"It's just a season"
"This is a season. This too shall pass."
"Enjoy this season. It goes by too quickly."
I'm not talking about just summer, fall, and winter. Just seasons of life. School. Singlehood. Early marriage. Parenting young children. You know what I mean.
We have been through and are still going through a really rough season. It basically began 4 years ago when DaHubby returned to school to better himself and to better our financial odds in this recently awful economy. We've been through the wringer...full time work while full time schooling; another miscarriage; one Viking starting school, then another; family injuries, illnesses, and challenges; DaHubby being laid off; being on food stamps & welfare with no health insurance, living two states apart for half a year; marital stress; moving across two states, being the new kids/parents in a strange place; new and unexpected work pressures, changes, and disappointments for DaHubby; and the kids struggling academically, socially, and personally with all of this.
We've learned what's really important and how little with which we can get along. We've learned to be creative and frugal without it stealing our joy. And, we've also learned we have amazing friends, family, and church families who look out for and pray for us regularly.
As we've hit various obstacles, we've continued to circle the proverbial wagons around the four of us tighter and tighter in a circle of protection. Things have gotten through to us but our instincts still are to draw closer together when under attack.
It's not over yet. There are multiple issues at DaHubby's work to be settled. There's a chance of a second move in our future. The school issues with the Vikings' were not resolved in a satisfactory (for us) way.
But, we know this is still just a season. And, we continue to hope for what God's got planned in our future.
As the kids finished their last full day of school yesterday, there came a sweet sense of peace. They're home now. With me. With us. Full time. And, it feels good. We're cleaning the house and clearing the slates for a fresh new start for this new summer season.
But, it's more than that. Change is in the air again. We all can feel it. And, Momma (normally) don't do change well. However, I've learned how far I can truly bend. I've learned to have faith in the blind turns. While I don't live in the present as much as I wished I did, I'm still looking forward toward the goal God's set out in front of us.
And, as a distraction when I get discouraged, I look down and watch my feet. As long as they are still moving forward, we're good.
My kids are being shaped by this, by this life we've tried to create. And, we feel we owe them better than what they've been getting lately.
So, again, this season is a new start. Looking out. Looking up. Keeping our heads up and walking this path.
May God be praised and glorified.
Showing posts with label growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label growth. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, October 3, 2011
What "obedience" means?
I'm starting the Priscilla Shirer study Discerning the Voice of God at my new church. And, when I sat down to do my homework tonight, the word "obedience" kept jumping out at me.
We are still working through the first five lessons but belief that God still speaks, that one must expect God will speak, and one must be obedient to hear God speak have been the general theme.
So, I sat down and used "obedience" as a mnemonic to review the things we talked about so far...
O bey His will
B elieve in God's goodness
E xpect to hear from Him in His timing
D evote time to spend with Him
I mmerse yourself in His Word
E ntrust your troubles to Him
N uture and serve those around you while you wait
C ommune with Him and other believers
E mbrace what's going on NOW while you are waiting
Just wanted to share.
We are still working through the first five lessons but belief that God still speaks, that one must expect God will speak, and one must be obedient to hear God speak have been the general theme.
So, I sat down and used "obedience" as a mnemonic to review the things we talked about so far...
O bey His will
B elieve in God's goodness
E xpect to hear from Him in His timing
D evote time to spend with Him
I mmerse yourself in His Word
E ntrust your troubles to Him
N uture and serve those around you while you wait
C ommune with Him and other believers
E mbrace what's going on NOW while you are waiting
Just wanted to share.
Monday, September 26, 2011
My Worry List
I recently started a Bible study through the new church we've been attending since school started. Having participated in our former church's women's ministry and its "Just For Joy" Bible studies, including some by Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer, it seemed familiar to take "Discerning the Voice of God" by Shirer this fall.
While there are a lot of REALLY good nuggets (and I'm only two days into the homework), one particular exercise has hit me hard...the "worry list."
"...make a list of personal circumstances troubling you. As you work through this Bible study, focus on these circumstances and how God is speaking to you concerning them."
Didn't seem too difficult. And, we've had and have A LOT of worries the last few years. I was able to write a lengthy list.
But...then came another instruction the following day.
"Look back at the list you made...place a plus sign beside the ones in which you are patiently waiting to hear from God and a minus sign beside the ones in which you have taken action before hearing from Him."
Uh-oh.
Here I am thinking I've really learned to depend on God and to listen to His leadings the last few years. Well, I have...but only to a point apparently.
As I looked down the list of 8 major things I stress about regularly, only two had plus signs by them.
*sigh*
Now, to keep myself accountable for being aware and alert for His voice and to be thankful for the things He does provide, I've kept dates and circumstance that follow that stand as a testament of how God is not only hearing me but He is taking care of things despite my lack of listening.
And, if He is already doing THAT much for me, how much better would it be if I actually STOPPED and LISTENED to Him back?
I'm praying that this study continues to open up these kinds of doors for me. I'd love to have the confidence like that I see in others that I'm truly, sincerely, honestly hearing God speak and that I'm responding to His plan for me and my family.
While there are a lot of REALLY good nuggets (and I'm only two days into the homework), one particular exercise has hit me hard...the "worry list."
"...make a list of personal circumstances troubling you. As you work through this Bible study, focus on these circumstances and how God is speaking to you concerning them."
Didn't seem too difficult. And, we've had and have A LOT of worries the last few years. I was able to write a lengthy list.
But...then came another instruction the following day.
"Look back at the list you made...place a plus sign beside the ones in which you are patiently waiting to hear from God and a minus sign beside the ones in which you have taken action before hearing from Him."
Uh-oh.
Here I am thinking I've really learned to depend on God and to listen to His leadings the last few years. Well, I have...but only to a point apparently.
As I looked down the list of 8 major things I stress about regularly, only two had plus signs by them.
*sigh*
Now, to keep myself accountable for being aware and alert for His voice and to be thankful for the things He does provide, I've kept dates and circumstance that follow that stand as a testament of how God is not only hearing me but He is taking care of things despite my lack of listening.
And, if He is already doing THAT much for me, how much better would it be if I actually STOPPED and LISTENED to Him back?
I'm praying that this study continues to open up these kinds of doors for me. I'd love to have the confidence like that I see in others that I'm truly, sincerely, honestly hearing God speak and that I'm responding to His plan for me and my family.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Thinking about advice...over a week later.
I tend to obsess.
Big shocker, eh?
It feels like my ADD drives me to focus on details - some relevant, some not. I don't "do" change well either. It throws me off my grand master plan to get things accomplished. As a result, I take criticism hard because (one) it means going back over those details and (two) it might mean change.
So, when a well-meaning senior citizen who sat with us July Fourth weekend at a AYCE pancake breakfast finished her polite conversation with a zinger like "you need to worry less and just appreciate them", it pulled me up a little short.
My first gut response and the voices in my head that followed were not very Christian. LOL I was immediately defensive and critical. Then, I tried to remember that this lady had known us less than an hour and I was over-reacting.
But, over the last week, as I scheduled and planned and obsessed and crossed things off my unending to-do list it struck me:
I was "parenting" and not "appreciating" my kids.
Now, DaHubby and I are NOT the "be my kids' best friend" type of parents but I think it is a good reminder that by "parenting" all the time, we can simply become nags. All law and consequences and no grace and love.
I think most of the time he and I provide a good balance of the two but, with all the upheaval in our lives lately, I think we need to err even more on the side of grace.
This realization that the little old lady might be right was brought home again when Pojke had his first little emotional, right-before-bed breakdown last night..."I just wanna go back to (our former town). "
I've been so focused on moving forward and getting things in place here that I've forgotten to shepherd their little hearts along with me with grace and love and not a rope!
So, we will be slowing down even further, building back up our family even more, setting up our new digs a little slower. More hugs, fewer to-do's. More snuggling, fewer errands. More reading, fewer chores...for now.
Big shocker, eh?
It feels like my ADD drives me to focus on details - some relevant, some not. I don't "do" change well either. It throws me off my grand master plan to get things accomplished. As a result, I take criticism hard because (one) it means going back over those details and (two) it might mean change.
So, when a well-meaning senior citizen who sat with us July Fourth weekend at a AYCE pancake breakfast finished her polite conversation with a zinger like "you need to worry less and just appreciate them", it pulled me up a little short.
My first gut response and the voices in my head that followed were not very Christian. LOL I was immediately defensive and critical. Then, I tried to remember that this lady had known us less than an hour and I was over-reacting.
But, over the last week, as I scheduled and planned and obsessed and crossed things off my unending to-do list it struck me:
I was "parenting" and not "appreciating" my kids.
Now, DaHubby and I are NOT the "be my kids' best friend" type of parents but I think it is a good reminder that by "parenting" all the time, we can simply become nags. All law and consequences and no grace and love.
I think most of the time he and I provide a good balance of the two but, with all the upheaval in our lives lately, I think we need to err even more on the side of grace.
This realization that the little old lady might be right was brought home again when Pojke had his first little emotional, right-before-bed breakdown last night..."I just wanna go back to (our former town). "
I've been so focused on moving forward and getting things in place here that I've forgotten to shepherd their little hearts along with me with grace and love and not a rope!
So, we will be slowing down even further, building back up our family even more, setting up our new digs a little slower. More hugs, fewer to-do's. More snuggling, fewer errands. More reading, fewer chores...for now.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Simplicity Training
As with most challenges in life, you tell yourself (or someone else tells you) that these troubles are here for a reason and that you'll look back some day and see the bigger reason. Usually, it takes a pretty good chunk of time for that to happen but the older I've gotten the more I realize it is true.
Sometimes the meaning sneaks up on you and comes to the surface when you least expect it. Other times it hits you in a flash while you are looking up, watching clouds while your children play.
I've already learned thankfulness about our situation the last few years despite sacrifices of time and money, of my marriage and my relationship with my kids, of my husband's job, of health insurance, and having to live on assistance from others. We've seen an outpouring of care, interest, and support unlike anything we've experienced before and have had our faith reinforced in a way we never could have understood otherwise. And, we are VERY grateful because of it.
However, this 3-year refining has gotten us back to basics. And, this is where my little revelation comes in. Had not God taken each and everything little and big thing away in just the manner He did, we could never had really appreciated the beautiful, hyper-present, in-the-moment, vivid, joyful moments we've had in the last week.
The last seven days have been heart-wrenchingly wonderful. And, it's been moments of simplicity...root beer floats at the parade, playing in the rain, riding bikes and scooters, taking hikes, small-town fireworks...but we are doing it together. For the first time in six months, we've all been under the same roof for more than 48 hours.
And, our little one-bedroom apartment that we are in right now? Probably the biggest blessing of all. Because we are all getting to know each other again as a foursome. Just us.
And, that bigger three-bedroom rental house that should be ready for us soon? I've actually thought we should let the deposit and that house go so we can stay here together even longer.
And, those 3 years of learning what is *really* important and what we *really* need to survive and thrive? Training for the joyfulness that is ours now.
Sometimes the meaning sneaks up on you and comes to the surface when you least expect it. Other times it hits you in a flash while you are looking up, watching clouds while your children play.
I've already learned thankfulness about our situation the last few years despite sacrifices of time and money, of my marriage and my relationship with my kids, of my husband's job, of health insurance, and having to live on assistance from others. We've seen an outpouring of care, interest, and support unlike anything we've experienced before and have had our faith reinforced in a way we never could have understood otherwise. And, we are VERY grateful because of it.
However, this 3-year refining has gotten us back to basics. And, this is where my little revelation comes in. Had not God taken each and everything little and big thing away in just the manner He did, we could never had really appreciated the beautiful, hyper-present, in-the-moment, vivid, joyful moments we've had in the last week.
The last seven days have been heart-wrenchingly wonderful. And, it's been moments of simplicity...root beer floats at the parade, playing in the rain, riding bikes and scooters, taking hikes, small-town fireworks...but we are doing it together. For the first time in six months, we've all been under the same roof for more than 48 hours.
And, our little one-bedroom apartment that we are in right now? Probably the biggest blessing of all. Because we are all getting to know each other again as a foursome. Just us.
And, that bigger three-bedroom rental house that should be ready for us soon? I've actually thought we should let the deposit and that house go so we can stay here together even longer.
And, those 3 years of learning what is *really* important and what we *really* need to survive and thrive? Training for the joyfulness that is ours now.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A just reward?
I've been pondering a question posed to me yesterday and just couldn't come up with a good answer.
While at the park with the kids, another mom I know was there. As we exchanged pleasantries, she asked how things were going. I gave her my usual update: 20-some days 'til DaHubby's graduation, 9 weeks since his layoff but by God's grace we were hanging in there, paddling against the tide, keeping our heads above water.
Later, she happened to ask how long we'd be there and did we come to this park often. We haven't seen each other much lately and we both felt it would be nice to meet up again.
I said "oh, I bring the kids out as much as possible since (DaHubby's) home studying full time now."
"Well, you must be wife of the year then!" she replied.
I laughed and jokingly said, "oh yea, he's gonna owe me BIG time!"
Then, she startled me with the next question:
"If he could get you anything you wanted as a reward, what would you want? A new car? A new house? A vacation? Jewelry?"
And, I was really at a loss. While all four of us at the Viking Hus have been keeping little "wish lists" for when DaHubby graduates and gets his first big job in his new awesome career, it's never really occurred to me that I would be able to finally get what I "deserve" for dealing with everything over the last two years of DaHubby's training.
I think I mentioned "a vacation would be nice" but I was thinking more upstate and camping rather than Disney and Florida.
And, when I told DaHubby how the conversation had unfolded, he just smiled. Not sure exactly what that meant. LOL
But, my wish list has included things like a new kitchen floor, a new kitchen counter, a new wedding set to replace the ones I lost 3 years ago, some new clothes that come with TAGS and not receipts from Goodwill, some rooms painted around the house, a dinner out, new windows in the house, a compost bin...yea, I know, a compost bin.
And, if God's will is that we stay in this area and not transfer out-of-state for a new job, those are still the things I'd like.
As to what I "deserve"? I keep hearing Dave Ramsey's voice in my head from our Financial Peace University (FPU) classes.
“People think they deserve it just because they suck air, but they don’t!”
"You don't deserve anything until you save and pay for it."
"The most important business lesson my dad taught me was that money comes from work. Don’t talk to me about what you deserve or what you’re entitled to. No one is going to hand you anything. This has been true since the beginning of time: You’ve got to leave the cave, kill something, and drag it home. Then it’s yours."
Honestly? What I've done the last few years while we got our finances together ala FPU and then with DaHubby's subsequent schooling and lay off is what is expected of me in a godly marriage. To give sacrificially. To the glory of God - not myself.
I'm fortunate to know that DaHubby's looking out for me and, when the time is right, there may be some rewards for all we've been through the last 4 years. But, there was NOTHING in our marriage vows or some contract since (verbal or written) that said "well, I'll sacrifice this for you but THEN I get this."
And, there have already been rewards.
Improvement in my marriage through trial, struggle, and joint problem solving.
Improvement of my and DaHubby's character.
Improvement in our sense of contentment.
Improvement in our discernment about what's really important to us as a couple and as a family.
Increase in our faith that our Jehovah Jireh will provide.
Evidence that we have some pretty cool family and church family who will step up, walk with us, pray over us, and take care of us in times when we need them.
Considering what I've seen around me during that same time span, I think we've already been blessed WAY beyond the investment of time, money, and stress we've both put into these challenges.
So, what exactly is my "just reward"? Just what I've already received in addition to the wonderful blessings God's got planned in front of us in this new season of our lives.
To God be the glory. Amen.
While at the park with the kids, another mom I know was there. As we exchanged pleasantries, she asked how things were going. I gave her my usual update: 20-some days 'til DaHubby's graduation, 9 weeks since his layoff but by God's grace we were hanging in there, paddling against the tide, keeping our heads above water.
Later, she happened to ask how long we'd be there and did we come to this park often. We haven't seen each other much lately and we both felt it would be nice to meet up again.
I said "oh, I bring the kids out as much as possible since (DaHubby's) home studying full time now."
"Well, you must be wife of the year then!" she replied.
I laughed and jokingly said, "oh yea, he's gonna owe me BIG time!"
Then, she startled me with the next question:
"If he could get you anything you wanted as a reward, what would you want? A new car? A new house? A vacation? Jewelry?"
And, I was really at a loss. While all four of us at the Viking Hus have been keeping little "wish lists" for when DaHubby graduates and gets his first big job in his new awesome career, it's never really occurred to me that I would be able to finally get what I "deserve" for dealing with everything over the last two years of DaHubby's training.
I think I mentioned "a vacation would be nice" but I was thinking more upstate and camping rather than Disney and Florida.
And, when I told DaHubby how the conversation had unfolded, he just smiled. Not sure exactly what that meant. LOL
But, my wish list has included things like a new kitchen floor, a new kitchen counter, a new wedding set to replace the ones I lost 3 years ago, some new clothes that come with TAGS and not receipts from Goodwill, some rooms painted around the house, a dinner out, new windows in the house, a compost bin...yea, I know, a compost bin.
And, if God's will is that we stay in this area and not transfer out-of-state for a new job, those are still the things I'd like.
As to what I "deserve"? I keep hearing Dave Ramsey's voice in my head from our Financial Peace University (FPU) classes.
“People think they deserve it just because they suck air, but they don’t!”
"You don't deserve anything until you save and pay for it."
"The most important business lesson my dad taught me was that money comes from work. Don’t talk to me about what you deserve or what you’re entitled to. No one is going to hand you anything. This has been true since the beginning of time: You’ve got to leave the cave, kill something, and drag it home. Then it’s yours."
Honestly? What I've done the last few years while we got our finances together ala FPU and then with DaHubby's subsequent schooling and lay off is what is expected of me in a godly marriage. To give sacrificially. To the glory of God - not myself.
I'm fortunate to know that DaHubby's looking out for me and, when the time is right, there may be some rewards for all we've been through the last 4 years. But, there was NOTHING in our marriage vows or some contract since (verbal or written) that said "well, I'll sacrifice this for you but THEN I get this."
And, there have already been rewards.
Improvement in my marriage through trial, struggle, and joint problem solving.
Improvement of my and DaHubby's character.
Improvement in our sense of contentment.
Improvement in our discernment about what's really important to us as a couple and as a family.
Increase in our faith that our Jehovah Jireh will provide.
Evidence that we have some pretty cool family and church family who will step up, walk with us, pray over us, and take care of us in times when we need them.
Considering what I've seen around me during that same time span, I think we've already been blessed WAY beyond the investment of time, money, and stress we've both put into these challenges.
So, what exactly is my "just reward"? Just what I've already received in addition to the wonderful blessings God's got planned in front of us in this new season of our lives.
To God be the glory. Amen.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Juggling chainsaws
Life around the Viking Hus has been changing slowly and steadily since summer.
DaHubby's schooling is still in full-time mode but there's a light at the end of the tunnel. This is the last full time semester which ends May 1st. He has one class spring semester and he's D-O-N-E!
However, be careful what you pray for. LOL We had been hoping things could ease up their relentless pace because this momma and daddy are ex-haust-ted with two years of "emergency mode" living as DaHubs has been working and schooling full time. Then, DaHubby got laid off. Would it be ungrateful (and really naive) to say that this is actually a blessing of sorts? LOL
We love having him home. I love the break from full-time Viking care. And, I love he's getting more sleep and more time with the kids. But, the changes in schedules, planning, and logistics are taxing my already ADD-addled, organizationally-challenged brain. LOL There was a point one morning last week where I had a semi-panic attack because, just for a moment, I couldn't think where the kids were and who had them. LOL
Then, DaHubs unemployment was initially denied because he is a full time student. (Don't ask - crazy bureaucratic rules.) But, there's a protest process which we're going through that should end in our favor by the end of the month.
There's been the trips to various public assistance offices. There have been MOUNDS of unending paperwork. And, there are still bills to pay and insurance issues to deal with.
All this while still juggling the standard "soccer mom" fare: playdates, school events, Bible study, church commitments, family commitments, my Monday night class in sign language, kids' YMCA classes, etc.
Then, as if all that wasn't enough to juggle, DaHubby and I are scrambling with some "side hustles". He's involved with some computer stuff while I'm scrambling to make these and these.
While I know it is "only" NINE weeks 'til DaHub's graduation, those nine weeks ahead of us seem longer than the previous 80-some that have passed since he started school.
However, regardless of all this, we have been abundant showered with blessings the last 3 weeks as we've struggled the last two with no income. We've had money pressed into our hands, gift cards given to us, offers of help from friends and family, and possible job leads from friends. God has placed encouraging people around us this month and we praise Him for it.
We have felt so much love from God, friends, and family. When we collapse into bed each night, we know that we are loved. And, DaHubby and I pray that despite all that's going on, all the stress, all the upheaval that the Vikings know that truth as well. They are loved.
DaHubby's schooling is still in full-time mode but there's a light at the end of the tunnel. This is the last full time semester which ends May 1st. He has one class spring semester and he's D-O-N-E!
However, be careful what you pray for. LOL We had been hoping things could ease up their relentless pace because this momma and daddy are ex-haust-ted with two years of "emergency mode" living as DaHubs has been working and schooling full time. Then, DaHubby got laid off. Would it be ungrateful (and really naive) to say that this is actually a blessing of sorts? LOL
We love having him home. I love the break from full-time Viking care. And, I love he's getting more sleep and more time with the kids. But, the changes in schedules, planning, and logistics are taxing my already ADD-addled, organizationally-challenged brain. LOL There was a point one morning last week where I had a semi-panic attack because, just for a moment, I couldn't think where the kids were and who had them. LOL
Then, DaHubs unemployment was initially denied because he is a full time student. (Don't ask - crazy bureaucratic rules.) But, there's a protest process which we're going through that should end in our favor by the end of the month.
There's been the trips to various public assistance offices. There have been MOUNDS of unending paperwork. And, there are still bills to pay and insurance issues to deal with.
All this while still juggling the standard "soccer mom" fare: playdates, school events, Bible study, church commitments, family commitments, my Monday night class in sign language, kids' YMCA classes, etc.
Then, as if all that wasn't enough to juggle, DaHubby and I are scrambling with some "side hustles". He's involved with some computer stuff while I'm scrambling to make these and these.
While I know it is "only" NINE weeks 'til DaHub's graduation, those nine weeks ahead of us seem longer than the previous 80-some that have passed since he started school.
However, regardless of all this, we have been abundant showered with blessings the last 3 weeks as we've struggled the last two with no income. We've had money pressed into our hands, gift cards given to us, offers of help from friends and family, and possible job leads from friends. God has placed encouraging people around us this month and we praise Him for it.
We have felt so much love from God, friends, and family. When we collapse into bed each night, we know that we are loved. And, DaHubby and I pray that despite all that's going on, all the stress, all the upheaval that the Vikings know that truth as well. They are loved.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday's Dangerous Tidbits
This is how our Sunday message started out today:
Which is more dangerous: James Bond or Jack Bauer?
Which is more dangerous: Peyton Manning or Brett Farve?
Which is more dangerous: Hulk Hogan or our middle school pastor (LOL)?
What does it mean to be a dangerous believer?
What might it cost you?
Paul knew:
"Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." 2 Corinthians 11.24-27
And, this is how the message ended:
1. Will I live safely for myself or dangerously for God?
2. What dangerous lifestyle is God calling me to?
3. What skills/knowledge is required for me to become dangerous?
4. How will I acquire this skill/knowledge?
5. Who in my life needs to be rescued?
So, are you gonna stay safe?
Or are you gonna live step out in faith and live dangerously for God?
Which is more dangerous: James Bond or Jack Bauer?
Which is more dangerous: Peyton Manning or Brett Farve?
Which is more dangerous: Hulk Hogan or our middle school pastor (LOL)?
What does it mean to be a dangerous believer?
What might it cost you?
Paul knew:
"Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure." 2 Corinthians 11.24-27
And, this is how the message ended:
1. Will I live safely for myself or dangerously for God?
2. What dangerous lifestyle is God calling me to?
3. What skills/knowledge is required for me to become dangerous?
4. How will I acquire this skill/knowledge?
5. Who in my life needs to be rescued?
So, are you gonna stay safe?
Or are you gonna live step out in faith and live dangerously for God?
Monday, January 11, 2010
What we're pondering this week...being dangerous
A Wind is blowing. God's Spirit is moving. And, there are things to be done.
We need to turn our faces into that Wind, seek Him, and find out where God is taking us next.
We want to be a "dangerous" church like the church in the first chapter of Acts.
A dangerous church works to accomplish what Jesus started.
Acts 1:1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach...
A dangerous church finds empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
(v. 2)...until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen...
(v. 5)..."for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now..."
(v. 8)... But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
A dangerous church finds motivation in the finished work of Christ.
We will not hide nor be embarrassed about the "messiness" of what happened on the cross. We will not be so seeker-friendly that we hide the Truth. We WILL talk about the Passion, the Crucifixion, the pain, the sacrifice...because it is THAT upon which our faith is based.
A dangerous church accepts the mandates of a witness.
Are you part of a "dangerous" church? Not resting on past laurels or coasting with recent success but reaching out to the world, following the Spirit faithfully into your neighborhood, and stepping out in faith to change lives regardless the cost?
(Taken in part from my notes from our pastor's sermon yesterday)
We need to turn our faces into that Wind, seek Him, and find out where God is taking us next.
We want to be a "dangerous" church like the church in the first chapter of Acts.
A dangerous church works to accomplish what Jesus started.
Acts 1:1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach...
A dangerous church finds empowerment through the Holy Spirit.
(v. 2)...until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen...
(v. 5)..."for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now..."
(v. 8)... But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
A dangerous church finds motivation in the finished work of Christ.
We will not hide nor be embarrassed about the "messiness" of what happened on the cross. We will not be so seeker-friendly that we hide the Truth. We WILL talk about the Passion, the Crucifixion, the pain, the sacrifice...because it is THAT upon which our faith is based.
A dangerous church accepts the mandates of a witness.
Are you part of a "dangerous" church? Not resting on past laurels or coasting with recent success but reaching out to the world, following the Spirit faithfully into your neighborhood, and stepping out in faith to change lives regardless the cost?
(Taken in part from my notes from our pastor's sermon yesterday)
Friday, November 20, 2009
Listening when Someone talks
(My apologies in advance for hijacking Third Day's song for my illustration. LOL)
Tell me to slow down if you think
That the road that I'm on's goin' nowhere
Tell me to slow down if you know
That I'm goin' too fast for my own good.
Tell me to slow down
If the way is leadin' to a dead end
Tell me to slow down turn around
Let me change the way I'm goin'.
I would like to think someone would stop me before I crashed. I would like to think that there's someone who would care enough about me to step up to me and say "hey, slow down!" It's comforting to know that in most cases the person most likely to do that for me is DaHubby.
DaHubby has an uncanny ability to read situations and the people in them. He's constantly putting words to and making sense of my unending yet unspoken internal angst. It's like that when you say someone really *gets* you, ya know? LOL Like finishing my sentences.
Hindsight being what it is, I've learned that about 95% of the time I should have listened to him because the situation (in which he might be involved or just be observing) turned out exactly as he said it would.
Tell me to slow down if you see
That I'm runnin too fast in the wrong race.
Tell me to slow down if you think
That I can't keep up with my own pace.
Tell me to slow down 'cause you know
If there's ever any question
Tell me to slow down, turn around
Let me change my direction.
Not to minimize how valuable DaHubby's skill is to me, I was thinking how much God is even better than him at it! LOL So, when God send His "nudges" as I call them, why don't I listen to Him as often as I listen to DaHubby?
Prayer is funny that way. We pray for direction, for patience, for guidance, for strength but are we listening when God answers? Do we run off our laundry list of concerns but not take any time to just *sit* and *LISTEN*?
Do we ask God to come and change us, mold us, make us better but then don't take the time to hear what He has to say about how to DO it!?
Oh, I don't want to let go
Of all the things that I know
Are keepin me away from my life.
Oh, I don't want to slow down.
No, I don't want to look around,
But I can't seem to work it out,
So help me God.
Now, my life (especially with little ones) can be as crazy as the next person. My schedule's packed with ALL sorts of things (real and imagined) that I think need to be done. Repeatedly this week I heard people pray for help because they are letting their quiet time with God slip away into the hurried-ness of life. People (including myself) often just rush through our God time and check it off our to-do list. We punched our clock so God will be happy with us.
And, I got to thinking...how would our kids feel if we just punch a time clock with them? How would we feel if our spouse simply "clocked time" with us. More than once, DaHubby's teased me saying "hey, can you add ME to your to-do list?"
And, again, how much more must God feel when we just clock in with Him instead of spending serious time in His presence?
Be still, and know that I [am] God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalms 46:10 NKJV
God WILL be exalted - are you gonna be there, waiting, listening when He is?
Tell me to slow down if you think
That the road that I'm on's goin' nowhere
Tell me to slow down if you know
That I'm goin' too fast for my own good.
Tell me to slow down
If the way is leadin' to a dead end
Tell me to slow down turn around
Let me change the way I'm goin'.
I would like to think someone would stop me before I crashed. I would like to think that there's someone who would care enough about me to step up to me and say "hey, slow down!" It's comforting to know that in most cases the person most likely to do that for me is DaHubby.
DaHubby has an uncanny ability to read situations and the people in them. He's constantly putting words to and making sense of my unending yet unspoken internal angst. It's like that when you say someone really *gets* you, ya know? LOL Like finishing my sentences.
Hindsight being what it is, I've learned that about 95% of the time I should have listened to him because the situation (in which he might be involved or just be observing) turned out exactly as he said it would.
Tell me to slow down if you see
That I'm runnin too fast in the wrong race.
Tell me to slow down if you think
That I can't keep up with my own pace.
Tell me to slow down 'cause you know
If there's ever any question
Tell me to slow down, turn around
Let me change my direction.
Not to minimize how valuable DaHubby's skill is to me, I was thinking how much God is even better than him at it! LOL So, when God send His "nudges" as I call them, why don't I listen to Him as often as I listen to DaHubby?
Prayer is funny that way. We pray for direction, for patience, for guidance, for strength but are we listening when God answers? Do we run off our laundry list of concerns but not take any time to just *sit* and *LISTEN*?
Do we ask God to come and change us, mold us, make us better but then don't take the time to hear what He has to say about how to DO it!?
Oh, I don't want to let go
Of all the things that I know
Are keepin me away from my life.
Oh, I don't want to slow down.
No, I don't want to look around,
But I can't seem to work it out,
So help me God.
Now, my life (especially with little ones) can be as crazy as the next person. My schedule's packed with ALL sorts of things (real and imagined) that I think need to be done. Repeatedly this week I heard people pray for help because they are letting their quiet time with God slip away into the hurried-ness of life. People (including myself) often just rush through our God time and check it off our to-do list. We punched our clock so God will be happy with us.
And, I got to thinking...how would our kids feel if we just punch a time clock with them? How would we feel if our spouse simply "clocked time" with us. More than once, DaHubby's teased me saying "hey, can you add ME to your to-do list?"
And, again, how much more must God feel when we just clock in with Him instead of spending serious time in His presence?
Be still, and know that I [am] God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalms 46:10 NKJV
God WILL be exalted - are you gonna be there, waiting, listening when He is?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Mama Bears and Jehovah Nissi
I've been spending a lot of time lately thinking about this "mama bear" instinct. It keeps coming up in different circumstances - and not all of them related to the Vikings.
In my Bible study group which was reading Esther, we talked about how in chapter 9, Esther asks King Xerxes for another day for the Jews to defend themselves against Haman's decree. We talked about why she would make such a request. Possible bad reason? She was getting used to being in power and was wielding it rashly. Possible good reason? She was feeling a little "mama bear-ish" about her people and wanted to make sure all the enemies of the Jews were annihilated.
Then, there's a well-meaning friend of the family that has taken to teasing Pojke lately. Asking to see his ever-present "beep beeps" (aka toy trucks) he carries everywhere with him and occasionally his lovey, "Susie". The man has taken the toys and/or Susie when left unattended and wants Pojke to give him a hug to get it back. He's called him a sissy and a mama's boy when Pojke turns to me for help. He's called him a baby for having Susie at all. Things like that.
Initially, it wasn't bad but it crossed the line somewhere and now is very upsetting to Pojke. Since this is a friend of the family, I've hesitated to say anything so far. But, as it has continued, I find my "mama bear" rising up in defense.
And, lately, there have been friends of DaHubby's who poke fun at him. For being "too smart", for going to school while working, for allowing me to handle the finances, for not doing more of the typically man-like things in which they feel DaHubby should be participating. And, again, I feel my "mama bear" bearing her teeth.
Then, while attending my last Beth Moore session for that study of Esther, she mentioned the following verse of Scripture:
To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire [shall be] for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Genesis 3:16 (NKJV)
Beth Moore talked about how we should pay less attention to what society says about beauty, femininity, and being desirable and focus more about what God say about our value and beauty as well as what our hubbies think. We should be desiring after THEM not society.
My desire should be for DaHubby - and it is. My desire to love and defend him flows naturally from that. And, those little sweet Vikings, I love them that dearly. Thus, I also feel the need to defend and protect. All things come from that love...even that mama bear instinct. The challenge is to reign it in so as to still remain Christ-like.
Jesus loves us ever-so-much more than we love our hubbies and children. How much MORE "mama bear" feelings does He have towards us? While we refer to God as "Abba Father", I think it would be good to remember that He also has a large dose of "mama bear-ish" feelings for us as well. We need to remember that He is standing between us and those things which would hurt us.
Jehovah Nissi - My Banner and Protector!
And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; Exodus 17:15 (NKJV)
In my Bible study group which was reading Esther, we talked about how in chapter 9, Esther asks King Xerxes for another day for the Jews to defend themselves against Haman's decree. We talked about why she would make such a request. Possible bad reason? She was getting used to being in power and was wielding it rashly. Possible good reason? She was feeling a little "mama bear-ish" about her people and wanted to make sure all the enemies of the Jews were annihilated.
Then, there's a well-meaning friend of the family that has taken to teasing Pojke lately. Asking to see his ever-present "beep beeps" (aka toy trucks) he carries everywhere with him and occasionally his lovey, "Susie". The man has taken the toys and/or Susie when left unattended and wants Pojke to give him a hug to get it back. He's called him a sissy and a mama's boy when Pojke turns to me for help. He's called him a baby for having Susie at all. Things like that.
Initially, it wasn't bad but it crossed the line somewhere and now is very upsetting to Pojke. Since this is a friend of the family, I've hesitated to say anything so far. But, as it has continued, I find my "mama bear" rising up in defense.
And, lately, there have been friends of DaHubby's who poke fun at him. For being "too smart", for going to school while working, for allowing me to handle the finances, for not doing more of the typically man-like things in which they feel DaHubby should be participating. And, again, I feel my "mama bear" bearing her teeth.
Then, while attending my last Beth Moore session for that study of Esther, she mentioned the following verse of Scripture:
To the woman He said: "I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire [shall be] for your husband, And he shall rule over you." Genesis 3:16 (NKJV)
Beth Moore talked about how we should pay less attention to what society says about beauty, femininity, and being desirable and focus more about what God say about our value and beauty as well as what our hubbies think. We should be desiring after THEM not society.
My desire should be for DaHubby - and it is. My desire to love and defend him flows naturally from that. And, those little sweet Vikings, I love them that dearly. Thus, I also feel the need to defend and protect. All things come from that love...even that mama bear instinct. The challenge is to reign it in so as to still remain Christ-like.
Jesus loves us ever-so-much more than we love our hubbies and children. How much MORE "mama bear" feelings does He have towards us? While we refer to God as "Abba Father", I think it would be good to remember that He also has a large dose of "mama bear-ish" feelings for us as well. We need to remember that He is standing between us and those things which would hurt us.
Jehovah Nissi - My Banner and Protector!
And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; Exodus 17:15 (NKJV)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Practical Application
When I wrote last night about my attempt to be more flexible with our schedule, I didn't think I'd be presented with an opportunity so quickly so to share. LOL
But, tonight is a perfect example. And, in the last hour since we got home from midweek church events, my entire attitude has changed.
I haven't been feeling particularly well today thanks to a bad case of the monthly grouchies. Wednesday is one of our busiest days between kindergarten, errands, my morning Bible study, choir practice, and midweek evening church stuff. In addition, bills are to be paid on Wednesdays. And, I'm supposed to prep for grocery shopping since that's been moved to Thursday mornings. And, I had to finish prepping for Pojke's preschool for the rest of the week.
So, I felt awful and was grumbling and stressed all the way home tonight about how I just wanted to go to bed but the bills, school prep, and grocery prep were still on my to-do list. I got myself all worked up about what to move where to get it all done. I could feel myself getting angry and frustrated.
On top of everything else, a meeting I wanted to go to popped up unexpectedly for tomorrow plus I had promised Flicka the afternoon at the kids' museum. *sigh* So, (grumble, grumble, grumble), Momma would just have to suck it up and stay up 'til midnight AGAIN as well as give up a moms night out so the master schedule could run smoothly.
*the sound of screeching brakes*
Now, just hold on. This is a dance I do with myself several times a week. And, to be blunt, it stinks. So...why not let go of all these "shouldas" and see what else can be done? Do I NEED to go grocery shopping tomorrow - not really. I can scrape by for another day. And, who says I couldn't run to the store? Well, DUH!
Long story short? I'm going to bed as soon as I post this (or maybe after I finish NCIS: LA that I DVR'd the other night LOL). I finished school prep while the Vikings got ready for bed. The boy and I will make the Moms In Touch meeting as well as do bills while Flicka's in school in the morning. And, I'll do as much grocery prep as I can, and IF I get it done, we'll go shopping. If not, SO WHAT!? I'll take the kids to the museum and go shopping Friday.
Within 60 minutes, I am no longer a resentful, grumbling, unthankful loony toon! Just for changing my attitude and outlook as well as using some out-of-the-box-for-me thinking.
Now, for those of you with these skills naturally or have already acquired them, you are probably rolling your eyes. And, that's OK too. But, my control freak tendencies need to learn that if Plan A (or even B or C) don't work, our whole world will not collapse around me.
And, that my friends is my example for the day! LOL
But, tonight is a perfect example. And, in the last hour since we got home from midweek church events, my entire attitude has changed.
I haven't been feeling particularly well today thanks to a bad case of the monthly grouchies. Wednesday is one of our busiest days between kindergarten, errands, my morning Bible study, choir practice, and midweek evening church stuff. In addition, bills are to be paid on Wednesdays. And, I'm supposed to prep for grocery shopping since that's been moved to Thursday mornings. And, I had to finish prepping for Pojke's preschool for the rest of the week.
So, I felt awful and was grumbling and stressed all the way home tonight about how I just wanted to go to bed but the bills, school prep, and grocery prep were still on my to-do list. I got myself all worked up about what to move where to get it all done. I could feel myself getting angry and frustrated.
On top of everything else, a meeting I wanted to go to popped up unexpectedly for tomorrow plus I had promised Flicka the afternoon at the kids' museum. *sigh* So, (grumble, grumble, grumble), Momma would just have to suck it up and stay up 'til midnight AGAIN as well as give up a moms night out so the master schedule could run smoothly.
*the sound of screeching brakes*
Now, just hold on. This is a dance I do with myself several times a week. And, to be blunt, it stinks. So...why not let go of all these "shouldas" and see what else can be done? Do I NEED to go grocery shopping tomorrow - not really. I can scrape by for another day. And, who says I couldn't run to the store? Well, DUH!
Long story short? I'm going to bed as soon as I post this (or maybe after I finish NCIS: LA that I DVR'd the other night LOL). I finished school prep while the Vikings got ready for bed. The boy and I will make the Moms In Touch meeting as well as do bills while Flicka's in school in the morning. And, I'll do as much grocery prep as I can, and IF I get it done, we'll go shopping. If not, SO WHAT!? I'll take the kids to the museum and go shopping Friday.
Within 60 minutes, I am no longer a resentful, grumbling, unthankful loony toon! Just for changing my attitude and outlook as well as using some out-of-the-box-for-me thinking.
Now, for those of you with these skills naturally or have already acquired them, you are probably rolling your eyes. And, that's OK too. But, my control freak tendencies need to learn that if Plan A (or even B or C) don't work, our whole world will not collapse around me.
And, that my friends is my example for the day! LOL
Schedule AND an Attitude Change
As I've mentioned several times before, Change and I are not on very good terms. And, this transition to Flicka's kindergarten year has not been a smooth one.
Every plan we made failed. Talking about school in August put her in a panic. Checked out books about school? Made her cry. Made a countdown paper chain - each night she cried harder as the chain shortened.
Every plan we made failed. Talking about school in August put her in a panic. Checked out books about school? Made her cry. Made a countdown paper chain - each night she cried harder as the chain shortened.
Then, school actually started.
It took until day 10 of the new school year before Flicka didn't throw a 8.5 on the Richter scale level tantrum about getting up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, going to school, getting in the van, and getting out of the van every. single. morning. And, the first four days her teacher or the principal had to come get Flicka from the parking lot and escort her to class because she refused to get out of the van.
And, don't get me started with about getting her dressed. I tried to make it her "big girl" decision about what she could wear from her new selection of school clothes. First week, we tried picking out a week's worth of clothes and putting them in a cute little storage thingy I devised. That failed. Tantrum city. Second week, we went to picking out the outfit the night before. Still tantrums. Finally, this week, *I* pick out two outfits and she gets to pick from those...still fits of whining but definitely some improvement.
And, don't get me started with about getting her dressed. I tried to make it her "big girl" decision about what she could wear from her new selection of school clothes. First week, we tried picking out a week's worth of clothes and putting them in a cute little storage thingy I devised. That failed. Tantrum city. Second week, we went to picking out the outfit the night before. Still tantrums. Finally, this week, *I* pick out two outfits and she gets to pick from those...still fits of whining but definitely some improvement.
I've always been envious of my friends and fellow moms who have all their little charts and stars and new plans ready to go this time of the year. But, it was just TOO much change for us to cope.
So, I let go.
And, we took it day by day. Hour by hour. Minute by minute.
And, ya know what? Things got better. *I* felt better. Flicka got better. Pojke still rolled with it like he always does - bless his little heart. And, I felt happier. I began to be able to enjoy the one-on-one time with Pojke. A little 3-hour-a-day distance made the time with Flicka more enjoyable. Everything just didn't feel *so* intense any more.
I have also started to roll with our schedule better. And, I'm getting more done with the "free time" I have. I've added some "mommy-only" time which will better help me keep my head above water while DaHubby finishes another year of full time school while working 45+ hours a week. Blogging is coming easier. I've been asked to write a few guest posts on another site. I'm into the 3rd week of homeschool preschool with Pojke. And, DaHubby and I got away for a parent-only mini-vacation when we ran away from home last weekend to go canoeing! LOL
My housework schedule hasn't gotten back on track. And, our meals are still a little chaotic - we're kind of eating in shifts...something I didn't really ever want to do. But, it's all a work in progress. And, I'm cutting myself more slack.
How's that for adapting to change? Just don't check back here the first day one of the Vikings gets sick! LOL
Monday, August 24, 2009
Changing Personalities
Something's been bugging me lately. I seem to have gone from an extrovert to more of an introvert.
Everyone has been taking those Myers Briggs personality tests lately on Facebook. I'm not saying that those particular ones are the most reliable tests around but those that I've taken recently seem to suggest that I'm now scoring at the opposite end of the spectrum than I used to.
I don't know why this bugs me so much. I first noticed after DaHubby and I got married. I used to be the one at every party talking loud, making a scene, and gathering attention. But, now I'm mostly uncomfortable in situations like that. I'm more aware now through my reading and research about my ADD social awkwardness and tendency to blurt out whatever is rattling around in my head at the time. But, I'm more than happy now to stay outta the limelight and let DaHubby be the social butterfly. And, oddly enough, nowadays I'm more direct and more comfortable being up-front yet have more trouble making friends than I used to.
I've worked in customer service/civil service type jobs most of my life - today the thought of returning to those situations stresses me out to no end. Too much conflict, negotiating, distractions, etc. Sometimes it's hard for me to imagine I ever worked in law enforcement. LOL
I'm pretty much still self-centered and get self-absorbed dealing with my distractions and work each day...well, I'm just bein' real. But, the skills I've garnered in the last 10 years seem to have completely changed how I am scored in those personality tests.
One constant - though I'm not surprised - is my teaching. Every gifting evaluation, every test, every quiz points to my love of teaching. I've consistently scored in that area/skill set since I was young and can remember saying obnoxiously "there's NO WAY I'll EVER be a teacher!" LOL
So, is this just the maturation process? The self-awareness process? It worries me that I may have been "acting" all those years. Was THAT the "real me" or is THIS the "real me"?
While I'm working my tail off harder than I EVER imagined I would be raising the Vikings, I'm happier and more content and feel more myself now than ever.
That's a good sign, right? LOL
Everyone has been taking those Myers Briggs personality tests lately on Facebook. I'm not saying that those particular ones are the most reliable tests around but those that I've taken recently seem to suggest that I'm now scoring at the opposite end of the spectrum than I used to.
I don't know why this bugs me so much. I first noticed after DaHubby and I got married. I used to be the one at every party talking loud, making a scene, and gathering attention. But, now I'm mostly uncomfortable in situations like that. I'm more aware now through my reading and research about my ADD social awkwardness and tendency to blurt out whatever is rattling around in my head at the time. But, I'm more than happy now to stay outta the limelight and let DaHubby be the social butterfly. And, oddly enough, nowadays I'm more direct and more comfortable being up-front yet have more trouble making friends than I used to.
I've worked in customer service/civil service type jobs most of my life - today the thought of returning to those situations stresses me out to no end. Too much conflict, negotiating, distractions, etc. Sometimes it's hard for me to imagine I ever worked in law enforcement. LOL
I'm pretty much still self-centered and get self-absorbed dealing with my distractions and work each day...well, I'm just bein' real. But, the skills I've garnered in the last 10 years seem to have completely changed how I am scored in those personality tests.
One constant - though I'm not surprised - is my teaching. Every gifting evaluation, every test, every quiz points to my love of teaching. I've consistently scored in that area/skill set since I was young and can remember saying obnoxiously "there's NO WAY I'll EVER be a teacher!" LOL
So, is this just the maturation process? The self-awareness process? It worries me that I may have been "acting" all those years. Was THAT the "real me" or is THIS the "real me"?
While I'm working my tail off harder than I EVER imagined I would be raising the Vikings, I'm happier and more content and feel more myself now than ever.
That's a good sign, right? LOL
Monday, August 3, 2009
Divin' In
A thought struck me as I watched Pojke jump joyously into his swim teacher's arms this afternoon...
Am I plunging in lately? Plunging in for the things God has for me?
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! (Romans 4 - The Message)
Am I plunging into His promise, His plan for me? Am I jumping in joyously? No fear - as Pam encourages? *wink*
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I wanna go
The river's deep
The river's wide
The river's water is alive
So sink or swim
I'm diving in
I'm diving in
(Steven Curtis Chapman - Dive)
Only once in my life have I thrown everything up to Him because I was *that sure* I was heading where He wanted. Left all kind and all levels of security and things I knew to follow a new path that now including DaHubby. It was the scariest but most exhilarating time of my life. I'd had experienced nothing like it before..and nothing really like it since.
There is a supernatural power in this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life, and it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing worth livin' and worth dyin' for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand, we'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go..
Anyone wanna hold hands and jump in again with me and see where it takes us?
Am I plunging in lately? Plunging in for the things God has for me?
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! (Romans 4 - The Message)
Am I plunging into His promise, His plan for me? Am I jumping in joyously? No fear - as Pam encourages? *wink*
I'm diving in
I'm going deep
In over my head I wanna be
Caught in the rush
Lost in the flow
In over my head I wanna go
The river's deep
The river's wide
The river's water is alive
So sink or swim
I'm diving in
I'm diving in
(Steven Curtis Chapman - Dive)
Only once in my life have I thrown everything up to Him because I was *that sure* I was heading where He wanted. Left all kind and all levels of security and things I knew to follow a new path that now including DaHubby. It was the scariest but most exhilarating time of my life. I'd had experienced nothing like it before..and nothing really like it since.
There is a supernatural power in this mighty river's flow
It can bring the dead to life, and it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing worth livin' and worth dyin' for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away into this holy flood
So if you'll take my hand, we'll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let's go..
Anyone wanna hold hands and jump in again with me and see where it takes us?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What's the Cost?
Are you a believer? If so, what has it cost you?
Yea, I know all the perks - I've been around one church denomination or another since I can remember. Grew up Catholic. Spent my college and post-college years Lutheran. And, then had a whole new world opened up to me when I married the son of a Pentecostal pastor.
Most folks know the upside of becoming a believer...even if they aren't all entirely true. Your sins will be washed away - true. You'll have new life - true. Your life will never be the same when you follow Christ - true. And, being in God's will is the ONLY place to be - also true.
Then there's the other perks that some believers and nonbelievers alike attribute to Christians.
"Oh, you'll be so happy all the time" - false. You can have peace, contentment, and joy but on-the-surface happy all the time? Not so much. LOL
"Your life will be perfect and trouble-free." Has anyone that believes this ever *really* read the lives of the apostles? LOL No, your life will NOT be trouble/sickness/challenge free but you CAN have the faith and peace and assurance to get you through those things and much more.
But, has your belief in Christ ever cost you anything? Cost you in terms of "take up your cross and follow me" no matter what? Have you had to give *everything* to follow Jesus? Have you been made uncomfortable by having chosen to stand in your faith? Lost friends? Lost job promotions? Lost relationships with family? Lost your job? Know of someone who has lost their life for their faith?
The sermon we heard today was about the cost and challenge of discipleship. There is just no room (and no time) anymore for half-hearted stuff. The things that Jesus asked of the disciples are still things He asks of us. In this day and age, in this generation, in this era, we still need to put God before *everything* else - even our parents, our families, our spouses, and our children.
It's not as radical as it might sound. He gave it all to you - your life, your spouse, your kids, your home, your gifts, your talents, your job, your "stuff", EVERYTHING. So, you have to let it all go and entrust it back to Him for this faith thing to really work. It's the only way to truly be in His will - which is, from my experience as well as dozens of testimonies I have heard, is the only place you'll truly want to be.
So, today it's been running through my head...what's it going to cost me? I've been fortunate that it's cost me very little so far. To my knowledge and as far as I can remember, it has cost me almost nothing. There have been tense conversations and explanations to family. There have been chuckles and rolling eyes from people who knew me before I got back to church. There are people who knew me back-in-the-day and are sincerely shocked to hear that I'm in church and a "holy roller" at that! LOL But, it hasn't cost me anything.
So, I'm also wondering today - is it because I'm not stepping out in faith as I should be? Am I not walking in my faith and walking my walk as I should?
Now, I'm not one to go looking for trouble but I am wondering lately how I "appear" to others - not in the "oh, what will the neighbors think" type of obsession but sincerely wondering how my walk reflects my faith. And, I think lately I'm due some real conviction in this area.
We've met people and just *knew* immediately they were believers without them speaking more than a few sentences. The peace of the Lord is just pouring off of them. But, I don't think that's the impression people get from us at this point. Not a whole lot of the fruit of the Spirit being harvested around here lately. LOL
So, another goal. Another thing to work toward. But, it's gonna cost me. If I need to put things back on track, I'm gonna have to give up something else. If the priorities are shifting, something's gotta go. So, what's it gonna cost me? I'm not sure yet but I'll let you know.
Yea, I know all the perks - I've been around one church denomination or another since I can remember. Grew up Catholic. Spent my college and post-college years Lutheran. And, then had a whole new world opened up to me when I married the son of a Pentecostal pastor.
Most folks know the upside of becoming a believer...even if they aren't all entirely true. Your sins will be washed away - true. You'll have new life - true. Your life will never be the same when you follow Christ - true. And, being in God's will is the ONLY place to be - also true.
Then there's the other perks that some believers and nonbelievers alike attribute to Christians.
"Oh, you'll be so happy all the time" - false. You can have peace, contentment, and joy but on-the-surface happy all the time? Not so much. LOL
"Your life will be perfect and trouble-free." Has anyone that believes this ever *really* read the lives of the apostles? LOL No, your life will NOT be trouble/sickness/challenge free but you CAN have the faith and peace and assurance to get you through those things and much more.
But, has your belief in Christ ever cost you anything? Cost you in terms of "take up your cross and follow me" no matter what? Have you had to give *everything* to follow Jesus? Have you been made uncomfortable by having chosen to stand in your faith? Lost friends? Lost job promotions? Lost relationships with family? Lost your job? Know of someone who has lost their life for their faith?
The sermon we heard today was about the cost and challenge of discipleship. There is just no room (and no time) anymore for half-hearted stuff. The things that Jesus asked of the disciples are still things He asks of us. In this day and age, in this generation, in this era, we still need to put God before *everything* else - even our parents, our families, our spouses, and our children.
Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has [enough] to finish [it -- ] lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see [it] begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
It's not as radical as it might sound. He gave it all to you - your life, your spouse, your kids, your home, your gifts, your talents, your job, your "stuff", EVERYTHING. So, you have to let it all go and entrust it back to Him for this faith thing to really work. It's the only way to truly be in His will - which is, from my experience as well as dozens of testimonies I have heard, is the only place you'll truly want to be.
So, today it's been running through my head...what's it going to cost me? I've been fortunate that it's cost me very little so far. To my knowledge and as far as I can remember, it has cost me almost nothing. There have been tense conversations and explanations to family. There have been chuckles and rolling eyes from people who knew me before I got back to church. There are people who knew me back-in-the-day and are sincerely shocked to hear that I'm in church and a "holy roller" at that! LOL But, it hasn't cost me anything.
So, I'm also wondering today - is it because I'm not stepping out in faith as I should be? Am I not walking in my faith and walking my walk as I should?
Now, I'm not one to go looking for trouble but I am wondering lately how I "appear" to others - not in the "oh, what will the neighbors think" type of obsession but sincerely wondering how my walk reflects my faith. And, I think lately I'm due some real conviction in this area.
We've met people and just *knew* immediately they were believers without them speaking more than a few sentences. The peace of the Lord is just pouring off of them. But, I don't think that's the impression people get from us at this point. Not a whole lot of the fruit of the Spirit being harvested around here lately. LOL
So, another goal. Another thing to work toward. But, it's gonna cost me. If I need to put things back on track, I'm gonna have to give up something else. If the priorities are shifting, something's gotta go. So, what's it gonna cost me? I'm not sure yet but I'll let you know.
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Product of Praise - part three
Two weeks ago, our pastor preached a sermon entitle The Product of Praise. I wanted to share the notes with everyone but life's broadsided me lately and I only got part one and part two completed - leaving me just over halfway done.
The sermon centered on the text of 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
And, the sons of Judah are sons (and daughters) of PRAISE!
Part one explained the type of praise Perez symbolized (a "breach" thus God is in complete control and stands in that breach to keep the things from doing you harm).
Meanwhile, part two described the type of praise embodied by Hezron (a"shield" thus when the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield) and Carmi (a "harvester" or one who didn't plant but just reaped thus through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way).
Now, what kind of praise to we find in Hur?
Hur means "liberty". This is the liberty found when God removes your past. And, we need to remember that it doesn't matter what anyone says about you - the WORD OF GOD is all that matters. And, you need to understand that prasie is your weapon against those who want you to live as you did before Christ pardoned your sin.
Finally, Shobal means "wandered, traveler, pioneer." One must find God's peace with your moving circumstances...and find that right peace at the right time. There is POWER in your praise and praise will lift you out of and above your circumstances.
So, I'm still trying to remember...you gotta praise your way out! In the midst of your circumstance, the the midst of your confusion, in the midst of your crisis, you have to give God praise!
The sermon centered on the text of 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
And, the sons of Judah are sons (and daughters) of PRAISE!
Part one explained the type of praise Perez symbolized (a "breach" thus God is in complete control and stands in that breach to keep the things from doing you harm).
Meanwhile, part two described the type of praise embodied by Hezron (a"shield" thus when the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield) and Carmi (a "harvester" or one who didn't plant but just reaped thus through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way).
Now, what kind of praise to we find in Hur?
Hur means "liberty". This is the liberty found when God removes your past. And, we need to remember that it doesn't matter what anyone says about you - the WORD OF GOD is all that matters. And, you need to understand that prasie is your weapon against those who want you to live as you did before Christ pardoned your sin.
Finally, Shobal means "wandered, traveler, pioneer." One must find God's peace with your moving circumstances...and find that right peace at the right time. There is POWER in your praise and praise will lift you out of and above your circumstances.
So, I'm still trying to remember...you gotta praise your way out! In the midst of your circumstance, the the midst of your confusion, in the midst of your crisis, you have to give God praise!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Product of Praise - part two
(see part one here)
To recap, our pastor preached on "The Product of Praise" last Sunday using 1 Chronicles 4.1:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE! And, each one of Judah’s sons embodies a lesson about praise.
I mentioned Perez on Monday.
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
The next son of Judah is Hezron. Hezron means shut in, surround, or shield. God is our Jehovah Magen - the Lord, our Shield! When the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield. He's declaring war on your behalf, defending you!
"Sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lion's den!" The Lord's got your back so to speak.
And, the third son of Judah is Carmi - which is a vinedresser or harvester. These folks were not farmers who planted, tended, and then reaped their crops. They were simply the ones who harvested what they had not planted.
"Through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way."
To recap, our pastor preached on "The Product of Praise" last Sunday using 1 Chronicles 4.1:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE! And, each one of Judah’s sons embodies a lesson about praise.
I mentioned Perez on Monday.
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
The next son of Judah is Hezron. Hezron means shut in, surround, or shield. God is our Jehovah Magen - the Lord, our Shield! When the devil tries to flood into your life, the Lord will lift up a standard or a shield. He's declaring war on your behalf, defending you!
"Sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lion's den!" The Lord's got your back so to speak.
And, the third son of Judah is Carmi - which is a vinedresser or harvester. These folks were not farmers who planted, tended, and then reaped their crops. They were simply the ones who harvested what they had not planted.
"Through your praise, God will cause blessing that you don't even deserve to come your way."
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Product of Praise - part one
I wanted to share the notes I have from my pastor’s message on Sunday. Mostly as a reminder to me but in the hopes that someone else might benefit too.
The main Scripture for Pastor’s sermon was 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
Nothing particularly earth-shattering there, eh? But, Pastor took us deeper.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE!
And, what do the folks of the Bible do under stress or in threatening or trying situations? They PRAISE – just ask Paul and Silas! LOL According to Pastor, “sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lions’ den.”
Each one of Judah’s son embodies a lesson about praise.
First in that list is Perez which means breach, cut off, or divider. According to John 10.10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly. So, God makes a breach between you and the things holding you back. He's the fortification between you and the things that can hurt you.
God is in complete control and is standing in that breach to keep the things the devil is throwing at you from doing you harm. His protective arm and His mighty wings cover you when you don’t even realize it…
So…PRAISE HIM for it! No matter what is going on - PRAISE HIM! Take a glance at the things which are causing you grief and worry and PRAISE HIM!
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
The main Scripture for Pastor’s sermon was 1 Chronicles 4:1 and here it is in NKJV:
The sons of Judah [were] Perez, Hezron, Carmi, Hur, and Shobal.
Nothing particularly earth-shattering there, eh? But, Pastor took us deeper.
“Judah” according to Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary means “praise.” So the sons (and daughters) of Judah are children of PRAISE!
And, what do the folks of the Bible do under stress or in threatening or trying situations? They PRAISE – just ask Paul and Silas! LOL According to Pastor, “sometimes you have to praise your way out of the lions’ den.”
Each one of Judah’s son embodies a lesson about praise.
First in that list is Perez which means breach, cut off, or divider. According to John 10.10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly. So, God makes a breach between you and the things holding you back. He's the fortification between you and the things that can hurt you.
God is in complete control and is standing in that breach to keep the things the devil is throwing at you from doing you harm. His protective arm and His mighty wings cover you when you don’t even realize it…
So…PRAISE HIM for it! No matter what is going on - PRAISE HIM! Take a glance at the things which are causing you grief and worry and PRAISE HIM!
"Praise is permeated with productive power!"
Friday, May 1, 2009
Living the Life
Back in 1999, I was working 50+ hours a week at a middle/high school language arts teacher plus working 10-15 hours a week as a lifeguard. It was a tough schedule but, at that time, I didn't know what else to do. Working tons of hours at multiple jobs over different shifts is all I had been doing for the previous 9 years. I was single, independent, and while churchgoing I had no sense of living it out day to day.
But, to this day, I remember a moment of clarity. I was driving home from school after dark one night. I remember thinking "this is ridiculous. I can't do this forever. And, I don't want to."
And, as I pictured then a "someday" in the future, I remember thinking "I just want some free time to help people. There's people out there like me now, running themselves ragged and I want to have enough free time to serve and help people like that out."
At the time, it made no sense. I never EVER intended to stop teaching in some way. I had begun getting used to the idea of being alone since I was then 31 and hadn't married. I was so sure God intended for me to remain single that I started the process of becoming a missionary with a Bible translation group. I knew I'd *have* to work somehow to support myself.
I felt like a rat in a cage. I could see what I wanted but had no idea how to get there.
Ten years later - I'm living that life.
Instead of a "Road to Damascus" instantaneous conversion, God worked on me and through me until today I can look back and see the miraculous changes.
I'm married, Biblically submitted to the head of my household.
I'm a mother, something I never thought would be possible.
I quit teaching a year before reaching tenure, something you could have NEVER convinced me of doing back then.
I'm a stay-at-home mom, something that would have horrified me back then.
And, yet, I'm living that life I pictured. Just today I was taking a meal to a new mom. In these last few years, I've been able to take meals to, pray with, mail cards to, sit with, talk to people I come in contact with during the walk through my life.
Despite the mess, the chaos, the noise, the stress, the ants, I'm living the life God allowed me to peek at all those years ago. And, I love it!
But, to this day, I remember a moment of clarity. I was driving home from school after dark one night. I remember thinking "this is ridiculous. I can't do this forever. And, I don't want to."
And, as I pictured then a "someday" in the future, I remember thinking "I just want some free time to help people. There's people out there like me now, running themselves ragged and I want to have enough free time to serve and help people like that out."
At the time, it made no sense. I never EVER intended to stop teaching in some way. I had begun getting used to the idea of being alone since I was then 31 and hadn't married. I was so sure God intended for me to remain single that I started the process of becoming a missionary with a Bible translation group. I knew I'd *have* to work somehow to support myself.
I felt like a rat in a cage. I could see what I wanted but had no idea how to get there.
Ten years later - I'm living that life.
Instead of a "Road to Damascus" instantaneous conversion, God worked on me and through me until today I can look back and see the miraculous changes.
I'm married, Biblically submitted to the head of my household.
I'm a mother, something I never thought would be possible.
I quit teaching a year before reaching tenure, something you could have NEVER convinced me of doing back then.
I'm a stay-at-home mom, something that would have horrified me back then.
And, yet, I'm living that life I pictured. Just today I was taking a meal to a new mom. In these last few years, I've been able to take meals to, pray with, mail cards to, sit with, talk to people I come in contact with during the walk through my life.
Despite the mess, the chaos, the noise, the stress, the ants, I'm living the life God allowed me to peek at all those years ago. And, I love it!
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