ones holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive. Colossians 3:13

God's method is quite contradictory of our flesh. When someone ticks you off....love them.

How's that for a work of the Holy Spirit?

O.K. So who is it?

Who are you thinking of this morning?

Forgive them.

Don't live in bondage to bitterness another day.

Let it go. Give it over to the Lord.

An unforgiving heart costs too much.

Are You Making 2011 Resolutions? Read...

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. Psalm 62:5

If you are anything like me, you are ready to pull your Christmas decor down, deep clean your house and get back into rhythm. I loved Christmas this year. Oh my, yes!

But I love structure and predictability, too. Two things the holidays aren't quick to offer.

Oh, the New Year. Such a stake in the ground. A mark in the road - Transition. Change. Turning.

And every December's end, I bombard myself with an overwhelming list of goals for the next year.

Most of which I'm not very consistent with after February.

Do you know how many times I have read the Bible through in a year? Do you know how many times I have stopped in Exodus? Oh the irony. I guess I'm still wandering around in the desert.

Goal: the end toward which your effort is directed. Aim.

As I read over the definition of a goal, I recognized that determining a goal is not a flippant thing, at all. My efforts need to be reserved for only important things. Outside of my already established routine, I don't have much effort to give away.

So determining my goals needs to be solely directed by the Holy Spirit.

What are we aiming for this year, Lord?

So the next couple of days, I am spending much of my prayer and reading on this alone. Goals. I want to hear from Him on what we need to be doing this year.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence. Psalm 62:5

So I will wait.

And my pen will not make one strike without hearing from Him.

I could easily fill up a page with "Eat more vegetables. Read a new book every month. Memorize a new scripture every week. Volunteer at the mission. Do more crafts with the boys. Train for a new race. Send more greeting cards. Watch less TV. Cut back on sugar and caffeine...."

None of these are bad. They are all very good things, actually. But where does the Lord want my efforts directed?

My life is not my own. My goals are not my own. My body is not my own. My hands are not my own. My time is not my own. My children are not my own. My marriage is not my own. My house is not my own. My money is not my own.

Everything is His.

Will you wait on the Lord to direct your 2011 efforts?

Christmas Goals 2010

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men. Luke 2:14

We have arrived at the threshold of Christmas. December 23rd. The hustle and bustle is arguably at its peak - food is being prepared, last minute gifts purchased, traffic is absolutely crazy and I am finding myself getting a little lost in its shuffle.

Yesterday I sat down at the kitchen table holding a green sharpie and a Christmas tree post-it note.

Staring at my to-do list, I said to Brent, "I am feeling overwhelmed."

It read: *make Oreo balls *fold laundry *shake out rugs *drop off presents to Amanda *get turkey from Mamaw *wrap three gifts *vacuum out the van *drop off dry cleaners

(It's amazing what will overwhelm a person. Silly, I know. )

Brent took my list, grabbed my sharpie and marked off four items. "I'll do these."

Ahh. Sweet man of God. What a relief it was for him to take those off of my holiday plate.

This morning I have reflected on yesterday's to-do list and Brent's sweet intervention. And I think I best be setting goals for the next two days or I will miss it all.

Christmas goals 2010.

I sense that the Lord wants to take my Christmas tree post-it, grab hold of my green sharpie and scratch it.



He wants to say, "I'll do these. You do this: *abide in me *enjoy my presence *sing Christmas hymns of praise *hug your children *kiss Brent *read the Christmas story *serve your family *refresh in my Spirit *celebrate *simplify."

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men. Luke 2:14

So my goals for the next two days: Glory and Peace.

#1 Glory - I want to give glory to God in the highest.

I want to make every effort to give him honor and praise. Every table setting, every dish prepared, every present wrapped - for His glory. Every hug, every spoken word, every song sang - for His glory. I want this to be the Christmas of washing feet. Let me serve my family, both young and old - for His glory. Let my hands be His. Oh thank you, Jesus.

#2 Peace - I sense deeply within me that I need to lay hold of my peace. The enemy wants it, you know. He does not, I repeat, does not want your focus to be Christ. He wants to steal your focus - make Christmas about busyness and stuff. Don't do it. Make a conscience effort right now. Your focus is Jesus. My focus is Jesus.

Within two days I spoke with four people...people anxious about relational drama at the holidays. Family can be hard. Lay claim to your peace. Jesus is your focus. Love them. Tell them how happy you are to be with them. Forgive them. Wash their feet. Let love and peace be your motivation.

Let the fruit of the Holy Spirit be your Christmas dish this year - Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control! Galatians 5:22

Who could resist?

May my and your Christmas be marked by Glory and Peace this year.

Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas to you.

Lord, I ask you to bless all those who have read this today. Fill them with your Spirit. Let them abide in your great love for them. Let them rest in the simplicity of a baby in a manger and all that Christmas was meant to be. Thank you for Jesus - The Word made flesh (John 1:14). In Jesus Name, Amen.

From Glory to Glory

God is up to something over here.

He never changes. But He is always moving.

And I want to be on the front lines. Moving right behind him.

It is the greatest honor of my life to follow Him.

And ever so often, I feel a pull.

Hard to explain.

A pull in a new direction.

He gives me a Holy Spirit heads up - letting me know that we are not to sit in one place too long.

He's up to something.

And what it is I'm not sure.

Read this passage carefully...

Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:4

Do you know this about yourself? You. Precious you. Competent to minister. Not because of what you've done. Not because of all your knowledge of Scripture. But because the Holy Spirit dwells in you.

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end [speaking here of the Mosaic covenant - Read Exodus 34:34]. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 2 Corinthians 3:12-14 - italics mine

Moses went to the mountain and saw the Lord. He was given the Law. He saw the Glory of God. And had to cover His face with a veil. But Christ...Oh sweet Christ. He is the new covenant. The sacrifice and the meal. In Him the veil is lifted for all to see the Glory of God.

Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:15

Is a veil over your heart? Do you feel separate? Other?

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17

In Christ, we are free. No veil. No curtain. We move right into His presence. We, too, get to see His Glory.

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Did you get that? We see him, with unveiled face. We behold his Glory. THEN we too are transformed into the same image.

We don't just see his glory. We partake.

The KJV says we are changed into the same image from glory to glory.

We don't behold his glory and stay the same. He moves us. He changes us. From one glory to another. From one degree of glory to the next.

For this comes from the Lord who is Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

So even though I can't say I know exactly what He is doing, I know that he is moving me from glory to glory.

You too, friend.

For His glory, he is transforming you. Moving you from one degree of glory to another.

I will be blogging less over the next few weeks.

I need some intentional face time with Jesus.

Me on my face, that is.

What is He up to?

In me?

In you?

Seek him intently. And be transformed.

From glory to glory.

I Have One Thing Going For Me

Yesterday it was very clear to me...apart from Christ I can do nothing.

N O T H I N G.

John 15:5. My life verse.

Well, I guess if you count snapping at my children, discouraging my husband and making a complete fool of myself, I guess that is something.

Maybe I should rephrase ... apart from Christ I can do no good thing. Psalm 16:2

Yesterday the Lord was sweet to show me why I so desperately need him. Moment to moment.

The details are silly and rather irrelevant. Something about unfinished school work, a slice of pizza and a couple of red balloons.

Well, too, a messy house, an overwhelming attempt to have a garage sale and an unloaded dishwasher.

I told you...silly.

No good thing.

I was like a rubber band, stretched to its max, who popped and smacked my family in the eye.

Oh, I need Jesus.

Don't think for one second that I've got it all together over here.

Jesus is the only thing I've got going for me.

The split second I step out of walking in the power of his Holy Spirit, is the second I sin.

There's no one foot in one foot out.

No, it's all Spirit or all flesh.

Yesterday was flesh.

So after a series of unfortunate events with my flesh, I got in the van and had to drive to the grocery store. And out of obedience to the Word (not desire - remember, I'm still in my flesh) I begin to praise Him. And thank him. And sing to him. Loudly. Expecting peace. (Philippians 4:6-7).

And there in my "die any day" mini-van, on the way to Food City, the Lord met me. He turned my heart of stone into flesh (Ezekiel 11:19). He forgave me and poured grace on me. He filled me with his Holy Spirit and gave me, not just peace, but unsurpassing peace.

Just like that.

He is so good. So good. I did not deserve that moment with him. I deserved a Holy sad spoon. But instead he blessed me. And set my feet on a rock.

Put to death, therefore what is earthly in you. Put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:5,8,9,12-14

Anglea Thomas writes, "I need Jesus to walk around in my soul and open my eyes. I need Him to forgive, restore and change me into His likeness from encounter to encounter. I need spiritual depth and maturity. I am so needy that this cannot wait until the children are older or until our lives are 'settled.' I must finally come to the end of myself and cry aloud, 'Dear God Almighty, I cannot possibly make it apart from You." - Tender Mercy for a Mother's Soul

So true. I can not make it apart from Him. He is all that is good in me.

Abide in Him today.

Embracing Pain

I don't like pain.

I avoid it at all costs.

I always have.

Pain makes me very uncomfortable.

I remember, as a little girl, being very uncomfortable with other's tears.

Funerals did me in.

Divorce did me in.

Too much pain.

I hated to see my mother's face, strained and red. Streaked with tears. I remember wanting to make her laugh. I remember acting silly.

Or ignoring her.

In hopes to minimize grief.

I do that same thing, still.

I am a minimizer of pain. I don't like it, so therefore, I catch myself downplaying any emotion of my own or others that resembles hurt.

Of late, the Lord is doing a new thing.

Francis Chan writes, "There have been many times when I've tried to lead the Holy Spirit. I've wanted to direct Him and tell Him what to do and when to do it. The irony is that the Holy Spirit was given to direct us. The Spirit is God, a Being who requires that we submit ourselves to be led by Him. I honestly believe that most of us - while we might say we want to be led by the Spirit - are actually scared of this reality. I know I am." - Forgotten God.

Well Chan, me too.

The truth is that, sometimes, the Holy Spirit leads us to difficult places. It is the Spirit's leading that makes us want to serve the homeless, give away our money, adopt an orphan, sell our possessions, confront a brother, step out on water, lay hands on the leper, walk into the wilderness, or die on a Cross.

Although, the outcomes may be rewarding, and God never abandons, His leading can be very scary. And for a time, painful

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:24

Crucify (stauroō)- metaphorically, "the putting off of the flesh with its passions and lusts," a condition fulfilled in the case of those who are "of Christ Jesus."

Well, I will be the first to admit that I have no "desire" for pain. Not one "desire" for hurt. No "desire" for tears. But, those who are of Christ crucify their passions and desires. Therefore, I put off my desire for easy. I put off my passion for pleasure. And I enter into pain, if He so leads.

I enter into pain, with faith.

Because what He is ultimately leading me into is Holiness. Sanctification. Making me into the likeness of His Son. Purifying His Bride. Drawing me to Himself. Allowing me to share, with Him, in suffering. To be more like Him. To need more of Him.

To "desire" Him - over my flesh.

Even though, being led by the Spirit, in true crucified style, may be scary, and often painful - He is always good.

He is always right.

He is always present.

His goal is always our Holiness.

And His Glory.

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - Jesus speaking. John 16:33

Obedience on Aisle Five

The Lord is at work in Wal-mart. Can I just tell you that?

Two times now that Lord has prompted me to pray for complete strangers...at Wal-mart.

Complete. Strangers.

Story #1 -

One lady was looking at the canned beans. Aisle 5. Sweet, gray-haired lady, probably early 70s. And her face was sad. So right there, at the beans, I strike up a conversation with her. I can't remember exactly what I said to start, but before we ended she was crying and asking me to pray for her grandson.

What God? Pray now? But I'm standing in front of the beans at Wal-mart. I don't want to pray here.

I cop out. I told her I would pray for her grandson, which I have been, but I was supposed to pray then...at the beans. And I knew it.

Story #2 -

I'm in Memphis with my sister-in-law, Erin, pushing our buggy around the produce. I see a lady, seemingly in her 60s, hardly any hair, sickly and thin. Cancer. You just know Cancer. And that feeling starts to well up in me.

"Erin, I want to pray for that woman."
"Go do it, girl."
"I'm chicken. Let's walk over and get what you need. If I see her again, then I'll know I'm to pray for her."

BUT I KNEW I WAS TO PRAY FOR HER. I didn't need to push my buggy anywhere. You see, I play little obedience games with God. I'm not just a chicken, I'm a procrastinating chicken. Even worse.

I finish shopping and check out, the whole time thinking about this woman.

Erin: "You ready?"
"No. I have to go find that woman. The Lord's not letting this one rest. I'll catch up."

And there she was, in the check out line, standing with her daughter.

"Ma'am. I know you don't know me, but my name is Becky and I just want you to know that the Lord has given me a desire to pray for you."

Awkward? A little. I wouldn't say she tearfully embraced me, but she was thankful. She told me her story. Brain and lung cancer. Four years of treatment. Her name is Rosie. And she was just beautiful.

I told her that, too.

Did I pray for her in the checkout line? No. I told you I'm chicken. But I told her I am honored to have the opportunity to pray for and encourage her.

I obeyed the Lord's prompting 90%.

Ugh.

Is He pleased with my pursuit of Rosie? Yes. And my canned bean conversation with gray-haired lady? Yes. But how much more would He have been pleased with 100%.

I ask my children to obey me quickly and completely. But I can't even obey God quickly and completely.

I need to get over my fear of man, stop trying to save face, die to myself, die to my pride and OBEY.

What ever it takes.

The Word says to be obedient in ALL THINGS. (2 Cor. 2:9, Col. 3:20) Not just the easy ones.

Good thing Jesus didn't take my approach to obedience. "Well, Father, I will go to the Cross, but let's just wait a couple of days. Maybe all these people with shape up. Or maybe We could come up with another atonement for sin. One that's not so ugly."

That's what I would have probably done.

No. Jesus "humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a Cross!" Philippians 2:8. Christ had no fear of man. Just love. And look what that did for all of us. Forgiveness. Blessing. Redemption.

Christ is the perfect example of obedience.

Even unto death.

My prayer partner, Kristal, and I talked about this yesterday. And we are now holding each other accountable to hearken our ear to that still small voice. The Holy Spirit's prompting. No excuses. No shame. Just raw, quick, unashamed obedience to God. No matter the cost. No matter how embarrassing. How sacrificial. Or how counter-cultural.

I want to obey the Father. Quickly and completely.

"If you say yes to God, He will ask you to do the impossible." - Debbie Barnes

I want to say yes.

100%