I Do!

Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.

--Matthew 8:34

According to the helpful little notes at the bottom of my Bible, it says that the people of this region, Gadarenes, were more likely concerned with the financial loss of having Jesus around, then they were about all that they could gain with Jesus around. 

And this has me thinking...what have I said 'No' to lately? Have I missed out on something because of my negative response? On the flip side, what have I said 'Yes' to and how has my life changed because of it? 

Four weeks ago, I got married. (Yay!!!) Standing at the beginning of the aisle with my dad he asked me, "Are you ready to do this?" I had never considered not marrying the man at the end of the aisle, but I realized in that moment that if I wanted to change my mind, this was my chance. After all, I already knew what to expect and how to handle the life of a single 30-something woman. I had the routine down pat. But is that what I really wanted? Was I ready to trade in that comfortable familiarity for a brand new life? A life where new routines and habits would have to be established; a life that would have to be shared, on all levels; a life that would surely bring out uncertainties? Even though I had all these unknowns pounding on my heart's door, I knew, without a doubt, that this new life would allow me to partner with my best friend. He is man who is a friend of God; who is honorable; who is strong in so many ways. Having confidence in these qualities allowed me to turn to my dad and say, 'Yes!' and begin our walk down the aisle to my future.

Here's a picture of that moment: 

The people of Gadarenes were short sighted. They could only focus on what they had to lose. Pastor Cal recently shared a golden nugget of truth: "If you focus on what you stand to lose, you forfeit what you stand to gain."


As believers, you and I are challenged, on a daily basis, to make a choice. Luke 9:23 says that we must pick up our crosses daily. Choose now to move forward, down the aisle, if you will, towards a life that will draw you closer to your Savior. After all, what do you have to lose?


Heavenly Father, I first ask for your forgiveness for the times that I have told you, 'No'. I realize now that I have missed out on tremendous opportunities to experience you in exciting ways. I ask you now that You open my eyes to what you have in store for me today. Fill me with peace and contentment as I walk after you, following your footsteps into places that you have already been before me. No place is uncharted territory for you. Build my faith upon that.

Beautiful Hearts & Friendships

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

--Ecclesiastes 4:12

I received a Facebook message from an acquaintance yesterday sharing some devastating news. And as I have prayed during the last 24 hours for this person, two revelations of beauty have come to mind. This first is my friend's amazingly optimistic outlook upon the circumstances that are now a reality. While I am not so convinced that I would possess the courage to be so positive, it is "smack you upside the head" obvious that my friend's confidence comes from having faith in a God who desires to bless His children, even in the midst of a trial. How beautiful is the heart of a true child of God?

As I was reading the Facebook message yesterday, I couldn't help but think, why is this person sharing this information with me? We don't know each other very well. We've only met face to face once or twice; most of our connections have taken place within the conveniences of social networking. This individual knows the power of gathering a fierce group of believing brothers and sisters in Christ to walk along side as the daily battles are fought.  My brave friend understands the strength and power of the truth that is this post's scripture verse. And this strikes me as beautiful because my friend wants me to be part of the cord.The friendships that are made within the family of God are like no other. We do not have to speak on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even yearly basis to know what's going on in their heart. Because we each have submitted ourselves to be followers of Jesus, we can easily pick up wherever we left off and continue on life's journey.

Heavenly Father, I praise You for the beauty to be found in the hearts of your children and the friendships that can be found and sustained in your name. Continue to mold me into the child You have mind for me to be.

New Year, New Word

Holy Moley! I can't believe where time has gone and how long it's been since I've posted anything. Sheesh! But today I got a writer's itch and have been thinking about how I can be more intentional with not just my blog, but with my days. The last few years, I've noticed friends not coming up with New Year's Resolutions, but rather, a word to define 365 days. This makes sense to me. And I've decided to hop onto the bandwagon and ditch the resolution-making and seek a word that will help me focus my daily existence.

The word that I have chosen for 2012 is "BEAUTY". I want to observe the beauty in creation. I want to see the beauty in relationships. I desire to recognize the beauty in my work and play. But more than this, I want to contribute beauty to this world. I want my life to be so full of beauty that it points others to God.

I would like to use this blog space, not just for posting a devotion or two a month, but for journaling about the beauty that I am fortunate enough to experience; and I'll start with something that I saw today.

In today's church service there was a baptism. A young man had decided to accept Jesus as His Lord and Savior and make a public confession of his devotion to living a life that will be Christ centered. His parents had the blessing of introducing him to the church family and ushering him into this new life. I can only imagine the excitement that this brought to his parents. Not only did they get to experience his physical birth, but they also got to share in his spiritual birth.

What made this event beautiful to me was that it demonstrates exactly what God desires for families. A father and mother, not just taking care of a child's physical needs, but also instructing him in the ways of being a follower of Christ. God must be so proud of this family! They are being obedient and as a result, will be blessed!

Lord, I pray that this year, I will not only be able to observe beauty in others and my circumstances, but also to do my part in making this life beautiful for others so that it directs them to You and only You. Show me each day exactly how to do that. Thank you for enduring promises that confirm that You will never leave us or forsake us and that You have abundant blessings in store for those who choose, each day, to be obedient.