Monitoring the Overflow of the Heart

As I sit down in my desk chair (finally!) to finish this post...I pray this finds you well, and full of Joy this Christmas!

So-

We've all done it...had a lingering thought about it. You know, that fantasy where the you run into the person person who has wronged you (looking your best- also kids are perfectly behaving) and you have just the right thing to say to make them feel as small as possible. Or worse, you get the opportunity to actually take the shot and proceed.

Ewww. Then it hits you (ah hum, me). Well, then they hit me, rather. "They" being the many thing coming out of my heart in this scenario of uglies.

First, and most striking, is... ouch, yuck and how did that get there?! What is coming out of my heart Lord!  As I realize, dear friend, that my thoughts... and especially my words are not just random floaties with no undercurrent riding on the Diet Coke of life.  James 2 anyone?

In fact, Jesus tells us, "For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" in Luke 6:45b. 
So if my mouth says something nasty...there is nasty in my heart?  Seriously that simple?!  That's what He said, and He is ever-correct.

So then, could it be that old saying, "I didn't mean it!" sometimes really means "I didn't want that to come out that way!"; or "Oh my, I've obviously got unresolved messiness in the heart!"; and maybe most important, "I need to reach to my God, Healer and Provider... and did I say fast?!"

Instead of living condemned by our untimely, hurtful words, let's allow those little uglies be the very things that drive us into our hearts- and into the One who leads us to forgiveness, peace and cleanliness of the heart. Not an excuse for sin, a replacement for repentance, but a means of heart level, course-correction.

You know, the overflow of the heart can be one of the most beautiful pictures of heaven on earth, where earnest forgiveness, blessing, and encouragement all flow.  Where we commune together, bearing with one another...I think we have all been on the receiving end of such love at least once.

LIFE in Christmas Pt. 2: What's the Point?

In these busy days filled with shopping, cooking, eating the cooking, parties (not to mention regular work days and/or managing our homes and families) I have to ask the question…why?  Why the running, the excessive sweets and full calendars?  Seriously, as basic as it sounds… sometimes it is to basics we must return.

I have to remind myself, not to mention my little one, about the famed baby, the ‘reason for the season’.  The God incarnate, Jesus Christ, came, fully God, fully man, to live among humanity in perfection on this Christmas Day!  Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel has come to the Oh Israel!  (you know the song)  This is our Christ, whom we profess as Lord, if we know Him, destined to die on a cross as a payment for all sins, for all man kind, to be raised from the dead, and conquer death once and for all!

Whew!  Praise this King of Kings!  Can you picture the scene of our God in a manger? Can you imagine what Mary and Joseph must have been thinking?  I must wonder what angelic music must have resounded… as they rejoiced in seeing God’s deliverance take human flesh.

SO THEN fellow Christmas Fighter, how do we carry this glory message with us in the Christmas season?  We must remain intentional, or we will surely drown in the ocean of holiday demands.

Here are some tips I hope and pray will help us all (myself included!):

• Turn off the TV and Read through Luke chapter 2 as a family.  Oh my word, good stuff people.  Bring on the tissues.
• Take a little time and money to give to a charity as a family and share together about God’s love.  For example, this year, Alice and I made a box for Operation Christmas Child for a girl her age.  It was such fun and she really got to connect with giving…so precious.
• Bake a batch of Christmas cookies for that neighbor who drives you nuts, and talk through forgiveness and God’s love together. (Luke 6)
• Have your kids act out different characters from the Christmas story…Mary, shepherds, wise men…etc.  Maybe you can even get your husband to be your choice of barn animal :) ?
• Clean out old toys as a family and donate them to families in need, praying over the toys as you go and the children who will be blessed by them!
• Try giving each of your children a couple of dollars in quarters and allowing them to give to various holiday collections they choose, and then take time talk about it as a family.  Ex: How did that make you feel?  How do you think that blessed God’s heart?
• Check out this poem to go along with a piece M&M candy…share it together over a bag one night!
  
  Tell the poem as you hold these candies in your hand and as you turn them, you will see the M becomes a W, an E and a 3.
  
  
  

M&M Nativity

      By Pam Ridenour (I think, correct me if I'm wrong)

They tell the Christmas story,
it's one I'm sure you know,
It took place in a stable,
a long, long time ago.

The E is for the East where the star shines so bright.

The M is for the Manger
where baby Jesus slept that night.

The 3 is for the wise men bearing gifts,
with haste they came.

W is for Worship, angels sang praise to His name.

So as you eat these candies
or share them with a friend,
Remember the true spirit of Christmas
and never let it end!

LIFE in Christmas Pt. 1: Holiday Nourishment for our Spirits

NO! No, no, no! Or the ever-popular, drawn out with tears nnnnnnooooo! All too regular responses from our precious 2-year-old, Alice. What about in your house? Isn’t it interesting how easy our little ones can say “No,” and how difficult it can be for us big people?

It can come from many places, friend. For some of us, the adults in our lives modeled burn-out, and we feel intense pressure to follow suit…maybe even from them. For others, we struggle with jealousy and comparison, and are plagued with fighting to keep up with some “super-woman” perception…You know her... the one can do it all, in heels, without a single bead of sweat on her brow. (She doesn't exist, btw) For many of us, there may just be a lot of things we enjoy, find pleasure doing, so we have a hard time using the word, “No,” in a sentence.

Among one of the many things I love about my Jesus is His intense, intimate relationship with His Father…Our very same Father. He was all about the Father’s business. Check out John 4:34, “…My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” Wow. His very nourishment! I am so struck by that, are you? Take a moment and breathe that truth in, dear ones!

So, if we are called to imitate Christ (1 Corin. 11:1), and if Jesus is telling us the truth about Himself, then we get to be nourished just by doing the will of God by finishing His work?! That’s what He said, so I’d like to believe so.

What in the world does this have to do with the Holidays?

Glad you asked. As a participant of various dress-up eateries, keeper of the cheek book and shopper of the Christmas gifts, (did I mention regular life demands?) we have a unique opportunity to be nourished this Christmas season. That’s right, nourished. Not drained, strained and spit out only to recover sometime mid-January…nourished.

If we imitate Our Savior (you know, the one who came in mere humanity at Christmas, fully God, the One who all this is for anyhow), as Paul tells us, and live as Jesus lived…being in the Father’s will, finishing His work…we will receive His very nourishment.

So we pray. In all occasions, in the Spirit, through the power of the Spirit (the very One who raised our Lord, available to you and me!), as we plan our budget, our schedules, while at Target, at Sam’s, at Aldi (just to name a few of my hot spots). Lord, help us with our calendars! Help us know where to spend, and where to say, “No”. Show us where to volunteer with Your joy. Show us where we are over-committing out of performance for others and pleasing man and are out of Your will!

Holy Spirit, Show us if there is any Holiday offense in us, and lead us to the way everlasting!            (Ps. 139:24)

Friends, if we are about the Father’s business, there will be nourishment. I have to believe we will not overspend, we will not be over-tired! I have seen Him provide miracle sales, open up time where gatherings looked impossible when I stop and listen for that still, small voice. (I've also seem my self worn to a nub when I hear Him say "No" and proceed anyhow. Are you like me?)

Let’s pray for each other...and joyfully expect miracles and refreshment, because we are about the Father's business this Holiday season.

God Permanence

Have you ever played peek-a-boo with a baby? Oh my word, the pure amazement and joy that washes over a little baby-face when yours magically "appears" from behind closed hands...it's like instant happy time for both baby and adult alike. Having a rough day?  Peek-a-boo.  Need a lift?  Peek-a-boo.  I think you get it.

If I played, however, peek-a-book with hubby Wes, hopefully I would not get the same response.  He would probably look at me like I was loosing my sanity.

What's the difference?

We know Wes is an adult, and a baby is...well...immature.  But specifically, we are dealing with a term deemed "object permanence" defined as the 'understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched.' (wikianswers.com)

Peek-a-boo is such wild entertainment because baby does not understand "object permanence"...when your face is hidden behind closed hands, baby believes, and thinks to be absolutely true, that your face is gone forever.

We of course, know better.

What about the Permanence of God? I heard a quick radio spot by author Larry Crabb recently that has stuck with me.  His father was in the hospital, longing, reaching out to God for His presence from the hospital bed...Crabb's father said something stunning.  (I paraphrase here) "I am thankful God gave me the opportunity to trust Him at His word, regardless of His presence." Wow.

I say again...
He was thankful that God gave him the opportunity to trust Him at His word...regardless of His presence.

Do we trust Him at His word, regardless of our feelings and circumstances? That He is working out ALL things for the good of those that love Him (Rm 8:28), even when we feel left out of the blessing and life is in disarray?

Or are we like the baby, and truly believe that if God isn't showing up, He has decided to check out, leave, be gone.

Friends, He is with You and I until the end of the age!  He is our ever-present help in times of trouble!  An adult not understanding "object permanence", walking around with a bottle in hand should be as dis-heartening as a mature Christian not understanding "God Permanence".

"Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity..." Hebrews 6:1.  Check out Psalm 139:7-12 under this week's passage...wow.

How would our lives be different, how would our day be different even, dear ones?  Thank God today, this moment, that He is the Permanent One.



Special thanks to the Stewarts for bringing up this concept...next stop...baby thug life...lol!

Lip Service to our Lord

Ugh, isn't it easy to say we are Christians on Sunday morning, when the birds are chirping and sky is blue?  When when the cash money is flowing in excess (ha) and children are magically calling you "Mummy" (suddenly in a charming British accent btw) and honoring you in front of the grocery clerk?

Also, what is this Mom "high" that I get all about?  Sick, it is such pride people!  Lord, Help me!  I can get such a rush from a TOTAL stranger complimenting my child...like it's not just a 50/50 chance they didn't catch us in, what I like to call a "learning moment".  Are you like me?

I am sitting here in Luke 6:46, and Jesus asks a question that brings the heat this morning..."Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?"  Which brings me to the all famous and widely quoted James 2:26b, "faith without deeds is dead."  Oh I pray we see this with new eyes today friends.

It occurs to me this morning, that all the time spent in communion with God, church going, bible study, community groups we can actually be...dead?  If we claim to call Jesus our "Lord" and don't do what He says, our faith is well...dead, dear ones.

There is true DEATH in worry, financial mis-trust of God, sin, criticism of the body of Christ...etc!  These are REAL things that plague our lives, our families, our marriages and the church!  If we call Him "Lord" we must live what Kay Aurthur calls the "rest of faith": living out of every, single Word, big and small, that comes out of the mouth of God!  That means to walk in FULL belief that he will "supply all of your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus" Phil 4:19, and not allow emotions and ungodly choices to rule us when supply is low and demand is high.

Or what about what Jesus says in John 12:27, "Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid!" We get that awesome freedom, friends!  We do not have to live in fear if we know Him!  He is in control, now walk in your freedom! (whew, I needed to hear that)

How many of us live in lip service to our Lord?  Check out this definition of lip service," Verbal expression of agreement or allegiance, unsupported by real conviction or action."  (answers.com) We say we He is our Lord, yet many of live in fear, regret, jealousy and bitterness.  No wonder the church is loosing impact.  We have the King beckoning us, yet we go own way... and wonder where the change is.

We must do the "deed" of believing Him at every Word, otherwise we will surely seem as dead as those who really are.

It's the Sick who need a Doctor!

It has been one serious cold and flu season at the Thorpe house.  Alice has been fighting various forms of runny noses, fevers...and last night got her very first stomach bug.  Oh my y'all it is the most pitiful thing I have ever witnessed.  Those big eyes looking at me like "What on earth is that Momma! Help, What's happening to me!"   Bless her heart.

Side note: as I write, there is this bird that keeps flying into the window, people. Have you ever seen that before?!  Poor guy slash gross slash funny.  Anyhow...

As I was holding her and rocking her (oops, not so good on the tummy, I quickly discovered as I cleaned up another mess...no more rocking) I was asking my loving God to heal her precious tummy ache and restore her to health.  I heard Matthew 9:12 in my spirit, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."  And so to Matthew 9 I went this morning.

Now, many responses may strike you (as the did me).  Isn't that obvious, Jesus?  What are you getting at?  He goes on, "But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice.  For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Do you realize that if you are spiritually sick, you are specifically called?  I mean, He uses the word "call" as in, you, me...my name, your name. 

Jesus did not come to save and redeem the well, dear friends, He came for people like me and you!  It is when you are the SICKEST that He reaches out to heal and "doctor" you; to rock you and soothe you; to call you into His kingdom because of His perfect love.

Are you stuck in a spiritual "sickness"?  Is depression, jealousy, worry for the future, bitterness, sin...etc making you ill?  It can and oh, it will.  Call the Doctor, the Great One.  Press in to the redeeming, trustworthy person of Jesus Christ.  He walked this walk: fully God and fully man.  He cannot only empathize with you in His humanity, but can heal you and change you because of His deity.

Dear friends, if you are worried, choose to trust Him, He is Worthy and He is Able.  If you are jealous, ask for a revelation of what He has given YOU and in all things...be thankful. Call to Him, for He hears you.  Live in expectancy, looking for Him to show up in your sickness.  He is really good at it...believe me, I know this all too well!

Blessing the Guilty?

I sat down at my table Monday morning, stunned as I held my iPhone in my hands.  It was stolen right under my nose when we were traveling a couple of weeks ago at a Starbucks.  (I knew my coffee addiction would get me someday!)

I left my phone on the coffee bar as I reached to grab an iced Americano for Wes from the barrista behind me.  I grabbed our drinks, quickly ran out, and within minutes realized it was missing.

Almost instantly, I had a "peace" in my spirit that it was gone.  I was moderately angry with our Thief, and supa dupa frustrated with me.  OK, Lord, I trust you. We spent the rest of the day talking to managers, cancelling service...consumed with the Event.

We left San Francisco a few days later, one iPhone lighter.  Now, I could go on and on about "I realized how much I didn't need it; or go on and on about how dependent I am on technology"...but I am just sure you already thought that, or have heard it before.

The interesting thing is a couple nights after we got home, I couldn't sleep and I found myself praying "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit and had a well of grace grow inside for my dear Thief. 

"I forgive this child of yours Lord.  Lord, would you bless the person who stole?  Would your conviction would rest on them so heavy that they return the phone for their own good?"
What was that?
For their good?  Not getting caught in sin causes the heart to harden.
But what about me and my iPhone and justice?

Luke 6:28, "bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"

Romans 12:19, "Do not take revenge, my dear friends...It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”

says the Lord."

This so goes against what I feel, but OK, once again, I trust you Jesus.  I can't claim to know you and NOT trust you at your Holy Word, believing, and living out of every word that comes out Your mouth.

And so I bless.  "For their own good, Lord, that he or she would not steal any longer, but they would see something on my phone...a bible verse, a song, my blog, that would usher them into your kingdom!  Yes, Lord, bring a miracle to a thief I pray. That this would be the day he or she says, 'No more!'"

The next day Alice and I are at the park and my "loaner" phone (which is driving me CRAZY btw) rings. 

It's Wes. 

The manager from Starbucks in San Fransisco called him, "You won't believe this, someone ran in and quickly returned an iPhone to us this morning...this was the last number that was dialed.  Can you describe the phone to me?  Thanks.  I'll get it in the mail to you."

Seriously?!  God did you change another heart?  I know He changed mine.  Suddenly I found myself rejoicing just as much for our miracle-UNthief as I was for my returned iPhone!

Maybe I'm dreaming, but I pray I get to meet this person in heaven and we can talk about what went down in those 5 quiet days between the Event and the return. 

Where Do I FIT Part 4

Make sure to read Part 3 when you get a moment, as I am posting these back to back...

Our final piece of FIT comes with a bit of surprise to me.  As I prayed I just kept getting the word- Transparency.  Really?  OK, God, you're in charge, this is your idea, let's dig in.

Fist off, let's amuse ourselves with what transparency is NOT.  It is not (although I am guilty!) a free excuse to say whatever is on the brain or whatever I feel at the expense of tearing down, hurting, embarrassing or harassing another... and then using the phrase "Well, it's true!" to justify.  The Word tells us in fact "Love is not...boastful or proud or rude" 1 Corin. 13:5 NLT.

Transparency is also NOT airing out all of my dirty laundry to everyone, everywhere (guilty yet again!).

It is actually wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent.

In fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:6, "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.”

We can be truth tellers and be bold share our history… and yet walk in extreme discretion with whom we share ourselves with.

So, why transparency and what in the world is it really?

Let me share this insightful definition: “A transparent object, especially a photographic slide, is one that is viewed by light shining through it from behind or by projection.”

Something that is transparent allows specifically light to pass though.  I am sure you know where this is going.  By being transparent we can allow the light of Christ to shine though our very lives!

Suddenly, that abuse we may have endured; the bully we put up with and prayed for; the test (scholastic or situational) we failed…through the light of Christ can become the very thing that helps complete the puzzle around us!

The people God has put around you need YOU, with your experiences and even your shortcomings!  Testify to those in your life about what God has done, and what He has brought you through.  Bring hope to your neighbors and friends by allowing light of Jesus to pour through the dark times of your life.

Tell of what He has done in wisdom and love...no one else has your story.

Your story helps make the puzzle whole.

Where do I FIT part 3

Excuse the delay...we have been out of town for 10 days!  Miss y'all!

Where Do I FIT Part 3

I am writing this on my iPhone while on a plane traveling to San Francisco. As thrilled as I am with my personal pocket genius (thanks to a generous friend who gave it to me!) it is not the greatest for typing (fir ecample thus is unedititrd)

Moving on... We are over the great state of Kansas at the moment, Alice, our 2 year old, is in a trance watching a Praise Baby video... (also my husband is in a trance playing ping pong on his iPhone-who knew?)

Great time for mommy blog time.

As I'm sure you're on the edge of your desk chair... I bring you part 3 of our series on "Where Do I FIT?"

If I am called to "put off falsehood" (see part 2) then how in the world do I actually find out who I am?

This brings us to the "I" in our acronym. We find out who we are, and thus, where we fit only in a constant and intimate relationship with the very One who created us. Don't miss this...the term "intimacy" is so used in church these days we can so easily over look it.  Isn't that funny how that happens? 

If we are to ever "find ourselves" we must press into this intimacy, a deep relationship with God. He knows our personalities, talents, desires and potential... He is the ingenious master mind of you.

He is the one who can show you- you, thus I find me by seeking Him.

Beware of false prophets! Many out there tell us to "find ourselves" by traveling the world twice, chanting and humming, love relationships...etc. Dear ones, this is why we must know the Word-it is clear!

 

Psalm 103:14 says “for He knows how we are formed"

WOW.
Psalm 139:1 “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.”

CLEAR and SIMPLE.

1 Corinthians 8:2-3 “The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.”

THANK YOU GOD.

 

Other believers, mentors, parents, spiritual tools are wonderful helps but it is really through intimacy with Christ and through His word we find ourselves.

You may be in a loving encouraging home, but when you get to school or the workplace and can’t bear to be “you”. Or you may be in a very broken home and being who God made you to be isn’t very welcome.

I don’t know, but I know the pressure is somewhere for each of us, because our enemy is prowling and if he can get you to become someone not you, you will not have the influence God intended for you.  You will not complete the puzzle.

Dear Friends, let me encourage you, you CAN, through intimacy with Jesus not only find out who you are, but the Holy Spirit can enable to help you walk that out! We are not left alone- Praise God!

Where Do I FIT Part 2

After no further adieu (is anyone else surprised that word is spelled "a-d-i-e-u by the way?  Maybe it's just me, I have never been the best speller...yes, Mom... you can laugh!) I bring you Part 2 of FIT.

I woke up in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago with the acronym FIT on the brain or "in my spirit" if you will...knowing that God wanted to show me something for each letter.  I started asking God...what are you saying, what is this illusive acronym and why are you having me use this anyways?!  I really don't want a gimmick...I want YOU God, I want you to speak.

He did.  He took me to Ephesians 4:25 where He tells us through the apostle Paul, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

Whoa, I knew the "F" was "falsehood". Strange maybe, but we must get the revelation, dear ones!  We are called to put off the parts of us that are false to find where we FIT!  When we are restlessly layering ourselves in performance, aiming to be someone we are not, we are walking in falsehood, and not speaking truth to our neighbor!

Friends, have you ever thought of lying and/or truth-telling this way?   Finding where we belong or fit in this world, be it your school, family, work place, even church begins with being YOU.

You see, the world tells us that to fit in, we must be LIKE everyone else...  But in the bible, God's holy and everlasting word, oh there is hope for us still!  God tells us that in order to fit in, we must be uniquely us, the only one who He created us to be! The pressure is off!  We already fit in...to His plan, His tapestry, no performance or pretending necessary!

Did you ever work on puzzles growing up...I mean the ones with actual corner, edge and middle pieces that make a complete picture when finished?  I have never been very successful with things such as these, as I cannot sit still and concentrate for long.  (Excellent trait for being a superb multi-tasker, not so good for puzzles and knitting.)

Anyhow think of each puzzle piece; everyone is different.  Even puzzles constructed by the same manufacturing mold have different pictures applied... each piece has a unique shape, placement, color and pattern.

What would happen if one tiny piece of a 1000 piece puzzle lost it's edge? How much more unique are you than a mass produced, glossed, cut section of cardboard? 

Now, consider how your Creator, your Father in heaven, designed you to fit in to the world around you.  He fit you in to be unique, but also to make His picture more beautiful...more complete. What impact.

Lord help us put off falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbor!  Holy Spirit how us areas where we are not being authentic to the world around us!  Thank you that you designed us to fit specifically in the place you have us at this very moment.  We worship you God by being truly us today.  In Jesus's name, Amen.

Where Do I FIT? Part 1

I am sharing a message with some of the youth girls at our church tonight and thought I would share this with y'all as well...'cause don't we call want to belong, to fit in somewhere?  By the way...if you answer a tough grudged "no"... is it possible that you may have shut down part of your heart?  I know I have in the past. Allow God to search your heart in this area.

Sometimes the longing to fit in becomes too much, it hurts when we aren't accepted and we turn aside from that ache and become hardened.  Or, we make ourselves someone we aren't just to fit in.  Suddenly we are making compromises we never imagined and acting like someone who used to drive us nuts.

This is not just true of a teen generation!  This is not an age thing, a personality thing, a "trendiness" thing...

this is a heart thing.

Outgoing, introverted, funny, beautiful or plain, there is a longing in ALL of our hearts that yearns to know we belong...somewhere, to SomeOne.  Some of us, unfortunately and painfully, find belonging in detrimental groups and activities like drugs, alcohol, gossip groups and promiscuity.

But for most of us we fill our need by jumping head first into a cause we may believe in, we get really involved with church, our kids schools, we become the one who ALWAYS makes the best grades, we are renown as the most beautiful...etc.  You may be asking...well what in the world is wrong with that? 

I'm so glad you asked!  If that sacred activity of teaching Sunday school was stolen by one who could teach better than you...how would you respond?  Has where you fit become WHO you are?  Are you allowing your station in life a place in your heart that only belongs to our Lord?

Does this mean we become hermits, stop being with people and serving others?  No way...on the contrary!  When we are allowing God to meet our belonging-longing, we become more free!  We are free to serve, work and love others, knowing if we aren't recieved it won't ruin us.

There is a deep longing in all of us that wants to fit somewhere, and I believe it can only be met by the Savior of our Souls, the only One who really knows us...Jesus Christ.  He is the only One who can 1. fill the longing to belong; and 2. show us where we fit into His plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

So, this is part 1 of 4 postings on the question...Where Do I FIT?  Come back for more!

Lord, Help us!  Forgive us for continually allowing our longing for YOU to be met by other people and activities.  Holy Spirit enable us to meet with our God moment by moment so we aren't pulled away by unworthy substitutes.  Thank you that we fit into your plan and your kingdom perfectly oh God...just how you made us!

God richly bless you today my dear friends...love all of you and thank you for reading!!!!!!

Confusing Personality and Culture with Character

Recently Wes and I were on a drive through the serious back roads of Arkansas.  I ran into a seemingly frightening gas station to grab a few essentials and as I walked out, the gal behind the counter said, "See ya lata sweetheart, thank y'all for stoppin' by!"

We were not in Ohio anymore.

I went to college in Mississippi where, known or unknown by the greeter at Ajax diner, you were likely welcomed with a big smile, called some sort of affectionate name like: sweetheart (#1 choice), dahlin, shuga (my favorite), or honey.  And if you had ever in your life met this greeter before, a hug was sure to follow...oh and everyone "just loves you to death!"

When I moved to Kansas City from Oxford, MS...I was SURE no one liked me.  No one called me shuga, hugged me upon arrival at church or professed their love to me (even though we just met).  It hurt, I didn't understand.

It was in worship one day, in the midst of loneliness that God began to speak to me in my heart.  Do not confuse culture and personality with character!  Ah, thank you Lord.

What is the gauge of a friend?  Is it friendliness and activity, which can be personality or culture?  Or is it integrity, which takes a lifetime of yielding to God's will and Word?

Not long after that, I began to see the precious people around me for who they really were...regardless of how outgoing, how they received me, or how I was treated.  I believe that day God gave me just a small glimpse into how to see people how HE sees them, through the eyes of love.  Let me say, I am still a work in progress.

A person is not a better friend because they are friendly.  Outgoing. Introspective. Loud. Quiet. These have to do with how our Creator made us...not with our character.

Let's reach past the uncomfort of not being "similar" to someone or "received" by someone and look into character.  Let's look for whatever is true, noble, whatever can be admired in the lives around us!

Phil. 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Welcome!

Welcome to all who have ended up here...

I have felt it on my heart for about 6 months to begin blogging about things that God speaks to me through life, His word, the Holy Spirit...etc.

I come to you with absolutely no blogging knowledge (hence the standard page with no frills or personalization to speak of), no formal bible training or fancy seminary degrees; many mistakes and lots of apprehension about putting myself "out there". (still with me?!)

I am just a young (can I still say that at 29?) woman, wife, friend, daughter and mother who loves God and loves people.  I am SO thankful that He is not done with me yet... I long to know Jesus more and be led by Him daily!

He is my Good Shepherd...and He is yours too.

I hope that you find encouragement... and most of all, that whatever God has put on my heart causes you to fall into more of a deeper relationship with Jesus.  Thank you in advance for the grace where I may miss it, your responses and for reading.

Col. 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Responding to the Shepherd

 John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

 

There are many things I can choose (there are, of course, the overwhelmingly obvious things I cannot choose!)  I choose the temperature of my house due to the wonders of central heat and air; my hair color, thanks to my stylist and the magic of Aveda; what my 2 year old wears (for now!); my specialized Starbucks beverage of choice; even my friends and circle of influence...etc.
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But really on my mind today is the fact that God actually allows me to choose Him or rather "respond" to Him in the midst of the situations He allows in my life.  Over and over.  Again and again, through the joys, heartache and pain life brings I hear my Shepherd whisper, "Choose Me, I am trust, I am goodness!  My Ways are higher than your ways, allow me to lead you into My perfect peace..."

Wes and I are reading and processing through the book "Shepherding A Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp right now, and he coins the term "Godward orientation"... which I love.   You see, as parents, we can provide just the "perfect" home for our children, and never address the way they orient their hearts.  Danger.

Each of us is either choosing, in the triumphs and trials of this human life grid, to respond to God...or not. We either orient our hearts to the Good Shepard in our circumstances; or we choose to turn the other direction.  

There is no neutral ground, I'm convinced. 

What our Wise Shepherd allows into our lives to strengthen us in deep places, may end in deep rooted bitterness.   

Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you...I will strengthen you and help you..."

      

The gifts He may lavish on us meant to spill over into humble thanksgiving sometimes end in self-reliance.   

James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above..."

Jesus laid down His life for His sheep....YOU and ME for our eternal salvation; and has given us the unbelievable opportunity to consistently respond to Him, the Good Shepherd.

I suppose it is not so much our life circumstances that shape us, but rather our responses to God in the midst of life that make us who we are. 

I am on the healing road from the loss of our most recent miscarriage.  We were 10 weeks on our way to having another life to lead by God's grace. He or she had a little heartbeat, a life...and our hearts.

I don't understand, but I choose to respond my Shepherd. 

I choose to respond to Him in my loss and allow Him to cause hope to rise, to strengthen me in the in most places.  He is enough, He is present and He is good.  I choose to live in the extravagant grace He has given to me and trust Him who is worthy!

Lord help us respond to YOU and what you are up to rather than walk the other way!

It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit we can respond to you in heartache or abundance.  Lift our eyes out of our situations and to the hills to see our great Helper!  

Thank you Jesus that you laid down your very life for us, your lost sheep, give us grace and wisdom to respond back to your love and leading.  Amen!