L O V E <— how are you doing with this in your life…loving?

Each week in February I’m going to talk about…L O V E.  I know it’s a little “cliche”  to be talking about this in the month of February, but stick with me as I unpack the most commonly sited scripture verse in weddings…

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This week I challenge you to think about verse 4: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

Are you patient?  Are you kind?  Are you envious? boastful? proud?

Looking in the mirror I know there is work that needs to be done in my life…

Patience?  This “fruit-of-the-spirit” –long-suffering– isn’t always present.

Kind?  There are times I say things to people I “love” that are NOT kind.  Most often it’s my words that are not kind {sometimes, the look on my face, or rolling my eyes can reveal this too!}

Envious?  This is one area of my life, thankfully, that I’m genuinely doing good at.  I am authentically happy and excited for others.  I rejoice with others in their successes and want the best for all.

Proud?  I bring this one to God in prayer often.  My desire is it to be humble, but I am aware that pride can sneak in when we least expect it.  I know that I. am. nothing. without God and everything with Him and because. of. Him.

That’s my honest look in the mirror as I reflect upon what L O V E is…

What does this look like in YOUR life?

Photo Credit:   Freeman Mester

There was a time in my life when my focus was completely on ministry. I had just come out of college where I was very involved with a group of people who where focused on campus ministry. They were a huge influence on me and taught me that life in Christ was about serving Christ where we were. I miss those days of carefree ministry when I had no one else to think about but Him.

When I graduated I decided to be bold and go into inner city street ministry. I connected with an inner city church and I began walking the toughest neighborhoods striking up conversation with some of the most world–beat-up people you will ever meet. I had some amazing conversations and was able to pray with many who were stuck in a life that was out of control.

Then I got married and had children and life took on a different look. I now had a husband and kids to take care of, and though my longing was still for ministry, daily life was all I thought I could handle at the time.

I began thinking to myself, “ How am I supposed to make being a mom fit into the other parts of who I am?” and I wondered if my life was supposed to just be about my role as a mom. How could I resolve that tension in my life between serving my family and serving others? And even…

…was I supposed to?

The enemy was having a heyday of condemnation in my heart and was hitting me in my two loves, Missions and Motherhood.

That was hard for me for a long time. Can you relate?

Through some tough times and much prayer God began reminding me of my discipleship roots. The ones that taught me that we could serve Christ wholeheartedly where we were. The point is we don’t have to go into fulltime ministry to be an effective ambassador for Christ. God uses Christian teachers, doctors, and business people too.

Somehow I lost that in the midst of being a mom.

It got comfortable to be home with my kids. I became a homebody. I settled in to baking, cleaning, going to women’s bible study, and church on Sunday as the normal. The enemy had effectively lulled me to sleep. I wasn’t using what God had freely given me.

The truth is, You -> Me -> WE have a purpose and neither being a mom nor having a job exempts us from it!

We are all called to the great commission and individually God has called and equipped each one of us uniquely to affect this world for Christ. It’s beyond and above our daily responsibilities.

My questions for you today are:  Where do you feel most called to serve? What holds you back from serving there?

I want to encourage you today to embrace God’s calling on your life and use your gifts to serve Him in this dark world where we need your light so badly.

Photo Credit:  littlegraypixel

There it is again – the empty, hollow, gnawing at my heart. It takes up residence when I look around and I can’t point to anything I have “done” today. Days I don’t even bother to make a to-do list because I know I won’t get half-way through it. So why bother?

Days when I wonder what am I doing?  Am I really making a difference?  Am I really doing what God wants me to do?

…Or am I just living in a dream world?

Then I start berating myself for things – things I already confessed and turned from. The ache and gnawing grow. “When will I do something that matters?” I ask the air.

As I browsed a local Christian bookstore I got my answer. It was on a paperweight. This is what it said:

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

God’s word struck my aching heart and soul. He whispered to my heart:

Stand firm. Don’t just stand, but stand firm. Don’t let any wind of doubt or wave of discontent knock you over. No stand firm. I have a plan for you and in Me you can stand firm.

Let nothing move you. When you stand firm in Me nothing can move you unless you let it. Don’t let circumstances, bad attitudes, the behavior of others, or anything else you cannot control move you. Instead, stand firm in Me.

Always give yourself to the work I have for you. I have great plans and work for you to do – important work that matters for eternity. Give yourself to My work in your life. Accept that some of the work may seem small and mundane, but if you give yourself to My work for you then your labor is not in vain.

The emptiness in my heart could not stand in light of God’s truth. The truth is that all I do for God’s glory is not in vain – even if I have to tell the same children the same thing for what feels like the thousandth time.

When the work God has me to do feels mundane and small, the truth is…

…it matters for eternity.

Nothing done for God is useless. That includes washing dishes, paying bills, going to work. If we do all those things in His name we do not labor in vain.

May we allow our minds to meditate on this truth that our hearts will not be able to fool us into thinking what we do is useless.

Photo Credit: {scarlet}

“For fast-acting relief try slowing down” – Lily Tomlin

We can GO. GO. GO. with out stopping to take a breath because life is full of expectations.  From ourselves and others to DO. DO. DO.

Life happens.  From one day to the next.

Life goes on.  Even after hiccups, set-backs, and losses.

Life begins with today – yesterday is a memory, tomorrow doesn’t matter  – we. have. TODAY.

Enjoy TODAY…

…can you?  will you?

God gifts us 1,440 precious minutes each day, does it ever feel like enough?

We have a choice how we manage these gifts, these minutes.  How many do we sleep?  Enjoy eating?  Work, play?  Spend connecting with others, spend with loved ones?  How many do we set aside for ourselves?  How many do we give back to spend time with God, our creator?

We have TODAY…the “present” — the moment IS. A. PRESENT {gift} — L I V I N G in the moment is a very challenging way to think, to feel. We are tugged in so many directions by children, bosses, teachers, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and society.

The gift of someone’s presence is amazing to receive AND…

…amazing to give.

Have you experienced the feeling of someone’s presence?  Without the distractions of being on the phone, watching tv, playing a video game, being in a hurry to be somewhere else?

I have.  I’ve experienced someone giving me the gift of being “present” with me.  Undivided attention, focus, INTENTIONAL.  It felt great.  I want to give that FREE gift to others — be present.  My desire is to SLOW DOWN and BE with my kids, my family, my friends, AND my God.  God is present all the time; He is my provider. Keeping my focus on HIM gives me strength, hope and JOY.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24

Photo Credit: nerdboy

The spring of 2002 is not one I care to ever relive. As my wedding ring slipped from my finger, my hope, confidence and security obliterated. A single mom, there was one fear that plagued my mind…

…what would happen to my kids if something happened to me?

My ex-husband lived several states away. I lived in a new city without friends or family. If my children did not have me, I believed they would have no one.

My faith met my fear at my second annual check-up after my divorce. The call came within 24 hours of the test.

Cancerous cells detected.

I was completely alone and looking a nightmare in the eye.

God and I were not exactly on speaking terms. I thought my shambled life was His design; that somehow He’d overlooked me. I wondered if God was holding out on me and so I held my tongue in icy silence.

The incomprehensible news from my doctor drove an icepick through my vow of silence. I cried out to God, knowing He was the only one who could help.

The day of my biopsy arrived and to say I was nervous would be a serious understatement. As soon as the procedure began, I saw the looks exchanged over my torso. Something was drastically wrong.

Eventually the doctor cleared her throat. “I don’t know how to tell you this but there is absolutely no sign of cancer. There’s simply nothing for us to biopsy.”

God wasn’t holding out on me…

…HE was holding me.

I wonder about you. Do you think God has passed you by and doled out exceptional lives to everyone else? Dare to lance the silence and find Him there not holding out on you. He’s holding you.

Photo Credit:  ZedZap

I have written this beginning no less than 7 times.

The words have weighed on my heart and rattled around in my brain, but for some reason, they just don’t want to sit on this screen and communicate my heart.

You see, I’m a perfectionist. At least, that’s what I always thought.

‘Perfectionism’ has been my excuse. It became my scapegoat long ago, giving me a defense, a pardon, for my scrutiny and toiling, my procrastination and avoidance. When I lacked inspiration and just. couldn’t. get. it. right, perfectionism wore the blame.

…if I couldn’t do it well, I didn’t do it at all.

After all, shouldn’t a perfectionist deliver stunning results? Have something to show for all of that time spent planning, preparing, practicing, producing? In that wastebasket full of wadded up efforts, shouldn’t there be at least one bestseller, a master-piece of me?

It’s not that I’ve wanted to be perfect — I’ve always known that what I do … who I am … is far from perfect. It hasn’t even been about being the best.

I think what I have finally come to realize, is that perfectionism, at least for me, is far more about significance and meaning. I want to do something that matters.

Something that matters!

I want my life, my efforts, all of me to count for something.

Do you ever feel that way?

Friend, you do matter. In fact, you matter far more than you think. Not only are you a daughter of the King, God has gifted you and called you. He has put desires and dreams in your heart. For most of us, we have let distractions, busyness, good intentions, and worries mute the cry of our hearts and bury those God-given dreams. But they are there. Find them. Ask Him to open your eyes and soften your heart, that you might know His calling for you.

And as those dreams come alive again, trust Him. Follow Him. Obey His calling.

Maybe it’s true…

…maybe perfectionism is part of my nature, maybe it’s part of yours.

But either way, that label, that excuse, can no longer bear the blame. For it’s not perfectionism that stops us, that holds us back. It’s fear. Far too often, fear is the dictator of our lives.

And that’s not how we were called to live. He came,“to enable us to serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days!” (Luke 1:74)

“Through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set [us] free! … [We] did not receive a spirit that makes [us] slave[s] to fear!” — Romans 8:2, 15

May we walk in that freedom, abiding in Christ Jesus’, perfect Love who drives out all fear! (1 John 4:18)

Have you ever let fear hold you back from pursuing God’s call on your life?

Photo Credit:  Dawn Camp

As you look back on the last year and look forward to the new year…

…are you truly living out the calling that God has given you?

If not, what or who is hindering you from fulfilling the calling that God has given you?

Hmmm…think about it.

What is that thing that God keeps whispering in your ear {or in my case, screaming out because of my poor listening skills} to do that you just haven’t done yet?

We all have various “reasons” or “excuses” for not stepping out to follow Him in our calling. I’d like to talk about a few today:

1.  “I am not adequate or prepared for this. It is way too big for me.”  — This is a common excuse, as we humanly feel incapable of doing that which God has called us to do. The Lord in his graciousness and power responds, “Nothing is too difficult for me. I want to work through you. Just say ‘Yes, Lord!’ and I will do the rest, for my strength is made perfect in your weakness.” (Lk. 1:37; Eph. 3: 20; 2 Cor. 12:9)

Remember: God usually calls us to things that are much bigger than us so that we are completely dependent on Him. We can’t do it without Him!

2.  “I don’t have the time or the energy.”   – We are tired. We are busy. Life is hard and already sometimes overwhelming. How could we possibly add something additional to our plate? Our God gently says, “How about allowing My energy to flow through you? Seek me first, My child, and all these things will be added to you. Trust me with your time.” (Col. 1: 29; Matt. 6:34; Prov. 3:5)

Remember: God provides us with what we need to accomplish His purposes. That includes supernatural energy and time management! We just have to be willing to give our schedules and our physical capabilities to Him.

3.  “What will others say? What if they think I’m not talented enough?”   –  We worry about what our family and friends will say if we tell them what God has called us to do. We fear that others will doubt our calling and our gifts. Those worries and fears soon begin to speak louder than God’s call. We become paralyzed and ineffective. The Lord responds, “Don’t be like the Pharisees who were more interested in the praise from men than praise from me. You are working for me, not for men!” (Jn. 12:43; Col. 3:23)

Remember:  He will equip you according to your calling. He is enough.

4.  “What if I fail miserably?”  —  Some of us quit before we even get started just because we are afraid that we might disappoint God, our self, or others. So we just don’t do it. We decide to remain where we are, in our comfort zone… in our disobedience. The Lord says, “Keep your eyes on me. If you fall, I will pick you up. I will be with you. I will give you the strength to persevere.” (Heb. 12:2; Psalm 37:23-24)

Remember:  Believe you can and you’re halfway there!

5.  “The path is uncertain. I am scared.”  —  Wouldn’t it be nice if God granted us a GPS for our lives? Turn left here. Drive 20 miles west and turn right. Take the next exit. But instead He calls us to follow Him. Our sweet Savior reminds us, “Be strong and courageous. I will be with you wherever you go! I will show you the way. Trust me. I have amazing things planned for you!” (Joshua 1:9, 3:5; Exodus 15:13)

Remember:  Abraham WENT, not knowing where he was going. He was remembered as a man of faith, not a man with a plan.

God is so good to answer us when we cry out to him AND even. when. we. make. excuses!

He loves us so much…

…He never wants us to stay in that shadow of fear.

So, listen to God. What is He telling you to do?  Now, go and do it! Make 2012 the year you follow Him with all you’ve got… And no excuses!

Photo Credit: chrislee!

The Need for Rescue

Adam and Eve were created in the image of God, whole and intact but they went against God’s orders and sin entered the world. What happened to them? Did they become completely evil through and through?  No, but every part of their being was tainted by sin.  Were they capable of good thoughts? Yes, but not all the time. Was it possible to do a good act for a friend? Yes, but not all the time and not without selfish motives. Before they sinned they experienced perfect intimacy with God. Afterwards, they hid: a perfect sign of lack of intimacy.

God’s Grace and Mercy

God responded to their rejection with mercy and grace. His first act was to sacrifice an animal and make clothes for them in their hiding place. This was an act of grace; a demonstration showing the need for payment for their sin.  Sin can’t stand in the presence of holiness. He was showing them that one day he would reverse the problem by a Sacrifice that would make it possible for all who believe to enjoy the intimacy once shared in the Garden.

He also responded with mercy. His next act was to remove them from the Garden of Eden. They were told not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and they disobeyed but there was another tree in the Garden, the tree of life. Eating of this tree meant you would live forever. God removed them from the Garden so they wouldn’t eat of this tree and remain in a sinful state for all eternity. His mercy endures forever!

The Great Reversal

All through scripture we see God demonstrating his plan, his love and desire to restore his people to their place in the Garden: a place of intimacy with him. Stories about women in the Bible teach us what it’s like to be human and need a Savior. There’s Eve, Sara, Deborah, Esther, Elizabeth, Mary the mother of Jesus, the prostitute who wept at Jesus’ feet, Hosea’s wife, the woman at the well, Abigail (wife of Nabal and King David), Abishag, Anna, Deborah, Dorcas, Eunice, Euodias, Hannah, Joanna, Lois, Lydia of Thyatira, Mary & Martha, Milcah, and Phebe. Their lives are recorded for our encouragement.

What do their stories teach us about who God is and who he calls us to be? The answer to these questions is what I want to explore in 2012.

What about you?

Would a study like this interest you? Let me hear from you. I love two-way conversations.

Photo Credit: dbandart

“One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate. And men shall speak of the power of Thine awesome acts; And I will tell of Thy greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Thine abundant goodness, and shall shout joyfully of Thy righteousness. “ Psalm 145: 4-7

I love a good story.

Yet, more than just a good story, I love to hear about the intervention of a Holy God in the ordinary lives of men. So many times we put God in the clouds. We make him a lofty being that controls things like the universe, the weather, and the large events of life. However, we fail to realize that…

…God is in our everyday details.

God does not hear about our daily happenings secondhand. He sustains our very breath and goes before us. Life can be exhilarating and disappointing. As a child, I gave my heart to the Lord. As an adult, the many aspects of His character have jumped off the pages of scripture and become personal to me.

He became my Healer, when He healed me of Congestive Heart Failure and a difficult pregnancy.

He became my Deliverer when He set me free from a lifetime of irrational fear.

He was my Friend, when no one else understood the chronic health issues I faced each day.

He is my Counselor, my Redeemer, my Strength, and He is all of these things each and every day.

I hope that in this very moment you will understand, without a shadow of a doubt, that God wants a relationship with you.

He wants to sit with you in the morning over a cup of coffee, as well as fight for you in the darkness. May 2012 be the year that you see God as your everyday God…

…your friend day in and day out.

What if, you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?

OUCH!!

I stumbled across this message the other day and it stopped. me. in. my. tracks.

Why?  Because I had been having a pity-party.  It wasn’t fun. really, it was NOT.  There was no one at my “party” it was just me and my miserable self.

When I read these words, I thought…

…today I would have nothing.

And, that was not ok with me.  I needed to shift my thinking and take the advice that I so frequently give to others. {practice what I “preach” — walk the walk}

Write a gratitude list — NOW!

So I did, with the message in mind, “…what IF I ONLY had the things that I thanked God for.” — what are those things that I would so desperately want, miss, desire — what am I truly grateful for?

Thank YOU God for…

1. your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and for Your unconditional love for me
2. my health and a sound mind — for the strength that you give me everyday
3. my husband, his strength, provision, leadership, his health, our marriage, his hugs and kisses, the way he loves me
4. my children, their health, smiles, unique gifts and personalities, their hugs and kisses
5. always giving me and my family enough to make it through each day – food, shelter, clothing, love
6. my family, their love and support, their prayers
7. my friendships, the encouragement from others, positive healthy relationships
8. healing and restoration — in relationships, emotionally, physically, spiritually
9. opportunities to share the message you’ve place in my heart, to sow seeds, impact the lives of others, to shine Your light, the freedom to share
10. technology — for providing us ways to learn and grow, to connect, to simplify

…my pity-party ended as I made my list.

Tomorrow starts a New Year, a new beginning.  What’s on your gratitude list?  What are those things that you want to wake up with tomorrow; to carry into 2012?

Write a gratitude list — NOW!