Is A Little "Me Time" Selfish?

Hey Friend,

I have a confession to make.   Until just a few years ago, I had never been to a nail salon to have a manicure or, of all indulgences, a mani-pedi.  I seriously thought those were reserved for those who didn't do any work around the house or the yard.  When reading the "Mother's Manual", I mistakenly read "martyr" instead of "mother". 

On the rare occasion I'd treat myself to a coffee shop latte, I would see people sipping their specialty coffees as they placidly sat there reading a book or the newspaper.  Really??  I wondered, how do people do this?  Isn't the phrase "Idle hands are the devil's workshop" biblical?

Actually Thessalonians 3:11 says:  "For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies."

The idleness that Paul was talking about was being a gossip or a busybody.  If you were engaged in this idle behavior, you were wasting time that could have been used to help others and build God's kingdom.

Idleness is NOT the same as rest.

The Bible is very specific on advising people to rest and take a break from work - from hectic life.  The very first example of this can be found in Genesis, Chapter 2.

And on the 7th day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested...Then God blessed the 7th day and sanctified it...

Sanctified = to make holy; set apart as sacred

If God needed time apart to recharge His batteries, was it pride that made me think that somehow I was the exception when it came to needing a rest?  I think so.  Proverbs tells us that "Pride goes before a fall (or before destruction)."  How true.  I would go and go and go and then burnout and be useless for long periods of time...that was my M.O. What's your mode of operation?

The shepherds rested their flocks - so does the Good Shepherd want us, his sheep, to rest.

Taking a little "Me Time" is far from selfish...it is God's will for us. 

Don't believe me...

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.  (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.  (Psalm 37:7)

Perhaps, this spoke to me the most:

And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest for a while."  For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.  (Mark 6:31)

How many meals have you eaten standing up?

How many cups of tea have you savored sitting down?

Physical rest, Spiritual rest, Mental rest...they are not a luxury or an I'll fit it in if I get a chance...they are a NECESSITY!

I challenge you to write the words "Rest in Me" on a sticky note (or several sticky notes if you're like me) and post it somewhere you'll see it all the time.

Fridge, bathroom mirror, steering wheel, on the dog...

I also challenge you to make a list of the things YOU would like to do to take a little "me time" and rest as the Lord would have you rest.  I'll get you started with some suggestions:

Knit or crochet

Take a bubble bath

Read a book

Take a walk

Go see a movie

Snap some pictures

Dance

Paint, sketch or draw

Play an instrument

Write something

Plant some flowers

Go to a sporting event and cheer

Learn a new language

Have coffee with a friend

Get your nails done (**note to self)

Sit in the sunlight

Lie on the sofa and daydream (aka do nothing)

Will you pray with me?  Lord, help me to set aside my pride that tells me the world won't get along a little while without me while I rest in You.  Help me to know, deep in my soul, that my worth does not come from what or how much I do, but from the simple fact that I am Yours.  Enable me to know that I am better able to bless others if I take some regular "me time" which is not selfish.  Thank you for this great big world that you have created for my good pleasure.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

In His love,

Bev

Comments:  Many of you have told me that is next to impossible to comment on my blog - especially if you don't have a blog or a "Google" or "WordPress", etc. account.  I want and need your input and feedback.  I want to learn from you too!  Question:  Are you good at taking "me time"?  Why or why not?  How might your life look different if you did take more time for yourself? 

Here's How: 

Go to Comment section

It will say "Comment as: Select Profile"

Choose option Name/URL (Enter your name and leave blank the URL space)

Hit Continue

Hit Publish

Prove that you are not a robot by checking the "I'm not a robot box" lol. (it may ask you to type a number if it is suspicious you are a robot)

That's it...Yay!!

or

Choose option Anonymous if you don't wish to leave your name.

Share:  If what you read here helps, challenges or enlightens you to God's love...feel free to share it :)

Redeemer Christian School:  The children send you their love and thanks for contributing to keeping the doors of their beloved school open!  Your love, prayers and financial gifts continue to send a message of hope to these innocent ones who live with evil on their doorstep. Please continue to pray for their safety...

Breaking The Grip of Perfectionism

Hey Friend,

While going through some boxes in the attic, I came across an aged and yellowed article from my old college newspaper.  In the feature were pictures of five young women, myself included, who were up for voting for Homecoming Queen.  Underneath my picture - the essence of a fresh-faced all American girl - was a list of all the organizations I belonged to and held leadership roles in.  It was followed by the various honor societies I belonged to.  I was even up for the award of College Woman of the Year.

One would think I had it all together...the picture perfect life. Actually, inside I was a massive ball of insecurities.  I had bought into the lie that in order to be worthy, I had to earn it.  My value as a person was based on other peoples' views of me.  By my early thirties I had accumulated such a resume of achievements that I literally came apart at the seams. 

Learning to insert the TRUTH where lies held sway for so long, became the truth that set me free.

Perfectionism, born out of insecurity, is a nasty, legalistic game.

But what about just wanting to do a job well I hear you asking?  Doesn't God want us to give our very best in whatever it is that we do?  Don't we all wish to hear some day, "Well done good and faithful servant"?

Yes, indeed.  But what is my motivation?  What is my starting point for wanting to do a good job?  I do believe that I possess the spiritual gift of Administration, but I was using my gifts and talents - not to glorify God - but to satisfy some lacking sense of self worth.  This is not God's desire for us.

There is a job well done and then there's perfectionism. 

My theory is that behind every perfectionist is a false identity and given time, that false identity is bound to unravel.

So...how to break the grip of perfectionism??

Start at the beginning.  What is it exactly that declares me worthy?

"Therefore, being declared righteous by faith (not works), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  (Romans 5:1)

Definitions for "Righteous" include words like: just, pure, holy

Truth be told, you can't get more perfect than being just, pure and holy.

Note the key point - that righteousness does not come from our own works, it comes through Christ and His death on the cross for me.

Christ is my Righteousness.

Jehovah Tsidkenu = Our righteousness.

Somewhere in the depths of my soul I knew this to be true, but the enemy and the world are so adept at selling you/me a bunch of lies that if we are not aware and armed with Truth, we are tempted to buy into them. 

I love this quote I found in a recent post by Melissa Michaels:  "To be a fully devoted follower of Christ, we have to be willing to surrender the preoccupation with our needs, our weakness, our agenda, and our own insecurities so we can remember our purpose to show love to the world and rest in our identity found in Christ."

Letting go of lies and taking hold of Truth can and does break the grip of perfectionism. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  (Psalm 139:14)

When the lies begin to creep in...and they will...I need to meditate on God's truth about me.

You shall know the Truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

I guess you could call me a "recovering perfectionist"...a member of "perfectionists anonymous".  Hello, my name is Bev and I am a perfectionist.

We all have perfectionistic tendencies, but on a scale of 1 - 10, I'd say I used to be a 10. 

Thankfully through scripture, trials, prayer, mentors, and yes, falling apart...I have learned to rest in my TRUE identity that can only be found in Christ.  Anything else is a cheap imitation.  I am a work in progress, but the Truth is traveling from "head knowledge" to being "heart knowledge".  If God can do this for me, He can do this for you too!

Do you struggle with perfectionism to any degree?  If so would you pray with me?

Lord, I thank you that you alone are my righteousness.  I am not worthy because of anything that I have done, but solely because of what you have done which is dying on the cross for me.  Enable me to know in my heart that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that you delight in me simply because I am Yours.  Let me not settle for lies and imitations. Let me be set free by your Truth. In Jesus name, Amen.

In His love,

Bev

Welcome to the Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Club :)

ps.  If you would like for me to pray specifically for you, please don't hesitate to contact me...be blessed!

What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?

Hey Friend,

This may seem like an odd question to be asking myself when I am 53 years old.  I was never one of those kids who always knew what they wanted to be.  I envied those who had dreams of being a doctor, nurse, actor, lawyer, engineer, policeman, dancer, etc. 

The one thing I do remember wanting to be as a young girl, was a wife and mother (yes, I hear the collective groan of the feminist movement).  My mom's predominant role was being a good wife and mother and I looked up to her. 

I remember sitting down with my parents to decide what I was going to major in in college.  I remember our humorous conversation reminiscing about my dad trying to help me with my math homework and me always ending up in tears.  From those experiences, we deduced that I probably wouldn't make it as an engineer. 

Since I didn't have any great desire to "be" something, we started with what am I good at?  English and writing rose to the top. (That's why I cringe with ending a sentence with the word "at" lol)  Okay, English/Communications Major was what I would be.  Finished. End of discussion - except for my dad's final parting words, "Make sure you take a typing class."

I did well in my major in college, and I did take that typing class.  Jobs were scarce when I graduated so my typing sustained me for awhile in temporary jobs until I finally landed in the Human Resources department for a large holding company.  I walked employees through their relocation benefits as they moved about the globe.  I discovered that I loved working with people and helping them.  After getting married and relocating, I worked my way up as Relocation Director for a large Real Estate and Construction Company.  It's interesting how God takes us down paths that we would have never imagined.

Finally it came time to be what I always wanted to be - a wife and mother.  I would say, by far, this was the most demanding, most exhausting, yet most fulfilling job I have ever had.  I loved (on most days) being home with my kids.  I felt like I was in that sweet spot where God wanted me to be.  Sure, I had my days when I wanted to run away from home. 

I still remember vividly the day the UPS driver came to the door to deliver a package.  I was in sweats, my greasy hair up in a pony tail, wrestler's knee pads on my knees because I was scrubbing tile floors.  Barbie, and her excessive wardrobe and yacht were strewn all over the floor and Steven, my youngest, was running around in a t-shirt only because being naked from the waste down was the only way he seemed to "get" the necessity of getting to the bathroom when nature called.  I will never forger the look on that driver's face when I opened the door to sign for the package. Yes, this is what I had dreamed of being?!

Fast forward through many years of being a stay at home mom.  That is until infidelity and a divorce blindsided me.  I was immediately thrown back into the search for a job.  Only thing was that while I was busy being Mom, the computer age blew by me and left me in its dust.  What marketable skills did I have?  After much searching and fretting, I signed on as a teacher assistant at a private Catholic school that was just opening its doors. 

God certainly was looking out for me as I was assigned to work with a beautiful Christian teacher in the third grade.  Kim and the children filled a gaping hole in my life and as much as I helped and loved on those kids, they returned the favor ten fold.  So I could now add "teacher" to my resume.  I followed up teaching grade school with becoming a preschool teacher for several more years. 

Then, God brought a wonderful man into my life...or I guess I should say back into my life since we had been friends in high school and at the same time I was sidelined with two major surgeries that took a long time from which to recuperate.  My work life came to an abrupt halt and it quickly became clear that I would not be able to return to a job that required a lot of standing, stooping, kneeling and getting down on little people level.

It was during that time that my blog was born.  Out of sheer boredom and not being able to put any weight at all on my knee, I rediscovered my love of writing.  Once again I felt like I was in that sweet spot...only problem was that it didn't pay the bills. 

Once again, God's timing was impeccable.  My husband and I were married and I was excited to once again be in the fulfilling role of wife.  I was still needed in my role as mother to grown children (Mother is a job from which you never retire).  I sunk my teeth into my blog and being the General Contractor for a myriad of repairs needed on our 18 year old home that desperately needed some TLC.  My wonderful husband encouraged me to take some much needed time for myself - just to be good to myself after many years of neglect. 

This felt good for awhile, but I was always used to serving.  You name it, within the church and the community, I had done it.  Everything from Sunday school teacher, to MOPS (Mothers of Preschool) coordinator, to Junior Achievement board member, to helping start a Christian School in Pakistan,etc.  Serving has always been as necessary as breathing for me.

So here it is January 29, 2015 and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up?  I apologize that this post has been less about answers and more about journaling questions in my head.  I feel, once again, like I am back at square one wondering what I want to do with my life.  Do I go back to work? And if so doing what?  Do I serve in another area and if so where?  Do I take classes to improve my computer skills?  Do I learn another language?  Do I take up playing the piano again?  I honestly don't know...I am thankful, however, that I have the luxury of making a choice and am not back in that world of being a single parent trying to make ends meet.

All I know is that God brings us to these crossroads in order that we learn to wait expectantly on Him.  I do believe that He wants us to not sit passively, but to strike out in a direction in which we feel led and if that's not the way, He will close doors.  (This has happened to me already). 

I am brought back to having the scale read "less of me and more of Him".  I need to trust and believe that He has a perfect plan for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future."  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Notice, from this scripture, just who it is that has the plans that will give me hope...the Lord!

I am not good at waiting and being patient, but God's word has instruction on that as well:

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  (Isaiah 40:31)

And so, I wait...and I pray...and I listen for His still small voice.

I know I want whatever I do to glorify Him and to build His Kingdom.  That is about the only thing I'm sure of.

What about you?  Do you ever struggle with the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?"  Would you share how you have found direction.  I love stories that give us all hope. 

Thank you for reading the ramblings in my head.  I pray, as always, that you would be blessed in your endeavors no matter what part of the globe you are tuning in from!

 

ps. Please continue to pray for safety for the staff and children of Redeemer Christian School.  If you want to see REAL faith in action, follow the lives of Christian servants working to spread the gospel in places where radical Islamic ideals prevail.  I pray earnestly for our world...

You Are Never Alone

Hey Friend,

This may sound a little sacrilegious to some, but I have learned many lessons about the nature of God from my dogs - the two I have currently and the one who passed away a couple years ago. 

I could come through the door after being gone for hours, or I could have been gone for ten minutes and I would get a greeting that said, "You're the best thing since peanut butter!"  Tails would be a wagging and a whirling with pure unconditional love.  A glimpse of how God sees me.

Recently, I got yet another glimpse of God's loving nature when I was down and out with an episode of OCD anxiety and depression.  Fortunately these episodes are few and far between, but when they hit...they hit hard.  It's hard to explain to someone who has never experienced it, but sometimes the best way to cope is, like when you are sick with a cold or flu, to go to bed and rest.  Resting or sleeping gives my brain a chance to take a much needed break from the onslaught of the repetitive, anxiety producing, obsessive thoughts. I may be in bed for a day, maybe two. 

Amazingly though, I am never alone.  Even if my husband has to go to work, Topper, the beagle, will jump up on the bed and curl himself into a ball near my chest.  He snuggles in nice and close, shuts his eyes, and there he stays.  Zoe, the senior lab, will lumber up the stairs (aching joints and all) to find me.  When she does, she lies by my side of the bed, lets out a big sigh and there she abides. 

All day they stay, they abide, and they never leave my side.  They are there and I never feel alone.

Another glimpse of God...

They forego their fun times in the back yard to comfort me in my pain.  They know I am hurting and though they can't make the pain go away, they can bring me love in the midst of it. Does this remind you of someone?

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.  He will not leave or forsake you."  (Deuteronomy 31:6)

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the Nation of Israel who is on its way to the promised land.  The "them" Moses is telling them not to fear are the nations/enemies that lie in their path.  If you read the longer passage, I love how Moses reminds them of the path that God has already cleared thus far. 

In The Message version it reads: "God is striding ahead of you and is right there with you." 

I love this because only God can be striding ahead of you and right beside you at the same time.  He is omnipresent.  He has also been with you in the past.

Past, present, future...with God you are NEVER alone!

I don't know about you, but this brings me great comfort.  I may not feel  God at the moment, but if I choose to go with the facts found in scripture, I know that He is always there with me and will never leave me or forsake me. 

He is Jehovah Shammah - The Ever Present One

Not only is God with us, but He promises us strength and help.  He even promises to uphold us when we can't stand in our own strength.

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)

The Lord even promises to fight our battles for us if we will only be still.  Who does that?

A God who thinks you are the best thing since peanut butter...

A God who loves you with an unfathomable love and has fought to the death with evil in order to save YOU...

A God who draws near to you, abides with you, and never ever will forsake you...

That's who.

Draw upon these facts whenever you feel alone...

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9)

"Behold, I am with you to the end of the age."  (Jesus speaking in Matthew 28:20)

All three persons of the Trinity are with you always.  The Bible tells us that God sends us a Helper - the Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit) who dwells in us and we can call upon Him in times of trouble. 

I don't know about you, but that's a pretty strong defensive lineup!

The days are sunny and bright now, but I am confident that when trials come, I will never ever have to face them alone. 

Lord, thank you for your promises to us, over and over again, that you are our constant companion and that you will never leave us or forsake us.  Thank you that you promise us strength, help, and will even fight for us.  Help us to claim the truth of these promises.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

ps.  Will you please pray for Redeemer Christian School in Pakistan?  Pray for God's hedge of safety and protection to surround them and keep them safe from the evil that is in this world and on their doorstep.  Pray for protection for the leaders and teachers and the innocent children. Pray that Jesus' light would shine victoriously.   

Fitbits, Facelifts, and Best Kept Beauty Secrets

Hey Friend,

Obviously the title of my post is a little tongue in cheek, but I titled it such after reading an article in USA Today.  It talked about how cosmetic companies and cosmetic surgeons are capitalizing on the "forever young" mindset that pervades our society.

The article went on to say, "Boomers, in an attempt to keep the dreaded signs of aging at bay, will push the U.S. market for anti-aging products from about 80 billion dollars now to more than 114 billion dollars in 2015."

I am a baby boomer, and I would by lying if I said I didn't own any of these coveted fountain of youth serums.  In fact I once owned a small jar of one of the finest, most expensive creams on the market.  You see, my ex-husband had a very good work relationship with a certain Chinese company.  As is their custom, when they would come to visit the States they would bring lovely gifts usually from their country.  I had gotten to know them as well and so they would always bring me something beautiful - a silk scarf, a piece of jewelry, an art object. 

One year when they visited, we were all out to dinner and the Chinese contingency presented their gifts to the Americans gathered around the table.  For each of the men - a silk tie.  My turn came (note I'm the only female at the table)... I reached into the gift bag and pulled out 1.7 ounces of, you got it, anti-wrinkle cream.  All American eyes turned toward me awaiting my reaction.  I admit, at first, I wondered what they were trying to tell me, but after Mr. Lee piped up and said that his wife gives him big hugs and kisses when he brings her this cream from his world travels, I knew that it was being offered as a generous gift, sure to delight.  And delight it did...right down to the very last scraping of the bottom of the jar.

Fast forward to exactly one year ago when, at the age of 53, I walked down the aisle in a small intimate ceremony and I can honestly say that I have never felt more beautiful.  Even in my youth, with fresh soft skin and many pounds less than what I carry now, I never felt as beautiful as the day I married my husband Dave.  Friends described me as "radiant" and "beaming". 

Why was I able to pull off what no face lift or anti-wrinkle cream could? 

I was simply mirroring and reflecting the love that was being shown to me.

I was radiant because I was flowing together with the two greatest, most unconditional loves of my life:  My Lord and then my husband. 

And all of us, with unveiled faces, reflecting like bright mirrors the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same likeness, from one degree of radiant holiness to another, even as derived from the Lord of the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.  (Psalm 34:5)

As we come, unveiled, just as we are, before the Lord and spend time in His presence we are transformed into the same likeness and begin to radiate His glory and likeness to those around us. 

Spend enough time with someone and eventually they begin to rub off on you.

What also helps is a shift from "exterior thinking" to "interior thinking".  I'm not knocking your resolution to join the gym to lose those extra pounds or getting a facial or a new "do".  We are called to take care of our bodies - the temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells.

The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:3-4:  Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of jewelry, or the clothing you wear - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

"Imperishable beauty" the kind of beauty that transcends laugh lines (aka wrinkles), sagging skin and extra pounds is a gentle and quiet spirit. 

Think of the type of people you are drawn to in a room...yes, at first glance it might be the toned, tight skinned externally good looking people...but after awhile, who do you want to linger with longer?  Might it be the person who possesses an inner beauty or charisma? 

Beauty truly is fleeting (Proverbs 31:30).  If you don't believe this, pop in on your 30 year class reunion. Just kidding... 

Once the youthful good looks are stripped away, all that is left is the soul.

Perhaps because I have an anxiety disorder and have battled depression, I can look into a person's eyes and easily see into their soul.  Behind fake smiles, I can pick out in a heartbeat those who are dealing with depression or an illness of the spirit.  I am also able to see the radiant beauty of those who love the Lord.  I think it's because I am both of those people??!

But, how are your insides? What is the condition of your soul?  Look in the mirror.  Does your face scream wrinkle cream or are you radiant because you are mirroring the One who loves you unconditionally? 

God does love you unconditionally...just as you are.  You don't need to "pretty up" in order to come before Him.  Crawl into His arms and let His great love strip away your shame and let time in His presence radiate beauty from your countenance.  Like early morning sunshine shimmering on a lake, so will His holiness glisten in your eyes.  Just come.

Lord, let me come with an unveiled face before you.  Let me spend time in your presence so that when others look at me they will see the beauty and glory of your face.  Amen. 

In His love,

Bev

Happy 1 year anniversary to my loving husband, Dave!! 

Redeemer Christian School in Pakistan:  Thanks to your generosity we have big plans for 2015.  We will be adding additional books and school supplies as well as seeing that each child has their own Bible.  The children are already joyful over the scriptures they have committed to memory.  We always have the ongoing expenses of rent and teacher's salary.  On our wish list is being able to add tables and chairs (the children currently sit on blankets on the floor) and possibly a second teacher.  If you would like to help this dream come true:

Send donations to:  Bev Rihtarchik/RCS

                              103 Silver Lining Lane

                              Cary, NC  27513

Smiles of joy have replaced faces filled with despair as the children celebrate Jesus' birthday.  

Measuring Out Grace

Hey Friend,

 

Happy New Year!  I have noticed with each passing year that I have gotten better at breathing in God's grace.  As I grow older, and one hopes I have gained more wisdom, I struggle less with the notion that God is somehow disappointed in me.  I was a tried and true perfectionist who attempted to not sin or disappoint God.  Every time I messed up, I would heap guilt upon my head and feel like a failure.  This is not living how God would want me to live!

 

It's taken a lifetime for Romans 8:1 to sink in (and I am still a work in progress):  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  One translation of the word "condemnation" is disappointment.  Note that the verse does not say, "there is now less condemnation" or "there is now a little bit of condemnation". No, it says, "There is now no condemnation...no disappointment.  There is only grace.

 

God wants us to exchange our guilt for His grace!  Go ahead and breathe it in!

 

When I was a little girl, I liked to collect rocks and stones.  Even a glimpse of everyday quartz was enough to catch my eye and deem a rock worthy of being picked up and stashed in my pocket.  On my walk home from elementary school, my friends and I passed by Gracie's store.  It was a little Mom & Pop grocery store with a penny candy counter and tucked way in the back of the store was a glass counter that held the most beautiful gemstones.  I always had to make my way back there and marvel at the amazing crystals buried within what seemed to be ordinary rocks.

 

I would work hard to save up my money and on special occasions like Mother's Day or my mom's birthday I would pick out and purchase the rock that I thought my mother would love best.  Amethyst was one of my favorites, so I skipped all the way home the day I was going to bestow this gorgeous purple-hued rock upon my mother.  (Just what every mom wants). 

 

One day, when I was an adult with children, my mom showed me the collection of "rocks" I had given her over the years (both purchased and found).  She knew they were gifts from the heart. 

 

Giving rocks and stones is one thing, but there are stones that are not so pretty - the ones we throw at others in judgment.  I like to think that I am a gracious person, but am I really?  How quickly do I get annoyed at the person in front of me in the check out line at the grocery store who has 50 coupons (half of them expired or with special conditions) that requires the manager to be called over?  How quickly do I lose my cool with the customer service representative that I've called with a question or problem that isn't getting resolved?  How did my young children learn to call out, "You idiot" to other drivers on the highways and byways?

 

On a sideboard in my kitchen I have a little plaque that says "Grace".  Beside it is a smooth coal colored stone with these words on it:  "He that is without sin among you let him cast the first stone." (Jesus Christ)

 

God pours out His grace like rain on me...and then what do I do with it?  Do I pass it on or do I measure out judgment?  God has put it on my heart for me to truly try to walk in another man or woman's shoes before I make hasty judgments.  They are people too - with lives and "to do" lists and frustrations all their own.

 

If I want to be a directional arrow pointing people toward Jesus...I need to act a little more like Him.

 

That being said, I have chosen the word "GRACE" as my watch word for 2015 (last year I picked "INTENTIONAL").  As I am learning, with more success, to breathe in God's grace, I also want to grow in measuring it out as well.  Tall order, but with God all things are possible.

 

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ.  (Romans 3:24)

 

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  (1 Peter 4:10)

 

Lord, I thank you for the merciful grace that you not only give, but lavish upon me.  Enable me to excel in the act of giving grace to others.  Let 2015 be the year I consistently measure out grace.  Amen.

 

What is your watch word for 2015?  Would you share?  If you've never chosen one before, would you consider praying for God to reveal to you what He wants to build in you this year?  I pray so...and let us be transformed together!

 

In His love,

 

Bev

 

ps.  Know that if you are reading my blog that you are being lifted up in prayer every morning and every evening.  That is my commitment to you...be blessed.

 

I will report next week on the great things happening at Redeemer Christian School in Pakistan. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Company's Coming

Hey Friend,

 

Over the years I have graduated, somewhat, from being Martha (the sister who ran circles around Jesus cooking, cleaning and serving) to being more like Mary (the sister who chose, instead, to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him).

 

You probably wouldn't have said that, though, if you saw me yesterday as I was a force to be reckoned with as I zoomed around the house with my roaring vacuum cleaner.  Topper, the young pup, got into a play bow and barked relentlessly at the dust-bunny sucking beast.  He jumped playfully from couch to floor to chair and back again.  Oh what fun!!

 

Zoe, my senior gal who is deaf, would saunter into whatever room I was vacuuming and proceed to lie in the middle of the floor and would peacefully doze as I tried to vacuum around her.  Couldn't they see I was on a mission here?

 

I became frustrated and huffily pulled the cord out of the socket.  Right at that moment I gazed upon the baby Jesus in my Nativity scene.  I was frantically preparing my home for earthly people to visit, but was I preparing my home, my heart for my Savior who is coming? 

 

At some point we will all be Innkeepers asked if we have room in our hearts for Jesus?

 

What have I done to prepare my heart for Christ's coming during this Advent season?

 

Every year this is a struggle for me as I fight the urge to get caught up in the world's vision of preparation, when what my heart desperately craves is to be still and focus my eyes upon Jesus.

 

This year I had the special blessing of a mystery elf...more like one of God's angels, who sent me a copy of Ann Voskamp's "The Greatest Gift - Unwrapping The Full Love Story Of Christmas".  It is a daily Advent devotional that retraces the epic pageantry of humankind from Adam to the Messiah.  It offered me time for reading, prayer and reflection as I got to Abide in Christ as I traveled, step by step, one day closer to the wonderful celebration that is Christmas.

 

This was not an easy task and yes there were times when I was nodding off to sleep as I heard God whispering in my ear.  Most mornings I set my alarm at 5am. to be able to get in my time alone with my Creator.  What I found was that I was revived, remade, rekindled, redeemed.  I sat at His feet...and I listened.

 

My home may not be ready for company, but my heart is.  This Christmas I am having a heart that whispers, "Come Holy Jesus". 

 

Company is coming and though they may need to sign their initials in the dust on my coffee table, my heart is ready to embrace them.  Celebrating Advent in this way is by far the best Christmas present that I've ever given myself. 

 

Since I will have company for awhile, I'm taking some time off from my blog.  Never fear...like dirty laundry, I'll be back.  Meanwhile I offer the Light of scripture to warm your heart this Christmas: 

 

The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness,

a light will shine...

 

For a child is born to us,

a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace

will never end.

He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne

of his ancestor David

for all eternity.

The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven's

Armies

will make this happen!

 

(Isaiah 9:2, 6-7)

 

 

May you be blessed with a Christmas that wraps you in God's embrace and whispers, "I love you dear child.  I love you enough to send you a Savior to save you from yourself.  Seek my truth with an open mind and you will find Me.  Open your heart, and I will enter in."

 

 

In His love,

 

Bev

 

Christmas at Redeemer Christian School, Pakistan:

 

 

 

 

 





 



  

 "When you light a dark world and the unexpected places with a brave flame of joy; when you warm the cold, hopeless places with the daring joy that God is with us, God is for us, God is in us; when you are a wick to light hope in the dark - then you believe in Christmas."  (Ann Voskamp)

 

Funds greatly needed for 2015!!  Even a modest gift will help...

Send to:  Bev Rihtarchik/RCS

               103 Silver Lining Lane

               Cary, NC  27513

 

Thank you to all who have donated thus far...be blessed!