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!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
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...
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Special Guest Post
Hey Friend,
This week, while I head to the beautiful mountains of NC, I have asked my very special friend and blogger Beth to guest post at my site. Beth's tag line to her blog, Simply Beth, is "Let all that you do be done in love." To me, Beth has a heart that exemplifies God's great love. She's the "real deal"! I hope you will welcome her and then take some time to visit her blog site: http://withlove-simplybeth.blogspot.com/.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I've seen it written many times that one of the keys to a great blog post is a vulnerable story. "Dare to be open and truly vulnerable about your life," says writer Mary Demuth. It certainly isn't easy being vulnerable. For many of us, being vulnerable is the complete opposite of how we were raised. Stuff your emotions and move on was more of the norm.
I was reminded of words shared by Joyce Meyer in her Amplified Bible from First Corinthians. She wrote how we are like jars of clay. "Imagine a clay pot with a lamp in it and a lid on it. Even though it may be filled with light, no one can see the light within it. Yet if the pot is cracked, the light will shine through the cracks. In this same way, God works through our imperfections."
Read just a few stories of the Bible and you will notice how God used imperfect people over and over again. If we were perfect we wouldn't need God. Isn't it refreshing to know God isn't asking us to be perfect?
"God works through our imperfections."
For many years I was sure I had failed my children. Their younger years were spent watching their parents go through many battles. Many times I wished we could go back in time and do it over again. Countless hours were spent worrying about how the choices and mistakes we made as parents would impact the lives of our two boys. How would those choices and mistakes impact them as they became husbands and eventually fathers?
Could it be possible that during those years of pain and sorrow, and the many mistakes, there was something greater taking place in us? Could it be God was using our brokenness to draw us closer to Him?
My husband recently shared with our small group about a time when he asked our oldest son for forgiveness. The two of them had a very difficult relationship for many years. He shared his story with such vulnerability. It's his story to share, but imagine a father approaching his son on the day of his wedding and asking for forgiveness. I imagine a light was shining through the cracks of the doorway as the two of them embraced.
On the day of my son's wedding, I didn't see a young man shattered from the brokenness of his parents. I saw the greatness of our God.
"God works through our imperfections."
The imperfections of my marriage can seem too great at times. We made many mistakes and the reasons to ask for forgiveness are long. For much of our marriage we relied on our own strength, a strength we simply didn't have. How do we ever apologize for all the pain our children endured as a result of our imperfections?
I can't help but to think of my husband again and the story he shared. Kristen Strong (http://chasingblueskies.net/when-an-apology-makes-you-drop-your-jaw-and-your-cake/) says it better than I ever could, "A genuine apology is a gateway to shocking, glorious redemption and a fresh start." My husband had not told me about his apology to our son. I was hearing his story for the first time as he shared with our small group. I did witness what took place following his apology: a "glorious redemption and a fresh start" for a father and son.
The pain we endured - those imperfections - God used them. He used them to paint a glorious story of forgiveness through a father and son. He uses them over and over as we dare to be vulnerable in exposing those cracks in our marriage. Each crack is another story to tell on how God redeems. Each one leads to sharing the greatness of our God.
"God works through our imperfections."
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
With love,
Beth
http://withlove-simplybeth.blogspot.com
Let all you do be done in Love.
This week, while I head to the beautiful mountains of NC, I have asked my very special friend and blogger Beth to guest post at my site. Beth's tag line to her blog, Simply Beth, is "Let all that you do be done in love." To me, Beth has a heart that exemplifies God's great love. She's the "real deal"! I hope you will welcome her and then take some time to visit her blog site: http://withlove-simplybeth.blogspot.com/.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I've seen it written many times that one of the keys to a great blog post is a vulnerable story. "Dare to be open and truly vulnerable about your life," says writer Mary Demuth. It certainly isn't easy being vulnerable. For many of us, being vulnerable is the complete opposite of how we were raised. Stuff your emotions and move on was more of the norm.
I was reminded of words shared by Joyce Meyer in her Amplified Bible from First Corinthians. She wrote how we are like jars of clay. "Imagine a clay pot with a lamp in it and a lid on it. Even though it may be filled with light, no one can see the light within it. Yet if the pot is cracked, the light will shine through the cracks. In this same way, God works through our imperfections."
Read just a few stories of the Bible and you will notice how God used imperfect people over and over again. If we were perfect we wouldn't need God. Isn't it refreshing to know God isn't asking us to be perfect?
"God works through our imperfections."
For many years I was sure I had failed my children. Their younger years were spent watching their parents go through many battles. Many times I wished we could go back in time and do it over again. Countless hours were spent worrying about how the choices and mistakes we made as parents would impact the lives of our two boys. How would those choices and mistakes impact them as they became husbands and eventually fathers?
Could it be possible that during those years of pain and sorrow, and the many mistakes, there was something greater taking place in us? Could it be God was using our brokenness to draw us closer to Him?
My husband recently shared with our small group about a time when he asked our oldest son for forgiveness. The two of them had a very difficult relationship for many years. He shared his story with such vulnerability. It's his story to share, but imagine a father approaching his son on the day of his wedding and asking for forgiveness. I imagine a light was shining through the cracks of the doorway as the two of them embraced.
On the day of my son's wedding, I didn't see a young man shattered from the brokenness of his parents. I saw the greatness of our God.
"God works through our imperfections."
The imperfections of my marriage can seem too great at times. We made many mistakes and the reasons to ask for forgiveness are long. For much of our marriage we relied on our own strength, a strength we simply didn't have. How do we ever apologize for all the pain our children endured as a result of our imperfections?
I can't help but to think of my husband again and the story he shared. Kristen Strong (http://chasingblueskies.net/when-an-apology-makes-you-drop-your-jaw-and-your-cake/) says it better than I ever could, "A genuine apology is a gateway to shocking, glorious redemption and a fresh start." My husband had not told me about his apology to our son. I was hearing his story for the first time as he shared with our small group. I did witness what took place following his apology: a "glorious redemption and a fresh start" for a father and son.
The pain we endured - those imperfections - God used them. He used them to paint a glorious story of forgiveness through a father and son. He uses them over and over as we dare to be vulnerable in exposing those cracks in our marriage. Each crack is another story to tell on how God redeems. Each one leads to sharing the greatness of our God.
"God works through our imperfections."
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
With love,
Beth
http://withlove-simplybeth.blogspot.com
Let all you do be done in Love.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
When You Feel Lonely In Crowded Places
Hey Friend,
There was a buzz in the air as people found their seats and wondered and speculated about the giant spaceship looking thing that seemed to form the stage. I was there with my husband and two grown children to witness, in person, the one and only U2 in concert. Certainly an enviable ticket. You could almost feel the electric current pass among the 60,000 fans all anticipating the event to come.
My kids had led the way in followed by my husband, then me. Not a word passed between my husband and me before the concert. His back was turned toward me as he engaged my kids in excited conversation. Unbeknownst to me, it was merely weeks until my husband would leave.
The lights lowered and the spaceship came alive with lights. "It's A Beautiful Day" rang out in the crisp night air. I could see the stars and the thousands of waving cell phones. I bit my lip and in the darkness tears burned down my cheeks. Here in this crowd of 60,000 people, I had never felt so alone in all my life.
Why do crowded places breed loneliness? I often, if I'm going to feel lonely, feel lonely in crowds.
I believe that in crowds we realize that we are not connected. When there is a disconnect between us and God, or a disconnect between us and others, loneliness sets in. A crowd is just a blatant reminder that something is amiss.
Does God allow loneliness to find us so that we will seek Him? Perhaps so...
David, in the Bible, was no stranger to loneliness. Read Psalm 38:9-15. David cries out with his longings and laments that his friends and companions avoid him.
God, however never avoids us or forsakes us...even in our loneliness.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Jesus was also no stranger to loneliness when his close friends fell asleep on him and he was all alone in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus stood by himself in a crowd as people jeered and mocked him, tortured him and sent him to his death...alone.
But, thankfully, God is loving and compassionate and true to all his promises.
I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. (John 14:18)
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)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
I have found that it is often at my loneliest points - when my heart cries out to God that He is faithful and draws near. He IS the great Comforter and He IS the God who sees (El-Roi)!
He held my hand that night, there in the massive crowd. The tears didn't stop, but my Father was counting and catching them. If you are in a lonely place, His promises are true for you! Know that you are loved...
Love,
Bev
ps. I continue to pray, both morning and evening, for all who read my blog. Praying especially for you if you are feeling lonely. You are not alone. You are loved...
There was a buzz in the air as people found their seats and wondered and speculated about the giant spaceship looking thing that seemed to form the stage. I was there with my husband and two grown children to witness, in person, the one and only U2 in concert. Certainly an enviable ticket. You could almost feel the electric current pass among the 60,000 fans all anticipating the event to come.
My kids had led the way in followed by my husband, then me. Not a word passed between my husband and me before the concert. His back was turned toward me as he engaged my kids in excited conversation. Unbeknownst to me, it was merely weeks until my husband would leave.
The lights lowered and the spaceship came alive with lights. "It's A Beautiful Day" rang out in the crisp night air. I could see the stars and the thousands of waving cell phones. I bit my lip and in the darkness tears burned down my cheeks. Here in this crowd of 60,000 people, I had never felt so alone in all my life.
Why do crowded places breed loneliness? I often, if I'm going to feel lonely, feel lonely in crowds.
I believe that in crowds we realize that we are not connected. When there is a disconnect between us and God, or a disconnect between us and others, loneliness sets in. A crowd is just a blatant reminder that something is amiss.
Does God allow loneliness to find us so that we will seek Him? Perhaps so...
David, in the Bible, was no stranger to loneliness. Read Psalm 38:9-15. David cries out with his longings and laments that his friends and companions avoid him.
God, however never avoids us or forsakes us...even in our loneliness.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Jesus was also no stranger to loneliness when his close friends fell asleep on him and he was all alone in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus stood by himself in a crowd as people jeered and mocked him, tortured him and sent him to his death...alone.
But, thankfully, God is loving and compassionate and true to all his promises.
I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. (John 14:18)
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)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
I have found that it is often at my loneliest points - when my heart cries out to God that He is faithful and draws near. He IS the great Comforter and He IS the God who sees (El-Roi)!
He held my hand that night, there in the massive crowd. The tears didn't stop, but my Father was counting and catching them. If you are in a lonely place, His promises are true for you! Know that you are loved...
Love,
Bev
ps. I continue to pray, both morning and evening, for all who read my blog. Praying especially for you if you are feeling lonely. You are not alone. You are loved...
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