My friend Sabrina and I were chatting via email this morning. As I read her words about facing her own self-centeredness, while thinking she was such a giver, I was taken back by the similar issues I addressed this week. The difference is that she's battling her way through chemotherapy and all of the ugly things associated with cancer. This is a time when others delight to give to her, yet her fertile heart is concerned about her own selfishness.
Isn't that just what trials do in us? They burn away the filth of our own self-centeredness, which runs so deeply in our souls?
When Bill, my first husband went to be with the Lord, the Scripture that saturated my life was, "Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never anymore than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way anyone who holds onto life just as it is, destroys that life. But if you let go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal." John 12:24-25 MSG
Rereading this passage that prophesied Jesus' fate and the account that followed as He prepared for what was to come, I was struck by how He assessed those blind, whose hardness of heart kept them from perceiving Him or being healed. Daily we too can opt to live in our own hard heartedness, blinding us from Christ's very example.
In Chapter 13, during the Last Supper, Jesus not only spoke, but actively laid down the pattern that we are to follow as He washed the feet of His disciples, saying, "...so the Master and teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other's feet. John 13:13-14 MSG
Yes, I can actually choose to let go...let go of all that I hold so tightly in my grasp and live in reckless abandoned love, rather than waiting until I face a circumstance, be it loss, cancer, financial trouble or the like, and witness those traits fall into the ground to sprout selflessness.
This year what I am asking to receive for Christmas is a heart that is so moved by His presence that I become abandoned to His reckless, jaw dropping love.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
The Risky Faith Embrace of God
Watching my kids wrestle their way into adulthood, fighting for ground that life snatched away through hard dealt circumstances and mistakes, I am reminded that the dictionary defines the word education as: The knowledge and development resulting from an education process. That means opportunity is all in the way you look at it. The quality of our life is not dependent on our circumstances, but on what we do with the education life provides.
If we are smart we will let our mistakes and life's circumstance be the tuition for the schooling we have received from them. We don't have to continue making payments on our mistakes. The schooling we have received paid our tuition in full! Now we can invest the education that life has given us.
That means all of my delays and wasted years are part of my schooling. Infact it says in Romans 3:27, speaking of Abraham the Father of faith, "God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does...our lives get into step with God and all others by letting Him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade." (Have you noticed His cadence is so much better?)
vs 9, "It was embracing what God did for him that Abraham was declared fit before God." (MSG)
We are all recipients of God's marvelous grace and action in our lives. Those who receive it, walk by faith and on His timeline. Verse 12 says those are the ones who are "...willing to live in the risky faith-embrace of God's action for them." God is masterful at mending broken things. When we get in step with Him even time is redeemed.
Doesn't that make you want to run into the risky-faith embrace of God with all of your hard learned education and be connected to His movement in your life?
If we are smart we will let our mistakes and life's circumstance be the tuition for the schooling we have received from them. We don't have to continue making payments on our mistakes. The schooling we have received paid our tuition in full! Now we can invest the education that life has given us.
That means all of my delays and wasted years are part of my schooling. Infact it says in Romans 3:27, speaking of Abraham the Father of faith, "God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does...our lives get into step with God and all others by letting Him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade." (Have you noticed His cadence is so much better?)
vs 9, "It was embracing what God did for him that Abraham was declared fit before God." (MSG)
We are all recipients of God's marvelous grace and action in our lives. Those who receive it, walk by faith and on His timeline. Verse 12 says those are the ones who are "...willing to live in the risky faith-embrace of God's action for them." God is masterful at mending broken things. When we get in step with Him even time is redeemed.
Doesn't that make you want to run into the risky-faith embrace of God with all of your hard learned education and be connected to His movement in your life?
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Infamous Family Photo
I was reading in my friend Chelsea's blog today about the frustration of trying to get the perfect Christmas photo with uncooperative children. Thinking about my own infamous family Christmas Photos, stirred a chuckle. I can remember some hair pulling sessions.
There was the time the final photo displayed Josh's tears from his displeasure of having to perform for the camera. Instead of a happy Norman Rockwell family photo, we produced one that made the authorities question child abuse! Even now when we get all 10 of us get together and try to get a good photo, it is exasperating! Someone is always out of sync. Mark is the worst, because he never wants to participate.
We have tried to mix things up a bit every year. One year we all crammed into Gabe's old Honda Civic and hung out of the windows. Needless to say, not the best idea. Another year we all dressed in plaid (Mark's signature fabric)! You can tell even in this highly creative family we are running out of viable ideas. This year we might just be normal, but highly unlikely!
There was the time the final photo displayed Josh's tears from his displeasure of having to perform for the camera. Instead of a happy Norman Rockwell family photo, we produced one that made the authorities question child abuse! Even now when we get all 10 of us get together and try to get a good photo, it is exasperating! Someone is always out of sync. Mark is the worst, because he never wants to participate.
We have tried to mix things up a bit every year. One year we all crammed into Gabe's old Honda Civic and hung out of the windows. Needless to say, not the best idea. Another year we all dressed in plaid (Mark's signature fabric)! You can tell even in this highly creative family we are running out of viable ideas. This year we might just be normal, but highly unlikely!
Navigating Interruptions with Mary's Style
Can you imagine being a 14 year old girl, having a visitation from an angel and suddenly being informed that your world would never be the same, because you were chosen to carry the Christ child? I imagine Mary contemplated all of the things that anyone of us would, as her life began to flash before her eyes. "How can this be?"
How many, "How can this be" moments have we all faced? When we have eyes to see and ears to hear our lives can be touched by unusual means. As Mary moved from utter shock, she transitioned into faith. Every interruption that invades our world can be a vehicle to usher blessing into our lives if we can receive with the same kind of simple faith that Mary displayed. Scripture says Mary was blessed because she believed that there would be the fulfillment of what was been spoken to her.
That means I have the opportunity to respond in faith to the experiences that shake my world everyday. Like Mary, though I may be afraid of what I cannot comprehend, something amazing may be created through the wake of any upheaval. That is the invitation I have this week, as I traverse through misunderstanding, hurt feelings and fear of the unknown in relationships that mean the world to me. I want to be like Elizabeth who was able to perceive the presence of the Lord in her midst and Mary who faced the unknown with bold faith saying, "Be it unto me according to your word."
How many, "How can this be" moments have we all faced? When we have eyes to see and ears to hear our lives can be touched by unusual means. As Mary moved from utter shock, she transitioned into faith. Every interruption that invades our world can be a vehicle to usher blessing into our lives if we can receive with the same kind of simple faith that Mary displayed. Scripture says Mary was blessed because she believed that there would be the fulfillment of what was been spoken to her.
That means I have the opportunity to respond in faith to the experiences that shake my world everyday. Like Mary, though I may be afraid of what I cannot comprehend, something amazing may be created through the wake of any upheaval. That is the invitation I have this week, as I traverse through misunderstanding, hurt feelings and fear of the unknown in relationships that mean the world to me. I want to be like Elizabeth who was able to perceive the presence of the Lord in her midst and Mary who faced the unknown with bold faith saying, "Be it unto me according to your word."
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Default or Intention?
Last night I met with the Path group that I am coaching from my last workshop. I was so encouraged to see these women taking great strides as they step out toward their goals and purpose. Some clearly see their vision right in front of them and are unashamedly making strides toward it, others are pushing forward into discovery of who they truly are, what they think, what they like and for the first time after many years, determining what causes their heart to leap with joy. They are on the road to their true purpose and mission in life.
In our time together we discussed the struggle that many have in abdicating choices in life to others, which may appear righteous, however, if motivated by fear this kind of default is dishonest. We are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, but if in fact we are surrendering our will because we are afraid to stand up and claim our life, this kind of poverty thinking is not faith based or righteous. Scripture says, "The righteous man shall live by faith." Romans 1:17
Jesus' faith example of denying Himself was not an act of cowardice, but a conscious act of great faith. As He took up His cross He was claiming something for mankind that was much larger than Himself. If we are not courageous enough to truly live the life we've been given, but hide out in fearful surrender, what glory do we bring God or betterment to mankind? Matthew 5:37 says it this way. "Let your "yes' be "yes' and your "no',"no.'
In the Message Translation Matthew 5:33-37 says, "And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk... You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say "yes' and "no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong."
Many of us grew up in environments that encouraged a martyr syndrome, which may have had all of the appearances of righteousness, but in fact made us "less true". Are we not challenged to boldly stand and make our choices and actions count, not merely living by default as we give our life away carelessly for the wrong reasons? Laying down your life and denying yourself is not the same thing as having never picked up the life you've been given. Isn't it time we lived with intention?
In our time together we discussed the struggle that many have in abdicating choices in life to others, which may appear righteous, however, if motivated by fear this kind of default is dishonest. We are called to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily, but if in fact we are surrendering our will because we are afraid to stand up and claim our life, this kind of poverty thinking is not faith based or righteous. Scripture says, "The righteous man shall live by faith." Romans 1:17
Jesus' faith example of denying Himself was not an act of cowardice, but a conscious act of great faith. As He took up His cross He was claiming something for mankind that was much larger than Himself. If we are not courageous enough to truly live the life we've been given, but hide out in fearful surrender, what glory do we bring God or betterment to mankind? Matthew 5:37 says it this way. "Let your "yes' be "yes' and your "no',"no.'
In the Message Translation Matthew 5:33-37 says, "And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk... You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say "yes' and "no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong."
Many of us grew up in environments that encouraged a martyr syndrome, which may have had all of the appearances of righteousness, but in fact made us "less true". Are we not challenged to boldly stand and make our choices and actions count, not merely living by default as we give our life away carelessly for the wrong reasons? Laying down your life and denying yourself is not the same thing as having never picked up the life you've been given. Isn't it time we lived with intention?
Monday, December 3, 2007
Changing Our Perception to Receive
Yesterday, Pastor Steven Furtick's said something that is at the very core of a section of the Path workshop I teach, entitled, Paradigm Shifting. He said, "What you perceive determines what you will receive." When we aren't able to perceive the wealth that has been deposited in each of us we miss out on receiving what is available to us.
If we can't get past the fact that our younger brother is no longer in diapers, we could be missing something important that he has to impart. Although we may be dissing him, we are the ones who truly suffer. It is through humility that we are able to allow the Lord to shift our perception, so that we can receive all that He has for us that exists outside of our particular paradigm. Isn't that the best trade off imaginable?
We are offered an exchange for something that we never spent a dime to acquire. All of the old stale thinking we acquired through life experiences that got us to where we are now, will not take us to where we are going. But if we humble ourselves to the vast wealth that is available through Christ, although it may come through our next door neighbor with the beer belly, or the friend that we couldn't imagine has a special impartation or a child's word of wisdom at the right moment, we will receive.
Isn't it time we cleaned off our clouded lenses that have hindered our view point and allow our perception to be altered, so we can receive God's unlimited supply? Give yourself the best gift possible this Christmas, surrender your old way of thinking and receive a higher way. Scripture says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so he is." Proverbs 23:7
Lord, help us to see you and those you have created as you truly are and not through our limited lenses of understanding. When we only see the ordinary, show us the extraordinary in others and ourselves. You call out the potential in us, never dwelling on our lack, because you know when our eyes behold You, there is no lack.
If we can't get past the fact that our younger brother is no longer in diapers, we could be missing something important that he has to impart. Although we may be dissing him, we are the ones who truly suffer. It is through humility that we are able to allow the Lord to shift our perception, so that we can receive all that He has for us that exists outside of our particular paradigm. Isn't that the best trade off imaginable?
We are offered an exchange for something that we never spent a dime to acquire. All of the old stale thinking we acquired through life experiences that got us to where we are now, will not take us to where we are going. But if we humble ourselves to the vast wealth that is available through Christ, although it may come through our next door neighbor with the beer belly, or the friend that we couldn't imagine has a special impartation or a child's word of wisdom at the right moment, we will receive.
Isn't it time we cleaned off our clouded lenses that have hindered our view point and allow our perception to be altered, so we can receive God's unlimited supply? Give yourself the best gift possible this Christmas, surrender your old way of thinking and receive a higher way. Scripture says, "For as he thinks in his heart, so he is." Proverbs 23:7
Lord, help us to see you and those you have created as you truly are and not through our limited lenses of understanding. When we only see the ordinary, show us the extraordinary in others and ourselves. You call out the potential in us, never dwelling on our lack, because you know when our eyes behold You, there is no lack.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Need for Joy
Aah, I can feel it in the air. It’s that time of year when all good cheer is wafting merrily through the air and I feel the need to celebrate! Mark's earthy response to my need for socialization is that maybe I should be a party planner, but he misses the point entirely. That would be like being a planner and never a bride. I simply love to gather with friends and enjoy festivities. I find that most people I know have their faces so embedded in the day to day nuts and bolts that they rarely kick up their heels. So what if I'm the one who has to put on the red suit and chuckle? Somebodies got to do it! We need a little joy.
Not too long ago the holidays were difficult for me. I lost my brother on Christmas Eve. He was buried four days later on my birthday, so you can see that kind of put a damper on the whole season. But now I get excited like a child when the cool weather starts to blow in and I feel the tickle of Christmas in my stomach. I've heard all the woes about the commercialism etc., but that doesn't dent my enthusiasm. As Christians we should be the jolliest people around. I have personally been rescued from pain, darkness, and despair. I've been given a new life, so why wouldn't I want to celebrate?
Today I had lunch with a friend, one of the many friends I have that shares my name or at least part of it. Kim, in my estimation is a real party girl. I don't mean that in a derogatory way. She just exudes life. I don't know if she even recognizes it, because she's working pretty hard at being good! I hope she never becomes so good that she loses her childlike playfulness, because that's what God loves and I love about her. Don't you get tired of being all stiff and grown up? I believe the Lord gets tired of it too! He's pretty clear on what He thinks about stiff-neck people. So if you don't want to hang with the stiff-necked Pharisee types, kick off your shoes and start dancing! We have a lot to be joyful about!
Not too long ago the holidays were difficult for me. I lost my brother on Christmas Eve. He was buried four days later on my birthday, so you can see that kind of put a damper on the whole season. But now I get excited like a child when the cool weather starts to blow in and I feel the tickle of Christmas in my stomach. I've heard all the woes about the commercialism etc., but that doesn't dent my enthusiasm. As Christians we should be the jolliest people around. I have personally been rescued from pain, darkness, and despair. I've been given a new life, so why wouldn't I want to celebrate?
Today I had lunch with a friend, one of the many friends I have that shares my name or at least part of it. Kim, in my estimation is a real party girl. I don't mean that in a derogatory way. She just exudes life. I don't know if she even recognizes it, because she's working pretty hard at being good! I hope she never becomes so good that she loses her childlike playfulness, because that's what God loves and I love about her. Don't you get tired of being all stiff and grown up? I believe the Lord gets tired of it too! He's pretty clear on what He thinks about stiff-neck people. So if you don't want to hang with the stiff-necked Pharisee types, kick off your shoes and start dancing! We have a lot to be joyful about!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Amazing Grace
One of the best testimonies that I have ever heard, was of God's redemptive power through the life of John Newton, a ruthless slave trader who came to know the mercy and salvation of the Lord. He went on to author the well known hymn, Amazing Grace. Last night Mark and I watched the movie, Amazing Grace, which told the story of Britain's William Wilberforce's tireless fight to see the abolition of slavery in the 1800s. Although the movie didn't chronicle the early years of Wilberforce's friend John Newton's life, his penned words, "I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see," clearly reveals a man rescued from chains similar to those that imprisoned the slaves he traded.
I was moved by William Wilberforce's struggle in whether or not to live a life of worship to God or work to better the condition of the very people God had created. His passion and burning mission plagued him, driving him on in the fight in which he crusaded.
There was a great moment in the movie when Wilberforce was introduced to a group of clergy with the same mission in mind. Wilberforce was proposed a question that ultimately seemed to silence his conflict and propel him in his fight, "Humbly I ask, can you not do both."
Don't you find as Christians that we often struggle with a mindset that asks, "Is this thing Christian or not?" We forget that God existed before any cultural code of Christianity existed. In our limited understanding we measure the appropriateness of man-created things and entirely overlook God's vantage point as the creator of the universe.
Are we not like Wilberforce in the fact that we too are fighting to free slaves of every kind. While we get caught up worrying about insignificant matter, God is asking us to listen to what burns inside our bones like Jeremiah. There is a fight in each of us that we are meant to fight. There is a solution that we are meant to bring.
My oldest son recently had the opportunity to share Christ with a fellow model. Although some would say Christians shouldn't be models, who then would tell those slaves about Christ. God needs each of us to be who He designed us to be, so we can bring the abolition of slavery everywhere as our lives gratefully declare, "I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see."
Happy Thanksgiving!
I was moved by William Wilberforce's struggle in whether or not to live a life of worship to God or work to better the condition of the very people God had created. His passion and burning mission plagued him, driving him on in the fight in which he crusaded.
There was a great moment in the movie when Wilberforce was introduced to a group of clergy with the same mission in mind. Wilberforce was proposed a question that ultimately seemed to silence his conflict and propel him in his fight, "Humbly I ask, can you not do both."
Don't you find as Christians that we often struggle with a mindset that asks, "Is this thing Christian or not?" We forget that God existed before any cultural code of Christianity existed. In our limited understanding we measure the appropriateness of man-created things and entirely overlook God's vantage point as the creator of the universe.
Are we not like Wilberforce in the fact that we too are fighting to free slaves of every kind. While we get caught up worrying about insignificant matter, God is asking us to listen to what burns inside our bones like Jeremiah. There is a fight in each of us that we are meant to fight. There is a solution that we are meant to bring.
My oldest son recently had the opportunity to share Christ with a fellow model. Although some would say Christians shouldn't be models, who then would tell those slaves about Christ. God needs each of us to be who He designed us to be, so we can bring the abolition of slavery everywhere as our lives gratefully declare, "I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see."
Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Amusing Myself Immensely
Yesterday, Sam and I were waiting patiently by the car for Mark to arrive with the keys. When he got there we waited a little while longer until Mark said, “Kimber, you have the keys!” Then this morning when I wrote a comment on one of our Pastor’s blogs, I saw my comment pop up with the corresponding name, Welcome to my blog! When I clicked on the link to my blog site I realized it stated that not only was my name, Welcome to my blog, but I was an accountant from Afghanistan! I have been laughing ever since. If we all were accountants how drab would the world be? We need the blond brigade to help us loosen up with our uptight selves. We certainly were all made uniquely.
Last night I cut out a clipping from the newspaper for a website that had tons of Christmas cookie recipes. Now mind you the girl that had all of her Christmas shopping done in October, baked bread everyday and appeared to be the perfect little Suzy homemaker has departed. I buried her several years ago after she choked on her perfectly home made Fourth of July cookies, shaped like a slice of watermelon with mini chocolate chip seeds.
Somehow I was never quite the same after I tripped on the boys skateboard in the garage. Maybe it was the loss of blood, or the knock on my head that permanently altered me. The perfect little Betty Crocker I am not and I gave up faking it long ago, although now and then I do enjoy baking. We all have something unique to impart to the world. It is much better when we listen to our own heartbeat than dance to someone else’s step. Life is better when we follow our joy!
Last night I cut out a clipping from the newspaper for a website that had tons of Christmas cookie recipes. Now mind you the girl that had all of her Christmas shopping done in October, baked bread everyday and appeared to be the perfect little Suzy homemaker has departed. I buried her several years ago after she choked on her perfectly home made Fourth of July cookies, shaped like a slice of watermelon with mini chocolate chip seeds.
Somehow I was never quite the same after I tripped on the boys skateboard in the garage. Maybe it was the loss of blood, or the knock on my head that permanently altered me. The perfect little Betty Crocker I am not and I gave up faking it long ago, although now and then I do enjoy baking. We all have something unique to impart to the world. It is much better when we listen to our own heartbeat than dance to someone else’s step. Life is better when we follow our joy!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Just Do It!
Action is a "do" word. I am all about action. In the last few years "action" has been my motto, so here I am kicking myself in the rear one more time, so I'll just sit down and make myself blog. It isn't that I don't love to write, because I do. My bio even alludes to the fact that I am rarely short on words. In the old days my problem with being an actress was that the scripts were way too confining. Blogging is one way to deal with my loquacious nature. I can't help it, I have a lot to say!
The truth is, I have had many other things crowding in and stealing my blogging time; like redesigning my website, writing the material for it, working on a new book, teaching workshops and that is just in the day when the kids are away! And then there is the majority of life which includes; my wonderful husband, family, Sam's soccer, orthodontist visits, helping Chloe navigate through college applications, helping Gabe navigate through career decisions, helping Josh think bigger about his amazing gifts, friends, sister, parents, grandparents, etc.
Then last night we kicked off our small group. Most of the couples couldn't make it,(don't despise small beginnings) but we really enjoyed getting to know the Prevettes who are a sweet couple with two beautiful kids. Chelsea mentioned her blog and that is the reason I was inspired to get back on track with mine. Thank you Chelsea!
Although we love being home group leaders and have missed not having a group for a while, the one draw back is that now I actually have to clean my house! Mark is certainly stoked and probably never wants to cease having a small group again. Usually our home is very tidy, because I can't stand clutter, but the hard core cleaning I avoid at all cost!
And then there is cooking! I think that my waining desire to cook stems from the years and years of being a dutiful Betty Crocker, baking bread and other delicacies everyday. Who knew there was a prisoner waiting to get free. Sometimes I enjoy cooking when I get inspired with interesting new dishes,(like the cute turkey cookies I made last night for home group) but the inspiration for daily coming up with gold metal winners in the kitchen has vacated. Now it has become just one more of those actions that I do just to see my family smile.
The truth is, I have had many other things crowding in and stealing my blogging time; like redesigning my website, writing the material for it, working on a new book, teaching workshops and that is just in the day when the kids are away! And then there is the majority of life which includes; my wonderful husband, family, Sam's soccer, orthodontist visits, helping Chloe navigate through college applications, helping Gabe navigate through career decisions, helping Josh think bigger about his amazing gifts, friends, sister, parents, grandparents, etc.
Then last night we kicked off our small group. Most of the couples couldn't make it,(don't despise small beginnings) but we really enjoyed getting to know the Prevettes who are a sweet couple with two beautiful kids. Chelsea mentioned her blog and that is the reason I was inspired to get back on track with mine. Thank you Chelsea!
Although we love being home group leaders and have missed not having a group for a while, the one draw back is that now I actually have to clean my house! Mark is certainly stoked and probably never wants to cease having a small group again. Usually our home is very tidy, because I can't stand clutter, but the hard core cleaning I avoid at all cost!
And then there is cooking! I think that my waining desire to cook stems from the years and years of being a dutiful Betty Crocker, baking bread and other delicacies everyday. Who knew there was a prisoner waiting to get free. Sometimes I enjoy cooking when I get inspired with interesting new dishes,(like the cute turkey cookies I made last night for home group) but the inspiration for daily coming up with gold metal winners in the kitchen has vacated. Now it has become just one more of those actions that I do just to see my family smile.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Coming Attraction
I know I have a hard time getting off of this subject, but it might be because it is the one sure thing that keeps me going when a grey cloud is looming nearby. It is also the one thing that continues to make me want to get up in the morning and that is, say it with me, JOY! Lately I've called it Glee. It could be thought of as merriment, laughter, or cheerfulness. Proverbs 15:15 says, "A cheerful heart has a continuous feast." So there you have it! To further bring home my point, there will be a new feature on my web site. I will be adding a weekly Joy thought or quote. It may not relate directly to joy, but it will be something that will compliment or add to it in a unique way. Look for it coming soon!
Friday, August 17, 2007
All Aboard
Have you ever noticed that when you decide to be joyful and not let anything steal the thunder of your glee, all hell stands up to oppose you? I've had a few weeks like that, but fortunately I am determined to fight back and apprehend my joy from the hands of said criminal, but boy is it a fight.
Of course, the fun free wheeling banter between my friend Carrie and I this past week always leaves me laughing. We both seem to have a comical take on life and amuse each other immensely. The only problem is that now we have to do this via email, because when she decided to take off and move to LA, lock, stock and barrel, I cheered her on! Was that stupid or what?
One of the other things that has helped to recapture my joy this week was my awesome husband, Mark, who randomly read a few verses out of Romans in The Message Bible that rocked my world and put me back straight. I'll share a bit with you. The peace and strategy the Lord brought to me through this portion of Scripture is now in my arsenal of weapons for fighting off the joy robbers.
In this chapter Paul is speaking about Abraham, the father of faith, when in Romans 3:27 he says,
"God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does...our lives get in step with God and all others by letting Him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.vs.4:2,3, "The story we're given is a God-story not and Abraham-story. What we read in Scripture is, "Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point." vs. 9 "It was embracing what God did for him that Abraham was declared fit before God." vs. 12 "...willing to live in the risky faith embrace of God's action for them."
I've been reminded that as I pay better attention to God's movement in my life, I am able to get on board God's train and not strive in my own strength. Isn't striving in our own strength one of the biggest joy robbers out there. We work at it, struggle, twist and turn, meanwhile all we need to do is watch for GOD'S movement in our lives and jump on board, because if He isn't going where we are headed, we might as well stop dead in our tracks before it gets ugly! But usually we haven't the foresight to know where the next God-stop is on His schedule. Instead of walking in faith and hanging on for the ride, we've been known to step out ahead and try to direct the route.
It's amazing how often we have to be reminded about faith. It's not like riding a bike, once you learn you can always ride. Faith takes a different kind of leap, one that requires that the muscles you use continually be oiled and stretched. So try practicing what I do whenever I find that I am sweating to get through the day, agitated and in turmoil(like last week), pay attention to where God is moving in your life, listen for the signals, watch for the cross roads, making sure you're on the God's route and then participate in the ride!
Of course, the fun free wheeling banter between my friend Carrie and I this past week always leaves me laughing. We both seem to have a comical take on life and amuse each other immensely. The only problem is that now we have to do this via email, because when she decided to take off and move to LA, lock, stock and barrel, I cheered her on! Was that stupid or what?
One of the other things that has helped to recapture my joy this week was my awesome husband, Mark, who randomly read a few verses out of Romans in The Message Bible that rocked my world and put me back straight. I'll share a bit with you. The peace and strategy the Lord brought to me through this portion of Scripture is now in my arsenal of weapons for fighting off the joy robbers.
In this chapter Paul is speaking about Abraham, the father of faith, when in Romans 3:27 he says,
"God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does...our lives get in step with God and all others by letting Him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.vs.4:2,3, "The story we're given is a God-story not and Abraham-story. What we read in Scripture is, "Abraham entered into what God was doing for him, and that was the turning point." vs. 9 "It was embracing what God did for him that Abraham was declared fit before God." vs. 12 "...willing to live in the risky faith embrace of God's action for them."
I've been reminded that as I pay better attention to God's movement in my life, I am able to get on board God's train and not strive in my own strength. Isn't striving in our own strength one of the biggest joy robbers out there. We work at it, struggle, twist and turn, meanwhile all we need to do is watch for GOD'S movement in our lives and jump on board, because if He isn't going where we are headed, we might as well stop dead in our tracks before it gets ugly! But usually we haven't the foresight to know where the next God-stop is on His schedule. Instead of walking in faith and hanging on for the ride, we've been known to step out ahead and try to direct the route.
It's amazing how often we have to be reminded about faith. It's not like riding a bike, once you learn you can always ride. Faith takes a different kind of leap, one that requires that the muscles you use continually be oiled and stretched. So try practicing what I do whenever I find that I am sweating to get through the day, agitated and in turmoil(like last week), pay attention to where God is moving in your life, listen for the signals, watch for the cross roads, making sure you're on the God's route and then participate in the ride!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Communicating to a Different Tune
Boy, I had a tough week, as I struggled to communicate my heart to a friend. It didn't go over so well. However I gained some experience, learned more about my friend and myself and hopefully am moving toward a stronger, healthier relationship for both of us.
The one thing I walked away sure of is; no matter how difficult, we need to work at communicating. Problems don't just go away by themselves. The longer we take to communicate what's in our hearts, the more damaging it will be when the deed is done, because at that point the pent-up steam will be scalding. We all have witnessed marriages that have long since fore gone the work of communicating. Sometimes walls have been erected so tall that they just wont come down.
Yesterday to my surprise our pastor Steven Furtick, from Elevation Church, spoke on this very issue in a new series entitled, Entourage. He talked about the importance of screening those who have direct influence into our lives. He instructed us all to take out our cell phones. Then he said if they were filled with people who had our ear, but were indifferent or not aligned with God's vision for our lives, we needed to get NSYNC and say, Bye, Bye, Bye!!! I love that!
As hard as it is to reestablish new perimeters in long time relationships, I know it is necessary to be able to move into the things God has for our lives. If our relationships are of true quality then each party will have enough humility to bend and flow with the changes. The best part is that each party gets to learn something new about themselves in the process. Communication is the key, otherwise we just dance around the dead dog lying under the rug and we all know how stinky that can be.
The one thing I walked away sure of is; no matter how difficult, we need to work at communicating. Problems don't just go away by themselves. The longer we take to communicate what's in our hearts, the more damaging it will be when the deed is done, because at that point the pent-up steam will be scalding. We all have witnessed marriages that have long since fore gone the work of communicating. Sometimes walls have been erected so tall that they just wont come down.
Yesterday to my surprise our pastor Steven Furtick, from Elevation Church, spoke on this very issue in a new series entitled, Entourage. He talked about the importance of screening those who have direct influence into our lives. He instructed us all to take out our cell phones. Then he said if they were filled with people who had our ear, but were indifferent or not aligned with God's vision for our lives, we needed to get NSYNC and say, Bye, Bye, Bye!!! I love that!
As hard as it is to reestablish new perimeters in long time relationships, I know it is necessary to be able to move into the things God has for our lives. If our relationships are of true quality then each party will have enough humility to bend and flow with the changes. The best part is that each party gets to learn something new about themselves in the process. Communication is the key, otherwise we just dance around the dead dog lying under the rug and we all know how stinky that can be.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Gathering Eggs in High Heels
In the last blog I bragged about my kids and this week as I was lamenting over the very things I had imparted to my children, exhibited right in front of me, I paused for a little reflection. Yes, I do want to see character in my kids that out weighs their obsessive love of clothes and beautifully coiffed locks, but haven't they gotten those very traits from moi?
A sigh of relief escaped my lips when I read the words of Deborah Ford, expert from Girls Raised in the South, as she replayed her childhood memories preparing for church. She mirrored the image of her mother and Grandmother before her, sliding on her child sized kid-leather gloves, (mine had pearl buttons at the wrist), grabbed her purse, perfectly matching her shoes and headed for the door.
My memories suddenly began flooding in as she explained, "With this kind of tradition behind me, it's no wonder that when I roll out of bed in the morning, my mind immediately turns to the closet."
So that's my problem! My poor kids are just pitiful clones of another generations wayward obsession with looking good. Let's blame it on the South! At least, I don't have Deborah's memory of her Grandmother gathering eggs from the chicken coop in her high heels, but I do remember that you can't wear white past Labor Day, you must always write thank you notes and "Yes, ma mm" and "Yes sir" are non-negotiable.
Although the once stringent code has changed and my kids have left most of the aging protocol behind, they still carry with them the residue of being a clotheshorse. They've replaced the cliche white leather gloves with more hair products and the matching purse and shoes for a plethora of shoes. I confess they got that from me, too. However, they are usually courteous and respectful, especially when Aunt Brucie comes to town. I guess I can be thankful for one thing; I'm not gather eggs in my high heels!
A sigh of relief escaped my lips when I read the words of Deborah Ford, expert from Girls Raised in the South, as she replayed her childhood memories preparing for church. She mirrored the image of her mother and Grandmother before her, sliding on her child sized kid-leather gloves, (mine had pearl buttons at the wrist), grabbed her purse, perfectly matching her shoes and headed for the door.
My memories suddenly began flooding in as she explained, "With this kind of tradition behind me, it's no wonder that when I roll out of bed in the morning, my mind immediately turns to the closet."
So that's my problem! My poor kids are just pitiful clones of another generations wayward obsession with looking good. Let's blame it on the South! At least, I don't have Deborah's memory of her Grandmother gathering eggs from the chicken coop in her high heels, but I do remember that you can't wear white past Labor Day, you must always write thank you notes and "Yes, ma mm" and "Yes sir" are non-negotiable.
Although the once stringent code has changed and my kids have left most of the aging protocol behind, they still carry with them the residue of being a clotheshorse. They've replaced the cliche white leather gloves with more hair products and the matching purse and shoes for a plethora of shoes. I confess they got that from me, too. However, they are usually courteous and respectful, especially when Aunt Brucie comes to town. I guess I can be thankful for one thing; I'm not gather eggs in my high heels!
Thursday, July 19, 2007
The Coolest Bunch, Brady or Otherwise
I have the coolest family! You know being the mother of the Brady Bunch gives me that 70's, all is fine in the world, joyful sort of feeling. My brood, although many are still finding their way, is exceptional.
I remember Gabriel's graduation from high school a few years ago, as I stood there on stage trying to get out a few proud words about my son, the tears rolled. I was astonished by what the young man standing there before me had overcome. Despite all of the huge mistakes and failings I'd made as a mother, God's enormous Father's Heart, continued to nurture. All of these Brady's are overcomers.
Josh is into this anti establishment slant now, disgruntled with the world, wanting to see change amidst the apathetic youth. Yet beyond the words, I can see God's hand working to truly make him into a world changer. He jumps into any situation with vision and solutions. He activates change where ever he goes. God is shaping a world changer.
Chloe keeps us all laughing. Her take on life is so dry that you really have to know her to appreciate it. She definitely has a writers voice, so does Gabe. She sees beyond the surface into a dimension others often miss.
Sam, my man, is a Gabe reincarnate. It's amazing to see such a similar distaste for details, such as cleaning his room, a love for his great head of hair and the perfect Zoolander smirk. Heaven help us! Too cute!
Not to forget the Newlyweds. I really miss them, living outside of the city now, as they do. Don't tell them, but I am hoping they decline the job offer up there in Mooresville, even though it would be prudent to take it. They bring so much fun and life to our quirky family. Being the seniors of the kids, it's so nice to have them paving the way and loving the youngsters as they do. We have a blast together. Remember kids, we are scheduling a regular annual week at the beach beginning next summer!
We don't get to see Matthew very much, but somehow still we all revere our Soccer Star, playing for Brown University and the Canadian National Team. He always fits perfectly as another pea in the pod when he's here, just hanging with the guys. We love him. I am so grateful that God so perfectly built this family and for the ones He's chosen still to follow.
Rarely do I get to brag about my kids in print, so I took this opportunity to do so, like God's big boast about His kids when He says,
"I can't keep my mouth shut, I can't hold my tongue, until her righteousness blazes down like the sun and her salvation flames up like a torch...you'll be a stunning crown in the palm of God's hand, a jeweled cup held high in the hand of God. No more will anyone call you rejected, and your country will no more be called ruin. You'll be called my delight..." Isaiah 62:1-
I remember Gabriel's graduation from high school a few years ago, as I stood there on stage trying to get out a few proud words about my son, the tears rolled. I was astonished by what the young man standing there before me had overcome. Despite all of the huge mistakes and failings I'd made as a mother, God's enormous Father's Heart, continued to nurture. All of these Brady's are overcomers.
Josh is into this anti establishment slant now, disgruntled with the world, wanting to see change amidst the apathetic youth. Yet beyond the words, I can see God's hand working to truly make him into a world changer. He jumps into any situation with vision and solutions. He activates change where ever he goes. God is shaping a world changer.
Chloe keeps us all laughing. Her take on life is so dry that you really have to know her to appreciate it. She definitely has a writers voice, so does Gabe. She sees beyond the surface into a dimension others often miss.
Sam, my man, is a Gabe reincarnate. It's amazing to see such a similar distaste for details, such as cleaning his room, a love for his great head of hair and the perfect Zoolander smirk. Heaven help us! Too cute!
Not to forget the Newlyweds. I really miss them, living outside of the city now, as they do. Don't tell them, but I am hoping they decline the job offer up there in Mooresville, even though it would be prudent to take it. They bring so much fun and life to our quirky family. Being the seniors of the kids, it's so nice to have them paving the way and loving the youngsters as they do. We have a blast together. Remember kids, we are scheduling a regular annual week at the beach beginning next summer!
We don't get to see Matthew very much, but somehow still we all revere our Soccer Star, playing for Brown University and the Canadian National Team. He always fits perfectly as another pea in the pod when he's here, just hanging with the guys. We love him. I am so grateful that God so perfectly built this family and for the ones He's chosen still to follow.
Rarely do I get to brag about my kids in print, so I took this opportunity to do so, like God's big boast about His kids when He says,
"I can't keep my mouth shut, I can't hold my tongue, until her righteousness blazes down like the sun and her salvation flames up like a torch...you'll be a stunning crown in the palm of God's hand, a jeweled cup held high in the hand of God. No more will anyone call you rejected, and your country will no more be called ruin. You'll be called my delight..." Isaiah 62:1-
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Getting a Return On His Investment
This week the Lord began another one of those lessons that left me in a quandry, wondering what He was getting at.
I bought a lamp and shade from Target, but decided to returned it and was credited. On another day, I picked out a different lamp and shade and purchased it, however I wasn't happy with it either, so again I went to the customer service counter to make the exchange.
Since I am not a very detailed person, I hadn't noticed that during my original purchase I was only charged for the lamp, while the shade resting a top, was overlooked. However, when I returned it, I was credited for both. Realizing that I had received more than I was entitled, I pondered how to handle the error. Now knowing the very chaotic condition of the customer service department, I opted to forget about it, not attempting to remedy the error.
A few days later I exchanged the lamp and shade again, finally settling on a purchase. This time I realized that I was actually credited less for the shade than I should have been. Yet, knowing the earlier confusion, and the fact that I had been over credited, unfortunately I let it slide. However, I never did really forget about this. It bothered me having received what wasn't mine. I asked the Lord to forgive me for the neglegence on my part, even though I had not intentionally sought my own gain through these transactions.
During the next week I went to Staples to purchase an ink cartride for our printer. I used three, $3.00 coupons that I had received earlier for returning empty cartridges. Wouldn't you know it, when I got home I realized I had carelessly picked out the wrong cartridge (definately not detailed). When I went back on the same day to return it, I was credited the full amount for the cartridge I had purchased, instead of the discounted amount from my coupon reduction.
When I asked whether or not the coupons had been used the second time, the clerk seemed confused and called his manager to find out how to handle this. Knowing that I had used discount coupons the manager still instructed him to credit me the full amount and not the discounted price which I had actually paid. Even though I made an effort to correct this, again I walked away with something that wasn't mine. Why were these exchanges happening, so that I was receiving back what wasn't mine?
Not only has the Lord challenged us for several years to be faithful overseers with our finances (not living in debt), He can make something out of nothing. He can even work things for His purposes, that almost seem ridiculous. He can and will restore all that has been stolen. He can do more than we can think, ask or imagine and He can certainly multiply all that er invest in Him.
The Lord spoke the world into existence. He used A Pharoah, the most powerful man of the time, as a pawn in His plan for Moses to lead His people out of captivity and into the Promised Land. He is certainly able to take whatever small amount we offer Him from our lives to expand it for good. Imagine the multiplication that can take place. God is able to get a much bigger return on His investment than we imagine.
Steven Furtick, my Pastor, of a 2,000 member church, weekly experiencing many people giving their lives to the Lord, 3 services, 2 campus' in less than 2 years says, "The limiting factor in God's ability to use our life is not our ability, but our capacity. We need to enlarge our capacity to receive. Our growth is limited by our capacity, not God's supply!" "God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus." Phil/ 4:19 I know that is true. He took my broken life and restored it to something that is better than I could have ever dreamed. I want all He has to give, to affect all those He gives too, for His glory!
Those store credits weigh heavily on my heart, because I want to be faithful with all the Lord gives me. We are being challenged to continually relinquish all that we hold in our hands. Even when unscrupulous people steal, all things are still His.
Ruth Bell Graham described the darkness we exsist in, apart from Christ, with these words: "Choosing his own path, how could he know Your hand directs where he shall go? Thinking he's free -free at last- unaware that Your hand holds him fast. Waiting in darkness to hide in night, not knowing, with You dark is as light, poor Prodigal! Seeking a "where" from "whence" how does one escape Omnipotence?
I bought a lamp and shade from Target, but decided to returned it and was credited. On another day, I picked out a different lamp and shade and purchased it, however I wasn't happy with it either, so again I went to the customer service counter to make the exchange.
Since I am not a very detailed person, I hadn't noticed that during my original purchase I was only charged for the lamp, while the shade resting a top, was overlooked. However, when I returned it, I was credited for both. Realizing that I had received more than I was entitled, I pondered how to handle the error. Now knowing the very chaotic condition of the customer service department, I opted to forget about it, not attempting to remedy the error.
A few days later I exchanged the lamp and shade again, finally settling on a purchase. This time I realized that I was actually credited less for the shade than I should have been. Yet, knowing the earlier confusion, and the fact that I had been over credited, unfortunately I let it slide. However, I never did really forget about this. It bothered me having received what wasn't mine. I asked the Lord to forgive me for the neglegence on my part, even though I had not intentionally sought my own gain through these transactions.
During the next week I went to Staples to purchase an ink cartride for our printer. I used three, $3.00 coupons that I had received earlier for returning empty cartridges. Wouldn't you know it, when I got home I realized I had carelessly picked out the wrong cartridge (definately not detailed). When I went back on the same day to return it, I was credited the full amount for the cartridge I had purchased, instead of the discounted amount from my coupon reduction.
When I asked whether or not the coupons had been used the second time, the clerk seemed confused and called his manager to find out how to handle this. Knowing that I had used discount coupons the manager still instructed him to credit me the full amount and not the discounted price which I had actually paid. Even though I made an effort to correct this, again I walked away with something that wasn't mine. Why were these exchanges happening, so that I was receiving back what wasn't mine?
Not only has the Lord challenged us for several years to be faithful overseers with our finances (not living in debt), He can make something out of nothing. He can even work things for His purposes, that almost seem ridiculous. He can and will restore all that has been stolen. He can do more than we can think, ask or imagine and He can certainly multiply all that er invest in Him.
The Lord spoke the world into existence. He used A Pharoah, the most powerful man of the time, as a pawn in His plan for Moses to lead His people out of captivity and into the Promised Land. He is certainly able to take whatever small amount we offer Him from our lives to expand it for good. Imagine the multiplication that can take place. God is able to get a much bigger return on His investment than we imagine.
Steven Furtick, my Pastor, of a 2,000 member church, weekly experiencing many people giving their lives to the Lord, 3 services, 2 campus' in less than 2 years says, "The limiting factor in God's ability to use our life is not our ability, but our capacity. We need to enlarge our capacity to receive. Our growth is limited by our capacity, not God's supply!" "God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus." Phil/ 4:19 I know that is true. He took my broken life and restored it to something that is better than I could have ever dreamed. I want all He has to give, to affect all those He gives too, for His glory!
Those store credits weigh heavily on my heart, because I want to be faithful with all the Lord gives me. We are being challenged to continually relinquish all that we hold in our hands. Even when unscrupulous people steal, all things are still His.
Ruth Bell Graham described the darkness we exsist in, apart from Christ, with these words: "Choosing his own path, how could he know Your hand directs where he shall go? Thinking he's free -free at last- unaware that Your hand holds him fast. Waiting in darkness to hide in night, not knowing, with You dark is as light, poor Prodigal! Seeking a "where" from "whence" how does one escape Omnipotence?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Upgraded to First Class
I am a little slow sometimes, but I finally got the complete message the Lord was speaking to me through my LA travel adventure. Here is the update.
When I was flying to Los Angeles to teach a workshop, the Charlotte airport was overrun with scads of stranded people due to bad weather in the North East. After waiting in line for 1 1/4 hours to get up to the ticket counter, I was told I would not be able to make my flight. Suddenly in the midst of this disappointment and inconvenience, my direct flight was shuffled around and I was heading to Philadelphia to catch a flight to LA. Excuse me, but isn't that the wrong direction?
When I arrived in Philadelphia I managed to catch an earlier flight out to LA. As I stood trying to convince the ticket agent that I should get on the earlier flight, suddenly he informed me that he was upgrading my ticket to first class. Then with a tone that implied that he didn't care who got the seat, he said, "Someones going to get the seat, so it might as well be you." Exactly, I heartily agreed. Still breathing heavily from having not recovered from my jaunt through the airport, a sweet sigh of relief escaped my lips.
Does it seem odd that the Lord sometimes takes us totally in the wrong direction to get us to His destination? However, the consolation out weighed the grueling day of travel by miles. I sat utterly content in first class as I was catered to for more than 5 hours in my big comfy leather chair.
When I arrived at the airport in LA for my return flight home, I discovered that my flight had accidentally been deleted. There I stood again in line for another 1 1/2 hours until the ticket agent managed to get me the last seat on my flight. I scurried through the airport to get to my gate, but wouldn't you know it, I was detained at security. All of my belongings were scoured amidst panicked yelling and the command to freeze, as the security guards pursued a possible gunman near-by. Just your average day of travel!
I was almost in tears by the time I got on the plane and discovered that my seat was on the last row (up against the bathroom) window seat. In my estimation that was the worst seat on the plane and now that I had grown accustomed to first class I didn't care for this very much. I had a bad attitude. However, it occured to me that the Lord was speaking through a real life-application lesson, so I chose to humble myself and receive. I didn't want to be detained later when the Holy Spirit searched my character and found me wanting in the area of humility.
The Bible says that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. That means that the only way up is down, and like childbirth having our character shaped into Christ likeness, isn't easy, or convenient, but often messy. Nevertheless, the rewards are immeasurable.
Jesus taught this same lesson to the invited guest at a Pharisee's house when He noticed they were looking for the seat of honor at the table. He relayed His own Parable (nothing to do with an airplane) suggesting the guest take the low seat for themselves, so they wouldn't have to be "demoted".
The Lord loves to give gifts to His children and I believe He took great pleasure upgrading me to first class during my travel fright, but He also takes pleasure when our character is upgraded to first class through humility.
Although my goal is usually to aim for the easiest path, the Lord has an entirely different purpose, let alone route in mind when He intervenes in the affairs of men.
Through this experience I was reminded of some valuable truths. #1. The only way up is down. #2. Humility is a choice. I suggest that we choose to humble ourselves, so that our character can be upgraded to first class, allowing the Lord to exalt us at the proper time.
When I was flying to Los Angeles to teach a workshop, the Charlotte airport was overrun with scads of stranded people due to bad weather in the North East. After waiting in line for 1 1/4 hours to get up to the ticket counter, I was told I would not be able to make my flight. Suddenly in the midst of this disappointment and inconvenience, my direct flight was shuffled around and I was heading to Philadelphia to catch a flight to LA. Excuse me, but isn't that the wrong direction?
When I arrived in Philadelphia I managed to catch an earlier flight out to LA. As I stood trying to convince the ticket agent that I should get on the earlier flight, suddenly he informed me that he was upgrading my ticket to first class. Then with a tone that implied that he didn't care who got the seat, he said, "Someones going to get the seat, so it might as well be you." Exactly, I heartily agreed. Still breathing heavily from having not recovered from my jaunt through the airport, a sweet sigh of relief escaped my lips.
Does it seem odd that the Lord sometimes takes us totally in the wrong direction to get us to His destination? However, the consolation out weighed the grueling day of travel by miles. I sat utterly content in first class as I was catered to for more than 5 hours in my big comfy leather chair.
When I arrived at the airport in LA for my return flight home, I discovered that my flight had accidentally been deleted. There I stood again in line for another 1 1/2 hours until the ticket agent managed to get me the last seat on my flight. I scurried through the airport to get to my gate, but wouldn't you know it, I was detained at security. All of my belongings were scoured amidst panicked yelling and the command to freeze, as the security guards pursued a possible gunman near-by. Just your average day of travel!
I was almost in tears by the time I got on the plane and discovered that my seat was on the last row (up against the bathroom) window seat. In my estimation that was the worst seat on the plane and now that I had grown accustomed to first class I didn't care for this very much. I had a bad attitude. However, it occured to me that the Lord was speaking through a real life-application lesson, so I chose to humble myself and receive. I didn't want to be detained later when the Holy Spirit searched my character and found me wanting in the area of humility.
The Bible says that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. That means that the only way up is down, and like childbirth having our character shaped into Christ likeness, isn't easy, or convenient, but often messy. Nevertheless, the rewards are immeasurable.
Jesus taught this same lesson to the invited guest at a Pharisee's house when He noticed they were looking for the seat of honor at the table. He relayed His own Parable (nothing to do with an airplane) suggesting the guest take the low seat for themselves, so they wouldn't have to be "demoted".
The Lord loves to give gifts to His children and I believe He took great pleasure upgrading me to first class during my travel fright, but He also takes pleasure when our character is upgraded to first class through humility.
Although my goal is usually to aim for the easiest path, the Lord has an entirely different purpose, let alone route in mind when He intervenes in the affairs of men.
Through this experience I was reminded of some valuable truths. #1. The only way up is down. #2. Humility is a choice. I suggest that we choose to humble ourselves, so that our character can be upgraded to first class, allowing the Lord to exalt us at the proper time.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Summer Growth
Summer has kicked off in full speed. My family and I have began a summer incentive campaign. I call it The Great Summer Leap. Each of us have designated specific areas in our lives that we are working to make advancement in. We are also all reading Proverbs this summer for a refresher in wisdom. Instead of letting the summer months flit away without productivity, our aim is forward movement.
This came about as Mark and I developed a workout schedule for Samuel's soccer training goals. Establishing goals for him compelled us to join in the challenge and seek more growth ourselves, although we have certainly been on the accelerated track these last five years when it comes to change and growth.
Some of the areas that I have chosen to advance in are; specific physical health, writing, and reading goals, decorating our office, increasing my workshop schedule, going through Dave Ramsey videos, working to establish a website for our Haitian friend's ministry, preparing to host a home group through our church and more.
Not only do we plan to grow by leaps this summer like adolescents do, we also plan to have loads of fun. I have discovered that fun is an extremely necessary ingredient for my fire/wind personality, so I take the job of scheduling gleeful activities, seriously. If I find myself becoming complacent and somber, I can usually trace it back to the lack of fun and social interaction in my life. Some of us were just made to boogie. How will you grow this summer?
This came about as Mark and I developed a workout schedule for Samuel's soccer training goals. Establishing goals for him compelled us to join in the challenge and seek more growth ourselves, although we have certainly been on the accelerated track these last five years when it comes to change and growth.
Some of the areas that I have chosen to advance in are; specific physical health, writing, and reading goals, decorating our office, increasing my workshop schedule, going through Dave Ramsey videos, working to establish a website for our Haitian friend's ministry, preparing to host a home group through our church and more.
Not only do we plan to grow by leaps this summer like adolescents do, we also plan to have loads of fun. I have discovered that fun is an extremely necessary ingredient for my fire/wind personality, so I take the job of scheduling gleeful activities, seriously. If I find myself becoming complacent and somber, I can usually trace it back to the lack of fun and social interaction in my life. Some of us were just made to boogie. How will you grow this summer?
Saturday, May 26, 2007
To Purpose or Not?
I really should be getting ready to meet a friend this morning, but instead I find myself with the need to write. Some people have the "need for speed", apparenly i feel the need to write.
My oldest son just ate us out of house and home as he stayed with us for a few weeks before relocting to his summer address. Did I mention the boy can eat? Not only can he eat, but similiar to the days of my early twenties, he spends a lot of time doing nothing.
I remember that familiar stare that was on my face when I lacked vision, and the little I had, I didn't know how to use. The Lord is the one that connects us with vision. Lord, bring your vision to this generation, turn their passion into your passion and use it to light up the world.
My oldest son just ate us out of house and home as he stayed with us for a few weeks before relocting to his summer address. Did I mention the boy can eat? Not only can he eat, but similiar to the days of my early twenties, he spends a lot of time doing nothing.
I remember that familiar stare that was on my face when I lacked vision, and the little I had, I didn't know how to use. The Lord is the one that connects us with vision. Lord, bring your vision to this generation, turn their passion into your passion and use it to light up the world.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Disengaging the Drama
Have you ever found yourself caught up in the home shopping network like I have? Mind you I've never actually shopped from it, however when I surf past, I can get draw into the drama.
One time my son Gabe and I sat on the couch with our mouths dangling open as the drool rolled down our chins, simply caught up in the hype. It's a mystery why I'd be drawn to something so mindless and yet I get lured into the theatrics.
Have you ever found yourself caught up in a situation, or relationship that really only feeds a sick need for the theatrical, a diversion from life as usual or simply a dang time waster when you're short on vision?
Over the last several months, I have been challenged with the use of my life, the only one I have. This means instead of continuing to mindlessly ponder the areas of life that I am drooling through, I have been challenged to change them. I don't get the luxury of sitting around anymore thinking, maybe someday I'll find my connection.I have to take responsibility for finding my connection now.
I don't get to feel drained or torn down anymore in a relationships when I have the power to choose what kind of people I want to spend my time with, edifying or depleting. I can't blame my lack of exercise or intake of "bad food" on anything other than myself.
Simply put, I get the option to take responsibility for my life and heed Mary J. Blige's advice for, "No more drama" if I want to. I'm thankful that when I get stuck on pause the Lord kindly resets the play button, because while we're hanging out on pause, time keeps racing by.
One time my son Gabe and I sat on the couch with our mouths dangling open as the drool rolled down our chins, simply caught up in the hype. It's a mystery why I'd be drawn to something so mindless and yet I get lured into the theatrics.
Have you ever found yourself caught up in a situation, or relationship that really only feeds a sick need for the theatrical, a diversion from life as usual or simply a dang time waster when you're short on vision?
Over the last several months, I have been challenged with the use of my life, the only one I have. This means instead of continuing to mindlessly ponder the areas of life that I am drooling through, I have been challenged to change them. I don't get the luxury of sitting around anymore thinking, maybe someday I'll find my connection.I have to take responsibility for finding my connection now.
I don't get to feel drained or torn down anymore in a relationships when I have the power to choose what kind of people I want to spend my time with, edifying or depleting. I can't blame my lack of exercise or intake of "bad food" on anything other than myself.
Simply put, I get the option to take responsibility for my life and heed Mary J. Blige's advice for, "No more drama" if I want to. I'm thankful that when I get stuck on pause the Lord kindly resets the play button, because while we're hanging out on pause, time keeps racing by.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Acceleration and Awe Inspiring Destination
In the last five weeks I have traveled 3 out of the 5. This is new for me. While the previous 4 years were certainly a time of rest, total rewiring and preparation for this time in my life, having now come into a season of much acceleration I am both challenged and inspired by God's masterful planning.
During the 3rd of my travel weeks when I was flying to Los Angeles to teach a workshop, the Charlotte airport was overrun with scads of stranded people due to bad weather in the North East. After waiting in line for 1 1/4 hours to get up to the ticket counter, I was told I would not be able to make my flight. Suddenly in the midst of this disappointment and inconvenience, my direct flight was shuffled around and I was heading to Philadelphia to catch a flight to LA. Excuse me, but isn't that the wrong direction?
Then to my chagrin my return flight inadvertently was deleted requiring my loitering at the ticket counter again upon returning home. In true fashion my eyes began to well-up when I was then detained at security as my belongings were scoured amidst panicked yelling and the command to freeze, as the security guards pursued a possible gunman near-by. Just your average day!I find that my goal is usually to aim for the most direct path, while the Lord has an entirely different purpose, let alone route in mind.
When I arrived in Philadelphia I managed to catch an earlier flight out to LA. As I stood trying to convince the ticket agent that I should get on the earlier flight, suddenly he informed me that he was upgrading my ticket to first class. Then with a tone that implied that he didn't care who got the seat, he said, "Someones going to get the seat, so it might as well be you." Exactly, I heartily agreed. Still breathing heavily from having not recovered from my jaunt through the airport, a sweet sigh of relief escaped my lips.
Suddenly I was spellbound by the fact that the Lord seemed to take me totally in the wrong direction to get me to His destination, while blessing me with more than I could have anticipated. The consolation out weighed the grueling day of travel by miles. I sat utterly content as I was catered to for more than 5 hours. This fiasco reminded me of the agony of childbirth, without the catering. You puff, pant, sweat and swear, but in the end the prize is so far beyond the pain that it leaves you spellbound by the amazing gift that was birthed.
I was further amazed by the indescribable time I had with old friends from my previous days in Hollywood. Then the day of the workshop arrived and I spent quality time with amazing women, but as some retold frightening stories about me from my former life twenty-four years ago, we laughed at God's faithful hand in all of our lives. Even though it seemed that many of us had taken the long route, the Lord had perfectly brought us to His destination in baffling fashion.
The building point of the week ended as I was able to impart the inspiration and awakening that had transpired in my life into women that were ripe and ready to be birthed into new purpose. The struggle of transition and rearranging of flights was nothing compared to the exceeding joy of watching these women contemplate a bigger God than they may have dared to imagine. That's certainly been true for me! Birthing is never convenient, most certainly sloppy, but it's fruits are immeasurable.
During the 3rd of my travel weeks when I was flying to Los Angeles to teach a workshop, the Charlotte airport was overrun with scads of stranded people due to bad weather in the North East. After waiting in line for 1 1/4 hours to get up to the ticket counter, I was told I would not be able to make my flight. Suddenly in the midst of this disappointment and inconvenience, my direct flight was shuffled around and I was heading to Philadelphia to catch a flight to LA. Excuse me, but isn't that the wrong direction?
Then to my chagrin my return flight inadvertently was deleted requiring my loitering at the ticket counter again upon returning home. In true fashion my eyes began to well-up when I was then detained at security as my belongings were scoured amidst panicked yelling and the command to freeze, as the security guards pursued a possible gunman near-by. Just your average day!I find that my goal is usually to aim for the most direct path, while the Lord has an entirely different purpose, let alone route in mind.
When I arrived in Philadelphia I managed to catch an earlier flight out to LA. As I stood trying to convince the ticket agent that I should get on the earlier flight, suddenly he informed me that he was upgrading my ticket to first class. Then with a tone that implied that he didn't care who got the seat, he said, "Someones going to get the seat, so it might as well be you." Exactly, I heartily agreed. Still breathing heavily from having not recovered from my jaunt through the airport, a sweet sigh of relief escaped my lips.
Suddenly I was spellbound by the fact that the Lord seemed to take me totally in the wrong direction to get me to His destination, while blessing me with more than I could have anticipated. The consolation out weighed the grueling day of travel by miles. I sat utterly content as I was catered to for more than 5 hours. This fiasco reminded me of the agony of childbirth, without the catering. You puff, pant, sweat and swear, but in the end the prize is so far beyond the pain that it leaves you spellbound by the amazing gift that was birthed.
I was further amazed by the indescribable time I had with old friends from my previous days in Hollywood. Then the day of the workshop arrived and I spent quality time with amazing women, but as some retold frightening stories about me from my former life twenty-four years ago, we laughed at God's faithful hand in all of our lives. Even though it seemed that many of us had taken the long route, the Lord had perfectly brought us to His destination in baffling fashion.
The building point of the week ended as I was able to impart the inspiration and awakening that had transpired in my life into women that were ripe and ready to be birthed into new purpose. The struggle of transition and rearranging of flights was nothing compared to the exceeding joy of watching these women contemplate a bigger God than they may have dared to imagine. That's certainly been true for me! Birthing is never convenient, most certainly sloppy, but it's fruits are immeasurable.
Monday, April 9, 2007
No Lack of Vision Here
My husband Mark, my four kids and I just returned from a trip to Haiti to help our dear Haitian Pastor/friend Maula Jean Marie and his wife Elda, as they prepare to open a training center at their Youth With A Mission base in Gonaives.
During our stay we found the obvious, a beautiful country with beautiful people littered with poverty and lack of education. We also found life bustling from every corner. In fact the hardest adjustment for me was the constant uninterrupted chatter that vibrated through the streets all day and night. From the roosters crowing at 4 in the morning until long past the time we laid our heads down to sleep there was unconstrained movement and life in the streets.
I realized that aside from some of the luxuries we take for granite in the States like, air conditioning, pavement, our children's right to education, plumbing, clean running water, employment, the safety in traffic laws, and a governing body that is generally for the people, we also have the luxury of peace and quiet when we want it. We just close our doors and isolate ourselves in our own worlds and enjoy the solitude. That is a luxury we are accustomed to that isn't even missed in Haiti, but that's not what surprised me the most.
Since I teach workshops to help people discover their mission and purpose in life, I know that one of the effects of not having vision in life is unemployment, homelessness, the misery of being ill placed for one's particular gifts and missing one's calling, or even worse, death, yet I wondered how this translated in a 3rd world country. I was some what surprised when seventeen year old Casimir, Maula's son, engaged me in conversation one evening. I found out that what's true in America remains true in 3rd world countries, because as the Bible teaches, "Where there is no vision people perish." Proverbs 29:18
After Casimir inquisitively inquired, I briefly shared about my workshops assuming that because his English was limited he wouldn't understand. Boy, was I wrong. He continued to probe me with questions on how he could be sure to walk in God's purpose for his life. Here I was in a country where the lack of opportunities meant that most people stood on the street peddling their particular wares everywhere you looked and yet this young man knew he had a passion to become a doctor and an eye doctor at that. Maula and Elda have imparted great truth and value into their children, causing them to reach beyond their circumstances to reach with God.
After I learned about Casimir's vision for his life I encouraged him to guard it like a fragile seed that God would water and cause to mature. This stirring conversation led to being invited to speak to the youth in Maula's group,The King's Kids and prayerfully imparting seeds of vision and destiny into their lives.
The next morning I felt led to ask Casimir to pray for the headache, oddly enough behind my eye, that I had struggled with for several days and when he did it disappeared. As God was faithful to use Casimir I now encourage him to step out in faith and pray for the sick when ever he has an opportunity as he begins on the road into his purpose and calling.
During this time in Haiti although God did many wonderful things in all of our lives, what transpired for me personally was far from what I had imagined. I had no idea that I would go to another country to receive further specific confirmation for what I feel called to, or that I would witness first hand God's intention for all of mankind, poor or otherwise to get a hold of His vision for their life and like Casimir to become a solution to a problem that exists in the world. My eyes were truly opened to God's heart in new ways.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Living On Purpose
Have you ever stopped to think that the places in our lives where we are stuck are a result of the way we think? Romans 12:2 says, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." MSG
Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as a man thinks, so he is." So to loosen our feet and get to a new destination in life we can't use the same thinking that got us to where we are.
None of us would purposely choose to live carelessly, but isn't that what we do when we aren't intentional about our lives? Radical changes emerge when we take responsibilty for the only life we have, raising our vision beyond the daily tasks. Choosing to live on purpose can assure us that we are headed toward a destination like an well-aimed arrow. Gregory S. Clapper said, "It's not what we do for a living; it is what we do with our living." Isn't that what we are accountable for? If we want to give God a return on what He has invested into our lives, we have to learn to live intentionally.
Proverbs 23:7 says, "For as a man thinks, so he is." So to loosen our feet and get to a new destination in life we can't use the same thinking that got us to where we are.
None of us would purposely choose to live carelessly, but isn't that what we do when we aren't intentional about our lives? Radical changes emerge when we take responsibilty for the only life we have, raising our vision beyond the daily tasks. Choosing to live on purpose can assure us that we are headed toward a destination like an well-aimed arrow. Gregory S. Clapper said, "It's not what we do for a living; it is what we do with our living." Isn't that what we are accountable for? If we want to give God a return on what He has invested into our lives, we have to learn to live intentionally.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Are you a flicker or a flame?
We each carry a flame that we either feed or let die out. Has God risen up in your life like Mary Magdalene who couldn't contain herself when the Lord appeared to her. She joyfully ran out to tell others the good news, "He's risen!"Contrarily some of our lives, become so routine and passionless, that we wearily go through the motions of our daily activities forgetting the power available to us through Jesus' resurrected life? Is your testimony, more like a miserymony!
In Isaiah 30:21 we are told, "You will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the path, walk in it'." And in Psalm 16:11 David extols the Lord saying, "You will make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy." Joy is a fruit of the spirit that keeps our flame alive. If we neglect to listen to the Lord's leading in our lives, we have wondered away from the path that leads to life and joy. That could be the first clue to why we may have a heavy spirit.
When I find myself trudging through life as a whimpering, gasping flicker without a breeze fanning my embers and no wind beneath my wings, it's time for deliberate measures. That's when I make the heavenly 911 call for a little CPR that breaths life back into the dry places and leads me onto the path of joy and a passion filled heart.
How do I do that? First, I evaluate whether or not I've gotten caught up being a Martha and need to spend some time on my knees becoming a Mary. Secondly, I evaluate if I have given room in my life for my natural heart led bent, the things that intrinsically flow from my life, releasing joy.
Thirdly, I give myself a joy assignment. I sprinkle throughout my calendar fun; be it a walk in the park, an ice cream cone in February, a lunch with a windy friend, a much needed date with my husband, service to the needy, or smell-good-flowers on my table. These are just little things that stir my heart to joy and counter any stuffy pretensions that might be tripping me up.
I believe there is nothing more foul smelling to the Lord than when we religiously withhold ourselves from life and suffer along. Sometimes we need to stand back and get a bigger picture. Are we more productive, leading a life of excellence when we are depressed, oppressed and squeezed into a tight rigid box or when we are joy filled and giggly? I know my energy is boundless when my joy is released.
It is in the Lord's presence that we get permission to be who we were designed to be. We get to be who God says we are as we listen to His voice saying, 'this is the way walk in the path I have made for you. Not your neighbor's path, not your parent's path, but your own path.'
The Lord wants our lives to reflect His glory. Every good and perfect gift is from above, so why would we withhold His goodness, keeping it at arms length, when it is available to us now? We bring a lot more to the world when our hearts are aflame; walking in the fruit of the spirit, joy! If you truly want to be happy, no one can stop you.
We each carry a flame that we either feed or let die out. Has God risen up in your life like Mary Magdalene who couldn't contain herself when the Lord appeared to her. She joyfully ran out to tell others the good news, "He's risen!"Contrarily some of our lives, become so routine and passionless, that we wearily go through the motions of our daily activities forgetting the power available to us through Jesus' resurrected life? Is your testimony, more like a miserymony!
In Isaiah 30:21 we are told, "You will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the path, walk in it'." And in Psalm 16:11 David extols the Lord saying, "You will make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy." Joy is a fruit of the spirit that keeps our flame alive. If we neglect to listen to the Lord's leading in our lives, we have wondered away from the path that leads to life and joy. That could be the first clue to why we may have a heavy spirit.
When I find myself trudging through life as a whimpering, gasping flicker without a breeze fanning my embers and no wind beneath my wings, it's time for deliberate measures. That's when I make the heavenly 911 call for a little CPR that breaths life back into the dry places and leads me onto the path of joy and a passion filled heart.
How do I do that? First, I evaluate whether or not I've gotten caught up being a Martha and need to spend some time on my knees becoming a Mary. Secondly, I evaluate if I have given room in my life for my natural heart led bent, the things that intrinsically flow from my life, releasing joy.
Thirdly, I give myself a joy assignment. I sprinkle throughout my calendar fun; be it a walk in the park, an ice cream cone in February, a lunch with a windy friend, a much needed date with my husband, service to the needy, or smell-good-flowers on my table. These are just little things that stir my heart to joy and counter any stuffy pretensions that might be tripping me up.
I believe there is nothing more foul smelling to the Lord than when we religiously withhold ourselves from life and suffer along. Sometimes we need to stand back and get a bigger picture. Are we more productive, leading a life of excellence when we are depressed, oppressed and squeezed into a tight rigid box or when we are joy filled and giggly? I know my energy is boundless when my joy is released.
It is in the Lord's presence that we get permission to be who we were designed to be. We get to be who God says we are as we listen to His voice saying, 'this is the way walk in the path I have made for you. Not your neighbor's path, not your parent's path, but your own path.'
The Lord wants our lives to reflect His glory. Every good and perfect gift is from above, so why would we withhold His goodness, keeping it at arms length, when it is available to us now? We bring a lot more to the world when our hearts are aflame; walking in the fruit of the spirit, joy! If you truly want to be happy, no one can stop you.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Silent Voices
I recently had the privilege of watching a video presentation of Bono speaking about the Justice Campaign and his vision to eradicate poverty in the world. He made some pointed and accurate assessments I believe. He said throughout history the church has always been behind the curve. In every era we have initially shunned the lepers. Our current day battle of course is poverty and Aids. It isn't difficult to see that much of the church has judged those with aids and closed our eyes to those in poverty. Jesus cared for the lepers. Christ put the poor at the head of the table while many of us have put them out of our minds.
Have you noticed the Lord has always sent prophetic voices that are outside of our comfort zones. They don't fit the picture we have in mind for God's spoke person. John the Baptist was a radical locus eating, fur wearing enigma. Think about Jeremiah, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King and many others. Could it be the reason is that a well dressed man in a Pinstripe suit would hardly make us take notice. He would be more likely to be mowed down. However, the more obtrusive, unpolished vessels he often chooses are more like a splash of cold water in the face to jar us from our lackadaisical slumber.
We need to be awaken from our apathy and look for ways to make a difference. Lord, forgive us for our hardheartedness. Break our hearts with the things that break your heart and then cause us to take action!
Have you noticed the Lord has always sent prophetic voices that are outside of our comfort zones. They don't fit the picture we have in mind for God's spoke person. John the Baptist was a radical locus eating, fur wearing enigma. Think about Jeremiah, Joan of Arc, Martin Luther King and many others. Could it be the reason is that a well dressed man in a Pinstripe suit would hardly make us take notice. He would be more likely to be mowed down. However, the more obtrusive, unpolished vessels he often chooses are more like a splash of cold water in the face to jar us from our lackadaisical slumber.
We need to be awaken from our apathy and look for ways to make a difference. Lord, forgive us for our hardheartedness. Break our hearts with the things that break your heart and then cause us to take action!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Joy
Lord, come with your smile to meet me. I need it like I need the sun. You are always the smooth I need, in habitation with the rough. In your presence is fullness of joy, so that is the place I want to roam-get out of the stagnant stiff air. It's amazing how joy is the first thing to go when I'm making it on my own. It's amazing how the giggle in my heart won't play. I don't want to be trapped with the adults. I want to run where the children run. Where You joy to meet us and spray paint the walls with Your love. I'm so glad that you are at the helm running things. I don't have to depend on myself. I know your saying, "Kimber, please don't make that mistake." Your grace is sufficient for me. Help me drink it in today, drink in joy, joy, joy. I am so grateful that the Creator takes joy in me today. Joy like a boomerang comes flying back when I send it out to speak. Joy comes flying home when I release it's dance into my girlhood feet.
Done, Canceled, Forgiven
I woke up at 2:00am wrestling with my mistakes. Let’s just call it what it is, sin. The instrument of my punishment was not the consequences of my sin, because when remitted the lashes cease. The infliction jeering me was no other than the town- know- it- all, the neighbor on the corner peering through her smoky lenses, face pressed to my window with her finger pointed.
There’s no way to win with that kind of measuring stick. It’s just stacked against you from the get- go. I’ve been measured against it one too many times. I ran out to meet her with my hands flailing; I raised His scarred hands as if to say, “Look!” Suddenly the penalty wouldn’t stick. That old whipping post of a measuring stick was meaningless. He’d washed it all away. He hosed me down, bore my sin.
My confession never met His turned eyes or the “talk to the hand” grimace. I was given a grace refund. My account was cleared. He persuaded me with His love that nothing could separate us. I broke that measuring stick with those lines now red, too tall to measure. I jumped up and down in sweet release. He’s not a mortician carrying out my withered body; He’s my life giver, my solitary hope, my friend in blue jeans
There’s no way to win with that kind of measuring stick. It’s just stacked against you from the get- go. I’ve been measured against it one too many times. I ran out to meet her with my hands flailing; I raised His scarred hands as if to say, “Look!” Suddenly the penalty wouldn’t stick. That old whipping post of a measuring stick was meaningless. He’d washed it all away. He hosed me down, bore my sin.
My confession never met His turned eyes or the “talk to the hand” grimace. I was given a grace refund. My account was cleared. He persuaded me with His love that nothing could separate us. I broke that measuring stick with those lines now red, too tall to measure. I jumped up and down in sweet release. He’s not a mortician carrying out my withered body; He’s my life giver, my solitary hope, my friend in blue jeans
. 
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Got My Running Shoes On
OK, I finally did it! I quit putting off blogging. Of course my daughter had to walk me through the land mines. I've been told for quite a while that I needed to be blogging, being that I am a smitten writer. However, the leap was more intimidating than I expected. What intelligent thing do I have to say, right now on the spot? Sorry, not much. "There were good days, there were bad days..."
Today I felt pleasure as I set up the location of my Path workshop and continued to find others who are hungry for inspiration. Isn't everybody climbing out of their boxes and looking up these days? I was actually pushed out, but some of us are slow learners. I had no choice. The box was turned upside down. I could have laid there in my shock and stupor contemplating the view, but fortunately with a little wisdom I got up to avoid being stomped on as others sped by. The good news is that eventually, like a swift slap in the face I began to get back on the play ground. When you're splattered on the sidewalk you really find that there is only One whose love and patience is stellar enough to hang in there with you. Oh, how glad I am that I don't have to face the hard days alone on the cold cement.
Today I felt pleasure as I set up the location of my Path workshop and continued to find others who are hungry for inspiration. Isn't everybody climbing out of their boxes and looking up these days? I was actually pushed out, but some of us are slow learners. I had no choice. The box was turned upside down. I could have laid there in my shock and stupor contemplating the view, but fortunately with a little wisdom I got up to avoid being stomped on as others sped by. The good news is that eventually, like a swift slap in the face I began to get back on the play ground. When you're splattered on the sidewalk you really find that there is only One whose love and patience is stellar enough to hang in there with you. Oh, how glad I am that I don't have to face the hard days alone on the cold cement.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
