Dance Comes From The Heart

My husband recently bought me Heather Clark's book Dance As the Spirit Moves.  (Review to come, I hope!) As I began reading it tonight, I took a break and did a quick search for some of her dance pieces.  What I found was not what I expected, but it brought the tears to my eyes and inspired me in a new way.  Get some tissues handy and watch this beautiful video of Heather Clark dancing with Valerie Nunziante, a young girl with spina bifida.  Truly God does make a way for his children!




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Prying Off The Monster

Perfectionism.  One simple brush and it latches on like a weed, making your path all the more difficult to travel.  If I'm seeking the Lord first, and His glory, shouldn't He be making each of my steps beautiful, each turn graceful, each word from my pen or stroke from my brush burst with creative flair?  Maybe I'm not cut out for this "arty" stuff.  


WRONG!

In Him we live, and move, and have our being.  (Acts 17: 28)


The enemy knows how powerful God is, and what we are capable of when we submit to His leadership in our lives.  He also knows just what tactics we as humans are most susceptible to, and employs them at just the right times when our confidence in approaching the Lord is wavering.  Namely, when we are stepping outside of our comfort zone in order to offer a sacrifice of praise.  There is almost always an element of doubt during times where we are doing something we are unfamiliar with, or when it comes to doing it within the public's eye.  Why?  I think it's because we are on the path to experiencing a breakthrough of God's anointing in our lives (and as a result, into the lives of others), and that goes against the enemy's plans to steal, kill, and destroy us.  So, there's struggle- warfare, if you will.  The doubt comes bubbling to the surface, and we start feeling like we aren't good enough.

I don't know about you, but it makes me MAD when I think about this kind of bondage God's people are under, and I want to do everything I can to pry off the monster and restore freedom to the body, to worship Christ unashamedly, with all that He's given me.

God may put a desire in your heart and give you complete and total ability in that area instantly.  There are times when it is necessary for this to be the case, for whatever reason, and God knows what is best.  Then there are other cases (which I believe are far more likely), when His gifting will come to us gradually, as we pursue Him and give Him our efforts, our time,...you name it.   It is a growing into Him.

Each of us should strive toward excellence, but not in the way that requires a flawless routine, word sequence or color scheme.   If you don't remember anything else from this post, remember this one thing:  Our excellence is already complete through Jesus and the sacrifice that He made for us.   All we need to do is keep Him at the center of all that we do, and gradually, He will refine us and make us the instruments of His glory that He sees fit.

Let us then approach the throne with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4: 16


Don't underestimate the spiritual battle that goes on each time we make the decision of when and how we will make ourselves available to the Lord.  Take every thought captive, and meditate on the truth of who we are instead of making yourself a target for the enemy's attacks.  When you feel them coming on, as the popular slogan goes, "Just Say NO!"  Tell that nasty devil you won't be listening to his lies anymore and shake him off in Jesus name.  Even my 3 year old daughter will tell you, "When you say Jesus' name, the devil runs and hides like a little tiny cat" (ok, so she got a bit mixed up with the "scaredy-cat" thing, but you get the point!)

As Christmas quickly approaches, it is the perfect opportunity to focus on the great gift that Jesus truly is.  His name alone is power!  Call on Him and know that He will answer.  Our willingness to come to Him is excellent to Him, and He will bless it, for sure.

One more thing..I have a special guest post from Barbie in store for you this Friday, so be sure to grab a warm beverage and stop back.  I promise, it's good!

What Defines You?

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When I began this blog almost one year ago (wow!), its primary purpose served as an outlet for my bottled up emotions.  Over time, it has worn many hats- and has evolved into a richer, more defined "place" as I've discovered which ones were the best fit.  

Likewise, in my personal life, the road to where I am now has been full of colorful new experiences.  Opportunities to learn, grow, embrace, create, and become part of something bigger than myself have been overwhelming!  Not everything I have tried to do has gone smoothly from the beginning, but as I've moved along, I've chosen to let the Lord shows me which things are worth working toward.  This leads me to the point I'd like to share with you today:

When it comes to serving Christ, there are many, many titles one may go by.  Homemaker.  Bread-winner.  Parent.  Spouse.  Worshipper.  These are just a few of the words which give a glimpse into the hearts of His servants.  They're undeniable.  Still...each one of us are full of creative potential which is just waiting to overflow into all aspects of our lives as we submit to God's leading.  

If I were to ask you what you "do", what would your response be?  I'll admit..my typical response would be, "I'm a stay-at-home-mom", or something like that.  Yes, this is an enormous task (and blessing), but does sharing something as basic as this really allow God's creativity in you to shine though?  

I want to know that you love Jesus, and your family, for sure.  But...what I really want to do is to talk about your passions!  What are your gifts?  How do you use what you've been given to bring glory to God, and to be drawn deeper into his presence?  What kind of fruit is being produced as you carefully tend to the seeds He's placed in your heart?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

John 15: 5-8

Do you like to write?  Then you're a writer.  Dance?  You're a dancer.  Paint?  Well, you get the idea.  It's OK to claim these gifts, and it doesn't even matter if you don't think you're any good at them or not.  If the desire is in your heart, then the ability is right there with it, just waiting to be put to good use!  Just as being a child of the King (our true identity) is a growing process, so is developing our creativity in serving Christ.  It takes patience and diligence to gain skill at something, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it's sure to be an exciting and enjoyable journey!

One more thing..Don't be afraid to experiment with new ways to worship and honor the Lord creatively, and continue to be open to the Lord's leading as you do so.  The true desires of our heart come from Him alone..and only He can take them and allow them to grow and multiply into something bigger and more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. 

Hope Has Come

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Today's post is compliments of my friend Kelly, of Domestic By Design.  I am honored to have the privilege of sharing her inspired words with you at Dance And Be Glad!  Prepare to be blessed!  Oh, and it's a blog swap!  You can read the post I wrote for her blog today by clicking here.   

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As we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Lord, I see it as no accident that the Lord has been weaving the theme of hope and adoration in my heart over the past few months.  Just in time to celebrate the One who is Hope!

It might sound silly, but I didn’t really understand what adoration was until just recently.    Yet this year, through a few painful events, He has helped me understand what it is, and that my adoration has been misplaced.  And that my Hope therefore, had yet to really take root in the True source of Hope.

I absolutely love how adoration is described by Bob Hartley in his Adoration Prayer Book.  Here is a man who shares my warm affection for Mr. Webster (though I don’t think his definition is from the 1828 dictionary that I’m so fond of)  J.  He begins his definition of adoration with Webster’s own definition:

1.     To honor and admire profoundly and respectfully, implying love and stressing the notion of a personal attachment. 

2.     To worship or honor as a deity or as divine.

3.     To show devoted deferential honor to; regard as worthy of great honor.

4.     Synonyms: revere, reverence, venerate, worship.

He goes on to explain that adoration is not about asking things of the Lord, but giving all of our affections--all of our heart to Him.  Treasuring Him more than gold or silver (SOS 1:2, Phil 3:8).  “To appreciate and value Him for who He is and to give Him the love He is due in all areas and seasons of life.  

To adore is to give Him honor and receive His love….to focus on Him appropriately with faith in Who He is….to see that He is more than enough, and that every obstacle and challenge of life is an opportunity for an encounter with Him…”

Honestly, I was blown away and humbled by what I read.  As I began seeking to have more focused times of simply adoring God, I began seeing and understanding Who He is in a whole new way.  That is what’s so humbling.  As I truly understand Who He Is (all the time—fixed and unchanging), my adoration of Him grows.

Words in Scripture that I have read hundreds, maybe thousands of times have leapt off the page.  The cry of my heart for the past many months has been that He would take me deeper.  And He is, but it’s not been easy.  As I’ve seen Who He Is by the help of the Spirit, I’ve been challenged by my own unbelief.  My sin has revealed the depths of my unbelief and I have been in a real battle to overcome it as I seek to pursue Him.  Especially because my tendency is to sink into despair over how miserably I’ve failed.  But here's the kicker:

As I adore Him, I am slowly beginning to see and know Him Who Is Hope.  

My words have failed me as I’ve sought to put it into writing. I have known that He is our Hope--that our hope should be in Him, since I came to know him 15 years ago.  But somehow, He is helping me to see that this infinite God, who is closer than I understand, is Hope for me in a whole new, deeper, moving way.  And it is slowly (very slowly) starting to penetrate down to the deepest fibers of my being. 

And it’s affecting everything.  I am tasting life!

So as I begin to see and believe Who He Is (adoration), see my unbelief and sin, He is showing me that He is Hope.  “Do not despair over your sin!  Yes, confess and repent, but don’t sink into despair—Hope in Me!  Look at Who I am, how I can help you, who I am for you… at what I’ve done for you.”

I stand in adoration (which is still feeble) at our Lord Jesus Christ.  I am small.  I am weak.  I am wretched.  But He came to this earth, died as a ransom for me, and rose again that we might have life through Him.  All for the Father’s delight.  And now, the Father delights in me…in you who call Him Savior.

Truly, hope has come.

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My favorite Christmas CD is Sovereign Grace Ministries “Savior.” The songs are laced with Scripture, truth about Who Jesus Is, and hope.  I love music, and I always listen to the words in a song the very first time I hear it.  One of the best songs of rejoicing on the CD is called, “Hope Has Come,” which was the inspiration for what is on my heart today. 

Hope Has Come

Let us join with the angel voices

Let us join their happy song

All of heaven and earth rejoices

For the Lamb of God has come

He has come to rescue sinners

Come to meet our desperate need

He was born to bring forgiveness

Born for Calvary

Chorus—

Alleluia, Hope has come

Alleluia, Christ has come

We once were slaves in misery

Till You appeared and set us free

Alleluia, Hope has come

Let us lay our gifts before Him

Let us magnify His Name

With our thankful hearts adore Him

For the Lord has come to save

He has come to break sin’s power

He has come to set us free

Hope was born that glorious hour

Christ the mighty King

Chorus

About Kelly:

Kelly and her husband, Blane have two children and are praying for more.  She adores her husband, seeks to delight in her children, and regularly cries out for help in her roles out of a desire to please the Lord and to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.  Kelly regularly writes at Domestic By Design on all things domestic, but particularly loves sharing what's stirring in her heart.  

What to do about pain?

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Pain is a natural result of affliction.  Some afflictions, like a yucky cold or an argument with a close friend for example, create just enough discomfort to cause you to reflect on how much better you felt beforehand.  This, in my opinion, is a necessary element in building up our thankfulness banks.  


Not often do most of us sit down and just thank God for feeling "fine".  But when we are feeling a bit down, I bet I'm not alone in thinking to myself, "Man, I wish I felt like yesterday.  I wish I were more thankful for how good I did feel yesterday." And though you may now be thinking of being thankful regardless of your present circumstance, as you begin to feel better, your thankfulness "deposit" is much weightier than it would have been otherwise.  I believe that this type of pain can actually be worthwhile and pleasing to the Lord in it's ability to draw us nearer to him.  It also can help us to reevaluate whether a dispute was really worth the cost and put things into a healthier perspective.  


Before I continue, I want to make clear that I am definitely not saying I understand the cause of all pain and suffering.  I have (and continue to) experience it, and have grown because of it, but there is suffering so deep and real in this world such that I could not even imagine.  Just thinking about the suffering that some people are accustomed to is enough to stir up the pain/ need in me to do something to help.         


That being said, I do not believe that pain needs to be (or should be) an ever-present factor in our daily lives.  I will go out on a limb here and say that even in cases of extreme loss or physical distress that it is possible to find freedom from our pain and experience true healing.  Sometimes it may just be enough time for us to catch our breath and renew our strength but it is enough to keep us going.  It may be a matter of time or faith or prayer or numerous other things for our pain to heal but trust that it is God's desire for you to be well.  I encourage you to read James 1 for more direction on this.  Verses 2-4 say this: 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  

If you can believe that God's will is for you to be well (emotionally, physically or spiritually), then you can come before him with faith.  You can lay down any blame or guilt you may be feeling and ask for forgiveness and know that it is yours.  When these things happen healing will follow.  Thank him for it, even if you don't "feel" it, or feel like doing it.  


Thank Him for what He is doing and what He will do. 


His love for you is so great and so real.  


Read his word and be encouraged! 


This post taken from my archives, as I continue to reflect on the Lord and where he wants me to go from here!

Sometimes Life Is Hard..

...and I don't know how to carry on.  Thankfully I serve a God who meets me where I am and helps me back onto my feet when I fall.  His word is what I need, when I need it.  It keeps me focused on where I'm going, not where I've been.  I invite you to approach the Lord with me this evening, handing over all your troubles, and rejoicing in His goodness while reading the following passage:

Psalm 71

God the Rock of Salvation

 ¹ In You, O LORD, I put my trust;
         Let me never be put to shame.
 ² Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape;
         Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
 ³ Be my strong refuge,
         To which I may resort continually;
         You have given the commandment to save me,
         For You are my rock and my fortress.
       
 ⁴ Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,
         Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
 ⁵ For You are my hope, O Lord GOD;
         You are my trust from my youth.
 ⁶ By You I have been upheld from birth;
         You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb.
         My praise shall be continually of You.
       
 ⁷ I have become as a wonder to many,
         But You are my strong refuge.
 ⁸ Let my mouth be filled with Your praise
         And with Your glory all the day.
       
 ⁹ Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
         Do not forsake me when my strength fails.
 ¹⁰ For my enemies speak against me;
         And those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together,
 ¹¹ Saying, “God has forsaken him;
         Pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.”
       
 ¹² O God, do not be far from me;
         O my God, make haste to help me!
 ¹³ Let them be confounded and consumed
         Who are adversaries of my life;
         Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor
         Who seek my hurt.
       
 ¹⁴ But I will hope continually,
         And will praise You yet more and more.
 ¹⁵ My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
         And Your salvation all the day,
         For I do not know their limits.
 ¹⁶ I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD;
         I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
       
 ¹⁷ O God, You have taught me from my youth;
         And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.
 ¹⁸ Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
         O God, do not forsake me,
         Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
         Your power to everyone who is to come.
       
 ¹⁹ Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high,
         You who have done great things;
         O God, who is like You?
 ²⁰ You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
         Shall revive me again,
         And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
 ²¹ You shall increase my greatness,
         And comfort me on every side.
       
 ²² Also with the lute I will praise You—
         And Your faithfulness, O my God!
         To You I will sing with the harp,
         O Holy One of Israel.
 ²³ My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You,
         And my soul, which You have redeemed.
 ²⁴ My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long;
         For they are confounded,
         For they are brought to shame
         Who seek my hurt.

Thank you God for your word!!

Quieting An Overactive Mind

 

I have a simple message from the heart to share with you today.  So often lately, while going through the motions of being there for those who need me most, my mind has been preoccupied.  It seems there are always so many things to do, (or avoid doing), and things that needed planned for and organized.  As a result, these things swirl around inside my head, creating tension and stress that prevent me from truly embracing my God given role in life.  

As I was watching my children play yesterday, thinking of the next list I needed to write out, I heard the Lord simply say, "Quiet."  That was the only word I needed to hear.  I knew He meant for me to quiet my mind of all the "noise" that was interfering with really truly enjoying my life and being the woman I need to be.  Can you be still for just one moment and ask yourself, "Could the Lord be speaking this word into my spirit as well?"

I'd like to encourage you today to fill and renew your mind with The Word rather than with to-do lists and the like.  Sure, ideas and inspiration can strike anytime/ anywhere.  When this happens, get a little notebook, write it down, and forget it until the appropriate time.  Our precious loved ones desperately need and deserve our undivided love and attention.  

So today I challenge you: Make it a point to snuggle a little closer.  Get more involved.  Listen more intently, and love more deeply.  It feels so much better, and it's the right thing to do, too.  

A Sunday Meditation For You, From Faith Imagined

This morning I felt led to share with you a beautifully moving article, written by the oh-so talented Alisa of Faith Imagined.  I encourage you to read it today and glean from her Holy Spirit inspired perspective on the return of our King.

Here is a snippit to peak your interest:
I imagine myself as a frail, old woman. It is dusk, and I'm walking outside amongst strangers along the street. I have nothing left of value. My money has been passed along to my kids and God's service. My youth and beauty have died long ago. My body is broken, and my five senses have faded. My mind is forgetful, and I can't keep a schedule. I can barely muster the energy to complete the daily tasks of living. I live each day longing for my Love's return.

I hear a scream, and see people running away in fear. I look to the heavens just in time to see the star sprinkled night sky rip in half. The black drape ripples like a blanket and falls on either side of the earth. All around me is the absence of darkness. I could have never comprehended such light. 


Click here to continue.

God's blessings to you, and have a wonderful extended weekend, everyone!

Pondering Grace

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Ever since I became aware that God loved me, despite my horrible sinful nature, I just blindly supposed being thankful for it was enough.  So the days and years have gone by, and occasionally with them has come the rearing head of my dark and ugly past, despite my best attempts to tackle it once and for all.  

Each time someone's actions have left me frustrated, confused, hurt, ticked off, and sometimes reaching for my sanity, I have missed opportunities to offer the grace that God has so freely offered to me: an ex drug- addicted, God-mocking harlot.  Yes, God still loved me and cared for me through my darkest times, though I couldn't have deserved it less.  Despite the fact that I was breaking his heart.  And he has called me to do the same for others.  

..Freely ye have received, freely give.  Matthew 10:8 KJV

I know that the more "on my face" time I get with the Big Dad himself, the better equipped I am to serve Him.  I've definitely been lacking in this area and realize how seriously I need to make it a priority again.  The other day the Lord led me to these verses which really helped to enlighten me- though I have yet to truly take them to heart and make them my own.

2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:    

I've also been listening to some lyrics of a few favorite songs which inspire the truth about God's grace:

"Waves of mercy, waves of grace, everywhere I look, I see Your face!  You're love has captured me; Oh my God this love, how can it be?" (Every Move I Make- David Ruis)

"We are his portion and we are his prize, drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes- If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking.." (John Mark McMillan- How He Loves)


I so want to be in God's will.  To quote a dear friend, "To see one another the way Christ sees us."  He really does love us.  Even when we are absolutely despicable creatures.  And the more I think about it, the more I realize just how often that really is..even still.  Thank God for the grace he sees for each one of us.  Now, I guess it's our turn.  God...help us!!


What helps you see others the way Christ sees them during difficult times?

A Vision Of Love

Do you ever struggle with bitterness or frustration with others?  This has been an ongoing battle in my own heart as I have dealt with feelings of being wronged, or when I've simply not appreciated the seemingly selfish (and occasionally destructive) antics of others.  Even though I've heard it said, "Love your neighbor as yourself",..."Love conquers all",...and other such verses tons of times, I really think that  it takes a special nudge from the Lord Himself for us to experience what these words actually mean.  How is anybody supposed to follow a doctrine of love that they can't understand?  Sure, it makes sense in our minds, but that sense doesn't just automatically resonate in our spirits like we may wish it would.  Need proof?  Just look at all the so-called "Christians" out there with whom you could carry on any number of conversations at length without hearing the name of Christ mentioned, having prayer offered, or even casually offering up words such as love, faith, hope, or forgiveness.  May I take a moment to admit here that sadly, I have all too often been one of these people?  

I have felt the love of Christ for me, and it has changed my life.  But I honestly never really and truly felt much of a deep sense of his love for everyone else.  Well, maybe for my family, or for sweet little babies or orphaned children.  I've even been known to reach out to others on occasion to share the love of Christ with those in need.   But what about the people whose bad decisions and attitudes personally affect me and my life..have I felt my love for them soaring high above the "challenging" situations they bring to my life?  Not so much.  

Well, let me tell you that when I was laying in bed the other evening, I rose up past this earthly place and into the realm of the Heavenlies.  Was I dreaming?  Maybe.  Yet, as I looked around at the clean, pure surroundings and up as high as I could see, surrounded by a flowing white linen which felt to me like the garment of Christ, I was absolutely smitten in love- even for the people I try in my own strength not to loathe.  In fact, especially for them.   I looked down, where I knew the world was waiting for me to return, and in that moment, I knew that the answer to all the problems I have faced in regards to my dealings with others was right there.  In that one moment where I was so close to the Lord that I actually had a taste of His awesome love for all of mankind, I realized that my pettiness was the only thing that was holding me back. 

I can't say that things have been perfect since, but I will say that dreaming or not, that feeling of all encompassing love was real and has not left my mind or my heart even for one day.  I wish I would have more dreams like this, as I could definitely use some spiritual boosts without having to find the time to make them happen!!  I plan on asking for Him to come and lavish his love for mankind on me more and more, whether it be when I am sleeping or awake.  Ask, and it will be given you, the bible says in Matthew 7:7.  I can't wait to see how God will use me as I grow in this way.  

How has God shown you His awesome love for others and made it real in your life?

When NOT To Honor Our Word

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I have always appreciated and tried to adhere to this simple and straightforward verse from Matthew 5 verse 37:

Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Even before I was a christian, my biggest peeve was when others would not do what they said they were going to do.  All these years later, I am still irked by the thoughtless behavior of others in this regard.  The only difference is that now, the Lord speaks forgiveness into my heart, where before, I would often get angry and reap bitterness in my spirit as a result.

As I've grown in my faith, I've come to a deeper understanding as to why it is so important to be one who honors their word.  I want to be considered someone who is reliable, and be able to instill the importance of this into my children.  Even if I've made plans with someone and something "better" comes along..or if I've promised to give someone a call and things are busier than I'd like them to be.  We are to be imitators of Christ, and there was never a more rock solid, stick to your word kinda guy in all of history.   

This leads me to my main point:  Occasionally, it may be necessary to break your word with someone.  In cases beyond our control, such as sickness or emergencies, this is completely understandable and no apologies are necessary.  However, what if we commit to something unbiblical, physically dangerous, or even put our children's well being at risk with our faulty judgement?  Perhaps we didn't think about all the possible scenarios before speaking out, or we may have found out some information after the fact that troubles us and causes us to regret the decision we have made.  I will admit that I am guilty just as much as the next person here.  I recently was involved in an unpleasant situation which led me to the following verse. I know that if I would have remembered to let this verse reign in my heart before allowing my mind and mouth to speak out, I could have spared myself a lot of uncomfortable moments, stress, and relationship strain as well.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  James 1:19-20

Unfortunately, we don't always live out the word the way we know we should.  There are often consequences for our actions as a result.  We need not follow through with plans and commitments we've spoken in error, those which could cause us to sin or put the lives of those we love in jeopardy.  However, we should apologize for not making the right decision to start with, which caused us to have to break our word.  Being slow to speak has a lot to do with thinking things through before offering a response.  And words spoken in anger can cause irrefutable damage as well.  

I know that I have a few apologies that need to be made due to some recent poor decisions on my part.  I hope that the people that I have hurt will be able to find it in their hearts to forgive me.  Thankfully, I know that regardless of what they say, I am forgiven by my father in heaven, and he redeems me in spite of my imperfections.  That's a thought I won't hesitate in speaking out!!  

Choosing To Love

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I love to cuddle a calm and happy kiddo, help to fix up a boo boo, or solve a problem when I get to see instant results .  I also enjoy spending quality time with my husband when things between us are sweet as pie.  It's easy for me to act in love during times like these; when my natural response is to do what feels good and comes easy.  

A few days ago I came face to face with a lovely framed and matted display of 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, and though I've seen the verse many times over, it really struck a cord in my heart.

More often than I'd care to admit, the love I give others is conditional; dependent upon their attitude, obedience, performance, truthfulness, or numerous other factors.  When love becomes a choice, I often fail at the task. 

Recently my husband and I have been going through some very rough places in our relationship.  Negative emotions have been soaring high, and affection has been the last thing on my mind.  However, we are commanded as christians to love.  To love our husbands, to love our neighbor, to love our children, and most importantly, to love the Lord our God.  Whether we feel they deserve it or not.  Even if we don't feel we have the love to give.  If God is in us, it is possible.  I am still trying to work out the details, but I can tell you that if God commanded us to do it, he has already equipped us for the job.  

I tend to be a stubborn, strong-willed woman.  I don't like to "give in" when I feel I'm being taken advantage of.  Yet, I've found that if I continue to "hold out" on love until I feel someone is deserving, things continue to get worse and worse, and harder to correct than ever.  

It may hurt, it may take everything in our weary heart to love, but we have to trust God and choose to do it anyway. 

And if it makes you feel any better, know that I'm right there with you...

Rest Easy

I love being the child of a God who desires to have a relationship with us.  His words are like music to my ears.  The visions he give bring new hope to the weary places in my heart.  Recently my motherly responsibilities were getting the best of me while struggling with allergies, garden maintenance, and more.  The Lord brought a picture to my mind of me, in perfect rest, enjoying my new baby shortly after laboring and childbirth.  As I thought of how this related to my present circumstances, God gave me the answer I was looking for:

The same rest that was available to me then is available to me now.  It does not matter if I have just birthed a baby or folded a load of laundry while teaching math and starting dinner.  Freely He gives, and freely we can receive His awesome promises according to His word! 


Come to me,all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 
Matthew 11:28


I think that giving birth is such a spiritual experience, and often one where we are quick to turn to the Lord for help!  Therefore, it's natural that his rest would be upon us as we convene with our beautiful babies for the first time.  It seems like over time, the newness of our togetherness wears off, and the "work" our dear children bring can sometimes take center stage.  I just want to share the beginning part of that verse in Matthew with you one more time:


Come to me.. 


Let's admit to God and to ourselves that we just aren't cut out for this business of motherhood by ourselves.  We try, and we fail.  Again and again.  
This isn't because we can't handle our "lot in life".  It's because we are trying too hard to handle something that we should be handing over instead!  The days that I decide to let God use me rather than asking God to let me use him  are always the best days I have with my children.  


God says this: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Cor. 12:9


I'm ready for God's power to strengthen my role as a mother, and I'm excited for the renewal he will bring to our relationships with one another as I rest in Him.  I hear a babe cryin' now..guess that means it's time to start!  

Finding Joy In The Little Things

Yes, those are a few adventurous little garden gnomes, and that oversized one is my husband enjoying a photo op with them.  Hey, did I ever say we were a prim and proper bunch?!  In keeping with traditional Sesame Street style: (Why?  Just because I'm in the mood I suppose..) This moment was brought to you by the letter "J", and by Phillipians chapter 4 verse 8.  

Today the "J" we're talking about is JOY!  It's everywhere, as Shawn clearly demonstrates, and sometimes we simply have to look for it!  Just think, if he would have been looking straight ahead...well, I shudder to think what could have happened to our cheerful little friends.  Anyway, the point is that there's simply no limit to the goodness of God that is waiting to be beheld in our lives, regardless of our present circumstances, available time, or mood!   

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Phil. 4:8

Look up, look around, keep your ears and heart open , and ask God to reveal himself to you in all kinds of silly and subtle ways throughout your day.  Little doses of this joy go a long way!  Check out the words to the hymn All Things Bright And Beautiful to get a jumpstart to finding joy in everyday moments.  

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Gen. 1:31

I have dishes to do this morning, but not as many as I had last night.  I can listen to the sweet sounds of little feet patting around while I work, or I can be brave and summon them for help.  It may be cold and rainy outside, but fluffy socks and a few candle flames flickering about always warm a spot inside of me.   And just think of the time it's saving me from watering my plants.  Tea anyone?