What's the Distraction?

I got a call from my friend from MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) this morning asking if I had anything written I could email over for our newsletter tomorrow...so here I sit.  Thankful to get a loving kick to begin blogging again after the birth of our precious new baby boy, Jude. 

Miss y'all so!

Have you seen the show 19 Kids and Counting?  My oh my, if you live on Mars or don't have cable, it's a show circled around the Duggar family (from Arkansas, of course, my home front!) who has 19, yes, 19 children in the family.  Matriarch Michelle Duggar manages her home and her children with such grace and organization- and always seems to somehow have a smile on her face.  She is simply beautiful, y'all.

I think I caught a glimpse into how she stays not only sane, but joyful, from a sidebar comment she made one episode.  She and her husband were sitting at the table together pouring over the second book they were in the middle of writing (ah hum, yes, the 2nd book, plus 19 kids), and as one of her toddlers crawled up to give mommy a hug, she looked at the camera and said something to the effect of:

This book is such a distraction from my children, and not the other way around....

Wow.  It really made me tap my temple and think.  What are the real distractions Lord!? 

Seriously, how often do we get frustrated when our precious kids "get in the way" of getting laundry done?  How often do we get ruffled when a call from a friend in need comes in the middle our grocery store trip?  (Let's be honest) What about when a co-worker or neighbor leaves us with subtle cues that he or she could use a little Jesus- and we turn the other way because we are "too busy" to engage?

Check out what Jesus says in Matthew 25: 35-40, seriously, wow.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
 
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 
 
 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Oh my.  Do you get this?!

When we give our babies something to drink, when we bring a meal to a friend, when we invite a new friend over for supper...we literally do for our Jesus who has done everything for us.

Laundry, ministry, paperwork, groceries, car repair...yada and so on... are important, yes, don't I know it, as each calls, neigh, screams my name daily.  But it's really all about people, people.

Don't think it will hurt my dirty car's feelings if it has to wait an hour to be vacuumed, while I make googly eyes with my baby boy.  Or if the magically growing pile of whites gets an eye roll for not folding itself as I color with my daughter.  Pretty sure my groceries will still make it in the cart if I pause for a moment to say "excuse me" with a smile rather than practically plow down the lady in front of me.  You get the idea.

One way I think Mrs. Duggar is able to manage so well: she seems clear about what's a distraction and what's not.  Lord would you be so gracious to show us what is distracting us today?

And now I must go, as this is beginning to distract me from watching Curious George and cuddling with my kids...

The Questions We Live By

It has been weighing on me to write this to you...

While you and I may not "say it out loud" or even realize it, it seems we live, respond, and relate out of certain self-defining questions...questions like:
Who am I?  Who does the world say I am?  Who do other people say I am?  What does this circumstance say I'm worth?

Aren't these natural ways to define ourselves, friends?  Ummm...Guilty.  Man, I wish we could discuss this together over good coffee, but blog it is.  One of the ways we fall quickest into the tempting trap of complaining, discontent and discouragement is to define ourselves by the above questions, instead of THE only question that really matters:

Who does God say I am?

This is the game changer, this is the truth- the radical, honest-to-goodness truth.  Here is something we can actually live by, define ourselves by...come what crazy may around the corner.  What God says and Who God is will never change, as circumstances and people often do.

We must be in His Word, friends (ah hem, self included!)...it must be come louder than all the other voices a talkin' at us.  We must finely and acutly tune our ears to His voice, bend our minds to His truth for ourselves if we wish to stay on this Jesus walk, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our minds through the washing of the Word. 

Getting in God's word, letting it change us, is like a refreshing, heavenly bath for the brain.   I don't know about you, but I know can use one at least one-a-day to keep away the stinkin' thinkin'.

Anyhow, as I began to write a list of "Who Am I's?" I stopped short...wanting to start with a few as examples and allow you to add your own.  Lord show us how to use Your Word to stand up against day to day feelings and situations for ourselves! 

How are you today?  Are you feeling at a dead end?  Exausted?  Feeling alone?  Here are just 3 examples of just Who God says we are...oh the game changes here...thank you Jesus!

Who Am I Anyway?

I am not at a person who as reached a dead end.  According to Isaiah 43:19, God is making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

I am a person who can rest under any circumstance.  According to Hebrews 4: 10, there is a Sabbath-rest for the people of God, for anyone who enters God's rest, rests from his own work, just as God did from His. 

I am not left stranded.  In fact, I have help in every circumstance.  According to Hebrews 4:16, we can approach God's very throne of grace with confidence, so that we may recieve mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need!!

 Got anymore to share??? Love y'all!

Who's getting the glory from your story?

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

One day last week I got the mommy thrill to actually snag the front and center "for expectant mothers" parking spot.  As I hopped out of the car a little lighter and walked to the other side to let Scotch, our dog, out to take him inside the Pet Shop for a much needed haircut, I accidentally bumped the car beside me with my door.  Yikes.

I saw the owner was sitting in the car, so I leaned forward to motion and say.."I am so sorry about that!" and as I did, she lept out of her SUV with some serious 'attack'.  I won't go into the details, but to say I was cursed at repeatedly, the care of my personal car was insulted, asked if I was even pregnant (being that I was in the much coveted spot) (yes, I am, 30 weeks!)...all in front of my precious 2-year-old, while I continually apologized and must have looked stunned.

I walked Scotch inside for his haircut and could not hold back the tears, y'all.  Has this ever happened to you?  Maybe not, but those of you who have ever recieved a unwarranted verbal bashing, read on.

True, I opened my door in a way that made contact with her vehicle (no damage done, btw, but even so).  I should have been more careful.  But this punishment did not fit the offense.

And so, I wrestled.  So many thoughts.  I emmensly enjoy a friendly outline, so allow me to list:

• I wanted to sink and disappear. Maybe Scotch's groomer could give me a new look too. 
• I wanted to go find the lady and give her the piece of my mind that seemed absent at the moment of conflict.  You know...the words we fantasize we wish "we would have only said...". 
• I wanted to run into her while I was doing something valiant for my fellow man so she would feel intense remorse as my "kindness" was on display for her to see.  All the while knowing that is the complete sad opposite of what Jesus tells me to do in Matthew 6:3, "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing".
• I wanted to curse her back (at least in my mind, being that Alice was in the backseat). 
•  Since she insulted the condition of my car (it was filthy, yeah, yeah) I wanted to get it detailed and roam around until she saw me and would have to eat her words. 

Yes, all of those things came up in this heart of mine.

But God, what do you want me to do?  Bless those who curse you, Bless and DO NOT curse... I hear from somewhere deep inside... that still, small voice.

I knew there was opportunity to be had.  Opportunity for God to get the glory for this story.  You see, if I had thought of the "right words" to zing back at her in the moment, I would be asking for forgiveness and regretting what I modeled to my daughter.  If I grew bitter, went into the "what if" mind games any longer, longed to show off some sort of kindness to brew regret for her... I knew Satan would be getting the glory for this story.

So I pray, thank you, Jesus, for protecting me from my own mouth.  Bless her, Lord, I choose to forgive.  Alice and I prayed together for this new person on our prayer list.  We asked God to speak to her, to bring salvation for her, to bless her, to love on her, to heal whatever wounds caused her to lash out in such a rage to a complete, pregnant stranger for an unnocticable bump to the rear driver side door of her car.

As the day went on, every time the getcha fantasies came (and they came, oh they came), I prayed, Alice and I continued to pray, Wes joined us in prayer, until that evening I prayed again, and something shifted.  I felt such intense sorrow and compassion for this woman from deep inside.  I knew God was getting the glory. 

Who is getting the glory for your story today?  It is so easy to let the day to day drift away, totally unaware of the impact interactions, disappointments, victories, hurts and frustrations have on the world around us. 

By God's grace, I surrendered to His will...this time.  There have been many moments, my friend, I am sorry to say, where I have allowed Satan to steal the show by my words, thoughts and actions. 

That day, my daughter saw her mom living her faith, regardless of her feelings and the actions of another, my day did not make a massive downturn into depression and "woe is me's", my husband did not come home to a bitter wife, and a stranger who may have no one in her life to pray for her...does now.  The next time may be different, but this time God got the glory.  Thank you Jesus.

Do you have a God glory-story to share?  Please do!

Not Fighting the Season

I hear it is spring in some places...


I see TV ads, billboards and the like with springy slogans, people talking about spring cleaning, spring clothes in shop windows...spring, spring, spring- everywhere talk of the spring season.  The only thing is-it sure still feels like winter (earrrrllly spring at best) here as we continue to have rain in the forecast and highs in the 40's.

I even changed out Alice's winter clothes for spring and summer last week, hoping that would somehow usher in the warm sun and blooming flowers.  Ahhh, no dice.
We have lived here for 3 winters now and this is still a shock to my native Arkansan self.  I'm telling you friend, this southern girl is doing some major spring yearning and trusting God to sustain me until this crazy "cloud cover" (as people not-so affectionately call it up here) clears and warmer air arrives in Northeast Ohio.


I have come to many conclusions, some wrong I'm sure, but one I think I may have right is that my Jesus uses much of the ordinary to get at my heart.  I'm sure we can all at least humm along to the Byrds' hit song, Turn! Turn! Turn! that gets its roots in the book of Ecclesiastes in the bible.

Which, by the way is what I'm screaming...for the love!  Turn! Turn! Turn! Green, pollinated and spring!

But all the screaming is getting no turning. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

OK so God, if I'm going to resolve to be a woman who stands on your word...ummm there is a purpose to this cloud cover?  And not it's not just related to soil composition and lake effects, but could it be Your divine purpose in my heart?Can I tell you the times I have prayed that Jesus would cause me to passionately love the cloudiness?  There are people who live here and tell me He has done that for them, which I KNOW is nothing short of a miracle.  Can I be honest?  He has chosen, in His infinite wisdom, not to do that for me...even though I have earnestly pleaded, and begged, and cried, oh and groveled...like I'm talking on the knees. 

Lord!  Make me crazy for clouds!  Lord in the name of Jesus give me a LOVE for all things snowy and white!

Still, the moment has not come when I open my curtains in the morning, see the grey-ness outside and love the sight.  And so I wait, pray and press in...

But, you know what He has caused to grow in my heart?  Perseverance, trust, dependence...just to name a few things I would never take back for the sunshine in April.  I have had to press into Him daily and sometimes moment by moment...

 Listen to James 1:3-4, “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”. 

Could it be, dear friend, that the cloud cover in our lives is about God's divine purpose in our hearts?  We want to break free!  We want sunny days...sweepin' tha clouds away (cue Sesame Street theme song...hit it Alice)! 

Sometimes God allows the clouds to linger, for a season, so that He can finish a work in us, so that we will be mature and complete...not lacking in anything.  Sick or healthy, affluent or in lack...sun or Ohio cloud cover.

Marriage, Part 3!

I had every intention of not writing another post on marriage, then while getting ready this afternoon (yes, I "get ready" mid-day, so if you see me before 3ish do not alarmed if I'm sporting some rockin unbrushed hair atop my head, little to no makeup and my mommy "high heels" ah-hum, sketchers shape ups...yes I have had them for a year, they look fairly ridiculous, and no, I still don't know if they work.) God really spoke to me.

I am reading Lysa Terkeurst's book, Made to Crave...excellent.  The tag line on the front says "Satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food".  Truly, there is more truth in this funny, insightful book than I could summarize for you- so read it if you are able. 

Anyhow, she is bringing up the "it's not fair!" thing that we all struggle with at one time or another.  She expresses a good one you may be familiar with...Why can my size 2 friend eat a cake in it's entirety and I can't, God?!  Then cites a brilliant answer from a friend of hers, E. Titus, who says, (And don't miss this dear friend!!)

"I remind myself that God didn't make me to be her.  You see, He knew even before I was born that I could easily allow food to be an idol in my life, that I would go to food, instead of Him, to fill my needs.  And in His great wisdom, He created my body so that it would experience the consequences of such a choice, so that I would be continually drawn back into His arms."

Wow.

Ok, then.  This is a marriage post.  So there I was getting ready for the day at 3ish, disgruntled about something going on between me and my husband.  It is this point of tension in our marriage- and it has been there since the "beginning".  You know what I mean sister...you have that area with yours too. The area that no matter how many times you address it, pray through it, bring encouragement in all the worst and wrong...and even Godly and "right" ways...maybe not much has changed between the two of you in said area.

Oh my, have I asked God to change me, to remove the longing that sometimes aches for Wes to be and do the things that I am wishing for...after all- God you created me this way...right? 

Lemme just say, I am convinced I married the best man I have ever met.  I could go on and on, but I will spare you the gush of how awesome I think my man is.  But, let's face it, we are all human, I fail him.  He fails me too.  (Sounds so easy in those terms, doesn't it?!)

So back to the quote in Lysa's book.  Whoa, did God ever use that today to speak to me about my husband. Allow me to take the quote above and insert my hubby-issue (we will call it "issue X" to protect and honor my main man) in exchange for food:

"I remind myself that God made me to go with Wes.  You see, He knew even before I was born that I could easily allow "issue X" to be an idol in my life, that I would go to Wes, instead of Him, to fill my needs.  And in His great wisdom, He gave me my husband so that I would experience a few withdrawals of "issue X", so that I would be continually drawn back into His arms."

Are you like me?  What is the X-factor in your marriage (money? romance? leadership?) that God in His divine providence, allowed to be placed (or lacking) in your mate, to draw you closer to HIM?    I can almost assure you that there is something you long for in your mate- that is unperfected, as there is in all of us. 

Has it ever occurred to you that God has a purpose in the lack?  And, that His purpose in it may have more to do with propelling me and you in to a deeper relationship with Christ, rather than changing our spouses?  Let me be sure to communicate: The goal is not to lose the longing in our hearts, but to cast down the idol.

You see, this is not about Wes.  This is about Catherine and Jesus.  I know this may seem a familiar tune-but be encouraged as we hear it anew today...this is not so much a "change me, not him Lord!" message (which is good, noble and true and needs expressed) but an invitation to take a look at the idols in our hearts that we beg our mates to feed when our God is the only true Bread.

Could it be, friends, that God is continually concerned with our ever-fickle hearts and positioning things in our world to cause us to line up with Psalm 73:25, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."... instead of trying to "fix" all we see as "broken" around us...

Let me know your thoughts and what God may show you!!

The Funky Times of Marriage Part 2

Please excuse the lengthy intermission...life, pregnancy, winter sickness and travel have made for quite the time crunch lately.  Did I mention we found out we are having a BOY?!  All praise to God for a healthy baby boy on the way!!

Anyhow, speaking of winter sickness and the funky times of life...

Wes and I recently traveled to Colorado for a conference where we got sick, sick, sick.  On the plane ride out there, we stayed on the same aircraft for 2 of the flights...where we got to observe something quite telling go down.

In the row in front of us, there was a guy sitting next to the window and one in the aisle seat, with no one in between them for the first leg of the flight.  Not much going on for the two fellas, a little "ginger ale please", "I'll pass on the peanuts" and "please return your seats to their full and upright position" was the extent of their interaction to the world outside row 5.

Until...

She arrived.  When the plane stopped for a short layover in Tulsa, a cute blond got on and sat right in between our quiet guys in row 5.  Wes started feeling sick almost immediately (we later found out it was distinctly a rough G.I. bug, but still very timely). 

These guys went from silent types to winner and runner-up in the biggest and best "One-Upper" contest I have yet to witness.  You know what I'm talking about people...window guy mentions he is going skiing at a friend's place right on the slopes; aisle guy mentions he owns a place on the very same slope.  Window guy has his own business; aisle guy buys and sells businesses.  It went on and on and on, I kid you not, for the entire 1 hour and 40 minute flight.  Honestly.

The whole scene brought lots of eye rolling to Wes and I, as his stomach got sicker and sicker.  But seriously, on a another level the "look at me show" brought a real insight into the heart of a man.  It was clear: they longed to be heroic to someone, to be the best to someone, to capture someone's awe...and they would fight for it if they had to.

Isn't that so true about our husbands ladies?  In a life full of the daily grind ho-hum, there is something in deep in the heart of our men that longs for us to notice. To notice the work they put in at work, yes the boss sees, but when is the last time we thanked our hubbys for providing for us, drawing out their concerns, or celebrating and aweing at their accomplishments...no matter how large or how small?

I love Proverbs 20:5, "The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out." 

May I paraphrase the verse this way:  "The purposes in our husbands' hearts are deep waters, a wife of keen study, care, understanding and with God's help, draws out his depth."

Wes mentioned to me recently a friend who said "I just don't think I am very deep," ...devastating, we both thought.  Of course our guys have depth, God created them so.  And God has given us a unique place to draw them out within marriage, and a unique desire on the part of our husbands to be drawn out by us.

One my biggest struggles I have HAD to overcome is learning to listen.  I can talk, advise, fix somebody all day (hey, I am a blogger...right?) but learning to listen is an art I am still trying to master. Check out Proverbs 18:2 "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

So to paraphrase the opposite, "A lady of wisdom finds great pleasure in understanding a situation, and would share opinions with caution and discernment."

Lord help me.

Can I be honest?  Most days when Wes comes home I want to hand over charge of Alice and dinner and do a flying leap into the bathtub, all while verbally dumping on him all that went wrong in my day. 

Then I hear Prov. 18:2 in my spirit, I get a gentle reminder that Wes has had a lot go on for him that day too... and God has given him me (yes, he is stuck) to be the person to draw him out and notice.  I certainly don't want him floundering on a plane, or in his heart becoming shut down....because I haven't taken the time to notice him.

This is part of laying down our lives, ladies.  Sure, we have a TON going too, but that's another post, and this one is getting us in better shape for our guys.

Interestingly enough, our two guys on the plane were both married.  They both talked about their wives and families.  It wasn't that they were looking for love, for cheating necessarily....but they were looking, aching, begging for someone to notice.

The Funky Times of Marriage Part 1

It is on my heart to do a "mini" series on being a married lady... the funny, fun things, the challenging things and the heart-change things...enjoy!!  Also pray for me as I write over the coming weeks...God bless you in your marriage, guy or gal!

I come to you today with much 'fear and trembling' to share with you a topic a-burning in my heart.  A "burden" to share some truths about being a wife is welling up in me and comes on the heels of a men's panel we had at our mom's group last week.
Wes and I seem get in "funk" sometimes...(you know one of those 2 or 3 day stretches where you just argue seemingly non stop?  Anyone?) I just don't have a better word for it.  You both feel funky apart or together, the mood is, well, funky, yuck.

We are real people and we just have times like that.  It's like God allows something to come up in one or both of us and there is a "painful rub" (if you will) between us until we finally get with God, get together and open the lines of humble and loving communication.

A mentor of mine has called this "rub" between us the "sandpaper" of God, ah hum, marriage.  (Happy on the quotations today "apparently")  The stuff that we have to face about ourselves...sin, expectations, disobedience, hardness of heart, past experiences, (need I go on?) when we are forced to live with another human in covenant relationship. 

Oh it's hard, but so awesome- as it is that very course, gritty sandpaper makes us more like Jesus if we allow the Holy Spirit to move us into God's love for each other and Christ's perseverance. (2 Thess. 3:5)

Over this series, I would like to share with you some things God had lovingly showed me in the funkiest of times. 

Anyhow, it was one of those sandpaper times for Wes and I.  Yes people, we have those, this is how I know so much about said "sandpaper".  It seemed like we could not even open our mouths without simple conversation turning into an argument.   For fictional example: "Pass me the ketchup," says Wes and "What do you mean by that?!" says Cat.  You have been there, right?!

Ugh, feels so defeating, doesn't it? 

I must admit I usually begin to just pray (and pray even though I know better) that God would change my husband...he's the one who needs it God...and if God you could just show him how asking for the ketchup was so hurtful, then he would repent of his ketchup asking ways and I would forgive him.

Ok, so arguments in real-life are sometimes (not always I humbly confess to you) more major than the ketchup meltdown, but don't we so often apply the "God fix him, he's wrong" attitude of prayer and conflict resolution?!

Of course, dear friends, it may be true that hubby is in the wrong, not hearing you, being selfish...etc.  But to first start by pointing out his mess is simply not biblical.  Let me say again, much fear and trembling. I don't communicate this lightly, fellow wife,  knowing the many, many pains most of us have been through or will walk through in marriage.

Jesus tells us (I like to think He is personally pleading with me and my thick head) to 1st remove the plank in our own eyes before pointing out the speck of dust in another's.  The psalmist models for us earnest heart change prayer when he cries out "show me any offensive way in me!" 

Not him, me.

I am beyond thankful I have a patient God and that He has given me a patient husband, as I seem to have to learn certain lessons over and over again.  Let me also say, I am also thankful for the countless girl friends who model this for me daily, Shout out!  You know who you are sisters.

If we believe the Bible is God's very word to us, we must follow dear friends!  Do not grow weary, do not grow faint as we choose to resolve conflict in a mature, loving and biblical way.  Oh there is a cost.  It will hurt, we may not get it right every time, our flesh certainly won't like it, but on the other side there are mountains of blessing for the faithful! 

When we humble ourselves (only by the power of the Holy Spirit, certainly not in this girl's strength!) to hear our husbands first, this is truly, daily, in the trenches of life-application, what Jesus refers to as the greatest love of all "laying down your life for one another." 

Forgiveness before repentance, listening before speaking, acting in love while feeling injustice...all lower the walls of the precious man by my side, if not at first, eventually, and if not at all, then we choose to trust God that His word is true.  If walls remain, we rejoice knowing we are not carrying around unforgiveness and the burden of demanding our own ways and rights, but that God has enabled us to lift up our hubbies before ourselves.

Come back for more of what is learned in the funks...Bless you!

Recognizing our Gifts

I really like to shop. Ok, maybe "love" is the more appropriate word here.  Funny thing is I am not a huge "buyer", I just love the shopping part.  I am actually a pretty frugal gal with Aldi, Forever 21 and TJ Maxx being some of the hot spots that top my most frequented list (clearance racks preferred..except Aldi, of course).

I love getting ideas browsing through Pottery Barn and specialty catalogs...maybe it's that I like making things more beautiful.  How about you?  Are you a shopper?  Of course, we are all "consumers" but some of us gain real joy in the hunt and card swipe.

Since I can think of no appropriate segway here's the point:  It occurred to me that my love for shopping is really a gift.  No really.  I know, most of us think of such a love as a curse.  (If we don't think it, our husbands sure may!)  Now, I'm not talking about overspending or living beyond our means...I am talking about the deeper layer, the things that bring us joy, the way we are wired.

What brings you joy?  Music, theatre, sports, teaching, exercise, the beach...shopping?  Did you know that is a gift?  Every good and perfect gift comes from above, dear friend!  (James 1:17) You and I are made on purpose, with purpose...with unique likes and dislikes, things that bring us joy and things that drain us. 

Of course, the context of shopping gets a bad reputation because of our sinful, lust-for-more side, has sent many of us over the edge into debt and using new purchases as a replacement for a deep connection with the living God. 

Satan, the enemy of our souls, loves to twist our joys...doesn't he?  Oh he SO knows their importance and power!

Let's take inventory.  A sure way to know our gifts is to take a look at what brings us JOY, what energizes you?  I know for me, some of my personal joy boosters are exercise, dance, teaching, being with people, laughing, writing and (as formentioned)...of course shopping. 

So how in the world are those gifts?!  I would not even know where to begin to share the meaningful talks about Jesus I have had with friends, precious time spent with Wes, songs sang with Alice, prayers prayed for friends and family...all while taking walks in the park for exercise. 

I have had opportunities to help friends and family shop who needed major shopping help and were either pressed for time or didn't know where to go or how to start... and have been thanking God for my help when we are done!   All because I love to shop.

We get so religious don't we? 

While the outpouring of our gifts is certainly no substitute for intimacy with Christ, there is revival for our spirits that comes from doing things that we love, things we were created for, and using those joys to bless others.  Using our gifts is a real and practical way the "joy of the Lord can be our strength" friends!  (Nehemiah 8:10)

Oh take a look at your joys, recognize your giftings, ask the Holy Spirit where to use them and change the world around you!  It gets me excited at just the thought...and I pray it does you too.  Let's continue to spur one another onto more good deeds...(Heb. 10:24)

I would love to hear what God shows you!

Rest for Us

My 2 year-old has been "down" for her nap for an hour now.  And even though we do this everyday, same time, same place, same book/song/prayer routine...today she is jumping and shouting in her bed rather than sleeping.

If you have kids, do they do this too?!  I'm sure a time or two.   I just want to do some "adult" reasoning with her and say (as she gives me interrupted eye contact and says Yes Ma'am unprompted) "Alice, most of us would do anything for an intentional daily nap time, even rest time!"  

I must laugh at myself at the thought of her doing something much more probable... like hanging upside down with hair in her face singing Dwingle Bells (aka Jingle Bells...yes, I know it's mid-January) while I "reason" with her.

What is it that makes me nuts about said situation? 

You see, by missing this rest time, my sweet girl has a much more difficult time listening to Mommy and Daddy as the evening progresses.  She will, most likely, have more hard disciplinary moments. Her concentration goes quickly in the negative direction and literally, her head spins.  Seriously, she twists her head from side to side looking like a human chopper.  Amazing.

Aren't we similar? I can relate with her, for sure.

The rebellion to resting reaps for us much the same as adults.

Although mine looks more "refined" and I certainly can pridefully hide it better, rebelling to rest is something I am mighty good at. 

If I'm really honest, "rest" for me is some sort of four letter word.  Ugh, I am such a production lover. Deep down I need some un-winding, re-teaching on rest, Lord!  

There is rest for the weary and burdened, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Notice, first, we must come.

That's what keeps me from resting the most often.  Answering the request to come.  Sure, I go to Him most mornings, and with the big things, emergent things, church prayer requests...etc.  But what about all those day to day, nitty gritty times when I feel just as Jesus describes... "weary and burdened". 

When Wes has been on call for days, Alice is not napping and I am weary? Come.  When finances are tight, relationships are stretched and I feel burdened?  Come.  What about at 3:30 in the afternoon when I don't know what to make for supper? Come. 

When I choose to come to my Lord, I find rest.  I can hear Him better, follow Him with ease. Kinda like my 2-year-old after a nice long afternoon nap. (which, btw, I don't think is happening today!)

Lord change us all at the heart- We don't want to be in the same place as a child, just walking it out in acceptable adult terms! Lord help us to press on to maturity on the area of rest so we can hear you more clearly and follow you more nearly!

God Bless you as you rest in Him!

Re-thinking Resolutions

And a Happy New Year to you! 

I have about decided I'm just not one to make New Year's resolutions.  Not that there's anything inherently wrong with them or anything, I just don't seem to stick with them.  Not even until the end of January, when I am left feeling slightly defeated and wondering..."what was I thinking in the first place?"

Are you like me?

Anyhow, while at the gym this week, I've heard all sorts of buzz on various morning shows about doing "self analysis" to kick off the new year, and after such analysis, seeing where your resolution would best fit.  By doing such analysis, one would know...aha! Weight loss, that's my goal! or Better money management in 2011! or More time with my family-that's my area of need!

Really, while I get where the various hosts and guest authors are going, I must ask...does such "self-analysis" produce fruit from a vine unchanged?

It's so easy to spot the problems (in ourselves, our spouses, children and co-workers so on and so on!).  We can easily point to..."Aha!  I have anger issues, and in 2011 I am going to get my anger under control!" feel good about that decision for about 25-30 days (hey, some of us can even make it to February on decision alone!) and then fall flat and... well, angry again before the snow clears in March.

What's the problem?  Where's the change? 

Now seriously, this is such a struggle, to release the areas we so desperately want to change into the loving and capable hands of Christ.  We want change NOW. 

We want to grab the reins, drive out those 10 pounds with low carb living, never addressing allowing our loving God to cultivate in us the long term fruit of self-control.  (Been there too many times to count people, it's better God's way, trust Him!)

Maybe we try the latest anger control technique we read up on, count to 10, breathe deeply while standing outside on our heads (or something like that)... and all the while the storm continues to rage within because we never allow the Holy Spirit to touch the unforgiveness and unmet expectations in our hearts.

Oh Lord give us patience to allow you to work in us in 2011!  Let your will be done!  Most often, turning over an area to God where we long for change is a painful, pruning, slow breaking process.  (ready to sign up?!)

The Good News, dear friends, when God does the work in us, from the inside out; when He first cleans the inside of the cup, the outside will be clean.  There will be the beautiful fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. 

So, instead of said "self-analysis" maybe we should cry out like David, asking the Holy Spirit to show us any offenses in us and undergo something that starts with a cry of "Holy Spirit, analyze me!"

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.