If You Tend To Look Back...

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19

Do you perceive it? The newness coming in with this new year?

There is something deep and unspeakable within me that jumps at the thought. 2011 was very long. And dry at times. I would even use the word heated. This past year brought us loss and life-altering change.

But my difficulties did not exhaust God's power. They only made an opportunity for more to be displayed.

He has been so faithful.

In Isaiah 43, God encourages the Jewish exiles to not look or live in the past, but to look to Him. He is making a way in the wilderness. He is making a clear path where there seemed to be not one. He is ready to provide refreshment in the desert.

Like the Isrealites, my natural tendency is to look back. To sulk in past mistakes or old hurts. To sit in disappointment. I can beat myself to a pulp over poor choices or harsh words I've spoken. But God is always doing a new thing. Like his instruction to the children of Israel, His words ring true in my ears today.

Behold, I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it?

Chadash, the Hebrew word for new, simply means fresh. Are you ready for a fresh start?

I'm ready.

Yet admist the excitement, newness is a vulnerable emotion. Many uncertainties. Many questions. But in the redundant words of Scripture, do not be afraid.

"Jesus is where you are, and you can trust that he will show you the next steps." -Henri Nouwen

There are several things on my 2012 list that have a shape, yet not a face. Several of which could cause me great anxiety if I let them. Money being one of them. But I am not afraid, for Jesus is where I am. He will show me the next steps.

What is it about 2012 that brings you anxiety?

If it is your health...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your marriage...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your job...Jesus is where you are.
If it is your children...Jesus is where you are.
If it is relationships...Jesus is where you are.
If it is money...Jesus is where you are.

I am praying for you today, sweet reader. Let us look forward with great hope and anticipation! He is doing a new thing! I can perceive it! He is making a way in the wilderness for you. He is bringing refreshment in the desert for you. This past year may have exhausted you, but not your God.

He is as fresh as ever and ready to display Himself in your 2012.

Do you perceive it?

Today While Tending Your Flock...

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. Luke 2:9

Something stopped me this morning.

I never realized (or had forgotten) that God shone His GLORY to the shepherds. I remembered the angel of the Lord appearing to them and later the multitude of angels, but in between these two occurrences, God revealed His Glory.

Glory /doxa/ Shekinah - the glory of the Lord. A bright cloud by which God made manifest to men His power and presence on earth. Splendour, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace, majesty; the kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler; majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity; a most glorious condition, most exalted state.

Can you imagine? Seriously.

I love it that God chooses the Shepherds. The lowly little shepherds. They couldn't have been very old. Maybe teenagers. Inconspicuous. Unnoticed. Humble. The nameless shepherds.

And He shone His Shekinah Glory to them.

He revealed the birth of Deity to them. He could have chosen anyone.

This morning, I am thankful that God chooses the lowly and inconspicuous. That might mean me. Or you.

We may not be much on the grand scale of American pop culture. We aren't English Royalty. Or public figures. But to God, we are worthy of His Glory.

Today, while tending your flock, how might God manifest Himself to you? Keep watch.

If Your Faith Is Shaken...

I have ran with the same friend for years. We meet at a small church parking lot near a stretch of sidewalk where we love to run. We have memorized what red light marks a 5K, what subdivision makes four miles and which fire hydrant adds up to five.

Along this path, our friendship has deepened. We have ran and laughed. Even jumping with excitement over victories the Lord has allowed. I have also ran and cried along that concrete trail. We both have. Sometimes we've been so deep with hurt we could barely speak a word. All we could do was slow down and keep moving.

Running. A parallel of life. Laughing. Deep joy. Victories. Grieving. Crying. Hurt. Silence. Endurance.

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31,32

Jesus and Simon Peter had ran some distance together. They did life. Peter was the chosen one - The Rock of the coming church. But Jesus knew that Peter was about to walk through the roughest terrain of his journey. The sifting of Simon Peter. The sifting of wheat? How does that translate to us today?

John Piper says, that the sifting of Peter and the others is "Satan's effort to destroy their faith. And this remains Satan's main goal today. It is relatively unimportant to Satan whether we are healthy or sick, rich or poor; what he wants is to sift out our faith. If he can do it by suffering he will try that; if he can do it by wealth, he will try that."

Do you know what astounds me the most about this passage? Here He is. Jesus - Fully God. Fully man. The power of His Word able to bring the world into existence. But, look at Jesus' response. "I have prayed for you...that your faith may not fail."

What? Why didn't Jesus pray for Satan to call it off? Isn't Peter important? I mean, He could have said no. "Sorry Satan. Peter is special. He's my Rock. I need him left alone. Pick on someone else."

No, Jesus allowed it. Why?
For Peter's faith to increase.

I am betting that Peter was a bit confused by this. Why would his Lord, his Teacher, his Friend let anything bad happen to him? I have felt this way, too. Haven't you? But Peter was about to learn that it is "through suffering and trial our faith is refined. We are drawn to rely ever more heavily on God and we are moved to cherish his grace more strongly. Satan has his role to play in fanning the flames of our refining furnace. We must be sober in our prayers, fight the good fight and anticipate the victory of God at the perfect time." -Piper, On the Sifting of Simon Peter.

Friend, is this where you are today? Are you being sifted as wheat? Do you feel as if you are on a big mesh sieve being shaken to your core? Are you tired? Torn? Weak? Desperate? Your faith on the brink of failing you?

When (not if) but when this happens, let us be of great courage. Faith can not fall through mesh. Continue steadfastly in prayer. Your wind may be knocked out... you may have to slow your pace, but for Heaven's sake, keep running. Your eyes staying fixed on the Prize. Place your hope in the one who can save you. In the one who runs beside you. Put your hope in the one who is praying that your faith may not fail.

Jesus.

The Beauty Of Broken Pieces

My mother was a bargain shopper. A wheelin-dealin', card carryin', bona fide, clearance queen. No matter if it fit or matched - if it was 65% off she could make it work.

I loved this about her.

Spring 2002, Brent and I were nearing the Big Day. We had spent hours registering for dinnerware, Tupperware, Corningware, underwear - if it ended in -ware we registered for it. We were quite proud of ourselves, I do say. Young, in love and so excited about our choices.

I remember the day well. The day mama came over after a trip to Belk. She and Mamaw had been shopping. Bargain shoppin'.

"Look what I found on clearance. I bought you and Brent a set. These are Lenox."

With a proud smile, she held up a box of dishes. Cream and country-blue, striped dishes. Yes, they were Lenox, but they were cream and country-blue. And striped. Not what I wanted or would have chosen.

Not wanting to pop her bargain bubble, I thanked her and thought to myself, I will shelve them and cross my fingers someone buys what is on our registry. And a few someones did. Friends and family bought piece after piece, completing the set of my chic and classy white dishes.

But come March 12, 2005, my chic and classy white dishes paled in comparison to the beauty of those cream colored Lenox dishes. That country-blue stripe had never been more meaningful.

To this day, mama is a part of mealtime. I like to think of her serving up oatmeal and cereal for breakfast. Macaroni and chicken at dinner. Those clearance dishes - now of intangible worth.

Last Friday night, after a lazy woman served up some Ragu and noodles to her three little boys, she turned to put a bowl in the sink. And the bowl slipped right out of her hand onto the hardwood floor. It hit just right. And broke into ungluable pieces.

I knelt and in slow motion picked up each piece.

Grant came behind me, "Was that bowl precious?"

Precious. His wording poignant.

"Yes, honey. This bowl was precious. My mama bought it for me."

"Your mama Darlene? Wasn't that her name? Darlene?" Ethan asked.

"Yes. Darlene."

Ethan -"How do you spell that? D-A-R.. How does the rest go, mom?"

Her name sounded sweet in my home. And as I picked up the broken pieces of my bowl, the Lord picked up the broken pieces of my heart. Those little voices remembering the grandmother they never knew.

We talked of her Friday night. For a good long while. And I was thankful.

The brokenness of my bowl bringing back the beauty of her memory.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20

And she is there. A treasure awaiting me in heaven. Her embrace serving satisfaction that no cream colored, country-blue striped plate could offer.

One day, we will feast together again.

Not on discounted Lenox dishes, but on divine dinnerware, set for us at a the table of the Most High God.

A family reunion my mind can not conceive. My RSVP confirmed. A party I will not miss.

Until then, her memory lives on. I see her in the smiles of my children, in the clearance aisle at Belk, in the three Lenox bowls left in my kitchen cabinet.

And in the quiet places of my heart.

Are You Hurting?

My heart is heavy this morning.

There is hurt all around me. Many of my dearest friends are struggling with pain and disappointment -heartache that runs dreadfully deep. I am struggling with my own, as well.

Do you know people in pain today? Are you one of them?

In a seemingly hopeless world full of strife, sickness, depression, brokenness, loss, pride, despair and death, the Word of God is truly all we have in which to place our trust.



This morning, I want to extend to you... Hope. Truth. Encouragement. Wherever this post finds you today, this I know, He is still God.

He is God in your pain.
He is God in your loss.
He is God in your sickness.
He is God in your sadness.
He is God in your strife.
He is God in your wondering.
He is God in your waiting.

He is still God.
He holds all things together, even if all seems to be falling apart.
I pray these words bring light to dark places...

Seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:1,2

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28

Yes, we are of good courage. We know that when while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:16,17

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 54:3,4

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Where shall I go from your spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7

Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord! I have fled to your for refuge! Teach me to do your will for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:9,10

Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan!"... then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Matthew 4:11

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Jesus said, "I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world." John 16:33

What verse brings you hope in times of deep hurt?

Please, take time to share this with a friend today. You just never know...

God Wants Us To Ask

Anne Graham Lotz and I aren't friends, sisters-in-Christ, yes, but true friends, no. So I can't say she is "guest posting" for me this morning. However, I read her daily devotional and feel as if I know her. That being said, I feel freedom to share this post from the other day. I have pondered it and been so moved by its message. Sweet Lord, he wants us to ask Him - for everything. He's our Daddy. He hears us and loves to bless His babies. Enjoy..

If we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:15, NKJV

During the days of Ezekiel, God poured out His heart and shared what He wanted to do for His beloved people. Then He revealed an astonishing fact: "I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them" (Eze. 36:37, KJV). God was waiting to be asked!

My mother said that if there are any tears shed in heaven, they are going to be shed over all the answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask. What blessing is God waiting to give you, but you haven't asked Him for it?



Why does He wait for us to ask? Maybe He wants us to acknowledge our need of Him. Maybe it's one way of getting our attention. Maybe it's the only way we will know when the answer comes that it comes from Him, and we don't credit ourselves or someone else for it.

Blessings,
Anne Graham Lotz

{Praying for you, Pep Moms}

Is Your Calendar Chaos?

Yesterday, the boys and I were outside. And it was hot. Like give me 150 SPF hot.

But something ever so slight spoke of the coming of Fall. Ever. So. Slight. I can't explain it. But despite the blazing sun, the hint was there. The blue of the sky, a light breeze, a faint smell of dying leaves saying, Hello! Fall is near.

Yet, what speaks more of the coming of Fall is chaos of my planner. Oh dear. I think my August calendar could overwhelm even a non-reader. It is ornate with white out, pencil scratch, eraser marks, highlighter, sticky notes and "sharpie" appointments.

A new semester: Back to school picnics. Staff meetings. Overnight student planning. Kindergarten meet and greet. Orientations. Preschool open house. Welcome week on UT's campus. Freshman moving in. Outreaches. You name it.

Being on staff with a campus ministry, our lives are rarely 8 to 5. One day Brent may work 10 to 7. The next 6 to 4. The next 1 to 11:30. Our calendar is constantly changing. And just about the time I "get it down"... students are taking finals, Christmas break comes, and it changes again in Spring.

I have spent a lot of time glaring at my planner.

And the more I stare, the more I ask, Why can't there be two of me?

Yesterday, I was on the treadmill and the Lord spoke to my heart...

(Maybe it is the hamster wheel likeness of the treadmill that represents me so well, I'm not sure, but the Lord He speaks to me there.)

Running...running....running....

Pray more than you plan.

Running...running....running....

Pray more than you plan.

I left the gym and I heard Him all day long. Pray more than you plan. (The Type A in me wants to rebel against this.)

As coffee brews in the mornings, I open all of my quiet time stuff. First, I turn on my computer. Then I open my email. Then I look to my calendar. Then I write my to-do list. And then I pray....

I go into my time with the Lord backwards.

I plan more than I pray.

Exhibit A:


Is anybody feeling me on this?

My order of events should look more like this.

Exhibit B:


Commit you work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Your work (ma`aseh)- deeds, a thing done, acts, labour, business, pursuits, undertakings, achievements,a thing made...

Commit my work to the Lord....commit all of my labor, my daily business, all of my pursuits and dreams. Every undertaking. All of my achievements. All that I make and all of the things I do....COMMIT THEM TO HIM.

And he will accomplish them for me.

Hallelujah.

That takes the pressure off.



Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5

If the past is any indicator of the future ... the next month may be a bit crazy. But the Lord is my help. The God of Jacob is my hope.

And according to Scripture...I am blessed.

Neither chaos nor calamity nor my crazy calendar can separate me.

Pray more than you plan. Commit your ways to the Lord and your PLANNER will be established.

(Total side note: I can't help but think of school teachers this morning. I know they are writing so many plans right now. I am praying for you all today, sweet school teachers. From the bottom of my heart..."Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.")

31 Days of Prayer: Four

Honesty and Integrity

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you. Psalm 25:21

Children:
"May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection."

Myself or Others:
"May integrity and honesty be the virtue and protection of _______________."

I often pray protection over my children. I'm sure you do, as well. It is such piece of mind knowing we can hope (or wait expectantly) for the Lord to protect our children. Synonyms for the Greek word protect (natsar) are words such as watchtower, guard, blockaded and lodge. A life of integrity and uprightness before God act as watchmen over our children. The Lord is their shelter. And yours.

Thank Him for this amazing truth today.

What A Long Day It Was...

And a very long night.



Praise be to God for all spared in yesterday's catastrophic storms.

Yet, let us take a minute to pray for all those in Alabama who are picking up pieces of their lives and for the families who are grieving.

Over 100 lives lost.

If you haven't seen footage of this event, it will take your breath away.

Let us pray, today, for all of those facing this same line of deadly storms.

I pray you will "dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT

Lifting you up today.

Hope Deferred At Checkout

Almost every time I leave the grocery store, I exit the same way.

Luke, sitting in the front of the buggy, screaming to the top of his little lungs as I push him through the parking lot.

Why is he crying as we leave the store?

Two words: Hope Deferred.

Let me explain. In order to maintain a bit of my sanity, I begin to offer him snacks, little toys from the dollar aisle, a new Thomas the Train book to enjoy as I shop, a package of Lightening McQueen cars to admire, a Charlie Brown DVD cover to study. When he grows tired of one toy, I offer him another.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick...Proverbs 13:12

But it never fails that he finds the one. The toy he enjoys above the rest. The object of his grocery store affection.

Hope (towcheleth) - expectation

When I get to the checkout, I hand the clerk toy after toy, "I'm sorry, we won't be buying these today." (I'm sure they just love me, right?)

"What about that one?" The clerk asks, referring to the toy in Luke's hand.

"We're not getting that one either, but can I hand it to you very last as I am leaving?"

But Luke has my number now. He holds the toy to his chest, his little knuckles white. "Mine."

I swipe my card. Put the last bag in the buggy. "O.K. Lukey. Say 'thank you for letting me play with the toy.' Let's give it to the nice lady."

Deferred (mashak) -delayed; lead along; postponed; drawn out; to seize; to take away.

Scream. Cry. Kick. "No no no no no. My toy. No. Mama no. Mine!!"

Sick (chalah) - to make sad

His expectation unmet.

His hope, lead on by his mean ol' mother, now seized and all he is left holding is his sad heart.

And as I left the store this week, I looked down at his brokenness, I MEAN BROKENNESS, and thought "Hope deferred makes the heart sick. Becky, you can't do this to him anymore."

I can relate to Luke. I have held onto dreams for so long, held white-knuckled to objects of my desire, only to have them taken away. And afterwards, all I have to hold is my own sadness.

Are you feeling me on this? What are we putting our hope in? A dream? A mate? A baby? A job? A house? A friendship? And we've been let down. Severely let down. BROKENNESS.

I am learning two things today:

One: I can not continue to teach my two-year-old not to trust me.

Two: God does not operate like this. Neither should I.

...but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12

Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." -John 10:10

Whatever it is that is being ripped from us, Jesus came to replenish. He came to give abundantly.

He doesn't steal from us. Or destroy our dreams.

He came to fulfill them.

I don't want to teach Luke that he has to hold on so tightly to his desires. I want to teach him that he can trust me.

Jesus wants me to trust Him, too. The only One who can satisfy. The only One who can meet my needs. The One who gives good gifts.

What is it today that I hold too tightly?

What hope of yours has been deferred? Is your heart sick today? Has a dream been lost? Are you broken?

I have a good report for you. In Christ, your desires are fulfilled.

Disclaimer: Hold all things loosely. He may change our desires. He may need to realign our hearts with His desires for us. Things may look different in the long run, yes. But better.

TRUST. HIM.

He is our tree of life. He is our greatest Hope. And he WILL NOT disappoint.

"I am the vine; you are the branches." John 15:5

He is THE tree of life. And a tree of abundant life, at that.

The Chief of Sinners

Are you feeling discouraged about a lost loved one? Read read read...

1 Timothy 1:12-17

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. (vv. 12,13)

Oh Paul. How I relate to this. Do you? Were you (or are you now) an opponent of the gospel? Do you know someone who is? Is your faith growing weary that someone in your family, a friend or a neighbor will ever come to faith in Christ?

Oh, do not be discouraged. If Jesus can save Paul, then Jesus can save anyone.

If Jesus can save me, Jesus can save anyone.

But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (v. 14)

His grace overflows (hyperpleonazō) for those who act ignorantly in unbelief.

This word overflows means exceeds abundance.

Glory to God! Read that again. What does that look like? Exceeding abundance?? An exceeding abundance of grace! Thank you, Lord.

Who are you thinking about? Is your spirit growing faint in faith? Oh friend, no no. Be renewed. His grace exceeds abundance for the lost.

Stop and pray now. Pray for them. Renew your faith.

This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (KJV v.15)

I just love the way this is phrased in the King James. This is a faithful saying! And worthy of, not partial, but 100% acceptance. (And I feel like I give Paul a run for his money on the chief sinner part).

Jesus Christ coming into the world to save sinners. Bottom line. This is what we are celebrating on Saturday. Hallelujah!

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the chief, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those were to believe in him for eternal life. (v.16)

Patience (makrothymia) means long suffering. Slowness in avenging wrongs.

Jesus isn't sitting with his finger on the trigger. He is patient with us. He is slow to avenge our wrongs. I am so thankful.

To the King of ages, the immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (v.17)


Read this last verse again. O Praise Him!

I'd love to know what passages are speaking to you today.

How could I be praying for you today? Did you think of someone today when reading this?

Share?

Speaking of sharing, let me introduce you to Jonah - a little acorn of righteousness. Sweet little angel. This picture was shared by my blogsphere friend, Kristen, as one of her favorite things. I'd say so!

Jonah is singing, "Happy Birthday Jesus". This is so precious I could cry. (I bet you did Kristen!!)


Oh, those cheeks!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

I am so thankful that you came and read this today. Love you all.

Tale of the Thrift Store Bunny

I have hinted every Mother's day, birthday and Valentine's Day, for the past four years, that I want a stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear. I love the thought of my little boys picking out a soft shell, kissing three little hearts, stuffing a puppy, bear or bunny with lots of white fluff. I can just see their little hands giving it a pretend bath, brushing its fur and giving it a name.

I have even walked into Build-A-Bear with my family, pointed to a few bears and said,”I really like these!”

To no avail.

It's not that Brent is negligent; he just has other holiday gift ideas.

But one evening this past spring, the family and I went shopping at the Knox Area Rescue Mission. I love this place. Thrift store heaven.

While looking through the discount Easter decor, I spotted him. Rugged and tattered. Covered up by broken egg holders and straw baskets. A bunny. A Build-A-Bear bunny. Sweet. A bit sad.

And only 75 cents.

Sold.

"Is that for me, Mom?"

No comment.

"Who are you getting that for, Mommy?"

"I'm not sure, yet."

Liar. I did know. He was for me. And, yes, I was a little embarrassed to admit this to my four-year-old.

A 75 cent bunny. All mine.

And I had big plans for this little guy.

When I got him home, I threw him in the wash. Added lots of Gain. And extra fabric softener. I fluffed him in the dryer....straightened his ears.

And placed him in the center of my bed. His new home.


I think about Bunny (that's his name....very unoriginal), and wonder ...what is his story?

Who made him? Who picked out his heart and stuffed him with white fluff? Who gave him a pretend bath? What was his name?

Who, overtime, found him undesirable? Who cleaned out the closet one day and thought it appropriate to place him in a black garbage bag? Who sent him to the mission?

Such rejection.

Poor Bunny :)

I understand his story. I understand rejection. I understand feeling undesirable. I understand suffocation in a world of "better thans." Being tossed out by this world. I understand feeling inadequate and unworthy. I understand feeling thrown out.

I also understand Rescue.

I understand being pulled from the muck. Being found under piles of brokenness and debris. I understand adoption. I understand being washed in water, Living Water. Being placed in a seat of honor....and given a new name.

No matter how sad or rejected you feel, there is a place of honor for you. A second chance. A new home. A new name.

A warm place to lay your head.

An embrace.

A new family.

If you have any uncertainty of the Father's love for you, know this....He is crazy about you.

He desires you. He sees your beauty. He created you.

He placed in you a heart to beat for Him.

He gave you breath.

He chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined you to be adopted through Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 1:4

He set out on a Rescue Mission all His own. Looking for you.

Will you be found in Him today?

I'd love to talk to you more … [email protected]

A new journal - A new journey

Well, can I just say that the marathon was quite a high. It was.... ahh. But, I've got news -- there ain't no high like the Most High, so there's no where but up from here! So, back to the task at hand. Life.

Ironically, this morning started a new journal for me. How fun! A new journal and a new pair of running shoes. How parallel. A new journey. Oh, the possibilities.

I LOVE looking back at an old journal. The first day in my last journal was Good Friday. Full circle. So much happens in a year. Page after page of joys, trials, growth, failures, strongholds, illnesses, healings, hardships, etc. Just this past year alone holds three semesters of ministry, two deaths in our family, a new kindergartner, a home school journey, Luke's first steps, major surgeries, etc. What in the world will this journal hold? Only God knows. What I DO know is that it will be good. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you, ' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.'"

One thing that struck me about this past journal was that the Lord gave me some key verses for my life. Verses for our family, our children, my testimony, our ministry. So, Lord willing I can figure it out, I want to add a link up at the top for these verses.

Let's call the life verse link a "quick fix" of the Word. A place to go for a bullet point. Can we just all admit that some days we don't have time (or some days energy) to dive in and study the Bible. We just need a taste to get through. We can't live like this. But some days its all we've got - and that's OK.

This past year, it was as if scales fell from my eyes. I saw the Word of God in new light. Hard to explain. The Word is alive. It really is. The Word speaks. It is active. It pierces the heart. It will expose our stuff. (read Hebrew 4:12-13) I'll tell you this, if you don't want your stuff exposed, "x" out of this blog and go elsewhere. If you want healing, stay. The word kills our sin and heals our wounds. Amazing.

I don't know where you are on your journey. Some reading this far exceed any knowledge or experiences that the Lord has given me. Your years walking with the Lord are long and your wisdom far greater. I am honored (and a bit nervous) that you are here. Some are college students in our ministry that are growing and eager. Some are new Christians trying to figure this whole this out. Some of you think I'm crazy. That Christianity is crazy. And you know what, you're right. I am a bit crazy about Jesus. So be it.

Wherever you are, I challenge you to "taste and see that the Lord is good" -Psalm 34:8.

I pray that the Word falls on you afresh today. Like the newness of Spring, I pray it revives you, energizes you, yet convicts you, heals you... and gives you life.

Be blessed.

God's compassion is new EVERY MORNING!!

A sweet friend of mine was going through a very difficult time not too long ago. When I read this verse, I thought of her and thought it described her feelings at that time. Jeremiah writes in the book of Lamentations....

I have been depraved of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD." I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Lamentations 3:17-20

The Word of God tells us that hard times will come. We will suffer in this life. We have all felt depraved of peace. What does this world have to offer us when we are in these places of suffering? Not much. The only truth we have, the only hope that is real is what Jeremiah describes after he confesses his sadness....

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him..." Lamentations 3:21-25

I love it! We do have hope. We are not consumed! God's compassion never fails. I pray this ministers to you. May the Lord be your portion today...