Can you believe 2012 is here?! I guess I am getting old because the years are passing so quickly. Looking back, 2011 has been an eventful year. I visited Haiti twice. The last time I was there I told the children I would have to return to see them because they had such a big piece of my heart. I think particularly of a beautiful teenager named Sophlyn. Her soft, shy smile is contagious! She wrote in my journal that she had never known she was pretty or that anyone loved her. Unimaginable? Not really.
My first visit in January to Haiti showed me horrific destruction and the way people had been forced to survive. Then came the April tornado here at home. My own town was destroyed, the economy deeply impacted. People were homeless overnight and lives were lost. The next morning my husband was at work, of course since he works for the power company, and I faced a challenge. I didn't yet know where the tornado had hit, or that there actually had been one, but I knew we had heavy winds the night before. I had to check the fence - were there trees down? Are the cows still inside that fence? Oh, I hoped they were!!
So, I donned my rain boots, jeans, and grabbed my cell phone. I walked around the fence, taking pictures and sending them to my hubby so he could assess the situation. Thankfully there was only the top of a tree across one small piece of fence. A friend came to clean it up and temporarily make some repairs. I was SO grateful. At the time I didn't know that the tornado had wiped out the houses on the other side of the ridge from me. As the day went on and phone calls came, I realized exactly how much I had to be thankful for.
The morning I returned from my second trip to Haiti, my daughter left to spend two weeks in Togo, West Africa. On my way home, a friend called to say she had found us a house for my mother-in-law. We had been looking for a long time. We even thought we had found the perfect house once. Somehow, though, the deal on that perfect house never seemed to work out. God had another plan. Today she is settled into what really is the perfect house. It's close, we can see it from our own home, and she has really good neighbors.
My mom made it through the first year without my dad. When he was alive, I didn't really talk to them much, just checked in now and again. Now I talk to her every day. (Pardon me while I take a break - it's that time of night.)
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Christmas Tree
I LOVE CHRISTMAS! The lights, the trees, the nativity scenes, the music....chocolate, laughter, parties, and even a little shopping! As the weather turns a little gloomy and the night comes earlier and earlier, the bright lights cheer me up. It is tradition that we drive around one night during the season to look at the decorated houses. We always go to downtown Chattanooga with some friends to look at the EPB windows and the Blue Cross windows with a stop a Starbucks in between. Christmas Eve we are at church, and Christmas day brings time with family and my mom's famous coconut cake.
Maybe it's because the year that we got married we almost didn't get a Christmas tree that now I have trees everywhere. Little ones, bigger ones, all special in their own way. The little wire tree on my kitchen table is colorful and bright. The tree in the front room is rigged to stand up since it is so old the stand broke. If there were a tree upstairs this year, it would have all the ornaments that tell the story of our life along with all the ornaments children have given to me over the years. The living room tree is formal, and the tree in our bedroom is actually in the way.
Next year I am going to simplify. Even though I love the trees, I struggle with the fact that I have way too many trees and some people don't have one at all. I went into two homes this Christmas where the young mom's couldn't afford a Christmas tree. It broke my heart. It made me stop to think about what Christmas really is about and what we have let it become.
Red and green, silver and gold, dreams of snow and mistletoe....carols by the fire, steaming cocoa, and sugar plums dancing in our heads.....Santas, snowmen, penquins, and polar bears....time with family and friends, candlelight services at church, the Nutcracker ballet...shopping and shopping and shopping!
My friend, I don't know who coined the phrase, but let's not forget, "Jesus IS the reason for the season." Honestly, in the last few weeks, in all the hurrying to get things done, worrying if I got everyone a gift they would like, trying to keep the house clean, I was blessed to receive a Christmas CD in the mail. The songs brought me back to center. My thoughts were refocused on Jesus, and the reason we celebrate this thing called Christmas. It's About the Cross. That song is on the CD I received, and it has spoken volumes to me. Christmas is the beginning of a beautiful love story. Jesus loved me enough to leave his throne in heaven, be born in a stable, laid in the straw, and grow up as a man to face brutal torture and death. Glory to God in the highest!
I am so thankful that we have this time of year. It forces us to think about giving. I love to give gifts (even though I get stressed out by the shopping). This year I had the honor of giving to a new friend. She is at a hard point in life and needed a little help. The smile on her face and the light in her eyes when she saw my meager offering for her family is still warming my heart today.
I think of the name given to our Lord, Emmanuel - God with us. In our Sunday morning Bible study we talked about that name. God right here with us implies a relationship. Relationship implies conversation, and then someone sent me a You Tube link about an eight month old deaf baby who, through a cochlear implant, was hearing his momma's voice for the first time. I watched it over and over. I wondered if that is how Jesus feels when I call his name. The look of wonder and awe on that baby's face keeps rerunning through my mind. It prompts me to call out "Jesus." I want the focus of my Christmas to be on WHY we celebrate, not what we DO to celebrate.
Next year there will be fewer trees at the Million home. Some of these will be given away to young mom's who won't be able to afford one. Sure, we will celebrate - REALLY CELEBRATE! Jesus IS the reason for the season, and this family has come together to agree to put the focus on Him.
Merry Christmas!
Maybe it's because the year that we got married we almost didn't get a Christmas tree that now I have trees everywhere. Little ones, bigger ones, all special in their own way. The little wire tree on my kitchen table is colorful and bright. The tree in the front room is rigged to stand up since it is so old the stand broke. If there were a tree upstairs this year, it would have all the ornaments that tell the story of our life along with all the ornaments children have given to me over the years. The living room tree is formal, and the tree in our bedroom is actually in the way.
Next year I am going to simplify. Even though I love the trees, I struggle with the fact that I have way too many trees and some people don't have one at all. I went into two homes this Christmas where the young mom's couldn't afford a Christmas tree. It broke my heart. It made me stop to think about what Christmas really is about and what we have let it become.
Red and green, silver and gold, dreams of snow and mistletoe....carols by the fire, steaming cocoa, and sugar plums dancing in our heads.....Santas, snowmen, penquins, and polar bears....time with family and friends, candlelight services at church, the Nutcracker ballet...shopping and shopping and shopping!
My friend, I don't know who coined the phrase, but let's not forget, "Jesus IS the reason for the season." Honestly, in the last few weeks, in all the hurrying to get things done, worrying if I got everyone a gift they would like, trying to keep the house clean, I was blessed to receive a Christmas CD in the mail. The songs brought me back to center. My thoughts were refocused on Jesus, and the reason we celebrate this thing called Christmas. It's About the Cross. That song is on the CD I received, and it has spoken volumes to me. Christmas is the beginning of a beautiful love story. Jesus loved me enough to leave his throne in heaven, be born in a stable, laid in the straw, and grow up as a man to face brutal torture and death. Glory to God in the highest!
I am so thankful that we have this time of year. It forces us to think about giving. I love to give gifts (even though I get stressed out by the shopping). This year I had the honor of giving to a new friend. She is at a hard point in life and needed a little help. The smile on her face and the light in her eyes when she saw my meager offering for her family is still warming my heart today.
I think of the name given to our Lord, Emmanuel - God with us. In our Sunday morning Bible study we talked about that name. God right here with us implies a relationship. Relationship implies conversation, and then someone sent me a You Tube link about an eight month old deaf baby who, through a cochlear implant, was hearing his momma's voice for the first time. I watched it over and over. I wondered if that is how Jesus feels when I call his name. The look of wonder and awe on that baby's face keeps rerunning through my mind. It prompts me to call out "Jesus." I want the focus of my Christmas to be on WHY we celebrate, not what we DO to celebrate.
Next year there will be fewer trees at the Million home. Some of these will be given away to young mom's who won't be able to afford one. Sure, we will celebrate - REALLY CELEBRATE! Jesus IS the reason for the season, and this family has come together to agree to put the focus on Him.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
What to do?
Why is it that I can't keep things put away? It seems that no matter how many times I clean house, fold clothes, pick up stuff, dust furniture, or wash the dishes, there is always something to be done. You know that feeling when you finally get the dishwasher turned on only to straighten up and see one more glass on the counter? Argh, the frustration of it all! I try. I try to keep things done. Tonight we are going to work on putting the boxes from the Christmas decorations back in the attic. I will pick up dirty clothes and take them to the hamper, unload the dishes, and give the dog a bath. Then I will start all over tomorrow.
Sometimes I wonder why bother? Do I really need to make the bed when I am going to be sleeping in it again tonight anyway? YES!!! You see, I can't stand the wrinkled sheets. They bunch up and peel off the corners during the night. My husband pulls the blankets one way and I pull the sheet the other way. By morning it's a jumbled mess. When I lie down tonight I want everything to be smooth and comfortable, welcoming me to a restful night of sleep.
I think of that bed and it reminds me that there is sin in my life that needs to be confessed. The Lord is waiting to smooth out the wrinkles and jumbled mess I make of my life each day. Sin. It creeps into my thoughts and actions. I twist and turn and wrinkle things up. The problem I have is that I don't always take the time to get this mess straighted out before tucking myself in at night. Unconfessed sin continues to jumble up my life.
Why not confess? Why not fall on my face before God and cry out for mercy? Why continue to carry on this way? Oh, wow. Those words that kept coming up over and over this summer are here again now. Pride. Apathy. Either I think too highly of myself and don't see my need to be forgiven, or I just don't care. Honestly, it's a little of both.
I hate to admit I am wrong. I hate to admit that I said hateful words, reacted in anger, delayed or avoided reaching out to that one person who needed me most today. I hate to admit that I sinned. That doesn't make it not true, though. Actually, I must say those words Paul said long ago - surely I am the chief of all sinners.
I also must admit that far too often I just don't care. Not only do I not care, I don't even know I don't care. I move through the minutes of my day unaware of broken hearts or lonely people. There is so much on my calendar that I don't make time to look around and see who it is that needs a word of encouragement or a shoulder to cry on. Who am I avoiding that needs to know someone cares?
Isaiah says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Hallelujah! Phillip Yancey says about this passage: God is actually describing his eagerness to forgive. The same God who created the heavens and the earth has the power to bridge the great chasm that separates him from his creatures. He will reconcile, he will forgive, no matter what obstacles his prodigal children put in the way.
I stumble over many obstacles all day long. Praise the Lord that He is eager to forgive! When I seek His forgiveness, my twisted, wrinkled, and jumbled mess is neat, smooth, and clean because I surrender to His will. First John says that God is faithful to forgive my sin when I confess it to Him. Just like making the bed each morning, I daily make time to come before Him to seek His face and forgiveness. In doing so, I am able to step into the day and serve the One who graciously allows me to live transformed.
Sometimes I wonder why bother? Do I really need to make the bed when I am going to be sleeping in it again tonight anyway? YES!!! You see, I can't stand the wrinkled sheets. They bunch up and peel off the corners during the night. My husband pulls the blankets one way and I pull the sheet the other way. By morning it's a jumbled mess. When I lie down tonight I want everything to be smooth and comfortable, welcoming me to a restful night of sleep.
I think of that bed and it reminds me that there is sin in my life that needs to be confessed. The Lord is waiting to smooth out the wrinkles and jumbled mess I make of my life each day. Sin. It creeps into my thoughts and actions. I twist and turn and wrinkle things up. The problem I have is that I don't always take the time to get this mess straighted out before tucking myself in at night. Unconfessed sin continues to jumble up my life.
Why not confess? Why not fall on my face before God and cry out for mercy? Why continue to carry on this way? Oh, wow. Those words that kept coming up over and over this summer are here again now. Pride. Apathy. Either I think too highly of myself and don't see my need to be forgiven, or I just don't care. Honestly, it's a little of both.
I hate to admit I am wrong. I hate to admit that I said hateful words, reacted in anger, delayed or avoided reaching out to that one person who needed me most today. I hate to admit that I sinned. That doesn't make it not true, though. Actually, I must say those words Paul said long ago - surely I am the chief of all sinners.
I also must admit that far too often I just don't care. Not only do I not care, I don't even know I don't care. I move through the minutes of my day unaware of broken hearts or lonely people. There is so much on my calendar that I don't make time to look around and see who it is that needs a word of encouragement or a shoulder to cry on. Who am I avoiding that needs to know someone cares?
Isaiah says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Hallelujah! Phillip Yancey says about this passage: God is actually describing his eagerness to forgive. The same God who created the heavens and the earth has the power to bridge the great chasm that separates him from his creatures. He will reconcile, he will forgive, no matter what obstacles his prodigal children put in the way.
I stumble over many obstacles all day long. Praise the Lord that He is eager to forgive! When I seek His forgiveness, my twisted, wrinkled, and jumbled mess is neat, smooth, and clean because I surrender to His will. First John says that God is faithful to forgive my sin when I confess it to Him. Just like making the bed each morning, I daily make time to come before Him to seek His face and forgiveness. In doing so, I am able to step into the day and serve the One who graciously allows me to live transformed.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
'Tis the Season
Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had a few days at home with our beautiful daughter and got the house decorated for Christmas. Following tradition, we went to my mom's for lunch and ate dinner wtih my husband's mother. It was nice to be home, sleep late, and take care of things that needed to be done. Even though the Christmas lights are up, it's still November, so I want to think about giving thanks.
Jehovah. Messiah. That's the name of my God! This morning at church we sang that song. We learned it last week, and this week I soaked it in. My greatest blessing is that I can say those words with confidence. Thanks to my cousin who approached me almost 30 years ago about the sad things she saw in me. When she asked me why I was living the way I was, I simply said, "I'm not sure there really is a God." She didn't react in shock. She did not condemn me. She simply looked at me and said, "I am going to be praying for you." Thanks to those prayers, today I can say that Jehovah is my God! I am so blesed to have my precious family. My husband is always supportive and quick to take care of me. He works hard to provide a warm and safe home. He is focused on serving God. I couldn't ask for a better man to spend my life with.
Then there is our daughter. I tell people often that God amazed me with her. She is devoted to her Lord and seeks to live her life for Him. Her love for people is pure, and she gives all she has to give.
I am so thankful for the wonderful group of ladies in my Sunday morning class. The support and encouragement they give me melts my heart. These are women who are serving God and stepping out to do things for Him. I enter their presence often feeling inadequate and out-of-place. I leave them always feeling loved and encouraged. They allow me to follow the path God has laid before me and they constantly remind me of how wonderful He is.
There are so MANY things to praise God for, so I am going make my list. I hope that it inspires you to appreciate and thank God for your blessings. Here goes: home, my new pillow, sitting and enjoying the Christmas lights, laughing with friends, hearing how my mom spends her day, random texts from Caitlin, seeing grateful faces, my job, the way Jack gets so excited to see us, living where I can experience four seasons, missionary friends around the world, new friends in Haiti, Kokou and his family, excitement of a little girl at the mall, the Great physician, my back porch, herbal tea, Jeep rides, the aroma of homemade soup on a cold and rainy night, medicine, a new house for my mother-in-law, growing friendships, Mexican food and Johnny, family heritage, Christmas cards, looking forward to coconut cake at Christmas, a reliable vehicle, owning a Bible without fear.....
I could go on and on. Maybe the list was varied enough that it encourages your thoughts. I have taken so much for granted. My trips to Haiti remind me daily of the things I enjoy as routine of life. Dear friend, please take a few minutes to reflect on what God has given you. When you make your list I hope you include the gift Jesus gave you on the cross.
Vicki
Jehovah. Messiah. That's the name of my God! This morning at church we sang that song. We learned it last week, and this week I soaked it in. My greatest blessing is that I can say those words with confidence. Thanks to my cousin who approached me almost 30 years ago about the sad things she saw in me. When she asked me why I was living the way I was, I simply said, "I'm not sure there really is a God." She didn't react in shock. She did not condemn me. She simply looked at me and said, "I am going to be praying for you." Thanks to those prayers, today I can say that Jehovah is my God! I am so blesed to have my precious family. My husband is always supportive and quick to take care of me. He works hard to provide a warm and safe home. He is focused on serving God. I couldn't ask for a better man to spend my life with.
Then there is our daughter. I tell people often that God amazed me with her. She is devoted to her Lord and seeks to live her life for Him. Her love for people is pure, and she gives all she has to give.
I am so thankful for the wonderful group of ladies in my Sunday morning class. The support and encouragement they give me melts my heart. These are women who are serving God and stepping out to do things for Him. I enter their presence often feeling inadequate and out-of-place. I leave them always feeling loved and encouraged. They allow me to follow the path God has laid before me and they constantly remind me of how wonderful He is.
There are so MANY things to praise God for, so I am going make my list. I hope that it inspires you to appreciate and thank God for your blessings. Here goes: home, my new pillow, sitting and enjoying the Christmas lights, laughing with friends, hearing how my mom spends her day, random texts from Caitlin, seeing grateful faces, my job, the way Jack gets so excited to see us, living where I can experience four seasons, missionary friends around the world, new friends in Haiti, Kokou and his family, excitement of a little girl at the mall, the Great physician, my back porch, herbal tea, Jeep rides, the aroma of homemade soup on a cold and rainy night, medicine, a new house for my mother-in-law, growing friendships, Mexican food and Johnny, family heritage, Christmas cards, looking forward to coconut cake at Christmas, a reliable vehicle, owning a Bible without fear.....
I could go on and on. Maybe the list was varied enough that it encourages your thoughts. I have taken so much for granted. My trips to Haiti remind me daily of the things I enjoy as routine of life. Dear friend, please take a few minutes to reflect on what God has given you. When you make your list I hope you include the gift Jesus gave you on the cross.
Vicki
Monday, October 24, 2011
I Ran One Day
I have decided to become a runner! Outrageous, yet obtainable. Crazy? Maybe. As a child I was never athletic. Clumsy is a better description. I remember when I convinced my parents to let me play softball. "All" the other girls were, afterall. Oh, I was so proud of my red T-shirt with "Road Runners" printed across the front. I can still smell the leather of my new glove. The glories of being on a team!
The glories of being on a team were short-lived. It didn't take long for the coaches to realize I could neither hit nor catch a ball. So, they sent me out to the side with an older boy to practice catching and throwing. What was meant to be helpful became an embarrassment. Singled out, not because of ability, my inability was clear to all.
As the decades have passed since that summer long ago, I have never joined another sports team. I have envied those who are able to play a sport or dance with beautiful grace. Walking has been my great attempt to be physically active.
One year ago my doctor asked what I would like to see myself doing at this time this year. My answer: I want to run a 5K. I've thought about it. Really! I have even run little patches of my occasional walks. Suddenly, though, I realized a year has passed, and though my thoughts have run all around the idea, my body hasn't. Time is wasting. It's time to act.
I downloaded an app for my iPhone. Bought the thing to wear it on my arm. Bought new shoes. And I ran one day. It was fun! By the end of that first session I was exhausted! By the time we drove back home my legs were sore! (Yes, for you runners, I did stretch.) Three days a week is all it says to run, and for that I am grateful! To be honest, this morning I wasn't sure my body would move that way today. God must have seen my weakness, for He gave me something else.
My husband and I are at Sloppy Floyd Park to escape the busyness of life at home. This is a beautiful place with several hiking trails. We set off this morning to go to the old Marble Mine. The sun was warm enough, but not hot. The leaves were full of color. The hike was fun,not hard, a pleasant time of chatting and walking. Then we rounded the curve. Uphill. Straight up. Mt. Everest up! I was determined to make it.
About half-way up Connally asked if I wanted to stop. No! I was sure that if I stopped I would never start again. It was tough. It was worth it. At the top of my Mt. Everest was the old marble mine. A quiet, cool pond greeted us at the mouth of the cave. The park service had even built a bench there and bridges to we could get closer to the tunnels (which are blocked off). It was an oasis, a place of solitude to enjoy on a beautiful October day.
After a little while of looking around and making pictures we headed back. Back at the Jeep I was thrilled about the morning. Even though the trail was called Marble Mine Trail, we had no idea we would find such a beautiful place. In the process I had pushed myself to keep going even though I wasn't sure I could make it. I didn't need to run, and my body felt strong.
Second Corinthians 12:9 says God's strength is made perfect in my weakness. He is giving me grace each day. When I finally start to walk and run He give me breath. He moves my legs. He even got me up that steep trail!
You see, I want to reach the 5K goal so badly because I know I can't do it alone. Only by the grace of God will it happen. This gal who couldn't run as a child, who hasn't ever been a physically active person, knows that taking care of this old body is important. I need to be healthy and strong to continue serving my Lord. I want to be able to work where people are hurting and need help. There is much to be done and I want to be on the front lines!
Why running? Like I said before, because I know I can't do it alone. The benfit? A healthier body. The glory? It all belongs to Jesus! The lesson? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)
I hestiated to use that verse here, but it's true. Isn't it wonderful that the word ALL really means ALL when you read it in the Bible? Whatever it is you are facing and having difficulty with - Running. Sickness. Unemployment. Family. Education. Losing weight. Fill in your blank _______________________. I can - YOU can - do it! You can do it because Jesus Christ gives you the strength to do it. When the verse says, "Strengthens me," it means, "to put power in." It reminds me of a light bulb - just a glass bubble with some filaments inside until I flip a switch, but when the power is put into it, it shines!
I did run the day after that hike. I am so glad God blessed me with an uphill challenge to see some of His beautiful creation. In facing that challenge I got to work muscles that gave me more energy and helped me grow stronger. That next day was damp and dreary and cold. I knew if I didn't do something I would face defeat, so I plugged in the treadmill, grabbed my iPhone and started walking. At the end of 30 minutes I had not only completed day two, but had a stronger faith in God. He had proven His word and given me strength, physical strength to do it!
Yesterday I said to my mom, "Well, I did day two of my 5K training." She asked, "Who got you into that?" Not really the response I was looking for, but OK. It's a good question. Why AM I doing this? What is the purpose? I could keep walking and be healthy. I could keep going just like I am. Rushing around and squeezing in a little time to hopefully walk a couple of days each week. Here's why:
There is more out there than I take advantage of. God has bigger plans for me than doing "just enough." I want to learn to step out in faith to try to do the things I never thought I could. I want to run the race set before me with endurance. I want to face the life He wants me to live knowing that all the effort it takes, in all the hard moments when I really want to give up, I have (in Christ) the determination to keep going.
One day soon I will cross a finish line and complete at 5K run. What a day that will be! One day I ran, and one day I will see the result.
What about you, friend? Spiritually speaking the finish line is the end of this physical life. Are you growing in Christ? Have you even started running the race He put you here for? Like Esther, we are here at this place in time for a moment such as this. Dont miss out. Don't keep "getting by." Surrender your life to Christ. Allow Him to be your Lord. Face the challenges He puts before you. Never give up - even on the dreary days.
You see, when I cross the finish line of my first race I want to hear my family and friends rejoice and say, "You did it!" When I cross the line from my earthly life to heaven, I want to hear God say, "Well done."
The glories of being on a team were short-lived. It didn't take long for the coaches to realize I could neither hit nor catch a ball. So, they sent me out to the side with an older boy to practice catching and throwing. What was meant to be helpful became an embarrassment. Singled out, not because of ability, my inability was clear to all.
As the decades have passed since that summer long ago, I have never joined another sports team. I have envied those who are able to play a sport or dance with beautiful grace. Walking has been my great attempt to be physically active.
One year ago my doctor asked what I would like to see myself doing at this time this year. My answer: I want to run a 5K. I've thought about it. Really! I have even run little patches of my occasional walks. Suddenly, though, I realized a year has passed, and though my thoughts have run all around the idea, my body hasn't. Time is wasting. It's time to act.
I downloaded an app for my iPhone. Bought the thing to wear it on my arm. Bought new shoes. And I ran one day. It was fun! By the end of that first session I was exhausted! By the time we drove back home my legs were sore! (Yes, for you runners, I did stretch.) Three days a week is all it says to run, and for that I am grateful! To be honest, this morning I wasn't sure my body would move that way today. God must have seen my weakness, for He gave me something else.
My husband and I are at Sloppy Floyd Park to escape the busyness of life at home. This is a beautiful place with several hiking trails. We set off this morning to go to the old Marble Mine. The sun was warm enough, but not hot. The leaves were full of color. The hike was fun,not hard, a pleasant time of chatting and walking. Then we rounded the curve. Uphill. Straight up. Mt. Everest up! I was determined to make it.
About half-way up Connally asked if I wanted to stop. No! I was sure that if I stopped I would never start again. It was tough. It was worth it. At the top of my Mt. Everest was the old marble mine. A quiet, cool pond greeted us at the mouth of the cave. The park service had even built a bench there and bridges to we could get closer to the tunnels (which are blocked off). It was an oasis, a place of solitude to enjoy on a beautiful October day.
After a little while of looking around and making pictures we headed back. Back at the Jeep I was thrilled about the morning. Even though the trail was called Marble Mine Trail, we had no idea we would find such a beautiful place. In the process I had pushed myself to keep going even though I wasn't sure I could make it. I didn't need to run, and my body felt strong.
Second Corinthians 12:9 says God's strength is made perfect in my weakness. He is giving me grace each day. When I finally start to walk and run He give me breath. He moves my legs. He even got me up that steep trail!
You see, I want to reach the 5K goal so badly because I know I can't do it alone. Only by the grace of God will it happen. This gal who couldn't run as a child, who hasn't ever been a physically active person, knows that taking care of this old body is important. I need to be healthy and strong to continue serving my Lord. I want to be able to work where people are hurting and need help. There is much to be done and I want to be on the front lines!
Why running? Like I said before, because I know I can't do it alone. The benfit? A healthier body. The glory? It all belongs to Jesus! The lesson? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)
I hestiated to use that verse here, but it's true. Isn't it wonderful that the word ALL really means ALL when you read it in the Bible? Whatever it is you are facing and having difficulty with - Running. Sickness. Unemployment. Family. Education. Losing weight. Fill in your blank _______________________. I can - YOU can - do it! You can do it because Jesus Christ gives you the strength to do it. When the verse says, "Strengthens me," it means, "to put power in." It reminds me of a light bulb - just a glass bubble with some filaments inside until I flip a switch, but when the power is put into it, it shines!
I did run the day after that hike. I am so glad God blessed me with an uphill challenge to see some of His beautiful creation. In facing that challenge I got to work muscles that gave me more energy and helped me grow stronger. That next day was damp and dreary and cold. I knew if I didn't do something I would face defeat, so I plugged in the treadmill, grabbed my iPhone and started walking. At the end of 30 minutes I had not only completed day two, but had a stronger faith in God. He had proven His word and given me strength, physical strength to do it!
Yesterday I said to my mom, "Well, I did day two of my 5K training." She asked, "Who got you into that?" Not really the response I was looking for, but OK. It's a good question. Why AM I doing this? What is the purpose? I could keep walking and be healthy. I could keep going just like I am. Rushing around and squeezing in a little time to hopefully walk a couple of days each week. Here's why:
There is more out there than I take advantage of. God has bigger plans for me than doing "just enough." I want to learn to step out in faith to try to do the things I never thought I could. I want to run the race set before me with endurance. I want to face the life He wants me to live knowing that all the effort it takes, in all the hard moments when I really want to give up, I have (in Christ) the determination to keep going.
One day soon I will cross a finish line and complete at 5K run. What a day that will be! One day I ran, and one day I will see the result.
What about you, friend? Spiritually speaking the finish line is the end of this physical life. Are you growing in Christ? Have you even started running the race He put you here for? Like Esther, we are here at this place in time for a moment such as this. Dont miss out. Don't keep "getting by." Surrender your life to Christ. Allow Him to be your Lord. Face the challenges He puts before you. Never give up - even on the dreary days.
You see, when I cross the finish line of my first race I want to hear my family and friends rejoice and say, "You did it!" When I cross the line from my earthly life to heaven, I want to hear God say, "Well done."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Wasted Days and Wasted Nights
Make the best use of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
How much time do you waste each day? It's a good and important question. Answering it truthfully may not be easy. Now that the days are shorter I am trying to be more careful of what I do after 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is hard to get "it all" done.
For over two weeks, my husband and I have been running ourselves to the point of exhaustion. Thank goodness for DVR because we haven't been home to watch NCIS! Unfortunately, life doesn't have a DVR to store precious moments to live out later. Time is an important issue for me. And God knows that.
Some things just have to happen. Job. Laundry. Mowing grass (well, one or two more times this year). Some things are easier to leave undone, but usually the person that is impacted by those things is me. Obligation, or maybe guilt, drives me a lot of the time. Who will do it if I don't? A better question is, am I doing (this thing) out of a sense of duty or out of love?
What bothers me about being so busy is all the wasted time. Running around, taking care of this and that, leaves me frazzled and fatiqued. In two weeks we have grabbed whatever food we drove passed and inhaled it so as to save time for all the stuff we are doing.
We have been talking a lot at our church lately about having a heart to serve others. I am neglecting my family to hurry and serve other people. It's time for me to take back some time. This past Sunday our ladies class talked about the little things we do daily that serve the people close to us. I need to cook a meal for my husband. Poor Caitlin came home for a long weekend and never got a home-cooked meal.
The things we have been doing are necessary. They are important. However, I think it is crazy to keep going like this and miss time that can't be reclaimed. Beginning now I am going to make a concentrated effort to give my family some of my time every day. I know I have to be realistic and admit that I probably won't cook a meal every night. We do have things in our lives that require a lot of our time. Maybe I should watch that "Almost Homemade" show!
Seriously, I don't want to miss anymore time. I have too many blessings to rush around taking them for granted or ignoring them altogether. God has given me people to love and who love me more than I deserve. Yes, I do want to be sure I am reaching out to share the love of Christ in big and small ways with all the people who come into my life each day. Yes, I do want to be sure I am reaching in to share the love of Christ in big and small ways with the people who live in my home.
As the song goes, time keeps on slippin' into the future. What are you missing? You can't push the the rewind button on the DVR in real life. Don't let another minute pass you by unlived. Guard your time so that you enjoy friendships. Plan your day so that mundane tasks get done and you have time to sit and talk - even if for just a few minutes. Decide what you are going to do to minister...to strangers and to your closest and dearest family and friends. We don't have time to waste!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Hallelujah! My beautiful basket is crushed!
Why is it that the people closest to us don't always notice when we have fallen? I am so thankful for an old friend who happened into my office last week. She saw things that had gradually taken over my attitude. She saw that I was in a bad place. Boldly, she approached me a few days later. Reminding me to keep my eyes on the Lord, she pulled my reality back into clear focus.
After we talked I reflected on the brief, yet very profound, conversation. I was keenly aware of amazement at what had just happened. I can't say that I had been on the receiving end of such an encounter before. The thought crossed my mind --- should I be offended? Well, that thought lasted only a quick second. What followed was gratitude and relief.
Gratitude that someone would say to me, "You have to remember what God's Word says." Relief because hearing His Word spoken over me brought freedom. It was so easy to sink into a muddy pit of misery. The quicksand of selfishness swallowed me quickly. However, when I turned to the promises of God's word, He pulled me out of the mess and cleansed me from the filth I had been sinking into.
Sometimes the daily grind of life becomes too heavy to carry alone. Oh, we sure try to keep going. Think of a basket. (You know, the baskets and tubs the ladies in Haiti carry on their heads.) Placing the basket up on our heads, we gain our balance, and off we go into the day. Picking up a worry here and a heartache there, we toss them up, catch them, regain our balance, and keep on going. Rather than emptying the basket before heading out the next day, we pick it up - a little heavier now - and go back to our routine. Each day we toss a little more up there. Small things...none of them huge or particularly heavy on their own...but gradually the weight adds up. Day by day we go on, our steps are harder to take, we begin to stumble. Finally, into the ditch we go. Bruised and scraped pain shoots through our heart and body as we realize what has happened. We have fallen, and we can't get up.
The burdens and heartaches, worries and fears are strewn about. The basket is crushed from the weight of it all. Good!! Leave all that junk there! Why were you carrying it around anyway? God tells us, invites us, even begs us in I Peter 5:7 to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Cast them = throw them. God loves me. He loves you. He is waiting to carry the basket. Patiently He watches as we continue tossing stuff in. Can't you hear Him?
"I'll carry that for you."
"You don't have to do this alone, let me help."
"That looks heavy. Here, let me."
Stubbornly, though, I have clung to my basket. I have held on and tried to keep it balanced. I don't want help. I don't want to appear weak. I don't want to admit I can't do this!
You see, when my focus is centered on balancing my basket, I am forced to shift my entire life focus to it completely. It is the only thing I can think about. My steps are slow with shuffling and stumbling. I can't turn my head to the left or right. Careful. Don't trip. Stand straight. But the load shifted and down I went.
Luke 12:22-26 Jesus said to His disciples, "I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; don't worry about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, they have no storehouse or barn; and God feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than the birds? Can you make yourself taller by worrying? If you can't do that why do you worry about the rest?"
What is in your basket? Concerns about money? Worry about your child's life choices? Frustration on your job? Fear for the future? Indecision? Bitterness from past hurts? Embarrassment over past mistakes? Anger at your spouse? Envy of someone else's life?
Is your basket getting heavier? Less stable? It is going to be so much better if you take the basket and empty it at the feet of Jesus. Do what He invites you to do, cast all your cares on Him. He will listen and take your burdens upon His own shoulders. Jesus loves you so much! He doesn't want you to take this walk alone.
Regarding my friend, Susan: I was so stunned at the time that I can't really say for sure, but I'm pretty sure the verse she spoke over me was Colossians 3:17. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. She went on to say, "Stop looking at life horizontally. You have to look up - to the Lord. Your focus has been on the people around you. You need to focus on the Lord." The beautiful thing is she said these words just minutes before Jennifer Rothschild spoke. Jennifer's topic for the weekend? Mooove It. She taught about moving to the other side! Getting on with what God has planned. Leaving behind those things that are keeping us from a close relationship with Christ. Suddenly I realized I was like that lady in Haiti who had three watermelons in the tub she carried on her head. I have trouble just carrying one watermelon in my arms! Let's understand that the ladies who carry these loads have stiff, deformed necks, and much pain. It is life altering, carrying all that heavy stuff everyday.
I had fallen hard and the hurt I was experiencing was shooting out of me at the people who were standing in my path. Maybe it took someone outside my closest circle of friends because she isn't there everyday, and when she was there she saw the drastic change. Whatever the reason, I praise the Lord! Thank you, Susan, God sent you to me when I needed you most.
Vicki
After we talked I reflected on the brief, yet very profound, conversation. I was keenly aware of amazement at what had just happened. I can't say that I had been on the receiving end of such an encounter before. The thought crossed my mind --- should I be offended? Well, that thought lasted only a quick second. What followed was gratitude and relief.
Gratitude that someone would say to me, "You have to remember what God's Word says." Relief because hearing His Word spoken over me brought freedom. It was so easy to sink into a muddy pit of misery. The quicksand of selfishness swallowed me quickly. However, when I turned to the promises of God's word, He pulled me out of the mess and cleansed me from the filth I had been sinking into.
Sometimes the daily grind of life becomes too heavy to carry alone. Oh, we sure try to keep going. Think of a basket. (You know, the baskets and tubs the ladies in Haiti carry on their heads.) Placing the basket up on our heads, we gain our balance, and off we go into the day. Picking up a worry here and a heartache there, we toss them up, catch them, regain our balance, and keep on going. Rather than emptying the basket before heading out the next day, we pick it up - a little heavier now - and go back to our routine. Each day we toss a little more up there. Small things...none of them huge or particularly heavy on their own...but gradually the weight adds up. Day by day we go on, our steps are harder to take, we begin to stumble. Finally, into the ditch we go. Bruised and scraped pain shoots through our heart and body as we realize what has happened. We have fallen, and we can't get up.
The burdens and heartaches, worries and fears are strewn about. The basket is crushed from the weight of it all. Good!! Leave all that junk there! Why were you carrying it around anyway? God tells us, invites us, even begs us in I Peter 5:7 to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Cast them = throw them. God loves me. He loves you. He is waiting to carry the basket. Patiently He watches as we continue tossing stuff in. Can't you hear Him?
"I'll carry that for you."
"You don't have to do this alone, let me help."
"That looks heavy. Here, let me."
Stubbornly, though, I have clung to my basket. I have held on and tried to keep it balanced. I don't want help. I don't want to appear weak. I don't want to admit I can't do this!
You see, when my focus is centered on balancing my basket, I am forced to shift my entire life focus to it completely. It is the only thing I can think about. My steps are slow with shuffling and stumbling. I can't turn my head to the left or right. Careful. Don't trip. Stand straight. But the load shifted and down I went.
Luke 12:22-26 Jesus said to His disciples, "I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; don't worry about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body is more than clothing. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, they have no storehouse or barn; and God feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than the birds? Can you make yourself taller by worrying? If you can't do that why do you worry about the rest?"
What is in your basket? Concerns about money? Worry about your child's life choices? Frustration on your job? Fear for the future? Indecision? Bitterness from past hurts? Embarrassment over past mistakes? Anger at your spouse? Envy of someone else's life?
Is your basket getting heavier? Less stable? It is going to be so much better if you take the basket and empty it at the feet of Jesus. Do what He invites you to do, cast all your cares on Him. He will listen and take your burdens upon His own shoulders. Jesus loves you so much! He doesn't want you to take this walk alone.
Regarding my friend, Susan: I was so stunned at the time that I can't really say for sure, but I'm pretty sure the verse she spoke over me was Colossians 3:17. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. She went on to say, "Stop looking at life horizontally. You have to look up - to the Lord. Your focus has been on the people around you. You need to focus on the Lord." The beautiful thing is she said these words just minutes before Jennifer Rothschild spoke. Jennifer's topic for the weekend? Mooove It. She taught about moving to the other side! Getting on with what God has planned. Leaving behind those things that are keeping us from a close relationship with Christ. Suddenly I realized I was like that lady in Haiti who had three watermelons in the tub she carried on her head. I have trouble just carrying one watermelon in my arms! Let's understand that the ladies who carry these loads have stiff, deformed necks, and much pain. It is life altering, carrying all that heavy stuff everyday.
I had fallen hard and the hurt I was experiencing was shooting out of me at the people who were standing in my path. Maybe it took someone outside my closest circle of friends because she isn't there everyday, and when she was there she saw the drastic change. Whatever the reason, I praise the Lord! Thank you, Susan, God sent you to me when I needed you most.
Vicki
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Overcoming
The day began gray and gloomy. After a month of very hot, very dry days and nights, today and tonight we are getting heavy rain and winds. Creeks and roadways are flooding. Schools are delayed for tomorrow. Trees are falling. Power outages are growing. The darkness is black and heavy.
Strangely, as much as the earth needs the rain, as desperate as the cracked, parched ground is for relief, when it comes all at once, it's too much. Overwhelmed. The word describes the earth as it attempts to soak up every drop of rain. Oddly enough, it won't be able to take it all in because it was so dry to begin with.
Tomorrow the rain will pass and creation will relax. The waters will roll from streams to creeks to the river. The puddles will absorb into the ground, and because of it all, the brown grass will turn green and begin to grow. The air will be cleaner, cooler, and we will welcome the sun.
My day has been like this. Even as I awoke, I felt gray and gloomy. Did you ever wake up feeling yucky like that? Just like the individual raindrops converge to flood the ground, little doubts and frustrations gathered and grew to flood my thoughts. None of these things was huge on it's own, but together they combined to make me feel like I was caught up in flood waters rushing over me, sweeping me away.
It won't happen. I will not be washed away. Just like the rain will soak into the ground and the grass will turn green, I will overcome the storm that entered my world today.
I wonder if you, like I, have times like this in your life. Flash flooding of worries, concerns, and emotions can come at the most unexpected times. What do you do when you feel the crush upon you? Some of us lash out at the people closest to us. Some of us withdraw into a shell of helplessness. We feel alone, isolated. Oh, but we aren't. As God's child, we have the security that absolutely nothing, nothing can separate us from Him.
Flash floods are aptly named. I was caught in one last spring. The experience was terrifying. I couldn't turn down any side road to escape. The only way out was straight through. Carefully and cautiously I moved forward. I slowed down. Speeding was not an option. I drove with extreme care, praying the whole way through. I made it to the other side. Victory!
My friend, we must choose our way carefully when the pressures, concerns, worries, and doubts of life engulf us. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Don't look away. Don't allow these difficulties to distract you from being who God created you to be. You must understand that there will be gloomy days. We read in I Peter that life will contain times of sufferings. We also have the promise that God takes all the things in our life and uses them for good IF we are His child. There is no flood without rain, but that storm also bring the rainbow. In the same way, there is no victory without a battle. Read Romans 8; it is full of great teachings! Most importantly, remember that as a child of God, a woman who has trusted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, nothing you have ever done or will do will be held against you. When you feel weak and overwhelmed, find comfort in knowing the Spirit of God is praying for you. Finally, always, always remind yourself that no thing, no situation, no failure on your part, nor any person that can take you away from the love of God.
It may be gloomy today, but with the help of God, you will overcome! Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be know to all, the Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peoce of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 4-7)
Vicki
Strangely, as much as the earth needs the rain, as desperate as the cracked, parched ground is for relief, when it comes all at once, it's too much. Overwhelmed. The word describes the earth as it attempts to soak up every drop of rain. Oddly enough, it won't be able to take it all in because it was so dry to begin with.
Tomorrow the rain will pass and creation will relax. The waters will roll from streams to creeks to the river. The puddles will absorb into the ground, and because of it all, the brown grass will turn green and begin to grow. The air will be cleaner, cooler, and we will welcome the sun.
My day has been like this. Even as I awoke, I felt gray and gloomy. Did you ever wake up feeling yucky like that? Just like the individual raindrops converge to flood the ground, little doubts and frustrations gathered and grew to flood my thoughts. None of these things was huge on it's own, but together they combined to make me feel like I was caught up in flood waters rushing over me, sweeping me away.
It won't happen. I will not be washed away. Just like the rain will soak into the ground and the grass will turn green, I will overcome the storm that entered my world today.
I wonder if you, like I, have times like this in your life. Flash flooding of worries, concerns, and emotions can come at the most unexpected times. What do you do when you feel the crush upon you? Some of us lash out at the people closest to us. Some of us withdraw into a shell of helplessness. We feel alone, isolated. Oh, but we aren't. As God's child, we have the security that absolutely nothing, nothing can separate us from Him.
Flash floods are aptly named. I was caught in one last spring. The experience was terrifying. I couldn't turn down any side road to escape. The only way out was straight through. Carefully and cautiously I moved forward. I slowed down. Speeding was not an option. I drove with extreme care, praying the whole way through. I made it to the other side. Victory!
My friend, we must choose our way carefully when the pressures, concerns, worries, and doubts of life engulf us. Keep your eyes on the Lord. Don't look away. Don't allow these difficulties to distract you from being who God created you to be. You must understand that there will be gloomy days. We read in I Peter that life will contain times of sufferings. We also have the promise that God takes all the things in our life and uses them for good IF we are His child. There is no flood without rain, but that storm also bring the rainbow. In the same way, there is no victory without a battle. Read Romans 8; it is full of great teachings! Most importantly, remember that as a child of God, a woman who has trusted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, nothing you have ever done or will do will be held against you. When you feel weak and overwhelmed, find comfort in knowing the Spirit of God is praying for you. Finally, always, always remind yourself that no thing, no situation, no failure on your part, nor any person that can take you away from the love of God.
It may be gloomy today, but with the help of God, you will overcome! Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be know to all, the Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peoce of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 4-7)
Vicki
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Thrill of Watching God Work
Lately I have been wrapped up in the absolute thrill of seeing God's hand on my life. It is amazing what happens when you make yourself available to Him and ask Him to use you. The problem for me is that I ask Him to use me and then forget to be ready. When I have been ready, though, it's been incredible!
The fact that you are reading this is a perfect example. I never dreamed of writing a blog. What I longed for was the opportunity to share with ladies what the Lord has done for me and how much He loves them. So, we find ourselves here. Me sharing with you. See what I mean? Dear friend, please let me tell you that Jesus loves you more than you could possibly imagine. John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much He sent His only son, Jesus, to die for us. Only because of Jesus can we have God's forgiveness for the filthy sin of our lives.
Tomorrow I have the intense pleasure of teaching again. The beautiful ladies in my class are growing in their own walks with God, and as they do, I do. As one of the girls said this week, "I don't always like where He is taking me." She and I are both stepping out to follow a path we hadn't really planned. She and I are going to have something great to share soon as we open our lives up to other women and encourage them in their Christian walk. Just a few minutes ago I got a text from a young woman, a recent college grad, who now has a full-time job --- with benefits! Answered prayer! Another lady is just beginning her walk with Jesus and is tasting the freedom of life in Christ for the first time. All of these women are examples of God's hand on my life. I am learning so much from them. They have real faith and are willing to be who God has made them to be.
Take a few minutes to reflect on how you have seen God work in your life lately. Think about the past week, month, and year. As I look back at my own life, this is what I see:
The past week - seven very full days. As a church family we grieved the death of a man we will miss a lot. Together we celebrated his life and the knowledge that he is walking in heaven. God challeneged me through the days of remembering Chuck. I am hearing it over and over: People need the Lord. People need the Lord. People need the Lord. Chuck wasn't afraid or embarrassed to ask anyone he met if they knew Jesus. I stand before you convicted and aware of my failure at sharing the name of Jesus.
Also this week, confirmation from God came through a dear friend. An idea for a mentoring group had been tumbling through my thoughts. This sweet, shy lady came to me Wednesday night and said, "I think there are women who need (a particular study, challenge, and support.) " Random? Coincidence? No way! Now the two of us will form two groups. We will meet with other ladies and study the word of the Lord on a particular topic. My own group even grew to a couples group with my husband stepping up to meet with the husbands of the girls I am learning, praying, and growing with. Wow!!
The past month seems like a year almost. My husband and I have had fun finding our empty-nester identity as our daughter begins her senior year of college. We have had fun walking, talking, and laughing. We found a house for his mom. It is close to us -we can see it from our own home. He seems so relieved that she will be close and we will be able to get to her quickly if she needs us. Even though she didn't live far away now, the closeness of this new home brings a sense of security.
This month I have had the opportunity to learn from the teaching of a young man who passionately loves God. I have had the opportunity to share the work of the Lord by sharing my pictures and stories of my trip to Haiti. I have gone back to work and learned a lot about myself and my husband. He has stood up for me and affirmed my desires for some things that need to change. I stood amazed as God used me in a couple of ways that I never expected. There isn't time here to share the last year - that would take a book!
What about you, my friend? How have you seen God work in your life? Has He taken your passions and opened doors for you to serve others? Have you basked in the peace that comes from walking with Jesus? Are you able to say, "He definitely has answered my prayer."
It is thrilling to see God's hand on your life. Sometimes there is pain, and I have been through that in the just last couple of days. We are not promised sunshine and rainbows for every minute of life. In fact, there is thunder rolling around me right now, but that sound brings hope. Hope for rain. Hope for an end to the drought that has killed our garden, plants, and turned the grass crispy brown. The earth is so dry that the deluge that is coming will not be absorbed at first. Gradually the ground will soften and the water will be absorbed. So it is with our spiritual lives. After we have turned away from God for a period of time, we become hard, dry, and cracked. If we are willing to allow the Lord to pour over us, He will refresh our souls and new growth will begin. Only then can we rejoice in the changes He makes in us. Only then can we find the thrill of seeing God work in our lives.
Friend, I hope you have experienced that thrill. I would love to hear how God is working in your life. What have you seen Him do lately? Leave me a comment and tell me how you are growing in Christ.
The fact that you are reading this is a perfect example. I never dreamed of writing a blog. What I longed for was the opportunity to share with ladies what the Lord has done for me and how much He loves them. So, we find ourselves here. Me sharing with you. See what I mean? Dear friend, please let me tell you that Jesus loves you more than you could possibly imagine. John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much He sent His only son, Jesus, to die for us. Only because of Jesus can we have God's forgiveness for the filthy sin of our lives.
Tomorrow I have the intense pleasure of teaching again. The beautiful ladies in my class are growing in their own walks with God, and as they do, I do. As one of the girls said this week, "I don't always like where He is taking me." She and I are both stepping out to follow a path we hadn't really planned. She and I are going to have something great to share soon as we open our lives up to other women and encourage them in their Christian walk. Just a few minutes ago I got a text from a young woman, a recent college grad, who now has a full-time job --- with benefits! Answered prayer! Another lady is just beginning her walk with Jesus and is tasting the freedom of life in Christ for the first time. All of these women are examples of God's hand on my life. I am learning so much from them. They have real faith and are willing to be who God has made them to be.
Take a few minutes to reflect on how you have seen God work in your life lately. Think about the past week, month, and year. As I look back at my own life, this is what I see:
The past week - seven very full days. As a church family we grieved the death of a man we will miss a lot. Together we celebrated his life and the knowledge that he is walking in heaven. God challeneged me through the days of remembering Chuck. I am hearing it over and over: People need the Lord. People need the Lord. People need the Lord. Chuck wasn't afraid or embarrassed to ask anyone he met if they knew Jesus. I stand before you convicted and aware of my failure at sharing the name of Jesus.
Also this week, confirmation from God came through a dear friend. An idea for a mentoring group had been tumbling through my thoughts. This sweet, shy lady came to me Wednesday night and said, "I think there are women who need (a particular study, challenge, and support.) " Random? Coincidence? No way! Now the two of us will form two groups. We will meet with other ladies and study the word of the Lord on a particular topic. My own group even grew to a couples group with my husband stepping up to meet with the husbands of the girls I am learning, praying, and growing with. Wow!!
The past month seems like a year almost. My husband and I have had fun finding our empty-nester identity as our daughter begins her senior year of college. We have had fun walking, talking, and laughing. We found a house for his mom. It is close to us -we can see it from our own home. He seems so relieved that she will be close and we will be able to get to her quickly if she needs us. Even though she didn't live far away now, the closeness of this new home brings a sense of security.
This month I have had the opportunity to learn from the teaching of a young man who passionately loves God. I have had the opportunity to share the work of the Lord by sharing my pictures and stories of my trip to Haiti. I have gone back to work and learned a lot about myself and my husband. He has stood up for me and affirmed my desires for some things that need to change. I stood amazed as God used me in a couple of ways that I never expected. There isn't time here to share the last year - that would take a book!
What about you, my friend? How have you seen God work in your life? Has He taken your passions and opened doors for you to serve others? Have you basked in the peace that comes from walking with Jesus? Are you able to say, "He definitely has answered my prayer."
It is thrilling to see God's hand on your life. Sometimes there is pain, and I have been through that in the just last couple of days. We are not promised sunshine and rainbows for every minute of life. In fact, there is thunder rolling around me right now, but that sound brings hope. Hope for rain. Hope for an end to the drought that has killed our garden, plants, and turned the grass crispy brown. The earth is so dry that the deluge that is coming will not be absorbed at first. Gradually the ground will soften and the water will be absorbed. So it is with our spiritual lives. After we have turned away from God for a period of time, we become hard, dry, and cracked. If we are willing to allow the Lord to pour over us, He will refresh our souls and new growth will begin. Only then can we rejoice in the changes He makes in us. Only then can we find the thrill of seeing God work in our lives.
Friend, I hope you have experienced that thrill. I would love to hear how God is working in your life. What have you seen Him do lately? Leave me a comment and tell me how you are growing in Christ.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
One Year Later (One Day at a Time)
It's been a year already since the longest and hardest week of my life. I learned a lot that week and in the days that followed. Please allow me to look back and share some of it with you.
If my daddy had to be sick before he died, I guess this was a blessing. He avoided doctors and hated being in the hospital. (A trait his oldest daughter inherited.) My brother made the decision that Sunday afternoon. Something was wrong and Daddy had to go to the hospital. It would be the last week of my dad's life. No long treatments, no constant visits to doctor's offices and clinics, no weeks or months or years of suffering. Just this week.
That day in the ER we suddenly had our last conversation with our father, my mother's husband. Life support. The unknown thing attacking his body was rapidly taking over. What it was was a mystery. We took up residence in the MICU waiting room and began the exhausting process of waiting, answering so many questions from the doctors. Tests and more tests, and then waiting for just a few days for their answers seemed like longer than eternity.
Finally we knew. Finally it was time to let him go. The decision was made. Medicine could not flight this cancer. We sat beside his bed for less that 48 hours. We loved on him, cried, remembered, and waited. One week after it all began it was over. My father was in the arms of Jesus, and my mother was a widow. We went home and began a new walk in life. All of us aching. All of us wanting to be together. All of us wondering, what now?
As I watched my mom those seven days in the waiting room I saw an incredibly inspiring strength in her. She would stand tall and face whatever came her way, but when the pressure became too heavy she took off down the hall on what became known as her "power walk." When she disappeared we knew to leave her alone - we couldn't keep up with her pace anyway! She assumed the role of matriarch, head of our family, with dignity. We, her children, found comfort in her quiet assurance. We came together to hold her up. We learned how to stand beside her and support her in the toughest times. We learned how to give her space to grieve what was to come.
As the doctors told us more, all the adults were involved in the conversations. Mom, me, my sister and brother, my daughter, my oldest nephew, my husband, and my sister-in-love would discuss the options laid before us. Our opinions mattered to her, but she owned the decisions. We would say to her, "You're the momma," and she gained strength from our support.
One day at a time became her mantra. She and daddy shared a love for the song by that name. During those first days and weeks as she learned what life was now like for her she sang it often. Today, a year later, I look back at the number of times I have shared her outlook with others. She has said the words to many women in the last twelve months, allowing God to simply use her to encourage someone else through the terrible pain of loss.
I always knew my mom as a strong woman. She has an uncanny ability to accept the pain life offers with secure knowledge that God is in control of the whole thing. Sure, she sheds tears and hurts deeply. She gets angry and doesn't understand the whys of the tragedies of life. Leaning heavily on the Lord, though, she is able to get through.
Three Hundred Sixty-five days later I have learned so much from her. There is nothing that comes her way she doesn't at least try. She might not mow grass the same way Daddy did, but that big red lawn tractor is now hers. Today as I write she is laying carpet tiles in her basement. Next week she plans to take up and replace the tile in her laundry room. She has repaired the drain pipe from her HVAC unit. The list goes on and on. Her independent spirit drives her to try before asking for help. She has often told me how angry she gets when she can't do something and has to call one of us. After all, she's still the momma!
My parents were married for 53 years. For more than the last decade they had been together every day. The hole left in her heart is huge. It would be easy, so easy, for her to give in to the sorrow and despair of having to live without the man she had spent her life adoring and being adored by in return. I watch with pride as she refuses to give in. Her advice? Get out of the house every day. Get up and DO something. More importantly, remember that God is in control. After all, we can only take "One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That's all we're asking from You."
If my daddy had to be sick before he died, I guess this was a blessing. He avoided doctors and hated being in the hospital. (A trait his oldest daughter inherited.) My brother made the decision that Sunday afternoon. Something was wrong and Daddy had to go to the hospital. It would be the last week of my dad's life. No long treatments, no constant visits to doctor's offices and clinics, no weeks or months or years of suffering. Just this week.
That day in the ER we suddenly had our last conversation with our father, my mother's husband. Life support. The unknown thing attacking his body was rapidly taking over. What it was was a mystery. We took up residence in the MICU waiting room and began the exhausting process of waiting, answering so many questions from the doctors. Tests and more tests, and then waiting for just a few days for their answers seemed like longer than eternity.
Finally we knew. Finally it was time to let him go. The decision was made. Medicine could not flight this cancer. We sat beside his bed for less that 48 hours. We loved on him, cried, remembered, and waited. One week after it all began it was over. My father was in the arms of Jesus, and my mother was a widow. We went home and began a new walk in life. All of us aching. All of us wanting to be together. All of us wondering, what now?
As I watched my mom those seven days in the waiting room I saw an incredibly inspiring strength in her. She would stand tall and face whatever came her way, but when the pressure became too heavy she took off down the hall on what became known as her "power walk." When she disappeared we knew to leave her alone - we couldn't keep up with her pace anyway! She assumed the role of matriarch, head of our family, with dignity. We, her children, found comfort in her quiet assurance. We came together to hold her up. We learned how to stand beside her and support her in the toughest times. We learned how to give her space to grieve what was to come.
As the doctors told us more, all the adults were involved in the conversations. Mom, me, my sister and brother, my daughter, my oldest nephew, my husband, and my sister-in-love would discuss the options laid before us. Our opinions mattered to her, but she owned the decisions. We would say to her, "You're the momma," and she gained strength from our support.
One day at a time became her mantra. She and daddy shared a love for the song by that name. During those first days and weeks as she learned what life was now like for her she sang it often. Today, a year later, I look back at the number of times I have shared her outlook with others. She has said the words to many women in the last twelve months, allowing God to simply use her to encourage someone else through the terrible pain of loss.
I always knew my mom as a strong woman. She has an uncanny ability to accept the pain life offers with secure knowledge that God is in control of the whole thing. Sure, she sheds tears and hurts deeply. She gets angry and doesn't understand the whys of the tragedies of life. Leaning heavily on the Lord, though, she is able to get through.
Three Hundred Sixty-five days later I have learned so much from her. There is nothing that comes her way she doesn't at least try. She might not mow grass the same way Daddy did, but that big red lawn tractor is now hers. Today as I write she is laying carpet tiles in her basement. Next week she plans to take up and replace the tile in her laundry room. She has repaired the drain pipe from her HVAC unit. The list goes on and on. Her independent spirit drives her to try before asking for help. She has often told me how angry she gets when she can't do something and has to call one of us. After all, she's still the momma!
My parents were married for 53 years. For more than the last decade they had been together every day. The hole left in her heart is huge. It would be easy, so easy, for her to give in to the sorrow and despair of having to live without the man she had spent her life adoring and being adored by in return. I watch with pride as she refuses to give in. Her advice? Get out of the house every day. Get up and DO something. More importantly, remember that God is in control. After all, we can only take "One day at a time, sweet Jesus. That's all we're asking from You."
Friday, August 12, 2011
The Future
"Do not limit the limitless God! With Him, face the future unafraid because you are never alone." Mrs. Charles E. Cowan
When I read that quote a variety of hymns began to run through my mind. Specifically two: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow and No, Never Alone. As the words to those and other songs tumbled over in my thoughts, the first part of the quote stood out to me. The words echoed in my head. I have limits on God.
That is a very sad statement of fact about myself, but I don't think I am alone. Let's examine how we live and think. Do we jump out of bed each morning shouting for joy? Do we, with total conviction and without the faintest hesitation boldy say, "OK, God. There's the future. My future. I will face it without fear because I know you are there?"
Probably we are quicker to say, "Well, if He wants me to go there He will have to show me." Those words have come out of my mouth way too many times! Like Gideon we throw out our fleece over and over again asking for sign upon sign. Why? Why don't we readily do what we know God is telling us to do? We limit God.
Do you ever use the excuse - I'm not good enough? How about - I don't even know where to start? Or maybe - That's going to take time and/or money I don't have. Then there is the classic - I don't know enough. Are you as guilty as me of using excuses to avoid what God has called you to do?
If God has given you an idea, a burning passion, then just do it. For me, it was simply picking up a pen and writing. For some college kids I know it was stuffing backpacks full of sandwiches and hitting the streets to look for hurting, hungry people. I had no idea when I started writing in that red notebook that my thoughts would end up here for the world to see. Those kids had no idea that a summer night with nothing else to do would grow into a ministry to homeless people in college communities across the Southeast.
You don't have enough time or money? Paul said in Philippians 4:19 that his God can supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Are we serving the same God? One year of our lives has 525,600 minutes. They tick away quickly. I waste a lot of them daily. We need to ask God to keep us focused on the task He has put before us. Are you really worried about money? If God has sent you, He will supply. You simply must believe it. There is no way He is going to send you out to do His will and then abandon you. It won't happen.
I don't know enough about the Bible. Well, those men Jesus chose to walk with Him were certainly not scholars. Yet the leaders in Jerusalem saw the boldness of Peter and John, "perceiving they were unlearned and ignorant men." They had never been to Bible college, but it was evident to all who heard them that they had been with Jesus. So, what about me? I never went to Bible college. When people look at me will they know that I have been with Jesus? Not if I don't guard my time with Him. Not if I don't read my Bible. Not if I don't spend time praying. Not if I keep making excuses for not stepping out and living the life He has called me to live.
Are you limiting God by wasting time and making excuses? Do you believe you aren't alone as you face the future? Do you live in fear? Friend, if we are doing those things we need to ask forgiveness from the One who created us. I don't know about tomorrow, but I do know the God who holds my future. I choose to live in the assurance that Jesus loves me and has a plan for my life. I choose to believe I am never alone, and as I travel the path ahead of me I choose to experience God without limits. How about you?
When I read that quote a variety of hymns began to run through my mind. Specifically two: I Know Who Holds Tomorrow and No, Never Alone. As the words to those and other songs tumbled over in my thoughts, the first part of the quote stood out to me. The words echoed in my head. I have limits on God.
That is a very sad statement of fact about myself, but I don't think I am alone. Let's examine how we live and think. Do we jump out of bed each morning shouting for joy? Do we, with total conviction and without the faintest hesitation boldy say, "OK, God. There's the future. My future. I will face it without fear because I know you are there?"
Probably we are quicker to say, "Well, if He wants me to go there He will have to show me." Those words have come out of my mouth way too many times! Like Gideon we throw out our fleece over and over again asking for sign upon sign. Why? Why don't we readily do what we know God is telling us to do? We limit God.
Do you ever use the excuse - I'm not good enough? How about - I don't even know where to start? Or maybe - That's going to take time and/or money I don't have. Then there is the classic - I don't know enough. Are you as guilty as me of using excuses to avoid what God has called you to do?
If God has given you an idea, a burning passion, then just do it. For me, it was simply picking up a pen and writing. For some college kids I know it was stuffing backpacks full of sandwiches and hitting the streets to look for hurting, hungry people. I had no idea when I started writing in that red notebook that my thoughts would end up here for the world to see. Those kids had no idea that a summer night with nothing else to do would grow into a ministry to homeless people in college communities across the Southeast.
You don't have enough time or money? Paul said in Philippians 4:19 that his God can supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Are we serving the same God? One year of our lives has 525,600 minutes. They tick away quickly. I waste a lot of them daily. We need to ask God to keep us focused on the task He has put before us. Are you really worried about money? If God has sent you, He will supply. You simply must believe it. There is no way He is going to send you out to do His will and then abandon you. It won't happen.
I don't know enough about the Bible. Well, those men Jesus chose to walk with Him were certainly not scholars. Yet the leaders in Jerusalem saw the boldness of Peter and John, "perceiving they were unlearned and ignorant men." They had never been to Bible college, but it was evident to all who heard them that they had been with Jesus. So, what about me? I never went to Bible college. When people look at me will they know that I have been with Jesus? Not if I don't guard my time with Him. Not if I don't read my Bible. Not if I don't spend time praying. Not if I keep making excuses for not stepping out and living the life He has called me to live.
Are you limiting God by wasting time and making excuses? Do you believe you aren't alone as you face the future? Do you live in fear? Friend, if we are doing those things we need to ask forgiveness from the One who created us. I don't know about tomorrow, but I do know the God who holds my future. I choose to live in the assurance that Jesus loves me and has a plan for my life. I choose to believe I am never alone, and as I travel the path ahead of me I choose to experience God without limits. How about you?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
My Great Adventure
I want to share with you about my great adventure. Many years ago as a young woman I had a deep desire to teach and speak to ladies about what God is doing in my life. Sadly, I tabled that desire because I felt useless. There are other people much wiser, funnier, prettier, popular, and smarter already out there. About two and a half years ago I spent a day with the Lord. He had something to tell me, and I was finally ready to listen. I got my pen and paper and sat down at my kitchen table. What follows below is from my journal, written on April 13, 2009.
"Since doing the Believing God Bible study I have felt Him tugging at my heart. Gently telling me He wants me to speak to women. My response was - OK, but they will have to ask me, I'm not going to volunteer. This morning God just told me to prepare. Get ready. I believe with all of my heart this is from God. I have felt so insecure and beatten down that I know I don't desire to pursue this. If it is His will, I will follow. So, now I prepare."
Then I wrote this: (Think about a train ride as you read.)
Ticket, please.
I don't have one. You see, I really don't know where I am going.
Then you're in the right place!
I am?
Sure! Welcome to God's Great Adventure Tours. No one here really knows where they are going. We just all climb on and go wherever He takes us.
So you don't know where we're going either? I thought someone here
would tell me.
On, no. You just have to be willing to go with God. How's your faith? He may make some stops you would rather not make, but everywhere I've been I have seen God in ways unexplainable.
It's scary.
Sure it is! You're not in control of this trip. Just leave the driving to Him. Your job is to be ready when He says it's time.
Time for what?
Who knows! That's the Great Adventure!
After that I went through a period where God taught me to examine my passions. I had to determine what my goal was. Was it to serve Him faithfully wherever He led? Was it to do what I thought I could to serve Him? Was it really to bare my soul, interact, learn from, and teach women? I finally was able to say, "Wherever He leads, I'll go."
In July of that same year He led me to teach a class of two and three year olds. Odd. Not exactly where I thought I was headed. Still, it was a calling that was heavy on my heart. This is in my journal from that time. "I am stepping off the train for this little adventure. You never know where your ticket is going to take you!" I have to tell you that I felt led to go to this class of little girls, but I told God that He had to be mistaken. Wasn't it just a short time ago that I had such a strong desire to teach women? Yes, and that desire was stronger than ever. Then I heard Him say - "Do this. I have something planned for later, but I need you here right now."
Did I hear you shout Glory?! Well, you should! The next summer God opened the door for me to teach a ladies Sunday School class at my church. I went into the class still feeling inadequate. Despite those feelings, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. We have been a class for one year now. There is no way to describe the blessings I get from my wonderful friends. God has taught me far more than I can ever convey to them, but I try. I pray that we ladies grown stronger in our walk with Jesus and that we become a powerful force in our community for the cause of Christ.
I want to encourage you today. God has a plan for your life. It might not be the same as your plan, and it may even require a detour or two before you get there. Follow Him. Walk with Him. The old song says it best. "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
I would love to hear from you - what has your adventure been like?
Vicki
"Since doing the Believing God Bible study I have felt Him tugging at my heart. Gently telling me He wants me to speak to women. My response was - OK, but they will have to ask me, I'm not going to volunteer. This morning God just told me to prepare. Get ready. I believe with all of my heart this is from God. I have felt so insecure and beatten down that I know I don't desire to pursue this. If it is His will, I will follow. So, now I prepare."
Then I wrote this: (Think about a train ride as you read.)
Ticket, please.
I don't have one. You see, I really don't know where I am going.
Then you're in the right place!
I am?
Sure! Welcome to God's Great Adventure Tours. No one here really knows where they are going. We just all climb on and go wherever He takes us.
So you don't know where we're going either? I thought someone here
would tell me.
On, no. You just have to be willing to go with God. How's your faith? He may make some stops you would rather not make, but everywhere I've been I have seen God in ways unexplainable.
It's scary.
Sure it is! You're not in control of this trip. Just leave the driving to Him. Your job is to be ready when He says it's time.
Time for what?
Who knows! That's the Great Adventure!
After that I went through a period where God taught me to examine my passions. I had to determine what my goal was. Was it to serve Him faithfully wherever He led? Was it to do what I thought I could to serve Him? Was it really to bare my soul, interact, learn from, and teach women? I finally was able to say, "Wherever He leads, I'll go."
In July of that same year He led me to teach a class of two and three year olds. Odd. Not exactly where I thought I was headed. Still, it was a calling that was heavy on my heart. This is in my journal from that time. "I am stepping off the train for this little adventure. You never know where your ticket is going to take you!" I have to tell you that I felt led to go to this class of little girls, but I told God that He had to be mistaken. Wasn't it just a short time ago that I had such a strong desire to teach women? Yes, and that desire was stronger than ever. Then I heard Him say - "Do this. I have something planned for later, but I need you here right now."
Did I hear you shout Glory?! Well, you should! The next summer God opened the door for me to teach a ladies Sunday School class at my church. I went into the class still feeling inadequate. Despite those feelings, I knew this was where I was supposed to be. We have been a class for one year now. There is no way to describe the blessings I get from my wonderful friends. God has taught me far more than I can ever convey to them, but I try. I pray that we ladies grown stronger in our walk with Jesus and that we become a powerful force in our community for the cause of Christ.
I want to encourage you today. God has a plan for your life. It might not be the same as your plan, and it may even require a detour or two before you get there. Follow Him. Walk with Him. The old song says it best. "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
I would love to hear from you - what has your adventure been like?
Vicki
Monday, July 25, 2011
Different Shades of Green
That morning back in June was so soft and gentle. A quiet rain was falling, the birds were singing in the trees. A squirrel jumped across the yard, looking for his breakfast. There was an easiness about that morning, a slowness, a time to stop and relax. Looking at the beautiful view from my back porch I saw so many shades of green.
The trees on the mountain now were fully crowned with leaves. Returning from the dormant state of winter, they had burst forth in bloom and transformed from barren, strong trunks with empty arms to these beautiful shades of green. In it I see God's people, the church.
We, His people, are like the trees. We look alike, only different. Just as He created each of us in His image, He has gifted each of us uniquely to accomplish the task of going, teaching, and making disciples. First Corinthians 12: 4 - 7 says: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Do you see the shades of green? We each personally, individually, specifically, have a job to do. Praise the Lord we are different! As I get closer to the mountain I see more than faint shades of color. The leaves are different. The shapes of the trees vary. Bark. Limbs. Size. Closer and closer I get. Some have sweet fruit. Some bear nuts. Others provide cool shade. One tree towers above the others - so strong. A smaller one is just breaking through the earth.
After the tornado I walked the fenceline to see if there were trees down where the cows could get out. Thankfullly there was only one small place. However, I could see other places where trees had fallen. Get this image in your mind. A tree cannot fall without landing on something. Whether it lands on a fence, or if it tears the limbs out of another tree on the way down, even if there is an open field around, there is grass below, bugs, that will be crushed. Something will be touched when the tree falls. Usually it is a tree with a shallow root system or one that has been weakened by decay or disease that falls.
Sometimes, though, a strong, stately tree will fall. When it does we mourn its loss. It will be harder to replace. The question must be asked, "When I am gone from this earth will I be missed, mourned, hard to replace?" I do not want to be like a tree with shallow roots, easily replaced when my time on earth is done.
Why, then, do we try to change the color, shape, or size of our leaves? Why do we spend so much of our lives trying to be just like someone else? Why don't we spend our energy trying to become what we were created to be? Looking at the mountain, it is the variety that lends its beauty. There is an area of lighter, yellowish green on the lower left. An are of darker, blacker green is toward the top of the mountain, and some blue-green shades are closer to the bottom. Together it creates a beautiful picture.
Romans 12: 4 - 6 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.
Dear friend, find out what God has gifted you to do and do it.
Vicki
The trees on the mountain now were fully crowned with leaves. Returning from the dormant state of winter, they had burst forth in bloom and transformed from barren, strong trunks with empty arms to these beautiful shades of green. In it I see God's people, the church.
We, His people, are like the trees. We look alike, only different. Just as He created each of us in His image, He has gifted each of us uniquely to accomplish the task of going, teaching, and making disciples. First Corinthians 12: 4 - 7 says: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Do you see the shades of green? We each personally, individually, specifically, have a job to do. Praise the Lord we are different! As I get closer to the mountain I see more than faint shades of color. The leaves are different. The shapes of the trees vary. Bark. Limbs. Size. Closer and closer I get. Some have sweet fruit. Some bear nuts. Others provide cool shade. One tree towers above the others - so strong. A smaller one is just breaking through the earth.
After the tornado I walked the fenceline to see if there were trees down where the cows could get out. Thankfullly there was only one small place. However, I could see other places where trees had fallen. Get this image in your mind. A tree cannot fall without landing on something. Whether it lands on a fence, or if it tears the limbs out of another tree on the way down, even if there is an open field around, there is grass below, bugs, that will be crushed. Something will be touched when the tree falls. Usually it is a tree with a shallow root system or one that has been weakened by decay or disease that falls.
Sometimes, though, a strong, stately tree will fall. When it does we mourn its loss. It will be harder to replace. The question must be asked, "When I am gone from this earth will I be missed, mourned, hard to replace?" I do not want to be like a tree with shallow roots, easily replaced when my time on earth is done.
Why, then, do we try to change the color, shape, or size of our leaves? Why do we spend so much of our lives trying to be just like someone else? Why don't we spend our energy trying to become what we were created to be? Looking at the mountain, it is the variety that lends its beauty. There is an area of lighter, yellowish green on the lower left. An are of darker, blacker green is toward the top of the mountain, and some blue-green shades are closer to the bottom. Together it creates a beautiful picture.
Romans 12: 4 - 6 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.
Dear friend, find out what God has gifted you to do and do it.
Vicki
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A Dusty Old Cup
It's pretty to look at. It sits gathering dust. Day after day, on the shelf. Made for a purpose, yet totally useless.
Unlike that cup, you and I can move ourselves into position to be filled up to overflowing. Time spent quietly alone with God. Reading His word. Praying. Adoring and worshiping. These things God uses to pour Himself into our hearts, filling us to the point that He begins to spill out of us into the lives of others.
The church in America today is full of pretty cups on the shelf. We come in a wide variety...just like the cups in my cupboard. Many were gifts. They are odds and ends - hand-crafted, fine porcelain, large, small, representing holidays and travels, declaring the greatness of coffee or tea, solid, patterned, plastic, glass. All different. All ready to be filled. All useless on the shelf.
As fun as it is to look at my collection of cups, as sweet as the memories they remind me of, the real pleasure comes when I pour that delicious hot coffee and begin delightedly to drink in the rich flavor and aroma. I can only imagine that is the way God feels about me. Pretty to look at, He still gets His greatest pleasure out of my life when I allow Him to pour into me, running over the top, and spilling into the lives of people all around me.
There is danger in getting off the shelf. We could be chipped or cracked, possibly shattered. What if we do not get put back in the same cozy spot? Life can be hard. It IS hard. The days hold chips and bumps for us, too. Sometimes God moves us - a job change, a new home, loss of a loved-one....
We cannot stay on the shelf, useless, afraid we will crack. Our joy comes in living out who God created us to be. When we allow Him, the Master Potter, to create us as a beautiful vessel ready to be filled and used, we are useful! Realize this: The one who takes the clay and begins to mold it finds great pleasure in that hands-on experience. Carefully, gently He nudges and shapes, until His creation is ready. Ready to be have life's color painted onto it. Ready to be filled, used. Ready to bring pleasure to all who see and drink from the richness poured into it.
We cannot bring pleasure to our creator unless we allow Him to use us. "Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul." My encouragement to you today is that you allow God to shape your life, to fill you up, and use you for the glory of His kingdom.
But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay; and you are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8
Vicki
Unlike that cup, you and I can move ourselves into position to be filled up to overflowing. Time spent quietly alone with God. Reading His word. Praying. Adoring and worshiping. These things God uses to pour Himself into our hearts, filling us to the point that He begins to spill out of us into the lives of others.
The church in America today is full of pretty cups on the shelf. We come in a wide variety...just like the cups in my cupboard. Many were gifts. They are odds and ends - hand-crafted, fine porcelain, large, small, representing holidays and travels, declaring the greatness of coffee or tea, solid, patterned, plastic, glass. All different. All ready to be filled. All useless on the shelf.
As fun as it is to look at my collection of cups, as sweet as the memories they remind me of, the real pleasure comes when I pour that delicious hot coffee and begin delightedly to drink in the rich flavor and aroma. I can only imagine that is the way God feels about me. Pretty to look at, He still gets His greatest pleasure out of my life when I allow Him to pour into me, running over the top, and spilling into the lives of people all around me.
There is danger in getting off the shelf. We could be chipped or cracked, possibly shattered. What if we do not get put back in the same cozy spot? Life can be hard. It IS hard. The days hold chips and bumps for us, too. Sometimes God moves us - a job change, a new home, loss of a loved-one....
We cannot stay on the shelf, useless, afraid we will crack. Our joy comes in living out who God created us to be. When we allow Him, the Master Potter, to create us as a beautiful vessel ready to be filled and used, we are useful! Realize this: The one who takes the clay and begins to mold it finds great pleasure in that hands-on experience. Carefully, gently He nudges and shapes, until His creation is ready. Ready to be have life's color painted onto it. Ready to be filled, used. Ready to bring pleasure to all who see and drink from the richness poured into it.
We cannot bring pleasure to our creator unless we allow Him to use us. "Fill my cup, Lord. I lift it up, Lord. Come and quench this thirsting of my soul." My encouragement to you today is that you allow God to shape your life, to fill you up, and use you for the glory of His kingdom.
But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay; and you are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8
Vicki
Monday, July 18, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog. I can't belive I have really done this! As I have been teaching lately, God has new and exciting things for us to do. So, here I am stepping out to share with you. The phrase Living Transformed means so much to me because it describes my life in Christ. He changed me from an ugly creature living in sin to a beautiful new being. Now I am trying to live each day to be who He created me to be. I encourage and challengeyou to live your life to the fullest - seeking to be who God created you to be. I hope you will enjoy reading and that what you read will encourage you.
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