“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
Over the summer, my husband determined that he needs a fan blowing in our room in order to get a good night’s sleep. Whether the gentle hum or the relief from heat, he’s not sure why he needs it. I think he needs a new mattress. But since the fan was less than twenty dollars and paid for years ago, it fits the budget.
At the same time of my husband’s fan discovery, my seven year old son also began having difficulty sleeping. Generally, when Brennan can’t sleep, I am awakened by a quiet whisper of “Mom” that only a Mommy’s ears are tuned to hear. But this one particular summer night, I awoke to a short, dark figure hovering silently over the side of my bed. Startled into semi-alertness, I asked what was wrong. “I called you as loud as I could and you didn’t come!” Apparently the gentle hum of my husband’s fan was just what I needed to assure a good night's sleep too. It drowns out all sounds of children calling. As he crawled up into my arms, tears rolled down his face and he cried out “I thought nobody cared about me!” After a moment of reassurance, I tucked Brennan back into his bed with a kiss and a squeeze. A reminder of my love and presence was all he needed to rest secure for the rest of the night.
As I returned to my own bed, I thought how often I’ve felt that same way with God. I cry out and cry out until I can’t call any louder. When I don’t hear or see God respond I think, “Nobody cares! God, do you still love me? Do you care that I feel all alone?"
Just because we can’t see his presence or hear his response doesn’t mean He isn’t there or He doesn’t care. He’s right there, surrounding us with His love. Often He’s working on our behalf in unseen ways.
So, if you’re feeling all alone and can’t seem to cry out any louder, know that He is there. And just as I told my son with his final kiss and squeeze, God wants you to know, “I’ll always care about you. I’ll always love you.” Nothing can separate you from the love of God, not even a noisy fan. Rest in that knowledge.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Back to School
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children.”
Titus 2:3-4 (NIV)
It’s been so long since I’ve taken the time to sit down and write. I intended to keep blogging throughout the summer. I also intended to take my kids to the pool at least four days a week and visit several Smithsonian museums. My summer, however, had different plans for me. Surgery, attending a conference and sickness took over. I’m just beginning to recover from a crazy summer. But a new season is upon us and my old plan of posting once a week is back in force. I even have some new ideas and can’t wait to share them with you. But for today, I simply want to share with you what has been on my heart for the last couple of weeks.
Last week was the first week of school for the Bennett household. Lauren and Brennan are entering 5th and 2nd grades. It’s an interesting time of year. For most kids it’s faced with groans and sorrow. Gone are the days of swimming, sleeping in and endless play dates. All are replaced with early morning alarm clocks, homework and tests. Parents on the other hand tend to welcome school with glee. I recently saw an advertisement for an office supply store. Two children stood slouching with mournful faces while their father sailed behind them atop his shopping cart, leg kicked up behind him, smiling ear to ear, all while “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” played in the background. The message was clear. Parents can’t wait to send our kids back to school. I have to admit, in the past I’ve felt the same. No more entertaining, less fights to mediate and a quiet cup of coffee in the morning. Ahhhhh! But this year was different. Although my unorganized side craved the structure of school routine, my Mommy side was not looking forward to days of empty quietness.
What brought on this change of heart? I’m not exactly sure. It doesn’t really matter to me. What does matter is that the change took place. I’ve taken heed to the many older moms who have told me to “Enjoy your little ones now. They’ll be grown before you know it.” It’s not that I haven’t enjoyed my children, but I have let the “duties” of motherhood steel some of the joy. I love my children and want to enjoy every phase and moment of their lives. (We’ll see how I feel when they hit the teenage years.)
So, thank you to the many moms who have encouraged me to be a mother who loves every season of child rearing, even summer. I’m sure I’ll be coming to you for more encouragement, especially as my children approach their teens. And to you who have little ones, I leave you with one word of advice. Enjoy your little ones now. They’ll be grown before you know it.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Beyond Your Wildest Dreams
"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”" Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
“Beyond Your Wildest Dreams!” It sounds of something from a romance novel or a fairytale. It sounds like something a child would believe in. After all, children dream big dreams. They dream of becoming princesses, being superheroes, winning ten Olympic gold medals and having the most adventurous careers imaginable. What makes children dream big dreams? My first thought was that when you’re a child everything is beyond you. Whether it’s working at a fast food restaurant or flying to the moon, it’s beyond your reach. So why not dream big? But when I asked this question in front of my ten year old daughter, she quickly gave me the real answer. “Because ANYTHING is possible Mom!”
As parents, we also dream big dreams for our children. We look at our newborns and tell them they can become anything they set their minds too. The sky is the limit. The world is at their fingertips.
The crazy thing is that we grow up, and as we do, our dreams shrink. We no longer believe that we might find a knight in shining armor and become a princess. We realize that we don’t possess superhuman powers to save the world. We recognize that we are not as athletic as the other kids and we’re not going to win even one bronze medal. Or maybe grades weren’t good enough and that super career is out of the picture.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that you have a Heavenly Father who still dreams AMAZINGLY BIG dreams for you? It’s true. Before you were yet formed, he gazed at you and wrote down every day ordained for you in His eternal story. (Psalm 139:15-16) He looks at you through an eternal perspective and sees the truth of who you really are, His child…a child of the King. His plan for you is eternal and yet minutely detailed and it's bigger than you could ever imagine. In fact, when I look through scripture, I find that God’s dreams look much more like the big dreams of a child than the limited dreams of most grown ups. His dreams are not limited by your abilities or inabilities. They’re not limited at all. After all, God agrees with my ten year old. “Anything is possible!”
“Beyond Your Wildest Dreams!” It sounds of something from a romance novel or a fairytale. It sounds like something a child would believe in. After all, children dream big dreams. They dream of becoming princesses, being superheroes, winning ten Olympic gold medals and having the most adventurous careers imaginable. What makes children dream big dreams? My first thought was that when you’re a child everything is beyond you. Whether it’s working at a fast food restaurant or flying to the moon, it’s beyond your reach. So why not dream big? But when I asked this question in front of my ten year old daughter, she quickly gave me the real answer. “Because ANYTHING is possible Mom!”
As parents, we also dream big dreams for our children. We look at our newborns and tell them they can become anything they set their minds too. The sky is the limit. The world is at their fingertips.
The crazy thing is that we grow up, and as we do, our dreams shrink. We no longer believe that we might find a knight in shining armor and become a princess. We realize that we don’t possess superhuman powers to save the world. We recognize that we are not as athletic as the other kids and we’re not going to win even one bronze medal. Or maybe grades weren’t good enough and that super career is out of the picture.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that you have a Heavenly Father who still dreams AMAZINGLY BIG dreams for you? It’s true. Before you were yet formed, he gazed at you and wrote down every day ordained for you in His eternal story. (Psalm 139:15-16) He looks at you through an eternal perspective and sees the truth of who you really are, His child…a child of the King. His plan for you is eternal and yet minutely detailed and it's bigger than you could ever imagine. In fact, when I look through scripture, I find that God’s dreams look much more like the big dreams of a child than the limited dreams of most grown ups. His dreams are not limited by your abilities or inabilities. They’re not limited at all. After all, God agrees with my ten year old. “Anything is possible!”
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Water Your Flowers
"I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land."
Psalm 143:6 (NIV)
I started out to the gazebo for some quiet time with God when I found them…dead. I’d finally done it. The New Guinea Impatiens that my husband specifically asked to be planted in the hanging baskets were scorched and wilted worse than ever. I quickly grabbed the watering can and soaked them, hoping for a miraculous recovery.
My first point of defense here is that I simply do not have a green thumb. I don’t even have a green pinky toe. (Thank goodness! That would be kind of gross.) Truly, any flower or plant that survives around here is a credit to my husband’s tender care. If he doesn’t water them himself, he reminds me to do it. This puts a lot of pressure on me when he’s out of town, especially in the middle of summer.
I have good intentions when I initially plant, but a week or two later I find myself wandering outside to find half dead plants crying faintly, “Help! Water! A little drink please!” Why do I struggle with this so much? I think about watering them daily, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and the plants are parched and wilting.
After I watered the flowers, I went on with my devotion time. It was rich and refreshing; a wonderful relief from the weight of life that I’ve been carrying lately. Weight that has sapped the life out of me as the sun’s heat sapped the life out of my flowers. Circumstances and a busy schedule have kept me from the most important part of my day…time with God. As I sat quietly, listening for God, I simply heard, “Water your flowers.” What? “Water your flowers.” I looked up to see them, still wilted, but slightly perkier than 30 minutes before, and realized that I too have been parched. People around me have noticed, asking, “Are you alright? You seem a little…tired.” I have been. I’ve described myself lately as dry, heavy, and almost dead. I can’t seem to write. (Have you noticed?) Have you ever been there? Sunday worship brings refreshing, but by the middle of the week, you’re wilted and needing more. I think daily about spending time in the Word and prayer, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and my soul is parched and wilting. Just as a weekly watering won’t sustain my flowers, neither will a weekly encounter with God sustain my life. I need to spend time with my Father, my Source, my Spring of Living Water DAILY.
Yes Father, I’ll water my flowers, and my soul. What a difference it makes.
You know, I went out a few hours later to find my flowers amazingly bright and refreshed, and so was I.
Psalm 143:6 (NIV)
I started out to the gazebo for some quiet time with God when I found them…dead. I’d finally done it. The New Guinea Impatiens that my husband specifically asked to be planted in the hanging baskets were scorched and wilted worse than ever. I quickly grabbed the watering can and soaked them, hoping for a miraculous recovery.
My first point of defense here is that I simply do not have a green thumb. I don’t even have a green pinky toe. (Thank goodness! That would be kind of gross.) Truly, any flower or plant that survives around here is a credit to my husband’s tender care. If he doesn’t water them himself, he reminds me to do it. This puts a lot of pressure on me when he’s out of town, especially in the middle of summer.
I have good intentions when I initially plant, but a week or two later I find myself wandering outside to find half dead plants crying faintly, “Help! Water! A little drink please!” Why do I struggle with this so much? I think about watering them daily, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and the plants are parched and wilting.
After I watered the flowers, I went on with my devotion time. It was rich and refreshing; a wonderful relief from the weight of life that I’ve been carrying lately. Weight that has sapped the life out of me as the sun’s heat sapped the life out of my flowers. Circumstances and a busy schedule have kept me from the most important part of my day…time with God. As I sat quietly, listening for God, I simply heard, “Water your flowers.” What? “Water your flowers.” I looked up to see them, still wilted, but slightly perkier than 30 minutes before, and realized that I too have been parched. People around me have noticed, asking, “Are you alright? You seem a little…tired.” I have been. I’ve described myself lately as dry, heavy, and almost dead. I can’t seem to write. (Have you noticed?) Have you ever been there? Sunday worship brings refreshing, but by the middle of the week, you’re wilted and needing more. I think daily about spending time in the Word and prayer, but something always distracts me and before I know it, tomorrow has come and my soul is parched and wilting. Just as a weekly watering won’t sustain my flowers, neither will a weekly encounter with God sustain my life. I need to spend time with my Father, my Source, my Spring of Living Water DAILY.
Yes Father, I’ll water my flowers, and my soul. What a difference it makes.
You know, I went out a few hours later to find my flowers amazingly bright and refreshed, and so was I.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Seeds Sown Generously
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
2 Cor. 9:6 (NIV)
A single mother gathered the change from her purse, approximately eighty cents, and gave it to her nine year old son. When she tried to help him calculate the proper amount to give as tithe, he said to her, “No. It’s ALL for God.” and proceeded to put all of the change in the offering bucket at church that week.
The next week the boy was able to do some extra chores and earned a little over a dollar. Once again, when the offering bucket was passed at church, he gave all of the money.
After church on Easter Sunday, a woman came to the boy’s mother and said the Lord had told her she needed to give the boy some money. His mother, thinking it would be a couple of dollars, was surprised when the woman gave the little boy two five dollar bills. Once again, all of it was placed in the offering.
When the mother asked why he was giving all of his money in the offering, he responded, “Mom, I’m planting seeds.”
Later that day, the boy and his mother were working in their garden. When it came time to plant their seeds, the boy began reading the seed packets carefully. “Mom, did you know that the package tells you which seed you’re planting so you know what will grow after you plant it?” He then told her, “I haven’t been naming my seed! My seed at church in the offering... I haven’t been naming my seed!” His mother asked, “What do you want to name your seed?” He answered, “My seeds are named, A House, A Dad, A Dog!”
This is not a fictional parable. My sister considers it a privilege to know this young man of God, whom she says reminds her much of David, a man after God’s own heart. He reminds me of the woman who gave her only two mites, all that she had to live on, and the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish for the work of the Kingdom. This young man prays specifically and in faith, giving all that he has to the only true God who hears and answers. For quite some time he has been praying for these three things: a house, a dad and a dog. He desires the stability and security of living in a home of his own. He asks not simply for a Dad, but a “very Godly Dad”. And finally he prays for what he calls his “God dog.” Not the dog he chooses for himself, but the dog which God chooses for Him. Is it any wonder Christ said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”? (Matt. 19:14)
I leave you with one question and one request.
The Question: Have you named your seed? When you give to God, whatever the means, do you look ahead in faith to the harvest God will bring? Looking forward to the harvest compells generous giving.
The Request: Please join me in lifting up this young man of faith in our prayers, belieiving God to bring about an abundant harvest from the seeds a boy sows.
2 Cor. 9:6 (NIV)
A single mother gathered the change from her purse, approximately eighty cents, and gave it to her nine year old son. When she tried to help him calculate the proper amount to give as tithe, he said to her, “No. It’s ALL for God.” and proceeded to put all of the change in the offering bucket at church that week.
The next week the boy was able to do some extra chores and earned a little over a dollar. Once again, when the offering bucket was passed at church, he gave all of the money.
After church on Easter Sunday, a woman came to the boy’s mother and said the Lord had told her she needed to give the boy some money. His mother, thinking it would be a couple of dollars, was surprised when the woman gave the little boy two five dollar bills. Once again, all of it was placed in the offering.
When the mother asked why he was giving all of his money in the offering, he responded, “Mom, I’m planting seeds.”
Later that day, the boy and his mother were working in their garden. When it came time to plant their seeds, the boy began reading the seed packets carefully. “Mom, did you know that the package tells you which seed you’re planting so you know what will grow after you plant it?” He then told her, “I haven’t been naming my seed! My seed at church in the offering... I haven’t been naming my seed!” His mother asked, “What do you want to name your seed?” He answered, “My seeds are named, A House, A Dad, A Dog!”
This is not a fictional parable. My sister considers it a privilege to know this young man of God, whom she says reminds her much of David, a man after God’s own heart. He reminds me of the woman who gave her only two mites, all that she had to live on, and the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish for the work of the Kingdom. This young man prays specifically and in faith, giving all that he has to the only true God who hears and answers. For quite some time he has been praying for these three things: a house, a dad and a dog. He desires the stability and security of living in a home of his own. He asks not simply for a Dad, but a “very Godly Dad”. And finally he prays for what he calls his “God dog.” Not the dog he chooses for himself, but the dog which God chooses for Him. Is it any wonder Christ said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”? (Matt. 19:14)
I leave you with one question and one request.
The Question: Have you named your seed? When you give to God, whatever the means, do you look ahead in faith to the harvest God will bring? Looking forward to the harvest compells generous giving.
The Request: Please join me in lifting up this young man of faith in our prayers, belieiving God to bring about an abundant harvest from the seeds a boy sows.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
No Makeup Required
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Prov. 17:17 (NIV)
Two weeks ago I had the joy of spending a “girls’ weekend” with 4 of my dearest friends from college. I’m taking a huge risk here posting the above picture. I figured if the title was “NO MAKEUP REQUIRED” the picture should match. Lucky for my girlfriends, they are beautiful inside and out, even without makeup. Who knew when we all met in welcoming “life groups”, and dormitory hallways that 20 years and 17 children later we would be spending a blessed weekend together.
What a weekend it was! It included all of the essentials of a relaxing weekend with girlfriends: food, jammies, manicures, magazines, laughter and tears (just a few). We discussed children, marriage and ministry. I believe it was our first evening together when one word was spoken that struck deep into my heart and changed the weekend for me. “Authentic!” The next morning as I was spending time with the Lord, He spoke that same word again to me. “Heather, Be authentic!” I think most of us face this challenge of authenticity at some point in our lives. We’re often intimidated and insecure, feeling we have to be someone other than who we truly are or others may not love us. I realized I had stepped into my girls’ weekend just that way. I hadn’t seen them all in 5 years. I’d better look right, sound right, and act right. Luckily, the weekend had just begun and my attitude quickly changed. I decided to just be myself. After all, these women have known me for 20 years. Twenty years of bad hair days and fashion mistakes (what’s up with the floral overalls???) and they still love me. After a weekend of looking through old photo albums, living without makeup and heart to heart conversations, I am convinced more than ever that these girls are true friends. They love me for who I am. They love me at all times….even without makeup.
What a blessing to know that their love is a reflection of Christ in them. Christ, the one friend, greater than any other, who loves me even at my absolute worst. With others, I can put on makeup and a smile and appear to be lovable. I can hide the fear, pain, insecurity and even sin. But He sees beyond the surface, past my smile to my heart. He knows me to the core of my being and loves me deeper still. In fact, He’d rather me drop the makeup at the door and come to Him as I am, imperfections and all. For it’s when the makeup is removed that He is finally able to reflect His own beauty through me. What a relief! With Him, I can be myself… No Makeup Required!
P.S.
Thanks friends for a weekend of refreshing encouragement. I believe it was a time truly appointed by God. I love you all dearly!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
He Sees You!
“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” Psalm 33:13-15
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,” Psalm 33:18
The beautiful little boy in the above picture is Connor Robertson. Connor is three years old, has down syndrome and is an absolute, living miracle. You can read more about his miracle life at his blog, www.mamaslittlebug.blogspot.com. I have the privilege of being “Auntie Heather” to Connor and his siblings, 2 year old Mackenzie & 7 month old Alex. We like to say that even though I am not “auntie” by blood, I am “auntie” by love.
Because they live in Washington state and I live near Washington DC we don’t get to see each other…..ever. SO, when I found myself with the joy of spending a weekend in the Seattle area with college girlfriends (A completely different post is coming on that soon.), I arranged my travel schedule to spend a day with Connor and his family. What a blessing it was!!!
Connor’s mommy, Lori, and I have one of those rare, click as soon as you meet each other, sisters in Christ, heart strings tied together forever kind of relationships. I can tell you that she is truly one of the most amazing women of God I know. A day in the Robertson home will prove the God given strength, patience and love she possesses and expresses to her family. My one day in their life was a joy. Lori’s day after day can be “trenches” living. Any parent can imagine that. But imagine adding to it the care for a precious little boy who’s down syndrome and accompanying medical needs have slowed development so much that it is almost impossible to see whether he understands the love and effort you are pouring into his little life. He can’t say “I love you” or run to her and wrap his arms around her neck in excitement. There are times when his mommy feels unseen and heart-broken. Not long after she had shared this with me, she left the room for a few minutes. As I sat on the floor, playing with Connor and his sister, I noticed his eyes focus on the doorway every minute or so. I realized he was waiting for mommy to come through that door. Later, when she again had to leave the room, he became very agitated, calming only when she returned. His source of love and security is his mommy. She had never seen that and never would have known had I not been there to see it and tell her. When I did, the expression on her face was worth more than gold. It was almost as though Connor was saying, “I love you” with his own little voice. His actions showed that he does receive her love and a sense of security from her.
Even greater than Connor “seeing” his mommy, is that Christ sees and receives every bit of love and care she gives each and every day. Even if Connor never expresses, “Thank you!” or “I love you!” Christ does.
Have you ever been in the midst of “trenches” living? Have you ever felt that you pour out yourself, maybe even for the Lord, and nobody sees? You question if harvest will ever come from your sowing. Does anybody care? Maybe you’ve even questioned if God cares. Let me assure you, He does! Every bit of love you pour out, every tear you cry, and every drop of sweat you shed in His work is seen. And should you never see the harvest or reward in this life, you will when you see Him.
HE SEES YOU!
HE LOVES YOU!
HE IS YOUR REWARD!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
I Want To Hold His Hand
“If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26 (NIV)
This morning, as I walked my 7 year old son to the bus stop, I found myself wishing the walk could be a little longer. I know the day will come when he won’t want to be seen holding his mom’s hand and giving her a kiss goodbye. But for now, he wouldn’t have it any other way, and neither would I. It’s not that he hasn’t thought it to be a bit embarrassing. In fact, the first day of the school year, when I kissed him before he boarded the bus, he embarrassedly whispered, “MOM!” and looked around. I quickly apologized, recognizing his need for independence. I watched as he considered the situation in his young mind and signaled me down toward him. I leaned down, expecting a whisper in my ear. Much to my surprise, I received a kiss on my cheek and a warm hug. WOW! His love for me outweighed his pride. He’ll never know how much that meant to me or that that moment will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I imagine that God felt the same way this morning. Brennan and I had rushed out the door at the last minute and hadn’t said our usual morning prayer together. So as we crossed the street, Brennan led out loud and unashamedly. I found myself noticing the neighbor in his driveway and wondered if he could hear. What a brave boy! He didn’t seem to care who heard him. The fact is that Brennan’s love for God outweighed his pride. I’m sure God was beaming with love at that moment.
It’s amazing how a simple walk to the bus stop with a 7 year old child can challenge my faith so much. In fact, this morning’s walk left me strongly convicted. How often does my love for God outweigh my pride? The answer, sadly, is not often enough. Too often, I keep my mouth shut when given the opportunity to speak up for Christ, simply because I don’t want others to think I’m a fanatic or “religious”. Too often, I miss an opportunity to share His love through a kind act or prayer because I’m too caught up in myself. Oh how I pray that my love for God will always outweigh my own pride. May I never be ashamed to hold Christ’s hand as I walk through life with Him.
This morning, as I walked my 7 year old son to the bus stop, I found myself wishing the walk could be a little longer. I know the day will come when he won’t want to be seen holding his mom’s hand and giving her a kiss goodbye. But for now, he wouldn’t have it any other way, and neither would I. It’s not that he hasn’t thought it to be a bit embarrassing. In fact, the first day of the school year, when I kissed him before he boarded the bus, he embarrassedly whispered, “MOM!” and looked around. I quickly apologized, recognizing his need for independence. I watched as he considered the situation in his young mind and signaled me down toward him. I leaned down, expecting a whisper in my ear. Much to my surprise, I received a kiss on my cheek and a warm hug. WOW! His love for me outweighed his pride. He’ll never know how much that meant to me or that that moment will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I imagine that God felt the same way this morning. Brennan and I had rushed out the door at the last minute and hadn’t said our usual morning prayer together. So as we crossed the street, Brennan led out loud and unashamedly. I found myself noticing the neighbor in his driveway and wondered if he could hear. What a brave boy! He didn’t seem to care who heard him. The fact is that Brennan’s love for God outweighed his pride. I’m sure God was beaming with love at that moment.
It’s amazing how a simple walk to the bus stop with a 7 year old child can challenge my faith so much. In fact, this morning’s walk left me strongly convicted. How often does my love for God outweigh my pride? The answer, sadly, is not often enough. Too often, I keep my mouth shut when given the opportunity to speak up for Christ, simply because I don’t want others to think I’m a fanatic or “religious”. Too often, I miss an opportunity to share His love through a kind act or prayer because I’m too caught up in myself. Oh how I pray that my love for God will always outweigh my own pride. May I never be ashamed to hold Christ’s hand as I walk through life with Him.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A Lighter Load
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NIV)
The other day, my 10 year old daughter came home with a backpack so heavy, she couldn’t barely drag it a few footsteps to the kitchen counter for me to look at its contents. I picked it up. GOOD GRIEF! That thing weighed a ton. Well, maybe not a ton, but I put it on the scale and it did way 25% of my little girl’s total body weight! This wasn’t the first time my husband and I have had discussions about this crazy backpack. Just the day before Dan watched in amazement as she lifted the backpack to her shoulder and spun around 3 times before she could balance the weight. When she finally did, she couldn’t stand upright. He had to chuckle a bit despite his disgust at his precious little girl having to carry such a load. The decision was made that the next day I would go find her a backpack with wheels.
Rather than make her carry that load to school the next morning, I removed two heavy books and a recorder (for music class). I sent a note to her teacher explaining the situation and asked that she be able to share books with another student if necessary that day. I thought Lauren would be thrilled when she lifted the bag to find it 5 pounds lighter. WRONG! She fought for the weight. “But Mom, we need those books! I have to have my recorder! If I don’t leave it in my backpack, I’ll forget it on music class day. It will affect my grade! NO! I need them!” She actually fought to carry the load. I really had to stick to my guns. I just couldn’t let her carry it. She might hurt herself! Something was wrong with this picture.
I didn’t get it until I realized that Lauren is a lot like me. I carry a load much heavier than necessary all the time: guilt, anxiety, fear, judgment, a schedule hurried for the tasks that I’m certain must be completed to please others and even God. I pack more and more into my bag until I walk through life hunched under the weight I've placed on my own shoulders. All the while, God is saying, “Let me take that. I have a much lighter load for you. It’s easy to carry.” My response? “No! I might need that today. Someone, maybe even you, might be disappointed if I don’t complete that task. If I don’t worry about tomorrow’s provision, who will?”
The difference is that Father God doesn’t demand that he lighten my load. If I choose to, he’ll let me carry it; gently urging all the while, “Come to me Heather. You’re weary and burdened. I’ll give you rest. Take my ‘pack’ on your shoulders. Learn from me. Find rest for your soul. My pack is easy and my burden is light.” Until wearily, with strained and soar muscles, I willingly come to Him and place my pack at His feet.
(from Matthew 11:28-30)
The other day, my 10 year old daughter came home with a backpack so heavy, she couldn’t barely drag it a few footsteps to the kitchen counter for me to look at its contents. I picked it up. GOOD GRIEF! That thing weighed a ton. Well, maybe not a ton, but I put it on the scale and it did way 25% of my little girl’s total body weight! This wasn’t the first time my husband and I have had discussions about this crazy backpack. Just the day before Dan watched in amazement as she lifted the backpack to her shoulder and spun around 3 times before she could balance the weight. When she finally did, she couldn’t stand upright. He had to chuckle a bit despite his disgust at his precious little girl having to carry such a load. The decision was made that the next day I would go find her a backpack with wheels.
Rather than make her carry that load to school the next morning, I removed two heavy books and a recorder (for music class). I sent a note to her teacher explaining the situation and asked that she be able to share books with another student if necessary that day. I thought Lauren would be thrilled when she lifted the bag to find it 5 pounds lighter. WRONG! She fought for the weight. “But Mom, we need those books! I have to have my recorder! If I don’t leave it in my backpack, I’ll forget it on music class day. It will affect my grade! NO! I need them!” She actually fought to carry the load. I really had to stick to my guns. I just couldn’t let her carry it. She might hurt herself! Something was wrong with this picture.
I didn’t get it until I realized that Lauren is a lot like me. I carry a load much heavier than necessary all the time: guilt, anxiety, fear, judgment, a schedule hurried for the tasks that I’m certain must be completed to please others and even God. I pack more and more into my bag until I walk through life hunched under the weight I've placed on my own shoulders. All the while, God is saying, “Let me take that. I have a much lighter load for you. It’s easy to carry.” My response? “No! I might need that today. Someone, maybe even you, might be disappointed if I don’t complete that task. If I don’t worry about tomorrow’s provision, who will?”
The difference is that Father God doesn’t demand that he lighten my load. If I choose to, he’ll let me carry it; gently urging all the while, “Come to me Heather. You’re weary and burdened. I’ll give you rest. Take my ‘pack’ on your shoulders. Learn from me. Find rest for your soul. My pack is easy and my burden is light.” Until wearily, with strained and soar muscles, I willingly come to Him and place my pack at His feet.
(from Matthew 11:28-30)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Gray Days
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Have you ever had a gray day? How about a gray week? You know, when the skies aren’t black, but they are simply drearily gray. That’s the kind of week I just had. The clouds rolled in on Monday morning. Not literal gray clouds. I’m talking about the clouds that roll into your heart and mind, sinking deep into your spirit. News came that the long reaching fingers of the sinking economy had alas grasped hold of the company my husband works for. His position was safe, but 49 others were not, including two of his employees. We were heart broken as we sat together with tears and prayed.
That morning seemed to set the tone for the week ahead. My husband had to deal with the emotional strain of walking through the details of Monday’s news. My girlfriend’s baby was rushed to the ER. Another friend lost his job. Each day had its own various shade of gray, but each was gray none the less. By Saturday we just needed to get out of the house. We needed some sunshine. Unfortunately the weather had decided to join in and provide a backdrop of dreary, drizzly rain.
Have you ever faced a Sunday after a week like this and wished that you could just stay in bed? Its times like these I find myself tempted to isolate myself and take a day off. It’s a good thing we’re involved in our church. It forces us to get up and go, even when we don’t feel like it. So this week, although we wanted to stay in our cozy, warm bed and hide, we got up and went to church. I am so glad we did. We went to worship together with our “family”. Just the thought of it brings a feeling of comfort to my heart. After services, we had the joy of spending the afternoon in our home with a group of friends talking about the Lord, sharing our lives and praying together. What a blessing.
Somewhere in the midst of that day, our gray skies began to clear and our dispostion changed. The situations and circumstances in our lives were the same, but they no longer consumed us. We knew it was the day of worship together with others that made a difference.
The next time you wake up on a Sunday morning feeling discouraged with the temptation to stay isolated, let me encourage you not to give in to that temptation. The author of Hebrews knew what he was talking about when he said that we should not give up meeting together with the body of Christ. We are here to encourage each other. We need each other. There is something about joining together that lightens the load and brightens our outlook.
Thank you to my “family”. You brightened my day!
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Have you ever had a gray day? How about a gray week? You know, when the skies aren’t black, but they are simply drearily gray. That’s the kind of week I just had. The clouds rolled in on Monday morning. Not literal gray clouds. I’m talking about the clouds that roll into your heart and mind, sinking deep into your spirit. News came that the long reaching fingers of the sinking economy had alas grasped hold of the company my husband works for. His position was safe, but 49 others were not, including two of his employees. We were heart broken as we sat together with tears and prayed.
That morning seemed to set the tone for the week ahead. My husband had to deal with the emotional strain of walking through the details of Monday’s news. My girlfriend’s baby was rushed to the ER. Another friend lost his job. Each day had its own various shade of gray, but each was gray none the less. By Saturday we just needed to get out of the house. We needed some sunshine. Unfortunately the weather had decided to join in and provide a backdrop of dreary, drizzly rain.
Have you ever faced a Sunday after a week like this and wished that you could just stay in bed? Its times like these I find myself tempted to isolate myself and take a day off. It’s a good thing we’re involved in our church. It forces us to get up and go, even when we don’t feel like it. So this week, although we wanted to stay in our cozy, warm bed and hide, we got up and went to church. I am so glad we did. We went to worship together with our “family”. Just the thought of it brings a feeling of comfort to my heart. After services, we had the joy of spending the afternoon in our home with a group of friends talking about the Lord, sharing our lives and praying together. What a blessing.
Somewhere in the midst of that day, our gray skies began to clear and our dispostion changed. The situations and circumstances in our lives were the same, but they no longer consumed us. We knew it was the day of worship together with others that made a difference.
The next time you wake up on a Sunday morning feeling discouraged with the temptation to stay isolated, let me encourage you not to give in to that temptation. The author of Hebrews knew what he was talking about when he said that we should not give up meeting together with the body of Christ. We are here to encourage each other. We need each other. There is something about joining together that lightens the load and brightens our outlook.
Thank you to my “family”. You brightened my day!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Caught Unprepared
"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut." Matthew 25:10 (NIV)
I've lived in Northern VA for 3 1/2 years now. I love this area, especially having 4 distinct seasons. They did however, take a little getting used to for this CA girl. My first winter here, I discovered that as soon as the weather man suggests the tiniest bit of snowfall, everyone must make a mad dash for the grocery store to stock up on bread, milk, and any other essentials. I have to admit, I joined the mad dash. After a year or so, I realized that this was simply crazy. Come on! A dusting of snow isn't going to keep us from the store. It's not like we live in Alaska or North Dakota and are going to be snowed in for a week. Good grief! We have pretty mild winters here. So I relaxed a bit. I no longer run out to the store at the first warning of a storm. Besides, I usually have enough here to hold us over for a couple of days.
So Saturday, when I heard that there was going to be snow on Sunday, did I respond? Of course not. Did I care that this time they were calling for up to 8 inches? Yea right! I don't think we've had 8 inches of snow accumulate over the entire last year. I got up Sunday morning and went to church as usual. After church, we went out to dinner with some friends. (I just have to add that it was such a blessed and wonderful visit.) Then, while the kids played I took a nap on the couch. RELAX! Right? At about 5:30 we went to deliver my daughter's girlfriend back home on the other side of town. It was a nice family outing as the snow began to fall. Now, I knew that we were running low on milk and a few other things to make actual meals for the next couple of days, so do you think I asked my husband to make a quick stop at the store before we came home? NO! Of course not. I could just run out Monday morning and take care of that little errand. RIGHT????
WRONG! I woke up this morning to SNOW!!! It really snowed! I couldn't tell where my front curb met the street. The plows hadn't arrived to clear the roads. What in the world? How am I supposed to go to the store like this? Remember, I'm a California girl! My friend, having grown up in this area, called to check on me. She giggled as she informed me that I should always be prepared when the storm comes from the south. NOW SHE TELLS ME! I love you Beth, but couldn't you have called me yesterday?
Well, I shoveled the drive and waited for the snow plows to clear the neighborhood streets. They finally arrived after noon and out I went to the store, driving way too slow for my liking, on snowy, icy streets. How foolish could I have been?! I should have been cozied up with a good book. Instead, I had been foolishly unprepared.
I was suddenly reminded of one of Christ's parables about 10 virgins who awaited the coming of the bridegroom. Five of the girls were prepared with enough oil to keep their lamps burning no matter how long the wait. The other 5 were foolishly unprepared and eventually had to run out to buy more. While they were out, the bridegroom came, taking the 5 wise girls into the banquet. The doors to the banquet were shut and the 5 foolish virgins missed out on everything. The message: many will be unprepared and miss Christ's coming.
I was lucky; my foolish unpreparedness left me little more than inconvenienced. How sad the thought that foolish unpreparedness will cause so many to miss out on eternal life. The thought of my crazy, somewhat funny day, came to a sobering stillness. Oh God, may my heart be broken at this thought. Then came another thought. How many people will be unprepared because I didn't do my part to make sure they knew they needed to be prepared? Just like I wished Beth would have called me one day earlier, will others wish I would have told them?
Oh how I pray that every person who reads this is prepared for Christ's coming. We so often think, "I don't have to worry about that yet." Yes you do. We never know when He might return. And oh how I pray that every person who reads this is prepared for whatever Christ asks you to do today. It might be just what someone else needs to be prepared for eternity, or maybe even a snow storm. :)
I've lived in Northern VA for 3 1/2 years now. I love this area, especially having 4 distinct seasons. They did however, take a little getting used to for this CA girl. My first winter here, I discovered that as soon as the weather man suggests the tiniest bit of snowfall, everyone must make a mad dash for the grocery store to stock up on bread, milk, and any other essentials. I have to admit, I joined the mad dash. After a year or so, I realized that this was simply crazy. Come on! A dusting of snow isn't going to keep us from the store. It's not like we live in Alaska or North Dakota and are going to be snowed in for a week. Good grief! We have pretty mild winters here. So I relaxed a bit. I no longer run out to the store at the first warning of a storm. Besides, I usually have enough here to hold us over for a couple of days.
So Saturday, when I heard that there was going to be snow on Sunday, did I respond? Of course not. Did I care that this time they were calling for up to 8 inches? Yea right! I don't think we've had 8 inches of snow accumulate over the entire last year. I got up Sunday morning and went to church as usual. After church, we went out to dinner with some friends. (I just have to add that it was such a blessed and wonderful visit.) Then, while the kids played I took a nap on the couch. RELAX! Right? At about 5:30 we went to deliver my daughter's girlfriend back home on the other side of town. It was a nice family outing as the snow began to fall. Now, I knew that we were running low on milk and a few other things to make actual meals for the next couple of days, so do you think I asked my husband to make a quick stop at the store before we came home? NO! Of course not. I could just run out Monday morning and take care of that little errand. RIGHT????
WRONG! I woke up this morning to SNOW!!! It really snowed! I couldn't tell where my front curb met the street. The plows hadn't arrived to clear the roads. What in the world? How am I supposed to go to the store like this? Remember, I'm a California girl! My friend, having grown up in this area, called to check on me. She giggled as she informed me that I should always be prepared when the storm comes from the south. NOW SHE TELLS ME! I love you Beth, but couldn't you have called me yesterday?
Well, I shoveled the drive and waited for the snow plows to clear the neighborhood streets. They finally arrived after noon and out I went to the store, driving way too slow for my liking, on snowy, icy streets. How foolish could I have been?! I should have been cozied up with a good book. Instead, I had been foolishly unprepared.
I was suddenly reminded of one of Christ's parables about 10 virgins who awaited the coming of the bridegroom. Five of the girls were prepared with enough oil to keep their lamps burning no matter how long the wait. The other 5 were foolishly unprepared and eventually had to run out to buy more. While they were out, the bridegroom came, taking the 5 wise girls into the banquet. The doors to the banquet were shut and the 5 foolish virgins missed out on everything. The message: many will be unprepared and miss Christ's coming.
I was lucky; my foolish unpreparedness left me little more than inconvenienced. How sad the thought that foolish unpreparedness will cause so many to miss out on eternal life. The thought of my crazy, somewhat funny day, came to a sobering stillness. Oh God, may my heart be broken at this thought. Then came another thought. How many people will be unprepared because I didn't do my part to make sure they knew they needed to be prepared? Just like I wished Beth would have called me one day earlier, will others wish I would have told them?
Oh how I pray that every person who reads this is prepared for Christ's coming. We so often think, "I don't have to worry about that yet." Yes you do. We never know when He might return. And oh how I pray that every person who reads this is prepared for whatever Christ asks you to do today. It might be just what someone else needs to be prepared for eternity, or maybe even a snow storm. :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I'm a WIMP!
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"
Matthew 7:3 (NIV)
Yes it's true! I'm a WIMP. On so many levels actually. But this week, my wimpiness completely revolves around being sick. YUCK! I'm sick. REALLY sick! I've been sick for a week and I'm sick of being SICK! So this week, no grand scriptural or spiritual insight for the post, just regular every day stuff. Why? Because I'm sick.
Now why am I announcing to the world that I'm a wimp about being sick? I have to confess, I'm one of those women who tends to tell people that I have 3 children in my house when my husband is sick, instead of the usual 2. After the past week's experience, I am convicted and must set the record straight. I AM THAT WIMP! I was the 3rd child this week.
A few weeks ago, my husband came down with this terrible head/chest flu. I told him he should stay home in bed. NO. Not this man. He kept chugging along, continuing his regular work routine, driving his usual 1 1/2 - 2 hour commute (each way) into MD 3 days a week, giving them his all the whole time. He then arrived home to a sweet and tender nurse of a wife? Well.... kind of.... I was nursing our daughter who also had it. The poor guy just didn't get too much sympathy that I recall.
So here we are a few weeks later and it hits me. You know how moms are. When we get sick, we just keep going. There really is no option. Well last week, the only option for me was BED! You would have thought that I was on my death bed with the way I behaved. I was simply miserable: headache, nausea, sore throat, cough, body aches, fever, THE WORKS! It all reached a peak one day when I picked up the phone and called my mom on the other side of the country. In my weakest, most pathetic voice I squeaked, "I Want My Mommy!" My mom, being wonderful as she is, offered to call the local Papa John's pizzeria and have pizza delivered for dinner. Come to think of it, I really don't remember what my family ate most nights last week. There wasn't much in the house as I hadn't been to the store for my weekly shopping when the dreaded illness hit.
So what have I learned from this brush with great illness?
1. My 10 year old daughter is an angel who is capable of tidying up a kitchen after school so her mom won't have to come down to face the explosion that is still there from breakfast. :)
2. My husband is capable of cheering (or scaring) the children into getting themselves ready for school without arguing so mom can sleep a bit more.
3. My husband is capable of styling my 10 year old daughter's hair very nicely.
4. My husband is still my knight in shining armor. For 2 days, when he worked from home, he allowed me to stay in bed while he got the kids ready and out the door to school. When he did have to drive into the office, he arrived home after stressful days, Northern VA traffic and headaches and never stopped. He walked in, made dinner, cleaned house, made sure kids showered and tucked them in bed. He even cared for his poor pathetic 3rd child. :)
So, never again will I say that my husband is a "wimp" when he is sick. NO WAY! He's my hero! I guess I've learned not to point out the speck of dust in someone else's eye until I take the plank out of my own. Maybe that's my great insight for the week.
Matthew 7:3 (NIV)
Yes it's true! I'm a WIMP. On so many levels actually. But this week, my wimpiness completely revolves around being sick. YUCK! I'm sick. REALLY sick! I've been sick for a week and I'm sick of being SICK! So this week, no grand scriptural or spiritual insight for the post, just regular every day stuff. Why? Because I'm sick.
Now why am I announcing to the world that I'm a wimp about being sick? I have to confess, I'm one of those women who tends to tell people that I have 3 children in my house when my husband is sick, instead of the usual 2. After the past week's experience, I am convicted and must set the record straight. I AM THAT WIMP! I was the 3rd child this week.
A few weeks ago, my husband came down with this terrible head/chest flu. I told him he should stay home in bed. NO. Not this man. He kept chugging along, continuing his regular work routine, driving his usual 1 1/2 - 2 hour commute (each way) into MD 3 days a week, giving them his all the whole time. He then arrived home to a sweet and tender nurse of a wife? Well.... kind of.... I was nursing our daughter who also had it. The poor guy just didn't get too much sympathy that I recall.
So here we are a few weeks later and it hits me. You know how moms are. When we get sick, we just keep going. There really is no option. Well last week, the only option for me was BED! You would have thought that I was on my death bed with the way I behaved. I was simply miserable: headache, nausea, sore throat, cough, body aches, fever, THE WORKS! It all reached a peak one day when I picked up the phone and called my mom on the other side of the country. In my weakest, most pathetic voice I squeaked, "I Want My Mommy!" My mom, being wonderful as she is, offered to call the local Papa John's pizzeria and have pizza delivered for dinner. Come to think of it, I really don't remember what my family ate most nights last week. There wasn't much in the house as I hadn't been to the store for my weekly shopping when the dreaded illness hit.
So what have I learned from this brush with great illness?
1. My 10 year old daughter is an angel who is capable of tidying up a kitchen after school so her mom won't have to come down to face the explosion that is still there from breakfast. :)
2. My husband is capable of cheering (or scaring) the children into getting themselves ready for school without arguing so mom can sleep a bit more.
3. My husband is capable of styling my 10 year old daughter's hair very nicely.
4. My husband is still my knight in shining armor. For 2 days, when he worked from home, he allowed me to stay in bed while he got the kids ready and out the door to school. When he did have to drive into the office, he arrived home after stressful days, Northern VA traffic and headaches and never stopped. He walked in, made dinner, cleaned house, made sure kids showered and tucked them in bed. He even cared for his poor pathetic 3rd child. :)
So, never again will I say that my husband is a "wimp" when he is sick. NO WAY! He's my hero! I guess I've learned not to point out the speck of dust in someone else's eye until I take the plank out of my own. Maybe that's my great insight for the week.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
An Arm and A Leg!
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (NIV)
Yesterday was President’s Day. Originally dedicated to honor our first president, George Washington, we now often associate it with President Lincoln as well as the many other presidents who have served this great country. I must be honest, until recent years the most meaningful part of this holiday for me was the fact that it meant a day off of school. Maybe it’s maturity or the fact that I now live only 45 minutes from our nation’s capital, but holidays such as President’s Day seem to hold much more meaning now.
When we first moved to Northern Virginia, my husband and I decided that our family should take full advantage of living in an area with such rich historical surroundings. It seemed only appropriate that our first President’s Day here should be spent visiting Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington. WOW! Now if you’ve grown up in Northern VA that may seem like a nice gesture. But if you were raised on the other side of the country, visiting Mt. Vernon ON President’s Day is a huge deal! Plus, admission was free on this special day of the year! COME ON! How can you pass that up? You simply can’t!
So there we were, walking through the parking lot, when my husband commented on his favorite justification for this day out…FREE ADMISSION! His comment went something like, “Any other day it would cost an arm and a leg to get through the gate.” To which our 4 year old son responded, “Yea! And the leg’s a lot more because it’s bigger!” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud! Forevermore, President’s Day will bring about that memory for me.
So yesterday, as I recalled those words with a smile, a thought came to my mind. I sure am glad that’s not how God’s economy works! 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that the body of Christ, just like the human body, is made up of many parts, but it is ONE body. To each one of us, God has given a different gift and purpose. Some gifts and purposes, through our human eyes, may appear to be bigger or more important than others and therefore worth much more. But with God, every part is important and of GREAT value. Each one of us is NEEDED and VALUED in the body of Christ.
So what is your gift or purpose? God created you specifically for it! You may not think much of it, but God does, and so should you. After all, the leg can go, go, go but can’t do much once it gets there without the arm. And the arm may have a lot of reaching out to do, but without the leg to get it somewhere, it wouldn’t reach very far.
1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (NIV)
Yesterday was President’s Day. Originally dedicated to honor our first president, George Washington, we now often associate it with President Lincoln as well as the many other presidents who have served this great country. I must be honest, until recent years the most meaningful part of this holiday for me was the fact that it meant a day off of school. Maybe it’s maturity or the fact that I now live only 45 minutes from our nation’s capital, but holidays such as President’s Day seem to hold much more meaning now.
When we first moved to Northern Virginia, my husband and I decided that our family should take full advantage of living in an area with such rich historical surroundings. It seemed only appropriate that our first President’s Day here should be spent visiting Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington. WOW! Now if you’ve grown up in Northern VA that may seem like a nice gesture. But if you were raised on the other side of the country, visiting Mt. Vernon ON President’s Day is a huge deal! Plus, admission was free on this special day of the year! COME ON! How can you pass that up? You simply can’t!
So there we were, walking through the parking lot, when my husband commented on his favorite justification for this day out…FREE ADMISSION! His comment went something like, “Any other day it would cost an arm and a leg to get through the gate.” To which our 4 year old son responded, “Yea! And the leg’s a lot more because it’s bigger!” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud! Forevermore, President’s Day will bring about that memory for me.
So yesterday, as I recalled those words with a smile, a thought came to my mind. I sure am glad that’s not how God’s economy works! 1 Corinthians 12 tells us that the body of Christ, just like the human body, is made up of many parts, but it is ONE body. To each one of us, God has given a different gift and purpose. Some gifts and purposes, through our human eyes, may appear to be bigger or more important than others and therefore worth much more. But with God, every part is important and of GREAT value. Each one of us is NEEDED and VALUED in the body of Christ.
So what is your gift or purpose? God created you specifically for it! You may not think much of it, but God does, and so should you. After all, the leg can go, go, go but can’t do much once it gets there without the arm. And the arm may have a lot of reaching out to do, but without the leg to get it somewhere, it wouldn’t reach very far.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Rod of God
“Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.”
Exodus 17:9 (NIV)
Over the last few weeks a certain picture has been ever present in the back of my mind. My mind’s “wallpaper” shall we say, is a vision of Moses, sitting on a rock with Aaron and Hur standing on either side of him holding up his arms. In his hands, high above his head he holds a staff… a rod. So many times I’ve read Exodus 17 and not thought about why Moses raised his staff in the air. I just skimmed over it and took the details for granted. But the more I study God’s word, the more I realize there is purpose in everything. I began to look back at the history of that staff or rod as it is also referred to.
This was the rod that Moses held in the wilderness when God revealed himself in the burning bush. This was the rod that God miraculously turned into a snake when thrown on the ground and then a rod again when it was picked up. Through it, the Israelites saw the power of God and believed that He had sent Moses to them. Through it, Pharaoh witnessed the power of God displayed. This same rod was held over the Red Sea as God parted it and made a way for his children to be delivered out of bondage. With this rod, Moses struck the rock and fresh water flowed, quenching the thirst of a dry and weary people. This rod was known as the rod of God. It represented the power and miracles of God Almighty.
As Moses looked down over the valley and saw the Israelite army fighting the battle before him, it was the representation of the power of God that was held high above his head for all to see. When it was held high, the Israelites would remember the miracles and power of God in their past and know that it was He who would deliver them once again. As it was lowered in man’s weakness, it became evident that this battle could not be won through their own mortal power and earthly weapons.
So where does that leave me? I don’t have a big stick to hold in the air, but I do have the memories and evidences of the power of God revealed in my life. I look back and recall the times he has delivered me from the hands of my enemies…sickness, depression, fear. I remember the times he has brought refreshing and provision in times of need: physical, emotional and spiritual.
As I said in my post a couple weeks ago, we all face battles in our lives which seem to be so completely overwhelming that we see no hope of victory. It is in those overwhelming moments that we are tempted to forget the power of God and his ability to bring us through. You might say that our arms become weak and we lower the staff from high above our head. These are the times that we must recall the miracles and faithfulness of God and allow brothers and sisters in Christ to come along beside us, holding up our arms, supporting and encouraging one another with testimonies of God’s power.
Recently I find myself surrounded by people in overwhelming situations. Maybe you are the same. I’d like to encourage you to take a moment to ask God to remind you of the works of His power and faithfulness in your life. If it’s something you can share, I’d love to have you share it in the “comments” section here. Your testimony may be just what someone else needs to lift their arms high today.
Exodus 17:9 (NIV)
Over the last few weeks a certain picture has been ever present in the back of my mind. My mind’s “wallpaper” shall we say, is a vision of Moses, sitting on a rock with Aaron and Hur standing on either side of him holding up his arms. In his hands, high above his head he holds a staff… a rod. So many times I’ve read Exodus 17 and not thought about why Moses raised his staff in the air. I just skimmed over it and took the details for granted. But the more I study God’s word, the more I realize there is purpose in everything. I began to look back at the history of that staff or rod as it is also referred to.
This was the rod that Moses held in the wilderness when God revealed himself in the burning bush. This was the rod that God miraculously turned into a snake when thrown on the ground and then a rod again when it was picked up. Through it, the Israelites saw the power of God and believed that He had sent Moses to them. Through it, Pharaoh witnessed the power of God displayed. This same rod was held over the Red Sea as God parted it and made a way for his children to be delivered out of bondage. With this rod, Moses struck the rock and fresh water flowed, quenching the thirst of a dry and weary people. This rod was known as the rod of God. It represented the power and miracles of God Almighty.
As Moses looked down over the valley and saw the Israelite army fighting the battle before him, it was the representation of the power of God that was held high above his head for all to see. When it was held high, the Israelites would remember the miracles and power of God in their past and know that it was He who would deliver them once again. As it was lowered in man’s weakness, it became evident that this battle could not be won through their own mortal power and earthly weapons.
So where does that leave me? I don’t have a big stick to hold in the air, but I do have the memories and evidences of the power of God revealed in my life. I look back and recall the times he has delivered me from the hands of my enemies…sickness, depression, fear. I remember the times he has brought refreshing and provision in times of need: physical, emotional and spiritual.
As I said in my post a couple weeks ago, we all face battles in our lives which seem to be so completely overwhelming that we see no hope of victory. It is in those overwhelming moments that we are tempted to forget the power of God and his ability to bring us through. You might say that our arms become weak and we lower the staff from high above our head. These are the times that we must recall the miracles and faithfulness of God and allow brothers and sisters in Christ to come along beside us, holding up our arms, supporting and encouraging one another with testimonies of God’s power.
Recently I find myself surrounded by people in overwhelming situations. Maybe you are the same. I’d like to encourage you to take a moment to ask God to remind you of the works of His power and faithfulness in your life. If it’s something you can share, I’d love to have you share it in the “comments” section here. Your testimony may be just what someone else needs to lift their arms high today.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Mama Bee's Buzz
“Her children arise and call her blessed…”
“…a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Prov. 31:28 & 30 (NIV)
This last week my mom celebrated her birthday. Being on opposite sides of the country, I couldn’t spend the day with her, so I’ve been thinking about her and the many things I’ve learned from her over my 38 years. Now, we all learn something from our mothers, whether great or small, good or bad. But my sisters and I have been blessed to have gleaned many grand and insightful treasures of truth from our mom. Treasures that I think everyone should have the opportunity to learn. So here they are…
MAMA BEE’S BUZZ
The many things my sisters and I have learned form our Mom.
• Every pot has a lid. (no matter how funny the shape)
• You really should go to bed early because morning comes so fast. (I could never figure out how those hours somehow ticked away faster than any others.)
• When you’re thirsty, your mouth is “dry…(lick lips)…like cotton”.
• If you’re REALLY thirsty, you can “smell a coke”.
• No matter how warm you are, you always need another blanket put on you.
• You can never have enough tables (especially when you find a good yard sale).
• Everything you ever needed to know you can learn from a magazine article. (My mom reads more magazines than anyone I know. She’s really smart.)
• No matter how humble the meal, a beautiful table setting makes it a King’s feast.
• Use the good china.
• Grandchildren get special privileges that your own children never did.
• Grandma’s can make it to a hospital faster than a mom can.
• Everyone needs to know how to type. (You never know when it will get you a job.)
• Hurtful words should be taken with a grain of salt.
• Work hard. Give your employer your best.
• Mom can take care of you like no one else can.
• Get a pedicure! You deserve it.
• Regardless of your past, you can always make good choices.
• Give…Give…Give!
• Find a church you can call home and be faithful to it. You simply don’t skip a service.
• Love the unlovely.
• God is the greatest counselor you can ever have.
• Sometimes you need to close your bedroom door to weep before the Lord. (Sorry, Mom. I peeked. The best lesson I ever learned.)
I’m not limiting the things we’ve learned to this very finite list, but I can’t go on forever. The fact is, my Mom loves the Lord with all of her heart and is devoted to serving Him. I am so honored to have gleaned that “treasure” and hope I pass the same on to my own children.
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Little Dusting of Hope
"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27 (NIV)
Here it is, January 26 in Northern VA and still no snow. What is going on? The kids had 2 days off of school last week and the weather forecast called for a slight chance of snow. So, we packed up our snow gear and headed to a friend's house to anxiously await the snow. We were sorely disappointed when all we saw were a few flurries in the car on the way. NOTHING! My kids had almost completely lost hope of any snow days when just this morning, while getting ready for school....SNOW! I mean real snow. Not just a flurry. SNOW! Within 20 minutes there was enough to make the street white. So in the few spare minutes before leaving for school, the kids were out on the deck, gathering small handfuls off of the patio table and catching flakes on their tongues and eyelashes. Yes, the snow was short lived. Within 2 hours, the streets were black again and all evidence of snow was gone, but that little bit of snow was all it took to instill hope in their sweet little hearts. YES! Snow is coming!
Isn't it the same with most of us? Maybe for you and I it isn't snow, but something much bigger and life changing: a husband, a family, financial security, a scriptural promise, the fulfillment of God's calling in your life, healing... The list has infinite possibilities. We wait, wait, wait until we have just about exhausted our ability to wait any longer. Hope wanes and we begin to believe it will never happen.
I would like to offer you a little "dusting of snow" if I may. A little something to instill hope in your heart. God is still God and He reigns eternally! He is in control and knows every detail of your life and situation. On top of that, he knows, desires and plans what is best for your life.
I pray that each person reading this knows Christ personally and therefore can stand firm knowing that Christ within you is "the hope of glory". What more could we hope for than for eternity with Him in the fullness of His glory? All hopes are fulfilled in HIM!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Pull up a rock!
“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up – one on one side, one on the other – so that his hands remained steady till sunset.”
Exodus 17:12 (NIV)
I was recently talking with a dear friend, and although our time together was precious and joyful, I was also heart broken as she began to share with me the depth of difficulties she and her family are facing. One of her children has a degenerative disease with many accompanying complications. Their family has stood firmly in the strength of the Lord for years and trusted Him for healing. They have waited patiently. The last couple of years, however, have proven to be almost too much to bear. The diagnosis has changed, the complications have worsened and their strength is wearing thin. I listened as my friend shared with me how difficult it has become to even pray the simplest prayer in the morning. They are tired.
As I later shared the gravity of the situation with my husband, and told him how difficult it had even become for them to pray, he immediately and simply stated “Then they don’t have to. We will do it for them!” The conviction with which he spoke struck me.
I was reminded of Exodus 17 when the Amalekites attacked Israel. As long as Moses held up his hands with the staff of God, Joshua and the Israelite army were winning. But when his hands came down, the Israelites began to lose. The fact is, even the strongest man of God needed the support of those around him. So what did his closest friends and supporters do? They pulled up a rock for him to sit on, allowing him to have some rest. Then they stood, not behind him, but on either side of him, and lifted his hands high. They supported the weight he had to hold until the battle was over.
I know God was showing the Israelites that it was by his power that they won the battle, but there is so much more there. This is what we as the body of Christ are called to do for one another. The fact is, most of us, if not all of us, will at some point in our lives face a trial or difficulty that becomes so heavy and tiresome that we can’t seem to even pray anymore. We run out of words and the energy to speak them. That is when our brothers and sisters in Christ must provide some rest and come along side of us to support the weight that we carry. It isn’t enough to say, “I’m here for you,” or “I’m behind you all the way.” NO! It is our responsibility to face the trial head on beside each other and support the weight. Pray as if it is our own need. Cry out to God as if crying out for our own child! Intercede and offer up our prayers to the One who ultimately lifts the weight upon Himself.
Please know that if you are facing a battle and can't seem to pray anymore, it’s alright. Allow others to support you so that you can continue. Even Moses needed help. If you are one who has a friend despairing, pull up a rock and lift them up in prayer!
My friend! You know who you are. I want you to know that you are not facing this battle alone! My family is committed to you. We have pulled up a rock for you. Sit down and feel the rest and renewed strength that is coming as we, and I'm sure many others, lift your arms up.
Exodus 17:12 (NIV)
I was recently talking with a dear friend, and although our time together was precious and joyful, I was also heart broken as she began to share with me the depth of difficulties she and her family are facing. One of her children has a degenerative disease with many accompanying complications. Their family has stood firmly in the strength of the Lord for years and trusted Him for healing. They have waited patiently. The last couple of years, however, have proven to be almost too much to bear. The diagnosis has changed, the complications have worsened and their strength is wearing thin. I listened as my friend shared with me how difficult it has become to even pray the simplest prayer in the morning. They are tired.
As I later shared the gravity of the situation with my husband, and told him how difficult it had even become for them to pray, he immediately and simply stated “Then they don’t have to. We will do it for them!” The conviction with which he spoke struck me.
I was reminded of Exodus 17 when the Amalekites attacked Israel. As long as Moses held up his hands with the staff of God, Joshua and the Israelite army were winning. But when his hands came down, the Israelites began to lose. The fact is, even the strongest man of God needed the support of those around him. So what did his closest friends and supporters do? They pulled up a rock for him to sit on, allowing him to have some rest. Then they stood, not behind him, but on either side of him, and lifted his hands high. They supported the weight he had to hold until the battle was over.
I know God was showing the Israelites that it was by his power that they won the battle, but there is so much more there. This is what we as the body of Christ are called to do for one another. The fact is, most of us, if not all of us, will at some point in our lives face a trial or difficulty that becomes so heavy and tiresome that we can’t seem to even pray anymore. We run out of words and the energy to speak them. That is when our brothers and sisters in Christ must provide some rest and come along side of us to support the weight that we carry. It isn’t enough to say, “I’m here for you,” or “I’m behind you all the way.” NO! It is our responsibility to face the trial head on beside each other and support the weight. Pray as if it is our own need. Cry out to God as if crying out for our own child! Intercede and offer up our prayers to the One who ultimately lifts the weight upon Himself.
Please know that if you are facing a battle and can't seem to pray anymore, it’s alright. Allow others to support you so that you can continue. Even Moses needed help. If you are one who has a friend despairing, pull up a rock and lift them up in prayer!
My friend! You know who you are. I want you to know that you are not facing this battle alone! My family is committed to you. We have pulled up a rock for you. Sit down and feel the rest and renewed strength that is coming as we, and I'm sure many others, lift your arms up.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Welcome 2009! (a little late)
I can't believe we are already 8 days into 2009! I had expected to add a new post by New Years Eve or New Years day. But as you may know, I'm often a little behind my desired schedule. At least I know there is a reason. We spent 12 wonderful days in California with our family for Christmas and New Years Day. We truly dedicated that time to family and so enjoyed it. Then back home to Virginia on Jan. 2nd. You know what that means...unpacking, laundry, housekeeping and trying to get over jet lag! UGH! So here I am, on January 8, finally writing again.
I've been thinking a lot about what I would write as I face a new year, and honestly I'm stumped. No special "New Years" theme has jumped out at me. I'm not one much for making New Years resolutions. I don't usually keep them. I do however have several goals I am committing to complete this year. One of which is posting to this blog at least once a week. :) Most people I know don't actually make New Years resolutions for the same reason I don't. I do, however, think most people at least consider the year ahead. What will it be like? What will happen? Will it be good? Will it be bad? What do you ask yourself? What do you think about on the first day of a brand new year?
My dear friend and fellow blogger, Christy Butcher, encouraged me, (through her blog) with her decision to find a "Word of the Year". Each year she decides on a new word to focus on for that year. I began to think, what word would I choose? Hmmmm..... The problem is, my indecisive personality has not made it possible to choose just one. I have a list! But if I had to choose one to put at the top of my list this year, it would be JOY! I would love for this to be a year of joy! I want to face every day with an attitude of joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." I'm sure I'm going to need a little strength along the way as well. Maybe I should add "strength" to my list.
The fact is, this new year is a year of unknown for every one of us. It may hold prosperity, insecurity, health or sickness. We may encounter new experiences and new friends. We may reconnect with old friends and deepen relationships. Whatever this new year holds, whether good or bad, I pray that we face it each day with the Joy of the Lord!
I've been thinking a lot about what I would write as I face a new year, and honestly I'm stumped. No special "New Years" theme has jumped out at me. I'm not one much for making New Years resolutions. I don't usually keep them. I do however have several goals I am committing to complete this year. One of which is posting to this blog at least once a week. :) Most people I know don't actually make New Years resolutions for the same reason I don't. I do, however, think most people at least consider the year ahead. What will it be like? What will happen? Will it be good? Will it be bad? What do you ask yourself? What do you think about on the first day of a brand new year?
My dear friend and fellow blogger, Christy Butcher, encouraged me, (through her blog) with her decision to find a "Word of the Year". Each year she decides on a new word to focus on for that year. I began to think, what word would I choose? Hmmmm..... The problem is, my indecisive personality has not made it possible to choose just one. I have a list! But if I had to choose one to put at the top of my list this year, it would be JOY! I would love for this to be a year of joy! I want to face every day with an attitude of joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says "...the joy of the Lord is your strength." I'm sure I'm going to need a little strength along the way as well. Maybe I should add "strength" to my list.
The fact is, this new year is a year of unknown for every one of us. It may hold prosperity, insecurity, health or sickness. We may encounter new experiences and new friends. We may reconnect with old friends and deepen relationships. Whatever this new year holds, whether good or bad, I pray that we face it each day with the Joy of the Lord!
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