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

I attended a conference a few weeks ago. It was a great conference where they were extremely generous with all the stuff they gave away to the attendees. I left for the conference with a short list of books I need to review. I came home with a stack of books so tall; it may take me all year to read them!

It was overwhelming to think about how I would get all the books read. For a few days, I just stared at the stack of books unable to decide where to start. Then I began to realize something. This is a pattern I need to break free from…

…I get stuck.

If there is too much on my plate or my to-do list is too long, I don’t do anything. I just stand there paralyzed and worried about all there is to do. I have been told to simply “do the next thing” but that doesn’t really help me.

Can you relate?

Sometimes, when given that advice, I hit stage two of my paralysis: the paralysis of analysis. I can’t decide what the next thing is!   So this is where I call in reinforcements. When I get stuck, there are a few things I do to help me get unstuck:

• Ask
• Prioritize
• Pray
• Schedule

Ask for help! This is often where I start. I usually ask for help from my husband. Now, this is not necessarily the “do it with me or for me” kind of help, but rather a step to help me figure out the next thing. I ask my husband because he is great about suggesting a place to start. I have to do this with my kids too. If I say “Go clean your room” nothing gets done, but if I say pick up all your clothes off the floor, then make your bed, it generally gets done.

Prioritize. Sometimes this one is obvious, but other times I have to make a list and figure out which is most important. Ideally all of it would get done and I’d be like superwoman, but it hasn’t happened yet. Sometimes, I enlist help on this one too!

Pray. Pray that you will get it done and that there would be joy in the process. Pray for wisdom in setting those priorities. Pray that God would give you insight as to the best way to do what you need to do.

Set a schedule. This one is the hardest for me. I am not a structured, schedule person, and I am not a list maker. I figure I can always do it tomorrow. This has, however, been one of the best things for me. Two of my scheduled areas of life are Laundry and Housecleaning. If I can focus on one room/area of the house per day, it stays pretty clean and we are all happier. If I do 2 or 3 loads of laundry per day, they actually get folded and put away. It works better than trying to do 15 loads of laundry on Saturday, then feeling overwhelmed all over again.

These are the steps I have to take in order to “do the next thing”

Is it easy for you to just do the next thing or do you get trapped in the paralysis of analysis?

What tools work best for you?

Photo Credit: Walt Stoneburner

His eyes lit up and a smile transformed his face. “Thank you mommy. Thank you.” He wrapped his pudgy arms around my neck and squeezed tight nearly knocking me over.

My heart swelled with joy to see my sweet son so grateful for something so small.

Do you think God’s heart swells when we offer thanks with a truly grateful heart? Or do we treat God more like the guy who held open the door for us at church. A quick polite thank you and then we rush off to get other things done.

My heart is unmoved when my children rattle off a quick, “thanks mom,” before running out the door to play.

Could it be that we are only being polite to God and not truly grateful?

Do we forget how God deserves a sacrifice of praise not just a polite nod?

Have I ever truly offered God a sacrifice of praise or thanks?

Sacrifice means giving up. It means laying down what I want–self-importance, more children, healthy kids, easy relationships–and thanking God for who He is and what He is doing.

Elisabeth Elliot called these opportunities “little deaths,” chances to say no to self and yes to God. Maybe that is what a sacrifice of praise or thanks would mean. Instead of clinging to what we think our life should look like, we lay it down and say thanks to God for what is.

But we don’t say thanks the way a child who got socks for Christmas says it after his mom elbows him. We say thanks from a heart of humble gratitude. One that realizes it is indebted to God beyond what could ever be repaid. A heart that realizes God knows what is best and even in difficult circumstances can offer thanks because God is trustworthy.

Father God, we long to offer You a real sacrifice of praise and thanks. Help us to lay ourselves on the alter that we may be living sacrifices of thanks to You. Give us humble hearts of gratitude that we may enter Your presence with thanksgiving in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

It’s Monday and I don’t have a video to share, so I write…

5:00 am comes quickly, but I jump out of bed — there’s no snooze button for me.  This is my favorite hour of the day, my quiet alone time when everyone under our roof is asleep…

…oh the quiet, the silence, the calm.

My time to reflect, my time with God, my time to get my soul food.

I open my devotional, the one that never gets old, the one that continues to challenge me –> The Message//REMIX Solo <– I turn to Day 110, it says:

There are many parts of Proverbs that carry a specific theme.  But other parts of Proverbs deliver wise advice like machine-gun fire into the sky — wise saying about various subjects in no particular order.  Chapter 28 is one of these machine-gun-into-the-sky chapters.  Yet no matter how they’re fired, every bullet is precious.

It goes on to say, select two proverbs that speak to your specific condition this week.  So, from the devotional I open my Life Application Study Bible – I turn to Proverbs chapter 28 and out of the 28 verses in this chapter, I pick two machine-gun-into-the-sky verses that stand out to me…

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13

My reflection:  When I am willing to face anything head on, to discover the truth, I can embrace love and experience joy.  I {we} are undeserving of grace and mercy, but it is freely given to us by our heavenly father.  However, we must do our part — we must confess AND renounce, give up or put aside voluntarily, abandon and reject our wrongs…our sin.  This takes courage, but there is SO much freedom when we uncover and expose our ickiness.

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength.” – August Wilson

Those who trust in themselves are fools,
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Proverbs 28:26

My reflection:  Who am I…to think that in my finite being I can rely solely upon on what my eyes see and my ears hear?  I have learned that I must rely upon God to lead me and direct me every day, every step of the way.  I spent most of my life “trusting myself” — it didn’t work out too well for me.  So much heart-ache, so much confusion, so much hurt.  To walk in wisdom is to abide in Him, through reading the Word, through seeking Him first…HIS will, plan, and purpose for my life.  When I do this, I can honestly say, I feel safe.  I DO know the difference but even though I do, I need this reminder — FREQUENTLY!  It’s SO easy for me to revert back to self-reliance.  Surrender is the word I keep top of mind, thy will, NOT my will.

…I pray

This is a little glimpse into my 5:00 am quiet time — it’s Monday, it’s the start of a new week.

How do you start your day?  How do you start your week?  Do you include HIM?

One of my most favorite times of day is during the evening hours- when the dishes are done, house is picked up ,and I have donned my ‘comfy’ pants. (It’s true. Probably not super stylish, but part of my nightly ritual!)

I cuddle in to be with my kids.

I breathe…or maybe it is more a sigh of relief that the day has come and gone, usually without major incident. Almost a sense of accomplishment that we made it through the day. Safely tucked into cozy beds with all the comforts of home.

It is during this time when I learn the most about what is going on with my children. What kind of day they have had, their worries-if any, their accomplishments and what is on their heart.

I lay with each child and talk. And pray. Whisper a blessing…

…and scratch their back.

I know I drag it out; it ends up taking more time than it probably should. But you know what… I treasure this time with them. To connect. And to let them know that they are precious to me, and precious to God. The chaos of the day has come and gone, and I have their undivided attention. Just me and them. And the quiet night time offers.

Unfortunately, on occasion, it isn’t always so picture perfect. When our nights are overloaded with activities, when patience runs thin, or when the dial simply doesn’t get turned down soon enough, meltdowns occur.

It shouldn’t be a surprise to us as parents, in fact, it should be very predictable when the volcano is about to erupt. When our children are about to come undone.

And at times…even us grownups.

I think we can learn a lot from this scenario, and maybe even apply it to our relationship with God. God delights in spending time with us. For us to be quiet enough to hear His still, small voice. I bet he takes great pleasure in hearing about our day. Our accomplishments and anxieties. Our burdens, fears and hopes. In fact, God calls us to be like little children.

Matthew 18:4 “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

So, when you put your head on your pillow tonight, humble yourself like a child, and let God tuck you in for the night. Connect with Him. And let Him remind you how precious you are in His sight. Sleep tight.

Seasons. Change. Unknown. It seems we are always faced with these 3 realities. Our lives are ever moving, ever changing, ever filled to the brim. No matter how comfortable we seem to be with our routines, our habits, and our comfort zones, there is always something we are waiting for, something we desire…something about which we just don’t know.

When circumstances are out of my control I get antsy. My time table becomes of the utmost importance. I become stressed and anxious.

It was during one of these “unknown” times a friend encouraged me with a beautiful little gift book of the poem “Wait” by Russel Kelfer. The book is on my night stand, it’s cover with the bold title, “Wait” reminds me Who’s in control. He’s got this, He never sleeps, and He knows and cares for me.

WAIT
by Russel Kelfer

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, “Wait.”

“Wait? you say wait?” my indignant reply.
“Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I’m claiming your Word.

“My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I’m needing a ‘yes’, a go-ahead sign,
Or even a ‘no’ to which I can resign.

“You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I’ve been asking, and this is my cry:
I’m weary of asking! I need a reply.”

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, “Wait.”
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, “So, I’m waiting for what?”

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, “I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

“I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You’d have what you want, but you wouldn’t know Me.
You’d not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You’d not know the power that I give to the faint.

“You’d not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there.
You’d not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

“You’d never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

“The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that’s beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

“You’d never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I’m doing in you.

“So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait.”

 Photo Credit

Do you ever feel distant from God?  

When you pray, do you feel that your prayers are hitting the ceiling?

Do you ever question…are my prayers really being heard?

Prayer is…

1. one of the greatest privileges we have.  We posses the ability to access the throne of grace with confidence whenever we have a need or want to offer up praise – what an incredible blessing!
2. the means through which we are changed in our own lives, and it is the means through which we see change in the lives of others.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4.16

What I’ve realized is that in order for me to be productive in prayer, I need direction and focus when I sit down to pray.  One of the most effective modes of prayer I’ve found, that I would like to share with you, is praying God’s Word.

Here’s how it works, we simply, “Take a passage of Scripture, and start reading it slowly. After each sentence, pause and go back and turn what you read into prayer.” – John Piper, When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy

When we pray Scripture, in the proper context, we can be confident that our prayers are in alignment with God’s will. Praying Scripture “…also has the effect of shaping our minds and hearts, so that we desire what the Word encourages us to desire, and not just what we desire by nature.” – John Piper, When I Don’t Desire God: How to Fight for Joy

When I pray God’s Word, not only do I know that I am praying according to His will,

but I am engraving His truths on my heart.

When I want to pray for someone or for a specific situation, I start with God’s Word. I look for Scriptures that are relevant to the situation, and I begin to pray God’s Word.

“Scripture provides the stimulation and guidance we need to sustain a meaningful prayer life.” – Bill Thrasher, A Journey to Victorious Praying

Sometimes, though, I don’t know which Scriptures I ought to be praying.

Sometimes my knowledge of the Word isn’t enough to bring to mind the Word of Truth for that particular moment.

When I am “stuck,” I turn to Scripture-based prayer resources:

• The Power of a Praying Wife
• Warrior Prayers
• 31DaystoPray.com
• ReviveOurHearts.com

Resources such as these help me to find a Scripture that relates to the situation, providing a template of prayer that I can start from as I seek to petition the Lord.

If you answered YES to any of the questions I asked at the beginning, try praying the scriptures.  It is my prayer that God will use my experiences to bless the lives of others as they seek to learn to pray the Scriptures.

Photo courtesy of DrGBB

My reflection, random thoughts. . .

We can roll in the “sane lane” with God as our provider.

Life is not perfect, life is in session.
Life is a journey not a destination.
Life is God’s road course.

Life is full of speed bumps…God’s way of letting us know that we are not in control.  The only thing that we can control is how we react and course correct.

He wants us to reflect on His purpose, His plan, His will.

When you feel like you live in “crazyville” take my friend Kate Kriha’s advice, “Take a deep breath in with God and out with (your name here).” <– I love that, it works, it really does!

BE Encouraged. . .

Live each moment and every day intentional with greatness.  Life is worth living, make it fun, make it happen, make it deliberate, make it your legacy.

It’s your life; live it with no regrets, no worries, and no sorries.

“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.” Romans 12:11-12 (Msg)

As we wait upon the Lord keep on keeping on.  God is faithful in our purpose, planning our journey, and lifting us up.

Live. . .

Does life seem overwhelming and crazy to you at times?  How do you live OR get back to living in the “sane lane”?

Photo courtesy of clubr8255

Last week I talked about being overwhelmed — from the comments and feedback I received about that topic, I really felt that I needed to talk this week about…

Measuring Sticks

Trying to p l e a s e everyone can cause us to feel overwhelmed!  When we put too much value on the opinions, judgements, and needs of others — attempting to “measure-up” to their standards — life can get out of control!  There is simply no way we will ever be able to satisfy everyone.

There is One true, solid, and firm measuring stick that we need to aim to please, God.  When we seek His will and His plan for our lives; when we set out to put a SMILE on His face — we can find peace and comfort despite the noise we hear from those around us.

I understand that there are times when we need to consider what other’s are saying and suggesting, but take those things prayerfully to the Lord…

seek Him first, His wisdom, His understanding

…then take the appropriate action.

How many measuring sticks are you trying to “measure-up” to?  How can you focus on the ONE that truly counts?

“9/11: Remember. Pray. Recognize the difference between terrorists & Muslims. Pray. Recommit to forgive. Pray. Love our neighbors & enemies!” – Nicole Bromley {via twitter @nicole_bromley}

I will never forget; the pictures are very clear in my mind of where I was, what I felt, and the thoughts I had that horrific day.  Today I am praying for those here whose lives were so closely impacted. Today I am remembering.

The victims.  The heros. The families and friends who lost their loved ones.  The children.  The way our country was before this tragic event.

Today I also remember this video that touched my heart when I first saw it.  He was there, He will never forget that day either…….

Photo courtesy of scamp*