The Journey North

The Pink Bike

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed some quality time with family and friends.  In contrast to our normally hectic lives, my hubby and I decided to stay home and hide out with our two youngest kiddos.  The other four travelled to the east coast for the holiday and our extended family enjoyed other opportunities.  As a rare treat, we spent the day lounging in our pj’s watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (fondly referred to as the Macy’s Day Parade in our family) and crawling around on the floor entertaining the little ones.  How did you choose to spend your Thanksgiving?  I’d love to hear how it went!

Today marks the end of my first series, Friday Fall Favorites.  I am excited to share the insights and loving guidance of Shona Neff.  Shona and I met online as we prepared for the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ She Speaks conference this past July.  While I experienced fear, doubt, and insecurities, she reached out and encouraged me to relax and have faith.  As only God can plan, on the second day of the conference I hesitantly approached two lovely women and asked if I could share their table for breakfast.  To my surprise and delight, Shona smiled up at me.       

Shona is a Christian, radio personality, passionate speaker and gifted writer.  I hope you will enjoy her visit!

The Pink Bike

Traffic snaked through the orange barrels as if time had no meaning. Suddenly, while listening to the rhythmic tapping of my impatient fingers on the steering wheel, an odd sight jumped from the sidewalk:  man riding a bike with a pink bike in tow.

The stop and go traffic fueled my frustration, but the man accompanied by the pink bike captured my attention as we played a type of construction leap frog: I’d pass him, and then he would roll by me when traffic came to a standstill. Although he was oblivious to my observation, we developed a friendly rapport known only to me.

I wondered why, on such a busy afternoon, this biker rider had such a pleasant countenance. Not only was he dragging along another bike while balancing on his own, but he had an overflowing backpack. I looked at him through the filter of my own life. As one who does not seek physical activities and easily develops frazzled nerves on busy streets, I marveled at the calmness he radiated.

After fifteen minutes of playing our impromptu game of leap frog he turned onto a side street. The new angle provided my first good look at the pink bike. It was a brand new bike with tags still attached!

No wonder the man’s countenance captivated me. He was on gift-giving mission despite the inconvenience of traffic while hauling the treasure. Surely a giving heart beat strong in his chest. A gift for someone else fueled the man’s ride through heavy traffic. Peace radiated.

My imagination filled in the rest of the story I would not witness. The big eyes of a giddy girl receiving the pink bike danced in my mind. I smiled at the thought of a father presenting the gift to one he loved so much.

The pink bike blessed me. We never know how far the ripples of someone’s giving will reach. Two thousand years ago a Man hung on the cross. He gave His life. His ripples bless the life of us today. A strong heart of giving beats in His chest. Peace radiates from Him just like it did from the man towing the pink bike.

Jesus offers the world the gift of forgiveness and eternal life. He is the Prince of Peace who came to safe us. He towed the gift of love among the people and down crowded streets. His gift helps us forget the chaos swirling around our lives. His is the gift of life from a loving Father made available through Jesus, the King of Kings.

As you enjoy the Christmas Season, remember the joy of giving. Whether you present someone with a pink bike or something else, wear the same countenance of peace that radiated from the bike rider. Let us rejoice like the giddy little girl I imagined receiving the pink bike. When we celebrate Jesus, the greatest gift and Gift Giver of all, be at peace among the chaos.

 

Shona Neff loves to encourage and equip others. She does this through her personality blog, shonaneff.com, and with aspiring writers and speakers at her StepUP Writing and Speaking website. She lives in northern New Mexico with her husband and trio of terriers and has two college-aged sons.

Fence Riders or Wave Riders?

Discouraged.  There isn’t a better word to describe how I feel these days.  While work has been sailing along at an impressive clip and family life has swirled with the force of gale winds, my writing has fallen to the bottom of my list.  With pure determination, I have continued to fight and hang on to my daily time alone in God’s word.  However, life’s distractions have held me firmly away from writing.  I miss it…desperately.  It is difficult to describe the peace I experience when I dare to share my thoughts, hopes and fears.  While this may leave me shaken and vulnerable, I feel God’s presence as I write.  With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I pray that will find the inspiration, focus and courage to return to writing regularly.  Until then…

I am thrilled to share the writings of Jessica Kirkland today as we continue our Friday Fall Favorites series.  She is a Christian, wife, mother of five-year-old triplets (Yikes!), passionate speaker and gifted writer.  She is the Founder of Christian Apps 4 Kids and author of her blog Jessie’s House.  Additionally, she has recently released her first iphone and ipad Christian app for kids: The Sounds of Night!  Jessica is committed to helping young families grow deeper in their walk with God.    

I hope you will enjoy her visit!

Fence Riders or Wave Riders?

He’s one of my favorite apostles. When I feel like sitting on the bench because life is too difficult, I remember him. The apostle Peter was a crazy, beautiful mess!

“But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said.” Matthew 14: 27-29

How many times have I waited to be obedient, wavered in fear, and said those very words, “Lord, if it’s really you…” It’s easy to question the plans God has for us. I can only imagine that the moment Peter’s feet hit the ocean, he began to question his decision. Peter defied human physics when he chose to do the unthinkable, jump into a raging sea to walk on water with the Son of God. How many of us would have had the courage to ever do such a thing? Peter has been thought of as both crazy and brave for his out-of-the-boat rendezvous with Jesus. We can choose to remember him as the disciple whose lack of faith caused him to sink, or the only disciple brave enough to ride the waves instead of the fence.

Each day, we are given a choice: be a fence rider or a wave rider. Fence riders stay in the boat. They watch other people reach their goals. They watch other men date and marry their dream girl. They never ask for the promotion they have dreamed about at work. They simply lack the faith to make their dreams come true. They hope to be something great, but they never take action.

So, which one are you? Are you willing to jump into the vast, black sea with waves crashing all around, for a chance to go on an amazing journey with Jesus?  Will you ride the waves of faith to carry out the good plans God has for you? Or are you a fence rider? Someone stuck in the boat watching other people do daring, amazing things for the kingdom of God. Life is short. In Christ, we all get the chance to make our lives count. I challenge you today, to take the leap of faith. Get your feet wet and trust that God will finish the good work He has begun in you.  For His answer has already been given, “Yes, come.”

 Follow Jessica on Twitter @appmama123!

I Wish I Had Patience

Tonight is the final game of the regular football season and it is destined to be a grand finale.  Despite the fact that both schools have already made the playoffs, Dawson High School will be hosting Manvel High School in a 4A grudge match that will not disappoint.  Prior to loosing a heartbreaker to La Marque last week, Dawson carried an impressive record of wins and had been ranked 5^th in Texas 4A.  Manvel enters tonight’s game undefeated and had been previously ranked 6^th.  The teams are well matched.  Final supremacy will be achieved on the field.  I can’t wait! 

Before night’s game, I am pleased to share the writings of a very, very special young lady as we continue our Friday Fall Favorites series.  Ashley Divver is a bright, gifted, beautiful (inside and out!), intelligent, author of the blog Divver The Great and an amazing ten year old.  This best part…she’s my daughter!

When I started my blog this summer, she asked if she could start one as well and I happily helped her set one up.  Then, as I shared my excitement over starting this series she humbly asked if she could write for me one week as well.  How could I say no? 

The story you are about to read is hers, although I did help edit just a bit.  I tried to stay as true to her efforts as possible.  I think you will find that even at an early age, she has already figured out one of those things that we tend to struggle with as adults…patience. I hope you will enjoy today’s story as much as I did and maybe you will find some truths in it as well.

I Wish I Had Patience

The personality trait that I would most like to change about myself is I wish I could be more patient.  Unfortunately, I am not a very patient person.  I think impatient people are mean, selfish and bullies.  I don’t want to be that way.

My little brother, who is 3 years old, tests my patience every day but most often on the weekends.  If I had patience, I wouldn’t get mad at him as much and we would have more fun playing. 

It would also make me less stressed and I would be kinder to others.  For example, I could be nicer to others when we are in line at school.  Instead of yelling at them that they can’t cut in front of me, I can calmly explain that they need to go to the end of the line to be fair to everyone.

My step dad is very patient.  I admire that because he is easy going and always cool about everything.  I wish I was that way.  I would be more fun to hand out with and others wouldn’t be annoyed with me.

Changing will be hard. 

Maybe next time I get impatient, I can count quietly to myself or tap my foot.  When dealing with my little brother, I could talk to him about what he did wrong when he gets in trouble instead of putting him in a time out. 

I also want to be patient to make God happy.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)

The Ministry of Presence

Fall has finally arrived in Houston.  A lovely cold front came through last night and brisk autumn temperatures now grace our city.  The best part?  Those pesky mosquitoes that have plagued us for the past couple of weeks forcing us to remain indoors and yell at the kids to “Shut the door!” are finally under control.  Thankfully, the weekend looks bright and wonderful!

Today, Kelli Wommack is my guest today as we continue our Friday Fall Favorites series.  She is a Christian, wife, mom, motivational speaker, writer, ministry leader, and author of her blog Unwrapping the Gifts of God.  Kelli believes that everything is a gift of God and she wants to spend the rest of her life unwrapping those wonderful gifts! 

Actually, I feel like Kelli wrote today's story just for me.  Goodness, I needed to hear this.  I hope you enjoy today’s story as much as I did and maybe you will be touch by its truth as well.

The Ministry of Presence

In my role as SERVE minister at Christ Community Church, I have the awesome privilege and responsibility of helping people find their unique ministry niche within the kingdom of God. I explain in classes and in one-on-one consultations that every Christian has a ministry. Just like our human body, the body of Christ is made up of many parts and each one is necessary for the body to function as it was intended to function.

One day, after our church services, a woman walked up to me. This gentle-spirited woman had been through our classes that help a person discover their ministry. I had met with her about a year ago and together we discussed how God had created her with certain gifts, talents, and experiences along with a vibrant personality and passion. I had given her several suggestions for ministry placement based on our discussion. She served a trial run in a couple of those ministries and after a time, found that she was still struggling with direction. I told her to continue to pray that God would show her where and how He wanted her to serve.

So, the day she approached me after the service, I noticed that she had a big smile and a feeling of contentment. She said, “I think I have discovered my ministry. But I don ‘t know what to call it. I don’t think there is actually a name for it.”  I was not bothered by the idea of a nameless ministry, but very curious to hear about it. I asked her to tell me about her “nameless” ministry. She began to tell me that she had observed when she was most fulfilled, and most fruitful. She felt that her greatest ministry was “just being with people – just listening to them, praying for them, fellowshipping with them, just BEING with them.” I totally agreed with her assessment because I had been one to benefit from this ministry of hers. And then I said, “There is actually a name for that...” She was bewildered. “Really?” I replied, “Yes, it is called the MINISTRY OF PRESENCE.”

Though my friend is extremely gifted in this ministry and very open to the Spirit’s leading in her life, this is a ministry for all of us. In the U.S., we have so disciplined ourselves to be taskmasters -- to do, and to check off lists. And sometimes, in fact, many times, God is not calling us to “do” anything. He is calling us to “be” there for people. I am much more aware of this when I have traveled to other countries on mission trips. Yes, I may be there to teach at a conference, or to help with an evangelism effort. But when there is nothing on the schedule, there is still something on the schedule. That something is just being with the people – listening to them, talking with them, fellowshipping with them, hearing their stories, praying with them.

Do you have people around you that need your “ministry of presence?” Maybe it is your spouse, your children, your co-worker, or your neighbor? We don’t have to have a task to complete in order to minister to others. Let’s be present and in the moment. Undistracted. Completely focused...on them.

Connect with Kelli on Facebook, Twitter @KelliWomma, or at Unwrapping the Gifts of God.  

 

Fear Factor

What a beautiful day!  The weather is fabulous and it’s Friday.  What more can a girl ask for?  Yesterday, my hubby and I returned from a long overdue and well deserved Caribbean Cruise.  Despite the rough seas (20’ swells…oh my!), we had a terrific time connecting, resting, and relaxing.  As a good friend of mine mentioned upon our return, there will likely be at least one blog about our adventures…maybe two or three. 

However, today we continue our Friday Fall Favorites series with Karen Daly Cook.  She is a Christian, wife, mom, student, worship leader, speaker, and author of her blog The Couch.  Needless to say, the girl is busy!  Karen loves to use laughter to bring comfort to others.  I hope that you will find encouragement and motivation to reach for God during those difficult times in your life.

Fear Factor

Just this week I faced one of my biggest fears.

Failure.

This week marked my final class in my masters program and the first of two competency exams as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

The exam process consists of being able to form a complete and accurate psychological diagnosis and treatment plan in front of a panel of Psychologists and Therapists. It is the stuff that nightmares are made of!

As the time drew near, I drove to the University campus. I arrived too early and now found myself waiting. At first I tried to kill time by checking email, facebook & twitter.

Eventually I ran out of things to look at on my phone and began to think about the test.

This is when things went south – fast! With waiting came worry and then worry’s friend fear snuck in the back door when I wasn’t looking. Suddenly I went from feeling confident and prepared to inadequate and fearful.

As began to consider why I was feeling fearful a series of questions bombarded my mind.

What if I didn’t pass? How would I tell my employer I failed? How would I tell my friends and family – how embarrassing? While these thoughts assaulted me as I sat in silence in the lobby, I began to pray.

God graciously reminded me of the ways He has prepared me, called me and provided a way for me to be in this position. He reassured me of His presence in my life and affirmed me that the message of fear I was receiving was not from Him.

So I decided to take the Lord at His word and address the fear.

I stared it in the face, sized it up, and then laid down my fear at the cross.

Don’t get me wrong, I was nervous as all get out. My heart was racing and my palms were sweating. I practiced deep breathing in an all out effort not to hyperventilate!

As I surrendered my fear and the sense that I control my own fate, I experienced peace. This was such a welcomed reprieve from the all out assault on my confidence.

The enemy is always looking for an opportunity to hijack our hope, steal our dreams and leave us by the side of the road stranded and helpless.

Fortunately we have an ever - present God, who loves us, who goes with us and who resides in us. We have the presence, power and peace of Christ with us at all times – all we need to do is call on Him.

Friends when you walk through the fears and fires of life, He will go with you.

Grace & Peace,

Karen

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCouchKDC?created

Twitter: @karendalycook

http://twitter.com/#!/karendalycook

Blog: the couch http://karendalycook.com/

Email:  [email protected]

Words - How Do You Use Them?

Today, my Friday Fall Favorites guest is one of my favorite bloggers.  Our styles are very similar…probably why I like her so much!  Tammy Karasek is a warm, funny, and entertaining writer.  I’m always excited when I see that she has released a new post on Tickled Pink Tammy.  She is a Christian, wife, mother, and writer.  Tammy sees humor and laughter in every aspect of life and enjoys sharing her adventures with others.  As a lonely child who received much criticism from family, she now uses that experience to reach out and encourage others.  I hope that you will enjoy her writing as much as I do and are inspired by her story!

Words - How Do You Use Them?

Have you ever been hurt by people’s words?  When words are spoken quickly, they can      either edify or tear down.  Yet once spoken, they cannot be retrieved.

I have one of “those” memory banks that are both a blessing and a curse.  You see I tend to remember just about everything.  And I do mean EVERYTHING—both the good and the bad.  The harder I try to forget the bad, the more it seems to commit to staying.  From a small child up to this day, I could probably list off times of hurtful words or situations than my poor writing hand could handle.

Since turning the big “5-0”, I have been purposely trying to go to those memories and one by one shrug my shoulders at it and decide to just let it go.  I’ve tried to see both sides in the word transaction and in most instances see that I’ve thought on it more than it was worth.  I realized that the more I hold the memory, the more the memory holds me…and my heart.

Those hurtful situations are mostly gone from my memory due to my diligence.  But you see it’s those hurtful words.  Ahh – the words spoken to my heart.  Ouch.  They may have come from a loved one or even a dear friend in a heated discussion or just in passing.

Yet they were spoken.

And sadly, remembered.

Then recently I read this verse in my daily quiet time with God.  Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 says:

“Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you—for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

WOW!  That’s big.

It tells me to not pay so close attention to every word spoken, because I may hear  “cursing” (or hurtful) words.  Then the second verse says that I know I’ve done this same thing.

What did that say?

Did that just say that I know I’ve done it, too?  No way – not me!  I love words.  I would not do that.  I know that words hurt, so I for sure would not do that.  Or would I?

Yes, it says I’ve done it, too.  Oh, how I did NOT like that.  That smacked me right up side of my think, stubborn head! 

Today, I’d like to encourage you as well as myself.  Those hurtful words are going to be flung at us.  That is a guarantee.  Yet scripture reminds us that we are going to fling ‘em, too!

As I’m learning to “not pay attention to every word people say” as the verse above says, may I encourage you to do the same?  Some words are necessary to hear for our good, but if it seems hurtful, will you give it to God?  Let Him deal with it and not let it consume your heart.  He wants to take our hurts away.  Take the hurtful words to Him.  

And I’m not off the hook either!  I also need to remember to not flippantly throw out those hurtful words to others.  How about you?  What are your thoughts on “Words?”   I’d love to hear what you think.

…and that’s all I have to say about that!

Tammy

What if I Mess it up?

Confession…I have not finished the 3^rd part to “Forgiveness vs Consequence.”  However, I am hopeful that a bus ride to Austin on Saturday will provide the opportunity to finish it up.  I might even have a surprise posting for you over the weekend…hey, stranger things have happened.  Until then, I am excited to share Niccol Kording with you today as we continue our Friday Fall Favorites series. 

Niccol is a Christian speaker, author, and blogger of Set Apart & Set Free, a website dedicated to living a life of light and leaving a legacy of love.  She has a passion for Jesus, her family, and Israel.  I hope that you will enjoy her visit and are inspired by her story!

What if I Mess it up?

Though I am told that I kind of resemble her, I have never met her. And while I am told that we are a lot alike, I have never heard her voice. I have been told I would have liked her, but I have never even seen a picture of her.

She is a relative on my biological mother’s side of the family – a family I’ve never met and know little about. Yet, every October I am reminded of her. I am reminded that the one family member I even vaguely remember had cancer.

I don’t know if she lived or died. Just that she had cancer. I don’t know if she was tall or short. Just that she had cancer. I don’t know if her eyes were blue or green… she liked to dance or watch movies or even if the cancer was breast cancer or some other kind. I don’t know if she lived or died.

Just that she had cancer.

It’s probably better that I don’t know more because, while I am generally not a fearful person, the word cancer brings back memories of my father, two uncles and father-in-law’s deaths. No one in my family survives cancer. But I trust in God’s sovereignty – in His plan for my life.

And I would like to believe that trust will hold true no matter what God’s plan includes, even… well, I can’t even think that.

What I don’t trust in is my ability to reflect Christ in a crisis – a real crisis, not the little inconveniences of what some would say is a “blessed” life.

The irony is that this is what God continues to give me to write about and to speak about - about being set apart in our actions and reactions to our circumstances. About living a life that embraces… No, that clings to Christ as Light as part of His legacy for us all – that we might be witnesses to a life lived in His love, His grace, His light.

I want to be that witness. I want to live every aspect of my life as a reflection of His light, His grace, His love.

“You are the light of the world….Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

I want to be the one that clings to Him and fears not.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

But I don’t always succeed. In fact, I fail often. But God knew we would fail often maybe that’s why He chose the Peters of the Bible as apostles.

Peter failed too. He denied Christ three times on the night Christ was crucified. (Matthew 26:69-75). He became afraid and began to sink after Jesus called Peter to walk on the water. (Matthew 14:28-30) He acted without thinking, challenging God’s plan for the cross and was met with must have been the harshest words he had ever heard when Jesus replied:

“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”   Matthew 16:23 (NIV)

And yet Peter was also the one who declared Jesus to be the Christ, which declaration became the foundation of the Church as we know it. (Matthew 16:13-19) He was also part of Christ’s inner circle and one of three disciples to be with Christ when He was transfigured on the mountain and Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him. (Matthew 17:1-13) Likewise, Peter was also one of three disciples that were chosen to pray with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane before Christ was crucified. (Matthew 26:37-38)

Peter failed.

I fail.

You may too.

But Christ never failed when He walked with the apostles and He never fails as He walks with us. His love never fails.

Even in my fear.

Because it was never about me succeeding in trusting Christ, but Him succeeding in overcoming death. And because it’s not about my reaction or me being strong, I don’t have to worry about His reflection in me, but rather trust Him to fill me with His light because I was never meant to shine – He was.

That, at least for me, is a relief because I know that whatever He brings on this path called my life here on earth will not be dependant on my abilities, but His. So, the next time you are afraid of what God has planned for you, remember the last piece of armor Paul talked about in Romans 13:12.

“The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12 (NIV)

 

Toxic Pressure

Today, I am pleased and excited to welcome Brittany Williamson to our Friday Fall Favorites series. 

I met Brittany on the shuttle bus as we traveled to the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ She Speaks Conference in July (See Let’s Get Naked! for more about that).  As I anxiously wondered if I even slightly belonged at the conference, Brittany offered an amazing gift by exclaiming, “I read your blog and I love it.”  Speechless (which is extremely rare for me), I simply stared at her while my mind worked to accept that someone other than my closest family members had ever actually read any of my stories.  Her enthusiasm and comfort touched me at a moment when I needed it most.  I’m honored that she agreed to share her internal light and beautiful spirit with us today.

Brittany Williamson is a Christian blogger and contributor at Faith in Between, a website dedicated to helping twenty-somethings as they navigate the real world and make plans for their future while continuing to walk in a relationship with Christ.  I hope that you will enjoy her visit and are inspired by her story!

Toxic Pressure

A cold, twisted feeling stirred inside my little seven year old tummy as the teacher approached our lunch table. She had that look; you know the one. Eyes fixed, finger pointing, steps sure. Fear crept up my skin like a million little spiders warning me of the embarrassment and disappointment closing in with her every move.

“Brittany,” she said in a stern, heavy voice, “I need to see you over here for a moment.”

Regret immediately joined hands with fear. I should never have trusted my older brother! Smashing apples against my head wasn't a trick to make them taste better; it was a trick to make me look silly (how did I not know that?!), and every single one of my unfortunate young friends had fallen for it, too. The teacher blamed me for our ridiculous apple smashing episode.

It was the only time I ever got in trouble at school.

You see, I've always been an excellent rule-follower. It comes naturally to me. I like expectations. They're comfortable. Black and white is much easier to navigate than gray.  It tells me what people want and how to please them. It rewards me with “good job” and “you're so responsible” and “well done.” It's consistent and predictable and safe. I can control it, and I like having control almost as much as I like rules.

Until two years ago, my desire—no, need is a more accurate word—my need to please people extended beyond my relationships and into my spiritual life. I struggled to always get it “right”, to earn God's love by following His rules, or what religion taught were His rules: don't drink, don't steal, don't lie. The better I obeyed, the more He loved, and the more He loved, the greater chance I had at salvation. Rules became my god, the only one I served, trusted, and worshiped. The one I believed would save me. And the more I depended on them, the more pressure I felt.

 And pressure is toxic where it doesn't belong.

As I realized I could never live up to this formula for salvation, guilt, shame, and hopelessness nestled into my exhausted heart. Poisoned by pressure God never intended me to feel, I became angry and resentful. I doubted His love altogether; how could a loving God design such an impossible plan for us? I believed I let Him down, and, even worse, I began to believe He let me down, too. 

It wasn't until a pastor at the church I was attending delivered an entire sermon on John 3:16 that I was released from the lie of perfection and embraced by the freedom of grace; loving Christ is our goal, not some impossible list of rules! I finally realized obedience is a reflection of our relationship with God, not the foundation of the relationship itself.

And the only thing perfect in this life is His love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV)

 

Growing Faith

Today, I’m thrilled to continue our Friday Fall Favorites series with the writings of Shannon Milholland. 

At the same time, I will be a guest over at Shannon’s blog Jesus & My Orange Juice and Rachel Loudon’s blog The Lazy Christian.  You will probably remember Rachel from earlier this month as she was the first guest of my Friday Fall Favorites series with Letting Him Lead. 

As you can see, today is a very busy day!  This is my first time to be a guest on someone else’s blog and have been blessed with two opportunities on the same day!  Please stop by for a visit and say “Hi!”  I’ve shared new material in both of my guest spots.

Shannon Milholland is a wife, mother of four, and accomplished Christian blogger and speaker.  She is passionate about all things women – being a wife, raising godly children and keeping a home.  As if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she is also the Social Media Director of Southern Writers Magazine.  You can discover more about her on her blog Jesus & My Orange Juice, a fresh-squeezed oasis for ordinary living.  I hope that you will enjoy her visit and are inspired by her story!

Growing Faith

Ephesians 3:20 To him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (NIV)

I bounced my head back and forth from the stick to the box like a referee at a ping pong match. No matter how many times I compared the result, it did not change. I was pregnant. There was no denying it.

I was not prepared for a baby. New town, new job and no money did not equal the stay at home mom dream tucked in my heart. How could I both provide for this baby and be the mom I envisioned?

I carried my hopes to the source of help I knew. I begged God to assist in the care of my unborn child. With the smallest seed of faith, I gave Him my dreams.

Two months later, my belly was in bloom and testing the outer limits of my waistband.  The tiny faith kernel sprouted as well. Within weeks, I had been loaned or given a closet full of maternity clothes.

The months passed. My baby grew and I read books. I followed my daughter’s development week by week and learned how to care for her. My mind and heart were prepared. My home was not. One day I wandered into her empty room and wondered how it would be filled.

The next Sunday our pastor taught about prayer. He challenged us to bring our greatest distress to God. I needed a crib and changing table. I didn’t know fancy words. I simply told God my desire and silently asked for His help. As I walked out of church, the couple behind me tapped me on the shoulder. “We’ve been meaning to ask, would you have any use for our nursery furniture?” My seedling of belief sprouted a stem.

Soon after, my family surprised me. They filled my crib with bedding on which Noah and his ark-full of whimsical animals danced. My soul leapt with them. My trust in God spreads leaves.

In the meantime, my little cantaloupe morphed into a watermelon. As my belly pressed the seams of my maternity clothes, virtual strangers showered me with God‘s love. People I knew only briefly filled my nursery with clothes, diapers, books and toys. My stem of faith put forth a bud.

As my due date approached, I shopped on my day off. I meandered through a home decorating store. What caught my eye was a Noah’s ark light switch plate cover. It was a minor expense. I debated the splurge. It would complete the look of my baby‘s abode. I felt silly but I put it away. If God wanted me to have it, He would provide. The next morning it was on my desk. My bud of hope bloomed.

She arrived eleven days after her due date. One look and I was smitten. I anticipated every day I would spend with her on maternity leave. I would return to work in six short weeks. The thought pained my heart.

Two weeks into my leave, my phone rang. It was my manager’s boss. The company wanted me to take on more responsibility. 

I swallowed and willed the words out from my throat. “I’d be glad to help but I want to work from home so I don’t have to put my daughter in day care,” I sputtered. The president didn’t hesitate. 

“Sounds great. I’ll send someone over tomorrow to set you up with access.”

My confidence in God burst into a bouquet. Nine months earlier, I dared to whisper my dreams into the ear of God. He tilled the soil of my heart, planted His love and grew my faith. He is the Master Gardener.

 
 
 

Life On Purpose

Today, I’m thrilled to continue our Friday Fall Favorites series with the writings of Stephanie Shott. 

Before we do, I want to apologize for leaving you hanging with “I’ve Got It All Figured Out – Part 3 of 3”.  With school now in full swing, the craziness in my life grows daily.  I had hoped to complete my current series yesterday; however, that just didn’t happen.  Instead of writing, I look a much needed nap.  As you may have already figured out if you’ve been reading my blog this week, God is urging me to reprioritize some things in my life.  Therefore, change is coming…

Stephanie Shott is a wife, mother of two, and grandmother of one (although it’s difficult for me to accept she is actually old enough to have grandbabies!).  Overcoming a difficult childhood, her journey with Christ is inspiring!  Stephanie is a Christian author, teacher, and speaker.  You can read more about her on her blog Stephanie Shott.  I hope that you will enjoy her visit and are inspired by her words!

Life on Purpose

I spent much of last year taking my mom back and forth to doctor’s offices and sitting by her bedside as she faced her final days. My heart was a scrambled mix of emotions and my words, a jumbled mess.

And while this isn’t easy to write, it’s necessary. Memories don't fade easily when they're inscribed in ink, as well as on the heart. And I definitely don't want to forget the lessons learned from life, death and all things in between.

I thought the research for my Bible study, Ecclesiastes: Understanding What Matters Most, had taught me a lot about the brevity of life and the need to live life on purpose, but sitting beside my mom's hospital bed magnified the message Solomon uttered millenniums ago. Life truly is but a vapor.

Defined by the dash between the year of our birth and the year of our death, we have just a short time to live a life of purpose...to make a difference in this life we all live under the sun. Our birth certificate may inadvertently come with a life expectancy, but it isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow may never come.

So what should we be doing with the days the Lord has given us? Which dreams should we pursue? How then should we live?

Jesus told us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Paul told us to set our affections on things above, not on the things of this earth. Living for Christ...that is to be the motivating factor for our lives. Nothing else matters when they're calling in Hospice.

But how can we really begin doing more than just talking about making a difference in the lives of others...fulfilling God's call on our lives and reaching this world for Christ?

1. Analyze Take a good hard look at your life. What is it you are called to do? What steps are needed to get there? What are you doing (or not doing) that's preventing you from fulfilling that which you were born to do? How many irons do you have in the fire? Write down your dreams and goals. Think about what you want to accomplish and begin charting a course for your destination. If you have no target, you have no aim. Living life on purpose requires honest self-evaluation, but be ready to implement some difficult changes.

2. Simplify Eliminate the excess baggage. Cut the pork. Get rid of that which consumes your time and prevents you from being what God has called and gifted you to be. We are much more effective when we narrow our focus to that which we know we need to do, rather than trying to do a little bit of everything. For some it may mean taking a social media break, watching television less, shopping less and spending more time on honing the skills or stirring up the gifts God has given them. For others, it means eliminating time stealers and downsizing their world. What ever it is, just simplify.

3. Organize Begin by making a "life list." Have a clue about where you are going and what it takes to get there. De-clutter. Get your finances in order. Believe it or not, being organized is a time saver. It doesn't mean you're stuck with your plan til death do you part, it just means you have one and you have chartered your course from point "A" to point "B."

4. Get Busy Good intentions are just that...intentions. We have to do more than talk about what we want to do; we have to put some feet to our prayers and begin to pursue our plans. Actions do speak louder than words. If you want to work with the homeless, go to the local shelter and see if you can help. If you're called to women's ministry, begin seeking opportunities to minister to women. Go to the local hospital and see if they could use a volunteer. Pour your life into young mothers at the women's shelter. Do some research in your area. You'll be surprised what opportunities are available for those who are willing to serve. So, get busy - but remember...not every door is ours to walk through. Don’t over commit.

It doesn't seem that long ago that my mom was cheering me on while I played softball...tucking me in when I was afraid...always challenging me to buck up and be strong. It feels like yesterday when she and her best friend took a wild ride across country. Oh, how time truly flies. What a valuable lesson I learned while I tearfully watched my mom transition from this life to the next. 

We only have one shot to do this thing called life - One chance to make it count. It's not a dress rehearsal for the real thing...it is the real thing. When we live life on purpose, resolutions cannot become just good intentions.

Are you living this life on purpose? What do you need to do to begin pursuing God’s purpose for your life? Analyze? Simplify? Organize? Or get busy?