I can remember numerous times in childhood that my mama would look at me and smile and say these words, "Please don't grow up. Stay little."
Now I hear myself saying those words to my little ones that seem to grow like weeds by the day.
I get it now.
She wanted time to stand still.
She wanted innocence to remain. She wanted curls and bows and pigtails to always be my style.
Change was happening right before her eyes and the thought of it made her want to cringe. Not in a bad way~ just in a < s l o w d o w n> kind of way.
Sometimes change happens so quickly. Too quickly. We find ourselves groping for something that remains untouched by change. Something above the tarnish of time. Something lasting and forever and true.
Shep and I are so blessed to come from sets of parents that remain married to each other. Their marriages are strong and marked by devotion.
In the past week we have encountered serious medical issues with 3 of our 4 parents.
It has been sudden and scary.
Our normal somewhat settled-but-busy routine has been replaced by "wait and see".
My thoughts have wanted a stable place to land instead of bouncing all over the place and filling in open-ended questions of "what if?"
Here is the truth that I run from and can't escape: CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.
It happens.
Rolling with that change is hard.
There are certain amounts of change that I enjoy. Love even.
The fact that God created four different seasons is so marvelous to me. By the time one season gets underway I begin thinking about the season that will follow.
Spring is so fresh and colorful.
Summer has the feel of freedom and fun.
Fall brings breezes and hayrides and a color of blue in the sky that you can't forget.
And winter....brings fires, chili dinners, the holidays and maybe, just maybe, some snow for those of us here in the South.
We love the change of it. Even those of us that hate change like the differences. Or maybe it is better said that we appreciate them.
Why?
Because this type of change is predictable. We know it is coming. We prepare for it and look forward to the newness that comes along with it.
Unpredictable change is what leaves me shaking in my boots.
The call that Shep's dad is unresponsive.
The news that my mom has suffered several mini-strokes and there are more tests to do and more hurtles to jump.
The drive to the hospital following the ambulance that is carrying my dad.
These unpredictable changes have shaken me.
All three scenarios have happened in the past week.
Change that leaves us cringing. Longing for something solid, sturdy and constant.
Jesus is it.
His character is unchanging.
He is always good.
He has always been.
He will always be.
His love never fails.
He never leaves.
His grace is enough.
He is always a refuge.
He is the Great I AM.
Circumstances are often the very tool that teach us to search Him out and find that He is true. My invitation to taste and see that God is good has come through emergencies that scare me. My choice is to either stay scared and try to do this on my own...OR allow God to be what He says He is. Right here. Right now. In the midst of my scary place.
This unexpected detour could just be a place where God gloriously teaches me to trust Him yet again.
When my soul has not been able to find rest~ I have chosen to rest in the One that changes not.
You can too.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the
earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. 2 Tim.2:13
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13
To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim.1:17
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all
things were created through him and for him. Col.1:16
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Isaiah 44:6
Walking By Faith
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Helpless
Last week was a spiritual doozy for this gal.
It seemed like each day held some type of mental assault. These days aren't exactly new but when you string 2 or 3 days like this together...it becomes too much.
As I look back nothing big really happened. Discouragement just wanted to be my best friend. By day 2 I could really feel myself letting go of the resolve to stand strong in faith. The flow of discouragement seemed so much easier so I jumped in.
Add to that a bad news phone call from a doctor and a message, that was supposed to uplift, but left me just plain sad...
Then the doorbell rings. I go to open it and see that a package has been left.
***Had I known the crying that would ensue after opening this package I would not have done it***
I opened the package and lifted out several sample diapers.
The words "youth/adult small" might as well have punched me in the stomach.
Tears came quick. Moans came from my mouth. Anguish engulfed me.
As long as I can go into a store and purchase diapers for Caroline...she is still a little. These diapers smacked me right in the face. I held the proof in my shaking hands that she isn't so little and this situation really is very hard. More than hard actually...exhausting and excruciating at times.
For anyone who looks at me and thinks I have it all together....
For anyone who thinks that I am strong and smart and super spiritual...
Think again.
These are the real days.
This day happened to be a Wednesday. I called my husband and cried to the only other person who gets our life and situations like this one.
He listened and hurt with me.
I ended up taking the kids to church and coming back home.
I never skip church. Ever.
But I couldn't do it. I had nothing in me to serve. Or worship. Or pray. Or anything for that matter....
I came home and collapsed on the couch.
As I laid there and cried a picture began to take shape in my mind.
I had been asking God to help me understand child-like faith.
And here I was laying on a couch. Helpless.
Babies are helpless.
Babies can do nothing except cry out.
Babies are completely and utterly dependent on their caregivers to provide their needs.
God was showing me the "how".
After asking Him repeatedly how to have child-like faith...He let me get low enough that I became helpless...JUST LIKE A BABY.
As this understanding began to clear my current fog I sensed Him all around me. His love was bigger than my sadness. His love engulfed it all. His love lifted my spirits. His love calmed my fears. His love carried my burdens and dissolved my doubt.
His love came when I could do nothing at all.
His love never fails.
His love cannot be explained.
His love isn't deserved.
His love fills every gap that pain and sorrow leaves open and exposed.
His love.
It seemed like each day held some type of mental assault. These days aren't exactly new but when you string 2 or 3 days like this together...it becomes too much.
As I look back nothing big really happened. Discouragement just wanted to be my best friend. By day 2 I could really feel myself letting go of the resolve to stand strong in faith. The flow of discouragement seemed so much easier so I jumped in.
Add to that a bad news phone call from a doctor and a message, that was supposed to uplift, but left me just plain sad...
Then the doorbell rings. I go to open it and see that a package has been left.
***Had I known the crying that would ensue after opening this package I would not have done it***
I opened the package and lifted out several sample diapers.
The words "youth/adult small" might as well have punched me in the stomach.
Tears came quick. Moans came from my mouth. Anguish engulfed me.
As long as I can go into a store and purchase diapers for Caroline...she is still a little. These diapers smacked me right in the face. I held the proof in my shaking hands that she isn't so little and this situation really is very hard. More than hard actually...exhausting and excruciating at times.
For anyone who looks at me and thinks I have it all together....
For anyone who thinks that I am strong and smart and super spiritual...
Think again.
These are the real days.
This day happened to be a Wednesday. I called my husband and cried to the only other person who gets our life and situations like this one.
He listened and hurt with me.
I ended up taking the kids to church and coming back home.
I never skip church. Ever.
But I couldn't do it. I had nothing in me to serve. Or worship. Or pray. Or anything for that matter....
I came home and collapsed on the couch.
As I laid there and cried a picture began to take shape in my mind.
I had been asking God to help me understand child-like faith.
And here I was laying on a couch. Helpless.
Babies are helpless.
Babies can do nothing except cry out.
Babies are completely and utterly dependent on their caregivers to provide their needs.
God was showing me the "how".
After asking Him repeatedly how to have child-like faith...He let me get low enough that I became helpless...JUST LIKE A BABY.
As this understanding began to clear my current fog I sensed Him all around me. His love was bigger than my sadness. His love engulfed it all. His love lifted my spirits. His love calmed my fears. His love carried my burdens and dissolved my doubt.
His love came when I could do nothing at all.
His love never fails.
His love cannot be explained.
His love isn't deserved.
His love fills every gap that pain and sorrow leaves open and exposed.
His love.
Ephesians 3:17-19New Living Translation (NLT)
17 Then
Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your
roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May
you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand
fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and
power that comes from God.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
the Lure of Logic
Simple faith is the requirement for Jesus to save us.
Simple faith changes us.
Simple faith redeems us.
Simple faith seals forgiveness.
Simple faith reveals mercy.
But faith is far from simple. At least for me.
We have begun a new ladies bible study. The first week has focused on childlike faith.
The faith of a child is our goal. Reclaiming it is hard to do.
Children possess a quality of wonder and simplicity that almost makes their eyes sparkle. We can see it and remember how we used to be...
~They just believe~
It isn't until they get some age under their belt that they start asking "why" and "how".
Somewhere along our journey the "why's" and the "how's" become more important to us than the faith.
Why is that?
I have heard myself ask "why" something awful has occurred on lots of occasions. But honestly, would knowing the "why" change any of the pain?
I don't think so.
Job suffered relentless heartache and he never knew why.
We know his why. He was chosen because he trusted God. He was picked for his pain.
There was good in it for him.
Ugh.
These are the topics I can't stand to think about and discuss but they stay upon my heart.
Our first step into a relationship with God is done by simple faith.
Every other step will be taken the same way too.
God doesn't change course.
Faith is the way. Faith is required.
We detour off this path of simplicity when we start bogging down our brain with the "how's" and "why's". It is the lure of the enemy. He has always offered knowledge and wisdom up on a platter for God's children. Sadly, we continue to take the bait.
We think we should get to know details that God never intended for us to know. Simply read the fall of man in Genesis chapter 3. Verses 1 through 7 describe the lure, bait, and fall.
Faith is lost that way.
We have one obligation to God. Believe.
His Word says it over and over again.
Logic lures us away from faith.
I am not suggesting that anyone should not use the brains that God gave us to think and reason and process. However I know that we can think, reason, and process our way right out of faith.
Let's strive to not make that trade.
Logic wants to know why.
Logic needs to know how.
Simple faith just trusts God alone.
Oh God your ways are not my ways. Forgive me for holding out my faith based on how you may choose to work. Forgive me for wanting to know how and why all the time. Help me to love you more. Help me to trust you more. Help me to keep it simple. Return my faith to that of a child....to simply walk beside you each day and obey through belief.
Simple faith changes us.
Simple faith redeems us.
Simple faith seals forgiveness.
Simple faith reveals mercy.
But faith is far from simple. At least for me.
We have begun a new ladies bible study. The first week has focused on childlike faith.
The faith of a child is our goal. Reclaiming it is hard to do.
Children possess a quality of wonder and simplicity that almost makes their eyes sparkle. We can see it and remember how we used to be...
~They just believe~
It isn't until they get some age under their belt that they start asking "why" and "how".
Somewhere along our journey the "why's" and the "how's" become more important to us than the faith.
Why is that?
I have heard myself ask "why" something awful has occurred on lots of occasions. But honestly, would knowing the "why" change any of the pain?
I don't think so.
Job suffered relentless heartache and he never knew why.
We know his why. He was chosen because he trusted God. He was picked for his pain.
There was good in it for him.
Ugh.
These are the topics I can't stand to think about and discuss but they stay upon my heart.
Our first step into a relationship with God is done by simple faith.
Every other step will be taken the same way too.
God doesn't change course.
Faith is the way. Faith is required.
We detour off this path of simplicity when we start bogging down our brain with the "how's" and "why's". It is the lure of the enemy. He has always offered knowledge and wisdom up on a platter for God's children. Sadly, we continue to take the bait.
We think we should get to know details that God never intended for us to know. Simply read the fall of man in Genesis chapter 3. Verses 1 through 7 describe the lure, bait, and fall.
Faith is lost that way.
We have one obligation to God. Believe.
His Word says it over and over again.
Logic lures us away from faith.
I am not suggesting that anyone should not use the brains that God gave us to think and reason and process. However I know that we can think, reason, and process our way right out of faith.
Let's strive to not make that trade.
Logic wants to know why.
Logic needs to know how.
Simple faith just trusts God alone.
Oh God your ways are not my ways. Forgive me for holding out my faith based on how you may choose to work. Forgive me for wanting to know how and why all the time. Help me to love you more. Help me to trust you more. Help me to keep it simple. Return my faith to that of a child....to simply walk beside you each day and obey through belief.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Harsh
We had the opportunity to slip away for a few days and enjoy a much needed Fall break. The entire trip was wonderful. Really wonderful. Hopefully I can post some pictures later...
The point of this blog, though, is to pass on a lesson that the Holy Spirit taught me while we were away.
I noticed it almost immediately when I walked into the master bathroom in the condo. The light in the bathroom was harsh. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and noticed every single flaw in high definition. I wanted to look away immediately.
(Let me stop right here and say that I am not a girl that fixates on every little thing I hate about my body. I am 37 years old. There are things that just come with the territory. My roots are graying some. I have stretch marks. There are lots of fine lines that have emerged from seemingly nowhere. And there is weight that I carry in certain spots that, despite my best effort, intends to stick with me. I know this and I am okay with it.)
I am pretty sure that this particular light was fluorescent in nature. Walking into that bathroom became something that I dreaded doing. However, it was a place I also couldn't avoid.
God had something to show me. For five days he used harsh light in a bathroom out of town to convict and correct a place in my heart that desperately needed some softening.
Basically what He said was this, "Andrea, I am the Light of the World. I told you this in my Word. (John 8:12) You are to be a reflection of Me. My light lives within you. When you walk into this world and take My light...be a gentle light that draws people. Do not be a harsh light that repels people further from me."
This bathroom light did what lights do. It chased darkness away. However it illuminated its brightness in harsh ways.
When we came home I walked into my bathroom and breathed a huge sigh of relief. The light was gentle. Every single flaw in my appearance was not magnified and scary to see. The flaws were still there but the light was kinder to them.
Those of us who have the Holy Spirit living within us are the Light to this fallen world.
We can shine bright in two different ways. We can be harsh or we can be gentle.
To those walking in darkness a gentle light can speak just as loudly as a harsh light. Sometimes I think that we feel in order to be heard we must be harsh. I think it only pushes people further away.
As one who has been gloriously rescued by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, I want to remember that I used to walk in darkness. Some days I even choose to now...even with salvation in tact. Some days I am mustering every bit of courage and faith I can to let my little light shine. God help me when I get too harsh with it.
Help me Lord to not be so quick to illuminate someone's flaws.
Don't we want to sometimes?
Don't we want to expose the weakness, meanness, and sin in another to avoid our own?
But if we will simply, humbly, and gently shine then the Kindgom of God will illuminate with lives on Earth that point to our saving Light~ Jesus.
I am so thankful that He is never harsh or unkind with me. Firm~ yes. Mean~ never.
Let us be like Him.
Shine on saints of God.
Gentle and pure...let's follow Jesus and attract some others with His kind of Light.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matt. 5:14-16
The point of this blog, though, is to pass on a lesson that the Holy Spirit taught me while we were away.
I noticed it almost immediately when I walked into the master bathroom in the condo. The light in the bathroom was harsh. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and noticed every single flaw in high definition. I wanted to look away immediately.
(Let me stop right here and say that I am not a girl that fixates on every little thing I hate about my body. I am 37 years old. There are things that just come with the territory. My roots are graying some. I have stretch marks. There are lots of fine lines that have emerged from seemingly nowhere. And there is weight that I carry in certain spots that, despite my best effort, intends to stick with me. I know this and I am okay with it.)
I am pretty sure that this particular light was fluorescent in nature. Walking into that bathroom became something that I dreaded doing. However, it was a place I also couldn't avoid.
God had something to show me. For five days he used harsh light in a bathroom out of town to convict and correct a place in my heart that desperately needed some softening.
Basically what He said was this, "Andrea, I am the Light of the World. I told you this in my Word. (John 8:12) You are to be a reflection of Me. My light lives within you. When you walk into this world and take My light...be a gentle light that draws people. Do not be a harsh light that repels people further from me."
This bathroom light did what lights do. It chased darkness away. However it illuminated its brightness in harsh ways.
When we came home I walked into my bathroom and breathed a huge sigh of relief. The light was gentle. Every single flaw in my appearance was not magnified and scary to see. The flaws were still there but the light was kinder to them.
Those of us who have the Holy Spirit living within us are the Light to this fallen world.
We can shine bright in two different ways. We can be harsh or we can be gentle.
To those walking in darkness a gentle light can speak just as loudly as a harsh light. Sometimes I think that we feel in order to be heard we must be harsh. I think it only pushes people further away.
As one who has been gloriously rescued by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, I want to remember that I used to walk in darkness. Some days I even choose to now...even with salvation in tact. Some days I am mustering every bit of courage and faith I can to let my little light shine. God help me when I get too harsh with it.
Help me Lord to not be so quick to illuminate someone's flaws.
Don't we want to sometimes?
Don't we want to expose the weakness, meanness, and sin in another to avoid our own?
But if we will simply, humbly, and gently shine then the Kindgom of God will illuminate with lives on Earth that point to our saving Light~ Jesus.
I am so thankful that He is never harsh or unkind with me. Firm~ yes. Mean~ never.
Let us be like Him.
Shine on saints of God.
Gentle and pure...let's follow Jesus and attract some others with His kind of Light.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matt. 5:14-16
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on
the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your
light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Being-A-Light#sthash.wVy4TKSa.dpuf
Saturday, October 4, 2014
When Worries Double...Faith Can Too
Shep and I have been walking a single lane road of faith for quite some time. I guess what I mean by that is this...God has called us to believe something unbelievably big. If that single lane had a name it would simply be ~ Caroline~.
There have been other concerns over the past 12 years. The births of our other two children, deaths of extended family and loved ones, financial burdens and life decisions in general that have turned our faces toward God in faith.
But nothing keeps us at His throne day in and day out like our ongoing belief that He will heal Caroline.
It is an overarching theme. We continue walking the one-lane road and believe that each step builds bigger faith and brings us closer to that faith becoming sight.
This past week my personal one lane unexpectantly became a two lane road of faith.
Some news that God has known was coming was made known to me. It answered some immediate questions but presented my family with many more unanswered ones.
I sat in the driveway alone Sunday night and wept with Jesus.
The moment was very tender and sweet. Where could I go but to my Lord??
Shep loves me to pieces but he can't ease my pain.
My children are precious but they can't settle the storm.
Friends and family can draw near but the pain almost numbs us.
None of these folks are qualified to carry my burdens away. But Jesus is....
He sat with me at the top of my driveway at dusk and let me be sad.
It was the most appropriate emotion at the time. He was as real to me as any person sitting there. He comforted as only He can.
I got up and came in the house with a face wiped of tears and fresh resolve.
More faith would be required for the road ahead.
Thankfully my Comforter also dishes out fresh faith in spades.
Our Caroline still isn't healed.
Another big opportunity to believe has been given...
What are we to do?
Walk on.
Persevere.
Be thankful.
Live courageous faith filled lives one day at a time.
"But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." Hebrews 10:38-39
There have been other concerns over the past 12 years. The births of our other two children, deaths of extended family and loved ones, financial burdens and life decisions in general that have turned our faces toward God in faith.
But nothing keeps us at His throne day in and day out like our ongoing belief that He will heal Caroline.
It is an overarching theme. We continue walking the one-lane road and believe that each step builds bigger faith and brings us closer to that faith becoming sight.
This past week my personal one lane unexpectantly became a two lane road of faith.
Some news that God has known was coming was made known to me. It answered some immediate questions but presented my family with many more unanswered ones.
I sat in the driveway alone Sunday night and wept with Jesus.
The moment was very tender and sweet. Where could I go but to my Lord??
Shep loves me to pieces but he can't ease my pain.
My children are precious but they can't settle the storm.
Friends and family can draw near but the pain almost numbs us.
None of these folks are qualified to carry my burdens away. But Jesus is....
He sat with me at the top of my driveway at dusk and let me be sad.
It was the most appropriate emotion at the time. He was as real to me as any person sitting there. He comforted as only He can.
I got up and came in the house with a face wiped of tears and fresh resolve.
More faith would be required for the road ahead.
Thankfully my Comforter also dishes out fresh faith in spades.
Our Caroline still isn't healed.
Another big opportunity to believe has been given...
What are we to do?
Walk on.
Persevere.
Be thankful.
Live courageous faith filled lives one day at a time.
"But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved." Hebrews 10:38-39
Friday, September 19, 2014
A Lesson from Carpet
Yes folks, God can indeed use anything He so chooses to teach us.
For me, on this particular day, it was carpet.
I had missed my morning coffee and treated myself to a BIG 36 oz Styrofoam cup of half diet coke/cherry coke at 8:00 am. (Don't judge)
I had dropped the kids off at school and had a small window of time to get back home and work on some bible study homework for about 45 minutes.
Settling into my spot on the floor I immediately began writing our scripture down in the designated spot of my bible study book. Writing relaxes me sometimes. I was sincerely trying to write and say and soak in the words of scripture while enjoying spontaneous sips from my 36 oz drink.
Well....the inevitable happened.
The drink got knocked over. Turns out carpet isn't very sturdy for such a top heavy drink.
I jumped up to get some paper towels from the kitchen and returned to find my spilled coke standing on top on the carpet.
Seriously....the carpet was resisting the stain.
Amazed I just stood there watching the carpet do its thing. Then I tossed the paper towel down on top of the standing coke drops. They immediately absorbed into the paper towel. When I lifted the paper towel my eyes could not see where the drops had been originally spilled. The carpet wasn't even wet. No stain appeared. It was as if the spill had never occurred.
Right there I sensed God speaking to my heart.
Resist sin Andrea. Resist what spills onto you. Resist the things that tempt to overtake you. Resist selfishness. Resist vanity. Resist pride. Resist overindulgence. Resist the sin that seeks to entangle you and stain your life. Resist jealousy. Resist gossip. Resist revenge.
If I am about running to Jesus then resisting sin should be something that comes natural. This carpet is built to resist stain. It has specific fibers that the manufacturers used to make it that way.
In an odd comparison....the very fibers of my being were changed the day that Jesus came into my heart. His Holy Spirit now dwells within me and changes me from the inside out. When I am weak I run to Him and He helps me resist the sin that tempts this wayward heart. Whatever should spill onto me can be wiped clean by the nail scarred hands of Jesus. I am now stain resistant too.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
For me, on this particular day, it was carpet.
I had missed my morning coffee and treated myself to a BIG 36 oz Styrofoam cup of half diet coke/cherry coke at 8:00 am. (Don't judge)
I had dropped the kids off at school and had a small window of time to get back home and work on some bible study homework for about 45 minutes.
Settling into my spot on the floor I immediately began writing our scripture down in the designated spot of my bible study book. Writing relaxes me sometimes. I was sincerely trying to write and say and soak in the words of scripture while enjoying spontaneous sips from my 36 oz drink.
Well....the inevitable happened.
The drink got knocked over. Turns out carpet isn't very sturdy for such a top heavy drink.
I jumped up to get some paper towels from the kitchen and returned to find my spilled coke standing on top on the carpet.
Seriously....the carpet was resisting the stain.
Amazed I just stood there watching the carpet do its thing. Then I tossed the paper towel down on top of the standing coke drops. They immediately absorbed into the paper towel. When I lifted the paper towel my eyes could not see where the drops had been originally spilled. The carpet wasn't even wet. No stain appeared. It was as if the spill had never occurred.
Right there I sensed God speaking to my heart.
Resist sin Andrea. Resist what spills onto you. Resist the things that tempt to overtake you. Resist selfishness. Resist vanity. Resist pride. Resist overindulgence. Resist the sin that seeks to entangle you and stain your life. Resist jealousy. Resist gossip. Resist revenge.
If I am about running to Jesus then resisting sin should be something that comes natural. This carpet is built to resist stain. It has specific fibers that the manufacturers used to make it that way.
In an odd comparison....the very fibers of my being were changed the day that Jesus came into my heart. His Holy Spirit now dwells within me and changes me from the inside out. When I am weak I run to Him and He helps me resist the sin that tempts this wayward heart. Whatever should spill onto me can be wiped clean by the nail scarred hands of Jesus. I am now stain resistant too.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Monday, September 8, 2014
Selfless Saints
The church gets a bad rap in today's culture.
You often hear the word hypocrite when you mention church at all.
Yes it is full of a bunch of hypocrites.
I am most likely the biggest one of all.
I am a sinner saved by glorious grace. Although God has redeemed me, I can still be a hot mess some days. I lose my temper. I lash out at my husband, children and friends. I make selfish choices. I lack faith. I lie. I over eat. I shop to make myself feel better. The list goes on....sadly.....on and on.
But Jesus saved me through His death on the cross.
So....church is made up of other people just like me. People who blow it when we should know better.
But this blog post is to honor and esteem some sweet people in my church family.
I want you all to catch a glimpse of a group of hypocrites humbly serving one of their own.
It is easy to call these folks my family. They love us, pray for us, minister to us, rally around us, encourage us, and bear our burdens.
I mentioned a few posts back that this was a BIG year of change for us regarding our daughter, Caroline.
Since she is in the youth group she attends regular church service with us now.
This has hugely changed our time in worship....especially for my husband.
Instead of singing in the choir, he would pull a few chairs out and sit with Caroline in the back of the sanctuary. Once I would finish singing I would come join them. We would then spend the next 45 minutes trying to keep her quiet and occupied all while trying to soak up what we could of the message.
One Sunday was decent. The others were tolerable at best.
She would yell out and try to distract on purpose.
She would kick her legs in her wheelchair stroller just to be belligerent.
We were trying our best to train her to sit quietly through the entire service. Now she can totally do this. She just doesn't want to. Handicapped children are bright and can be highly manipulative. Just ask the parents of these wonderful kids. Some of them cannot help it....but my girl can.
She was using this time in service to be disruptive so we would be forced to take her out.
As I fretted and worried and dreaded the arrival of each Sunday God was working this from another angle.
He laid it on the hearts of a Sunday school class to help us out. This class is made up of young grandparents and empty- nesters. The teachers of this class approached me and Shep about setting up a rotation and allowing Caroline to sit with a different member of their class each week in service.
I was (and still am) overcome.
How completely kind and selfless for people well past the kid phase to feel led to help out with our special kid.
Yesterday this officially took place for the first time.
Shep was able to sing in the choir again.
I looked out from singing on worship team and my heart wanted to burst at the sight. My Caroline was sitting next to her new friend and grinning from ear to ear.
Shep and I then were able to sit together and listen to the entire sermon without distraction.
I just laid my head on his shoulder and appreciated the simplicity of being able to sit by my man again without worry. Someone else was officially on call. God had stepped in and given us the day off.
This is church family.
We may be hypocrites who mess up but there are still moments that we shine with the brilliance of God's grace.
(May I add that Caroline never made a peep during the entire service. No kicking of her legs and no yelling out. She just sat happily next to her new friend and listened like a big girl.)
You often hear the word hypocrite when you mention church at all.
Yes it is full of a bunch of hypocrites.
I am most likely the biggest one of all.
I am a sinner saved by glorious grace. Although God has redeemed me, I can still be a hot mess some days. I lose my temper. I lash out at my husband, children and friends. I make selfish choices. I lack faith. I lie. I over eat. I shop to make myself feel better. The list goes on....sadly.....on and on.
But Jesus saved me through His death on the cross.
So....church is made up of other people just like me. People who blow it when we should know better.
But this blog post is to honor and esteem some sweet people in my church family.
I want you all to catch a glimpse of a group of hypocrites humbly serving one of their own.
It is easy to call these folks my family. They love us, pray for us, minister to us, rally around us, encourage us, and bear our burdens.
I mentioned a few posts back that this was a BIG year of change for us regarding our daughter, Caroline.
Since she is in the youth group she attends regular church service with us now.
This has hugely changed our time in worship....especially for my husband.
Instead of singing in the choir, he would pull a few chairs out and sit with Caroline in the back of the sanctuary. Once I would finish singing I would come join them. We would then spend the next 45 minutes trying to keep her quiet and occupied all while trying to soak up what we could of the message.
One Sunday was decent. The others were tolerable at best.
She would yell out and try to distract on purpose.
She would kick her legs in her wheelchair stroller just to be belligerent.
We were trying our best to train her to sit quietly through the entire service. Now she can totally do this. She just doesn't want to. Handicapped children are bright and can be highly manipulative. Just ask the parents of these wonderful kids. Some of them cannot help it....but my girl can.
She was using this time in service to be disruptive so we would be forced to take her out.
As I fretted and worried and dreaded the arrival of each Sunday God was working this from another angle.
He laid it on the hearts of a Sunday school class to help us out. This class is made up of young grandparents and empty- nesters. The teachers of this class approached me and Shep about setting up a rotation and allowing Caroline to sit with a different member of their class each week in service.
I was (and still am) overcome.
How completely kind and selfless for people well past the kid phase to feel led to help out with our special kid.
Yesterday this officially took place for the first time.
Shep was able to sing in the choir again.
I looked out from singing on worship team and my heart wanted to burst at the sight. My Caroline was sitting next to her new friend and grinning from ear to ear.
Shep and I then were able to sit together and listen to the entire sermon without distraction.
I just laid my head on his shoulder and appreciated the simplicity of being able to sit by my man again without worry. Someone else was officially on call. God had stepped in and given us the day off.
This is church family.
We may be hypocrites who mess up but there are still moments that we shine with the brilliance of God's grace.
(May I add that Caroline never made a peep during the entire service. No kicking of her legs and no yelling out. She just sat happily next to her new friend and listened like a big girl.)
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