If You Tend To Look Back...

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19

Do you perceive it? The newness coming in with this new year?

There is something deep and unspeakable within me that jumps at the thought. 2011 was very long. And dry at times. I would even use the word heated. This past year brought us loss and life-altering change.

But my difficulties did not exhaust God's power. They only made an opportunity for more to be displayed.

He has been so faithful.

In Isaiah 43, God encourages the Jewish exiles to not look or live in the past, but to look to Him. He is making a way in the wilderness. He is making a clear path where there seemed to be not one. He is ready to provide refreshment in the desert.

Like the Isrealites, my natural tendency is to look back. To sulk in past mistakes or old hurts. To sit in disappointment. I can beat myself to a pulp over poor choices or harsh words I've spoken. But God is always doing a new thing. Like his instruction to the children of Israel, His words ring true in my ears today.

Behold, I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?

Chadash, the Hebrew word for new, simply means fresh. Are you ready for a fresh start?

I'm ready.

Yet admist the excitement, newness is a vulnerable emotion. Many uncertainties. Many questions. But in the redundant words of Scripture, do not be afraid.

"Jesus is where you are, and you can trust that he will show you the next steps." -Henri Nouwen

There are several things on my 2012 list that have a shape, yet not a face. Several of which could cause me great anxiety if I let them. Money being one of them. But I am not afraid, for Jesus is where I am. He will show me the next steps.

What is it about 2012 that brings you anxiety?

If it is your health...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your marriage...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your job...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your children...Jesus is where you are.
If it is relationships...Jesus is where you are.
If it is money...Jesus is where you are.

I am praying for you today, sweet reader. Let us look forward with great hope and anticipation! He is doing a new thing! I can perceive it! He is making a way in the wilderness for you. He is bringing refreshment in the desert for you. This past year may have exhausted you, but not your God.

He is as fresh as ever and ready to display Himself in your 2012.

Do you perceive it?

Joseph, Thanks For Being A Stud.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7

This has been a crazy month. I've shared before that my grandmother (a.k.a, Mamaw) moved nearby our house this summer so we can care for her better. Which means her home of 52+ years has been on the market for months. I am so thankful to say we have a buyer and have been busy plugging away at a very long home inspection list, preparing the house for it's new owner. We have also been working with the Veteran's on Mamaw's behalf. I haven't had much experience working with a government agency before. Little did I know how challenging it could be. Brent, (a.k.a., my hero), has quarterbacked the business-side of Mamaw's care. A job he inherited when he married lil' ol me. Honestly, caring for a 90-year-old has been overwhelming and just down right hard at times. Paperwork and legal jargon....A long rollercoaster ride of yes's, no's and maybe's. It has been a taxing process.

And on top of all of that, it's now the holiday season. So much comes along with that, as you know. Lots to do. Lots to do.

I have read the Christmas story numerous times. Somewhat ignoring the first five verses of Luke 2. Reading them unintentionally and missing out on the details associated with Joseph.

Ah yes, Joseph. What a stud.

In those days a decree went out from Casar Augustus that all the world should be registered ... And all went up to be registered, each to him own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea... (v.1-3)

This registration was something he had to do because the government said so. No buts about it. Gotta do it.

So there he went, being a man and rejecting passivity, "to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child (v.4)." (A child of which wasn't even his. No, it was the Son of God. Just sayin'.)

(Can you imagine Joseph's stress level? )

And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. (v. 6)

Mary, really? Your water did what? Here?!

And she gave birth to her firstborn son. (v. 7)

I remember the birth of my first child. Every. Single. Detail. Every emotion - My excitement. My uncertainty. Oh dear - Can you imagine being in Bethlehem, an unfamiliar city, on government business and having a baby! No place to go. Only a stable. With animals.

Sweet Joseph. He was steadfast. Trusting not in the comforts of a hospital staff or a midwife. But his heart was steadfast, trusting in the Lord. The Lord equipping him with everything he needed that night.

Joseph encourages me and challenges me, as well. I often entitle myself to a blissful, stress-free Christmas. My home smelling of cinnamon, presents neatly wrapped, cards promptly sent, kids jolly, obedient and eager to help. I sometimes assume that hardship should wait until after the first of the year. Take the holiday off.

But hardship doesn't wait. Responsibility never rests. Business needs to be done. Even more so this time of year. It always has been this way. Even the very first Christmas.

I am thankful for Joseph's example. Diving in headfirst to his duties, most of which were inherited by marriage and imposed on him by the government. He didn't choose this. Yet, he didn't argue. (Reminds me of you, Brent. Thank you so much.)

He just did what a man needed to do.

So amongst the busyness of this season, I will not hang my head, feeling sorry that I am "too busy to enjoy." If anything, busyness is just part of it. Instead, I will anticipate the celebration as I scratch off my to-do list. The hustle and bustle only emphasizing the rest that December 25th brings.

Each strike of my pen a step closer to the night we light the last candle of Advent and rejoice that the baby, the Prince of Peace, was born.

Never Too Young To Cast Our Cares

My little Ethan (sweet face in the middle) has been struggling.

Kindergarten has been a very hard adjustment for him. Like, crying when we pull in the parking lot hard.

Bottom line, he is afraid. Afraid of messing up and not doing something right, afraid I won't come back to get him, afraid of the large crowds, overwhelmed by the new rules. A spirit of fear. I am not exaggerating when I say something of an oppressive nature is afflicting his precious little self.

And Mama bear is getting quite angry. So this morning, I'm getting out my fightin' words.

Yesterday, when we were riding in the van I taught Ethan a new verse.

Cast your burden on the LORD and he will sustain you. Psalm 55:22

He asked, "But what does cast mean?"

"It means to give away to God."

"What does sustain mean?"

"It means to keep you going. To watch over you. God will help you out. Make sense?"

"Yeah."

"So let's make a list of all of your worries. All of your fears. And we'll give them away to God together."

We dialogued about his anxieties. All of his worries about school and missing mommy. And he seemed to feel better. Until... a sudden outburst of tears.

"What if I forget that I have given God my fears. What if I take them back?"

Sweet boy. Sweet, sweet, sweet boy.

"Then you just give them right back again."

We do this don't we? Cast our burdens on the Lord. Then take them right back.

Cast (shalak) actually means to throw, hurl or fling. Isn't that a great thought? To hurl our worries away. Never to be seen, felt or thought of again.

Do you have a care you need to fling today?

If so, together let's yell one - two - three - Heave Ho. Cast that thing over the side of the boat.

Let the Lord sustain you today.

And join me in prayer for my little man. Ethan will overcome, I know. He will. In Jesus Name, he is an overcomer.

(Some more fightin' words...)

The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Exodus 14:14

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of flesh; is there any thing too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27

In God have I put my trust; I will not be afraid what man can do to me. Psalm 56:11

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear not for I am with you, do not be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

When Things Are Changing

Immutable: (def) not capable of or susceptible to change

I must confess, "immutable" is not a word in my everyday lingo. And I suppose it is not a common word because it is not a common concept. Can you think of many things in your life that are not capable to change?

I can't.

My family is in the thick of transition right now.

Are you in a season of change?

The other night a couple came over to buy our nursery furniture. I posted it on Craigslist and within days it sold. The sweetest couple came out. First baby. Young. Hard-working and a bit overwhelmed. I could tell. I stood and listened as they processed where they were going to put all of this new baby furniture when they got home. They weren't quite ready for it all, but wanted to grab a good deal. Things were changing quickly for them. And it was causing them stress.

I don't know if they were Christians or not, but I wanted to hug her (and lay hands on her belly - grin) and tell her that even though all around her is changing, God is always the same. Don't fret. Be anxious for nothing. He is constant.

I read this yesterday and it encouraged my socks off. Sip your coffee and ponder this magnificent attribute of your immutable God...

"IMMUTABILITY is one of the Divine perfections which is not sufficiently pondered. It is one of the excellencies of the Creator which distinguishes Him from all His creatures. God is perpetually the same: subject to no change in His being, attributes, or determinations. Therefore God is compared to a rock (Deut 32:4, etc.) which remains immovable, when the entire ocean surrounding it is continually in a fluctuating state; even so, though all creatures are subject to change, God is immutable. Because God has no beginning and no ending, He can know no change. He is everlastingly 'the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning' (Jam 1:17)." - A. Pink

Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any. Isaiah 44:8



This morning, make your bed on the comfort of your Rock.

A Raw Look At My Heart

This post won't be pretty. Or funny. Or poetic.

Today's blog is a bit raw and quick. A look into where we've been the past 72 hours.

Mamaw has had her lowest of lows the past few days. Sunday morning I went to see her. Her color was ash, her skin was cold to touch and extremely clammy. She was slow to respond. Glazed.

Sounds like death to me.

I was terrified.

Come to find out she was severely anemic and in need of blood. So... two units later, she started to perk up. Praise Jesus.

But the blood did not eliminate her confusion and slow response. And her pain. Oh my word, her pain.

Major major major back surgery for anyone. Throw ninety years on top of that and bad things can happen. And lots of those bad things did. More details I won't go into.

But you know what? I saw the Lord deliver that sweet woman. I have seen the favor of the Lord rest upon her. Upon her room. Upon her care. And upon each nurse...and by the way, if you are a nurse...I love you.

Her doctor - amazing. Brent said, "I don't even need surgery, and I want him to operate on me."

But still, the past two days I have sat in the chair beside her bed. Tears rolling down my face. Crying uncontrollably at times, just so sad to see this woman, who I love so much, suffer and struggle. It is a helpless feeling.

And I could feel my spirit start to sink. The darkness of her circumstances were a harsh reality. My heart grew very faint.

I felt very alone in that room with her.

But by God's grace, I would be reminded of my '"people"... my praying people.

Who, by today's technology, are just a text away.

I sent several this weekend.

I know people say, "I felt your prayers for me" and maybe they mean it. But I really mean it.

I didn't just "feel" the prayers. I watched them come to pass.

E V E R Y single prayer - answered.

Two passages have been life to me this weekend.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever. Psalm 138:8

The Lord doesn't only make things "good" that concern Mamaw. He perfects them. Isn't that good?

And yesterday as I sat and prayed, I honestly confessed to Him, "Lord, I just feel so alone."

Within a millisecond He replied, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isiah 41:10

Aww, such a sweet word from Him. I am never alone. He is always with me. Even in that cold, sterile room - He is with me. I have nothing to fear. I have no reason to be discouraged. He is my God. He is upholding us. He is upholding Mamaw.

This morning I can say, Glory to God...Mamaw is doing much better. Miraculously so.

And as for me, I am much better. Encouraged. Strengthened by His Word. Comforted by His presence.

Please continue to pray. I am so thankful for the readers of this blog. So thankful for your prayers and encouragement. I haven't replied to all of your comments and prayers, but I have received them and adore you. The words "Thank you" don't suffice.


For you.

I am so grateful.

If You Worry - Read This

Do any of these words describe you? Fearful. Anxious. Apprehensive. Agitated. Concerned. Disquiet. Nervous. Perturbed. Stressed. Uneasy. Dismayed. Edgy.

If so, read on...

I come from a long line of "hand-wringers."

You know the kind. White-knuckled, worry warts.

Trusting the Lord and hand-wringing don't mix.

Be anxious for nothing. Philippians 4:6a

Anxious (merimnaō): to be troubled with cares.

Do not be troubled with cares.

I grew up learning how to worry. My mom and grandmother both were quick to warn me of all the dangers of this world. But no one was too quick to teach me how to trust the Lord with those dangers.

In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6b

Everything (pas): in every way; on every side, in every particular relation or matter

The antidote for worry? Prayer. Petition. And thanksgiving. About everything - in every way. On every side. In every particular matter.

Your details are not insignificant to the Father.

Worry on the other hand? Significant.

Worry (def) n. an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble.

This strikes me funny. First of all, worry is a noun. A person place thing or idea. The anticipated idea that some misfortune might happen. Isn't that the truth?

I will be the first to admit...I want to go there. Worry. My flesh wants to cling to every apprehension, care, concern, fear and anxiety.

I want to wallow around in it. Weep, worry and wring my hands.

But I die to that. By faith. I crucify my worry and live by faith.

Be anxious for nothing. Pray and Petition.



I could really wring my hands this morning. So much is going on around here. I am neck deep in elderly care (ahem, prayer needed). So I write it out in a petition to the Lord. Everything. Every matter.

And then give Him thanks.

In light of summer, do you have concerns? What are your desires? Are you worried? Fearful you just might lose your mind?

In light of health, do you have anxiety?

In light of money, are you apprehensive?

Prayer and Petition. Write down your specific requests. Every matter.

And give Him thanks.

Nothing is insignificant. Pray about it all. And, by golly,...



"Pray Big."

This sign rests on my mantle. A reminder to me and to my family that the Lord is ready to do the unthinkable.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. John 16:23

And what follows prayer and petition? Peace.

And the peace of God...will guard your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Crucify your worry. And, in Christ Jesus, claim your peace today.

What A Long Day It Was...

And a very long night.



Praise be to God for all spared in yesterday's catastrophic storms.

Yet, let us take a minute to pray for all those in Alabama who are picking up pieces of their lives and for the families who are grieving.

Over 100 lives lost.

If you haven't seen footage of this event, it will take your breath away.

Let us pray, today, for all of those facing this same line of deadly storms.

I pray you will "dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT

Lifting you up today.

While I Was Running...

It's not every day that this is my view on a morning run.



God, displaying His creation to me.

Showing off a bit.

It's funny.... This morning, I could have reflected upon His Majesty. His Creativity. His Power. His Mighty Hand.

And I did. But what overwhelmed me - What brought me to a complete stop, literally, was this verse:

All things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

If He can do this...

...He can do anything.

And what's more? He thinks you are even more special, still. You are more precious to Him. More beautiful.

His thoughts of you outnumber every tiny grain of sand you can see in this picture.

And every grain you can't.

He is unfathomable.

And absolutely crazy about you.

What are you praying about today? Does something seem impossible?

And While You're Still Waiting...

This morning I am still waiting.

On what? I won't bother going into that (sorry)...but I will say...

I. Am. Still. Waiting.

I have been for a while.

To be honest, I am tempted to grow weary.

But I will not. (I say that with all of my heart! I WILL NOT GROW WEARY.)

This morning I sustain my hope in God's Word. I will recount His faithfulness to me. He is so good and worthy of all my Trust. He never abandons me. Or you.

Are you still waiting on the Lord? Days, months, years of praying? Asking? Crying out to Him?

Let me encourage you (and myself) with Truth today.

I need it.

Let us feast this morning on His Word. Let us restore our strength. Our hope. And our faith in Him.

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. Psalm 138:2

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The righteous shall live by faith. Romans 1:17b

Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Mark 11:22

For we walk by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

If we are faithless, He is faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined his ear to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

Lord, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your unwavering goodness. Thank you for answering every prayer in your perfect timing. I trust you. Completely. Please speak to my soul today. Thank you for strengthening, encouraging and guiding me. Give me Your mind on this thing. Help me turn off my head and take every thought captive in obedience to you. Today, I walk by faith, not by sight. I love you, Lord. And put my faith to work today. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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.

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.

Protection No Pistol Can Offer

I grew up in East Tennessee.

A little town on the outskirts of Knoxville. My sister, my mom and me. My grandmother lived next door. Mom and Dad had divorced. Papaw died when I was three.

Four females. In the back roads of Tennessee.

One night I woke to my mother standing beside my bedroom window. Looking through white shears. The house was dark.

She held Papaw's pistol.

"Mama, what are..."

"Shhh."

There was one street light on our dead end street. Allowing a faint glow on our asphalt driveway.



I heard a heavy car door slam.

Men.

Sneaking in our driveway in the middle of the night. Stealing from our woodpile.

I remember thinking, "I bet mom is so mad they are stealing our wood."

Now, I know.

She wasn't protecting our woodpile.

She was protecting her babies.

Mom was a big lady. Strong. Tall. Beautiful.

But deep in the lines of her smile, there was fear. The weight of protecting two little girls.

I'm guessing she felt very exposed in a world of violence, rape, theft and murder.

Always on alert.

I wonder if she ever felt at ease.

Now that I am married, one of the sweetest luxuries is feeling protected.

If I hear a bump in the night, I wake Brent. If I feel uneasy, he goes in. Ready. On alert.

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in the act of adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say." John 8:3-6.

This adulteress woman. Exposed.

No one to protect her.

Would Jesus?

Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. John 8:7

Writing on the ground? I am going to ask him about this one day.

But whatever he wrote, the men started to file out. One by one. Leaving the woman to Jesus.

Alone.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

"No one, sir," she said.

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:10,11

She was bare, and possibly physically naked.

But He covered her.

With grace.

The Word of God made flesh defended this adulteress.

When Jesus spoke to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Light: (phōs) The light by which true life is gained. That which is exposed to the view of all, openly, publicly.

This woman was exposed publicly to the view of all. And there gained true life.

God stands at our bedroom window. Looking through the shears. Waiting and watching. Ready to defend. Always on alert.

We can rest in this.

Go back to sleep, weary soul.

This makes me swoon over my God today. In Christ alone, I experience 100% protection.

No one else can offer this.

Not my mother. Or Papaw's pistol.

Not even Brent.

God is my refuge.

He is my Shield. My Protection.

He defended me on the Cross.

And he defends me still.

We can experience rest today.

Guarded by the Most High.

And While You're Waiting...

Waiting.

I am not a woman who is naturally inclined to wait.

My daddy says I shot out of the womb wondering what we were going to do next.

Let's get movin'.

We live in a culture that nurtures our natural tendency for instant gratification.

Fast food. High speed Internet. 70 MPH Interstates. Books on line. TV On Demand. Iphones. Online shopping. Overnight shipping. One day surgery. One minute clinics.

Even a target associate will help you in less than 60 seconds.

However, we do still have call waiting. But you better hurry up and click over. Or I'll hang up.
I don't want to wait too long.

But what happens when we don't have a choice? We have to wait - On water to boil. On a red light to change. On a test result. On the market to improve. On an interview call back. On an orphan overseas. On our soul mate.

The word WAIT occurs 101 times in the Bible.
The word WAITING 21 times.
The word WAITED 35.

Lots and lots of waiting.

But why? Couldn't the Lord just say the word and make it happen? Why wait? He is All Powerful, right??

Right.

But what happens when we wait? What is He trying to accomplish?

Simply speaking, maybe God wants us to appreciate what He gives us.

Christmas morning, we appreciate our gifts all the more because we asked for them, looked forward to them and waited.

Last year, Grant asked EVERYDAY for two months for the LEGO Star Wars Republic Attack Shuttle. E v e r y d a y. If I went out and bought it for him on any random Monday, the gift would have been common. But, no, Grant needed to wait for that special Christmas morning.

What did he learn in the wait? Patience. Endurance. Persistence.

Grant learned that he could trust me to listen to his request.

Waiting builds trust. Waiting builds strength. Waiting builds courage.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Wait: (Quavah) To look for eagerly. To hope. To lie in wait. To linger. To expect anything.

We can trust God to hear our request. We can expect anything from him. Our hope can rest in Him. We can lie down - rest a spell. Linger and eagerly look for the Lord...waiting.

Be strong here is used not of physical strength, but of the mind. God strengthens our mind while we wait on Him.

Let your heart take courage - once again used of the mind. It takes courage to trust in the unseen. To hope. Waiting with undaunted courage.

Undaunted: courageously resolute especially in the face of danger or difficulty : not discouraged.

Undaunted waiting in an act of the Holy Spirit. I can't do this in my own strength.

The Lord allows us to exercise our faith in the wait. To exercise strength and courage. To practice trusting Him. To practice rest. To practice patience.

Patience is waiting well.

What an opportunity waiting gives us to expect of Him. To linger in His presence. Waiting courageously. Hoping with undaunted faith in the One who is worthy of our trust.

This blog is not in theory for me. There is an area of my life that I have been in a season of wait for over eight months. Waiting and watching, every single day, several times a day, for the Lord's answer to manifest. It is hard. But I am thankful for the trust, courage and strength He is building in me. I would NOT trade it.

I do not doubt him. I know he is working on my behalf.

And I look forward, in faith, to that Christmas morning like gift from him. Whenever that is.

His timing is always perfection.

If you, too, are waiting, know today that the eye of the Lord is on you. As is His great love. Let us rejoice with the Psalmist and pray:

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love. Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:18, 20-22

Moonlit Contentment

This morning was a rarity.

I woke early (not a rarity), but I did not feel rushed. I was rested. The moon was full and bright through my window.

I could see.

I had no fleece, footie-pajama feet in my ribs. All the kids were still where I put them last night (a rarity).

My sheets were freshly washed - which will never grow old. I love clean sheets on the bed. Such a little pleasure.

Brent was not snoring (a rarity - kidding, kind of). He was a bit angelic laying right beside me, his face clear to me in the moonlight.

The house was quiet. Sound machines roaring gently. And a nip of fall above my covers.

As I lay on my pillow, contemplating "to get up or not to get up," I became over-whelmed by the presence of the Lord.

There He was. Waiting on me.

He had been all night.

Watching us in the moonlight.

Psalm 139:18 says when we wake we are still with Him.

We sleep, He stays.

And this morning I knew it.

Snuggled in my clean sheets, I was overwhelmed by His thoughts of me. His thoughts of my family. How vast are the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. Psalm 139:17

Amazing.

My life is far from perfect. My marriage is flawed and my little white house is nothing extravagant.

My boys wear mostly hand-me-downs and my van could give up on us any day.

I need to repaint, re-carpet, clean closets, vacuum more often and steam clean my couch.

Set up against the standard of success in American culture, we lead mediocre lives. Average. Moderate.

But this morning, the Lord confirmed that I am rich.

Not wealthy, but rich.

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out. 1 Timothy 6:6

The sum of my riches has not one thing to do with the year of my van, the newness of my furniture, the relevance of my decorating, the style of my clothes or the amount in our bank account.

The sum of my riches rests on my walk with Jesus. My inheritance is an abundance of peace and my wealth is found in the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ (Col. 2:2).

Godliness with contentment.

I am thankful this morning for little luxuries. Soundly sleeping boys, the crispness of fall, a hush of silence, moonlit windows, sleepy-eyes on my sweet Brent, the smell of Sam's Club coffee, freedom to read my Bible, and the reality that God dwells in me. He watches over my house. And waits on me as I sleep. Blessing us, not with extravagant materials, but with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph 1:3).

Today, let us savor and be aware. Whatever our season of life. Whatever our day will bring.

Enjoy.

Be glad.

Be rich.

Pursue godliness.

And be content.

Reflecting with the Little Red Journal

I love looking back through my journal.

God can do so much in so few pages.

But the time has come to say good-bye to the old.

Good-bye old....



Picking out a new journal is quite an ordeal for me. It has to feel right. I like it to fall open a certain way. The spacing in between lines needs to be just so. I love having scripture on each page. God really uses that some days.

My journal represents a season. My season of life. A season of growth in the Lord.

Sounds like a lot to ask from a little book.

But it is a part of me everyday. My journal is an intricate part of my time with Jesus.

I found a new one. And I am very excited...

Hello new...



But as one journal comes to an end, I love to spend a few days reflecting on what God has done. And since March 31st, 2010, he has done so much.

Reflection: Consideration of some subject matter, idea or purpose. a) To think quietly or calmly. b) To express an opinion or thought resulting from reflection.

Today, I am reflecting on the Lord. Who He is. What He has done.

And what He is doing.

I am taking a few days to think quietly and calmly. A retreat away with the Lord - preparing for the next season.

Listening.

Resting.

Refueling.

I may not be around quite as much this week.

But enjoy a few one-liners from my retired journal. Reflect with me.

And "feel free to express an opinion or thought of your own, as a result." ;)

"Everything God does is unrestrained. His grace is unrestrained." - Pastor Dunn

"Grace is God's free and unmerited favour - loving the unlovable, seeking the fugitive, rescuing the hopeless, and lifting the beggar from the dunghill and making him sit with princes." -John Stott

"Peace is not a suggestion. It is a calling."

"When you focus on the truth of God's Word, you win every time." - C. Stanely

"When you say 'yes' to God, he will ask you to do the impossible." - D. Barnes

"Pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes." - John Raskin

"What is the evidence of a regenerated person? They love the Law. It is life to them." - Mack Card

"Fasting is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the spiritual."

"Crucify what Becky wants."

"Knowing the Word comes with great responsibility."

"Be full of Faith. Not fear. Faith is the opposite of fear." - D. Barnes

"Jesus moves into the world through our lives. We are an invitation into his grace." - Pastor Dunn

Be blessed and open as Jesus moves through your life into the sphere of influence around you. You are His light to the world. Love to you all.

When Life Throws a Curveball...

It takes a lot to leave me speechless.

A lot.

But does life ever throw you such a curve ball that you are at a loss for words?

Curveball: n. An unexpected turn of events initiated by an opponent or chance.

Well, life has thrown me such a curve ball.

And it has taken much of my efforts to try and catch it.

And it has left me speechless.

Which is honestly, so so good.

Curveballs keep me on my spiritual toes. Re-evaluating and growing in this game. Curveballs keep my ear attentive to my Coach and to His instruction.

Today I...

I NEED TO HEAR FROM HIM.

I NEED HIS WORD TO SPEAK.

I NEED TO SEE HIS FACE.

I NEED HIS GUIDANCE.

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me."
Psalm 27:7-8

My heart is seeking His face. My ear is strained to His Word.

At church, the preschoolers sing a song right before their lesson. I say to them, "Let's quiet our hearts so we can hear from God's Word this morning."

Then we sing familiar words from Psalm 46:10 set to the most precious tune. The words say, "Be still. Be silent and know that I am God."

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know (raphah yada`) meaning: To cease striving and receive knowledge. Receive instruction. And allow God to make Himself known.

Hallelujah.

That is exactly where God has me today. Being still. Quieting my heart. And knowing.

If life is throwing you a curve ball, if you have experienced an unexpected turn of events, cease striving and allow God to make Himself known to you.

Also, I pray you will be blessed by this song today. Word of God Speak, by Mercy Me. I rest in its truth.

Love to you all...

My Quiet Ambition

My life is many things. Quiet is not one of them.

I say with confidence that, to some degree, you can relate.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 reads...
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands.

Upon reading this, I admit, I am a bit discouraged. Really Lord, how am I to lead a quiet life? Remember those three boys you gave me?

Let's investigate.

I got the biggest kick out of this...

Quiet (hēsychazō) means - to rest, not running hither and thither, but to stay home and mind your own business.

Hither and thither are not words in my everyday dialect, but oh so telling of my life. I am constantly running hither and thither and always feeling a bit whithered by it all. And I do it to myself. I am one to go and go and go and go. But how much more would I experience quiet if I would make it my ambition to rest, stay home a bit more and back away from so much hithering and thithering?

A couple of weeks back, we took to a trip to West Tennessee to visit grandparents. I have been there countless times over the course of my marriage, but this last visit I couldn't get over the simplicity of Brent's grandmother's land and her life.

Mema wrote the book on the quiet life. She has one fuzzy TV channel (that she rarely watches), reads everyday, hems a lot of pants, teaches Sunday school, makes jars of jelly, cooks every meal, sends cards in the mail, loves walking around her yard, works in her garden, prays often and leads a very content, pleasant and peaceful life.

So much to be desired.

So I am asking myself...how can I strive for a more quiet, restful life? What does that look like for my family?

How do we balance family, relationships, jobs, school, ministry, finances and home but yet not wear ourselves out running hither and thither?

Let's start by enjoying a cup of joe, and a little quiet reflection.....


The work shed in a sea of green.


Can you imagine how dreamy the rain sounds on this tin?


The side yard.


Rethink Target ;)



"...and work with your hands."


FunMaker's could never reproduce this.


Simplicity.

A little boy's dream.

I'd love to hear how you strive for quiet.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all....
2 Thessalonians 3:16

It's in the eyes...

Spiritually speaking, I would say at times I feel run down. Weak. Empty. Far away. Broken. Dried up. Wandering. A little lost. Sometimes I say that I feel like a deflated balloon - limp and a bit lame.

Can you relate?

So what do we do? How do we revive? Find our way back? Piece it all back together? Re-flate, so to speak?

I'll be honest in saying that sometimes I wish someone would answer this question with something fancy. Something new. Like...drink a cup of hot tea, read John 3:16 and dance around. You'll feel much better. Or....read the book by so and so. It will really get you on track.

But no. The answer is always the same.

Read the Word. And Pray.

Every time.

Because God hasn't gone anywhere. It's always me trailing off.

This morning I was praying and really wanted to praise Him. But my words felt like they were coming up a short. My heart wasn't into it. So I literally just opened my Bible and it fell to Psalm 19.
Love love love.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 19:7,8

The last verse struck me. The eyes. It's said that we can tell so much by a person's eyes. Well, Bobby Brown, MAC and Bare Minerals could never do for my eyes what Jesus can. I want soul-deep radiance.

Recently, I've had the great privilege of watching the Lord transform the life of a sweet friend. She once was lost and now she's found. Glory. And every time I see her...she just gets more beautiful. She was gorgeous already, but the Lord does something inexplicable to a person. And it starts in the eyes. Peace. Joy. Kindness. Love. Its always truest in the eyes. And hers are now so radiant.

The Lord's desire is to revive my soul. To make my simple mind wise. To bring joy to my heart. To give light to my eyes.

My part - remain in Him (John 15:7). It is in Him I am found -- radiant.

a Braveheart moment

Well, I had every intention of writing about Summer Sanity #7 this morning, but the Lord had other plans. Last night, I kept having a dream about a Bible verse. It was so crazy. When does that ever happen? So I thought it best to investigate.

This was the verse...
James 5:16 says, Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Here we go...

Contextually, James is writing to Jewish Christians. He is encouraging them not to be tempted to allow intellect or knowledge pass for faith. His letter is written to remind them that genuine faith transforms lives.

Fast forward to chapter 5....speaking of Prayer. James says "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy...let him sing songs of praise. Is anyone sick?.....He should call the elders of the church to pray over him...." James 5:13,14.

James is setting a trend here. In other words, if you are feeling an emotion, pray. If you are breathing air, pray.

Pause that thought.

Rewind back now to coffee with a dear, dear friend last week. Girlfriend, is crazy in love with Jesus. She challenges me and I learn so much from her walk with the Lord. Well, to hear her tell it, lately she's been hitting a wall in her relationship with God. It's as if, she knows He has something deeper for her, but she doesn't know how to get to it.

We continued talking and drinking our coffee, but before we left, she shared something very painful. A fact about her past that, for years, she has kept very private and for which she carries a lot of guilt. She said, "I've never shared this with anyone before." As she continued, she started verbally processing what the Lord would have her do with this detail of her life. She said, "I don't know... maybe I was just supposed to share and bring it out into the open."

Feeling extremely honored that she trusted me, I proceed with my day, thinking of her very often - in prayer and giving great thanks for this amazing woman.

Later that night, I got a message from her. It went something like this...."You know, every time I think about what I shared this morning, I do not have that same guilt anymore. It's gone. I really think I just needed to tell someone." AHH. Freedom.

Now, had she confessed this to the Lord before? Of course. She had hashed it out with Him on many occasions, I'm sure. But for her, it was a public acknowledgement of the issue that brought healing. Oh, so powerful.

I called back and told her I envisioned her with a big, messy mullet....her face painted blue like William Wallace in Braveheart yelling.....FREEDOM!

She liked that.

So back to the verse in James --There is Biblical truth to what happened to my sweet friend.

Therefore confess you sins (v. 16a)...

To Confess (exomologeō) means "a public acknowledgement."

May be healed (v.16a) means "to make whole. to free from errors!!!!!! Figuratively speaking of SPIRITUAL HEALING! (all emphasis mine!)

Do you see?!

Public acknowledgement of sin frees us and makes us whole. It brings spiritual healing to our souls.

Now, can God make us whole without public acknowledgement? Absolutely. Christ's death on the Cross made it possible for us to go directly to God for forgiveness. But confessing our sins to each other still has an important place. For example, if after confessing a private sin to God, we still don't feel His forgiveness, we may wish to confess that sin to a another believer and hear him or her assure us of God's grace and forgiveness. It brings encouragement, healing and confirmation.

Now, as a a new believer coming out with secrets of my past scared me to death. I still wanted to save a little face. I wasn't sure I wanted anyone to know how wretched I really was. Also, I didn't trust anyone. The kind of people I had been "friends" with for so many years were far, far from trustworthy. They would have taken any dirt on me and rubbed my face in it. Without flinching.

So James makes it very clear that we confess our stuff with the righteous man. Who is that?

A righteous man (dikaios) observes divine laws. He is upright. His way of thinking is wholly conformed to the will of God.

The righteous man then has a responsibility....to pray. His prayer is effective and accomplishes much.

Effective and accomplish is the same word in the Greek - energeō (our root word for energy). This means bringing one into line with the will of God. He puts forth power.

So....we confess our sin to a righteous man, he prays and puts forth power to line us up with the will of God.

I AM JUMPING OUT OF MY CHAIR. This is too amazing. Do you see how profound and healing and important and life-changing this is?!

Jesus shared a cup of joe with us that morning. In faith - she shared and by grace - He healed. He was in the midst of us, healing and bringing freedom to my friend. Setting this captive free. Hallelujah.

This whole incident has really challenged me to search my own heart. What is lying dormant? Needing confession? I want to be fully in alignment with God's will for my life. I do not want any sin hiding under the rug. I want no stone left unturned. I want all the Spiritual Healing that Christ died to give me. To give you.

When we make a public acknowledgement of any secrecy in our soul we are set free from our error. Prayers then accomplish much. The power of prayer puts our life in alignment with God's will.

Oh, Lord...this is too good. I want it. Reveal my sin. Lay me bare and expose anything secret that is left uncovered. I want to be healed and completely free indeed. I want your will for my life...in full. Thank you for revealing this astounding truth to me. Thank you for setting us free.

Me and my sassy mouth

Peace. Still thinking on peace. Looking back at yesterday's verse, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since we as members of one body we were called to peace. Colossians 3:15, I realized that I didn't even touch on the later half of the verse. Arguably, the most important part, at that.

Get this.....rule means, "to act as an umpire, to arbitrate, decide, as deciding all matters in the hearts of believers; simply directing, controlling, ruling."

In other words, Let the peace of Christ act as an umpire, or call the shots, in your heart. Let the peace of Christ be the arbitrator, or decide all matters of your heart and control the seat of your emotions.

But here is the kicker. Peace is not a suggestion. Peace is a CALLING. We are called by the Living Word of God to live in PEACE. To be ruled by it.

To be CALLED by God means we are Divinely Summoned. Think on that. Let's piece this back together.

Let the Peace of Christ arbitrate, or be an umpire on the seat of your emotions, since as members of one body we were Divinely Summoned to live in peace or harmony.

I'm about to tell on myself - Jake Mesnick from The Bachelor said to Chris Harrison one night, "You've just gotta follow your heart, man. It's all we've got."

Well, just shoot me.

Heaven help us all if Becky Crenshaw just starts "following her heart." Follows her emotions. Do you know how unstable I would be?! How all-over-the-place my life would be?! The only way I need to be following my heart is if it is ruled by Christ!

But, I'll say this...Just because Jesus lives in my heart doesn't mean I keep Him on his throne. I am always schooching Him over and trying to sit my sassy bottom on it.

Follow your heart. Now, that will get you into trouble. The heart is a playground for too many raw emotions. Too much to sort through. Christ wants to rule it for us. Sweet Him. As if He hasn't done enough already. He wants to take all my stuff. All my baggage. All my hurt. All my anger. All my jealousy. All my pride. All my frustration. All my insecurities. And rule them. He wants to take charge. Call the shots.

So by golly, I'm gonna let Him.

Now, I'll say this call to peace is not easy, does not come natural nor will I bat 1,000. I am constantly having to die to myself. But Christ said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10. I want what he came to give me. A FULL LIFE. The only obstacle in having it is....me.

I am not proud to say that I am a "good fighter". I am quick and sassy and my words can be very hurtful. I can really munipulate. Jesus has done a HUGE work in me here. Lots of healing. Lots. But, in my own flesh, this is what I'm capable of doing. This is not living life to the full. Jesus died for my sassy mouth. I want what He came to give me - Peace. A Full Life. So one choice at a time, I am living out this calling of peace. One choice at a time.

Be blessed.