There are few times a year that we are compelled to pause and take inventory of ourselves and our lives. We often celebrate these times as new beginnings. One of those times is of course the new year. Another may be the season of Spring which we have just entered. Another one for me is my birthday which is only a few days away. I can't believe that I'll be turning 38! Yes, I said it. When I was a teenager, I used to think that being 40 years old was well, old. But now that I'm creeping closer to the big 4-0, I don't quite agree anymore. I'm told that 50 is now the new 40 and I like that. I'm not getting old, just old-er.
I think that we as women have been given a bad wrap on this age thing. We are suppose to look like we're 25 when we're 45; however, men who are 45 can have gray hair and a some wrinkles and still be handsome since those age factors only add "character". However you see age for men or women, it should not be something that defines us, but instead improves us. Scripture tells us:
"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life."
Proverbs 16:31
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14
God doesn't want us to necessarily grow old, but rather grow up and grow wiser. With that wisdom comes understanding and celebrating how fearfully and wonderfully made we are in Him. He designed every fiber of our being inside and out, even those things we don't particularly like about ourselves, like my big knees. Even so, it's a powerful thing to know that there is no one on earth quite like you or quite like me. We are each an original.
So as my gray hair is starting to peek through again, God reminds me that I am growing wiser in Him. This birthday, I will be thankful for everything God has done in my life so far and for all that He will do in the coming year. I will celebrate who I am in Him....yes, even the gray hair and wrinkles!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Hand in Hand
Are you waiting on God for something right now? Perhaps, it is an answer to a specific prayer or clarity on His direction. Maybe you already know what you need to do, and are now waiting on His timing. That can be hard at times.
Being in ministry has made me realize that God has a definite plan for me and with His plan comes His perfect timing. At times I am anxious and want to go ahead of Him. Other times, I am fearful or uncertain and delay my obedience to Him. The best way I have learned to follow Him is to walk with Him "hand in hand." I do that by being in daily relationship with Him. As long as I am holding onto His hand, I can feel His gentle tug to slow down or His tightening pull to move forward.
Lately, I confess that I have been feeling a bit anxious and I hear Him telling me, "Be patient." At the same time, I can picture a big grin on His face letting me know something GREAT is coming just around the corner. Well, I don't know if you are like me, but patience is NOT my best virtue! However, I'm learning. Learning to wait on my God and trust His timing. I know He has everything worked out for my good even when I don't see it and He knows exactly when it will come to pass.
The daily relationship of seeking Him in prayer and His word allows me to be able to hear and recognize His voice. Do you recognize when He speaks to you?
"The gatekeeper opens the gate for him (the true Shepherd), and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out....they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger..." John 10:2-5a (NLT)
He knows you by name and knows exactly how to lead you. Walk hand in hand with Him daily and trust His timing. He will give you what you need including patience to wait or courage to move forward. Believe that He has something great for you around the corner as you choose to walk with Him. He is grinning at you from ear to ear!
Being in ministry has made me realize that God has a definite plan for me and with His plan comes His perfect timing. At times I am anxious and want to go ahead of Him. Other times, I am fearful or uncertain and delay my obedience to Him. The best way I have learned to follow Him is to walk with Him "hand in hand." I do that by being in daily relationship with Him. As long as I am holding onto His hand, I can feel His gentle tug to slow down or His tightening pull to move forward.
Lately, I confess that I have been feeling a bit anxious and I hear Him telling me, "Be patient." At the same time, I can picture a big grin on His face letting me know something GREAT is coming just around the corner. Well, I don't know if you are like me, but patience is NOT my best virtue! However, I'm learning. Learning to wait on my God and trust His timing. I know He has everything worked out for my good even when I don't see it and He knows exactly when it will come to pass.
The daily relationship of seeking Him in prayer and His word allows me to be able to hear and recognize His voice. Do you recognize when He speaks to you?
"The gatekeeper opens the gate for him (the true Shepherd), and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out....they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger..." John 10:2-5a (NLT)
He knows you by name and knows exactly how to lead you. Walk hand in hand with Him daily and trust His timing. He will give you what you need including patience to wait or courage to move forward. Believe that He has something great for you around the corner as you choose to walk with Him. He is grinning at you from ear to ear!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Cut Off the "Dead Stuff"
This past weekend my family and I took some time to clean up our yard. Boy, did it need it! My husband pruned some ginger and hibiscus plants that had grossly overgrown due to neglect on our part. Ginger and hibiscus plants are usually beautiful, but mine weren't. They had dead parts hanging everywhere! It was not a pretty site. I'm sure our neighbors were GLAD that we finally cleaned it up.
My sweet boys helped me clean up the dead stuff that had been cut off. Aren't they adorable? I just love 'em!
Well, as you can see, not everything that my husband cut off was brown dead stuff, but unfortunately, it had to go, too. This pruning process reminded me how God needs to prune us sometimes due to our neglect of letting things get out of hand.
"I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." John 15:1-4 (NLT)
I admit that I sometimes let things get out of hand in my life as I allow too many things on my plate and God reminds me that it's okay for me to say "no." What about you? Is there something you need to cut off or cut out? God's goal is that we bear much fruit. This pruning process can sometimes be a little painful as we sometimes get attached to things we have to let go of, but it is vital to us being fruitful. The "dead stuff" (a/k/a dead works) are the things that keep us busy, but don't keep us fruitful and often lead to us neglecting those things that are important.
We must keep our priorities in line and pursue those things which God wants us to pursue because it is in those things that we find peace and fulfillment. A balanced life is essential to a fruitful life.
I didn't think to take a picture of the before, but here's a pic of how my yard looks now. So much better! It was worth the process. May we allow God, our gentle gardener, to cut off the dead stuff so we can bear MORE fruit for Him. Even if there's an "ouch!" at first, soon there will be an "aww...better!"
My sweet boys helped me clean up the dead stuff that had been cut off. Aren't they adorable? I just love 'em!
Well, as you can see, not everything that my husband cut off was brown dead stuff, but unfortunately, it had to go, too. This pruning process reminded me how God needs to prune us sometimes due to our neglect of letting things get out of hand.
"I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." John 15:1-4 (NLT)
I admit that I sometimes let things get out of hand in my life as I allow too many things on my plate and God reminds me that it's okay for me to say "no." What about you? Is there something you need to cut off or cut out? God's goal is that we bear much fruit. This pruning process can sometimes be a little painful as we sometimes get attached to things we have to let go of, but it is vital to us being fruitful. The "dead stuff" (a/k/a dead works) are the things that keep us busy, but don't keep us fruitful and often lead to us neglecting those things that are important.
We must keep our priorities in line and pursue those things which God wants us to pursue because it is in those things that we find peace and fulfillment. A balanced life is essential to a fruitful life.
I didn't think to take a picture of the before, but here's a pic of how my yard looks now. So much better! It was worth the process. May we allow God, our gentle gardener, to cut off the dead stuff so we can bear MORE fruit for Him. Even if there's an "ouch!" at first, soon there will be an "aww...better!"
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
No Lone Rangers Here!
I just got back from a "Walk to Emmaus" weekend retreat Sunday night. It was an amazing experience that I will cherish the rest of my life. Emmaus is international so if you ever get the opportunity to go, you really should! I plan on paying it forward and sponsoring a "Pilgrim" myself.
In addition to feeling refreshed, this weekend reminded me how important it is to BE in a community of believers and to SERVE in loving and reaching others with a greater understanding of Christ. The two greatest commandments Jesus gave us are:
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT)
Life is truly about relationships.
We begin with the vertical relationship with God and learn how to better love horizontally as well. We can only love others to the extent we love ourselves. This love flows from God to us and it should flow from us to others. Here are a few questions to ponder:
~Are you connected to a community of believers (a/k/a a church)?
If not, don't wait any longer to find a church family. You can only flourish when you are planted.
~Are you involved in serving others whether at your church or other ministry?
If not, think about what gifts you have that you could contribute and get involved!
~Do you have friends that support you and hold you accountable?
If not, pray that God will show you who these trusting and godly individuals are.
True growth happens in community. God does not call lone rangers. Remember, not even Jesus went at it alone. He had a group of men that no, weren't perfect, but they were walking and growing with Christ. These disciples were there for Him as He was there for them. We need one another.
We were created to be in relationship and we NEED to have healthy relationships that will challenge us to grow in our faith. If you have unhealthy relationships in your life that are hindering your relationship with God, pray about how God would have you deal with them and be obedient. Then, seek to be a healthy connector yourself so others can grow from being in relationship with YOU.
What a blessing it is to be actively connected to the community of God. To all my Emmaus brothers and sisters, "De Colores!"
In addition to feeling refreshed, this weekend reminded me how important it is to BE in a community of believers and to SERVE in loving and reaching others with a greater understanding of Christ. The two greatest commandments Jesus gave us are:
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT)
Life is truly about relationships.
We begin with the vertical relationship with God and learn how to better love horizontally as well. We can only love others to the extent we love ourselves. This love flows from God to us and it should flow from us to others. Here are a few questions to ponder:
~Are you connected to a community of believers (a/k/a a church)?
If not, don't wait any longer to find a church family. You can only flourish when you are planted.
~Are you involved in serving others whether at your church or other ministry?
If not, think about what gifts you have that you could contribute and get involved!
~Do you have friends that support you and hold you accountable?
If not, pray that God will show you who these trusting and godly individuals are.
True growth happens in community. God does not call lone rangers. Remember, not even Jesus went at it alone. He had a group of men that no, weren't perfect, but they were walking and growing with Christ. These disciples were there for Him as He was there for them. We need one another.
We were created to be in relationship and we NEED to have healthy relationships that will challenge us to grow in our faith. If you have unhealthy relationships in your life that are hindering your relationship with God, pray about how God would have you deal with them and be obedient. Then, seek to be a healthy connector yourself so others can grow from being in relationship with YOU.
What a blessing it is to be actively connected to the community of God. To all my Emmaus brothers and sisters, "De Colores!"
Friday, January 16, 2009
Playing Catch Up
So I started this year really excited and ready to write down my goals and commit them to the Lord. Can I be honest with you and say that I have yet to do that! Yes, I have prayed about them and feel God's direction, but I haven't written them down and prayed over them. It seems that it takes a week to recover from the holiday craziness, especially since we went out of town on New Year's Day. Then we had things going on the following weekend and guess what? Another full weekend coming up. In addition to all that, my whole family has been sharing symptoms of the cold, sinus or cough. I don't like seeing my babies sick. I'm not feeling well right now, but wanted to write because I was wondering if anyone out there is going through this, too?
We all have periods where we wish we could stop time and stop the world and its craziness so we can "catch up". I'm there right now. There are so many things I want to get done at home and ministry wise, but somehow I have to slow down and be content to "do what I can."
Yesterday, my sister called me as she was looking for certain scriptures in the bible and was wondering if I knew where they were. As we talked, she shared with me how she had been seeking God lately and how refreshed she felt despite of having to deal with some issues herself (she had a horrible fall last week not to mention some other things going on). I was so blessed by our conversation and felt the Lord reminding me of how precious our time with Him really is.
I realized that I can stop time and stop the world and its craziness when I stop to spend quality time with my heavenly Father. As I catch up with Him, He then helps me to catch up with life. I'm sure you know this as do I, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded, especially when He uses those around us we love most to gently nudge us toward Him.
I don't know where you are spiritually, physically or emotionally. Maybe you're being worn down by other things besides sickness, but know that Jesus is asking:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (Message)
Now, that's how I want to live...freely and lightly! I think it's time I stop trying to play "catch up" with life and simply catch up with God. Sounds like a plan.
We all have periods where we wish we could stop time and stop the world and its craziness so we can "catch up". I'm there right now. There are so many things I want to get done at home and ministry wise, but somehow I have to slow down and be content to "do what I can."
Yesterday, my sister called me as she was looking for certain scriptures in the bible and was wondering if I knew where they were. As we talked, she shared with me how she had been seeking God lately and how refreshed she felt despite of having to deal with some issues herself (she had a horrible fall last week not to mention some other things going on). I was so blessed by our conversation and felt the Lord reminding me of how precious our time with Him really is.
I realized that I can stop time and stop the world and its craziness when I stop to spend quality time with my heavenly Father. As I catch up with Him, He then helps me to catch up with life. I'm sure you know this as do I, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded, especially when He uses those around us we love most to gently nudge us toward Him.
I don't know where you are spiritually, physically or emotionally. Maybe you're being worn down by other things besides sickness, but know that Jesus is asking:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (Message)
Now, that's how I want to live...freely and lightly! I think it's time I stop trying to play "catch up" with life and simply catch up with God. Sounds like a plan.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Courage to Go!
Here we are in 2009! Do you sense it? Do you hear Him? I do. I feel that God is calling me to cross over into new territory this year. What about you?
For months God has been ministering to me through the book of Joshua and I'm continually encouraged at how God delivered His children from slavery into freedom, from poverty to prosperity and from homelessness to possessing THE land.
I want us to stop and think of God's dedication to His people. Here were the Israelites whom God had delivered from Egypt with a purpose and a dream to take them into the promise land. Then, the Israelites (not quite your most courageous bunch in the world) couldn't trust the dream God had for them. So for forty years God was patient and faithful to them. He provided everything they needed. Then, it was time. Time for God's dream for His children to come to pass (finally!) and Joshua was the man of the hour.
Joshua called the people together and began to give them instructions on what they needed to do. I like how some of the men responded to Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us." (Joshua 1:16) What a great attitude to have! God knew they were ready this time to do what needed to be done. Crossing the Jordan River would be the beginning of all that God had in store for them to possess their promise land. They were ready. Are you? Do you trust God's dream for yourself?
Sometimes it's hard to believe God for ourselves. We easily believe and pray for other people and see God work. But when it comes to our own lives or situations, it's more difficult. Even though no one feels your doubt or fear as much as you do, you must remember that this is not your dream, but His dream for you. Dare to believe Him to halt the Jordan River or crash the walls of Jericho that stand in the way. God never gave up on the Israelites nor on His dream for them. He was completely dedicated to them...as He is to you. He has been patient and He continues to be faithful. He has not given up on you nor on His dream for you.
Now do you sense it? Do you hear Him? It's time. No more excuses. He wants to bring His dream for you to pass. Or maybe, He has new territory for you to possess this year. Hear Him calling. Believe Him. Trust Him. May our response to God in 2009 be: "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us!"
AMEN.
For months God has been ministering to me through the book of Joshua and I'm continually encouraged at how God delivered His children from slavery into freedom, from poverty to prosperity and from homelessness to possessing THE land.
I want us to stop and think of God's dedication to His people. Here were the Israelites whom God had delivered from Egypt with a purpose and a dream to take them into the promise land. Then, the Israelites (not quite your most courageous bunch in the world) couldn't trust the dream God had for them. So for forty years God was patient and faithful to them. He provided everything they needed. Then, it was time. Time for God's dream for His children to come to pass (finally!) and Joshua was the man of the hour.
Joshua called the people together and began to give them instructions on what they needed to do. I like how some of the men responded to Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us." (Joshua 1:16) What a great attitude to have! God knew they were ready this time to do what needed to be done. Crossing the Jordan River would be the beginning of all that God had in store for them to possess their promise land. They were ready. Are you? Do you trust God's dream for yourself?
Sometimes it's hard to believe God for ourselves. We easily believe and pray for other people and see God work. But when it comes to our own lives or situations, it's more difficult. Even though no one feels your doubt or fear as much as you do, you must remember that this is not your dream, but His dream for you. Dare to believe Him to halt the Jordan River or crash the walls of Jericho that stand in the way. God never gave up on the Israelites nor on His dream for them. He was completely dedicated to them...as He is to you. He has been patient and He continues to be faithful. He has not given up on you nor on His dream for you.
Now do you sense it? Do you hear Him? It's time. No more excuses. He wants to bring His dream for you to pass. Or maybe, He has new territory for you to possess this year. Hear Him calling. Believe Him. Trust Him. May our response to God in 2009 be: "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us!"
AMEN.
Monday, December 29, 2008
In the Midst of Tragedy
I just found out yesterday that one of my cousins was found dead yesterday morning. It seems like a homicide. It's so tragic. My heart broke. I felt an overwhelming sadness come over me that I had trouble sleeping last night. She was 29 years old and had suffered so much in her young life. She had three children (who are with her ex-husband) and struggled with drug addiction. A little over five years ago, I distinctly remember her crying at my parent's house (when my dad held worship services there) because she had given her life to Christ. She tried to stay away from the drugs, but her foundation wasn't strong enough to keep her from going back. Even so, she often told her mom that she would tell her friends about Jesus. My hope and prayer is that her tragic death will not be in vain, but that her friends and our family will turn to God even more.
My heart goes out to my aunt who has endured alot herself and now this. I can't imagine what she is feeling right now. The only thing that brings me comfort is the Holy Spirit...our Comforter. He not only rejoices when we rejoice, but He hurts when we hurt and He cries when we cry.
I am reminded by God's word that we serve a God who is able to relate to us no matter what situation we face. God knows exactly how my aunt feels and only He can truly comfort her. For God's own son was not spared. Jesus Himself came so that He could walk the path we walk and experience this life as we do...the good, the bad and the ugly. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 2:17-18: Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Jesus is our high priest. He understands. He is faithful and merciful. He is able to take away our sins. He is able to help. So in the midst of tragedy, I am thankful to our God that He is here for us and our loved ones and He is able to comfort as ONLY He can.
I appreciate your prayers for my family.
My heart goes out to my aunt who has endured alot herself and now this. I can't imagine what she is feeling right now. The only thing that brings me comfort is the Holy Spirit...our Comforter. He not only rejoices when we rejoice, but He hurts when we hurt and He cries when we cry.
I am reminded by God's word that we serve a God who is able to relate to us no matter what situation we face. God knows exactly how my aunt feels and only He can truly comfort her. For God's own son was not spared. Jesus Himself came so that He could walk the path we walk and experience this life as we do...the good, the bad and the ugly. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 2:17-18: Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Jesus is our high priest. He understands. He is faithful and merciful. He is able to take away our sins. He is able to help. So in the midst of tragedy, I am thankful to our God that He is here for us and our loved ones and He is able to comfort as ONLY He can.
I appreciate your prayers for my family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
