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.

I Don't Know How She Does It

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

–        Isaiah 26:3

I have suddenly found myself living at super duper torpedo speed times infinity. What about you? My days are never long enough and when I do sit down to take a breather, my overachiever perfectionist persona starts breathing down my neck telling me, “Kick it in gear, sister! You have too much to do!” I’m beginning to wonder if the author and screenplay writer of a recently released movie secretly stalked me and wrote about my life?

A few weeks ago a co-worker and I crossed paths and she paused long enough to comment that she was amazed at how calm I always seemed. Huh? Are you kidding me? I’m as frazzled as they come! Apparently what she sees and how I feel are in direct contrast with one another. I have only one explanation. Jesus.

Because I make a concerted effort to memorize Scripture, I usually have a verse or two at the forefront of my thoughts. I’m convinced that it is because I have those Holy words first, all the other thoughts I have, and there are many of them, tend to fall into just the right places. So even when it feels like I’m falling further and further behind, I’m right on schedule according to where God needs me to be for any given moment. And if it’s good enough for God, it’s more than good enough for me.

As the above verse says, when you have a steadfast mind, you will experience peace. Isn’t that what we all long for in this crazy-busy, fast-paced world? I certainly do! So go ahead, find a verse or two and begin to meditate on it and commit it to memory. Making this discipline a priority will lend itself to helping you order your responsibilities in a way that pleases our Father. Who knows, you may even find a few spare minutes too!

Second String

I admit it. I’m one of those girls who actually enjoys watching football. As I am writing this, the Sunday night football game is on in the background. This week the game has the Pittsburgh Steelers playing the Indianapolis Colts. What’s interesting about this game is that the second string quarterback has sustained a mild concussion and now the third string quarterback is trying to get up to speed before the Colts offense goes back onto the field. And guess who this backup to the backup guy is on the phone with…yep, Peyton Manning, who for those of you who don’t follow the sport, is the first string quarterback who has been sidelined for most, if not all, season due to a serious injury he incurred during a preseason game.

This has got my rolling a little bit. Titus 2:3-5 talks about women of experience training younger women how to live so as to “not malign the word of God”.

So the question I have for myself and for you is…Who are you mentoring? Who are you investing in and training and teaching and modeling for? Is it the young lady who has just started a new position at your work? Is it a peer who has begun attending the small group that you attend? Is it a friend who is seeking accountability in maintaining a healthy life style?

If you are in a leadership position in your professional field, ministry, or personal interactions, you have a responsibility to reach out and help others develop their strengths.

If you are not in a leadership position, you also have a responsibility to seek out someone with whom you can learn from. Choose wisely. Find a mentor or coach who is not only good at what she does, but also has Godly character. You can learn from the best and in time, you will be called upon to share your expertise with the new gal on the block.

I am so thankful for my mentor who has invested so much time and energy to hold me accountable in my spiritual walk. I am so thankful for my co-workers who made sure that had the tools and skills to be successful in my career. I am so thankful for my mother who was a model for being a loving and devoted wife and mother.

Take the First Step

     As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"
     When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"
     "Yes, Lord," they replied.
     Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you"; and their sight was restored.

--Matthew 8:27-30b.


Yesterday I caught myself remembering a scene that I happened upon a few years back. A friend and I had just finished jogging up a mile long, slow climb that we affectionately referred to "the hill". The only good thing about making my way to the end of the longest mile in the middle of a desert is that it was a place and time to catch my breath before I began the second half of the route.

On most days, my friend and I wouldn't see anyone else at the top of the hill and thus be unmemorable.  However, there was one day, that while we were catching our breath, two young ladies were also at the top astride their horses. The girls were trying to take their horses across a horse gate into the desert. The first girl led her ride to the break in the fence and the horse just stood there, refusing to cross. No matter how much coaxing the girl attempted, the horse wouldn't budge. After a few minutes time, the second girl took her animal over in hopes of encouraging the first. This strategy also didn't work.

My friend and I ended up leaving the scene before a resolution came to pass. We don't know if the horse ever crossed over the gate or not. I like to think that the animal eventually overcame it's hesitation, put faith in its rider and took the first step into new territory.

I've always wondered why that horse didn't simply trust its rider. Was it a new horse/rider relationship and necessary trust hadn't been established? Did something happen to spook it? Or was the animal just plain ol' stubborn with a mind of its own?

I just got done reading a Lysa TerKeurst devotional where she relates that the reason why we don't see more miracles is because we don't put ourselves in a position to receive them. So this got me thinking: why don't we? Is it that we're new to God and haven't established that trust yet? Is it because we've prayed for miracles in the past, but what we wanted didn't come to pass? Or is that we haven't yet fully surrended to the Almighty and are bound and determined to make it on our own, not needing the help of God?

The two blind men in the scripture above put themselves in position to receive a miracle. They chose to trust a man that they had only heard about, but never saw. They chose to get over failed attempts at healing. They chose to take a step beyond their comfort zone, beyond their sphere of control and reach out to the only One who had any kind of real control of their circumstances.

These verses in Matthew state plainly that if we believe that our Savior is able to do it, our request will be heard and acted upon. There is no reason to not trust his lead. There is no need to be gun shy of our Savior. There is no reason to limit our circumstances to what we have control over. This world will let you down, but our Savior never will.

Believe, my friend, and take the first step to a whole new experience that God has prepared in advance for you. (Ephesians 2:10)

Stuck in El Paso

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. -- Psalm 27:14

 I'm sitting on a plane in El Paso, TX. My city of departure, Phoenix. My intended city of arrival, Dallas. But here I am nonetheless. Something to do with needing a mechanic at 9pm on a Friday night and having to wait 30-45 minutes for him to get here. Did I mention that my flight was already 60 minutes late leaving The Valley of the Sun?

I suppose that I might be a little less anxious, but I'm supposed to be seeing my man this weekend. Carrying on a long distance relationship hasn't been the easiest thing in the world and circumstances like this tempt me to want to pull out my hair. On second thought that might not be the best idea considering who I'll be visiting.

You see, I've waited a VERY long time to be in a relationship such as this and now I'm being asked to wait just a little bit longer.

About ten years ago I bought a book about God's timing compared to mine, especially in reference to finding Mr. Right. In these ten years God had definitely taught me some seriously tough lessons, but vital all the same.

Lesson #1: Develop a gut belief that God is God and that He is enough. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a God-centered home; however that didn't make me immune to having my own idols. Removing those strongholds has been the most difficult and freeing process. Through study of His Word and prayer I am thoroughly convinced that He is who He says He is.

Lesson #2: Be content in all things. You may be wondering how you can be content and still desiring at the same time and I did too. I was able to rectify this dichotomy by giving myself permission to find a quiet place and simply be. Oftentimes it's tempting to fill all the empty spaces of life because that's easier than dealing with the emptiness that we feel in our hearts. But my friend, this is where our God longs to reside. Reserving time alone with no music, no books, no interruptions helps me quiet my soul enough to be content in His fulfilling love.

Lesson #3: Rejoice in all things. I still honestly struggle with this at times, but I also know that if I don't practice rejoicing even in the most difficult of situations that I'm not experiencing the abundance that God has in store for me at that very moment. God's overflowing abundance is not a destination to long for, but is something to be consumed every moment we draw breath. So even if it's for the simplest of things, show your gratitude.

I'm curious to know what lessons you've learned during your times of waiting. Go ahead a drop me a line so we can be encouraged as we learn from one another.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, You call us Your daughters and so we long to believe that the promises You have spoken to our hearts will some day be realized. Fill us with the confidence and strength that can only come from You as we remain content and grateful in our times of waiting.