The Plans I Have For You

Trust

2011-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:19-21 ESV)

And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:30-33 ESV)

The house is insanely quiet. The kids are gone to the grandparents, and Troy still at work. I'm finally getting around to wrapping presents and kicked all the furry kids out of the room. Quiet...no tv, no radio. Just me and a pile of gifts.

Gifts for family, gifts for friends. Gifts which celebrate the birth of our Savior.

I find it completely amazing that after 38 Christmases, the story of Jesus' birth unfolds something new for me each year. Born of a virgin, his first bed a cattle feeder. A husband who trusted God enough to marry bride already with child. A young mother who knew her difficult right of passage was the best for an entire world of people she didn't even know. Mary and Joseph...they trusted God in the midst of circumstances they could have never imagined themselves in. They trusted even though things weren't easy and the way they would have done things isn't how it was to unfold, God knew what was best.

I've spent quite a bit of time asking "Why, God?" and "Why not God?" lately. Seems the straightest, easiest paths laid before my eyes are not those for which he has chosen me to pursue. Yet through this He has taught me to have a stronger faith by keeping my eyes on him and not on the path ahead of me.

Today, I celebrate the precious season and the tiny king who gave us such a remarkable gift. I also celebrate the growing faith he has placed in me to know I don't have to see the path ahead to know I'm going in the right direction.

May each of you have a blessed Christmas season, focused on the reason why we celebrate.

Goodbye my friend

2011-10-24T04:36:00.000-07:00

I really don't know where I am going with this post, except to say my heart is broken clean into. Yesterday, we buried Elvis, Noah's cat that has aways had more personality than his body would hold. A Pit Bull shook him to death in seconds underneath our trees. Thankfully none of us were around to hear or see what happened.

He added so much life to our family. He belonged to both our son Noah, with whom Elivs fished and swam. He also belonged to our cocker spaniel Jasmine, who slept by his side. And yes, I was quite fond of him too. More than I am willing to admit.

I held my eight-year-old son as he sobbed himself to sleep last night, and I sobbed right along with him.

And in the big scheme of life, this is just one more thing on the pile of disappointments and disasters that I've seemed to fall into lately. Its seems the harder I try, the harder I fall. As if I am climing up a hill of solid ice, gaining hold for only a second, then slipping farther down.

Yeah, I'm a bit discouraged right now. However I am holding to a verse from John 16:33 NIV I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

We know the end of the story, and that is what is important. Victory is ours. While we let Satan get a hold of us and drag us down, we know who the winner of the battle will be.

My friends, whatever trials and struggles are weighing you down today, take heart. Jesus overcame this world, and we will too! Please pray for me that I can be the example for my children of how to have victory in the storms of life.

Allow me to pray with you about your disappointments and concerns. You may email me at taylorandnoahsmom@yahoo.com.

Writer's Block

2011-10-13T06:21:00.000-07:00

Writer's Block. For the past couple of weeks I've been wanting to get a post in this journal of mine, and yet nothing would come. My posts usually come freely from things God has spoken to my heart. My anxiety has grown daily because I haven't had that word to share.

Social media guidelines for blogging tell you to post regularly in order to encourage readership. I've got to admit I watch my viewing numbers. There's a little pride there to see a "following," but more importantly the opportunity to share my Jesus with others. So when the posts get far between, I start to panic. Am I not listening closely enough?

When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. Matthew 10:19 ESV

God boldly prepares us for the time to share our message. Have you ever been afraid to share your faith with someone, afraid you won't have the words to say? This verse from Matthew is that reminder in the appropriate time, we will have the words to share.

I also believe there are times he wants us to say nothing. A hug, a smile, they speak to the heart in ways that words just won't reach sometimes. Not only does he give us the ability to speak when called to do so, but the ability to know when silence will mean so much more.

And I dare not leave out the "in that hour" part. We will have the words to speak when he is ready for us to do so...not every time I need to sit down and write to satisfy my heart's desire. So until the spirit speaks to my heart again with a message to share, know that I am here, silently lifting each of you in prayer.

I welcome your comments, notes of encouragement or prayer requests by commenting below or by email to taylorandnoahsmom@yahoo.com. Thank you taking time to read and share this blog. Pray for God's direction for this site and how it will be used to encourage others.

Hummers

2011-09-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

I sat mesmerized last night. A storm blowing in, the breeze tickling my face. A rare moment with no one around and I could slow down long enough to focus on the beauty around me. A high-pitched chirp, then a buzz past my ear...a tiny hummingbird. I call them my humbabies. Four of them did what appeared to be a well choreographed dance around the feeder, pausing long enough to take a quick drink. They darted into the trees. The process repeated itself again and again.

This time of year my humbabies are extremely active. I can't keep a feeder full of food. Their tiny bodies tank up on the sweet nectar to help them fuel their nonstop, 18-22 hour journey across the Gulf. Their main diet is insects, and nectar is the fuel that gives them energy to do their work.

These little creatures buzzed and swirled about, and in my mind all I could think about were how they, weighing less than one ounce, could cross a great big ocean in the coming weeks. It seems like such an impossible task. But twice a year they do it. I bet they don't have too many who complain because its too much work or too far to travel.

***Matthew 6:26* *(HCSB)*** Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they?

Doesn't is seem sometimes like our challenges are greater than we can handle? I've have stood many times, looking ahead with great fear at what seems like an impossible task placed before me, and reached my hands toward my heavenly father to say "I can't do this, its too hard." In my back yard last night He reminded me with a beautiful song and dance that he has promised to take care of us every step of the way. Just as he feeds my tiny humbabies and takes them safely across the Gulf, he will carry us across our ocean waves too.

Humbabies, have a safe journey. Thank you for that gentle reminder that we can do all things because we have a God who takes care of us. The impossible becomes the possible when God is behind it.

An amazing journey

2011-09-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

I've tried to not let my work life spill over into my personal blog, but today I am making an exception. Today marks my four year anniversary with the American Cancer Society. The past four years have shaped me in so many ways. This is not a job, its the purpose in my life to which I have been called. Here's just a few of the lessons I have learned.

You can't control everything. This detailed, type A kind of girl quickly learned that when your great plans don't work, fly by the seat of your pants and pray. Outdoor events rely more on prayer than plans! So should the rest of our life.

Being up all night can be tremendously rewarding. Those silly games at 3 a.m. have left tons of memories, and laughing during crazy ice breakers have melted a glacier's worth of stress. Driving home at 7 a.m. while fighting to say awake have yielded some of my best heart to hearts with God.
Cancer doesn't discriminate by race, age, or social status. Losing volunteers to the disease for which we stood together and fought against has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. Seeing loved ones make a survivor lap at Relay for the first time, one of the most rewarding.
Birthdays are a BIG reason to celebrate! Every birthday is a precious opportunity to enjoy another year with family and friends. I will never take another birthday for granted or complain about the number of candles on my cake. Bring them on!
When you are juggling to many balls, don't forget to ask for help. There is always a friend nearby willing to share the load.

I want to say a special thank you to the volunteers with which I have had the privilege to serve beside during the past four years. Your dedication to this mission never ceases to amaze me! Through wind and rain, scorching heat or family crisis, you are there. You've given vacation days and family time to help give to others. I'm glad to have shared the journey with each of you.

Until we are able to find the cure...here's to the fight!

Feeling Inadequate

2011-08-12T05:36:00.000-07:00

The first week back to school. Maybe its trying to get back into routine. Maybe is the mounting tasks of year end with my job. Maybe its that way-to-deeply ingrained need for perfection. Maybe its just me.

I've just felt so inadequate this week. Unable to get things where I wanted them, insecure about things to come. Not qualified for the challenges I must face.

Sometimes its not learning something new, its being reminded of something you already are. This morning, God took me back to Jeremiah 1, which details a conversation between God and Jeremiah. Jeremiah is feeling inadequate to accomplish the tasks he has been called to do. He makes excuses, and each time, God tells him he has that taken care of and he already has provided. He has called him for great things and has provided the tools Jeremiah needs.

Borrowing from my 1/1 post, here are the three "resolutions" God gave me this year:

1. Trust: If you will listen and follow...I will take care of you.
2. Don't make excuses: I have taken care of you...see resolution number 1.
3. Sew seeds with no fear. I have prepared you. You are more than adequate for the tasks I give you.

Let us go forth today boldly accepting the challenges we will face. We are prepared!

May I pray for you today and for your personal challenges?

Win Free Tickets to Women of Faith Conference, Atlanta, GA, August 12-13

2011-08-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies...how would you like the opportunity to see Laura Story, Angie Smith, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Lisa Harper and Natalie Grant live and worship with thousands of other women this weekend in Atlanta? You can win two tickets to the Women of Faith Event this weekend in Atlanta, GA, by simply commenting below on why you would like to attend, and liking this entry on your Facebook page. Winner will be announced Tuesday evening and selected by random number draw.

If you have never attended an event like this, I can promise it will be one you will never forget. Check out the lineup at http://www.womenoffaith.com/events/2011-events/atlanta/

Tickets are for the event only and do not include hotel or transportation.

A Successful Life

2011-08-01T08:52:00.000-07:00

Twenty years. It seems almost impossible that time has passed quickly enough to have put 20 years between my high school years and today. The cover of the yearbook quickly confirms my speculation. Inside, countless photos of wide-eyed youth ready to tackle the world head on. This one? Yes, that's me. Giles County High School Class of 1991. Salutatorian, Most Likely to Succeed. It was an honor to be recognized as such by my classmates.

So as the notice of our upcoming class reunion came, I began to get a bit nervous. Most Likely to Succeed...what would my classmates say about my life? I had always looked at that title and thought about rocket scientists or a super star. I am neither. Just a small town gal working for a non-profit. Gardening and playing Mrs. Fixit on our 2.5 acre country "estate". Frazzled mom and wife who lets the laundry get out of control on a regular basis.

Some view success as a big bank account or the attainment of a successful career. Actors, doctors, lawyers, sports professionals. They all are icons of "success" in today's world.

Have I been successful? As I drove home pondering I got my answer. Well actually more of a challenge. Success is not based on whether or not I obtain that post doctorate degree or write that best seller novel. Its to live out to perfection the life God intended me to have.

Wow! Maybe I am supposed to be that frazzled, not so perfect wife and mother who has a mission to share hope with others.

Psalms 139 lays out so beautifully this concept. God created every part of us, and no matter where we are in this world, he knows our every thought. He laid out a plan for our lives, every move, every thought, before we were ever born. True success is living out God's PERFECT plan for our lives. Rocket scientist or rocking mama.

I think the hardest part for me is staying on the path and knowing I am there. Blessed with multi-talents and the desire to try just about anything once, staying focused is so hard. Getting a "no" or not getting a "yes" when the enticing next adventure comes along is frustrating. Knowing that trials and hard times, they are a part of the plan, sometimes its a bit hard to accept.

So how do we know we're living out our perfect life? It's all about that personal relationship and having the communication level to hear what he has to say about the decisions we make, big and small.

Yes I will be at my class reunion, and yes I will hold my head proud. I have been incredibly blessed with a beautiful family, a roof over my head, and a job where I get to help people every day. I've accepted the challenge of seeking the great path of success, and I hope you will too.

How do you seek the perfect path for your life? How do you stay focused on walking the path he has created for you?

The Most Important Parenting Book You Will Ever Read

2011-07-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

I didn't do a very good job of holding back the tears as we prayed over our daughter before she left to go on her first mission trip. My little one going out into the big world. This week has turned yet another page in the life of our family.

The times of trying to figure out which way to swaddle my babies to comfort them is over, however their need for my comforting words is just beginning. My time of preparing their food and lovingly placing each bite into their mouth is over, but my ability to feed them and help them grow into adults equipped to handle the great big world is not. I'm not talking about that huge home cooked meal I fixed to welcome my girl home either. There will be plenty of those at this house too.

Questions have become harder. No longer are inquiries as simple as "Why is the sky blue?" but ones requiring more thought, the answers much more important. This week, my youngest asked me why Christians still do bad things, and are they really a Christian...will they go to heaven? In a moment that stoods still in time, I realized the weight of the answer I had to give. What an amazing opportunity to remind my child of God's amazing grace that covers our sins, big and small.

This week my oldest was able to witness to others. Her group led one lady to Christ, and yet another turned away. The incredible joy of witnessing the birth of a new Christian, and the defeat of losing the battle in the same week. My answer for her on why that lady wouldn't hear...a careful one. A reminder God calls us to share the gospel, and not all will listen. Yet she may not realize what kind of seed was planted for a future time when God will put yet another warrior in that lady's path. A reminder of prayer for that lost soul and for the many others we encounter every day.

Its a joy to see my children growing in their faith, but it has also reminded me of the awesome responsibility I have as a parent in their spiritual growth. I'm so thankful for the moments that God tests my knowledge through my children. Its that gentle nudge that even though life may be crazy busy, I have to continue to grow myself.

The best parenting book? God's word. Its advice for heartaches, prayers for the future, joy for his blessings. Don't stop learning because moms and dads, its not just our lives at stake here, its our little ones too.

A Lost Lamb

2011-07-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

This week marked three months since the day a beautiful young lady disappeared into the woods near her home. Volunteers numbering the population of the small town in which she lives have fervently combed the area looking for clues to her mysterious disappearance. Pink ribbons adorn almost every business and home in the community.

A few weeks ago I traveled with her church on a ladies weekend. The bus was decorated with pink in Holly's honor. Each woman wore a pink ribbon with an H sticker. Each time we took a break while traveling, we passed out flyers in the hope someone might recognize her face. I know each of them prays daily for her safe return.

Their commitment to find this precious child left such an impression on my heart. No matter how long it takes, they will continue the fight. Its such an example of our Father God, who seeks his lost lambs with such diligence too. He never gives up! No matter how dark of a life we lead, and how far away we travel, he doesn't give up the fight for us.

Today I write this for Holly and the thousands of missing children across our nation. Please pray for her, that she will be able to come home to her family. And pray for her family, that they might have strength to continue in the fight.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (The Message)
10-11This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. 13-14"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

Gardening

2011-07-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

An early summer morning. The dew is still on the ground, and the sun is peaking over the horizon. Its time to invest in our summertime hobby, gardening. There's a great satisfaction that comes from working with your hands and seeing the fruits (vegetables) of your labor.

Gardening is work. We invest a great deal of time and energy into our garden each year. The soil must be fertilized and tilled. It requires water. Sometimes we have to remove the pests and diseases that attack our plants. Then there are the weeds. But in the end, there is the harvest.

Today, hoe in hand, I was working on the weeds. One by one I chopped and pulled at each offender. They had to go. Why? Aside from the eyesore they create, they can stress or choke out our good plants so we will have no harvest.

As I stood there, I realized we have weeds in our lives too. Overindulgence, lack of commitment, a slack prayer life, lying, cheating, the list rolled on.

What do the weeds do in our lives? They make it hard for us to grow. They choke out the fruits of our labor. How hard is it for someone to see your witness with all the "weeds" in the way? We lose our ability to grow fruit and harvest.

I'm reminded of Matthew 13 where Jesus spoke about gardening. Some seeds fell on land not fit for planting, and they were eaten by the birds. Some were planted too shallow and scorched in the sun. Some were planted among weeds and the weeds took over and choked them out. But the ones planted in good soil brought forth fruit, multiplied fruit.

Weeding a garden is a hard job. It takes hours of time, lots of sweat and labor. It seems by the time you get a spot weeded, here they grow again.

The weeds of our lives are that way too. They are often not easy to get rid of. Sometimes they have deeper roots and stronger structure than the good things in our lives. Sometimes they appear to be beautiful things, like morning glories or thistles. But in the end, they have to go. They have to go so we can multiply and be the person God intended us to be. Only then will be see the true fruits of our labor.

What weeds do you have in your life that are choking out your harvest?

A goodie for you

2011-07-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

Incorage.me has a beautiful wallpaper calendar that I wanted to share with you:

http://www.incourage.me/2011/07/julys-desktop-wallpaper-is-now-available.html

If you aren't familiar with the site, take a look around. Its a great site full of encouraging words.

Finding your Sabbaths

2011-06-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

I attended the last Deeper Still conference in Louisville, Kentucky, this past weekend. In two days time my empty, poured out soul was filled to overflowing, and God had spoken directly to my heart. A coliseum of 8,000 people and an impressive sound system. God made sure I heard his message, and that I had plenty of witnesses.

You can expect to hear more about my time with Kay Arthur and Beth Moore. Today I want to share my session with Priscilla Shirer. In that huge place of 8,000, God had his finger pointing directly at me.

Priscilla shared a message from Exodus 16 and Deuteronomy 5 about the importance of "sabbaths" in our lives.

^{Deuteronomy 5}
¹² Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you. ¹³ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁴ but the seventh day is a sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant or your ox or your donkey or any of your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you, so that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. ¹⁵ You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

^{Exodus 16}
¹⁶ This is what the LORD has commanded, ‘Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.’” ¹⁷ The sons of Israel did so, and some gathered much and some little. ¹⁸ When they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. ¹⁹ Moses said to them, “Let no man leave any of it until morning.” ²⁰ But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. ²¹ They gathered it morning by morning, every manas much as he should eat; but when the sun grew hot, it would melt.

The Sabbath Observed

²² Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, ²³ then he said to them, “This is what the LORD meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.” ²⁴ So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. ²⁵ Moses said, “Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the LORD; today you will not find it in the field. ²⁶ Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will benone.” ²⁷ It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. ²⁸ Then the LORD said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and Myinstructions? ²⁹the LORD has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” ³⁰ So the people rested on the seventh day.

Priscilla's message did not address taking a single day of the week to rest, but instead she spoke about finding "sabbaths" in our lives. Things that we can cease for a while then return to at a given time after a period of rest.

Anything we are given by God to enjoy we are to enjoy with boundaries.
The sabbath is a gift of a break. It comes from the Hebrew word meaning "to cease."
We need to leave room in our lives for the one who created us.
Learn to recognize ENOUGH.
We often find ourselves not able to enjoy everything we have because we have too much of everything. Think about it...your closet, your cabinets? Ever been frustrated looking for something you know you have but can't find. "Its in there somewhere."
On the sixth day, he gave a double portion. This teaches trust. We think we need to work harder, accumulate more. We fear not having a storehouse because there will be lean times. Did he not provide on the "sabbath" for the Israelites? Does he not provide for the birds of the air and the fish of the sea?
Remember who we were, slaves. Slaves are dominated by stuff. Slaves hoard, free people give freely.
Free people can willingly make themselves cease
The sabbath is our time to reflect in what God has done for us in our lives. If we don't defer to him, we don't recognize his Soverign position as Lord.

How many times have we found ourselves trying to work so much harder on a project, frustrated? It seemed the harder we worked and the longer we worked, the more we struggled.

How many times have we found ourselves rushing through things like the kids ball games, and even our time at church, and not enjoying it because there was always something to do next?

Priscilla spoke of our tendency to make exaustion a pillar in our lives and that our children, when asked what they want to be when the grow up, should not answer, "tired."

Ever tried to "outwork God?" I certainly have. Suceeded it it? Don't think so.

Take a look at what happens to the excess manna the Israelites stored that they were told not to...it became wormy and foul. Perhaps that job we don't enjoy anymore, or that house that never seems to get clean are places in our lives that reflect where we have tried to "outwork" God.

A day is equal to 14 percent of a week. Our challenge was to find 14 minutes a day to pause and reflect on our soverign God and to ask for opportunities to see the areas we need a sabbath. She also challenged us to clean 14 inches of space in our homes twice each week...meaning clearing it of excess.

God promises us freedom. He wants us to enjoy the gifts he gives us and to remember the one who gave them. We are his children, and he takes great care of us when we let him. Take time this week to ask God where you can use a "sabbath" and cherish his answer.

A Birthday Message

2011-06-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Philippians 1:18 (The Message)
And I'm going to keep that celebration going because I know how it's going to turn out. Through your faithful prayers and the generous response of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, everything he wants to do in and through me will be done.

Birthdays, time to celebrate. Its not about birthday balloons and party hats. Its not about the cake. And its certainly not about the wrinkles or gray hairs that magically appear. Its a celebration, because we know how the end of the story turns out.

I had planned to take some time on my birthday to blog the important events in the past year of my life. My quiet time this morning lead me to Philippians 1 in the Message Bible. A verse about celebration, and a verse that sums up the work of God in my life the past year.

Attitude is important. In the midst of great trial, Paul and Timothy take time to reflect on the great work done in Philippi instead of getting eaten up with their current circumstances. Its really easy to get wrapped up in the things going wrong in our lives and not focusing on what is going right. Insignificant trials cause us to lose focus of blessings, and more importantly, the fact we know victory is at the end. Our attitude not only helps us survive the trials, its an example to others. We can choose to rise above or wallow within.

Love one another. We weren't put on earth for our benefit, and the world does not revolve around our lives. We are part of God's plan, to share his love. I know he has called me boldly to this task and I treasure the opportunity he has given me to share his work in my life through my writing. Its humbling to see more than 1,000 visits to my little site from countries all across the world, and to have the opportunity to have one of my posts picked up by a national Christian company's blog site. I pray he will continue to strengthen my role in sharing the message of his love.

Be content in your circumstances. Paul and Timothy used their time in prison to win souls. More times than not, we find ourselves in a place we don't want to be. We have to realize that sometimes that's exactly where God needs us to be, and we can be prosperous there. God's plan for our lives takes us to places that challenge us to reach higher, look farther and conquer greater mountains that we would ever do if we set our own goals in life.

The Power of Encouragement. Words aren't just random letters on a page. They are purposefully chosen for their meaning. They have the power to alter history, to change a person's life forever. Its the prayers and the response of the people that give Paul and Timothy the will continue, fruitfully and full of vigor, in spite of everything around them. We need the encouragement of others to do our best work, and even more importantly, we need to be encouragers to those around us. Imagine the world full of encouragers and the power we would have against whatever obstacles we face!

The End. Life is hard. We are constantly at war every day against things that want to tear us down. But we know something they don't...that the battle has been won, and even if its hard and long, we will be victorious!

Not for one minute do I take my time on this earth for granted. Each birthday is special, a gift from God, to celebrate with ones I love. Now where's that birthday cake?

Why God? Seeing A Greater Plan

2011-05-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

A prayer, prayed fervently.
A prayer, prayed consistently.
A prayer prayed daily
A prayer, prayed with faith.
A prayer, seemingly unanswered. Why?

Why God? Why, when prayers are prayed with an open heart and a soul poured out with all sincerity, do prayers go unanswered? Every day we take to our knees to pray fervently, consistently, with faith and determination for lost family members, healing for a special friend, for that much needed answer to the perplexing factor in the middle of our lives. We stand, waiting for that great lightning strike to fix it in an instant, and yet it comes not or so it seems.

I've been asking the "Why God?" question myself. Praying for a need, and yet the only answer is "just wait." I wanted to share with you the words to a song I have been hearing. Laura Story's "Blessings." It was a great reminder to me this week that not only does God hear every desire of my heart, he also knows what is best for me. He knows when my ask for "lesser things" needs to remain unacknowledged, just like my son's plea for candy in the check out line at Wal-Mart. Sometimes the best for us is a prayer that goes unanswered in our eyes, the heartache of the wait, and the darkness along the way. Sometimes it is answered in a course of action that is different than our desires and yielding an even better outcome.

Laura Story's "Blessings"
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

(Chorus)
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Living a “Why Not” Life in a “What If” World

2011-05-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Boys, they have no fear. When my son was smaller, his greatest joy was for his Daddy to throw him into the air and to catch him. He would scream with delight, “Higher, Daddy!”. Even now I watch him race down the hills at warp speed in front of our house on a scooter, jump the three huge steps off the porch in a single bound, play tackle football with kids twice his size.

Somewhere along the way into adulthood we lose that invincible feeling. I remember going roller skating not to long ago. As the kids whizzed past me, I teetered along, praying I didn’t take a spill. When one of the youngsters bobbled, I felt my motherly instincts kick in as I fought the urge to put both hands out to break their fall. There once was a time when I too made some pretty hasty tracks around a rink. What changed?

Fear. A four-letter word that changes lives.

What if I lose my job?

What if she says no?

What if I get hurt?

What if I'm not smart enough?

Fear keeps us living a “what if” life.

John 16:33 (New International Version) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The Bible is full of ordinary people like you and me who, feeling less than equipped for the call, are empowered to do amazing things, like David in his battle against Goliath. Its time to stop being victims of circumstance and realize the power we have behind us. If our Jesus can overcome the world, we can surely have the boldness to live out the lives he intended is to have, free of the world’s “What if” mentality. We’re missing out on amazing opportunities and great blessings our God gives us every day, saying “What if” instead of “Why Not?”

Today I am starting a journey. For a long time, I’ve felt the calling to write a book. Fear has held me back.

What if I don’t have time?

What am I supposed to write about?

Can I really find enough to say for a whole book?

What if I’m not that good of a writer?

A couple of Sundays ago, while getting ready for church, cleaning for company, and running on four hours of sleep, my book topic and outline, was handed to be. I’m firmly convinced he appears to me in my greatest hour of chaos just to make sure I understand its HIM. He does that quite often.

Boldly heading into the unknown, I covet your prayers as I live out one of the "Why Nots" in my life. May you discover yours.

Parenting Advice from the Cross

2011-04-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

John 3:16 (New International Version, ©2011) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

6:40 a.m. Down the driveway they go, gobbled up by the big yellow bus. I pray each morning as they pull away that God will protect my most precious possessions. No mother forgets what it takes to bring a child into this world, and they certainly don't forget the amazing moment when you meet that precious gift for the first time.

As Easter approaches, we take time to reflect on the sacrifice made for us at the cross. Seeing that sacrifice from the eyes of a parent has given it new meaning for me.

My oldest is a drama queen to the most literal of terms. She loves the crowd, and seems as though she never breaks a sweat performing in front of them. My knees shake thinking about doing something like that! I think of her in front of the crowd. Its all I can do to watch, praying she does well and the crowd loves her. But what if she were standing there, her life in their hands, being made a mockery? What if people were hurting her, making her bleed. Could I watch then?

My little guy whose growing like weeds in my garden grabs my leg in a wrestler-like hug. He's always loved his momma. That snaggle-tooth grin and big blue eyes melt my heart every time. Could I watch him bleed and die for the sins of others? Others who could care less about the greatest gift on earth, given free to them?

As parents we make many sacrifices. We put our desires behind those of our children. We protect our young against the world and all it has to offer. We make sure these precious possessions are taken care of even if we ourselves are not. We would take the place of our babies if we could to keep them from having to suffer.

Parenting is not easy. God charges us with the responsibility of training up a child in the way he should go...all while learning to be that Christlike child ourselves. Its the scariest thing in the world to me, to know that its my responsibility to make sure these little ones are cared for. And as they grow, parenting becomes more than changing diapers and feeding a bottle.

Yesterday I was taught yet another lesson about parenting from the example of the cross. The power of letting your children go, to live out their destiny.

Matthew 27 paints a vivid picture of the moment when Jesus died. The temple curtain was torn, rocks fell. There was a great earthquake. God could have very easily taken Jesus out of there, unharmed. But he didn't. I can only imagine the grief my God must have felt as he watched his son carry out the painful and humiliating destiny that would change history, because he knew it was the best thing to do.

Our children may not have to die at the hand of others, but they will endure pain. They will make mistakes, stumble and sometimes fall. We'll watch helpless as they face situations beyond their control, the life changing situations that ultimately make us who we are. Our destiny. But the best parents know you have to let go, even if it hurts. We can't take the world away from them, we have to teach them to fly in it.

Praying for my friends today who are doing just that. God bless!

Rest

2011-04-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Psalm 62:1-2 NIV

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

I'm a busybody. It is not my nature to sit still. And waiting...oh...I don't do that very well either. I've got to be doing something, always.

Today, God reminded me why the Bible is filled with all sorts of references to rest. Because we are supposed to ACTUALLY DO IT!

Two twelve hour work days (plus mom duties) into the week, my voice was rather froggy, and my spunk withering. No need to let a little allergy issue slow me down though. After all, I managed to make the weekend go pretty well thanks to dramamine. My to do list was made for days 3-5. Even if it read like a novel, I could do it.

Then I got up today. Not even a squeak. No audible sound would come from my mouth. By the time I got the kids and hubby out the door, I was fading fast. Two hours later I had visited my local walk-in clinic and was anxiously awaiting my sinus shot to kick in. Two hours after that...back at doctor with one of the kids. My day was spent watching my phone blow up with calls I couldn't return if I wanted to and waiting. At 3 p.m. I threw in the towel and took a nap (outside in my beach chair-I guess I was wishing).

Writing was the last thing on my mind today, but as I laid there, he put a message on my heart. "Rest my daughter. It is good for you."

Why do we need rest? The body requires it, to refresh and rejuvenate. Its essential for a healthy body. That body that is our temple remember?

Its also essential for our spiritual health. Think about it. When do your best talks with God come, those heart to heart conversations that refresh our souls and quench our thirsty spirits? Are they during quiet, restful times or during the insane rat race? How did Jesus pray? It wasn't driving down the road trying to get to ball practice on time while running the grocery list in his head. He went off alone and focused on the task at hand.

The dictionary includes "peace of mind" and "free from anxieties" in its definitions of rest. Who couldn't use that?

I know without a doubt my God sometimes slows me down on purpose. Today, it was waiting in a doctors office...and having to listen because I could not speak. (I'm sure I will comments if I say I need to close my mouth more often.) Two and a half years ago it was major surgery with six weeks of recouperation. That time changed my relationship by allowing me clearly hear the voice of my father who loves me and speaks to me every day, when I take the time to listen.

So in spite of my desire to go and load the washer one more time...and put away the pile on the counter, I am going to do what I was commanded to do today...rest. Good night all!

Have Fun

2011-04-11T05:23:00.000-07:00

“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.”

Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT

These verses spoke to me so loudly this morning! 18 days. That's all that are left until its showtime. Another bout with vertigo in a time when I don't need to slow down has left me in a state of panic. I can't get sick...I can't function with ringing ears and a dizzy head. How will it all get done?

My husband can come home after a hard day, flick on the television, and get lost in the screen. He can drop in the middle of a busy day for a 15 minute nap, or go outside and just meander around. It frustrates me! Why...because I am a doer. If there is a project to complete anywhere in sight (sometimes not in sight) it calls my name. On top of being a doer, add perfectionist.

I've been with people time after time who are worried things aren't going right, or get overwhelmed with their position. I tell them it will all be fine, and to have fun with this. If you can't have fun, then its not what you need to be doing. Have I stopped to take my own advice?

Its the busiest time of the year for me...kind of like Christmas for Macy's. Projects don't get finished, and the work never ends. Long hours, let downs, things that don't go right...they all weigh on my shoulders. Not being able to go far enough or last long enough tugs at my heart.

I've let the hard work overwhelm me, and I've forgotten to have fun. Fun with the family, to escape the pressures. Fun with my friends who remind me how blessed I truly am. Fun with my volunteers who are so precious and give back to me in ways they never will fully know. In the end, only a bride knows what didn't go perfect at her wedding, and so it will be with these five amazing events. When all is said and done, it will be a beautiful day, full of celebration. And it will be fun.

Hard work, its a given. But don't forget to have fun along the way! Here's to a great week.

Simplify

2011-04-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

No verses to go with this one. Just a simple request to join me in prayer. At the beginning of the year, K-Love put out the challenge to listeners to choose one word that you would work on during this next year to improve your life. I immediately knew the battle I had been called to face, but not the word. So, three full months into the year, I have my word. SIMPLIFY

Its not an easy word, and the mere mention of it makes me nervous. Simplify...You see, I am a type A perfectionist. And I happen to be one of those people who has many interests and enjoys multitasking.

So how did I get here in the first place? I've just not been feeling very useful lately as a Christian, and I had been praying for God to show me where he could use me. Instead, God has told me enough is enough...in order to live the life He wants me to live, I'm going to have to let go, simplify. Not the answer for which I was seeking.

I started praying January 1 for the revelation of where to simplify. So far, I'm not doing very well. I've let go of only one thing only and took on another. Even with the one sport, church and one other activity rule in our house with the kids, its a monumental task. Especially when both parents travel and we don't have family here...except for one amazing extra "mama" who we couldn't live without and a best friend who listens to me melt. I don't punch a time clock, and the work never gets finished each day...I just have to finally quit working. Learning to draw the line in the sand is very hard for me.

Cooking? Its therapy. Writing? That too...even if I may be the only one who reads it. Spending time with family...priceless. I do okay with the kids, but I find myself exhausted by the time Troy and I get that valuable alone time. Date nights? Yes, we need to do that more often (or do them period-can't remember the last one), but by the time I arrange a sitter and find an available night, I find myself overwhelmed once again. I've been strongly convicted about this lately. I've often heard the first years of marriage are the hardest...I think they come later when couples let "stuff" get in the way and don't spend time together.

So in my mind, I can't get past my "stuff". After three months, I can't see much difference. I'm still treading water and praying. Why would I be called to simplify and not seem to be working toward a solution?

He has told me simplify won't be just giving things up, it may be rethinking tasks, like letting Betty Crocker do part of the work, or teaching the kids (and demanding) they do more chores. Simplify may mean letting go of perfectionism and learning the art of delegation. Three months isn't much time to change habits that are this strong, I guess.

So today, I ask for your prayers as I try to accomplish the hardest thing I have ever been asked to do, to simplify. And I am looking for some verses I can claim and pray when things get hard and I feel discouraged. For those of you reading this and saying "I'm there," don't give up. We will have victory, and think of how sweet it will be when we can see the next great task God has in store for us. Have a blessed day!

Giving of Our Time

2011-03-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Galatians 6:9-10

So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.

My greatest experience with the weariness, and joy of these verses came as a two-year-old Sunday School teacher. The attention span of a preschooler is about one minute per year of age, so trying to figure out if you actually taught anything in those two minutes is a miracle in itself. But there was one Sunday God showed me what a difference my time was making. A young little guy, who came on the church bus, had hardly said anything during the weeks before. As all the toddlers moved about, playing happily, he pointed to a picture on the wall and said "Jesus." My heart jumped inside my chest. JESUS...he knew the man in the picture was JESUS. Weeks of anxiety and the stress of wrestling toddlers, spending more time cleaning up toys than actually teaching or so it seemed, melted away with the sweetest name on earth...JESUS.

Every day I am blessed to work with hundreds of volunteers. Whether its a church volunteer position or another organization, volunteering has its ups and downs. We all grow weary from time to time and wonder if we are really making a difference. A few quick notes:

The verses preceeding these command us to carry each others burdens...in other words to help others. God calls us to volunteer!
Listen to God's call regarding where you are to serve. Not everyone was called to a leadership position. Ask for guidance on where he wants you to serve.
God first, family second, church third, then everyone else. He expects us to have an intimate relationship with him. He expects us to take care of our family. Then other things fall into place. Don't let your volunteering stand in the way of number one and number two on this list, instead let it enhance those relationships.
Some people are natural "volunteers" and have the gift of service. Some are not and have to work at it. Some people are just waiting to be asked to volunteer. If you lead an organization, don't wait on volunteers or depend on those who say they will serve, seek opportunities to involve new people...and ask. If a "no" could kill you, I would have been dead a long time ago!
Don't ever serve out of obligation. I've done it...stayed in a position too long, or served because no one else would take the role. Not only are you doing a disservice to yourself, you are doing a disservice to others. The right person may not be in a leadership position because you are still there. You may be missing a blessing because the role in which you were intended to serve is not being filled because you won't let go of the one you are in.
Do not be weary in well doing. This is my favorite part of these verses during Relay Season. One day we will find the cure for cancer...and all the hard work and long hours will be worth it. One day we will be standing in heaven, looking around at smiling faces we served here on earth. Don't give up!
Serving others is not easy. People will let you down. You won't be recognized for your effort. You'll spend time wondering if it is all worth it. However its our duty, and our master set a great example for us. He came to this earth, suffered and died for us. As hard as serving others may seem at times, we're not called to sacrifice our lives.
If you happen to be one of my volunteers reading this...thank you so much! I may not say it enough, but I thank God for each of you and the work you do. I am blessed to serve with amazing people.

Verse 9 reminds us we will reap at the proper time. Serving/volunteering has its rewards. One day we'll see the true fruits of our labors. Until then, we'll get gentle reminders...a young child speaking the name of Jesus, singing "Happy Birthday" to a cancer survivor knowing they have been gifted with another year, seeing a life become a child of Christ because you took the time to take them to church.

May God lead you today to blessed service opportunities and show you the rewards of your time.

Prayer Whimp or Prayer Warrior?

2011-03-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)

A great message from my pastor in his devotional yesterday morning about prayer. These verses tell us that if we ask, it will be given, and if we seek, we shall find. In his message, he goes on to say if we aren't getting answers, we should pray even harder! Jesus prayed until he sweated drops of blood.

I've been praying about something for an extended period of time. I know its not a selfish prayer. But I've prayed and I've prayed, and yet the doors I thought should lead to the path I was seeking keep closing in front of me. I know its a prayer he will answer in time...but how long?

Reading these verses yesterday, I realized what a prayer whimp I am. I've asked God to make things happen, but I am afraid if I tell him I REALLY want it, and its not his will, it will be a disaster. So I haven't asked for it outright, face on the floor. I've want it in my terms, fearing what his would mean.

God never puts us in a situation that isn't for our best, and he never puts us through things that we can't endure, while we shape and mold into the end result of what he wants us to be.

So thank you Pastor for reminding me not to fear asking God for the desires of my heart, and for reminding me he does answer. Prayer warrior, face on the floor, asking without reservation for his will in my life...not being afraid to handle it...and reaping the glorious rewards he promises those who obey.

Exodous 33

2011-03-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

^{Exodous 33}
¹⁹ The Lord replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh,²⁰²¹ The Lord continued, “Look, stand near me on this rock. ²² As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen. before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.” ”

I had a good laugh reading this chapter. Moses is preparing to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God plainly tells Moses he will not go with them because they are stubborn and rebellious, and he will surely kill them along the way. Wow! Its a wonder many of us today are still alive too...

Moses then asks God that if he will not go with them to show his presence. God tells him to go to a rock and stand, and as he passes by, he places Moses in the crevice of the rock and covers him with his hand. After he passes, he lets him see his back, for no one can stand to look upon his face.

I immediately thought to those dark times in my life. God protected Moses by placing him between rocks! How many times have we found ourselves between a rock and a hard place, afterward knowing it was for the best as God's plan was revealed? Moses saw his glory afterward...so often do we. But Moses was protected by God's hand. Our Father stretches out his hand and covers us when we need it most.

God loves us, as stubborn and rebellious as we are. He takes care of us, even in our own wilderness. He is so magnificent we cannot even stand to look at him face to face. Almighty God!

This is the stuff

2011-02-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

There's a blog coming about God's burden on my heart to "Get it Together." About six months ago, he revealed me it was time to stop just going through the motions of life and to do a better job of taking care of myself and my family. Giving my best by taking care of the top priorities with which I have been entrusted at 110 percent and weeding out what doesn't have to be there. Learning to let him guide me with prioritizing my life and trusting him to help me to let go.

You know, things were going pretty well for a while. I was seeing progress. I was less stressed, taking more quality time for me and with my family. Fast forward to two weeks ago. My seasonal job (full time all year, overdrive in the spring) has kicked in full force. So has basketball, 4-H, band, Hee Haw, church activities...Vertigo from a sinus infection, has left me feeling like I'm spinning just a bit faster than everyone else. I have been just getting through the day, and the responsibilities piling higher and higher in the process.

A last minute school project in the mist of an insane week finally sent me over the edge. Why, when I was trying so hard, were things spinning out of control, again?

This morning I was blessed to hear Francesca Battistelli's new song "This Is The Stuff." I laughed, and I cried at the lyrics. Sometimes the "stuff" gets overwhelming in our lives, no matter how hard we try. But the big lesson for me was not that "stuff" happens and its okay, it was the realization that in the midst of all the "stuff," my kids are watching my actions. When the "stuff gets under my skin", they are observing my attitude. I have the choice to let it get to me, or I can choose to show them how to gracefully handle the "stuff" that can drive you crazy. To pray for God's direction in how to handle the situation, and the ability let go and let God lead.

"Stuff" will happen. "Stuff" is a byproduct of a fully blessed life. Its how we handle the "stuff" that we are given that matters.

Here's the lyrics to Francesca's song...I bet you too can relate!

I lost my keys in
the great unknown
And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I'm running behind

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me

In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin
And I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

The Call of Jeremiah

⁴ The word of the LORD came to me:    ⁵ I chose you before I formed you in the womb;
    I set you apart before you were born.
    I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
    ⁶ But I protested, "Oh no, Lord GOD ! Look, I don't know how to speak since I am [only] a youth."
    ⁷ Then the LORD said to me:
    Do not say: I am [only] a youth,
    for you will go to everyone I send you to
    and speak whatever I tell you.
    ⁸ Do not be afraid of anyone,
    for I will be with you to deliver you.
          [This is] the LORD's declaration.
    ⁹ Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and told me:
    Look, I have filled your mouth with My words.
    ¹⁰ See, today I have set you
    over nations and kingdoms
    to uproot and tear down,
    to destroy and demolish,
    to build and plant.

^{January 1, 2011...its a new year. A time when it seems we all take a look at our lives and decide to make a fresh start. We make "resolutions" to do things differently.}

^{No children around, and husband still in bed, I sat down at my computer this morning. I enjoy reading my Bible online. (New Year's Resolution #1...this doesn't happen enough). I look at a passage in two or three different}^{translations because they usually speak to me in different ways.}

^{God has laid on my heart to study Jeremiah. Ten verses in, his message to me was clear. Its God, having a conversation with Jeremiah. Jeremiah feeling like I do so often...feeling inadequate to accomplish the tasks he has been called to do. Jeremiah makes excuses, and each time, God tells him he has that taken care of and that he already has provided. He has called him for great things and has provided the tools Jeremiah needs.}

^{I have made resolutions for myself this year. I want to lose the rest of the weight I started working on last year. I want to give more dedicated time to my family. I want to be more involved in my community. I want to be more organized and less cluttered. I want to excel in my career. On this first day of 2011, God rearranged my resolutions and gave me these as my most important:}

^{Trust: If you will listen and follow...I will take care of you.}
^{Don't make excuses: I have taken care of you...see resolution number 1.}
^{Sew seeds with no fear. I have prepared you. You are more than adequate for the tasks I give you.}

^{Whatever God calls us to do this year, know that we are equipped and enabled. Happy New Year!}

2010-12-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 43:19 (The Message)
Forget about what's happened;
   don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
   It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert,
   rivers in the badlands.

An opportunity, one that appeared so right it felt like it had been placed in my path. Yet God closed the door in a way that left me feeling like I forgot to move my hand and left my fingers throbbing in the threshold. In a matter of hours, someone close to me received a similar opportunity with all the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. While extremely proud for her great news, something inside hurt deeper. Discouraged, I opened my devotional guide, and the verses above spoke so vividly to my heart.

The last couple of years have seemed the hardest for me physically, spiritually, emotionally. I'm not saying they haven't been good years, in fact they have been great. I'm just seeing myself have to work harder at things than ever before. I'm being asked to step up to the plate...being a parent is no longer changing diapers and making sure the baby is fed. The physically challenging hours of early life are replaced by the emotionally challenging times of preteens. Being on the income side of a non profit in this economy is nothing short of miracle making...believe me, we've learned to stretch budgets like Jesus did with those five loaves and three fishes. Balancing time for God, family, work and myself seems to be a daily challenge.

I'm being called to grow in spirit to, to step out of my comfort zone and be bold. Sharing my faith is something that hasn't been comfortable for me, and that challenge has presented itself more and more lately.

No this opportunity would not have solved the world's problems, and I think the no answer I received was another reminder that our Father grows us and shapes us into what he wants us to be...through experiences every day.

The lessons God spoke to my heart through this experience:
Seek God even in the small things. You don't have to hold back and wait to make a big ask with God. He's happy to help with every day things too. Imagine how much easier our lives would be if we would give EVERYTHING to God.

Be comforted in the voice that tells you you are walking in his path. Getting a firm "NO" hurt, but at the same time, I have peace because I know my Father wouldn't have said no unless he had another plan for me. Whether its something amazing that reveals itself at a later time, or the privilege to continue on the path I am on, I am comforted knowing I am where I am supposed to be.

Be still enough to hear that voice. In the midst of this opportunity were many alone driving days. There were three o'clock wake up calls too. I was seeking his voice, and I heard it clearly. So many other times I hurry through life and barely slow down enough to say hello to him, much less listen to his will for my life.

Forget about the past. Even though I feel inadequate in my life's roles, I can't dwell on the failures or the lack of perfection desired of a type A, I must look to the future. No matter how bad the past may be, the future is bright. He promises us that.

This post has taken me a couple of weeks to sort through, as have the emotions that have gone with it. I leave you with a quote that also spoke to me:

"The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time."
Abraham Lincoln

Seasons

2010-10-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

Its a beautiful morning. The sun is shining brightly across the multi-colored landscape. Leaves drop like rain as Fall will soon make way for winter. Coffee is always a welcome start to the morning, but something about the crispness in the air makes it taste that much better.

Seasons. God's reminder of how things change. The beautiful fall leaves and the joy of bringing out the long sleeves will soon be replaced by winter, with its brisk, short days, and hopefully a little snow mixed in to delight the heart. Winter melts into spring with the tiny budding leaves and reemergence of beautiful flowers. Then summer, with long days made perfect for play time and enjoying the beauty of the world outside.

Our lives change. Our babies grow up into toddlers then into teens. Young adults look up one day to realize the are middle agers no longer living a carefree life, but one of responsibility for a family. As quickly as those days come, so does the empty nest and watching the next generation start the cycle all over again.

Seasons. God's reminder there will be trials, and out of trials become beauty. As that cold, dark winter buds into spring it always seems brighter, more joyful. Even the most beautiful seasons can produce trials...tornadoes, flooding. Yet even the cold, bleak winter produces moments of joy...like the true beauty of the sun glistening on pure, white snow.

Ecclesiastes 3 talks about seasons. How they come and go, and how God stays the same. I couldn't help but put this beautiful creation on my fridge from my son Noah. It says "Seasons Change. God stays the same. He is making every thing I go through into something incredibly beautiful."

God spoke vividly to my heart with this picture. A gentle reminder of he is always there. He is constant, unchanging. Several times in the past year, I have lifted my hands and said, "God, there has to be an easier way. Please give me another path." Each time he has answered vividly, "Here is where I want you." Those days that I just haven't known if I'm strong enough to make it through, he has reminded me that everything we go through becomes something beautiful.

Craftsmen, artists. They all work hard. Starting with an empty canvas, a piece of clay...or for us writers a blank piece of paper, we have the ability to see beyond the rough edges and know there is a masterpiece to come. So it is with our everyday lives. Raising kids, the joys and the heartaches, are something incredibly beautiful. The balance of happy moments and struggles we face daily, they are all part of God's journey.

Here's to the masterpiece we will create and the beautiful things we will experience along the way.

The Voyage

2010-08-17T05:28:00.000-07:00

We counted down the days beginning a month and a half ago. Vacation. I don't know who was more ready, us or the kids. So where did we go? Santa Claus, Indiana. A tiny town in Southern Indiana named for the great Christmas legend. The story of the economic development of this area as unbelievably special as Santa himself. The featured attraction: Holiday World, a family-friendly amusement park situated in a town of 2,200 people that draws crowds that large and larger on a daily basis.

As we drove in Tuesday, I looked winding, two-lane road. Nothing in sight but corn fields and farm houses. Then, in the distance, a huge wooden roller coaster appeared. There it was, that pit in my stomach...you see, I'm not a thrill rider. My last two ride adventures had left other fair guests a little surprised by my inability to deal with the round and round motions. My greatest fear was leaving behind a "souvenir" in Santa Claus. I agreed to the adventure thinking Troy could do the rides with the kids, and I would watch my family with pride from the nearby bench.

We entered the park on Wednesday, and I soon realized most rides were for pairs...three would be a crowd, and adult supervision was required in order for Noah to ride due to height requirements. So I sucked it up and rode. A couple of small rides in, we arrived at one of the three wooden roller coasters in the park. Little did we realize it was the biggest, with a 154 foot drop and 24.2 seconds of g-force speed. The Voyage...quite adequately named.

This was the kids first roller coaster experience. I put on my brave face, while shaking silently inside. Seat belts secured, the coaster eased out of the building and started climbing the hill...and climbing...and climbing. Then we reached the top of the first plunge. I stared down at the amazing length of track below. Zooming down we went...me screaming all the way and holding on for dear life. We twisted and turned, went up and down, sped around curves, and finally screeched to a stop where we began. "That was awesome," exclaimed my young son. I was still in too much shock to comment on our ride.

My "Voyage" is one of my best souvenirs from the trip. And no, I'm not referring to the photo of me screaming my lungs out (God gave me nice, full lungs for a reason) . In our lives we climb mountains, we zoom around curves with our heart racing, and we plunge to the bottom at warp speed sometimes. We let life pass us by, consumed with what is coming around the next curve or at the top of that next climb. We hold on for dear life.

I don't want to be someone afraid to throw my hands up and just enjoy the ride. I want to be able to stand at heaven's gate one day and say "That was awesome." My goal, to live each day to the fullest, and put everything in God's hands. He's my seatbelt holding me safely inside and my comfort in this fast journey.

Will there be more coasters for me? You bet! Bring them on!

http://www.holidayworld.com/rides/voyage

Climbing the Mountain of Worry

2010-05-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

^6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Philippians 4:6-7 (Amplified Bible)

⁶Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (^[a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
⁷And God's peace [shall be yours, that ^[b]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall ^[c]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Its been a consistent thing the past two weeks. By 5:30, my eyes are wide open, my body gasping for air. The stress of the day's activities weighing heavy on me. Again I tell myself mentally there isn't any way I will possibly be able to get everything accomplished.

This morning I had the same battle. After taking a minute to catch my breath, I got up, made my coffee, and headed for my computer. Today is National Day of Prayer, and this verse immediately came up when I opened my browser this morning.

As I poured through the verse in several translations, here are the things that came to mind:

Put your worries into prayers...and give them to God. He can handle so many things for us if we let him. I once read of a lady who decided to put all her worries in a box on pieces of paper, give them to God, and then come back in a month to see what had happened. When she opened the box, the many worries she had were all take care of but three, and two no longer mattered.
The Amplified Bible says to make definite requests...name your prayer requests specifically. If its no rain you need, pray for it! If its more time for a project, pray for it! We often don't get what we ask for because we don't pray for it specifically.
Our worries distract us from the work of God and make it easier for Satan to work in our lives. Boy did this hit me hard! Not only is my worrying bad for my physical health, but my spiritual health as well. Guard our hearts by staying focused.
Before you know it, you will feel God's wholeness, bringing you the peace you desire.
Even when we can't "fix" everything we worry about, and we end up with a situation in which we didn't want, God still walks us through. He hasn't let me down yet. So even in a worst case scenerio...he WILL take care of us. So what's there to worry about?

The coffee cup is empty, and the sun is shining brightly. The mountain is still in front of me. But so is my Lord Jesus. No matter what today brings, he has his hand out to help me along. Off to conquer the mountain! Have a great day.

Prayer

2010-03-10T05:26:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting on those great messages of inspiration to make a good blog entry, but I think God has been speaking to me in language I can understand during Relay season...short and sweet. My heavenly father knows more than anyone the best way to get things through to me!

So here are a few short and sweet thoughts that have come from several places about prayer.

We have not because we ask not. God doesn't answer prayers we don't pray.
Sometimes not hearing a yes means no, or not now. We need to listen to that too!
We should go into a worship service prayed up and asking God to use us as his tool. If we lead worship in any other way, we are simply entertaining and not serving God's purpose.

Yesterday on K-Love I heard someone talking about our children and prayer. Parents, listen up! Prayer is the way we have that deep, loving relationship with our Father. We pour out our hearts passionately to him and wait on his all consuming love. We should teach our children to pray with that same thing in mind...we deny them that deep, passionate relationship with God that HE wants us to have when we use the rhymes and verses we so often pray as a child. Its our responsibility as parents to teach our children how to pray so they can have that same relationship with God that we as adults crave. WOW!

So there's the short and sweet for today. I'm off for day three of a five day, five county week. Have a blessed day!

After the Rain

2010-02-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. Psalm 16:1 NLT

Well I should have taken Mercy Me's song a little more seriously. Not only did we have "rain" last week, we had ice and snow. Being alone all week with the kids, juggling a whirlwind of a schedule, a stubborn husband who refused a prescription to lower his blood pressure-then sending him off to a sales show three hours away, and ice storm...it was a long week. Then Sunday morning, we awoke to sun, and glistening trees that looked like they had been adorned in silver. Top that with a great time of worship at Mount Hermon. Suddenly the stress of the week melted away as I gave my all in song and praise. As I listened to "How Great is Our God", I realized he is quite amazing. My husband traveled home safely Saturday, and I had an evening to vegetate...a rare happening. Within five minutes our our first power outage during the ice storm, I had a neighbor who called to check on me and the kids and to invite us to stay. All five outages were taken care of by an amazing crew within an hour each time. And...Troy's blood pressure is down significantly. Not enough to say normal, but much better. And, he had a blessed show of sales, doing in one day more than he expected for the week.

Rain...it makes the trees and flowers grow and refreshes the earth. I believe it might possibly do the same for us too! Have a great day!

Monday, Monday

2010-01-26T03:42:00.000-08:00

Mondays for me bring all sorts of anxiety. I guess its being out of routine. Somehow staring at the day and week's to do list always sends pits through my stomach. (Stops momentarily to read my earlier post on worrying).

Anyway, I awoke yesterday morning to Mercy Me's song "Bring the Rain." A song whose words are so powerful, telling "if that's what it takes for us to praise you, Jesus Bring the Rain." Praising God in our trials? Seems like an amazing feat. Most of the time I want to hang my head in the corner and pretend its not happening. After I've failed at "fixing things myself," I shamefully cry to God for help. Yes, he's seen me through many trials, and delivered me from even my own not so Mrs. Fixit self. See...God does perform miracles.

So yesterday as I drove, I talked with God about this song. Angie Smith has a beautiful blog called "Bring the Rain" that tells of their joy during the birth and death of their daughter Audrey. I thought about my friend Joe knowing that when God brings him through his present struggles, he will have an amazing testimony to share.

"But God, I would rather praise you during my little struggles...I don't want you to "bring the rain" just so I can praise you," my heart pleaded.

I laid my head down last night still thinking of the lesson God was trying to share. So...its 5:15 on Tuesday morning, and while I am folding laundry, packing Troy's suitcase to send him off for the week, running the list of what errands I had to do before leaving town today myself, checking the schedule for practices, meetings, etc...God lays it out for me.

Whether our "rain" is a gentle mist or a pouring flood, its about the peace of knowing that whatever trials I may face, he is there. Its about the joy of knowing suffering is only temporary, and we have a heavenly home waiting for us. Its also about attitude. If we can face our trials head on when God brings the rain, what an example we set for others. Its about remembering nothing is too big, or too little for God.

So this morning, I wish you joy and peace and a sunny day. But just in case you have a little rain, don't forget your praise.

Bring the Rain by Mercy Me
I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that
I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings
You glory And I know there'll
be days When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to
praise You Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of the clouds that may
loom above because you are much greater than
my pain you who made a way for me suffering
your destiny so tell me whats a little rain

[1st Chorus]

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing

[2nd Chorus 2x]

everybody singing
Holy holy holy
you are holy
you are holy

[2nd Chorus 2x]

Beaten Down

2010-01-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (The Message)

^10-11This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. ¹²"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. ^13-14"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.

Friday on what I though was a normal work related visit, I stopped by a place of business to announce the start of our new Relay season and to say hello. Standing in the parking lot was the person with whom I intended to meet, pale, thin, disheveled. I knew this person had received news several months ago of a cancer reoccurence, but I happened along at his "last straw" moment...the past few months had dealt cancer...no insurance and therefore huge medical bills and finally being "cut off" from treatment, family issues, and the loss of his job this week. A few months ago energetic and positive, a motivator...my friend was beaten down, ready to throw up his hands and end it all.

After losing a close friend to suicide and being clueless about what was going on, the impact of such a decision hit me squarely in the chest as I stood there. He and I talked for a few minutes, me doing the best I could to be an encourager. Thankfully, his dad came a few minutes later. Another coworker thought enough of me to call later and to let me know his father took him for treatment.

Please pray for my friend. I know God will not put more on us than we can bear. Joe is certainly carrying a load right now. Please pray for me now. I had not planned on my schedule that day to make that visit, and I believe I was placed there for a reason. As I continue to minister to this dear person, I pray God uses me as he intended.

As you can tell from my blog name, Jeremiah 29:11-13 has been a passage I have prayed many times. This morning, I chose to see what it says in The Message...and I love the very definite way God says that when we get serious about finding him AND WANT IT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, he will make sure we are not disappointed. You can count on it.

I believe God has a plan for each of our lives, Joe's too...and that he will show him that plan. May we all seek God with our whole heart, wanting him more than anything, and can see the plan he has for us.

Worry

2010-01-11T05:26:00.000-08:00

The Cure for Anxiety

^{Holman Christian Standard Bible
Matthew 6
25} "This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? ²⁷ Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? ²⁸ And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don't labor or spin thread. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! ³⁰ If that's how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won't He do much more for you—you of little faith? ³¹ So don't worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' ³² For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. ³⁴ Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I realized yesterday it had been almost three months since I posted. Wow. Time certainly flies. We've had two birthdays and Christmas in our household since October 1. Taylor turned 11 October 16. I've seen the shift from toys to boys and clothes, yet another reminder she is growing up on me. Noah turned 7 this year. He is becoming a young man with interests of his own. He's gotten into hunting and fishing and remains a child who will spend most of his time outdoors if the weather permits. Even with it 10-15 degrees last week he had to be outside at least some. Makes me glad to have 2.5 acres and a neighborhood with other boys!

2009 was a blessed year for our family. Troy and I continue to be blessed with careers we enjoy, health and more than we deserve. Our family grew with the addition of a brother-in-law (Andrew), two nieces and two nephews. Its been a treat to have "cousins" for our children. And yes, I love hearing "Aunt Jenn." We lost an important family member. My last living grandparent, Paw Paw Taylor went to be with Jesus back in February. I miss him greatly, but I'm glad he is healthy and once again with Maw Maw.

I had a fantastic opportunity to be home for a little over two weeks at Christmas. Aside from the celebrations, I set out to tackle a project I have been meaning to do for quite some time. I cataloged more than 15 years of photos dating back to my high school days. As I poured through the photos, it reminded me of just how full of a life I have been given. Even when we thought we had nothing, I was blessed with loving family and a roof over my head. Times when the kids were small and we were rubbing pennies together to get by...times when I felt completely overwhelmed wondering how to take care of things, were documented with precious smiles and silly moments from my babies.

It was also a wake up call. Worry and the pressure to get things done often takes space in our lives when we should enjoy the blessings we are given. God reminds us in Matthew 6 that we shouldn't worry about tomorrow, we shouldn't worry about what we are going to wear, or what we will have to eat tomorrow...He will provide. That's a tough lesson for a worry wart like me! So whether 2010 brings a storehouse of success or many trials, most likely something in between, our God is in control, and HE will provide.

God's Gentle Whisper

2009-10-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

^{1 Kings 19

11} The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. ¹³ When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

For the past year, I have been reading through Karen Kingsbury's books. As I finished one the other night, she referenced this passage. I've read and reread it many times over the past week.

How many times in our lives, do we expect to see God's answer as a huge event such as wind...or earthquake...or fire? After all, he is GOD...he can do those things if he wanted to. But here Elijah received his answer from God not in the fire, not in the wind, and not in the earthquake...but in a gentle whisper.

Do I listen closely enough to God to hear his gentle whisper? Do I stop talking long enough to hear him? I wonder if he sent the fire, earthquake, and wind first to get Elijah's attention? How many times does he put things in our lives to catch our attention...so we will hear his gentle, loving voice?

Praying today that we will be still and hear his gentle whisper in each of our lives.

God's Blessings

2009-10-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

Luke 6:38 NLT

The picture running through my mind reading this was me in the kitchen last night, trying to fit a five pound bag of flour into my canister. Its just one of those things for me...I can't stand having an open bag of flour in my cupboard. So I shake and pour, shake and pour, trying to get as much in as I can. Often it pours out on the counter and all over the place!

What a great verse! The New Living Translation amplifies the quantity with which God blesses our lives...pressed down, shaken together to make room for more...running over, and poured out...We are full to overflowing (kind of like the closets in my house, and my garage)!

But read it again in a different version

Luke 6:38 (New International Version)

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

During our Wednesday night class, we have worked through a couple of Angela Thomas' studies. Notes I took one particular night are still tucked inside my Bible, because something she said really made an impact. She says her worst fear is getting to heaven, looking in God's eyes, and him saying, "Oh daughter, I had such plans for you." God has an amazing set of plans, and blessings, just waiting for us if we will USE them!

Using God's plans for our lives is not always easy. We've also been studying Esther recently. Esther was called by God to do something extremely difficult and dangerous. But out of her obedience came great blessings. Sometimes our greatest "blessing" is having Him walking us through what he has called us to do!

My prayer for you and for me today is that we recognize opportunities in our lives to give and receive God's blessings. Let's not miss out on all he has planned for us!

Starting Over

2009-09-27T12:06:00.000-07:00

I've spent a lot of quality time with my computer this weekend...and last week. Its that time of the year with my job where we close the books on one year, then plan and prepare for the next. I've been evaluating reports, crunching numbers and typing like a mad woman.

Admittedly, the 2009 season was one I was glad to close the books on. It was a difficult year. So as I sat working on 2010 plans it hit me, what if every time we had a tough season in our lives, wouldn't it be great if we could close the books on that part of our life and start over?

Well guess what? We can.

Its called Grace.

Our Father forgives us for our mistakes and shortcomings. He takes out his big eraser and wipes them all away. The harder part is allowing ourselves to do the same thing. I'm the worst at forgiving myself and moving on.

This week on one of my road warrior days, I was priviledged to hear David Crowder sing and talk about one of his new songs "Oh, How He Loves Us" The song has played over and over again in my head. Today, as I watched the video and saw the words again...I know why it stayed with me:

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest, I don’t have time to maintain these regrets, When I think about, the way… He loves us,

He loves us! He forgives us. Remembering that is enough. Remembering how he forgets...and how I should forgive myself...and allow myself to start over.

Here's the song. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWgeUrD4MHI

Welcome

2009-09-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

This morning, I sit listening to my oldest hacking away on the couch, we're missing worship in God's house today...but he certainly made sure I worshiped. Thank you God for grabbing a hold of me again a few weeks ago, shaking me from the numbness in which I had been walking.

I've kept a journal for a long time, for the better part of three years. About a year ago, I made it private after someone I lost their job over prayer requests they had included in their blog. Scared, I locked my thoughts up and made my journal private. Recently, God has been pressing on my heart to return to public blogging...to minister through the lessons he teaches me. So here it is, open to those who choose to read in the hopes that the little lessons He teaches me through my dear children, my prayer warrior friends, or the amazing people in which I come in contact with every day will allow you to see his mark on your life too.