Hey Friend,
In tackling this subject, I logically came up with the Who, the How and the What when approaching God. I have struggled and prayed about being vulnerable enough to share the "What" when I get to that part of my post. So I ask you gently, in advance, to hold it carefully in your hands.
When I was little I had a love-hate relationship with the movie "The Wizard of Oz". I hated the wicked witch and the flying monkeys. I recall burying my face in my mother's shoulder when it came to that part. I also wondered about the great and powerful Oz. If he was the giver of good gifts, why was he so intimidating to approach?
I admit that often I have approached God as if he were Oz...I was afraid of God. Was my God just a bunch of smoke and mirrors like Oz? I would hear people speak about the God of the Old Testament - the God of fire, floods and plagues. I gravitated more toward Jesus. I liked the pictures of Him in my Sunday school stories with little children sitting on His lap. He was usually smiling or had a peaceful look on His face. I could relate to Him.
However, Jesus clearly states in John 14:9, "Whoever has seen me has seen the father." The more I purposefully and intentionally dug into this truth, the more of God I began to see. The God of the Old Testament was also the God of the parting of the Red Sea, the Passover and countless times He showed mercy to His people Israel.
I am especially drawn to the verses that speak of God as compassionate and filled with loving-kindness.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3)
"For your loving-kindness is before my eyes: and I have walked in your truth." (Psalm 26:3)
"Every path He guides us on is fragrant with His loving-kindness." (Psalm 23:10)
God is quick to lavish his mercy, grace and loving-kindness upon us. These words are a cool drink of water to my parched soul.
How then, do I approach my loving and kind God?
I am the queen of namby-pamby prayers. I tend to sheepishly go before God and then I cover all my bases...uh, well God, if it's your will and if you see fit, then well maybe you will answer my prayer. Pffftt!
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
In him (Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
"Ask and it will be given to you..." (Matthew 7:7). Sometimes we simply do not ask.
I can just hear God urging me on, "Come on girl...you can do it...come boldly before me and bring your prayers with you!"
So What do I bring before the throne of grace? Hold this gently. Of all my prayers, I believe my most earnest plea would be for my son...that God would soften his hardened heart. I have always said that my greatest desire, as a mother, would be for my children to have a close and personal relationship with their Lord and Savior and that they would walk in His ways.
I won't go into all the details of how his impressionable heart was hardened, but I come with confidence before God and pray that He would give my son a heart of flesh in place of a heart of stone and that When not If my son returns that he would be greeted by my loving arms and the compassionate arms of the Lord.
As I pray for you every morning and every evening, will you pray this for me?
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. (Psalm 5:3)
Will you wait in expectation with me? What prayers do you need to bring boldly before His throne of grace?
In His love,
Bev
ps. Don't forget about the drawing at the end of December for Ann Voskamp's best selling book and the DaySpring mug and coffee for all those who subscribe to my blog. Be sure to look for the verification email once you subscribe. No spam; no lists that are sold...promise!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
When Others Let You Down
Hey Friend,
My twenty five year old daughter is my maid of honor in my upcoming wedding in January. She is very creative and has a good eye for details, so early on in the planning process I wanted her to come with me to the venue where we are having the ceremony and the reception in order to get her input and ideas.
I had visions of a wonderful bonding experience between mother and daughter. I had expectations of her oohing and aahing over how beautiful, cozy and inviting it would be. I wanted her eager ideas and suggestions on how best to create the perfect setting.
What I got was about the complete opposite. She harshly critiqued everything. If there was something wrong to be found, she found it. There was no laughing and smiling and hugging...it was, in short, a great disappointment. She had let me down.
I stewed on this for about two months until I finally had the courage to confront her with my disappointment. Stewing...bad idea! Wounds left untreated always tend to fester. What I had was a major infection. When I did finally talk with her, she apologized profusely and then shared what I had overlooked...here she was, twenty five, and dreaming as every girl does of her perfect wedding. And here I was, her middle-aged mother getting to plan two of my own weddings before she even got to plan one of her own. She owned up to her problem - it was jealousy with a capital "J"!! After our talking it out there was forgiveness and reconciliation. I also found out that she had been hard at work arranging a lovely bridal shower for me. I didn't know the whole story.
Another thing wrong with this story were my expectations. How often do we place unrealistic expectations on others, particularly those we love the most, and then are let down when our expectations are not met? I remember, as a wife, how I often expected my husband to read my moods or my body language - in essence read my mind - and when he failed to do so, I felt let down.
I have learned, slowly, over the years that other people are not psychic. They can't read my mind and therefore, cannot possibly read my expectations.
I have learned to look for the best in others rather than expect the best.
Great expectations are usually a recipe for disaster. Besides, the Bible tells us that everyone, even our closest family members, will fail, forsake or let us down at some point. They may do it intentionally or unintentionally, but it WILL happen. There is only One who will never let us down.
I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
There are two stories in the Bible that stand out to me as to how we should handle it when others let us down. It may not be easy, but God promises blessings if we do it His way.
In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, Paul is speaking at his court hearing, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth."
Notice what Paul says when all of his best friends deserted him..."May it not be held against them." Notice the blessing that followed when he obeyed God's command to not hold it against them - the Lord stood at his side and gave him strength and he was delivered from the lion's mouth.
In the book of Genesis, the writer tells the story of Joseph who was basically sold into a life of slavery by his jealous brothers. Talk about being let down by those you love. What is Joseph's reaction when he encounters his brothers years later when he is in a position of great power? In Genesis 45, he forgives his brothers. Furthermore, in Genesis 50 he goes one step further; he reassures his brothers.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." (Genesis 50:19-21).
When others let us down, we need to realize and trust that God is in control and will use every situation, even the really devastating ones, for our good!
One last thought on this topic...realize that when someone lets you down, there is very likely something going on in their life. The reasons people let other people down are many: jealousy, selfishness, greed, anger, immaturity, hurt and in general, our sinful nature. I've heard it said that hurt people hurt people.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44).
That's a tough one - pray for those who persecute you. You don't know what is going on in their life, so God calls us to lay our enemies on the altar before Him.
Will you pray with me? Lord, so many times I have let you down. Please help me to forgive ____________ who has let me down. I release my hurt and disappointment to you as I lay them before you at your altar. Bless them and keep them. In Jesus name...Amen.
In His love,
Bev
ps. Don't forget to subscribe to my weekly blog. Winners will be chosen to receive the best seller by Ann Voskamp "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" and a DaySpring coffee mug and coffee. When you subscribe you will receive a "verification email request". Be sure to click the link in the verification email you receive in order to activate your subscription.
My twenty five year old daughter is my maid of honor in my upcoming wedding in January. She is very creative and has a good eye for details, so early on in the planning process I wanted her to come with me to the venue where we are having the ceremony and the reception in order to get her input and ideas.
I had visions of a wonderful bonding experience between mother and daughter. I had expectations of her oohing and aahing over how beautiful, cozy and inviting it would be. I wanted her eager ideas and suggestions on how best to create the perfect setting.
What I got was about the complete opposite. She harshly critiqued everything. If there was something wrong to be found, she found it. There was no laughing and smiling and hugging...it was, in short, a great disappointment. She had let me down.
I stewed on this for about two months until I finally had the courage to confront her with my disappointment. Stewing...bad idea! Wounds left untreated always tend to fester. What I had was a major infection. When I did finally talk with her, she apologized profusely and then shared what I had overlooked...here she was, twenty five, and dreaming as every girl does of her perfect wedding. And here I was, her middle-aged mother getting to plan two of my own weddings before she even got to plan one of her own. She owned up to her problem - it was jealousy with a capital "J"!! After our talking it out there was forgiveness and reconciliation. I also found out that she had been hard at work arranging a lovely bridal shower for me. I didn't know the whole story.
Another thing wrong with this story were my expectations. How often do we place unrealistic expectations on others, particularly those we love the most, and then are let down when our expectations are not met? I remember, as a wife, how I often expected my husband to read my moods or my body language - in essence read my mind - and when he failed to do so, I felt let down.
I have learned, slowly, over the years that other people are not psychic. They can't read my mind and therefore, cannot possibly read my expectations.
I have learned to look for the best in others rather than expect the best.
Great expectations are usually a recipe for disaster. Besides, the Bible tells us that everyone, even our closest family members, will fail, forsake or let us down at some point. They may do it intentionally or unintentionally, but it WILL happen. There is only One who will never let us down.
I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
There are two stories in the Bible that stand out to me as to how we should handle it when others let us down. It may not be easy, but God promises blessings if we do it His way.
In 2 Timothy 4:16-17, Paul is speaking at his court hearing, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth."
Notice what Paul says when all of his best friends deserted him..."May it not be held against them." Notice the blessing that followed when he obeyed God's command to not hold it against them - the Lord stood at his side and gave him strength and he was delivered from the lion's mouth.
In the book of Genesis, the writer tells the story of Joseph who was basically sold into a life of slavery by his jealous brothers. Talk about being let down by those you love. What is Joseph's reaction when he encounters his brothers years later when he is in a position of great power? In Genesis 45, he forgives his brothers. Furthermore, in Genesis 50 he goes one step further; he reassures his brothers.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." (Genesis 50:19-21).
When others let us down, we need to realize and trust that God is in control and will use every situation, even the really devastating ones, for our good!
One last thought on this topic...realize that when someone lets you down, there is very likely something going on in their life. The reasons people let other people down are many: jealousy, selfishness, greed, anger, immaturity, hurt and in general, our sinful nature. I've heard it said that hurt people hurt people.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44).
That's a tough one - pray for those who persecute you. You don't know what is going on in their life, so God calls us to lay our enemies on the altar before Him.
Will you pray with me? Lord, so many times I have let you down. Please help me to forgive ____________ who has let me down. I release my hurt and disappointment to you as I lay them before you at your altar. Bless them and keep them. In Jesus name...Amen.
In His love,
Bev
ps. Don't forget to subscribe to my weekly blog. Winners will be chosen to receive the best seller by Ann Voskamp "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" and a DaySpring coffee mug and coffee. When you subscribe you will receive a "verification email request". Be sure to click the link in the verification email you receive in order to activate your subscription.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Thankfulness Is Good Medicine
Hey Friend,
May I bend your ear for a moment? This has been an extremely stressful week for me. I've had to deal with some things that no parent should have to deal with. I am weak, weary and worn. This was also the week that my daughter threw a surprise wedding shower for me. It was a delightfully perfect evening. I felt such an outpouring of love that I will treasure, always, in my heart.
So where do I choose to "hang my hat"? Focusing on how life and circumstances depleted me, or on how the love of my daughter and friends filled me up?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
When I was young and my mother would try to give me cough medicine (yes, the yucky thick red stuff), I could bob, dodge and weave like a champion prize fighter. When the medicine hit its mark, then I would cough and choke on it. Was this really good medicine?
Thankfulness is a lot like good medicine. Sometimes we may cough and choke on it, but we need to do it anyway.
God calls us to be thankful, not because He needs the thanks, but because He knows it is truly good for us. God is not a glory seeker. He is perfectly sufficient without us. In other words, He doesn't need our thanks, but He knows that we need to give thanks. It is hard to be miserable while giving thanks. Thanksgiving and giving praise can override whatever state we happen to be in at the time. This is just another example of how God's heart is always truly loving toward us!
In everything give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
Too often we, at least I, focus on what we don't have versus what we do have.
Really, if we received no other gift, but the gift of eternal life with our Father in Heaven, we should be endlessly thankful! All the other blessings are like the cherry on top.
Sometimes, I think that I can't give thanks until I am in a thankful mood. Instead, I need to just choose to say, "thank you". I don't wait for my emotions to change. In fact, the obedient act of choosing to give thanks, can change how we feel.
Studies show that if you write down five things a day that you are grateful for, you feel 25% happier.
Ann Voskamp, in her book "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" says, "Stress decreases by half - simply by multiplying our thanks. Why in the world don't we do this?"
We can thank God with more than mere words...we can thank Him by "paying it forward" and doing a good deed for someone else and then thank God for giving us the ability to do so. We can thank Him in word, deed, song and even dance. Confession time...I used to be a dancer and so often I put on praise music and dance around my kitchen as a way of saying thank you to my loving God. (It also gives the neighbors something to talk about).
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
This is why God calls us over and over again to give thanks. He is loving, kind, compassionate and abundantly good to us. He knows that when we give thanks it is truly good medicine and we are blessed because of it. He also deserves our thanks!!
What, during this season of giving thanks, are you thankful for? Will you share it with God and be blessed?
In His love,
Bev
ps. Just a reminder that I will be giving away a copy of Ann's book mentioned above as well as a DaySpring coffee mug with Isaiah 40:31. If you subscribe to my blog in Nov/Dec I will pick one blessed winner from those who subscribe. Also I still pray for all readers of my blog, morning and night, and I truly give thanks for you! You are loved!
May I bend your ear for a moment? This has been an extremely stressful week for me. I've had to deal with some things that no parent should have to deal with. I am weak, weary and worn. This was also the week that my daughter threw a surprise wedding shower for me. It was a delightfully perfect evening. I felt such an outpouring of love that I will treasure, always, in my heart.
So where do I choose to "hang my hat"? Focusing on how life and circumstances depleted me, or on how the love of my daughter and friends filled me up?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
When I was young and my mother would try to give me cough medicine (yes, the yucky thick red stuff), I could bob, dodge and weave like a champion prize fighter. When the medicine hit its mark, then I would cough and choke on it. Was this really good medicine?
Thankfulness is a lot like good medicine. Sometimes we may cough and choke on it, but we need to do it anyway.
God calls us to be thankful, not because He needs the thanks, but because He knows it is truly good for us. God is not a glory seeker. He is perfectly sufficient without us. In other words, He doesn't need our thanks, but He knows that we need to give thanks. It is hard to be miserable while giving thanks. Thanksgiving and giving praise can override whatever state we happen to be in at the time. This is just another example of how God's heart is always truly loving toward us!
In everything give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
Too often we, at least I, focus on what we don't have versus what we do have.
Really, if we received no other gift, but the gift of eternal life with our Father in Heaven, we should be endlessly thankful! All the other blessings are like the cherry on top.
Sometimes, I think that I can't give thanks until I am in a thankful mood. Instead, I need to just choose to say, "thank you". I don't wait for my emotions to change. In fact, the obedient act of choosing to give thanks, can change how we feel.
Studies show that if you write down five things a day that you are grateful for, you feel 25% happier.
Ann Voskamp, in her book "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are" says, "Stress decreases by half - simply by multiplying our thanks. Why in the world don't we do this?"
We can thank God with more than mere words...we can thank Him by "paying it forward" and doing a good deed for someone else and then thank God for giving us the ability to do so. We can thank Him in word, deed, song and even dance. Confession time...I used to be a dancer and so often I put on praise music and dance around my kitchen as a way of saying thank you to my loving God. (It also gives the neighbors something to talk about).
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
This is why God calls us over and over again to give thanks. He is loving, kind, compassionate and abundantly good to us. He knows that when we give thanks it is truly good medicine and we are blessed because of it. He also deserves our thanks!!
What, during this season of giving thanks, are you thankful for? Will you share it with God and be blessed?
In His love,
Bev
ps. Just a reminder that I will be giving away a copy of Ann's book mentioned above as well as a DaySpring coffee mug with Isaiah 40:31. If you subscribe to my blog in Nov/Dec I will pick one blessed winner from those who subscribe. Also I still pray for all readers of my blog, morning and night, and I truly give thanks for you! You are loved!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Why She Talks Sports: Loving The Unlovables
Hey Friend,
In the US, for sports aficionados, fall is the "Happy Time"...the delightful convergence of many professional and college sports. Since I was young, I could tell you the difference between a breaking ball and a fast ball slider. I have a scrapbook I made on the life of Roberto Clemente, complete with scorecards from his games, newspaper articles and baseball cards.
I grew up with the "Steel Curtain" in Pittsburgh and could appreciate the grittiness of Jack Lambert as well as the fluid artistry of Lynn Swann's receptions. Did I mention donning full goalie gear so my son could dream of being Mario LeMieux?
I confess that I didn't immediately love sports, but my dad did. I am a people pleaser and I quickly learned that it pleased my dad that I took an interest in what he was interested in. I was all about my father's business, and in being so I grew to love what he loved.
It is very much the same with my Heavenly Father. If I love Him (which I do), I want to be interested in what He is interested in...I need to be about my Father's business.
"Be imitators of God...and live a life of love..." (Ephesians 5:1)
It is easy to love others when they are lovable or when we know and like them. But what about the nameless faces we see on the street or in the park? What about the homeless man holding a tattered sign? Do we love him? Take it one step further...what about those we don't like, the ones who have hurt us, the unlovables? What does God say about them? Let me share some insights borrowed, in part, from my pastor.
In Genesis 1:26, God said, "Let us (Trinity) make man in our image, in our likeness..." God used His very own image to fashion us. He created ALL men and women in His likeness. He didn't withhold His image from some; so, when we look into the eyes, the face of another individual, we are looking into the very face of God. We are created to love those people because they bear the image of God.
Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, we learn that "We are given the seal of God written on our foreheads by the Holy Spirit." God put His holy signature on each of our foreheads. He loves us (each of us) so much that He gives us the seal of ownership.
So, when I find it hard to love others at times...I will look for God's image and for His signature. I will attempt to imitate God. I will let all that I do be done in love. I will be about my Father's business.
Play ball!
In His love,
Bev
ps. It is easy to subscribe to my blog. You will only get my once a week post in your inbox (no spam and I don't sell lists). Go to "Subscribe" up above and click on the blue line "Get Walking Well With God delivered by email". All those who subscribe in the months of November and December will be entered into a drawing to win a nice prize when I celebrate my one year blogging anniversary in January :)
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The Perseverance Posse
Hey Friend,
Lisa, Cathy, Linda, Bev...together we comprise a tight sisterhood known as the "Perseverance Posse". We are a group of Christian, middle-aged women with grown (notice I did not say fully mature) children. We have navigated the waters of divorce, infidelity, mental illness, surgery, prodigal children, job loss, military life, financial difficulties, even death (and don't forget menopause).
A strand of three (or more) cords is not easily broken. When one of us is down, the others come alongside and lift her up in prayer, word and deed. I don't know where I'd be without these women in my life?!
Sometimes when we get together we jointly ask, "Why so many trials, Lord?" I believe our answer can be found in James 1:2-4:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
"Pure joy" is a strong term. Often we are not joyful while in the crucible of suffering, but when we look back and see, once again, that God was faithful to bring us through, we can truly be filled with joy!
A Christian can rejoice in suffering because he knows it is not meaningless. Part of God's purpose is to produce character in his children.
God is more concerned about our character than our happiness. Why? Because learning to persevere ultimately produces hope. Not only does hope not disappoint us, but it gives us life, builds our trust in God and alleviates fear. That sounds like a recipe for happiness.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us... (Romans 5: 3-5a)
My daughter is in her first year of teaching middle school - Yikes is right! She has been totally overwhelmed by the whole experience and has thought about giving up on many occasions, but she is sticking it out. "Why so hard, God?" she asks. It's really tough when you are IN the crucible of trial, but take heart - there IS hope!
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)
What glorious promises for those who lean into the Lord and keep on going. What abundant love God lavishes upon those who persevere!
So, together with my posse and with my daughter, we wait on the Lord. Wait for the strength He promises when we persevere through trials and suffering.
How has God worked in your life to build character through perseverance? I invite you to scroll down and share your thoughts under "Comments".
In His love,
Lisa, Cathy, Linda, Bev...together we comprise a tight sisterhood known as the "Perseverance Posse". We are a group of Christian, middle-aged women with grown (notice I did not say fully mature) children. We have navigated the waters of divorce, infidelity, mental illness, surgery, prodigal children, job loss, military life, financial difficulties, even death (and don't forget menopause).
A strand of three (or more) cords is not easily broken. When one of us is down, the others come alongside and lift her up in prayer, word and deed. I don't know where I'd be without these women in my life?!
Sometimes when we get together we jointly ask, "Why so many trials, Lord?" I believe our answer can be found in James 1:2-4:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
"Pure joy" is a strong term. Often we are not joyful while in the crucible of suffering, but when we look back and see, once again, that God was faithful to bring us through, we can truly be filled with joy!
A Christian can rejoice in suffering because he knows it is not meaningless. Part of God's purpose is to produce character in his children.
God is more concerned about our character than our happiness. Why? Because learning to persevere ultimately produces hope. Not only does hope not disappoint us, but it gives us life, builds our trust in God and alleviates fear. That sounds like a recipe for happiness.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us... (Romans 5: 3-5a)
My daughter is in her first year of teaching middle school - Yikes is right! She has been totally overwhelmed by the whole experience and has thought about giving up on many occasions, but she is sticking it out. "Why so hard, God?" she asks. It's really tough when you are IN the crucible of trial, but take heart - there IS hope!
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)
What glorious promises for those who lean into the Lord and keep on going. What abundant love God lavishes upon those who persevere!
So, together with my posse and with my daughter, we wait on the Lord. Wait for the strength He promises when we persevere through trials and suffering.
How has God worked in your life to build character through perseverance? I invite you to scroll down and share your thoughts under "Comments".
In His love,
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Words We All Need To Hear
Hey Friend,
As a young girl, I would walk home from school (yes, in the days when kids actually walked to and from school) with my girlfriends. We'd tug at our knee socks and we'd pick wild daisies. Nudging each other on, we would think about a boy we thought was cute and then, one by one, we'd pluck the petals off...he loves me...he loves me not...he loves me...he loves me not... On it would go until we reached the last petal. HE LOVES ME! We'd laugh and giggle with excitement.
We never, as humans, outgrow our need for love and affirmation. God designed us that way. It is our heart's deepest desire to feel that we are worthy of being loved.
The world can be a hard, cruel place - reminding us at every turn of how we don't measure up. Children learn, at an early age, how to bully and inflict harm with their words. A close friend of mine has lived for over twenty years in an emotionally and verbally abusive marriage. Many of us know her pain. After hearing, "You're not worthy!" long enough, you start to believe it.
God's message, however, is far different than that of the world. He whispers to that deep place in our soul, "I love you! You ARE worthy in my sight." We are precious gems unto the Lord. He loves us unconditionally. God so wanted to spend eternity with you that He was willing to send His only son as a sacrifice for your sins. Our tiny minds cannot fathom the height and depth of His great love for us.
If you measure the price God paid for you...you are of GREAT worth!
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
In return for the love and affirmation God shows us, He calls us to show and speak love and affirmation to others.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)
Read it again...There is no commandment greater than these! This is the heart of God. He calls us to renew our minds and to view others through a different lens - through the lens of His great love for us.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
I believe that God would have us take it one step further. Do not only just think about these things, but speak them. Speak them to ears that are hungry to hear words of love, affirmation and praise. I have to pray, hourly, that my words do not default to a critical spirit.
Through His Spirit at work in me, I can speak life giving words to others.
Who in your life needs to hear words of love, affirmation and praise? I encourage you...be brave enough to speak those words to them today.
As a young girl, I would walk home from school (yes, in the days when kids actually walked to and from school) with my girlfriends. We'd tug at our knee socks and we'd pick wild daisies. Nudging each other on, we would think about a boy we thought was cute and then, one by one, we'd pluck the petals off...he loves me...he loves me not...he loves me...he loves me not... On it would go until we reached the last petal. HE LOVES ME! We'd laugh and giggle with excitement.
We never, as humans, outgrow our need for love and affirmation. God designed us that way. It is our heart's deepest desire to feel that we are worthy of being loved.
The world can be a hard, cruel place - reminding us at every turn of how we don't measure up. Children learn, at an early age, how to bully and inflict harm with their words. A close friend of mine has lived for over twenty years in an emotionally and verbally abusive marriage. Many of us know her pain. After hearing, "You're not worthy!" long enough, you start to believe it.
God's message, however, is far different than that of the world. He whispers to that deep place in our soul, "I love you! You ARE worthy in my sight." We are precious gems unto the Lord. He loves us unconditionally. God so wanted to spend eternity with you that He was willing to send His only son as a sacrifice for your sins. Our tiny minds cannot fathom the height and depth of His great love for us.
If you measure the price God paid for you...you are of GREAT worth!
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
In return for the love and affirmation God shows us, He calls us to show and speak love and affirmation to others.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31)
Read it again...There is no commandment greater than these! This is the heart of God. He calls us to renew our minds and to view others through a different lens - through the lens of His great love for us.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
I believe that God would have us take it one step further. Do not only just think about these things, but speak them. Speak them to ears that are hungry to hear words of love, affirmation and praise. I have to pray, hourly, that my words do not default to a critical spirit.
Through His Spirit at work in me, I can speak life giving words to others.
Who in your life needs to hear words of love, affirmation and praise? I encourage you...be brave enough to speak those words to them today.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Meeting God On A Mountain Top
Hey Friend,
Yes, you are in the right place! Welcome to my new blog home. I feel like I've been handed the keys to a brand new car that I don't quite know how to drive yet lol. Hope you'll bear with me as I get the kinks worked out?!
If you are new to my site...WELCOME! This is a place where we get to be real. I hope you will settle in and let me share with you what God feeds me each week. If you have been a faithful reader, thank you, and I hope you will subscribe to my weekly post (no other spam mail will arrive). I also hope you will find it easier to comment on posts because I would love to get your feedback! If you are reading this, please know you are being prayed for every morning and every evening. I believe in the power of prayer. I also invite you to contact me at my email address if you feel led to do so...
So what's on my mind this week? I just returned from a wonderful week in The Great Smoky Mountains with my 80 year old mother. Oh, what an adventure we had...
My SUV climbed up the steep and curving highway to get to the mountain top town of Franklin, NC. From there we turned off the main road onto a narrow paved road which soon turned to gravel and dirt. Kicking the car into 4 wheel drive we began the ascent to the very last cabin on the tippy top of the mountain. We navigated narrow, sometimes washed out road that had many switchbacks.
We reminded ourselves that this city girl from the hills of western PA and her mother from the mountains of WV were homesick for the mountains. I secretly prayed we would not meet anyone coming down off the mountain. At last we arrived at our destination and what a sight to behold. We were really up there and the purple hue of the mountains stretched out in every direction. What an awe inspiring sight we beheld! The beauty and majesty of the view around us made me gasp in disbelief. This was going to be a true mountain top experience.
I've always been amazed by people who don't believe in the existence of God. As I stood on the wood deck of the cabin, I thought how can you NOT believe there is a God when you look around and survey His handiwork. The mountains stretched out endlessly and the sun, starting to set, lit up the sky with hues of pink and orange that filtered down through the umbrella of trees that surrounded us. The woodland animals scampered around in the trees, oblivious to the great view that they had.
With no tv, internet and questionable phone service, my mom and I spent our evenings and our early mornings in the giant sunny yellow rockers out on the deck. Glass of wine in hand, we rocked and talked and gazed out on the tree covered mountains. The dogwoods were already a deep crimson red and the tips of the other trees were just breaking out in brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.
In the early mornings we would sit on the deck in our fleece jackets and jammies. The hot coffee warmed our hands while we literally sat in the clouds. The birds chirped their good mornings to us while we waited for the sun to rise and break through the cloud we were in. Our sleep was restful with the crisp mountain air and the crickets singing and owl hooting its lullaby. Slowly the sun would start to break through the fog with its tendrils of light streaming through the tree tops and then the first glimpse of the mountains would appear. This was truly meeting God through His creation.
If I did nothing else that week, but to take in God's majesty, that was fuel to my soul. My mom and I hiked to cascading waterfalls and strolled through quaint mountain towns. We dug our hands in the dense NC mountain dirt and found God's treasures hidden there as well. Stones, that appeared to be nothing more than muddy rocks, came alive with color when you would shine a light through them. There were colors that only God could have dreamt up.
My mom and I talked and laughed and shared with each other. We basked in the stillness of the mountains and not having to know what time it was. We met with each other and we met with God on that mountain top. I have stored up this time and will treasure it in my heart. Is there a God?...after my week in the mountains, it confirmed what I know...that my God is an awesome, creative and loving God. He made all this for our good pleasure. When has anyone ever given you a gift quite like the creation He has gifted us with?
Usually my posts are infused with scripture, but this week, I let God's creation speak for itself. My prayer is that I will never cease to be amazed and astounded by the world that God has given us. May I see His love in the beauty He has created just for you and me to enjoy. May my heart lift up a song of thanksgiving and praise. Our God is truly good...
Yes, you are in the right place! Welcome to my new blog home. I feel like I've been handed the keys to a brand new car that I don't quite know how to drive yet lol. Hope you'll bear with me as I get the kinks worked out?!
If you are new to my site...WELCOME! This is a place where we get to be real. I hope you will settle in and let me share with you what God feeds me each week. If you have been a faithful reader, thank you, and I hope you will subscribe to my weekly post (no other spam mail will arrive). I also hope you will find it easier to comment on posts because I would love to get your feedback! If you are reading this, please know you are being prayed for every morning and every evening. I believe in the power of prayer. I also invite you to contact me at my email address if you feel led to do so...
So what's on my mind this week? I just returned from a wonderful week in The Great Smoky Mountains with my 80 year old mother. Oh, what an adventure we had...
My SUV climbed up the steep and curving highway to get to the mountain top town of Franklin, NC. From there we turned off the main road onto a narrow paved road which soon turned to gravel and dirt. Kicking the car into 4 wheel drive we began the ascent to the very last cabin on the tippy top of the mountain. We navigated narrow, sometimes washed out road that had many switchbacks.
We reminded ourselves that this city girl from the hills of western PA and her mother from the mountains of WV were homesick for the mountains. I secretly prayed we would not meet anyone coming down off the mountain. At last we arrived at our destination and what a sight to behold. We were really up there and the purple hue of the mountains stretched out in every direction. What an awe inspiring sight we beheld! The beauty and majesty of the view around us made me gasp in disbelief. This was going to be a true mountain top experience.
I've always been amazed by people who don't believe in the existence of God. As I stood on the wood deck of the cabin, I thought how can you NOT believe there is a God when you look around and survey His handiwork. The mountains stretched out endlessly and the sun, starting to set, lit up the sky with hues of pink and orange that filtered down through the umbrella of trees that surrounded us. The woodland animals scampered around in the trees, oblivious to the great view that they had.
With no tv, internet and questionable phone service, my mom and I spent our evenings and our early mornings in the giant sunny yellow rockers out on the deck. Glass of wine in hand, we rocked and talked and gazed out on the tree covered mountains. The dogwoods were already a deep crimson red and the tips of the other trees were just breaking out in brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red.
In the early mornings we would sit on the deck in our fleece jackets and jammies. The hot coffee warmed our hands while we literally sat in the clouds. The birds chirped their good mornings to us while we waited for the sun to rise and break through the cloud we were in. Our sleep was restful with the crisp mountain air and the crickets singing and owl hooting its lullaby. Slowly the sun would start to break through the fog with its tendrils of light streaming through the tree tops and then the first glimpse of the mountains would appear. This was truly meeting God through His creation.
If I did nothing else that week, but to take in God's majesty, that was fuel to my soul. My mom and I hiked to cascading waterfalls and strolled through quaint mountain towns. We dug our hands in the dense NC mountain dirt and found God's treasures hidden there as well. Stones, that appeared to be nothing more than muddy rocks, came alive with color when you would shine a light through them. There were colors that only God could have dreamt up.
My mom and I talked and laughed and shared with each other. We basked in the stillness of the mountains and not having to know what time it was. We met with each other and we met with God on that mountain top. I have stored up this time and will treasure it in my heart. Is there a God?...after my week in the mountains, it confirmed what I know...that my God is an awesome, creative and loving God. He made all this for our good pleasure. When has anyone ever given you a gift quite like the creation He has gifted us with?
Usually my posts are infused with scripture, but this week, I let God's creation speak for itself. My prayer is that I will never cease to be amazed and astounded by the world that God has given us. May I see His love in the beauty He has created just for you and me to enjoy. May my heart lift up a song of thanksgiving and praise. Our God is truly good...
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